AV 20th April 2024

Breaking the silence: The urgent need to address childhood verbal abuse

SEE PAGE - 17

Stepbrother arrested for conning Hardik of £430,000

SEE PAGE - 23

UK raises visa salary requirements to curb immigration

T h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m h a s i n t r o d u c e d s u bstantial revisions to its visa policies aimed at reducing migration levels Notably, there have b e e n c o n s i d e r a b l e i n c r e a s e s i n s a l a r y thresholds across vario u s v i s a c a t e g o r i e s T h e s e c h a n g e s h a v e resulted in significantly h i g h e r m i n i m u m i n c o m e r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r s p o n s o r i n g f a m i l y member visas, as well as more stringent criteria for individuals seeking employment in the UK As of April 11, 2024, a job offer must come with a salary of at least £38,700, representing a n e a r l y 5 0 % i n c r e a s e f r o m t h e p r e v i o u s £26,200 minimum

Continued on page 12

India is gearing up for the first of seven phases of Lok Sabha elections, starting from April 19. This time, the elections for the Lower House will be held in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, and the last will be on June 1 Among the major states going to polls in Phase 1 are Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand

The states where elections will be over in the first phase itself are Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram ( 1 ) , N a g a l a n d ( 1 ) , S i k k i m ( 1 ) T h e p o l l i n g w i l l a l s o b e o v e r i n t h e f i r s t p h a s e i n Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Overall, 102 of 534 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs in the first phase.

Alarming mental health crisis among six to ten-year-olds in the UK

Shefali Saxena

T h e e s c a l a t i n g m e n t a l h e a l t h c r i s i s among six to ten-year-olds in the UK has r e a c h e d a l a r m i n g p r o p o r t i o n s , s u r p a s s i n g c o n c e r n s f o r a n y a d u l t a g e group. Shockingly, statistics reveal that, o n a v e r a g e , e v e r y p r i m a r y s c h o o l c l a s s r o o m n o w h o s t s a c h i l d w i t h suspected mental health issues, signalling a t r o u b l i n g t r e n d t h a t e x p e r t s h a v e described as a "ticking time bomb "

Continued on page 25

Subhasini naicker

C h i l d h o o d o b e s i t y i s a p r e s s i n g p u b l i c h e a l t h c o n c e r n t h a t h a s g a r n e r e d increasing attention in recent years, not o n l y i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m b u t a l s o g l o b a l l y . A r e c e n t s t u d y r e v e a l s t h a t nearly one in four children aged 10 and 11 in England are obese Experts warn that t h i s f i n d i n g u n d e r s c o r e s t h e p r o f o u n d a n d a l a r m i n g l o n g - t e r m i m p a c t o f t h e coronavirus pandemic

102 Lok Sabha seats across 21 states and UTs will vote on April 19

Increase in obesity among children causes concern

An analysis involving over 1 million children shows that obesity rates surged by 45% among four-to-f ive-year-olds and by 21% among 10-to-11year-olds in the f irst year of lockdowns

NHS England’s national clinical director for children and young people said the f igures were alarming and represented a “ticking health timebomb”

R e s e a r c h e r s f r o m t h e National Institute for Health a n d C a r e R e s e a r c h S o u t h a m p t o n Bi o m e d i c a l R e s e a r c h C e n t r e a n d t h e University of Southampton warn that the surge in children becoming over weight and obese during the pandemic could result in at least 56,000 more children growing up at heightened risk of type-2 diabetes, cancer, and other serious illnesses

Published in the journal PLOS One, their study additionally estimates that the sharp increase would lead to more than £8 billion in additional spending on healthcare and have a signif icant impact on the economy

Asian Voice has spoken to a few experts in the f ield of child obesity highlighting it as a health challenge in the U K , o b e s i t y h e i g h t e n s t h e risk of other diseases and much more

Multifaceted cha lle nges a nd coll aborat ive solution s Clinical lead for Diabetes a n d O b e s i t y s e r v i c e s a t Bi r m i n g h a m Wo m e n ’ s a n d Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Renuka Dias said, “Childhood obesity remains a signif icant public health challenge in the UK , with f a c t o r s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o i t s r i s e b e i n g m u l t i f a c e t e d

While the equation of calories in versus calories out is often oversimplif ied, the link between obesity and poverty is unmistakable High rates

o f o b e s i t y a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y prevalent in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability, where factors such as the rising cost of living and easy access to c h e a p, c a l o r i e - d e n s e fo o d s i n t e r s e c t w i t h c a r e g i v e r s ' need to work long hours outside the home ”

Speaking about obesity issues among South Asians,

Renuka said, “South Asians have a lower BMI threshold for obesity, increasing their risk of conditions like type-2 diabetes BMI may not accurately reflect excess weight in n o n -w h i t e p o p u l a t i o n s , making waist circumference o r w a i s t - h i p r a t i o b e t t e r measures South Asians even as children also have different fat distributions, particul a r l y a r o u n d v i s c e r a l f a t , impacting their risk of complications Adjusting weightfor-height ratios and providing education on increased risk could improve preventive efforts ” Talking about the partn e r s h i p s b e t w e e n g o v e r nm e n t , h e a l t h c a r e , s c h o o l s , a n d c o m m u n i t y o r g a n i s ations to combat childhood obesity, she said, “The underl y i n g t h e m e fo c u s e s o n reducing inequality by supporting families in poverty

a n d e n h a n c i n g a c c e s s t o sports, food, and education

a c r o s s a g e n c i e s T h i s approach goes beyond the simplistic "move more and eat less" message, recognising that children grow and d e v e l o p d i f fe r e n t l y f r o m a d u l t s Fo r f a m i l i e s f a c i n g challenges like heating their homes or paying rent, sugg e s t i n g t h e y p ro v i d e f re s h produce and attend sports sessions can be unfair and shaming These recommend a t i o n s r e q u i r e a d d i t i o n a l resources of both money and time, which are often considered privileges ” Sp e a k i n g a b o u t s t r a t egies or inter ventions that are e f fe c t i v e t o a d d r e s s c h i l d obesity, Chief Executive of Reverse The Trend, Cait Hall s a i d , “D e s p i t e a b u n d a n t health information, the global obesity epidemic persists, with over 1 billion affected i n d i v i d u a l s G o v e r n m e n t inter ventions, including pro-

moting healthy eating and physical activity, have fallen short, evidenced by increasing obesity rates Traditional approaches rely on willpower, which is f inite and easily d e p l e t e d , h i n d e r i n g l o n gterm success ”

“A d d r e s s i n g c h i l d h o o d obesity requires tapping into different brain mechanisms

t o i n i t i a t e a n d s u s t a i n h e a l t h y h a b i t s I n s t e a d o f relying solely on willpower, focus on fostering sustaina b l e b e h a v i o u r c h a n g e b y engaging other areas of the brain responsible for habit

fo r m a t i o n a n d d e c i s i o nmaking, “she added Role of e thnicity a nd conce rn s of childhood obe sit y Talking about ethnicity's role in obesity, Professor of Neonatal Medicine and Vice Dean (International) Faculty

o f Me d i c i n e a t I m p e r i a l

C o l l e g e L o n d o n , Ne e n a Mod i said , “Ethnicity pertains to cultural background, while race refers to genetic ancestr y A child's susceptib i l i t y t o o b e s i t y i s o f t e n l i n ke d t o e t h n i c i t y, w h i l e susceptibility to certain dise a s e s i s l i n ke d t o r a c e However, being over weight or obese increases the risk of various diseases, regardless o f g e n e t i c f a c t o r s B e i n g healthy requires both f itness a n d a h e a lt hy w e i g ht It 's possible to be f it yet overweight, or unf it yet not overweight, but the ideal is to be

b o t h f i t a n d a h e a l t h y w e i g h t Ob s t a c l e s s u c h a s low self-esteem and social s t i g m a t i s a t i o n c a n a r i s e from poor health and obesity ” “ S o u t h A s i a n s f a c e heightened risks for conditions like diabetes, kidney p r o b l e m s , a n d h i g h b l o o d pressure However, ever yone has risks, and it's essential to minimise their impact For c h i l d r e n , p r e v e n t i n g o v e rweight and obesity is crucial, as they are challenging to r e v e r s e o n c e e s t a b l i s h e d Additionally, children need to stay f it by being active and e n g a g i n g i n s p o r t s , ” s h e added

Sp e a k i n g a b o u t w h y child obesity is a big deal, Clinical lead at Alder Hey

C h i l d r e n ’ s Ho s p i t a l i n

L i v e r p o o l , S e n t h il S e n n ia p p a n s a i d , “Na t i o n a l l y, n e a r l y o n e i n four children aged between 10 and 11 is now classif ied as living with obesity The average weight of a child that needs to come to our clinic is around 125kg

C h i l d h o o d o b e s i t y i s deeply concerning, not only fo r i t s i m m e d i a t e h e a l t h impacts but also for its longterm consequences Beyond physical health issues like d i a b e t e s a n d h i g h b l o o d pressure, over weight children often face social chall e n g e s , i n c l u d i n g b u l l y i n g and depression, which can h i n d e r t h e i r e d u c a t i o n a l attainment and overall wellbeing They face a lot of s t i g m a I h a v e s e e n h o w much it affects them This s t i g m a o f t e n s t o p s t h e m f ro m c o m i n g a n d g e t t i n g the help they need But obesity should not def ine somebody It’s a condition For these children, the way we talk about it is a big deal,” he added

British workforce growth driven entirely by migrant labour, says IMF

IM F d o w ng r ad e s Bri ta in's economic prospects for second tim e in three months, citing dependency o n forei g n- bo r n w o rke rs fo r gro wth

The IMF cautioned that t h e U K f a c e s t h e r i s k o f extended weak growth and persistent inflation It projected zero growth for this year, factoring in population increases Analysis revealed t h a t B r i t a i n's w o r k fo r c e g r o w t h r e l i e d s o l e l y o n i m m i g r a n t l a b o u r f r o m 2019

It came as off icial f igures show that the number o f w o r k fo r c e d r o p o u t s claiming long-term sickness had surged to a fresh record high

More than 2 8m people now say they are too ill to work, the highest number since records were f irst coll e c t e d b y t h e O f f i c e fo r National Statistics (ONS)

The IMF downgraded its forecasts for UK growth for the next two years, even as it hailed a brighter global outlook

According to the World

E c o n o m i c O u t l o o k , t h e global economy is forecasted to grow by 3 2% this year, exceeding expectations

Ho w e v e r, t h e B r i t i s h e c o n o m y i s p r o j e c t e d t o expand by only 0 5% in 2024, a s t h e " l a g g e d n e g a t i v e effects of high energy prices

wane " This f igure is slightly lower than both the IMF's Januar y and October predictions It follows a growth of just 0 1% in 2023

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i t m a r k s the second lowest growth

r a t e a m o n g G 7 n a t i o n s , t r a i l i n g b e h i n d G e r m a n y T h e I M F a n t i c

High court upholds prayer ban at Michaela Community School

A stud ent in North L ond on challenged the prayer ban at a s ch o o l l ed b y " Br it ain's strictest h eadteacher" in the Hig h Cou rt but lost the battle

A Muslim student took l e g a l a c t i o n a g a i n s t M i c h a e l a C o m m u n i t y School, alleging discrimination based on her religion

The school, located in Wembley and led by headt e a c h e r K a t h a r i n e B i r b a l s i n g h , i m p l e m e n t e d the prayer ban in March last year, asserting that it fostered "inclusion and social cohesion among students"

Delivering his ruling, Mr Ju s t i c e L i n d e n s a i d t h e school had been entitled to impose a ban on “ prayer rituals” and the student chose the school knowing that it had strict rules

He said that while the ban would be detrimental to Muslim students, it was “ a p r o p o r t i o n a t e m e a n s o f a c h i e v i n g t h e l e g i t i m a t e aims” of the school

T h e j u d g e d e t e r m i n e d that the headteacher's decision to suspend the student w a s w a r r a n t e d , c i t i n g a teacher's testimony that the s t u d e n t h a d d i s p l a y e d "extreme rudeness and def iance" amid the escalating p r a y e r d i s p u t e Ho w e v e r, the judge deemed the second suspension unjustif ied since the student was not afforded the opportunity to present her own perspective

Responding in a statement on X, Ms Birbalsingh said the decision was a “victor y for all schools ” S h e a d d e d : “A s c h o o l should be free to do what is r i g h t fo r t h e p u p i l s i t ser ves ”

M s B i r b a l s i n g h , w h o founded the Free School in 2 0 1 4 w i t h b a c k i n g f r o m t h e n -E d u c a t i o n S e c r e t a r y Michael Gove, has gained t h e m o n i ke r " B r i t a i n's strictest headteacher" due to her management style at the school

Senthil Senniappan Renuka Dias Neena Modi

Cait Hall

The proof is in the pudding

The UK government has made an issue out of immigration, yet again! Even after Brexit, it seems no one has learnt any lesson

There were three kinds of Brexiteers The first who believed immigrants took away their jobs and insisted that "British jobs" be returned to “British only” They are mostly 60+, a lot of them working class and from middle and north of England, keen supporters of the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson The same population now believes very little has been done to fulfil the promises made by the Tory party, therefore they are aiming to vote for the Reform UK- which is an insurgent right-winged party

The second kind, which includes the British Asians, still believe that if we are successful in stopping new immigrants (read as talents) from coming into Britain, their children and families will have better chances to prosper, as the UK economy staggers They however refuse to take lessons from failures like the FTA between the UK and India

The third kind are the new converts, who after voting out in 2016, have now caught up with the consequences, have understood what their votes meant (if they had voted at all) and now want another opportunity or chance to change their answer

While Rishi Sunak has been able to deliver his reduced inflation rate and the UK economy promises to expand by 0 5% in 2024, the anti-immigration policies are too politically charged International students, who are never usually considered under the usual immigration figure, are now

being barred from bringing family unless they are doing a PhD The threshold or salary requirement for getting a job under work permit or sponsoring a family visa has also gone up exponentially

This sudden change of tone, just before election has perhaps no other reason than appeasing the right-wing voters, especially as figures show the country has been powered entirely by immigrant labour since 2019, according to a recent IMF analysis

The Daily Telegraph (in an article) on Tuesday, as we went to press noted that: Unemployment rate in the UK rose to 4 2 pc, up from less than 4 pc three months earlier, but there are still jobs available The ONS said, the total number of vacancies on offer rose from 886,000 in February to 937,000 Average regular earnings in the three months to February were at the same time up by 6pc on the year This represents a slowdown from previous paces, b u t s h o w s w a g e s a r e g r o w i n g m o r e q u i c k l y t h a n economists had anticipated This indicates a degree of stability after a long slide in the number of positions available since the pandemic peak of more than 1 3m

Though more than 2 8m people now say they are too ill to work, the highest since records were first collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it is also true that an economy entirely powered by immigrants may slow down recovery or growth But the trajectory in Britain, post-Brexit, shows how much immigrants have meant or contributed to the actual labour market As they rightly say: the proof is in the pudding!

A race between Ferrari and a few bicycles

As India gears up for its 18th general election, the political l a n d s c a p e i s f r a u g h t w i t h t e n s i o n a n d u n c e r t a i n t y Renowned author Arundhati Roy aptly characterises the contest as a race between Ferrari and a few bicycles, highlighting the dominance of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the lack of a formidable opposition

However, amidst the typical salt and pepper of election season, recent events have added a sombre tone to the proc e e d i n g s T h e a r r e s t o f D e l h i C h i e f M i n i s t e r A r v i n d Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of fraud has sent shockwaves through the political establishment Kejriwal, who has been at odds with the central government over various policy issues, now finds himself embroiled in a legal battle as he contests the allegations of excise policy money laundering

The timing of Kejriwal's arrest, just ahead of the general elections, has sparked accusations of political vendetta and raised concerns about the impartiality of law enforcement agencies The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has appealed to the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court's decision to dismiss his plea for release and alleging that his arrest is motivated by extraneous considerations

While the government maintains that the ED is simply carrying out its duties and combating corruption, critics argue that the swift action against Kejriwal contrasts sharply with the perceived leniency towards members of the ruling party The irony is not lost on observers, as Kejriwal himself was once hailed as the face of the anti-corruption movement in India

Various agencies under the Election Commission in

Punjab have confiscated £5 13 million in cash since the election announcement From April 1 to April 13, 2024, the total recovery in Punjab amounts to £311 84 million, as per the E l e c t i o n S e i z u r e M a n a g e m e n t S y s t e m ( E S M S ) o f t h e Election Commission of India In addition to cash, they seized 2,206,988 94 litres of liquor worth £14 40 million, drugs valued at £280 82 million, precious metals worth £10 53 million, and other items totalling £0 97 million This crackdown is part of the Election Commission's efforts to combat illegal inducements, with a focus on drug seizures, ahead of the 2024 General Elections

Political analysts anticipate Prime Minister Narendra Modi securing a third term with BJP aiming for a stronger majority than in 2019 Recent intensified opposition crackdowns raise concerns of an exceptionally one-sided election Political analysts attribute India's opposition's weakness partly to Congress, led by the Gandhi dynasty Critics label it elitist and nepotistic, lacking effective leadership

The INDIA coalition, formed in 2023 with 27 parties including Congress and AAP, aimed to challenge Modi collectively Yet, internal conflicts, slow decisions, and disagreements persist

Prime Minister Modi, meanwhile, seeks to portray his government's track record as a testament to its popularity and success With aspirations for India to become the thirdl a r g e s t e c o n o m y i n t h e w o r l d , M o d i e m p h a s i s e s t h e achievements of his administration and downplays discontent with governance that has been observed globally The outcome of the 2024 elections will not only shape the future of Indian politics but also determine the fate of its democratic ideals

Escalation of middle east crisis

Since October 7, the Middle East has plunged into a deepening crisis, growing ever more perilous The conflict in the region has not only intensified global tensions but also exacerbated the situation worldwide Iran launched over 300 armed drones and long-range missiles at Israel during a sustained assault Israel received support from international allies such as the US, UK, and France, as well as undisclosed Middle Eastern partners This attack was in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike in Damascus earlier in the month that killed several Iranian commanders, marking the first direct targeting of the Jewish state

The historical backdrop of Iranian-Israeli relations further complicates the current situation From 1953 to 1979, Iran and Israel maintained friendly relations during the era of t h e P a h l a v i d y n a s t y H o w e v e r , a f t e r t h e 1 9 7 9 I s l a m i c Revolution, Iran severed all ties with Israel, refusing to acknowledge its legitimacy Tensions escalated in the 1990s due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas Alleged Israeli covert actions in Iran, including assassinations, fueled further hostility Military clashes, such as the 2006 Lebanon War, and involvement in opposing factions in conflicts like Syria and Yemen, have characterised their relationship Cyber-attacks and sabotage have also targeted each other's infrastructure, deepening the conflict

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, several West Asian countries, including Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and Kuwait, have temporarily closed their airspaces This move came in response to airstrikes and heightened military

activity in the region Many nations have rerouted flights to avoid the volatile area Moody’s Analytics has warned of heightened economic uncertainty in the Asia-Pacific due to potential oil price spikes resulting from the escalating conflict This situation underscores the precarious global economic balance and the far-reaching consequences of geopolitical unrest, urging policymakers and economic strategists worldwide to navigate these turbulent times with caution

The potential expansion of the war could deliver a double blow to the world, exacerbating the refugee crisis and leading to widespread malnutrition among affected populations

In this volatile environment, India's strategic interests and partnerships with both Israel and Iran carry significant weight India stands as Israel's largest client for military equipment sales, with numerous defence joint ventures between the two countries Additionally, they collaborate within the I2U2 (India, Israel, the US, and the UAE) strategic grouping Despite historical differences, India maintains a d e e p c i v i l i z a t i o n a l c o n n e c t i o n w i t h I r a n W h i l e I n d i a remained non-aligned during the Cold War, Iran aligned with the West, leading to occasional friction Despite concerns about Iran's support for Pakistan and India's reservations about the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran remains the secondlargest supplier of crude oil to India Consequently, India holds significant investments in Iran's oil and gas industry

As tensions continue to escalate, the world watches closely to observe Israel's response Despite calls for restraint from the US and other countries, the decision on whether to pursue war or peace ultimately rests with Netanyahu

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

The Dichotomy of Western

The West doesn’t necessarily matter too much in India in many ways

B u t , I n d i a , u n d e r t h e l e a d e r s h i p o f P r i m e M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi, presents a fascinating study of contrasting perceptions that vary sharply between political Western commentators on the left and financial experts – those controlling billions of inward investment

The Pol itic al Critique : Ques tions of Democratic Heal th

A segment of political commentators views PM Modi's governance with scepticism, particularly concerning democratic norms and political centralization Of course compared to Western countries he runs a disciplined Cabinet It’s not full of fools or incompetents This can be difficult for Western commentators to understand To them, this is the ‘cult’ or autocracy No, it’s effectiveness and why the polls show a massive majority for the Government The West might want to give competence and effectiveness a try in democracy

These concerns are intensified by reports from international observers and some segments of the Indian diaspora who parrot based on isolated incidents statements of Indian opposition parties who of course are in the business of talking down the Government The UK equivalent would be to say the Government is islamophobic Ahh, that happens No surprise Indeed, the same accusation is put at the feet of every single non-Islamic state in the world France? Yup Sweden Confirmed Russia Heck yes China – definitely – Uighurs? America – hell yeah Germany, Italy – are you kidding!

Now, apparently India is a jumped up nouveau riche country over stepping it’s role Then there is the not taking sides in Ukraine war – boy do the liberals hate that The fact that India is friends with Russia and Ukraine and every singly Middle East country is a problem for them That Britain’s largest import from India is refined oil (ummmm, where do you think that comes from) is a problem because India buys it cheap Yes the West creaks under the cost of living and growing national debt in social security payments as its population cannot afford cost the cost of living

The Financial Acclaim: Econ omic Ref orms and Global Standin g

Contrasting sharply with the political critique, financial commentators often paint India in glowing terms, focusing on Modi's economic policies and their impact on India's stature as a burgeoning global power Initiatives like the "Make in India" program, significant improvements in digital t r a n s a c t i o n s t h r o u g h p l a t f o r m s l i k e U P I , a n d s w e e p i n g reforms in sectors from banking to real estate under the RERA guidelines, have been lauded for bolstering India s economic c r e d e n t i a l s T h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f t h e I n s o l v e n c y a n d

Bankruptcy Code and the Direct Benefits Transfer scheme are cited as transformative steps that have enhanced economic efficiency and governance transparency

Moreover, the government's efforts to position India as a manufacturing and technological hub have seen tangible success, with major international corporations setting up production in India, enhancing its global economic integration Such measures are perceived as instrumental in driving financial inclusion and improving logistical efficiencies across the country, setting a strong foundation for sustained economic growth

Those who put their money where their mouth is, and have to look at hard data, speak in glowing terms about India Those who look at isolated incidents and not the data and spew opinions speak negatively No surprise there

B u t t h e h y p o c r i s y i s n o l o n g e r e v e n h i d d e n i n t h e Guardian and Observer Now it’s simply shrill, without factual depth and is outright anti-India In the end it does not damage India It damages the already low trust in Western media by its own citizens Little wonder people simply don’t get their news from journalists like these any more

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Genetic study reveals accuracy issues in diabetes test for South Asians

A n e w g e n e t ic s t ud y h a s r e ve ale d con cer nin g i mplica tions for the a ccur acy of t ype -2 diabe te s test s among S outh Asia n in dividua ls in t he UK N ew r esea rch prese nte d a t the Diabe te s UK P r o f e ss i on a l C on fe r e n ce 20 24, Lon do n, ha s discove re d a ge ne tic var ia nt alm ost e x cl us i v e t o p e o pl e w it h S o ut h A si a n he r i t a g e t ha t a ffe ct s t he a ccur acy of the d i a b e t e s h a e mo g l ob in A 1 c ( HbA1c) t est

The HbA1c test plays a c r u c i a l r o l e i n d i a g n o s i n g type-2 diabetes, monitoring p r e d i a b e t e s , a n d g u i d i n g treatment decisions by measuring average blood sugar levels over several months H o w e v e r , i n d i v i d u a l s o f

South Asian heritage who c a r r y t h i s g e n e t i c v a r i a n t m a y r e c e i v e f a l s e l y l o w e r H b A 1 c r e s u l t s , p o t e n t i a l l y leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment

According to the study, led by Dr Miriam Samuel at Q u e e n M a r y U n i v e r s i t y L o n d o n , i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h t h i s g e n e t i c v a r i a n t m a y e x p e r i e n c e i n a c c u r a c i e s i n their HbA1c results due to changes in red blood cells

Those with two copies of the v a r i a n t c o u l d s e e t h e i r HbA1c levels underestimate d b y a p p r o x i m a t e l y 6 m m o l / m o l C o n s e q u e n t l y , individuals with the variant may not receive timely interventions to manage blood sugar levels, increasing their

risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, and vision problems

W i t h a n e s t i m a t e d 32,000 South Asian people

w i t h d i a b e t e s a n d 1 7 , 5 0 0 with prediabetes in England alone potentially affected by t h i s v a r i a n t , t h e s t u d y u n d e r s c o r e s t h e n e e d f o r additional testing methods

a n d m o n i t o r i n g p a t h w a y s tailored to this population

The findings also highlight

t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f e t h n i c diversity in genetic research and call for further investigation into whether inaccur a t e H b A 1 c r e s u l t s c o nt r i b u t e t o d i a b e t e s - r e l a t e d h e a l t h d i s p a r i t i e s a m o n g South Asian individuals in the UK

Teen jailed over Isle of Wight Festival terror plot

A 16-ye ar-ol d Muslim conv ert, apprehende d by the FBI for plott in g a te rrorist att ack a t t he Isl e of Wight Festival, has b een sent enced to seven y ears in prison

A white British teenager, whose identity is protected by law, devised a scheme to carry out a stabbing spree at the Isle of Wight Festival, attended by approximately 5 0 , 0 0 0 i n d i v i d u a l s H e e x t e n s i v e l y r e s e a r c h e d weapons, vehicles, and stab vests for his sinister plan

The teenager, known to have Osama bin Laden as his phone wallpaper, conducted various online searches relat-

ed to the festival, including inquiries about security meas u r e s a n d t h e n u m b e r o f attendees

R e a d i n g I s l a m i c S t a t e p u b l i c a t i o n s o n b o t h h i s phone and Xbox, the teenage r h a d a l s o s h a r e d v i d e o s d e p i c t i n g b e h e a d i n g s w i t h i n d i v i d u a l s o n l i n e , a s revealed during proceedings at Kingston Crown Court

The FBI, monitoring a Discord chat group named Caliphate Survivalists, notif i e d C o u n t e r T e r r o r i s m Policing South East (CTPSE) about the terrorism plot

C o n v i c t e d o f t h r e e charges, including dissemi-

Sunak's smoking ban passes despite lack of Tory support

A lm ost h alf of Conservati ve M em bers o f Parliament, including five potential candidates fo r leadership positions, d id no t back Rishi Sunak's key to bacco control measure

A total of 165 Conservative MPs either abstained or voted against the legislation Liz Truss cautioned that this would not be the final ban desired by the "health police "

This forced the Prime Minister to rely on the votes of Labour MPs to pass his plans Kemi Badenoch, often considered a potential Tory leadership contender, voted against the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

O t h e r l e a d e r s h i p h o p e f u l s S u e l l a Braverman and Robert Jenrick also voted against, while Penny Mordaunt and Priti Patel abstained

In addition to Ms Badenoch, five other ministers opposed the scheme, viewed by Mr Sunak as his legacy

The Business Secretary refrained from speaking in the debate but expressed her stance on X, stating she couldn t support legislation resulting in permanently different rights" for individuals born a day apart

in brief

SUNAK APOLOGISES TO ADIDAS SAMBA FANS

The Prime Minister has offered a "full apology" to fans of Adidas Samba shoes after facing criticism for supposedly ending the trend Rishi Sunak appeared in an Instagram video last week wearing the iconic trainers while promoting his tax policies However his choice of attire, which included pairing the sneakers with formal trousers and a shirt, led fashion enthusiasts to declare the style outdated "I extend a sincere apology to the Samba community " Mr Sunak stated during an LBC phone-in Nevertheless he defended his long-standing affinity for Sambas stating "I have been wearing Adidas trainers including Sambas for many years

'ZOMBIE DRUG' CONNECTED TO 11 UK FATALITIES

nating terrorist publications, engaging in conduct in the preparation of terrorist acts, and possession of a bladed article in a public place, the t e e n a g e r f r o m t h e I s l e o f Wight, who is autistic, had c o n d u c t e d o n l i n e s e a r c h e s for gun shops in the UK and f o r k n i v e s f r o m B & Q a n d Waitrose A d d i t i o n a l s e a r c h e s encompassed topics such as "how to make a knife and swords" Within the Discord c h a t , h e e x p r e s s e d s e n t iments like: “Destroy the land of the Kafir The evil imbeciles deserve nothing more than to be slaughtered ”

UK's redefinition of extremism sparks free speech concerns

T he U K gov ernm ent's redefi ned c oncept o f " extremism , " fram ed as an effort to a d d r es s es c ala ti ng

I s la m o p h o bi a and an tiS em itism following Israel's Gaza conflict, has sparked intense d ebate across po litical lines

Critics from various pers p e c t i v e s a r g u e t h a t i t

t h r e a t e n s t o u n d e r m i n e freedom of expression and civil liberties

Communities Secretary Michael Gove recently identified several UK far-right organisations, such as the n e o - N a z i B r i t i s h N a t i o n a l Socialist Movement and the P a t r i o t i c A l t e r n a t i v e , f o r a s s e s s m e n t u n d e r t h e

CNHC is seeking two Lay Board Members

Are you interested in setting standards in the public interest?

CNHC is the independent regulatory body for complementary healthcare practitioners. The Board meets for a half-day four times a year. Meetings are held in London. There is no remuneration for attendance at Board meetings, but travel costs are reimbursed.

More information and application packs are available at: www.cnhc.org.uk/board_vacancies

Deadline for applications: 5pm on 8 May 2024. Interviews will be held on 19 and 20 June 2024.

For more information about CNHC visit www.cnhc.org.uk

e x t r e m i s m d e f i n i t i o n

A d d i t i o n a l l y , h e l i s t e d

M u s l i m a d v o c a c y g r o u p s like the Muslim Council of B r i t a i n , t h e M u s l i m Association of Britain, Cage, a n d M u s l i m E n g a g e m e n t and Development (MEND) amidst heightened tensions

The fact that there are immediately Muslim organisations who are labelled as [‘extremist’] tells you exactly what this piece of legislation is intended for,” said Imran Khan QC, the British lawyer who rose to prominence representing the fami l y o f S t e p h e n L a w r e n c e , whose racist murder in 1993 e x p o s e d i n s t i t u t i o n a l racism in the Metropolitan Police

Under the new definition, organisations labelled as "extreme" will face blacklisting, rendering them ineligible for government fund-

i n g a n d p r o h i b i t i n g t h e i r m e e t i n g s w i t h m i n i s t e r s Lawyer Khan, known for his work on extremism and terrorism cases, questions the ambiguity of "extreme views," citing the historical example of Nelson Mandela being labelled both a freedom fighter and a terrorist

The Bill - announced with much fanfare by the Prime Minister at last year ’ s Tory conference - will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone who is currently aged 15 o r y o u n g e r , w i t h t h e a i m o f c r e a t i n g a “smoke-free” generation

Baroness

Chakrabarti rebuked by Lords leader for outburst at health minister

Th e Leader of the Hou se of L ord s rep rim anded a L abour p eer for losing her tem per and sho uting at a health minister

Former shadow attorney general Baroness Chakrabarti lost her composure after health minister Lord Markham expressed pride in the UK's distribution of the Covid vaccine globally, including in less affluent nations

Lady Chakrabarti shouted: “Why did we block the Trips waiver? Why did we block the Trips waiver?”

