As we mark the fifth Covid anniversary , we reflect on the harsh realities of the pandemic that exposed the inability of governments to manage a crisis of such magnitude. The aftermath sparked ongoing issues, such as loneliness and deteriorating health, pushing society, particularly in Britain, to its limits.
Subhasini Naicker
Dr Joydeep Grover
Lex Fridman with PM Modi during the Podcast
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offering prayers to Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj
Lord Loomba calls for pragmatic approach to student visas to unlock UK-India Free Trade Agreement
On 6 Ma rch 2025, L ord Loomba, Found er a nd Chai r of The L oomba Foundati on, ad dressed the House of Lords on the opportunitie s and challenges surroundi ng f re e tra de agree ments betwe en the UK , India , a nd Southeast A sia
He emphasised that deepening economic ties with these fast-growing regions could signif icantly benef it British businesses, create jobs, and enhance investment flows
However, he warned that visa policies for overseas students remain a persistent obstacle to f inalising a trade agreement with India
Speaking in a debate initiated by Baroness Anelay, Lord Loomba highlighted his extensive experience in UK-India trade relations, including his role in the twinning of London and New Delhi He underscored the importance of strong, equitable partnerships and the unique historical and familial bonds that unite the UK and India
“A well-structured free trade agreement between the UK and India alongside deals with ASEAN nations will provide enormous opportunities for growth,” Lord Loomba
stated “India’s economic trajector y is among the most dynamic in the world, and ASEAN nations are becoming an increasingly vital hub for global commerce The UK must engage with these regions as equal partners to secure our economic future ”
However, Lord Loomba pointed out that the UK Government’s approach to visa rules for international students is hampering trade negotiations He argued that overseas students, particularly those from India, play a crucial role in fostering innovation, strengthening academic and business ties, and contributing to the British economy “It is counterproductive to classify international students as part of overall immigration statistics
when they bring substantial revenue to our universities and economic system,” Lord Loomba said “Unless they intend to stay beyond a reasonable period such as two years post-graduation restrictive visa policies should not hinder educational exchanges or trade discussions ”
Lord Loomba directly called on the Government to clarify its position:
1 Will the Government take a pragmatic approach to student visas, acknowledging their economic and diplomatic benef its?
2 How does the Government plan to address this issue to ensure it does not impede progress towards a free trade agreement with India?
In closing, Lord Loomba reaff irmed his belief that trade agreements should be built on mutual respect and a recognition of shared benef its “The UK must remove unnecessar y barriers and take a for ward-thinking approach if we wish to establish a strong and lasting trade partnership with India and Southeast Asia ”
UK announces new visa rules for carers, workers, students
The UK Govern ment ha s c onf irmed new vi sa rules for care providers , workers , a nd students to reduce reli ance on overseas rec rui tment a nd tighten i mm igration c on trols
From April 9, care providers in England must f irst attempt to hire foreign carers already in the countr y before recruiting from abroad The Skilled Worker visa
salar y threshold will also rise from £23,200 to £25,000 per year (£12 82 per hour) to reflect the minimum wage increase Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, acknowledged the vital role of international care workers but stressed the need to crack down on rogue employers exploiting them The Government has revoked over 470
Backlash over Met Police funding review
S cotland Yard h as sp arked concern among Black, Asian, disabled, and female off icers by reviewing funding for full-ti me union roles
While no decision has been made, the Metropolitan Police has paused budget allocations for four staff members, leaving leaders of key associations in limbo
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley faces a £260 million budget shortfall, potentially cutting 2,300 off icers and 400 staff
Unlike the Black Police Association (BPA), Asian Muslim Police Association, Disability Support Association, and Network of Women, 15 other internal networks, including LGBT+, Christian, Traveller, and ethnic groups, do not receive full-time funding
The review aims to assess fairness and eff iciency in long-standing arrangements It coincides with scrutiny of progress since Baroness Louise Casey’s damning report, which found institutional racism, misogyny, and homophobia within the force Ethnic minority off icers face higher misconduct allegations, disabled staff experience bullying, and female off icers report routine sexism
National BPA President Chief Inspector Andy George accused the Met of dismantling the BPA, blocking London chair Diane Vincent despite her election He called the funding pause an attack on accountability The Met Police Federation also demanded clarif ication, emphasising the need for representation
A Met spokesperson denied targeting the BPA, stating the review examines how all 19 staff associations and various networks support policing While no decision has been made, new full-time roles remain on hold
Religious school leader appointed Ofsted chairman
I N B R I E F WATCHDOG TARGETS £4BN SAVING S IN MIGRANT HOTEL COSTS
The government s efficiency chief is reviewing how hotels and hostels for asylum seekers and the homeless are booked, aiming to cut £4 billion in costs David Goldstone, chair of the Office for Value for Money (OVfM), is examining the “Friday night scramble where councils and departments compete for last-minute accommodation, inflating costs Council spending on temporary housing has more than doubled in a decade, reaching £1 6 billion in 2022-23, while Home Office hotel costs for asylum seekers rose to £3 billion in 2023-24 Goldstone is considering a centralised booking system to improve efficiency A Treasury source stressed the urgency, calling the current process “self- defeating confusion” that must end The review will assess how accommodation is secured and explore a stronger supply pipeline It forms part of OVfM’s broader strategy to cut waste and improve oversight of major infrastructure projects
NURSERIES REDUCE FREE CHILDCARE PLACES
sponsor licenses in the care sector since July 2022
New measures will also tighten the short-term student visa route, giving caseworkers more power to refuse applications suspected of being fraudulent Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra emphasised that prioritising care workers already in the UK will prevent exploitation and strengthen the sector
According to a watchdog, however, changes to the Skilled Worker visa route were implemented without fully assessing their impact, and can lead to a sharp rise in asylum claims from foreign workers in Britain
The National Audit Off ice (NAO) reported a signif icant increase in Skilled Worker visa holders seeking asylum, with claims rising from just 53 in 2022 to 5,300 in
Sir Hamid Patel has been appointed interim chairm an of Ofsted , m arking what is believed to be th e f irst time a relig ious school lead er has taken on the role He will serve in the p osition until a successor is found for Dam e C hristine Ryan at the scho ols regu lator
Sir Hamid is the chief executive of Star Academies Trust, which oversees nearly 40 primar y and secondar y schools, including several Islamic institutions The trust also operates a Christian school and grammar schools, many of which have been rated outstanding by Ofsted
A member of Ofsted’s board since 2019, Sir Hamid has led Star Academies since its establishment in 2010 He previously ser ved as headteacher of Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn, where the school encouraged pupils to wear a hijab outside and follow guidance such as weekly Quran recitations and avoiding stationer y featuring "un-Islamic images" like pop stars
Recognised for his contributions to education, Sir Hamid was knighted in 2021 and attended the King’s Coronation Insiders describe him as a balanced board member who has not resisted efforts to regulate more hardline religious schools
Nurseries are set to cut the number of government-funded childcare places due to financial strain, raising concerns about the viability of the scheme Plans to offer 30 hours of free childcare for all preschool children by September face a setback , with up to 60% of providers limiting places This follows new regulations banning nurseries from charging parents for additional services like meals and trips unless voluntary The changes coincide with increased national insurance payments and a rise in the minimum wage A survey of over 1 100 childcare providers in England found that nearly six in ten plan to reduce funded places for three - and four-year- olds while a quarter will do the same for twoyear- olds Providers argue that funding levels were set before recent cost increases Some warn that if wage rises continue without matching funding adjustments, closures may be inevitable The government insists the changes will prevent unfair charges for parents
SOCIAL MEDIA FIRMS RISK FINES UNDER UK LAW
Social media platforms in the UK now face hefty fines if they fail to implement strong measures to combat illegal content, including fraud, terrorism, and child sexual abuse material under new digital safety laws Tech companies must enforce safeguards against harmful content such as suicide encouragement extreme pornography and drug sales Now every website and app covered by the Online Safety Act spanning over 100,000 services, including Facebook Google, X, Reddit, and OnlyFans must take proactive steps to prevent such content from appearing or remove it if it goes online Firms that violate the act could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue amounting to billions for giants like Meta and Google In extreme cases, services could even be taken offline Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, has issued compliance codes to guide tech platforms in adhering to the law The act identifies 130 “priority offences” that companies must target through robust moderation systems
Lord Raj Loomba CBE
Sir Hamid Patel
Covid-19, five years on
It has now been five years since Covid-19 first gripped the world Five years Let that sink in A virus that claimed one in twenty lives globally was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation this week, five years ago
For many, those events remain impossible to leave behind, most obviously for those who lost loved ones among the 7 million recorded deaths worldwide An estimated 1 9 million people are still living with long Covid, struggling with its lingering effects Others, however, would rather forget the grief, the isolation, the economic fallout, and the toll on mental health
Yet, the political, economic, and social ramifications of the pandemic continue to unfold, just as the personal ones do With hindsight, we now understand the immense toll Covid19 took and how better preparation or a faster, more competent response could have mitigated its impact
Rooted in humanitarian diplomacy, India, for one, actively
Leveraging its pharmaceutical prowess, and utilising largescale manufacturing capabilities, India played a crucial role in producing and distributing Covid-19 vaccines and essential medicines worldwide India’s unique approach was a shining example of cooperation, empathy, and the well-being of h
Kutumbakam’ the world is one family
Governments like Taiwan, New Zealand, and South Korea effectively also protected lives without imposing excessive social costs In contrast, secrecy, complacency, and recklessness elsewhere had devastating consequences While healthcare workers and communities often stepped up despite facing structural racism, governments fell short
Nowhere was this failure more evident than in Britain, where an overwhelmed government was left badly exposed Accused of failing to prepare and then responding too slowly, the government saw public spending surge as GDP plummeted, ultimately leading to Boris Johnson’s downfall Yet, most politicians today prefer to avoid discussing the pandemic, even as Britain continues to grapple with its lasting consequences The UK Covid Inquiry’s first report, published last year, identified “serious errors ” in the state’s pandemic preparedness Nearly 230,000 lives were lost, and studies suggest that an earlier lockdown could have saved tens of thousands
The pandemic laid bare the deep flaws within the British state but learning lessons is difficult when politicians simply want to move on Five years later, Westminster often acts as though Covid-19 never happened, to the extent that the consequences of multiple national lockdowns were barely mentioned during last year ’ s general election campaign
On the ground though, there has been genuine progress, not just in vaccine technology but in measures like improved access to medical oxygen, already saving lives But true preparedness demands not only good medical interventions but also strong public health systems And right now, the future of the UK’s healthcare system is far from certain With NHS England set to be abolished and healthcare management shifting back under political control, one must ask: is Britain moving toward greater resilience, or is it at risk of another crisis?
The way we live today, the next pandemic could be more lethal As with Covid-19, the poorest communities will be hit hardest, both within and across nations and a global reckoning is now urgent
Ukraine’s fate hangs in the balance
President Donald Trump is pushing for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin His strategy involves pressuring Ukraine into a mineral deal while encouraging a p
Russia a method that has struggled in the past Meanwhile, Russia’s ongoing war of attrition has exposed cracks in Western military prestige, industry, and soft power, with the Global South, largely sympathetic to Russia, continuing to expand its economic and military ties with Moscow This shift further complicates the West's position
It was anticipated that if Trump succeeded, one of the decade’s most devastating wars could end Despite his public clashes with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Trump’s 30-day ceasefire proposal and restored military aid frustrated Russia, which viewed it as a chance for Ukraine to rearm The latest peace push followed US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, underscoring Washington’s attempt to mediate a resolution
While Trump’s recent talks with Putin suggested the ceasefire may fall short, Putin agreed to a 30-day ceasefire on energy and infrastructure Additionally, Putin informed Trump of plans for a Russian-Ukrainian prisoner swap, with 175 prisoners on each side and a “gesture of goodwill” involving the release of 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen
Beyond Ukraine, Trump’s broader geopolitical approach signals a shift, with China now emerging as the primary
focus through economic warfare Keen to avoid nuclear escalation in Europe, he seeks to reduce America’s non-profitable global commitments, urging Europe to manage its own security while reinforcing US interests in the Middle East by backing Israel However, his stance on Ukraine remains contentious at home-nearly half of American voters believe he
Meanwhile, Putin has expressed openness to the proposed 30-day ceasefire but claims it primarily benefits Ukraine, as Russian forces continue to advance
In the midst of these developments, India’s strong ties with both the US and Russia were highlighted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Trump as “far more prepared” for his second term, equipped with a clear roadmap Modi also spoke of his good relations with both Putin and Zelenskyy, suggesting he could urge Russia to acknowledge that war is not the solution, while reminding Ukraine that battlefields do not bring real resolutions
While this peace may not have been what Ukraine envisioned, it seems they’ve won a chance at stability After enduring the devastating effects of war, even a short ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope It provides Ukraine with a brief moment to catch its breath, begin rebuilding, and regain some stability Though the war still looms large, this ceasefire could offer Ukraine the opportunity to stand on its own feet again
Is Pakistan on the brink of another collapse?
78 years after its creation, Pakistan is facing a serious crisis Growing unrest in different provinces is threatening the country's unity Separatist movements in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and even Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are gaining strength With worsening economic conditions, ethnic conflicts, and increasing terrorism, Pakistan seems to be heading toward a possible breakup, which will have major effects on South Asia
Pakistan has been called the centre of global terrorism for years It has provided shelter to extremist groups like
i Network while protecting Taliban fighters The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has repeatedly placed Pakistan on its grey list for failing to stop terror financing Despite international pressure, many terrorist groups continue to operate freely The rising instability within the country, driven by ethnic conflicts and growing radicalisation, could make Pakistan an even bigger hotspot for terrorism
Balochistan has been in turmoil for decades, as years of government neglect and military oppression have fuelled a full-scale rebellion The recent hijacking of a train by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which led to the deaths of 26 hostages, highlights the serious security crisis in the region
The BLA and other separatist groups continue to carry out deadly attacks on Pakistani forces, showing that the province is slipping further out of Islamabad’s control
Sindh is also experiencing a rise in separatist movements Sindhi nationalist groups have become more vocal, accusing Islamabad of economic exploitation and cultural oppression
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is growing stronger, openly challenging Pakistan’s military With the Taliban now ruling Afghanistan, the TTP has become bolder, increasing attacks on security forces The ongoing violence further weakens Pakistan’s already unsta-
ble situation
Punjab, Pakistan’s most powerful and populous province, is also facing growing problems A collapsing economy, high unemployment, and rising inflation have caused widespread frustration Protests against the military and government are
strongest province is losing faith in its leaders Since Punjab
stronghold, any instability there could accelerate the country's fragmentation
In PoK, more people are demanding to join India, frustrated with economic struggles and political oppression under Pakistani rule The difference between the development in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and the worsening situation in PoK has made many in the region resent Islamabad Calls for self-rule or merging with India
Pakistan
A divided Pakistan would bring both benefits and challenges for India On one side, a weakened Pakistan could mean less terrorism and fewer cross-border attacks India would no longer have to deal with a united hostile neighbour On the other hand, Pakistan breaking apart could create instability in the region A massive refugee crisis could spill over into India Even worse, if extremist groups take control of nuclear-armed areas, it would be a serious security threat India’s military and diplomatic teams must prepare for different possible outcomes if Pakistan continues to deteriorate With multiple insurgencies, ethnic tensions, and economic struggles, Pakistan’s future looks bleak If they do not take urgent steps now, it risks becoming a failed state The world must be ready for the impact of its collapse, as a divided Pakistan could create serious instability both in the region and globally
“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” Serena Williams
Political Sketchbook
Alpesh Patel
The Speech, The City, and The Woman Who Became My Sita: A Reflection on Wealth, Politics, and What Truly Matters
I am in Ayodhy a today the ci ty of Ram A place of fa ith, dev oti on, a nd desti ny And today , by a twis t of fate , is als o my wi fe’s b irthda y
As I stand here, taking in the atmosphere of this historic place, I think back to the day I first met her years ago, at a speech I gave at Barclays Wealth
That speech wasn’t about how to make money It was about something more important: how to protect people
Most people assume that wealth is all about numbers, about accumulating more, about the relentless pursuit of growth But true financial security is about protection shielding people from bad decisions, from uncertainty, from the kind of mistakes that can wipe out a lifetime of hard work That’s what I spoke about that day And in the audience, unbeknownst to me, was the woman who would become my wife
She listened And something clicked
Now, I’m no Lord Ram, but if there’s one lesson from the Ramayana that applies far beyond mythology but is reality, it’s this: Some things are worth fighting for not for wealth, not for power, not for personal gain, but because they matter
Lord Ram didn’t fight for gold or a throne He fought to save Sita He fought for honour, for righteousness, for something greater than himself
And today, in an age where politics, finance, and power seem to revolve around who can amass the most rather than who can protect the most, that lesson is more relevant than ever
The Crisis of Leadership: Who is Protecting Us?
If you look at the world today, whether in the UK, India, or anywhere else, the same question keeps coming up: Who is fighting to protect the people?
• Are our political leaders focused on saving pensioners from a looming retirement crisis or just saving their own seats in Parliament?
• Are they defending national industries from foreign takeovers that weaken domestic control, or are they selling them off piece by piece?
• Are they ensuring that the next generation has access to opportunities, or are they setting up economic barriers that make it harder for anyone who isn’t already wealthy to succeed?
It’s easy to chase short-term gains It’s much harder to stand for something bigger
When I think about finance, about politics, about leadership, I think about that speech at Barclays Wealth I wasn’t there to push another investment strategy I was there to tell people the truth: Your wealth isn’t just about what you make it’s about what you protect
The same applies to a country A nation’s success isn’t measured by GDP alone It’s measured by how well it protects its people their pensions, their jobs, their security, their futures And yet, across the world, governments are failing this most basic test
The Fight Ahead
Ayodhya stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and the long arc of justice It took Lord Ram 14 years in e x i l
Nothing worth fighting for comes easy
So, as I reflect today not just on the woman who became my Sita, but on the world we live in I ask myself: Who is fighting for us? Who is standing up for the people who need protection?
This is not a call for political ideology, but for a return to basic principles:
✅ Leadership that safeguards rather than exploits
✅ Policies that protect long-term prosperity rather than chase short-term gains
✅ A financial system that helps people build security, not one that profits from their failures
And for all of us whether in business, politics, or daily life a reminder that the best things in life are not the ones we accumulate, but the ones we protect
To my wife the best investment life ever made for me Happy Birthday
And to everyone else: May you find, fight for, and protect what truly matters
UK-Russia tensions escalate
T wo B ri t is h di p l o m at s h ave be en exp ell ed fro m Ru ss i a i n a n e s c al at i ng
di p l o m at ic
d, wi th Moscow branding th e UK a "warmonger" and a key ally of V ladimir Putin threatening to seize British assets in Russia
The move comes as the US, under Donald Trump, attempts to reset relations with Moscow and broker
p e a c e i n U k r a i n e , w h i l e Britain finds itself cast as Russia’s primary adversary In an unusually aggressive statement, Russia's foreign intelligence service (SVR) accused the UK of trying to s a b o t a g e T r u m p ’ s p e a c e efforts in Ukraine
“London today, like on the eve of both World Wars of the last century, is acting as the main global 'war-
m o n g e r ' , ” t h e S V R declared, vowing to expose British interference While the statement did not elaborate on Britain’s alleged
r o l e i n p a s t c o n f l i c t s , Russia’s hostility towards the UK has intensified in recent weeks
The diplomatic stando
Russia’s FSB security ser-
diplomat and the spouse of another diplomat of spying, leading to their expul-
U K dismissed as "baseless " In retaliation, Britain expelled a Russian diplomat and a
sador in London
“The Russian state is
Moscow towards closure,”
warned in a statement A spokesperson declined to
Starmer rushes to secure US deal before tariffs
Br
ain is
ade deal with
for
month t o avoid swe epin g tar iffs t ha t coul d harm the economy
The US imposed 25% global tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, sparking warnings from UK industry leaders about severe
Starmer attempted but failed to persuade Trump to exempt Britain from these levies
I
N B R I E F LABOUR URGED TO TACKLE 'DISCRIMINATORY' GUARANTOR RULES
While they’re busy stoking division, the UK and our allies, including the US, are focused on securing
Unlike the EU, which is imposing retaliatory tariffs, Starmer’s government is prioritising economic negotiations over trade disputes
just
like Boris Johnson before him, of using the Ukraine
w
m domestic issues London, however, maintains that its p
However, Trump is preparing further "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from countries that apply VAT on US goods, which could take effect on April 1 During a White House v i s i t , T r u m p s u g g e s t e d B r i t a i n c o u l
exempt if a deal was reached on AI and other critical technologies
In response, Business Secretary Jonathan R e y n
urgent talks The UK is optimistic about an agreement, given its light-touch AI regulation approach compared to the EU’s stricter policies
Meanwhile, the EU has announced retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth €26 billion Starmer insists "all options are on the table" but prefers preventing surplus steel from flooding the UK market over escalating tensions with the US
A coalition of 28 charities including Shelter and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has urged Labour to reform rental laws to prevent poorer tenants from being unfairly excluded from the housing market In an open letter to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, they highlight how guarantor rules allow landlords to discriminate against undesirable tenants Research by Shelter found that one in three renters struggle to provide a guarantor affecting around 600,000 people in recent years The charities warn that without reform, landlords will exploit guarantor requests to bypass new anti-discrimination measures in Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill They are not calling for guarantors to be scrapped entirely but propose restricting demands to cases where a tenant’s income is insufficient or the landlord lacks rent insurance They also seek to cap guarantor liability at six months’ rent
PHARMACIES RISK CLOSURE
A lo ng -serving Metropolitan P olice sergeant has lost his d iscrimination case against the fo rce after claim ing he w as offended when a senior o fficer called him a "numpty " Sonny Kalar, who served with the Met for 30 years before retiring in June 2023, alleged that Chief Inspector Marlise Davies discriminated against him by using the term However, an employment tribunal ruled that the remark was made in a lighth e a r t e d m a n n e r a n d d i d not amount to discrimination Kalar had brought multiple claims, including race a n d d
tion, harassment, victimisa-
detriment, but all were dismissed He also alleged that
e witch-hunt" against him by senior officers
The tribunal heard that Davies admitted using the t
meant affectionately rather than in a disparaging way She also apologised J u d g e R i c h a r d N i c o l l e ruled that the term "numpty had no racial or disability connotations and was not c a p a b l e o f c o n s t i t u t i n g harassment
Tory boroughs reject Sadiq Khan's Green Belt review
F o u r C on s erv ati v e -l ed
L o nd o n co u n ci l s h a v e d eclined to participate in a rev iew o f th e cap ital’s green
b el t led b y M ay o r S ad i q K han’s office
The review, covering 18 suburban boroughs, aims to assess which areas of rural and green space could be r e c l a s s i f i e d a s ‘ g r e y b e l t , ’ allowing for future housing
d e v e l o p m e n t H o w e v e r , Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, and Hillingdon have rejected the mayor ’ s invitation to join the review
Green belt land has been protected from most devel-
o p m e n t s i n c e p r e - W o r l d War II legislation However, t h e L a b o u r G o v e r n m e n t plans a “strategic approach” to reclassify “loquality” sections into grey belt, aiming to help meet its target of building 1 5 million homes
since the 1970s The policy h a s d r a w
m
Conservatives, who argue it is unnecessary for tackling the housing crisis
T h e G
announced on December 16 that funding would be available for councils to conduct t
sions of interest by January 17 Sadiq Khan confirmed on J
Labour councillor joins Tories
A lo c al L a bo u r c o u nc i llo r h a s d ef ecte d to
l a t e l a s t night, Cllr Shiva Tiwari informed colleagues of his decision to switch to the Tories after nearly seven years as a Labour c o u n c i l l o r A n n o u n c i n g h i s m o v e v i a Hampstead and Highgate Conservatives, the West Hampstead representative criticised Camden Labour and the national party’s economic stance
“Sadly, the Labour Party has, over several years, moved away from the principles that matter to me supporting family values, hard work, aspiration, cohesion, a vibrant private sector, and strong public services,” he wrote “ T h i s w i l l n o t d e l i v e r t h e e c o n o m i c growth our country so badly needs to raise living standards and create opportunities for all Meanwhile, Camden Labour has become c o m p l a c e n t i n i t s m a j o r i t y , r e s i s t a n t t o debate, and responsible for declining services in areas such as waste collection, road maintenance, housing, and property development management ”
Hundreds of pharmacies could close within a year without increased funding, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned The industry body estimates that 10 to 15% of community pharmacies may shut by 2027 unless financial support improves Shepperton a village in Surrey is already feeling the strain with just one pharmacy remaining after two closures in the past five years BBC Radio Surrey reports A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson acknowledged the crucial role of community pharmacies in the healthcare system, calling them key to future healthcare plans NPA vicechair Olivier Picard blamed funding cuts and rising costs The NPA is urging the government to release its independent economic review on pharmacy funding and clarify the budget for 2024-25, which remains undisclosed
LOCAL AREAS FAILING TO TACKLE RACISM
Local authorities are failing to meet the safeguarding needs of Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage children, according to a new report by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel The review examined 53 cases of children from these backgrounds who experienced sexual abuse, fatal assault, or neglect between January 2022 and March 2024, with 27 children losing their lives The report highlights a systemic lack of attention to race, ethnicity, and culture in safeguarding practices and reviews noting a “pervasive silence and hesitancy” in addressing racism It concludes that by failing to acknowledge racial bias and systemic racism the current child protection system misses critical opportunities to learn from serious cases where children have been harmed or died
UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES WIDEN DISADVANTAGE GAP
would conduct a Londonwide review, but his office recently stated that not all invited boroughs had agreed to take part Bromley Council leader Colin Smith said the borough was already conducting its own review, while Bexley Council cited short deadlines and limited inform a t i o n a s r e a s o n s f o r declining
Tiwari’s defection follows a controversial Town Hall vote in which he abstained on changes to the council’s constitution, including restrictions on flags, banners, and deputation groups
T h e m a y o r ’ s o f f i c e attributed the tight timeframe to the Government’s o n e - m o n t h w i n d o w f o r e x p r e s s i o n s o f i n t e r e s t Khan has emphasised that the review will inform the next London Plan, due in 2027, rather than directly reclassifying land
A Camden Labour source dismissed his r e a s o n i n g , t e l l i n g t h e L o c a l D e m o c r a c y Reporting Service that he had been largely absent since the election “In recent months, he has both accused us of betraying Labour values and called us communists,” they said Tiwari, first elected in 2018, is a fund manager at Peak Rock Capital and a father of three He will stand as a Conservative candidate in next May’s local elections
Unauthorised school absences are a key driver of the growing attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers in England, according to research from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) The study found that the entire increase in the “disadvantage gap among 16-year-olds since 2019 is due to students on free school meals (FSM) missing more school than their classmates putting them months behind academically The report emphasised that unauthorised absences particularly in secondary schools have a greater impact on GCSE results than authorised ones The EPI also found that if disadvantaged pupils had the same attendance rates as others the attainment gap would be nearly 10% smaller at age 11 and 20% smaller at 16
Keir Starmer
Vladimir Putin
Sonny Kalar
Sadiq Khan
Cllr Shiva Tiwari
NHS England scrapped – Yay or nay?
