Shreyas Royal: Chess prodigy’s path to grandmaster status
Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the MEA has reaffirmed India s position on the Ukraine conflict
humanitarian response to the ongoing war against Russia
Anusha Singh As the world continues to grow increasingly hostile and unsafe for women, a recent tragedy in India has once again highlighted this grim reality The rape and murder of a trainee doctor in West Bengal has shocked the conscience of the nation. The 31-year-old woman's body was discovered earlier this month in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a state-run hospital in Kolkata where she worked
Polish children dressed in various costumes with Maharaja Jam Sahib Digvijaysinh during a cultural program at Balachadi
PM Modi addressing the nation on the 78th Independence Day celebration
TEAM ABPL Netanyahu snubs Lammy over UK arrest warrant stance
Harrow Business Centre, 429-433 Pinner Road, North Harroww, Middlesex, HA1 4HN. , Publisher & Editor : CB Patel E: cb.patel@abplgroup.com
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T he f irst £1 coins featuring K ing Ch arles III , sh owcas-
i n g a d es i gn c el eb ra ti n g British bees, h ave entered
c i rc u l a ti o n i n t h e UK A
t o ta l o f 2 9 7 5 mi l li o n o f these coins are being dist ri b u t ed t h ro u gh P o s t O f f ic e s an d ba nk s ac ro ss the co untry
The Royal Mint revealed that the bee tribute is one of eight new UK coin designs, w h i c h i n c l u d e t h e h a z e l d o r m
David L am my w as recently reb u ffed by Bi nya m i n Netanyahu du ring h is visit to Israel after th e U K chose no t t o ob j ec t t o t h e In ter nat
Court’s arrest warrant proceeding s against the Israeli prim
minister
met Lammy during the foreign secretar y's initial visit last month, where they were p
declined to meet with him again on his recent trip to Je r u s
slighted by the UK’s refusal to inter vene on his behalf at The Hague In response to
announce an arms embargo on Israel, potentially broader than what Lammy initially planned While he had previously
considered a ban on the sale
under pressure from Labour backbenchers and off icials
G overnment may scrap voter ID, review promised
Th e n e w L a b o ur Gov ernment has a nnoun ced that it will review the controversial photo ID laws introduced b y t he previous Tor y ad mini str at ion , which p revent ed t housa nds of re gist
their
lections
The requirement, implemented in 2022 to "strengthen the integrity of the electoral system," may now be reevaluated and potentially
scrapped Labour, while not promising to repeal the law in its manifesto, pledged to address the inconsistencies regarding acceptable forms of ID Now, the Government has committed to a thorough evaluation of the law and has not ruled out the possibility of completely removing the ID requirement R
(FOI) requests to London’s councils shows that around
30 per cent of voters who were turned away at polling stations for lacking ID did not return to vote later This statistic has raised concerns
A spokesperson from the
f indings are incredibly concerning This Government is dedicated to strengthening our democracy and ensuring that ever y legitimate voter can exercise their right to
evaluate the voter ID rules to understand their impact and will present f irm proposals in due course
indicated that ministers plan
address existing inconsistencies, such as the exclusion of HM Armed Forces Veteran C
photo ID
Funding crisis ends universities’ ‘golden age’
The head of the universi ties watchdog has dec lared the “golden age ” of higher educati on over, warni ng that the s ec tor faces
“ s igni f icant” funding crisi
Off ice for Students (OFS), emphasised that all options m u s t b e c o n s i d e r e d t o ensure the f inancial stability of cash-strapped institu-
under conser vation efforts,
r e f l e c t i n g t h e 7 5 - y e a r- o l d m o n a r c h’s d e d i c a t i o n t o e n v i r o n m e n t a l c a u s e s Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, said, “It’s an honour to introduce King
C h a r l e s I I I’s o n e - p o u n d coin, continuing our tradition of minting coins for B r i t a i n ’ s m o n a r c h s s i n c e Alfred the Great ”
tions This includes potent i a l l y r a i s i n g t u i t i o n fe e s and lifting visa restrictions
o n i nt e r n a t io n a l s t u d e nt s
i m p o s e d b y t h e p r e v i o u s
Conser vative government
At least three universities are reported to be in serious trouble The OFS has forecast that 40 per cent
o f E n g l a n d ’ s u n i v e r s i t i e s will run budget def icits this year, leading to potential c l o s u r e s o r m e r g e r s
Un i v e r s i t i e s a r e h e a v i l y
r e l i a n t o n t u i t i o n fe e s , which make up half of their funding However, fees for
U K s t u d e n t s h a v e o n l y increased by £250 since the cap was raised to £9,000 in 2 0 1 2 , w h i l e c o s t s h a v e surged due to energy bills,
i n f l a t i o n , a n d c o m p e n s ation for students affected by strikes
B e h a n n o t e d t h a t t h e sector's resilience has been t e s t e d b y v a r io u s f a c t o r s , i n c l u d i n g t h e p a n d e m i c , Brexit, political instability, and ongoing cost pressures
T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s l e f t open the possibility of raising tuition fees but has conf irmed it will not lift the visa restrictions for international students, which have led to a 15 per cent drop in applications this year Universities have been a d v i s e d t o c re a t e c o n t i ngency plans for unplanned c l o s u r e s t o p r o t e c t s t udents
Victims of infected blood to receive lifetime payments
T he g ov e r n m e n t h a s un veiled a new f ramework fo r t h e c om p e n s a t i o n scheme for vi cti ms of the i n fe c t e d b lo o d s c a n d a l , en su rin g l ifet ime su pport payme nts for s urvi vors Additionally, sur vivors from Treloar's School will receive an extra £15,000 as part of the revised compensation plan A former pupil who was infected with HIV and other viruses through unethical medical testing at a specialist school has
criticised the £15,000 payout as “derisor y and insulti n g ” R i c h a r d Wa r w i c k called the amount a “kick i n t h e t e e t h” a n d , a l o n g with other sur vivors of the t r i a l s , i s c o n t e m p l a t i n g legal action to seek a review of the compensation decision
T h e C a b i n e t O f f i c e r e l e a s e d d e t a i l s o f t
u p d a t e d m u l t i b i l l i o np o u n d s c h e m e b u t a c k n o w l e d g e d t h a t “ n o amount of compensation
can fully address the damage ” caused by the scandal
B e t w e e n t h e 19 7 0 s a n d e a r l y 19 9 0 s , o v e r 3 0 , 0 0 0 people were unknowingly infected with deadly viruse s t h r o u g h N H S b l o o d transfusions or products
T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s a c c e p t e d t h e m a j o r i t y o f recommendations from Sir Robert Francis KC s review, which proposed 74 measures to address concerns about the existing compens a t i o n a r r a n g e m e n t s Victims who were used for research without their consent will receive an additional £10,000, while those who received treatment as c h i l d r e n a t L o r d M a y o r Tr e l o a r C o l l e g e i n Hampshire, where infected blood was used for research despite known risks, will get an extra £15,000 Lifetime payments will continue for bereaved partners and others affected , separate from the compensation scheme
Nigel Farage emerges as UK's highest-paid MP
Nigel Farage has reportedly become the highest-earning MP, with an annual incom e neari ng £ 1 2 m i lli o n fro m GB New s A c c o rd i n g t o t h e f i r s t
register of interests of the new parliament, Farage disclosed earnings of £97,900 per month from his role as a p
Marshall Farage disclosed that his US trip on July 17, in the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, cost £32,000 The funding
Harborne, a Thailand-based cr ypto investor and former major donor to the Brexit Party The visit was intended to support a friend who had
David Lammy with Binyamin Netanyahu
Nigel Farage
A celebration of democracy in Jammu & Kashmir
The announcement of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant moment in the region's history, as it comes after a decade-long wait and amidst profound changes in the political landscape Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar's words, "the story of changing circumstances is hidden in long queues, and democracy will defeat sinister intentions," highlight the deep importance of these elections for the people of Jammu and Kashmir
The long wait for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for their state Assembly is finally coming to an end The last Assembly elections were held over a decade ago, and since then, the region has undergone significant transformations
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a turning point This move led to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh The upcoming elections will be the first since this momentous change, as well as the first since the delimitation exercise in 2022, which redrew constituency boundaries to ensure fair representation
The significance of these elections is underscored by the Supreme Court's earlier deadline of September 30 for holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir The Election Commission has since confirmed that the elections will be held from September 18 to October 1, with the results to be declared on October 4 This three-phase election will elect 90 members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, a crucial step in re-establishing the region's democratic process
The upcoming elections carry considerable weight for several reasons Firstly, they will be the first since the revocation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected legislature since June 2018, when the former governor dissolved it The 2022 delimitation process, which added six seats to Jammu and one to
Kashmir, has set the stage for these fresh elections, making them a critical juncture in the region's political journey
This election is also a crucial test for political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which have been key players in the region's politics since the special status was revoked The high voter turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir suggests that the people are eager to participate in this "jamooriyat ka jashn," or celebration of democracy This enthusiasm sends a strong message of unity, resilience, and a desire for progress
Beyond the political landscape, the region is also witnessing a resurgence in tourism and cultural revival The Kashmir Valley has attracted over 1 15 million tourists in the first half of this year alone, including 22,612 foreign visitors With summer vacations and events like the Amarnath Yatra on the horizon, officials anticipate even greater numbers Improved law and order and new attractions have made Kashmir a top destination once again
In another sign of normalcy returning to the region, cinema halls have reopened in Baramulla and Kupwara after three decades These districts, once hotbeds of militancy, are now embracing entertainment and cultural activities The reopening of cinemas is a symbol of hope and a thriving future, with local artists and residents optimistic about the opportunities this revival will bring The upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are more than just a political event; they are a symbol of a new era for the region They represent a chance for the people to shape their governance and a potential pathway to renewed stability and development The high voter turnout and the involvement of key political players highlight the importance of these elections in defining the future direction of Jammu and Kashmir
This is definitely not the end!
A-level results have soared this year, with more students securing spots at their top-choice universities, making 2024 a remarkable year for academic success
These marks are undeniably crucial, as they indicate university admissions, courses available, and scholarship opportunities This year ’ s outstanding results highlight the dedication and hard work of countless students However, it's important to remember that while grades matter, they do not ultimately define a person ’ s worth or potential
Each person, regardless of their academic performance, has talents and passions that can pave the way to a fulfilling career It's important to understand that grades are just one part of the journey, not the end goal Following your passion and turning them into a profession can lead to a life filled with purpose and satisfaction True success lies in believing in yourself, pursuing what genuinely excites you, and persistently working toward your goals, even if the path is unconventional
Opportunities like apprenticeships, independent study, gap years, and enrolling in open universities (see page 7) for varied vocations can offer valuable experiences and avenues for growth These options present the potential for personal and professional development beyond the traditional academic route Seeking advice from teachers and academic professionals is crucial, as they can provide realistic guidance tailored to your abilities and available choices (see page 8)
N
Cowell, Lord Alan Sugar, and Steven Spielberg all experi-
India's top court has expressed deep shock over the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, condemning both the brutality of the crime and the handling of the investigation by local authorities
The 31-year-old woman's body was discovered earlier this month in the seminar room of the state-run hospital where she worked With a hospital volunteer arrested and the Central Bureau of Investigation now overseeing the case, the incident has ignited widespread protests across the nation
This tragic event has sparked significant concern and solidarity, not just in India but internationally Protests have emerged from communities and professionals in India, the US and the UK among other parts of the world and the emphasis is on women's safety, an issue which is far from resolved Since the Kolkata incident, more than a dozen cases of rapes of kids, teenagers and adult women have come forward Such atrocities highlight the pervasive and persistent nature of gender-based violence across different spheres of life from public spaces to workplaces and homes
Historically, harassment has been a common experience for women, with unwanted advances and verbal propositions from seemingly respectable individuals This enduring problem, evident from personal experiences of harassment shared by women from all across the world underscores the urgent need for systemic change
The #MeToo movement for instance, while a crucial step forward, has shown that harassment transcends sectors, industries and countries, affecting environments from Bollywood to Hollywood and beyond To date, there have been more than 2 3 million #MeToo tweets from 85 countries The case of Sarah
enced setbacks, whether through low grades, dropping out of school, or facing rejections from their dream institutions Yet, they persevered and achieved remarkable success in their respective fields Their stories demonstrate that success isn’t solely determined by exam results but by persistence, passion, and an unwavering belief in the attainability of one ’ s dreams, no matter the obstacles encountered along the way
In UK’s Asian households, societal and parental pressures often become additional stress for students This pressure typically stems from a desire to secure better and stable future for children as immigrants These families often work twice as hard to settle in a new country to provide better life to their children This drives them to try and establish their identity and prove their worth through excellent resultswhether at workplace or in children’s course work This dedication is often reflected in Asians holding leading positions in top organisations across the UK
Working hard, earning good grades, and attending a top university are important steps in shaping your future and career However, these achievements can lose their impact if the course you choose doesn't align with the market demand and job opportunities Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that university isn t the only path to success, cautioning against low-quality courses that can leave students in a worse financial position without leading to meaningful employment So, it’s essential to explore options by embracing practical choices following your interests and finding joy in what you do
Everard in the UK, led to protests and calls for change, but the question that remains is whether these reactions have led to tangible improvements Similarly, in India, while incidents like Nirbhaya Gangrape have drawn attention, the implementation of lasting reforms remains inadequate and that is why, the country is on the streets again, demanding justice for ‘Abhaya’
Globally, the statistics on sexual violence are alarming and this issue is not confined to any single country According to the United Nations, police in 65 countries record over 250,000 cases of rape or attempted rape annually Women around the world face various forms of violence and control, including overt aggression and subtle coercion, such as marital rape These acts are driven by a desire for power and control, and often supported by systemic indifference or even implied consent
Political leaders, regardless of their stature, may express solidarity, but the persistent hypocrisy and double standards must be addressed Protests, petitions, and public outcry are essential,
changes Women's safety cannot be confined to occasional awareness days Women should not have to live in constant fear, taking precautionary measures for their safety while perpetrators roam fearless, confident about zero consequences or punishment for their heinous crimes
The ongoing struggle for women's safety is a global challenge that demands persistent advocacy and action Until real, effective changes are made, this revolution for women's basic rights to safety must continue, striving to create a world where women can live free from fear and violence Therefore, our voices need to be heard and carried to those who think public memory is short-lived!
Why Isn’t Anyone Talking About Hindu Deaths?