Lord True stood up to reprimand the former Liberty director, and said: “The noble lady knows better than to shout at another member, when other members before her are also trying to get in to ask a question ”

The Trips waiver, proposed by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in October 2020, involves waiving intellectual property rights for coronavirus vaccines and treatments This waiver would enable countries in the global south to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines without patents

Lord Browne of Ladyton said: “An international pandemic treaty, Government policy since 2021, and currently being negotiated by the World Health Assembly, aims to prepare for the next global health emergency and prevent a repeat of what South Africa called ‘vaccine apartheid’, where countries have vastly unequal access to Covid vaccines and drugs

Researchers caution that the potent animal tranquillizer xylazine, commonly known as the zombie drug, has become a significant concern in the United States and is now linked to 11 deaths in Britain Xylazine, also referred to as “tranq” or “tranq dope,” can induce dangerously slow heart rates and severe skin wounds when injected by humans, according to reports by The Telegraph In the US, where its usage is widespread, individuals are often found in a catatonic state on the streets, with overdoses increasing by 35% since 2021

A study conducted by King’s College London aimed to assess the impact of xylazine in Britain

BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL CHIEF SUPPORTS STAFF AMID RACIST TWEETS

Birmingham City Council's interim chief executive, Graeme Betts, has labelled the racist and Islamophobic remarks tweeted by Conservative councillor Rick Payne as "offensive " "troubling," and "unacceptable " Betts who recently assumed the top role outlined the support accessible to affected staff in an all-staff memo He stated that the incident had deeply troubled the entire corporate leadership team at the council and emphasised that it was not representative of the council's values Payne aged 59 has stepped down as a councillor for Kingstanding following our report, which detailed the findings of our joint investigation with the anti-extremist organisation Hope Not Hate As a ward councillor and a member of the council's planning committee, Payne would have interacted regularly with staff from diverse backgrounds and served as a public figure for the organisation

CRITICISM FOR HMRC'S SPENDING ON 'WOKE' POSITIONS

HMRC is facing criticism for reportedly spending millions on "woke" job roles related to diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) GB News revealed that HMRC allocated £4 5 million annually for such roles, with titles including "diversity," "inclusion," "climate," well-being and race Critics argue that these positions may not directly contribute to tax collection Callum McGoldrick from the TaxPayers Alliance stated that taxpayers are frustrated with public bodies creating what they perceive as unnecessary roles Ukip chairman Ben Walker criticised HMRC s allocation of £4 5 million for what he deemed as "woke jobs," emphasising the need to streamline the organisation and eliminate unnecessary positions Walker argued that these diversity roles are costly and promote divisive views urging for their removal to reduce the tax burden on the majority of people

Baroness Chakrabarti

Twelve Indians arrested by immigration officers in West Midlands Burglars assault Stratford residents, stabbing one victim

Im migration authorities in th e W est M i d land s h av e arr est ed elev en men and one w oman, all rep orted ly Indian nationals, in a series of raids They are suspected of violating visa conditions and working illegally

I n r e s p o n s e t o a t i p - o f f , Immigration Enforcement officers raided a bedding and matt r e s s b u s i n e s s i n t h e W e s t M i d l a n d s r e g i o n o f E n g l a n d

LABOUR CAUTIONED OVER 'NON-DOM' CRACKDOWN

Additionally, the two businesses may face significant fines i f i t i s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t t h e y employed illegal workers and neglected to conduct necessary pre-employment checks

“This operation is a clear example of the way we are stepping up immigration enforcement activity across the country,” said Michael Tomlinson, U K M i n i s t e r f o r C o u n t e r i n g Illegal Migration

The Home Office reported that seven men, all Indian nationals, were arrested for suspected illegal working “ F o u r m o r e I n d i a n m e n were arrested at a nearby cake factory They were found to be in breach of their visa conditions, and one was also working illegally An Indian woman was then arrested for immigration offences at a private home, with further raids planned throughout the afternoon,” it said Officials stated that four of t h e o f f e n d e r s w e r e d e t a i n e d p e n d i n g c o n s i d e r a t i o n f o r removal from the UK or deport a t i o n t o I n d i a , w h i l e t h e remaining eight were released on bail under the condition that t h e y r e p o r t r e g u l a r l y t o t h e Home Office

Heathrow baggage handler avoids jail for theft

A H e a t hr ow b a gg a g e ha n dl e r , Priti Sthankiya, has avoided jail t im e after being found guilty of s teal ing £29 ,000 worth of jewe llery fr om a lost s uitcas e T h e i n c i d e n t , w h i c h occurred on January 20th last y e a r a t T e r m i n a l 2 , i n v o l v e d S t h a n k i y a w h e e l i n g a w a y t h e b a g a n d c o n c e a l i n g h e r s e l f under a carousel Upon inspection, the suitcase was found to c o n t a i n d e s i g n e r h a n d b a g s , £500 in cash, Ray-Ban sunglasses, a designer watch, a MacBook, and a diamond ring

T h e v i c t i m , S a n d h y a Gunesh, and her partner had recently returned from a holiday in Mauritius and, feeling tired and unwell, forgot to place their hand luggage on a trolley before leaving the airport Upon realis-

ing their mistake, Ms Gunesh attempted to track her MacBook and made numerous inquiries at the airport Eventually, CCTV f o o t a g e r e v e a l e d S t h a n k i y a ' s actions, prompting Ms Gunesh to contact the police S t h a n k i y a w a s a r r e s t e d a t her residence in Wembley on January 24th, where she claimed ownership of the jewellery and attempted to pass off the suitcase as her own by removing the tag Subsequent searches of her home and work locker, directed by Sthankiya, led to the recovery of most items, although around £4,000 worth of items, including the diamond ring, cash, and sunglasses, remained missing In court, Sthankiya admitted to her actions, citing personal difficulties as a contributing factor

Landlady compensates

£200,000 for enslaving woman

A fter being convicted of enslavi n g a w o m an f o r 1 6 ye ars , F arzana Kausar, a m ultimilliona ire l and lad y, h as been c omp elled to sell a property to settle £ 200, 000 in comp ensation K a u s a r , a g e d 5 9 f r o m Worthing, was sentenced to six years and eight months in 2022 for charges including holding a person in slavery or servitude and perverting the course of justice Following her conviction for modern slavery offenses, she w a s b r o u g h t b a c k t o L e w e s C r o w n C o u r t a s p r o s e c u t o r s s o u g h t a c o n f i s c a t i o n o r d e r under the Proceeds of Crime Act The law mandates offenders to forfeit cash and assets to vict

m s K a u s a r w a s o r d e r e d i n October to pay over £205,000 or

In a v i o l ent b u rg l ary i n Newham, Hasan M urad, 23, of Be th na l G re en, an d A b d u l Hu s s ai n K h an , 2 4 , o f Wh itech apel, fo rcefully entered a residence in S tratfo rd on June 11, 20 21

Once inside, they brutally a s s a u l t e d a m a n a n d w o m a n u s i n g m e t a l p o l e s , i n f l i c t i n g

s e v e r e i n j u r i e s D u r i n g t h e attack, Khan stabbed the male victim in the armpit, causing an

a r t e r i a l b l e e d F o l l o w i n g t h e assault, Murad and Khan fled the scene, taking various items belonging to the victims, including phones and a driving licence

An urgent investigation, led by the Predatory Offender Unit

u n d e r D e t e c t i v e S e r g e a n t R i c h a r d B u n n i n g , i d e n t i f i e d

Murad and Khan as the perpetrators Despite evading initial capture, an extensive manhunt, k n o w n a s O p e r a t i o n S l i p t o n , resulted in their arrest in July

mbe, has been sentenced t o th re e y ear s in p ri s o n f o r d efraud ing a GP surgery in High Wyco mbe

Asghar, who served as the Practice Manager at Hughenden Valley Surgery on Valley Road from November 2021,

f a c e a n a d d i t i o n a l 3 0 - m o n t h p r i s o n t e r m T h e C r o w n Prosecution Service confirmed the confiscation order had been fully paid Prosecutors also mentioned a slavery and trafficking r e p a r a t i o n o r d e r , a l l o c a t i n g nearly £199,000 to Kausar’s vict i m , c o v e r i n g b e n e f i t s a n d unpaid wages

D u r i n g h e r t r i a l , i t w a s revealed that Kausar subjected the victim to 16 years of abuse, coercing her into unpaid servitude Kausar controlled the vict i m ' s p a s s p o r t a n d f i n a n c e s , withdrawing money from her accounts She was arrested in 2019 and released on bail, following which she attempted to pervert justice by coercing the v i c t i m i n t o d r o p p i n g c h a r g e s while on bail

of NS Medical to process

l e g i t i m a t e i n v o i c e s o f t h e

L o c u m S u p e r i n t e n d e n t Pharmacist while creating new invoices under her name He inflated fees and pocketed the

2 0 2 1 S u b s t a n t i a l e v i d e n c e , i n c l u d i n g p h o n e d a t a , C C T V f o o t a g e , s o c i a l m e d i a d e t a i l s , and victim identification, was gathered by officers The victims b r a v e l y i d e n t i f i e d t h e d e f e ndants during their custody Murad and Khan were sent e n c e d t o 1 4 y e a r s a n d s i x months, and 11 years, respectively, at Snaresbrook Crown Court o n W e d n e s d a y , A p r i l 3 B o t h were found guilty on September 6 , 2 0 2 3 , o f c h a r g e s i n c l u d i n g grievous bodily harm and aggrav a t e d b u r g l a r y r e l a t e d t o t h e events of June 11, 2021

Advisers have cautioned that Labour’s proposals to toughen the Conservative government s planned crackdown on tax perks for "non-doms" residing in the UK could prompt wealthy foreign nationals to depart serving as a "catalyst" for their exodus These measures are part of Labour's broader effort to close loopholes and enhance compliance with the tax code announced by the party to address funding shortfalls for health and education pledges in the event of winning the next general election

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt s surprise decision in last month s Budget to abolish the non-dom tax regime, set the stage for Labour's proposed further crackdown on exemptions However, tax experts suggest that Labour s actions could be the final straw for many nondoms According to HM Revenue & Customs, there were 68,800 non-doms in the UK, contributing £8 5bn in personal taxes in 2021-22

SUN LOSES £66M DUE TO PHONEHACKING SCANDAL

Last year The Sun incurred a loss of £66 million accompanied by a decrease of 4 million online readers as it continued to grapple with repercussions from the phone-hacking scandal Over the past five years, the tabloid, owned by Murdoch, has accumulated total losses of £515 million primarily due to declining print sales and hefty payments to victims of illegal information gathering

C r e d t T h a m e s V a l e y P o c e Nabeel Asghar

d i f f e r e n c e , c o n d u c t i n g t h i s deceptive scheme on fourteen occasions, resulting in a total gain of £44,182 67

Overall, Asghar's fraudulent actions amounted to £69,342 02 Consequently, his employment

c o n t r a c t w a s t e r m i n a t e d i n March 2023 due to gross misconduct Asghar was arrested in July last year and charged on November 23 He pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false r e p r e s e n t a t i o n a t a p r e v i o u s hearing on January 22 and was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on March 28

The investigation was conducted by Thames Valley Police

The Sun is currently entangled in several lawsuits, including one filed by Prince Harry, slated for trial before the high court next year Additionally, Murdoch s News Corp empire, particularly its radio and television arm, suffered losses of nearly £54 million, driven by the operation costs of TalkTV, a right-wing news channel that recently transitioned to an online-only format due to low ratings Despite efforts to combat challenges such as rising newsprint costs and a tough UK advertising market through cover price hikes The Sun's digital audience dwindled to 23 8 million unique users down from 27 8 million in 2022 with the total print and digital reach falling to 27 2 million users compared to 30 7 million the previous year

CIVIL SERVANTS ENCOURAGED TO EXPRESS FRUSTRATION OPENLY

The civil service's largest union is urging its members to voice their opposition to the government's latest push to return to the office – and potentially follow the lead of officials at the Office for National Statistics who have opted to strike over the rollback of flexible working PCS announced this week that its national executive committee has endorsed an action plan, which includes encouraging members to lodge grievance letters with managers in response to the mandate to be present in workplaces for at least 60% of their working time Additionally, the union is urging branches and groups within departments and agencies to rally support for industrial action against the government s recent directives and to seek approval from the national disputes committee if there is substantial backing PCS cited the recent ballot at ONS where 73% of members voted in favour of strike action with a turnout of 50%

Hasan Murad

Remote working husbands: The unsung heroes of modern families

Shefali Saxena

B eike celltherapy com, a lea ding authority i n s te m c ell therapy, has unve iled a n in novative i ndex de signe d to quantif y the i nvaluable contribution s of s tay-at- hom e parents and a sses s the f inan cial i mplic ations of outsourci ng their res pon sib ilitie s in 80 global c ities This i niti ative s tems f rom the com pany's c ommi tment to und erstandi ng its mark et thoroughly , promptin g a c omprehens ive an alysis of a key c ustomer de mographic - stay -at-

upbringing to derive an overall financial estimate

The findings of the index shed light on the significant time investment made by stay-at-home parents in fulfilling their responsibilities and elucidate the considerable financial implications of delegating these tasks to external sources throughout a child's upbringing Through this comprehensive analysis, Beikecelltherapy com aims to provide valuable insights into the invaluable contributions of stay-athome parents and their

hom e parents - whose time i s dee med a pre cious c ommodi ty

The index was meticulously crafted to elucidate the extent of time invested by stay-athome parents in home maintenance and childcare tasks, crucial aspects of their role Researchers diligently identified these tasks and utilised time use data to accurately gauge the typical amount of time parents dedicate to each activity daily

To account for variations in workload due to family size, the data was modelled for stay-at-home parents with one, two, three, and four children By extrapolating the monthly time spent on each task for different family sizes over 20 years per child, the index provided insights into the cumulative hours spent on parental duties throughout a child's upbringing, assuming additional children were born at two-year intervals

Subsequently, the researchers leveraged salary data from reputable sources to determine the cost of outsourcing these tasks in each city This data was then multiplied by the total number of hours spent on each task during the duration of a child's

Solicitor's error leads to couple's divorce

A c o u p l e w as m i st ak e nl y divorced due to a computer er ro r b y s o li c i to rs a t a p ro m i ne n t l aw f i rm

However, despite th e error, a senior ju dge h as ruled that th e divorce cannot be overtu rned

T h e c o u p l e , i d e n t i f i e d as Mr and Mrs Williams by the High Court, were married for 21 years until their separation in 2023

Solicitors at the London firm Vardags, led by Ayesha Vardag, known as the "diva o f d i v o r c e , " i n a d v e r t e n t l y s u b m i t t e d a f i n a l o r d e r application for the couple through an online portal T h i s o c c u r r e d w h i l e t h e couple was still negotiating financial arrangements for their separation

Sir Andrew McFarlane, the President of the Family

D i v i s i o n , c l a r i f i e d t h a t lawyers had initially intended to apply for a divorce for a n o t h e r c l i e n t H o w e v e r , they inadvertently accessed the electronic case file for "Williams v Williams" and p r o c e e d e d t o a p p l y f o r a final order in that particular case

H e s a i d s o l i c i t o r s a t Vardags, who were representing the wife, used the online portal “without the instruction or authority of their client” He said the o n l i n e s y s t e m o p e r a t e d w i t h “ i t s n o w c u s t o m a r y s p e e d ” a n d g r a n t e d t h e o r d e r d i v o r c i n g t h e Williamses within 21 minutes

UK passport price rises again in 14 months

The cost of a UK passport has inc reased for the second ti me in j ust over 14 months, with the new price t a ki n g e f fe c t T hi s la t es t adjustment has led to a further s urge i n the pric e of online applications

The new prices, which a p p l y f o r b o t h n e w o r r e n e w e d a d u l t p a s s p o r t s , have increased from £82 50 to £88 50 That is a 7 per cent hike which follows a s t e e p 9 p e r c e n t r i s e i n February 2023, according to the media

T h e i n c r e a s e h a s sparked dismay from cons u m e r g r o u p W h i c h ? , which argues that travellers d u e f o r r e n e w a l w o u l d "likely be shocked" by the sudden rise Despite criti-

cism, the Home Office has defended the price surge, asserting that it operates on a non-profit basis and that the additional funds will be allocated to enhancing services

The online application fee for a child's passport has also seen a rise, increasing f r o m £ 5 3 5 0 t o £ 5 7 5 0 P o s t a l a p p l i c a t i o n s h a v e e x p e r i e n c e d a b u m p i n price too, with adult passp o r t s g o i n g f r o m £ 9 3 t o £ 1 0 0 a n d c h i l d p a s s p o r t s from £64 to £69

H i g h e r c o s t s a r e incurred for applying from overseas or for urgent passport needs However, individuals born on or before September 2, 1929, are still eligible for free passports

impact on the familial and economic landscape

Merul Patel told the newsweekly, “I’ve been working remotely for over 25 years, and while I miss the water-cooler conversations, technology has evolved so that there’s still ample room for video calls and spontaneous chats, without being continually distracted by unwanted interruptions

Sadly, though I seldom have to commute, calls can stretch through from early in the morning till late at night, so often I’ll be on a call in my office instead of having breakfast with the kids, but at least I can move my hours around as needed to deal with any child – or dog! – care matters

Without a doubt though, having a work-from-home husband has made my wife and DPD extremely happy since there’s someone available to accept deliveries!”

Speaking to Asian Voice, Sumit Srivastava said, “Remote working husbands are the unsung heroes of modern families Balancing spreadsheets and laundry loads, they prove that love is not just providing, but also participating in every chore and every giggle ”

M a h e s h L i l o r i y a T h e y commended the Kalakriti team for their dedication

a n d e n c o u r a g e d t h e i r f u t u r e e n d e a v o u r s T h e

N a v a U t s a v a n d i t s p a n -

I n d i a n c e l e b r a t i o n s T h e audience was then taken on a voyage from Kashmir to B e n g a l a n d f r o m

M a h a r a s h t r a t o K e r a l a , s h o w c a s i n g t h e u n i q u e ways the festival is celebrated in each region

H i g h l i g h t s i n c l u d e d a Hindustani music performance of a Meera bhajan by students of Vidushi Smt Chandrima Misra, a Kathak

winner of the rangoli comp e t i t i o n w a s a n n o u n c e d and presented with a prize from a sponsor, a supporter of The Bhavan

h L i l o r i y a G r o u p Editor ABPL The competition aimed to create a comp e t i t i v e a t m o s p h e r e a n d transport attendees back to the heart of India’s festive spirit Dr Nandakumara inaug u r a t e d t h e N a v a U t s a v w i t h a h e a r t f e l t o p e n i n g note, followed by speeches f r o m V i n o d T h a k r a r a n d

The performances took the audience on a theatrical j o u r n e y t h r o u g h I n d i a ’ s rich cultural landscape A skit by the youth council depicted the significance of

dance portraying Holi fest i v i t i e s b y s t u d e n t s o f Gurus Amun Bhachu and A b h i n a v M i s r a , a n d a Rabindra Geet by Bengali

m u s i c s t u d e n t s o f S m t

S a j a l i R o y T h e o d y s s e y continued with an Odissi

d a n c e t o R a n g a b i n d r a S a n g e e t b y s t u d e n t s o f

K a t r i n a R u t e , a n d a Carnatic vocal rendition of an Annamayya Kriti by disc i p l e s o f G u r u S a m p a t h

Kumaracharya Daruri and Bharatanatyam students of G u r u P r a k a s h Y a d a g u d d e

c o n c l u d e d w i t h

Pushpanjali

The event was conducted b y S a m p a d a K o t c h e r l a k o t a C h a i r , K a l a k r i t i - B h a v a n ' s

Y o u t h C o u n c i l a n d t e a m

Vinod Thakrar presented the vote of thanks

to elevate the Chapter to unprecedented levels of success We will be working to strengthen our relationships with other professional bodies in the best interest of the chapter and its members

a r g e , Vivek Saraogi said, “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to our past Chairs for laying a s t r o n g f o u n d a t i o n f o r t h e Chapter It is with great dedication that we embark on the task of organising a series of events and activities, both of a professional and social nature Our vision for the Chapter this year is centred on enhancing the brand of t h e I C A I U K C h a p t e r A l o n g s i d

With the strength of our Executive team, I am confident that we will propel the Chapter to greater heights "Chapter

Tanzanian diaspora unites for heritage celebration in London

Over 200 members of the U K T an z an i an di a sp o ra , j o i n ed b y f r i en ds f ro m S weden and Germany, gathered at th e Holiday Inn –Lo nd o n o v er lo o ki n g Camden Lo ck o n Saturday, April 1 3th , for a celebration

o f th ei r sh ar ed h er i ta ge

O rg an

e d wi t h wa rm th , f ri e nd sh i p , and p ride

T h e g a t h e r i n g w a s

g r a c e d b y d i s t i n g u i s h e d

g u e s t s , i n c l u d i n g H E Mbelwa Kairuki, the High Commissioner of Tanzania, H E Togolani Edriss Mavura, the Tanzanian Ambassador

t o S o u t h K o r e a , a n d M s

N g u s e k e l a K a r e n N y e r e r e ,

granddaughter of Tanzania's f i r s t P r e s i d e n t , M w a l i m u Julius Nyerere, who serves as Counsellor for Multilateral Matters at the IMO

T h i s m u l t i g e n e r a t i o n a l gathering served as a powerf u l i l l u s t r a t i o n o f t h e Tanzanian diaspora's enduring vitality Guests ranging from 18 to 90, shared stories, reconnected with old friends

and reminisced about their c h e r i s h e d m e m o r i e s T h e evening raised over £1500 for Malaika Kids UK, a charity s u p p o r t i n g v u l n e r a b l e a n d o r p h a n e d c h i l d r e n i n Tanzania

T h i s j o y o u s r e u n i o n showcased the strength and unity of the community and t h e i r u n w a v e r i n g l o v e f o r Tanzania

Kolkata graduate's team triumphs in 'University Challenge'

Th e quiz team from Imp erial C o l le g e L on d o n, w h i c h includ ed S ourajit Debnath, a com putatio nal science graduate from Kolkata, captain S u ra i ya H ad d ad , A d am J o ne s, and Ju s ti n L ee, em e rg ed v i cto r io u s in th e c h am p i o n ’ s tr o p h y o f ‘U niv ersity Challeng e ’ Their win, broadcasted on BBC, marks the Londonbased university's fifth triumph in the show’s history, with their last win occurring in 2022

During the final, the 31-year-old Debnath showcased his prowess by answering several challenging questions and attributed his succ e s s t o I m p e r i a l ’ s

of Bhavan

Presentation of prize to the winner of the Rangoli Competition Veni and Sarayu by Bhavan's Executive Director Dr Nandakumara MBE Trustee Vinod Thakrar and Mahesh Liloryia

UK Teaching Union calls for mandatory menopause training in schools

Eid in the Square celebrations return to Trafalgar Square

for all

ool leaders, citing instances wh ere

experiencing symp-

unfairly penalised f

a bs en c e

d

disciplinary actions on c o m p e ten cy g r o u nd s D eleg ates at th e Nati on al E d uc a ti o n U ni o n' s ( NE U ) a nn u al c o nf ere nc e i n B o u rn em o u th h ig h li g h t ed that older staff members are p a rti c u la rly v u l ne rab le to " ca p ab il i ty p ro c ed ur es , " w hile others are pressured t o le av e th ei r p o s i ti o ns , i m p a c ti ng n o t o nl y t h ei r income but also their pensions Speaking to Asian Voice, P r o f e s s o r G e e t a N a r g u n d , Senior NHS Consultant and Co-founder of the Ginsburg Women’s Health Board said, “Menopause is a natural part o f t h e a g e i n g p r o c e s s f o r every woman, however, it impacts each individual differently and can have significant negative consequences on some people’s working experience Despite the fact that half the working popul a t i o n w i l l b e a f f e c t e d b y m e n o p a u s e s y m p t o m s a t some point in their working career, workplaces still do

not have the right support structure in place; it is unacceptable that due to social taboo and a lack of awaren e s s a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g , women are being forced out of their jobs This is an economic problem, as well as one of equality, particularly in a sector such as education which has a large proportion of women in the workforce I have long been an advocate for workplace training on all elements of women ’ s reprod u c t i v e h e a l t h , a l o n g s i d e policy to protect women ’ s rights: after all, awareness and understanding are vital for closing the gender health gap that exists in the workplace ” With 75% of the school w o r k f o r c e b e i n g f e m a l e , m e n o p a u s e e m e r g e s a s a critical issue affecting a significant portion of educat o r s K a r e n K e m b l e , t h e j o i n t N E U d i s t r i c t a n d b r a n c h s e c r e t a r y i n H o u n s l o w , w e s t L o n d o n , a d d r e s s e d t h e c o n f e r e n c e , l a b e l l i n g t h e s i t u a t i o n a s "ageism, misogyny, and disc r i m i n a t i o n " S h e e m p h as i s e d t h e w i d e - r a n g i n g e f f e c t s o f m e n o p a u s e b e y o n d t h e s t e r e o t y p i c a l p o r t r a y a l o f h o t f l a s h e s , i n c l u d i n g p h y s i c a l s y m ptoms like muscle and joint pain, as well as psychological

challenges such as anxiety, d e p r e s s i o n , a n d m e m o r y issues

Kemble underscored the difficulties faced by women

i n d e m a n d i n g p r o f e s s i o n s l i k e t e a c h i n g , w h e r e t h e demanding nature of the job exacerbates the impact of menopausal symptoms She argued that women's capab i l i t i e s a n d d e d i c a t i o n d o n o t d i m i n i s h d u r i n g t h i s stage of life but that many s t r u g g l e d u e t o a l a c k o f awareness about workplace accommodations or fear of judgment when requesting them

T h e N E U c o n f e r e n c e delegates echoed Kemble's c o n c e r n s , p a s s i n g r e s o l utions urging for the implem e n t a t i o n o f m a n d a t o r y menopause policies in every s c h o o l a n d c o l l e g e , a l o n g with increased training for representatives on workers' rights regarding this issue

D a n i e l K e b e d e , t h e N E U g e n e r a l s e c r e t a r y , e m p h asised the need for dignity,

privacy, and respect in the workplace for staff experiencing menopause, stressing that mistreatment and lack of understanding are driving experienced educators out of their careers

Kebede emphasised the i m p o r t a n c e o f p r o v i d i n g m e n o p a u s a l s t a f f w i t h appropriate flexibility, support, and adjustments tailored to their needs to mitig a t e d i s a d v a n t a g e s a n d enable them to work effectively He called for employers to conduct assessments of the work environment to ensure that physical factors are not exacerbating sympt o m s a n d r e i t e r a t e d t h a t m e m b e r s s h o u l d n o t f a c e p e n a l t i e s f o r s i c k n e s s absence when their working arrangements have not been adequately adjusted

In conclusion, the NEU s p u s h f o r m a n d a t o r y m e n o p a u s e t r a i n i n g a n d policies reflects a growing recognition of the need to support women experiencing menopausal symptoms in the workplace By advocating for awareness, unders t a n d i n g , a n d p r a c t i c a l accommodations, the union aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for educators navigating this significant stage of life

Eid in the Sq uare will re turn to t he capital on Saturda y 20 Apr il The free an nual ce lebrat ion, foll owing the end of Ramadan, wil l t ake pl ace in Tra fal gar Square a nd will be hosted by Ca pit al XTRA DJ, Yasser Ranjha, an d come dian, Ola Lab ib

L o n d o n e r s a n d v i s i t o r s will be treated to the best of Islamic inspired art, history and culture with musical performances on the main stage

a l o n g s i d e a f e a s t o f f o o d stalls from across the world

The celebration will run from noon to 6pm and feat u r e s a n a f t e r n o o n o f l i v e p e r f o r m a n c e s , f r o m m u s ic i a n s i n c l u d i n g L o v e ’ s Pilgrim, Raghad Haddad and Raghad Haddad and memb e r s o f t h e O r c h e s t r a o f Syrian Musicians, Muslim

Belal and all the way from Pakistan, Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwal and Group

There will be a range of family friendly activities on t h e d a y i n c l u d i n g c r e a t i v e arts workshops, storytelling and VR experiences, all celebrating different traditions f r o m a c r o s s t h e I s l a m i c world

T h e I n s p i r i n g M u s l i m A w a r d s a l s o r e t u r n f o r a n o t h e r y e a r , c e l e b r a t i n g u n s u n g h e r o e s f r o m London’s Muslim community The free family event is organised by the Mayor of L o n d o n a n d d e v e l o p e d i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e E i d Community Advisory Group and London based arts, culture and grassroots Muslim organisations

Dudley set to welcome new Hindu temple

D u d l ey c o u nc i l p lan ne rs h av e app rov ed the conv ersion of a locally listed building into a Hind u temple

The three-storey structure, located at the junction o f S t o u r b r i d g e R o a d a n d Dudley Road in Lye, currently houses an off-licence and r e s t a u r a n t T h e p r o p o s e d M a n d i r w i l l c o m p r i s e 1 1 prayer rooms and operate from 10 AM to 4 PM It is anticipated to host between t w o a n d t e n v i s i t o r s o n

w e e k d a y s a n d u p t o 4 0 a t t e n d e e s o n S u n d a y s Planners have approved the transformation of the historic Dog and Lamp Post pub in Brierley Hill into four new apartments

The pub, which closed its doors in 2021 after serving the community for 151 y e a r s , w i l l n o w b e r e p u rposed into three apartments, w i t h a n a d d i t i o n a l a p a r tment to be built at the rear of the building

Professor Geeta Nargund

War mongering Britain

It seems our politicians and media are hell-bent on spreading fear, propaganda and out-right lies about Russia and China, especially Russia, to increase defence spending, thus giving business to armament industry mainly owned by Oligarch, thus lowering investment in our most important consumer sectors, drawing more imports from China who is bent upon destroying our industrial base in consumer goods as well as world domination on their economic strength

No wonder Russia has stated time and again that if it comes to an all-out war, Britain, not America or Germany will be their first target By increasing our defence spending, we are stabilising increasing at the ground level where families struggle to put food on the table, children go to bed hungry, and people, especially elderly, struggle to get medical help and attention they richly deserve after working and paying taxes throughout their working lives It is not uncommon to die before their they receive appointments!

So why do our politicians want us to believe we are a super power with a right to police the world?

We should learn from Germany and Japan who were indeed military super-powers before WW2, only involvement of America saved us from becoming a German colony But after the defeat they quickly learnt that their future lies not in the military front but in the business and economic front

It worked wonders for them and they now dominate the world economically with the highest living standard Names like Mercedes, BMW Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota and few more occupy pride of place on our roads Only India will be able to compete against China in the long run, that is if India has an efficient, dedicated and patriotic PM in the mould of PM Narendra Modi

'Western

Dear Ed,

Bhupend ra M Gand hi

Culture - Is it an asset or a liability'

Bhupendra Gandhi always seems to go on as though afflicted by verbal diarrhoea, whenever he mentions Rajputs or Rajput King s, and generally demeaning them as 'Tinpot Maharajahs , bent on self wealth or fortune In fact, he seems to think that the greatest King of Bharat was Ashoka, as he took Buddhism to the East, without shedding any blood! That may be, but he too seems to be only acquainted with the history of the country, as taught by the Britishers themselves!

Mr Gandhi, needs to avail himself of real Indian literature which was full of stories of valiant Rajput Kings, Rajputanis and fearless warriors, who took all the battles against the maurading hordes from Western Asia and beyond Bharats real history was kept by Royal Bards, and that history was passed down orally by way of 'Duas' and recorded on palm leaf (before the arrival of paper)

Who were the Mughals fighting when they crossed into our lands? Who were the British trying to belittle (as does B Gandhi himself)? Whose epic battles have been deleted from our current texts? The history taught in Indian schools devotes 70 pages out of 100 to Mughals, 25 pages for the Britsh, 3-4 pages for Indian politicians from that time, and if you were lucky, they may mention in just a line or two about Maharana Pratap or Shivaji, and make it seem as though Rajputs were not even on the scene, and they were deemed irrelevant!

I can even give an example of Dalaji Jadeja, who defeated Akbars 'invincible army' TWICE! Have you read that in any history books?

People need to realise now, that without Rajputs and to an extent Sikhs, all of India would have been converted to Islam, and every temple that exists today would have been destroyed Indian culture that has been preserved to date by Rajputs would have died a death Remember Mr Gandhi, that it was the very same "Tin-pot Maharajas" that you speak of, who gave away all their land and most of their wealth to create the India you have now!

How many people would give away their very home and gardens for the benefit of the nation Mr Gandhi? Would you?

Rajputs sacrificed more to this nation than any other group, and it is this sacrifice that should always be remembered Kishorsinh D Jade ja

Balancing DIY for safer homes

The surge in DIY home improvements among Brits, as highlighted in your recent article, reflects both a desire for costsaving measures and a willingness to take on household tasks independently

While painting and minor repairs may seem manageable, the risks associated with more complex projects, such as bathroom installations or rewiring, can lead to significant damage and financial strain

In light of these findings, it's essential to promote a balanced approach to home improvements, encouraging individuals to weigh the benefits of DIY against the risks involved Valuing professional expertise ensures safer, more successful home improvements for all

Gitanjali C havd a

Eid was celebrated with great fanfare

Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, was celebrated with great joy and religious fervour across all the Indian States on April 11

In Mumbai alone, over five lakhs Muslims came out early in the morning dressed in their finery to offer their special Eid congregational prayers as thanksgiving at the 800-plus mosques

After the solemn prayers, they joyfully greeted each other with hugs of 'Eid Mubarak'

The festival marked the culmination of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims observe a stringent dawn-to-dusk fast in which water is also not even permitted to drink

After offering prayers (namaaz), it was time for the celebrations

Eid is celebrated twice a year the first one is after Ramadan, which is called ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’, and the other, which is celebrated during Dhu-al-Hijjah This festivity is called ‘Eid-u-Adha’

Jubel D Cru z

Blood Biomarker Challenge

The article featured in Asian Voice regarding dementia highlights the critical importance of addressing this pressing issue The Blood Biomarker Challenge presents a ray of hope for those undiagnosed with dementia, especially within the Asian community

However, it's imperative to address barriers like l a n g u a g e a n d c u l t u r a l s t i g m a t o e n s u r e e q u i t a b l e access Dr Rauf's thoughts stress the importance of personalised recruitment plans and culturally aware methods

Additionally, Dr Keshavan underlines the importance of early diagnosis in reducing disparities, emphasising the potential of blood tests to widen access and improve outcomes Professor Chaudhuri appropriately w a r n s a g a i n s t r e l y i n g t o o h e a v i l y o n b l o o d t e s t s , instead advocating for thorough diagnosis and supportive services As we begin this journey of transformation, let's prioritise inclusivity, education, and comprehensive care to bring about real change

Saurav Shah

Soneri Sangat

During the "Soneri Sangat" Zoom event last Thursday, April 11th, we had a comprehensive discussion on the h i s t o r y , c o n t r i b u t i o n s , a n d a c h i e v e m e n t s o f t h e

G u j a r a t H i n d u S o c i e t y , P r e s t o n T e m p l e , a n d

Community Centre Our guest speakers, Ishwerbhai Tailor, President of GHS, and Dashrathbhai Nayee, Vice President, shared their valuable insights about the organisation CB Patel also gave a warm welcome to Bhanuben Mali, an enthusiastic volunteer, who has been serving this organisation for many years

Established in 1965, the Gujarat Hindu Society (GHS) was founded with the aim of meeting the needs of the Preston, Lancashire community Presently, it actively engages with the community through the provision of sports and recreational amenities, educational programs, social services, and serving as a cultural hub for Preston's residents Read the detailed report in Gujarat Samachar this week on pg no: 22

D ear Read ers,

We are thrilled to announce that our "Soneri Sangat" episodes on Youtube have crossed the 6000 views mark within just a w e e k ! W e ' r e t r u l y o v e rwhelmed by the love and s u p p o r t y o u ' v e s h o w e r e d upon us

For those wh o ha ven't y et ha d th e cha nce, be su re t o

ch eck out ou r YouT ube

cha nnel @abplgrou p8772

or scan th e QR cod e t o

ca tch up on all our past

ep isodes a nd stay tuned for upcoming ones

H A D I

The Fall of Iran?

Kapil Dudakia

When Iran l aunched some 300 dr ones and mult iple ball ist ic missiles at Isr ael , my immediat e t hought was, t he line that should not have been crossed has been br eached F or decades Iran has managed to get away wit h its terr or ist act ivities pr imar ily because it played a smar t game of funding and using pr oxies t o car ry out it s direct ives Nations foun d it hard to hit back since whilst everyone knew w ho was behind many of t hese terr or ist at tacks, at tacking Iran or making it accountable was proving t o be challenging Hence the sanctions that were meant to cr ippl e Ir an and bring it t o its knees The onl y problem, it was w est er n nat ions who were fir st in line to break those very same sanct ions and continue t o make billions wit h various t rades with Iran

The message Iran received was very simple, the west was all mouth The USA and its allies talk big, but when it came to tangible action, they just did not have the spine It was very different when the west attacked Iraq After all, Iraq was led by a below average lunatic whose only modus operandi of control was the use of death and fear on his own people Iran however is an altogether a different proposition Behind the mullahs and the ayatollahs are thousands of very intelligent Iranians Their strategic thinking and planning have allowed it to get away with murder, literally

It is therefore alarming to see that they breached that line and orchestrated a direct attack on Israel from Iranian soil Their assessment I guess must be that the west will restrain Israel from any escalation Banking on the fear of the whole of the middleeast going up in flames Many western leaders have already come out attempting to caution Israel from taking any precipitous action against Iran

So what should Israel do?If they don’t give a fitting reply directly to Iran, then they give a green light to every terrorist nation in the middle east to have a pop at it It also confirms to the terror nations that when it comes to it, the west has no stomach for escalation fearing a middle eastern ‘World War III’

My view has always been consistent, if you appease today, then ready yourself to be abused and attacked tomorrow It is that simple History shows us that appeasement has never worked with any aggressor, it may delay the inevitable, but the end game will have to be played out at some stage

I am reminded of the Pakistani terrorist state and its2008 attack on India in Mumbai At that time the USA and allies warned India not to retaliate The then PM Manmohan Singh of Congress Party gave in and did nothing sending a clear message to Pakistan that India was open to all forms of attacks And guess what, Pakistani proxies continued their attacks It was only when PM Modi came to power and gave a fitting response for Uri andPulwama, that Pakistan today thinks very hard before attempting to play its games Pakistan knows if they dare to conduct a major terrorist attack on Indian soil, it means their destruction

Israel must remain true to itself There are nations in the middle east that wish peace and an end to terror and conflict Those who support Iran are very few, and most are incompetent subordinates

Israel should take its time before it teaches Iran a lesson Iran has already threathened to destroy all western outposts in the middle east, as well as many oil refineries Which means the west needs to make sure they are on the same page as Israel, and in a position to protect those assets The difficulty will be in destroying Irans infrastructure to such an extent that its military have little capacity to attack anyone, and at the same time making sure theIranian public are not harmed An impossible equation in any war situation

However, there is scope that if the Islamists top tier and their revolutionary guards are uprooted,there may well be an opportunity for ordinary Iranians to rise upand bring about a more democratic, peaceful and open society

Whether it is now, or in the near future, I am certain that the end for Islamists in Iran is nigh Iran will fall, and one hopes it will rise again to become a better lead nation in the middle east I did say, ‘hope’ Nothing is certain in the middle east!

