AV 23rd July 2022

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

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23 - 29 JULY 2022

04 The India League meets at the UK Parliament

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Grand procession commemorates Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth anniversary

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Temple, homes and shops of Hindus vandalised in Bangladesh

British 'Bake-Off'

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VOL 51 - ISSUE 12

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Sushmita Sen and Lalit Modi make their relationship official

Vice-presidential poll: Dhankar, Alva file nominations

99% voting to elect India's next President

Is heatwave a sign that UK kept climate change on the back burner?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh casting their votes in presidential poll

Shefali Saxena Between the 18th and 19th of July, the UK recorded a temperature of over 40C (104F) for the first time - as the heat continues to rise. While some animals at ZSL London Zoo ate frozen sugar-free iced tea and nuts, a water crisis hit part of the UK. Figures released by NHS Digital

show that there were 185,184 visits to the health advice page on heat exhaustion and heatstroke last week (9 – 15 July), compared to 29,608 in the previous week (2 – 8 July). There was also another surge in visits last weekend (16 – 17 July) with 86,914 visits in 48 hours – an average of one visit every two seconds.

Continued on page 6

There was 99% turnout on Monday to elect India’s 15th President as NDA’s Droupadi Murmu is pitted against Opposition’s Yashwant Sinha.

Crossvoting in favour of the NDA nominee in several states and absenteeism by MLAs in some others created a show of dissidence in the opposition ranks. There were reports of crossvoting in UP, Gujarat and Odisha. In Bengal, BJP declared its MLA count as 70 instead of 75, anticipating cross-voting by those who had unofficially defected. A Congress MLA in Telangana said he had ‘mistakenly’ voted for Murmu.

Across the country, several MLAs abstained, including at least eight from the northeast and a Shiromani Akali Dal member in Punjab who said he was boycotting the polls in protest. Voting for the presidential election also marked the start of Parliament's monsoon session, with PM Modi saying this was a particularly important period.

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23 - 29 July 2022

with Keith Vaz

Priti Patel refuses to appear before Home Affairs Committee to be grilled over Rwanda plan

ANISHA YADLA Ballerina Anisha started training in ballet when she was three-and-a-half years old. Along with ballet, she has learnt other genres like Tap, Modern, Greek and Lyrical. She also takes singing classes every week, and sings in her local church choir every Sunday at St James the Greater, Leicester.

Anisha is aged only 11, has won herself a much-coveted admission to the Royal Ballet School - a place that only 12-15 girls from around the world have a chance to land in Year 7. Along with the Royal Ballet School, she auditioned for a place at the Tring Park Performing Arts School and Elmhurst Ballet School, she was successful in gaining an MDS (Music & Dance Scheme) aided place at the Royal Ballet School, a fully funded place at Tring and also an MDS aided place at Elmhurst.

Anisha will be moving to White Lodge, Richmond Park in September as a boarding student to train in ballet, along with continuing her Key Stage 3 & 4 academics.

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

For me, Leicester is, and always will be, my home, as I’ve been born and brought up in this wonderful, historical city.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

Getting into White Lodge at The

Royal Ballet School to continue my vocational ballet studies has been an absolutely huge highlight 3) What inspires you?

Both my ballet teachers Mr. Sander and Miss Annette as they both made me fall in love with his beautiful art form called ‘Ballet’.

4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

Getting through my auditions and successfully gaining places at all three schools that I have auditioned for.

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

Definitely Francesca Hayward, a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, after watching her documentary about her journey from being a Royal Ballet School Junior Associate to becoming a Principal Dancer at Royal Ballet.

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

Being more independent and learning ballet, which I love the most.

7) And the worst?

Missing home, my parents and

brother.

8) What are your long term goals?

To become a Principal Dancer with the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House 9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

To educate more about active sports and athletics in our community.

After spending days mulling over whether to stand, she cited 'recent changes in Government' and to her ministerial team as well as 'wider unprecedented changes' as the reasons why she was no longer able to attend the session, and asked for it to be postponed until September.

Paula Barker, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, said: 'Utterly appalling that

the Home Secretary has declined to attend our session this morning. This Government is simply not functioning & hates being held to account. Totally unacceptable.'

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: 'If Priti Patel is so afraid to answer for her disastrous policies, maybe it's time she dropped them.

Asian professor wins racism case against NHS trust after being sacked Asian medical professor Tanweer Ahmed, 55 who was accused of 'playing the race card' and then sacked has won a racism case against an NHS trust. He is now in line to receive a big payout after successfully suing the trust after he was sacked over 'laughable' bullying allegations.

The United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s senior clinical director tried

to fight off the historical accusations, which he branded 'malicious' and a tribunal found were based 'heavily on hearsay'. But a disciplinary investigation was slapped on Prof Ahmed and sacked after an NHS HR boss moaned he was 'playing the race card'.

Over the claims of race discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal, an employment tribunal ruled in his favour.

Employment Judge Victoria Butler ruled there were 'so many flaws' in the way the NHS Trust investigated and sacked Prof Ahmed.

Experts warn bringing back £2bn-a-month free Covid testing scheme is pointless A lot of data indicates that the coronavirus has been reduced to a bad cold for the majority of people yet calls are ramping up for Covid restrictions to return in the UK. Many high-profile experts are urging the Government to reintroduce face masks and free tests after a health minister

admitted that they could be reintroduced if the NHS becomes too busy to clear its backlogs.

Though there is a rise in cases, which has been attributed to milder variants, vaccines and growing natural immunity, deaths and ICU rates have remained flat.

Meanwhile, several sci-

entists on Independent SAGE — a campaign group that used to advocate a Chinese-style zero-Covid strategy — have started publicly lobbying for the return of the extortionate free lateral flow scheme, outdoor mixing and face coverings.

Omicron sub-strains BA.4 and BA.5 are responsible for Britain's fifth wave.

Airlines chief slams Heathrow airport bosses for bringing in 100,000-passenger daily limit 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.

Mr George Balanchine, for his creativity and knowledge of ballet.

Somaiya Begum's uncle accused of murdering the 20-year-old After a major police search in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Mohammed Taroos Khan, 52, is accused of killing Somaiya Begum, 20, who was found dead on Wednesday, July 6. During the brief hearing, Khan did not speak or enter a plea at Bradford Crown Court.

The city's Recorder, Judge Richard Mansell QC, has set a trial date for next February.

Recorder Mansell said: 'I

Priti Patel was criticised for not showing up before MPs to be grilled over the Rwanda migration plan, passport delays and Met Police failings – with the Home Secretary blaming 'changes in the government'.

She was scheduled for questioning by the Common Home Affairs Committee but she cancelled her attendance late afternoon.

am fixing your trial for February 20 next year. You will be held in remand until that date.

'There will be a plea and trial preparation hearing on

September 19. You will remain in custody until then.'

Somaiya was last seen on June 25 at her home in Binnie Street in Bradford and went missing the next day. was reported missing the next day.

After two weeks of searching, officers from West Yorkshire Police discovered her body just over a mile away on Fitzwilliam Street, near the city centre.

The chief of airlines has condemned Heathrow Airport for introducing an unprecedented 100,000 limit on daily departing passengers until September.

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said the airport should have acted wiser after airlines predicted a strong rebound in traffic.

'They clearly got it completely wrong,' the former CEO of British Airways told Reuters.

Heathrow has ordered airlines not to sell summer tickets as airports are battling against staff shortage crises across the aviation sector while apologising to customers over long queues and baggage issues that holidaymakers have had to put

up with for weeks.

The move will bring in a maximum limit on the number of passengers allowed to leave the airport between July 12 and September 11.

Meanwhile, it has been made clear that affected passengers will not receive any compensation as the reason for the cancellations will be classified as being outside the control of airlines.

Data watchdog calls for review into use of WhatsApp in government The UK’s data watchdog Information Commissioner’s Office has called for a review into the use of non-corporate communication channels in government during the pandemic.

It found transparency and security concerns over the widespread use of instantmessaging apps and private email accounts in the Department of Health and Social Care.

The ICO did a yearlong investigation and found the proliferation of messaging apps like WhatsApp, combined with a lack of clear controls, hinting at risk of losing important information about the government’s response to the Covid pandemic.

A year ago the ICO launched its review after receiving complaints about

the alleged use of private correspondence channels for official business by ministers in DHSC. The watchdog outlined how DHSC can improve its processes, procedures and the way it manages risk by reprimanding the department under data protection legislation, as well as a practice recommendation under the FoI Act.

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23 - 29 July 2022

Green optimists or opportunists?

For years the world has mocked the Spanish for eating late dinners at 10 pm. While the scientific reason routes back to the fact that the country is on Central European Time when it should really be on Greenwich Mean Time. The time change meant that the sun rose and set later and that the Spaniards ended up eating their meals an hour later. Britain, a country that craves sunlight and warmth, got an overdose of the same this week as temperatures rose to 40C. The argument is about whether UK was ever prepared as a country to deal with such kind of climate change adversity or not.

Flying activity was also halted at RAF Brize Norton, with Sky News reporting that part of the runway had melted. In an amusing and unusual way, zoos supplied ice lollies to help animals beat the heat, bridges were covered with foil paper using scientific methods to prevent them from melting, children wore PE dresses, and beaches were flocked like a fish market because there was literally no respite from the heat. It is unimaginable to think of the less privileged, covid patients stuck in isolation, careworkers and labours who have no choice but to carry on with their work while their bosses and customers get to sip ice cold water and sit in air-conditioned

premises.

According to an Op-Ed in The New Statesman, “For green optimists within the Tory party and beyond, the fact that environmental protection is popular with the public is seen as a safeguard against backsliding.”

Yes, environmental protection is popular, thanks to Boris Johnson and COP26 President Alok Sharma who made every big world leader under the sun sit under one roof to tackle the climate change crisis. Promises were made, plans were detailed out, agreements were signed, tears were shed, and criticism against India for citing 2070 to attain net zero emissions was heard. But, what happened after that?

Amidst partygate, cost of living crisis, NHS’ crisis and Tory party tearing apart, was climate change crisis put on the back burner by UK government? Or is it always the Mayors who need to tackle it at a city level and the cabinet gets to have tea and cookies at world summits? Candidates support climate action in theory, but their tax-cutting policies could see it undermined by default. If they had been serious about policies and delivering climate justice, animals won’t be eating ice lollies and children won’t be earring PE dresses to school.

Not ‘your’ cup of tea We are less than a month away from India’s 75th Independence Day. As Britain’s Indian diaspora celebrates India@75, it is important to scrutinise whether Britain is ready for an immigrant Prime Minister after all.

Boris has had first-name basis relations with Modi, which has worked in favour of the glamorous UK-India partnership, but it is rather difficult to predict whether a new prime minister, irrespective of country of origin will be able to nurture the Living Bridge and deliver the FTA between the two frenemies the way it was promised.

Kemi Badenoch’s exit from the leadership race on Tuesday, her vote will be the Kingmaker - whether she votes for Penny Mordaunt or Liz Truss, or chooses a person of colour in Sunak. If Penny wins, she will go on to become Britain’s third woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. It is important to note that the rumoured stance of the candidates (except Sunak) when it comes to the India-Russia relationship is a bit sour. The UK has time and again critiqued good friend India’s stand on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, while Boris Johnson has paid multiple visits to Ukraine, Modi has remained silent. What the UK hasn’t accounted for is the fact that Britain has also been sitting on the fence against the war in the name of NATO. However, it is arguable whether Britons would actually

elect an immigrant prime minister, as Sunak’s fate to win truly lies in the hands of his own Conservative Party voters.

It is an unsaid truth that the working class in Britain isn’t very fond of the Conservatives anyway. This implies that if this were a general election across parties, the chances of an immigrant prime minister being elected were anyway thin.

What may come across as riches and vanity to politicians who use this in the garb of hatemongering against each other, could actually very well be the life that the Sunaks chose to lead this life based on their hard-earned money and standard of living, which has perhaps got nothing to do with the actual parameters of becoming the leader of the country.

Let alone party members or general public perception, the British media hasn’t been quite kind to Sunak. Scathing pieces in the Guardian and Telegraph termed him as “thinned-skinned he couldn’t even take a bit of criticism or gentle piss-taking” and his policies were called “peculiarly regressive” respectively.

What matters is that the chosen leader delivers, and brings in solutions for the larger and immediate crisis in the country, which is the NHS and cost of living crises. What definitely doesn't matter is the radical criticism of Sunak’s lifestyle, his £490 Prada shoe, and his wife serving tea to journalists in expensive cups. Shouldn't be anyone’s cup of tea.

How India changed under Modi's rule During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance India came out of the cusp of indecisiveness. The change, which is witnessed in all spheres of society, speaks volumes about Atmanirbhar Bharat. In these years, the delivery system improved so that everyone could get the benefit of government schemes without any bias. This period also witnessed one of the darkest chapters of humanity, when the world was hit by the corona pandemic, which led to death, destruction, and disruption of economic activities. India was able to safeguard the country’s economy to a large extent because of the timely interventions by the government. This was the reason why world leaders praised the Modi government for its visionary leadership during the pandemic. Recently, US President Joe Biden praised PM Modi for handling the Covid pandemic “successfully.”

PM Modi has changed the political culture and ushered in a responsive; pro-active Government where service, good governance, and welfare of the poor are the soul of the government. From the very beginning, the PM’s focus has been on inclusive development, in which the needs and aspirations of all sections of society are taken care of. But it is the welfare of the poorest of the poor that underlines all his policies and programmes.

The BJP and its allies have methodically expanded its footprint across India. Before the 2014 polls, the BJP was in power in just five of 29 states. Today, BJP and its allies cover an estimated 44 per cent of the country's territory and 49.6 per cent of its population. This, experts say, reflects a giant leap in BJP’s national reach and has led to the emergence of the party as the dominant force in the political landscape of the country. The BJP’s rise is also reflected in the party’s improved standing in the Rajya Sabha. The party’s share in the upper house of the parliament has shot up since 2014. In 2017, for the first time, the BJP’s tally surpassed that of the Congress. Recently, the BJP got a three-digit tally in the Rajya Sabha, becoming the first party to achieve the feat in three decades. PM Modi said that the past eight years have seen resolutions and accomplishments.

The rise of the BJP has coincided with the marginalisation of the Congress, decimation of the Left and the decline in the strength of regional parties, though some new regional parties have come up as well. With a shrink-

ing Congress party, Opposition to the BJP looks weak and fragmented. However, experts said, this has been a feature of India’s party system. It is difficult for Opposition parties to pose a united challenge to the BJP unless there is a big existential threat. But this is a feature of the system.

Likewise, between the 1950s and 1980s it was difficult for Opposition parties to challenge the Congress. There have been efforts to stitch up a third front, but in vain. While the BJP has made gains across board, most regional parties, especially in the South and East, are holding their own and posing challenges to the saffron party. In the recent UP assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party improved its vote share, but the Bahujan Samaj Party witnessed a decline.

Some new parties, such as the Aam Aadmi Party, have also come up.

The BJP’s rise has not been consistent though. From 21 states in 2017, the BJP is today in power in 18 states. The BJP and its allies have lost big states such as Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, and smaller ones such as Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. It, however, regained power in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Along the way, the BJP has also lost allies such as the TDP, Shiv Sena and the Akali Dal. The JD(U), however, is back in the NDA fold. The Modi government’s rise in the last eight years has brought about a paradigm shift in modern politics in India, which is today more about delivery. Indian politics is no longer just about short-term tactics and quick-fix strategies merely to win elections. It is evident that elections and electioneering have witnessed a dramatic change and a new template has been set. Having replaced the Congress as the dominant party, the BJP is likely to remain the focal point of electoral alignment and realignment nationally, albeit with challenges in states, analysts said. When it comes to administration, Modi’s style has been to work primarily through the bureaucracy, especially key bureaucrats whom he trusts.

He has also made consistent attempts to strengthen the governance capacity of the BJP by inducting professionals into his government. Modi is the first prime minister, after Rajiv Gandhi, to focus on harnessing technology to achieve governmental goals. As Christophe Jaffrelot has argued in his new book, Modi’s India, he is the first Indian politician to have successfully mixed majoritarianism and populism for a powerful cocktail.

Thought for the week Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. - Steve Jobs

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

Ready for Rishi? Yes! I will be voting (yes I am eligible) in choosing effectively the next UK Prime Minister.

Ahhh democracy – the votes of a few hundred thousand – but at least it’s not the vote of one person on the Supreme Court as happened with the appointment of George W Bush as US President thanks to the case of Bush v Gore.

Back to the UK. Why Rishi? This is an honest not a gushing assessment.

Of the candidates, I feel the outlook of a youthful PM with an outlook to and experience of business, technology and venture capital is important. It’s investment which builds a country, not a magic money tree. Without business and investment there is no spending on benefits and NHS. He as Chancellor did something few would have dared which is to borrow to spend. Now this was not in hindsight always efficient and cost-effective. But many would have said “it is not my job to feed your children”.

He speaks better and more coherently than the others. He speaks with more vision. This is opinion of course not something I can convince you of with data.

He is fiscally responsible – not for ideological reasons of harking to Thatcher – but because he understands countries like businesses and households have to be able to pay the bills.

But does he understand day to day struggles? He doesn’t live them. Which may be an advantage. There is a reason we don’t let victims of crime for instance set the compensation. We let detached judges balance the needs of society. Similarly, I don’t want someone being connected too closely to the problems needing solutions.

It’s why they don’t let doctors operate on their own children. Same principle. But I think he gets the moral obligation to the poor, to small businesses.

He is not ideologically against workers and unions. They serve a useful purpose do unions and they should be listened to and equally not allowed to call the shots. Rishi gets that.

Whilst he is ambitious, as clearly are they all, he seems to wear it better than the others. Perversely he is more British in that to my eye. Clearly you are thinking a biased eye.

I think he gets the importance of NHS but responsible spending. He gets people find it tough and he has a soft heart for that not “I made it, why can’t you?”.

This could be a complete Conservative who also reaches other parts of the country and more of Labour. Global in vision and not single issue (eg Defence – Mordaunt).

This is exciting for the UK. I feel in safer hands given the choices.

Like I said, not gushing. Just as objective as I can be. I am sure if you disagree, you will say biased. And if you agree, you will say ‘spot on’ and more.

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11-year-old Arjun emerges victorious in West London Cricket Championship Team Shefali Saxena 11-year-old Arjun Agrawal from West Lodge Primary School, Pinner, Harrow is now a part of West London’s Cricket Champions team.

Arjun is currently in year 6 which is his last year at West Lodge Primary.

During his time at school, he always took part in various activities. He has been a part of the school council in Year 1, Year 3 and now in Year 6.

During the current year, he has held the position of PAL where he acted passionately by supporting Key stage 2 children. Arjun also achieved 100% scores in mental maths (Abacus) certification and distinction in the UK Bebras computing challenge.

With his recent signing performance in the school’s live show, Arjun has got lots of appreciation from everyone. He loves playing cricket, football, chess, singing songs and being a content creator.

Speaking exclusively to Asian Voice, Arjun said, “This victory is extremely important for me and motivates me every day to work harder and harder and be an all-rounder – a good spin bowler, a good batsman and an excellent wicket-keeper.

I want to be an excellent wicket-keeper as I feel being a wicketkeeper is very important for the match and the team. Being behind the wickets during the entire match, I feel associated with each ball of the match and

deep involvement in the entire match and with team members.

“Wicket keeping has helped me to enhance my

focus, be a good communicator, be a leader and work as a team member to achieve the desired results. I am extremely thankful to our Head Teacher Mr Dees, my class teacher Mr Beckwith and my school’s cricket team coach Mr Went for giving me this opportunity and be a part of the school cricket team and for a memorable journey towards being a cricket “Champions of West London”.

“I am also thankful to my teammates for the final match - Shrimukund, Neil, Nikhil, Shaurya, Aadi, Aarush, Sriharsha, Vraj, Thavindu, Armaan, Sam and Manav.”

Speaking to Asian Voice, his father, Ajay Agrawal said, “After many weeks of cricket

training with his school cricket coach, Arjun got selected for the school’s cricket team. He loves to be a keeper whether it's football or cricket. Though he is developing himself as an allrounder i.e. a spin bowler and a batsman.”

Arjun’s school cricket team participated in the

final round of the “West London Cricket Final” after being crowned as “Champions of Harrow”.

“His school team batted first against Pinner Wood School in the final match and built up a defendable score.

Pinner Wood required a 13 off their last over, however, a run out on the last ball due to quick thinking of Arjun secured the victory for the school.

Due to this reason, West Lodge Primary School, Pinner, Harrow is now officially the “Champions of West London” – an accolade to be so proud of, an elated and proud father added.

In September this year, he will be starting with the “City of London” school in Year 7.

The India League meets at the UK Parliament The members of The India League met in Parliament on 12th July hosted by their Advisory Board member Lord Rami Ranger. Guest panellists included Louise Tillin, Director of the King’s College, London India Institute and Kevin McCole, COO of UK India Business Council alongside Advisory Board members of the India League.

Free trade agreement Input from the audience

and the panel on this issue and the pros and cons of speed vs depth and comprehensiveness of the

FTA and the implications of political deadlines and the impending ministerial change. They also noted the positivity and goodwill of both parties and the pace and political will on both sides.

Recommendation: The India League recommends that a comprehensive, detailed FTA to the satisfaction of UK trade and commerce organisations is more important than any political imperative for a quick ‘done deal’ which if rushed risks being ‘halve baked’ and ineffective and would then potentially lead to a missed opportunity and possible disappointment.

It is important it is comprehensive and artificial deadlines not allowed to get in the way of substantive agreements.

Equally, that would mean detailed extensive preparation by UK parties and that in turn means access to adequate resource resources to ensure that.

The FTA must not become like the Northern Ireland Protocol requiring constant renegotiation and leading ultimately to acrimony between India and the UK. It goes without saying that whoever the new Prime Minister is, they must maintain the momentum of the FTA. The League recommends UK India Business Council be adequately and amply funded to be able to lobby for UK businesses in the ease of doing business in India which assists India to grow its economy.

Bilateral Relations A discussion was held on shared values and clearer shifting political polarities in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Recommendation: The

India League recommends the new UK Prime Minister continues the trend and the strategic UK tilt toward India strategically and economically.

The values of both nations of liberalism and democracy are best maintained through a free and fair press and we recommend continued support of UK-basedpapers such as Asian Voice and others which bind and inform the local UK British Indian community and beyond and amplify the importance of the relationship. We welcome increased coverage recently of this important relationship in newspapers such as the Financial Times.

They also recommend reaching outside the British Indian community to build ever closer ties between the two nations as we have done through the King’s India Institute.

The League recommend the increased promotion of those eternal Indian values and heritage which resonate (and are much needed) in the West – specifically yoga, meditation, and awareness of the need for tolerance and non-violence. Equally, we should be cautious in seeking ‘ease of doing business’ and reducing regulation and liberalization bringing businesses to India which are not necessarily ones we ourselves heavily regulate in the UK, eg gambling, alcohol and smoking.

The recommendation included the role of the India League is not just to share the best of our common values between the UK and India but share those values globally for a more harmonious world community.

Academic connections The members discussed attracting students and the

Empowerment of women The League discussed the importance of the work in both countries on violence against women and the joint work needed.

Recommendation: Both countries' political leaders strongly believe in the empowerment of women and recognize the devastating frequency of violence against women in their countries. We need more cross-border sharing of know-how and we must ensure that women’s rights and the fundamental human right to bodily autonomy remain at the forefront of policy and action in both countries.

King’s India Institute UK India education report led

by Lord Jo Johnson.

Recommendation: More political will in both countries is needed to resolve the problem of recognition of academic attainment – reciprocity being key to real partnership We recommend more is done to promote UK students studying in India and resolve the problems around why this does not happen in Advisory Board is detailed on the numbers it does for our website at other countries. What www.theindialeague.org are the hurdles?

They recommend v To strengthen UK-India ties that given the track in all facets record of achievement Intergovernmental, of Indian students in academic, cultural, and the UK visa and economic for a more allowance to work in prosperous and stronger UK the UK should be and India as two leading easier, faster and global liberal democracies to preferential. Especially ensure the future lies with in light of the dangers those who with a sense of to the United history and an eye for the Kingdom’s national future to build stronger security highlighted in alliances to resist tyranny, the recent House of extremism, and poverty.

Lords debate on v To support and lead on reliance on China’s Indian Diaspora Issues students and the joint globally, including resistance statement by MI5/FBI to hate speech and on this matter. discrimination They also recommend private v Working with other organisations and organisations to provide an individuals connect additional strong voice for through our help to our goals of liberalism and support and fund democratic ideals of liberty Indian students and equality. wishing to study in the v Inform and educate the UK and in India Indian diaspora on their specializing in rights and duties as citizens institutions such as in keeping with the King’s on subjects founding principles of the around India.

League.

Objectives of the india league

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Grand procession commemorates Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth anniversary A grand procession took place from Alperton to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – on Sunday 17 July 2022 to commemorate the birth centenary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, one of the world’s great spiritual leaders and the creator of the iconic Neasden Temple.

The ‘Nagar Yatra’, as the devotional parade is traditionally called, brought together thousands of men, women and children from across the

Swamis from Neasden Temple Participating in the procession

Conclusion of the procession at Neasden Temple

Inspirations’, including the ‘Island of Heroes’, a children’s cultural Adventureland packed with fun shows and interactive games.

The celebratory gathering included devotional music and was flanked by traditional Indian folk dancing by children and youths dressed in vibrant costumes.

The procession fittingly concluded beside the ‘Pramukh

for the arti ceremony creating a vibrant, uplifting and spiritually charged atmosphere.

Pooja Barot, one of the lead organisers of the event, shared, “This wonderful, uplifting occasion invoked memories from 1995 when a similar nagar yatra was held from Trafalgar Square and travelled to Piccadilly Circus in the presence of

Cultural dancing

Traditional Dancing on the streets of Brent

Float going through Ealing Road

Devotional Procession through the streets of Wembley

country for a colourful, joyous occasion through the streets of Alperton and Wembley.