P ri m e M i ni s t er K e ir S ta rm er h as a nn o u n c ed p la ns t o a bo l i s h N H S
E ng la nd , b ri n gi n g th e
( NH S ) ba ck u n de
di re ct government oversight
H S management to democratic
a r m s -
b o d y , N H S England,” Starmer stated In his speech, he highlighted the need to streamline
g
redirect resources to frontline care
d u p l i c a t i o n - r i g h t n o w , both NHS England and the Department of Health have
s e p a r a t e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s and strategy teams By consolidating these functions, we can free up funds to be used where they’re needed most: patient care ”
Starmer argued that the N H S s h o u l d b e d i r e c t l y overseen by elected officials rather than an independent b o d y H e d e s c r i b e d t h e move as a crucial step in bringing the NHS back to the centre of government
d
continue
U
N H S E n g l a n d w i l l n o w
o p e r a t e w i t h i n t h e Department of Health and S
defended the decision, call-
and emphasising that the move would restore ministerial oversight while saving h u n d
pounds funds that could be better allocated to doctors, nurses, and improving frontline care
“ T o t h o s e w h o r e s i s t this reform out of love for the NHS, I say: do not kill it w i t h k i n d n e s s , ” S t r e e t i n g urged An insider revealed that Streeting viewed NHS England as an organisation that was “responsible for everything yet struggled to d e l i v e r o n t h e p r i o r i t i e s that matter most to politicians ” The reforms are expected to take two years, save up to £500 million, and significantly reduce the comb i n e d w o r k f o r c e o f t h e Department of Health and S o c i a l C a r e ( D H S C
d NHS England, which currently employ 19,000 people
Criticis m and co nc erns
Critics warn that these changes could entangle the health service in costly and t i m e - c o n s u m i n g b
ucracy But according to Dr J o yd ee p G r o ve r, le ad fo r Cl i ni c a l Go v er na n c e an d
highly bureaucratic
“This has led to a valid question: Is this the best
tion?” he said
He further added, “The
Department of Health and S o c i
d N H S
England has likely reduced political control over the NHS While it was designed to be independent, politicians are still blamed when
politicians are now saying,
“Those who know the system who speak the language, who understand how to advocate for themselvescan push for services Meanwhile, those who are less informed, less vocal, often get left behind "
mistakes and we get voted out, we might as well take
accountable for our actions
intermediary
I understand where they’re coming from
“The risk, of course, is t
t h e N H S
m
s politicised But in my 25 years of observing the NHS,
it has always been a political tool It might be better for politicians to take direct credit or blame rather than operate through an intermediary ”
When asked about the l
this overhaul, Dr Grover
u s H e highlighted a key concern: “ G o v
m e n t e f f o r t s t o reduce bureaucracy often end up re-employing the s a m e p e o p l e i n d i f f e r e n t roles We saw this when CCGs replaced PCTs, and then ICPs replaced CCGs The same personnel remain in different organisations under new names We will have to wait and see if this is the case for NHS England as well ” E th ni c minorities and th e imp act o f reform Dr Grover also highl i g h t e d t h a t t h e N H S i s struggling to catch up after Covid, facing severe capacity shortages The UK has
only two hospital beds per 1,000 patients, compared to G e r m a n y ’ s e i g h t D e s p i t e healthcare workers doing their best, there is a limit to how much efficiency can be e x t r a c t e d f r o m l i m i t e d resources He also pointed o u t t h a t w h e n e v e r resources are stretched, the most disadvantaged communities suffer the most
“Those who know the system-who speak the lang u a g e , w h o u n d e r s t a n d how to advocate for thems e l v e s - c a n p u s h f o r appointments and services They call GP surgeries mult i p l e t i m e s , s u b m i t c o mplaints, and escalate issues, ensuring they get the care t h e y n e e d M
n w h i l e , t h o s e w h o a r e l e s s informed, less vocal, and rely on the system to take care of them often get left behind
“This is not just an issue for South Asian communit i e s b u t f o r a l l d e p r i v e d groups Those who speak u p g e t m o r e r e s o u r c e s , while those who do not fall through the cracks ” A history of NHS reforms
Overall, Dr Grover has m i x e d v i e w s a b o u t K e i r
S t a r m e r a n d W e s Streeting’s plans “I can tell you that this is not the first attempt to streamline the system Every time a top-
d o w n r e f o r m h a s b e e n introduced in the NHS, it has led to more confusion a n d f a i l u r e b e c a u s e t h e same people are expected to implement the changes “ F r o n t l i n e w o r k e r ssuch as GPs, nurses, and hospital managers-who are responsible for delivering s e r v i c e s w i l l s t r u g g l e t o adapt They will need time to understand the new system and figure out where to seek answers, which ultimately reduces their efficiency ” P ro f P hil Banfield, ch ai r of the BMA co uncil, echoed s i m i l a r c o n c e r n s , s t a t i n g ,
“The systematic fragmentation and incremental cuts to the NHS have made it too complex and unclear to frontline staff, patients, and the next generation of doctors just who is responsible for today, tomorrow, and the future Any reorganisation must ensure that the G
d e d i n t h e coming battle to mend the NHS “This is a high-stakes m o v e f r o m t h e G o v e r n m e n t W i t h o u t NHS England acting as a buffer between itself and the delivery of healthcare to patients, the buck will now well and truly stop with the Health Secretary ”
Prof Phil Banfield
Five years on The mark Covid-19 has left
I n the s tr an ge , u nc er tai n
d a y s of e a r ly 2 0 2 0 , t he world was suddenly upend-
ed b y the outb re ak of a ter-
en i t s eemed c ertain that every as pect of socie ty would be
p r of o un dl y a l t e re d Fi v e
y e a r s on , t h e i m pa c t of C o vi d - 19 re m a i ns s i g ni f ic ant
In the UK alone, more
t h a n 2 2 0 , 0 0 0 l i v
w e r e lost, contributing to a global toll of over seven million
d e a t h s C o m m u n i t i e s across the UK demonstrated an extraordinary level of
s o l i d a r i t y , t r a n s c e n d i n g professional, religious, and social boundaries to support one another Doctors, n u r s e s , a n d h e a l t h c a r e workers at the NHS worked tirelessly on the front lines,
s a v i n g l i v e s d e s p i t e immense pressure
Religious organisations also stepped up in remarkable ways, serving meals, distributing essential supplies, and providing emotional and spiritual support to those in need Mosques, churches, temples, and gur-
d w a r a s t r a n s f o r m e d i n t o community hubs, offering f o o d b a n k s , v a c c i n a t i o n centres, and mental health helplines
The R ole of BAME healthcare workers
A significant portion of this workforce came from Black, Asian, and Minority
E t h n i c ( B A M E ) b a c kgrounds According to NHS data, over 40% of NHS doctors are from BAME com-
m u n i t i e s , d e s p i t e m a k i n g up only 14% of the UK population
N e a r l y 3 0 % o f n
m e from BAME backgrounds In London, where Covid-19
c a s e s p e a k e d d u r i n g t h e first wave, more than 50% of NHS staff belonged to BAME communities Many
BAME doctors and nurses worked extra shifts under s e v e r e c o n d i t i o n s , o f t e n with minimal rest, to cope with overwhelming patient loads Some even came out o f r e t i r e m e n t o r d e l a y e
i d e urgent medical assistance
T h e p a n d e m i c a l s o exposed deep-rooted institutional racism within the N H S a n d t h e
d e r healthcare system BAME
h
r e disproportionately affected by Covid- 19 A report by P u b l i c H e a l t h E n g l a n d (PHE) found that 63% of N H S w o r k e r s w h o d i e d from Covid-19 were from BAME backgrounds Many reported being pressured to w o r k o n C o v i d - 1 9 w a r d s without adequate protection, despite having underlying health conditions that placed them at higher risk
However, in a positive s t e p t o w a r d s d i s m a n t l i n g racial inequality, the gove r n m e n t h a s r e c e n t l y announced the New Race E q u a l i t y E n g a g e m e n t G r o u p ( R E E G ) t o h e l p shape policies that remove barriers to racial equality which should help Chaired by Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the group will work with equalities ministers to ensure ethnic m i n o r i t y c o m m u n i t i e s ’ lived experiences are represented in the government’s key missions
The ongoing struggle with Long Covid
F o r m a n y i n d i v i d u a l s , the impact of Covid-19 did not end with recovery from t h e i n i t i a l i n f e c t i o n I n 2022, an estimated 1 8 million people, or 2 8% of the p o p u l a t i o n , s e l f - r e p o r t e d long Covid in the UK, with 1 3 million (73%) reporting symptoms for over 12 weeks after infection
Even now, Long Covid continues to affect millions
g l o b a l l y , m a n i f e s t i n g i n persistent symptoms such as brain fog, inflammation, respiratory distress, depression, muscle wastage, and insomnia Sanjiv Patel, who l o s t b o t h h i s p a r e n t s t o Covid-19 and suffers from L o n g C o v i d h i m s e l f , described his journey as a battle requiring deep selfa w a r e n e s s a n d s
c lifestyle adjustments
“Initially, the severity of t h e b r a i n f o g w a s o v e rwhelming, impacting both my short-term and longt e r m m e m o r y H a v
g cared for my father, who suffered from Parkinson’s and dementia, I felt daunted by the parallels I was
explains
approach, integrating both
, and mushroom-based therapies like Lion’s Mane for cognitive clarity, alongside a daily morning routine of
reducing inflammation and improving energy levels
“Walking, though simple, has been one of my greatest tools It offers time for reflection and self-talk,
w h i c h i s p o w e r f u l w h e n those around you may not f u l l y u n d e r s t a n d w h a t you ’ re going through,” he shares
How C ovi d-19 res haped society
F i v e y e a r s o n , t h e i m p a c t o f C o v i d - 1 9 h a s been profound The collect i v e e x p e r i e n c e o f l o s s b r o u g h t p e o p l e c l o s e r t o g e t h e r , s t r e n g t h e n i n g c o n n e c t i o n s w i t h f a m i l y , friends, and loved ones It a l s o r e s h a p e d a t t i t u d e s toward work, health, and community “As we mark five years
s i n c e t h e C o v i d - 1 9 p a ndemic reshaped our world, it's humbling to reflect on b o t h t h e c h a l l e n g e s a n d advancements we've exper i e n c e d c o l l e c t i v e l y T h e pandemic has undoubtedly
a c c e l e r a t e d p r o f o u n d
a d v a n c e m e n t s i n h e a l t h -
c a r e a n d p a n d e m i c p r eparedness, highlighting the importance of internationa l c o l l a b o r a t i o n , d i g i t a l
h e a l t h t e c h n o l o g i e s , a n d swift vaccine development and distribution Programs like PHOSP-1 and PHOSP2, in which I actively partici p a t e d , e x e m p l i f y h o w
r e s e a r c h a n d r e a l - w o r l d
e x p e r i e n c e s c o m b i n e d t o deepen our understanding of Long Covid,” said Sanjiv “The key takeaway for the future is to maintain v i g i l a n t p r e p a r e d n e s s , ongoing health education, and a culture of proactive s e l f - c a r e O u r c o l l e c t i v e resilience, underscored by e m p a t h y a n d k n o w l e d g e ,
w i l l e q u i p u s b e t t e r f o r
w h a t e v e r c h a l l e n g e s l i e ahead,” he added
As we look forward, it is imperative to honour those who fought on the frontl i n e s , s u p p o r t t h o s e s t i l l struggling, and carry forward the lessons learned to c r e a t e a h e a l t h i e r , m o r e connected world
Oxford scholar faces deportation over research abroad
M ani k arn ik a Du tt a, a 3 7y ea r- o ld h i
claim ed she sp ent too m any d ays i n I nd i a c o n d u ct in g research
As part of her academic work with the University of O x f o r d , D u t
n d attended international conferences
U n d e r H o m e O f f i c e rules, applicants for indefinite leave to remain must not exceed 548 days abroad i n a 1 0 - y e a r p e r i o d Manikarnika Dutta was outside the UK for 691 days
The Home Office also rejected her application, citing a lack of family ties in Britain, despite her 10-year marriage and life with her husband in south London
Other academics have faced
spent abroad
Dutta, now an assistant
College Dublin, previously c
Oxford and Bristol She lives
was shocked when I received
leave," Dutta said "I’ve lived in the UK for 12 years and never expected this " Dutta arrived in 2012 on
obtained
spouse visa Her
explained that the research
trips were essential for her academic work In October, Dutta applied for indefinite leave to remain, but while h
v
, h
w a s rejected An administrative review upheld the decision T h e r e v i e w i n s t r u c t e d Dutta to leave, with a 10y e a r r e - e n t r y b a n a n d p o t e n t i a l p r o s e c u t i o n f o r overstaying Since the rejection, she has received supp o r t f r o m a c a d e m i c c o ll e a g u e s N a h a c a l l e d t h e decision emotionally taxing Kandiah has challenged the decision, which the Home O f f i c e w i l l r e c o n s i d e r i n three months, though the original decision may still stand Kandiah warned the case harms the UK's ability to attract top academic talent
Turning
pandemic lessons into action
Cllr Krupesh Hirani Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow
L ast w eek, Harrow Co uncil org anised a mov ing serv ice to m ark the Co vid-1 9 National Day o f Reflection, a mom ent to pause and rem em ber the lives lost and the sacrifices m ad e d uring the pand emic Alongside local dig nitaries, inclu ding Gareth Thom as MP , I laid a w reath at th e Co vid C opse, a p oignant rem ind er of those difficult times
For me, the day held personal significance My eldest daughter, born during the height of the pandemic, will soon turn five It's a sobering thought that she and her generation will struggle to comprehend and fully grasp the extraordinary restrictions and lockdowns that defined our lives over that period of time
The service was a stark contrast to the lingering memory of the "Partygate" scandal and dodgy PPE contracts, a period of national outrage that revealed a deep disconnect between those in power and the sacrifices made by ordinary people Yet, the Day of Reflection offered a vital opportunity to unite, honour those that lost their lives, celebrate the resilience of our communities, and express gratitude to our key workers
In my role as Chair of the London Assembly's Health Committee, I've been deeply involved in examining the pandemic's impact on services Expert testimonies have highlighted the significant improvements in inter-agency coordination during the crisis However, there's a worrying trend of organisations reverting to pre-pandemic practices
The Day of Reflection must serve as more than just a commemorative event It's a call to action We must translate the lessons learned into tangible, lasting change By preserving the positive advancements made during the pandemic, particularly in healthcare coordination, we can build a more resilient and compassionate future for all
King’s College opens scholarships for Indian students
Pro fessor S hitij Kapur, ViceChancellor of King’s C ollege London, has extended the V ic e- C h a nc el lo r ’ s A w ard s fo r a second year
The scholarships, offeri n g a £ 1 0 , 0 0 0 t u i t i o n f e e waiver, are available to 30 I n d i a n p o s t g r a d u a t e s t udents starting courses later this year The awards supp o r t s t u d e n t s p u r s u i n g degrees that address local, national, and global challenges
P r o f e s s o r K a p u r s a i d : “ H
King’s can offer this opport u n i t y t h r o u g h t h e V i c eC h a n c e l l o r ’ s A w a r d s
During my recent visit to India, I was inspired by the passion and potential of stud e n t s a n d a l u m n i , w h i c h reinforced our decision to extend the scholarships for a second year ” T h e s c h o l a r s h i p s a r e o p e n t o I n d i a n s t u d e n t s starting full-time postgraduate courses in September 2025 across various faculties, including Life Sciences, Law, Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and more A p p l i c a n t s m u s t d e m o nstrate how they plan to use
Sanjiv Patel
Manikarnika Dutta
Thangam
Debbonaire joins House of Lords
Debbonaire of De Beauvoir T o w
Borough of Hackney Debbonaire lost her seat in the newly created Bristol
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer a rare setback for
Labour’s “lack of a strong
Gaza may have played a role
D u r i n g h e r t i m e i n Parliament, she held several
from 2023 to 2024 She also previously served as shadow housing secretary and shadow leader of the House of Commons Debbonaire is the seco n
recently join the Lords, fol-
Marvin Rees, who became
February 24
Queen warns of challenge in achieving gender equality
Q ueen Camilla has empha-
s ised the “daunti ng tas k” of
a c h i ev i n g gl ob a l ge n d er
e q ua l i ty , s pe a k i ng at B ucki ngham Palace to mark the 15th annivers ary of the W om e n o f th e W or ld ( WOW ) Foundation, which
s h e h a s l e d a s p re s i d en t s ince 2015
Prison population hits six-month high despite early releases
The number of priso ners in E ng la nd a nd W al es h as reached i ts h igh est level in six mo nths , des pi
tho
sa
es aimed at easing overcrowding, new figu res from th e
Mi
reveal
As of Monday, March 17, the prison population stood
weekly total since it peaked
September 6 last year The government launched early releases just days after that peak, reducing the proportion of sentences some priso
bars from 50% to 40%
Subsequent releases in
family fervently hope that this will be achieved much sooner ” Founded in 2010, WOW has grown into a global netw o r k p
equality and celebrating the a c h i
actively supported its mis-
Addressing guests, she highlighted the challenges that remain “At the current rate, it will take 286 years to remove discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to hold half of leadership positions in the workplace, and 47 years to achieve equal representation in national parliaments,” she stated
Despite these obstacles, s h e e x p r e s s e d h o p e , inspired by women and girls who refuse to accept limitations “By following in the footsteps of these amazing women and girls who will not take ‘ no ’ for an answer, we members of the WOW
sion, traveling worldwide i
G
, New Zealand, Australia, and Rwanda to advocate for its cause
“Wherever WOW gathers, I have met extraordinary women who refuse to take ‘ no ’ for an answer, ” she said “Some have public pro-
unnamed as their work puts them at risk ” During the event, she also received flowers from
School for Girls, calling the
warmly thanked them
brought the prison population down by nearly 3,000, reaching 85,618 by the end of 2024 However, since the start of 2025, the number has risen again, increasing by 1,938 reversing nearly two-thirds of the decline
The latest figures show that prisons in England and W
available spaces An additional 1,350 cells are typically kept free as a contingency
surges in inmate numbers
Accounts Committee have warned that the prison sys-
tem faces “total gridlock,” with the MoJ projecting that jails will run out of space a
committee also raised concerns that the government’s s
tain” measures, including an
review expected this spring
Howard League for Penal Reform, said, “Prisons have been asked to do too much, with too little, for too long Today’s figures show that e v e n
thousands has only bought the government a few more months Further action
Thangam Debbonaire
Queen Camila (front centre) with the attendees
Vibrant Holi festivities unite Indian diaspora in the UK
T he Indian diaspora across th e UK came tog eth er to celebrate Ho li with vibrant colours, music, and festiv e sp irit F ro m liv ely g ath erings in tem ples and comm unity centres to open-air events filled with dance and
Zumba, games, and a 12-
took place outdoors in the open greens The celebra-
diversity, reflecting the spirit of Rabindranath Tagore’s
Leeds to celebrate the annual Hindu festival of Holi, where participants smeared
featured live music, dancing, and the throwing of
traditional sweets, th e festiv al of colours brough t peop le of all ag es togeth er, symbolising joy, unity, and th e trium ph of go od ov er ev il Essex Indians (EI) charity 1186579 celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, on 1
M
S
including London, Harrow,
embrace
Thousands gathered in
place at the open-air venue, Testbed
The Indian Diaspora in the UK (IDUK) celebrated Holi in vibrant style at the Slough Cricket Club, with a
d with music, colour, and festivities The event featured a DJ and the rhythmic beats of dhols, creating an electrifying ambiance Cllr Prerna Dhardwaj and the Mayor of Slough were also in attendance, adding to the celebratory spirit
Holi celebrations unite devotees at Neasden Temple
H oli , one of the most vibrant
H i nd u f es t i va l s , m ar ks th e arrival of spri ng and the triu mp h of good over evil It celebrates renewal, vitali ty, and d i vi ne grac e, s ym bo l i se d by th e li gh ti ng of the Ho li bonf ire
The vibrancy and spirit of Holi were celebrated at BAPS
S h r i S w a m i n a r a y a n M a n d i r , London (Neasden Temple), on 13 March 2025 Devotees and v i s i t o r s a r r i v e d t h r o u g h o u t the day, offering respects to the murtis adorned in vibrant colors for the occasion
T h e H o l i c e l e b r a t i o n s
Sant praying at the event
began in the Mandir grounds with the traditional bonfire, lit shortly after 6 pm Devotees
o f f e r e d f r e s h l y h a r v e s t e d grains and coconuts in grati-
tude to Agni, the Hindu deity of fire The event also brought the local community together
t o e n j o y w a r m s n a c k s a n d refreshments
C itibond Tours, the only tour comp any in the UK w ith a d ed icated g uide k now n fo r exc ep tio nal
s e rv i c e i n p i lg r im ag e t o u rs , h a s ann o u nc ed the launch of its exclu-
s i v e Y atr a T ou r s Brochure The carefully p l an ned Y
orta ble sp iritu al jo urney, ensuring th at every gu est has a t ru ly m ea ni ng fu l p i lg rim ag e experience For those planning a pilgrimage or organising a group tour, Citibond Tours can customise the itinerary to fit individual n e e d s p e
sacred destinations such as
2 Jyotirlingas, and many more M
back: "I
incredibly grateful to Citibond Because of Citibond, I was able to fulfil
Joyous Holi commemoration at Preston Temple
Th e so ciety h as been celeb rat in g H o li s i nc e b ef o re ac qui ring the centre, w i th com munity m em bers taking the initiativ e to find a location, p rom ote the ev ent, and bring people tog ether for the festivities
With the new centre, the spacious car park now serves as the site for the Holi bonfire, attracting an average of 400 to 500 attendees This year, due to the lunar eclipse, the temple closed by 6:15 PM to observe the ‘grahan’, and the Holi bonfire was lit at 6:50 PM in the car park
P r e s i d e n t D a s h r a t h b h a i participated in the ‘puja’ led b y o u r
everyone's safety during the Holi bonfire Families took part in the ‘puja’ and joyfully threw colours at one another, making it a vibrant and festive occasion The weather remained calm throughout the evening, adding to the celebrations The neighbouring school
and
Lord Dholakia calls for genuine community cohesion
Lo rd Dho lakia welcom ed the d e ba te, r ef lec
Harold Wilso n and led by A rchbishop Michael Ramsey
He p raised ch urches fo r fostering com munity coh esion ov er the years
Reiterating his view on B r i t i s h n e s s , h e q u i p p
Being British is driving a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgian beer, grabbing an Indian curry on the way h o m e t o w a t c h A m e r i c a n shows on a Japanese TV but most of all, being suspicious of anything foreign "
L o r d D h o l a k i a a r g u e d that Britain’s evolving identity is blurred by a cultural "pick ‘ n ’ mix" and shifting political lines, where leaders compete on crime and community cohesion-a concept he sees as lacking strategic thought, like a "mighty river disappearing into the desert sand ”
He stressed that rather than fixed notions of identity, Britain should embrace individualism, pluralism, and g e n u i n e m u l t i c u l t u r a l i s m
Ayodhya but couldn't do so Thanks to Citibond, I was able to fulfil their wish to do the darshan of Ram Lalla This journey meant the world to me, and I cannot thank C i t i b o n d
o r making it possible Their impeccable organisation and support throughout t
u l y remarkable Thank you, Citibond, for helping me h o n o u
s ' memory in such a meaningful way " C
encourages the community to share this exciti n
team is ready to assist you
You can visit their offices in L o n
them at 0207 290 0601, or e
Efforts to define a shared national identity, he warned, clash with the principles of diversity and openness
Adding to the challenge, he cited global conflicts, risi n g t e r r o r i s m , a n d w h a t
T r e v o r P h i l l i p s c a l l s t h e "death of multiculturalism," leading to societal division
Q u o t i n g J o n a t h a n
F r e e d l a n d , h e n o t e d t h a t politicians and media fuel hysteria, unfairly scapegoati n g m i n o r i t i e s a n d u n d e rmining cohesion Lord Dholakia acknowle d g e d t h e c o n f u s i o n s u rr o u n d i n g d i s c u s s i o n s o n race, religion, identity, and m u l t i c u l t u r a l i s m , s t r e s s i n g the need for informed debate on genuine issues Using the example of Muslim women w e a r i n g v e i l s a s a " v i s i b l e statement of separation," he questioned whether it truly
i m p a c t s c o m m u n i t y c o h esion or an integrated society
T o m o v e f o r w a r d , h e
urged a deeper analysis of multi-ethnic Britain and its e v o l v i n g d e m o g r a p h i c s While Britain has led in prom o t i n g e q u a l i t y e
, disability, gender, age, faith, and sexual orientation he q u e s t i o n e d w h e t h e r t h
e efforts have truly fostered a shared national identity He also highlighted the oftenoverlooked mixed-race comm
boundaries Lord Dholakia conclud-
importance of ‘true multi-
proactive, with equality and diversity at its core He urged both governments and individuals to contribute meani
Highlighting the role of a well-balanced human rights framework, he called for a
social, economic, and civic participation across society T
stressed, goes beyond mere tolerance it requires valuing and respecting the contributions of diverse cultures and perspectives
Indian diaspora present at the Essex Indians
Holi celebrations at IDUK
Lord Navnit Dholakia
AFH facilitates marriages for 101 couples
d ards
With a focus on raising funds for vital causes, AFH supports blind individuals,
areas in need of resources
Over the past 39 years, we ’ ve raised and donated over £5 million, focusing on eradicating blindness, supporting child education, combating
living in poverty, the cost of a religious marriage ceremony is out of reach, and living together unmarried can lead to social stigma Through
Memorial Gates ceremony honours Commonwealth service
C
fought in both World
Commonwealth Day since
taken place for the past two years However, this year, 101 couples will have their wishes fulfilled, and AFH is seeking sponsorship to support this noble cause The cost to sponsor a couple is approximately £300, cover-
, helping to create strong, loving families
For many tribal couples
Hindu rites and basic household items like clothing, furniture, and kitchenware to start their new life together with dignity
Due to the Covid pandemic, the function has not
towards this worthy initiative, helping couples begin
blessings and dignity
Upcoming event
Milap and The Tung Auditorium present a free lunchtime concert featuring acclaimed sitarist Mehboob Nadeem on Wednesday, 2nd April, at The Tung Auditorium in Liverpool. Renowned for his exceptional mastery of the sitar, Nadeem will be joined by dynamic tabla maestro Kousic Sen for a captivating performance. Together, they promise a serene and immersive musical experience, offering the perfect midday escape
their unity across race, religion, and background, urging education and memorialisation for future generations The presence of WO
especially significant as 2025 marks 80 years since World War II ended While VE Day
e d Europe, many troops continued fighting in the Far East
The diverse Fourteenth A r m y , w i t h s o l d i e r s f r o m across the Commonwealth, played a crucial role Their legacy lives on in the UK today
As we mark VJ Day and Japan’s surrender, this comm e m o r a t i o n
r s a c r i f i c e s i n s h a p i n g the freedoms we cherish L o r d B o a t e n g C V O , Chair of the Memorial Gates
C o u n c i l , e m p h a s i s e d t h e importance of remembering t h e s a c r i f i c e s o f
The Path to a Peaceful Life and No complex rituals, no drastic renunciation - just peace & bliss!