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 Anusha at anusha singh@abplgroup com

India House in London celebrates Baisakhi with Bhangra

At India Ho use in Lo nd on, t he High Commissio n of India ce lebra te d Ba isa kh i with enthu siasm, f ea turing trad it iona l mu sic a nd v ibra nt bhang ra d ance be at s fro m Pu njab

The e vent att racte d a larg e g ath er ing of member s of t he Ind ia n diaspor a Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, donned a colorful turban to honour the occasion and reflected on the message of sewa (service)

and righteousness central to the Spring festival celebrated worldwide on April 13 Baisakhi commemorates the foundation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru,

at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, northern India, in March 1699

Doraiswami

emphasised, “There is no greater cause for a faith based on rationality, proportionality, inclusion, and service, than righteousness All of this is justly celebrated when we celebrate Baisakhi ”

The event featured musical performances, including by celebrated British Punjabi singer and composer Channi Singh, as well as poetic insights by Punjabi poet and scholar Talwinder Singh Dhillon and Hindi writer Tejinder Sharma

Vikram Doraiswami addressing members of the Indian diaspora

Artists performing during the event

Alarming mental health crisis among six to ten-year-olds in the UK

The impact of lockdowns a n d p r o l o n g e d t r e a t m e n t wait times has exacerbated the situation

Over the past year, the n u m b e r o f p r i m a r y - a g e children in England waiting o r u n d e r g o i n g t r e a t m e n t for mental health problems, including eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, has surged by a staggering 28% T h i s s u r g e s u r p a s s e s a n y increase observed in adult age groups, prompting Wes S t r e e t i n g , t h e s h a d o w health secretary, to label the f i g u r e s a s " s t a r k " a n d indicative of a "generational mental health crisis "

Remarkably, more than 165,000 children between six and ten years old were in contact with NHS mental health services by the end of F e b r u a r y , s u r p a s s i n g t h e numbers for any five-year a g e b r a c k e t o v e r 2 0

Additionally, the number of urgent or emergency referrals for children has doubled from the previous year, indicating a growing need for immediate intervention

S u r v e y s c o n d u c t e d b y the NHS among five to tenyear-olds have highlighted "behavioural disorders" as t h e m o s t c o m m o n i s s u e among boys, while "emot i o n a l d i s o r d e r s " p r e v a i l a m o n g g i r l s M o r e o v e r , financial concerns seem to e x a c e r b a t e t h e s i t u a t i o n , with a significant percentage of parents expressing worries about money about t h e i r c h i l d r e n ' s m e n t a l health

Compounding the issue is the lengthy referral process for children under 16 seeking mental health support, which often leads to prolonged waiting times for assessment and treatment T h e d e l a y s i n d i a g n o s i n g conditions like autism, with waits exceeding the target of 91 days, further exacerbate the crisis Campaigners criticised Meta's decision to lower the W h a t s A p p m i n i m u m a g e requirement in the EU and UK from 16 to 13 last week as "tone deaf " Amid rising c o n c e r n s a b o u t m e n t a l health and increased phone use among young people, p a r e n t s a n d c a r e r s a r e u n d e r s t a n d a b l y a n x i o u s about the potential impact o f t h i s c h a n g e o n t h e i r teenagers

In our recent issues, the n e w s w e e k l y h a s c a r r i e d inspiring stories of British Asians championing mental health issues as early as primary school age BritishPakistani Boxer Adam Azim was four when he was diagnosed with ADHD “I was very hyperactive, and I had this energy that no one in m y f a m i l y h a d e v e r s e e n before My parents saw that I c o u l d n ’ t s t o p f i d g e t i n g , and I kept moving around and messing about - so they

took me to a doctor where I was diagnosed with ADHD My family knew I needed an o u t l e t f o r m y e n e r g y , s o they chose boxing and that h e l p e d m e m a n a g e m y ADHD,” Adam told Asian Voice in a previous interview Shammi Kapoor was almost 20 when he unders t o o d h i s d i a g n o s i s o n b e i n g u n d e r A u t i s m Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Depression Today, he’s a c h a m p i o n o f m e n t a l health and a brain trainer at h i s o r g a n i s a t i o n - B r a i n Abilitiez, which helps people in managing conditions similar to Kapoor’s M e n t a l h e a l t h e x p e r t s spoke to Asian Voice, highl i g h t i n g i n c r e a s i n g p r e ssures on children, attributing mental health issues to academic stress, peer press u r e , a n d s o c i a l m e d i a A c c o r d i n g t o t h e m , e a r l y interventions in schools are crucial, focusing on mental health promotion, prevention of mental illnesses, and teaching coping strategies These illnesses c an be prevented R e s p o n d i n g t o t h e report, Dr Elaine Lockhart, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Child and A d o l e s c e n t F a c u l t y , s a i d , “We can no longer afford to overlook the mental health of babies and young children Around half of mental h e a l t h c o n d i t i o n s a r e already established by the age of 14 and many of these may be traced back to our e a r l i e s t e x p e r i e n c e s Globally, an estimated one in five (20 1%) children aged b e t w e e n o n e a n d s e v e n years have a mental health condition ” S h e f u r t h e r e x p l a i n e d that behaviours which indicate that a child might be at risk of developing a mental health condition must be caught at the earliest possible stage Many of these illnesses can be prevented and treated quickly if children can access the right support

Tom Madders, director

o f c a m p a i g n s a t Y o u n g M i n d s , e m p h a s i s e s the urgent need for government action to address the crisis He urges the prioritis a t i o n o f y o u n g p e o p l e ' s mental health through prevention and early intervent i o n s t r a t e g i e s , i n c l u d i n g the establishment of support hubs in every community and increased support in schools

While the NHS reports a s i g n i f i c a n t i n c r e a s e i n y o u n g p e o p l e a c c e s s i n g mental health support since 2 0 1 9 / 2 0 , a d d i t i o n a l m e asures are needed to meet rising demand The Labour Party has pledged to prov i d e s u p p o r t i n e v e r y school, open mental health hubs in every community, and recruit 8,500 new mental health professionals to

reduce waiting times

Half of psychiatric disorders in adulthood s tart

b elow the age of 15

D i n es h B h ug ra , C B E, Professor Emeritus, Mental

He al t h & C u lt ur a l

D i v er s i t y, K i n g s C ol l e ge ,

Lond on told Asian Voice, “Increasingly children are b e i n g p u s h e d t o a c h i e v e m o r e a c a d e m i c a l l y a n d with added pressures from peers, teachers and social m e d i a , t h e y a r e u n d e r t r e m e n d o u s p r e s s u r e s which are likely to affect t h e i r m e n t a l h e a l t h a n d wellbeing as well as emotional wellbeing

“ S t u d i e s h a v e s h o w n that half of psychiatric disorders in adulthood start below the age of 15 It is i n c r e a s i n g l y b e i n g r e c o gnised that attachment patterns in childhood (i e how children react to primary i n d i v i d u a l s w h e t h e r i t i s p a r e n t s o r o t h e r s ) a f f e c t brain development Social and cognitive development are likely to be affected too WHO has suggested that the environments in which children are brought up and studied can influence academic learning and social, cognitive, behavioural, and e m o t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t School mental health thus becomes vital in ensuring that individual children can l o o k a f t e r t h e i r m e n t a l health These programmes can be universal or targeted at vulnerable groups

“ P r o m o t i o n o f g o o d mental health and how to achieve it through teaching, physical education and support in schools is crucial In a d d i t i o n , p r e v e n t i o n o f m e n t a l i l l n e s s e s c a n b e taught at an early age using sports and physical activities, educating children in i d e n t i f y i n g e a r l y s i g n s o f feeling under pressure and u s i n g o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s t o manage distress

“School mental health programmes are a crucial part of mental health promotion and prevention of mental illnesses and teachers need to be a part of it

Quality education, which is c o n d u c i v e t o i m p r o v i n g m e n t a l w e l l - b e i n g a n d social and cognitive skills

t e a c h i n g i m p o r t a n t l i f e skills, shaping a supportive

e n v i r o n m e n t a n d e t h o s , and building positive character traits like self-man-

a g e m e n t a n d t e a m w o r k ,

amongst others can help Recognising the interconnections between physical and mental health, promoti n g h e a l t h y e a t i n g a n d physical activity, alongside p r o v i d i n g e d u c a t i o n i s a must ” Pr of J S B a m ra h C B E , C on s u lt a n t P s yc hi a t ri s t

t o l d t h e n e w s w e e k l y , “There has been a steady rise in mental health problems in all ages in recent years, none more so than in children and young people

F o r c h i l d r e n a n d a d o l e sc e n t s , t h e s e h a v e b e e n made worse as a result of the lockdown and the huge pressures from many directions – such as social media, a c a d e m i c d i s r u p t i o n t o studies, domestic abuse or v i o l e n c e , c l i m a t e c h a n g e , a n d p o l i t i c a l i n s t a b i l i t y across the globe There is m u c h m e r i t i n E s t h e r Ghey’s campaign to implem e n t M i n d f u l n e s s i n s c h o o l s , b u t t h e m o s t important point is that pare n t s a n d t e a c h e r s n e e d practical support and guidance on how to tackle this hidden pandemic of stress, anxiety and depression in t h e y o u n g e r p o p u l a t i o n , otherwise, they will suffer long term harm from mental illness and they will not achieve their dreams and a m b i t i o n s f o r t h e i r l i v e s and careers ”

D r Sa m i r S ha h , Consultant Ps ychiatris t and Medic al D irector of Pri ory

Ho s pi t a l Al t ri n c h a m a n d Clinic al Director of Pri ory

UK raises visa salary requirements to curb immigration

A l t h o u g h c e r t a i n p r o f e ssions, notably in health and social care, are exempt from these thresholds, there are

c o n c e r n s a b o u t p o t e n t i a l labour shortages in specific s e c t o r s a n d t h e i r c o n s equences The changes are

a n t i c i p a t e d t o i m p a c t Indian migrants who annually move to the European n a t i o n D a t a f r o m t h e O f f i c e f o r N a t i o n a l S t a t i s t i c s i n d i c a t e s t h a t India ranks highest in the number of migrants entering the UK each year, followed by Nigeria and China

S i g n i f i c a n t c h a n g e s have been made to the regul a t i o n s g o v e r n i n g f a m i l y visas Applicants now need to prove English proficiency

a n d m e e t a m i n i m u m income threshold Initially set to increase to £38,700, t h e t h r e s h o l d w a s l a t e r adjusted to £29,000 amid

c o n c e r n s a b o u t p o t e n t i a l family separations

The income threshold is anticipated to rise gradually to £34,500 and eventually to £38,700 by early 2025 The Home Office has clarified

t h a t i n d i v i d u a l s r e n e w i n g existing family visas are not required to meet the new e a r n i n g s t h r e s h o l d

According to official statis-

t i c s , 8 2 , 3 9 5 f a m i l y - r e l a t e d visas were issued in the year up to September 2023

At the heart of the UK's immigration system is the points-based system (PBS), which assigns points based on factors like job offers,

l a n g u a g e p r o f i c i e n c y , a n d educational qualifications

T o q u a l i f y f o r a s k i l l e d w o r k e r v i s a , a p p l i c a n t s

must accrue 70 points, with salary being a critical component in this calculation

Similar points are allocated for individuals with minimum or higher skill levels

The standard fee for a s k i l l e d v i s a i s u s u a l l y between £719 and £1,500

Additionally, visa applicants

a r e s u b j e c t t o h e a l t h c a r e surcharges, with fees witnessing an uptick from £624 to £1035 recently

T h e s h o r t a g e o c c u p ation list aims to fill critical vacancies in key sectors by a l l o w i n g l o w e r s a l a r y thresholds and facilitating visa acquisition for eligible individuals Employers are permitted to hire foreign labour for 80% of the typical "going rate" for these roles

H o w e v e r , r e c e n t r u l e changes will impact individuals working in jobs listed on the shortage occupation list

B e t w e e n J a n u a r y a n d September 2023, the government issued a total of 486,107 study visas, with a significant number granted t o I n d i a n a n d C h i n e s e nationals Postgraduate stud e n t s w e r e p r e v i o u s l y allowed to apply for visas f o r d e p e n d e n t s s u c h a s spouses, partners, and child r e n u n d e r 1 8 H o w e v e r , starting from January 2024, postgraduate students can o n l y b r i n g d e p e n d e n t s i f their course is designated as a r e s e a r c h p r o g r a m Additionally, students who h a v e c o m p l e t e d t h e i r degrees can now stay in the U K f o r t w o y e a r s ( t h r e e y e a r s f o r d o c t o r a l d e g r e e holders) to work under a graduate visa

P ri v a te an d W e l l b ei n g Servi ces said, “We have to ensure the proper investment of money, skills and workforce in child and adolescent services This also includes school, communit y a n d h e a l t h c a r e M o s t adult mental health issues start in childhood and adolescence Look after them for a better future for the c o u n t r y , c o m m u n i t y a n d people ”

Yogita's Journey: From Hyderabad to MasterChef

I n the bu stling su burb o f P urley, nestled wi th in the v i brant c ulinary land sc ap e o f England , resides Y ogita Nagara, a seasoned Strategy M anager with a passion for coo king d eeply rooted in h er u p b ri ng i ng i n Hy d erab ad , India As she embarks o n h er

M asterCh ef j ourney, Yog ita b ri ng s w it h h er a ri ch tap estry of flavors, inspired by her heritag e and global experiences

Yogita's culinary odyssey began under the nurturing guidance of her late mother, whose instinctive approach to cooking laid the foundation for her style Drawing f r o m h e r M a h a r a s h t r i a n r o o t s , h e r u p b r i n g i n g i n S o u t h e r n I n d i a , a n d h e r t r a v e l s a c r o s s t h e g l o b e , Yogita's cooking is a celebration of diversity, authenticity, and spice For her, cooking is more than just a skill; it's a heartfelt homage to her family and a way to connect with her cultural heritage

H e r e a r l i e s t c o o k i n g memory paints a vivid picture of her childhood, as she m a s t e r f u l l y c r a f t e d d o s a s over an open flame, guided b y h e r m o t h e r ' s p a t i e n t hand This formative experience instilled in her a reverence for tradition and a love for the craft of cooking

Y o g i t a ' s j o u r n e y w i t h MasterChef is a testament to her lifelong passion for food Since the inception of the show two decades ago, she has been an avid viewer, drawn to its celebration of

culinary artistry and innovation Watching luminaries l i k e T h o m a s i n a M i e r s ascend to victory fueled her a s p i r a t i o n s , w h i l e t h e w i t and charm of hosts John and Gregg became a cherished part of her family's viewing ritual

F o r Y o g i t a , e n t e r i n g MasterChef was a milestone moment, spurred on by the encouragement of her loved ones As she marks her 50th y e a r , s h e s e e s t h i s a s a n opportunity to pursue her p a s s i o n w h o l e h e a r t e d l y , honouring her son's insistence and her desire to leave a m a r k o n t h e c u l i n a r y w o r l d “ “ M y f r i e n d s a n d family have always encouraged me to apply, but I was h e s i t a n t f o r a l o n g t i m e This year I turned 50 and my son insisted that I had to apply So I decided to do something to mark my special birthday,” Yogita said Beyond the confines of t h e c o m p e t i t i o n , Y o g i t a harbours a lofty food dream - to introduce the diverse

cuisines of India, p a r t i c u l a r l y f r o m t h e Southern regions, to a wider a u d i e n c e I n a c o u n t r y where Indian cuisine often d e f a u l t s t o t h e f a m i l i a r f l a v o u r s o f t h e N o r t h , Y o g i t a s e e k s t o s h o w c a s e the lesser-known culinary treasures of her homeland, e n r i c h i n g p a l a t e s a n d broadening horizons along the way

As Yogita steps into the M a s t e r C h e f k i t c h e n , s h e carries with her the spirit of g e n e r a t i o n s p a s t a n d t h e h o p e s o f g e n e r a t i o n s t o come Her journey is not just about winning a title; it's about honouring tradition, embracing innovation, and sharing the gift of food

w i t h t h e w o r l d I n h e r h a n d s , t h e h u m b l e d o s a becomes a symbol of heri t a g e , r e s i l i e n c e , a n d t h e universal language of taste And as she navigates the challenges ahead, one thing remains certain - Yogita's culinary legacy is just beginning

Lindy Cameron appointed as new UK envoy to India

L in d y C a m er o n h as be en named the new British high com missioner to Ind ia, succeed ing Alex Ellis Th e UK

g overnment annou nced h er a p p o in tm e nt, s ta ti ng th at sh e w ill assum e her role in New Delhi th is m onth Expressing pride in her n e w p o s i t i o n , C a m e r o n thanked Alex Ellis for his c o n t r i b u t i o n P r e v i o u s l y serving as the chief executive of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre since 2 0 2 0 , C a m e r o n a l s o h e l d roles such as director-genera l o f t h e U K ’ s N o r t h e r n Ireland Office

Having begun her career i n 1 9 9 8 w i t h t h e D e p a r t m e n t f o r International Development (DFID), Cameron held leadership roles with postings to K a b u l , B a g h d a d , H a n o i , Lagos, and regional work in t h e B a l k a n s C a m e r o n ' s appointment coincides with ongoing efforts between the

UK and India to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA), a i m e d a t b o l s t e r i n g t r a d e and investment If successful, the FTA could lead to r e d u c e d t a r i f f s a n d increased market access for various sectors

To mark the start of her

d i p l o m a t i c p o s t i n g , Cameron visited London’s Neasden Temple with her t e a m f r o m t h e F o r e i g n , C o m m o n w e a l t h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t O f f i c e (FCDO) to offer prayers and i n t e r a c t w i t h v o l u n t e e r s S h e b e c o m e s t h e f i r s t woman to hold the position

o f B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to India

NHS leader urges end to sexual harassment

The head of the NHS has s poken out in the m edia, d ra wi n g a tte n ti on t o th e a l ar m i ng le ve l s o f s e x ua l ab us e fac ed b y staf f within t h e h ea l t h s e rv i c e H e a r g ue s t h a t a # M e To o m om e n t i s n e c e s s a r y t o protect em ployees Amanda Pritchard critic i s e d t h e " u n a c c e p t a b l e " levels of abuse experienced b y d o c t o r s a n d n u r s e s , insisting that health trusts should be evaluated based on their efforts to address sexual harassment

Calling for an end to sexual harassment against NHS staff, she emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, revealing that one in eight workers, totaling 58,000 individuals, reported experiencing unwanted sexual behavior last year

Writing exclusively for media, Ms Pritchard said the abuse now levelled at doctors and nurses is unacceptable – with some staff

b e i n g r a p e d a t w o r k , groped, and shown pornography

OHANA 8 leading the way in digital

Businesses in the Midlands are set to benefit from faster broadband and become digital-ready, thanks to OHANA 8, one of Britain’s fastest-growing telecommunications providers

The proactive move is part of OHANA 8’s mission to raise awareness of phone companies’ intent to withdraw the existing analogue system, called the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by the end of next year

The withdrawal of the PSTN, which is an ageing network that is becoming harder and more expensive to maintain, is industry-led

Business leaders will meet in Birmingham this week to sign a MoU led by OHANA 8’s MD, Steven Pun “By working smartly and collaboratively we can help each other. In society there is enough for our need, but not our greed I want to focus on the former and give back to those who need it most, “said Mr Pun

Mr Pun s ultimate desire is to create an

affordable social tariff, particularly for homeusers, low-income families and owners of SMEs.

OHANA 8 is keen to partner with leaders and organisations in the UK who wish to help their respective communities It aspires to be more than just a telecommunications company It aims to bridge the gap between buyers

and sellers, forging even stronger connections and networks that empower people and communities to thrive. Its vision is to revolutionise the way businesses connect with their customers and drive growth, setting new standards in the UK telecommunications industry To find out more visit www ohana8 co uk

I n h e r s t a r k w a r n i n g , she acknowledged the role of media exposés in shedding light on the issue, part i c u l a r l y c o n c e r n i n g t h e widespread sexual harassment of trainee paramedics and the alarming number

o f s e x u a l a s s a u l t s w i t h i n

N H S m e n t a l h e a l t h s e rvices Ms Pritchard credited the #MeToo movement for sparking vital discussions

a c r o s s s o c i e t y , s t r e s s i n g that the NHS must actively address such behaviour

Steven Pun, MD of OHANA 8, with Ken Tong, Chairman of Birmingham Chinese Society

Yogita Nagara

Lindy Camerons

Unveiling the craft of mystery writing with Manjiri Prabhu

Anusha Singh

Manjiri Prabhu is an Indian author, TV producer, and filmmaker

Dubbed as the 'D esi

Agatha Chris ti e' b y the medi a, she is rec ognised as India's pioneeri ng female writer of mystery fiction Additionally, she serves as the founderdi rec tor of the Pune International Literary Festival and the International Festival of Spiritual In di a

In an interview with Asian voice, she discusses her passion for writing, the connection with the mystery genre and the impact of her work

As a pioneer among women writers of mystery fiction in India, what inspired you to venture into this genre?

As a child, I was a voracious reader and a bookworm, reading all kinds of books It was around age 7 that I knew I wanted to be a writer

Words on paper became the perfect answer to what I was seeking, an outlet for what I needed to express and a reason to share the different worlds that moved in the orbit of my wild imagination The mystery genre represented my craving – a genre which could be moulded, refined, challenged and re-invented in innumerable ways as per need and desire A genre which served not only to entertain but to pose questions and nudge deeper thinking without being preachy

How do you approach crafting compelling mysteries that resonate with readers?

I believe that if you want your work to resonate with readers, it first has to resonate with the reader within you

Being

Which is why, I write first for myself I believe that the relationship I have with my novel is extremely important The novel has to excite me, I should want to be with it, live it and sleep with it during its tumultuous birth and the entire journey of its creation And when it is done, if the novel leaves me feeling desolate, I sort of know that the synergy between the work and me, the bond between the characters and me, and the emotions that arise will resonate with the reader, long after the book is over

How do literature festivals help shape one's perspective on literature and what is its role in fostering crosscultural dialogue?

Being a founder of a literary festival myself and running it successfully for over a decade, I understand the importance of literature festivals – at the least, they bring writers and readers together and encourage an atmosphere of literary enthusiasm

Every festival has its unique style and energy and it is wonderful to be a part of their literary community My main goal however is to represent my genre, my culture and my country and introduce it to different readers across the world Popular mainstream Indian writing has yet to find a

labelled as the 'Desi Agatha Christie' and compared to authors like Dan Brown must be incredibly gratifying. How do you navigate such high praise and maintain the authenticity of your voice as a writer amidst such comparisons?

I guess I got compared to Agatha Christie because there wasn’t an earlier Indian female equivalent at that point (90s and early 2000s), hence the label It was indeed gratifying and flattering but I looked at it as an acknowledgement of my own small contribution to literature and as an acknowledgement of my presence, place and acceptance on the international literary stage For me, it became a huge responsibility because it meant retaining and enforcing my voice, stories, style, execution and individuality And so, while, I loved the praise, I held on staunchly to different genres from thrillers, cosy mystery, and psychological noir to science fiction, and challenged myself to difficult and intriguing plots and themes, ensuring that I held my own and maintained the authenticity of my voice and took my own literature across the world

Manjiri Prabhu

hold in international literature and I aim to help give Indian mystery writing its due, respect and position in world literature

Having said that, I also write destination thrillers – where the destination is a character and takes the story forward These destination thrillers are mostly based in other countries Hence, I regard myself not only as a cultural diplomat, representing India but also as a converse cultural diplomat, bridging the gaps between countries through these thrillers And these festivals help me do that

How do you work towards shining a light on women’s perspectives through your character, especially in the genre of mystery?

Barring a few respectable examples like Agatha Christie's character like Miss Marple, the mystery arena seems to be dominated largely by male lead characters Strong, definitive female characters that would stand out are countable on fingers In my novels, therefore, I make a conscious effort to do away with women as victims I always define my lead female character in the minutest details and then weave the plot around her personality They obviously bring a woman ’ s perspective as well as the famous ‘sixth sense ’ attributed to women, with them, which is of great help in solving a mystery My female characters are strong, independent, ‘opinionated’ and capable of handling any situation without the need for a man around For example, Sonia Samarth, my AstroDetective who solves cases with the help of Vedic horoscopes is a strong woman, with a unique modus operandi, rooted in tradition and culture, yet modern in approach She is truly aspirational Or my latest detective Sassy, for the Library thrillers, is erudite and a scholar, who is wise enough to learn from her elders but smart enough to find her own way about

MPs warn of AI regulation gap for creative industries

A group of cross-party M Ps has expressed wo rries that the UK's lack of stringent re g u la ti o ns re g ard in g th e interac ti on between arti fic ial in telli g enc e p la tfo rm s and the creative ind ustries is benefiting large tech companies

The House of Commons

c u l t u r e , m e d i a , a n d s p o r t committee released a report yesterday focusing on pay and working conditions for professional creatives

m o d e l s , w h i c h t y p i c a l l y offer lower payouts to creators compared to physical distribution systems

Talented actors, writers, composers, and singers are missing out on the global success of the UK's creative

i n d u s t r i e s , g r a p p l i n g w i t h challenges ranging from the rise of AI to rapid shifts in c o n t e n t c o n s u m p t i o n h a b i t s , " e x p l a i n e d D a m e

The MPs discovered that numerous artists in the UK have faced ongoing decreases in their royalties, partly a t t r i b u t e d t o t h e s h i f t towards digital distribution

Caroline Dinenage, committee chair

“The government needs to play catch-up by plugging the gaps in outdated copyright and intellectual property regulations,” she added Numerous professionals in the music, literary, and t e l e v i s i o n s e c t o r s h a v e v o i c e d s p e c i f i c a p p r e h e nsions regarding the implications of AI platforms, capable of plagiarising and replicating their work without offering compensation, for their future

London museum hosts exhibition on Ranjit Singh

Dr Xavier Bray, Director of the Wallace Collection, and Davinder T oor, a S ch olar of Sikh A rt, hav e collaborated to curate "Ranjit S ingh : Sikh , Warrior, King " T his m ajor exhibition in L ond on sho wc ase s g li tteri ng w eap o nry , i nt ri ca te m i ni a tu re p ai n tings, and exquisite jew elry fro m th e Sikh Emp ire

Celebrating the remarkable leader who founded the Sikh Empire (1799-1849), a golden era marked by flourishing trade, cultural richness, and the establishment o f a f o r m i d a b l e m i l i t a r y Amidst a tumultuous period o f i n s t a b i l i t y f o l l o w i n g repeated Afghan invasions, Ranjit Singh emerged as the unrivaled Maharaja of the Punjab region by the early 19th century Fueled by an unyielding sense of destiny, his swift ascent to power gave rise to the influential

Sikh Empire, reshaping the dynamics of the region and influencing the trajectories of the Mughal and British Empires, ultimately shaping the future of the Indian subcontinent Toor said: “This exhibit i o n u n v e i l s n u m e r o u s works that have never been seen before Private collections and museum reserves have been accessed to show-

case their treasures, including recently discovered artworks and others that have long been hidden in plain sight

“In addition to narrating the tales of historical figures who reflect aspects of our o w n l i v e s , t h i s e x h i b i t i o n delves deeper to illuminate a shared heritage that continues to inspire with its enduring power ”

UK Asian film festival announces dates and theme of 26th edition

e x p e r i e n c e s o f t h e r e c e n t past To navigate this journey successfully, the UKAFF programme brings inspiration, joy and moments of delight Cinema is a tool for change as it brings people

c l o s e r t o g e t h e r , i t s p a r k s c o n v e r s a t i o n s , a m p l i f i e s voices and builds empathy

Stories guide us to confront

t h e c o m p l e x i t i e s o f o u r world with bravery, compassion and action ”

For the first time, the UK Asian Film Festival will host

i t s O p e n i n g G a l a a t B F I IMAX, London, taking place

o n T h u r s d a y 2 n d M a y

s i a n F i l m

F e s t i v a l h a s h i s t o r i c a l l y

c h a m p i o n e d S o u t h A s i a n female-centric cinema and w o m e n i n f i l m – b o t h behind and in front of the c a m e r a I t s p r o g r a m m e s have annually sought to disrupt the patriarchal status quo and initiate challenging conversations in its mission

t o a d v o c a t e a n d p r o m o t e gender equality in cinema

T h i s y e a r ’ s C l i m a t e o f Change theme reflects the sense that the air is shifting in our society; we are ready to move on from the lived

A m o n g t h i s y e a r ’ s p r ogramme, the UK Premiere of G u n j a l ( P a k i s t a n , 2 0 2 3 ; D i r e c t o r : S h o i a b S u l t a n ;

L a n g u a g e : U r d u w i t h English subtitles) will take place on Friday 3rd May at Regent Street Cinema The f i l m t e l l s t h e s t o r y o f Shahbaz Bhatti, a journalist in a Punjabi city, covering t h e a c q u i t t a l o f t h e m a n charged with murdering 12y e a r - o l d l a b o u r a c t i v i s t

Recognising inconsistencies and loopholes in the verdict, he starts digging to find the truth, one lead at a time T h e f e s t i v a l ’ s C l o s i n g Gala on Sunday 12th May at Kiln Theatre, London will w e l c o m e l u m i n a r i e s f r o m Indian cinema in conversation onstage such as celeb r a t e d p l a y b a c k s i n g e r , Kavita Krishnamurthy, who will be felicitated with the L i f e t i m e A c h i e v e m e n t Award; and actress, Karisma Kapoor, who will be felicitated for her Contribution to Hindi Cinema Aligned to t h i s y e a r ’ s f e s t i v a l t h e m e , fashion sustainability will be c e l e b r a t e d w i t h m a v e r i c k I n d i a n d e s i g n e r , R i n a Dhaka, as she discusses her e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y - f r i e n d l y collections and career traject o r y a l o n g s i d e a r u n w a y s h o w o f h e r m o s t i c o n i c pieces over the years

T h e U K A s i a n F i l m Festival annually hosts an e c l e c t i c m i x o f f i l m s ; a t h o u g h t - p r o v o k i n g l e c t u r e series; audience workshops; l i v e p e r f o r m a n c e s ; v i s u a l a r t s e x h i b i t i o n s ; m a s t e rclasses; and the annual Short Film Competition It celebrates the very best in films with a link to South Asia and t h e m y r i a d d i m e n s i

“We need to prioritise loyalty to our country over allegiance to any political party”

Anusha Singh

K a r a n M a h e s h w a r i i s Reform UK’s election cand i d a t e f r o m t h e N o r t h W e s t C a m b r i d g e s h i r e Consti-tuency In an interview with Asian Voice, he discusses his priorities and plan of action

How does Reform UK's platform align with the needs and interests of the constituents in your constituency?

One-third of students undecided for next general election

R e f o r m U K p r e s e n t s alternative plans to address these pressing problems

Can you outline some key policy priorities that you will advocate for if elected as the Member of Parliament for North West Cambridgeshire? How do you plan to engage with and represent the diverse communities of the constituency?

I f c h o s e n a s t h e Member of Parliament for N o r t h W e s t Cambridgeshire, I will prioritise advocating for policies such as achieving net zero immigration, lowering

t a x e s , e n s u r i n g c h e a p e r

e n e r g y , a n d e l i m i n a t i n g waiting lists My preferred methods for engaging with

c o n s t i t u e n t s w o u l d b e through social media and street stalls I believe in the unity of our diverse comm u n i t y , r e c o g n i s i n g t h a t w e a r e a l l p a r t o f o n e British community despite

In the UK, voters have had limited options, typically choosing between the Conservative and Labour p a r t i e s H o w e v e r , m a n y c o n s t i t u e n t s e x p r e s s d i ss a t i s f a c t i o n w i t h v a r i o u s aspects of the current state of affairs, including issues such as the healthcare syst e m , i l l e g a l i m m i g r a t i o n , lack of support for farmers, b u s i n e s s e s , t h e w o r k i n g c l a s s , a n d p e n s i o n e r s , a s well as concerns about high inflation and insufficient financial support

o u r d i f f e r i n g e t h n i c i t i e s , religious beliefs, and customs It is crucial that government policies benefit all citizens and foster a better f u t u r e f o r o u r s e l v e s a n d generations to come Sailesh Vara has maintained a firm hold on the constituency for nearly twenty years How do you distinguish yourself from him and other competitors, and what unique qualities do you possess that you believe will persuade constituents to vote for you?

I believe it's not just Mr V a r a , t h e C o n s e r v a t i v e P a r t y i t s e l f t h a t h a s a s t r o n g i n f l u e n c e i n t h i s region It s crucial for constituents to reassess what b o t h M r V a r a a n d t h e C o n s e r v a t i v e s h a v e d o n e for this constituency over t h e p a s t 2 0 y e a r s Unfortunately, the leaders and representatives of both t h e C o n s e r v a t i v e a n d Labour parties are behaving like a headless chicken and Britain needs strong leadership and that is why Reform UK offers a more p r o m i s i n g a l t e r n a t i v e i n the current political landscape By providing citizens

with a third choice beyond t h e t r a d i t i o n a l

C o n s e r v a t i v e o r L a b o u r o p t i o n s , R e f o r m U K addresses the lack of diversity in political representation We've witnessed the management of our country by both major parties, and it's clear that a fresh start is needed Reform UK offers the opportunity to r e t h i n k , r e s h a p e , a n d r e s t o r e t h e g r e a t n e s s o f Great Britain

What message would you like to convey to the voters of North West Cambridgeshire as they consider their options in the upcoming elections?