While any act of mass v iolence is inh erently tragic, I p ropo se a theoretical formula that pred icts
ing
- G Gender of the perpetrator
- R: Religion or ethnicity of the perpetrator and victims
- P: Political implications or policy relevance
- N: Number of casualties
- I: Ideological motivation
- C: Cultural proximity to the audience
- T: Timing relative to other major news events
- D: Distance from the audience (geographical proximity)
- E: Economic or diplomatic interests of the country in the location where the event occurred
1 Religion and Ethnicity ( R):
Religion is a significant factor in both cases The global m e d
Palestine due to the broader political and religious implications, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict This conflict has been central to global politics for decades, drawing consistent media attention
In contrast, Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, despite facing severe persecution, often receive less coverage The marginalisation of Hindus in media coverage may also reflect a bias where violence against non-Abrahamic religions receives less global attention
2 Political Imp lications (P):
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply entrenched in global politics, with implications for international relations, especially in Western countries with large Muslim populations This makes violence in Palestine not only a humanitarian issue but also a political one, further increasing its newsworthiness
n Bangladesh, while severe, lacks the same geopolitical impact 3 C ultural Pro ximity ( C):
Cultural proximity plays a crucial role in media coverage Western media, which dominates global narratives, tends to focus more on regions that are culturally closer or have significant political and economic ties to the West Palestine, due to its ties with the broader Arab world and its significance in Western religious and historical narratives, receives more attention
Conversely, Bangladesh, though a populous and strategically located country, does not share the same cultural or historical ties with the West
4 Geo graphical P roximity and Econom ic Interests ( D + E):
The geographic and economic interests of Western countries also shape media coverage Palestine’s location in the Middle East a region of immense strategic importance ensures that events there are closely monitored
So what can you do if the New York Times do not cover the stories you want? Well you have to change the inputs You might for instance lobby the newspaper, or other groups Beyond that, the energies might be better spread on thinking what is your end goal? To help the people affected or have Western media talk about it? If it’s help, then funds, lobbying organisations, reaching to other faith groups to help in country might be more effective
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Neighbours object to use religious centre’s for wedding and event
L eicester: Neigh bou rs of a for-
m er Leicester relig ious centre, n o w u s ed f o r w ed d i n g s a nd events, h av e o bjected to its new function Previou sly hom e to the
L ei ce st er A si a n Y o u th
A ssociation Society, the building at 62 Ev ing ton Valley Road is in S toneygate ward
The building's 1980s condit
Association Society for educa-
2010, no other religious organi-
noted
Salman Patel has submitted a change of use application to the planning committee to permit the venue at 62 Evington Valley
R
events The request is retroac-
tive, as the building was already in use for these purposes witho
Planning officers noted that the venue had been "clearly operating" in its unauthorised capacity If approved, the venue will be renamed Taiba Lounge
Neighbours have raised concerns about the current use of the site, with 32 individual objections and a petition of 101 signa-
authority Objectors have cited issues including noise, parking and traffic problems, light pollution, and increased litter
new use has caused significant disturbances, including excessive
issues, and poor waste managem
affect our residential area
Shopkeeper sentenced over counterfeit cigarettes
L eicester: A Lincolnshire shopkeeper has been sentenced for s e lli n g i lle g al ci g a ret tes a
r T rading Standard s officers purc h a se d c o un te rfe i t p ro d u c ts from h is store in Sheep Market, S palding, on two separate occasions
Ali Idris Khader, 52, pleaded guilty to charges related to proceeds of crime, tobacco regulation violations, and trademark
i n f r i n g e m e n t s H e w a s s e n -
t e n c e d l a s t w e e k a t L i n c o l n Magistrates' Court to 13 months i n c u s t o d y , s u s p e n d e d f o r 1 2 months Khader, who resides on Ewetree Drive in Leicester, was also given a rehabilitation order and subjected to an overnight curfew for four months
The first instance of officers p u r c h a s i n g c o u n t e r f e i t cigarettes occurred in February 2023, leading to a raid on the shop where the fake products
were seized Following a second raid in June 2023, the shop was issued a closure order and shut down for three months
Kimberley Marshall, a senior o f f i c e r w i t h L i n c
Trading Standards, emphasised the council's dedication to combating the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco "Some may not fully grasp the seriousness of this c r i m e , a s t h e s e p r o d u c t s a r e often unsafe, made in unsanitary conditions, and can pose a sign i f i c a n t f i r e h a z a r d , " s h e explained
Marshall also noted that the illicit tobacco trade often supports other organised criminal a c t i v i t i e s , a d d i n g , " I n Lincolnshire, people have died in house fires caused by these types of cigarettes, and shops selling them undermine the livelihoods of legitimate, law-abiding businesses "
New zombie knife law improve street safety
W o lv erh a m p to n : T h e
m other of a you ng man fatally stabbed outsid e
h is Wo l v er h am p t o n h om e h as exp r es se d su pport fo r new knife
restrictions, despite th e
w eap o n u se d i n h e r
s o n 's d eat h no t ye t being banned
R o n a n K a n d a , 1 6 , was killed in June 2022 in a case
o f m i s t a k e n i d e n t i t y H e w a s a t t a c k e d w i t h a ' n i n j a s w o r d ' near his front door The government has announced that, starting September 24, the ownership of 'zombie knives' and machetes
w i l l b e i l l e g a l , f o l l o w i n g a nationwide amnesty beginning
A u g u s t 2 6 I n 2 0 2 3 , z o m b i e knives were involved in nearly 3 0 0 a t t a c k s i n t h e W e s t Midlands
R o n a n ' s m o t h e r , P o o j a
K a n d a , u r g e s t h o s e c a r r y i n g weapons to take advantage of the amnesty "It’s always worrying to think about people carryi n g t h e s e t y p e s o f w e a p o n s Handing them in is a start, it’s a s t e p t o w a r d s g e t t i n g r i d o f
Drug gang leader caught fleeing after Class A bust
Leicester: T ariq Gul, 32, a key figur
ug gang , tried to flee
major op
exposed
on Saxby Street in Highfields T h e ' Z K l i n e ' w a s d i s m
n t l e d when Osman was arrested last year, found in possession of the
He was apprehended while attempting to escape as police cracked down on the 'ZK line' network, which was distributing c
n throughout Leicestershire The gang employed a mobile phone to send mass text messages promoting their drugs Tariq Gul, F i r o z K h a n , 3 5 , a n d A k b a r Osman, 39, were key figures in this drug distribution network
The trio employed three runners Mohim Uddin, 33, Adam Fradj, 24, and Adam Caird (also k n o w n a s D a n i e l M c K e n z i e ) , 37 to sell drugs both on the street and from the gang's base
mobile phone used for the oper-
cocaine intended for the Saxby Street property
A month later, police raided the Highfields address, discovering 83 wraps of crack cocaine and 25 wraps of heroin That day, o f
x m
s
n involved, including Gul, who was caught trying to flee the UK
In court, Fradj, Uddin, and C a i r d e a c h a d m i t t e d t o o n e count of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin Gul, Osman, and Khan were found guilty of the same charges in June following a trial
Shiva Maha Puran Katha at Jalaram Temple in Sudbury
Sudbur y Te mple orga nised Shiva Maha Pura n Ka tha by r enown ed, gift ed a nd e loquent ora tor, a wakenin g d iv ine lov e of Kr ishn a consciousness worldwide, H G Lal Govin d Da s fr om 16 - 22 August for 7 d ays during the a uspicious month of Shra van
The location of the temple m
sphere in the temple hall adds more bhakti to all the activities
them, she said What h a p p e n e d t o m y s o n angers and upsets me; it breaks me every day " While a ban on ninja swords has not yet been implemented, Pooja is
a Johnson MP stated that the government plans to include ninja swords in future restrictions as part of its broader initiative to reduce knife crime by 50% over the next decade “Banning zombie-style knives is just the beginning of our ambitious plan to cut knife crime, and making ninja swords illegal will follow soon ”
needs to be done to reassure young people that handing over weapons will not have repercussions The upcoming law change will also address a loophole that previously allowed certain types of zombie knives to be legally purchased
attending the Katha Pujaris at the temple also arranged a jhul
i S r i R a d h aKrishna to celebrate Jhulan festival Prasadam was also distributed to attendees
Boy,
4, likely had Sepsis before fatal condition
L o nd o n : A n i n qu es t rev eal ed that a four-year-old boy, Daniel Klo si, who had been hospitalised fo ur tim es in one week, likely had sepsis when h e was seen by medical staff sh ortly before h is death Daniel passed away from the c
London, on April 2 of last year
D
G
, a trainee GP with limited paediatric experience, testified that he recognized Daniel as an "unwell child" during his examination on the evening of April 1 Speaking at the east London coroner ’ s court, Dr Benoy suggested that Daniel was "proba-
, c r a c k e d lips, and signs of severe dehydration
D r B e n o y a l s o n o t e d t h a t Daniel exhibited abdominal pain and seemed "quite restless and distressed" during the examinat i o n H e b e l i e
d D a n i e
s potentially "at risk of sepsis," citing symptoms such as lethargy, rash, fever, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate
S e p s i s h a p p
n s w h e n t h e body has an extreme response to an infection Without prompt treatment, it can cause tissue d a m a g e , o r g a n f a i l u r e , a n d
d e a t h T h e i m m u n e s y s t e m becomes overly active, disrupti n g b l
I N B R I E F
CHARITY SEEKS FUNDS AFTER TOXIC SPILL
A charity leading the cleanup effort following a major sodium cyanide spill in a canal has launched a £10 000 crowdfunding campaign to fund the restoration work Last week approximately 4 000 litres (879 gallons) of toxic chemicals leaked into the Walsall Canal at Pleck resulting in a 12-mile stretch of waterway being cordoned off and numerous fish deaths The Canal & River Trust (CRT) reported that around 90 kg (198 lbs) of fish carcasses have been removed and safely stored for disposal Tests revealed that up to 300 meters (984 feet) of the canal were affected by the spill, and chemical testing will continue daily as water levels are monitored Metal finishing company Anachrome Ltd, which admitted responsibility for the spill, has been cooperating with investigators throughout the past week The CRT is now seeking donations to support the canal's recovery and the restoration of local wildlife, a process they anticipate could take several years
FUNDING GRANTED FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE STUDY
East Midlands Storage (EMstor) a consortium led by Cadent and including BGS Star Energy Group Net Zero Strategy and the University of Edinburgh, has secured discovery funding from Ofgem s Strategic Innovation Fund for a groundbreaking study to assess the region s geological storage potential This study, the first of its kind in the East Midlands, will evaluate the feasibility of using the area s geology to support storage technologies, particularly to expand Cadent’s proposed 100 percent hydrogen pipeline The study will analyse these geological formations to determine if they can support large-scale hydrogen storage in the region
MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSAULTING CHIEF CONSTABLE
A man who attacked the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police has received a suspended prison sentence Luke Walton 50 lost his temper on Bearwood Road Smethwick in August 2023 While Chief Constable Craig Guildford was on duty in the area, Walton, who had been drinking, kicked him, and another officer was punched during the incident, police reported Walton, from Pershore Road Birmingham, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker At Wolverhampton Crown Court, he was sentenced to 13 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months Chief Constable Guildford emphasised that addressing antisocial behaviour is a key priority for the West Midlands force
RAIL AND BORDER STRIKES LOOM
Edinburgh/London: Hopes for an end to rail disruption were dashed as the largest train drivers' union announced three months of strikes just 48 hours after accepting a 15 percent pay increase The Aslef union revealed that drivers on the East Coast Mainline, Britain's second-busiest rail line, would stage 22 days of walkouts every weekend from August 31 to November 10 Shortly after the strike announcement hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow the UK’s busiest airport declared four days of strikes coinciding with the end of the school holidays from August 31 to September 3 Additionally GPs are poised for a 7 4 percent pay raise following their threats to disrupt the NHS Concerns are growing that unions may feel empowered by these above-inflation pay rises
Ronan Kanda
H G Lal Govind Das
James Cleverly leads Conservative leadership race
James Cleverly tops the list
o f T o r y lea d er sh i p co ntenders am ong party m embers, according to the first m ajo r p oll since all six can-
d id ate s ent ere d t h e r ac e
Ho wever, T om Tu gendhat is the p ublic's favourite
C l e v e r l y , t h e s h a d o w home secretary, leads with 26 per cent support from party members, while Dame Priti Patel follows with 20 per cent Kemi Badenoch is in third place with 14 per cent, Tugendhat has 11 per cent, Robert Jenrick has 10 p e r c e n t , a n d M e l S t
d e trails with 4 per cent The poll, conducted by Techne
U K , s u r v e y e d 8 0 5 p a r t y members between August 2 and 12
I n h e a d - t o
h e a d matchups, Cleverly outperformed all his rivals, beating Patel 45-39 per cent, Jenrick 49-28 per cent, Badenoch 5128 per cent, Tugendhat 54-
UK must 'wake up' to Russian threat
d e f e n c e of fi ci
h a ve w ar n
t t he UK n ee ds to “wak e up ” to the e sca la ting thr ea t of a d irect
R ussia n at tack a fter Brit ish
s i t e s w e r e id e n t i fi e d a s p ot en tial ta rge ts in the eve nt of a conflict with N ATO
A c c o r d i n g t o l e a k e d Russian military documents cited by the Financial Times, Russia’s Northern Fleet has designated targets such as a s h i p y a r d h o u s i n g n u c l e a r
s u b m a r i n e s i n B a r r o w - i n -
F u r n e s s a n d a n i n d u s t r i a l facility in Hull These documents, used in confidential military briefings and predating the Ukraine war, outline potential strikes using
b o t h c o n v e n t i o n a l a n d nuclear missiles, and include t a r g e t s a c r o s s c o n t i n e n t a l
Europe Tobias Ellwood, former c h a i r o f t h e C o m m o n s
D e f e n c e C o m m i t t e e , warned that the risk of a Russian attack on the UK is growing He noted, “Given that Putin has long viewed NATO as the ‘ enemy, ’ it’s no surprise that our maritime nuclear base is on Russia’s target list This concern is heightened by the deterior a t i n g g l o b a l o r d e r a n d Europe’s drift toward broader conflict with Russia ” E l l w o o d e m p h a s i s e d ,
“Failure to sufficiently supp o r t U k r a i n e a n d p u s h Russia back has emboldened Putin, making him believe
t h a t h i s a g g r e s s i o n g o e s
u n p u n i s h e d a n d t h a t t h e West is too cautious ”
Police strip-search a child every 13 hours
A report has rev ealed th at a
c h i ld w a s s tri p - s ear ch ed every 13 hou rs ov er the past f i v e y ea rs , h i g h li g h t in g o ng oing d eficiencies in safeg uarding procedures
B e t w e e n J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 and June 2023, police officers conducted 3,368 intimate searches of children in England and Wales Dame
R a c h e l d e S o u z a , t h e C h i l d r e n ’ s C o m m i s s i o n e r for England, criticised the s t r i p - s e a r c h i n g o f m i n o r s d u r i n g s t o p - a n d - s e a r c h operations, citing "concerni n g p r a c t i c e s a n d widespread failure" to follow protocols meant to protect children
The findings come from her third investigation into police powers, following the case of Child Q a 15-year-
o l d g i r l w h o w a s s t r i psearched while on her peri-
o d a t s c h o o l i n H a c k n e y after being wrongly accused
o f c a r r y i n g c a n n a b i s D e Souza acknowledged some progress in how police con-
d u c t a n d r e c o r d t h e s e
23 per cent, and Stride 59-15 per cent Techne UK, which
contest, conducted this poll a
C
request
A separate YouGov poll for The Times found that among the general public, Tugendhat has the highest
though still negative at -12 He is slightly ahead of Sir Keir Starmer, who has a net favourability of -14 Stride has the second-highest rating among Tory contenders at -15, followed by Jenrick at -19, Cleverly and Badenoch at -22, and Patel at -52
Ex-police chief hints Farage may face probe
A fo r m e r co u n t e r - t e r r or p olice chie f ha s sug ge st e d t hat Nige l Far age , MP for Clacton , could be inv estiga te d f or s oc ia l me di a c omme nts t hat might ha ve incite d re ce
r iot s a cr oss t he UK
Neil Basu, who previously led the UK’s counter-terrorism unit, discussed the potential impact of inflammatory posts on unrest during an LBC interview When asked if he thought Farage might be under investigation, Basu replied, “I imagine m
doing precisely that ” Basu, who was the highest-ranking officer of Asian
operations until his departure from the Met Police in
would have sought to prosecute influential figures incit-
companies for enabling such
concerns about
“two-tier” approach to policing, noting
Muslims been involved, the response might have been labelled terrorism without hesitation
previously raised concerns about posts by Farage and
Suella Braverman and Priti
Robinson, and other prominent social media figures are accused of playing a significant role in fuelling the riots that erupted following the
s e a r c h e s b u t e m p h a s i s e d that "urgent work" remains, as many strip searches are s t i l l " u n n e c e s s a r y , u n s a f e , and under-reported "
Her report found that from July 2022 to June 2023, 457 strip-searches were conducted, with almost half (47 per cent) resulting in no furt h e r a c t i o n M o r e t h a n a quarter (26 per cent) led to arrests, and 6 per cent had u n r e c o r d e d o u t c o m e s
During this period, 88 per cent of the children were s e a r c h e d o n s u s p i c i o n o f carrying drugs, while only 6 per cent were searched for weapons
B o y s m a d e u p 9 5 p e r cent of those searched, and 27 per cent were black children, who are four times m o r e l i k e l y t o b e s t r i p -
s e a r c h e d H o w e v e r , t h e number of black children
s t r i p - s e a r c h e d d e c r e a s e d compared to previous years
James Cleverly
Dame Rachel de Souza
Anoopam Mission hosts Patotsav and Pragatyadin Utsav
O n Ekadashi, the Anoopam M ission temple i n the UK hosted a vi brant c elebration marking the 9 th Patotsav Mahaparv of Shree M ukta Akshar
Purushottam Maharaj and the 69th Pragatyadi n Utsav of Mahant Shri Param pujya H imatswamiji D evotees and s ai nts gathered for b hajans , aarti, and heartfelt tributes, receivin g bless ings from Sant B hagwant Sahebji while honouring the teachi ngs and legacy of
their revered leaders
On 16 August, the Anoopam Mission temple in the UK celebrated the 9th Patotsav Mahaparv of Shree Mukta Akshar
Purushottam Maharaj
During the holy month of Shravan, 125 couples participated in the Patotsav Mahapuja, enjoying darshan of the divine idol, bhajans, aarti, and annakoot of Shree Thakorji Maharaj Sant Bhagwant
Sahebji blessed the gathering with his Bhagavad prophecy
On the evening of 17 August, the third Mahaparv was celebrated, marking
I
the 69th Pragatyadin Utsav of Mahant Shri Parampujya Himatswamiji of Anoopam Mission UK The celebration took place in the divine presence of Shri Thakorji Maharaj and Sant Bhagwant Sahebji
A large gathering of Haribhakts and saints came together to sing bhajans dedicated to Parampujya Himatswamiji, reflecting on the virtues of his divine life Many saints and Haribhakts shared their heartfelt reflections on the spiritual guidance and the warmth, service, and support that Parampujya Himatswamiji
has generously provided in their lives