a renewed commitment to peace Quoting Gandhi, he urged a collective effort to move beyond self-interest in today's unpredictable world B a r o n e s s
Commonwealth, highlight-
J
from Ghana in his centennial year, he noted, serves as a powerful reminder of this legacy
WO Hammond, a veteran of the Burma Campaign, expressed pride in his service
A
w
m y a n d called on the British government to recognise veterans' families with easier access to Britain as a gesture of apprec i a t i o n H e a l s o t h a n k e d Lord Boateng for his continued support
T h e B i s h o p o f Edmonton reflected on the deep connections between C o m m o n w e a l t h n a t i o
g past sacrifices should inspire
ed the significance of the Memorial Gates service in honouring Commonwealth soldiers who fought for freedom She praised WO Joseph Ashitey Hammond, Ghana’s last surviving WWII veteran,
ment to peace, calling him a powerful reminder of histo-
lessons
Director of Remembrance
to the
and
karma, bringin nunciation or com a shift in your understanding that helps transform
ng a sense of bal-mplex rituals - just nderstanding your perspective
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o To explore further
T or Scan the
code and to register for the events, , listen to experiences r,
Samuh Lagna of brides and grooms at the event
School children reciting during the ceremony
St. Patrick’s Day
In my letter published in Reader’s Voice (March 8-16, 2025), I inadvertently omitted mention of St Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated annually on March 17, marking the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death in the fifth century
In 2025, St Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years Traditionally, Irish families attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon, as the day coincides with the Christian season of Lent Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people
Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16 He later escaped but returned to Ireland, dedicating his life to spreading Christianity Over the centuries, the mythology surrounding his life became deeply embedded in Irish culture One well-known legend tells how St Patrick explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of the native Irish shamrock
Another popular phrase associated with Ireland is "the luck of the Irish " Irish immigrants and first-generation IrishAmerican prospectors were sometimes said to have this "luck" when they found success though the implication was that it was due to fortune rather than skill or hard work If I recall correctly, "Irish luck" was on full display on St Patrick’s Day in 2007, when Ireland remarkably defeated Pakistan in the ICC World Cricket Cup in Kingston, knocking them out of the tournament
Suresh and Bhavna Patel
A man with a vision
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty launched a charity to boost numeracy skills – “The Richmond Project”, as reported in AV dated 8-14 March 2025 shows that he is a politician with a vision and wants to contribute to the growth and prosperity of this country by supporting people in getting very important skills in life like numeracy
This is also an example that shows, to change lives or to do something good, you do not need to be in power but you need to have a powerful vision Mainstream media may not appreciate to the extent this should be done but Rishi Sunak is not interested in publicity He along with his family wants to do something for society and today's youth
Numeric skills are lacking in the UK for various reasons in spite of the efforts by the government to promote STEM subjects Charities can support improving this situation with the help of private sector participation and funding from the government Acquiring numeracy skills is very vital to remain competitive in the job market and for overall selfdevelopment I think other politicians should also do something that can change the lives of the younger generation, which in turn can support the community and the country in the long run
Hite sh Hingu
The United Nations – A white elephant
The UN was established after the WW II as a beacon of hope for peace, cooperation and humanitarian progress It now appears to be ridden with bureaucracy, job preservation, inefficiency and lack of decisive actions
Despite its huge budget and extensive diplomatic frame work the organisation often fails to enforce its resolutions and/or hold powerful nations accountable The Security Council dominated by few nations with veto power, frequently hampers meaningful interventions and logical end to conflicts which lends to prolonged crisis worldwide Meanwhile its numerous agencies, though well intentioned, often fail short due to red tape and mismanagement
If the UN is to remain relevant, it must undergo serious reforms to ensure transparency, efficiency and impartiality Without these changes, it risks becoming mere symbolic entity-an expensive “White Elephant” unable to fulfil its original mandate
Narsibh ai Patel
Fatal crash on strand leaves one dead, three injured
Over-70s pay more tax than Gen Z
Government rejects calls to extend free meal protections
approach from a side road
making
sharp turn before crashing into
driver remains in custody as investigations continue
New HMRC d ata rev eals that mo re retired baby boomers are paying inco me tax than Gen Z w orkers, m arking a significant sh ift since the pre-Co vid p eriod
In the 2022-23 financial year, 5 45 million Britons over 70 paid income tax, compared to 5 23 million under 30 (Gen Z includes those born between 1995 and 2012 )
Over-70s paid £19 1bn in income tax, surpassing the £18 3bn paid by under-30s, highlighting Britain’s increasing reliance on retirees
Baby boomers face higher tax bills as even those with modest pensions are impacted by the triple lock, which ties state pension increases to earnings, inflation, or 2 5% Additionally, income tax thresholds have been frozen since 2021 and will remain until 2028, leading to higher tax payments across all age groups
HMRC data also revealed a 680,000 increase in higherrate taxpayers (40p), bringing the total to 5 1 million in 202223, a direct result of frozen tax thresholds
The number of top-rate (45p) taxpayers rose by 10% to 600,000
While about 80% of the workforce pays the basic income tax rate, they contribute only around 33% (£75 6bn) of total tax revenues
M e a n w h i l e , t h
account for another third (£85 1bn), and the 45p taxpayers, who make up just 2% of the workforce, contribute the final third (£83 4bn)
East London councillor denies interfering in rape trial
An E as t London co uncillo r has denied trying to sabotage a rape trial by u rging th e victim’ s father to drop th e c harges Abdu l Malik, 50, a To wer Hamlets cou ncillor, pleaded not guilty at Snaresbro ok Crown Co urt to perverting the cou rse o f justice
The case involves Samir Abdul, 18, charged with two counts of rape and harassment in January He was due in court but was not p r o d u c e d f r o m H M P Thameside
Councillor Abdul Malik, 50, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court alongside codefendants Roqib Abdul, 45, and Rahela Begum, 41, who both pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice
M a l i k , o f M
c u r y W a l k , Poplar, remains accused of calling the victim’s father to halt a rape investigation
R
d contacting Malik in January to intervene in his son's case but did not enter a plea for
allegedly pressuring the victim to drop charges Malik, chair of the Tower Hamlets H R C
Aspire Party member, was elected in 2022
Begum were bailed, while
left court smiling, wearing headphones The trial is set
declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings
Slough councillor accused of threatening colleague
A pro be fo und C o u nci llo r If takha r A hm ed ' s ag g res siv e behaviour at an October 2023 meeting left colleag ue Puja Bedi fearing for her safety Witnesses feared h e m ight hit h er, and tw o p eop le step ped in before he w as escorted out to defuse the situatio n
The report found Councillor Ahmed's behaviour "plainly intimidating" toward Councillor Bedi, causing her and others to fear he might become violent Two people stepped in to separate them, and Ahmed was escorted out to defuse the situation
The incident took place on October 25, 2023, at Grove School, Chalvey, during a public meeting on parking restrictions Councillor Bedi, speaking as Slough's cabinet member f o
Conservative councillor Ahmed The standards committee later ruled his actions as harassment and misogyny
The committee found Councillor Bedi faced "a horrendous amount of fear" due to Councillor Ahmed’s conduct They ruled his remarks, including calling her "very sensitive," as misogynistic and shameful His behavior was seen as deliberately targeting a female colleague The committee also condemned Ahmed’s claims of staff "bullying" residents, calling it an attempt to pressure them into dropping parking restrictions
A million children risk losing free scho ol meals by the end of the decad e as parents o n leg ac y be nef i ts a re mov ed to universal cred it Protectio ns i n place s ince
20 1
worse off du ring the transition, will end th is m onth
The Treasury has rejecte
Bridget Phillipson’s calls to
Internal estimates predict a million children will lose eligibility when moving from primary to secondary school over the next five years T
years after lapsing in March 2
month Current recipients w
they finish their education phase Phillipson has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to extend the protections until the academic year ’ s end Reeves’s team is consid-
ering measures like auto-
However, sources say
extension is off the table due to costs
Since 2018, the demand for free school meals has nearly doubled, with over two million children eligible
Deven
analysis revealed that 30 2% of universal credit claimants
700,000 children could lose access to free
Millennials, Gen Z most likely to quit work over mental health
One in four young people hav e consid ered leaving the workfo rce in the past year, w ith mental health as th e lead ing factor, according to new Pw C data
The survey of 4,000 UK employees across 300 companies also found that 10% have actively considered taking an extended break, while 20% of all workers have thought about leaving Millennials and Gen Z workers under 35 are more likely to leave the workforce due to mental health challenges
Economic inactivity hit a record 9 4 million last year, or 22% of working-age adults Job vacancies fell by 9,000 to 819,000 in the three months to January, while unemployment held at 4 4%, though the ONS urged caution due to survey changes PwC data shows that 90% of employers are concerned about economic inactivity, with over half reporting a rise in employees leaving the workforce
Marco Amitrano, senior partner at PwC UK, said businesses are “understandably concerned” about the impact on productivity and finances He stressed the need to prevent workforce exits, noting that 54% of employers are reconsidering support measures “Guardrails to prevent inactivity must be part of the UK’s growth framework,” he added Over half of businesses worry about hiring inactive workers, with more than a third linking inactivity to system abuse
Our investigations journalist Dhiren Katwa has been honoured for his contribution to the global Indian diaspora through journalism Dhiren was presented with a trophy at a prestigious ceremony in Mumbai by Mr Tarachand Vishwakarma, Editor-in-Chief of Indian news channel Khulasach TV
Abdul Malik
The future of AI governance
Anusha Singh
Divya Siddarth, cofounder and executive director of the Collective Intelligence Project (CIP) is working to create democratic, communitydriven governance models for AI through innovative platforms and research
At CIP, she is pioneering democratic governance
m o d e l s f o r A I , e n
i n g public interest remains at the core of technological a
on AI policies, challenging W
tives, and exploring how different societies prioritise AI’s risks and benefits
Her team also evaluates AI models for their
considerations Additiona-
C
Models platform empow-
e r s l o c a l g r o u p s f r o m
b o o k c l u b s t o c o n t e n t moderators to co-create AI tailored to their specific needs
In this exclusive interv i e w , S i d d a r t h d i s c u s s e s
g l o b a l A I p o l i c i e s , t h e future of the technology and how her work at CIP is helping to shape a future where AI reflects the needs of people worldwide
What do you see as the biggest risks AI poses today, and what are its most significant benefits, particularly in the context of governance?
The greatest risk of AI lies in the concentration of power, where a small elite
c o n t r o l s d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g
t h a t i m p a c t s e v e r y o n e
Another pressing concern is the gradual erosion of human agency As AI takes over more decision-making and productive tasks, w e r i s k a f u t u r e w h e r
e r t h e i r o w n lives Even if some control remains, it may be restricted to a privileged few
To mitigate these risks, we must develop collective g
equitably distributed, and create models that reflect diverse global perspectives If AI is to play a critical role in society, it must repre-
"I
sent all people fairly That said, AI has transformative p o t e n t i a l i t c a n r e v o l utionise healthcare, educat i o n , a n d c r e
T
challenge is ensuring that p
than diminishing it
The recent AI Summit has been a major talking point In your view, what were the most significant outcomes of the summit?
I played a key role in o r g a n
h
A I Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in London The summit had a clear but narrow g
a l : b
i n g i n g t o g
t h e r major global powers such as the US, China, the UK, a n d k e y E u r o p e a n n a t i o n s t o f o r m a l l y recognise the risks posed by AI While this approach w a s h i g h l y f o c u s e d , i t excluded broader international perspectives
Since then, AI govern a n c e d i s c u s s i o n s h a v e e v o l v e d T h e F r e n c h
Summit marked a significant shift by incorporating deeper global representation, addressing a major gap from Bletchley Park
H o w e v e r , t h i s b r o a d e r i n c l u s i v i t y c a m e w i t h a t r a d e - o f f t h e s u m m i t ’ s o b j e c t i v e s b e c a m e l e s
issues to catastrophic risks, b
A I strategies, without a singular focus
D e s p i t e t h
expert discussions on AI risks While the event itself lacked a clear overarching goal, it succeeded in fostering one of the most globally inclusive conversations on AI governance to date
How would you describe your experience as part of the founding team of the AI Task Force and the AI Safety Institute?
Given the UK’s ambition to lead in AI safety, how successful do you think the AI Safety Institute has been so far?
It was an honour to be part of the founding team of the AI Task Force and the AI Safety Institute In an unbiased way, I genuinely believe that the UK AI Safety Institute is an i n c r e d i b l e a c c o m p l i s hment It’s rare for a governm e n t t o b u i l d f r o n t i e r t e c h n i c a l c a p a c i t y s o q
ernments are famously not great at doing Yet, the UK A
s emerged as one of the best AI safety organisations in the world Given that other l
this space have billions in
g and can move much faster,
and I’m grateful to have been part of it
Recently, the institute
r e b r a n d
Lord Loomba highlights
the urgent need for gender equality in STEM
T o m a rk I nt ern ati o n al W om en ’ s D ay , L o rd Lo omba, F ound er and Ch air of T he Loom ba Fou nd ation, d e li
Lo rds He addressed the p ersistent gend er disparities in s ci en ce , tec h no l og y, e ng i
nee ring , and m ath em a tic s ( S T E M ) a nd c al led fo r urgent action to ensure th at wo men and girls w orldw ide have equal access to education and career op portunities
S p e a k i n g d u r i n g a debate initiated by Baroness
S m i t h , L o r d L o o m b a emphasized that this year ’ s International Women’s Day theme-“For ALL women and g i r l s : R i g h t s E q u a l i t y
Empowerment ”-is a crucial reminder of the barriers that continue to hinder women ’ s participation in STEM
“Women remain significantly underrepresented in s c i e n c e a n d t e c h n o l o g y , ” L o r d L o o m b a s t a t e d
“UNESCO reports that only 3 5 % o f S T E M g r a d u a t e s worldwide are women, a figure that has barely improved over the past decade This g e n d e r g a p i s n o t j u s t a statistic it represents millions of women and girls who are denied opportunities to contribute to innovation, economic growth, and
social progress ” Lord Loomba drew particular attention to the situation in sub-Saharan Africa, where socio-economic barr i e r s , i n s t i t u t i o n a l b i a s e s , and cultural norms exacerb a t e g e n d e
STEM Citing findings from the 2024 UNESCO report, h e h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t i n Mozambique, women occupy just 24% of senior academic positions in higher education, while in Zambia, the figure is slightly higher at 28%
“These figures demonstrate the systemic obstacles w
academia and beyond,” Lord Loomba said “It is essential that we implement policies t h a t e n c
p e s from an early age ” L o r d L o o m b a a l s o expressed concern over the impact of recent reductions
Development Aid, which has historically supported educational initiatives in subS a h a
H
c
Government regarding the future of these programmes:
How does the Government plan to fulfill its commitment to support education for women and girls in Mozambique and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in STEM subjects, amidst these funding challenges?
Lord Loomba concluded
m i n g the importance of gender equality in STEM as both a m
n
girls in science and technology, we unlock a wealth of t a l e
n d p e r s p e c t i v e s essential for addressing the complex challenges of our time ” What programmes focused on education for women and girls, supported by British Overseas Development Aid, have been or will be disrupted by the recent reduction in aid funding?
, t h e French Summit had some tangible outcomes Several c o u n t r i e s c o m m i t t e d t o prioritising AI governance, and new AI safety instit u t e
l y reflecting a shift in political priorities This suggests a narrowing of focus, movi n g a w a y f r o
societal concerns, such as research on human inter-
risks of anthropomorphi-
d
However, much of the real progress happened on the s i d e l i n e s t h r o u g h n e w r e s e a r c h c o l l a b o r a t i o n s , c o a l i t i o n - b u i l d i n g , a n d
genuinely believe that the UK AI Safety Institute is an incredible accomplishment. It’s rare for a government to build frontier technical capacity so quickly "
also prioritise AI’s public interest impact That said, the AI Safety Institute and the ecosystem it has built in such a short time remain remarkable achievements
domestic AI landscape, and I’m eager to see how it continues to shape global AI governance and safety
Divya Siddarth
Loneliness beyond the pandemic
A s u r v e y b y t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’ s 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 ( O N S ) f o u n d t h a t o n e i n f o u r
B r i t i s h a d u l t s ( 2 5 % ) e x p e r i e n c e
loneliness either always, often, or some of the time Of these, 7% feel
l o n e l y f r e q u e n t l y , w h i l e 1 8 % report feeling lonely occasionally Additionally, another 24% of Brits
s a y t h e y e x p e r i e n c e l o n e l i n e s s from time to time
Loneliness is not just an emotional state; it has serious mental health consequences It can trigger anxiety and depression and
e x a c e r b a t e p r e - e x i s t i n g c o n d itions, making recovery even more difficult The long-term effects of isolation are now surfacing, with m a n y i n d i v i d u a l s e x p e r i e n c i n g lingering psychological distress
Additionally, loneliness often intersects with financial grooming, where vulnerable individu-
a l s e s p e c i a l l y t h e e l d e r l y become targets of manipulation and exploitation
Isolated people are more susceptible to financial abuse, as they may seek companionship or support in ways that leave them vulnerable to coercion
Addressing loneliness requires a collective effort-from families, communities, and policymakersto rebuild social connections and provide support systems for those at risk
Encouraging open conversations about mental health, fosteri n g i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l r e l a t i o nships, and investing in community initiatives can help combat isolation
Com munity initiatives need ed to com bat youth loneliness
S h a il a P e rv e z, M an ag e r at Roshni Birm ing ham, highlighted the growing issue of loneliness in the community, saying, “We work w i t h m a n y i n d i v i d u a l s , b o t h young and old, who struggle with isolation Over the years, family
s t r u c t u r e s h a v e c h a n g e d
Previously, large families meant a strong sense of community men
w o r k e d w h i l e w o m e n s t a y e d home, raising children and engaging in part-time jobs Now, with both men and women working, the extended family dynamic is f a d i n g E l d e r l y i n d i v i d u a l s a r e often left alone during the day, with fewer social interactions ”
Shaila discussed how loneliness affects young people differe n t l y f r o m o l d e r g e n e r a t i o n s , highlighting the role of technology “Young people may have hundreds of online friends, but their real-life interactions are limited,” she said “They spend more time on laptops and phones, watching podcasts and engaging in func-
tional conversations rather than socialising in person This disconn
youth ”
She also noted how loneliness in childhood can have long-term consequences “When you're used to being alone, adapting to relationships and social settings later i n l i f e c a n
affects not just mental health but a l s o p
explained “Studies show that prolonged loneliness can lead to a decline in both physical and mental health over time ”
Shaila highlighted the need for greater investment in community initiatives to combat loneliness among young people “The g o v e r n m e n t n
e d s t o a
t e funding for youth centres, community groups, and activity-based programs like walking clubs and skill-building classes,” she said “While online interactions have their place, they can’t fully replace in-person experiences-the friends h i p s , l a u g h t e r , a n d s h a r e d moments that help build real connections ” C aro li ne A brah am s, C h arity Director of Ag e UK, highlighted the deep impact of loneliness on o l d e r p e o p l e , e s p e c i a l l y a f t e r bereavement, ill health, or mobility issues “Losing close family and friends over time makes it harder to stay connected, and no relationship can truly replace those we ’ ve lost,” she said
She noted that while Asian elders are less likely to live alone, they are more likely to experience l o n e l i n e s s , w i t h o n e i n n i n e r e p o r t i n g f r e q u e n t l o n e l i n e s s “Feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of We must break the stigma so people feel confident seeking support,” she emphasised
L oneliness d eepens mental health strug gles
U KCP -accredited trauma sp ecialist p sychotherapist and doctoral researcher Tina Chu mmun
s a i d , “ M
South Asian families often makes it difficult for individuals to seek help when they feel lonely My doctoral research in health and social care at the Open University focuses on improving access to mental health services for South
repeatedly highlight a deep mis-
their culture, while others worry that a South Asian therapist might disclose their struggles within the community This lack of trust in mental health professionals only exacerbates feelings of isolation
Asian’ encompasses diverse cul-
South Asian in the UK does not mean we all share the same experiences or challenges ”
She added, “This has a profound psychological, emotional,
beyond parents and siblings to
uncles, and cousins, all providing a close-knit support system In places like Mauritius, where my family is from, households are
share meals and daily life But in the UK, family life is more nuclear, typically consisting of just par-
intensify feelings of isolation, particularly during times of crisis
during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tina said, “The impact of isolation was particularly severe in South
e extended family plays a crucial role in daily life Lockdowns sev-
i n g
There’s a saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ meaning children need diverse social interactions to develop fully But during the pan-
demic, these relationships were lost For immigrants, the isolation w a s e v e n
r e o v e r w h
i n g M a n y a l r e a d y f e e l d i s o r i e n t e d adjusting to a new country, and lockdowns stripped them of the small interactions-like asking a neighbour or someone at the grocery store for advice-that provided a sense of support For those in a b u s i v e r e l a t
women who had moved to the UK w i t h
trapped at home with an abuser intensified their trauma and loneliness ” She added, “Loss has been a major issue, especially bereave-
ment due to Covid Many South
A
struggle with depression, anxiety, and uncertainty Even now, workplace challenges such as job losses or difficult managers are triggering flashbacks of the pandemic, when people were constantly told how to behave This lingering
stress is having long-term effects on mental health ” E m p h a s i s i n g t h e i m p a c t o f loneliness, Tina said, “Loneliness can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues
Prolonged isolation can trigger autoimmune diseases like eczema and psoriasis, as the body experiences chronic stress Conditions like IBS, which have no clear medical cause, can also develop due to
tional distress ”
Discussing how the Covid-19 pandemic intensified feelings of loneliness and depression among n
M aternal and
nfant Health at Sh effield Hallam University, said, “Recent cross-national research from the pandemic found that 53 5% of perinatal women experienced high levels of loneliness
Qualitative evidence suggests that new mothers link their loneliness to a lack of social contact, changes in their sense of identity, limited empathy and support from family and peers, and self-comparisons with perceived mothering norms
Existing research also highlights the significant negative impact of
health The prevalence of postnatal depression among women who gave birth during the pandemic remains alarmingly high, even six months postpartum The findings suggest that social isolation, lockdowns, and loneliness have played a major role in worsening maternal mental health ”
Fear and stigma silence South Asian elders
Elderly abuse in S outh Asian comm unities is a gro wing bu t often u nspoken issue, roo ted in cultural expectations, financial depend ency, and shifting family dynam ics Many elders face emotional, financial, and ev en physical mistreatment, sometim es at the h ands of th eir own fam ily members
Loneliness plays a significant role, both as a cause and consequence of abuse isolated elders may become more vulnerable to manipulation, while those experiencing neglect or mistreatment often withdraw further, deepening their sense of loneliness
Veronica Gray, DCEO of Hourglass & Director of Policy, highlighted the overlooked issue of elder abuse in the UK, affecting over 2 7 million people annually and costing more than £16 billion
She emphasised that older victims, particularly from South Asian communities, face additional barriers to seeking help due to cultural taboos, patriarchal norms, and language barriers “Abuse in South Asian communities is often misunderstood, with some forms such as disrespect or financial control not always aligning with Western definitions,” she said
discourage reporting ” She also noted that intergenerational violence is often normalised, with cycles of abuse affecting older South Asians in ways that remain under-researched and poorly addressed
provide a sense of safety, it can also isolate older South Asians from accessing crucial support outside their communities ”
Shaila Pervez highlighted the growing issue of financial grooming among elderly individuals, often driven by emotional manipulation due to loneliness “We’re seeing more cases where elderly parents feel pressured by their children to hand over assets Some children claim entitlement because they provide care, while others, living farther away, argue they’ve contributed in other ways This is leading to family disputes and divisions,” she said
explained, “The South Asian therapists like me work in private practice, therapy outside the NHS is often perceived as costly and carries a stigma Many fear that a white therapist won’t understand
“Shame, honour, and stigma play a major role in silencing victims, while mistrust in authorities, racism, and immigration fears further
Veronica also highlighted additional barriers faced by South Asian and other ethnic minority elders in seeking support “Language barriers, fear of being misunderstood by services, and a lack of interpreters often prevent victims from reaching out,” she said “Racism, past experiences of exclusion, and mistrust in authorities like the NHS or police further discourage reporting For those with insecure immigration status, fear of being reported to enforcement agencies adds another layer of hesitation While self-segregation can
She also pointed out the impact of changing family dynamics “In the past, children married within the community, bringing like-minded people into the home Now, with interfaith and intercultural marriages, some elderly parents feel alienated, especially when new family members challenge traditional values In some cases, parents are pressured to part with money, jewellery, or assets, with the justification that they no longer need them ”
Shaila stressed the need for proactive planning “Elderly individuals should discuss their wishes with family while they are still mentally sound, rather than leaving decisions until it’s too late More awareness around early will-writing is needed to prevent disputes and ensure their intentions are respected ”
Hora Soltani MBE
Shaila Pervez
Tina Chummun
Veronica Gray
Maya Raichoora: The future of mental fitness
Shefali Saxena
M a ya Ra i ch o o r a, 2 7 , is a leading expert in m ental fit-
n es s and v i s u ali s at io n , found er of Remap M ental Fitness, and Nike’s first-ever Glo bal Mental Fitness and
V i s u ali s at io n T ra in er In Visualise (Ebury, 27 March ), she shares how visualisation transformed her life, from battl ing c hro ni c c oli tis to coaching elite athletes and g lobal brand s M aya, your book Visualise d raws fas cinating parallels b etw een v is u ali sati o n an d
c
the co ncept o
neurop lasticity and its im pact on ou r ability to rewire our brains?
I l i k e t o d e s c r i b e t h e mind as a city because it’s an effective way to learn how
t h e m i n d w o r k s b u t a l s o how it can change In the brain, we have neural pathways that determine the way w e t h i n k , a c t ,
E v e n t u a l l y , t h e s e b e c o m e our identity These can be thought of as roads There are country roads, motorways, roads that you drive o n e v e r y d a y , r o a d s y o u barely use, and sometimes even roads that your parents or teachers created
Every time you think or feel, you drive along these roads And the more you drive along them, the deeper they become But the great thing is that you can break down the roads and build new ones
T h r o u g h v i s u a l i s a t i o n , you are choosing where you drive (what thoughts, what emotions, and what actions
y o u t a k e ) B y c o n s c i o u s l y d r i v i n g o n n e w r o a d s o r strengthening certain ones, you change the structure of your brain
Thinking about it like this makes it a lot easier to
understand how the brain works but also to be patient with it Hav ing su ch a com pelling personal story, ho w did your journey of ov ercoming challeng es sh ape th e approach you take in yo ur book? Wh at message d o you hop e readers t ake aw a y f ro m yo u r experiences?
I a c t u a l l y f o u n d t h e story part of the book the hardest to write Not only w a s I n e r v o u s , b u t I j u s t found that words couldn’t describe what those years entailed But at the same
t i m e , I a m p r o u d t h a t I pushed through and shared things I have never shared before
This is the book I wish I had when I was younger and s t a r t e d g e t t i n g c u r i o u s about my mind There is no book out there that dives i n t o v i s u a l i s a t i o n o r t h e
techniques that I do So for me, this was all about writing the most useful, impactf u l , a n d p r a c t i c a l b o o k I could I thought of it a bit like a ‘bible’ for visualisation
A big part of my journey was being someone who had amazing qualities like confidence, positivity, and bravery but then losing it all
S o b u i l d i n g i t u p f r o m ground zero was no small f
other people for my situation and realised that taking r
t step, everything changed
N e v e r u n d
e s t i m a t e how much can change in a few months A new mindset
A new perspective A new attitude
Y
they are p arents, students, athletes , o r entrepreneu
facing
oubt in
nm ent?
So, there are a couple of
Firstly, it’s normal to feel stressed or doubtful when you are under pressure But what this signals is a lack of m
I
’ s okay for doubt to be there, but you want to make your trust and confidence louder A good example of this was a football match I went to last weekend The match ended in penalties, and I was talking to some of the players afterwards I asked, “What do you think about before
t a k i n g t h e s h o t ? ” O n e o f
t h e m s a i d , “ Y o u h a v e t o believe you can actually do it ” Even though the pressure is so high in the situation, you want to give yourself the best chance
Embracing heritage through experimental sound and art
Subhasini Naicker
‘ Bi tm ap & E x p eri m e nta l Music from the Sri Lankan Diaspora’ – a g roundbreaking nigh t of three boundary - p u sh i ng a u d i o v i su a l perform ances at C afé OTO on March 31st Curated by Toulip Wond er, alo ng sid e S u ren S en ev i r atn e a nd Seth De Si lva, the ev ent explores pixel art, archival Mac software, and experimental sound
S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n Voice, Tulip discusses her i n s p i r a t i o n b e h i n d t h e w o r k , c o l l a b o r a t i o n p r ocess and much more Wh a t in sp i r ed yo u to cu r ate ‘ Bi tm a p & Exp erimental Music From The Sri L ankan Diaspora’?