P l e a s e r e c o g n i s e t h e significance of your vote; the future of our country rests in your hands Your s i n g l e v o t e c a n i n d e e d make a substantial difference I urge you, to please exercise your right to vote, a n d d o s o w i t h o u t s u cc u m b i n g t o e m o t i o n s o r external pressures All of us need to prioritise loyalty to our country over allegiance

t o a n y p o l i t i c a l p a r t y T h e r e f o r e , c a r e f u l l y c o ns i d e r t h e f u t u r e o f o u r nation before casting your vote

Almost a third of UK st udents have not ye t decided whi c h pol i t ic a l p a r ty t h ey wi l l vo t e f or a t t he n e xt General El ection

N e a r l y t h r e e - q u a r t e r s feel politicians don't value their views However, nearly 90% are registered to vote, signalling their readiness to participate in the upcoming election

87% said they intended to vote at the election, while 8% were unsure on whether they would cast a ballot, and j u s t 5 % s a i d t h e y d i d n o t intend to vote

T h e s u r v e y a l s o a s k e d students about their top concerns for the upcoming election 89% prioritised the cost of living, while 88% and 85% emphasised the importance of the NHS and education, r e s p e c t i v e l y A d d i t i o n a l l y , issues like housing, mental h e a l t h , s t u d e n t f u n d i n g , equalities, the environment, and job opportunities were considered extremely or very important by at least 70% of respondents, illustrating the breadth of challenges faced by students and young people

£50bn spending challenges await Starmer or Sunak post-election

The w in ne r of t he upcoming election will confron t challe ngin g decisions on public sp e n d in g , w i t h wa r n i n g s t ha t wit h out in t e r ve n t io n, un pr ot e ct e d G o v e r n m e n t depa rtm ent s could se e cut s tota lling £20bn

M o r e o v e r , i r r e s p e c t i v e of the anticipated impact of post-recession, post-Covid, and post-Ukraine economic strains on public finances, the party in governance after t h e e l e c t i o n w i l l g r a p p l e w i t h a g r o w i n g r o s t e r o f one-time and unavoidable spending commitments

Media analysis suggests this bill alone could exceed £50bn, requiring decisions on compensation schemes

payouts and long-

The independent thinktank emphasised that ongoing spending hikes, such as those for the military, would constrain the Chancellor's f l e x i b i l i t y i n o t h e r a r e a s more than one-time expend i t u r e s , l i k e t h o s e f o r Thames Water or compensation

Karan Maheshwari

Director Nadira Mirza discusses vision for Leeds Trinity's new Race institute

L eeds Trinity U niv ersity will l au n ch i ts f ir st R ac e Institute during its annual R ac e, E qu i ty , a nd S o c ia l J u s ti c e c o nf ere nc e o n 22

M ay T his initiative reflects t h e u n i v ers i ty 's c o m m i tm ent to a nti - ra ci s m an d a i m s t o l ead n ati o n w i d e efforts by uniting org anisat i on s a cr o ss s ec to rs S t em m in g fro m i ts rac eequity w ork, which earned it th e Race E quality Ch arter Bronze award in 20 20, th e Race Institute will drive sust ai ne d t ran sf o rm a ti o na l ch ange I n a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h A s i a n V o i c e , P r o f e s s o r Nadira Mirza, Director of t h e R a c e I n s t i t u t e , s p o k e a b o u t t h e m o t i v a t i o n s , v i s i o n , a n d a s p i r a t i o n s b e h i n d e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e institute

Can you tell us more about the motivation behind establishing the Race Institute at Leeds Trinity University?

We, as higher education institutions, prioritise diversity in all aspects: from our staff appointments to the e n r o l m e n t o f s t u d e n t s , w h e t h e r t h e y c o m e f r o m local, regional, or international backgrounds In 2017, w e l a u n c h e d t h e R a c e , E q u i t y , a n d S o c i a l J u s t i c e conference series, aimed at bringing together staff, stud e n t s , e x t e r n a l c o m m u n it i e s , a n d s t a k e h o l d e r s t o address the critical importance of race in our institut i o n W e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t not everyone starts from the same point, so it's imperative to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges and addresses differe n c e s i n b a c k g r o u n d a n d e x p e r i e n c e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y concerning race

The conferences serve as a platform for open discussion, debate, and learning a b o u t o u r d i v e r s e b a c kgrounds and shared human-

ity They highlight the disparities faced by individuals from non-white ethnicities, examining how these challenges manifest differently across various sectors, such a s h e a l t h , e d u c a t i o n , a n d business

What specific initiatives or programs will the Race Institute undertake to advance its mission?

C o n f e r e n c e s , s e m i n a r s , and colloquium series hold a s p e c i a l p l a c e i n f o s t e r i n g discussions and knowledge exchange We organise four core conferences annually, each focusing on race equity and related issues Alongside our flagship event, we host

t w o s m a l l e r c o n f e r e n c e s , one centred on Black Lives M a t t e r a n d t h e o t h e r addressing Islamophobia From these conferences, we derive themes for colloq u i u m s e r i e s , f a c i l i t a t i n g deeper discussions beyond t h e m a i n e v e n t s F o r i n s t a n c e , f o l l o w i n g o u r upcoming conference on 22 May, which spotlights the i n t e r s e c t i o n o f e d u c a t i o n and health leveraging digital resources, we will organise three local seminar series These series will delve into health and education, feat u r i n g e s t e e m e d k e y n o t e speakers renowned in their respective fields By conveni n g e x p e r t s f r o m d i v e r s e backgrounds, we aim to foster collaborative efforts and devise sustainable strategies f o r o p e r a t i o n a l i m p r o v ement

How do you envision the Race Institute, contributing to the broader discourse?

Our goal is to create a safe and open space where people feel comfortable discussing critical issues and d e v e l o p i n g s t r a t e g i e s f o r solutions This encompasses a wide range of concerns, from fostering diversity in the workforce to anticipating future challenges in vari o u s f i e l d s I b e l i e v e t h a t a m i d s t t h e g l o b a l u n r e s t , understanding and bridging the North-South divide is crucial We must recognise the diversity within countries and continents to foster dialogue and cooperation for a better world

M o r e o v e r , w e a r e a d d r e s s i n g p r e s s i n g i s s u e s like climate change, recognising its disproportionate impact on regions like the global south By facilitating discussions that intertwine race and climate change, we seek to unite diverse stakeholders in finding sustainable solutions This collabor a t i v e a p p r o a c h , b r i n g i n g t o g e t h e r u n c o n v e n t i o n a l groups, is key to driving lasting change and creating a more equitable and resilient world

What measures will the Race Institute implement, to ensure its efforts are inclusive and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds?

Our institution's name inherently embodies qualities of diversity and inclusivity However, through experience, we've observed that discussions around gender o r d i s a b i l i t y i s s u e s o f t e n flow more smoothly comp a r e d t o c o n v e r s a t i o n s about race There seems to be a hesitancy and discomfort when addressing racerelated topics This reluctance underscores the critical need for us to focus on

race equity and to have a significant impact in this area To achieve our goal, we

p r i o r i t i s e o p e n n e s s a n d d i v e r s e v o i c e s w i t h i n o u r institute Colonialism and i t s e n d u r i n g i m p a c t h a v e shaped our institutions, and we recognise the need to d e c o l o n i s e o u r p r a c t i c e s , e s p e c i a l l y w i t h i n h i g h e r education

Our curriculum involves diversifying the authors recommended to students and e n s u r i n g a d i v e r s e s t a f f t e a c h e s a d i v e r s e s t u d e n t body Embracing this divers i t y e n r i c h e s t h e l e a r n i n g e x p e r i e n c e a n d f o s t e r s a deeper understanding of different perspectives and values Ultimately, our efforts centre on promoting race equity for an inclusive environment

What are your aspirations for the future of the Race Institute?

T h r o u g h o u r r e s e a r c h a n d k n o w l e d g e e x c h a n g e e f f o r t s , w e a i m t o g a t h e r essential information cruc i a l f o r b u i l d i n g a b e t t e r society This entails deepeni n g o u r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f various issues and utilising that knowledge to develop programs where individuals c a n e n g a g e a n d l e a r n Fundamental to our mission is providing a space for dialogue and discussion on topics of significant difference

For our institution, the goal is clear: Leeds Trinity strives to be a leader in this field, engaging in innovative collaborations and projects t h a t d r i v e m e a n i n g f u l c h a n g e P e r s o n a l l y , I a m driven by the desire to make a global impact I aspire to leverage research and development policies to ensure fairness and equity for all By combining institutional l e a d e r s h i p w i t h p e r s o n a l aspirations, we endeavour to contribute to a more just and inclusive society

Man jailed for hiding cocaine in cheese in £70m drug conspiracy

A m a n c a u gh t s m u gg l in g c ocaine worth over £17 mill io n into the UK h as been s entenced to jail Po lic e disc overed the dru gs co ncealed in bloc ks of chees e and bin bags

Saleem Chaudhri, a 46year-old from Blackburn, was apprehended during a raid on a n i n d u s t r i a l u n i t i n Blackburn in May 2023 He c o l l a b o r a t e d w i t h c o u r i e r R i e a d u l M o h a b a t h , f r o m South Shields in Tyne and Wear, to amass over £70 million from 2022 to 2023

B o t h p l e a d e d g u i l t y t o conspiracy to supply cocaine a t P r e s t o n C r o w n C o u r t Chaudhri received a sentence of 27 years and six months, while Mohabath, 28, was sentenced to 16 years

Lancashire Police reporte d t h a t o n 3 M a y , j u s t moments before his arrest, C h a u d h r i w a s o b s e r v e d a c q u i r i n g a T o y o t a E s t a t e from a drug courier and driving it to the Old Fire Station in Blackburn Upon instruction from officers, he opened t h e s h u t t e r s o n h i s u n i t , r e v e a l i n g 4 7 8 l b ( 2 1 7 k g ) o f cocaine, valued at over £17

million

According to police, some of the drugs were concealed w i t h i n b l o c k s o f G o u d a c h e e s e i m p o r t e d f r o m Belgium, while others were s t a s h e d i n b l a c k b i n b a g s , apparently prepared for handover to couriers They said Chaudhri had arranged to hand 148lb (67kg)

Vaisakhi: Nagar Kirtan, Sarson Da Saag and Makki Di Roti bring the community together

Shefali Saxena

Fine dining is at t he hea rt of Ma st erChef semi-finalist and Roux Schol arship final ist Arb in der's cul inary cre ations From North In dia 's b ack garden ta ndoor to Mumbai kitche ns an d Michelin-star restaura nts, Arbinder Singh combines Fr ench an d European techniq ues to bring you a tant alisin g men u

Currently working on a private dining venture where he does private cooking in clients' house, Private Villas and cook according to their needs

He’s trained in lots of different cuisines around the world and caterers to lots of different requirements of clients He spoke exclusively to Asian Voice on the occasion of Vaisakhi

How did you cele brat e Va isakhi this yea r?

We celebrate Vaisakhi by participating in colourful processions called Nagar Kirtan take place in Southall All the Devotees sing hymns, carry the Sikh holy scripture (Guru Granth Sahib), and share food (langar) with the community after this we as a family visit gurdwaras to attend special prayers and participate in kirtan (devotional singing)

Wh at qu intess ential c uisines do you prep are fo r th e f es tival?

On this auspicious day, we always prepare vegetarian dishes which reflect harvest season so dishes like traditional Punjabi dishes like makki di roti (cornbread), sarson da saag (mustard greens), and lassi (a yoghurt-based drink)

Wh at does Vaisakhi m ean f or th e dias po ra away from h ome?

Vaisakhi means bringing all the Sikhs around the world together for unity and how we are still connected with our culture & heritage

How does this festival bring th e co mmunity to geth er in a c ultural co ntext?

I think it is all about unity, bringing families together and most important one establishment of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699 Sikhs worldwide honour this pivotal moment in Sikh history

What s a sig nature Vaisakhi dish /recipe that you continue to reviv e?

One of the very traditional dishes that my mum always used to make on Vaishaki is Lahouri Aloo which is always served with khasta Roti which is a family favourite Here is the recipe for this Lahouri Aloo

Dice Boiled Aloo 500gms

Red onions 1 medium size

Cumin seeds 1tsp

Chop Green chilli 1/2tsp

Amchour powder ½ tsp

Kashmiri red chilli powder 1/2tsp

Crush Kasoorimethi 1/4tsp

Fresh chop coriander 20gms

Refined oil for cooking

Salt for seasoning

Coriander cress, ginger julienne for garnish

M ethod

1 Heat the oil in a frying pan & crackle cumin seeds

2 Now add chopped green chilli sauté it to release the flavour, we will add onions sauté it to light golden

(63kg) to another on the day of his arrest

M o h a b a t h w a s l a t e r apprehended at his residence in South Shields on 3 July During the raid, authorities discovered a substantial sum of cash, along with a cash counting machine and suspected Class A drugs in various quantities, according to t h e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e A d d i t i o n a l l y , a s e a r c h o f

3 At this point add red chilli, and amchur powder sauté for a few seconds & then straight away add potatoes and c o o k o n s l o w m e d i u m f l a m e t i l l p o t a t o e s a b s o r b flavours

4 Finish it off with kasoorimethi & chop fresh coriander

5 Garnish it with thinly julienne ginger & coriander cress

Kh asta Roti

1 Refined Flour 350 GMS

2 Sooji 25 gm

3 Melted Ghee 45 Gms

4 Salt 5 Gms

5 Ajwain 1 Gms

6 Coldwater 180 gms

C h a u d h r i ' s r e s i d e n c e i n Waterside, Blackburn, uncovered nearly £10,000 in cash

T h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n i n t o

C h a u d h r i ' s a c t i v i t i e s revealed that he had agreed t o s e l l o v e r 4 , 4 0 0 l b (2,000kg) of cocaine, totaling more than £70 million, b e t w e e n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 2 and May 2023 Saleem

t o o n e c o u r i e r a n d 1 3 9 l b

M ethod

First, in a large mixing bowl Maida, rava oil and salt to taste Crumble the flour well with oil In addition, add water little by little and knead to form a dough and cover them for 15 mins with a wet cloth

Now divide whole dough into equal balls

Heat the tawa on high flame

Now roll the dough flat like roti and then before putting it on tawa brush it with water on one side of it

Put the water side first on the tawa so that it can stick and then put the tawa upside down and cook till done

Apply ghee before serving and enjoy it with Lahouri aloo

Prof Nadira Mirza

Chaudhri and Rieadul Mohabath

Breaking the silence: The urgent need to address childhood verbal abuse

Anusha Singh

The first global c onference on childhood verbal abuse ( C VA ) , ho s te d b y W or d s M a t te r, W or l d H e a l th O rganisation ( WHO ), and Uni versity College London ( UCL) , revealed that CVA c osts society $300 billion annually worldwi de Titled " W or ds M at te r : I m pa c t a n d P re ve n t i on o f Childhood Verbal Abuse," i t marks the first collaborat ive e ff ort to tac kl e thi s i ssue Childhood verbal abuse by adults, which includes blaming, insulting, scolding, or criticising children, is a prevalent form of child m a l t r e a t m e n t t h a t c a n h a v e s e v e r e a n d l a s t i n g i m p a c t s o n m e n t a l a n d physical health, leading to i s s u e s s u c h a s a n x i e t y , d e p r e s s i o n , e a t i n g d i s o rders, self-harm, substance a b u s e , a n d s u i c i d e Furthermore, it can detrim e n t a l l y a f f e c t a c h i l d s self-esteem, relationships, and overall functioning in various areas of life

In the UK, 41% of child r e n e x p e r i e n c e v e r b a l abuse by adults, with over half experiencing it weekly and 1 in 10 experiencing it daily Primary sources of s u c h a b u s e i n c l u d e p a re n t s , c a r e r s , t e a c h e r s , friends' parents, and activit y l e a d e r s E m o t i o n a l a b u s e , o f w h i c h v e r b a l abuse is a significant component, is now the most p r e v a l e n t f o r m o f c h i l dhood abuse

Verbal ab use in South As ian households and i ts impac t

According to Professor Shanta R Dube (Professor a n d D i re c t or , M as t e r o f P ub l i c H e a l th P ro gr am , D ep ar t me n t of P ub l i c H ea l th i n t he L ev i n e College of H ealth Sciences, W ingate Univers ity, US), in

S o u t h A s i a n h o u s e h o l d s , c h i l d h o o d v e r b a l a b u s e o f t e n m a n i f e s t s t h r o u g h p o w e r d y n a m i c s W h i l e patriarchal dynamics dominate, matriarchal dynamics also exist

“South Asian cultures a r e g r o u p - c e n t r e d a n d want to ensure “shame” is not brought to the family unit Often verbal abuse may be part of the method

t o m a n i f e s t “ b r i n g i n g order There is also a focus on achievement and pride; children experience criticism and comparisons with other children within the

f a m i l y u n i t a n d o u t s i d e often occur “ I n t h e s y s t e m a t i c review, we found that the a d u l t s p e e c h b e h a v i o u r i n c l u d e d c r i t i c i s m a n d m a k i n g c o m p a r i s o n s w h i c h a d v e r s e l y i m p a c t s children, making them feel r e j e c t e d a n d n e g a t i v e l y impacting self-concept ”

Explaining the impact of childhood verbal abuse, Profess or Xiangming Fang, ( P ro fe s s or & D i re c tor of t he C en t re f or H ea l th E c on omic s and Poli cy at C h i na A gr i c ul tu ra l Uni versity and the School of Public H ealth at Georgia S ta t e U n i ve r s i ty ) s a i d ,

“ C h i l d h o o d v e r b a l a b u s e c a n h a v e p r o f o u n d a n d enduring effects on individuals, transcending cult u r a l b o u n d a r i e s W i t h i n the South Asian community, where berating is often more prevalent, its impact can be particularly significant due to cultural norms emphasising authority and respect

“The repercussions of verbal abuse during childhood are diverse, encomp a s s i n g l o w s e l f - e s t e e m , m e n t a l h e a l t h d i s o r d e r s , academic struggles, delinquency, adult criminality, impaired relationship formation, diminished earning potential, and chronic h e a l t h i s s u e s P r e v e n t i n g v e r b a l a b u s e c a n e n a b l e children to reach their full potential, yielding societal benefits such as improved h e a l t h , r e d u c e d v i o l e n c e a n d c r i m e r a t e s , a n d enhanced educational and economic prospects

“Moreover, the intergenerational transmission of verbal abuse can perpetuate dysfunctional cycles within families and comm u n i t i e s F o r e x a m p l e , children who endure verb a l a b u s e m a y b e m o r e prone to replicating such behaviours in adulthood

Verbal abuse is also often m o r e p r e v a l e n t i n l o w s o c i o e c o n o m i c f a m i l i e s , e x a c e r b a t i n g h e a l t h a n d education disparities and p e r p e t u a t i n g c y c l e s o f

poverty and inequality ”

T i n a Ch um m un i s a

U KCP -a cc red it ed per sonc entre d tra um a spec iali st psychotherapist & wellness

c oac h According to her,

there exists a misconception and negative stigma

a s s o c i a t e d w i t h m e n t a l health, within the South

A s i a n c o m m u n i t y “ S p e c i f i c a l l y , w h e n t h e t e r m " m e n t a l h e a l t h " i s m e n t i o n e d , m a n y S o u t h

A s i a n i n d i v i d u a l s o f t e n only associate it with diagnosed conditions such as schizophrenia or psychosis However, it's important to r e c o g n i s e t h a t m e n t a l h e a l t h e n c o m p a s s e s a b r o a d s p e c t r u m o f c o nc e r n s , i n c l u d i n g s t r e s s , anxiety and sadness ”

Discussing the prevalence of childhood verbal abuse in South Asian communities and its impact, she said, “There's a historic a l c o n t e x t t h a t c o ntributes to the prevalence of certain behaviours, such as the emphasis on success a n d a c h i e v e m e n t s t e mming from the trauma of colonialism and migration

Many South Asian parents feel compelled to excel and provide materially for their f a m i l i e s a s a r e s u l t H o w e v e r , t h i s d r i v e f o r success often leads to high levels of stress, which can m a n i f e s t i n u n h e a l t h y ways Unfortunately, this stress is sometimes directed towards children as parents struggle to cope “ V e r b a l a b u s e f r o m parents can have profound and long-lasting effects on a child's self-esteem, confidence, and emotional wellb e i n g T h e s e e f f e c t s c a n e x t e n d i n t o a d u l t h o o d , i m p a c t i n g r e l a t i o n s h i p s , w o r k p e r f o r m a n c e , a n d physical health ”

Fos tering a cultural shift towards more pos itive and nurturing forms of c ommunication

Children are concrete thinkers – black and white – it is or it isn’t, regardless

o f c u l t u r a l c o n t e x t Professor Dube feels that there is a need to educate a d u l t s a b o u t c h i l d h o o d development

S h e s a i d , “ C o m m unication has to be delivered with the observation and

a w a r e n e s s o f t o n e , a n d words Positive and nurt u r i n g w o r d s a r e a b o u t communicating in a way that the child can learn to understand the impact of their behaviours and they are recognised when they make positive strides ” P r o f e s s o r X i a n g m i n g F a n g a d d e d , “ A d d r e s s i n g c h i l d h o o d v e r b a l a b u s e n e c e s s i t a t e s a h o l i s t i c a p p r o a c h w h i c h e n c o mp a s s e s r e s e a r c h , a w a r en e s s - r a i s i n g , p r o v i d i n g support for parents, carers, t e a c h e r s a n d a l l a d u l t s a r o u n d c h i l d r e n Culturally sensitive interv e n t i o n s , i n v o l v i n g c o mmunity leaders and influential figures, are crucial in challenging harmful norms a n d f o s t e r i n g h e a l t h i e r communication and practices By breaking the cycle of verbal abuse, communit i e s c a n f o s t e r r e s i l i e n c e a n d w e l l - b e i n g a m o n g their members, paving the way for a more equitable and thriving society ”

About the role parents, educators, and community leaders play in breaking the cycle of childhood verbal a b u s e , P r o f e s s o r D u b e explains that while childh o o d v e r b a l a b u s e m a y have been the norm generations ago, a cultural shift has to begin with education and awareness as the starting point The biology of the toxic stress response has to be more visible and understood

She further added, “We need to understand that the adults themselves may have experienced trauma and what they ‘learned’ is the only way they know how to communicate We can move toward a cultural shift by breaking the interg e n e r a t i o n a l c y c l e b y working with adults; helping them heal from their trauma ”

Prof Dube also shared some insights into raising awareness about childhood verbal abuse and promoting prevention efforts stati n g , “ M i n d f u l n e s s a n d awareness of our actions and words Before speaking, assess the situation Take the time to respond, n o t r e a c t I f a r e a c t i o n occurs, acknowledge with t h e c h i l d a n d m a k e amends They need to be reassured

“ P r o m o t e a w a r e n e s s that adults are not alone; A C E s a r e p e r v a s i v e a n d experienced by a large proportion of adults Trauma healing is a journey and requires engaging in selfc a r e a c t i v i t i e s t h a t p r om o t e o u r r e s i l i e n c y a n d w e l l - b e i n g ( r e g u l a r e x e rc i s e , e l i m i n a t i o n o f s u bstance use, nutritious diet, time in nature, and mindbody exercises) ”

Angela Rayner vows to resign if found guilty

Amid alle gat ion s of bre aching ele ctora l law an d av oiding ca pital g ains tax , A nge la Ra yne r ha s pledg ed t o resign

a s d e p ut y le a d e r o f t h e L a bo u r pa r t y i f a p o li ce inve st igat ion finds she ha s comm it te d a crime

Following accusations of providing false information about her residency prior to her election as an MP in May

2 0 1 5 , G r e a t e r M a n c h e s t e r Police (GMP) have launched an investigation into the sale of Angela Rayner's council house in March 2015

Calls for Angela Rayner

t o d i s c l o s e l e g a l a n d t a x a d v i c e r e g a r d i n g p o t e n t i a l capital gains tax on the sale of her council house have intensified Rayner has indicated she will only release

t h i s i n f o r m a t i o n i f t h e Conservatives demanding it also disclose theirs

She said: “I’ve repeatedly said I would welcome the chance to sit down with the a p p r o p r i a t e a u t h o r i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e p o l i c e a n d

HMRC, to set out the facts and draw a line under this m a t t e r I a m c o m p l e t e l y confident I’ve followed the r u l e s a t a l l t i m e s I h a v e a l w a y s s a i d t h a t i n t e g r i t y a n d a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a r e important in politics That’s why it’s important that this is urgently looked at, indep e n d e n t l y a n d w i t h o u t political interference

“I make no apologies for h a v i n g h e l d C o n s e r v a t i v e ministers to account in the p a s t I n d e e d , t h e p u b l i c would rightly expect me to do so as a deputy leader of t h e o p p o s i t i o n W e h a v e seen the Tory party use this playbook before – reporting political opponents to the police during election campaigns to distract from their record I will say as I did before – if I committed a criminal offence, I would of course do the right thing and step down The British p u b l i c d e s e r v e s p o l i t i c i a n s who know the rules apply to them

in 1960 “The King was presented with GBP 5, 10, 20, and 50 notes These are the first

n o t e s t o f e a t u r e H i s Majesty’s image The notes are scheduled to enter circulation on 5th June 2024, ” the statement added T h e B a n k o f E n g l a n d had previously declared that the polymer banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait would remain legal t e n d e r , c o - c i r c u l a t i n g a l o n g s i d e t h e n e w K i n g C h a r l e s I I I n o t e s T h e issuance of the new bank n o t e s w i l l b e l i m i t e d t o replacing worn-out currency and fulfilling any increase in demand for banknotes

Following the new portrait design introduced last year, the King’s image will b e p r o m i n e n t l y d i s p l a y e d on the front of the banknotes, while also appearing in a cameo within the transp a r e n t s e c u r i t

Professor Shanta R Dube

Professor Xiangming Fang

Tina Chummun

King Charles III with Andrew Bailey and Sarah John

Dear

How do you keep your cool when the world looks like it’s on the brink of war

By picking the resilient growth companies which are undervalued is key Let me explain

Whether it's a geopolitical conflict, a groundbreaking technological advancement, or a pandemic, each event sends ripples across global markets, influencing investor behaviour and economic outcomes

Geopolitical Tensio ns

G e o p o l i t i c a l c o n f l i c t s o f t e n p r o v o k e i m m e d i a t e volatility in global markets For instance, when tensions rise in significant oil-producing regions, it can lead to spikes in oil prices, impacting energy stocks and the broader market indices that are sensitive to energy costs

Moreover, prolonged conflicts can lead to uncertainty about regional stability, prompting investors to shift their assets to safer havens like gold or government bonds, which are traditionally seen as less risky than stocks

T echnological Breakthro ughs

The announcement or launch of innovative technologies can also significantly influence stock markets A prime example is the tech boom driven by the rise of the internet and mobile computing, which saw tech companies' stock prices surge More recently, advancements in artificial intelligence and renewable energy technologies have spurred investor interest in companies within these sectors, driving up their market valuations and creating new market leaders

Econo mic Policies

The introduction of new economic policies by governments and central banks can lead to significant market reactions For example, when a government announces a substantial infrastructure spending plan, it often boosts stocks in construction and materials sectors Similarly, changes in interest rates by central banks influence stock markets; rate hikes can cool down overheating markets, while rate cuts can provide them a much-needed lift by lowering the cost of borrowing and encouraging spending and investment

Health C rises

Global health crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have profound impacts on stock markets Initial reactions typically include sharp declines due to uncertainty and fear of economic downturn However, sectors like pharmaceuticals and technology can experience gains amidst such crises, driven by increased demand for healthcare solutions and remote working technologies The pandemic highlighted how crucial the pharmaceutical sector is to global health and economic stability, drawing significant investor attention

Environm ental Catastro phes

Natural disasters and environmental changes can lead to immediate negative impacts on insurance, agriculture, and real estate stocks, while simultaneously boosting stocks involved in disaster recovery and clean energy solutions For example, an increase in the frequency of hurricanes can lead to higher claims on insurance companies, reducing their stock value, while amplifying interest in renewable energies as a preventive measure against climate change-driven disasters

Inv estor Psychology

Underpinning all these factors is investor psychology, which plays a crucial role in stock market dynamics Fear and greed can drive market swings more significantly than the actual economic impact of events The perception of risk and potential gains often leads to herd behaviour, exacerbating market volatility

So how do we cope? I ensure my stocks are resilient by selecting from 10,000 companies, the 20 I like based on their valuation, growth, and stability of their price and their average returns Also, I know if I have 20 stocks, and say 5% in each, then even if any drops 25% from the high since I bought it, I would lose in my portfolio only 1 25%

Anyway, I remain happy with my Goldman Sachs, Alphabet and Amazon holdings

Bank of England ranks poorly in economic forecasting, report finds

A re ce n t re po r t h ig hl ig ht s significant shortcomings in the B ank of Engla nd's ability to make a ccur ate economic pre dictions

The institution relies on o u t d a t e d I T s y s t e m s a n d maintains an excessive staff count of 5,000

R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s s u ggest a shift towards employing fewer, more experienced workers for improved data analysis

C o n s e q u e n t l y , f a m i l i e s face the burden of the highe s t b o r r o w i n g c o s t s i n 1 5 years, driven by 14 consecutive interest rate hikes

B e n B e r n a n k e , f o r m e r

U S F e d e r a l R e s e r v e c h a i rman, was invited to review the Bank after its woefully gloomy and wrong prediction that the UK would face a two-year-long recession

I n h i s f i n d i n g s , M r Bernanke observed a signifi-

Britain suspends import duties on 100+ items

In response to industry d em and and to assist dom estic firms in manag ing costs, Britain has susp ended imp ort duties on over 10 0 items, including car parts and fru it juice, until J une 20 26

The government announced plans to introduce 126 new tariff suspensions on goods that are not sufficiently produced in Britain Additionally, it revealed intentions to extend 11 existing suspensions

Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said the move was in response to the needs of business after the government had considered 245 applications for duty suspensions

From automotives to food and drink, we re helping businesses to reduce import costs and remain competitive," Hands said in a statement to Reuters

Analysis by specialist credit insurance firm Allianz Trade said the removal of tariffs on the goods would reduce inflation by 0 6 percentage points, and cut import costs by close to 7 billion pounds ($8 8 billion) in nominal terms

Under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Most F a v o u r e d N a t i o n s t a t u s , B r i t a i n ' s s u s p e n s i o n s c h e m e removes tariffs uniformly, regardless of the goods' origin

The government's assessment considers existing Free Trade Agreements and consumer interests Other items with suspended import duties include chemicals, metals, flowers, and leather

c a n t d e t e r i o r a t i o n i n t h e Bank of England's forecast-

i n g a c c u r a c y c o m p a r e d t o

c o u n t e r p a r t s s u c h a s Canada's Norges Bank and New Zealand's central bank

His 86-page report includes 12 recommendations aimed

at enhancing the Bank's ability to respond more effectively and swiftly to evolving circumstances

Mr Bernanke found that vital IT software which the Bank relies on to make its forecasts was “out of date and lacks important functionality”

Governor Andrew Bailey yesterday refused to apologise for mistakes in forecasti n g a n d s a i d t h e B a n k “doesn’t do hindsight”

He said it was impossible for central banks to predict the huge inflationary shocks f r o m R u s s i a ’ s i n v a s i o n o f Ukraine

BlackRock UK tax appeal on $13.5bn BGI deal fails

Bl ac kR oc k , th e w o rl d ' s largest asset manag er, has lost an appeal regarding UK tax it attemp ted to recover fr o m H M R ev e nu e & Customs

This pertains to its $13 5 b i l l i o n a c q u i s i t i o n o f

Barclays Global Investors in 2009 The appeal concerns a structure implemented by BlackRock during its acquisition of the business from Barclays The US portion of t h e B G I b u s i n e s s w a s acquired through a corporate arrangement involving a U K t a x r e s i d e n t e n t i t y , L L C 5 T h i s e n t i t y w a s f i n a n c e d b y $ 4 b i l l i o n i n l o a n s f r o m a n o t h e r B l a c k R o c k g r o u p e n t i t y based in the US T h e U K t a x r e s i d e n t entity sought tax relief for

i n t e r e s t c o s t s a s s o c i a t e d with the loans and attempted to offset the resulting tax l o s s e s a g a i n s t p r o f i t s o f

o t h e r p r o f i t a b l e g r o u p s within the BlackRock group

The Court of Appeal's decision marks the conclusion of a prolonged dispute spanning several years HMRC originally rejecte d t h e t a x d e d u c t i o n s , b e f o r e t h e F i r s t - t i e r T r i b u n a l f o u n d i n B l a c k R o c k ’ s f a v o u r T h a t d e c i s i o n w a s r e v e r s e d o n a p p e a l t o t h e U p p e r Tribunal, and upheld by the Court of Appeal, albeit on different grounds

UK Trade Mission to DRC: Strengthening Economic Partnerships

The Democratic Republic of th e C ong o ( DR C ) h o ld s i m m ens e ec o no m i c potential, and the U nited Kingdo m is keen to foster a ro bust partnership to unlock this potential for m utu al benefit Las t week, L ord P op at, th e U K Prim e Minister's T rade Envoy fo r the DRC , alongsid e His M aj esty’s T rade

C o m m i s si o n er f o r A fr i ca , J o h n Hu m p h r ey an d L o nd on - ba se d tr ad e and investm ent firm DMA Inv estment led the UK’s larg est trad e m issio n to the DRC to d ate

Comprising 27 British businesses spanning sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure, the mission

Small businesses under pressure as staff costs soar

Ov er two-thirds of sm al l a nd m e di um - s iz e d e n t er p r is e s (SME s) are feel ing the press ur e t o inc reas e prices f or their goods a nd se rvic es this ye ar due t o the prospect of r is ing wage expense s A quarterly survey encompassing more than 4,800 businesses revealed that, despite a decline in inflation and expecta-

t i o n s o f l o w e r i n t e r e s t r a t e s , labour costs are squeezing profit

m a r g i n s A c c o r d i n g t o t h e

British Chambers of Commerce survey, 46 per cent of predomi-

n a n t l y s m a l l e r a n d m i d - s i z e d

b u s i n e s s e s i n d i c a t e d p l a n s t o raise prices this year, with 68 per cent attributing the need to do so to staffing costs

C o n c e r n s a r e m o u n t i n g a b o u t t h e B a n k o f E n g l a n d s ability to reduce interest rates if wages and consumer price inflation persistently remain high

B a n k p o l i c y m a k e r s h a v e c a utioned that inflation in the service sector, where labour costs are highest, must decrease more rapidly to warrant interest rate cuts

T h e C h a m b e r s o f

C o m m e r c e e m p h a s i s e d t h a t escalating labour expenses were identified as the primary cost pressure across all businesses, with over three-quarters of comp a n i e s i n t h e h o s p i t a l i t y a n d manufacturing sectors experiencing acute wage pressure

T h e s u r v e y , c o v e r i n g t h e f i r s t q u a r t e r o f 2 0 2 4 , a l s o revealed stagnant business confidence at the beginning of the year, with companies reporting no upturn in investment intentions or projected turnover

underscored the UK's dedication to bolstering economic ties with the DRC

The visit aimed to cultivate partnerships between leading British companies and both the public and private sectors in the DRC