On the eve of Shree Muktakshar Purushottam Maharaj's birth anniversary and H H Himat Swamiji's Pragatyadin Parva, renowned devotional artists Pujya Amitbhai Thakkar, Pujya Dipti Desai, and Pujya Dhutiben performed, joined by Pujya Deep and Pujya Rishil Kotecha The event, marked by joyful music and performances, also saw children and youths presenting handmade cards, bouquets, and paintings to H H Swamiji H H Himatswami honoured the divine work of Gurudev Brahmaswaroop Yogiji Maharaj and Guruhari Sant Bhagwant Sahebji, dedicating his life to serving both God and humanity Sant Bhagwant Guruhari Sahebji, through his blessings, depicted Pujya Swamiji’s life as a reflection of Naimisharanya, praising him as a revered sadhu and offering blessings for a long and healthy life
Cultural festivities take centre stage at Navnat Janmashtami Mela
A glimpse of the Navnat Janmashtami Mela which was held on August 18, 2024 The event featured dynamic dance performances, engaging cultural programs, soulful bhajans, fashion and beauty stalls, delicious food, crafts, and a fun-filled kidszone Detailed report will be published next week
Indian Independence Day Event at Navnat Centre
Th e High Com mission o f India, in collabo ration w ith Indian o rganisatio ns in the U K, will celebrate India's 78 th Independence Day on Saturday, 24 Aug ust 2024, from 10 :30 AM to 4:0 0 PM at the Navnat Centre, Hayes UB3 1A R T his event is op en to the Ind ian d iaspora, NRIs, and Friends of Ind ia
The flag hoisting ceremony will commence at 11:00 AM, followed by the singing of the National Anthem The day will feature various cultural programs and free food stalls offering diverse Indian cuisine Please attend and share this information with your friends, relatives, and the Indian community
Experience Janmashtami magic at Bhaktivedanta Manor
Bhaktivedanta Manor near Watfo rd is hosting this year ’ s Janm ash tami festival, celebrating the birth of Shri K rishna on Au gust 25 and 26
The festivities will run from 10am to 10pm on the 25th and from 10am to midnight on the 26th Known as one of the UK's largest and most vibrant devotional festivals, the event promises a magical and spiritual experience Attendees can enjoy Darshan of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda, explore the Bazaar, and partake in various other activities
Business needs UK and foreign talent
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), Home Secretary Yvette
reducing high levels of migration
While launching a review of visa use in the technology and e
noted that the current surge in international recruitment highlights weaknesses in the UK's labour market, such as persistent s
Government is prioritising these shortages and migration Last month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer proposed the creation of Skills England, a new body
MAC to address skills gaps
emphasis on "reducing reliance
on overseas workers" may sug-
workers and attracting international talent In reality, both are
progress
only bring fresh perspectives but also contribute to business cre-
Entrepreneurs Network showed that 39 per cent of the UK’s 100 fastest-growing companies were founded or co-founded by overseas-born entrepreneurs
I n t e r n a t i o n a l s t u d e n t s a r e also vital to the UK’s £130 billion h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n s e c t o r , c o ntributing to our talent pipeline and enhancing our global influ-
e n c e R e c e n t f i g u r e s r e v e a l a one-third drop in international applications for UK skilled worker, health, care, and study visas in July, attributed to new restrict i o n s f r o m t h e p r e v i o u s Government F o r m e r H o m e S e c r e t a r y P r i t i P a t
immigration, has also recently acknowledged its importance in a recent podcast Her shift in s
u n d e r s c o r e s a b r
r e c o g n i t i o n t h a t i m m i g r a t i o n plays a crucial role in the economy The new Labour government seems to concur, focusing on managing immigration to balance the needs of the country
‘Young Futures' unit launched to combat youth crime
Yvette C ooper has stated that teen agers today fac e far greater challenges than pre vi ous gen erati on s, citin g knife c rime, mental health i ssues, and the im pact of soci al m edia as si gn ific ant factors
Following a series of stabb i n g s i n N o t t i n g h a m , Wolverhampton, Croydon, and Southport, the Home Secretary announced the creation of a c
Futures” unit, part of a broader strategy to cut violent crime by half over the next decade Cooper told The Guardian, “Navigating the teenage years has always been tough, but it seems to be much harder for G
exploitation, and a rise in anti-
health services for young people We are responding to these challenges ” She has instructed councils
action plans to address youth
police, mental health professionals,
CHILDHOOD EATING DISORDERS DOUBLE
The number of children being treated for eating disorders has doubled over the past eight years, with some waiting over a year for treatment, according to NHS data Last school year, 10,606 children began treatment for eating disorders, up from 5 240 in 2016-17 Waiting times have also worsened with 12 per cent of children waiting more than three months for an appointment compared to just 1 per cent three years ago far exceeding the NHS standard of a four-week maximum wait for non-urgent cases Research shows that girls are four times more likely to suffer from eating disorders than boys The rise in waiting times mirrors broader mental health challenges, with increasing numbers of children seeking help since the pandemic A report by The King s Fund revealed that only 48 per cent of the estimated 1 4 million children with mental health disorders received at least one contact for assessment and treatment Medical experts and campaigners stress the importance of early intervention in treating eating disorders warning that delays can lead to chronic illness and further mental health issues for families
"CHEAPER, STRONGER DRUGS POSE GREATER DANGERS"
The head of the National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned that drug use is now more dangerous than ever as substances become cheaper and more potent Drugs are the leading driver of organised crime in the UK and represent the "most important crime type" the NCA is tackling Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug with nearly 2 5 million people aged 16 to 59 reporting usage The legalisation of recreational cannabis in countries like Canada Thailand Uruguay, and parts of the United States has led to drug mules openly packing it in vacuum bags and checking it in their luggage at airports, according to officials Law enforcement has also raised alarms about a new wave of deaths linked to nitazenes, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than heroin Since June last year nitazenes have been identified in 284 deaths across the UK The NCA reports that the drug is often consumed unintentionally alongside others including heroin and benzodiazepines
NEW GADGETFRIENDLY ENERGY REVOLUTION
Scientists at Oxford University have unveiled a groundbreaking method for generating solar electricity without traditional solar panels This innovative approach involves applying a new powergenerating material to everyday objects like rucksacks cars, and mobile phones
The team has developed an ultra-thin material that can be easily coated onto various surfaces, significantly more efficient than current solar panels due to its superior energy conversion capabilities The new material is remarkably versatile and lightweight measuring just over one micron thick approximately 150 times thinner than a silicon wafer Oxford researchers believe this advancement will further decrease the cost of solar energy and enhance its sustainability Over the past 14 years, the average cost of solar electricity has dropped by 90 per cent, making it nearly one-third the cost of fossil fuels If successful, this technology could help alleviate tensions between renewable energy projects and rural communities concerned about environmental impact
Yvette Cooper
Grand Annakut on the occasion of the 9th Patotsav Mahaparv
H H Himatswamiji taking the blessings of Guruhari Sant Bhagwant Sahebji
EDUCATION ALWAYS HAS VALUE… IT OPENS UP YOUR MIND
“Studying at The Open University helped me gain a valuable qualification that is respected by my employers, and I achieved my dream job.”
Ali, born and raised in Scotland, one of five siblings moved to Pakistan with his family at the age of 6 due to his father’s new job with a fertiliser company. After Ali’s father retired, the family returned to the UK and Ali joined high school to complete his Scottish Highers - equivalent to A-levels. Despite having obtained the prerequisite grades, he, unfortunately, had no option but to decline local university offers.
“The funding body in Scotland couldn’t cover my university fees since I hadn’t been living in Scotland for over three consecutive years,” explains Ali.
“My desire to go to university and obtain a degree had always been a dream growing up. So having to decline the offer for higher education, was a really low point in my life.”
Having explored a myriad of avenues for acquiring education, Ali found a glimmer of hope when he was able to enrol himself in a modern apprenticeship at a local university. He worked diligently, studying for an HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Applied Sciences, whilst also working as a lab technician.
Driven by a desire to further his education, Ali began to explore options at The Open University (OU) through the recommendation of his father - an OU graduate who spoke highly of his experience and the career prospects for OU graduates.
With the flexibility to continue working full-time and study from home in the evenings and weekends, the OU provided an ideal platform to pursue a degree. Transferring credits from his earlier studies, Ali completed an Open Degree, tailored to his career aspirations.
The BA/BSc (Honours) Open Degree brings together different areas of study in a completely flexible way. Students
with lots going on at any one time. There’s Ramadan, Eid, relatives popping over - you’re not the only one in the house, sometimes you’re ill - nothing stops because of your education. With unwavering support from my family and the OU’s flexible learning platform, I earned a first-class honours degree.”
It was during Ali’s OU academic journey, that he received not one but two promotions. Currently, he is working on cutting edge research related to climate change and is part of a global research project. Reflecting on his journey, Ali emphasises the importance of pursuing education, regardless of background or circumstances, and encourages others.
• Flexible payment options are available so students can pay for one module at a time with adaptable payment plans and access to bursaries and scholarships.
• The OU’s flexible distance learning approach means that students can study anytime and anywhere, and fit it around their professional and personal lives.
• Students can speed up or slow down the intensity of their studies and even pause and restart if they need to.
• OU students benefit from expert personal tutors who deliver oneto-one study support alongside dedicated student support teams, a careers and employability service and access to The Open University Students Association.
Ali says: “Regardless of your background, or where you come from, education always has value - it opens your mind. We should prioritise education as a pathway to personal growth and empowerment.”
Education makes you a better person and gives you opportunities you wouldn’t have had before; even if you’ve had to leave education, it doesn’t mean the doors are closed forever. The OU gives you a chance to achieve the degree you have always dreamed of.
others.
The benefits of studying at the OU are an inclusive student community, the flexibility to earn while you learn and expert tutor support every step of the way. Students also have access to the student support team who are on hand to provide advice and guidance related to their studies as well as other concerns or queries.
Research Laboratory Manager and Technician Commitment Coordinator Ali studied with The Open University to obtain a degree, and fulfil his career aspirations
Subhasini Naicker
T
Navigating your future after lower A-Level grades
the
and Northern
Ireland
Overall this year 27 8% of all grades were A* or A - up from 27 2% in 2023, although it is a different story in each individual nation
England saw an increase i n
enced declines in the propor-
t i o n o f A * a n d A g
d e s , though results in Northern Ireland still surpass those in England London stands out with both the highest percentage of top grades (31 3%)
a
the pandemic
This year's A-level results
h a v e b e e n i m p r e s s i v e , reflecting the dedication of
m a n y s t u d e n t s H o w e v e r , slightly lower grades do not
d i c t a t e o n e ' s f u t u r e
Regardless of results, every-
o n e h a s t h e p o t e n t i a l t o achieve their goals Success
r e l i e s n o t j u s t o n e x a m scores, but on perseverance, passion, and the belief that dreams are always attainable, no matter the path taken
Asian Voice spoke to a few experts in the education sector and a former student
t o h i g h l i g h t t h a t g r a d e s
a r e n ’ t e v e r y t h i n g a n d t o
explore alternative options if scores are low
Explo re alternatives and seek su pport
M
H i g h S c h o o l e m p h a s i s e d t h a t m a n y s t u d e n t s w h o underperform in their A-levels can feel disheartened, but it's important to focus on your academic and profes-
s i o n a l g o a l s H e s a i d ,
“Consider attending a univ e r s i t y w i t h l o w e r e n t r y requirements if you didn’t get into your top choices
Many institutions offer the s a m e c o u r s e s w i t h m o r e accessible criteria, and concerns about university prest i g e a r e o f t e n o v e r s t a t e d
Employers typically focus on y o u r f i n a l d e g r e e g r a d e rather than the institution Alternatively, retaking your A-levels can be a good option if you have a specific university in mind This extra year allows you to improve your knowledge and exam skills, and many students use this time to gain work experi-
work while studying independently ” “ A p p r e n
earn while you learn You can apply for apprenticeships starting in September for the next academic year, giving you time to enhance your grades and prepare for interviews,” he added
Speaking about identifying and developing strengths outside academics to pursue a successful career path, he said, “Qualifications only get you to the interview stage; e m p l o y e r s w a n t t o s e e i f you ’ re employable and how well you fit into the workplace Top grades are less valuable if you can’t apply academic skills professionally Engaging in extracurricular activities like sports or m u s i c b u i l d s c r u c i a l s k i l l s such as teamwork and comm u n i c a t i o n , a n d b o o s t s mental health Exploring different career paths through work experience helps you d i s c o v
and step out of your comfort zone for success
H
K
embarrassed, remember that each person is unique, with distinct qualities and aspirat
based on your individual circumstances and local opportunities If you ’ re feeling nervous, bring along a parent, older sibling, or friend for s
Advisor will help them provide the best guidance We are accustomed to handling high-pressure situations and are here to support you on your journey ” T urning setbacks into success
Speaking about how students can stay proactive in e
aligns to this - as a passionate f
track to go to Imperial to r e a d A
o n a u t i c a l Engineering I missed every single one of my grades, and therefore also did not get my second choice I was consumed by shame, fear and u
advice I shared before, I went through the clearing option and found the opportunity t
E n g i n e e r i n g a t W a r w i c k University!”
“This was a blessing in d i s g u i s e , b e c a u s e g o i n g t o W a r w i c k e n
Pain is Inevitable, but Suffering is Optional
H
w High School, advises that if y o u d o n ’ t a c h
y o u r expected results, it’s crucial to seek support from profess
y
even if their initial plans didn’t work out, Co founder and C
Sh ah said, “There’s a saying that “ a goal without a plan is just a wish” This could never b
y when you are going through the emotional rollercoaster of not achieving the grades
Creating a structured list of things you need to do, people you need to call, alternatives
b
help you navigate through the uncertainty ”
A* A and has been an active
recently delivering a talk on cryptography He will pursue C o m p u t i n g
College London
Science, as well as niche areas like Real Estate, Veterinary N
c Design They will be attending top institutions including t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f O x f o r
College London, University o
d activities beyond the classr o o m g o h a n d - i n - h a n d , establishing it as Northwest London's leading co-ed independent school Year after year, John Lyon’s results confirm that engaged, busy students achieve success Pupils will pursue comp e t i t i v e c o u r s e s
Basel opened his results to find A* A* A* B and an A in the EPQ These exceptional grades will take him to the University of Oxford to study Mathematics and Statistics
A n A c a d e m i c S c h o l a r a n d p a s s i o n a t e d r u m m e r w h o composes music, Basel was also part of the John Lyon team that earned a CREST Gold Award and collaborated with engineers at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)
thrive both academically and participate in extracurricular activities, making my educational journey more holistic I ended up graduating with a 1st Class Honors and went on to have a successful engineering career, speaking at global conferences and more recently starting up my own tech company, ” he added Ku sh al Vekariya, Aircraft M e c
Dutch Airlines, emphasises that grades don’t define success Despite scoring lower in his exams, he found success by following his passion He advises students not to be too hard on themselves if r e s u l t s
“One of my favourite quotes is, ‘Make your passion your profession ’ Many successful people don’t let grades limit them; they think creatively and pursue their passions If your grades fall short, focus on how you can think outs i d e t h e b o x a n d i m p r o v e yourself Remember, grades are just letters what truly matters is your mindset and determination ”
Shyam scored A* A* A a n d w i l l b e s t u d y i n g
Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath Shyam is a n ‘ a l l - t h r o u g h ’ p u p i l a n d has been with us since the age of three at our Nursery
During his younger years, he was Head Boy at their Prep
S c h o o l A n o t h e r s t u d e n t ,
Varun also achieved A* A A He is going on to London
S c h o o l o f E c o n o m i c s a n d Political Science to study D a t a S
h Year 7s, which involves supporting and advising their y o u n g e s t S e n i o r S c h o o l pupils
We receive pain in numerous situations Our hearts ache when we don't get the job we desire We feel pain when we cannot marry the person of our choice There's pain when a friend does not invite us to their wedding Pain arises from both physical and emotional injuries; it comes in our personal lives and social circles However, these pains do not necessarily equate to suffering We can choose not to let these pains become suffering and allow them to fade with time The choice is ours: Do we see the lack of a wedding invitation as simply disappointing news, or do we allow it to take away our sleep and peace of mind? Do we let it remain a passing moment of pain, or do we nurture resentment against the friend? If it doesn't stay in our minds to trouble us, then it does not become suffering.
While we cannot always control the external situations that may cause pain, we can choose to protect ourselves from the suffering resulting from them We can train our mind to be resilient capable of enduring difficult situations without becoming bitter or consumed by suffering Though it may not be easy to train ourselves in this way, it is possible to develop a mindset akin to a lotus leaf that holds water without getting wet The Bhagavad Gita refers to this state as 'sthitaprajna,' a state of steady wisdom and neutrality In such a state, a person remains undisturbed by the waves of happiness and sorrow, pain and pleasure, but stays 'sthitaprajna,' neutral So next time you face circumstances that trouble you, ask yourself: Do you want them to remain just moments of pain, or will you carry them as a burden of suffering?
(Expressed opinions are personal)
N G
Achievements: A* A* A* in English Literature, Economics, Sociology School: St. Clement Danes' Sixth Form (Chorleywood)
Message from family: We are so incredibly proud of you, Anya! Your hard work and determination have brought you to this exciting new chapter at the University of Bristol As you pursue your passion for law, we do not doubt that you’ll continue to excel and make us proud Wishing you all the best on this new journey We’re here cheering you on every step of the way!