The procession featured giant 3D decorative floats exhibiting various aspects of the forthcoming ‘Festival of

Swami Maharaj Maha-Murti’ – a 27foot image of Pramukh Swami Maharaj housed in the courtyard of Neasden Temple that has been created as a tribute to the Mandir’s creator.

Here, the participants joined together

Pramukh Swami Maharaj during the inauguration of Neasden Temple. We are delighted to have brought together thousands of people once again in the glorious summer sunshine and share with the local community, the universal cultural values that Pramukh Swami Maharaj fostered during his many visits to the UK and on his travels throughout the world.”

10-day ‘Festival of Inspiration’ at Neasden Temple to educate, empower and enrich A spectacular ten-day multicultural event across a seven-acre site will be held at the iconic Neasden Temple in London from 2231 July to commemorate the centennial birth anniversary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj – one of the world’s great spiritual leaders and the creator of Neasden Temple.

This vibrant and free-toattend event will attract tens of thousands for a 10-day feast of inspiring sights, sounds and savoury flavours with something for the whole family to learn, including a children’s cultural wonderland – an immersive blend of education, storytelling, fun and excitement for children – and an outdoor festival stage (amid the ‘Flavours of India’ food court) that will bring a vibrant blend of music and dance from a variety of esteemed artists in a cultural extravaganza.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj personified his life motto, “In the joy of others lies our own”. Amongst the multi-faceted aspects of this selfless ideal is promoting wellness and empowerment.

Every visitor will therefore have an opportunity to receive free health aware-

ness advice, training and screening as well as participate in activities related to health and well-being at the interactive community health hub.

This offering will educate participants about exercise and nutrition, empower individuals towards a healthier lifestyle, and enrich their mental wellbeing through various health awareness stands, supported by workshops and seminars from experts, exercise and yoga sessions, and cooking demonstrations for healthier eating.

The themed days will cover a wide range of health issues ranging from children’s, cardiovascular, dental, women’s and elderly health through to blood, marrow and organ donation.

Health screenings will be available for everyone and contributions from leading health charities will provide the whole family with the information and tools to improve their health.

Be sure to save a day – or more – for this hands-on experience of shows, exhibitions, games and challenges as well as the ideal opportunity to improve your health – and the health of your friends and family.

UK Visas and Immigration

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

Everything was on time. As soon as you enter, staff will assist you and take you to your exam room and registration process.

Fatima

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

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Has Britain put Climate Change on the back burner?

Continued from page 1 Silver insulation foil was placed over the chains on Hammersmith Bridge in London to reflect the sun and stop it from overheating. Some schools relaxed their uniform policy, allowing children to wear their PE kits to help keep them cool.

Citing the heatwave as one of the reasons, it was reported that the RAF halted flights in and out of its biggest airbase after the runway reportedly melted on a day of extremely hot weather. However, an RAF spokesperson exclusively told Asian Voice, “During this period of extreme temperature flight safety remains our top priority, so aircraft are using alternative airfields in line with a long established plan. This means there is no impact on RAF operations.” They further added that the RAF Brize Norton has a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place which takes into consideration such events. The BCP may include reduced movement around an airfield or the use of alternative locations. Inbound flights may be redirected to other locations if necessary.

Inspections are being carried out daily…it is hoped the runway will reopen in the next day or so.

Last week London Mayor Sadiq Khan convened a special meeting of the Mayors Advisory Group with key senior officials from agencies including the NHS, the Met Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, London Councils and Transport for London to ensure London’s agencies have a robust plan in place to deal with the level four heat alert.

Earlier this week Sadiq also triggered a severe weather emergency response in the capital to support rough sleepers struggling to stay safe in soaring temperatures. This ongoing heatwave could be dangerous for anyone, but for people sleeping rough, there are additional risks.

That is why City Hall is working with London’s boroughs to prioritise support for some of the most vulnerable Londoners.

No lessons learned from COP26?

During the inauguration of the COP26 climate summit, PM Johnson said, “Humanity has long since run down the clock on climate change.

“It’s one minute to midnight and we need to act now. If we don’t get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to do so tomorrow.

“We need to get real about climate change and the world needs to know when that’s going to happen.”

Unfortunately, as the UK battles a heatwave, it may not be right to say that this was “unprecedented”. When the leaders knew that the cli-

Bob Blackman MP

mate crisis was about to get real, why weren’t more warnings issued beforehand to alert Britons about this heatwave? The climate change crisis has been looming on us for years, and the very fact that COP26 saw a teary-eyed President Alok Sharma pondering over the global consequences of climate change is not very old news.

In fact, in an interview with the Observer, Alok Sharma said a total commitment to the net zero agenda from whoever is to lead the country would be essential to avoid “incredible damage” to Britain’s global standing, as well as irreversible harm to the UK and international economies.

“This is absolutely a leadership issue,” Sharma said, accusing some of the candidates of being “lukewarm” on net zero in the contest so far.

“Anyone aspiring to lead our country needs to demonstrate that they take this issue incredibly seriously, that they’re willing to continue to lead and take up the mantle that Boris Johnson started off. I want to see candidates very proactively set out their support for our net zero agenda for green growth.”

Asked if he could resign if candidates were weak on net zero, Sharma said: “Let’s see, shall we? I think we need to see where the candidates are. And we need to see who actually ends up in No 10. I hope every candidate realises why this is so important for voters generally and why it’s important for Conservative supporters.

And I hope that we will see, particularly with the final two, a very clear statement that this is an agenda that they do support.”

COP26 wasted by Tory government, says Labour MP Labour MP Virendra Sharma told the newsweekly, "The extreme weather we are seeing at the moment is man-made, and can be reversed. It is not healthy and it is not safe. COP26 was an opportunity to do more, but it was wasted by this Tory Government. The most vulnerable in society are at risk, the young and old, the sick and the unhealthy. We need real action from governments around the world.

On the 13th of August, I am hosting the third British South Asian Youth Summit at 2 pm BST online, welcoming representatives from the eight countries that make up South Asia alongside the UK

Lawyer Shoaib Khan

Virendra Sharma MP

for those under 31 years old.

The Summit coincides with South Asian Heritage Month and works in its continued aim to foster cooperation and understanding between South Asia and Britain, as well as integrating the next generation of leaders."

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East told Asian Voice, “The temperatures across the United Kingdom are set to hit record highs over the summer heatwave, with 43degree heat predicted.

Whilst it is a welcome change from typical English weather, this significant heat can pose great dangers to everyone, particularly the vulnerable if precautionary measures are not taken.

“It is crucially important that we all drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure hydration levels are maintained. Where possible, you should also seek out shade, wear light clothing and eat sufficient, healthy foods to replace any salts lost through perspiration.

During these extreme weather conditions, we must also look out for each other. If you know of somebody who may be vulnerable, check in on them at some point. They may be isolated due to the severe travel disruption caused.

“Above all, I hope you enjoy the sunny weather in a sensible fashion. I would like to thank the emergency services that continue to support our communities during these unprecedented times.”

Water supply issues hit UK Water provider Affinity Water said the heat is resulting in lower water pressure in areas such as London, Essex and Surrey.

The company urged customers to avoid non-essential water usage and said it predicts an extra 164 million litres of water will be needed on a Monday compared to normal demand. Similar weather-related supply issues were seen in Bristol, with the Bristol Water Foundation warning this week’s heat wave might affect the pressure and taste of its water.

Isolating elderly in care homes amid heatwave is life-threatening, charity warns Families with relatives in care homes have expressed anger and frustration after their loved ones were forced to isolate themselves in their rooms during the heatwave owing to Covid. Some care homes

have implemented measures to help keep their vulnerable residents cool, but at some care homes, restrictions have been imposed.

Director of charity The Relatives & Residents Association, Helen Wildbore said, “It’s going to be really concerning in terms of their health. Not just their mental health … if curtains are closed and they’re just stuck in their room and there’s no stimulation, their cognitive abilities can decline,” she added.

“This is also really concerning in terms of physical health too. “If you’re an older person and you have varying health conditions, the heat is not just an annoyance…it could be lifethreatening.”

High temperatures impact productivity But, what does the law entail for those who may want to take a leave or require some relaxation while we beat the heat wave? Answer this question for the readers of Asian Voice, Lawyer Shoaib Khan explained, “Employers must ensure that the work environment does not harm workers' health and should make arrangements to counter extreme temperatures. High temperatures affect comfort, productivity and people's health.

“While there is no legally-prescribed maximum workplace temperature,

Regulations say that workplaces must have "reasonable" temperatures. What "reasonable" means would vary from employer to employer and place to place.

Therefore, whilst no maximum temperature is prescribed by law, workplaces must consider their legal obligations when making work arrangements.

“Workers should let their employers know if they have concerns or are uncomfortable due to the working conditions. People of certain ages and with certain conditions can be more vulnerable to severe weather, so employers must consider this.

“Although there is no explicit legal obligation on employers to allow people to work from home in hot weather or vary their hours, these are obviously options they should consider to protect workers’ health.”

What are the British doing to beat the heat?

While Mayank Shah, Founder and CEO of MSDUK is beating the heat with the classic Indian home recipe of chhaas (salt lassi) and nimbu paani (lemonade), Chef Jomon Kuriakose of The Lalit London has reduced the level of spices from the food he’s making for his customers and is personally adding more greens to his diet. He urged everyone must keep themselves hydrated and consume more vegetables which are high in water content. He suggests having light food like yoghurt rice.

In response to the London Fire Brigade declaring a major incident across the capital, Labour’s London Assembly Fire and Resilience Spokesperson, Anne Clarke AM, said: “During the record-breaking heatwave London’s firefighters are working incredibly hard in hot, challenging conditions to bring multiple blazes under control across the capital. I’m urging all Londoners not to have barbecues or bonfires, especially in parks or open spaces, please don't leave broken bottles or glass on the ground as these can cause fires and dispose of cigarettes safely. Please also look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are

safe, and keeping cool and hydrated. It’s critical people only call 999 if there is a genuine emergency or if there’s an immediate risk to life.”

Darjeeling Express Founder Asma Khan tweeted: “If you are going out to restaurant or cafe this week- please be patient and considerate- leave a generous tip. The team preparing & serving your food- the kitchen Porter washing dishes in this heat are all working in very hot kitchens. #BeKind”

Climate activist Pushpanath feels there is more to come Anusha Singh Asian Voice reached out to Pushpanath Krishnamurthy, a climate campaigner who walked from London to Glasgow for the COP26 in 2021, for his input. Pushpanath took his first long- walk in 2009 from Oxford, the UK to Copenhagen, Denmark for the COP15 and has dedicated three years of his life to development work. He is a British citizen and originally hails from Bangalore, India.

According to Pushpanath, “Fire, drought and flooding are massive and recurring more lethally. The rise in temperature of 1.5 degrees is locked for a century and we are fried.” He also noted, “The darkest paradox of our times is that those who hardly caused the problem are paying most. Sadly, the rise in temperature is one of the causes we are seeing in our own bedroom in the UK now.”

Pushpanath is further calling out leaders for playing the fiddle while the citizens and especially the poorer in the UK suffer

and has called upon a citizen uprising and peaceful March on parliament. He further urged, “Find an urgent means to adapt at the same time not allow any further warning from the globe.”

He is all set to undertake walks in India and in Africa, in the month of September and October respectively, with urgent messages to leaders in COP27, Egypt.

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Cabinet Office rejects call for more transparency about FoI unit MPs most of the recommendations to improve the transparency of its Freedom of Information request handling have been rejected by the Cabinet Office.

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee published the government’s response to its report on the Cabinet Office Clearing House, a team that vets FoI requests.

PACAC asked the Cabinet Office to be more

transparent about the Clearing House, to drive a cultural shift in how the government responds to FoI, and to accept an independent audit on the team in the month of April.

But, the government rejected these recommendations,and instead of declaring its commitment to "full transparency", and highlighting its recent record in responding to FoIs, it confirmed its intention to continue its own review.

NHS will miss out on recruiting nurses if BTecs are scrapped The government plans of scrapping BTec courses in health and social care,will lead the NHS to miss out on recruiting thousands of nurses every year hospital bosses have warned.

NHS Employers wrote to the education secretary, James Cleverly citing their serious concerns about the plan and fear that it will exacerbate the health service’s acute staffing problems.

BTecs qualification helps young people to secure jobs

as support workers in nursing, midwifery or allied health professions and some of them later train to be fully qualified nurses, midwives, radiographers or occupational therapists.

NHS Employers believe that abolishment of BTECs in 2024 and 2025, as part of a move to new T-level qualifications in a shake-up of post16 education, will damage the NHS in England’s efforts to recruit enough nurses to help fill the almost 40,000 vacancies it has for them.

Rishi’s family fortune takes £230mn hit after Infosys shares plummeted Owing to the slump in the share price of N R Narayana Murthy, Rishi Sunak’s family fortune has taken a £230million hit over the past three-and-a-half months.

The Indian tech company was founded by Rishi Sunak’s father-in-law, the billionaire father of Mr Sunak's wife Akshata Murty. She owns 0.93 per cent of Infosys in her own name.

It is believed that Mr

Sunak has accumulated a small fortune from his past career as a banker, however, he and his wife have taken a hit since the end of March, after the Infosys share price plummeted.

Infosys shares were worth $25.14 on 30th March but now they are only worth £18.18.

In April, Infosys share price saw a fall after the company announced profits below expectations.

Covid masks make re-entry in the UK Amid a rise in Covid cases, masks appear to be making a return in the UK, while a raft of GP surgeries, care homes and hospitals have introduced new guidance requiring them to be worn.

Plenty of commuters and shoppers in Manchester, Birmingham and London have started donning face coverings in supermarkets, on trains, and out in the open air.

Luke Johnson - a serial entrepreneur and chairman of Gail's bakery thinks otherwise about reintroducing Covid controls, warning that the UK was in danger of becoming a 'nation of hypochondri-

acs'.

He told MailOnline: ‘Recent research shows Covid is now no more lethal than influenza, thanks in part to vaccines and natural immunity.

‘We need to stop the irrational fear and get the disease in proportion. For the vast majority of those testing positive for Covid, are asymptomatic or have cold-like symptoms.

‘Unless we want to become a nation of hypochondriacs and suffer a much lower standard of living, society needs to stop testing, put Covid in the past, and regain its ambition.’

PACAC chair William Wragg said: “Our inquiry heard significant concerns that the Cabinet Office was not transparent with its handling of FoI requests.

“That is why we asked

for more data to be published and called for an independent audit of its practices. It is disappointing that today's government response rejects our recommendations.”

Elephant Atta celebrates 60 years Elephant Atta was launched in 1962, making it the UK's first flour brand, for the South Asian community.

In his congratulatory message to the brand, MasterChef Professionals Winner, Chef Santosh Shah said, “It’s no surprise that food is at the heart of everything I do, and for that, I am always on the lookout for the

Dialysis machine inspired by juice dispenser wins prestigious engineering prize A home dialysis machine made by Quanta, inspired by technology used in fruit juice dispensers, has won the UK’s most prestigious engineering prize, the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert.

Currently, about 50 patients are using the device in the UK but more than a dozen NHS trusts are planning to offer the technology to patients this year and experts say it could transform the lives of kidney disease patients.

Speaking before the announcement of the Academy of Royal Engineering MacRobert award on Tuesday evening, Prof Sir Richard Friend, chair of the judging panel,

said, “The team exemplifies the persistence, innovation and unconventional thinking that has long been a hallmark of the UK’s greatest engineering success stories and they are worthy winners of the MacRobert Award.”

One patient, Lewis Till, 21, from Wolverhampton, after switching to the Quanta device, said it has improved his health, and now he can spend time with family or play video games at home.

best products to work with. Elephant Atta was my go-to brand after winning MasterChef and the first one I collaborated with! I would like to congratulate them for 60 years of sustained magic by giving us chefs an amazing legacy to work with. Here’s to 60 more years.”

Sharing similar sentiments, food influencer @Radikalkitchen said, "I can still clearly remember my joy and excitement at finding Elephant Atta in my local Asian shop when I first arrived here almost 30 years back. The Asian food scene was very different those days and I wasn't sure whether I will be able to get my type of atta and spices here. I was so thrilled to find Elephant Atta in the stores. Congratulations Elephant Atta for 60 years and thank you for the joy you have given to so many like me."

Elephant Atta will be hosting an online competition on their website, where everyone can participate by sharing a story or recipe related to Elephant Atta and how it has been the heart of their mealtime. Qualifying contestants will stand a chance to win our limited-edition Elephant Atta prize! https://elephantatta.com/60years/ In addition, on the 23rd of July, Elephant Atta will be hosting an action-packed diamond jubilee event at the Wembley London Designer Outlet.

Virologists express concern Man sent for 4 years for preying at the new Covid subvariant on woman hurt in Tube station Virologists have raised their concerns about the emergence of another fastspreading Omicron variant, BA.2.75 which has been detected in India, the UK, the US, Australia, Germany and Canada.

In India in early May, the BA.2.75 variant – nicknamed “Centaurus” – was first detected. Since then, the cases in the UK have risen steeply – and apparently faster than those of the extremely transmissible BA.5 variant, which is also present in India, and is rapidly displacing the previously dominant BA.2 variant in many countries.

Dr Tom Peacock, a

virologist at Imperial College London, was the first to identify Omicron as a potential concern back in November 2021.

“It’s not so much the exact mutations, more the number/combination. It’s hard to predict the effect of that many mutations appearing together – it gives the virus a bit of a ‘wildcard’ property where the sum of the parts could be worse than the parts individually.”

Doctors may go on strike. But, can they?

Members of the doctors' union voted recently to seek a 30% increase in their pay over the next five years, amounting to a "full pay restoration " for the cuts they've suffered to their income since 2008. The health service has been under tremendous pressure over the past two years due to the Covid pandemic, and according to the British Medical Association's (BMA) new leader, a strike is very likely.

In his first interview

since taking over as the BMA's chair of the council, Prof Philip Banfield has warned that a doctors' strike for better pay is "almost inevitable."

But are doctors actually allowed to go on strike and has it happened before?

Doctors in the UK are legally allowed to go on strike.

However, professionals in other core emergency services like police and armed forces have raised questions on whether this should be allowed.

Sharif Abbas, 31, of Haringey, will concurrently serve the time for sexual assault and kidnap having denied the charges. He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday having been found guilty at the same court in December.

The court heard that on June 16, 2019, the 19-yearold woman - who cannot be named for legal reasons - fell down a set of stairs as she walked from one platform to another at Bond Street Underground station. She suffered a broken wrist and a head injury so severe that her skull was exposed.

As she sat down, Abbas approached the young woman and offered to help her. He led her out of the

station and scouted out an empty basement of a nearby building. He then brought her back to the basement, telling her he needed to examine her for injuries, at which point he sexually assaulted her. The Met was alerted to Abbas when he unknowingly triggered a silent alarm by entering the building’s basement. The Judge said Abbas would have committed a “more severe” sexual assault had the police not intervened at this point.

Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette said: “The young lady targeted by Abbas has been incredibly brave, determined and patient throughout this investigation and the court proceedings.

Pandemic taking a toll on mental health of professionals Nearly two-and-a-half years into the Covid-19 pandemic that is once again witnessing a surge, professionals are suffering from 'pandemic fatigue' - a fallout of living through a long period of stress with no immediate end in sight.

It is playing out in different ways, say, mental health experts, including demotivation, irritation, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, pessimism, lack of concentration and depression. They are seeing a 40100% surge in such cases.

While some organisations are being supportive, some others that are calling

employees back to the office expect them to be at the top of their game.

Compounding the problem, they also want employees to put in extra effort after 'all the time at home', not realising that they are tired, stressed and burnt out.

Psychologists say it is crucial to accept that uncertainty is the only certainty - and try to look at the brighter side. "People are feeling like it's a continuous war zone. Yes, there's a struggle, but we have to tap our internal resources and make that extra effort," says psychologist Kumar.

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A new era for bringing skilled workers Maria Fernandes here has been a fundamental shift in immigration policy over the last few years.

Previously it was necessary for an employer to demonstrate that efforts had been made to source local staff before employing foreign nationals.

The policy then was that the employer had to select the most suitable not the best. So where a local candidate had the same or similar qualifications as a foreign national, the employer had to select the local national.

Under the regulations now in place, the employer can choose the best employee for the job without the need to attempt to find a local person to fill the job. The advertising requirements have long been scrapped.

Alongside these changes, the skill level has dropped. This allows employers to hire foreign nationals for jobs that usually require the equivalent of A-level qualifications. This has opened up a fair number of additional positions that can be filled by foreign nationals.

What follows is an illustration of different industries and the types of jobs available.

Within the pharmaceutical industry employers can there are a number of jobs that can be filled that were previously not all available. They include Pharmaceutical technicians, Pharmaceutical chemists, Laboratory analysts, Laboratory technicians and Medical laboratory assistants.

What is particularly interesting is the number of positions within the construction industry. It enables employers to hire a whole team of people with skills that are necessary.

So it is possible to hire Gas engineers, Gas service engineers, Heating and ventilating engineers, Heating engineers and Plumbing and heating engineers. It includes Building Services managers, Construction managers, Building services consultants, Civil engineering technicians, Survey Technicians, Technical assistants (civil engineering), Building contractors, Fencers, Maintenance managers,

T

Property developers, Builder’s foreConstruction foremen, men, Construction supervisors, Maintenance supervisors and Site foremen.

For the first time within the clothing industry, it is possible to bring tailors, Cutter (hosiery, and knitwear mfr), Dressmakers, Fabric cutters, manufacturers, Clothing Embroiderers and Hand sewers.

Within social care, care workers remain on the shortage occupation list and according to the body that advises and makes recommendations to the Government, the Migration Advisory Committee it is unlikely that they will be removed from the list in the near future.

In order to bring staff from abroad, it is however necessary to hold a Sponsor licence which carries duties and responsibilities. With the increase in the number of applications for licences, the lead time for processing applications can be 8 weeks. There are fast-track processes that can substantially speed up the processing times.

Employers must demonstrate that the positions are genuine. It is vital for employers to retain evidence in their files to demonstrate the reasons why they selected foreign nationals.

There are likely to be visited by the Compliance Team of the Home Office either at the time of the application for a licence or later.

It is important to be aware that there are particular rules for hiring family members which must be followed meticulously to avoid the position being considered not to be genuine. There is a requirement for disclosure if a Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned to a family member of anyone within the sponsor organisation if it is classed as a small or mediumsized business: or if the employer is aware they are assigning certificates to a family member of anyone else within a sponsor organisation classed as a large business.

All in all the work permit regulations have been substantially relaxed in a number of ways and this allows employers to select the best not just the most suitable.

Judge convicts Manchester arena bomber’s brother for failing to attend inquiry The elder brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, Ismail Abedi has been convicted in his absence of failing to give evidence at the public inquiry into the attack.

His whereabouts are unknown, had refused to cooperate with the inquiry but was ordered by the chair, Sir John Saunders, to attend to give evidence.

He was supposed to attend the trial that was listed at Manchester magistrates court on Thursday under another name he has used, Ishmale Ben Romdhan, but he did not

attend. District Judge Jack McGarva found him guilty of failing without a reasonable excuse to do something required by a section 21 notice.

The case has been adjourned to 2 August.

The judge said if Abedi does not attend that hearing, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.

He said: “The court is bound to consider passing a custodial sentence. There is a very high level of public interest in ensuring people cooperate with public inquiries.”

East London massage parlours found ‘offering sex services’ in undercover sting Three east London massage parlours, Genesis Thai Beauty Spa, Natural Treatments, and Vanilla Thai Massage are on the verge of losing their license after allegedly offering sex services to undercover inspectors.

Inspectors at Tower Hamlets Council said staff at all the tree parlours offered sexual services to a test operative, without prompting, during undercover stings.

Councillors will decide whether the businesses should now be stripped of their licences.

A member of staff reportedly repeatedly was offering sex acts to the agent for £40 around fifteen minutes into a massage.

In a report, council officials said: “The evidence suggests that the business is conducting regular services similar to a brothel but masquerading as a massage parlour”.

Poverty-stricken children in England ‘stealing food from schools’ Children whose families are mired in “deep poverty” are stealing basic items such as food and tissues from their schools and some are missing lessons altogether because they cannot afford the bus fare, a leading social mobility expert has said.

A leading social mobility expert Lee Elliot Major said children who belong to poor families are stealing basic items such as food and tissues from their schools.

While some children are missing their

lessons as they cannot afford the bus fare.

Children have been arriving at schools in England hungry, tired and anxious, while older pupils were already out working to help their families as the cost of living crisis bit, said Major.

Major who teaches social mobility at the University of Exeter has urged candidates in the Conservative party leadership race to set out how they planned to tackle disadvantages and reduce learning loss caused by the pandemic.

100 years of Viswabharati Essex Indians ‘Shantiniketan in London’ Uttorsuri show Tagore is the national poet of India who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1913. He founded Viswabharati global open university in Shantiniketan in 1921. Even after 100 years, this unique concept of educating ‘ in the greens’ outside the four walls of the classroom is applicable globally.

Essex Indians ( EI) Uttorsuri festival has been founded in 2014 to educate our generation next regarding Indian rich culture and values. This year EI has paid a tribute to Shantiniketan's 100 years with a unique show ‘ satabarsho por e’ on 2nd July at Bhavan, the prestigious London venue. This will explore Shantiniketan's ‘ Sekal o Ekal’ prioritising the relevance of naturistic education globally.