Throughout their stay, the delegation engaged with key figures including Minister for Industry, Julien Paluku, and President Felix Tshisekedi’s Chief of Staff, Guylain Nyembo

One of the mission's focal points was a UK-DRC Business Forum, where delegates explored firsthand the vast trade and investment opportunities in the DRC

L o r d P o p a t a n d J o h n

Humphreyemphasised the transformative potential of UK-DRC cooperation

They highlighted the DRC's abundant mineral wealth, agricultural resources, and untapped hydropower potential, all of which present significant investment opportunities

Moreover, they underscored the UK's role as a responsible

investor committed to ethical business practices and sustainable development

Another key highlight of the miss i o n w a s t h e s i g n i n g o f a c o n t r a c t between Regie Des Voies Aeriennes, t h e D R C a i r p o r t a u t h o r i t y a n d W e s t m i n s t e r A v i a t i o n S e c u r i t y Services, a division of British global security company Westminster Group, to create world-class airport security operations at DRC’s international airports

British companies already play a vital role in the DRC, contributing to e s s e n t i a l s e c t o r s s u c h a s m i n i n g , telecommunications, and infrastruct u r e d e v e l o p m e n t H o w e v e r , c h a ll e n g e s r e m a i n , i n c l u d i n g n a v i g a t i n g complex regulatory environments The trade mission provided a platform to address these challenges transparently and foster an environment conducive to investment

As President Tshisekedi's renewed commitment to economic reforms signals a new era of openness and innovation in the DRC, the UK stands ready to support these efforts Through continued collaboration and dialogue, both nations can realize their shared vision of prosperity and growth

In conclusion, the UK trade mission to the DRC represents a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and economic prosperity for both nations

Lord Popat

ADB raises India's growth forecast to 7% from 6.7%

c h a r e c r u c

Apple doubles iPhone output in India

o r c o n s u m e r a n d b u s i n e s s c o n f i d e n c e T h e o u t l o o k could thus be affected by negative global shocks, such as a supply shock in crude o i l m a r k e t s t h a t s p i k e s e n e r g y c o s t s a n d r a i s e s g l o b a l i n f l a t i o n , w h i c h could lead central banks to tighten financial conditions globally and in India,” the a g e n c y s a i d i n i t s l a t e s t outlook W h i l e w e a t h e r s h o c k s

T h e A s i an D ev e lo p m e nt Bank raised Ind ia’ s gro wth forecast fo r the current year t o 7 %, f ro m 6 7% ea rli er, c i ti ng st ren g th e ni ng i nv estm ent and imp ro ving consump tion demand in the c ou ntry, and p eg g ed next year ’ s expansion at 7 2% It also estimated inflation to stay around 4 6% in 2024 ADB had projected the I n d i a n e c o n o m y t o g r o w 7 6 % l a s t y e a r “ T h e economic outlook for India d e p e n d s o n p r i c e a n d f i n a n c i a l m a r k e t s t a b i l i t y , w h

could impact demand and i n f l a t i o n , d u e t o u n d e rperformance in agriculture, ADB said there could be an upside due to faster-than-

e x p e c t e d F D I i n f l o w , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t o m a n u f a c t u r i n g , w h e r e s e v e r a l c o m

c t i v i t y B e t t e r t h a ne x p e c t e d g l o b a l g r o w t h c o u l d b o o s t e x p o r t s a n d thus growth,” it added

Musk’s Starlink gets in-principle approval of govt

D ay s b efo r e h e c o m e s c al li n g o n I n d i a and P M

N are nd r a M o d i , E lo n M u sk ’ s s atc o m v en tu re S tarlink has been given an i n- principle app ro val from the telecom ministry T he file now lies at the desk of c o m m u n i ca ti o ns m i ni st er A shwini Vaishnaw, who is w aiting for final v etting by t h e h o m e m in is tr y ov er certain security matters

P M M o d i s a i d investment from across the globe is welcome but should g e n e r a t e e m p l o y m e n t f o r Indians “I want investment

t o c o m e i n I n d i a a n d i t d o e s n ’ t m a t t e r w h o h a s i n v e s t e d m o n e y , ( b u t ) t h e s w e a t p u t i n t o t h e w o r k

must be of our own people The product should have the essence of our soil, so that o u r y o u t h w i l l g e t employment opportunities,” Modi said while responding to a question on Tesla and Starlink’s possible entry H e a l s o s a i d I n d i a i s moving rapidly on electric v e h i c l e s ( E V s ) a n d s o u g h t investment from companies “We have told the world that India is moving very fast on electric vehicles If you want t o d o m a n u f a c t u r i n g , y o u should come ” Modi had met Musk in the US last year, and the PM recalled visiting the Tesla factory in 2015 O n b e i n g a s k e d a b o u t Musk telling Modi that he is

a fan of the Indian PM, Modi said, “Look, the first thing s a y i n g t h a t M u s k i s s u p p o r t e r o f M o d i i s o n e t h i n g , b a s i c a l l y , h e i s a supporter of India And I just met him I went to see his factory in 2015 He showed me everything in his factory and I understood his vision I went there just now (to the US in 2023) and met him again And now he is about to come to India ” M u s k i s e x p e c t e d i n India later this month for another meeting with Modi and is widely expected to u n v e i l T e s l a ’ s p r o d u c t i o n strategy after govt’s decision to lower the import duty on electric cars

Tata group in talks to buy stake

Pegatron's iPhone plant in India

P e g at ro n i s rep o r ted ly i n talks to hand over its only i P h o n e m an u fa ct u ri ng facility in India to the Tata Group, th e Taiw anese firm's latest scale back of its Apple p artnership The deal, if it g oes throug h, will see Tata h old ing at least a 65% stake in a joint venture that will o perate the P eg atron plant n ea r C h e nna i, w it h th e T a iw a nes e f i rm p ro v i d i ng t ec h ni c al s up p o rt a nd h old ing the rest The d eal h a s A p p l e' s ba ck i ng , accord ing to a report

T a t a w i l l r e p o r t e d l y o p e r a t e t h e j o i n t v e n t u r e

through its Tata Electronics

u n i t T h e P e g a t r o n p l a n t e m p l o y s n e a r l y 1 0 , 0 0 0 e m p l o y e e s a n d m a k e s 5 million iPhones annually It i s t h e l a s t s u c h f a c i l i t y operated by the firm after it f o r f e i t e d c o n t r o l o f a n iPhone plant in China last year to rival Luxshare in a $290 million deal

The development comes

a s A p p l e i s i n c r e a s i n g l y l o o k i n g t o d i v e r s i f y i t s supply chain beyond China amid geopolitical tensions

b e t w e e n B e i j i n g a n d Washington For Tata, the Chennai Pegatron plant will

Voda Idea to raise £1.8 bn via

A i ling telecom o perato r

V odafo ne Id ea (VIL) said it plans to raise u p to £1 8 billion thro ugh sh are sale in the bigg est follow-on p ublic offer (F PO) as it

m o v es t o m o b i li se r es o u rc es t o i nv ig or ate o p e rat i o ns an d w o rk toward s launch ing 5G

b o l s t e r i t s i P h o n e manufacturing plans

Tata already operates an i P h o n e a s s e m b l y p l a n t i n the neighbouring state of K a r n a t a k a , w h i c h i t t o o k over from Taiwan's Wistron last year, and is also building another in Hosur in Tamil

N a d u , w h e r e P e g a t r o n i s likely to emerge as its joint v e n t u r e p a r t n e r P e g a t r o n has for months also been b u i l d i n g a n o t h e r i P h o n e f a c t o r y a t i t s C h e n n a i campus, and the Tata deal

t a l k s i n c l u d e t a k i n g o v e r that facility as well, a source said

follow-on offer

V o d a f o n e I d e a s h a r e s w

FPO surpassing the previous highest of £1 5 bn share sale by Yes Bank in 2020 VIL’s f u n d r a i s i n g , w h i c h c o m e s close on the heels of £207

5

m n c a p i t

services, and clearing vendor dues

V I L h a s b e e n l o s i n g subscribers and fighting a battle for survival, saddled

w i t h d e b t o f £ 2 1 b n a n d continuing quarterly losses

Apple a ssem bled $14 billion wor th of iPhon es in India last finan cia l y ear , doubling pr oduct ion in t he count ry in w h a t co u ld be se e n a s a d i v e r s i fi ca t io n i n m a n u f a ct ur i n g b e y o n d Chin a A pple now ma kes a s much as 14% or about 1 in 7 o f i t s m a r que e d e v i ce s i n In d ia , a Bloo mbe rg r e por t said, citing pe ople familiar with t he mat ter F o x c o n n a s s e m b l e d nearly 67% while Pegatron Corp made about 17% of the I n d i a - m a d e i P h o n e s W i s t r o n C o r p ’ s p l a n t i n Karnataka, which the Tata Group took over last year, made the remaining Apple did not confirm the numbers The American e l e c t r o n i c s g i a n t i s i n c r e a s i n g l y l o o k i n g t o d i v e r s i f y i t s s u p p l y c h a i n b e y o n d C h i n a a m i d g e o p o l i t i c a l t e n s i o n s b e t w e e n B e i j i n g a n d Washington, even as China remains the largest iPhone making hub in the world

Manufacturing in India has lately picked up after govt introduced productionlinked incentives (PLI) for over a dozen key sectors

T h e r a m p - u p i n production suggests Apple is accelerating efforts to cut its l o n g s t a n d i n g r e l i a n c e o n China

Hindujas to buy 60% stake in India MF unit of Invesco

The Hinduja Gr oup will buy a 6 0 % s t a k e i n A m e r ic a n a s se t m a n a g e r In v e sc o ’ s I n d i a m u t ua l fu n d u n i t , ma rkin g its en try int o the i n d u st r y e v e n a s J io F i n a n c ia l S e r v ic e sBl a c k R o ck jo i n t v e n t u r e g e a r s up t o d is r u p t t h e ma rke t The move comes after t h e b a n k - t o - a u t o m o b i l e conglomerate won a court a p p r o v a l f o r p u r c h a s e o f R e l i a n c e C a p i t a l a n d i t s s u b s i d i a r i e s , c o v e r i n g l i f e , h e a l t h a n d g e n e r a l i n s u r a n c e , r e s e a r c h a n d securities broking and asset r e c o n s t r u c t i o n b u s i n e s s e s Hinduja and Invesco didn’t

disclose the deal amount but said after the transaction, the US firm will retain a 40% s t a k e i n t h e m u t u a l f u n d unit Invesco, which entered India’s MF industry through a stake-purchase in Religare Asset Management in 2012, i s t o d a y t h e f i f t h l a r g e s t foreign player It manages assets worth £8 54 bn It had bought 49% in Religare for

about £46 mn and four years l a t e r p u r c h a s e d t h e remaining 51% stake H i n d u j a G r o u p h a s routed the deal through its M a u r i t i u s b a s e d a r m I n d u s I n d I n t e r n a t i o n a l H o l d i n g s ( I I H L ) I n N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 3 , I I H L c h a i r m a n A s h o k H i n d u j a said there are gaps in the company ’ s financial services business like mutual funds, which it will fill up through acquisitions After inking the deal with Invesco, Hinduja said: “This is another step in journey of value creation for our shareholders It was our v i s i o n t o t r a n s f o r m I I H L into a BFSI powerhouse ”

India's retail inflation at 5-month low, industrial output hits 4-month high

Ind ia 's re ta il infla tion ea sed to a five -month low in Mar ch on t he ma rgina lly mode rat ing f oo d in fla t io n , w h il e i n d u s t r i a l o ut p u t gr owth rebounde d to a four-mont h hig h in Feb, led by robust in fr a sector s and con sum er dur ables output

Data released by the National Statistical Office showed retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose an annual 4 9% in March, lower than the 5 1% in Feb

Rural inflation was higher at 5 5% while urban w a s a t 4 1 % T h e f o o d p r i c e i n d e x w a s marginally lower at 8 5% in March compared with 8 7% in the previous month

Vegetables prices rose an annual 28 3% in M a r c h w h i l e p u l s e s a n d p r o d u c t p r i c e s remained stubborn at 17 7% keeping up the pressure “We estimate the food & beverages inflation to remain above the 7% mark in April 2024 An intensification of the impending heatwave may worsen the seasonal uptick in p r i c e s o f p e r i s h a b l e s , h e i g h t e n i n g t h e criticality of a favourable monsoon in 2024 to keep food inflation in check and inflationary e x p e c t a t i o n s w e l l - a n c h o r e d , ” s a i d A d i t i Nayar, chief economist at ratings agency Icra Adani Group to buy TN cement biz of My Home in £41.4 mn deal

Amb uja Cem ents, the cem ent and buil ding m aterial company of Adani Group, has s igned an agreem ent to acquire My Home Group’s 1 5 m t pa (m il l io n t on ne pe r a nn um ) c em en t grinding unit in Tuticorin in Tam il Nadu

The acquisition is estimated at a total value of £41 37 mn and will be met through internal accruals

The deal will help in enhancing Ambuja’s coastal footprint across Southern markets of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the company said in a statement JM Financial Limited acted as exclusive financial advisor to MHIPL on this transaction, according to the company Telangana based My Home Group has diversified business interests and the said cement unit is spread across 61 acres near the

Tuticorin Port “The limited availability of limestone in Tamil Nadu presents a unique c o m p e t i t i v e a d v a n t a g e w i t h c o a s t a l movement of clinker from the Sanghipuram Plant ensuring cost-efficient operations,” the company said

“We are glad to announce this acquisition, strengthening our foothold in the region and aligning perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality products and services t o o u r c u s t o m e r s I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e

infrastructure and geographical advantages, Ambuja Cements will also inherit the existing dealer network and retain current employees, facilitating a smooth transition and enabling the rapid ramp-up of utilisation,” Ajay Kapur, CEO of Cement Business, Adani Group, said

Flight with Pak PM on board diverted, angering hundreds of passengers

L AH ORE : A n Islamabad-bound

P IA flig ht carrying Pakistan PM

S h e h ba z S h ar i f, P u nj ab C M

M aryam Nawaz and a high-level d elegation back fro m th eir v isit to Saudi Arabia was diverted to L ah ore airport, causing inconv enience to hundred s of other passeng ers, acco rding to a m ed ia rep ort

The incident came close on the heels of the PM declaring a ban on the red carpet at events i n h i s f a v o u r , w h i c h e a r n e d accolades for signalling a shift towards eradicating the VIP cul-

ture

Quoting a PIA spokesperson, the Dawn newspaper reported that the Pakistan International Airlines flight PK842, carrying

Ex-PM Gilani elected Pak senate chair, PTI boycotts

IS LAM ABA D: Former PM and P ak is t an P e o p le s P a rt y ( P P P ) l eader Y u su f R aza G ilani h as been elected as ch ai rman o f th e senate, the u pper h ouse of p arliament, after Imran Kh an-led P akistan Teh reek-i-Insaf (PT I) bo yco tted the elections for th e top po sitio n Gilani’s ascend to the coveted position was expected after his party signed a power-sharing deal with Pakistan Muslim L e a g u e - N a w a z , w h e r e b y t h e y t r a d e d p o l i t i c a l p o s i t i o n s Under this arrangement, PPP k e p t t h e g o v e r n o r s h i p s i n P u n j a b a n d K h y b e rP a k h t u n k h w a a s w e l l a s t h e positions of president, senate’s chairman and deputy speaker of N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y , w h i c h i s Pakistan’s parliament

In return, PML-N kept the

g o v e r n o r s h i p s o f S i n d h a n d Balochistan, as well as the positions of PM, speaker of National Assembly, and deputy chairman of the senate With PTI’s boycott, Gilani, the joint candidate o f t h e g o v e r n i n g c o a l i t i o n , found himself with a clear path t o t h e s e n a t e s p o t P M L - N ’ s Syedal Khan Nasir was elected unopposed as deputy chairman of the senate The two were elected during a session that also saw 41 newly elected senators being sworn in as members

P T I b o y c o t t e d t h e e l e c t i o n , a l l e g i n g t h a t t h e H o u s e w a s incomplete as senate polls had b e e n p o s t p o n e d i n K h y b e rPakhtunkhwa after the newly elected lawmakers for reserved seats were not allowed by the provincial assembly’s speaker to take oath

3 9 3 p a s s e n g e r s , which was supposed to land in Islamabad

w a s d i v e r t e d t o

A l l a m a I q b a l International Airport in Lahore, the report said

INDIAN SHOT DEAD INSIDE HIS CAR IN CANADA

Videos circulating on social

m e d i a s h o w e d p a s s e n g e r s expressing their anger, but they had no other option but to wait

u n t i l t h e V I P s d i s e m b a r k e d before continuing their journey to Islamabad

A f t e r o f f l o a d i n g a b o u t 7 9 passengers, the flight eventually took off for Islamabad and lande d a t t h e I s l a m a b a d International Airport

The PM, Punjab CM and other VIPs d i s e m b a r k e d a t Lahore, which caused inconven i e n c e t o h u n d r e d s o f o t h e r I s l a m a b a d - b o u n d p a s s e n g e r s , the report said Official sources said that apart from Sharif and Maryam, the delegation include d d e f e n c e m i n i s t e r K h a w a j a Asif and others, along with their family members

Indian charged for giving false information to public servant in Singapore

S INGA P ORE : A 46-year-old Indian-o rig in security officer h as been ch arged with g iving false information to a public serv ant about the safe d isposal of a fake IED u sed in a sim ulatio n exercise which later caused a p anic situation in the area, according to a media report

Durendran Vicknesh Venkatraman was on January 5 tasked to dispose of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which was used in a simulation exercise conducted by a security agency that day at Singapore's Sing Industrial Complex in Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park, The Straits Times newspaper reported However, he failed to do so and the IED was later found abandoned in a public place causing panic among the people and authorities Due to the situation, the authorities were forced to deploy police resources and also bar at least 100 people from entering the premises before the item was established to be a fake IED, the report said

“He was supposed to dispose of the fake IED after he received a call from the exercise team,” a senior police official was quoted as saying in the report Also, when the authorities tried to connect to Venkatraman over the matter since he was absent for over 5 hours, he on his return lied to them that he had disposed of it

Venkatraman's case has been adjourned to April 30 If convicted of giving false information to a public servant, he can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to 5,000 Singaporean dollars

Jacob Zuma wins court bid to contest upcoming South Africa election

P R E T O R I A : A So u t h A fr i ca n

c ou r t h a s r ul e d t ha t fo r me r

Pr esiden t Jacob Zuma can run for office in t he country ’ s upcoming g ener al el ection, overt ur ning an e arl ie r decision that had ba rred him from conte sting the poll s

The Electoral Court decision paves the way for Zuma to run for p r e s i d e n t o n b e h a l f o f t h e u M k h o n t o weSizwe Party (MK), a political organisation that he joined last year after denouncing the governing African National Congress party that he once led The electoral commission had earlier ruled that Zuma could not run for office due to his criminal record after it received an objection to his candidacy

in June 2021 after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism under his presidency His lawyers told the court the sentence did not disqualify the v e t e r a n p o l i t i c i a n a s i t f o l l o w e d civil, rather than criminal, proceedings and it had been shortened by a remission

Khalistani activist Pannun releases video challenging

PM Modi, Rajnath Singh

A 24-year-old Indian man who went to Canada in 2022 to pursue higher education was shot dead in his car in Vancouver city, police said Chirag Antil was found dead inside a vehicle in the area police said No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing, police said The incident happened within a block of the route for Saturday s Vaisakhi parade and festival, police said Police spokesperson said the body was found in the area, but did not say if the killing was connected to gang activity Chirag Antil’s family, from Haryana, has set up a fundraiser to repatriate his body to India

MISSING INDIAN ORIGIN STUDENT IN US FOUND

Frisco (Texas): An Indian-American student who went missing in the US earlier this week has been found the police said The 17-yearold Ishika Thakore had gone missing in Frisco, Texas, since April 8 The Frisco police had posted on X seeking the help of the public to trace Ishika Thakore Later, the police said the teenager has been located "The 17-year-old who was the subject of our Critical Missing Alert has been located We d like to thank everyone for the offers of assistance and words of support the post further said

CANADIAN BRAND OFFERS

INDIAN $10,000 AS 'GOODWILL'

A Canadian accessories brand faced backlash on social media for responding offensively to a complaint from an Indian customer regarding a MacBook accessory It began with Bhuwan Chitransh an Indian techie posting a complaint about his Dbrand MacBook skin changing color within just two months of purchasing it In response, the company made an offensive statement mocking the customer s surname The company s response quickly went viral, sparking outrage among users who condemned the firm’s behavior as racist and unacceptable The backlash prompted the company to issue a clarification and apology and later firm offered the Indian man $10,000 as a gesture of 'goodwill'

PAK ARMY MEN BEAT UP COPS OVER ARREST OF COMMANDO

“ T h e d e c i s i o n o f t h e E l e c t o r a l Commission is set aside,” the court wrote in its ruling South Africa is to hold a general election on May 29 in what is expected to be the most competitive vote since the advent of democracy in 1994

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail

The ruling comes with the ANC struggling in the polls amid a weak economy and allegations of corruption and mismanagement Some opinion polls put MK at above 10 per cent nationwide, a share that would make it the third or fourth political force behind the ANC and the liberal Democratic Alliance South Africans will be voting for a new parliament, which in turn will elect the president Jacob

Jajra Omarjel, a South African political analyst, said that the decision was highly unexpected “Jacob Zuma continues to leave us in shock as he did during his nine years as the president of South Africa,” she said

Myanmar rebels take key trading town

NA T PY ID A W: Resistance fo rces seeking to oust M yanmar ’ s military regim e cap tured a key trading town on th e Thai border this week, one of th eir m ost significant g ains since th e junta seized po wer in a coup more than three years ago But thousands o f residents w ere fleeing as the regime’s troop s p repared to m ount a cou nteroffensiv e

The town, Myawaddy, which is now held by rebels belonging to Karen ethnic group, is a hub for imports and exports, with $1 billion in trade last year Its fall comes as resistance forces have seized dozens of towns and military outposts in recent months in border regions near China and Bangladesh

Residents stood in lines for hours at the southeastern border with Thailand as they sought safety in the Thai town of Mae Sot before the junta launches its expected counteroffensive Thai officials have said they will take as many as 100,000 refugees Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the National Unity Government, a shadow civilian govt formed after the 2021 coup, said the junta’s loss of Myawaddy was a significant financial setback and exposed army ’ s growing vulnerabilities, dealing “ a psychological blow ”

Ne w De lhi: Khalist an i t er rorist G urpat wan t Sing h Pa nnun ha s relea sed a v ideo in which he is pur porte dly hea rd sa ying t hat his g roup w i ll c ha lle n g e Pr im e M i n i st e r N a r e n d r a M o d i , D e fe n ce M in is t e r R a j n a t h S i n g h , Ext er nal A ffair s Ministe r S Ja isha nk ar an d t he for mer Re sear ch a nd Ana ly sis Wing chief Sa mant Goel, "r ig ht in the ir own ba ckya rd "

P a n n u n a c c u s e s t h e M o d i r e g i m e o f transnational terrorism and says his outfit, the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) will continue to campaign for the so-called Khalistan referendum He termed the general elections, which begins on April 19 a time when p e o p l e c a n " e m b a r r a s s M o d i " b y " s h o w shoes" and "shame" him

The close to three-minute-long video shows clips from Rajnath Singh's recent interview to a TV channel in which the defence minister says that the government will give a befitting reply to any terrorist who tries to disturb the peace of India

The video also shows a clip of the PM at a rally stating that "aaj ka bharat ghar mein ghus kar maarta hai " During his public rally in Jamui in Bihar on April 4, PM Modi had launched a scathing attack on the Congress and claimed that during the UPA rule, India was considered a weak country

In the video, Pannun also urged the governments of the US, Canada and Pakistan to follow LexTalionis which implies an equal punishment approach

It is not the first time that Pannun has released a video on social media He is known to routinely release such videos on social media in the past

Pakistan army men attacked a police station and beat up cops following a dispute over recovery of an allegedly illegal weapon from a member of a soldier s family in Bahawalnagar district of Punjab Videos showing men in army uniform allegedly beating up policemen went viral on social media It showed bloody faces and marks of torture on the bodies of police officers Sources said police officers had raided the family home of an army SSG (Special Service Group) commando, but the policemen were instead taken captive by the soldier and his relatives A larger police force was sent to rescue the captured cops After extricating their colleagues police arrested the SSG commando and his family members The soldier and his relatives were allegedly tortured in custody

33 KILLED IN AFGHAN FLASH FLOODS

At least 33 people were killed after snow, rain, and subsequent flooding wreaked havoc in the country over the past three days in Afghanistan Moreover, 27 people were injured as a result of flash floods Similarly 606 homes have been either partially or completely destroyed said Janan Saiq spokesperson for the state ministry of disaster management Saiq added that the provinces of Farah, Herat, Zabul, and Kandahar suffered excessive losses The majority of the deaths were in the provinces of Farah, Herat, Zabul, and Kandahar with most victims coming from Kandahar province he said

Zuma

MAN STABS SIX TO DEATH IN SYDNEY MALL, SHOT DEAD

A man aged around 40 stabbed six people to death at a shopping centre in Sydney before he was shot dead by police Eight people were injured as hundreds fled in panic The attacker was shot and killed by a lone police officer who was directed into the mall by people fleeing the scene, police said The officer was following the man with the knife trying to catch up to him when he turned and lunged at her with the weapon The officer then opened fire, killing the attacker In another incident, a number of people were injured in a stabbing at a church in Walkley, about 30 km west of the Sydney, police authorities said Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries The injured suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are being treated by paramedics, police said

MILITANTS BLOCK HIGHWAY IN BALOCH, KILL 11

Separatist militants gunned down at least 11 people after setting up a blockade along the national highway leading to Iran in Pakistan’s Nushki district of Balochistan province, police officers said A dozen gunmen intercepted a bus traveling on the highway from Quetta to Taftan abducted nine labourers from Punjab province and examined their identification cards before whisking them away to nearby mountains The militants executed the hostages at close range said Nushki police chief Ilahi Bakhsh Police and paramilitary personnel found the bodies under a bridge The militants also fired at a car attempting to breach their blockade, killing two locals, including the brother of a provincial legislator

VIETNAM BILLIONAIRE SENTENCED TO DEATH

Truong My Lan a Vietnamese real estate tycoon was sentenced to death by a court in Ho Chi Minh City in connection with the country s biggest fraud case according to state media Lan (67) who was arrested in 2022 is the chair of the real estate company Van Thinh Phat She is accused of committing fraud worth $12 billion, which is nearly 3 per cent of the country s 2022 GDP Between 2012 and 2022, Lan illegally controlled the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank to siphon off funds through thousands of ghost companies and by paying bribes to government officials Lan's arrest was among the most high-profile in a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has intensified since 2022 The drive, Blazing Furnace' campaign, has not even spared top Vietnamese politicians

OLDEST CONJOINED TWINS DIE AT 62

Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died this month in Pennsylvania according to funeral home officials They were 62 The twins, listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living conjoined twins, died on April 7 The cause of death was not detailed “When we were born, the doctors didn’t think we’d make 30, but we proved them wrong,” Lori said when they turned 50, Philadelphia Inquirer reported George came out as transgender in 2007 The twins, born on Sept 18, 1961, had distinct brains but were joined at the skull

ONE KILLED, 7 OTHERS HURT IN CHICAGO SHOOTING

An 8-year-old girl died and seven other people were wounded – including two young children –when shots were fired while they were standing outside at a family gathering in Chicago police said The girl was pronounced dead after being shot in the head Two young boys aged one and 7 respectively were each shot multiple times and left in critical condition Five adults from 19 to 40 years old were also wounded All the victims were taken to area hospitals, police said This was not a random act of violence It was likely gang related ” police said Police have not named any suspects in the shooting and no arrests were reported

ba i as a "liv ely"

vid ual "They say age is just a number That seems true for this lively 99-year-old who became a # N e w U S C i t i z e n i n o u r Orlando office Daibai is from India and was excited to take the Oath of Allegiance She's p i c t u r e d w i t h h e r d a u g h t e r and our officer who swore her

in Congrats Daibai," USCIS said in a post on X (formerly Twitter)

The USCIS also captured the touching moment where t h e n o n a g e n a r i a n i s i n a w h e e l c h a i r a n d p o s i n g w i t h the citizenship certificate Also in the frame are her daughter and the officer who swore her in

USCIS is tasked with handling immigrant visa petitions, n a t u r a l i s a t i o n a p p l i c a t i o n s , asylum applications, and green card applications The agency also handles petitions for nonimmigrant temporary workers such as H-1B visas, which are used by hundreds of Indian techies to work in the US While several are celebrati n g D a i b a i ' s g e t t i n g c i t i z e n -

Indian origin professor leads NASA study of ionosphere during eclipse

WAS HINGTON: On April 8, th e US exp erienced a remarkable to tal so lar eclip se that captivated millions of spectato rs acro ss th e country Ho wever, beyond its awe-inspiring vis ual s pectacle, the celestial event p ro vi ded a uniqu e op portunity for sci entific exploration, p arti cularly for research ers aiming to delve into th e E arth’s u pper atmosp here, kno wn as th e ionosp here

L e a d i n g t h e c h a r g e i n t h i s c r u c i a l research endeavor was Dr Aroh Barjatya, a Professor of Engineering Physics at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University in Florida

Originally from Jaipur, Barjatya spearheaded a pioneering project in collaboration with NASA The mission involved launching three rockets into the ionosphere, a layer of charged particles situated between 90 and 500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface

Solar eclipses are known to disrupt radio signals transmitted through the ionosphere, affecting communication and power systems worldwide, including mobile phones and t e l e v i s i o n s B a r j a t y a ’ s m i s s i o n a i m e d t o quantify this disruption and gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon, with the ultimate goal of mitigating communication breakdowns during future eclipses

Each rocket was strategically launched: the first 45 minutes before the eclipse, the

Dr Aroh Barjatya

second during totality, and the third 45 minutes after Equipped with specialized instruments, no larger than a two-liter soda bottle, these rockets meticulously recorded changes in charged and neutral particles, as well as the electromagnetic field, at altitudes of up to 420 kilometers

The data collected during this mission will be instrumental in unraveling the intricate interaction between the Sun’s radiation and the Earth’s upper atmosphere during a solar eclipse

Barjatya’s expertise extends beyond mission leadership He is the founding director of the Space-Atmospheric Instrument Lab at Embry-Riddle University, where he has been instrumental in advancing research in space systems and atmospheric science

FBI offers reward for information leading to arrest of Indian wanted for killing wife

N EW YO R K : The FBI ha s offer ed a r ewa rd of up t o USD 2,50,0 00 for informa tion lead in g t o the arr est of a 3 3-ye ar-old “ ex tre mely da ng erous ” Ind ia n n at ion al who is wan ted in t he U S for a llege dly killing his wife in 201 5

Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, who was last known to be in the Newark area of New Jersey, is wanted for allegedly killing his wife Palak Patel by striking her multiple times with an object when they worked at a doughnut shop in Hanover, Maryland Patel has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and dangerous weapons with intent to injure, the FBI said in a statement

A federal arrest warrant was issued in the Maryland district court on April 20, 2015, after Patel was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution According to a 2017 FBI press release, Patel and his wife worked the night shift at the doughnut shop of one of his relatives

Investigators believe Patel killed his wife, who was 21 at the time, in a back room of the shop on April 12, 2015 Patel allegedly stabbed his wife multiple times and fled by a rear door

Shaffer, who was investigating the case from the FBI’s Baltimore Division Realising that Patel was an international flight risk, local police requested FBI assistance, and several days after the murder, a federal arrest warrant was issued charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution Investigators believe that Patel could be in the US or that he could have fled to Canada

ship, some Indian X users are q u e s t i o n i n g w h y i t t o o k s o long for the US to complete the naturalisation process The Indian woman has been staying in Florida with her daughter for years

O n e u s e r , i n a s a r c a s t i c post, said, Rumor has it that Daibai was in the Indian green card backlog, renewing her H1B every three years, and now can finally retire "

"Most Indians in employment based green card backlog would look like this by the t i m e t h e y g e t t h e i r g r e e n cards," wrote another

Andhra born pilot Gopi Thotakura to become first Indian space tourist

ill be on the ir n ext flight to the edge of s pace

“Gopi is a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive,” according to Blue Origin Besides being a commercial pilot, he is also a medical jet pilot and an avid traveller, who recently aced “ t h e s u m m i t o f M t K i l i m a n j a r o ” i n Tanzania

“Gopi pilots bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, as well as gliders and hot air balloons, and has served as an international medical jet pilot ” Blue Origin said

He will be a part of the six-person crew flying on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission Jeff Bezos’ space venture is yet to announce the dates

Born in Vijayawada, Gopi studied at Sarala Birla Academy, a private school in Bengaluru, according to his LinkedIn prof i l e A g r a d u a t e o f E m b r y - R i d d l e Aeronautical University, Gopi is also the co-founder of Preserve Life, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

While Gopi is set to become the first space tourist of Indian origin, travel docum e n t a r y p r o d u c e r S a n t h o s h G e o r g e Kulangara has also vied for a spot having paid for a seat on a Virgin Galactic space plane He is known to have undergone multiple training sessions and flights to prepare for the role

Blue Origin has, since July 2021, carried out six crewed flights, and CEO Jeff Bezos himself took part in the first

Indian American arrested for threatening Bakersfield mayor, council members

C A L IF ORNI A : Rid dhi Patel, 28, an IndianA m e ri ca n w o m an w a s arr es ted i ns i d e Ba ke rs fi el d C i ty C o u nc i l ch a m b ers f o r th reatening to “murder” council m em bers and the mayor

R i d d h i P a t e l , 2 8 , a p r o - P a l e s t i n e protestor, is accused of 16 felony counts and b o o k e d i n t o j a i l o n s u s p i c i o n o f e i g h t counts of intending to terrorize with the threats, and the rest of eight counts of threatening city officials during her speech

She was seen sobbing with tears after h e a r i n g t h e f e l o n y c h a r g e s a g a i n s t h e r

want to criminalize us with metal detectors,” followed by, “We’ll see you at your house We’ll murder you ” She further escalated her rhetoric speech: “I hope one day somebody brings the guillotine and kills all of you motherf****** ”

She called out “Navratri a festival of oppressors ” during her speech and invoked M a h a t m a G a n d h i a n d J e s u C h r i s t j u s t b e f o r e s h e t h r e a t e n e d t h e c i t y c o u n c i l members

The best guess is that he didn’t want her

The statement warned that Patel should be considered “armed and extremely dangerous ” According to the FBI, investigators theorise that Palak Patel wanted to return to India – as their visas had expired the month before - and her husband was against the idea

During a segment of the council meeting designated for public commentary, Patel vocalized her opposition to the proposed security measures, specifically the installation of metal detectors, which she perceived as a criminalization of the public

P a t e l ’ s c o n t e n t i o u s r e m a r k s d i r e c t l y threatened the council, stating, “You guys