If you’d like to send a congratulatory message to a family member who excelled in their A-levels or GCSEs, write to subhasini.naicker@abplgroup.com
Rohit Vadhwana
T ony
ic halid es, Head of Economics at Claremont
Tony Michalides
Rushab Shah
Kushal Vekariya
Kevin Patel
Asian Voice – The voice that connects us
As we recently celebrated the 78th Independence Day, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar take pride in having served the British Asian Community through our publishing activities for over 52 years We are truly fortunate to receive your ongoing love and support Over the decades, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have evolved and progressed, thanks to the invaluable contributions of readers, supporters, and well-wishers like you.
As a token of our appreciation, we are excited to offer a special service for our subscribers You are invited to send us a brief text (50 words) and a photograph celebrating your family s special occasions such as births, weddings, marriages, or your child’s achievements and we will publish it at no cost Likewise, you may also submit a short obituary note for a loved one who has passed away, along with a
pooja raval@abplgroup com
To further strengthen our connection with you, we are publishing the names and c
organisation be it a community group or charity, have any reports or photographs from recent or upcoming events, feedback or expectations regarding our content, or any issues related to delivery or advertising, please reach out to the relevant person listed in our team box (See Pa ge 02 fo r names and co ntact detai ls.)
- Pooja Raval, Business Development Manager
Immigrants reflect on the renewed hostility
The Crown Prosecuti on Servi ce (CPS) Pan- London H ate Crime Scrutiny Panel c onvened an extraordinary meeting last week to unite against hate c ri me and publi c disorder in the c apital
The panel, comprising criminal justice agencies and community representatives from across London, reviewed recent hate crime prosecutions, identified best practices, and shared lessons learned On Friday, August 9, CPS London hosted this crucial meeting to address the recent surge in violence and disorder, including hate crimes, following the tragic events in Southport
During the meeting, panel members discussed the effects of disorder and hate crime on communities, the CPS’s role in delivering swift justice, and strategies to enhance support and reassurance for affected communities
Jaswant Narwal, Chi ef Crown Prosecutor and Chair of the Pan- London H ate Crime Panel, stated, “The CPS and our independent panel members, representing a diverse cross-section of London, will continue to stand united against any criminal conduct aimed at dividing us through violence and fear
“No matter who you are or where you are whether on our streets or online those involved in disorder and hate crimes will be prosecuted We will use a range of offences and court orders to ensure serious consequences ”
In all hate crime related cases, CPS prosecutors are applying to the court for sentence uplifts to make sure that perpetrators
receive increased penalties where they can prove conduct demonstrated, or was motivated by, hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity
For many immigrants, the far right protests were a flash back to the Britain of 1970-80s Britain, when the National Front was very active This is also the case for Ketan Dattani, CEO and Foun ding O wner of B uc kingham Fea tures
Reflecting on how the past few weeks have affected him, he shared, “As someone who comes from a minority background, it’s deeply disheartening to feel like an outsider in the very country where I was born and raised a place I proudly call home The sense of belonging that I've worked so hard to cultivate often feels threatened Despite my contributions and efforts to integrate, I sometimes feel unwelcome in my own homeland ”
“This experience echoes memories of my younger years The 1970s and 1980s in Britain were particularly challenging, with racism and hate alarmingly prevalent The National Front was very active, and as the only Asian child on my council estate, I often faced hostility Coming home from school sometimes
Sadiq Khan calls for unity, boosts mosque security
Sadiq Khan has announced
meant dealing with bruises and cuts, both physical and emotional
“Yet, amidst this wave of negativity, I’m continually uplifted by the overwhelming support and solidarity from so many individuals and communities who stand firmly against these divisive ideologies ”
Priya Aggarwal-Shah, the Founde r and Director of PREACH In clusion ( Promotin g Race, Ethn ici ty and Cultural Heritage), finds the hard and harsh truth to be that British people don’t like talking about race “We have this fear of getting it wrong or worry that we don’t know enough about racial issues The other challenge is the fear of offending others, stopping us from asking questions that can help us learn and break down barriers
“When I think about it, perhaps the term microaggression is problematic in itself –there is really nothing micro about a microaggression It’s racism We must be able to talk about it and call the thing the thing As soon as we cherry-pick our language, we are undermining and invalidating the experiences that so many ethnic minority individuals are encountering ”
violence and attacks target-
minority communities, the mayor has allocated £10,000 to fund four training ses-
designed to enhance security and safety protocols, will cover protective measures, hate crime awareness, and online safety Khan attended the first
Cultural Heritage Centre in west London He met with
commitment to their safety
Associates and supported by
Met Police, aims to address
Bokhari, Liberal Democrat group leader on the
among Muslims due to rising hate crimes Khan stated, "I'm proud that
Sadiq Khan
Ketan Dattani
Priya Aggarwal-Shah
Right wing thugs
According to age-old Hindu mythology, we may be entering Kalyuga, a period through which Mother Earth passes from time to time, especially when law and order breaks down, rule of the mobs prevails and decent, law-abiding people turn blind-eye to the atrocities committed all around them
It is the time, a period when “I am all right” attitude prevails, stronger, well-off go on gathering more “loots” while people at the bottom end struggle to feed their children and put food on the table for the family
It seems richer are getting richer, some even without working seriously, playing stock market, lending money at exuberant interest rate, as much as 99 99% whereby the debt doubles every year until the borrower can’t even pay the interest and go bankrupt
In many cases the luminary lenders sell their business to right wing financial thugs who use any means to extract money from victims, often under the threat of violence to their family members
Fortunately Indian community is wiser; especially those who have highly educated children to seek advice from, so very few of our community members become unintended victims If you need to borrow money, your first stop should always be your bank, as banks would never lend money if they feel you may not be able to pay back and their interest rates are fair, normally tied to Bank of England rate, reflecting the market trend
So be wise, never borrow money for unessential purpose, like going on holidays, buying costly items like top of the range cars, to compete with your neighbours! It is better to be safe than sorry
Bhup endra M Gandhi
Respect our National flag, song, anthem
We celebrated our 78th Independence Day anniversary this year on August 15 It was in the year 1947 that our country became a sovereign and independent nation and it was a new beginning for all of us
A
Independence Day on August 15 These include North Korea, South Korea, Republic of Congo, Bahrain and Liechtenstein
Our National flag is a symbol of the nation’s pride and respect There is liberal use of the flag on Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations There is a new trend of selling flags made of paper and plastic, which is not proper With a sense of national pride, people enthusiastically buy such flags but the very next day, we find them being trampled upon on roads and thrown into dustbins By allowing this to happen, people forget that they are insulting the national flag
Often, these flags are burnt along with the garbage It is the duty of every citizen to maintain proper respect towards their national flag We also see people waving the national flag proudly during national, cultural and sporting events But once the programme gets over, we see the flags strewn all over the place This disrespect towards our flag must be stopped
Even when the national anthem is being played on radio or broadcast on television, people don’t stand still and sing along They are busy cooking in the kitchen or talking on their mobile phones We should respect our c o u n t r y
anthem
So this year, let us spread love and compassion to whoever we meet, instead of hate and arrogance
J ubel D'Cruz
78th Independence Day
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your India Independence Day feature; it was truly a delightful and engaging piece Despite being miles away from our motherland, India remains deeply rooted in our hearts, no matter how far we may be in the UK It’s essential that we pass on our rich traditions and culture to the next generation, ensuring they stay connected to our heritage Our children should not only be aware of the history of our country but also understand the immense sacrifices made by countless individuals during the freedom struggle
Reflecting on my school days in India, I fondly recall the celebrations surrounding Independence Day The joy and excitement of gathering for the flag hoisting, singing patriotic songs, and participating in various cultural programs created a sense of unity and pride that was palpable Those moments of innocence and freedom were the essence of real life, where our hearts and minds were unburdened, and our love for the country was pure and unwavering
The emotions that arise on Independence Day, respect, pride, and deep love for our nation, should not be confined to just one day of the year Instead, these feelings should live within us every day, every hour, every minute
Pharmacies closing down
I am alarmed at reports that pharmacies in England are closing down everywhere Where would people like myself, on a number of different medications, go to collect our prescriptions? It may mean having to go to the nearest hospital, presuming hospital pharmacies continue to be open Apparently, rising operational costs, staff shortages, and government cutbacks are to blame for these closures I have also noticed that the tablets I receive every month are getting smaller and may soon resemble the size of dots
A Gupt a
K eir S tarmer’s go vernment h as now been in po wer for so me 50 days I did write previo usly that we will begin to see the wh eels co me off th e bandwagon o f u ntruths and fake promises wi th ina few years I had not realised that it would happen so qu ickly
Maths problem
Looking back at my distant schooldays, I think learning algebra was a waste of time I know that arithmetic and geometry are essential in some jobs such as accountancy or construction, but what use is algebra? It should be removed from maths lessons in all schools and relegated to the pages of puzzle books
What do you think?
Rudy Ot ter
Shameful child strip-searches
A recent news report revealed that a child was stripsearched by police every 13 hours over the past five years in England and Wales, which is profoundly
minors, can cause severe psychological trauma and lasting harm This underscores the urgent need for reform
This exposes systemic issues, including inadequate safeguarding measures and widespread non-compliance with necessary protections Nearly half of these searches resulted in no further action, and many were conducted without proper documentation
These practices not only risk severe emotional trauma but also leave lasting imprints on young lives, potentially affecting them for a lifetime Immediate action is needed to ensure that children are treated with dignity and respect Reform must include better training for officers and improved safeguards, to prevent such failures and protect the well-being of every child
Harsh Singh
A legacy of courage against racism
It was an interesting article published in Asian Voice dated 17 August on Balwinder Singh Rana His experiences in 1960s Britain sheds light on the courageous stand against racism during a turbulent time He faced not only cultural disorientation but also systemic racism that severely impacted his family
His efforts, alongside others, in challenging racist violence and advocating for community rights were crucial in confronting the National Front’s provocations and protecting their neighbourhoods
This history should not be forgotten or downplayed It serves as a reminder of the significant sacrifices made by activists like Rana, whose actions helped shape the diverse and resilient community we see today Racism still exists, and we need to embrace Rana's mindset to completely eliminate this problem
Soneri Sangat
Last week on 'Soneri Sangat' Zoom program we celebrated the 78th Indian Independence Day! We were honoured to have Lord Bhikhu Parekh, P K Laheri and
insights and reflections on this historic occasion Our speakers discussed India's remarkable progress, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and how
'Developed India ' Read the detailed report in Gujarat Samachar on pg no 22
For those who missed it, catch up on this event and previous episodes by visiting our YouT ube chan nel @ab pl group877 2
Stay tuned for more exciting con tent c oming your w ay!
Keir is of course very lucky to have such a huge majority, and to be honest, if ashe makes good strategic decision for our nation, he has the power to drive these through ignoring the extremists and the radicals in his own party My fear is that he will crumble and allow them too much freedom to do their worst for the nation Labour stands on the verge of creating legislation that willgive ‘rights’ to groups that stifle free speech and undermine the human rights of the majority There is also rightful fear he’ll compromise our foreign policy to appease elements that foster links to terrorism and anarchy The list is quite long, but suffice to say, you get the gist of why one should be fearful for our nation now
Was it just me, or did any of you ask the question, ‘ wh ere was th e police and th e justice system when extremists, Islamists , E xtension Rebellio n anarchi sts, Black Lives Matter ho oligans were rampaging throu gh o ur towns, cities and destroying th e very fabric of th is nati on?’
Where were they when white vulnerable girls and women were sexually exploited by Pakistani grooming gangs?
Yet, when white far right (I say that with advisement since I believe some of these people were just ordinary Brits who have lost confidence in the government) came out to protest, every law enforcement tool was used to beat them, arrest them, and jail them for long terms
However, it seems there are two laws in this nation now If you are an Islamist, or aleft-wing anarchist or a unionist, the law will turn a blind eye When Islamists attacked Hindus in Leicester, the cops turned a blind eye to the violence In fact, they became the agents of spreading fake news which flamed anti-Hindu hatred We now have state machinery that is readily deployed to undermine Hindus and aid anti-Hindu hatred The Jewish comm
nomenon for decades
This week Mish Rahman, a member of Labour's powerful National Executive Committee (NEC) said the p
s m an d Islamo ph obia' The breaching of the Labour dyke started some 20 years ago Today those who wish to convert the Labour Party into a tool for their extremism have infiltrated every nook and cranny We will increasingly witness systematic attacks to widen these breaches in the dyke Their aim, to flood the Labour Party with an ideology of perversion It seems the Muslim community with the aid of the APPG for Muslims (run basically by Labour MPs) also want to force the legal introduction of the compromised definition of ‘Is lamoph obia’ Countless Labour Councils have already adopted it, but once it becomes part of the legal system, no one will be allowed to voice any concern about Islamists Our right to free speech will be taken away It will be a green light to the Islamists to attack every institution in this nation without any challenge or recourse Anyone who dares to stand up to this tyranny of the Islamist ideology will be arrested on grounds of spreading hate It is likely that I might end up being one of the first who will be arrested and jailed for taking on the extremists and telling the truth I fear for Muslims who will also be silenced by Islamists
Potentially the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper gives a bit of hope by ordering a review of the counterterrorism strategy on how to best tackle threats by “extremist ideologies” including misogyny I say potentially since if the review is done correctly then the Islamist ideology that promotes and celebrates misogyny might finally be checked, and thousands of women and children might be protected from their enslaved existence However, my confidence in the Labour government to protect this nation from external and internal agents of civic unrest remains low
It is right that any protester who creates a nuisance for ordinary citizens and uses any form of violence or damages public or private property should be jailed I want to see the same level of intolerance towards the hate marchers, the socialist anarchists and the left-wing fake woke protesters A nation that divides the population by the way in which it delivers justice will in the end fail The step from civic unrest to all out uncontrolled civil outrage is very fine I say to the government, play with this fire of divisiveness at your peril
Kapil Dudakia
Laks hya Shah
Understanding Menopause: An interview with Dr Shirin Lakhani
Shefali Saxena
I n a s ur pr is i ng rev elat io n
t h at ch a ll eng es c o m m o n
p erceptions of m enopause,
a n exc lu s i v e s u rv e y h a s
e xp o s ed t h e p ro f o u nd
im pact m enopause can have
o n r ela ti o ns h i p s , c ar eer s, and overall w ell-being
The survey, conducted by the Menopause Research
a n d E d u c a t i o n F u n d
( M R E F ) , a s k e d 2 0 0
m e n o p a u s a l w o m e n t o share their experiences and
s y m p t o m s c a n d i d l y T h i s was followed by an extended study by Pause Live, which is still ongoing, exploring how these symptoms are treated and how women can access the help they need
Asian Voice spoke to Dr Shirin Lakhani, a GP and aesthetic practitioner, specialising in intimate health,
s e x u a l d y s f u n c t i o n a n d menopause
C ommo nly Overlooked
S ym pto ms of Menopause
W h e n d i s c u s s i n g menopause, most people are aware of the more common symptoms such as hot flash-
e s , n i g h t s w e a t s , a n d changes in menstrual cycles
H o w e v e r , D r L a k h a n i emphasises that there are several other symptoms that
w o m e n s h o u l d b e m o r e attuned to
"Beyond the well-known s y m p t o m s , w o m e n m a y
e x p e r i e n c e d i f f i c u l t y c o n -
c e n t r a t i n g , n a u s e a , j o i n t aches, memory loss, palpita-
tions, reduced libido, and
d i f f i c u l t y s l e e p i n g , " D r
L a k h a n i e x p l a i n s
"Additionally, there are less-
e r - k n o w n s y m p t o m s t h a t are frequently overlooked,
s u c h a s h a i r l o s s , m e n t a l health issues, recurrent uri-
n a r y t r a c t i n f e c t i o n s , a n increase in allergies, dry or itchy skin, and even ringing in the ears "
These overlooked symp-