The musical concert is directed by renowned Indian vocalist Sounak Chattopadhyay and elocutionist Samya Karpha, coordinated and co-directed by Dr Arpita Ray, Trustee EI, choreographed by Monideepa Seal, renowned classical dancer, and choir envisaged by lead Dr Anirban Mandal, Trustee EI featuring eminent dancers Ahana, Sanchita, Anupriya, Chitra,

Olivia Sujata and Sourav and vocalists Ujjwal, Arya, Teerna, Tiyas, Tanisha, Sayantini, Sutapa, Shreyashi, Basabdutta and Moumita and actors Bihaan, Hridya, Arena, Aric, Iman, Manan, Gunjita, Dipankar, Suman, Jayita and Suman. This is also featuring Child prodigy musician Mayukhjit on flute and eminent musicians of London Amith, Sandyman, Milan and Douglas.

The costumes and stage decor have arrived all the way from Shantiniketan to bring the authentic culture. This is the first concert of ‘ Shantiniketan lives on stage in London’.

EI trustees have thanked the live audience (200) in Bhavan UK and the digital audience (250) who joined from all over the world, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, India, Bangladesh and Europe for supporting this unique post-pandemic show.

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Reader Ash Gupta asks a very pertinent question (Letters, AV dated 2 July 2022) In addition to the various factors listed by Ash Gupta as the cause of rising prices, there are 2 important factors which he omitted to mention and these are the monetary policies of the central banks of the major economies which have been acting in concert in the G7 and the G20.

Low-interest rates (Eurozone has/had negative interest rates) introduced since the financial crisis of 2008 have been kept low for far too long. On top of that, central banks have been printing money (Quantitative Easing) to maintain growth in the economies and to stave off a recession for as long as possible. These 2 factors are conveniently omitted by the central banks for causing the inflationary pressures well before the start of the war (Feb 2022) in Ukraine. Covid pandemic (March 2020), sudden rise in energy prices just exacerbated the inflationary pressures already built up in the economy. Cynics would argue that central banks have been knowingly creating inflation because inflation reduces the burden of debt in real terms. We all know that major economies have built up a debt of trillions of dollars which will need to be serviced by us or the future generations.

Having realised their mistakes, central banks are now raising interest rates and stopping QE. Both of these measures will tighten the money supply and lead to recession and falling asset prices, according to some analysts. Witness the recent falls in global stock markets.

There are fears that this could lead to stagflation (inflation + stagnation). Maybe this is what the major economies need for prices to fall (deflation) but central banks dislike deflation (just look at the Japanese economy since the 1990s).

Dinesh Rai

International Tiger Day International Tiger Day is also referred to as Global Tiger Day and is an annual event organised to raise awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.

It is held every year on the 29th of July. NGOs, government organisations and ordinary citizens from every nook and corner of the world organise awareness programmes on this day to spread the significance of protecting the tiger.

Tiger Day was first celebrated in the year, 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit and was conceptualized when experts realised that tigers were very close to extinction.

Many factors have caused tigers to dwindle, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting and poaching.

Hence, by celebrating Tiger Day, it aims to protect and expand their habitats and raise awareness of the need for conservation.

From ancient times, the tiger has been the subject of constant attraction for its beauty and size and sometimes mythical stories are associated with it. Man’s fascination with the tiger is evident from the fact that the tiger is still a part of many national symbols and flags.

In India, it is the national animal. The images of tigers are also seen in many prehistoric cave carvings and it is even worshipped in some countries of the world. The destruction of the tiger population is very much symbolic and is also a glaring indicator of the massive deforestation happening across the world. If tigers get extinct from our forests completely, we will not only lose a species that is essential to many ecosystems, but it also means that enough forest habitats have been destroyed which can endanger many other animal species.

For us, tigers are the symbol of wildlife’s fight for survival. It reminds us about the imminent dangers we face because of man’s greed and over-exploitation of our Mother Nature.

Towards transnational activities It is quite interesting to note that passenger train services have commenced between India and Nepal. First up, such mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation are commanding and something worthy of emulation by other nations next door. Added to this, Nepal has been a beautiful country surrounded by Mother Nature and backed by a vibrant economy. Plus, India is a country with vast geography covering so many states, people and their traditions.

That said, both Nepal and India have always been on the same page on almost all issues including the subject of boundaries without a hint of animosity. This is indeed a way forward and a way to go. Yet, these two nations have miles to go on political and economic matters.

Furthermore, all the vibrant Asian nations like Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh should open their doors to new economic and political opportunities in the region. This means let there be many more cross-border activities mutually, politically and economically so as to avoid issues on the border or within the region.

Interestingly enough, my native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu have been interconnected and well-equipped in terms of natural sources like water and agricultural/economic activities – all thanks to mutual understanding among people and their close proximity/hard work. In the same way, a number of activities from people’s travel to politics to economy to cargo movement should be carried out between our beautiful and growing Asian countries like Nepal, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

No doubt such transnational activities will pave the way for a strong region capable of dealing with any future crisis out there – natural, political or economic.

P Senthil Saravana Durai Mumbai, India

Can we recapture past glory?

We came here in 1968 when East African countries were getting independence. As most of us had British passports, we were not willing to exchange them for local passports, having revolution in Zanzibar and Congo.

So the only alternative was, either to go to India or come here and settle down. As the medium of instruction was English in our schools, we were proficient in English, working mainly in Civil Service. While our parents went to India, that is until we settle down here, we younger generation came here.

At the time work was plentiful, mainly in factories. But our industrious younger generation took the opportunity with both hands and soon settle down, buying houses, at giveaway prices.

We bought our first home in 1968 for an unimaginable price of £3700! Today one cannot buy a second-hand car for this amount.

British people were welcoming and friendly. There was hardly any crime. Our ladies would walk home at midnight while attending Navratri celebrations, without a care in the world. Today it is dangerous to walk home from a tube station in the dark!

So where it has gone wrong! I feel the fault line crosses all borders. Politicians may introduce tough laws, give us Hobson’s choice but the judiciary ignores them. There is a lack of discipline in schools. We used to hold our teachers in high esteem.

They were our Gurus, guardians rather than hired teachers.

The worst behaviour comes from multinational businesses.

The government tried to tackle it half-heartedly. They introduced various Ombudsmen but it is a voluntary service and no business will participate if it thinks the judgement will go against them.

One has to queue outside banks, building societies and post offices to experience a decline of the British Standard we used to approve and applaud. Recently I was queuing in a bank to deal with a minor problem. As it was nearing lunch break, there was a long queue, the person in front of me was in a wheelchair.

There were only two windows open. When it came to our turn, one window was shut. It reopened after half an hour.

When I complained, I was told she had to do paperwork. Is paperwork more important than serving customers! Obviously business in Corporate Britain has different priorities. I wonder where it would end!

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India

It’s Sunak vs his own party The final battle for the position of Britain’s next Prime Minister is now between Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and Penny Mordaunt. It was reported that the supporters of Rishi Sunak fear he is about to become “the new Ken Clarke” in the Tory leadership race, by winning the backing of MPs but losing on the ballot of party members.

Lord Clarke is sometimes cited as the best leader the Conservatives ever had, after he won among MPs but lost to Sir Iain Duncan Smith in the membership vote in 2001. A new poll of Conservative Party members indicated that despite Mr Sunak’s clear lead among MPs, the grassroots do not want him as the next leader. Meanwhile, Labour Party is enjoying every moment of this election and tweeted: “All your bills going up and up and up. Taxes rising to the highest level in 70 years. The worst economic crisis for a generation. Not our words. The words of those running to be the next Tory leader.”

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

MPs urged to probe Cabinet Office racism The civil service’s biggest union Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has called on MPs to launch an investigation into allegations of racism within the Cabinet Office.

PCS assistant general secretary John Moloney has asked members of parliament to hold an inquiry into racism at the department, which is home to the civil service’s central HR function.

Moloney said, “HR now claim that they are committed to sharing the report with us but again we don’t know when it will be made public or whether the report actually addresses the reality of racism in the Cabinet Office.”

KAPIL’S

•

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

FoRB-A Trojan?

I assume most reader will not know what FoRB is. In fact, let me go that one step further, I doubt if there are many in Indian media or Indian politics who have any idea what FoRB is.

FoRB stands for Freedom of Religion or Beliefs. A concept concocted in the west by some very clever people. On 5th and 6th July, led by Government ministers and funded by the taxpayers, an International Ministerial Conference was held at the prestigious Queen Elizabth II venue in central London.

The idea being sold was that ‘Freedom of Religion or Belief’ is for all throughout the world. Now who could object to this? No one I hear you shout. And therein we discover how a well-presented concept, borne out of western minds, can so often result in the enslavement of the masses.

I was in attendance, and I witnessed the whole process unfold before me. FoRB is controlled by the Christian fraternity. By that I mean those who come as declared Christians, or those who are Christians, but disguised with other titles. Aided by the tokens from other communities of course!

I do commend those representatives of the Hazara, the Yazidi and the Uyghur community were given a platform to talk about Islamic and Chinese atrocities. I also commend that a ‘Declaration of humanity’ pledge was presented to challenge and reject conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

However, the overall thrust of the conference was western and Christian centric. Not one speaker tackled the elephant in the room. When they say, ‘Freedom of Religion or Belief’, does that also mean that those faiths that promote violent conversions of the ‘Kaffirs’ should be given a free hand? That those faiths that consider me a ‘heathen’ are allowed to use their might and power to ‘harvest’ my soul for their one true God? You see underlying this very clever construct, the western Christian intellectuals have managed to get more than 50 nations signing up. Their objective, to get all nations to sign up. Once that happens, those who wish to use religion as a weapon for control, are given a free hand under international treaty and all heathens and kaffirs are game for these poachers of the soul of humanity.

In one session we even had an outrageous attack on India, Hindus and PM Modi - all promoted as fact and led by a speaker from India called Vishal Arora of course! In his diatribe, he focussed on isolated incidents affecting a few individuals from the Muslim and Christian community in India. He failed to disclose that these two communities are the fastest growing communities in India! Now how on earth can that happen if they were being persecuted? He failed to inform that India has been a host to saving people from the Jewish, Baháʼí and Parsee communities from persecution by Islamists. He talked about lack of press freedom, yet India has got one of the highest numbers of paper media, TV media and Internet media – all open access to everyone. It became clear to me why he was invited; this was an opportunity to create an anti-India and anti-Hindu narrative on the global stage using a brown face. The moderator of the session was none other than Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, the selfdeclared supporter of the Pakistani community that promotes violence in Indian Jammu and Kashmir.

I would need several pages to expose everything, but suffice to say, to those in Government who thought this was a good idea, please go back to the drawing board.

Maybe your objective was to do good, but the means you have adopted promotes the very people, faiths and institutions that have been responsible for countless genocide of innocent people over many centuries. If you really want to tackle real issues then to that end, I am ready to be a speaker. Are you ready to hear the truth?

FoRB as it is, comes across to me as a Trojan designed to allow some faiths the free pass to do what they like to harvest souls or convert kaffirs by force.

Call me a heretic, but I can never accept such ungodly and inhuman practices, ever.

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

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11 23 - 29 July 2022

The search for the right candidate!

Ruchi Ghanashyam Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam is the former High Commissioner of India to the UK. With a career in Indian Foreign Service for over 38 years, she has been posted in many countries including South Africa, Ghana, before arriving in the UK. She was only the second woman High Commissioner to the UK since India’s independence and during her tenure, she witnessed a number of significant developments in the UK-India relations. @RuchiGhanashyam

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ould it be sensible to write about UK politics to a readership based in the UK? I have been asking myself this question, ever since minister after minister resigned from the cabinet of Boris Johnson. The resignation of the prime minister in the UK represents a triumph of democracy. A leader elected with an unprecedented majority just three years ago had to leave the office for one mistake too many! He leaves an interesting legacy behind. He achieved Brexit, though the most ticklish question remains unresolved: keeping Northern Island’s links with the rest of the UK while maintaining the terms of the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to the region after decades of ‘The Troubles’. The new prime minister of the country will have the almost impossible task

of finding a solution satisfying all stakeholders!

These turbulent developments have been more than adequately covered in both the British and the Indian media.

The debates amongst the candidates motivated this comment. At one point, it seemed that the debate was focused on the state of the UK’s economy and high taxes and was between Rishi Sunak and the rest.

The one possible exception seemed to be Kemi Badenoch, who repeatedly maintained that the UK faces a difficult economic situation and every concession would be a tradeoff elsewhere! Liz Truss was the most assertive in questioning Rishi Sunak on Sunday night’s debate. Perhaps this was to be expected after Rishi Sunak told her spontaneously in the first debate, “borrowing your way out of inflation is not a plan, it’s a fairy tale”. There was also discussion about the state of the UK’s economy and insinuations, with occasional questioning, of Rishi Sunak’s performance as Chancellor of the Exchequer, That last comment made me think that it's not just a fairy tale, but a fairyland that some candidates seem to come from! The world is in the grip of an unprecedented economic crisis following a brutal pandemic which is not yet over. There is a war in Europe involving an erstwhile superpower. The Euro is trading below par with the US Dollar. As I write, $100 can only get €99.1414! Though not in serious trouble, the Chinese economy is struggling, growing by just 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, compared with a year earlier, threatening China’s annual growth target. The developments in Sri Lanka have been too well covered to have escaped even those who live in the fairyland!

The distress caused by high taxes and inflation was also discussed during the debates. It is convenient to insinuate that Rishi Sunak is insensitive to the plight of the common man given his own personal wealth. However, it is the same Sunak as the

A day in the life of a PPES girl

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irls in rural India are considered a burden to their families and looked down on by their communities. They face harmful gender stereotyping and an insidious patriarchal culture. Even playing sports or riding a bicycle are considered suitable only for men.

Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES), a charity which empowers young women through transformative education, believes there’s a better way.

We encourage our pupils to choose education over household chores and independence over marginalisation. Above all, we give our students confidence.

Samreen, a 17 year old PPES student, outlines a typical day to highlight the PPES difference: “I get up at 4am and meditate before helping my mother and riding my PPES bike to school.

People often stare because in my community only men are believed capable of operating a vehicle.

“I arrive at school at 8:20am making sure I am always on time. At assembly we all take the daily pledge not to marry before the age of 18 and to complete our higher education to become financially independent.

“As the day progresses we attend lectures and after the first three classes

we get a healthy snack. I enjoy this time with my friends: we talk about our homework and share a laugh.

“My favourite subject is English because it gives me confidence when I speak in

Once there I change and help my mother with the dinner and other household chores. After dinner, I finish my homework.

“I feel my school is different from my friends’ schools. I learn about per-

public and because I can teach it to my younger siblings. At PPES I feel I am not only getting an education but also learning about different cultures.

“I love sports, especially tournaments. This contrasts with a community stereotype which says girls can’t and shouldn’t play sports. My friend is very good at sport, but in her school girls aren’t represented at all in tournaments. I am so lucky that PPES encouraged me to play sport from a very early age.

“At the end of the day, I finish lectures, thank my teachers, and ride home.

sonal development, health, hygiene management, and the legal system, all of which make me feel empowered and independent.

PPES girls like Samreen exemplify a new rural Indian woman. Women who are independent and confident, happy and successful. And all through the power of education.

Pardada Pardadi Educational Society UK is a registered UK charity (Charity no. 1166879) and can be contacted through email at info@pardadapardadi-uk.org; phone on 079 03329311; postal address 25 Sweetcroft Lane, Uxbridge, UB10 9LE.

Chancellor who came up with billions of pounds worth of support for small businesses and families hit by the impact of the lockdown and consequent economic challenges.

Even as recently as March 2022, he unveiled a package of measures amounting to 37 billion pounds of government support to try and ease a cost-of-living crisis for the public.

Every housewife knows that some belttightening is required after heavy unforeseen expenditure. How many of us have postponed our vacation plans after a sudden family emergency leading to a heavy outflow of funds?

Running to the money lender for meeting everyday expenses instead of cutting down, is the surest way to higher indebtedness. This is the common sense economics that every sensible household follows. It is only a prosperous country with a well-performing economy that can care for its citizen’s welfare. In these hard times, the UK needs to focus on putting its economy back on the rails. A recent survey showed that people of the UK acknowledge this to be a pressing issue in the country.

Unintendedly, this column has become a defence of Rishi Sunak and support for #ReadyforRishi. I also wished to write about the other candidate whom I count as a friend, Tom Tugendhat, who has been holding his own in the debates. Tom has seen many Bollywood movies on his way back from Afghanistan to London. While in transit in Dubai, he would go for the longest movie, which would always be an Indian movie! He knows South Asia well and has taken up several important issues in Parliament. At times, he has managed to make a dent in policy by his stewardship of an issue. We didn’t agree on everything, but Tom was always forthright in presenting his positions.

I do not know the other candidates, but rate Liz Truss as the one with the most gracious bearing in Sunday’s debate.

Perhaps I misheard when she listed

India as a country that she would ‘talk down to’ (my words) on the Ukraine war. India’s position has been more than adequately espoused by the Indian leadership including during her visit to India, which came side by side with that of the Russian foreign minister.

Let me conclude by wishing that the best candidate emerges as the prime minister of a friendly UK. April 2022, the World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund, titled ‘War sets back the global recovery’, concluded that economic damage from the conflict will contribute to a significant slowdown in global growth in 2022 and add to inflation, with fuel and food prices have increased rapidly, hitting vulnerable populations in low-income countries hardest. The IMF has also lowered its global growth projection. The UK needs a steady and competent hand at the helm to guide the nation through these difficult times.

2,000 cult groups operating across UK An estimated 2,000 cult groups are operating across the country, but ministers have not acted to stop them because of fears that they cannot legally distinguish between religion and semi-criminal cults, a charity leader said.

A survey of 105 victims of 36 different cult groups, produced by the charity The Family Survival Trust (FST), has found that thousands of people have suffered sexual abuse, isolation from friends and family, financial exploitation and modern slavery at the hands of UK cults. 17 per cent of respondents to the survey reported having been raped in the group they were part of and 37 per cent experienced another undesired sexual contact. Some 62 per cent of people polled said they worked long hours for the cult for little or no payment, while 47 per cent said that their groups violated employment laws.

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23 - 29 July 2022

Recycling your Money

W

e are in interesting times.

Currently we are in a high inflationary environment, with relatively low interest rates. One way to look at interest rates is to say the rates have gone up 500% within a 2-year period. Another way is historically we are still in a low-rate environment. What’s more interesting is the real interest rate, which is the nominal rate minus the inflation, is actually negative.

What this means is if you take out a 100K loan now, it may cost you about 3% but next year your debt would have shrunk to roughly 90k due to inflation.

That is an interesting concept. Normally in a high inflationary environment interest rates are hiked to combat inflation.

We are in a unique situation where the interest rate is still extremely low, and we have high inflation.

As time goes on there will be many businesses which will suffer, and the consequences will be empty commercial units. The bigger margins are to be had outside of London. As there is still too much money and too many players floating around in London. Note this is a 500-year-old property market, attractive not just to national investors but across the world.

Recently we had a meeting with a Bollywood connected producer, who wanted to wind down his properties in Mumbai and start investing in the UK. London properties are attractive, for reasons of a transparent and reasonably clear market. And I think Indians and many others like the idea of owning a piece of London real estate. This is egotistical, as they ruled us, so now we

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

own them mentality. It also gives them bragging rights.

Empty commercial is no good to the Jersey owned property funds, as they have stopped producing income. This was the premise they had been bought. Now from an income producing asset they have become a liability. The insurance for a vacant building is hiked, and the rates still need to be paid.

Therefore, they will be disposed of quite probably by way of auction. The key to unlock this asset is by repurposing it as residential.

This is done through Permitted Development and not planning, an important distinction.

Rather than selling on, it would be better to refinance on a 5 year or longer fixed rate, and then refinance out your initial funds.

The demand for rental is strong and should increase. Nonetheless it would be prudent to take out a rent guarantee insurance for some protection. A small price to pay for peace of mind. This protects one from the tenant deciding not to pay, and the legal fees involved in the eviction process.

Once this cycle is complete the aim would be to do this again and again, until the game changes.

Your ambition.

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Buyers are chasing an ever-dwindling supply of homes. There is believed to be nearly 30 prospective buyers for every residential property sold in the UK. In some parts of the country, one in five homes are being sold within two weeks of listing. The relentless pace of this business may be disheartening for buyers, but we’ve got them covered.

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13

This too will p pass he cost-of-living crisis is now beginning to bite, prices are rising, and in some cases going through the roof, wherever you look.

From the cost of borrowing, fuel, energy, and in totally unexpected areas like our everyday y y shopping. pp g Those on a lower income suff ffering the most. But with inflation rising faster than wage growth for the vast maj ajority of people, even high earners are seeing the value of their income drop.

It is estimated that a family of four must spend at least £500 extra in a month to maintain their standard of living.

Inflation is rising above the government’s target of 2%. What are the key reasons that have caused the cost of living to rise so dramatically? A few factors are: u Pandemic related restrictions on movement and work absences had a significant impact on the global supply of goods and services.

Demand for certain goods during lockdown increased rapidly and then once lockdown eased, supply chain simply could not keep up with demand and expectations, result lting in prices rising. u The overwhelming post-pandemic demand for goods made it impossible for shipping companies worldwide to deliver on time, so retailers must pay a lot more to get goods to their stores. u Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to food and energy supply issues. u UK wage increases and higher national insurance contributions increased the cost of goods and services. u Globally, oil and gas prices have risen, resulting in fuel costs spiralling out of control. u The increase of the energy price, set by the regulator Ofgem in April, automatically resulted in everyone having to pay more for their energy.

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What does the immediate future hold?

Both landlords and tenants will expect finances to be difficult throughout the remainder of 2022 and, possibly most of 2023, resulting from everyone having to spend more of their disposal income on energy bills, fuel costs, food, and general living. Many tenants are going to find it harder to afford to pay their rent.

Landlords will find it difficult to raise rents in line with inflation, and this could be detrimental because: u The increasing cost of property maintenance and repairs will reduce profits. u Rental profits will be worth less in real terms.

Although the next few years might be difficult, the Bank of England expects inflation to fall in 2022 and drop to 2% in a few years’ time. The Bank of England believes that the main cause of the current inflation will not continue.

Property rental businesses will emerge from the current cost of living crisis in good shape, but there are actions that are required now, to achieve this.

Increasing Rents Every landlord strives to manage their property portfolios to the best of their abilities. Increasing rents on your properties is likely to be challenging for both the tenant and the landlord. The

Chartered Acccountants with A a hands-on approach Kira ran D Pa attel BA (Hons) FCA, BA Directorr,, Albury Associates, Chartered A Acccountants financial strrain this will put on your tenants whiilst the need to balance investment profitably to remain financially secure s yourself lf is always going to be difficult lt. What is important in this situation is to be mindful of your tenants nee eds and ensure that you communicatte effectively with them.

Being hone est with your tenants is paramount. If you must increase your rent to covver your own increased running costts, provide as much notice as possible and offer any support that may be available to them. No landlord wants to lose a good tenant!

Check king Yo Your Own Costs With pricces rising so quickly, it is always wortth ensuring that you review your expend diture on a regular basis, at least monthly. Keep a careful note of what is going out each month and review it ca arefully for trends, taking action where it is necessary to do so.

Planning ahead is significant. Yo You may not be able to achieve the returns that you desire n now but fixing certain costs for the next 112 months or so will enable you to ride through the difficult lt times ahead.

If you h have not reviewed your mortgage re ecently, y or y your current deal is coming to o an end at any time within the next two t years, it is worth contacting your mortgage adviser.

Although, you y may have to pay a penalty for leaving your existing commitmentts, the long-term savings do need to be explored. Thinking outside the box will help.

Lon ng Te Term Prosperity It will be e naïv ïve to think that shortterm gains will w be achievable in the Buy To Let marke et. The investment property market hass always been able to provide long-term prosperity and profitability. However, anyone investing with a short--term view is more likely to incur losses on their investments. The current economic climate should be considered as a storm that will pass.

Managing ca ash flow and keeping costs down as we ell as ensuring that tenants are financially stable enough to continue occupying your property are the key to successfully sailing through these choppy times ahead and returning to profitability and returns, to which you have become accustomed.

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Making Ta Tax Digital for landlords a Help or Hindra ance he combination of Making Ta Tax Digital (MTD) and Income Ta Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) and the requirements it places on landlords has once again brought the subj bject of incorporating your property portfolio to the fore.

When MTD for VA VAT was introduced, we were given a long lead time before it came into force, but there was still a big disruption and many businesses were unsure about what was needed and the benefits it could give them. The time for introduction of MTD is now upon us.

With the introduction of MTD for ITSA, the impact on everyone is going to be significant g but many y landlords in particular will be impacted. MTD for ITSA is sure to come as a shock to many individuals that privately own rental property as income from furnished holiday lettings, commercial property and non-UK properties are included too.

Those people who have inherited a single property they offer for rent may not even be aware that in the eyes of HMRC they’re running a business, and that MTD for ITSA may apply to them.

Many smaller landlords tend to keep basic accounting records, if they keep any at all. Some may not even declare their income, while others may not correctly understand how property rental income is taxed.

For those within its scope, the headline rules of MTD for ITSA are as follows: • Soft ftware compatible with MTD for ITSA must be used for accounting, relating to income tax.

• The individual must register for MTD for ITSA before 6 April 2024.

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DA DA AV VID WHITE Joint Managing Director at Charterhouse

•

Yo Y ou will no longer need to send a Self Asssessment return for income tax, alth hough one might still be needed in some cases to report other kinds of income outside the scope of MTD for ITSA. • Yo You mu ust provide HMRC with quarterly y updates using software that deta ails all property income (any sole trad der business will also require a quarterly update of its own).

• By 31 Ja anuary following the end of the tax year, y you must use software to provide HMRC with an end of period sttatement (EOPS).

• By 31 Ja anuary following the end of the tax year, y you must use software to provid de HMRC with a signed final declaratiion of all your income.

• By 31 January, you will need to pay the balance of any tax and National Insurance contributions due.

Whilst this process may seem complex, with w the right systems it is straightforward and is something we can easily help you with.