I had the brainwave to join forces with Seth and Suren a while after I discovered that Seth and I had both been drawn to this obscure vintage mac software, ‘Flying Colors’ He was using it in his practice back in 2017 and I’d discovered it after becoming a mother in 2022 I made a lot of work within the softw a r e w h i l e j u g g l i n g t h e transition of becoming a p a r e n t a n d f i g u r i n g o u t what my new life as an artist and a mother looked like
a n d D J s e t , b l e n d i n g archival film and SCUMMe r a v i d e o g a m e f o o t a g e w i t h u n d e r g r o u n d c l u b t r a c k s a n d e c l e c t i c S r i Lankan rhythms
My piece is an autobio-
g r a p h i c a l t r i b u t e t o t h a t pivotal time in my life
e x p l o r i n g ‘ F l y i n g C o l o r s ’ software, navigating pare n t h o o d , a n d t h e c h a ll e n g e s o f b e i n g b o t h a n artist and a mother More than that, it’s a love letter to my family, my heritage, a n d t h e t r a n s f o r m a t i v e p o w e r o f d e c o l o n i s i n g through creativity
Missing Music project, my performance piece which centres around the pixel art software and Seth’s perf o r m a n c e w h i c h w i l l b e f e a t u r i n g s o m e v i s
from SCUMM era games w h i
games that Mark Ferrari helped create the pixel art for
How do es your Sri Lankan British id entity shape you r approach to experimental m usic and dig ital art?
d eb u t s ea s o n, w eav i ng tog ether the many threads
o f S outh A sian identities
The upcoming productions explore themes of clim a t e c r i s i s , i m m i g r a
forbidden love, illness, and the tensions between freed o m a n d d u t y t o
d w i t h both humour and political
d e p t h T h e s e a s o n o p e n s with ‘A practical guide on how to save the world when no one f**ing else is’ (15–19
A p r i l 2 0 2 5 ) , w r i t t e n b y Nicole Latchana and directed by Gavin Joseph ‘ P e r m i s s i
a t i o n through the friendship of t w o P a k i s t a n i w o m e n ‘ I Dream of Theresa May’ (17–2 9 N o v e m b e r ) , b y V i v e k Nityananda, follows a gay Indian man mentored by the
former UK Prime Minister F i n a
with Bush Theatre, explores a late-life romance between two South Asian elders, with dates for its 2026 run to be announced
S p e a k i n g a b o u t h e r vision, Kathi-Chandra said, "With my inaugural season at Tara Theatre, I want to highlight that there isn't just one way to 'be' South Asian O u r i d
complexities that shape our stories
New exhibition explores early India’s sacred art Th e Br i t
I h a d b e e n a s k i n g musician friends for musical offcuts to create videos using animation software w h e n I r e a c h e d o u t t o Suren It clicked that all three of us shared intersecting interests as music i a n s a n d v i s u a l a r t i s t s working with vintage Mac software and sounds I'm a l s o p u r s u i n g a P h D , ‘Sounds and Silences in the A r c h i v e s o f E m p i r e ’ , f o c u s e d o n d e c o l o n i s i n g r e c o r d s a t T h e N a t i o n a l Archives by amplifying Sri L a n k a n d i a s p o r i c v o i c e s through creative acts The night was a culmination of t h e s e i n f l u e n c e s , a n d I knew Café OTO would be the perfect space to bring it all together
Can yo u tell us about the collaboration process w ith S u ren S en ev i r atn e a nd Seth De S ilv a?
Each of us brings our
o w n d i s t i n c t p r a c t i c e t o
t h e n i g h t - s o m e p e r f o rmances were already establ i s h e d , w h i l e o t h e r s emerged directly from this collaboration Suren’s ‘Missing Music’ project is a dynamic live
i m p r o v i s a t i o n u s i n g v i ntage Mac sound software
a n d p l u g i n s , c o n s t a n t l y
e v o l v i n g a s h e e x p l o r e s n e w d i s c o v e r i e s i n t h e internet’s digital archives Seth, primarily a motion graphics artist, has previously worked on the visual side of live music For this show, however, he’s performing a unique live AV
T he ev ent exp lores pixel art, archival M ac software, and sound How do th ese elements come together in the performances?
‘Flying Colors’ is a pixel
a r t s t a m p s o f t w a r e a n d
d r a w i n g t o o l s i m i l a r t o
Deluxe Paint or Kid Pix, b u t i t i n c l u d e s s t a m p s drawn by one of the most famous pixel artists of our generation, Mark Ferrari
The three of us were all drawn to Mark’s artwork at different stages and originally I thought we were g o i n g t o c e n t r e t h i n g s m o r e s p e c i f i c a l l y a r o u n d
t h e ‘ F l y i n g C o l o r s ’ s o f tware In the end we broadened the scope of the night to allow space for our individual practices that utilise t h o s e e l e m e n t s S u r e n ’ s vintage mac software in his
Each year, I find myself diving deeper into my heritage After drama school, I had a stark wake-up call suddenly confronted with my Sri Lankan identity, or rather my ‘brown-ness’, in a way I hadn't fully processed before My music v i d
story of closed doors leading to a reclamation of heritage and identity
Being of dual heritage and third culture, it took time to understand what my Sri Lankan roots mean t o m e N o w , I ’ m d e e p l y engaged in reclaiming that identity on my own terms
Digital art and experimental music offer boundless creative worlds where I can rewrite both history and my future In that sense, I
off I wouldn’t trade this creative freedom for
terms
What d o you hope audiences will take away from the ev ent?
I want their minds to be blown I want them to feel the love in the space and solidarity within it too I want them to feel love To
humanity I want them to remember what it is to be
have a great night out and go home thinking, wow, those were some seriously
Maya Raichoora
L to R: Suren Seneviratne, Toulip Wonder and Seth De Silva
Harry Elletson
HCI and FCDO highlight women’s role in science and innovation
The Hig h Co mmission of Ind ia in London, in collaboration with the Foreign, C omm onw ealth and Develop ment Office, celebrated w omen in STEM to m ark Internatio nal Women’s Day on T uesd ay 11 May at Ind ia House
The event featured a distinguished panel discussion moderated by Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
The esteemed speakers included Vinita Marw aha Madill, Founder of Rocket Women; Pro fessor A lison Noble C BE, Technikos Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Engineering Science and a Professorial Fellow at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford; P rofessor Anjali
Go sw am i FRS, an evolutionary biologist at the Natural History Museum, London; Pro fessor Dawn Bonfield
MBE, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Inclusive Engineering at Aston
here in the UK ”
The discussion covered a variety of topics, from personal inspirations and influential role models to strategies for organisations to expand opportunities for women, especially in countries like India
Professor Anjali Goswami shared how her earliest memory sparked her passion for STEM “I was born in the US, but when I was four, my family moved back to Madhya Pradesh, home to half the world’s tiger population I remember riding an elephant in Kanha National Park, where ‘The Jungle Book’ was set, and seeing a tiger in the wild for the first time While my younger cousin cried in fear, I was in awe of its
including in Africa ”
Prof Dawn Bonfield highlighted the role of engineering in expanding opportunities for women, drawing from her work with the Women’s Engineering Society and the ‘Electric Dreams’ campaign “A century ago, the Electrical Association for Women encouraged women in the UK to use electricity at home, transforming their lives by reducing domestic drudgery, enabling them to work, and improving family well-being ” She noted the stark contrast today: “While the UK now focuses on energy efficiency, women in developing countries still cook on open fires and collect firewood Simple
University and Founder & Director of Towards Vision; Professor Dame
Pratibha Gai, Professor and Chair of Electron Microscopy and Founding Co-Director of the York
JEOL Nanocentre; and Dr Ro nita Bardhan, Associate Professor of Sustainable Built Environment at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Cambridge Sustainable Design Group
During the event, His Excellency High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami said, “The challenge is to ensure this is not just a story of a few examples but a movement of empowerment for all Young women across the Global South and even in developed countries must know that nothing should limit them except their own choices Today, governments and societies are better equipped to create long-overdue opportunities for everyone I’m especially delighted to be in the presence of some of the most inspiring women in science, education, and leadership
power and adaptation to its ecosystem This fascination led her to study biodiversity and evolution I spent years working in tiger reserves with Project Tiger, but even as I observed tigers daily, I was drawn to the bigger question what processes generate such incredible biodiversity?”
Dr Ronita Bardhan
shared her groundbreaking work on “invisible infrastructure,” linking built environment design to tuberculosis incidence in vulnerable communities
“In 2016, we predicted that by 2020, tuberculosis cases would rise among women and children an unusual trend, as TB is typically seen as a male-dominated disease By 2021, there was a 7% increase ” She highlighted how poorly designed housing trapped women in environments that exacerbated health risks “Interventions focused on medicine, but the real issue was the infrastructure itself Our findings have since influenced social housing policies worldwide,
technological solutions could drastically improve their lives ” Prof Bonfield emphasised the need for culturally inclusive engineering, cautioning that “without diverse teams, we risk reinforcing biases rather than solving real-world problems ” Vinita Marwaha Madill highlighted three key aspects of UK-India collaboration and gender equality in STEM “Role models are crucial Growing up, I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the space industry Visibility matters, and we need more women in STEM India is making great strides, but in the UK, only 16% of engineers are women, dropping to 10% for ethnic minorities ” She also emphasised the importance of scholarships, like the Chevening programme, in fostering educational collaboration On industrial partnerships, she shared her experience working on a UK-IndiaCanada collaboration with VSSC and vaccine research labs in India, developing a
micro-rover for lunar exploration “Beyond technology, we built cultural understanding, mentorship opportunities, and long-term relationships Seeing women in vibrant saris at ‘Chandrayaan-3’’s Mission Control was a proud moment I knew my daughter would finally see someone who looked like her and believe she could achieve the same ” Professor Dame Pratibha Gai on overcoming challenges, "I had my early education in India, where an excellent primary school teacher gave me a book that inspired my passion for science Though I initially considered becoming a surgeon, I chose physics instead When I told my parents I wanted to study at Cambridge, they asked, 'Where is that?' But I was determined and made it In the late 70s and early 80s, I was the only woman in my field at Cambridge, and when I completed my PhD, I was told I might have been the first Indian woman to do so in physics there I later moved to Oxford to establish my own research group Opportunities for women in science were limited then, so in the 1980s, I took a leap and moved to the US, where I set up another laboratory It has been a challenging yet rewarding journey, proving that with determination and hard work, you can overcome any obstacle " Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, who was unable to attend the event, sent a video message highlighting the vital role of women in STEM She stated, “The incredible women here today, both on the panel and in the audience, demonstrate the immense value of female leadership in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine Yet, we still have much to do to bridge the gender divide in these fields Underrepresentation not only limits talented individuals but also holds back societies and human progress
That’s why the UK Government is prioritising women ’ s rights and economic empowerment, both at home and globally
Our partnership with India is central to this vision, with nearly two decades of collaboration in education and research strengthening opportunities for women in STEM These efforts continue to deepen UKIndia ties while creating pathways for future generations of women in these fields ”
No 10 celebrates women’s achievements
Rayner, and Sir Keir S tarmer w el co m e d h i
i le women from across th e UK to Downing Street to m ark International Women’s Day
at an incredibly high number for far, far too long ” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner spoke about making it easier for the next generation to break barriers
Among the more than 50 inspirational guests were Visakha Devi Dasi, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, the first female president of a major Hindu temple in the UK; Bibi Khan MBE, the first woman to b e c o m e p r e s i d e n t o f a m o s q u e i n t h e U K a t Wightman Road in Hornsey ( L o n d o n I s l a m i c C u l t u r a l Society) and chairperson of the North London Council of Mosques, alongside Jagbir J h u t t i J
, P r o f e s s
o f S i k h S t u d i e s a t t h e University of Birmingham Guests included faith leaders, musicians, lawyers, and other distinguished figures
Addressing the gathering in No 10 ’ s pillared room, the Prime Minister said, “I really want you to feel at home here because you have the right to put your fingerp r i n t s o n e v e r y t h i n g t h i s Government does, and that is done in this place where I live, where I work This isn’t some great privilege being extended to you to be in this room with us tonight That is your right This is the p l a c e t h a t y o u s h o u l d b e t e l l i n g u s w h a t y o u f e e l , c h a l l e n g i n g w h a t w e a r e doing, and pushing us further and faster all of the time ” Sir Keir also reaffirmed the Government’s commitm e n t t o h a l v i n g v i o l e n c e a g a i n s t w o m e n
women that are killed by their partner has been stuck
“That’s why I speak like a M a n c u n i a n , ” s h e s a i d “ I t h i n k t h e r e ’ s s o m e t
authentically you, whoever that is, and from whatever
Being
Reeves celebrated her historic role as the first woman to hold the position in over 800 years “It’s a huge privilege for me, a privilege of my career, to be Chancellor of
Panellists discussing about women in STEM fields
H E Vikram Doraiswami addressing the audience during the event
Sir Keir and wife, Victoria Starmer with guests at the reception
Keir Starmer interacting with Visakha Dasi and others
Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressing the guests at the reception as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner looks on
N O O T H E R
Full
circle: How yoga brought a mother and daughter closer than ever
e
“Mothers and their children are in a category all their own There's no bond so strong in the entire world No love is so instantaneous and forgiving.” - Gail Tsukiyama
Amo
t h e r ’ s l o v e i s
unli ke an y other it is uncon diti onal, unw averi ng, an d d eeply trans -
f o r ma t i v e F r o m t h e momen t a child is b or n, a mo t h e r b e co me s t h e i r f ir s t te ac he r, pr ot ect or , a n d g r ea t es t s u pp or te r
As the years go by, this r e l a t i o n s h i p e v o lv e s , shi ftin g from caregi ver to con fida nte, from mentor to be st f rien d M o t h e r ’ s D a y i s a t i m e t o c e l e b r a t e t h e
i n c r e d i b l e w o m e n w h o shape our lives with their love, strength, and unwavering support Whether
t h r o u g h s h a r e d t r a d itions, heartfelt conversa-
tions, or simply spending time together, the bond
b e t w e e n a m o t h e r a n d child is one of life’s most p r o f o u n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s T h i s M o t h e r ’ s D a y , w e celebrate the incredible women who shape our lives in ways both seen and unseen
This year, we explore a touching story of how yoga deepened the connection between a mother and daughter, proving t h a t l o v e a n d l e a r n i n g never stop, no matter the age Angie and Shobhana
T i w a r i e x e m p l i f y t h e beautiful evolution of a m o t h e r - d a u g
n d through their shared love
of yoga
Mother’s Day is also about showing appreciation, and if you ’ re still searching for the perfect gift, we ’ ve got you cov-
share, we ’ ve rounded up
t ideas that go beyond the
d chocolates
J o i n u s a s w e c e l ebrate the special women in our lives with inspiring s
tures, and creative ways t o m a k e t h
M
t h e r ’ s Day truly unforgettable
Thoughtful presents for every type of mom
M oth er ’ s Day is the perfect time to show yo ur appreciation for th e wom an wh o has g iven so m uch to you
W h e t h e r y o u ' r e c e l ebrating your own mother, a grandmother or a mother figure in your life, the right gift can go a long way in e x p r e s s i n g
Mother’s Day gift ideas to suit every type of mom
Personalised jewellery
Jewellery always makes for a thoughtful gift, but personalised pieces add an
C o n s i d e
c k l a c e , bracelet, or ring engraved with her children's names, initials, or birthstones This keepsake is not only beauti-
f u l b u t a l s o s e n t i m e n t a l , s e r v i n g a s a c o n s t a n t reminder of her loved ones
Spa day at ho me
After years of taking care
o f e v e r y o n e e l s e , m o m s deserve some time to relax and unwind A spa day at home is the perfect way to pamper her Create a gift basket with luxurious bath salts, body scrubs, scented candles, face masks, and a soft robe You can also add a calming playlist or a soothing book to complete the experience
C ooking o r baking equip-
m ent
I f y o u r m o m e n j o y s
Anusha Singh M o t h ers ar e a d au g h ter ’ s greatest su pporters, and few wo uld disagree A s daughters grow older, their relationship with their m oth ers evolves into a d eep friendship, built on sh ared exp eriences, mu tual und erstandi ng , and unw av eri ng su pp o rt T h ey b ec o m e ea ch other’s confidantes, offering w i s d o m , g u i d a nc e, a nd en c o ur ag e m en t th ro u g h life’s ups and dow ns Just as mothers cheer for t h e i r
e b r a t e
r a c h i e v ements, uplift them during challenges, and provide the same love and support they o n c e r e c e i v e d A n g i e a n d Shobhana Tiwari are a beautiful example of this bond, one that has been further d e e p e n e d t h r o u g h t h e i r shared love for yoga
A n g i e h a s b e e n i m m e r s e d i n y o g a s i n c e childhood, growing up in an e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e t h e practice was an integral part of her mother Shobhana’s early life For Angie, inspiration was never far away, and for Shobhana, who had set y o g a a s i d e a m i d t h e demands of motherhood, it was heartwarming to see her daughter embrace the spiritual science she had always loved
Y e a r s l a t e r , A n g i e
b r o u g h t y o g a b a c k i n t o
Shobhana’s life “I used to practice with a yogi in India throughout my teens and later in life before moving to the UK Angie gave me the i n s p i r a t i o n t o t a k e i t u p again and challenge myself when I had lost my regular practice,” Shobhana shared
my teacher training, knowing how deeply I had fallen in love with the practice Yet, whenever I encouraged h e r t o j o i n m e , s h e w a s a l w a y s h e s i t a n t a l m o s t annoyed at the suggestion,” Angie recalled
Then the pandemic hit W i t h l o c k d
w n s a n d i n c r e a s e d t i m e a t h o m e , along with Angie’s persistence, Shobhana eventually started taking classes online t h r o u g h U N E A R T H E D , Angie’s yoga platform that offers over 350 classes led by Indian teachers “She also joined my YouTube classes and live sessions, saying she felt less self-conscious and more ready to give it another try,” Angie added
Since returning to her p r a c t i c e , S h o b h a n a h a s e x p e r i e n c e d a r e m a r k a b l e t r a n s f o r m a t i o n i n h e r strength, energy, and mobility More than that, her relat i o n s h i p w i t h A n g i e h a s grown even stronger “I see her passion for yoga and the way she follows Hindu trad i t i o n s S h e h a s d o n e s o much research, and the time and respect she shows to o u r c u l t u r e m a k e m e s o proud,” Shobhana said
taught us, ” Shobhana added Angie echoed the sentiment, saying, “We now have d e e p e r d i s c u s s i o n s a b o u t life because yoga philosophy is so profound it allows us to connect on another level We’re both more self-aware, and the practice has brought us closer in ways I never expected Physically, she has b e c o m e m u c h s t r o n g e r , more flexible, and has experienced a significant reduction in knee pain ” F o r A n g i e , s e e i n g h e r mother develop a solid daily p r a c t i c e h a s b e e n t r u l y rewarding “I’m so proud of her resilience in overcoming the fear of starting again i t ’ s o
return to a practice once it’s been lost Seeing how much calmer, stronger, and more mobile she has become is a true testament to her dedication She was the one who first taught me yoga asanas, p
c mindset, and now I get to share new ones with her Even better, we get to practice together It has been such a beautiful, full-circle experience She is the perfect example that yoga is for everyone, at any age-she’s now a Nani Ma at 70!”
Now, Angie is working on helping Shobhana overcome her fears around cert a i n p o s e s “ I ’ m t r y i n g t o bring the fun into the bits she’s fearful of and remind her that she can master her mind! For me, I’m enjoying b u i l d i n g u p m y s t r e n g t h again after having my baby and deepening my unders t a n d i n g a n d p r a c t i c e o f mudras,” she said S h o b h a n
s s h e h a s
b u i l t - i n
boards, or custom aprons are great options For the mom who loves to bake, a professional mixer or a set
will surely make her smile
A family experience Instead of a physical gift, c
family day out, whether it’s a picnic in the park, a trip to a museum, or a visit to a w i n e r y E x p e r i e n c e s o f t e n make more lasting memories than physical gifts, and it’s something that can be enjoyed together as a family
Handm ad e g ifts
H a n d m a d e g i f t s a r e a beautiful way to show effort and love If you ’ re crafty, you can create something special like a knitted scarf, a hand-painted vase, or a cus-
tom mug For a more personal touch, write a heartfelt letter or create a scrap-
s p e n d i n g t i m e i n t h e kitchen, consider giving her s
book filled with memories of the times you ’ ve shared together
Floral arrang em ents and p lants
If you want to go for something classic, a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a
colours or a unique plant like an indoor herb garden that she can use in cooking
A plant, especially one with a meaningful name, can be a long-lasting reminder of her special day
Books and journals
For moms who love to read or write, a great book or a beautiful journal can be a meaningful gift You could p
favourite author or one that s p e a
help, or memoirs A personalised journal where she can jot down her thoughts and e
make
F o r A n g i e , s e e i n g h e r mother return to yoga has been a fulfilling experience “I never thought I’d be able to get her back into it She was incredibly proud when I decided to go to India for
B e y o n d t h e p h y s i c a l benefits, practicing together has given them a new way to bond “Yoga has helped not only with her health issues but also in deepening our connection beyond the trad i t i o n a l m o t h e r - d a u g h t e r dynamic We love practicing together on the mat, and off t h e m a t , w e h a v e d e e p e r p h i l o s o p h i c a l d i s c u s s i o n s because of what yoga has
r s around certain poses but is eager to challenge herself with Angie’s guidance Their journey together is a beautiful reminder that yoga is not just a practice it’s a lifelong bond, one that transcends generations and continues to evolve
Traditions around the world that celebrate mums
Mo thers play a central role in cultures w orldw ide, and many countries h av e develo ped u nique trad itio ns to honour them
I n t h e U K , M o t h e r i n g
S u n d a y , F a l l i n g o n t h e fourth Sunday of Lent has r e l i g i o u s o r i g i n s
Traditionally, people visited their “mother church” and later, it evolved into a day of appreciating mothers with gifts and flowers
While Mother's Day is widely recognised, different cultures, like in the UK, cele b r a t e m o t h e r h o o d i n
d i v e r s e a n d m e a n i n g f u l ways Here are ten traditions from around the world that pay tribute to mom Japan – Haha no Hi
In Japan, Mother’s Day, or Haha no Hi, is celebrated
in May with gifts of red carn a t i o n s , w h i c h s y m b o l i s e l o v e a n d a d m i r a t i o n C h i l d r e n o f t e n d r a w p i ctures of their mothers and participate in school activities dedicated to maternal appreciation Thailand – Queen S irikit’s Birthday
M o t h e r ’ s D a y i n Thailand falls on August 12, coinciding with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, regarded as the mother of the nation
The day is marked by cand l e - l i t c e r e m o n i e s , p u b l i c c e l e b
kindness toward mothers France – Fête des M ères Celebrated in late May or early June, Mother’s Day in France involves flowers, gifts, and family gatherings
Traditionally, children pre-
n t t h
i r m o t h e r s w i t h handmade gifts or poems, m a k i n g i t a s e n t i m e n t a l occasion Peru – Día de la Madre Mother’s Day in Peru is celebrated with family gatherings, concerts, and even p
h o nouring mothers Many people visit cemeteries to pay t
mothers, showing that love and appreciation continue beyond life Across the world, mothe
i t h unique customs that reflect deep cultural values These traditions highlight the universal importance of
Shobhana and Angie Tiwari
On Monday March 10, Asian Voice in association with the Royal Air Force marked International Women’s Day at the fifth annual Women in Conversation panel discussion around the theme "Inspire Inclusion." The event was held at the Taj, London and included networking and a panel discussion It was attended by women from diverse professions and backgrounds
CB Patel, Chairman and Editorin-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat
Samachar was present among the distinguished audience. Group Captain Gareth Taylor and Squadron Leader Amir Khan were present along with a team of RAF personnel in uniform Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor of Asian Voice hosted the event on behalf of Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL) She highlighted the significant contribution of several women to the rich history of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for over fifty years
E X T S T E P
Group Captain Gareth Tayl or on empowerin g women in the RA F
In his address, Group Captain Garrett Taylor thanked Mr CB Patel for his continued support through the ongoing partnership between Asian Voice and the RAF
He reflected on his role as a basketball coach, mentoring young girls, and highlighted the parallels between sports and skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork
He also highlighted the Royal Air Force's active promotion of gender equality, with women working alongside their male counterparts "In 2017, all roles were opened
to all genders, and since then, we've seen a steady increase in representation. It’s something we aim to continue fostering at a rapid pace "
He emphasized that the RAF is a meritocracy, inclusive and socially open, ensuring that all talents are effectively utilized
Pa nell ists disc uss the nex t step toward s ‘A ccel erating A ction ’
Following Captain Taylor’s address, the panellists, moderated by Mamta Saha, a Facilitator, Executive Coach, and DEI Learning and Development expert, explored what Accelerate Action means to them
The panel included Dr Shriti Pattani OBE,
National Clinical Expert in Occupational Health and Wellbeing for NHS
England; Shalina Patel, Head of Teaching and Learning at Claremont High School Academy; and Meenal Sachdev, Councillor at Hertsmere
Borough Council, Chair of the Fairness and Legitimacy Panel for Hertfordshire Police, and Founder & Director of the Shiva Foundation
For Dr Pattani, Accelerate Action is about women stepping forward
Members of the RAF with the panellists and CB Patel, Chairman ABPL
Group Captain Gareth Taylor RAF addressing the audience
CB Patel, Chairman ABPL
Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor Asian Voice
Sqn Ldr Amir Khan (right) WO Balbir Flora (left) from RAF Ethnic Minorities Recruiting Strategy with colleagues from the RAF
Panellists and Moderator
S A T I O N E X P L O R E P S F O R C H A N G E
with confidence, believing in their worth, and taking action She expressed hope that, just as we look back at women in history with gratitude, future generations will do the same for us
Meenal highlighted the need for meaningful steps going beyond education and awareness to focus on governance, frameworks, legalities, and inter-sector collaborations, ensuring that responsibility for change is shared by all
journeys, discussing the significance of setting boundaries, especially in a world where many women struggle to do so, and the intentionality required in raising the next generation to lead with confidence and purpose
A udience partic ipation in the conversation
The audience’s interaction with the panellists brought out several important aspects
The panellists also addressed breaking the glass ceiling for future generations Shalina stressed the importance of lifting others up, using one ’ s own achievements to empower more women Meenal added that dismantling self-doubt and questioning internalised beliefs is crucial. Dr Pattani reinforced the need to create space for others to grow, while also tackling unconscious bias against women
Additionally, they reflected on their personal
cautioned against performative gestures that lack real impact, urging a focus on meaningful change.
The panellists also addressed questions on setting and enforcing boundaries, what makes women stronger, and the key steps needed to empower women Their insights reinforced the importance of intentional actions, support systems, and advocacy in achieving
of the conversation on gender equality
One audience member raised the issue of women shutting doors for other women instead of helping them move forward In response, Dr Pattani acknowledged this unfortunate reality, emphasising that while it cannot change overnight, individuals can ensure they are not the ones closing those doors Instead, they should focus on extending the ladder for the next generation of women to climb.
When asked about creating lasting change for
future generations, Meenal highlighted the importance of subtly shifting societal norms
She stressed that gender equality should become ingrained in the next generation as a norm rather than being framed as a solution to a problem
Shalina added that it is crucial to examine what young people are exposed to in today’s digital world and whether they are receiving the right messages from the content they consume
On the topic of equity within equality, Shalina emphasised that efforts must be genuine rather than tokenistic She
gender equality
Vote of than ks and message from CB Patel
In his message and vote of thanks, CB Patel, Chairman and Editor-inChief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, expressed his optimism and appreciation following the discussion "As we all know, tensions and challenges exist in different parts of the world today However, after this insightful session, I feel confident, happy, and optimistic about the future whether in the UK or worldwide ”
Photo courtesy: Arin Johri
Members of the RAF
Esteemed guests at the event
A token of appreciation for the panellists
Muslim Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating unity, challenging stereotypes
Shefali Saxena
M u s li m He ri tag e M o n th
(M HM ) launch es in March
2025, celebrating the contri bu tio ns of M u sli m s i n
Br ita in u nd er th e t h em e
‘Th e Ties T hat U nite U s ’
A l ig ned w i th th e U N’ s
I nte rn ati o na l D ay to Co mbat Islamoph obia, the initiative aims to ch alleng e s ter eo ty p es a nd a m p li f y positive Muslim stories
H e r e ’ s a n e x c l u s i v e i n t e r v i e w w i t h B a r o n
S
G
Muslim Women’s Network
UK and the founder of the i d e a t o e s t a b l i s h M u s l i m
Heritage Month in the UK
What inspired you to establi s h M u s l im He ri ta g e
Mo nth in the UK , and w hy is it important to have a ded icated m onth to celebrate Muslim heritag e?
It has been a very difficult time for Muslims over the last few years, particularly in the past 12 months
There have been so many
n e g a t i v e s t o r i e s a b o u t Muslims, and the situation
i s l i k e l y t o g e t w o r s e I w a n t e d t o c r e a t e s o m ething that would highlight
t h e r i c h d i v e r s i t y o f
Muslims and their contri-
b u t i o n s p a s t a n d p r es e n t t o B r i t i s h l i f e
t h r o u g h p o s i t i v e s t o r y -
t e l l i n g I a l s o w a n t e d t o a m p l i f y t h e c o n n e c t i o n s
b e t w e e n M u s l i m a n d
British culture
When I looked around for ideas, I saw that we have
i n i t i a t i v e s s u c h a s B l a c k
H i s t o r y M o n t h , L G B T History Month, Women’s History Month, and South
A s i a n H e r i t a g e M o n t h I felt we needed something
s i m i l a r s o m e t h i n g c e l ebratory and positive
G iv en t h e ri s e i n h a te c ri m es an d a nti - M u s li m attitud es, how do you see M u s li m He ri tag e M o nth c on trib uti ng t o ch ang i ng na rra ti v e s an d fo s te ri ng inclusiv ity?