t o m s c a n s i g n i f i c a n t l y impact a woman's quality of l i f e , y e t t h e y o f t e n g o unrecognised or are mistak-
e n l y a t t r i b u t e d t o o t h e r
health issues
The Impact of Lim ited Aw areness Am ong
Health care Provid ers
Dr Lakhani highlights a c r u c i a l i s s u e : t h e l a c k o f understanding and awaren e s s a b o u t m e n o p a u s e a m o n g m a n y h e a l t h c a r e providers This knowledge gap can severely impact the treatment options available to women
" M a n y h e a l t h c a r e providers in the UK aren't e q u i p p e d w i t h t h e r i g h t i n f o r m a t i o n t
patients effectively manage m
n
s t a t e s " W o m e n a r e o f t e n told to simply 'get on with it,' as menopause is seen as an inevitable part of ageing This mindset can be particularly damaging, as it discourages women from seeking help or considering treatment options like Hormone
R e p l a c e m e n t T h e r a p y (HRT) "
Dr Lakhani points out that the stigma surrounding HRT is often exacerbated f o r w o m e n f r o m e t h n i c minorities The misconception that the risks of HRT o u t w e i g h t h e b e n e f i t s i s prevalent, despite evidence to the contrary "GPs often fail to recognise the substantial benefits of HRT, including the prev e n t i o n o f h e a r t d i s e a s e , osteoporosis, and dementia, all of which are linked to l o w e s t r o g e n l e v e l s , " D r L a k h a n i s a y s " I n s t e a d , women are sometimes pres c r i b
effects similar to menopause symptoms, such as problems w
and libido This approach overlooks the fact that these v
f menopause can contribute to depression and anxiety " F o r w o m
w h o f i n d their GPs unresponsive to
menopause clinics, though she notes that many of these
availability within the NHS Emerging T reatments in Intim ate Health and M enopause M anag em ent Dr Lakhani is optimistic
menopause care, particularly in light of recent advance-
openness around the topic
The growing dialogue
Asians among Vogue's women MPs 'changing Britain'
Br itish Vo gu e's Sep tember issu e feat ur es Asian MPs Apsana Begum , Zarah S ultana, Nadia Whitt ome, and Uma Kum ar an amo ng 13 wom en lawm akers r ecognised fo r their det er mination to "change Br itain for the bett er " The magazine portrays these women as "determined to change the country," likening them to previous generations of
long way to go, especially in reaching ethnic minorities
socioeconomic deprivation
that
vately "I offer a range of intimate health treatments for conditions such as vaginal laxity, urinary incontinence, menopausal atrophy, sexual dysfunction, and dermatological conditions like lichen sclerosis," she shares "These treatments are non-invasive
new hope for women struggling with these issues "
As awareness grows and
Lakhani is hopeful that the
they need to navigate this important life stage
Counterterror plan to monitor domestic abuse
P o lic e w ill b e d irected to e m p lo y c o u nt
a g ai n
m en a
g i
s w ithin ten years Plans, set to be revealed in the coming weeks, will introduce dedicated domestic abuse advisers in control rooms handling 999 calls, addressing what police have termed an “epidemic” of violence These measures are expected to be among the f
month The board, to be led by
Jess Phillips, the minister for
commitment to address five key areas: economic growth,
skills This separate board under-
women, particularly following a series of violent incidents and rising crime on British railways
source noted: “The prime minister is highly committed to this issue It is
deploy every resource avail-
to the cause is deeply per-
tragic case of Jane Clough, a 26-year-old nurse who was fatally stabbed 71 times by
, Jonathan Vass, in 2010 Vass had been released on bail despite facing rape charges from Clough, who reported the abuse while pregnant Vass received a life sentence
female parliamentarians who left a lasting legacy Uma Kumaran, 38, the MP for Stratford and Bow, is notable as the first British politician of Sri Lankan Tamil descent Her parents fled the Sri Lankan civil war in the 1980s, and her election has garnered strong support from the Tamil diaspora
"You feel the weight of history I've seen an incredible outpouring of support from the Tamil diaspora," said Kumaran, who was born in London
The "Vogue 13" features a blend of both newly elected and returning MPs Among them, Begum, 34, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, is distinguished as the UK's
first hijab-wearing MP, while 37-year-old Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is highlighted as the youngest member of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet Sultana, 30, MP for Coventry South and chair of the Socialist Campaign Group, is currently suspended by the Labour Party Whittome, 27, MP for Nottingham East, was once the youngest MP, earning the nickname 'Baby of the House' after her election in 2019 at just 23 Elsie Blundell, six months pregnant during the photoshoot, and Rosie Wrighting, the youngest female MP in the Commons at 27, further contribute to the group's diverse representation
Dr Shirin Lakhani
Jess Phillips
Apsana Begum
Zarah Sultana
Nadia Whittome
Uma Kumaran
Messages from women and doctors
Justice delayed is justice denied
A hospital volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, and the Central Bureau of Investigation is now handling the
country
Misogyny plays a significant role in crimes against women, and this case underscores the fact that such violence is not just random but deeply rooted in systemic misogyny Recognising the harmful impact of these attitudes, the Home Office has announced that extreme misogyny will now be classified as a form of extremism under new government plans
This decision comes at a time when an official investigation has
police force is still failing to pro-
being placed under special measures two years ago following the r a p e a n d m u
S
h Everard Everard was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by an offduty Metropolitan Police constable in March 2021
U K and the world reflect India’ s s truggle
Sarah's case, similar to that of the Kolkata victim, triggered a wave of social media posts from w o m e n r e c o u n t i n g t h e i r o w n experiences of sexual assault and harassment at that time Many shared the routine precautions they take to stay safe when walki n g a l o n e a n d e x p r e s s e d t h e i r frustration that such measures are necessary
V i c t i m - b l a m i n g w a s a l s o prevalent in Sarah’s case North
Y o r k s h i r e ’ s P o l i c e a n d C r i m e
C o m m i s s i o n e r , P h i l i p A l l o t t , sparked outrage with his insensitive remark that “ women need to be streetwise ” He suggested that Sarah Everard should not have complied when the perpetrator, Wayne Couzens, a serving police officer, detained her In the same year, a primary school teacher, Sabina Nessa was found dead a few minutes away
f r o m h e r h o m e A t t h a t t i m e , c o m m e n t i n g o n t h e s a f e t y o f women, Barrister an d Executive
D i r e c t or o f K a rm a N i r v an a, N a ta s h a R a tt u t o l d t h e n e w s w e e k l y , “ U n a c c e p t a b l y , women and girls have been living with male violence for far too
l o n g V i o l e n c e a g a i n s t w o m e n and girls is not inevitable We need to do much more to tackle the root causes if we truly want to prevent and end violence against women and girls It is also critical that specialist services are prioritised and sustained in order to respond to the different and specific needs of ALL women It is only through doing this can we ensure that ALL victims received equal support and attention ” Liberal Democrat MP, Munira
W i l s o n h a d , i n 2 0 2 1 i t s e l f , d e m a n d e d t h a t m i s o g y n y b e made a hate crime Sharing her perspective with the us , M unira
W i l s on M P s a i d : “ V i o l e n c e b y men against women and girls is far too prevalent in our society
Globally, the statistics on sexual violence are deeply troubling
According to the United Nations, police in 65 countries report over 250,000 cases of rape or attempted rape each year Alarmingly, 46 per cent of women worldwide do not feel safe walking alone at night in their neighbourhoods
The figures are even higher in cert a i n r e g i o n s : 6 4 p e r c e n t o f women in the Americas, 47 per cent in Africa, and 45 per cent in E u r o p
n s Additionally, there has been a 4 per cent increase since 2019 in the number of women who report experiencing some form of violence, whether physical or psychological, totalling 20 per cent
While the specific challenges
a n d m a n i f e s t a t i o n s o f g e n d e rbased violence differ by region, the global concern for women's safety unites women and allies in a shared struggle for equality and
j u s t i c e T h e s e s t a t i s t i c s u n d e rs c o r e t h e c r i t i c a l n e e d f o r progress in ensuring safety and equal opportunities for all, as the disturbing trends in violence and i n s e c u r i t y f o r w o m e n d e m a n d immediate and effective action Systemi c mi sogyny needs to be eradic ated
In India, the heinous crime of Kolkata is being compared to the Nirbhaya Gangrape case of 2012
w h i c h h a d s p a r k e d a s i m i l a r movement for justice and reform around women safety laws
i s o
n and prosecution of this crime Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former head of R G K a r M e d i c a l C o l l e g e a n d Hospital, was asked to go on leave by the Calcutta High Court after c o n c e r n s w e r e r a i s e d o v e r h i s leadership and response during the case
He faced backlash for comments perceived as victim-blaming and for failing to maintain adequat
which he resigned from his post Authorities at RG Kar Medical
C o l l e g e a n d H o s p i t a l a r e a l s o under scrutiny for allegedly tampering with evidence The matter has been taken up by the Supreme Court and a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud heard the matter
A dis heartening ti me for women Crimes like rape and assault has a profound and often distressing impact on women in society These reports can evoke a range o f e m
including fear, anger, anxiety, and a
knowledge that such crimes can occur even in places considered
worse
During the hearing, the CJI
o r d e r e d t h e s
t t i n g u p o f a National Task Force (NTF) to reco m m e n d s a f e t y p r o t o c o l s f o r healthcare professionals at workp l a c e s a n
O u r c r i m i n a l j u s t i c e s y s t e m i s f a i l i n g w o m e n a n d t o o m a n y women feel unsafe walking down their own streets Our society is letting women down, with survivors not being taken seriously and criminals getting let off the hook Everything has to change “ M i s o g y n y s h o u l d a l s o b e made a hate crime, so it is treated as severely as crimes motivated by racial or religious hatred, to help stamp out the abuse women face ”
B e n g a l g o v e r n m e n t a n d p o l i c e force and questioned why there was a delay in registering the initial complaint - known as a First Information Report (FIR) - in the case?
coac hi ng for NEET from Kota, Rajasthan shared the effect of the Kolkata rape case on her morale She said, As I decided to pursue a career in the medical profession, I was told it was not only a noble path but also a safe one Who could have imagined that someo n
would meet such a tragic end?
"I am preparing for the NEET U
with the incredible effort the victim must have put into clearing NEET UG, completing her MBBS, and then passing NEET PG To think of the years of hard work and sacrifice she and her family invested in her career, only for it all to be destroyed in a place she c o n s i d e r e d s a f e , f i l l s m e w i t h rage But then I remember that, the rapists have the audacity to c o m m i t s u c h h e i n o u s a c t s because our misogynistic society has done little to instil fear in them
"Now that I contemplate the fact that I’ll one day have to work night shifts, it has become my worst nightmare Living in a society where the burden of safety is always placed on women, I don’t believe I’ll ever feel as confident as a man walking down the street I will constantly second-guess the way I walk, the clothes I wear, and how I interact with others
"I can’t help but also blame the people in power I keep thinking to myself, 'If only our suffering were taken seriously in this country!"
This is currently the story of most women and their families in India The CJI also said in the hearing that if women are not able to go to work and the conditions are not safe, "we are denying them equality"
Women worldwide are rallying in solidarity with doctors in India, and Asian Voice provides a snapshot of this global support as various women share their views with the newsweekly (see page 13) Although the Supreme Court has instructed doctors to return to work and place their trust in the judiciary, the fight for justice for Abhaya remains incomplete until t h e a c t u a l p e r p e t r a t o
e brought to justice
*Name has been changed for anonymity
u I have been a resident doctor in Kolkata and this incident hits very close to home The fact that some people had the audacity and ability to brutally murder a doctor in her own departm e n t p r e m i s e s s h a t t e r s t h e basic norms of civilised human life
A woman, if not safe in her trusted workplace, is not safe anywhere on earth Being a doctor is considered a privileged profession in society, and if she can be murdered like this then what safety does a woman of lesser means have? There needs to be an objective study of safety norms available for doctors and w o r k i n g w o m e n
e , with laws and legislations put in place, to implement them
Dr Chetana Sen, Specialist in Stroke and Neurology, University Hospital of North Durham, UK
u The shocking and tragic incident of the rape and murder of my fellow doctor, while on duty at her place of work has a devastating effect on me and medical fraternity Having done my medical school in India, I strongly condemn this inhuman act The safety of a doctor while at work is the responsibility of the hospital and government administration
I earnestly request for justice to be delivered and ensure the safety of doctors
Dr Jaya Modi Consultant Psychiatrist
Erith & Queen Elizabeth Hospital, London
u A wave of nausea, disgust, apathy, and shock washed over me as I watched the headlines on NDTV Friday morning from my home in England I stand in spirit and solidarity with my medical fraternity participating in the protests As Rabindranath Tagore said: "Rekhecho Bangali kore Manush koroni
Eibaar to Manush hou"
Let us please be human for once!
u As
Dr Soumita Adhikary Paediatrician Sutton Coldfield
Paediatrics I care for the most vulnerable sections of the society
However I look forward to working as there is coherence, congruence and common purpose to serve them better
As a professor in medical education I work closely with medical students and junior doctors, and we constantly strive to make them better doctors for tomorrow so they can lead in the future What happened at RG Kar Medical College is still incomprehensible It highlights the erosion of morality and values It shows how little care and concern is shared about the most hardworking section of our health service
It is time for the Government, medical societies and the Medical Council to take a deep look at how leaders are held accountable, establish a transparent governance process, overhaul all corrupt influences and start afresh
My deepest condolences to the whole medical fraternity
Professor Suparna Dasgupta Paediatrician , Manchester
u By now we are all aware of the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical college and hospital in Kolkata The college authorities have been blamed for this situation, let us raise our voices from across the globe to get accelerated Justice for the victims and for the safety of young professionals and young women at work!
Debjani Banerjee, PhD Seton Hall University New Jersey, USA
u The recent unfortunate incident in RG Kar hospital Kolkata has once again raised the ever persisting issue of pathetic working conditions and safety and security of junior doctors at their work place in India The hard working junior doctors are being taken for granted and time and time again such criminal incidents are repeated with them
This heinous crime is so disturbing for the entire medical fraternity of India and Indian practitioners anywhere in the world It’s unpardonable Justice be done to this young doctor and her family at the earliest Enough sacrifices has been made by junior doctors in India till now , hope the administration now takes the responsibility and improves the working conditions in the hospitals of India
Dr Sarmistha Gupta
Consultant Radiologist Dubai UAE
u "I have no words to condemn this brutal act Hope to get the justice soon and pray that Mahisasuramordini (Goddess Durga) appears on earth to punish the culprits"
Dr Tina Dutta Gupta GP/Psych Speciality Doctor, NHS, London
Natasha Rattu
Munira Wilson
Doctors across the world join in solidarity demanding justice for ‘Abhaya’
Rupanjana Dutta
Indian doctors settled abroad, shocked by the R G Kar rape incident of ‘Abhaya’ and its aftermath, is standing in solidarity with medics, junior doctors and people of Bengal, demanding justice
Many peaceful demonstrations have been organised across the UK and other countries including Poland On 14 August, on the eve of India’s Independence Day, locals and diaspora were invited to join them in Trinity Church at Hounslow High Street in West London and at Main Square in Krakow, Poland Cross country demonstrations have also been organised and on 22 August the biggest will be witnessed at Parliament Square in London, next to the Gandhi statue At the same time, there will be protests in Milton Keynes and Manchester Messages of solidarity have poured in from Indian doctors settled in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe and UAE, many of whom are alumni of the R G Kar hospital
An online petition on Change org to CM Mamta Banerjee has been submitted by NHS doctors, asking for safety, security and basic necessities for junior doctors in Bengal as well as requesting for an impartial and transparent
investigation for the rape incident The petition has been already signed by thousands of people, many of whom are doctors themselves
Speaking to Asian Voice, Dr Dipti Jain, Geriatrician, and lead for Pan UK Asian Doctors and Chair of Medicos Women Charity said, “We have worked in those spaces fearlessly just 30 years ago the shield of white clinical apron was like a Lakshman Rekha where everyone called us ‘Daktar Didi’
“How did the attitudes change so drastically that no space is deemed safe for kids and women now? More needs to be done by each and every member of our fraternity We stand in solidarity for our fraternity for sisterhood for our future generations safety in spirit ”
Dr Basak from Cambridge, UK said, “How many nights I have spent in the hospital ‘alone’ while being on call or travelled home ‘alone’ in the deepest, darkest hours of night but never felt unsafe We need investment into
Attacks
on
women in train up by 50 per cent
Offi cial f ig ures sh ow
nt at tac ks ag a in s t wom en and girls on Britain's railw ays have surged by ov er 50 per cent in the past two years
V
surged from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 last year, while sexual offences increased by 10 per
harassment also doubled to 1,908 over the same period
changing the infrastructure to ensure workspace safety!”
Dr Panchali from New Jersey told us, “No more silence, no more fear We demand safety here for our female physicians Safety is our right Find the perpetrators and punish them Her voice was silenced, but ours will roar for justice!”