The pro-Palestine protestor's inflammatory and atrocious speech quickly went viral on social media like X and TikTok From Collin Rugg to the Hindu American Foundation shared the video on X, which attracted more than 3 million views

“ W e a r e o u t r a g e d t h a t t h i s p e r s o n

invokes Gandhi & Chaitra Navaratri while threatening to murder Bakersfield leaders,” the Hindu American Foundation posted

In hindsight, all will regret scrapping of electoral bonds, says PM Modi

P ri me M ini ster Narend ra Mod i said p eop le would regret the abolition of the electoral bond schem e, and ruled o ut chang es in the Co nstitution sho uld

h i s g o v t g et a no t h er t erm In an interview to news agency A NI, P M said w hile there w as scop e for im pro vement i n th e e le cto r al b o nd s s c h em e , i t r ep re s ent ed an h o ne st at tem p t t o i m p r o v e t ran s p are nc y i n c am p ai g n finance “Everyone w ill regret it wh en there is honest reflection,” he said , on s c ra p p in g o f t h e s ch e m e as h e cautio ned that the cou ntry has been “ pushed to wards black m oney ”

He said the positive feature of the EB scheme was that people would have at least some idea about where parties were getting their funds from “You are getting a trail of which company gave, how it gave, where it gave ”

He attacked the opposition for spreading “lies” about the bonds He also scotched the charge about the Enforcement Directorate launching

i n v e s t i g a t i o n s t o c o e r c e b u s i n e s s p e r s o n s t o m a k e contributions to BJP, by saying that if that were the case then opposition would have got no money through bonds

Saying he did the right things in the decade he has been in office, PM said, “yet there is so much I need to do that is why I say this is a trailer ”

On Ram Mandir, he said that in n o t a t t e n d i n g t h e c o n s e c r a t i o n ceremony at Ayodhya in January, the current leadership of Congress had only picked up from where the first PM Jawaharlal Nehru left off when he

refused to attend the ceremony to m a r k t h e r e s t o r a t i o n o f S o m n a t h Mandir which had been destroyed by invaders

On the alleged misuse of central a g e n c i e s a n d o p p o s i t i o n l e a d e r s

b e i n g j a i l e d , h e s h o t b a c k b y emphasising that it is only a handful of them who have been arrested He a l s o p o i n t e d o u t t h a t h i s c l o s e c o l l e a g u e , U n i o n h o m e m i n i s t e r Amit Shah, was put in jail when was s e r v i n g a s h o m e m i n i s t e r i n t h e Modi-led Gujarat govt

Responding to the criticism that he had personalised diplomacy, Modi said results suffer if “diplomacy is stuck in protocol The power of d i p l o m a c y i s a l s o t h e r e i n t h e informal ” While commenting on the r o l e o f p e r s o n a l r e l a t i o n s , h e e m p h a s i s e d t h e r o l e o f “ h i s friendships” in getting the Saudi King M o h a m m a d b i n S a l m a n a n d President Joe Biden together during the G20 summit in Delhi

Adani Green to set up world's largest renewable energy park in Kutch

A d a ni G r ee n E n e rg y L i m i te d i s b uilding the world's larges t renewable e n e rg y pa r k i n K ha v da i n Kut c h dis trict of Gujarat This park is s pread over 538 sq uare km, about fi ve times larger than the total si ze of the French c apital Paris

A c c o r d i n g t o V i n e e t J a i n , Managing Director of Adani Green

E n e r g y , t h e t o t a l c a p a c i t y o f t h e Khavda plant will be 30 GW Adani Group will invest £15 billion in this c o m p a n y C u r r e n t l y t w o g i g a w a t t renewable energy is being produced from this park Four gigawatt capacity will be added by March 2025 After this, five gigawatt capacity will be added every year Khavda Park is just one km away from Pakistan Border

Canada axes dozens of Indian staffers from its diplomatic missions

C an ad a h as re tre nc h ed d o ze ns o f I nd i an st af fer s fr o m i ts d i p lo m a ti c missions in India ap parently because of th e red uction of Canadian staff available to “ ef fec ti v ely m a na g e and m ai nt ai n in -c o u nt ry operations” Ind ia had last year expelled 4 1 Canad ian diplomats to ensu re p arity in d i p l o m ati c p re s enc e, fo l lo w i ng w h i c h C an ad a h ad s h u t i n- p ers o n operations in its M umbai, Chand igarh and Beng aluru consulates

T h e r e w a s n o o f f i c i a l

w o r d o n t h e n u m b e r o f employees retrenched but it d o e s n ’ t a p p a r e n t l y e x c e e d

100 Confirming the “staff

r e d u c t i o n s ” , a m e d i a relations official in the high

c o m m i s s i o n s a i d t h e decision was sadly necessary

g i v e n t h e d e p a r t u r e o f Canadian staff last year

“We wish to express our s i n c e r e g r a t i t u d e f o r t h e

C a n a d i a n s a n d I n d i a n s , ” said the official, adding that

C a n a d a ’ s v i s a a p p l i c a t i o n c e n t r e s i n I n d i a a r e operating “ as normal”

D e s p i t e t h e s t r a i n e d ties, Canada has maintained it has strong connections

w i t h I n d i a n c i t i z e n s , a n d will continue to welcome t h e m I n d i a h a d n o t expected Canada to shut its services in the consulates as i t s d e c i s i o n t o e x p e l diplomats was meant only to seek parity in diplomatic representations only in the r e s p e c t i v e h i g h commissions in Delhi and Ottawa

India had expelled the diplomats after a spat with Canada that resulted from p r i m e m i n i s t e r T r u d e a u ’ s allegation that Indian govt

r e s i l i e n c e , d e d i c a t i o n a n d service of our local staff in India Canada will continue to deliver core services to its citizens in India, including

c o n s u l a r s u p p o r t a n d f o r t r a d e a n d b u s i n e s s

d e v e l o p m e n t , s o t h a t t h e

G u j a r a t I n d u s t r i e s P o w e r Company Limited (GIPCL) has been appointed as the nodal agency for the Hybrid Renewable Energy Park The p r o j e c t t o b u i l d t h i s p a r k w a s prepared as part of PM Modi's efforts to reduce carbon emissions Work on this project is going on from the year 2021

T h e r e a r e m a n y r e a s o n s f o r setting up this plant here; in which mainly more than 100,000 hectares

A c c o r d i n g t o V i n e e t J a i n , t h e share of solar energy in the proposed capacity of 30 GW is 26 GW Whereas wind energy will be four per cent When completely ready, this park will generate 81 billion units of electricity, which can supply the entire demand of countries like Belgium, Chile and Switzerland

£3.54 mn raised for Kerala man on death row in Saudi Arabia

H u n d re d s o f pe o p le i n K e r a la ha ve collected £ 3 5 4 mn through a c r ow d - f u n d i n g ca mp a i gn t o s ecure the rele ase of Kozhi kode n ativ e Abd ul Rahim, conv icte d in S a u d i A r a b i a f or c a u s i n g t h e d eath of a 15 - year- old d isa bled b oy

"When the propagandists of h a t r e d s p r e a d l i e s a g a i n s t t h e state, the Malayalees are raising their defence through stories of humanity and philanthropy For the release of Abdul Rahim, a n a t i v e o f K o z h i k o d e w h o w a s s e n t e n c e d t o d e a t h i n S a u d i Arabia, Malayalees all over the w o r l d h a v e j o i n e d h a n d s a n d collected more than £3 mn," said Kerala CM on social media

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ALSO READ| Massive crowdfund campaign raises ₹34 crore to save Kerala man on death row in Saudi Arabia

As per reports, Abdul Rahim was employed as a house driver of

a S a u d i c i t i z e n a n d a s t h e c a r e t a k e r o f a 1 5 - y e a r - o l d d i s a b l e d b o y A s p e r R a h i m ' s version, while travelling with the b o y o n e d a y , h e s t o p p e d t h e vehicle at a red light When the boy asked Rahim to violate the red signal, he accidentally hit and d i s l o d g e d t h e t u b e o f a l i f esupport device attached to the boy's body As a result, the boy fell unconscious and died

R a h i m w a s s e n t e n c e d t o death in 2018 under Saudi law for murder The victim boy's family w a s a d a m a n t a b o u t t h e d e a t h p e n a l t y B u t t h e y e v e n t u a l l y agreed to pardon him if he paid 'blood money' of 15 million Saudi riyals

A legal action committee was f o r m e d t o o r g a n i s e t h e c r o w d f u n d i n g t o s a v e A b d u r Rahim The committee set up an a p p c a l l e d ' S a v e a b d u l r a h i m ' t o collect the amount More than £3 mn were collected through the app The fundraising target was achieved by adding the amount received offline

of land is lying barren near Khavda, located on the India-Pakistan border in Kutch The second reason is that the weather here is favorable for both solar and wind When it came to building the RE Park, this barren land w a s i d e n t i f i e d i n f r o n t o f t h e Vighakot BSF check post But this area is sensitive from a security point o f v i e w F o r t h i s , p e r m i s s i o n w a s sought from the Defence Ministry

I n A p r i l 2 0 2 0 , t h e D e f e n c e Ministry received the green signal to b u i l d a H y b r i d R e n e w a b l e E n e r g y Park on 72,600 hectares of land Then the responsibility of its construction was given to six companies including G I P C L M a i n l y a m o n g t h e s e companies, Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL), Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL), NTPC Limited, Adani Green

c i t i z e n s o f o u r t w o countries can continue to b e n e f i t f r o m t h e longstanding ties between

o f f i c i a l s w e r e i n v o l v e d i n t h e m u r d e r o f K h a l i s t a n i r a d i c a l H a r d e e p N i j j a r i n the Vancouver area Indian govt accused the diplomats of interfering in its internal affairs

T r u d e a u r a i s e d t h e Nijjar issue again last week, w h i l e t e s t i f y i n g b e f o r e a committee that is probing a l l e g a t i o n s o f f o r e i g n i n t e r f e r e n c e i n C a n a d i a n e l e c t i o n , s a y i n g h i s g o v t r e m a i n s c o m m i t t e d t o protecting the freedoms of Canadians

E n e r g y L i m i t e d ( A G E L ) , S a r j a n Realities Limited (SRL), Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECIL) Iran assures India access to its crew, calls for efforts to end war in

I r a n i a n f or e ig n m i n i st e r Ho s se i n A m i r a bd o ll a h i a n a ss ur e d h is c ou n t e r pa r t S

Indians told to avoid travel to Iran and Israel

A mid the d eteriorating security situatio n in West Asia, the gov t “adv ised ” Ind ian nationals not to travel till fu rther notice to Iran and Israel - the tw o countries teetering on the brink of a major military escalation - putting on hold the d ep arture of th ousands of Indian construction workers to Israel

The advisory also asked Indian nationals who are already in Israel and Iran to register themselves with the Indian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran respectively US authorities were reported to have warned the Israeli govt of a major retaliatory strike on Israeli soil by Iran, which has vowed revenge for the killing of s e v e n I r a n i a n m i l i t a r y c o m m a n d e r s i n a n attack on Iran’s diplomatic premises in Syria last week

The advisory to not travel to Israel came in the middle of the govt’s efforts to facilitate the travel of thousands of Indian construction workers to the country which is facing acute labour shortage

M o r e t h a n 6 , 0 0 0 I n d i a n w o r k e r s w e r e e x p e c t e d t o a r r i v e i n A p r i l - M a y u n d e r a bilateral agreement the two countries signed last year that will allow 42,000 Indian nationals to work in Israel The agreement, however, predates the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as it was signed in May last year According to sources, these plans have been put on hold now

t u a t i o n c o n c e r n i n g t h e seized ship, & arrangements w i l l b e m a d e f o r r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f I n d i a n govt to meet with the crew

m e m b e r s o f t h e v e s s e l i n question,” said the Iranian m i n i s t e r t o J a i s h a n k a r

c c o r d i n g t o a r e a d o u t released by Iran “Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries Discussed the c u r r e n t s i t u a t i o n i n t h

had said in a post on X He had also spoken to his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz A c c o r d i n g t o I r a n

i v

n

e a s u r e s against the Israeli regime”, while urging India to play an active role in ending the war in Gaza

“Amirabdollahian urged India to maintain its role through UNSC to halt the war in Gaza, which lies at the core of current crisis,” said Iran

In Bengaluru, Jaishankar said he had asked his Israeli and Iranian counterparts to “ c a l m d o w n ” a n d n o t e s c a l a t e f u r t h e r “ A l a r g e part of our shipping passes through this region and also, oil comes from there So we are concerned when there is t h i s k i n d o f e s c a l a t i o n Hence, our effort has been to tell both of them to calm down,” the EAM said

Narendra Modi

S Jaishankar

Patanjali ads case: SC asks Ramdev, Balkrishna to issue public apology

Suprem e C ourt on Tuesday g ran ted P ata nj al i A y u rv e d founders Baba Ramd ev and managing d irector A charya Balkrishna a w eek to tend er a public apolog y in a case co ncerning m isleading adv ertisements for health cures by t h e co m p a ny T h e to p co u r t w arned that it is not letting them " off the hook " The matter is set to be heard n e x t o n 2 3 A p r i l R a m d e v a n d Balkrishna have been ordered to a p p e a r i n c o u r t " W e h a v e n o t decided whether to forgive you or no You are not so innocent that you did not know what's happening in court," the bench of Justice H i m a K o h l i a n d J u s t i c e A Amanullah said The top court was hearing a lawsuit filed by the Indian Medical

n , w h i c h h a d u r g e d action against Patanjali for advert i s e m e n t s t h a t p r o m o t e d t h e

A y u s h t r e a t m e n t s y s t e m w h i l e u n d e r m i n i n g m o d e r n , e v i d e n c ebased medicine

T h e c o u r t a c k n o w l e d g e d

P a t a n j a l i ' s r i g h t t o p r o m o t e i t s p r o d u c t s b u t c r i t i c i z e d i t s approach to other medical practices "Do your job, don't ridicule

29 Maoists killed in major Chhattisgarh encounter

At least 2 9 Maoists were kill ed in an enco unter w i t h s e c u r it y p e r s o n ne l i n C h h a t t is ga r h ' s K anker district, p ol ice said on T uesday

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the BSF in conjunction with the District Reserve Guard (DRG) launched a joint operation in the Binagunda area under the jurisdiction of Chotebetiya police station in Kanker, the central police force said in a statement

During the operation, the BSF team came under heavy fire from the insurgents The BSF troops retaliated against the attackers, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire

After the encounter subsided, a thorough search of the area was conducted in which 29 bodies of Maoist insurgents were recovered

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f P o l i c e , K a n k e r , Kalyan Elesela initially confirmed the death of eight Maoists saying the number could i n c r e a s e a s t h e c o m b i n g o p e r a t i o n w a s

a n y o n e , " t h e j u d g e s remarked

D u r i n g t h e h e a r i n g , Ramdev expressed remorse: "I am humbly apologizing to you We will remember this in the future It happened on an impulse; we won t do so in the future

B a l k r i s h n a s a i d , " W h a t e v e r h a p p e n e d w a s not deliberate but happened out of innocence and unknowingness " To this, the bench remarked,

" T h i s h a s b e e n g o i n g o n s i n c e

N o v e m b e r a n d D e c e m b e r , a n d your last advertisement came in February "

I n A u g u s t 2 0 2 2 , t h e I n d i a n Medical Association had filed a writ petition urging the central g o v e r n m e n t , t h e A d v e r t i s i n g

underway Three security personnel also sustained injuries in the gunfight but were out of danger

T h e d e v e l o p m e n t c o m e s d a y s b e f o r e Chhattisgarh starts polling for Lok Sabha elections Only Bastar Lok Sabha constituency will vote in the first phase of polling on April 19, while Kanker, where the encounter broke out on Tuesday, will vote along with Rajnandgaon and Mahasamund in the second phase on April 26 Since December 2023, 68 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters with security forces in the Bastar region comprising seven districts, including Kanker

A total of 70 encounters between Maoists and security forces took place in 2023, in which 22 Maoists were killed, as per government records A total of 394 Maoists were also arrested by the security forces during the period

Safeguard judiciary from 'outside' interference: Ex-judges to CJI

Four re tired judges of the Supreme Court an d 17 former high court judge s ha ve writt en a joint let ter to Chie f Justice of India D Y Cha ndrachud br in gin g to his n ot ice al lege d “ e scala ting att empts b y certa in factions to unde rmin e the judiciar y through calcul ate d pr essure, misinformation, and pub lic dispa ragement” an d soug ht his int erven tion t o safegua rd the judiciar y This comes a fortnight after over 600 lawyers on March 28 expressed similar concern over “ a vested interest group ” trying to pressure judiciary on the basis of “frivolous logic and stale political agenda” in politically sensitive cases In their letter, the former judges including four retired SC judgesD e e p a k V e r m a , K r i s h n a M u r a r i , D i n e s h Maheshwari and M R Shah - said, “It has come to our notice that these elements, moti-

vated by narrow political interests and personal gains, are striving to erode the public’s confidence in our judicial system ”

“Their methods are manifold and insidious, with clear attempts to sway judicial processes by casting aspersions on the integrity of our courts and the judges Such actions not only disrespect the sanctity of our judiciary but also pose a direct challenge to the principles of fairness and impartiality that judges have sworn to uphold,” the letter said The s i g n a t o r i e s i n c l u d e f o r m e r j u d g e s f r o m Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Jharkhand, M u m b a i , A l l a h a b a d , U t t a r a k h a n d , P u n j a b and Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh HCs

The judges urged the judiciary to fortify against such pressures and ensure the sanctity and autonomy of legal system are preserved

India, China need to urgently address border situation, says PM Modi

Prim e Minister Narend ra M odi h as said th at India and Ch ina need to quickly ad dress the prolonged situation on th e bo rd er so th at they can pu t behind them th e abnormality in bilateral relatio ns, ev en as he hig hlighted India's attraction as the “natural choice” for those seeking to div ersify supply ch ains

“For India, the relationship with China is i m p o r t a n t a n d s i g n i f i c a n t S t a b l e a n d peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and the world I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility on our borders,” Modi told Newsweek in an interview

A s k e d a b o u t Q u a d , t h e g r o u p i n g o f India, US, Australia and Japan which China sees as an attempt to encircle it, the PM made it clear that the group was not targeted at any country, but asserted that the four member nations were “demonstrating their vision of a free, open and inclusive IndoPacific”

PM Modi said, “Given our strengths, India is now globally considered most suited f o r m a n u f a c t u r i n g w o r l d - c l a s s g o o d s a t competitive cost Apart from producing for the world, the vast Indian domestic market is an added attraction India is a perfect destination for those who want to set up trusted and resilient supply chains ”

Standards Council of India (ASCI), a n d t h e C e n t r a l C o n s u m e r P r o t e c t i o n A u t h o r i t y o f I n d i a (CCPA) to address advertisements that promote the Ayush system at the expense of modern medicine, evidence-based medicine

The plea had highlighted concerns about the systematic spread o f m i s i n f o r m a t i o n d i s p a r a g i n g modern medicine and argued that Patanjali's unverified claims were in violation of laws such as the Drugs & Other Magic Remedies

A c t , 1 9 5 4 , a n d t h e C o n s u m e r Protection Act, 2019

It also cited controversial statem e n t s b y R a m d e v , i n c l u d i n g derogatory remarks about modern medicine and unfounded claims about Covid-19 vaccines and oxygen cylinders during the pandem-

ic's second wave

O n 2 1 N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 3 , t h e Supreme Court criticized Patanjali for circulating misleading claims and advertisements against modern medicine, warning that a fine of ₹1 crore could be imposed if such activities continued

D e s p i t e t h e c o u r t s r u l i n g , Patanjali issued a media statement the following day denying any misleading claims about its products

Following this, on 27 February 2024, the court issued a contempt notice to Ramdev and Balkrishna for persisting in distributing misl e a d i n g h e a l t h c u r e a d v e r t i s ements, barring Patanjali from promoting products with unsubstantiated claims of curing diseases like heart conditions and asthma

Pakistan sees India’s hand in murder of Sarabjit Singh’s killer

Pakistan’s interior minister

M o h s i n Na qv i s ai d o n M on day th at law -enf orcem e nt ag e nc ie s su s p e ct ed “India’s involvement” in the “ ta rg e ted ki l li ng ” o f IS I h e nc h m an A m i r S ar fa raz , aka Tam ba, jus t ov er fiv e years after his acquittal in the 201 3 murder of Indian death-row prisoner Sarabjit Singh

Naqvi said at a presser in L a h o r e , w h e r e S a r f a r a z lived, that the fatal attack on h i m b y t w o m o t o r b i k eborne assailants conforms to “ a pattern” “India is susp e c t e d t o h a v e b e e n

involved in four other murders (on Pakistan soil) We await the conclusion of the investigation before making further statements,” he said There was no response from the Indian govt to the allegation Police said Tamba was a t h o m e i n L a h o r e ’ s Islampura neighbourhood when the assailants came calling They shot him at close range the moment he answered the doorbell He died of his injuries in hospital Based on a complaint by Tamba’s brother Junaid Sarfraz, police registered a

case against the unidentified assailants The Punjab govt referred the case to police’s counter-terrorism department, a front for ISI Tamba and his alleged accomplice, Mudasir Munir, had fatally attacked Sarabjit a t K o t L a k h p a t p r i s o n i n A p r i l 2 0 1 3 S a r a b j i t w a s k i l l

m

n t h s a f t e r India executed Afzal Guru, c o n v i c t e d i n t h e 2 0 0 1 Parliament attack Tamba, 45, was unmarried and lived with his brothers He was a spice dealer and believed to be close to Lashkar-e Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed

Stepbrother arrested for conning Hardik of £430,000

Cri cketer Hardi k P andya’ s step brother w as arrested for allegedly ch eating the cricketer and h is bro ther in busines s T h e s te p bro t h er, Va i bh a v P and ya ( 3 7) , all eg e d ly d i v e rte d a ro u nd £43 0,0 00 from the p artnersh ip firm based in M umbai, causing a loss to the cricketer and h is brother,

distributed in the same ratio

However, the stepbrother set up another firm dealing in the same trade, but

without informing the cricketer and his brother, in violation of the partnership agreem e n t “ A r o u n d t h i s t i m e , profits of the original partnership dropped, causing a loss of £300,000,” a source said, adding that the stepbrother secretly increased his o w n p r o f i t f r o m 2 0 % t o 3 3 3 % , c

y diverted millions from the partnership firm’s account to h i s o w n , t a k i n g £ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 Confronted by the cricketer, h e a l l e g e d l y t h r e a t e n e d t o tarnish his reputation

Poll panel makes seizures worth £465 mn, highest-ever for Lok Sabha elections

T he Elec tio n C o mm i ssi o n s ai d i t h as s ei ze d c as h , liquor, drugs, precious metals and other freebies w orth £4 65 mn since March 1 , th e high est-ev er amo unt in th e histo ry of L ok S abha polls

Such seizures are made by the Election Commission in the run-up to elections with the help of enforcement agencies to monitor inducements, curb electoral malpractices and ensure a level playing field for parties

The poll body said it had made seizures worth £10 mn each day between March 1 and April 13, with the high-

e s t a m o u n t s s e i z e d f r o m

Rajasthan and Gujarat

From Rajasthan, the poll body made seizures worth £ 7 7 8 5 m n , w h i l e f r o m

G u j a r a t , s e i z u r e s w o r t h £60 53 mn were made This is followed by Tamil Nadu a t £ 4 6 0 8 m n a n d Maharashtra at £43 13 mn

T h e m o s t c a s h w a s seized from Tamil Nadu at £5 35 mn, while the most liquor, worth £12 43 mn, was seized from Karnataka The most drugs, worth £48 59 m n , w e r e s e i z e d f r o

from Tamil Nadu The poll body seized the most numbers of assorted freebies and other items worth £53 32 mn from Rajasthan “ T h i s m a r k s a s h a r p i n c r e a s e o v e r £ 3 4 7 5 m n seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019, ” the Election Commission said “ S i g n i f i c a n t l y , 4 5 % o f t h e seizures are of drugs and narcotics, that are under the s p e c i a l f o c u s o f t h e C o m m i s s i o n ” T h e L o k Sabha elections will be cond u c t e d i n s e v e n p h a s e s between April 19 and June 1 a n d t h e r e s u l t s w i l l b e announced on June 4

Krunal Pandya

Bengaluru cafe blast mastermind, bomber arrested from Bengal

B E N G A L U R U : The t wo m e n who p l ot t e d a n d e xe c u t e d t he b l a s t t ha t r oc ked Ra mes hwaram Caf e in B enga luru l a s t m on t h h av e b ee n a rr es te d f ro m

K a nt h i in B e n g al ' s E a s t M id na p or e d i s t r ic t , t he N a t io na l I n ve s t i ga t i on Agenc y sa id Mus sa vir Hus sain Shaz eb a nd Abdul Mat heen Taha were c aught a f te r a j oi n t o pe r a ti on b y c e n t r a l int el ligenc e agenc ies a nd pol ic e fr om

B e n g al , K a r n a t a ka , Te l a n ga n a , an d

K erala , and are en route to K ol kata, the a nti-terror age ncy said in a s tatem ent T h e a v a i l a b l e e v i d e n c e i n d i c a t e s Shazeb planted the explosive device, placed inside a backpack, at the popular e a t e r y T a h a w a s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r p l a n n i n g t h e a t t a c k a n d f o r t h e i r disappearance

T h e s e a r e t h e s e c o n d a n d t h i r d a r r e s t s i n t h i s c a s e ; l a s t m o n t h

M u z a m m i l S h a r e e f , w h o e x t e n d e d logistical support to the Shazeb and Taha, was taken into custody

R e s i d e n t s o f K a r n a t a k a ' s Shivamogga district, Shazeb and Taha were traced to Kanthi after officials

c o n d u c t e d s e a r c h e s a t 1 8 l o c a t i o n s across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and even Uttar Pradesh The blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1 injured 10 people, customers and staff

Fortunately there were no deaths;

the bag containing the explosives was placed in a relatively less crowded area and against a large pillar that absorbed the brunt of the explosion

After the blast, the NIA released photos and videos of the accused, as s e e n o n C C T V c a m e r a s a c r o s s Bengaluru In one such clip, the accused - w e a r i n g a f a c e m a s k - w a s s e e n boarding a bus

The agency had declared a reward of ₹ 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each accused The agency had a l s o q u e s t i o n e d t h e i r a c q u a i n t a n c e s , including college and school friends

T h e R a m e s h w a r a m C a f e , w h i c h

s u f f e r e d e x t e n s i v e d a m a g e a f t e r t h e blast, reopened eight days later, with enhanced security measures including metal detectors

Earlier, the Bengaluru Police had registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the explosion at the cafe

DMK synonymous with corruption, scams: PM Modi

COIM B ATOR E /V E LLO RE : DM K is “ s ynonym ous with cor ruption and s cam s ” , PM Narendra Modi sa id whil e targeting Tamil Nadu’s governing party during two Lok Sabha ele ction ral lies f or NDA candidates in V ellore and Nilgiris constituencies

Modi asserted that the 2024 elections would “end DMK’s corruption, dynastic politics, drug menace, and the Dravidian party’s anti-national ideology” While canvassing for Union junior minister L Murugan in Nilgiris, the PM alleged that DMK was “anti-Hindu”, o p p o s e d t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e R a m T e m p l e i n Ayodhya, and threatened to eradicate Sanatan Dharma

In Vellore, where BJP ally Puthiya Neethi Katchi’s AC Shanmugam is contesting, Modi brought up the Katchatheevu issue, accusing Congress of ceding the island to Sri Lanka He said RTI documents reveal the “betrayal of India by Congress and DMK”, while urging voters to “teach a lesson for the sins they committed”

Continuing his attack on DMK, Modi said the party’s “policy is to divide people based on language, r e l i g i o n , a n d c a s t e , p r o m o t i n g d y n a s t i c p o l i t i c s , corruption, and anti Tamil culture”

At an evening rally in Kalhan near Nagpur, he accused the opposition of spreading “falsehood” about BJP govt potentially changing the Constitution if elected for a third consecutive term Explaining critical policy decisions taken by his govt, the PM highlighted the significance of constitutional reforms, including CAA Modi urged people to vote for unity, warning against divisive politics by the opposition “If these INDIA alliance people become powerful, they will break nation into pieces Even today, they make every effort to pit one community against another They do not miss any opportunity to target Indian culture ”

Badals not in SAD’s first list of 7 candidates

al s a S irjana Diwas’ to release its first list of seven ou t of 13 Lok Sabh a cand idates from Pu njab, which inclu des two Hind u nam es SAD p resident Sukhbir Singh Bad al, w ho won the F erozepu r seat in 20 19, had d eclared already that h e w on ’ t contest this tim e, but even his wife, Bathinda MP and f o rm e r c en tra l m i ni s te r Harsim rat Kaur Badal, is not o n the opening list

SAD has fielded former state

WEST BENGAL

m i n i s t e r

D r D a l j i t S i n g h

C h e e m a f r o m G u r d a s p u r , f o r m e r M P P r e m S i n g h

Chandumajra from Panthic seat

A n a n d p u r S a h i b , f o r m e r

p a r l i a m e n t a r y s e c r e t a r y

B i k r a m j i t S i n g h K h a l s a f r o m

F a t e h g a r h S a h i b , R a j w i n d e r S i n g h ( g r a n d s o n o f f o r m e r minister Gurdev Singh Badal) from Faridkot (reserve), and exlegislator Iqbal Singh Jhundan from Sangrur

The Sikh-dominated party has fielded two Hindus - former m i n i s t e r A n i l J o s h i f r o m

A m r i t s a r a n d f o r m e r c h i e f

p a r l i a m e n t a r y s e c r e t a r y N K

S h a r m a f r o m P a t i a l a T h e

P a n t h i c p a r t y t r u s t s a B J P

CBI registers 50 plaints against land grab, crimes against women in Sandeshkhali

of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district to register their complaints relating to the matters

compla

ts before ma

g an y

o v e t o t a k e a ct io n i n t he r e c e i v e d complaint s, sour ce s said

The officials said the CBI has already started the process of verification of each complaint received on its email ID and would start registering the FIR soon

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e s o u r c e s , t h e r e a r e several complaints relating to alleged land grab by politically influential persons, in which it has been alleged that they have forcibly converted the agricultural lands into small fish farms

Besides this, several complaints of alleged assault on women have also been received which are also being scrutinised for further action Sources said that the CBI will file a report before the Calcutta High Court before May 2 in compliance with its order

The Calcutta High Court had ordered a court-monitored CBI probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali The CBI had issued an email ID - sandeshkhali@cbi gov in for the people

"In pursuance to the order passed by the division bench of Calcutta High Court on A p r i l 1 0 , 2 0 2 4 , t h e C B I h a s c r e a t e d a d e d i c a t e d e m a i l i n w h i c h c o m p l a i n t s o f p e o p l e o f S a n d e s h k h a l i r e g a r d i n g c r i m e s against women and forcible grabbing of land

m a y b e l o d g e d , " t h e C B I h a d s a i d i n a statement

T h e d i s t r i c t m a g i s t r a t e w a s a s k e d t o publicise the email ID extensively within the l o c a l i t y a n d i s s u e a p u b l i c n o t i c e i n vernacular newspapers with wide circulation, it added The court also directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into w a t e r b o d i e s f o r p i s c i c u l t u r e , a f t e r conducting a thorough inspection of the revenue records and a physical inspection of the land alleged to have been converted The court asked the central agency to submit a comprehensive report to it on the next date of hearing on May 2 The state g o v e r n m e n t w a s d i r e c t e d t o p r o v i d e t h e required support to the CBI

The agency is already probing three cases r e l a t e d t o a t t a c k s o n t h

Shahjahan Sheikh

POLL OFFICIALS CHECK RAHUL'S HELICOPTER

A helicopter carrying Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was checked by election officials in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris on Monday, sources said The flying squad officials searched the helicopter after it landed in the Nilgiris, police said Sources in the poll panel said that Rahul Gandhi's helicopter search was a part of standard instructions to ensure free and fair elections The incident occurred while Rahul Gandhi was on his way to Wayanad, his Lok Sabha constituency, in Kerala, where he had a slew of campaign activities, including a roadshow and a public meeting Rahul Gandhi will be pitted against Annie Raja from the Communist Party of India (CPI) which is an ally of the Opposition INDIA bloc

STONES THROWN AT ANDHRA CM DURING ROADSHOW

defector to win Majha region’s most important seat for which even a Hindu-centric BJP has placed its bet on a Jat Sikh with Panthic background by fielding

f o r m e r I n d i a n a m b a s s a d o r t o the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu

In Gurdaspur, Dr Cheema will go up against BJP’s Dinesh Babbu, while Congress is yet to declare nominees for Amritsar and Gurdaspur AAP was first to announce its Amritsar candidate

- m i n i s t e r K u l d i p S i n g h Dhaliwal - but hasn’t named one for Gurdaspur

Bengal PDS scam exceeds £1 bn, money taken to Dubai: ED

NE W D EL HI : The Enforcem ent Directo rate (ED) claim ed that its probe has found th at the West Bengal public distributio n scam far exceed s £1 bi llio n, and th e ‘ pro ceed s o f crim e ’ were laundered to Du bai and oth er foreign d estinations by the prime accu sed, includ ing fo rmer fo od m inister Jyoti Priya Mallick

ED attached 48 more properties with a market value of over £15 mn (book value £5 mn), including residences of Mallick in Salt Lake and Bolpur Mallick, arrested by ED in October last year, is in judicial custody along with his associates

E D h a s a l s o a p p r o a c h e d t h e s p e c i a l PMLA court in Kolkata to confiscate at least 101 properties attached in the scam Mallick was food minister in Mamata Banerjee’s g o v t b e f o r e h e w a s a r r e s t e d H e w a s allegedly assisted by rice miller Bakibur

R a h a m a n a n d m o n e y c h a n g e r S a n k a r

Addhya

Two hotels in the name of Rahaman in Bengaluru and several in Kolkata are among benami properties attached

The ED probe, initiated on the basis of FIRs lodged by Bengal police, found that v a r i o u s p r i v a t e p e r s o n s w e r e f o u n d i n unauthorised possession of ration meant for delivery through PDS

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy was injured during a roadshow in Vijayawada Stones were thrown during the roadshow, with one of them hitting the CM Jagan Reddy suffered a small cut on the left side of his temple, above his eye Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao, who was present with the Chief Minister during the campaign, also sustained injuries Jagan Reddy received medical treatment in a bus and then continued with his roadshow, 'Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra “The stone struck the CM while he was acknowledging the crowds as part of his bus tour at Vivekananda School Centre in Singh Nagar, Vijayawada ” said a statement from the CMO YSRCP leaders claimed that workers from the Telugu Desam Party were involved in the attack