H a v i n g a m o n t h - l o n g opportunity to share positive stories across sectors can help challenge stereot y p e s a n d , t h e r e f o r e , reduce anti-Muslim prejudice and attitudes It also provides an opportunity for mainstream organisations to showcase their positive i n i t i a t i v e s t h a t p r o m o t e inclusion and equal opportunities To support this, we have included an EDI ( E q u a l i t y , D i v e r s i t y , a n d I n c l u s i o n ) g o o d p r a c t i c e page on the website, which we will continue to update over the next few months With TikTok and X supporting this initiativ e, how s ig ni fic ant i s the ro le o f social media in amp lifying Mu slim voices and ensuri ng o nl in e s af et y f o r Mu slim com munities?
While there is a lot of h a t r e d t o w a r d s M u s l i m s online, social media is also a powerful tool for amplifying positive stories about M u s l i m s M a n y M u s l i m creators have huge followings and significant influ-
ence The solidarity shown by TikTok is important it sends a very positive message X has also been supportive and will be running online safety training sessions for Muslims as part of Muslim Heritage Month Ho w can ind iv idu als and organisations, both M uslim and non-M uslim , acti vely c o nt ri bu te to m a ki ng M uslim Heritag e M onth a long-term success?
For long-term success, this cannot just be Muslims talking to each other To make this work, we need mainstream organisations on board So far, those we have reached out to have
support for next year
There is a downloadable toolkit available on our website, www muslimher-
resource for ideas and education We encourage individuals to ask the organisations they are involved with how they can participate
TikTok and X, the Premier League hosted a roundtable meeting with seven football club charities to discuss their grassroots efforts in
helps with social mobility
Last night, we held a film screening of The Tiger Hunter and an Iftar in collaboration with the BFI and UK Muslim Film Arts, film, a n d s p o r t s a r e p o w
f u l mediums for positive influence More than 20 organisations will be participating throughout March
Free exercise sessions help Muslim women stay active during Ramadan
F ree exerc is e s ess io ns are being held ac ros s the UK to su pp ort Muslim women in s
ve du r in g Ramadan I n W a r d E n d , Birmingham, fitness coach
d i n g adapted workouts designed
t o a c c o m m o d
n g , incorporating lower-intensity exercises and shorter sessions
“ T h e r e ’ s a m i s c o n c e pt i o n t h a t
exercise during Ramadan,” H
absolutely fine to work out
u ssions on discipline during Ramadan and are open to n o n - M u
well
No 10 hosts British Muslims for Ramadan Iftar
P ri m e M i ni s te r S i r K ei r
Starmer welco med a group o f insp iring yo ung British M u s li m s to 1 0 Do w n i ng Street for a special Ramadan Iftar
Among the key attendees were Lord Chancellor S h a b a n a M a h m o o d , Minister for Housing Lord W a j i d K h a n , a n d C l l r Muhammad Butt, Leader of Brent Council
Addressing the attendi n g g u e s t s , t h e P r i m e
Minister said, “Thank you all for being here We've got a really good opportunity to have a discussion about your
“We aim to bridge gaps between communities it’s a l l a b o u t i n c l u s i v i t y a n d diversity,” Hussain adds “By having open conversations about fasting and its benefits, we create opportunities f o r l e a r n i n g a n d u n d e rstanding ”
Since its launch in June 2024, Inspiring Fitness has
across the UK
Westfield London and Stratford City ready for Eid festival
F ol l o w in g i t s su c ce s sf ul d e b ut l
spirit and Westfield’s support As organisers, we
re not just hosting
sumer
community, who have heavily criticised his support for Israel during the Gaza crisis
This Iftar was widely seen as an effort to rebuild trust and strengthen ties In a social media post, Starmer shared, “We have
young British Muslims to
dates to attendees as they broke their fast
w o r k B r i n g i n g c o m m u n ities together, breaking down b a r r i e r s , c h a l l e n g i n g m i sconceptions and supporting young people has to be done o v e r a n d o v e r a n d o v e r again So it's fantastic for me to be sharing this Iftar with you and throwing the doors at No 10 open and demonstrating that this building belongs to you just as much as it belongs to anyone else ”
The event comes amid t e n
Islamic Relief UK, Newham Community Project unite against hunger
Islamic Relief U K h as partne re d w it h New h am C ommu nity P roject to supp ort v ulnerable co mm unities in East Londo n d uring Ramadan, as foo d pov erty continues to rise across the U K
On Friday, 7th March, the charity’s Ramadan food drive saw 200 food packs distributed to those in need Newham, one of London's most deprived areas, has a poverty rate of 38%, with child poverty even higher at 44% Local charities work tirelessly to support struggling families, but more government action is needed to tackle systemic poverty Islamic Relief UK is urging the government to reins t a t e t h e £ 2 0 U n i v e r s a l Credit uplift and adjust benefit payments in line with inflation The charity is also calling for a comprehensive review of the social security system to ensure people can meet their basic needs With the cost-of-living
c r i s i s d e e p e n i n g , d e
n d for food banks has soared w
under immense pressure In
response, Islamic Relief UK
, now working with 31 partner organisations across the c
u d i n g l o n gstanding allies like Newham Community Project Rozina Iqbal, Director of Operations at Newham
C
y P
, emphasised the urgency of the crisis, "Food poverty in Newham is a daily reality, especially for families with no recourse to public funds M a n y f a
p o s s i b l e choices between rent, heating, and feeding their children Through our partnership with Islamic Relief, we provide essential food support while advocating for systemic change B
organisation offers holistic support, addressing housing instability, employment barriers, and mental health struggles to help families regain stability
Director of Islamic Relief UK, highlighted the signifi-
reflection and compassion It reminds us of our duty to care for those in need We
Baroness Gohir
Shabana Mahmood at the reception
Keir Starmer enjoying Iftar delicacies
f
b
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel
The recent 10% decline in the S&P 500 has understandably raised concerns am ong inv esto rs about the potential onset of a bear m arket T o assess the likelihood of such a transition, it's crucial to examine historical patterns and current m arket indicators
Understanding Market Corrections and Bear Markets
A market correction is typically defined as a decline of 10% or more from recent highs, whereas a bear market is characterized by a drop of 20% or more Historically, corrections are relatively common occurrences in the stock market Since World War II, the S&P 500 has experienced 48 corrections, but only 12 of these have
c
approximately 25% of corrections have led to more severe downturns
Historical Context of Bear Markets
Bear markets, while less frequent than corrections, have had significant impacts on investors Since 1929, the S&P 500 has undergone 13 bear markets, averaging one every seven years These periods have lasted about 17 m
approximately 34% Notably, bear markets have often presented strong buying opportunities, as the S&P 500 has historically been significantly higher one, three, and five years after reaching its trough
Recent Market Performance
A s o f M a r c h 1 5 , 2 0 2
correction territory, marking a 10 1% decline from its February 19 record high This is the first correction since October 2023, ending a period of 343 trading days without such a downturn nearly double the average duration
, occurring within 16 trading days, underscores the market's volatility
Factors Contributing to the Current Correction
Several factors have contributed to the recent market downturn:
Trade Policy Uncertainty: President Trump's tariff threats and policy agenda have introduced significant u n c e r t a i n t y i n t
Cembalest had anticipated a market correction between 10% and 15% in 2025 due to these factors
T e c h S e c t o r V o l a t i l i t y : T h e t e c h - h e a v y N a
Composite has experienced a 13 8% fall from its December record, with major AI-driven tech stocks, known as the "Magnificent Seven," facing notable declines Rob Arnott, founder of Research Affiliates, suggests that the current tech-stock sell-off is likely to continue as the market appears to be unwinding a bubble similar to that of the dot-com bubble of 2000
Assessing the Likelihood of a Bear Market
While the current correction has sparked concerns, historical data suggests that not all corrections lead to bear markets The key differentiator often lies in underlying e c o n o m i c c o n d
a recession, the probability of a bear market increases Indicators such as capital expenditure plans and inflation
e x p e c t a t i o n
contraction Additionally, the concentration of market value in top tech stocks is higher than at any point in U S stock market history, which could exacerbate declines if these stocks continue to underperform
Investor Sentiment and Market Indicators Investor sentiment has shifted due to uncertainties about trade policies and economic outlook Safe havens such as the yen, gold, and U S Treasuries have seen increasing demand The U S Economic Policy Uncertainty Index has surged recently, reflecting heightened market
M
investors is at a two-year high, with the Cboe Volatility Index signaling increased demand for market decline protection
South Asians among UK’s wealthiest beauty entrepreneurs
Sa
Fragranc e Shop and Vishal Karia’ s Affinity Fragrances
beauty brands in the UK, as featured
the inaugural Sunday Times Beauty Ric
List
the beauty industry from
skincare, hair salons, false
tanning businesses
stars, showcasing Britain’s growing influence in the
Platforms
Sanjay Vadera MBE arrived in the UK at the age of five after his family was expelled from
Polytechnic and working in a menswear shop, he spotted an opportunity He persuaded the store manager to let him use an empty space to sell perfume and aftershave an initiative that marked the beginning of his journey into the fragrance industry
That small concession led to the launch of Per-Scent, a perfume distribution business, and later The Fragrance Shop, now a retail giant with over 200 locations
In 2023-24, Vadera’s businesses generated record sales of £182 8 million, with profits reaching £20 8
approximately £200 million, having paid out nearly £60 million to Vadera over the years
Government pushes for inclusive leadership
growt h, improv
ecision
Malhotra
Speaking at the Change the Race Ratio and Parker
highlighted the benefits of
driving business success and e
t h e g o v e r n m e n t w i l l s o o n launch a public consultation on mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting
“ E q u a l i t y a n d opportunity are central to t h e g o v e r n m e n
highlighted SGBI’s growth
s Speech last July as part of the u p c o m i n g E q u a l i t y ( R a c e and Disability) Bill While pay gaps don’t necessarily indicate discrimination, she n o t e d , t h e y p r o v i d e
t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d i d e n t i f y a r e a s w h e r e o p p o r t u n i t i e s may be limited M a l h o t r a u r g e d stakeholders to contribute
emphasising that removing barriers is key to ensuring e
t y S h e praised the Parker Review’s success in increasing ethnic minority representation in FTSE 100 and 250 boards but a c k n o w l e d g e d c h a l l e n g e s remain "Black directors are s t i l l s i g n i f i c a n t l
noted
CEO and Co-Founder
Delhi and Bengaluru in February
Minister Poppy Gustafsson, noted
Sanjay Vadera
Seema Malhotra Lord Karan Bilimoria
Sukh Chandel
Vishal Karia
Barclays to invest £210mn in India to support business growth
Barcla ys Bank PLC is inve st-
ing £21 0 m n in it s India n operations to s upport busi-
ne s s g r ow th T he c a pi t al
inf us ion will enable the bank to expand its reach to a wider client base, including corpo-
ra t e a nd f i na n c ia l s p ons o r
c l ie nt s a nd u l tr a -h igh -n etwort h indiv idua ls in India , Barcla ys Bank said in a s tatement
The latest capital commitment follows a significant injection of over £300 mn in
2 0 2 1 W i t h t h i s a d d
o n a l investment, the bank’s total invested capital in India will increase to over £1,100mn,
reflecting a steady and sustained growth strategy A c c o
Ratings, Barclays India’s cap-
R )
stood at 15 93 per cent at the end of March 2024 As per Basel III guidelines, the bank i
minimum Tier-1 capital ratio of 11 per cent Its assets in India stood
at £5 39bn at the end of FY24 A major portion of
(49 2 per cent in FY24),
cent), and working capital loans (15 8 per cent), India Ratings said Pramod Kumar,
, Barclays Bank PLC, and head of investment banking, India, said, “The additional capital allows us to further strengthen our position as a trusted financial partner to clients, particularly in sectors where
opportunities in India ”
20 per cent rise in NRI deposits in Gujarat
N
s ( N R Is ) a r e p a rk i n g m o re money in Gujarat’s banks T h is is ev id en t fr o m th e 20% su rge in NRI dep osits year-on-year in th e qu arter endi ng D ec 31, 2024 T he t o ta l dep o s i ts r ea c h ed £10 45bn, u p from £8 66bn in the co rresponding qu arter of 2023, accordi ng to the lates t State-Level Bankers’ C o mm i tt ee ( S LB C)Gujarat
Higher US dollar realisation, coupled with attractive interest rates on NRI deposits, resulted in a sharp rise in remittances Bankers
n bank deposits to global economic factors, the depreciating rupee, and lucrative fixed deposit schemes tailored for NRIs
“The sustained strength of the US dollar played a key r
uncertain ahead of elections i n
economies, many NRIs took advantage of an appreciating dollar against the Indian
minister Todd McClay met on the
launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations The India-New Zealand
industry ministry
integration and improve
reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity, said a statement f r o m
w o countries had started in April 2010 to deepen trade in goods & services, and investment but stalled after 10 rounds of negotiations due to a raft of i s s u e s , i n c l u d i n g d i s a g r e ements over market access and trade priorities
Apple faces uncertainty over US-India trade dispute
A potential clash between the US and India o ver trade is now pu tting A pple and other tech giants in a d ifficult position T rade neg o tiatio ns b etw een th e tw o cou ntries , w h ic h i n it ia ll y s ee m ed p ro m i s i ng , h av e become strained ahead of a crucial d eadline o n April 2, w hen reciprocal tariffs on India, im posed by President Donald Trump , are set to take effec t A ccord ing to rep orts, the breakd own in talks could have far-reaching im plicatio ns, p articularly for tech co mpanies h eavily invested in the region
Trump has long criticized India’s high tariffs, which remain among the highest in Asia A growing US- India trade deficit has added fuel to the fire, leading to increasing tension as the deadline approaches CNBC reported that, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal made a hasty and unscheduled
visit to Washington, offering further concessions, including slashing tariffs on key US imports In return, India hoped to secure an exemption from the proposed US tariffs However, sources close to New Delhi suggest that Trump’s trade team has yet to budge
The tech sector is particularly vulnerable, with Apple in the crosshairs Apple manufactures approximately 15% of its iPhones in India, and the additional tariffs could raise costs and make its products less competitive Smartphones entering India currently face tariffs ranging from 16% to 20%, while Indian-made phones sold in the US enjoy tariff-free status With mounting pressure to keep costs down, Apple may have to reconsider its manufacturing strategy in India if tariffs continue to increase
Zydus in talks to acquire European medtech firm
Ph arma maj or Zydus Lifesciences Limited (Zydus), announced it has entered exclusive neg otiations to acquire a controlling stake in A mplitud e S urg ical, a Eu ropean leader in lo werli mb orth op aed ic tec hno log i es T he proposed acquisition, v alued at 256 8 million (approximately £24 3 96mn), will see Zyd us pu rchase 85 6% of A mplitud e Surg ical’s outstanding shares and vo ting righ ts at 6 25 euro p er share
The deal will be funded through internal accruals, along with a small percentage of debt, company officials said
Following the completion of the transaction, Zydus will launch a mandatory simplified cash tender offer for the remaining shares at the same price, potentially leading
to a compulsory acquisition and delisting of the company Amplitude Surgical has established itself as a key player in the MedTech sector, specialising in high quality knee and hip prostheses In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, Amplitude Surgical generated sales of 106 0 million euros and EBITDA of 27 1 million euros on a consolidated basis
“Our deep understanding of patient care pathways makes this acquisition a natural
orthopaedic implants, and we look forward to leveraging this knowledge to build a robust and innovation-driven Medtech business ” said Dr Sharvil Patel, managing director, Zydus
LG El ec tronic s India’s IPO got the go-ahead fr om markets regul ator Sebi, s ourc es s a i d LG i s l ook i ng t o m obilis e an estimat ed £1 5bn by s elling a 15% stake in it s domes tic arm It had filed the off er doc um ent with Sebi in earl y D ec 2024
The IPO will be entirely ‘offer for sale’ by its Korean parent and the Indian comp a n y w i l l n o t r e c e i v e a n y funds from this issue
T h e K o r e a n p a r e n t , which has been in India for o v e r t h r e e d e c a d e s , i s proposing to sell over 100mn shares through the offer, the
I P O p a p e r s s h o w e
£1 5bn size, LG Electronics India will be valued at about £10bn L G E l e c t
o n i c s I n d i a declined to comment on its proposed IPO, including if it w o u l d g o a h e a d w i t h t h e offer in the current volatile market conditions
The Hyundai offer was the largest IPO in Indian hist o r y T h e L G E l e c t r o n i c s offer would rank among the top five primary offers in the country’s history
According to Sebi rules, 3 5 % o f t h e o f f e r w i l l b e reserved for retail investors, while 50% will be reserved for t h e i n s t i t u t i o n a l i n v e s t o r s and the balance 15% will be marked for non-institutional i n v e s t o r s ( h i g h n e t w o r t h i n v e s t o r s ) , t h e d r a f t o f f e r document showed
Singapore’s Temasek to acquire 10% stake in Haldiram
S i ng ap o re ’ s s o v erei g n pr iv ate equity giant Temasek is ac q u ir in g 9 - 1 0 % st ake i n Hald iram Snacks Fo ods for o v er £ 8 50 m n, v alu i ng th e com pany at around $10 billion Haldiram Snacks Foods i s th e p a ren t ent it y o f H al d i ram ’ s , w i d ely rec o gni s ed as In d i a' s l ar g es t snacks brand
04bn for Bajaj Allianz L i f e I n s u r a n c e C o m p a n y , will take the Bajaj Group’s h o l d i n g f r o m 7 4 % t o f u l l
o w n e r s h i p , t h e c o m p a n y said in a stock exchange filing Allianz said it will explore “ r e i n v e s t m e n t o f s a l e p r oc e e d s i n t o p o t e n t i a l n e w opportunities in India ” The
d e a l , s u b j e c t t o a p p r o v a l s f r o m C o m p e t i t i o n
The agreement, which was signed March 11, comes after m o n t h s o f n e g o t i a t i o n s , with Temasek emerging as the highest bidder for the minority stake While Temasek clinched the deal for minority stake, discussions with other PE b i g g i e s B l a c k s t o n e a n d A l p h a W
promoter family is considering to sell, sources added With a reported $37 billion exposure to India as of March 2024 and plans to invest an additional $10 bill i o n o v e r t h e n e x t t h r e e years, Temasek is diversifying beyond its high profile s t a k e s i n M a n i p a l H e a l t h (where it owns 51% after a $2
a l , a r
reportedly underway for an additional 5% stake that the
T h e a c q u i s i t i o n m a r k s o n e o f t h e l a r g e s t r e c e n t deals in India’s fast-moving c o n s u m e r g o o d s s e c t o r , potentially signalling more foreign investment ahead
C o m m i s s i o n o f I n d i a a n d i n s u r a n c e r e g u l a t o r I R D A , may see Allianz receiving proceeds in multiple tranches
U n d e r t h e s t r u c t u r e , B a j a j F i n s e r v w i l l a c q u i r e 1 0 1 % i n e a c h c o m p a n y , w h i l e p r o m o
Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay
in brief
TRUMP NOMINATES INDIAN ORIGIN AS SINGAPORE ENVOY
President Donald Trump has announced entrepreneur Anji Sinha as his nominee for the position of US ambassador to Singapore Anji is a highly respected entrepreneur with an incredible family! The United States relationship with Singapore is vital, and I have no doubt that Anji will strongly represent our nation s interests and put America First Congratulations, Anji!” Trump wrote Most individuals familiar with the Washington scene said they had not heard of Trump s nominee prior to the announcement
PROMINENT MAGA SUPPORTER PRAISES RO KHANNA
In a surprising turn of events Steve Bannon a prominent figure in the MAGA movement praised progressive Rep Ro Khanna on Governor Gavin Newsom’s This is Gavin Newsom podcast Bannon known for his conservative views singled out Khanna as one of the top economic populists in the Democratic Party During the podcast s second episode, Bannon spoke highly of Khanna s approach to economic issues, calling it economic patriotism He even joked that Khanna s views were similar to his own and that of economist Peter Navarro, both of whom have promoted “economic nationalism ”
VANCE, WIFE LIKELY TO VISIT INDIA IN MARCH
US vice-president JD Vance will visit India along with his wife Usha later this month, Politico reported citing unnamed sources The visit will be Vance s second foreign trip as V-P after his world stage debut in France and Germany last month Vance has taken a prominent role in foreign policy, engaging with world leaders, including PM Modi Usha’s parents emigrated from Andhra Pradesh in the 1980s This will be Usha’s first visit to India as second lady She met JD at Yale before they got married in 2014
YUNUS TO VISIT BEIJING ON MARCH 28
Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28, underscoring the continued efforts of both nations to deepen their strategic cooperation The meeting will also mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, and there is a possibility of signing several bilateral agreements, said a diplomatic source The invitation for Yunus to visit China was extended on Aug 25 last year Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen reiterated that Beijing s policy towards Dhaka remains steadfast “China and Bangladesh are best friends and trustworthy partners Regardless of any international or domestic changes in Bangladesh, our commitment remains unchanged
9 KILLED, 35 INJURED IN BALOCHISTAN SUICIDE ATTACK
A suicide bombing targeting a paramilitary convoy in Pakistan s restive Balochistan province killed nine people - five Frontier Corps personnel and four civilians - and injured at least 35 others, hours after separatist outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said it had executed 214 hostages from the train that was hijacked last week Besides the suicide bomber four militants were killed by the military, security officials said BLA claimed responsibility for the attack along the Noshki-Dalbandin highway suggesting it would continue to inflict damage on Pakistani forces for ignoring a 48-hour ultimatum to agree to a prisoner exchange
BLA claims mass execution of 214 hostages
I S L A M
Liberation A rm y (BLA) issued a statement claiming resp onsibility for executing 214 hostag es, alleging that P akistan’s refusal to negotiate led to their deaths
T h e BL A sa
P ak i st ani forces ig nored a 48 -hour ultimatum fo r a p risoner exchang e, resulting in th e mass execution of o nly Pakistan security fo rces personnel
This is in sharp contrast to claims by the Pak army which claimed day that 26 hostages were killed by the Baloch rebels w
Balochistan The army acknowledged that only 18 of the slain h
paramilitary soldiers However, t
sources said, as ISI has been known to hide casualties on its side
In their statement, the BLA also acknowledged the death of 12 of its Mujahideen including f
e e d Brigade aka the suicide squad in the incident which it named as “Operation Darra-e-Bolan”
The Baloch rebels accused t
Bangladesh HC upholds death penalty for 20 students
D H A K A : T he hi
Bangladesh upheld a trial court ve
h a nd i n g do wn de a th penalty to 20 students of an eli te universi ty for beating to death a fellow s ec ond-year s tudent over his alleged political affiliati on in 2019
Court officials said a bench of justices AKM Asaduzzaman and Syed Enayet Hossain pronounced the verdict simultaneously wrapping up the hearing on the mandatory death refere n c e a n d c o n v i c t s ’ a p p e a l s against the lower court judgment
All the convicts, students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, belonged to the now disbanded B a n g l a d e s h C h h a t r a L e a g u e , the student wing of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League
They lynched Abrar Fahad, a second-year student of electrical and electronics department on Oct 7, 2019 over a Facebook post criticising the govt Fahad’s battered body was found in his university dormit o r y t h e n e x t m o r n i n g Investigations later found he w a s b e a t e n t o d e a t h w i t h a c r i c k e t b a
o t h e r b l u n t objects for almost six hours by 25 fellow students The students were immedia
t e r F a h a d ' s murder A Dhaka court sentenced to death the 20 convicts on Dec 8, 2021 when Awami League was in office
D e f e n c e l a w y e r A z i z u r Rahman Dulu said the verdict d i s a p p o i n t e d h i m “ W e w i l l a p p e a l t o t h e A p p e l l a t e Division, hoping to receive justice there,” he added
US expels South Africa envoy; brands him a ‘hater’
W AS H I N G T O N : T h e U S h
exp e ll ed Sou th Afr ica ’ s a mba ssador, s ecretary of state Marc o Ru bio said, cal ling the envoy a “ r a c e- b
hates Pres ident Donald Tru mp T
Trump cut US financial aid to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land policy and its genocide
Israel at the International Court o f J u s t i c e “ S o u t h A f
c a ’ s Ambassador to the United States
i s
country,” Rubio said in a post on X about the rare barring of a nation’s top diplomat “Ebrahim Rasool is a raceb a i t i
(Trump) ”
In statements from its presidency and international relations department, South Africa called the move regrettable but said it remained committed to building mutually beneficial relations and w
diplomatic channels
R u b i o r e p o s t e d a n a r t i c
from right-wing website Breitbart that quoted the envoy as saying that Trump was leading a white supremacist movement He must
department spokesperson said
attempting to misrepr e s e n t t h e s i t u a t i o n and give details of its operation
“ W h e n t h e Z
Company of Pakistani
S S G c o
n d o s arrived to rescue the hostages locked in the b o g i e s o f t h e J a f f a r Express, Fidayeen surrounded and attacked them fiercely In this battle which lasted for several hours SSG commandos suffered heavy casualties while the hostages were also executed,” the BLA said M e a n w h i l e , P a k m i l i t a r y said that its forces had killed all t h e “
hijacked the Jaffar Express train i n
province and freed the remaining hostages, numbering 300 The slain militants included suic
hostages Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director-gener-
Chaudhry said that the operation to clear the train was over but “ 21 hostages” were killed by Baloch Liberation Army militants No passenger was injured in the final operation to clear
forces had claimed they had rescued at least 190 passengers and
hijacking of the train with more than 450 people on board by BLA separatists
Indian origin jailed for sexually assaulting youth
S IN G A PO R E: An India n or igin ma n ha s been ha nde d a ja il se nte nce of 10 y ear s a nd six m on ths for sexua lly assaulting a 16 -yea rold boy in 2007 R a n j e e t P r a s a d , w h o t h e prosecution said showed a total lack of remorse, was found guilty of three counts of having carnal intercourse against the order of nature According to a judgment, the man abused the boy in 2007 Prasad is appealing against the conviction and sentence District Judge John Ng while s e n t e n c i n g P r a s a d t o o k i n t o account that there was abuse of a position of authority by the accused, who previously worked w i t h y o u n g p e o p l e a t t h e P e o p l e ' s A s s o c i a t i o n ( P A ) , a state-run institution operating social services for the society here
The judge said the incidents negatively impacted the victim's life The accused was then man-
Reuters was unable to contact R a s o o l
abouts News website Semafor reported that Rasool has failed to
state department officials and key
R
p u b l i c a n p a r t y f i g u r e s s i n c e Trump, a Republican, took office in Jan The US is reviewing its S o u t h A f r i c a p o l i c y , t h e s t a t e department spokesperson added, c i t i n g t h e l a n d p o l i c y , S o u t h Africa’s growing ties with countries like Russia and Iran and “aggressive positions” toward the US and allies
aging PA's community projects in the South East and North West community development councils (CDCs) and oversaw the South East CDC's youth network programme
In his testimony, the victim said that he was excited to join the youth network as it involved m o d e l l i n g I t w a s s o m e t h i n g that he was interested in pursuing in line with his hopes of becoming a singer or an actor Prasad later invited him to his office The teen said that he felt excited and agreed because he thought he might be securing a photo shoot or could be signed up or recruited as a talent
The accused asked the teen in office if he wanted to get himself into a photo shoot and if he was “adventurous” Prasad took the teen to a public toilet and made the boy perform a sexual act on him in one of the cubicles
US reporter moves Indian court for revoking his OCI card
WASHINGTON: US journali st Raph ael Satte r ha s f ile d a lawsuit aga inst the Indi an gove rnm e n t a f t e r h i s O v e r se a s Citi ze n of Indi a (OCI) stat us was re voked f ollowing a cr itical a rticle about a promi ne nt Ind ian businessma n The case revolves around Satter, a cybersecurity journali s t f o r R e u t e r s , w h o w a s accused by India’s Ministry of H o m e A f f a i r s i n D e c e m b e r
Lalit Modi moves Vanuatu court against passport cancellation
L O ND ON : Lalit Mod i, wh o i s wanted f or crimi nal of fences i n Ind ia, has challenged Vanuatu go vt's d ecisi on to revo ke the p ass port it had granted hi m and will argue hi s cas e in a court i n the so uth-western Paci fic isl and in p erson
According to reports, Modi has filed a case in the Vanuatu court appealing the decision of PM Jotham Napat to cancel his citizenship Modi, an Indian national, is currently in Vanuatu fighting the case “He went to the high commission of India in London to surrender his Indian passport in order to take up Vanuatu citizenship but they refused to give him a surrender certificate They said it was because of due diligence and checks had to be made,” a source said The Vanuatu PM’s office issued a statement saying Napat had instructed the Citizenship Commission to “begin proceedings” to cancel Modi’s Vanuatu passport The commission is a constitutional body responsible for reviewing, approving, deferring or rejecting citizenship applications It also has the power to revoke citizenship if granted in violation of the Citizenship Act, or other relevant laws
that harmed India’s reputation and revoked his OCI card
The revocation came at the same time as a defamation suit filed against him in India conc e r n
a b o u t Appin, a cybersecurity company, and its co-founder, Rajat Khare
In the article, Satter said t h a t A p p i n w a s i n v o l v e d i n stealing secrets from high-prof i l e t a r
and wealthy individuals worldwide Khare denied any illegal activities but he has also taken
media outlets, including The New Yorker and The Sunday T
Appin’s operations
Satter faced several threats
“diplomatic action” might be
reporting Despite the pressure, he continued his investigation, which suggested Appin was involved in hacking both
organizations
Thousands attend Holi festival at new BAPS mandir in Sydney
in cluding the U S, U K, N ew Ze aland , a nd Ja pan
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, attended the occasion, praising the m e a n i n g f u
"Holi is a festival of colours that reminds us of the triumph of good over evil - a hope that continues to inspire us," he said
He said, “This mandir is not just a place of worship It's a place of belonging, of tranquility and peace It s a place that makes everyone feel at home, regardless of their faith or background "
The Fuldol Festival, a key highlight of the larger Holi celebrations, was a feast for the s e n s e s , w i t h m u s i c
performances, and spectacular displays of colour The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and the renewal of life
celebrations with his blessings showering the crowd with sacred water His presence added a deep spiritual layer to the event
The mandir was consecrated on March 6
M
performed the Murti Pratishtha of the 49 feet Tapo Murti of Nilkanth Varni at its expansive
Surrounding it are 14 inscribed epigraphs,
Putin agrees to limited cease-fire with Ukraine
WASHINGTON: R ussia n Preside nt Vla dimir Putin a gree d to stop att acking Uk rain ian
“ e n e r g y a n d in fr a st r u ct ur e ” b ut r e j e ct e d
P r e si de nt T r um p ’ s p r op o sa l
, unconditional cea se-fir e with Ukra in e
Trump agreed to Putin’s revision for now,
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e W h i t e H o u s e , b u t discussions will continue on how to achieve the rest of the US president’s cease-fire aims
“The leaders agreed that the movement
t o p e a c e w i l l b e g i n w i t h a n e n e r g y a n d i n f r a s t r
implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace, ” the White House said in a statement “These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East ”
The Kremlin’s readout of the call specified that only “ energy infrastructure” would be subject to the ceasefire, should Kyiv agree to M o s c o w ’ s p
infrastructure would continue Putin also called on Trump to stop all military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine during the discussion, according to the Kremlin, but the US readout of the call did not m e n t i o n t h e d e m a n d H o w
, suggesting that Trump rebuked Putin’s bold ask
“Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace, ” the White House said of the president’s call with Putin “The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people ”