Similar sentiments have been shared by Dr Tina Dutta Gupta a GP in London, Dr Gauri Batra Consultant Paediatric and Perinatal Pathologist in Manchester UK, Dr Vinita Shrivastava Developmental paediatric in Dubai/UK, Dr Sudipta Sen, Paediatrician in London, Professor Suparna Dasgupta in Manchester, Dr Chetana Sen, Specialist in Stroke and Neurology in Durham, UK, Dr Kiran Chitale Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist in London, Dr Salma Khan, Associate Professor from Loma Linda, USA, Dr Sulagna Chakrabarti Consultant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, London, Dr Sarmistha Gupta, Consultant Radiologist in Dubai, Dr Deepu Mirchandani
Retired medical oncologist and clinical researcher, Dr Queenie Decosta, Dr Chandrani Biswas ENT specialist Manchester, Hima Hoskote, Anaesthetic in London among many others
that over a third of women experienced sexual harass-
The survey revealed that 51 per cent of victims of sexual offences reported receiving help from other passengers Crime data indicates that most sexual offences
New child poverty plan to boost parental employment
task force will explore the possibility of ending the twochild limit and will hold reg-
Ministers announced the child poverty strategy will be released next spring, dampening hopes for an end to the two-child benefit cap in the a u t u m n b u d g e t S i r K e i r
Starmer recently initiated a Labour strategy to address child poverty amid calls to reverse the Conservative policy limiting benefits for additional children
Ministers confirmed the
tion, and given my experi-
thought I’d give it a shot I’ve worked with these kinds of banks before "
deputy prime minister and health secretary under Liz Truss, was a close ally of Truss, whose leadership was
Coffey was in office when t
Budget was unveiled, which led to a Bank of England
R
c h
Reeves has pledged to make “difficult decisions” on welf
and hinted at additional cont
g u r e s r e v e a l a record 2 8 million long-term sick individuals, with over 20% of working-age adults neither working nor seeking e m p l o y m e n t T h e c o s t o f sickness benefits is expected to hit £64
Thérèse Coffey
‘Ananta: The Eternal’ in spotlight
Revisiting memories of living in Southern India
Shefali Saxena
Ananta: The Eternal is currently playing at the Edinburgh Fringe at Dance Base 3 and will run until August 25 This performance delves into the relationship between deity and devotee, weaving together themes of body, memory, desire, and devotion through the 2,000-year-old classical South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam
formal but also deeply intimate This work aims to i n s p i r e h o p e , r e s i l i e n c e ,
b e a u t y , t e n a c i t y , a n d a belief in something greater than ourselves ”
A deeply spiritual and e m o t i o n a l p r a c t i c e , ‘Ananta’ combines original S o u t h I n d i a n c l a s s i c a l music and costumes with d i s t i n c t i v e m o v e m e n t s , gestures, and expressions to create a unique storytelling experience that is a cornerstone of India’s cultural heritage The performance is brought to life by
a c c l a i m e d B h a r a t a n a t y a m
d a n c e r s a n d c h o r e o g r aphers Aparna and Ashwini Ramaswamy, who lead the Ragamala Dance Company
a l o n g s i d e t h e i r m o t h e r , Ranee
Describing the performance and its importance
A p a r n a R a m a s w a m i t o l d Asian Voice, “The theme of ‘ A n a n t a : T h e E t e r n a l ’ weaves together three key elements: the eternal relationship between the seek-
e r a n d t h e s a c r e d , t h e e n d u r i n g b o n d s w i t h i n families and the support we give each other, and the lasting connection with our lineage and gurus My relat i o n s h i p w i t h m y g u r u ,
A l a r m é l V a l l i , w h o h a s shaped me profoundly over decades, is central to this performance
“I believe it is crucial for Western audiences to experience these different layers and relationships, demon-
s t r a t i n g t h a t t h e s e e k e rsaint dynamic is not solely
As the dance company returns to the Fringe after five years, Aparna is always amazed by the eagerness and curiosity of the audie n c e , “ T h e y c o m e w i t h open minds, having had so m a n y i n c r e d i b l e e x p e r iences and encounters ” H o n o u r e d t o b e p e rforming at the Dance Base, s h e i s e x c i t e d a b o u t t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o p e r f o r m m u l t i p l e t i m e s , w h i c h i s rare in dance “The Fringe offers a unique chance to refine and perfect our piece through numerous perform a n c e s , a l l o w i n g i t t o become a part of us The chance to share our work
w i t h a w i d e a u d i e n c e , i n c l u d i n g p r e s e n t e r s a n d
promoters, is a rare and valuable opportunity ”
I n p r e p a r a t i o n ,
Aparna’s team is focusing on perfecting the piece to fit within an hour as it is essential for her to ensure
t h e p e r f o r m a n c e i s t i g h t a n d i m p a c t f u l , e s p e c i a l l y f o r a d i v e r s e a u d i e n c e “Bharatanatyam, in particular, needs to convey its m a g i c a n d c o m p l e x i t y quickly Creating a connection with the audience in a short time is crucial”, she said
A p a r n a a l s o r e f l e c t e d on working with her mother and sister, describing the experience to have “always been productive and fulfilling ” Further describing the dynamic, she said, “ There w a s n o e g o o r c o n f l i c t
b e t w e e n u s ; w e c o m p l ement each other's strengths and weaknesses and work
t o g e t h e r h a r m o n i o u s l y
Our shared vision of promoting Bharatanatyam has always been our priority
The collaboration fuels our c r e a t i v i t y a n d k e e p s u s m o t i v a t e d , m a k i n g t h e j o u r
rewarding
Aparna moved to the United States at the age of
and being involved in classical arts helped her connect with her roots “I have always felt a deep longing for India and Indian culture and my profound connection to Indian culture is l a r g e l y d u e
and my relationship with my teacher The longing I
through the music, dance, and poetry that I engage with”, she said
view on Indian culture and
ancient traditions are multidisciplinary and interwo-
vance I find myself con-
connecting with the emotional depth and visceral quality of our traditions Despite being immersed in them, I am always yearning for that connection in my life
“ H a v i n g m y
a m i l y around me and running a dance company allows me to live this heritage fully I consider it a privilege to be connected to my roots and to create a life that reflects this connection ”
Indian performances at Royal Edinburgh Tattoo
Edinburgh Tattoo, produc-
Arts describes the event
Rajasthani bag pipers, an allfemale Bhangra g rou p from P u n j ab , a nd
Edinburgh Tattoo, part of T
draws over 200,000 visitors across 27 shows and reaches an audience of more than 18 million through BBC broadcasts
Rag hav Rao was bo rn in Mu mbai, India He g rew up in London, Los A ng eles, and Southern India, graduating from the U niv ersity o f C hicag o and Th e Schoo l of th e A rt Institu te of C hicag o He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and The Office of Modern Composition and, outside of work and writing, he enjoys bird-watching, playing squash, and biking He told us about memories of living in Southern India as a child and the impact revisiting some of these had on him and his book, Missy
Howdid your own experiences growing up in Southern India influence the creation of Missy Royce's character and the setting of your novel?
Every character in Missy and Missy herself are inspired by real people! Not necessarily a single person, but she and the other characters are amalgams of notable personalities from my childhood, people who live in the mind, whose physical appearance or a certain weird quirk made them unforgettable!
Southern India, its ancient hills, its fertile deltas, it's all baked in me in layers I grew up there I went to boarding school there amidst plentiful nature Over many train journeys and bus journeys, the landscape imprinted in me, kilometre after kilometre It was the overall vibe, to borrow a zeitgeist word, that I drew on Beyond that, I drew on countless specifics With my Dad especially, because he loves temples, I travelled quite a bit in Southern India and so I visited a bronze forge and knew I wanted to fold it into my novel
Whatinspired you to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of immigrant success in your debut novel, "Missy"?
travel abroad, in some sense, they become a new category and how they were understood by each other is now changed in that new location Every time there is upheaval like that there's opportunity for writers And how people make marriages and relationships work, how they adjust expectations, and confront assumptions- these are important daily life questions that anyone can relate to
Books); are real-life Missys in a sense because they are business owners or senior business leaders but they are also values-driven They lift up entire communities and inclusively make a bigger tent for writers and the reading public Similarly, most of my writing mentors have been women Frankly, with the exception of a couple of notable men, the reason I have a book deal, the reason I'm doing any of this, is because of many badass, smart-as-hell, hardworking women
Whatmessage or understanding do you hope readers will take away from "Missy," especially regarding the immigrant experience and the notion of identity?
This is a great question and I'm hoping, in time, readers can educate me What did they take from this? How did it remind them of their own lives or their own misunderstandings about their parents former lives?
Asa male author writing a female lead character, how did the women in your life influence your portrayal of Missy, and what challenges did you face in bringing her story to life?
But to answer now, I hope readers see that so much of life is contingent on things outside of our control So often when we have control, we try and squeeze life and keep it in its bottle but it always finds a way of squirming out Living with more flexibility to randomness can help when plans, inevitably, go awry
Looking ahead, what themes or stories are you excited to explore in your future writing projects, and how do you see your work evolving?
“The performance is
unique sounds of Rajasthani bagpipes We're thrilled to
Castle's Esplanade, connecting Scotland and India," said M
ative director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
I'm in a cross-cultural marriage I'm Indian or rather, I was Indian since I had to renounce my Indian citizenship when I became an American citizen But of course, I will always be Indian on some level My wife meanwhile is herself the product of a crosscultural relationship Her mother is Japanese and her father is American And then my parents are also in a cross-cultural marriage; my father is Kannadiga and my mother is Gujarati And so, I think when Indians or South Asians
MFAs are often criticized for good reason but for me at least, I was grateful because in early drafts I had several women professors who explicitly told me that I was succeeding in Missy's POV They told me, 'Don't second-guess your way out of this ' That kept me going It's easy in a highly critical culture to say I don't have the authority to take on this voice I'm grateful to my mentors for giving me that permission Obviously, women like my wife, my grandmother, and my mother are all deep influences on me But Missy is alive today in the hands of readers because of another set of women, the women in the publishing world who toil indefatigably in an industry with shrinking margins So people like my agent, Priya Doraswamy (Lotus Lane Lit) and my UK editor Keshini Naidoo (Hera
I want to continue writing about crosscultural relationships without necessarily pigeonholing myself as an 'ethnic writer'; thanks to my wife's heritage, I've been fortunate to spend a good bit of time in Japan and am currently learning Japanese
I'm also interested in how to achieve stillness in an information-saturated culture and have a newsletter (raghavrao substack com) on the subject and I think Japan is a good entryway for this exploration
Japan is a great setting for a book about crosscultural misunderstanding because of its history I suspect that there might be a reading market, too, for a book that can show Americans, Japanese people, and Indians all somehow mashed together in Japan if it's done right But again, doing it right is easier said than done!
Anusha Singh
Alamelu Annamalai: Rinse & Repeat
Sunetra Senior
Alam elu is a contempo rary breakthrough artist, ed ucator and curator whose ability to am bid extrously draw thrust h er into the global lim elight via the dig ital platform of Instagram in 2018 She was featured on their Weekend Hash tag Pro ject: #WHP showoff Recently, she demonstrated her ev olving talent by co-curating h er first exh ibition, Rinse & Repeat, based in L ond on at Sugar House Island in Stratford Th is exh ibited the works of eight SouthAsian wom en, includ ing her own, exploring the theme of “physical and temporal distance from the homeland, examining layered and intersectional aspects of identity ” Alam elu has also received the MFA Art Prize and gradu ated with d istinction in the M FA in Fine Art course from Oxfo rd Brookes U niv ersity in 2022
***
The rising creative elaborated on her recent show: “the main concept of Rinse & Repeat was approached through the lens of repetition which could be through visual patterns or narrative structures: it is about memory, identity and cultural heritage The artists featured are all living and working in London: Meghana Gavireddygari, Shivangi Ladha, Smriti Mehra, Vasundhara Sellamuthu, Divya Sharma, Asha Vaidyanath, Darshana Vora, and myself ” Alamelu’s displayed works include Moving Pieces (2022-24) and Tac-tile (2024) where the collection generally consisted of various mediums ranging from sculpture, print and painting to installation and fibre: “The former piece looks at my heritage I am from Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, and in my recent work, my art has been more introspective as opposed to external: the regional tiles on the floor are created with books which are sacred in our culture and highlights the changing foundations of home The material is repurposed, removing from an existing context The laborious process also serves as a meditative practice, emphasizing the value of slow, deliberate work in a world accustomed to rapid production My other work is Hand Embossed Relief on Paper, using LED Lights, and makes you want to feel it physically –this evokes the idea of materialistic goals and material possessions, and
wanting to possess this although by nature such a feeling is elusive ” Alamelu’s signature cosmopolitan approach to traditional subject matter then reflects an expression of modern identity that is still inextricably rooted in
discovered her impressive ambidexterity was accidental Having taken on a lot of commissioned work, she simply found herself using both hands to save time before it became a bona-fide technique! “In order to complete the work
quotidian culture which is ultimately a universal experiential sentiment: this idea is amplified by the diverse yet intimately interconnected show “Overall, I draw from personal memories,” she stated of her process, “the intricacies of language and communication and embrace the artistic route that emerges from that I enjoy the interplay of language and text, and printed words themselves have a meaning where we are now in a digital but again the materiality of books brings a lot of nostalgia ” Here, interestingly, Alamelu states the definition of strong abstract art to be: “incredibly subjective One day, I may be drawn to something that has no colour and is very minimalistic Other days, it may be a feeling of energy that attracts through expression and colour with a lot of brushstrokes
Abstract art must appeal to
faster, I would experiment with drawing blind or upside-down or mirror images I studied hand and brain co-ordination – the drawings would around take 5-10 mins such as a drawing on Instagram on the tube I enjoy observing people as well ” In terms of the individual appeal of curation, the artist commented:
“I enjoy discovering the resonant dialogue between pieces where the
“I enjoy discovering the resonant dialogue between pieces where the overlapping themes create a greater total narrative that loyally encapsulates an exhibit"
state of mind and be able to invite the viewer in –there must be an element of interest This is an internal experience for me ” In short, to be refined, conceptual work must evoke unique intrigue and even deeply inspire
The young artist has been influenced by her very creative familial background and experimented for quite some time: “My grandad owned a textiles factory while my mother is an untrained artist I think art is organic for me - half the time I’m only realising what I want to say after I have created!” Indeed, the way in which Alamelu
Sellamuthu explores crosscultural hierarchies through relief paintings and sign making As a textile artist, Sharma works with themes related to diaspora and displacement
Vaidyanath’s text and textile work archive the intangible, intrinsic, sometimes contradictory process of repetition
Vora’s conceptual work references the spatial fabric of the city - its rituals, processes and imagery: speaking to larger themes of place and belonging, the exhibition space is finally framed as an active site for reflection and reinterpretation ” Demonstrated through Alamelu’s luminous thinking and the engaging works in the show, the world of emerging experimental art reflects not just the stunning adaptability of subjectivity but also the creative power of the collective consciousness in deftly shaping perception
Haveyou felt welcomed into the artistic community in the UK as a South-Asian artist?
Yes, very much so I Came to the UK to do my MFA in Oxford and was the only South-Asian artist there – but I felt acceptance and curiosity about my work London is diverse anyway: the challenge is more in finding your creative niche and differentiating yourself successfully
What has been a success for you as a visual creative?