6 STUDENTS KILLED, 21 HURT IN HARYANA SCHOOL BUS MISHAP

An allegedly drunk driver taking 37 students to school lost control of the bus, leading to an accident in which six teenagers – all boys –died and 21 were injured at Mahendergarh The bus overturned after hitting a tree as the driver tried to overtake a truck at a bend near Kanina Women s College in the south Haryana district Dharmendra, the driver who managed to jump off and save himself, was arrested later along with the principal and secretary of GL Public School, to which the bus was attached Minutes before the accident, locals said they had spotted the bus moving in a zigzag manner on the road “The bus did not plough into the tree head on It hit the tree sideways while trying to overtake and overturned According to police four students died by the time they were wheeled into the emergency ward of a private hospital in Rewari the neighbouring district Two others died during treatment

NIA STAFF IN BENGAL GET INTERIM RELIEF AGAINST ARREST

The Calcutta HC granted interim protection against arrest to NIA officers facing molestation and other charges in Bengal until the next hearing on April 29 The central anti-terrorism agency has sought HC’s intervention to quash an FIR filed against its men involved in the violence-marred arrests of two 2022 blast suspects in East Midnapore’s Bhupatinagar during a pre-dawn operation on April 6 However, HC refrained from halting Bengal police investigations into the FIR filed by the wife of an arrested accused Manabrata Jana against unnamed NIA and CRPF personnel charging them with several penal sections, including criminal assault on a woman to disrobe her, outraging modesty, and trespass during the Bhupatinagar operation NIA too had filed an FIR following the attack on its officers when they went to Bhupatinagar to arrest the two suspects involved in the bomb blast that had killed three people

Sukhbir Singh Badal

BJP manifesto bets big on Modi’s image and development plank

BJP released its election m anifesto, betting big on P M M odi’s credibility as the “ m an w ho d elivers” and t h e p a rty ’ s d e v el o p m en t p l ank , w hile dod ging the tem ptation to m atch the prom ises m ad e by its o pponents

The ‘Sankalp Patra’ builds on Modi's vision of India becoming a d e v e l o p e d c o u n t r y b y 2 0 4 7 t o detail the planks of the aspirationfurther acceleration of infrastructure creation and upgrade marked by expansion of bullet train network, launch of ‘ new age ’ trains and modern airports, construction of more expressways and an ambitious plan to develop the country into a global manufacturing power house

The bold intent extends to help India emerge as a ‘product nation’, defence manufacturer, global hub for railway manufacturing, centre f o r a i r c r a f t m a n u f a c t u r i n g a n d MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) activities, a site of ship

building as well as semiconductor, chip manufacturing and bio-manufacturing hubs Simultaneously, the party has also tapped into the excitement over the rise in India’s

g l o b a l g e o p o l i t i c a l h e f t w i t h enough soft power of its own The 7 6 - p a g e d o c u m e n t , w i t h t h e imprint of Modi writ large all over it, is a play for what BJP views as a confident nation, with new goals to pursue

The contrast from Congress a n d o t h e r o p p o s i t i o n p a r t i e s i s clear, with BJP refusing to play catch up on the populist track and mentioning fiscal prudence as a m a n t r a f o r e c o n o m i c m a n a g ement

It has kept its distance from c a s t e c e n s u s , w h i c h i s s e e n b y many as a popular theme with the majority of the population

The manifesto has also held its

India gears up for phase 1 poll

Continued from page1

List of states going to polls in phase-1 are: Arunachal Pradesh (2), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhatisgarh (1), Madhya P r a d e s h ( 6 ) , M a h a r a s h t r a (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu ( 3 9 ) , T r i p u r a ( 1 ) , U t t a r P r a d e s h ( 8 ) , U t t a r a k h a n d ( 5 ) , W e s t B e n g a l ( 3 ) , A n d a m a n a n d N i c o b a r I s l a n d s ( 1 ) , J a m m u a n d Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1), Puducherry (1)

In Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in terms of Lok Sabha seats (80), constituencies going to polls i n t h e f i r s t p h a s e a r e S a h a r a n p u r , K a i r a n a , M u z a f f a r n a g a r , B i j n o r , N a g i n a , M o r a d a b a d , R a m p u r , a n d P i l i b h i t B e n g a l s C o o c h b e h a r , Alipurduars, and Jalpaiguri are also going to polls in the first phase Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats

In Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, 5 constituencies are going to polls on April 19 Among t h e m a r e R a m t e k , N a g p u r , B h a n d a r aG o n d i y a , G a d c h i r o l iChimur, and Chandrapur

All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and 5 seats in Uttarakhand will go to polls in Phase 1 The counting of votes will take place on June 4

Political rallied by the r u l i n g B h a r a t i y a J a n a t a Party (BJP) and opposition INDIA bloc are advancing w i t h f u l l f o r c e , t r a d i n g p o l i t i c a l b a r b s a n d c a m -

paigning for their respective candidates for the general elections

P r i m e M i n i s t e r

N a r e n d r a M o d i a t t e n d e d election rallies and meetings in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Monday, and his e x p l o s i v e i n t e r v i e w w i t h news agency ANI sparked a p o l i t i c a l w a r f a r e b e t w e e n NDA and INDIA The opposition alliance slammed the p r i m e m i n i s t e r f o r h i s d e f e n c e o n t h e e l e c t o r a l bonds scheme, as well as his other statements during the interview

D e f e n c e M i n i s t e r R a j n a t h S i n g h i s s e t t o a d d r e s s a p u b l i c r a l l y i n Tamil Nadu Singh will also h o l d a r o a d s h o w i n K r i s h n a g i r i a n d Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, gearing up for the first phase of polls in the state

U t t a r P r a d e s h C h i e f

M i n i s t e r Y o g i A d i t y a n a t h

c l a i m e d t h a t o p p o s i t i o n leaders read the 'fatiha' for d e a d c r i m i n a l s b u t d o n ' t

c o n d o l e t h e d e a t h o f

H i n d u s " T h e y g l o r i f y mafias and criminals and go to their homes and read the fatiha," Adityanath said, referring to prayers offered by Muslims for the dead

But if an innocent Hindu

b e c o m e s a v i c t i m o f a n accident, not a single word of condolence comes out of their mouth," he said

A s s a m c h i e f m i n i s t e r

Himanta Biswa Sarma said an "insignificant" number

o f p e o p l e a t t e n d e d

C o n g r e s s l e a d e r P r i y a n k a

Gandhi Vadra's roadshow and watching rhinos at the K a z i r a n g a N a t i o n a l P a r k would be "more beneficial"

P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a Modi is holding a roadshow in Assam's Guwahati where thousands of people can be seen lined up on the streets to welcome him

Earlier, while addressing public meeting in West Bengal's Raiganj, PM Modi said: " The ideas of Bengal are a part of BJP's vision

With this vision, BJP has r e l e a s e d ' s a n k a l p p a t r a '

B J P ' s s a n k a l p p a t r a i s

M o d i s g u a r a n t e e c a r d PM Modi said, "Those running government in Bengal pushed it backwards But

B e n g a l ' s d e v e l o p m e n t i s

M o d i ' s p r i o r i t y L e a d e r s

l i k e S w a m i V i v e k a n a n d a , Bankim Chandra, Gurudev

R a b i n d r a n a t h T a g o r e i n Bengal, gave direction to India Such thoughts (from t h o u g h t m a k e r s ) f r o m

Bengal are now the part of BJP's vision ” C o n g r e s s c h i e f

M a l l i k a r j u n K h a r g e s a i d

t h a t p e o p l e w a n t p r ogrammes, benefits, welfare

s c h e m e s a n d n o t o t h e r things "We are doing our best Winning (Assembly)

e l e c t i o n s i n K a r n a t a k a , T e l a n g a n a a n d H i m a c h a l

( P r a d e s h ) h a v e g i v e n a

b o o s t t o t h e C o n g r e s s

People accepted the guara n t e e s w e h a v e g i v e n , which means people want programmes, benefits, welfare schemes and not other

t h i n g s , " s a i d K h a r g e Meanwhile, the Congress

T h e E l ec ti o n C o m m is s i o n h as b ann ed C on g re ss

Randeep Su rjewala on Tuesday from campaigning

48 hours

his “derog atory

about BJP

Malini The poll body issued a show-cause notice to Surjewala for allegedly making "undignified, uncivilized, and vulgar" r e m a r k s a b o u t H e m a M a l i n i I t s t a t e d t h a t i t c a r e f u l l y reviewed the contents and statements provided in Surjewala's reply "The commission without prejudice to any order/notice issued or to be issued subsequently to him in the matter relati n g t o M C C v i o l a t i o n s , h e r e b y , s t r o n g l y c o n d e m n s t h e impugned statement made by him during the election campaign held in Haryana and reprimands Randeep Surjewala for the misconduct, the poll watchdog said Randeep Surjewala

own against Congress' promise for a legal guarantee for MSP for farm produce, and goes on to talk about incentivising crop diversification

On the issue of jobs, it has restricted itself to the promise of creation of quality jobs, skilling, p r o m o t i o n o f s e l f - e m p l o y m e n t t h r o u g h e x p a n s i o n o f s t a r t u p s , Mudra and Svanidhi schemes and steps to help vendors, transparent recruitment for govt jobs and the assertion that the govt has speeded up filling of vacancies over the last few years

The restraint may appear to be a gambit, but seems to reflect an a s s e s s m e n t t h a t s i g n i f i c a n t s e ctions have ceased basing their voting preference on freebies offered to them It also reflects the confid e n c e a n d s e l f - a s s u r e d n e s s t h a t was visible in the bland interim budget earlier this year

The party is clearly laying store by Modi's track record in fulfilling promises and the manifesto has a

party has released list of t h r e e c a n d i d a t e s f o r J h a r k h a n d - D e e p i k a P a n d e y S i n g h t o c o n t e s t from Godda, Krishna Nand Tripathi from Chatra and A n u p a m a S i n g h f r o m Dhanbad

R a h u l G a n d h i w h i l e a d d r e s s i n g a r a l l y i n K o z h i k o d e s a i d , " I d o n ' t know if you saw PM Modi's interview with ANI yesterday I don't know if you saw his face, his eyes, he was trying to defend the biggest corruption scandal on the planet through which BJP has got millions of rupees b y e x t o r t i n g t h e m f r o m India's businessmen " In an X post, Rahul slammed the A g n i p a t h s c h e m e , s a y i n g , "The Agnipath scheme is an insult to the Indian Army and the brave youth who d r e a m o f p r o t e c t i n g t h e c o u n t r y T h i s i s n o t a scheme of the Indian Army but a scheme that was form u l a t e d i n N a r e n d r a M o d i ' s o f f i c e w h i c h h a s b e e n i m p o s e d o n t h e Army " Rahul also lashed o u t a t P M M o d i , c a l l i n g him an instrument of a few r i c h b u s i n e s s m e n i n t h e c o u n t r y G a n d h i a l l e g e d that Modi's job was to distract people from the real issues in the country, protect the richest businessmen in India and "forgive their bank loans"

full "mission accomplished" section - from Ram Mandir to Article 370

But it is not that the party has not tried to reach out to specific sections The promise to extend Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to senior citizens of 70 years of all income brackets and seeking to provide essential services at home is one such The promise of a constituency in Tamil Nadu has led the party to use the m a n i f e s t o t o s i g n a l i t s f r i e n d l y intent to the state, thus far an indifferent geography amid rising support for the party elsewhere, by a display of reverence for the legendary Thiruvalluvar

T h e p a r t y h a s p r o m i s e d t o build upon established vote-spinners like Ujjwala gas connection scheme, free ration and subsidised r u r a l h o u s i n g H e l p h a s b e e n p r o m i s e d a l s o f o r w o m e n a n d those looking for homes in urban areas

SC denies Kejriwal interim relief, to hear plea against arrest on April 29

Supreme Court on Monday declined any interim relief to Delhi CM and AAP c onvener Arvind Kejriwal and ruled out early heari ng of his petition challengi ng his arres t by Enforcement Di rectorate on March 21 in an excise policy probe-related money-laundering case

The CM, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, will be behind bars till at least April 23 with a Delhi court extending his judicial custody During the hearing, the SC bench needed no persuasion from senior advocate A M Singhvi to examine ED's alleged illegalities in arresting Kejriwal in a case under PMLA, but repeatedly brushed aside his pleas for either interim relief (release from jail) or an early hearing

Singhvi attributed mala fide on the part of ED in arresting Kejriwal and alleged that it was done in a one-and-ahalf-year-old case ahead of general elections to prevent him from campaigning for his party candidates and the INDIA bloc and disturb the level playing field in the polls

“I can’t say anything after issuance of notice But I want to show something which will shock the court’s conscience Whether for interim relief or for a short date, which is the crux of the matter, this is a matter of moments A lot of selected media leaks everywhere are giving a wrong impression to everyone Please hear it on Friday,” Singhvi said

For ED, solicitor general Tushar Mehta protested and said elections were no ground for Kejriwal to seek interim relief Justice Khanna said he was not aware of any media leak and ordered listing of the petition in the week commencing April 29 “We are giving you a short date but not Friday as you are seeking We cannot give any date prior to that In no other case have we given such an early date You should appreciate that,” the bench said

Continuing with his persuasion, Singhvi said, “This is an unusual matter, not because the petitioner is the CM In the eight chargesheets filed by CBI and ED in excise policy related cases, the CM is not named The investigations start in Sept 2022 and he is arrested in March 2024 In this period, there are 15 statements, nine by Sarath Reddy and six by others No one names the CM ”

Ea c h sp r i n g, t h e U n i t e d Ki n g do m b u r st s in t o a kal eidoscope of colour a s tulip se ason blan kets the coun try in a v ib r a n t t a p e st r y o f b l o om s Fr o m t h e e n ch a n t i n g country side fiel ds of Norfolk to the rega l garde ns of H ampton Court Pal ace, t he UK b ecomes a ca nvas paint ed with the hues of tulips in full bloom Join us as we e mb a r k o n a jo ur n e y t hr o u gh t h e c ou n t r y 's t ul i p hot spots, exploring t he beauty , d iv e r s it y , a nd cul t ur a l si g n ifi ca n c e o f t hi s b e l o v e d flowe r d urin g it s fl e et ing y et magnificent season A r u n d e l C a s t l e T u l i p Festival: The festival, known as one of the top tulip displays in Europe, takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Castle Visitors can expect to be greeted by a sea of colour as the f e s t i v a l s h o w c a s e s o v e r 1 2 0 d i f f e r e n t n a m e d t

g h t h

t e n hailed as "a jewel in Yorkshire's crown," boast a unique charm and are home to a National Collection comprising over

1 0 0 v a r i e t i e s o f H a r d y Water Lilies These lilies grace the Upper and Lower

L a k e s w i t h t h e i r v i b r a n t blooms from June through A u g u s t S p a n n i n g n i n e a c r e s o f w o o d l a n d a n d

g a r d e n s , t h e l a k e s a l s o harbour Carp and Roach, o f f e r i n g v i s i t o r s t h e delightful opportunity to handf e e d t h e s e a q u a t i c i n h a b i t a n t s T r a v e r s i n g t h e g r o u n d s , v i s i t o r s c a n e x p l o r e walkways encircling both lakes, cross an ornamental bridge, and

Gardener, Martin Duncan, and his team This year, the festival b o a s t s o v e r 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 tulips Among the highlights is the new main display in the Wild Flower Garden, adjacent to the Thatched Round House, f e a t u r i n g t h o u s a n d s o

w a n d e r t h r o u g h a V i c t o r i a n

Garden An Aviary adds to the s e r e n e a t m o s p h e r e , w h i l e a recently replanted Rock Garden adds a fresh burst of botanical beauty Throughout the spring and summer, the Gardens host t h e p o p u l a r a n n u a l T u l i p Festival

Lakshmi, the protagonist, fondly recalls h e r c a r e f r e e c h i l d h o o d i n h e r l u s h Ceylonese village with her loving mother However, her world shifts drastically with puberty as she's forced into an arranged m a r r i a g e w i t h a M a l a y s i a n w i d o w e r promised as wealthy Despite her mother's hopes for a better life, Lakshmi discovers the truth upon arrival: her husband is a humble clerk Determined not to succumb to despair, she takes charge, striving to carve out a better future for her family in the face of disappointment and deceit

L a k s h m i a n d h e r h u s b a n d r a i s e s i x c h i l d r e n , i n c l u d i n g t w i n s M o h i n i a n d

L a k s h m n a n , i n t h e i r t u m u l t u o u s h o u s e h o l d M o h i n i , a s t u n n i n g b e a u t y , becomes the focus of her parents' hopes a n d d r e a m s H o w e v e r , t h e i r l i v e s a r e marred by tragedy, notably with Mui Tsai, a servant exploited by a wealthy Chinese m a n T h e h o r r o r s o f W o r l d W a r T w o occupation by the Japanese bring further anguish, particularly for young girls like Mohini, whom Lakshmi fiercely protects from harm

f i e l d s , a b r e a t h t a k i n g t a p e s t r y o f c o l o u r s , r a n g i n g f r o m t

e deepest purples and blues to the most radiant yellows and reds pleasant the sight Each tulip v a r i

y c o n t r i b u t e s i t s o w n unique charm and personality t o t h e l a n d s c a p e , w e a v i n g together a mesmerising visual s y m p h o n y W h e t h e r a d e v o t e d tulip enthusiast, a connoisseur of natural wonders, or simply s e e k i n g a p e a c e f u l r e t r e a t c o l o u r f i e l d s b e c k o n a s t h e perfect destination to escape a n d r e c o n n e c t w i t h t h e wonders of the natural world

The N orfolk Tulip Ga rde n: T h e N o r f o l k T u l i p G a r d e n stands as a unique attraction, being the sole tulip field in the UK accessible to the public for a fleeting two-week period every

H a mp t o n Co ur t T ul ip Festival: At the Hampton Court, over 100,000 tulip bulbs burst into a kaleidoscope of colour, creating one of the UK's most impressive displays of planted t u l i p s O n e c a n e m b r a c e t h e arrival of spring by embarking on a journey to Hampton Court Palace and delight in 60 acres of v i b r a n t r o y a l g a r d e n s , i m m e r s i n g i n t h e h i s t o r i c g r o u n d s o n c e f r e q u e n t e d b y Henry VIII This year, the palace and its magnificent gardens will b e o p e n s e v e n d a y s a w e e k throughout the Tulip Festival, inviting visitors to revel in the seasonal splendour Tulle y ’ s F a rm : Nestled in t h e p i c t u r e s q u e W e s t S u s s e x c o u n t r y s i d e , T u l l e y ’ s F a r m p r o m i s e s a s p e c t a c l e b e y o n d c o m p a r e T h i s y e a r , t h e c o l l e c t i o n i n c l u d e s a n astounding 500,000 tulip bulbs, s h o

Gitika Avinash, Age 16 Ahmedabad, Maharaja Agrasen Vidhyalaya

depths and conflicts

Lakshmi's resilience shines as the family faces new challenges The narrative shifts focus to her children, each revealing pivotal m o m e n t s i n t h e i r l i v e s A m o n g t h e m , Lakshmnan's struggle with guilt leads to gambling and addiction, exacerbated by his marriage to the ambitious and contentious Rani The story delves into the complexities o f u n r e l i a b l e n a r r

generations, shedding light on characters'

Unmarried life offers little solace, as seen in Sevenese's ill-fated fascination with a s n a k e c h a r m e r ' s f a m i l y a n d D i m p l e ' s s e a r c h f o r h a p p i n e s s S e v e n e s e ' s w a n d e r i n g s l e a d t o n o s a l v a t i o n , w h i l e D i m p l e s p u r s u i t o f h a p p i n e s s p r o v e s elusive The novel ends with revelations and a sense of life's cyclical nature, leaving readers both exhausted and exhilarated by the compelling storytelling Lakshmi embodies the complex nature of tough love, driven by a fierce desire to s h i e l d h e r c h i l d r e n f r o m r e p e a t i n g t h e hardships of her own past Yet, this love can also inadvertently harm them, leaving a t r a i l o f m i s u n d e r s t o o d e m o t i o n s H e r husband, Ayah, witnesses her inner turmoil but struggles to connect with her deeply The narrative delves into each character's perspective, revealing their struggles and s c a r s , e v e n t h o s e o f t h e s e e m i n g l y enigmatic figures like Luke and Ratha

T h e a u t h o r ' s v i v i d d e s c r i p t i o n s transport readers into the lush, verdant landscapes of pre-war Ceylon, where the sensation of green leaves brushing against the skin and the warmth of the earth

u n d e r f o o t i s p a l p a b l e a s L a k s h m i experiences the joys of childhood As the n a r r a t i v e t r a n s i t i o n s t o M a l a y a , t h e descriptions become more introspective, i m m e r s i n g u s i n t h e h a r s h r e a l i t i e s o f Lakshmi's adulthood and the relentless challenges her family faces Through these evocative passages, the beauty and tragedy

o f t h e i r j o u r n e y u n f o l d w i t h p o i g n a n t clarity

Mediterranean Diet: A promising

strategy

for mitigating the onset of dementia

A recent study sug gests that adhering to a M ed iterraneanstyle diet, ch aracterised by foo ds such as fish, fruits, and nuts, m ay decrease the risk of dementia by alm ost 25%

Newcastle University experts discovered that individuals adhering to a Mediterranean-like diet had a significantly reduced risk of dementia, up to 23% lower compared to those with different dietary habits This extensive study, published in BMC Medicine, marks a significant advancement in dementia research, as prior studies often faced limitations such as small sample sizes and low dementia case numbers

Researchers analysed data from 60,298 individuals within the UK Biobank, a vast cohort representing diverse regions of the UK, all of whom had undergone dietary assessments Participants were assessed based on how closely their diet resembled key components of the Mediterranean diet Over nearly a decade of follow-up, during which 882 cases of dementia were recorded, the study yielded valuable insights into the diet-dementia relationship

The authors factored in each individual's genetic predisposition to dementia by assessing their polygenic risk, which measures the collective impact of various genes associated with dementia risk

Dr Oliver Shannon, Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Ageing, Newcastle University, led the study with Professor Emma Stevenson and joint senior author Professor David Llewellyn

The research also involved experts from the universities of Edinburgh, UEA and Exeter and was part of the Medical Research Council-funded NuBrain consortium

Dr Shannon said: "Dementia impacts the lives of millions of individuals throughout the world, and there are currently limited options for treating this condition

Tips and strategies to effectively manage and prevent migraines

Mig raine is a neurological condition characterised by recurring episodes of intense headaches, frequently accom panied by sym ptom s such as nausea, v omiting , sensitivity to lig ht, and sou nd These head aches can persist for ho urs to d ays and often significantly impair daily functioning and o verall quality of life

The underlying cause of migraines is thought to involve abnormal brain activity, which leads to fluctuations in blood flow and neurotransmitter levels

Here are some ways to manage a migraine attack: Immediate m ed ical treatments: For mild to moderate migraines, over-the-counter pain relievers are typically the initial treatment option Prescription triptans are more effective when taken promptly at the onset of a migraine attack Additionally, anti-nausea medications can be beneficial

Rest: Resting in a dark, quiet environment can help alleviate migraine pain and sensitivity to light and sound

Additionally, applying an ice pack to the forehead or neck can provide a numbing effect

Relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can help manage stress and reduce migraine pain

Id ent i fy an d av o i d tr ig g ers : C o m m o n t r i g g e r s f o r migraines include stress, insufficient sleep, specific foods and beverages, hormonal fluctuations, and strong odours

Maintaining a headache diary can assist in identifying these triggers

Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can mitigate stress and enhance overall health, potentially aiding in migraine prevention

Gut bacteria's gender-specific impact on Obesity revealed

Rec en t r es ear ch in d i ca te s that gut bacteria may significantly co ntribute to the initiation and prog ression o f obesity, exhibiting genderspec ifi c d if ferences T h ese variances po tentially impact the m etabolism o f variou s nu tri e nts , co n se qu e ntl y aff ec ti n g th e p r es en ce o f bioactiv e molecules in the g u t S u ch m o le cu l es a re kno w n to in fl u en ce t h e de v elop m ent of m etabo li c disord ers

The findings were publ i s h e d i n t h e j o u r n a l E u r o p e a n A s s o c i a t i o n f o r the Study of Obesity ' The gut microbiota comprises a d i v e r s e c o m m u n i t y o f m i c r o o r g a n i s m s , i n c l u d i n g bacteria, viruses, fungi, and p r o t o z o a , r e s i d i n g w i t h i n t h e g a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l t r a c t Imbalances within this community, known as dysbiosis, have a substantial impact on m e t a b o l i c h e a l t h a n d c a n contribute to the risk of various diseases, such as obesi-

ty Nonetheless, it remains u n c e r t a i n w h i c h s p e c i f i c species contribute to a higher or lower risk of obesity, as well as the extent of their influence on our metabolic well-being

To delve deeper into this p h e n o m e n o n , r e s e a r c h e r s analysed metagenomic and m e t a b o l o m i c d a t a f r o m a S p a n i s h p o p u l a t i o n T h e i r a i m w a s t o u n r a v e l t h e mechanisms through which these microorganisms contribute to the onset of obesity Specifically, they scrutin i s e d t h e f a e c a l metabolome, which encomp a s s e s t h e w i d e a r r a y o f

metabolites produced by gut b a c t e r i a d u r i n g t h e metabolism of food These metabolites are shed in faeces and can enter the bloodstream, exerting an impact on health

I n t o t a l , t h e s t u d y i n c l u d e d 3 6 1 a d u l t v o l u nt e e r s , c o m p r i s i n g 2 5 1 women and 110 men, with an average (median) age of 44 years old These participants were selected from the Spanish Obekit study, a randomised trial investigating t h e c o r r e l a t i o n b e t w e e n genetic variations and the response to a hypocaloric diet

Keto diet: Balancing metabolic and mental health

A p ilo t st ud y by St a n for d

Me d ic in e d oc to r s s ug g es t s t h a t a k e t o g e n i c d i e t n o t on ly r e s t o r e s m e t a bo li c he a lt h bu t a ls o i m pr ov e s me n t a l w e l l- be i n g

Pu bl is h e d in ' P sy c h i a t r y Rese arch', t he fin dings hig hlight the poten tial effectiveness of nut rition al int er venti on s in ma n a g in g me n t a l health condit ions

"It's very promising and very encouraging that you can take back control of your illness in some way, aside from the usual standard of c a r e , " s a i d S h e b a n i S e t h i , MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences and the first author

of the new paper

The senior author of the paper is Laura Saslow, PhD, associate professor of health behaviour and biological sciences at the University of Michigan

During the four-month pilot trial, the team monitored 21 adult participants diagnosed with schizophren i a o r b i p o l a r d i s o r d e r These individuals were on a n t i p s y c h o t i c m e d i c a t i o n s a n d e x h i b i t e d m e t a b o l i c abnormalities such as weight g a i n , i n s u l i n r e s i s t a n c e , h y p e r t r i g l y c e r i d e m i a , d y slipidemia, or impaired glucose tolerance The particip a n t s w e r e p r e s c r i b e d a

Home greenery boosts children's mental health

Study suggests green spaces may h elp youn g chi ldr en avoid feeli ng b lue

Research revealed that children aged between two a n d f i v e e x h i b i t e d f e w e r signs of loneliness, anxiety, and low mood when they resided within three-quarters of a mile of abundant vegetation, such as woodlands or parks Additionally, they were less inclined to be w i t h d r a w n i n s o c i a l s e ttings

Nissa Towe-Goodman, a researcher from the Frank P o r t e r G r a h a m C h i l d

D e v e l o p m e n t I n s t i t u t e a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h

C a r o l i n a , s a i d : “ O u r research suggests that the early childhood years are a crucial time for exposure to green spaces ” Parents of more than 2,000 children in America aged from two t o 1 1 w e r e a s k e d t o r a t e

their child’s emotional and behavioural symptoms The researchers then used satellite data to assess levels of v e g e t a t i o n a r o u n d t h e i r homes

Researchers discovered t h a t i n c r e a s e d l e v e l s o f g r e e n s p a c e s w i t h i n approximately a 20-minute walk from a child s home

c o r r e l a t e d w i t h r e d u c e d symptoms of anxiety and d e p r e s s i o n d u r i n g e a r l y childhood

T h i s c o n n e c t i o n remained significant even a f t e r c o n s i d e r i n g f a c t o r s s u c h a s n e i g h b o u r h o o d s o c i o e c o n o m i c s t a t u s , parental education levels, and age at which children were born However, this a s s o c i a t i o n w a s n o t observed in older children, p o s s i b l y d u e t o t h e i r increased time spent away from home at school

ketogenic diet consisting of approximately 10% of calories from carbohyd r a t e s , 3 0 % f r o m p r o t e i n , a n d 6 0 % f r o m f a t , w i t h o u t the need to count calories

"The focus of eating is on w h o l e u n p r o c e s s e d f o o d s including protein and nonstarchy vegetables, and not restricting fats," said Sethi, w h o s h a r e d k e t o - f r i e n d l y meal ideas with the participants They were also given keto cookbooks and access to a health coach

Throughout the trial, the r e s e a r c h t e a m m o n i t o r e d p a r t i c i p a n t s ' a d h e r e n c e t o the diet by measuring blood k e t o n e l e v e l s w e e k l y Ketones, produced when the b o d y m e t a b o l i s e s f a t f o r energy instead of glucose, were used as indicators At t h e t r i a l ' s c o n c l u s i o n , 1 4 patients demonstrated full adherence, six were partially adherent, and only one was non-adherent

List of foods to boost liver health

The li ver, se cond only to the s kin in siz e, i s vital for our well-bei ng, executing over 500 f unc tions such as protein digestion, mine ra l s torage, bile producti on, and blood f iltrati on Yet, its s ignif icanc e often remai ns overlook ed

Dr Swati Shukla, a nutritionist at Amway, emphasised in a media interview, Our dietary choices greatly influence liver health Including nutrient-rich foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and making mindful dietary decisions can enhance the liver's ability to perform its vital functions effectively This dietary balance promotes optimal liver function, ensuring overall health and vitality "

She elaborated upon how the right food nutrition can help lead towards a life of holistic wellbeing -

N utri ent-ric h f oods: To support our liver, it's essential to focus on nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, and citrus fruits These nourishing options supply antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals vital for liver health They assist in detoxification processes and offer protection against oxidative stress

Lean proteins : Opting for lean protein sources such as fish and poultry, or plant-based alternatives like soy, legumes, kidney beans, and chickpeas provides the liver with crucial amino acids essential for its function and repair

H eal thy fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil into your diet These fats support cell membranes and facilitate the absorption of fatsoluble vitamins, promoting liver health without burdening it

Food choices can shape mental health and acognitive function

v e g e t a b l e s , f r u i t , f i s h , m e a t , c h e e s e ,

ion, me nt al hea lt h, met ab olism, brain imaging, and gene tics

The study analysed the intake of

c e r e a l , r e d w i n e , s p i r i t s , a n d b r e a d among participants It revealed that 57% of the participants favoured a healthy balanced diet, characterised by a wellrounded consumption of all examined f o o d c a t e g o r i e s , w i t h o u t e x c e s s i v e amounts in any specific category They further showed that those with a healthy balanced diet had better brain health, cognitive function and mental health than others We compared the

balanced diet to three other diet groups – low-carb (18 per cent), vegetarian (6 per cent) and high protein/low fibre (19 per cent) The study revealed that individuals who adhered to a more balanced diet exhibited superior fluid intelligence (the capacity to solve new problems), processing speed, memory, and executive functions (a range of mental abilities including flexible thinking and self-cont r o l ) c o m p a r e d t o t h o s e w i t h o t h e r dietary patterns

Salman Khan's family very disturbed after firing outside his Mumbai home

'Do Aur Do Pyar' injects romance and comedy into the mix

Subhasini Naicker

“Do Aur Do Pyar'', is an upcoming Indian and romantic comedy film releasing on 19 April 2024 The film stars Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz and Sendhil Ramamurthy. The film centres on Kavya and Ani, a married couple in their late thirties. They engage in affairs to spice up their marriage but find themselves reconnected during a trip to Kavya's hometown As they strive to salvage their relationship, they must navigate the complexities of their extramarital affairs

In an interview with Asian Voice, actors Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi spoke about their character portrayal, working with co actors and much more

Can you tell us about your character in "Do Aur Do Pyar" and what drew you to this role?

Pratik: In "Do Aur Do Pyar," I play Anirudh (Ani) Banerjee, a completely goofy character who tends to unintentionally l a n d h i m s e l f i n various messes He's a g o o f b a l l w h o a v o i d s c o n f r o n t a t i o n a n d k e e p s h i s f e e l i n g s b o t t l e d u p i n s i d e , l e a d i n g t o c o m p l e x love situations in his life

V i d y a : I p o r t r a y Kavya, a dentist who has been married to A n i f o r t h e p a s t 1 2 y e a r s H o w e v e r , s h e desires more from life and finds herself involved with Vikram, portrayed by Senthil Ramamoorthy, on the side Kavya comes a c r o s s a s u n c o m p l i c a t e d a n d straightforward, driven by a hunger for love

collaboration

Pratik: It was brilliant working with I l e a n a D ’ C r u z ( p o r t r a y s t h e c h a r a c t e r Nora) because she effortlessly embodies her character in the film She not only looks stunning but also portrays a role that will tug at your heartstrings Similarly, Sendhil delivers standout performances, especially i n t h e s c e n e s s h a r e d w i t h u s D e s p i t e portraying characters entangled in complex relationships, they evoke genuine empathy from the audience What was the most challenging aspect of portraying your character's emotional journey in "Do Aur Do Pyar," and can you share any memorable moments from the set?

Vidya: One of the challenges on set was trying not to laugh during certain scenes, d e s p i t e t h e c h a r a c t e r s b e i n g i n s t i c k y situations The delicate delivery of some l i n e s m a d e i t h a r d t o c o n t a i n o u r amusement at times For example, there's a scene where we discuss stainless steel, and it's remarkable how it unfolds, taking the couple through a range of emotions It was both challenging and fulfilling to navigate t h o s e m o m e n t s A s f o r m e m o r a b l e experiences, there are t o o m a n y t o c o u n t from filming "Do Aur Do Pyar "

What was it like working with Shirsha Guha, who is making her directorial debut with "Do Aur Do Pyar"?

Vidya: As an accomplished filmmaker, Shirsha brings a refreshing approach to directing What I appreciated most was her a b i l i t y t o k e e p t h i n g s a u t h e n t i c a n d grounded without overdoing anything She infused the film with a sense of fun and maintained a light touch throughout She's definitely a director who knows how to strike the right balance, and I found that aspect of her style particularly enjoyable P r a t i k : A f t e r w a t c h i n g " D o A u r D o Pyar," it's evident that Shirsha's directorial debut doesn't feel like her first movie That's the main point I wanted to make about her

What was your experience like working with your other fellow co-actors on the film?