To fin find outt more about MTD TD fo for ITS TSA, or how to t in incorp rporate a property o ty portfo folio o contact us or call Davi vid White Wh e on 020 8863 63 4566. http tps:/ ://www. w.chart rterr-house.net/ t/arti ticle/m /mtdforfo r-land dlords-a-help-orr-hindrance

ICICI Bank UK PLC to facilitate home loans in India for Indian diaspora based in the UK CICI Bank UK PLC is now facilitating home loans in India through its parent, ICICI Bank Ltd India (ICICI Bank), for NRI (Non Resident Indians)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/ Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) based in the United Kingdom (UK).

With ICICI Bank’s PRATAP SINGH India home loans, Head Retail Banking UK & Europe, ICICI Bank UK PLC NRIs/OCI/PIO living in the UK can avail home loan to buy provisional sanction letter digitally, in properties in India (residential as well just a few clicks. The online platform as commercial) without travelling to provides customers an opportunity to avail competitive interest rates and India.

ICICI Bank India has a portfolio of discounted processing fees.

Currently, ICICI Bank’s interest pre-approved properties, accessible in India are competitive and rates online on www.home.icicibank.com that makes the selection process developers too are offering lucrative easy and efficient. ICICI Bank UK PLC deals and schemes on properties. has a dedicated team based in the UK The currency conversion between to assist homebuyers who are looking a Pound Sterling and Indian Rupee is to avail a home loan in India. at present much better for a Rupee Customers can also transfer their buyer as against a year ago, which existing loan from other lenders to further weighs in favour of buyers ICICI Bank or avail a loan against living in the UK. their existing property.

All of these factors make it a great ICICI Bank has also enabled its time for NRIs to purchase their dream online platform for salaried customers home or expand their real estate (applicable to NRIs) to avail a portfolio in India.

I

Customers can get in touch with ICICI Bank UK PLC branches, or can also visit our website www.icicibank.co.uk or drop an email at nrihomeloansuk@icicibank.com to request a call back.

Opportunity to Buy Well Established Business of Property Management Based in Birmingham (UK) Current gross income £150,000 P.A. plus Well established contract Full Training given if no experience, Owners retiring Offers invited around £398,000 invited 50% Loan Available.

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Mortgage Matters hat is your advice to first time buyers or anyone taking out a mortgage?

W

* Make sure you are registered with

your local authority on the voter’s role as it is one way to determine your proof of address.

* Aim to have a clean credit score. It is

advisable to use a reputable credit rating agency and check the status of your credit worthiness. If there are any anomalies or errors, you should aim to rectify these.

DINESH SHONCHHATRA Mortgage & Protection Adviser, Major Estate

* Have a current bank account. * Avoid having too many loans and

based on their circumstances and needs.

Brokers use a special software to source the best rate and the maximum amount that you can borrow based upon your circumstances. hat advice would you give to someone who is visiting the broker for the first time?

W

* Check if they are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

* Some brokers may charge a fee and you should clarify that at the outset with the broker. Are they refundable?

* Do they deal with a limited number of lenders, or do they source from the whole of the market?

* Ask

for their combined initial disclosure documents (CIDD) terms of business / scope of service

credit cards as these may affect your borrowing.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan from a lender such as a bank or building society that enables you to purchase a property. It is a secured loan on your property. hat are interest only repayment mortgages?

W

and

* Interest only - the amount you pay covers only the interest owed. With this type of mortgage, your capital remains outstanding. At the end of the term, you will need to pay off the full outstanding balance. This means you will need to have planned for some means of paying off the balance from your savings, ISA or other investments.

* Repayment - The amount you pay includes the capital, which is the amount you borrowed, and the interest charged by the lender each month, so by the end of the mortgage term the full capital gets paid, and you have repaid your mortgage.

ow can someone know how much they can borrow?

H

* For

employed people, income verification is required. Generally, they are payslips, bank statements, P60, bonus, overtime, or any other income proofs. Most lenders will generally lend between 4 to 5 times of a joint income.

* Self-employed people will require

two years’ accounts and SA302s. It can sometimes be done based on one years’ accounts subject to terms.

* There are special mortgages for daily rate contractors and for professionals such as dentists. hy would clients go to a mortgage broker and not go direct to the bank or building society?

W

Instead of a client going from one bank to another, a broker is a one-stopshop who can provide them advise

s there any key action you would recommend to existing borrowers?

I

* If you are on a variable rate, make sure you contact your current lender to review and ask them for a new deal. Many clients are on a higher variable rate of which they are not aware! You can phone the same lender and ask for a new product which could save you significant amount of money without any underwriting.

* If you are on interest only mortgage,

see if you can change to a repayment mortgage otherwise when your term comes to an end, you could risk having to sell your property or downsize as the amount of loan owed is still outstanding.

* Make sure your mortgage does not pass through your retirement age.

* Make sure you have life insurance /

that mortgage must be paid. hat is life insurance and why should people consider it?

W

* Safeguarding or protecting loved

ones and dependents financially in the event that you unexpectedly die and leave them behind is by taking out life insurance.

Note, life insurance is not a savings or investment product and has no cash value unless a valid claim is made.

There are other types of mortgages such as buy to let, let to buy, shared ownership, help to buy and limited company mortgages. Also, if someone has credit problems these can be looked at.

For more information, Contact Dinesh Shonchhatra: Tel: 0208 424 8686 or Mobile 07956 810647 or email mortgage@majorestate.com.

Major Estates Financial Services is well established with over 32 years’ experience and a track record of success, offering expert mortgage advice from our inhouse independent mortgage advisers. For more information, contact Dinesh Shonchhatra: call 0208 424 8686 or mobile 07956 810647 or email mortgage@majorestate.com.

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Property market will ride out the storm Paresh Raja - CEO Market Financial Solutions Commercial properties are also pushing forward.

Strong performance in the market is being driven by the need for industrial, logistic and retail warehousing space.

T

he property market continues to defy the doomsayers. For months now, pundits have been predicting that crashes are just around the corner, but the numbers simply keep going up. Average house prices in the UK hit a record high of £294,845 in June, according to Halifax’s latest house price index.

Commercial properties are also pushing forward. Strong performance in the market is being driven by the need for industrial, logistic and retail warehousing space. Demand across the property spectrum has been affected by a range of economic factors – some good, some bad. The question is, how long will this last and is it sustainable?

I think there’s still plenty of room to grow, even with some rocky roads ahead of us.

In the short term, buyers and investors may be spooked by changes coming from the state.

We’re in the process of welcoming a new Prime Minister.

This raises all sorts of questions about what could be on the horizon. If there’s one thing markets of all shapes and sizes

don’t like, it’s uncertainty.

Also, the rhetoric put out by the government and legislators in recent months hasn’t exactly been comforting. Property developers have been accused of cartel-like practices, while planned legislative and tax changes are set to make things tricky for landlords. When you add in skyrocketing inflation, an energy crisis, supply chain issues and even war – many may wonder if they’ll ever be light at the end of the tunnel.

But, over the long-term, we should remember that basic supply and demand trumps most temporary difficulties.

And there’s plenty of demand for property.

The UK is desperate for investors to bring more housing supply to the market.

It’s believed there are 29 prospective buyers for every residential property sold in the UK. We’re also not building nearly enough homes to replenish stocks. Around 300,000 homes need to be built every year to keep things sustainable. The latest data shows this target has been missed by a whopping 40%.

Residential investors may do well where they supply desperate house hunters with attainable, desirable homes.

The commercial market also seems to have brighter days ahead of it. Despite everything thrown at it, the tenacious UK

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economy grew by 0.5% in May. With nearly 2 years of lockdowns behind them, businesses are desperate to bounce back from Covid. It’s believed 80% of businesses are planning to increase their workforce and according to Savills, there will be growing demand for prime office space over the coming months.

There’s even opportunity outside of the obvious, with around £12bn of capital chasing science-related commercial opportunities in the UK. No one is denying the property market isn’t facing challenges at the moment. But for investors willing to push through, property is still plenty stable where it counts.

But, over the long-term, we should remember that basic supply and demand trumps most temporary difficulties.

And there’s plenty of demand for property.

It’s believed 80% of businesses are planning to increase their workforce and according to Savills, there will be growing demand for prime office space over the coming months. There’s even opportunity outside of the obvious, with around £12bn of capital chasing sciencerelated commercial opportunities in the UK.

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Property market remains buoyant despite economic crises rticles and journals across the UK are discussing the increased cost of living and interest rates, and the fact that many schemes and reliefs which were previously available to help individuals and businesses are now being withdrawn. This has resulted in major concerns amongst individuals and businesses.

Axiom DWFM hosted their quarterly Real Estate lunch in June which focused on the current market and where it is headed.

Following Brexit and the pandemic, it was greatly anticipated that there would be a significant loss of business in the UK and that companies would not be given the opportunity to branch out or recover.

However, this has not been the case. This year alone there were 59 new lettings in Central London from companies who have not previously been there suggesting that this is a healthy market for companies and investors to enter into with the aims of growing their businesses.

Those with an appetite for risk have used this as an opportunity to start new businesses. Land is also now being used to develop new research facilities and sites producing sustainable and renewable energy sources as a result of an ever growing need for such premises in today’s market.

Furthermore, despite the recent increases in interest rates, investors have not been deterred from entering the market and buying properties. Auction companies have seen that they are actually increasing their billings and that most domestic investors are looking to go into commercial real estate in an attempt to preserve their wealth. This is

A

KIMIYA TOOPCHIANI Paralegal, Axiom DWFM supported by the increasing property prices across the UK. This trend can also be seen with residential real estate as the average home price in the UK has risen by 9.8% in the last year. The market is growing and our team at Axiom DWFM is glad to be assisting both our domestic and international clients with their property needs, whether this be with beginning their journey into the market or helping them to continue growing their current portfolios.

With the current Help-to-Buy Scheme ending in March 2023, we look forward to helping many first-time buyers exercise the opportunities currently available to them until a replacement is found. Our team of experts and professionals await to see what this will be and how to best help buyers and sellers in their process.

Overall, we have seen that the average investor is hungry, determined and very much able to thrive in today’s market.

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Removable remedies: Top temporary decorating tips for renters Rental agreements can differ from landlord to landlord and it’s fair to say that some are more willing to agree to cosmetic changes than others. For those seeking to make home improvements but are struggling because of limits within their tenancy agreement, there are plenty of ways to make temporary changes without damaging the property.

Here are LOVESPACE’s tips on sprucing up a rental property: Soft furnishings Cushions, curtains and throws are perfect for adding pops of colour to any room – although they are the most obvious choice. Choosing bed linen, bathroom towels and even tea towels to match the surrounding area are more unique ways to add depth to a room. Try matching bed linen with the shades of the carpet or curtains to create a sleep haven.

Removable wallpaper and flooring When you don’t have the option of painting walls or changing flooring, it can feel difficult to give the property any personal touch. This is where the beauty of stick-on wallpaper and flooring comes in.

Change handles When renting it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make major changes to key areas of the house like the kitchen. So, if the kitchen is looking dated it can easily be transformed into an inviting space by simply changing the handles. Chrome details can add a modern edge to kitchen

cupboards and should be fairly easy to change using a screwdriver.

Add greenery Plants can quite literally breathe new life into a lacklustre room.

Choose peace lilies which can thrive in low light conditions (perfect for flats) or opt for some succulents which require little maintenance. Not only can plants make a space more aesthetically pleasing but they also have lots of health benefits too. They can purify the air, relieve stress and improve concentration – perfect for those who work at home.

Shop secondhand When moving into an unfurnished property, there is an opportunity to add personality to every room. Buying items brand new can be expensive, whereas you can pick up second-hand items for a more affordable price and sometimes even for free. Online marketplaces are a goldmine for preloved furniture and there are some unique pieces just waiting to be found.

Clear the clutter If the furniture in your new property doesn’t quite match your decor plans or you’ve simply got too many belongings, popping it into storage can help to provide you with a blank canvas. Storing winter clothes, unwanted furniture and other seasonal items is a great way to achieve a minimalistic look. LOVESPACE provides self-storage with convenient collection and delivery straight from your doorstep across the UK.

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CEHT, Charusat and Sattavis Gam are instruments to serve humanity at large: Guests at CEHT Launch Newly formed charity The Charusat Educational and Healthcare Trust (CEHT) was launched at Sattavis Patidar Centre on Sunday.

The Trust is currently associated with two wellknown, not-for-profit organizations Charusat University and Charusat Hospital based in the rural area of Changa, Dist. Anand, India. These organizations are working in the areas of social development,

education and healthcare. A team of dignitaries from Charusat campus, Changa (India) was exclusively present at the launch event.

Dr Devang Joshi, Registrar Charusat University said, “Education and health are the two pillars of a progressive society. Every crisis provides a chance to connect strongly with each other. Charusat, CEHT and Sattavis Gam all are instruments to achieve goals to serve humanity at large. It’s a proud moment for all of us that Charusat university is just awarded an A+ university. I want to make an appeal here that clinical exposure is best in our hospital. We are there to engage with you. Please come.”

Dr Uma Patel, COO Charusat Hospital explained the facilities and services in the world-class hospital. In a presentation, she highlighted the milestones of Charusat.

Virendrabhai Patel, Vice President Charusat Health and Research Foundation and Trustee Kelavaani Mandal said, “Our main objective is of making accessible quality healthcare services available to all at affordable price.”

Vishnubhai Patel, Trustee Kelavaani Mandal said, “Due to the foresight and generosity of Kiritbhai R Patel we are here in this Sattavis building.”

Navnitlal Patel, VP Matrusanstha said, “Charusat is a mission for the betterment of humankind. I urge all to be actively involved in it.”

Kamleshbhai G Patel, Director CEHT said, “The journey of establishing CEHT started 4 years ago.

During any journey, experiences teach us and in bad times we realise real friends. Education and health determine every soul for well-being. We often fail to understand what the service is about. It’s all about high morals, values and integrity.

The real achievement of life is giving

Divine celebration of Golden Jubilee at Neasden Temple Special Darshan and Abhishek for Gujarat Samachar-Asian Voice team BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) organised a special Darshan and Abhishek for the Gujarat Samachar-Asian Voice Team in the golden jubilee year of Gujarat

to the community, being happy and enjoying life.”

Dr Jayesh V Patel, Chairman LH Ltd explained the aims and areas of working of the trust.

Anil Kumar Patel FCA,

Author and Motivator said, “Giving is growing. Giving has magical powers. It creates bondage between the donor and recipient. In the beginning, it may be a little action but it will become mighty in the final result.”

Conducting the event and introducing the guests Harshadbhai Patel said, “Kiritbhai R Patel is the main pillar of Sattavis Gam building. He supported very generously in every activity of the community. He donated the total amount of GBP 6,50,000 till now. For his generosity and philanthropy, he is awarded the Daan Bhaskar Award in India.”

Payal Patel gave a beautiful performance on Sarasvati Vandana and “Itni Shakti Hame Dena Data..” song. A vote of thanks was given by CEHT secretary Indrabhai Patel.

Advancement of the education and improvement of healthcare is our motive: Kiritbhai Patel Talking with Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar, Chairman of Newly formed charity The Charusat Educational and Healthcare Trust Kiritbhai R Patel said, “CEHT is established for the advancement of the education and improvement of healthcare of the society it serves. Challenges like affordability, accessibility, availability and awareness can be best delivered by investing in new techniques, supporting scalable and sustainable projects, and making long-term partnerships. We will focus on raising funds to build better infrastructure, supply medicine and conduct camps for awareness among the rural community. After all, a healthy society is a happy society.”

Vedic groundbreaking ceremony for UK's first dedicated Sanatan Hindu Crematorium The Vedic groundbreaking ceremony for the UK's first dedicated Sanatan Hindu Crematorium was held at Denham on 15 July. In the divine presence of Pujya Sahebji, Pujya Shantidada and Pujya Ashwinbhai, the ceremony was held on Anoopam Mission UK’s grounds in Denham, Buckinghamshire in which political, faith and community leaders were present.

“AUM” Crematorium will be the first ever purpose-built dedicated crematorium for the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities.

The ceremony was presided over by Pujya Ashwindada as the Yajman and was conducted by Sadhu Manojdasji.

Guruhari Sahebji gave his blessings and said, “This crematorium is something the Hindu

community has long tried for and finally this vision will come to fruition. It is for the community and it will happen with the support of the entire community. Let us aim to complete this project in an optimal time frame.”

Any Questions? Join the open forum on July 30 An open forum has been organised at Anupam Mission, Denham on Saturday 30th July at 10:30 am. If any community, organization or individual has queries or suggestions regarding Aum Crematorium, they must join the open forum, Sanatan Hindu leaders appealed.

Samachar.

CB Patel, Chairman and Editor-inChief was honoured in the sabha by Pujya Sadhu Yogavivekdasji.

Sadhu Yogavivekadasji said, “From everyone at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, UK & Europe, we would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Gujarat Samachar UK on its 50th anniversary. Since its Gujarat inception, Samachar UK has been a bridge linking all of us living here in the UK to our roots in India through your insightful news reporting and staunch support for Hindus as well as Hinduism in general. On this special anniversary, we remember and thank you for decades of support including during the Mandir Mahotsav in 1995 when CB Patel was an honourable patron.”

In the temple sabha, the theme of 'Festival of Inspiration' was launched which will be held from July

study at Sanskrit school in Bhadaran, he visited the Swaminarayan temple.

Some people mistakenly opposed him and behaved rudely. At that time, Babubhai supported 22 to July 31. After this Pujya Prabuddhamunidas Swami addressed, "Today our Gunanuragi Satsangi Bandhu, whom Pramukh Swami Maharaj used to call the name of by Chandrakantbhai, is our special guest. He is a native of Bhadran village whose grandfather Manibhai, father Babubhai and uncle Apabhai have had a unique relationship with the BAPS since the time of Shastriji Maharaj.”

Swamiji said, “In the year 1945, it rained a lot during the Atladara Mandir Pratishtha Utsav. The big question was how to bring Murti from the stonemason.

Then Shastriji Maharaj asked Pramukhswami Maharaj to bring the Murti in Apabhai's truck. When Pramukhswami Maharaj and Apabhai reached there, the stonemason said he would give the idol only after receiving money. At that time Apabhai sided and served the BAPS organization, his nephew is Chandrakantbhai who is present with us” “As a child, Pramukh Swami Maharaj came to

Shastriji Maharaj and Babubhai's son is Chandrakantbhai whom we know as CB Patel."

Prabuddhamunidas Swami said, “Like father, like son... CB has a lot of affection towards BAPS. He has been present in every event of the temple. He is working very hard to serve the community. We congratulate on 50 years of Gujarat Samachar and pray at the feet of the Lord S w a m i n a r a y a n , Pramukhswami Maharaj, Mahant Swami Maharaj for uninterrupted Seva Yagna and Gyan Yagna.”

Jyotsnaben Shah, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar, his son and KKR India Managing Director Jigar Shah, daughter-in-law Namitaben Shah, Group Editor Mahesh Liloriya and others were welcomed by BAPS team Yogeshbhai Patel, Bhavik Depala, Yogen Shah and Khushali.

Unveiling Britain Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar had organised a special dialogue “Unveiling Britain”, with Mr Rohit Vadhwana (IFS), newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Kenya, former First Secretary (Economic & Commerce wing) the UK, and additional in-charge of Press & Information Wing of the High Commission of India in London.

Nilesh Parmar, Bureau Chief ( ABPL Group, India office) felicitating The event was held on Mr Rohit Vadhwana (IFS) and his wife Mrs Femida 16th July at Raddison Blu dignitaries participated in this event. A Hotel in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. comprehensive report will be published in Renowned journalists from leading next week’s edition. newspapers, Senior civil servants and other

Polar Preet to become the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported Captain Preet Chandi, a British Army medical officer, became the first woman of colour to complete a solo, unaided trip to the South Pole in January after she trekked 700 miles in 40 days.

The 33-year-old – also known as “Polar Preet” – said that she is now training for “phase two” of her expedition, which will involve travelling more than 1,000 miles, enduring temperatures of up to minus 50C and wind speeds of up to 60mph, and pulling a sledge alongside her kit. She is now hoping to become the first woman to complete a solo and unsupported crossing of Antarctica.

The coast-to-coast journey, which she

plans to begin in October, is expected to take around 75 days. Capt Chandi, from Derby, will be taking a few months of leave from the Army at the end of the year for her expedition. The Army physiotherapist has shared further updates on her trip, writing on her blog that she is “doing so many things now that I wouldn’t have thought I was capable of even 5 years ago… don’t limit yourself.”

Her daily training routine includes cardio and strength training as well as dragging tyres to replicate the weight of her sledge. When she completed her 700-mile journey to the South Pole earlier this year, Capt Chandi said it felt “surreal”.

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Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel

As I prepare to give my Great Investing and Trading Summer School (see www.alpeshpatel.com/spain to join) I am preparing to give insights on what’s making money.

I want to give everyone my best education, all my secrets to make it life-changing for them.

This is a snippet of what I will discuss in the morning session.

The Hedge Funds Beating the Market This Year: What are their Secrets?

The stock markets are down drastically. But some hedge funds are performing well. How are they managing it, and is there anything the private investor can learn or copy?

While the markets have felt the effects of inflation, Ukraine, and the Fed, some hedge funds have posted strong returns. We examine some of the best performers to figure out what they are doing right.

The bear market has meant that equity-based funds are down about 5% this year. However, Ray Dalio's Bridgewater Associates are up 32% in 2022. The secret to their big performance is shorting European equities, like Adidas and the software company BASF. In a stock market that has seen steep drops, it's no surprise to see shorting as a winning strategy. BlackRock big gun Alistar Hibbert has shifted his portfolio recently to benefit from falling prices.

Some more funds are banking on others' failure, including bets that merges or takeovers will unravel. For example, Elon Musk's Twitter takeover, Apollo's purchase of Tenneco, and Nielsen's purchase by Elliot & Brookfield could all generate big wins if they fall through.

Two macro hedge funds that have enjoyed stellar years are Haidar Jupiter (170%) and Odey European Inc (114%). These types of funds benefit from large-scale national economic events, and the widespread uncertainty and volatility of 2022 have helped them thrive.

Odey needed a good year. Their 110% gains this year have wiped out several years of losses. Combined with a 54% rise last year, investors who stuck with Odey through the dark times are reaping their rewards.

Rokos Capital, down 26% in 2021, is another macro fund that has benefited from inflation, increased interest rates, and disruption in the commodities markets.

Other big performers in H1 have made big bets on the Energy sector, including BGF World Energy D2 (+39%) and Schroder ISF Global Energy Z Acc EUR (35%).

Some quant funds are enjoying a renaissance after years of poor performance. BH-DG Systematic is up this year after betting against government bonds.

What moves are hedge funds making?

Overall, most hedge funds are cutting exposure to the equity markets — which has hurt the S&P 500. Reports suggest that funds that trade with some of Wall Street's biggest banks — including Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs — are all getting out of stocks in one of the most significant sell-offs since the pandemic.

Some of these exits will include crypto markets, which have been beset by crashes leading to liquidations.

Tech-focused funds like Tiger Global and Brad Gerstner have been struggling. Indeed, anyone holding Growth stocks will have felt the force of the markets in 2022, with Uber, Meta, Microsoft, and more down heavily. However, Coast Capital's Engaged fund has thrived by targeting businesses with low valuations and share prices.

Which hedge funds to keep an eye on for the future?

Rising interest rates will end an era of "cheap" money.

For some funds, a situation where the markets make more sense will lead to opportunities. Some funds suggest this is because we have reached the "latter stages of the economic cycle" — i.e., a stage where stock picking beats following the market.

Of course, there are other things to consider if you're looking for funds to follow. On average, funds operated by ethnic minorities tend to outperform all-white firms.

Finally, if you're looking to identify the new kids on the block, look no further than the Institutional Investors Rising Hedge Fund Stars of 2022.

How to move forward As always, investing during a downturn requires patience and a cool head. Value, cash flow, and quality are what investors should be looking out for in equities.

Sticking to your investment plan and avoiding timing the market are also sensible strategies.

After years of high-performing stocks like Alphabet, Meta, and Netflix, many hedge funds are diversifying.

The most popular stocks have dropped from accounting for 40% to 27% of hedge funds' stocks books.

The plays that worked so well over the last few years have stopped producing results. Shorting stocks and US bonds are back in favor, alongside investment in commodities and Energy.

See you in Spain!

Amazon to create more than 4,000 jobs in UK Online retail giant Amazon has said it plans to create more than 4,000 jobs in the UK this year. The jobs will be permanent and bring the company's total UK staff to 75,000. Amazon says the move, which would include roles in new warehouses in Wakefield and Knowsley, would make it one of the UK's top ten private sector employers. The company created 25,000 UK jobs in 2021 as the Covid pandemic boosted a shift towards online shopping. Amazon also opened four new warehouses across the UK in 2021.

People were shopping more online before the

pandemic, but lockdowns and Covid restrictions gave that a boost - including home deliveries of groceries bought online. Amazon's thousands of new UK roles will be split between warehouse work, corporate work in London and Manchester, and technolo-

gy work in Edinburgh and Cambridge.

But the company has faced criticism in the past about working conditions for employees, and about its response to workers wanting to unionise to negotiate better pay and working conditions. The

first Amazon employers' union was created in its Staten Island hub in New York in April 2022 after a hard-fought battle.

The company currently has warehouses it calls "fulfilment centres" in Bolton and Swansea, and says it will continue to create roles away from London and city centres. The online giant previously announced the creation of 1,500 new apprenticeships in 2022.

The announcements come at a time when companies are jostling to hire staff, as the number of roles available outstrips the number of people available to fill them.

Heathrow becomes UK’s travel nightmare Less than a decade ago, London’s Heathrow was the undisputed hub airport for Europe, with thousands of daily passengers and an ambitious expansion plan that included a brand new runway. Terminal 5 was still a novelty - the UK’s largest free-standing building hosted a string of glitzy shops and restaurants, including one founded by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The airport was associated with aspiration, growth and an outward-looking Britain.