The US proposal was designed to reveal which party to the war was ready to talk peace, administration officials have said It involved no terms other than a commitment to diplomatic talks, a pause on all hostilities, the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children whom Russians have kidnapped
each highlighting timeless virtues such as integrity, self-discipline, tolerance, service, and love - values said to have been exemplified by Neelkanth Varni
journey across India and Nepal
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior federal ministers Chris Bowen and Michelle Rowland,
2 Indian origin ministers in Canada PM Carney’s cabinet
O
C anad ian Anita A nand and Delhi-born K am al K h e ra, o
elected to the Canad ian Parliament, are part of
ter M ark C arney ’ s cabinet
L iberal P arty’s Carney, a former central banker, was sw orn in alo ng sid e members of th e 3 0th C anad ian Ministry last week
C
men and 11 women is smaller
team Anand, 58, is the minister o
minister of health, both among t
different portfolios, from Justin Trudeau’s cabinet
Canada when she was still in school She earned her Bachelor o f S c i e n c e d e g r e e f r o m Y o r k University, Toronto
A n a n d , w h o w a s a f r o n trunner in the race to be the next PM to replace Trudeau, had in Jan declared that she is backing out from the race and also that she would not be seeking ree l e c t i o n H o w e v e r , s h e h a d reversed the decision on March 1 s a y i n g , “ C a n a d a i s f a c i n g a crucial moment in our nation’s history ” Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Anand moved to Ontario in 1985
Green cards don’t guarantee permanent US stay: Vance
in brief GUTERRES PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR BANGLADESH
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has highlighted the importance of a “just inclusive and prosperous future for Bangladesh, acknowledging the country s challenges As Bangladesh undergoes significant reforms he assured that the UN is ready to assist in promoting peace national dialogue trust and healing “You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the people of Bangladesh to help build an equitable future for all, Guterres said
LANKA DOES VERMIN CHECK WITH CENSUS
Sri Lanka successfully conducted the first-ever island wide census to count monkeys, squirrels, and peacocks to tackle agricultural losses caused by them A survey conducted in 2022 over a period of 6 months, pegged the value of crop damage caused by animals at 30 billion Sri Lankan rupee The latest census saw widespread participation said deputy minister of agriculture Namal Karunaratna Some 40 000 officials at the grassroots got households to fill in a form to gather data on the number of Toque monkeys, purple-faced langurs giant squirrels and peacocks
27 KILLED IN MYANMAR AIRSTRIKE
An airstrike by Myanmar s military on a central village under the control of a pro-democracy resistance group has killed at least 27 civilians and injured 30 others an opposition group and Myanmar’s online media said The attack occurred in Let Pan Hla village in Singu township, about 65km north of Mandalay, the country s second-largest city, a spokesperson for the Mandalay People s Defence Force said The military govt has stepped up airstrikes against the armed pro-democracy People’s Defence Force and ethnic minority guerrilla groups that have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades
31 HOUTHIS KILLED IN US ATTACK
US President Trump launched largescale military strikes against Yemen s Iran-aligned Houthis over the group s attacks against Red Sea shipping, killing at least 31 people at the start of a campaign Trump also warned Iran the Houthis main backer that it needed to immediately halt support for the group He said if Iran threatened the US “America will hold you fully accountable and we won’t be nice about it!” The Houthi movement’s political bureau described the attacks as a “war crime” and said Houthi forces were ready to “meet escalation with escalation”, while Moscow urged Washington to cease strikes
Indian origin student
Interpol issues global alert for missing
i ssued an internati onal alert for S ud iksh a Konanki , th e 20- yearo l d Un i ve r s i ty o f P ittsburgh stud ent who w
c o n March 6, d uring a s pring break trip I n t e r p o l i s s u e d a Yellow Notice at the
Berenice Reynoso stated that all investigative avenues, including accidental and intentional causes, a r e b e i n g e x p l o r e d
Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where
Police, in collaboration with the U S D e p a
S
, F
D E A , H o m e l a n d S e c u r i t y Investigations, and University of Pittsburgh Police, is leading the i n v e s t i g a t i o n T w o L o u d o u n C o u n t y d e t e c t i v e s a r e a l s o assisting on the ground
, c a n i n e u
and ground personnel to search for Konanki On March 6 video e v i d e n c e s h
e d K o n a n k i a n d a m a n i d e n t i f i e d a s J o s h u a R i i b e returning from the beach Riibe, a senior at St Cloud S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y i n M i n n e s o t a , t o l d a u t h o r i t i e s t h a
h
n d Konanki entered the ocean, but h e l e f t t h e w
t e r f e e
WASHING TO N: US Vice Pres ident JD Vance s aid green c ard – the status of a substanti al number of I ndi ans i n America – does not grant immigrants an indefinite right to remain in the United States In an interview, he said that the dec ision ultimately rests wi th the American government
“This is not fundamentally about free speech, and to me, yes, it’s about national security, but it’s also more importantly about who do we as an American public decide gets to join our national community ”
STORM KILLS 14 IN CENTRAL US
“And if the secretary of state and the President decide this person shouldn’t be in America, and they have no legal right to stay here, it’s as simple as that,” he added
Vance’s remarks came in response to the arrest of Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder detained on March 8 for his involvement in protests against the Israel-Hamas war His green card has been revoked by the Trump administration, his lawyer said Under US law, green cards can be revoked for reasons such as criminal activity, prolonged absence from the country, fraud, or national security concerns While green card holders generally have the same First Amendment rights as US
protest, is not typically grounds for revocation
felonies, violations of immigration regulations, or abandoning their residency by staying outside the country for extended periods
According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), green card holders have the right to live permanently in the US as long as they do not commit deportable offenses They can work in most jobs, receive legal protections, and must follow all US laws, file taxes, and, if required, register with the Selective Service R I C H MO N D : A u th
A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l Y e n i
i n g s i c k , passed out on a beach chair, and later woke up to find her missing S o m e o f h e r b e l o n g i n g s w e r e d i s c o v e r e d o n a n e a r b y b e a c h chair
At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured after violent tornadoes swept across the central United States, officials said The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed 11 “storm-related fatalities” in a statement on X, saying that local authorities were “working tirelessly to assist those in need and assess the damage” The state police reported downed trees and power lines as well as damage to residential and commercial buildings
59 KILLED IN MACEDONIA NIGHTCLUB FIRE Fire ripped through a packed nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kocani killing 59 people and injuring more than 100, after sparks ignited the roof over a live band Arrest warrants have been issued for four people in connection with the fire said interior minister Pance Toskovski State news agency Mia said the owner of the club has been detained One video from the
Mahant Swami Maharaj offers a memento of Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni to Prime Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese
Swamishri applies chandan archa to Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni
Anita Anand and Kamal Khera
Sudiksha Konanki Vladimir Putin
India, Mauritius agree to upgrade ties; sign 8 pacts
India and M auritius upgraded their t ies t o an enhance d st rategic partne rship as PM Narndra Modi held t
e Indian Ocean and pl edg-
support f or the s ecurity of
of ships a nd aircraf t
Modi also advanced the vision o
Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) for the Global South, 10 years after he announced India’s ‘Vision Sagar’ “It shall encompass the ideas of trade for development, capacity
“mother of democracy ” India had last year welcomed the UK-Mauritius agreement for M
Chagos archipelago, which houses a US-UK military base, and Modi reiterated India’s “firm support” for Mauritius on this issue
Ramgoolam thanked Modi for his personal support and engagement with global leaders on this issue, according to a joint statement that described the two countries as natural partners
PM Modi gets highest civilian award
Delhi court orders FIR against Kejriwal over hoardings
A Delhi court h as o rdered registration of an F IR ag ainst Aam Aadm i Party chief and former D elh i ch i e f m in i st er A
K ej ri w al and tw o o th ers f or putting up large h oardings in Dwarka in 2019
O
facie” a cognizable offence had b
chief judicial magistrate Neha Mittal directed the SHO concerned to register an FIR immedia t
D
M
d
Mauritius as a special partner in the region Modi’s m e e t i n g w
m was followed by signing of eight agreements and several announcements, including construction of a new Mauritius Parliament building by India, which Modi s a i d w o u
building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future We will extend cooperation through technology sharing, concessional loan and grants,” he said
PM Modi was conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean award, the highest civilian award of Mauritius during the 57th National Day celebrations of the country The award was presented to Modi by Mauritius president Dharambeer Gokhool This is the first time that an Indian leader is receiving this honour Modi dedicated this award to the special
Mauritius and to the 1 4 billion people of India and their 1 3 mill
n Mauritius
Adani, brother Rajesh get court relief in cheating case
T h e B o mb
cha rged Gautam Ada ni, ch airman
o f A d a n i E n
(A EL ) , a n d
Ra
Fraud I nves tigati on Offi ce (SFIO) ca se conce rnin g alleged man ipulati on of AEL’s s hare pri ce s
J u s t i c e R a j e s h N L a d d h a quashed a sessions court’s order
t h a t h a d r e f u s e d t o c l e a
Adanis and AEL from the long-
s t a n d i n g c a s
them of market regulation violations amounting to £38 8mn
The high court's ruling came after the Adanis and AEL challenged the sessions court's decision Their appeals were argued by senior advocates Amit Desai and Vikram Nankani, who maintained that there was no basis to c o n t i n u e p r o c e e d i n g s a g a i n s t them
The case traces back to a 2012 chargesheet filed by the SFIO, alleging that AEL and the Adanis had manipulated share prices in c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h s t o c
India's largest stock market scandal of 1999-2000
In 2014, a magistrate court h a d d i s c h a
Adanis However, this was overturned in November 2019 by a sessions court in Mumbai, which, on a revision plea, ruled that the SFIO’s investigation “prima facie”
s h o w e d
£38 8mn by Adani Group promoters and £15 14mn by Ketan Parekh through alleged manipulation of AEL shares
Sessions judge D E Kothalikar had then held that there was suf-
ficient ground to proc
e Adanis Following this, the high court stayed t
2019, and the stay was
d l y until the final verdict
In February 2023,
agency under the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs - about its delay in pursuing the case, noting there had been no hearing since F
, w h e n t h e interim stay was extended The court asked whether the lack of action was due to the “scenario outside”
A t t h a t t i m e , t h e A d a n i Group was under public scrutiny after US-based firm Hindenburg Research released a report accusing the conglomerate of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”
India 5th most polluted country in 2024, says world air quality report
Byrnihat
mended level and over three times more than the Indian ambient air quality standards High air pollut
n o w n Meghalayan city can be attributed to rapid industrialisation, unregulated emission, construction and deforestation
T h o u g h I n d
overall ranking from third most-
polluted in 2023 to fifth last year, it had the dubious record of having six of the world’s 10 most polluted cities and 13 of the 20 most polluted cities globally, with Delhi being the most polluted capital in the world in 2024 The report that analysed a critical pollutant particulate matter 2 5 (PM2 5) data from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, f
y Bangladesh, Pakistan, Congo and India by exceeding the WHO standards of acceptable limit of that pollutant multiple times
Estonia, Grenada, Iceland and New
Zealand - met the WHO annual average PM2 5 guideline level of 5 µg/ m3 The annual report of IQAir,
, found that Los Angeles (California) was the most polluted ‘major city’ i n t h e U S , w h e r e a s O
a r i o (California) was the most polluted ‘city’ in the country On the other hand, Seattle (Washington) was the cleanest major city in the US in 2024 As far as India is concerned, the report finds that the country
2024 reported more than 10 times higher than the WHO PM2 5 annual guideline and over 26% higher than the acceptable limit of the
Indian
standards
f Property Act, 2007, and for any other offence that appears to have been committed The magistrate asked for a compliance report from the police by March 18
Under Section 3, the maximum punishment is imprisonment for one year and the maximum fine Rs 50,000
T h e c o u r t w a s h e a r i n g a n application filed by Shiv Kumar Saxena seeking registration of an FIR, alleging that in 2019, Kejriwal, former AAP MLA Gulab Singh and BJP councillor Nitika Sharma misused public money by putting up huge hoardings with greetings for the public in Dwarka at intersect i o n s , r
c
t y p o l e s , boundary walls of DDA parks and other public places T h e m a g i s t r a t e
hoardings were a public nuisance,
being eyesores and posed a hazard to traffic because they distract, adding that these threatened the safety of pedestrians and vehicles “Deaths caused by the collapse of illegal hoardings are not new in India,” the judge noted
The judge rejected the prosec u t i o
impossible to collect any evidence at this stage due to the lapse of time and non-availability of particulars of the printing press It was only the investigating agency that can be expected to come up with something substantial after a thorough investigation, said the judge, especially in an era of and technological advancement
S h e s a i d t h e i n v e s t i g a t i n g agency cannot be allowed to “blow hot and cold” as records show that the delay in the present case took place due to the non-filing of an action taken report (ATR) by the police
After Airtel, Mukesh's Jio too unveils Starlink deal
A d a y a f t e r A ir t e l an nounce d a de al to m ark et t h e sa t e lli t e in t e r n e t s e rv i ce s o f E lo n M u s k ’ s Sta rlink in In dia and supplemen t its n et work covera g e , M uk e sh A mb a n i ’ s Re lia nce Jio too join ed the ba n d w a g o n , co m i n g ou t with a t win de al, ma king it a s t r o n g e n t r y e c os y s t e m fo r t he Ame rican sat ellite compa ny B u t i t w i l l t a k e a w h i l e f o r Starlink to offer services as the company awaits a licence, which will be followed by spectrum and the creation of required ground i n f r a s t r u c t u r e f o r t h e s e r v i c e s , which are seen to be highly expensive when compared to what current telecom operators charge in India
A f t e r m o n t h s o f w a i t i n g , a global mobile personal communication by satellite (GMPCS) services licence “ soon ” has been pending with the department of telecom and ministry of home affairs
“Once it gets GMPCS, Starlink will need to receive certain other approvals and also one from the department of space before it form
S o u r c e s s a i d t h e r a p p r o c h ement between the domestic telecom majors and Starlink may have come after a nudge from the Indian and US govts
Musk’s meeting with Modi last month in Washington may have prompted the maverick businessman to not just revive his plans for Tesla’s entry into India but also work on deals with Indian telcos, which had long been opposing his entry through administrative allocation of spectrum against buying it through auctions
As far as New Delhi is concerned, through Starlink it sees t w i n b e n e f i t s : o f g e t t i n g 1 0 0 % mobile coverage across the length and breadth of the country through introduction of satellite communications, while also welcoming a new operator in the market
The two deals within a span of a few hours have created a buzz around Voda Idea also announcing
a s i m i l a r a r r a n g e m e n t w i t h SpaceX
d works towards launching operations It also needs to set up landing stations in India, and needs to assure the govt on non-transfer of data of Indians during its operations and adherence to ‘requests’ from law enforcement agencies,” the source said Centre sets tough conditions
The Centre has asked Starlink to set up a control centre in India to enable suspension or shutdown of communications services in sensitive and troubled areas, whenever required, in order to maintain law and order
A
ment has specified mandates to allow call interceptions by law-
official channels when the need arises, top sources said The move comes as Starlink’s application for a satellite communications license enters the final phase with the company stitching up agreements with Reliance Jio and Airtel for marketing,
PM Modi receives the highest Civilian Award of Mauritius at the National Day Celebrations in Port Louis, Mauritius
Arvind Kejriwal
Gautam Adani & Rajesh Adani
PM Modi at the inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, in Mauritius
SOUTH INDIA
Gold smuggling accused Ranya’s dad sent on forced leave
B E N G A L U R U : Wi t h
t h e g o ld s m u gg l i n g
r a c k e t i n v ol v i n g
K an n a da ac to r R a ny a
R ao getti ng murkier by the da y as three central
i n ve s ti ga ti on a ge n ci e s
k e e p di g g i n g de e p e r, Karnatak a govt ordered DGP (Karnataka Poli ce Hous i ng C orporati on )
R amachan dra Rao, her f a t h e r, to g o o n
y leave’
Ranya was reportedly being
extended to IPS officers when she was intercepted by DRI sleuths at Bengaluru airport while trying to s m u g
l e i n 1 4 2 k g g o l d f r o m Dubai on March 3 The constable, during questioning, revealed he h a d s t a n d i n g i n s t r u c t i o n s t o r e c e i v e
returned from her foreign trips, and that he had no idea of gold being smuggled in
PUNJAB
Karnataka CM backs Stalin as delimitation
row intensifies
BE NGA L U RU : Karnataka C M Sid daramaiah backed his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin’s cam paig n ag ainst th e proposed p opu lation-based delimitatio n exercise, contrasting with his d ep uty DK S hivakum ar calling for a nuanced approach based on the party hig h command’s “final call ”
A Tamil Nadu delegation met Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru and Stalin reached out to him over phone, proposing a joint action committee consisting of representatives of several states to collectively oppose the delimitation move
A s t a t e
directed Ramachandra to go on leave in a bid to avoid any possible embarrassment, with CBI and ED now on the case, citing national security concerns The senior IPS officer is likely to be summoned b y t h e c e n
questioning next week, sources added
Meanwhile, Ranya has written
father’s involvement in the gold smuggling case, and claiming she was being falsely implicated
seeps Haryana civic polls, wins 9 of 10 mayoral seats
m u ni c i p al p o ll s i n H ary ana , winning nine of the 10 mayoral seats and dealing another blow to Congress after the saffron party’s
re so u n d i ng as se m bl y ele ct i on victory to retain office for a third consecutiv e term last Oct
BJP’s triumph in the polls held on March 2 extended across key municipal corporations, including G
The lone exception was Manesar,
I n d e r j e e t S i n g h - b a c k e d independent candidate Inderjeet Yadav clinched victory
W o m a n c a n d i d a t e s s e c u r e d seven of the 10 mayoral positions
B J P ’ s P a r v e e n J o s h i w o n t h e m a y o r a l p o
WEST BENGAL
defeating Congress’s Lata Rani by
2 votes
CM Nayab Singh Saini hailed B J P ’ s v i c t o r y a s a p u b l i c e n d o r s e m e n t o f t h e p a r t y ’ s g o v e r n a n c e “ T h e r e s u l t s s h o w that people want a ‘triple-engine’
g o v t a n d a p p r o v e o f o u r development work,” he said State local bodies minister Vipul Goel said that BJP also claimed 90% of the councillor seats
Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda suffered a setback in his stronghold of Rohtak, where BJP retained the mayoral seat despite Congress holding both LS and a s s e m b l y s e a t s i n t h e r e g i o n Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat also failed to secure a win in Julana, where BJP candidates won the municipal committee polls
Suvendu threatens to throw Muslim MLAs out of assembly
K OL KA T A : Bengal’ s leader of th e
o p p o si t io n S u v en d u A d h i ka ri sparked o utrag e by d eclaring BJP w o u ld “ p h y s ic al ly th r ow M u s li m MLA s o ut of the assem bly” after th e party “form s th e next gov t” in th e Trinamool-gov erned state that g oes to po lls in 2026
C M M a m a t a B a n e r j e e ’ s p a r t y p r o t e s t e d t h e r e m a r k , t e r m i n g i t “ h a t e s p e e c h ” a n d q u e s t i o n i n g
Adhikari’s “mental stability” after the defection of BJP’s Haldia MLA
T a p a s i M o n d a l t o i t s r a n k s t h e p r e v i o u s d a y A d h i k a r i , w h o w a s suspended from the assembly on Feb 17 till the end of the budget session, labelled the Mamata govt “ a communal administration that is behaving like the second version of Muslim League”
“ T h e p e o p l e o f B e n g a l w i l l u p r o o t t h e m t h i s t i m e , ” h e t o l d
reporters outside the assembly The state BJP brass declined comment on Adhikari's remarks T
elected representative to use such incendiary language against fellow legislators
P
s t a t e assemblies, there can be debate and arguments But to rake up religion a n d t a r g e t M L A s b
specific community is contrary to the principles of the Constitution I t ’ s
This isn t the first instance of A d
unease even in his party After BJP's below-par performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Bengal, Adhikari had called for an end to the party’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ slogan “I will say ‘Jo hamare saath, hum unke
s a a t h ’ W
colleagues to publicly disown the remark
alignment with the protest against what the southern states call “ an undemocratic stance” to carry out delimitation without everyone on board
Stalin requested Karnataka to nominate a senior Congress representative to coordinate a unified strategy A preliminary meeting is scheduled for March 22 in Chennai
The delegation led by TN forest minister K Ponmudy and Rajya Sabha member Mohammad Abdullah Ismail discussed with Siddaramaiah the need to challenge the alleged bias against southern states, the CMO said Siddaramaiah said Congress “unequivocally condemns all actions of the Union govt that are against Karnataka’s interest, weaken democracy and go against the federal principles of the Constitution”
The proposed joint action committee could have members from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha and Punjab
DMK has been reaching out to functionaries across party
Chandrababu Naidu
Five injured after man attacks devotees inside Golden Temple
in
u red after an unidentified person armed with a rod alleg ed ly attacked d ev otees inside the
Go
en Temple in Am ritsar
The attacker, along with one of his accomplices, were
footage and handed over to the police
The attack took place when devotees had gathered at the Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas in the temple to celebrate New Nanakshahi Year This marks the beginning of the Nanakshahi calendar that is based on the birth year of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism
The man entered the premises around 12 pm and attacked both devotees and sewadars with a rod, according to a report
Three devotees, along with two sewadars, were injured in the attack, the report said While one of the devotees injured was from Mohali, the other was from Bathinda and the third from Patiala, the report added
Kotwali Police Station House Officer Sarmel Singh said that the attacker was identified as Zulfan from Haryana Zulfan was
investigation had begun to know what led to the incident
SC allows RG Kar rape-murder victim’s parents to move Calcutta HC
N EW DE LH I: The Supreme Court all owed the par ents of the doctor who was raped and mur dered at RG Kar Medica l Colle ge and Hospita l to move Cal cutta H igh Cour t “ W
h e application observing that the applicant has the liberty to pursue the proceedings before the high court,” Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna said The parents of the victim were present at the apex court
In January, a lower court had pronounced Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, guilty of the rape and murder and sentenced him to life in prison till death
The victim’s parents were unhappy with the CBI probe and had moved the Supreme Court for a re-investigation into the case In their writ application, the parents had asked why the CBI did not interrogate those present at the seminar hall in the third floor of the emergency department where their daughter’s body was found
In the first week of March, the CBI officers in Kolkata had interrogated the doctor who had first found the body and several officers of the Kolkata Police
S o l i c i t o r - G e n e r a l T u s h a r M e h t a t r i e d t o b r o a c h t h e subject during the hearing “I am appearing for the CBI, some observations were made in the application, but I have not replied, it would inadvertently help ” Before Mehta could finish the sentence, the CJI had made his decision “We expect the CBI will now probe the case with due diligence and we will no longer have to move from door to door seeking justice for our daughter,” said the slain medico’s father
NORTH-EAST
Four districts account for 70% of arms returned in Manipur
Nearly 70% of the weapons surrendered in Manipur in response to the call given by governor Ajay Bhalla last month, came from four Valley districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur As per CRPF s
between Feb 20 and expiry of the deadline set by the governor to voluntarily return the weapons looted following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023 Around 11,526 ammunition items, 366 hand grenades, 230 bombs and 10 IEDs were also
across state, during this period The biggest chunk of weapons were turned in by rebels in Imphal West; the Valley district witnessed
bombs and
ammunition, 109 grenades and 45 bombs returned to the authorities Thoubal and Bishnupur accounted for the surrender of
grenades, 9 bombs and 2 IEDs
AMIT SHAH PRAISES TRANSFORMATION OF BODOLAND
Union home minister Amit Shah praised the transformation of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam from an insurgency-hit zone to a hub of development Shah said hat 82% of the commitments under the 2020 Bodo accord have been fulfilled while the remaining provisions will be completed within two years “Where once bullets were fired, today Bodo youths wave the Tricolour This sight conveys a message to the entire country ” he said at the 57th annual conference of All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu) in Kokrajhar Shah credited Absu for playing a crucial role in fostering peace “Without Absu’s involvement, the Bodo accord would not have been possible and peace would not have prevailed in Bodoland ” he said Under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance Centre has signed peace agreements with nine insurgent groups in Assam bringing more than 10 000 militants into the mainstream Shah said Modi govt and Assam govt will fulfil every dream of Bodo movement icon Upendranath Brahma and Shah announced that a major road in Delhi would be named after him A bust of Brahma will also be unveiled in Delhi in April
ASSAM CONG SPOKESPERSON HELD
Assam police arrested Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh over a social media post targeting three BJP politicians, including a former state chief and two sitting legislators Singh was taken into custody from his home in North Lakhimpur following a complaint filed by the wife of BJP MLA Manab Deka The complaint stemmed from a March 13 post on X in which Singh shared photos of people convicted in a rape case and questioned whether the law applies equally to BJP ministers and MLAs accused of similar crimes Police charged Singh under BNS section 356(2), which deals with defamation and statements that promote enmity or ill will between groups He also faces charges under provisions of SC/ST Act of 1989 Police claimed Singh was arrested as he could threaten or influence the complainant and her husband “There is a high probability of communal violence, police said in a statement
Amit Shah
Ramachandra Rao & Ranya Rao
PM Modi raises Khalistan concerns with New Zealand's Luxon
I n d i a an d N ew Z e a la n d i nked a pact to firm up their
d ef e nc e a nd se c uri t y ti es
e v e n a s Pr i me M i n i s te r
N a re n dr a M odi c on ve ye d c oncerns to his counterpart
o ve r pr o- K ha li s t a n e l e-
m e n ts c a r ry i n g o ut a n tiI n d i a ac t i v i ti e s i n th e Pacifi c island nati on
“ W e ' v e d e c i d e d t o strengthen and institutionalise our defence and security collaboration In addi-
t i o n t o j o i n t e x e r c i s e s , training, and port visits, a
r o a d m a p f o
t e r a l defense industry collaboration will be developed Our navies are working together
n t h e C o m b i n
d T a s k
F o r c e - 1 5 0 f o r m a r i t i m e
s e c u r i t y i n t h e I n d i a n Ocean,” Modi said after a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
“We are happy that a New Zealand naval ship is
m a k i n g a p o r t c a l l i n Mumbai in two days,” the Prime Minister said Modi said strict action is n e c e s s a r y a g a i n s t t h o s e guilty of terrorist attacks
"We will continue to cooperate together against terrorist, separatist and radical e l e m e n t s , " M o d i s a i d “ I n this regard, we have also shared our concerns about anti-India activities by certain illegal elements in New Z
n t i n u
o receive the full cooperation of the New Zealand govern-
elements
W
whether Khalistan supporters getting space in New Z
Ministry of External Affairs,
said, “This was an issue that
d have seen references to that
' s media statement as well ” India has been raising concerns over various proKhalistan activities, including the so-called ‘referen-
by the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which w
N
Zealand authorities under
speech"
Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi and paid obeisance at the Sikh shrine Kumbh
mela and Ayodhya Mandir
Subhash V Thakrar OBE
We ha d received al l kinds of war nings b efor e paying our pilg rima ge to Kumb h Mel a a nd Ayodhya They war ned us not to go, ther e will be too man y people and impossibl e t o get around, r isk of get ting hurt in any stampede, wa ters b eing very fil thy, not t o tak e t he snan (dip) as ther e is risk of infections et c Very few people encouraged us to go but those who had been, were able to provide some good tips It was important to ensure that we had the flights booked and accommodation fixed first, as that could be challenging Luckily our travel agent was in Prayagraj and was able to check out the accommod a t i o n a n d r e c o m m e n d a suitable place We managed
t o g e t a b o o k i n g a t t h e M u n i j i ’ s P a r m a r t h a s h r a m
w h i c h w a s o n l y 2 0 0 - 3 0 0
m e t e r s a w a y f r o m t h e Ganges and a boat’s ride to the Triveni sangam - confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati This is the most auspicious place to have a holy snan, especially during this Maha Kumbh mela Kumbh happens every 12 years but this was even
m o r e a u s p i c i o u s a s M a h a Kumbh happens every 144 years! This is the time when six planets -Venus, Jupiter, S a t u r n , U r a n u s , N e p t u n e and the moon - are aligned We were there on 23rd and 24th February
I can only explain the experience as holy and we all felt an extreme level of peace
a n d c a l m a f t e r t a k i n g t h e
s
e feeling when you pray for others
There were millions of people all over river area of Prayagraj There is a risk of g e t t i n g l o s t F r a n k l y , w e w e n t w i t h t o t a l f a i t h a n d i g n o r e d a l l c a u t i o n s I strongly believe, when you go with total faith (shradha), whilst you may face some hurdles and challenges, the Lord will always make way for you to reach HIM W h e n r e a c h i n g Prayagraj airport, Rekha and I had to mount motorbikes and take a ride for over an h o u r t h r o u g h d e e p t r a f f i c and congestion to reach the Parmarth Ashram We have never done this before for as long It was testing but at the same time, we were able to soak up the atmosphere
T h o u s a n d s o f p e o p l e a n d their families were walking for miles and miles to reach the river to take their holy
d i p W h i l s t w a l k i n g t h e y would chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Om Namaha Shivay’ as t h e y t i r e l e s s l y m a d e t h e i r way forward One can only get emotional to see their deep faith and commitment
Many of the pilgrims were doing the triangle of yatras by visiting Kashi (Banaras),
A y o d h y a a n d P r a y a g r a j (Allahabad)
In in evenings, we joined
TN govt replaces rupee symbol with Tamil letter in state budget logo
Amid its wa r of words with the Cent re ov er the threel a n gua g
icy
Educa
Pol icy
an d r eplaced it with a Tamil l etter in its l ogo for the sta te Budget 2025 -26
T h i s d r e w a s h a r p response from the BJP with U n i
Nirmala Sitharaman calling
Targeting the DMK, she said
s
s i g n a l s a d a n g e r o u s mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride”
The logo, released by the office of Chief Minister M K
S t a l i n , w h i c h r e a d ‘ E l l o r k k u m E l l a a m ’ ( E v e r y t h i n g f o r E v e r y o n e ) , carried ‘ ru ’ , the first letter of t h e T a m i l w o r d ‘ r u b a a i ’
w h i c h d e n o t e s t h e I n d i a n currency in the vernacular language
T h e B J P ’ s T a m i l N a d u unit K president Annamalai
s a i d , “ T h e D M K g o v e r nment’s Budget for 2025-26 replaces the rupee symbol d e s i g n e d b y a T a m i l i a n , which was adopted by the whole of Bharat and incorporated into our currency How stupid can you be?”