Vidya: It was a fantastic experience working with Sendhil I must say, he is a w o n d e r f u l a c t o r B e y o n d h i s l o o k s , h e exudes a charming, reserved demeanour that was delightful to witness Despite his b a c k g r o u n d i n i n t e r n a t i o n a l w o r k , h e remained humble and easy to work with I

Pratik: The entire sequence we shot in O o t y w a s i n c r e d i b l y beautiful Personally, the challenge for me was acting alongside accomplished actors, especially since it was m y f i r s t r o m - c o m a n d a s i g n i f i c a n t Bollywood film Working with actors I've a d m i r e d f o r s o l o n g p r e s e n t e d t h e challenge of not letting my admiration show on my face, but rather staying true to m y c h a r a c t e r a n d d e l i v e r i n g m y performance

How do you think audiences will respond to a romantic comedy like "Do Aur Do Pyar" in a time dominated by action-packed blockbusters?

P r a t i k : I n a n e r a f l o o d e d w i t h a d r e n a l i n e - p u m p i n g , a c t i o n - p a c k e d blockbusters, the audience craves variety They miss the lighthearted storytelling and g o o d c o m e d y t h a t r o m a n t i c c o m e d i e s offer While action films dominate the s c e n e , n o t e v e r y v i e w e r i s c o n s t a n t l y s e e k i n g e x p l o s i o n s a n d h i g h - o c t a n e s e q u e n c e s M a n y w a n t m o m e n t s o f l a u g h t e r a n d l o v e w o v e n i n t o t h e i r cinematic experience "Do Aur Do Pyar" fills this gap, providing audiences with a refreshing change of pace

Vidya: As an audience member, I'm tired of the same type of films "Do Aur Do Pyar" offers a refreshing change of pace In a landscape where romance on screen has been scarce, this film provides a muchn e e d e d d o s e o f l i g h t h e a r t e d n e s s I t ' s a welcome break from intense, adrenalineinducing movies, offering viewers a chance to relax and enjoy a story centred around love and romance

by the shocking incident T h e a c t o r c l a r i f i e d t h a t s o m e individuals falsely claiming to be connected t o t h e f a m i l y h a v e b e e n i s s u i n g ‘ l o o s e ’ statements to the media Arbaaz said that t h e s e s t a t e m e n t s s h o u l d n o t b e t a k e n seriously

He continued, “No member of the Salim K h a n f a m i l y h a s m a d e a n y s t a t e m e n t regarding this incident to the media At this time the family is helping and cooperating with the police in the investigation of this untoward incident We have faith in the Mumbai police and we have been assured they will do everything in their capacity to protect and secure our family Thank you everyone for your love and support ”

Two suspects riding a motorcycle fired five rounds at the residence of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Mumbai's Bandra area. Despite Salman and his family members being present at home during the incident, fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Bandra police station has registered an FIR, and the Mumbai crime branch is i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e m a t t e r A m i d s t t h e s e u n s e t t l i n g e v e n t s , a n o n l i n e s t a t e m e n t attributed to Salman's father, Salim Khan, has been circulating Arbaaz Khan has dismissed the report, denying that any member of the family has i s s u e d a s t a t e m e n t H e a d d r e s s e d t h e i n c i d e n t o n h i s s o c i a l m e d i a p l a t f o r m , expressing concern over the recent firing at Galaxy apartment, the residence of the Salim Khan family Arbaaz described the e v e n t a s d i s t u r b i n g a n d u n s e t t l i n g , e m p h a s i

I’m getting the roles I’ve been greedy for: Kubbra Sait

Kubbra Sait's professional ethos revolves around embracing opportunities without being confined by platform or commercial considerations

Reflecting on her acting journey, she highlights her openness to diverse platforms, emphasising that a compelling script transcends such boundaries She acknowledges the global reach OTT platforms, which can instantly connect content with audiences in 190 countries

She added, “In the five years since I became an actor, I’m getting the kind of work I’ve been hungry for Whether it was my role as Phara Keaen in the Hollywood sci-fi show Foundation , or my next film

Deva , an action thriller As an actor, you keep waiting for good scripts and when you get them, you don’t shy away, no matter if it’s a digital or theatrical release ”

K u b b r a e x p r e s s e s a d e s i r e f o r t r i c a l f i l m s t o d r a w s p i r a t i o n f r o m O T T platforms She notes that in a t w o - h o u r f i l m , c h a r a c t e r development may be limited c o m p a r e d t o l o n g e r O T T p r o j e c t s K u b b r a s u g g e s t s that if films adopted some aspects of OTT, they could n c o r p o r a t e m o r e o n t e m p o r a r y e l e m e n t s wever, she observes that the t r a d i t i o n a l f i l m m a k i n g p r o c e s s h a s largely remained unchanged despite these possibilities

Reflecting on her body of work, Kubbra emphasised her autonomy in managing her career, asserting her pride in her roles and her openness to criticism She celebrates the current era in Indian cinema where women are taking the lead in films, applauding the f i l m m a k e r s w h o h a v e t h e c o u r a g e t o c h a m p i o n s u c h n a r r a t i v e s w i t h o u t underestimating the audience's intellect

Actor Vikrant Massey says it feels unnatural to do films just for money

Actor Vikrant Massey, known for his role in the sleeper hit "12th Fail," emphasised that financial considerations will not dictate his future choices He expressed a desire to continue portraying stories about ordinary people "12th Fail," directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, garnered significant attention through word-of-mouth, earning to Rs 60 crore globally Its success highlighted a trend where mid-budget films, often overlooked for theatrical releases, found significant audience appreciation

In an interview with media, Vikrant said that the film’s success shouldn’t create a scenario where he misuses the privilege that he has been given “The idea is to not misuse your privilege Today, we sit in a place of privilege Always wanted to act in the movies,

and here we are, working with some of best people But the idea is to go u t t h e r e a n d r e p r e s e n t t h e c o m m o n m a n , a n d n o t t o misuse your privilege,” he said Vikrant continued, “It’s so i n f l u e n t i a l Y o u c a n ’ t t a k e your privilege for granted You can’t get complacent, you can’t b e l i e v e , e v e n f o r a m o m e n t , hat you ’ ve made it) The idea is e as honest and hardworking as you can be One very basic example would be to not go out there and do a film for the heck of money I don’t think I can do that, it doesn’t come naturally to me ” Vikrant got his start in the television industry, where he established himself and emerged as a highly paid actor He gave it up to start a career in films around a decade ago, but after many stops and stars, delivered his first box office success as a leading man only last year

Salman Khan announces new film Sikandar with Ghajini director AR Murugadoss

Superstar

Salman Khan has unveiled his next cinematic venture, "Sikandar," slated for release on Eid 2025

Directed by AR Murugadoss, known for his work in "Ghajini," and backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, the action-packed thriller promises to enthral audiences In typical Salman Khan fashion, the announcement came with a vibrant poster, accompanied by a nod to this year's Eid releasesAkshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff's actionpacked "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan," and Ajay Devgn's sports biopic drama, "Maidaan "

The superstar, who is known for his Eid releases since 2010, took to X and revealed the first poster of the film “Iss Eid ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ aur ‘Maidaan’ ko dekho aur agli Eid Sikandar se aa kar milo Wish u all Eid Mubarak! #SajidNadiadwala Presents #Sikandar Directed by @ARMurugadoss @NGEMovies @WardaNadiadwala #SikandarEid2025,” his tweet read Salman Khan has been the undisputed king of Eid releases since the success of his blockbuster "Dabangg" in 2010 With exceptions like last year's "Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan," "Bharat," "Race 3," and "Tubelight," almost every Eid release has turned into a blockbuster hit, including "Bodyguard," "Ek Tha Tiger," "Kick," "Bajrangi Bhaijaan," and "Sultan " Choosing "Sikandar" as his next project came after considering several options, including a Karan Johar production and a Sooraj Barjatya directorial With his recent releases like "Tiger 3" and "Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan" failing to achieve blockbuster status, Salman hopes to make a grand comeback at the box office

Nora Fatehi hails Shah Rukh Khan as Bollywood and India's ambassador with a 'god-given' aura

Nora Fatehi, currently revelling in the triumph of her recent movie "Madg Express," fondly reminisced about her childhood days spent watching S Rukh Khan films alongside her family She praised Shah Rukh as the quintessential ambassador of Bollywood and India, highlighting his immense popularity not only in India but also across several African nations

Nora Fatehi fondly recalled her encounter with Shah Rukh Khan h i g h l i g h t i n g h i s g e n u i n e w a r m t h a n d r e s p e c t t o w a r d s h e r I n a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, she praised SRK's larger-thanlife persona, attributing it to both his innate charm and conscious effort

Nora Fatehi acknowledged Shah Rukh Khan’s global renown, rank him among the top five most recognized personalities worldwide G Canada, she was well aware of his superstar status from an early age Nor that Shah Rukh's influence transcends borders, resonating strongly not j but also across the African subcontinent

She highlighted how Shah Rukh's fame extends to various African c as Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Somalia, and Egypt, making him ambassador of Bollywood, but also of India itself

Nora also explained her enduring attraction to Shah Rukh Khan and since childhood She attributed it to his charm and the family-friendly n movies Nora emphasised the cultural significance of watching Bollywo home with family, highlighting that they provided wholesome en suitable for all ages In contrast, she noted that Hollywood films of deemed appropriate for family viewing, especially within her cultural ba

'I thank Rajkumar Hirani for 12th Fail every time I meet him' - Vikrant Massey

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "12th Fail," starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, has been a box office success for over five months, with 25 weeks completed and a pending release in China Massey's portrayal of a village boy has earned him numerous awards He credits Rajkumar Hirani, known for hits like "3 Idiots" and the "Munnabhai" series, for recommending him to Chopra for the role.

In an interview, Vikrant credited Rajkumar Hirani for recommending h i m f o r t h e r o l e , s t a t i n g , " I t w a s because of Raju Sir that I got a film He was generous enough to recommend my name, and then Vinod sir met me " V i k r a n t e x p r e s s e d g r a t i t u d e t o Rajkumar Hirani, stating, "Raju sir has been very kind to me since I started in films; he's seen most of my work When Vinod sir and Raju sir discussed making this film, he recommended me for the project, having seen me on sets and worked with his assistants who are now directors "

He carried on, I thank Raju Sir every time I meet him I met him a few days ago, and I thanked him again He is someone who gets very shy when someone praises him,” Vikrant added Reports indicate that Vikrant and Rajkumar Hirani are collaborating on a web series, with Hirani producing and one of his former assistants making their directorial debut with the show

Randeep Hooda on losing weight for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar: "I

absolutely could have died"

Randeep Hooda, director of "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," recently discussed his extreme weight loss journey, which nearly cost him his life Drawing parallels between how he lost weight for Sarbjit and Savarkar biopic, Randeep said, “This time around, I was underweight for one-and-a-half years When the previous producers shelved the movie, I had lost all my muscle mass. I recall passing out and tumbling off [my] horse. My calf was bent at a right angle to my thigh, which makes me realise how weak I may have been... that's what happens when you deprive yourself of food for a long time I couldn't even walk ”

R a n d e e p H o o d a r e v e a l e d t h e extreme measures he took for his role, losing a kilo a day for a set period, leading to weakness and fainting spells Despite careful planning, setbacks led to frustration and a need to repeat the process, risking his health Reflecting on the experience, he emphasised the importance of actors looking the part but acknowledged the dangers and the need for better organisation in such transformations

Days before his directorial debut release, Randeep Hooda caused a stir online by sharing a behind-the-scenes picture from the film set Portraying Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the image d e p i c t s a s l e n d e r H o o d a w e a r i n g oversized shorts, hinting at a scene from the cellular jail

Baby John: A potential game changer in Varun Dhawan's career

Varun Dhawan, one of India's most bankable young actors, has consistently delivered box-office hits and showcased his versatility in various genres His latest venture, Baby John, directed by Kalees, promises to be a significant milestone in his career

"Baby John" stars Varun Dhawan as a determined Deputy Commissioner of P o l i c e , u n d e r g o i n g a t r a n s f o r m a t i v e j o u r n e y t o p r o t e c t h i s f a m i l y W i t h high-octane action, intense drama, and emotional depth, Dhawan's portrayal p r o m i s e s t o r e d e f i n e h i s B o l l y w o o d i m a g e W a m i q a G a b b i j o i n s h i m , bringing impactful performances and e s s e n t i a l c h e m i s t r y M a k i n g h e r Bollywood debut, Keerthy Suresh adds depth to the ensemble, while veteran a c t o r J a c k i e S h r o f f ' s i n c l u s i o n a d d s weight to the project W i t h V a r u n D h a w a n ' s p r o v e n success, "Baby John" is poised for box office triumph Its blend of action and emotion appeals to a broad audience, a n d i f D h a w a n e f f e c t i v e l y b a l a n c e s t o u g h n e s s w i t h v u l n e r a b i l i t y , c r i t i c s may praise his performance Following hits like "Badlapur" and "October," this f i l m c o u l d s i g n a l a c a r e e r s h i f t f o r Dhawan, propelling him into a new echelon of actors

" B a b y J o h n " c o u l d b e V a r u n D h a w a n ' s " J a w a n , " m i r r o r i n g S h a h Rukh Khan's global success With its South Indian action masala vibe and Varun's star appeal, it aims to captivate both Pan-Indian and global audiences

T h e p o l i t i c a l l y c h a r g e d p l o t m i g h t resonate widely, potentially propelling Dhawan to new heights in the action genre, much like "Jawan" did for Khan

Jyotika shares affection for Mammootty, Rajinikanth, and Suriya, asserts independence in tamil films: ‘I am holding them alone’

Jyotika's comeback in 2015 with "36 Vayathinile" marked a significant shift, notably in her increased social media presence and candid interviews In a recent rapid-fire segment on Galatta India's YouTube channel, she addressed questions about her husband Suriya and co-stars Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Mammootty. However, the highlight was her bold response to the query about her desired Tamil co-star for her next project. When questioned about her desired Tamil co-star, Jyotika boldly replied, "I've been carrying my films alone for a while now I don't think I need a hero "

The actress expressed her interest in collaborating with her husband Suriya on a quality Hindi film, stating, "If something truly exceptional comes along, I'd love to work with Suriya " When prompted to disclose a positive and a pet peeve about Suriya, she shared, "I admire his respect and consideration for my space However, I do find his extended bathroom sessions a bit challenging It's a morning struggle "

She added, “I think he values the friendship we share, and as for what he tolerates in me, it would probably be a lengthy list He must tolerate a lot He's the listener, and I'm the talker, so he probably puts up with quite a bit ” Jyotika stands out as one of the few actresses to have worked alongside all the superstars in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema Reflecting on her experiences, the seasoned actress highlighted positive qualities in some of these stars Regarding Mammootty, she expressed admiration for his current phase of contributing to cinema as an actor As for Rajinikanth and Vijay, Jyotika lauded their 'superstardom' and 'consistency,' respectively

Vijay’s The Greatest of All Time release date revealed with new poster

Leo imparted a significant lesson to Vijay and Tamil filmmakers: announcing a release date before the completion of a film's shoot is not advisable in Kollywood Lokesh Kanagaraj emphasised that revealing Leo's release date prematurely limited his creative freedom to refine the script. Consequently, "The Greatest of All Time" refrained from announcing its release date until the film commenced shooting in 2023 F i n a l l y , t h e a n t i c i p a t i o n has ended, with the makers unveiling an official poster along with the release date for the Venkat Prabhu directorial The new poster showcases Vijay donning a salt-andp e p p e r l o o k , c o m p l e t e w i t h s p e c t a c l e s , imparting a nerdy vibe to the iconic mass hero Within the poster, a bomb blast scene unfolds against a European backdrop, hinting at the film's action-packed narrative N o t a b l y , t h e p a s s p o r t d i s p l a y e d o n t h e p o s t e r i s a d o r n e d w i t h n u m e r o u s v i s a stamps, indicating that the movie will tra-

verse through multiple locales P r o d u c e d b y A G S E n t e r t a i n m e

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t h e movie marks the debut collabo r a t i o n b e t w e e n V i j a y a n d Venkat Prabhu Described as a s c i - f i a c t i o n d r a m a c e n t r e d around time travel, the film s e e s V i j a y p o r t r a y i n g d

,

persona Speculations suggest that both characters portrayed by Vijay in "The Greatest of All T i m e " a r e t h e s a m e p e r s o n from different timelines Director Venkat Prabhu, who recently found success with "Maanaadu," employed a time-loop concept in that film Besides Vijay, the cast includes Prabhudheva, Prashanth, Ajmal, Meenakshi Chaudhry, Laila, Sneha, Mohan, Jayaram, and Yogi Babu in significant roles Yuvan Shankar Raja will compose the music There are rumours that this could be Vijay's final film as he transitions into full-time politics, although he might consider one more project before retiring from acting

KGF star Yash to produce Ramayana with Namit Malhotra

Yash, renowned for his role in "KGF," is set to produce Nitesh Tiwari's

'Ramayana ' Teaming up with Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, Yash's Monster Mind Creations will co-produce the film Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Yash stated that it's his long standing dream to create films that elevate Indian cinema to a global platform.

"In my pursuit of this goal, I visited LA to collaborate with one of the top VFX studios To my surprise, I found a fellow Indian leading the charge there Namit and I engaged in numerous ideation sessions, and remarkably, our visions for Indian cine m a a l i g n e d s e a m l e s s l y A s w e b r a i ns t o r m e d v a r i o u s p r o j e c t s , t h e t o p i c o f Ramayana emerged Ramayana holds deep significance for me, and I had a particular approach in mind for it By teaming up to co-produce Ramayana, we are merging our collective vision and expertise to craft an Indian film that will captivate audiences worldwide " Namit is equally thrilled to be involved with Nitesh Tiwari's film "After years of living across the US, the UK, and India, and establishing a business that has attained

Priyamani speculates on absence from pairing with top tamil and telugu stars: 'Perhaps I might overpower them'

Despite boasting numerous commercially successful and critically acclaimed films, actor Priyamani has never been cast opposite the top heroes of Tamil and Telugu cinema. When questioned about this in a recent interview, the actor admitted she lacked a definitive answer to the matter

Priyamani candidly addressed the media, expressing her perplexity over not being cast alongside A-listers She suggested directing questions to directors and producers for insight

Without placing blame, she shared hearsay about not being cast due to concerns of overshadowing co-stars Despite the uncertainty, she remains content with her career path

Priyamani also mentioned her disregard for the importance of being cast alongside A-listers for visibility While acknowledging initial disappointment, she emphasised that it's a matter for the actors themselves to address However, Priyamani stresses that she is happy with how things went with her career “It had ups and downs Yes, there were times when I was sitting at home trying to work wherever I could nice and quality work, obviously Some (work) I did for ‘Okay, let me see this kind of thing’ That’s okay It is also part of your journey, right?”

“All We Imagine As Light" marks India's return to Cannes Film Festival competition after 30years

After a long wait of three decades, an Indian film is set to feature in the top competition slot at the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival: "All We Imagine As Light," directed by Payal Kapadia. The announcement was made during a press conference in Paris by Iris Knobloch, the festival's president, and Thierry Fremaux, its general delegate.

Interestingly, Kapadia is one of the four female directors in the competition

The number was seven last year

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c h R i v i e r a , f a m o u s l y d u b b e d t h e "playground for the rich and famous " In 2021, her film "A Night of Not Knowing Nothing" secured the Golden Eye Award for Best Documentary, featured in the Director’s Fortnight, a significant sidebar at Cannes The narrative of "All We Imagine As Light" revolves around campus turmoil, c o n v e y e d t h r o u g h l e t t e r s e x c h a n g e d between a student and her lover In 2017, K a p a d i a ' s " A f t e r n o o n C l o u d s " w a s showcased in the Cinefondation section, h e l d c o n c u

Week and Director’s

("Parthenope"), among others

Harvard names Avantika Vandanapu ‘South Asian Person Of The Year’

Avantika Vandanapu, the Indian American actress celebrated for her role in ‘Mean Girls’, has received the prestigious "South Asian Person of the Year" accolade from Harvard University

Her remarkable accomplishments and substantial contributions to both the global and Indian entertainment realms have earned her this esteemed recognition Vandanapu said: “Being honoured by such a prestigious institution as Harvard University is truly humbling and incredibly motivating This award not only acknowledges my efforts but also underscores the

her debut in the Indian OTT series ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’

Born into a Telugu-speaking family, the actress has left her imprint on numerous Hollywood ventures, such as ‘Spin’ and ‘Senior Years’, among others She expresses gratitude for the steadfast support and affection bestowed upon her by audiences, both domestically and internationally

The actress added: “It propels me to delve into stories that challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and forge deep connections with people

My journey is just beginning, and this recognition ignites my

Priyanka Chopra lauds Dev Patel for Monkey Man: ‘What an impressive debut’

Priyanka Chopra extended her support to Dev Patel for his directorial debut, "Monkey Man "

Both hailing from Indian origins, they are Hollywood actors and producers

P r i y a n k a t o o k t o h e r Instagram Stories to share a clip from Monkey Man She w r o t e i n t h e c a p t i o n , “ B r a v o #DevPatel (applause emoji) Wh an impressive debut!” She also tagged other Indian actors from the cast, including

S o b h i t a D h u l i p a l a , P i t o b a s h , M a k a r a n d Deshpande, and Vinit Kumar Sharma, who are all making their Hollywood debut with the film She also tagged South African actor Sharlet Copley and co-producer Jordan Peele

S o b h i t a r e p l i e d t o h e r o n I n s t a g r a m S t o r i e s , w r i t i n g , “ T h a n k y o u @priyankachopra (red heart emojis) Monkey Man out in theatres worldwide, go watch ” In the meantime, Priyanka is occupied w i t h t h e f i l m i n g o f " H e a d s o f S t a t e , " a

comedy featuring John Cena, Idris b a , a n d o t h e r n o t a b l e s t a r s Additionally, she is set to appear in the Bollywood film "Jee Le Zaraa "

The action thriller tracks the odyssey of a young man, depicted by Dev Patel, who sets o u t t o a v e n g e h i s m o t h e r ' s demise, orchestrated by corrupt aders However, his pursuit of b u t i o n v e e r s u n e x p e c t e d l y , leading him to champion the cause of the marginalised and disenfranchised, evolving into the eponymous Monkey Man Drawing i n s p i r a t i o n f r o m I n d i a n m y t h o l o g y , particularly Lord Hanuman, the film delves into themes of justice and empowerment

Beside Dev Patel, the film stars Sikandar K h e r , S h a r l t o C o p l e y , S o b h i t a D h u l i p a l a , Makarand Deshpande, Ashwini Kalsekar, and m o r e " M o n k e y M a n " m a d e i t s d e b u t a t SXSW, garnering a standing ovation that moved Dev Patel to tears

Imtiaz Ali clashes with 'Rockstar' fans over film's flaws, Diljit Dosanjh supports them

Director Imtiaz Ali's "Rockstar," despite receiving mixed critical reviews upon its release in 2011, h developed a devoted and cult following over a deca later. In a recent interview, Imtiaz, gearing up for his upcoming film "Amar Singh Chamkila," revealed that he has engaged in disputes with "Rockstar" fans who are unwilling to acknowledge the film's shortcomings Diljit Dosanjh, who features in "Amar Singh Chamkila," joined Imtiaz in the inter which was hosted on Net YouTube channel

Imtiaz expressed his admiration for the film, stating, "I'm a huge fan of it " He shared insights, saying, "I have many critics around me Sometimes it lands me in trouble, but genuine feedback is invaluable Processing criticism is a personal journey, often involving

self-reflection I've clashed with 'Rockstar' fans who were dismayed by my dgment of the film's On one occasion, I tioned it was perfect " Diljit reacted in shock, asking, "What?" Upon Imtiaz's explanation that "there were many aspects of the film that were problematic," Diljit shook his head, repeating, o, no, no " Imtiaz shifted the sation, dging, "This is a lengthy debate People have been upset with me " Diljit defended the fans, stating they were justified in their reaction to Imtiaz If a poet begins dissecting the meaning behind their poetry, it could be seen as inappropriate People interpret things differently," Diljit remarked

Sunrisers score all-time high total

S unrisers Hyderabad batters h av e been on a roll, and on M onday

a g ai n st Ro ya l C h a ll eng ers

B en g al u ru , th ey w e re at th ei r belligerent best Travis Head ( 102)

s c o red th e fo u rt h fa st es t I P L century to help his team secure a 25-run win at the M C hinnasw am y S t ad i u m a ft er a ch i e v i ng t h e h ighest-ever total in the leag ue28 7/3 in 20 ov ers SRH broke their own record of 277/3 set against Mumbai Indians l a s t m o n t h R e d - h o t H e i n r i c h Klaasen also made it count with a q u i c k - f i r e h a l f c e n t u r y A i d e n Markram and Abdul Samad too joined the party SRH hit 22 sixes, a record for most maximums in a s i n g l e I P L i n n i n g s B a t t i n g a l lrounder Will Jacks was RCB’s most e c o n o m i c a l b o w l e r w i t h a n economy rate of 10 70 In reply, RCB did not go down without a f i g h t T h e i r f i f t h d e f e a t n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , t h e y f i n i s h e d with 262/7 in 20 overs Faf du Plessis (62) and Virat Kohli (42) got t h e t e a m o f f t o a g o o d s t a r t , scoring 79 in the first six overs But they lost Kohli, Jacks and Rajat Patidar quickly

f i r s t e v e r v i c t o r y o v e r

Lucknow Super Giants at t h e E d e n G a r d e n s T h e eight-wicket win, coming with 26 balls to spare, was a thoroughly dominating show in all departments

P h i l S a l t ’ s h a l f - c e n t u r y , M i t c h e l l S t a r c ’ s t h r e e wickets and Sunil Narine’s m i s e r l y s p e l l a l l contributed to a memorable win that will put KKR into a strong position after five matches Andre

Shivam Dube struck sizzling halfcenturies and then their fit-again S r i L a n k a n p a c e r M a t h e e s h a Pathirana unleashed a destructive spell of four for 28 in four overs, the Chennai Super Kings were not t o b e d e n i e d R e c o r d i n g t h e i r maiden away win this IPL season, CSK downed MI, who will be now on the road and will play their next home game only on May 3 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, by 20 runs at the Wankhede Stadium CSK are now third on the table with eight points, while MI are languishing at the eighth spot with four points in six matches

Sweet vi cto ry for Knights

K o l k a t a K n i g h t R i d e r s ’ overseas players came to the party on Sunday, leading the team to its

Sup er King's super sho w Indian captain Rohit Sharma smashed a valiant century (105 not out), but, on a night when MS D h o n i t u r n e d t h e c l o c k b a c k , s k i p p e r R u t u r a j G a i k w a d a n d

R u s s e l l ’ s s e r v i c e s w e r e n ’ t r e a l l y called for, yet his dismissal of KL Rahul proved crucial as the LSG captain was primed for an innings much bigger than his 39 Shreyas Iyer’s side continues to occupy the second spot on the ladder, behind Rajasthan Royals, having played a game less Hetm yer h its Royals ou t of trouble

R a j a s t h a n R o y a l s s t r u g g l e d against Punjab Kings bowlers, who took the pace off the ball cleverly o n a s t i c k y p i t c h , b u t f o u n d e n o u g h s t e a m t o e k e o u t a hardworking three-wicket win in their IPL match on Saturday The target was a rather easy-looking 148 but a set of spot-on Punjab bowlers and a tacky surface made

the task of Royals tough before they made 152/7 The Rajasthan outfit required 49 runs off the last five overs, but they had to wait till the penultimate ball of the match to get over the line despite having power-hitters like Rovman Powell (11) and Shimron Hetmyer (27 not out) in their ranks That equation came down to 10 off the final six balls after Hetmyer hit Harshal Patel for a six and four The West

I n d i a n l e f t - h a n d e r t h e n h i t a couple of sixes off pacer Arshdeep Singh in the last over Gujarat Titans pip Rajasthan

R a j a s t h a n R o y a l s ’ s w i n n i n g streak came to an end as a spirited Gujarat Titans came up with a s e n s a t i o n a l l a s t - b a l l v i c t o r y chasing 197 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday The home team was poised to record their fifth successive victory but a late onslaught from Rashid Khan and R a h u l T e w a t i a s h a t t e r e d t h e i r h o p e s W h i l e R a s h i d r e m a i n e d unbeaten on 24 off 11 balls, Tewatia played a little cameo (an 11-ball 22) to guide GT to a tense three-wicket victory There was pindrop silence

i n t h e s t a d i u m w h e n R a s h i d whacked Avesh Khan over cover

f o r a b o u n d a r y w h e n G u j a r a t needed two off the last ball

Hyderabad beat Punj ab Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to fend off a late onslaught by Punjab Kings’ batsmen Shashank

S i n g h a n d A s h u t o s h S h a r m a , c l i n c h i n g v i c t o r y b y a n a r r o w margin of two runs Chasing down 183 runs for victory, Punjab Kings fell just short, scoring 180 for 6, with Shashank Singh leading the charge with an unbeaten 46 off 25 balls Ashutosh Sharma also played a vital role, remaining not out on 33 off 15 balls Bhuvneshwar Kumar shined for Hyderabad with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets

f o r 3 2 r u n s E a r l i e r , A r s h d e e p Singh’s impressive spell of 4/29 restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad to 182 for 9

Mary Kom steps down as India's Paris Olympics Chef-de-Mission Lord's cricket ground submits application for major renovation

S i x- t im e wo r ld c h a mp io n b o x er M C M a ry K o m s t ep p ed d o wn a s I n di a 's C h e f- d e- M i s si o n f o r th e u p c o mi n g P ar i s O ly mp i c s , saying sh e is left wi th no ch oice" due to so me personal r ea s o n s I n di a n O ly mp ic A s s o c i at io n ( I O A) P r es i de nt P T Us h a announced that Mary Ko m had asked to be r el i ev ed fr o m h er p o s it i o n i n a l et te r addressed to h er

this Olympic Games, with g r e a t e x p e c t a t i o n s , s h e added The IOA had announced her appointment on March 2 1 T h e c e l e b r a t e d b o x e r , w h o i s a l s o a b r o n z em e d a l l i s t f r o m t h e 2 0 1 2 London Olympics, was to be the logistical in-charge of the country's contingent at the July 26-August 11 Games

L o rd ’ s c ri ck et g r o un d h as s u bm i tte d plans to re-imag ine th e historic Hom e of C ricket w ith an eye-catching new roof, stands and top-floor bar

T h e M a r y l e b o n e C r i c k e t C l u b (MCC), which owns the ground, has s u b m i t t e d a n a p p l i c a t i o n t o Westminster City Council to demolish a n d r e p l a c e t h e A l l e n s t a n d a n d completely redevelop the Tavern stand

"I consider it an honour to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it However, I regret t h a t I w i l l n o t b e a b l e t o u p h o l d t h e prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons," the 41year-old stated in a letter to Usha

"It is embarrassing to retreat from a commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in

" W e a r e s a d t h a t O l y m p i c m e d a l winning boxer and Chairperson of the IOA

A t h l e t e s C o m m i s s i o n M a r y K o m h a s stepped down citing personal reasons We respect her decision and her privacy," Usha said in a statement

" I s h a l l m a k e t h e a p p r o p r i a t e

c o n s u l t a t i o n s a n d s o o n m a k e a n announcement about the replacement for M a r y K o m " U s h a s a i d s h e h a d a conversation with Mary Kom after receiving her letter

Neeraj Chopra to compete in Finland on the road to Paris 2024

T o k yo Ol ym p i c s g o l d m ed a li s t N ee raj C hop ra will comp ete at the Paav o Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland on June 18 , th e o rganizers confirmed Chop ra, who beg ins h is road to the P aris Olympics at the Doh a Diamond L eague Meeting on May 10 , had w on a silv er in the 2022 ed ition of the P aavo Nurmi Gam es but was forced to with draw from the 2023 ed ition as he was recovering from an injury

“ J a v e l i n t h r o w O l y m p i c c h a m p i o n

Neeraj Chopra will return to Turku in June Chopra will compete in the Paavo Nurmi Games after a year ’ s break and will meet a h i g h - q u a l i t y g r o u p o f c o m p e t i t o r s T h e competition will take place in Turku on June 18,” said Arttu Salonen, charged with athlete procurement at the Paavo Nurmi Games on their official event website

Other than Neeraj, the javelin throw

competition will also feature 19-year-old sensation Max Dehning, the German who is latest entrant in the 90m throw club

“The goal is to throw the toughest javelin competition of the summer in Turku before t h e P a r i s O l y m p i c s N e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h others continue Naturally, we want top domestic names to cover Turku, led by Oliver Helander (who won gold in 2022 edition with 89 83),” added Arttu

One of the targets that Neeraj has been pipped against, and one that he has been vocal about over the years, is hitting the elusive 90m mark

“I am very close to it I want to hit that t h r o w m y s e l f I b e l i e v e i n t h e p r o c e s s Whenever it will happen, it will happen I am n o t i n a h u r r y I a m h a p p y w i t h m y consistent performances, this is my main focus,” Chopra had said last year

D e s i g n r e n d e r s s h o w t h e g r o u n d transformed with a new corrugated roof for the Tavern Stand, with the design believed t o b e i n s p i r e d b y c r i c k e t s l i p - c a t c h i n g cradles, creating a striking new look

New tiers will be added to the stands under the proposed changes, and one of the big screens at the ground will be moved to create space for a top-floor bar A layer of seats will be added to the Tavern Stand while the Allen Stand, built in 1935 and the oldest at Lord’s, will be rebuilt with a new bridge linking it to the Grade-II listed Pavilion

The bridge will be moved up a floor meaning it will no longer lead to the players and match officials area The redevelopment

will add an extra 1,107 seats at the site, bringing the total capacity of the stadium to 32,287

The plans would reportedly cost around £60 million and could be ready in time for the 2027 Ashes

The proposals mark the latest stage of the 200-year-old grounds’ transformation f o l l o w i n g t h e r e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e Compton and Edtich Stands, which were opened in 2019

The ground was first opened in 1818 and quickly became a major venue as cricket became the world's leading sport in the 19th century

Rohit Sharma wants to play 2027 ODI world Cup

India captain Roh it Sharm a says he plans to “continue for a few m ore years ” as he “ really” w ants to w i n th e 2027 ODI World Cu p after the troph y slipp ed thro ugh his g rip thanks to just “ one bad day” in 2023 “I haven’t re al ly th o u g h t ab o u t re ti re m en t I d o n ’ t k no w wh ere life takes yo u I am playing well at the mom ent an d I am t h in ki ng o f continuing for a few more years I really w ant to w in that World Cup, ” h e said on a YouTube ch at sh ow

“The 50-over World Cup is the actual World Cup We have grown up watching the 50-over World Cup There is t h e W o r l d T e s t C h a m p i o n s h i p f i n a l

happening at Lord’s in 2025 Hopefully, we will make it t h e r e , ” a d d e d R o h i t , w h o will be leading the side in this year ’ s T20 World Cup Rohit still finds it tough t o c o m e t o t e r m s w i t h India’s defeat to Australia in the World Cup final “We played well until that final W h e n w e w o n t h e s e m ifinal, I thought, we were just one step away I thought, what’s that one thing that can make us lose that final, and honestly, nothing came to my mind,” he said

Mary Kom

Rohit Sharma