How things change.

Today, Heathrow is locked

in yet another dispute with airlines after insisting they halt ticket sales during the lucrative school holiday season, a move that could cost as much as $500 million in lost revenue. The airport has been struggling to manage a post-pandemic rush of holidaymakers, with long queues of frustrated fliers becoming a common scene.

One airline, Emirates, initially refused to comply with the cap on passengers, describing it as “airmageddon,” before backing down.

Any prospect of a third runway remains years away,

as critics ask whether Heathrow needs more space if it cannot even cope with its current capacity, regardless of environmental concerns. With Britain’s chronic labor shortage at the heart of the travel chaos, Heathrow’s travails have become emblematic of a nation beset by economic stagnation, political upheaval and an increasingly uncertain place in the world.

Heathrow is not alone, of course. It has been a torrid summer for air travel across Europe. London’s Gatwick, Amsterdam’s

Schiphol and Frankfurt are among a number of airports limiting capacity.

Nonetheless, the UK has been harder hit than its counterparts on the Continent, given its extremely low number of job-seekers and a limited supply of European labor post-Brexit.

The Emirates row raised the prospect of a rebellion from other airlines reluctant to curb passenger flows following two years of limited foreign travel. Late Friday, the carrier and the airport announced an about-face.

Labour shortages affecting UK economy rebounds, but UK businesses badly rising prices still a worry The British Chambers of Commerce urged the UK government to overhaul the post-Brexit list of occupational shortages, after warning that many companies were struggling to recruit workers.

More than 60 per cent of companies said that they needed to find more staff in the UK, according to a survey of over 5,700 businesses published recently. But more than three quarters of groups seeking to recruit reported difficulties in hiring, the BCC found.

The construction sector reported the most severe recruitment challenges, with 83 per cent of businesses reporting difficulties. Many bosses blame the worker shortage on a combination of Brexit, which has stopped workers from the EU plugging gaps in the economy, and the pandemic, which has led people to reassess their priorities.

The government said: “Leaving the EU enabled us to introduce a points-based immigration system and we want to see employers make long term investments in the UK’s domestic workforce instead of relying on labour from abroad”, adding that: “We intend to commission the independent Migration Advisory Committee to review the shortage occupation list in due course.”

According to BCC director-general Shevaun Haviland, owners of restaurants were able to open only a few days a week “because they can’t get chefs, while construction firms [were] unable to find specialist groundwork drillers (fuelling 40 per cent wage rises), and IT firms cannot recruit cyber security experts”.

The UK economy grew by 0.5% during the month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, higher than the flat growth most economists expected. Every area of the economy expanded including construction, travel and manufacturing.

However, businesses reported that higher running costs had led to them to put up prices for customers. With household disposable incomes set to fall further in the autumn when energy prices are set to rise again, there is "still a real risk" that the economy could fall into a recession, said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics.

Both businesses and households are being hit by rising prices, which are surging at their fastest rate for 40 years due to record-high fuel and energy costs. The infla-

tion rate at which prices rise, hit 9.1% in May, and is expected to reach 11% later this year.

The rise in the cost of living has led to unions calling for pay rises to help workers cope. Several industries, such as the railways, have seen workers strike over pay. But the government has warned against employers handing out big increases in salaries over fears of a 1970s-style "inflationary spiral", where firms hike wages and then pass the cost on to customers via higher prices.

The UK's statistics body also cited price increases for metals, some foods, including fish, and other staples.

Although sales were now matching those seen in 2019, before the pandemic struck, it said staff costs were far higher than pre-Covid, as firms across the sector had to hike wages to overcome staff shortages.

Best UK regions to start a business A research by the School of Marketing found that the Cardiff area in UK is the best place to start a business. The year 2021 saw 72.14% higher business openings than closures, with 3,460 new businesses in the region compared to 2,010 shutting down. This meant that for every ten businesses that closed down, roughly 17 new ones started. In the city of Cardiff itself, the financial and business sector is the largest employer, with 20% of the city’s workforce employed in this field.

Mansfield comes in second, with 625 new businesses in the area compared to the 380 that closed in 2021 which meant that for every ten businesses that closed, around 16 more were started. The 260 new businesses in the third quarter of 2021 was not only the highest post-pandemic statistic but also the highest since 2017.

Wolverhampton comes in third with 50.85% more new businesses than closures, with 1,780 business births and 1,180 deaths in 2021. For every ten businesses that closed in the area, 15 new businesses were founded. The city of Wolverhampton was named the fourth-best UK city to launch a business in a 2015 report by Quality Formations, so it’s clear from this data that the city remains a hotbed for entrepreneurs.

Ipswich comes in fifth place, with 925 new businesses and 625 closures in 2021. Around 14 new businesses were started for every ten that closed in the region. Hull comes in sixth place, with 1,345 new businesses and 925 closures in 2021.

Newham is the only London borough in the top ten, coming in tenth place, with 3,570 new businesses and 2,625 closures across 2021.

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Adani Group to join 5G spectrum auctions The government has named the Gautam Adaniled Group as the new entrant for the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions, along with India’s existing telecom players - Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. This would lead to a direct competition - and possibly aggressive bids - between the newcomer Adani Group and the much-established players, especially Jio, led by Indian conglomerate Reliance.

Adani Data Networks fully owned by Adani Enterprises - has received approval for grant of unified licence with authorisation of ILD, NLD and ISP-B

Gautam Adani

for Gujarat state circle.

Reliance Jio, a subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani’s flagship Reliance Industries, has also applied for participation in the spectrum bidding. According to the information posted by India’s Department of

Telecom (DoT) about the applicants, Birla Group held a 27.4% stake in Vodafone Idea and the UK’s Vodafone 47.6%. have “Applications been received for participation in the 2022 auction for rights to use spectrum in

700MHz, 600MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, 2500MHz, 3300MHz and 26GHz Bands,” the DoT said. The spectrum auction, scheduled to start on July 26, may see aggressive bids for some frequency bands, with the entry of Adani.

Adani Group has announced that it is in the race to acquire spectrum, which it said will be used to create a private network to support its businesses from airports to power as well as data centres. A total of 72,098MHz of spectrum worth at least £43 billion will be put on the block during the auction.

Google invests $700 mn Indian tech firms directly employed 207,000 in India’s telecom people in US in a year company Airtel India’s telecom operator Bharti Airtel has allotted over 71 million equity shares to internet major Google for Rs 734 per share.

The allotment is part of Google's commitment to invest $1 billion with Airtel, which included equity investment in the company worth $700 million, Airtel said in a regulatory filing. ''The special committee of directors for preferential allotment of the company, approved the allotment of 71,176,839 equity shares of the face value of Rs 5 each fully paid up, on preferential basis to Google International LLC (Google) at an issue price of Rs 734 per equity share,'' Airtel said.

Google made the investment as part of its $10 billion India Digitization Fund. Out of the total

investment with Airtel, $300 million was earmarked for implementing commercial agreements, which include investments in scaling Airtel's offerings that covers a range of devices to consumers via innovative affordability programmes as well as other offerings aimed at accelerating access and digital inclusion across India's digital ecosystem. ''Google will hold approximately 1.2 per cent of the total post-issue equity shares of the company approximately 1.17 per cent on fully-diluted basis,'' the filing said. Apart from this, Google has also invested about $4.5 billion to buy 7.73 per cent stake in India’s another telecom giant Jio Platforms just a couple of days after it made an announcement about the India Digitization Fund.

India registers highest industrial production in May India has registered the highest industrial production for May, in the last 12 months.

High industrial production is achieved on the back of a statistical base effect and strong performance in manufacturing and electricity sectors.

Data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) has shown the index of industrial production (IIP) rose an annual 19.6% in May, sharply higher than the downwardly revised 6.7% in April and lower than the 27.6% in May 2021. Growth in the April-May period was at 12.9% compared with an expansion of 67.3% in the year earlier period.

The manufacturing sector rose 20.6% compared with an expansion of 32.1% in the year earlier period while the electricity sector shot up 23.5% during the month compared with a growth of 7.5% in May 2021. The mining sector rose 10.9% compared with a growth of 23.6% in May 2021-22. The data is nearly in line with PMI surveys, which have been showing a robust pick-up in the sector after the devastating impact of curbs imposed to prevent spread of Covid-19.

The high growth in industrial production is triggering hopes of a robust rebound in the crucial sector.

According to a new report by India’s National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), the Indian tech industry generated $103 billion in revenue and directly employed 207,000 people in the US last year, with an average wage of $106,360 - witnessing a 22 per cent employment growth since 2017.

The NASSCOM report states that the direct impact of the Indian tech industry has helped the US economy generate a total of $396 billion in sales to date, supporting 1.6 million jobs and contributing over $198 billion to the American economy larger than the combined economies of 20 US states in 2021.

The Indian technology companies have contributed over $1.1 billion and developed partnerships with nearly 180 universities, colleges, community colleges, and others to strengthen and diversify the STEM pipeline in the US. It also has provided over $3 million more for just K-12 initiatives. These efforts have touched over 2.9 million students and teachers to date in the US. In addition, over 2,55,000 current employees have been upskilled by the sector, the report noted.

The Indian technology industry in the US has played a significant role in expanding the talent pool outside of traditional tech hub states. This has contributed to some of these states, such as North Carolina, becoming emergent tech hubs.

Over the last decade, these states have grown their employment rate by 82 per cent, making outsized contributions particularly in states that have below US average concentrations in IT talent, according to the report.

India can help in reducing hunger crisis in many countries: Sitharaman According to World Trade Organization (WTO) norms, countries are not allowed to export foodgrains from their public stock holdings as they are procured at subsidised rates.

Speaking at a seminar on ‘Strengthening global collaboration for tackling food insecurity’ on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Bali, India’s Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked WTO to allow India to export foodgrains from its public stockholding to nations which are facing food crisis.

She said that India can help in reducing hunger or food insecurity but there is a hesitation on the part of WTO. Many countries in the world are currently facing food shortage due to the ongoing RussiaUkraine war.

A group of 70-80 countries, led

by Singapore, is pushing member countries of the WTO to accept binding commitments of not extending export restrictions on the foodgrains procured under the UN

Nirmala Sitharaman

World Food Programme (WFP).

Some members, however, have voiced concerns regarding a blanket exemption for WFP food purchases due to domestic food security considerations. The FM highlighted that food, fuel, and fertilisers are global public goods, and ensuring access to these for developing and emerging economies is critical. She said there is an urgency to strengthen food production and the global food system.

The FM also shared India’s experience, including gains in agriculture production, food security programmes and delivery mechanisms like ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme.

IMF chief urges G20 countries to adopt policies to navigate from recession The International Monetary managing director, Kristalina Georgieva has warned that it is going to be a tough 2022 - and possibly an even tougher Kristalina Georgieva 2023, with increased risk of recession. She has also urged G20 countries to adopt policies to navigate the sea of troubles.

“The human tragedy of the war in Ukraine has worsened. . . slowing growth and exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis that affects hundreds of millions of people - and especially poor people who cannot afford to feed their families.

And it’s only getting worse,” said the IMF Chief.

She said recent indicators imply a weak second quarter and the IMF will be projecting a further downgrade to global growth for both 2022 and 2023 in its ‘World Economic Outlook Update’ later this month.

She also said as an immediate step, countries must reverse recently imposed restrictions on food exports as such restrictions are harmful and ineffective in stabilising domestic prices. She called for further measures to strengthen supply chains and to help vulnerable countries adapt food production to cope with climate change. Calling for a fresh impetus for global cooperation led by the G20, the IMF MD said to avoid potential crises and boost growth and productivity, more coordinated international action is urgently needed.

“The key is to build on recent progress in areas ranging from taxation and trade to pandemic preparedness and climate change. The G20’s new $1.1-billion fund for pandemic prevention and preparedness shows what is possible, as do recent successes at the World Trade Organization,” said Georgieva.

RBI steps may not stop rupee slide: experts The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) measures to boost foreign exchange inflows may not lead to a huge influx of foreign capital into the country and there is unlikely to be a telling upward impact on the exchange rate, experts and economists said.

“We have seen such adhoc measures in past episodes of rupee depreciation as well with little impact,” said Vikas Bajaj, head of currency derivatives at Kotak Securities. “We have to accept the fact that the rupee is facing problems on both the current (rising trade deficit) and capital account (outflows) side in a backdrop where the external environment for the dollar is quite supportive and financial conditions are getting tighter.”

When the external environment is hostile, Bajaj said, the RBI’s measures might have a salutary effect on the rupee in the short term. However, they may not change the broad direction of the rupee, which depreciated beyond 80 to a dollar on July 19.

The RBI announced a series of measures earlier this month to boost forex inflows and alleviate pressure on the rupee’s exchange rate. These included greater freedom to banks to raise foreign currency deposits from nonresidents and lifting of a cap on foreign portfolio investors’ short-term investments in government and corporate debt.

The central bank’s decisions come in the wake

of the rupee hitting successive record lows over the past few sessions. The rupee hit a record low of 79.36 per dollar on July 5. The Indian currency has weakened by 4.5 per cent against the dollar so far in FY23 amid global recession risks, high risk aversion, and large policy spill-overs.

All this while, the RBI has looked to use its foreign exchange reserves – which it said were “adequate” – to prevent exchange rate volatility. Traders estimate the RBI sold $30-40 billion in the spot and forward markets over the past six weeks.

The RBI’s forex reserves stood at $593.32 billion on June 24, down from $632.95 billion on February 18.

Additionally, the central bank’s forward book was net long $63.83 billion as of April 30, providing even more buffer.More than adding to the substantial FX reserves, market participants see the RBI’s measures as a signal of its intent to end the rupee’s runaway depreciation and preserve foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, the central bank is seen wanting to prevent speculative attacks on the rupee and provide directional signals. The steps could also help address the current dollar shortage in the spot market to some extent, they said.

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Temple, homes and shops of Hindus vandalised in Bangladesh DHAKA: A temple, shops and several houses of the Hindu community have been vandalised in southwestern Bangladesh by some unidentified people over a Facebook post allegedly belittling Islam, in the latest spate of violence targeting the religious minority in the country, according to media reports.

Police fired warning shots to disperse a mob that vandalised several homes and torched one of them in Sahapara village in Narail district, reports quoted Haran Chandra Paul, an inspector, as saying. The attackers threw bricks at a temple and also broke the furniture inside the temple.

Several shops were also vandalised, Daily Star newspaper reported.

Haran said a young man posted something offensive on Facebook, triggering anger among Muslims. As tension mounted over the post after Friday prayers, a group of Muslims demonstrated outside his home in the afternoon and later attacked the homes in the area.

Narail superintendent of police Prabir Kumar Roy said the law enforcement agencies were working to keep the

situation under control.

“We’re investigating the incident. Those responsible for the violence will face action,” he said.

Police forces were deployed in the area to prevent further violence. “After one group looted all our valuables, another group came and found our door open. As there was nothing left to loot, they set our home on fire,” Deepali Rani Saha, a local, was quoted as saying. Saha’s house was among the homes and dozens of shops that were vandalised or burnt down. Attacks on religious minorities in Muslim majority Bangladesh are increasing and many happen after rumours or fake posts spread through social media, reports said.

Man arrested for threatening to kill Pramila Jayapal released SEATTLE: A 48 year old man who was arrested on the suspicion of committing a hate crime against US Representative Pramila Jayapal was released from jail.

King County prosecutors said police released him because they couldn’t say with certainty that he told the congresswoman to go back to India or that he threatened to kill her. Court proceedings show Seattle police obtained a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order to require the man to surrender his firearms and concealed pistol license, refer to concerns about escalating behaviour toward her and increasing mental health struggles.

Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office said, the investigation is ongoing.

Prosecutors have not registered a criminal case, currently don’t have evidence to prove a hate crime was committed, but have 72 hours to file criminal charges against a person in custody. If charges are not filed by then, the person must be released from jail.

In E-mail he wrote “In a time of increased

political violence, security concerns against any elected official should be taken seriously, as we are doing here, the investigation is ongoing and our office is working with police Pramila Jayapal investigators to make sure we understand the full extent of the suspect’s actions to build the strongest case possible”.

Police arrested the man outside Pramila’s house after she called 911 and reported an unknown person or persons were in a vehicle using obscene language, according to the probable cause statement.

She told a dispatcher her husband thought someone may have fired a pellet gun, the statement said.

The man told officers he wanted to purchase an assault-style rifle for protection but denied saying anything about Jayapal’s ethnicity or threatening to kill her. Within 14 days of a temporary protection order being issued, the judge then decides whether to deny or grant a permanent order, which bars the respondent from owning or buying firearms for one year.

IMF extents deal with Pak to revive $6bn bailout ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund said it had reached an initial agreement with Pakistan to revive a $6 billion bailout package for the underprivileged Islamic nation, which has been facing a serious economic crisis since last year.

Pakistan and the IMF originally signed the agreement in 2019. But the release of a slightly over $1 billion tranche had been put on hold since earlier this year.

That’s when the IMF expressed concern about Pakistan’s compliance with the conditions of the bailout under former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The parliament ousted him through a no-confidence vote in April.

Under newly elected PM Shahbaz Sharif, the government has been in talks with the IMF since May, to avoid a default like Sri Lanka’s. Moreover he tweeted,

“The agreement with the Fund has set the stage to bring the country out of economic difficulties."

In current weeks, Pakistan carry out additional taxes and reduced subsidies on fuel, electricity and natural gas to meet IMF’s conditions. That made the government highly unpopular, but Sharif says the actions were necessary.

In a statement, the fund said it has “reached a staff-level agreement with the Pakistan authorities.” It also added that the deal is “subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board.” It said Pakistan will be eligible to receive a critical instalment of about $1. 17 billion. The IMF will also raise the value of the bailout from $6 billion to $7 billion subject to approval from the executive board, which is usually considered a formality.

Lankan protesters in brief MONSOON FURY KILLS say they will ‘abolish presidency’ 150 IN A MONTH IN PAK COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s protest movement reached its 100th day last week having forced one president from office and now turning its sights on his successor as the country’s economic crisis continues.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled his palace shortly before demonstrators invaded it last weekend and on Thursday he resigned from the presidency.

The protesters vowed to continue their struggle for a complete change of the system by abolishing the presidency. The antigovernment protest began on April 9 near the presidential office and has been continuing without a break. “We will continue our fight till we achieve our goal for a complete change of the system,” Father Jeewantha Peiris, a leading activist of the movement, said. “This is a freedom struggle.

We managed to send home an authoritarian President through people’s power,” Peiris said.

After Rajapaksa, acting president Wickremesinghe appears to be the next target for the protesters and the campaign to oust him has already begun. “On July 5, we issued an action plan. Foremost of that was removing Gotabaya and defeating Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksa regime,” he said.

“We press for the abolition of the presidency to make it a true realisation of our action plan," he said. “We do not fear the government,” the protesters chanted in chorus. What started as a small protest by a handful of individuals demanding basic necessities turned into a tsunami that uprooted the once-powerful Rajapaksa family in what was Sri Lanka’s ‘Arab Spring’ moment, but the road to recovery from the country’s worst economic crisis in decades looks distant and painful.

After occupying the three most important administrative buildings in capital Colombo, the protesters vacated three of them other than the presidential office. The protest had seen violence since it began mid-April. Wickremesinghe’s private house suffered an arson attack the same day when Rajapaksa fled the country. He is one of the four candidates who seek to succeed Rajapaksa in the vote in Parliament scheduled for July 20.

Wickremesinghe, who is also the PM, pledged to maintain law and order after he was sworn in as Sri Lanka's interim president. He said that the armed forces have been given the powers and the freedom to deal with any acts of violence and sabotage.

Ripudaman Malik, Air India bombing accused, shot dead In Canada TORONTO: Ripudaman Singh Malik, the 75-year-old Sikh man acquitted in the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing case, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia. The Canadian police said they are still working to determine the motive behind the targeted killing of Ripudaman. Ripudaman and coaccused Ajaib Singh Bagri were acquitted in 2005 of mass murder and conspiracy charges related to the two bombings in 1985 that killed 331 people.

The report, quoting an eye witness said, he “heard three shots and pulled Malik from his red Tesla bleeding from a neck wound”. Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said a "man shot at that location at around 9:30 am succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The police initially did not release the identity of the victim. But it confirmed it after Malik's son, Jaspreet Malik, posted a statement on social media about his father's shooting.

"The media will always refer to him as someone charged with the Air India bombing,” Malik's son wrote on Facebook, according to ABC News. "The media and RCMP never seemed to accept the court's decision and I pray today's tragedy is not related." In a statement, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said: "We are aware of Malik's background, though at this time we are still working to determine the motive. We can confirm that the shooting appears to be targeted and there is any further risk to the public." The 1985 Air India bombing is among the worst terrorist attacks in Canadian history and in the history of the airline.

Monsoon rains over the past month have killed at least 150 people across Pakistan, with most of the deaths occurring in the southern Sindh and southwestern Balochistan provinces. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the deceased include 88 women and children. At least 26 people have died in Sindh so far whereas in Balochistan 62 people - 23 women, 15 men, and 24 children - have lost their lives in rain-related tragedies, as per the NDMA. Incessant showers have also damaged homes, roads, bridges and power stations across the country.

PAK WOMEN BARRED FROM VISITING TOURIST SPOTS A tribal council in Pakistan has barred women from visiting public places for tourism and entertainment, terming it “unethical” and against the Islamic principles. The all-male jirga (tribal council) of local elders of ultra-conservative Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur tribal district announced that if the government did not implement the decision, the jirga members would take it upon themselves to impose it. The jirga was organised by the local chapter of the Jamiat Ulema-i-IslamFazl, which is also one of the main members of the ruling coalition. The move comes just days after the World Economic Forum, in its Gender Gap Report, ranked Pakistan as the second worst country in terms of gender parity in the world as well as the region.

UNSEASONAL FLOODS KILL 39 IN AF Unseasonal rains and flooding have killed at least 39 people in Afghanistan, the United Nations said. Fourteen other people were wounded, according to the UN’s office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs. The rains have caused land to slide, exposing unexploded ordnance from four decades of war and conflict. The mines are being moved and exploded under controlled circumstances to prevent further casualties. This is the third time that the eastern region has experienced flash floods in less than a month, with 19 people killed and 131 people injured. In eastern Nangarhar and Nuristan, some 500 families were affected. About 800 hectares of agricultural land were destroyed, along with a bridge, 19 km of road and three schools.

NEPAL SCRAPS PANELS PROBING RIGHTS ABUSE Nepal has not extended the tenure of two crucial committees it formed to investigate human rights violations during its decades-long conflict, throwing into uncertainty promises of transitional justice in the country. The 'Truth and Reconciliation Committee' and the committee on the disappeared were looking into cases of alleged abuse between 1996 and 2006. Their tenure ended last week. A cabinet meeting decided not to continue with the two panels, but demonstrated its inclination towards amending the laws to expedite 'transitional justice'. The meeting has decided to offer general amnesty to most of the 'rebels' - then Maoists - as well as leaders allegedly involved in rights violations, sources added.

KISHIDA BLAMES INADEQUATE POLICE PROTECTION FOR ABE DEATH Japanese PM Fumio Kishidaon blamed inadequate police protection for the death of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot while giving an outdoor campaign speech. Abe, one of Japan’s most influential politicians, was assassinated recently in western Japan, shocking a nation known for its low crime rate. Photos and videos of the shooting show the gunman was able to come close to Abe. Officials at the National Public Safety Commission and National Police Agency are investigating what went wrong and will come up with measures, Kishida said.

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Setalvad, others acted to destabilise PM Modi lauds nation as it Modi govt in Guj, SIT tells court crosses 2 bn Covid vax landmark As India on Sunday achieved the feat of administering 2 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses, a journey which took 18 months since its commencement. Congratulating citizens on achieving the feat, PM Narendra Modi said, “India creates history again! Congrats to all Indians on crossing the special figure of 2 billion vaccine doses. Proud of those who contributed to making India’s vaccination drive unparalleled in scale and speed. This has strengthened the global fight against Covid-19.”

While 98% of India’s adult population has received at least one dose of Covid jab, 90% have been fully vaccinated. Besides, 82% of adolescents aged 15 to 18 years have also been vaccinated with the first dose while 68% have got both the first and second dose. Among those aged 12-

Narendra Modi

14 years, 81% have taken the first dose while 56% are fully vaccinated.

In another post,PM Modi added, “Throughout the rollout of the vaccine, the people of India have shown remarkable faith in science. Our doctors, nurses, frontline workers, scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs have played a key role in ensuring a safer planet. I appreciate their spirit and determination. ” Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya also

congratulated the people on achieving this landmark in only 18 months and said that this extraordinary achievement will be etched in history.

“Congratulations India! With everyone’s efforts, the country has crossed the figure of 2 billion vaccines today. India has scripted history under PM @NarendraModi Ji’s visionary leadership. This extraordinary achievement will be etched in the history!”

Mandaviya said in a tweet.

Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar also thanked healthcare workers for their hard work and vision.

On Saturday, a total of over 25,00,000 jabs were administered till 8.30pm, which included over 18,00,000 precaution doses.

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the case of fabrication of evidence for the purported 2002 riots conspiracy told an Ahmedabad sessions court that social activist Teesta Setalvad, former DGP R B Sreekumar and former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt had carried out the larger conspiracy with the political objective of dismissal and destabilization of the then Gujarat government and to wrongly implicate innocent people, including the then chief minister Narendra Modi.

Opposing the bail pleas filed by Setalvad and Sreekumar, SIT filed an affidavit by citing two witnesses and claimed that the conspiracy to malign Gujarat’s image was hatched by them “at the behest of late Ahmed Patel, then Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha and political advisor

Flood-like situations continue in several parts of India Heavy rains continue to create havoc across various states in India.