Annamalai was referring to the rupee symbol design by D Udaya Kumar, son of f o r m e r D M K M L A N
D h a r m a l i n g a m I t w a s approved by the UPA government in 2010
Sitharaman, in a post on X, said, “If the DMK has a problem with ‘₹’ , why didn’t it protest back in 2010 when i t w a s o f f i c i a l l
d o p t e d u n d
h e @ I N C I n d i a - l e d UPA government, at a time when the DMK was part of t h e r
Centre?”
Kumar, the son of former D M K M L A N
Dharmalingam By erasing it now, the DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also utterly disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth,” she said “ M o r e o v e r , t h
T
l word ‘Rupaai’ itself has deep roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Rupya,’ meaning ‘wrought s i
d s i l v e r coin ’ This term has resonated across centuries in Tamil
,
n d even today, ‘Rupaai’ remains the currency name in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka,” she said T h e r u l i n g D M K h a s been at loggerheads with the BJP-led Centre over the issue o f d e l i m
n d , m o
recently, the three-language policy under the NEP, calling it imposition of Hindi on the Tamil public
Finally, justice prevails in Pankaj Trivedi murder case
I n th e h ig h - p ro f i le mu rde r
s t taking a dip in a cold river I have to say that it is one of the holiest spir-
e e l relieved, blessed, calm and e v e n m o r e c l o s e t o t h e Almighty
We were not the only ones There were millions of pilgrims who did the same There were Chief Ministers, P
n doing the same There must be something special in this
A y o d h y a M a n d i r a n d the darsan of Ram lala was also a great experience as all the infrastructure has been m o d e r n i s e d a r o u n d t h e mandir We were most conc e r n e d a b o u t t h e l o n g queues and enquired into our options We were told to hire wheelchairs on pretence of not being able to walk This did not fit well with us as were all able bodied With the help of a rikshaw driver we just took a leap of faith and just went there feeling assured that somehow will work out To
o u r p l e a s a n t s u r p r i s e , w e were able to walk through the mandir just by showing o u r B r i t i s h p a s s p o r t s A s foreigners, we were given a smooth passage and were safety out in half and hour!
The local authorities at P r a g r a j a n d A y o d h y a h a d
m a d e e x c e l l e n t a r r a n g ements and were very helpful whenever we sought help We are blessed!!!
P u j y a M u n i j i - S w a m i Chidanand Saraswati for the very special and energising Ganga Aarti This was a joyf u l a n d s e r e n e experience M a
c a se o f NR I P an k aj Hariprasad T rivedi, wh o had e xp o s ed t h e a ll e ged mu l timillio n scams and practices of t h e S w ad h ya y P ar iv ar an d Jaysh ree T alwalkar ( Jayshree Didi), the Sessio ns Co urt i n A h me da b ad h as fo u nd 1 0 accused gu ilty and sentenced th em to life imp ris on ment T r i ve di ’ s m u r der , wh i c h o c cu rred 1 9 ye ars ago , ha d s ent s h oc kwaves ac ros s th e n at io n Ad di ti o n al S es s i o ns Ju dge Bh arat Jadh av delivered the verdict, sentencing all 1 0 accused to life in p rison Fu rthermo re, the cou rt has ordered crimin al p ro c e ed i ng s a ga i ns t 2 3 i n di vi d u al s , including th ose wh o ini tially provided statem en ts u n de r S e c ti o n 1 6 4 b ef o re th e Magistrate bu t later retracted them
The deceased Trivedi, a US citizen, had come to Ahmedabad and waged a battle against the alleged corruption within the Swadhyay Parivar As a result, he frequently received death threats However, he continued his fight and filed more than 25 different legal cases against the financial irregularities of the Swadhyay Parivar
On June 15, 2006, while Trivedi was gett i n g o u t o f h i s c a r n e a r E l l i s b r i d g e Gymkhana, the accused ambushed him and struck him on the back of the head with a baseball bat, killing him In this murder case, the police arrested 10 accused and later filed a chargesheet against them in court
G o v e r n m e n t p r o s e c u t o r S u d h i r Brahmbhatt proved the case based on 84 witnesses and documentary evidence, arguing in court that Trivedi of the Swadhyay Parivar had published a booklet seeking financial account details and resolutions to various queries As a result, false complaints were filed against him in multiple Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) courts, which were later dismissed by the Gujarat High Court
The accused had also threatened Trivedi by making obscene remarks over phone calls to his home and through written messages, warning him of death Eventually, they conspired and executed his murder The prosecution urged the court to impose a life sentence on the accused to set an example in society The convicts
Bhupendrasinh Narubha Jadeja, M
Chudasama, Bharat Vijaybhai
Meghjibhai Daki, and Jashubhai Dilubha Jadeja
Charges were framed after six years
The charges were framed in the case after a delay of six years Following this, witnesses in the case filed a petition requesting further investigation In response, the court directed the government to submit an affidavit outlining any investigative shortcomings and commenced hearings on the matter
Funds were raised from abroad for earthquake victims
Trivedi had raised substantial funds
Swadhyay Parivar about the accounting of these funds
Despite several NRIs making significant donations, many did not receive receipts, further intensifying Trivedi’s concerns His inquiries angered some followers of the Swadhyay Parivar, leading to multiple complaints being filed against him However, both the high court and the Supreme Court later dismissed these complaints
H
Swadhyay Parivar for 30 years, Trivedi grew increasingly concerned about his safety He wrote letters to the then Chief Minister and the police, expressing fears of an attack In one letter, he explicitly stated that if he were to die under suspicious circumstances, 30 individuals should be held accountable Over the years, many distinguished individuals have supported the movement for justice for the late Trivedi and his family These include Dr Vijay Mehta (USA), Padma Shri award winning writer
Sachchidanandji, CB Patel (Publisher and
Manoj Bhimani (Publisher and
Minister of New Zealand, Mr Christopher Luxon at Hyderabad House
Pankaj Hariprasad Trivedi
US looking to strengthen ties with India: Tulsi Gabbard
V is i t i ng US D i re c to r o f National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that she was l o o k i ng to b u i ld o n th e strong secu rity partnersh ip with India, including cyber secu rity, emerging tech and Artificial Intelligence
D
Speaking at the Raisina
organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
a n d M i
“directly from them about the very serious concerns that you have here of your own security interests”, and u n
c a first is not America alone”
She said they are also l
opportunities”
Washington,,” she said Asked by ORF president Samir Saran whether that i n c l
d
d
o n emerging technologies and the frontier tech areas, she responded, “Absolutely, it’s i
conversation about both the c
without focusing on the very
pragmatism, securing peace through strength, which he s p e a k s o f v e r y o f t e n , requires strong leadership
w i t h a c l e a r - e y e d a n d realistic understanding of the global challenges that e x i s t a s w e l l a s t h e opportunities ” Gabbard described her visit to India, “It’s been a constructive few days where I’ve been engaging with our I n d i a n c o u n t e r p a r t s , w o r k i n
where they can “build off of what is already a very strong partnership that has gone on for quite some time and again, take advantage of the new administration to pick
intelligence reporting to our leadership so that they can
and the need to maximise emerging tech and AI and
f ou nder Haf iz Saeed, Qatal
o u tf it , no to ri
attacks in J&K
Q a t a l w a s w a n t e d b y India after his role in the 2024
a t t a c k o n a p i l g r i m s ’ b u s returning from a temple in Reasi surfaced He enjoyed
h e a v y s e c u r i t y c o v e r comprising the Pakistan army and operatives of LeT On
S a t u r d a y , Q a t a l a n d S a e e d were returning after meeting
t h e M a n g l a C o r p s commander of Pakistan army when the gunmen struck
knowing that in our role, our ability is to make sure that we are providing the
strengthening our security partnership, our economic partnership that President (Donald) Trump and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi
Prime Minister Modi was in
T h e y w e r e a m b u s h e d near Zeenat Hotel, close to Dina Punjab University in the Jhelum area Saeed’s vehicle narrowly escaped the attack The assailants opened fire, killing Qatal and one of his henchman on the spot, while another guard was critically i n j u r e d a n d s u c c u m b e d t o injuries later,” a source said P a
He
deaths a “targeted killing”
Sources said the killing was the result of infighting in Lashkar ranks The shooting ends the pause in mysterious
Pakistan who were high on India’s ‘ persons of interest’ list
Qatal was born Zia-urRehman but rode high on the notoriety chart as Qatal Sindhi, the operational ID assigned to him because of h
Fascist Force (PAFF) and The Resistant Force (TRF) – a c a m o u f l
outfit and aimed at currying f
human rights groups
T h e N a t i o n a l Investigation Agency (NIA) has also implicated Qatal,
, i n i t s chargesheet on the Rajouri terror attack case On Jan 1, 2023, terrorists had launched a d e v a s t a t i n g a s s a u l t o n Dhangri village in Rajouri, killing seven people
S
“He, along with Saifullah
L
T , located in Kotli district of
P a k i s t a n - o c c u p i e d J a m m u a
said
s t r e n g t h e n o u r s e c u r i t y interests ”
A r t i c u l a t i n g T r u m p ’ s v i s i o n , s h e s a i d , “ I n t h e
U n i t e d S t a t e s , P r e s i d e n t Trump remains unwavering i n h i s c o m m i t m e n t t o achieving peace through a strategy rooted in realism,
President Trump and PM M o d i ’ s j o i n t s t a t e m e n t issued in Washington, after their Oval Office meeting T
our
Top Uganda diplomat unveils book in Delhi
Dhiren Katwa
Com mis sioner to India repeatedly cites in her
Adversity
Speaking at her official book launch last Saturday at the Vasant Vihar Club in New
Kakuramatsi Kikafunda told guests about her life’s extraordinary journey so far Our roving reporter, as part of his speech, delivered his review of the book
Joyce was born in a remote village in western Uganda to peasant farmers Mr Erieza & Mrs Ednance who put her in school at a period when it was very unpopular to educate girls in Uganda Through hard work and determination, Joyce was able to join Gayaza High School – by then the best girls’ school in the country There she did her ordinary and advanced level secondary education
T h e r e a f t e r , s h e j o i n e d M a
y o n d imagination by gaining a First-Class Honours degree, becoming the first girl in Uganda to do so in any course While at Makerere University, she met and fell in love with J o s e p h K i k a f u n d a w h o w a s
Canada for his PhD studies Because of her
scholarship to do her Masters in Canada where she joined Joseph and they got married in 1977 After her studies in Canada, Joyce lived two years in Mexico and 8 years in Cameroon where Joseph was working for i n t e r n a t i o n a l a g r i c u l t u r a l r e s e a r c h organisations
F a s t - f o r w a r d t o 2 0 1 2 w h e n U g a n d a ’ s President, His Excellency Yoweri Museveni appointed Joyce as the High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK also Ireland; later to 8 o t h e r c o u n t r i e s i n c l u d i n g A u s t r a l i a , S r i Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, Bhutan and t h e M a l d i v e s E a r l i e r t h i s m o n t h , s h e
presented her letters of credence to Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel, at a ceremony in Kathmandu Nepal’s honorary consul in Uganda, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, has played a k e y r o
H
particularly in trade & investment
One major adversity Joyce grappled with for many years was childlessness – a taboo in African culture But she later overcame it by her ‘ never give up ’ philosophy & her faith in ‘Mungu’ God At the age of 60, she was blessed with her first child and at the age of 63 she was blessed with quadruplets Joyce’s book launch coincided with her birthday and Holi, the annual Indian festival of colour Chief guest was Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Foreign Affairs d
Joyce’s right-hand man, Arthur Agaba Guests included Mr Jatinder, Manpreet
S
International Business, High Commissioners to India representing Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania, Monaco, Rwanda, Namibia, Cameroon, Dr Mandeep Singh Chhatwal, Dr Ashma Begum, Vijay Saigal, Preeti Gupta, Vanshika Jindal, Joint Secretary from the Indian Ministry of E
Prasad, Girissh Bajaj, Deepak Babbar – to name just a few
r
y : M y Extraordinary Life’s Journey is available on Amazon and from international bookstores
belongings and boarded a flight to Canada Meanwhile, federal agents arrested another C o l u
campus By the time ICE agents returned to
Indian student in US flees to Canada before ICE can arrest her NEW YOR K: Ra nja ni Sriniv asan , a 37-ye arold d oct oral stude nt in urban plan ning at Columbia Un iver sit y, is cur re ntly in C ana da after volun ta rily le avin g the U nite d Sta tes He r decision t o se lf-depor t ca me afte r her st uden t visa was re voke d on Ma rch 5 by the US De part men t of Sta te, citing he r alle ged involveme nt in a ctivitie s support ing Ha mas
S r i n i v a s a n , a n I n d i a n n a t i o n a l a n d Fulbright scholar, was not given specific details about the revocation, only a vague reference to “information” that had come to light On March 7, US Immigration and C u s t o m s E n f o r c e m e n t ( I C E ) a g e n t s f i r s t visited her apartment, but she was not home T h e f o l l o w i n g n i g h t , t h e y r e t u r n e d
S
escalating situation, quickly
between protesters and police She was issued two court summonses for obstructing traffic and failing to disperse, but both charges were
Mr Jatinder, Dhiren Katwa, Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, Professor Joyce Kikafunda, Mayank Singh
PM Modi mentions ‘Gujarat Samachar’ during rare appearance on Fridman Podcast
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a rare foreign media appearance as a guest on the ‘Lex Fridman Podcast’, engaging in a three-hour conversation with the technologist and former Elon Musk sparring partner
During the discussion, Modi referenced a trending statement on journalism, recalling his visit to London for an event organised by a “ G
about media criticism particularly his well-known bee and fly analogy were later misinterpreted, sparking controversy
The newspaper he referred to was in fact our sister publication ‘Gujarat Samachar’, with its head office then at ‘Karma Yoga House’ near London’s Old Street Modi visited the office on August 20, 2003, to inaugurate the publicat i o n s ’ n
‘Shakti Hall’ along with a chit-chat with his friend (‘mitra’) and the publications’ Publisher/Editor C B Patel A reception to mark the i n a u g u r a t i o n w a s a t t e n d e d b y people from the community
The podcast also covered a wide range of topics, including M o d i ’ s s t a n c e o n t h e R u s s i aUkraine war, his relationship with Trump, India-China ties, his spiritual journey in the Himalayas, the i n f l u e n c e o f t h e R S S , H i n d u nationalism, and even his views on cricket, football, and more Fridman described the discussion as “ one of the most powerful conversations” he has ever hosted and revealed that he fasted for 45 hours in preparation to “talk spiritually” with Modi
The interview has drawn significant attention in India, where Modi is known for his tightly c o n t r o l l e d m e d i a i n t e r a c t i o n s
Despite leading the country for
o v e r a d e c a d e , h e h a s l a r g e l y avoided press conferences, only recently addressing his first three while visiting abroad
I am not neutral, I stand for peace, says PM Modi
W h e n a s k e d a b o u t h i s “geopolitical leverage” amid globa l c o n f l i c t s , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e R u s s i a - U k r a i n e w a r , P M M o d i described India as the land of Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi He emphasised his close ties with both nations, asserting that no
conflict can be resolved on the battlefield without direct negotiations
"I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike," he said "I can tell President Putin this is not the time for war, and I can also tell President Zelensky that global support alone won’t bring a resolution
Addressing criticism of India’s stance, Modi insisted, “I am not neutral My stance is peace, and peace is what I strive for ” Pakistan the epicentre of terror
In a sharp critique of Pakistan, PM Modi stated that “terrorism
a n d t h e t e r r o r i s t m i n d s e t a r e deeply rooted” in the country, adding that the world has recognized this reality
When asked about the possib i l i t y o f p e a c e , h e a c c u s e d Pakistan of waging a proxy war against India, dismissing it as ideo l o g y “ W h a t k i n d o f i d e o l o g y thrives on bloodshed and terror?”
he asked, noting that India is not the only victim
“Wherever terror strikes, the trail often leads to Pakistan take 9 / 1 1 , f o r e x a m p l e O
b i n L a d e n w
u l t i m a t e l y
o u n d there,” Modi said, calling Pakistan an “epicentre of turmoil ”
He highlighted his past peace efforts, including visits to Lahore in 2015 and inviting Pakistan to his 2014 swearing-in, but lamented that “ every noble attempt was met with hostility and betrayal ”
When asked about his recent US visit and views o n D
u s t " a n d "strong bond," highlighting their shared nationalist vision
" H i s ' A m e r i c a F i r s t ' approach aligns with my belief in Nation First, M o d i t o l d F r i d m a n , adding that Trump is "far more prepared" for a seco n d t e r m
Gujarat riots, perseverance, and lifelong learning
PM Modi also addressed the 2002 Gujarat riots, calling them a “tragedy of unimaginable magnitude” while dismissing allegations about his role as a “fake narrative ”
He noted Gujarat’s long history of sectarian violence, citing over 250 riots before 2002, including a sixmonth-long one in 1969
On perseverance and lifelong learning, Modi reflected on his journey from selling tea to leading India, advising young people to embrace challenges as opportunities "No matter how dark the
night, morning is bound to come," he said, urging patience, self-con-
against shortcuts, recalling a railway station sign: “Shortcut will cut you short ” Instead, he encouraged a mindset of perseverance and continuous learning
interactions at his father’s
than just ‘becoming’ “Abundance
comes from effort, purpose, and growth,” he said
’
h a c l e a r roadmap to achieve his goals P
"graciousness and humilit
r e d their strong relationship
Despite upcoming US tariffs impacting Indian exports, both leaders recently agreed to resolve trade disputes, setting an ambitious goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030
T r u m p , i n t u r n , a c k n o w l e d g e d the interview by sharing its link on his Truth Social account, further amplifying its global reach India-China ties need time
When asked about India’s territorial disputes with China, PM M o d i d o w n p l a y e d r e c e n t t e nsions, emphasising historical ties and mutual learning
" T h e r e ’ s n o r e a l h i s t o r y o f conflict between us Like a family, differences exist, but our effort is to prevent disputes," he said
Despite a deadly 2020 border
c l a s
have since taken steps to ease tensions, including a military pact last year
Modi said, stressing the impor-
peacefully
C h i n a w e l c
m e d P M
Narendra Modi’s recent remarks o
Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning praised his "positive statement," describing the relationship as a "cooperative dance between the elephant and the dragon," where mutual success is the only path forward
Indian scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak awarded 2025 Holberg Prize
In dian scholar
a mong the most pr estigious in the huma nit ie s and social scien ce s, car ries a pr ize of EU R 515,00 0 (£460, 000)
The 82-year-old Spivak, a professor in the humanities at Columbia University, will receive the prize from
prize for her groundbreaking interdisciplinary research in
studies, political philosophy,
Born in Kolkata on Feb 24, 1942, Spivak is widely regarded as one of the most
studying at the University of Calcutta
Spivak has been a professor at Columbia University since 2007 and is a founding member of its Institute for Comparative Literature and Society Over the course of her career, Spivak has taught at more than 20 institutions
During the podcast interview, Narendra Modi reflected on media criticism, stating, "Criticism is the soul of democracy." He stressed the importance of well-informed, constructive criticism, which he believes strengthens policymaking However, he voiced concern over baseless allegations, distinguishing them from meaningful critique "Allegations benefit no one; they only create unnecessary conflicts," he remarked
Modi explained that thoughtful criticism helps refine policies and provides a clear policy vision While he remains unfazed by catchy headlines or playful word choices, he warned against deliberate misinformation "If someone twists facts to serve an agenda, it becomes a serious issue that can cause long-term damage," he said
Recalling his visit to London on August 20, 2003, to inaugurate Shakti Hall – a reception hall at Karma Yoga House, the then office of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Modi shared an analogy he had used at the event Speaking to journalists, he posed a question: "Should journalism be like a fly or a bee?" He explained that while a fly settles on filth and spreads it, a bee gathers nectar and shares sweetness Yet, if something is truly wrong, a bee can sting with such force that one might have to "hide their face for days "
PM Modi noted that his analogy was later misrepresented "Some people selectively took half of my statement and created a controversy Was I being negative about anyone? Not at all I was simply highlighting the power of journalism like a bee, its sting can leave a lasting impact But sadly, some prefer the fly approach instead "
Dalai Lama says successor will be born outside China
My successor will be bor n out side Chi na in or de r t o carry on t he spiritual mission of Tib etan Buddhism, Dal ai Lama decla red in his newly r e l e a s e d a u t ob i og r a p h y , 'Voice for the Voicel ess: Over Se ve n De cade s of St rug gle with China for My La nd a nd My People' The 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader emphasized that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is meant to continue the work of his predecessors He believes the next Dalai Lama must be born in a “ f
l d ” t o s
g u a r d Tibetan traditions and represent the aspirations of the Tibetan people, away from the political influence of the
Chinese government T h e D a l
L
m a , w h o fled Tibet for India in 1959 after China’s invasion, has
s
e k i n g g r e a t e r a u t o n o m y for Tibet without pursuing full independence Despite this moderate stance, China considers Tibet part of its territory and has labeled him a “separatist,” asserting its right to appoint his successor In his book, the Dalai L a m a
worldwide to ensure that his lineage continues He writes, “One clear lesson from histo-
ry is this: If you keep people unhappy for too long, you cannot have a stable society ” This statement reflects his belief that Tibet’s ongoing struggle for freedom remains vital to the preservation of its unique culture and identity T
offers a personal, spiritual, and historical account of the Dalai Lama’s nearly 75-year struggle to protect Tibet and i
e s e oppression It chronicles his e a r
c
u n t
i t h Communist China, including his first meeting with Chairman Mao at age 19, his escape to India at 25, and his s
exile
On 20th August 2003 the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi now the Prime Minister of India, inaugurated Shakti Hall at Karma Yoga House, which was office of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
Narendra Modi
Sunita Williams returns to Earth
NAS A astronauts S unita Williams and Butch Wilmore h av e returned to Earth after an e xte nd e d st ay ab o ar d t h e In te rna ti o nal
S pace S tation ( IS S) Their journey back in a S paceX capsule concludes a d ramatic ninem onth ordeal that began with a problematic Boeing Starliner test flig ht Williams and Wilmore, who have been aboard the ISS since last spring, left the station early this morning with two other astronauts Their SpaceX capsule has splash down off the Florida coast
O
g ’ s Starliner for a short test mission on June 5, persistent technical issues forced NASA to return Starliner empty The astronauts were then transferred to SpaceX's Crew Dragon, with further delays pushing their return to March
With their replacements arriving on last week, NASA decided on an early departure due to worsening weather
W
N
Alexander Gorbunov, who arrived last fall aboard a SpaceX capsule, left the ISS
The two vacant seats on the capsule had been reserved for the Starliner duo
PM Modi's letter to NASA's Sunita Williams: “Excited to welcome you”
Before her mission aboard the ISS with SpaceX, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, inviting her to visit India
you during my visit to the United States in 2016 After your return, we look forward to welcoming you to India It will be a true honour for India to host one of its most
Minister added
“Though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission,” Modi wrote in the letter, shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X
“Ms Bonnie Pandya must be eagerly a w a i t
blessings of the late Deepakbhai are with you as well I fondly remember meeting him with
In his letter, Modi expressed deep pride
contributions to space exploration He also
Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, he h a d i n q u i
w e l l - b
i n g , highlighting India's admiration for her work
The Prime Minister fondly recalled meeting her family during his 2016 visit to the US
JAI SWAMINARAYAN JAI SHREE KRISHNA
Late Smt. Kunjalata Ghanshyam Amin ( 1st April 1941 - 14th March 2025 )
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Wife, Mother, Ba & Kaki Kunjalata Ghanshyam Amin, on 14th March 2025 at the age of 83. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Kunjalataben was born on 1st April 1941 in Lindi, Tanzania. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, and cherished friend who touched the lives of all who knew her. Kunjalataben was known for her unwavering love, kindness, and selflessness. Her caring nature and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued was a gift she shared with all. Her warmth, wisdom, and love will forever be missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. We find comfort in knowing that her love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her most.