overlapping themes create a greater total narrative that loyally encapsulates the exhibition It is also important for this to work visually in terms of the particular wall space: the context of one work can change entirely in the presence of another In Rinse & Repeat, for example, Gavireddygari investigates childhood memory through painting, printmaking, and sculpture Ladha s art navigates social, political, and ecological landscapes Mehra utilises ethnographic research in her video practice, touching on labour and material culture
A unique celebration of 50 years golden wedding anniversary
Kokila Patel
On th eir 25th or 50 th w edding anniversary, m any couples often o pt for a pleasant trip abro ad , or their fam ilies migh t surprise them w ith a trendy par
Measuring success happens on a personal level: when I finish work, there must be harmony between both its reception and my happiness completing the piece
Nominal recognition is pleasant but it doesn’t mean much without a feeling of satisfaction
Have you been happy curating a show in such a central location? It has been great We have also been engaging the community with workshops that are free –we are working in partnership with Hypha Studios which is a charity that gives opportunities to artists to showcase their work in unconventional spaces but brings the artwork to the area I: @alamelu24
However, some affluent families continue to uphold traditions and values, and the Pankhania family stands out as a shining example On June 16, the 50th wedding anniversary of Vrajbhai and Jyotsnaben Pankhania was celebrated in a unique and inspiring manner, setting an example for all Shri Vrajbhai (Vajubhai)
P a n k h a n i a , F o u n d e r a n d
and
C h a i r m a n o f t h e
“Westcombe Group” and his wife Jyotsnaben, have made significant contributions to Sanatan Dharma by organising various spiritual events i n H a r r o w a n d W e m b l e y
These include the Ramkatha
b y P u j y a M o r a r i b a p u , t h e
B h a g a v a t K a t h a b y P u j y a
B h a i s h r e e ( R a m e s h b h a i Oza), and Giribapu's Shiva
K a t h a T o c e l e b r a t e t h e i r golden jubilee of 50 years of joyful marriage, they hosted a beautiful bhajan satsang, with the entire Pankhania family in attendance Local saints of Sanatan Dharma also took part in t h i s u n i q u e c e l e b r a t i o n
From 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the "Vishnu Bharat Mandal" p e r f o r m e d b h a j a n s i n t h e spacious hall of the Navnat
C e n t r e i n H a y e s J o i n i n g t h e m o n s t a g e w e r e
J a y s u k h b h a i L a d w a , V i j a y b h a i L a d w a , N i r e n Yadav-Kabir Ladwa, and the event's main host, Vrajbhai Pankhania who performed self-written bhajans, bringing joy to everyone in attendance Based in North Harrow, V r a j b h a i P a n k h a n i a ' s "Westcombe Group" is cont i n u o u s l y e n g a g e d i n t h e construction of historic and
modern buildings Despite this, the values of Indian c u l t u r e a n d S a n a t a n Dharma are well-preserved in the younger generation S o n s K a m a l a n d S u n i l , daughters-in-law Shraddha and Hetal, and grandchildren Anuj, Anushka, Arya, and Shreya all joyfully took p a r t i n c e l e b r a t i n g t h e i r grandparents' golden wedding anniversary When daughter-in-law S
beautiful bhajan dedicated to Srinathji, the audience
Pankhania, who has long been a devotee of bhajan
everyone with his soulful bhajan The saints attend-
Jyotsnaben’s joyous golden wedding celebration hon-
and
Mandir The Vishnu Bharat
Vrajbhai by presenting him with a shawl, while Kokila
Asian Voice family, presented Jyotsnaben with a saree Wedding anniversary of
ALAMELU ANNAMALAI
Rinse and Repeat artists at the PV by Carlo Zambon
Tac-tile 2024 Hand Embossed Relief on Paper LED Lights 30 x 40 cm each (close up)
Vrajbhai
Jyotsnaben Pankhania
Shri Vrajbhai (in the center) singing Hari bhajans with Shri Vishnu Bharat Bhajan Mandal in his melodious voice
A glimpse of the invited dignitaries during the event In the front row with the Pankhania family are C B Patel NCGO Chairman Vimalji Odedra and Dhiru Gadhvi
Remembering the Partition horrors of India
Carnatic violinist
H
HE Vikram Doraiswami,
address to the guests, spoke about the historical trauma and displacement caused by the partition of India and
P
shared identity and cultural ties that were disrupted
H e h i g
impact on communities in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat,
property, and the lasting cultural changes The discussion underscored the importance of remembering these events to prev
d i e s , acknowledging the trauma experienced by people and the need for institutionalised awareness
The speech concluded with a call to honour the past by learning from it and striving for a more
ndent society
British Indians celebrate Independence Day at India House
A t t h e I nd ia n Hi g h
C omm ission in Londo n, the
I n d i an Nat io n al F
g w a s u nfurled d uring the annual Independ ence Day celebration, attend ed by hundred s f ro m th e Bri t is h I nd ia n
c o m m u n i ty m ark i ng 7 8
y ea rs o f I n d i a' s i nd e p end ence
The festivities at India House on August 15 took place in a tricolour-themed
c o u r t y a r d , l e d b y I n d i a n High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami He began the event by reading t h e t r a d i t i o n a l Independence Day address
f r o m I n d i a n P r e s i d e n t Droupadi Murmu
H e s h a r e d , W e m u s t
r e m e m b e r D r B R
A m b e d k a r ' s w o r d s , t h e
a r c h i t e c t o f o u r
C o n s t i t u t i o n : ' W e m u s t make our political democra-
c y a s o c i a l d e m o c r a c y a s w e l l P o l i t i c a l d e m o c r a c y cannot last unless there lies
a t t h e b a s e o f i t s s o c i a l democracy '"
H e c o n
political democracy reflects our progress toward social d e m o c r a c y T h e s p i r i t o f inclusion now touches every part of our society, uniting u s a s a c o h e s i v e n a t i o n a m i d s t o u r d i v e r s i t y a n d plurality " H e a d d e d , " C l i m a
change is now
reality, and
nations to shift their economic models, we ’ ve made significant strides India is p
against the worst impacts of
Indian independence day celebrations at Cardiff Castle
IDUK Group celebrates Indian Independence Day in Slough
The Ind ian Diaspor a in the U K (IDUK) Gr oup pr ou d ly ho s t e d a vibr an t ce lebr at ion of In d i a n I n d e p e n d e n ce Da y at Slough , mar king the 78t h an nive rsary of In d i a ’ s i n d e pe n d e n ce
The e ven t wa s att ended by n um erous pr ominen t pe rsona litie s from the India n commun ity, un
patr iotism am ong the Indian diaspora s It wa s a tte nde d by mo r e t h a n 5 0 0 p e o p le in cluding kids
T h e h i g h l i g h t o f t h e event was the flag hoisting ceremony, led by the Mayor of Slough, Balwinder Singh Dhillon Ji The Indian tricolo r s o a r e d p r o u d l y a s t h e
g a t h e r e d c r o w d h o n o u r e d the spirit of freedom and u n i t y H e a p p r e c i a t e s t h e efforts put together by IDUK for bringing the community together through organising events like this
Council Leader Dexter Smith expressed his admirat i o n f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y ’ s
d e d i c a t i o n , n o t i n g , " I t ' s amazing to see so many people turn up at 7:30 AM on a w o r k i n g d a y , w h i c
incredible He also emphas i s e s t h e s t r o n g b o n d between India and UK and people to people connect
The event saw the prese n c e o f e s t e e m e d g u e s t s including Ex-Army Officer Mr Ashok Chauhan, Former Mayor Mr Meva Maan, Cllr S u b h a s h M
, and Cllr Md Nazir, all of w h o m c o n t r i
success of the celebration
The program was skill-
Murudkar and Alok Gupta expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants for their
ment in joining the celebration so early in the morning They also extended his gratitude to the sponsors whose support made the event possible, and to the dedicated
their unwavering assistance and the TVP police for providing the protection
Indian Independence day celebrations held at the Anoopam Mission UK
India's 78th Inde pe ndence D ay was cele brat ed a t Tapobhoomi
B r a h ma j y o t i w it h in t h e p r e mi se s of S h r i A k sh a r
global warming I encourage everyone to make small yet impactful changes in their daily lives to help address this critical issue " The festivities featured a special Bharatanatyam per-
were set to perform at the Bhavan Centre in London
The crowd enjoyed the festive atmosphere with flute
Mataram’ and ‘Sare Jahan Se
, alongside patriotic and popular Bollywood music playing in the background
P ur u sh ot t a m S w a mi n a r a y a n Temple, devote es, in the pr ese n ce of G ur u ha r i S a n t Bhagwan t Sahebji, the pa tron s a in t of A n o op a m Mi ss io n , p r ou d l y h oi st e d t he fl a g t o mark t he occasion
The event began with the hoisting of the Union Jack, accompanied by the singing of t h e B r i t i s h N a t i o n a l A n t h e m , r e f l e c t i n g respect for all and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the mission The British flag was h o i s t e d b y Y o g e n d r a b h a i P a t e l , a S e n i o r T r u s t e e a n d a p r o m i n e n t e n t r e p r e
Following this, the participants joyfully and enthusiastically waved the Indian tricolour and saluted the flag, singing the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana Adhinayak Jai Hai ' together
CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Retired Indian Army officer Lieutenant General Mohinder Mohan Walia, Satishbhai Chatwani, Vinod Nakarja, along with many distinguished citi-
Cardiff commemorates Independence Day
zens, youth, and children,
Chatwani welcomed everyone on this glorious occa-
Manojdasji paid tribute to the martyrs of the freedom struggle and praised India's overall progress and enduring legacy
On this occasion, Sant Bhagwant Sahebji,
Mother India and urged those imparting spiritual education on this patriotic day to cultivate a virtuous spirit, a visionary outlook on life, and to awaken the divine power within the soul On this auspicious occasion, children and youth from the dedicated volunteering families presented a musical dance
Meghna and Pujya Ashka led the choreography and demonstration of this performance Following the flag hoisting, everyone participated in the aarti of Shri Thakorji in the temple and later enjoyed the Satvik Prasad of the Lord in the form of an evening meal
Kingston charity hosts Indian cooking and cultural event
HE Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK addressing the guests
Violin recital by Aparna Raguraman
Indian Diplomat Raj Aggarwal at Cardiff Castle celebrating India Independence Day with (L-R) Professor Uzo Iwobi
Prof Bela Arora,
Drakeford
Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal and Commander Stephen Henaghen
India's Independence Day celebration at Sanatan Dharma Mandal and Hindu Community Centre, Cardiff, attended by our Elderly Day Centre members and their grand children that they care
during school holidays
The Save The World Club, a charity organisation in Kingston led by Tariq Shabbat from Pakistan and a Green Party member, recently hosted a vibrant cooking event Attendees, who came in groups of three, showcased their culinary skills with a variety of South Asian dishes The event featured the singing of the Indian National Anthem, a speech by Tariq, classical South Indian dance performances, and patriotic songs, creating a festive and culturally rich atmosphere
Bhagwant Sahebji and Sant Manojdasji
No let up in govt's core agenda, PM Modi asserts in his I-Day address
N
asserted that there will be no let-up in his govt’s core agenda despite fewer s
flagged the intent to move
change Laws that divide
cost”.
M o d
Independence-Day address from the Red Fort, was also his longest, running into 98 minutes
I n v o k i n g S u p r e m e C o u r t ’ s j u d g m e n t s a n d exhortations to bring in the UCC, Modi said, “Numerous
o r d e r s h a v e b e e n i s s u e d , r e f l e c t i n g t h e b e l i e f o f
u
population - and rightly sothat the current Civil Code resembles a communal civil
c o d e , o n e t h a t i s discriminatory ” Reject laws that divide on basi s of religion
As we celebrate 75 years
o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n , w e m u s t h o l d e x t e n s i v e discussions on this subject
place in modern society,” Modi said
This was arguably the first ever advocacy for UCC from Red Fort and appeared more significant because of BJP’s dependence on alliesTDP & JD(U) - who had diverged with the saffron party on its core agenda F
communities being allowed to have personal laws as a communal one, PM showed his intent to take on the
n d
p i t e t h e reduced numbers
The PM also used his 11th I Day address - a feat managed only by PM Nehru s o f a r - t o a t t a c k t h e opposition on a range of
women, a reference to the rape in Bengal, to dynastic politics and efforts to create “anarchy” He also sent a s t r o n g m e s s a g e t o Bangladesh over ensuring the safety of Hindus Modi sought to stick to
n g a developed nation & vowed to “triple the effort” in his third term and work “ 24x7 ” for achieving the ambition by 2047
H e d i d n
new schemes Instead, the I-Day speech was laced with i n
arguing that the results of t
faster economic growth and d
income, confirmed that the moves were “in the right direction”
message was that the govt was “here to serve each one o f y o u , e v
m
l y a n d every region” through 100% saturation of schemes, the PM repeatedly referred to the focus on Dalits, tribals, women, youth and farmers
B u t m a r k i n g a departure from his and his p r e d e c e s s o r ’ s I - D a y speeches, Modi sought to a d d r e s s B J P ’ s c o r e constituency on UCC, amid e x p e c t a t i o n s t h e p a r
b a c k b u r n
d u e t o p o s te l e c t i o n c o a l i t i o n compulsions
Similarly, Modi flagged a
O
O
E l e c t i o n ’ , arguing that frequent polls were creating obstacles to progress, again something which defied the popular assumption that a reduced tally would force him to put o n h o l d a f e w o f h i s favourite ideas which have been opposed by others
Without referring to the o p p o s i t i o n , h e s a i d t h e r e was a section that did not appreciate the changes that the country was undergoing a n d c a u t i o n e d t h a t t h e y could stall progress
India’s I- Day celebrated withpatriotic fervour across New York
New York: The hues of the Indian tricolour, India’s
d strong bilateral relations with the US resonated across the
e D a y w a s celebrated here with patriotic fervour. A slew of events was h e l d a c r o s s t h e c i t y o n Thursday.
F l a g h o i s t i n g ceremonies were held at the Consulate General of India
i n N e w Y o r k , P e r m a n e n t Mission of India to the UN, T i m e s S q u a r e a n d l o w e r Manhattan in the presence of members of the Indian diaspora and city officials
M i n i s t e r o f S t a t e f o r
E x t e r n a l A f f a i r s P a b i t r a Margherita, who was in the c i t y b e f o r e t r a v e l l i n g t o
L a t i n A m e r i c a , a d d r e s s e d members of the diaspora at the flag hoisting ceremony in the Consulate and Times Square
L e a d i n g d i a s p o r a organisation - Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJCT-NE (FIA) - held a special
I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y
c e l e b r a t i o n a t t h e i c o n i c
T i m e s S q u a
e
w h i c h w a s seeped in the hues of the Indian tricolour, as patriotic songs reverberated through the air and the country’s rich cultural heritage was on full display Consul General of India in New York Binaya
P r a d h a n h o i s t e d t h e tricolour at the Consulate as well as at Times Square
P
I n d i a ’ s D
R Ravindra raised the national f
a g a t I n d i a ’ s P e r m a n e n t Mission to the UN attended by members of the diaspora, Indians working at UN and the Mission family
A t a f l a g - r a i s i n g c e r e m o n y h e l d i n l o
Manhattan, New York City Mayor Eric Adams described New York City as the “New D e l h
r
c a l l e d h i s t
i p t o I n d i a when he had paid homage to M a h a t m a G a n d h i , s a y i n g t h a t “ w e h a v e a responsibility and obligation to continue those footsteps We have to fulfill what he thought we should do as we lift up humanity And it’s so i m p o r t a n t , b u t a l s o diversity”
D e p u t y C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r t h e N e w Y o r k C i t y M a y o r ’
p
Chauhan told members of the diaspora at the event that for the first time in New
Y o r k C i t y ’ s h i s t o r y , s c h o o l s will be closed on Diwali, an historic d e c i s i o n m a d e possible after years o f e f f
t s a n d advocacy from the community Blinken greets Ind ians P r e d
e g i c relations, Secretary of State
A n t o n y B l i n k e n h a s s a i d that the two countries share a d e e p b o n d , w h i c h i s f o u n d e d o n t h
commitment to democracy, f
, a n d h u m
n dignity Congratulating the people of India ahead of the c o u n t r y ’ s I n d e p e n d e n c e Day, Blinken said: “On this
diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations Our
grounded in the deep bonds
e
r economies, and built on the f
t i o n o f o u r s h a r e d commitment to democracy, f r e e d o m , a n d h u m a n dignity,” Blinken said in a statement
Need to strengthen affirmative action as inclusion tool: President
Inemphasised the need to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion while urging the rejection of divisive tendencies rooted in perceived social hierarchies
“Social justice is a top priority for the Narendra Modi govt, which has initiated unprecedented measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised communities,” the President said in her speech,
concerns over reservation quotas were seen to have had
bearing on the outcome
The President quoted B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, emphasising that “political democracy c
democracy” and said steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracy
Murmu went on to list out measures taken to deliver on the social justice agenda “Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan Evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) for example, aims to provide direct financial assistance to the people from the marginalised communities,” she said
In her address, the President also acknowledged the observance of Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas (Partition H
tragedy of partition, which resulted in immense suffering
Independence Day, we must remember the unparalleled tragedy and stand in solidarity with those families affected,” she concluded
Murmu also stressed on gender justice and climate justice “In our society, women are considered not only equal, but even more than equal However, they have also suffered from traditional prejudices But I am glad to note that govt has given equal importance to women ’ s welfare and women ’ s empowerment The budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade,” Murmu said
She cited the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the law that seeks to make way for reservation for women in Parliament and assemblies to assert that it is “aimed at e
justice, let me also mention that in adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year, we have removed one more relic of the colonial era The new code is oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone I see this change as a tribute to freedom fighters,” she said
India's first indigenous chip to be made in Gujarat: Bhupendra Patel
Independence Day celebration in Nadiad on August 15, chief minister Bhupendra Patel said that India’s first indigenously developed semiconductor c
Gujarat.“We have so far attracted an investment of £10 bn in the electronics and semiconductor sector,” he said He announced an increase in the monthly income limit set earlier by the
(PMGKAY) At present, a family with a monthly income of Rs 15,000 is eligible
t o g e
scheme “I announce to increase the monthly income limit from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, ” he said in his speech
After hoisting the the national flag, Patel appealed to the people to support the vision of Viksit Bharat by achieving the goals of Viksit Gujarat through the