Amid the chaos, the India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rain warning in several states. Gujarat has already received 51% of its average annual rainfall within a month after the onset of monsoon.

Flood situations remained grim in South Gujarat as heavy rain continued to pound Navsari and other districts. While Ahmedabad- Mumbai highway was closed for traffic due to severe water-logging near Chikhli. Purna and Ambika rivers were flowing above danger level due to heavy rains, leaving most areas of Navsari and Bilimora towns in kneedeep waters.

In Ahmedabad, two women labourers and a 16year-old girl died after the boundary wall of a farm

house collapsed on their temporary shed. Rescue operations were mounted by various agencies including NDRF, SDRF and fire brigade in Navsari, Tapi and Vadodara. However, red alert has been issued in eight districts in wake of extremely heavy rains. The stretch of national highway-48 between Bharuch and Vapi was badly damaged; while that between Chilkhi and Valsad was flooded, forcing the authorities to halt the traf-

fic movement. Although, 14 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents as rain continues in districts of Saurashtra and South Gujarat. The state government said that five districts are still on high alert and about 31,000 people have been evacuated.

In Maharashtra, floods in parts of Wardha district remains grim as the region witnessed non-stop rainfall with overflowing dams.

Rescue operation continues as normal life is being

affected. The IMD issued orange alert (heavy to very heavy rainfall) for Gadchiroli, Akola and Amravati districts and yellow alert in Raigad and Ratnagiri.

Himachal Pradesh's Kangra has stopped adventure sports activities in the wake of rains in the district.

Vinay Dhiman, district tourism officer said "Adventure sports activities have been stopped from July 15. Paragliding is the main activity here including seven other sportsrelated activities”.

In Uttarakhand, IMD issued red alert in several parts of state.

Heavy rain occurred in a few districts of Telangana. In Rajasthan heavy showers were recorded in various districts of the state since Monday with Bhungra in Banswara recording the highest 203 mm rains.

J&K may go to polls with Gujarat, Himachal in Nov In an indication of the Election Commission’s intent to hold assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir simultaneously with Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, the poll body has ordered the special summary revision of electoral rolls in all the three states, with October 1 as the reference qualifying date. This follows the notification of latest amendments to the election laws that, among other things, allow first-time voters to enroll on four cut-off dates in a year - January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.

Earlier, January 1 was the sole qualifying date for a first-time voter to get his/her name added to the elector’s list. The EC's

move is aimed at providing all young eligible persons attaining the age of 18 years between January 1 and October 1 this year, an opportunity to get themselves registered in time to vote in the impending assembly elections in Gujarat, Himachal and the

Union territory of J&K. As per the schedule drawn up by the commission, draft publication date of last parts of electoral rolls of Gujarat and Himachal is scheduled on August 12; it will be done only by September 1 for J&K. The final publication

of the last parts of electoral rolls is scheduled for October 10 for Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat and October 31 for J&K. Usually, the EC waits for the final publication of revised rolls before announcing the polls.

This points to the scope of polls being announced in the two states and the UT of J&K only in November. While this schedule suits Gujarat and Himachal where the term of the current assembly is expiring only in January- February 2023, it leaves a very narrow window for holding the assembly poll in J&K as the UT usually starts becoming snowbound by the second half of November.

of the president of the Indian National Congress”.

The affidavit further reads, “The applicant (Setalvad) held a meeting with Ahmed Patel and received Rs 500,000 at the first instance, where the money was given to her by one of the witnesses on the instruction of Patel. ” The affidavit says, “Two days later, they met at the Circuit House in Shahibaug in Ahmedabad, where she received Rs 25,00,000 more from Patel. This was not for relief work, which was carried out by Gujarat Relief Committee. There were many political leaders at the meeting”. The SIT further claimed that Setalvad visited relief camps within a week of the Godhra train incident and held meetings with political functionaries. She along with Sanjiv Bhatt met Patel at his New Delhi residence four months after the

riots “in a clandestine manner”.

Patel acted on Sonia’s dictates: BJP BJP on Saturday went on the offensive over the report of a SIT alleging payoffs from an opposition party to Setalvad, saying that the findings of the probe team prove Sonia Gandhi's complicity in the plot to defame Modi and prevent him from taking up bigger responsibilities.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, who was reacting to SIT 's report saying that Setalvad received funds from Sonia's political secretary Patel to implicate leaders of the BJP government in Gujarat in riots cases, dismissed Congress' defence of the late party leader and trained its guns at Sonia calling her the "key conspirator" and the "driving force" behind the conspiracy.

Lataji’s kin to set up old age home for artistes Lata Mangeshkar’s family plans to fulfil the singer’s dream of building an old age home for ageing artistes and technicians named Swar Mauli near Nashik. Amitabh Bachchan made a formal announcement about it on Twitter. Lataji passed away February 6 this year. Swar Mauli Foundation is a secular non-profit that she registered in July 2021. Its cofounders are her sister Usha Mangeshkar, niece Rachana Shah and composer Mayuresh Pai, a close friend of the family.

Sonu Nigam and Madhur Bhandarkar are members of the advisory committee. Ushaji said, “It was Didi’s dream to build a facility for senior artistes from the field of theatre,

Lata Mangeshkar

music, cinema and the performing arts who have retired or fallen on hard times. She personally held consultations on its location and design (before she fell sick). Now we are committed to realising her dream.

We have shortlisted a few lush green sites in Nashik, and will finalise one plot depending upon the availability of water, electricity and health infrastructure nearby.”

Fraudster wanted in India tracked down in London A suspected diamond and gold fraudster wanted in India for over a $1 billion scam has been found in London enjoying an “expensive lifestyle” with his family, the High Court has been told.

Jatin Mehta is alleged to have carried out a sophisticated fraud with his wife and sons and one other conspirator to plunder a fortune from an Indian bullion and jewellery manufacturer and a diamond company.

The alleged scam involved a complex web including companies in the United Arab Emirates, Britain, Singapore and Ireland, and sham derivatives trading, gold dealing and loan defaults to “conceal the process of funds to fraudulent destinations”.

When authorities in Delhi began investigating, Mehta and his family

renounced their Indian citizenship and obtained passports from St Kitts and Nevis - which has no extradition treaty with India - before vanishing. But the High Court has been told that they have “been discovered to be living in three houses in London - in St John’s Wood, Maida Vale and Hampstead Garden Suburb”.

The revelations came as a hearing was held at the High Court following a US $1 billion worldwide freezing order against Mehta, his wife Sonia, their sons Vishal and Suraj, and business associate Haytham Obidah.

It is based on allegations that the Mehta family was responsible for a “highly sophisticated fraud” from two diamond companies, Winsome Diamonds and Forever Precious Diamonds, controlled by Mehta.

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SOUTH INDIA

in brief

SC to hear pleas against Karnataka HC’s hijab ban ruling NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court said it would list next week a bunch of petitions filed

by Muslim girl students challenging a Karnataka high court judgment upholding the state government's ban on wearing of hijab in educational institutions. Advocate Prashant Bhushan complained to N V Ramana, Chief Justice of India, that though the court had agreed to hear the appeals against the HC order in March, the petitions had not been listed so far. The CJI said the pleas against hijab ban would be listed for hearing before an

appropriate bench next week.

The controversy, which broke out in the BJP-ruled Karnataka and to neighbouring states ahead of assembly elections in five states, left its imprint on the pattern of appeals filed in the SC. If Niba Naaz, who was not even a petitioner before the HC, was the first to win the race in filing the appeal against the HC judgment, Hindu Sena had moved a caveat in the SC to stall any attempt by any appellant to take an ex-parte stay on the HC judgment.

On March 24, Aishat Shifa,

KERALA REPORTS TWO MONKEYPOX CASES

who was the main petitioner before the HC challenging the state's ban on hijab in educational institutions, had sought interim relief citing impending examinations and narrating that if not permitted to wear hijab, the Muslim girls would prefer religion to education and would lose an academic year. But, the CJI N V Ramana bench had refused to

bite the religiously emotional bait and said, "Examinations have nothing to do with the issue (hijab).

Do not sensationalise (the issue).”

Aisha said the hijab ban against her militates fundamental rights guaranteeing choice of dress, voluntary adherence to religious faith and customs and the right to privacy.

PUNJAB

Daler Mehndi jailed in 2003 human Gandhi statue trafficking case vandalised in Bathinda CHANDIGARH: A court in Punjab’s Patiala dismissed the plea of leading bhangra-pop singer Daler Mehndi against his two-year jail in a 19-year-old human trafficking case. He was subsequently arrested and sent to a local jail.

He was convicted along with his brother in March 2018 and later released on bail. As his bail plea was dismissed by the court of additional sessions judge HS Grewal, Daler Mehndi was taken into custody.

Police had registered a case against the singer, his brother Shamsher Singh – who died in October 2017 – and two others, after it was alleged that the accused took money from people to the tune of £00,000 on the pretext of taking them abroad.

Complainant, Bakhshish Singh, alleged that the deal never matured and the accused failed to return the money.

The case was registered in 2003 in Patiala. Daler Mehndi was subsequently arrested but released on bail after a few days.

Police had earlier moved two petitions before the court saying that

Daler Mehndi was not required in the case as he had nothing to do with the immigration fraud, called ‘kabootarbaazi’ – literally flying of pigeons but referring to numerous youth in Punjab trying to use illegal means to settle abroad.

The singer was arrested by the police in October 2003 along with his brother. Daler’s lawyer Rakesh Thakur said they would file an appeal against the conviction orders in the Punjab and Haryana HC. “Finally, justice has been delivered. There were 31 complainants in the case and the total amount cheated ran up to £193,000,” said Gurpreet Singh Bhasin, counsel of the complainants.

BATHINDA: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised by unidentified miscreants in Punjab's Bathinda, police said. The police added the incident happened on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The statue was situated at a public park in Ramman Mandi. After vandalising the statue, the unidentified miscreants took away its face.

A case has been registered at Ramman Mandi Police Station, with Station House Officer Harjot Singh Mann adding that the matter is being investigated.

The police have assured that the miscreants will be nabbed soon, adding the CCTV footage of the area was being examined.

Locals have strongly condemned the vandalism and Ashok Kumar Singla, president of the District Urban Congress, demanded the immediate arrest of those behind the crime.

This incident in Bhatinda comes just days after a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was desecrated in Canada's Ontario province. The statue was vandalised at Vishnu Mandir in the area of Yonge Street and Garden Avenue, according to reports.

The local police described the vandalism as hate and a “bias-motivated incident.” Taking to Twitter, the Indian Consulate General in Toronto said, “We are distressed at the desecration of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Vishnu temple in Richmond Hill.

This criminal, hateful act of vandalism has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in Canada.

We are in contact with Canadian authorities to investigate this hate crime.”

WEST BENGAL

North Bengal is new battle ground for TMC, BJP KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress’s target is clear - North Bengal. While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the region last week, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, too, visited the area for a day.

Mamata attended the Gorkha Territorial Administration’s (GTA) oathtaking ceremony. This was Mamata's third North Bengal visit in the past four months.

Meanwhile, Abhishek will address a political rally in North Bengal, on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day on July 21. This time, after two years, the event will be grand and the focus will be on bringing more people from North Bengal.

The GTA was formed after Mamata gave more power to the Gorkhas. The Centre, State and Gorkha Janamukthi Morcha

together signed a treaty. Bimal Gurung was then on board.

Later, he had differences with the government and 2017 saw violent movement in Darjeeling under his leadership.

In 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party won the MP seat in the hills. As nothing concrete happened, Gurung came back and sided with the TMC before 2021. The TMC government initiated the GTA elections and gave more power to regional parties. Gurung started to lose ground. Mamata declared GTA elections and former Gurung aid

Anit Thapa, who started his own party, won the polls.

Thapa’s party Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) is set to form the board at the 45-member Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). While the ruling TMC party has grabbed five seats in the GTA polls, Independents won five seats.

This is the first time since the formation of the GTA in 2012 that the TMC has managed to win any seat.

Political experts say Mamata's presence at the GTA oath-taking is important as she will now project that it’s their own home parties which rule Darjeeling. Party insiders say Mamata wants only locals to represent the hills and will offer TMC government’s support to

them. This way, she will make the road tough for the BJP in 2024. In other three districts and Siliguri, the TMC feels they have revived the party and local body election result is proof of that.

The TMC won 320 of the 462 seats in 22 gram panchayats in the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad elections. The BJP won 86 seats, the Congress 21 and the CPI(M) 15. In Jalpaiguri, Coochbihar and Alipurduar, the TMC will look to add to the pressure with Abhishek’s rally.

The BJP, on the other hand, has MP and MLAs there. Union minister Amit Shah had held a ‘sabha’ in Siliguri. Although the BJP is trying to keep pace and raising the issue of separate state, the TMC is going the other way, making North Bengal the new Kurukshetra between the two parties ahead of next year’s panchayat elections, say experts.

The health department has confirmed second monkeypox case in Kerala on Monday. A 31-year-old man who came from Dubai on July 13 is the patient. He hails from Kannur and had arrived at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) from Dubai on July 13. “He is undergoing treatment and his health is satisfactory,” said Health Minister Veena George. The state reported the first monkeypox case in India in a 35-year-old man who returned from Abu Dhabi on July 14. He is currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

THE PURGE CONTINUES IN AIADMK The one-upmanship to wrest control of the AIADMK continued as the contenders for the throne, Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, indulged in different gamesmanship, including the continuation of the mass expulsions, to establish their supremacy with no quick resolution to the impasse at sight, which left the cadre and workers confused and fuming. Both leaders purged top leaders in the rival camps, a trend that started with Panneerselvam expelling 44 top honchos and Palaniswami dismissing 21 functionaries, including Nanjil K S Kollappan, the man who purportedly spoke to C Ponnaiyan over phone and recorded the conversation that went viral.

ANTICIPATORY BAIL PLEA REJECTED Less than a month after Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s manager Shagan Preet Singh filed an anticipatory bail plea in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Anoop Chitkara on Monday dismissed the plea.

Punjab Police had earlier submitted that there was sufficient prima facie evidence revealing that he was the “main conspirator” in last year’s murder of Youth Akali Dal leader Vicky Middukhera. In its status report placed before Justice Chitkara’s Bench, DSP Sukhnaaz Singh said, “In view of the facts and circumstances, it is evident that there is sufficient prima facie evidence on record which reveals that the petitioner is the main conspirator, who hatched conspiracy with (accused) Gaurav Patial for eliminating Vicky Middukhera.”

MANIPUR GOVERNOR GIVEN ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF BENGAL President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the resignation of West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has been nominated as the vice president candidate by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said on Sunday. Manipur Governor La. Ganesan has been given the additional charge of West Bengal, it said. The BJP had on Saturday announced Dhankhar's candidature for the vice president election. "The President of India has accepted the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Governor of West Bengal," said the communique.

The President has been pleased to appoint La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur, to discharge the functions of the governor of West Bengal, in addition to his own duties from the date he assumes charge of the office until regular arrangements are made, it added.

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Vice-presidential poll: Dhankar, Alva file nominations National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar and Opposition candidate Margaret Alva, a Congress veteran, filed their nomination papers for the VicePresidential elections to be held on August 6. Dhankhar filed his papers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of various parties supporting his bid.

Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh; BJP president J. P. Nadda; Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Lalan Singh; Union Ministers Anupriya Patel, Pashupati Nath Paras and Ramdas Athawale; and the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) Pinaki Misra were present when the former West Bengal Governor filed his papers for the election in which his win is all but certain.

Jagdeep Dhankhar and Margaret Alva

Before filing his nomination, Dhankhar attended a meeting of MPs from different parties supporting his candidature. Dhankhar was till recently the Governor of West Bengal; a Lok Sabha member between 1989-1991 from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan; Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 1990; and a member of the Rajasthan Assembly from 1993-98.

Opposition candidate

Margaret Alva, was accompanied by the Congress' Rahul Gandhi, besides NCP's Sharad Pawar, CPM's Sitaram Yechury and CPI's D Raja. Alva, 80, a former governor of Rajasthan and other states, said, “the coming together of the opposition to support my candidature... is a metaphor of the reality that is India. We come from various corners of this great country, speak different languages, and follow different religions and

customs. Our unity, in our diversity, is our strength."

The winner will succeed M Venkaiah Naidu, whose term ends on August 10.

The Vice-President is also the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. All members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated ones, form the electoral college that votes in these polls.

Alva has acknowledged the odds: "I know it is a difficult battle, but in politics, winning and losing is not the issue. The issue is fighting the battle... I am not going to be scared of anyone." claims of Despite Opposition unity, no leader from the Trinamool Congress or the Aam Aadmi Party was present during the nomination-filing. Both parties were absent also at the meeting where Alva was chosen as candidate.

No breakthrough in India-China border talks There was no breakthrough yet again in defusing the over two-year-long troop confrontation in eastern Ladakh with China, despite the top-level military talks being held after a gap of four months and external affairs minister S Jaishankar meeting his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi a couple of times in the interim.

China did not agree to the Indian proposal to even complete the stalled troop disengagement at Patrolling Point-15 (PP-15) near the Kugrang Nallah in the Chang Chenmo sector during the 16th round of Corps commander-level talks that lasted over 12 hours on Sunday. “The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) submitted its own counter-proposal for PP-15, which will now have to be examined in detail,” a source said.

Consequently, the resolution of the much more intractable stand-offs at the

Charding Ninglung Nallah (CNN) track junction at Demchok and the strategically-located Depsang Bulge area towards restoring the overall status quo as it existed in May 2020 is still nowhere on the horizon.

“There are just 40-50 soldiers from the two sides at the actual face-off site, though there are many more in the immediate depth areas,” a source said.

Similarly, the pitching of additional Chinese tents on the Indian side near the Charding Ninglung Nallah (CNN) track junction at Demchok is not considered too intractable to resolve.

The big concern remains the major encroachment by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Depsang Bulge, a table-top plateau located at an altitude of 16,000feet towards the crucial Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Karakoram Pass in the north.

US becomes top source Delhi HC to hear pleas against Agnipath scheme of remittances to India The US is playing a significant role in the supply of foreign exchange not just for investment and trade but also in remittances from non-residents, an area hitherto dominated by the Gulf region.

A report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the impact of Covid on remittances says in 2020-21, the US surpassed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the top source country, accounting for 23% of total remittances in 2020-21. This corroborates with the World Bank’s report in 2021, citing economic recovery in the US as one of the important drivers of India’s remittances growth.

Remittances from overseas workers, one of the biggest suppliers of foreign exchange to India - have helped the country to live with a current account deficit. In FY21, remittances amounted to $87 billion; nearly 2.75% of GDP and the share of remittances from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in India’s

inward remittances are estimated to have declined from more than 50% in 2016-17 to about 30% in 2020-21. The steady migration of skilled workers, the US, the UK and Singapore emerged as important source countries, accounting for 36% of total remittances in 2020-21. The UAE, the US and Saudi Arabia are the three major destinations of Indian migrants for the past two decades. Out of the total migrants from India 48.6% were in the UAE, the US and Saudi Arabia as of end-2020.

Historically, the GCC region accounted for half of India’s remittances, making up for a major portion of the oil trade deficit with the region. Post-Covid, migration pattern to the GCC countries has changed significantly with a sharp contraction in the number of emigration clearances (ECs) issued since 2015, generally issued to unskilled or semi-skilled workers and women seeking overseas employment.

The Delhi High court said that it will examine the petitions challenging the central government's Agnipath military recruitment scheme on July 20.

The scheme was announced on 14 June for the recruitment of youth between the age of 17 and a-half years to 21 years in defence services for only four years, with a provision to retain 25% of them for 15 more years. Later, the government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.

The HC was hearing an application, which challenges the Indian Navy’s employment plan where it has reserved the right to increase the cut-

off marks. The plea says it is contrary to the already laid down eligibility criteria in the advertisement and can’t be done after their applications were received for recruitment as Person Below Officer Rank (PBOR) in the force.

Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra and Justice Subramonium Prasad was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that similar petitions challenging the Agnipath scheme are already pending before the high court and they be heard together on July 20.

Petitions filed by several aspirants

sought publication of the enrolment list in terms of the December 11, 2019 notification and issuance of appointment letters. The petitioners also sought a declaration that the 2019 notification shall remain unaffected by the Agnipath Scheme 2022 and the June 24 notification. Their pleas said initially the recruitment was to be done in phases and consists of online test, physical fitness test, group discussion, adaptability test and a medical examination and the names of selected candidates would be published on July 10, 2021. However, the same was not published.

AG says no for contempt action against three Attorney General K K Venugopal has refused sanction to initiate contempt proceedings against former Delhi High Court judge S N Dhingra and two others for criticising the Supreme Court over its oral observations against suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma. In a letter, advocate C R Jaya Sukin had sought the AG's consent to initiate criminal contempt of court against Dhingra, Aman Lekhi, former additional solicitor general, and senior advocate K Rama Kumar for calling the top court's observations in Nupur Sharma's case "irresponsible, illegal and unfair".

The AG said in his letter “I have gone through your request seeking consent to initiate proceedings for criminal contempt against Dhingra, Aman Lekhi and K Rama Kumar. I find that the statements made by three are in the realm of fair comment on a hearing conducted by the Supreme Court.

He added the statements are not vituperative or abusive nor are they likely to interfere with the administration of justice by the Supreme Court of India.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court in a number of judgments has held that fair and reasonable criticism of judicial proceedings would not con-

stitute contempt of court.”

However, a vacation bench of justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala had on July 1 severely reprimanded Nupur for her comment against Prophet Mohammad, saying her "loose tongue" has "set the entire country on fire" and that she was "single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country". Also, refusing to entertain Nupur's plea for clubbing of FIRs lodged in various states against her for the remark, the bench had said that the comment was made either for cheap publicity, political agenda, or some nefarious activities.

99% voting to elect India's next president Continued from page 1

The Election Commission said while two MLAs – Anant Kumar Singh and Mahendra Hari Dalvi – were not eligible to vote in view of their disqualification,there are five vacancies in Rajya Sabha and six in the state assemblies. Polling began in the Parliament House with PM Narendra Modi casting the first vote. Former PM Manmohan Singh (89), who arrived in a wheelchair, was also among the first few to vote. Besides Singh, Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was also ferried up to the ballot box on a wheel chair, while Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and RK Singh came in PPE suits.

Of the total 4,796 MPs and MLAs that form the electoral college for choosing the next President of India, 4,754 cast their ballot (overall 99.12% turnout) at Parliament House and 30 at other poll locations across the state/UT legislative assemblies. Of a total 771 MPs, 763 voted (98.96% turnout); while of the total 4,025 MLAs, 3991 exercised their franchise (99.15% turnout). Sources said 8 MPs and 34 MLAs did not vote.

MPs who did not cast their vote included BJP’s Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dhotre, both of whom were absent due to health issues, AIMIM’s Imtiyaz Jaleel, Shiv Sena’s Gajanan Kirtikar, Congress’ Mohammed Sadiq, DMK’s T R

Paarivendhar and Bahujan Samaj Party MPs Atul Singh and Haji Fazlur Rehman.

There was 100% turnout in 11 states -Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu – and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

In all, 44 MPs were permitted to vote at state headquarters, 9 MLAs at Parliament House and 2 MLAs in other state headquarters. The EC also allowed electors who are Covid-19 positive to vote in the last hour of polling or after all the nonCovid electors had cast their vote.

Two Covid positive electors cast their vote at Tamil Nadu assembly

and one in Thiruvananthapuram.

Counting of all votes will be taken up at Parliament House on July 21 at 11am.

EC had, to ensure that no other instrument is used by the voter for marking the preference of vote, centrally supplied unique, serial numbered pens with violet ink for the purpose. Special posters on the use of special pens and ‘do’s and don’ts’ for electors for casting their vote were displayed at prominent places outside the polling stations.

All Gujarat MLAs vote All the eligible 178 MLAs of the Gujarat assembly cast their votes

along with one member of Parliament in the election on Monday. The lone NCP MLA in the house, Kandhal Jadeja, claimed he voted for NDA nominee despite his party supporting the opposition candidate. Meanwhile, Parimal Nathwani, Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, also voted at the Gujarat assembly after seeking prior permission of the Parliament secretariat.

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SCRUTATOR’S 27 passengers crammed in an autorickshaw!

When police stopped a speeding autorickshaw in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, they were surprised to find 27 people crammed inside the small vehicle. A video showing 27 people, including children and elderly, disembarking from the auto-rickshaw has gone viral on social media. An autorickshaw can generally carry three people, but some are modified to seat up to six passengers. According to media reports, when police tried to flag down the autorickshaw for going too fast, the driver tried to speed away. Police then chased it down and forced it to stop. The police were "shocked to see over two dozen passengers inside", Rajesh Kumar, superintendent of Fatehpur police, said. The autorickshaw has been seized for violating the speed limit and for being overloaded. (Agency) DGCA forced to rethink on transgender pilot

his two daughters. In his latest share, Warner can be seen dancing to the song 'Nach Punjaban' from the film 'JugJugg Jeeyo' along with his daughters. In the video, Warner and his two daughters can be seen performing the signature step of the song sung by Gippy Grewal, Zahrah S Khan, Tanishk Bagchi and Romy. The film JugJugg Jeeyo that stars Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor and Neetu Singh released on June 24. While Warner and his elder daughter nail the step perfectly, his younger daughter can be seen struggling a bit with the step. Nevertheless, it is still adorable to watch. (Agency)

coma for two days and finally succumbed to his injuries on July 12. The FIR was registered against one Naveen Ravishankar and the Association on a complaint by Nikhil's father Suresh P, who was also said to be a former kickboxer. (Agency)

Youngest pilot lands in Ahmedabad

An eye drop that can eliminate need for reading glasses The Centre has intervened in a row over denial of flying permission for India’s first transgender pilot, resulting in the the aviation regulator now allowing the Kerala native to “obtain a fresh medical assessment.” The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sent Adam Harry an email asking for the “medical procedures” to be completed. The move came two days after a letter from the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment to the aviation regulator, calling its earlier denial of a private pilot licence to Harry “discriminatory”. In 2019, Harry had applied for the medical clearance of DGCA so that his PPL, secured from South Africa, could be converted under DGCA standards. However, DGCA blocked his request on grounds of gender dysphoria and hormone replacement therapy.