Ghanshyambhai R Amin (Husband)
Bhavesh G Amin and Kiran B Amin (Son and Daughter-in-Law) Amit G Amin (Son)
Shiv B Amin and Manisha S Amin (Grandchild and Grand Daughter-in-Law)
Riddhi B Amin (Grandchild)
Late Kantibhai R Amin (Brother-in-Law)
Late Kapilaben K Amin(Sister-in-Law)
Thakorbhai R Amin (Brother-in-Law)
Shailaben T Amin (Sister-in-Law)
Niranjan K Amin (Nephew)
Narendra K Amin (Nephew)
Hemal K Amin (Nephew)
Asmita & Rohitkumar S Patel (Niece and Niece’s Husband)
OBITUARY: RASIKLAL HARIDAS KOTECHA
Nirav T Amin (Nephew)
Saunak T Amin (Nephew)
Late Gordhandas P Patel (Father)
Late Kashiba G Patel (Mother)
Late Jitubhai G Patel (Brother)
Late Natubhai G Patel (Brother)
Indravadenbhai G Patel (Brother)
Pravinbhai G Patel (Brother)
A tribute to Rasiklal Haridas Kotecha, and reflections on his remarkable life, of 87 years
It is with deep sadness that the Kotecha and Badiani Family announce the peaceful passing of beloved Rasiklal Haridas Kotecha of Leicester (originally from Kampala & Kamuli Uganda) at the age of 87, on Sunday 9th March 2025. He passed peacefully and spiritually at home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the devoted son and son-in-law of Haridas Vishram Kotecha and Premben Haridas Kotecha, and Prabhudas Narandas Badiani and Laxmiben Prabhudas Badiani. He was the beloved husband of Hemlata and is survived by his 3 children, and 6 grandchildren to whom he was a proud dada and nanu.
A deeply spiritual man, born in Kamuli, Rasiklal grew up with his three brothers and two sisters as part of a very loving and close-knit family. Whilst the family had little material wealth, they shared great bonds and joy, always following their father, Haridas’ example of humility and care for each other, and, their mother Prembai’s,
unwavering devotion to spirituality.
At the age of 17, Rasiklal moved to work with Popat Brothers in Kampala – but he never forgot the special place where he spent his childhood – and Kamuli remained a place of cherished memories throughout his life.
Rasiklal married Hemlata in 1965, and it was a time of great joy, when their first child, Nikesh, was born a year later in Kampala, where the family had made a comfortable home. Concurrently, Rasiklal was developing his career as a successful businessman, and driven by his innate entrepreneurial spirit he soon became a skilled navigator of the trading business world.
He went on to set up his own business at a young age, a trading store, in partnership called Cooper Provision Store in Kololo. Kampala.
Life was good and the family was growing, with a much-loved son and daughter, Rakesh, and Kanika,
completing their family. But disaster struck when, in 1972, dictator Idi Amin decreed that all Ugandans of Asian origin must leave within 90 days. Made refugees in that moment, the family fled, leaving with just £38, a few small suitcases of clothes and cherished photographsmemories of a happy life in Uganda. With the care and assistance of aid agencies, including the Red Cross, his wife and children were led to safety in England.
But, forcibly separated during that difficult and dev-
astating time from his beloved wife and children, it was many months later before Rasiklal was finally reunited with his family, via Austria, thanks to the Agha Khan Foundation.
He went on to establish a family home, together with his wife, in Leicester – and the children were settled into a local state school. It fell to Rasiklal together with Hemlata, to rebuild their lives, virtually starting over with little support to draw upon. Despite these challenges, together they were determined to create a strong, new foundation from which their immediate and wider family would thrive. Both worked incredibly hard, working long hours in factories and at home – before Narsimama Thakrar approached Rasiklal to start Tilda Rice in Leicester. He went on to spend over 35 years with Tilda, until he retired, aged 65.
Having retired from work, his time was filled with spirituality and family – surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and extend-
ed family – to whom he gave so much.
Those who met him would know his joyful nature, quiet strength and determination, the value he placed on respect for family, friends and our community, and his commitment to the service of others whether here at home, or through his charitable work in India and elsewhere around the world.
He leaves a legacy of love for his family and friends, kindness, respect and helping those in need, which will live on. And although the families’ hearts are heavy with loss, they invite you to remember and celebrate the beautiful life he lived, integrity he inspired and the love, kindness, and joy he brought to all who knew him.
The funeral was held on Tuesday 18th March 2025 at 4.30pm at Great Glen Crematorium, Great Glen, Leicestershire, followed by Prashadi, at the Marriot Hotel, Leicester – attended by hundreds of family members and dear friends.
RASIKLAL HARIDAS KOTECHA
Swaminarayan Bhagwan Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj
Sunita Williams
Aamir Khan announces relationship with Gauri Spratt, feels settled
Bollywood star Aamir Khan, 60, confirmed his year-long relationship with Gauri Spratt, introducing her to the media at an informal gathering
"I thought it would be a nice occasion for you all to meet her, besides we won't have to keep hiding She met Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan last night," Khan said
"She is from Bengaluru, and we knew each other for 25 years But we connected a year-and-half ago She happened to be in Mumbai and we met accidentally, we kept in touch, and then it all happened organically," the actor said
Aamir Khan was first married to Reena Dutta (1986–2002), with whom he shares two children, Junaid and Ira He later married director Kiran Rao in 2005, and though they separated in 2021, they continue to co-parent their son, Azad
At the event, Aamir sang ‘Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein’ while holding Spratt’s hands I ve been lucky to have strong relationships 16 years with Reena, 16 with Kiran We’re still close, and I’ve learned so much With Gauri, I feel settled," he said
Spratt, who has a six-year-old son, said she sought a gentle, intelligent partner and was happy to have found Aamir "She now works with my production house," he added "I don’t know if marriage suits me at 60, but my kids are happy, and I’m grateful for my bond with my exwives," the ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ star said
He has also hired a private security guard for Gauri during the prepping for media madness
Dino Morea
on facing insecurity and taking small roles: “I want to be seen”
Bollywood
actor Dino Morea rose to fame with
Raaz but saw his career slow down in the 2010s He admitted feeling insecure when film offers stopped and explained why he took supporting roles
Dino spoke about industry insecurities, saying, "When film offers dry up, you wonder what to do There's a saying: 'Out of sight, out of mind ' It plays on your mind constantly, pushing you to take the wrong film just to stay visible and remind people you ’ re still here "
Dino opened up about taking smaller roles, saying, "During low phases, insecurities creep in, but you have to pick yourself up I see this as a fresh start doing guest appearances and small roles because I know exactly where I stand I don’t live under the illusion of being at the top."
Despite receiving praise for his work in web shows, his love for films remains strong He recalled how some of his lead roles went unnoticed, making him rethink his approach Now, he prioritises larger films to gain visibility and recognition
Dino was last seen in ‘Mere Husband Ki Biwi’ with Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, and Arjun Kapoor, though the film underperformed at the box office He will next appear in ‘Housefull 5 ’ , directed by Tarun Mansukhani, alongside Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and others
Bollywood veteran Deb Mukherjee passes away at 83
Veteran
actor Deb Mukherjee passed away at 83 on Friday morning due to age-related ailments, his spokesperson confirmed. Part of the SamarthMukherjee family, he was filmmaker Ayan Mukerji’s father and Ashutosh Gowariker’s fatherin-law
Deb Mukherjee's funeral was held at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, attended by family members including Kajol and Rani Mukerji Several industry figures, such as Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, and Jaya Bachchan, also paid their respects
Vivaan Shah on losing roles for masculine characters
Actor
Vivaan Shah, despite his youthful appearance, calls himself an "old soul," a trait he believes has shaped his career As the younger son of cinema legends Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, he was rarely considered for "conventionally masculine" roles due to his looks
Actor Vivaan Shah describes himself as an old soul in a boyish appearance, which he believes shaped his career "Through my 20s, I wasn’t considered for conventionally masculine roles due to my youthful look, but I see that as valid," said Vivaan, who debuted in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘ 7 Khoon Maaf’ (2011)
He next stars in Avinash Das’ ‘Inn Galiyon Mein’, alongside Avantika Dassani, a film exploring love in the social media age Not one to be selective, Vivaan feels projects choose him Excited to work with Das, he praised ‘Anaarkali of Aarah’, calling it an "authentic and deeply moving" film The movie also features Jaaved Jaaferi in a key role
Vivaan, known for ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Bombay Velvet’, and ‘A Suitable Boy’, said working with Jaaved Jaaferi was a childhood dream "He's been my hero for as long as I can remember," he shared Produced by Vinod and Neeru
Born in Kanpur in 1941, Deb Mukherjee came from a renowned film family His mother, Satidevi, was the sister of Ashok, Anup, and Kishore Kumar His brothers included actor Joy Mukherjee and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, who married Tanuja, making Kajol and Rani Mukerji his nieces Deb was married twice; his daughter Sunita (from his first marriage) is married to director Ashutosh Gowariker, while his son Ayan is from his second marriage
Deb Mukherjee started with minor roles in the 1960s, featuring in ‘Tu Hi Meri Zindagi’ and ‘Abhinetri’ Though he appeared in big films like ‘Do Aankhen’ and ‘Baton Baton Mein’, he couldn't match his brother Joy's success. He later took on supporting roles in ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’ and ‘King Uncle’, with his last appearance in ‘Kaminey’ (2009)
Jyotika upset over Kanguva's harsh reviews: “Worse films got a pass”
Suriya's last film, ‘Kanguva’, received a negative response from critics and audiences. His wife, Jyotika, defended the film in a heartfelt note
In an interview, when asked about cancel culture and harsh criticism, she said, “I just have a problem with bad films Many poorly made commercial films down South get generous reviews, but ‘Kanguva’ was judged too harshly While some parts may not have worked, it was a unique effort Seeing it rated worse than truly bad films upset me-I felt the media wasn’t being fair ”
After ‘Kanguva’ received negative reviews, Jyotika took to Instagram to defend the film, highlighting its positives
She wrote, “I’m surprised by the criticism from the media and certain circles, especially when many unintellectual big-budget films with outdated stories, stalking, doublemeaning dialogues, and over-the-top action get a free pass What about ‘Kanguva’’s strengths? The women ’ s action sequence in the second half, the young boy’s love and betrayalwere these overlooked? It makes me question whether reviews should even be trusted ”
She added, “It’s disappointing that so much negativity was directed at ‘Kanguva’ from day one-even before the first show ended-almost like a coordinated attack The film deserves appreciation for its concept and the team’s effort in creating a 3D visual spectacle Stay proud, Team ‘Kanguva’-those criticising are only doing that, not contributing to cinema!”
Telugu director Nandini Reddy, known for her feelgood family films, is set to reunite with Samantha Ruth Prabhu for their third collaboration Speaking at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, the ‘Ala Modalaindi’ director confirmed, “Yes, I am working with Samantha in my next film!” The duo previously worked together on ‘Jabardasth’ and ‘Oh! Baby’
In December 2023, Samantha launched her production house, ‘Tralala Moving Pictures’, to support meaningful and authentic storytelling Announcing it on Instagram, she wrote, “A platform for filmmakers to tell stories that are meaningful, authentic, and universal ”
Pay disparity remains a hot topic in cinema, with some arguing it's market-driven
However, South stars like Samantha, Nayanthara, Trisha, and Ramya now command top pay, proving their box office strength
Samantha Ruth Prabhu ensures pay parity in
Recently, Madhuri Dixit and Oscarwinning producer Guneet Monga also called for addressing the gender pay gap in Bollywood
her
debut production
At BIFFES, Nandini Reddy revealed that Samantha ensured pay parity for everyone on her first production, ‘Bangaram’, under ‘Tralala Moving Pictures’ The ‘Shaakuntalam’ star, who also plays the lead, is likely the first Indian actor to do so an initiative applauded by Kannada star Ramya and DOP
Preetha Jayaraman
Reddy also spoke about the challenges women directors face, stating they must work twice as hard as men to secure projects She noted, “Every Friday matters What a male director achieves in four years takes a female director eight And pay disparity remains a glaring issue ”
Shiny Sarah warns actors after falling for fake casting call
Malayalam
actor Shiny Sarah revealed to Maala Parvathi that she once received a fake casting call for a Tamil film, claiming she would play Rajinikanth’s wife As per OnManorama, she was asked to pay 12,500 for an artist card in Kollywood
Shiny initially believed the casting call but grew suspicious as details kept changing and she was pressured to pay immediately She received a WhatsApp message claiming her application through a casting agency was accepted, and she was set to play Rajinikanth’s on-screen son ’ s wife in ‘Jailer 2 ’ When asked for an artist’s card, she explained that no such card existed in Mollywood She was then instructed to wear a saree for a video interview, with a promise that a card would be arranged Later, another caller claimed she was actually being cast as Rajinikanth’s wife, raising further doubts
Shiny grew suspicious when told she was cast as Rajinikanth’s wife in ‘Jailer 2 ’ , as Ramya Krishnan already played the role When she questioned this, the caller claimed it was for another film After taking her Aadhaar details and photo, he pressured her to pay immediately “I said I needed two days to arrange the amount, but he insisted on an advance, which raised red flags,” she said
Unable to reach Maala Parvathi or Lijomol Jose, she consulted another artist, who confirmed the card wasn’t mandatory
Shiny, known for ‘Sufiyum Sujatayum’, ‘Kaathal The Core’, and ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’, was last seen in ‘Thanupp’ Rajinikanth recently starred in ‘Jailer’ (2023) and ‘Lal Salaam’, ‘Vettaiyan’ (2024) and is currently filming ‘Jailer 2 ’ and ‘Coolie’
Soundarya's husband Raghu denies Mohan Babu land dispute claims
Chittimalli from Khammam, Telangana, recently filed a police complaint against Mohan Babu, alleging his involvement in actor Soundarya’s 2004 death Her husband, Raghu GS, dismissed the claims as ‘baseless’ and ‘false’ in a statement to Telugu 360
Raghu issued a statement dismissing the allegations against Mohan Babu as false, clarifying that there were no property transactions between his late wife, Soundarya, and the veteran actor He wrote, “I deny the baseless news about property To clarify, Shri Mohan Babu sir never illegally acquired any property from my wife, Late Smt Soundarya As far as I know, we never had any land transactions with him ” He further stated that he has known Mohan Babu for over 25 years and that their families, including his late wife and brother-in-law, shared a deep bond of trust and respect “I respect Shri Mohan Babu sir and want to share the truth We have a good rapport and consider him family I confirm again that we have no property dealings with him,” he added, urging people to stop spreading false information
Chittimalli filed a police complaint accusing Mohan Babu of pressuring Soundarya and her brother to sell their land and guesthouse in Jalapally, Shamshabad He also alleged that Mohan took over the property after Soundarya’s murder The complaint mentioned disputes with Mohan’s son, Manchu Manoj, but no FIR was filed Soundarya, 31 and pregnant, tragically died in a 2004 jet crash while traveling for a political campaign
Kim and Khloe Kardashian’s whirlwind 48-hour trip to Mumbai for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding was featured on ‘The Kardashians’. In the latest episode, the sisters step out of the Taj Mahal Palace to explore local markets, expecting an ‘Aladdin-style spice market’ but instead find stalls selling toys and junk jewelry
Kim, Khloe expected ‘Aladdinstyle’ market in India
Despite Kim remarking that they should take a taxi because of the monsoon, the sisters walked to the market, remarking on the way, “At least there’s Starbucks here ” They took a rickshaw on the way back to the hotel, with Khloe stating, she’s ‘too big for this s**t ” In their interviews, Kim and Khloe admitted the market visit wasn’t what they expected Kim said, “I thought it would be like the marketplace in ‘Aladdin’, but this is just the streets ” Khloe added, “We’re not in Calabasas anymore There are rickshaws everywhere, and people are wondering what we ’ re doing here We thought we’d see a spice market this isn’t quite it ” Later, after buying pillboxes at a silver store, Khloe hinted they were overcharged, joking, “They saw us coming these American suckers! They got us good, especially this one (points to Kim) ” Season 6 of ‘The Kardashians’ is streaming on JioHotstar, with six episodes released While Kim and Khloe explored India,
Chum Darang recalls racism: “Young boys called me chow chow”
Actor Chum Darang recently spoke about the need for greater inclusivity in the film industry and the country, especially for people from the North East She shared her experiences of facing racism after moving to Mumbai from Arunachal Pradesh and how she has developed a ‘thicker skin’ over the years
Chum Darang moved to Mumbai in 2018 with big dreams, expecting the best from the city However, she faced racism soon after, with her first experience occurring at a mall The discrimination worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 when people wrongly blamed ‘her country’ for the virus
Recalling the incident, she shared, “Young boys at the mall called me names, and I didn’t know how to react They called me ‘ momo ’ and ‘chow chow ’ I don’t understand why people assume that if I look a certain way, they can give me a Chinese name and think I’ll be offended I just want people to recognize that we are from this country too We may look different, but I’m an Indian ”
Despite roles in ‘Badhaai Do’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, and ‘Paatal Lok’, Chum Darang feels the industry still lacks meaningful roles for actors from the North East She pointed out the difficulty of landing lead roles, regardless of talent
“There are very few roles written for us, making it tough to get lead opportunities But we ’ re surviving, and things are changing Mumbai is expensive, and I once took a small role in ‘Paatal Lok’ as a Chinese infomercial girl just to make ends meet But that made me realise I’m meant for bigger things,” she shared
suit me, Botox does"
Ram Madhvani
on Jallianwala
Bagh
visit: ‘It gives you a shiver down the spine’
‘The Waking of a Nation’ delves into the conspiracies behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one of India's darkest chapters Director Ram Madhvani and writers Shatrujeet Nath and Shantanu Srivastava discuss the challenges of creating the SonyLIV series Madhvani, who envisioned it as a series from the start, also revealed his wish to make a "fullb l o
next Ram Madhvani clarified that his choice of OTT wasn’t due to box office pressure and revealed h
masala entertainer with lip-sync songs
Discussing ‘The Waking of a Nation’, he shared that the series took five years to develop three
combined with existing historical records, shaped the narrative
Jallianwala Bagh before filming, he said, “The bullet marks on those w
land, stained with bloodshed by the British
Writers Shatrujeet Nath and
Waking of a Nation’
was so much to say and show, but we had to keep it compact and impactful The biggest challenge was deciding what to include and what to leave out while staying
dramatization and fictionalization to capture what people truly went through ” Shantanu added, “Our goal was to craft an emotionally moving
Maheep Kapoor admitted trying fillers before ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’ Season 2 but joked they made her look like a clown The experience led her to switch to Botox She opened up about her experience with cosmetic procedures, revealing she tried fillers before the show.
Reflecting on how being on camera made her more conscious of her appearance, she said, “I didn’t even know what my backside looked like But suddenly, I was aware of every angle By Season 2, I tried fillers and I looked like a clown It didn’t suit me at all I had to wait for them to dissolve Now they’re out of my face, and I’ll never do fillers again They suit certain faces, but not mine My advice to women considering them always go to a good doctor ”
Maheep Kapoor praised Botox, calling it “just amazing ” She explained, “It freshens up your face Fillers are like pumping air into a flat tire you can easily overdo it and look like a balloon
But Botox is more like ironing out wrinkles I love it ”
Known for being outspoken, Maheep married actor Sanjay Kapoor in 1997 They have two children, Shanaya and Jahaan She gained popularity with ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, starring alongside Seema Sajdeh, Neelam Kothari, and Bhavana Pandey
Racism row threatens to erupt again in Cricket Scotland
C ricket Scotland's (C S) race row
i s thr eateni ng to
ag ai n after the board was accused of ch erry-picking best ou tcom es in d ealing with the aftermath of investig ations into alleg ations of racism and racist beh av iour
M
cricketer and central figure in
Running Out Racism, an antiracism advocacy group that has
process, made the accusations after the emergence of a report
The report led to over 50 cases being investigated by an independent team comprising
none of the cases resulted in sanctions against those accused, although the investigators made clear at the time that findings of
within the remit of their work
That no disciplinary action was taken in the cases, they said,
implementing
But it has now emerged that the two legal firms had compiled
investigations which, according
investigation team" According to Haq's lawyer Aamer Anwar, one report makes
SIX KERALITES IN ENGLAND KABADDI WORLD CUP TEAM
There are six Keralites players in England's men and women's kabbadi world cup team
sparked by a damning report in 2022 which found the board to
report had been set in motion by allegations of victimisation and
going public with allegations Cricket Scotland has responded strongly to claims that it has not adopted an anti-racist stance in the aftermath, or that it failed to address issues raised by those investigations Last year, Cricket Scotland
former player, Qasim Sheikh
involved in such investigations, such as a lack of governance and process, the historic nature of some complaints, or incidents
Scotland's jurisdiction
Cricket Scotland has committed to - and is in the process of
victimised for raising complaints of racism, and that victimisation c
finds prima facie evidence that the decision to send him home, as well as several outcomes as
discrimination The other report is believed to hold a different opinion
Harmanpreet leads Mumbai Indians to second WPL title
S k i p p er H arm anp r eet K a u r
p o w ere d M u m b ai I nd i a ns to their second Women's Premier L eag ue title as Delhi C apitals c ho ked fo r th e thi rd tim
succession losing by
exciting finale
runs
Harmanpreet saved her best
instrumental in taking
underwhelming effort from the other batters W
were at least 15 runs short of what was a par-score on a good b a t t i n g t r a c k , D
Telugu Association of London hosts volleyball, throwball tournaments
T el u g u A s s o c i at io n o f
Lo ndo n (TAL) c ondu c ted
th e 13th annual vo lleyball
t o u r n am e n t a l o ng w it h
w o m en ’ s T h ro w b a l l to urnament in UE L Spo rts
D o c k, U ni ver s it y o f E as t London o n 16 March
Chairman Ravi Sabba congratulated the winning teams for their sportsmanship and skill The Palnadu Tigers, under the captaincy of Rakesh Kamepalli battled their way to victory, demonstrating resilience throughout the tournament The Telugu Volley Bros under the captaincy of Jesus Babu Devarapalli provided a formidable challenge, securing the runner-up position and ensuring a highly competitive and exciting event In celebration of Women's Day and to encourage women s participation in sports, TAL conducted the Women's Throwball tournament Urban Spice under the captaincy of Bhavya Velpur claimed victory, with Galaxy Girls under the captaincy
o f S i r i s h a B
competition
Satya Peddireddi, TAL sports-in-charge, praised the players for
everyone to join the upcoming TAL Badminton tournament taking place on the 13 April and acknowledged the vital role of the volunteers in the event's successful execution
themselves to finish at 141 for 9
Marizanne Kapp and teenager Niki Prasad
Once MI's most impactful player through the tournament, Nat Sciver-Brunt removed DC skipper Meg Lanning with an o f f - c
m a , who has not shown any signs of i m p
shuffling to Shabnim Ismail, the chances for the visiting team
were minimal Jemimah Rodrigues (30 off 21 balls) tried for a while and so did Marizanne Kapp (40 off 26 balls) but it didn't prove to be enough in the end
H a v i n g b a t
d l i k e a champion, Harmanpreet
years o
international skipper of repute
admirably, rotating the bowlers, not allowing the batters to get settled
IOC recommends inclusion of boxing in Los Angeles Olympics
Olympic sports
The boxing competition at the Paris 2024 Games was run by the IOC after it had stripped t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l B o x i n g Association of recognition in 2
granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in a major step towards the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics “After the
World Boxing in Feb,
l l approve it ” The recommendation will now be put to a vote at the IOC session in Greece this week and is expected to pass easily, with
governance and finance
The IOC had not included the sport on the initial LA 2028 p r o g r a m m e , h a v i n g u r g e d national boxing federations to c r e a t e a n e w g l o b a l b o x i n g body World Boxing, now with m o r e t h a n 8 0 n a t i o n a l federations as members, was launched in 2023
The IOC said only athletes w h o s e n a t i o n a l f e d e r a t i o n s w e r e m e m b e r s o f W o r l d Boxing by the time of the start of the qualification events for the 2028 Olympics could take part in Los Angeles Rohit beats
I n d i a c ap t ai n R oh
Kohli in ICC ODI rankings, Gill holds top spot
Rohit currently has
than Babar Azam, who held on to the second spot despite Pakistan's poor show in t h
l continued to top the charts with 784 rating points His innings was cut short in the final by a stunning Glenn Phillips catch Batting legend Kohli, who scored a superb 84 against Australia in the semi-final dropped one spot to the fifth position with 736 rating points
Shreyas Iyer, who ended up as India s h i g h
Trophy with 243 runs in five matches, held his spot at No 8 In the bowler's rankings, India's left-armer Kuldeep Yadav (up three spots to third) was a big improver on the
following his five scalps for India during their unbeaten run at the event
The English women’s team includes four Malayalis, including captain Athira Sunil, while the men’s team has two from the southern Indian state Apart from these six Keralites, there are seven Indian-origin players in both the England squads each of which consists of 14 members England’s women are coached by Saju Mathew another Keralite who incidentally was the first Indian to play for the England national team Their women s captain Athira was part of the Kerala teams across various age categories over a decade back She had aspired to play for India but had resigned to set aside her sporting ambitions upon relocating to England in search of better employment six years ago But Athira would be in for a surprise after her migration “I found a news clip about the Nottingham Queens kabaddi team on Instagram and approached them I knew Pressy (Pressymol Kalathil) from Kerala, and we both attended the trials,” said the 30-year-old, who works in the medical care sector in Newcastle England has a fair Keralite population among the Indian expats residing there According to Norka Roots a govt of Kerala nodal agency dealing in monitoring non resident Keralites by 2022 there were around 600 000 Keralites living in England Most of the kabaddi players are first generation migrants having moved to England in the last decade making it a close-knit community Apart from Athira sisters Neeraja Unni Suma Neelima Unni Suma (hailing from Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district), and Pressymol Kalathil (from Kottayam) feature in England s women s squad Mashood K (Ponnani in Malappuram district) and Abhijith Krishnan Thaivalappil (Cheruvathur in Kasaragod) are part of the men’s All six represent the Nottingham franchise in the British Kabaddi League, which comprises entirely of Kerala players
HARMANPREET, SAVITA WIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
India captain Harmanpreet Singh and senior goalkeeper Savita Punia won the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year award in the men’s and women’s categories respectively Harmanpreet led India to their second consecutive bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics He was also a part of the Tokyo Games bronze medal-winning side Savita was a member of the Indian team that came close to winning a bronze in Tokyo The awards were held to commemorate 100 years of Indian hockey and also to celebrate the World Cup win in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur The 1975 side was conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement award
INDIA'S BID TO HOST DISCARDED CWG EVENTS DISAPPROVED
India s plan to host the sporting disciplines that were eliminated from the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games appears unlikely to materialise According to reports, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)which was rebranded as Commonwealth Sport - has declined the nation’s informal proposition to organise some of the disciplines omitted from the Glasgow Games programme The 23rd edition of the CWG will take place from July 23 to Aug 2 The sports ministry had held discussions with the Commonwealth body about its interest in hosting hockey, badminton cricket table tennis wrestling and squash in India The ministry was ready to bear the cost of hosting these events in the country Thank