(Agency)

Indian man, 2 children swept away on Oman beach A man from Maharashtra and his sixyear-old son drowned while playing at a beach in Oman. The man's nine-year-old daughter is missing and rescuers are searching for her, police said.

Shashikant Mhamane, 42, his wife and their children Shruti, 9, and Shreyas, 6, lived in Dubai. They were in neighbouring Oman for a day-long trip, said Mhamane's brother. A video of the incident taken by another tourist shows Shruti and Shreyas being swept away by a strong wave while playing in the water. Their father soon followed them into the water in a bid to save them, but he also drowned. Tehsildar Jeevan Bansode of the Maharashtra town where the family belonged said that relatives have gone to Oman on receiving information about the tragedy. (Agency)

David Warner dances to 'Nach Punjaban' with his daughters Cricketer David Warner loves to keep his followers entertained with his dancing and acting skills and he is often joined by

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved an eye drop to improve age-related near-vision. Vuity is an eye drop solution that you can apply to have a better vision throughout the day and you will no longer need your reading glasses everywhere you go. The drop is most effective in people aged 40 to 55 who struggle to see clearly when performing daily tasks. It is recommended to apply one drop to each eye daily. The drops start working 15 minutes after application and the effects last for about six hours. Vuity is a formulation of a well-known drug known as pilocarpine. Researchers used technology to allow for the eye drop to rapidly adjust to the pH of the tear film.

Vuity takes advantage of our eyes’ ability to reduce pupil size - near- and intermediate vision improves, while distance vision is retained. Each prescription lasts roughly 30 days and the drop’s effectiveness will increase after 30 days of use. (Agency)

Kickboxer slips into coma after injury, dies A kickboxer from Mysuru who went into coma after suffering grievous injury at a kickboxing event on July 10 has died in a private hospital, police said. An FIR has been registered in this connection.

According to police, the state-level kickboxing championship by the Kengeribased K-1 Kick Boxer Organisation, Karnataka. During the event, Nikhil suffered a major blow from the rival contestant and collapsed inside the boxing ring. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital where he remained in

Mack Rutherford, a 17-year-old pilot from Brussels, who is trying to create a world record to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world solo in an aircraft, landed in Ahmedabad. He received his flying licence at the age of 15.

He landed in Ahmedabad in his singleengine aircraft, Shark Aero UL from Karachi, Pakistan. “I want to give a message to the youngsters that they don’t need to be adults to be able to make a difference. It’s all about their will and passion,” Rutherford, who started his journey in March this year, said. “I want to use the opportunity to meet young people on my route who do incredible things, making a difference to their communities or even to the world. Often few people know about them. Together we can show that young people make a difference,” he added. He has visited Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Yemen, Mauritius, Seychelles, UAE, Oman, Pakistan and India. His journey would conclude in two months time. (The Times of India)

to absorb pollutants and recover itself even when it is damaged. It can swim up to 2.76 body lengths per second, faster than most artificial soft robots. (Agency)

Anand Mahindra shares about ‘latest technology’ to dry clothes Mahindra Group chairperson Anand Mahindra often shares intriguing posts that resonate with the netizens. Case in point, his funny post on 'latest technology' used to dry clothes. His tweet may leave you chuckling. "Sometimes, the 'latest' technology is just about going back to the basics…," tweeted Mahindra along with a photo. The image shows two women looking at the clothes drying on the wire, with one saying, "It dries the washing using the latest technology - a combination of solar and wind power."

Take a look at Mahindra's tweet: The Twitter post was shared a day. Since being shared, it has accumulated more than 9,000 likes. The share has also received over 750 retweets. The post related to the 'latest technology' has also prompted people to share varied comments. "Exactly sir. All traditional methods which our forefathers used are based upon basically wonderful technologies," shared an individual. "Old is gold," commented another. "What you have said is true.

Basics of science had started from the most simplest of phenomenon," expressed a third Twitter user. (Agency)

Pak journalist slaps boy during live broadcast

Robot fish to 'eat' microplastics in the ocean Robot fish to 'eat' microplastics may one day help to clean up the world's polluted oceans, says a team of Chinese scientists from Sichuan University in southwest China. Soft to touch and just 1.3 cm in size, these robots already suck up microplastics in shallow water. The team aims to enable them to collect microplastics in deeper water and provide information to analyse marine pollution in real time, said Wang Yuyan, one of the researchers who developed the robot. "We developed such a lightweight miniaturised robot. It can be used in many ways, for example in biomedical or hazardous operations, such a small robot that can be localised to be a part of your body to help you eliminate some disease.." The black robot fish is irradiated by a light, helping it to flap its fins and wiggle its body.

Scientists can control the fish using the light to avoid it crashing into other fish or ships. If it is accidentally eaten by other fish, it can be digested without harm as it is made from polyurethane, which is also biocompatible, Wang said. The fish is able

A video is going viral on social media shows a Pakistani woman journalist slapping a boy for allegedly misbehaving during live broadcast. According to the clip, the journalist was reporting about the recent holiday of Eid-al Adha, which was observed on July 9, when the incident took place. The journalist can be seen surrounded by locals, including women and children. A young boy in white shirt is seen standing close to her. While she was presenting her piece to camera, the boy lifted his arm and called for another person. Though his voice is inaudible, the gesture clearly enraged the journalist who slapped him. Many users claimed that the boy said something uncalled for that caused the journalist to lose her cool. Many users asked the owner of the handle who posted the video for the reason of the slap, but got "DK (Don't Know)" in reply. But, Maira Hashmi - the journalist - offered an explanation. Maira tweeted to say that the boy was bullying one of the families during the live show. Maira said she could not tolerate the behavuous of the boy. (Agency)

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place the foot on the inner thigh of the left leg. The right knee is perpendicular to the left leg. Inhale and bring your palms together in Namaskar mudra in front of your chest. Keep your spine straight.

Pas chimottanasana: Begin with Dandasana. keep your knees slightly bent. Lift your arms and keep your spine erect.

Exhale and empty your stomach of air. Bend forward at the hip as you exhale and place your upper body on your lower body. Lower your arms and grip your big toes with your fingers. Try to touch your knees with your nose.

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Hold the asana for a while.

Bakasana: Begin with Samasthithi. Place your palms flat slightly ahead of your feet but away from them. Point your fingers forward, spreading them apart. Bend your elbows slightly and place your knees just below your armpits. Lean forward so that all your body weight shifts to your arms.

Balance and slowly lift both your feet off the ground. Bring your feet together. Straighten your arms as much as possible.

Focus at a point and hold this asana for a while.

Sarvangasana: Begin by lying down on your back.

Place your arms beside your body. Gently lift your legs off the floor and position them perpendicular to the floor with feet facing the sky. Slowly lift your pelvis and back off the floor. Bring your forearms off the floor and place your palms on your back for support. Achieve a straight line between your shoulder, torso, pelvis, legs and feet. Focus your gaze on your feet.

Sirshasana: Begin on your knees. Place your elbows on the ground.

Form an equilateral triangle with your interlocked palms and elbows. Place the crown of your head on the floor in front of your palms. Your palms should support the back of your head. Walk on your toes towards your head until your back straightens.

First, lift your right leg and align it with your upper body. Use your core strength, balance and lift your left leg. Join your legs and point your toes down.

Stay in the pose as long as you are comfortable.

Young people at higher health risk from alcohol than older adults A global study published in The Lancet journal reveals young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption than older adults. This is the first study to report alcohol risk by geographical region, age, sex, and year. The study suggests that global alcohol consumption recommendations should be based on age and location, with the strictest guidelines targeting males between ages 15-39 at the greatest risk of harmful alcohol consumption worldwide.

The study also suggests that adults aged 40 and older without underlying health conditions may see some

benefits from small alcohol consumption, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. About 60 per cent of alcohol-related injuries occur among people in this age group, including motor vehicle accidents, suicides, and homicides, they said.

Study senior author Emmanuela Gakidou, professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, US, said, “Our message is simple: young people should not drink, but older people may benefit from drinking small amounts. While it may

not be realistic to think young adults will abstain from drinking, we think it is important to communicate the latest evidence so everyone can make informed decisions about their health.”

The researchers looked at the risk of alcohol consumption on 22 health outcomes, including injuries, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, using 2020 Global Burden of Disease data for males and females aged 15-95 years and older between 1990 and 2020 in 204 countries and territories. From

this, the researchers could estimate the average daily intake of alcohol that minimises risk to a population.

The analysis also suggests that for adults aged 40 and older without any underlying health conditions, drinking a small amount of alcohol may provide some benefits, such as reducing the risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Basic test to identify Covid-19-related blood clots: study Researchers have used a minimally-invasive test to identify clots in small blood vessels in the skin of patients with severe Covid19 that appeared normal.

Scientists of the study said these clots were not seen in the skin of patients with other types of severe infectious lung disease or individuals with only mild or moderate Covid-19.

A skin biopsy is a procedure to remove cells or skin samples for laboratory examination.

The researchers said a skin biopsy could help assess tissue damage related to Covid1-9

and help distinguish this blood vessel pathology from other forms of severe respiratory illnesses. The study was recently published in The American Journal of Pathology.

Lead investigator Jeffrey Laurence from Weill Cornell Medicine institute in the US said, “We were the first group to recognise that

23 - 29 July 2022

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Yoga exercises to improve memory and concentration Yoga has provided us with several physical and mental benefits. Asanas are known to help boost the central nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems etc.

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A recent article quoted Himalayan Siddha Akshar as saying, “Yoga is a proven solution for physical and mental health. With Yoga, you can achieve well-being and add great value to the quality of your life. With the consistent practise of these asanas, you can improve your concentration levels. Whether you are a student, professional, home-maker or a retired professional, Yoga keeps your body and brain active and in optimal health.”

Some yoga exercises that improve memory and concentration: Vrikshasana: Begin in Samasthithi. Stand erect and keep your feet together. Fold the right leg and

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the lung disease of acute Covid-19 was different from other severe critical respiratory infections and that the unusual pathology was systemic.”

The scientists collected four-millimetre biopsy samples of normal-appearing skin from 15 patients in intensive care with Covid-19 and six patients with mild to moderate disease symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, or shortness of breath. The researchers found that microthrombi or small blood clots were

detected in 13 of the 15 patients with severe or critical COVID-19.

Laurence said, “Although anticoagulants were used in the pre-Covid19 era in sepsis-associated pneumonia to reduce macrovessle thromboembolism, most randomized trials have not found this treatment benefits hospitalised patients who are critically ill with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. These drugs may not be capable of reducing the microvessel thrombosis found with SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

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This monsoon, update your grocery list with these ingredients to beat the seasonal ailments. This article shares a list of herbs and spices you must add to your food.

Tulsi: Indian basil or Tulsi is regarded as a holy herb. It helps relieve stress and boost energy levels. Tulsi also contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties that fight harmful free radicals in the body.

Ginger: Ginger is packed with gingerols, parasols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols, and zingerone, all of which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Besides, ginger improves the assimilation and transportation of nutrients to the body's tissues, which are much needed to keep cold and flu away.

Black pepper: Black pepper, available in whole, crushed, or powdered form, contains carminative qualities that lower the likelihood of intestinal gas and other gastrointestinal issues. It not only has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and fever-reducing qualities, but it also boosts the immune system.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a miracle herb. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial extracts can help you fight infections and boost immunity. Dense in vitamins and minerals, this magical spice promotes overall well-being.

Garlic: Garlic is a miracle food you need to add to your diet, especially during monsoon. Allicin is a compound that helps boost the immune system and thus protects our body against various infections.

Brain inflammation may link Alzheimer’s risk with sleep disturbance Researchers have discovered that brain inflammation may link Alzheimer’s disease risk with sleep disturbance, potentially aiding early detection and prevention efforts by identifying novel treatment targets at preclinical stages.

The study, published online today in the journal Sleep, examined whether inflammation affected specific brain waves called fast sleep spindles, which have been shown to promote long-term memory retention. Bryce Mander, Ph.D., UCI assistant professor of psychiatry and human behaviour and the study’s lead and co-corresponding author, said, “Our findings indicate that age-related increases in brain inflammation have a downstream effect on Alzheimer’s diseaserelated tau proteins and neuronal synaptic integrity. This results in deficits in the brain’s capacity to generate fast sleep spindles, which contribute to age-related memory impairment in older adults. Discovering these mechanisms is important in identifying at-risk individuals as early as possible and developing targeted interventions.”

Chronic activation of the brain's immune cells, called "glial cells," increases with age, elevating the production of beta-amyloid and tau proteins, the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Sleep disturbance has been linked to Alzheimer's disease pathology in the brain, and studies have indicated an association between sleep disturbance and inflammation.

Selectively disrupted fast sleep spindles have been identified in normal aging and preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Still, it has not been clear what causes this and what it means for memory impairment in older at-risk adults.

"We don't yet know whether anyone in this study will develop Alzheimer's disease dementia, but one of the reasons that our studies enroll participants in midlife is so that we can potentially detect problems before people develop disease symptoms," said co-author Barbara Bendlin, Ph.D., professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Reinterpretation of Frida through Indian classical music Shefali Saxena

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hmed Kaysher is a poet and the director of this production called Reinterpretation of Frida through Indian classical music that happened at Royal Albert Hall last Wednesday (13 July).

He spoke to us about exploring the parallels between Mexican culture and Indian classical music.

W

hat exactly is hypnotic musical reinterpretation of Frida Kahlo’s paintings?

This is a philosophical way of introducing different interpretations of arts/texts/literature in many different ways as French philosophers Jack Derrida and other post-structural philosophers connotated while reading/rereading/interpreting/re-interpreting signs and signifiers hidden implicitly in texts or the silence between two adjacent notes in music. Frida's fatally destined life and her world were absolutely melancholic and tragic - the aim of this production was to introduce new meaning and to intensify the emotion of a selection of Frida's 25 paintings with some visceral ragas of Indian classical music e.g. Kaunsi Kanada, Rag Jog; the ragas that portray lamentation of heart that Frida actually was trying to paint in her works all the way through. hat does it take to combine various art forms with Indian classical music so that each art form complements and interprets each other?

I needed to explore a common resemblance and melting point of these two different arts - because both of these art forms have their own independent language; subtle and poignant arrays of emotions that they separately intend to convey. In this specific production, the main affinity is the cries and whispers that both Frida's work and the selection of Ragas carry on mutually; that's where both art forms melted with each other and each complemented the mood and meaning other. ow does classical music connect with socially excluded individuals and those with mental disabilities?

Classical music is a proven therapy for loneliness because it aims to paint loneliness in different shapes and different colours; it engages lonely hearts in a meaningful way.

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Classical music both Indian and Western resonates with the lamentation of a suffering soul and offers remedy for suffering and lonely souls with its storm of celestial melodies. Nitsche's anecdote on the impact of classical music is perhaps an ideal example of how it connects schizophrenic minds. hat kind of research, learning and preparation went into forming Saudha?

Saudha, a leading platform for both Indian classical and global music has been promoting and fusing different subtle art forms of the world for the last 13 years with an aim to create a new audience of profound arts from different cultural traditions and merge different art forms seamlessly to create a new way of expressions, a new, unique and post-modern way of presenting music so that it revolutionises the listening experience of today's audience, to develop a new and universal language for different arts so that the audience from any cultural tradition and different art-form can engage to our presentations more deeply.

This production was about my personal journey, how I explored Frida in a different light during the time of depression that I went through and how her works actually manifested with absolutely heart-tearing melodies of Indian classical music. Frida was actually playing heart-rending music through all of her works, I believe. ould you tell us how you have drawn parallels between Mexican culture and Indian classical music?

Frida Kahlo herself was a big admirer of Indian culture and the whole Indian subcontinent has been shaken by some Latin American art movements, magic realism for example. Carlos Fuentes and many Mexican writers are at the core of my attention and they influenced Indian contemporary literature, in significant ways. Frida met the granddaughter of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Nayantara Pandit met Frida Kahlo on their visit to Mexico and I saw a picture - Frida was wearing Indian Saree so admirably. But this production is about portraying universal human emotions that are common in arts in general, regardless of where they originated from. With an inclination to arts of my heritage, I inherit Frida Kahlo, too, and I inherit Mexican and European arts, literature, and music, too, we inherit the universality as every art delineates the common emotion of human-being; therefore, in the actual show, many audiences who are from Latin American or non-Indian background burst into tears while listening to Indian classical music and many audiences who are from Indian heritage were equally crying and wailing while looking at the wounded deer or the Heart - the memory by Frida Kahlo.

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Dr Priya Virmani's The Smallest Stories to Extraordinary creates waves in Parliament A conversation on the life-affirming themes of the book, The Smallest Stories to Extraordinary, by Dr Priya Virmani was held at the House of Commons on Tuesday 28 June 2022. The book is a collection of true stories that turn trying times into a celebration of life. The foreword is written

by Bollywood actor, Vivek Oberoi.

Hosted by MP Bob Blackman, the event was attended by cross-party members of parliament. It was set to dance and music and the artists were some of the best in the U.K. including Kuchidupi dancer Arunima Kumar, contemporary dancer Nandita Shankardass and flautist Gaurav Uniyal.

Dignitaries included business stalwarts led by American/French entrepreneur and artist JT Besins, leaders from the charity sector, people from the world of music and entertainment and sports stars including Olympian Jennifer Stoute. Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and Indian football star Bhaichung Bhutia joined by a video from India. Dr Virmani thanked MP Virendra Sharma for his wholehearted support.

Dr Priya Virmani spoke about how happiness remains elusive despite 'being happy' being a primary goal for each one. She

Dr Priya Virmani

attributed this to a culture that is geared to create pleasure as compared to creating joy and bliss that are longer lasting. She narrated stories from Vedic philosophy which resonated well with guests.

JT Besins read an excerpt from a story in the book about Paint Our World, the children's charity Priya founded in India and pledged his support to the powerful work the charity does to empower children on streets and railway stations.

A sattvic vegan meal created by India's first Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar was served.

Supporters included luxury well-being brands, Ilapothecary, TWG teas and ICICI Bank UK.

Pan Nalin's Last Film Show wins award Director Pan Nalin’s Last Film Show (aka Chhello Show) won the Best Film Award at this year's London Indian Film Festival (LIFF).

It follows the Gujarati Indian filmmaker’s success with other award winning films including Samsara, Valley of the Flowers, Angry Indian Goddess. He said: “This is truly inspiring, uplifting, and enlightening! As a filmmaker the only dream I cherish is to be loved by the audience." Supported by title sponsor Blue Orchid Hotels, Integrity International, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Bagri Foundation and Arts Council of England, this year’s festival ran over two weeks from 23rd June - 8th July.

Selection of the programme is also available on BFI Player and the LoveLiffatHome Online Player.

An exciting line-up of strong female filmmakers and talent featured at this year’s festival including India’s most prolific female director Aparna Sen, critically acclaimed actor/filmmaker and two time Cannes jury member Nandita Das and dynamic Indian acting talent Konkona Sen Sharma who received LIFF awards respectively.

Aparna Sen said: “It was a rare honour and pleasure to receive the Icon Award from LIFF. Making films on my own terms without commercial compromise for 40

LIFF Women Make Movies Panel with Konkona Sen Sharma, Aparna Sen, Nandita Das and Sangeeta Dutta

years, has often seemed a thankless job, but now, after the Icon Award from LIFF I feel vindicated. Thank you LIFF for continuing to believe in meaningful cinema.

Nandita Das said: “I am grateful for the LIFF ICON Award. I have seen LIFF grow from strength to strength and I am touched by their appreciation of my choices and my work. It means a lot to me.”

LIFF Competition Winners: - Last Film Show, Pan Nalin: Audience Award - Jaagran, Ritviq Joshi & Hardik Sadhwani: Jury Prize - Taapsee Pannu: Outstanding Achievement Award - Konkona Sen Sharma: Outstanding Achievement Award - Nandita Das: Outstanding Achievement Award - Aparna Sen: Icon Award

Curve announces ‘Finding Home’ Over 40 community members and creatives join for performances to mark the 50th anniversary of Ugandan Asian Exodus Leicester’s Curve theatre has revealed the full cast joining this Summer to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian exodus.

Finding Home: Leicester’s Ugandan Asian Story at 50 will see over 40 community members taking to the stage in Curve’s Studio Theatre.

The Made at Curve community production is comprised of three new plays from local writers whose families arrived in the UK from Uganda. Chandni Mistry’s Ruka, a play for families and children will be performed on Saturday 30 July, Sunday 31 July, Friday 5 August and Saturday 6 August.

Dilan Raithatha’s Call Me By My Name and Ashok Patel’s Ninety Days will be presented as a double-bill, with evening performances from Friday 29 July to Saturday 6 August.

Sponsored by the University of Leicester, all three plays are directed by Mandeep Glover, who previously trained at Curve as

Resident Assistant Director. Curve Resident Creative Kesha Raithatha will join as Choreographer, Set and Costume Design will come from Eleanor Field, with Trainee Assistant Director Octavia Nyombi and Trainee Choreographer and Dance Captain Velash Mistry.

Performing in Ruka will be Anita Amano, Aaron Bakrac, Radhika Bhogaita, Neel Dave, Julia Koziol, Aadi Mahj, Eliab Million, Christian Obokoh, Usha Pathak, Tejal Purohit, Ged Rains, Mauvni Rathod and Billie Venus.

Call Me By My Name will feature performers Denzel Chakauya, Amit Chudasama, Sanjay Dattani, Andreea Ghervan, Hemanti Joshi, Rajen Joshi, Yusuf Karim, Manas Kotak, Reema Mistry, Velash Mistry, Urvi Modha, Brendon Muskwe, Billy Aurelia Ooi, Dhruv Pandya, Sheetal Pandaya, Bina Patel, Nicholas Alphonso Pereira,

Chandni Premgi, Aashni Sawjani and Jishnu Soni.

The cast of Ninety Days will include Anish Chauhan, Sanjay Dattani, Chisenga Malama, Rav Moore, Nathan Obokoh, Sneya Rajani and Billie Venus.

Nishan Canagarajah, Vice Chancellor at the University of Leicester said: “The arrival of thousands of Ugandan Asians in Leicester fifty years ago was an important moment that has helped to shape Leicester as one of the most culturally diverse places in the UK. The University of Leicester celebrates diversity in all forms and we are proud to sponsor these productions at the Curve theatre. They recognise the resilience of the families who were displaced and they celebrate the fantastic contributions they have made to Leicester over the last fifty years.”

On Thursday 4 August, 50 years to the

day since Uganda’s former President Idi Amin issued the order for the country’s Indian and Pakistani community to leave within 90 days, audiences can join a preshow panel discussion at Curve. Hosted by ITV’s Rajiv Popat, speakers will include Leicester’s Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, writer Chandni Mistry, family law barrister and cofounder of South Asian Heritage Month Jasvir Singh and Manzoor Moghal, a local community leader who arrived in Leicester from Uganda in 1972.

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I was rejected over ridiculous reasons, says Rajkummar Rao

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ctor Rajkummar Rao recently shared a list of ridiculous things about his appearance early in his career. In his more-than-a-decadelong-journey, the actor has proved his mettle and won a National Film Award. In a recent interaction, when asked to share some ridiculous reasons he was given while being rejected for films, Rao said, “I was told so many things. You are not tall enough, your built is not right, your eyebrows are not in a certain shape and very weird things. And I was like, what, what about acting? Wo kisko chahiye (Who wants that).”

Sushmita Sen and Lalit Modi make their relationship official

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ctress Sushmita Sen and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi have made their relationship official on social media. The actress said she is in a happy place but not married, and that should be enough clarification. She commented on her Instagram account as she shared pictures with her daughters, Renee Sen and Alisah Sen. Lalit Modi surprised everyone with pictures on his social media account, calling Sush his “better half”. He wrote, “Just back in London after a whirling global tour #maldives # sardinia with the families - not to mention my #betterhalf @sushmitasen47 - a new beginning a new life finally. Over the moon.” Sush later clarified, “I am in a happy place!!!” adding emoticons of hug, red heart, dancing girl, and red lips. She continued, “Not married…no rings…unconditionally surrounded by love!!” and added a rainbow emoji. She further wrote, “Enough clarification given…now back to life and work!!

Thank you for sharing in my happiness always…and for those who don’t…it’s #NOYB (none of your business) Anyway!!! I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #yourstruly.”

Sush has been receiving congratulatory messages on her post since then. The actress was in a relationship with model Rohman Shawl before they parted ways amicably last year.

Roman congratulated the new couple and said in an interview, “Let’s be happy for them na. Love is beautiful. All I know is if she has chosen someone, he is worth it!”

Rajkummar was noticed in Dibakar Banerjee’s 2010 film ‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha.’ He is thankful to Dibakar and casting director Atul Mongia for choosing him for his acting talent regardless of his looks. “That’s the thing which will take you forward and nothing else. Eventually, the talent stays, and nothing else remains.”

On the work front, Rajkummar was last seen as a gay police officer in ‘Badhaai Do’. He is currently busy promoting his next ‘HIT: The First Case’ alongside Sanya Malhotra. He also has ‘Mr And Mrs Mahi’ with Janhvi Kapoor, ‘Bheed’, and ‘Monica O My Darling’ in the works.

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MON 25 JUL - FRI 29 JUL 2022 6:00 Bhakt Prahlad 9:00 SHUBH PRABHAT 9:30 SUR PRABHAT 15:00 RASOI SHOW (O) 18:00 DESHI BEATS (O) 18:30 SURI (O) 19:00 JODE REJO RAAJ (O) 19:30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU (O) 20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI (O) 20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU (O) 21:00 SORATHNI MRS SINGHAM (O) 21:30 GEETA (O)

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 25 JULY - FRI 29 JULY 2022 16:30 RASOI SHOW DESI FLAVOURS 17:30 CHHUTA CHHEDA 18:00 SASURAL SIMAR KA 18:30 TU AASHIQUI 19:00 CHOTI SARDARNI 19:30 BHAGYA KA LIKHA

SATURDAY 30 JUL 2022 6:00 Meera Datar 9:00 SHUBH PRABHAT 9:30 SUR PRABHAT 15:00 RASOI SHOW (O) 18:00 DESHI BEATS (O) 18:30 SURI (O) 19:00 JODE REJO RAAJ (O) 19:30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU (O) 20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI (O) 20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU (O) 21:00 SORATHNI MRS SINGHAM (O) 21:30 GEETA (O) SUNDAY 31 JUL 2022 6:00 Raakh Na Ramakda 9:00 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU ® 10:30 SORATHNI MRS SINGHAM ® 12:00 MANGU SAYBA JANMO JANAM NO SATH 18:30 MARU MAN MOHI GAYU ® 20:00 Rashi Rickshawali ® 20:00 SWARAN GHAR 20:30 KAWACH MAMTA KA 21:00 AJNABI BANE HUMSAFAR 21:30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 SATURDAY 30 JULY 2022 16:30 RASOI SHOW - DESI FLAVOURS 17:30 KHATRON KE KHILADI 19:30 BHAGYA KA LIKHA 20:00 DESI BEAT RESET 20:30 COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL 21:30 SASURAL SIMAR KA 2 SUNDAY 31 JULY 2022 16:30 RASOI SHOW - DESI FLAVOURS 17:30 KHATRON KE KHILADI 19:30 IIFA AWARDS 2022

Kangana says she is the 'perfect person' to play Indira Gandhi

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he first look of Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ is out, and people are stunned. Kangana makes her directorial debut with the movie. In an interview, the actress said her makeup artist David Malinowski told her that her jawline is similar to those of India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

She said, “David and his team are astute professionals. An entire team flew down from London. We had a series of meetings to ascertain the final look and did a bunch of look tests. David took the calls on how to go about it. In fact, he pointed out that I physically resemble Mrs. Gandhi a lot, including the skin texture and jawline. I told him that in India, people believe I am the perfect person to play Mrs. Gandhi.”

Malinowski is a popular make-up artist from the West and has worked in popular Hollywood films such as ‘World War Z’ and ‘The Batman.’ He has also won several

awards, including the 2018 BAFTA and Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling in the 2017 film ‘Darkest Hour’.

On the work front, Kangana was recently seen in ‘Dhaakad’. She will be seen as an Indian Air Force officer in the Sarvesh Mewara-directorial ‘Tejas’. Kangana will also debut as a producer with Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer ‘Tiku Weds Sheru’.

Mumbai court allows release of

Aryan Khan's passport A

Mumbai court has allowed the release of Aryan Khan’s passport, which was in the court's custody as part of the bail condition in the cruise-drugs case.

According to a report, the court has also allowed the bail bond to be cancelled.

Aryan will now be able to travel outside the country.

Aryan had filed a plea before a special NDPS court earlier this month, seeking the return of his passport. He was given a clean chit in May by the Narcotics Control Bureau in last year’s cruise-drugs case. Aryan was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in October 2021, and his passport was seized by the NCB during the probe.

The NCB had filed a 6,000-page charge sheet against 14 accused in the case on May 27, which excluded Aryan's name. Recently,

NCB deputy director (operations) Sanjay Singh, who headed the Special Investigations Team (SIT) formed to investigate the case, revealed what Aryan said during the investigation.

In an interview, he said Aryan told him, “Sir, you have painted me as an international drug trafficker, that I finance drug trafficking -aren’t these charges absurd?

They did not find any drugs on my person that day, yet they arrested me.

Sir, you have done me great wrong and ruined my reputation.

Why did I have to spend so many weeks in jail - did I really deserve it?”

An NCB team busted an alleged drugs party on the ship, which was on its way to Goa at mid-sea. Aryan was arrested along with other accused, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha in the case.

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23 - 29 July 2022

Sai Pallavi wishes to get roles like those in ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’

A

ctress Sai Pallavi has expressed her desire for playing memorable roles in period dramas.

She said she longed to get a role like the ones in ‘Padmaavat’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani.’ Sai said she felt a “little satisfied” with playing Rosie/Maithreyi in the Telugu period film ‘Shyam Singha Roy.’ The Rahul Sankrityan-directorial was set in the backdrop of Kolkata in the 1970s and revolved around the theme of reincarnation.

Talking about the role, Sai said in an interview, “I imagine myself sometimes, you see a few films, you'll think 'oh, I wish I'd get a role' at that moment. I have seen ‘Padmaavat’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’, and sometimes you will think so. I think a part of me felt a little satisfied when I did Shyam Singha Roy, and I had to play someone from a different time. It'll be nice if I have a full-fledged role for a longer time.”

On the work front, Sai’s latest movie, ‘Gargi’ was released on July 15. It is touted as an intense drama about a woman fighting for justice. She had announced the release date of the film on her birthday. She wrote on Twitter, "I waited months to talk about this film, And finally!!! my birthday is when the stubborn team decided to give in and release this.

Presenting to you, GARGI , @prgautham83's brainchild.”

Last month, Sai was seen opposite Rana Daggubati in ‘Virata Parvam’. Helmed by Venu Udugula, the film is set in the 1990s during the Naxalite movement in Telangana. The actor was also in news for her statements on the 1990s exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. She also posted a video, in which she presented her clarification over her statements, which drew mixed reactions on social media.

Naga Chaitanya set to play Mahesh Babu’s fan in ‘Thank You’ A

ctor Naga Chaitanya, who is gearing up to release his upcoming project ‘Thank You’, has revealed that he plays a Mahesh Babu fan for a certain period in the movie. In a recent interview, Chai revealed that he plays Babu’s fan in the college portion of the movie.

Nayanthara set to collaborate with Nilesh Krishnaa on her 75th film N

ayanthara is all set to commence shooting on her 75th film. This will be her first project after her marriage to filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. Set to be directed by debutant Nilesh Krishnaa, the movie was announced last week. Apart from Nayan, the film also features Sathyaraj, Jai and Redin Kinsley, among others.

The project was launched with a low-key pooja ceremony attended by the film’s lead cast and crew. Announcing the project, the official Twitter handle of Zee Studios wrote, "Announcing #ladySuperstar75. Zee Studios is excited to collaborate with #Nayanthara for her 75th film! The shoot will begin soon! #Jai #SathyaRaj @Nilesh_Krishnaa @dineshkrishnanb @tridentartsoffl @Naadstudios (sic).”

Nilesh, also the film's writer, said in a statement, “I feel extremely happy, blessed, and grateful for the opportunity. It is also very surreal to acknowledge Nayanthara, the one and only Lady Superstar, who will lead

this project as its protagonist.”

“As this is her 75th film, I'm deeply committed to delivering the trust and confidence she has in us. A large volume of what I've learnt about filmmaking comes from director Shanker, my guru, alma mater, and mentor, to whom I pledge this opportunity. My sincere salutations to him, as we gear up to walk the talk and commence shooting, soon,” he added.

Nayanthara was recently seen in Vignesh’s directorial, ‘Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kadhal’, a romantic comedy co-starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Sethupathi. In the film, Nayanthara plays a character called Kanmani Ganguly, who falls in love with Vijay’s character. Samantha’s character is also in love with Vijay’s character.

Nayanthara was also seen in the Tamil thriller ‘O2’. Currently, she is awaiting the release of the Telugu film ‘Godfather’, costarring Chiranjeevi.

Aamir holds special preview of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ at Chiranjeevi’s home

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amir Khan recently organised a special screening of his upcoming film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in Hyderabad, for several stars of the Telugu film industry. Aamir held the preview at Chiranjeevi’s residence earlier this week. Others to attend included Nagarjuna, his son Naga Chaitanya, and filmmakers like SS Rajamouli and Sukumar.

A picture from the screening showed Aamir sitting with his guests as they saw his upcoming film. Nagarjuna, SS Rajamouli, and Sukumar were sitting in the front row, while Naga, Chiranjeevi, and Aamir sat in the second row.

Aamir's team said that all of them were exhilarated after seeing the film, which also marks the Bollywood debut of Naga Chaitanya. Naga Chaitanya joined the filming for ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in July 2021. He will be seen playing a version of the character of Benjamin Buford Blue, aka Bubba, a friend of the title character from his time in the military.

The film's final schedule was shot in Ladakh over 40 days, where Aamir and Chaitanya filmed some war

sequences. The role of Bubba was previously supposed to be played by actor Vijay Sethupathi, but Naga Chaitanya later replaced him.

‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ is an adaptation of Tom Hanks-starrer 'Forrest Gump', which was based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film is gearing up for a theatrical release on August 11. The Advait Chandan directorial also stars Kareena Kapoor opposite Aamir and Mona Singh as his mother.

Shah Rukh Khan is also reportedly playing a cameo in the film. The trailer was unveiled during the IPL 2022 finale in May.

Answering a question about the Mahesh Babu connect with his character, Chaitanya said in an interview, “The film travels through a timeline involving my character who goes through school and college to become a successful start-up billionaire. We wanted to use a layer of cinema to show how cinemas have evolved through this timeline. This is to show how my character evolves with each Mahesh Babu film. It starts with Pokkiri and how much my character enjoys watching it to the next Mahesh Babu film at a different stage in my career. We’ve just used the cinema reference to follow the timeline.”

In another clip from the pre-release event of the movie, Chaitanya said the Mahesh Babu reference will serve as a very good high point for fans.

On the work front, Chai currently awaits the release of Aamir Khan-starrer 'Laal Singh Chaddha’, in which he plays a key role. Chaitanya had joined the team as a replacement for actor Vijay Sethupathi, who was originally signed to play the character. The movie will mark Chaitanya’s Bollywood debut and show him as the titular character's close friend.

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Dhanush, sons steal the show at ‘The Gray Man’ premiere D

hanush attended the world premiere of ‘The Gray Man’ in Los Angeles last week, accompanied by his sons Linga and Yathra. As they walked the red carpet together, all three were dressed in suits.

Directed by The Russo Brothers, the film premieres on Netflix on July 22. Dhanush plays the role of a hardcore assassin named Avik Sen in the movie.

Dhanush took to Instagram to share a few pictures from the premiere. He wrote, “When you realise they have completely stolen the show from you. At #TheGrayMan premiere with Yathra and Linga.” The movie boasts of a stellar star cast, who also attended the red carpet event. Dhanush's co-stars Rege-Jean Page, Chris Evans, Julia Butters, Billy Bob Thornton, Ryan Gosling, Jessica Henwick, Ana de Armas, and directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo were also present.

‘Indian Matchmaking’ season 2 announced, internet welcomes Sima Aunty back T

he stars appear to have aligned for famous matchmaker Sima Taparia to find the perfect couple.

Netflix’s ‘Indian Matchmaking’ season 2 is set to premiere on August 10. Sima shared the first few photos from the new season on her official Instagram page. In the first photo, she folds her hands, and in the next few photos, we see the return of a few familiar faces, including Aparna Shewakramani.

The post was captioned, “Sima from Mumbai is back!

Indian Matchmaking Season 2 premieres on August 10 on Netflix. *Gets down on one knee and asks if there are plans for Season 2 of Indian Matchmaking. The answer is yes. Seema Aunty and Indian Matchmaking will return for a second season.”

Fans of the show couldn’t be more excited. One wrote, “I love you, and I am so excited the show is back for another season!” Another added, “Waiting for it!” On the Netflix page, some fans had rather different opinions. One wrote, “Can’t wait to hatewatch it.” Another fan wrote, “Hopefully this season she will have a better success rate than 0 %.”

Aparna teased her return in a post and said,

“Hmm, feel like this could be better.” She had no luck in finding a match in season 1. She captioned her post, “I am on Indian matchmaking again. Catch it on Netflix, August 10!”

‘Indian Matchmaking’ revolves around Sima Taparia, a Mumbai-based matchmaker who travels extensively around the world to help people find their true soulmates. She uses age-old methods such as consulting ‘kundalis’. She began to be fondly known as Sima Aunty, and the show became a hit during the pandemic, despite attracting much controversy for endorsing traditions that are known to be regressive.

Video of Ranveer Icon awards for kissing Bear Grylls in Aparna Sen, Nandita Netflix special shocks Das at London Indian the internet Film Festival N

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he London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) has finally concluded after running for over two weeks across four cities of London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. Filmmakers Aparna Sen and Nandita Das were awarded the Icon Award this year for their contribution to Indian and global cinema.

Over the last few days, Dhanush has been busy with the 'The Gray Man’ promotions in the US. At the movie's premiere, The Russo Brothers introduced Dhanush as the guy who got 10 million mentions on Twitter in the last 4-5 months.

“This gentleman has taken over Twitter in the last five months.

Ten million mentions in like over four months. This is the guy you may not know but should know, Dhanush,” The Russo Brothers said.

Earlier, when speaking at the post-screening press conference in LA, Dhanush was asked how he ended up being part of the project.

He said, “I don’t know how I ended up in this film.” His response was received by a burst of laughter from the room.

He added, “I was thrilled and very excited. Of course, I don’t get to say much in the film. I was super thrilled and was looking for an opportunity to learn and explore.” The Russo Brothers shared a glimpse of an action sequence featuring Dhanush, Ryan Gosling and Ana De Armas. Releasing the clip on their Twitter page, the Russo Brothers said it is to introduce Dhanush’s character from the movie.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we give you…@dhanushkraja”

Aparna Sen, whose latest ‘The Rapist’ was among this year’s European premiere highlights at the festival, said, “It was a rare honour and pleasure to receive the Icon Award from LIFF. Making films on my own terms without commercial compromise for 40 years has often seemed a thankless job, but now, after the Icon Award, I feel vindicated.

Thank you LIFF for continuing to believe in meaningful cinema.”

Meanwhile, Nandita said, “I have seen LIFF grow from strength to strength and I am touched by their appreciation of my choices and my work. It means a lot to me.”

Pan Nalin’s Gujarati movie ‘Chhello Show’ won this year’s audience-voted Best Film Award. Nalin said, “This is truly inspiring, uplifting, and enlightening. As a filmmaker, the only dream I cherish is to be loved by the audience.”

In the annual Satyajit Ray short film category ‘Jaagran’, codirected by Ritviq Joshi and Hardik Sadhwani, won the LIFF Jury Prize. “Today, after getting the honour of receiving an award with Satyajit Ray’s name on it, we’re back to square one.

We’re back in a dream. Only this time, it’s not limited to the two of us. This one belongs to 20 more dreamers,” they said.

The awards also included an Outstanding Achievement Award for Taapsee Pannu for her hard-hitting roles, including in the new Anurag Kashyap film ‘Dobaaraa’ which opened the festival.

etflix’s interactive special ‘Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls’ premiered on July 8 and has given the internet food for thought. A video snippet of the actor smothering Grylls with kisses has become a collective reason for the internet to cringe. The video captures the two in a helicopter above the wilderness. A relieved Ranveer plants kisses on a visibly uncomfortable Bear’s face.

Social media users promptly went online to share their feelings of the display. One Instagram user wrote, “Probably the scariest moment of Bear Grylls’ life.”

“Borderline assault,” a Twitter user wrote, sharing the clip. “That clip of Ranveer Singh with Bear Grylls is so uncomfortable. What is wrong with Ranveer? You can see the discomfort on Bear Grylls’ face,” another person commented. More humorous reactions to the clip included memes featuring Deepika Padukone, and comedian Zakir Khan saying, “Yeh hamara ladka nahi hai (We don’t know this man).” Another person wrote, “I’ve seen this man drink his own piss out of a snake carcass… and he looked more comfortable doing that.”

The segment follows the same format as many of Grylls’ earlier survival shows but includes an interactive element through which audiences at home can determine how Ranveer reacts to certain situations.

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Sindhu wins maiden Singapore Open Title Double Olympic medallist P V Sindhu lifted the Singapore Open Super 500 trophy after outwitting China's Wang Zhi Yi in an intense women's singles final on Sunday. In a mistake-filled title clash, Sindhu managed to stay strong in the key moments to come up trumps against the 22-year-old Wang, the reigning Asian Championships gold medallist. The final scoreline read 21-9 11-21 21-15 in the Indian's favour.

The 27-year-old from Hyderabad came into the match with a 1-0 lead over Wang, having beaten the Chinese player in their only meeting at the All England Championships this year. Sindhu produced another fine display to grab her third world tour title of the season.

Toss played a major role in the match with drift in the hall making life difficult for the shuttlers. Wang's decision to choose the side put her in an advantageous position as she played against the drift after the final change of ends. However, Sindhu managed to limit the errors and keep her nerves to emerge victorious in the end.

After losing the first two points, Sindhu used her reach to get the shuttle early, played some superb angled returns, and produced one winner after another to stay ahead all the way in the opening game.

P V Sindhu

Playing against the drift allowed the Indian to go for her shots even as Wang hit wide and long. Sindhu gathered 11 straight points on the trot to zoom into the mid-game interval at 11-2.

The Indian maintained her firm grip on the match after resumption to quickly wrap up the opening game. The second game, however, turned into a forgettable affair for Sindhu as Wang, now on the better side of the court, displayed her prowess. The Chinese was soon up 11-3 after Sindhu repeatedly sent the shuttle long.

Sindhu tried to use the spinning net shot and use the gaps on the court to make a comeback but points were too few to come by as Wang continued to move ahead. At 8-

15, Sindhu failed to dispose off a weak return with her opponent on the floor. In the end, a jump smash helped Wang grab a massive 10 game points and she converted it in her second attempt to make a roaring comeback.

The match came alive in the decider as the duo played some long rallies. While Wang seemed charged up initially, Sindhu was patient and after an initial duel of 5-5, played a superb smash and then finished a long rally with a delectable drop shot to leave her opponent on the floor. The Indian grabbed a five-point advantage at the interval after producing another superb cross-court smash from a deep forehand corner.

Back to the better side after the final change in ends, Wang reduced the deficit to 11-12 with Sindhu committing errors. The Indian, however, managed to establish a four-point advantage with a good follow-up shot. Wang played some superb drops and hold-and-disguise pushes to breathe down the Indian's neck. However, an alert Sindhu produced an attacking return on her rivals' forehand to move to 18-14 before Wang sent one to the net. Just two points away, Sindhu hit long before unleashing a smash to finish an intense rally and grab five match points.

Pant, Pandya guide India to series win Rishabh Pant’s maiden ODI century and Hardik Pandya’s all-round heroics fired India to an emphatic five-wicket win over England in the series-deciding third match on Sunday. The visitors claimed the threematch rubber 2-1.

After India were in a spot of bother at 72 for four in a chase of 260, the crack team of Pant (125 not out off 113 balls) and Hardik (71 off 55 ) engaged in a battle to outdo each other, as the tourists completed the task with 47 balls to spare. Hardik also grabbed a career-best 4/24 as a disciplined India bowled out England for 259 with more than four overs left in the innings.

Skipper Jos Buttler top-scored for England with an 80-ball 60, but it was the flamboyant all-rounder from Gujarat, who dominated the first half of the match with his excellent bowling, sending out a warning to the opponents in the year of the T20 World Cup. In the company of Hardik,

Pant then showed his extraordinary skills with the bat as he smashed 16 fours and two sixes in his sublime knock at Old Trafford.

This was after lanky seamer Reece Topley (3/35) again proved to be the wrecker-inchief by removing the trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in quick succession.

Dhawan’s subdued run in the series continued as he fell for one while Rohit (17) reached out to a delivery that was angling away only to nick it to Joe Root at first slip.

Kohli edged one to Buttler after Topley bowled a ball that angled across. As has often been the case with him in recent times, Kohli looked good until he was in the mid- dle, but one small mistake and the maestro was walking back shaking his head.

England were on top, as India were struggling at 38 for three in the ninth over.

India could have been in a bigger hole had Buttler not missed a stumping off Moeen

Kohli rested, Rohit to lead, Ashwin and Rahul return Captain Rohit Sharma will be back to lead India in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies starting July 29, but the biggest takeaway from the BCCI's squad announcement is the absence of Virat Kohli.

Struggling for form, Kohli is believed to have once again been offered rest ahead of the allimportant Asia Cup starting in August.

The squad also marks the return of KL Rahul, who has been out of action since suffering a groin injury, albeit his inclusion is subject to fitness. Also returning to the T20I set-up is off-spinner R Ashwin, who last played a T20 international against New Zealand in November of 2021.

The likes of Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik, all three of whom did not feature in the ODI squad will be back for the T20Is. Young pace sensation Umran Malik though did not find a place in the 18-member squad but the management has decided to stick with young left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh, who recently made his India debut against England in the opening T20I and picked up two wickets.

Along with Ashwin, another spinner that had made his way back into the squad in Kuldeep Yadav, who last played for Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

As for Kohli, the release did not mention the reason behind his absence but it is believed that the decision was taken after the former India captain had asked for a break. This is the second time in two months that Kohli has been offered rest, as straight after the IPL, he did not feature in the home T20I series between India and South Africa.

Kohli toured England, where he played the Leicestershire warm-up, the rescheduled Birmingham Test and two of the three T20Is. Kohli's name missing from the squad could also have to do with his groin injury that forced him to miss the 1st ODI vs England and possibly the remaining two as well. Besides Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah is the other notable exclusion.

With Rahul back, and provided he is fit of course, the Indian team will once again witness stiff competition for the opening slot. While Rohit is a no-brainer, the fight to be his partner will be between Rahul, Ishan and Hooda. Ishan had scored a couple of brilliant half-centuries against South Africa while earlier this month, Hooda became only the fourth India batter to score a 100 in T20Is, when his swashbuckling century floored Ireland in the second T20I.

Ali to give Pant a life on 17. Pant and Hardik then stabilised the innings by mixing caution with aggression. The duo quickly put up a half-century stand to ensure India remained in the game, gradually taking control of the proceedings.

With a wide array of strokes at their disposal, both Pant and Hardik went about their task in a professional manner, rarely looking in any sort of discomfort.

WC shooting: Mairaj Khan wins India's firstever skeet gold medal Veteran Indian shooter Mairaj Ahmed Khan on Monday created history by winning India's first-ever ISSF World Cup gold medal in men's skeet in Changwon, South Korea. In the 40-shot final, the 46-year-old from Uttar Pradesh shot 37 to finish ahead of Korea's Minsu Kim (36) and Britain's Ben Llewellin (26), who won the silver and bronze respectively.

The shooter shot 119/125 over two days of qualifying before coming through in a fiveway shoot-off enroute his maiden individual gold. The two-time Olympian, who is the oldest member of the Indian contingent in Changwon this year, had won a silver at the 2016 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

Earlier in the day, the trio of Anjum Moudgil, Ashi Chouksey, and Sift Kaur Samra won bronze in the women's 50m rifle 3P team event. The Indians outplayed the Austrian team of Sheileen Waibel, Nadine Ungerank, and Rebecca Koeck 16-6 in the bronze medal match to comfortably secure a podium finish.

But the day undoubtedly belonged to Khan. After finishing with 119, he found himself vying for two final qualification spots along with four others, including two-time Olympic medallist Abdullah Al Rashidi of Kuwait.

in brief INDIA, AUSTRALIA TO PLAY 5-MATCH TEST SERIES The India-Australia Test series will comprise of five matches on a reciprocal basis in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme.

The expanded bilateral series will kick in from 2024 season, when India are scheduled to visit Australia. The 2023 home series in India, to be played in February-March, will remain a four-Test contest, a report said.

HARMANPREET TO LEAD INDIAN TEAM TO THE CWG Seasoned batter Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a 15-member Indian team in the maiden women’s cricket competition at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham starting on July 28, the BCCI announced. Opener Smriti Mandhana will be her deputy in the competition that will feature women’s T20Is. India is in Group A with Australia, Barbados and Pakistan. Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and South Africa are placed in Group B. The top two teams from the respective pools will progress to the semifinals.

ASIA CUP LIKELY TO BE SHIFTED TO UAE The Asia Cup is “likely” to be moved out of Sri Lanka in the wake of political unrest in the island nation, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva said, adding that the tournament could be played in the UAE. Sri Lanka, which has been battling an economic crisis, has witnessed widespread protests against the government for weeks. “The Asia Cup is very likely that it will be held in the UAE,” de Silva said when asked about a possible change in the venue of the T20 tournament. The dates for the six-team tournament are expected to remain the same as scheduled earlier from August 26 to September 11. A qualifier will also take place before the main event with Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait and UAE.

BANGLADESH SWEEP ODI SERIES AGAINST WI Taijul Islam made a triumphant return to Oneday International cricket with his first fivewicket haul as Bangladesh completed another series sweep of the West Indies, winning the third and final fixture by four wickets at the Guyana National Stadium. Playing his first ODI for more than two years, Taijul had a dream start with a wicket off his first delivery to set the stage for an outstanding effort. He finished with impressive figures of five for 28 as the home side were dismissed for 178 off 48. 4 overs batting first. Bangladesh stumbled along the way in pursuit of the modest target with Gudakesh Motie claiming career best figures of four for 23. However, the left-arm spinner could not prevent the tourists reaching the target with nine balls to spare.

Liton Das set the Bangladeshis on the way to an 11th consecutive ODI win over the West Indies with a score of 50.

LANKA PREMIER LEAGUE POSTPONED The Lanka Premier League was postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing “economic situation” in Sri Lanka. The T20 League was scheduled to be held from August 1 to 21.

“This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the Rights Holder of the tournament, which cited the current economic situation,' in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament,” SLC said in a statement.