, c o m m u n i c a t i o n , d e d i c a t i o n , p a r t i c i p a t i o n , empowerment, and security of good g o v e r n a n c e - i n s p i r e d b y P r i m e Minister Narendra Modi
P a t e l a n n o u n c e d a b u d g e t allocation of £501 7 mn for expanding the state’s road infrastructure He said that efforts will be made to enable citizens to effectively and seamlessly communicate their concerns to the g
government will proactively address and resolve these issues He also noted that security, safety,
and order by updating outdated laws and introducing three new laws to ensure the safety of the people The implementation of the
for
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel
I w rite to y ou from Ba li This is a pla ce of harmony an d b alan ce
So should our pension stock portfolio be as we ll Inve stin g in the stock ma rke t is ofte n portra yed as a hi gh-sta kes g ame w here fortune s ri se a nd fa ll on the w hims of indiv idual compan ies or broade r e conom ic trend s How eve r, the true essence of successful inve sti ng lie s not j ust i n picking the ri ght stock s but i n how these stocks work tog ethe r within a portfolio
The key to consistent, long-term investment success is diversification, particularly through the careful selection of non-correlated stocks A well-constructed portfolio should include stocks that tend to rise and fall at different times, ultimately leading to a smoother, more stable return over time
Markets are inherently volatile Economic cycles, geopolitical events, interest rates, and even consumer sentiment can cause significant fluctuations in stock prices For instance, technology stocks might soar during periods of innovation and economic expansion but could suffer during market downturns or regulatory crackdowns
On the other hand, consumer staples or utility stocks, often seen as defensive, might remain stable or even appreciate during economic slowdowns as demand for their products remains steady
Investors who concentrate their holdings in a single sector or a small group of highly correlated stocks expose themselves to significant risk If that particular sector experiences a downturn, the entire portfolio could suffer considerable losses Conversely, a diversified portfolio with non-correlated assets can absorb shocks more effectively, as the losses in one area are offset by gains in another
Under standing Cor re la tion in Inve sting
Correlation is a statistical measure that describes how two assets move in relation to each other A correlation coefficient ranges from +1 to -1:
• +1 means the assets move in perfect sync
• 0 means there is no relationship between the movements of the assets
• -1 means the assets move in opposite directions
In a well-diversified portfolio, you want to include assets with low or negative correlations For example, when technology stocks like Microsoft rise due to an economic boom driven by innovation, energy stocks like ExxonMobil might fall if the same boom suppresses oil prices Conversely, if the economy slows and energy prices rise due to geopolitical tensions, energy stocks might perform well even as tech stocks decline
T he Smoothing Effect of N on-Cor related Asse ts
The primary benefit of holding non-correlated stocks is that their opposing movements can create a smoothing effect
o
declines, another part might be rising, which can reduce the overall volatility of your investment returns Over time, this approach not only helps in preserving capital during market downturns but also ensures that the portfolio continues to grow steadily
For instance, consider a scenario where you hold both technology and consumer staples stocks In a bull market driven by technological advancements, your tech stocks might perform exceptionally well However, during a recession, when consumer spending tightens, your tech stocks may falter
Yet, your consumer staples stocks such as those in companies producing essential goods like food and beverages may hold their value or even appreciate because their products are still in demand, providing stability to your portfolio
This balancing act allows for a more consistent return over time Instead of experiencing the sharp highs and lows that come from holding highly correlated assets, a diversified portfolio with non-correlated stocks provides a steadier upward trajectory, often referred to as a smoother return The result is a less stressful investment journey, as the portfolio is less susceptible to severe drawdowns
In essence, the art of portfolio diversification is like conducting an orchestra in Bali(!) : each instrument (or stock) plays a different note, but together, they create a harmonious symphony that is far more beautiful and resilient than any single note could be on its own
Have a look at my www campaignforamillion com for free resources on learning more
Wage g rowth has fallen to its lowes t level in two years, while the unemployment rate unexpectedly d ec reased in the s ec ond quarter, presentin g mixed s ignals about t he s tat e of the UK labo ur market
W e e k l y e a r n i n g s g r o w t h , e x c l u d i n g bonuses, slowed from 5 8% to 5 4% in the three months leading up to the end of June, marking the weakest rate since July 2022 and aligning with economists' expectations When i n c l u d i n g b o n u s e s , w a g e g
h d r o p p e d from 5 7% to 4 5%, the lowest since February 2021, largely due to the one-off impact of NHS bonuses awarded in June 2023
The cooling in wage pressures is likely to be welcomed by the Bank of England, which r e c e n
However, the Bank has cautioned that wage growth needs to continue to slow down to
British Trade Council appoints Indian experts
Council (IBTC ), foun ded
patr ons This recognition is for their exceptional leadership
with the Maratha Chamber of Commerce in Pune and
Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad, respectively Priyesh Patel OBE DL,
T C , praised Prataprao Pawar and said, “Our connection with
cant success in sectors such a
drinks Pratabraoji is a freq
Midlands and a key connector with Maharashtra His exemplary leadership of the M a r a t h a C
makes it a great honour to have him as our Patron
Director of IBTC, highlight-
Rakesh Bhai has been a pivotal figure We are privileged to have such a distinguished industrialist as our Patron
IBTC and President of the
Business
’
ed Shri Rakesh Bhai Shah’s contributions stating, “Shri Rakesh Bhai Shah, a promin
industrial sector and former P r e s i d e n t o f t h e G u j a r a t Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been instrumental in strengthening ties between Midlands companies and Gujarat From the Vibrant Gujarat initiative to h
Herman Narula secures second on gaming rich list
H
s cla imed the se co nd spo t on 'The Ti mes Ga ming Ri ch List' wi th a f ortune of £780 mi lli on
This list, featuring the top 30 entrepreneurs who h a v e m a d e t h e i r w e a l t h from developing, selling, or playing video games, highlights a significant UK succ e s s s t o r y L a s t y e a r , British-based gaming companies generated £10 7 billion, according to Statista Key findings from this year's research include:
• Over 70 percent of
the £17 1 billion in identified wealth comes from the Bukhman brothers
• At 27, Harry Lewis is the youngest person on the list, joining KSI and five o t h e r m e m b e r s o f t h e
YouTube group known as the Sidemen
• More than a quarter of the 42 gamers and developers listed are under 35, with an average age of 45
• Debbie Bestwick, the former CEO of Team17, is one of three women on the list
• Three entries owe t h e i r w e a l t h t o C a n d y C r u s h , t h e
matching game downloaded over three billion times since its Facebook debut 12 years ago
30,000 people to play the same game simultaneously A Cambridge computer
been utilized by retailers, event organizers, and even the Ministry of Defence to
Narula, now 36, owns nearly 30 percent of the company's shares
of Mum and Dad doubles first-home support
Las t year, parents and families co llectively lent or gifted £9 4 billio n to h elp their
five years ago
According to an analysis
received financial assistance from parents or other family members, amounting to
marked the first time since 2013, when the Help to Buy
t r o d u c e d , that more than half of new market entrants had relied on such familial support Help to Buy, which conc l u d e d o n M a r c h 3 1 l a s t y e a r , o f f e r e d b u y e r s o f newly built homes a govern-
maintain inflation at the target rate of 2%
Despite expectations of an increase, the unemployment rate fell from 4 4% to 4 2% in the second quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics This suggests that the labour market is not cooling as much as anticipated However, more than a fifth of working-age adults remain out of employment or not seeking work, with economic inactivity close to record levels at 9 4 million This is largely driven by a 700,000 increase in longterm sickness since the pandemic, reaching a record 2 8 million, alongside a rise in student numbers Financial markets anticipate at least two more interest rate cuts from the Bank of England this year, following the MPC's recent reduction of the base rate to 5%, the first cut in four years
The £9 4 billion p
in
mortgage rates rep-
ment loan covering up to 40% of the purchase price, i n t e r e s t - f r e e f o r t h e f i r s t five years The scheme facili t a t e d t h e p u r c h a s e o f 328,346 homes, with a total v a l u e o f £ 2 4 7 b i l l i o n , a c c o u n t i n g f o r 3 1 4 % o f a l l
decrease to 54% this year, 51% next year, and 50% by 2026 However, as the property market accelerates and more people buy homes, the number of those receiving financial help is expected to rise to 170,000 in 2026 O v e r t h e n e x t t h r e e years, families are anticipated to contribute an additional £30 billion to help first-time buyers, solidifying the Bank of Mum and Dad as a key source of funding for the foreseeable future
Relief fund for Tata Steel suppliers
wo
i mpa ct
y Tat a Stee l s restructuring plans for i ts UK operations This initial funding is part of a broader response f r o m
t r a n s i t i o n
d established for Port Talbot i n S o u
h W a l e s , w h
T a t a S t e e l , a n I n d i a nowned company, is shutting down its two blast furnaces as it shifts to greener steelmaking methods The closure of these furnaces could result in up to 2,800 job losses One furnace has already been shut down, and the other is scheduled to close early next month As the first tranche of t h i s f u n d i n g i s r e l e a s e d , ministers are engaged in
discussions with Tata to secure a better deal for the i n d u s t r y P r e v i o u s l y , t h e Labour government urged Tata to reconsider a compromise plan supported by the Community and GMB u n i o n s , w h i c h w o u l d retain one of the blast furnaces until the electric arc furnace is operational This f u r n a c e c o u l d r e m a i n i n s e r v i c
rejected the proposal, citing higher costs to taxpayers
L a b o u r h a s committed to a £3 billion "green steel" fund to support the overall steel industry during its transition, including the £500 million package for Tata agreed u
Secretary Jo Stevens will announce the £13
million
Herman Narula
India could become third largest economy by 2027: IMF's Gita Gopinath
T h e D e p u t y Ma n a g i n g
D i r e c t or o f t h e
I n t e r n a t i o n a l M o n e t a r y
F u n d (I M F ), D r G i t a
Gopin ath, has s aid that s he
i s h op e f u l of I n d i a
b ecomi ng the third -large st e con omy by 2027
I n a c o n v e r s a t i o n ,
G o p i n a t h s a i d I n d i a ’ s g r o w t h d i d m u c h b e t t e r t h a n e x p e c t e d d u r i n g t h e
l a s t f i s c a l y e a r a n d t h a t
those carryover effects are
a f f e c t i n g o u r f o r e c a s t f o r this year “The other factor
i s w e s e e p r i v a t e
c o n s u m p t i o n r e c o v e r i n g , ” she said
She said, “Last year, if
y o u l o o k a t p r i v a t e consumption growth, it was
a r o u n d 4 p e r c e n t W e
e x p e c t t h a t t o i n c r e a s e , driven by the recovery in
r u r a l c o n s u m p t i o n W e ’ r e already seeing that if you
look at two-wheeler sales and at the so-c
Dr Gita Gopinath
coming back
add, “The better monsoons
expect will generate better
rural consumption So those are the two factors behind our upgrade ” Her latest remarks come after the IMF, in its ‘World Economic Outlook’ report,
projection for the financial year 2024-25 to 7 per cent
Interestingly, this projection is more bullish than the 6 5 per cent projection of the Union government in the economic survey
“The forecast for growth
developing economies has been revised upward; this
been revised
revisions to growth in 2023 and improved prospects for
particularly in rural areas,
the IMF report stated
BT needs to be 'bolder', says Sunil Mittal
W it h i n we e k s of Si r K e ir S t a r me r ’ s ge n e r a l e l e ct i on victory, Sunil B harti Mittal , a self made In dia n bil lionaire, h a d t h e o p po r t un i t y t o con gratul ate the PM on his ne w job Mittal was among a g r o up of s e n io r b us
me
op te am Mittal, 66, is no stranger to such events An expert networker, he is said to be friendly with India’s prime
m i n i s t e r , N a r e n d r a M o d i , and under the previous Tory g o v e r n m e n t r e c e i v e d a n
h o n o r a r y k n i g h t h o o d f o r
s e r v i c e s t o U K - I n d i a
b u s i n e s s r e l a t i o n s D u r i n g his exchange with Starmer, M i t t a l w a s f l a n k e d a t h i s r i g h t a r m b y C S Venkatakrishnan, “Venkat”, t h e I n d i a - b o r n A m e r i c a n chief executive of Barclays
U n k n o w n t o t h e
m a j o r i t y o f t h o s e p r e s e n t , Mittal, known to some in his c o u n t r y a s t h e “ t e l e c o m s tiger”, was in the final stages
per cent stake of the debt
e m b a t t l e d I s r a e l i m a g n a t e
Patrick Drahi for about £3 2 b i l l i o n , w a s a g r e e d b e f o r e last weekend and disclosed t o S t a r m e r ’ s g o v e r n m e n t , a h e a d o f a s t o c k m a r k e t announcement the next day Mittal’s acquisition is not y e t c o m p l e t e - B h a r t i h a s applied for national security clearance and the process of t r a n s f e r r i n g D r a h i ’ s s h a r e s may take months But allies
not asked for a seat on the b o a r d b u t , s e t t i n g s o m e alarm bells ringing, he also said that BT needed to be “bolder” In the days since Mittal d i s c
o r figures either familiar with the top of BT or who know Mittal well The consensus among them is that, while a charmer who already has a good rapport with Kirkby, he will expect to have an active role at the company He has so far shown no interest in taking a board seat, but there is speculation he might after h
secured
“In spite of what Sunil says, he’s bought it because he thinks it’s undervalued,” s
o r m e r B T executive “He thinks there’s
giants
rec overy in Ch ina
expanding at the fastest pace
country’s vast population and untapped rural market
selling into China, the next decade is about selling into India,” said Brian Jacobsen,
c h i e f e c o n o m i s t a t A n n e x W e a l t h M a n a g e m e n t “ Y o u h a v e t o g o w h e r e t h e demographic and economic tailwinds are at your back,” he said
M a j o r c o n s u m e r g o o d s companies based in India, the w o r l d ’ s m o s t p o p
p consumer spending recover in the coming quarters
That is expected to boost the combined market share of the top five multinational c o m p a n i e s – C o c a - C o l a , P&G, PepsiCo, Unilever and Reckitt – to 20 53% in 2023 from 19 27% in 2022, mainly in the baby care, consumer
m GlobalData
Their total market share
in China is forecast to shrink to 4 30% in 2023 from 4 37% in 2022, the data showed “China went through a long and extended Covid
that, the growth rate in India hovering around 4% seems like a healthy growth for total f
goods,” said K Ramakrishnan, M
Asia, at Kantar’s Worldpanel Division
pumping money into India with launches like PepsiCo’s Kurkure Chaat Fills, CocaCola’s packaging upgrades to increase the shelf-life of its products and Nestle’s plans
t o i n t r o d u c e i t s p r e m i u m c o f f e e b r a n d N e s p r e s s o a t year-end
o f a m o n t h s - l o n g p l o t t o e s t a b l i s h h i m s e l f a s t h e largest shareholder in one of B r i t a i n ’ s m o s t s i g n i f i c a n t c o m p a n i e s , B T H i s company, Bharti Enterprises, w a s b e i n g a d v i s e d b y Venkat’s team of investment bankers
That deal, under which Bharti would acquire the 24 5
o f M i t t a l a r e a l r e a d y speculating about whether t h e t y c o o n ’ s u l t i m a t e a m b i t i o n i s t o b u y t h e company outright Mittal’s main residence is in Delhi but the billionaire, w h o s e w i f e a n d c h i l d r e n h a v e B r i t i s h c i t i z e n s h i p , keeps homes in Mayfair and S c o t l a n d M i t t a l m a d e i t clear that he was supportive of BT’s management, led by t h e s t r a i g h t - t a l k i n g S c o t , A l l i s o n K i r k b y , a n d t h e i r strategy He said that he had
things to change He will not be passive ” Vindi Banga, the chair of U K
Investments, who has known Mittal for decades from his
India, said: “I think he will offer advice and encourage
ambition He’s no activist, but Sunil will no doubt bring his lifetime of experience to the company ”
Maruti starts exports of India made SUV Fronx to
M
i S
ki I nd i a announced that it has com menced exports of Made-in-India Fronx to J
manufactu red in India and launch ed in Japan
Japan
G ovt officia ls are discussing a proposal to incre ase t he f or e i g n d i r e ct i n v e st m e n t (FDI) l imit for insur ance to 100% , from the cur rent 74%, a mo v e w h ic h ha s t h e b acking of the regula tor, but will nee d politica l clea rance s in c e i t in v o l v e s a n a me ndment to the Insurance Act Besides, other proposals
t o e a s e F D I r u l e s f o r t h e sector, such as the mandate to have Indians in certain s e g m e n t s o f t h e t o p management, are also being reviewed, officials said Apart from FDI, a comprehensive set of amendments to the
l a w a r e a l s o p
p
s e d although the timing of the bill is yet to be decided The dep
n
n
l trade, too, is undertaking a review of the sectoral norms and the rules to ensure that investments come unbridled Insurance is among one o f t h e c
partially open to FDI, while other sectors have all moved on G
conglomerates have
pockets are willing to come into the country but are not
especially beneficial for the long-gestation life insurance business where the promoter
pockets can enter space as it requires a constant flow of funds till the company starts generating profits
since the sector was opened up and despite an increase in the limit, we still have
detailed guidelines and the regulator keeps a close watch on all the players,” a second source said
h e company ’ s Hansalpur plant, situated around 95 km from A h m e d a b a d T h e f i r s t consignment of over 1,600 vehicles left for Japan from G u j a r a t ’ s P i p a v a v p o r t recently Fronx is likely to be launched in Japan by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Maruti Suzuki’s parent company, in the autumn of this year “ O u r ‘ M a d e
i n - I n d i a ’ Fronx will soon be seen on
Suzuki India
MSCI lifts curbs on Adani group stocks
Global index p ro vi der MSCI r em o ve d r es t ri c ti o n s o n A da ni s to c k s t h a t we re impo sed after th e US sho rtseller Hindenburg Research p u bl i sh ed i ts f i rs t r ep o rt against th e group in Janu ary 2023
T h e M S C I d e c i s i o n came despite Hindenburg’s second report that alleged that the Sebi chairperson h a d i n v e s t m e n t s i n t h e same offshore funds which were used by Vinod Adani, brother of Gautam Adani, to illegally jack up prices The group had denied all the allegations in the report The MSCI decision led to some sharp up moves in some of the Adani group ’ s stocks
M S C I s a i d t h a t f o r A d a n i g r o u p s t o c k s ,
restrictions related to the changes to the number of s h a r e s , f o r e i g n i n c l u s i o n f a c t o r a n d d o m e s t i c i n c l u s i o n f a c t o r w i l l b e implemented as part of its c u r r e n t i n d e x r e v i e w p r o c e s s w h i c h w i l l b e effective from end August
E a r l i e r , i n F e b r u a r y 2023, after the first report by MSCI had come out, MSCI h a d i m p o s e d a f r e e z e o n s o m e a d j u s t m e n t f a c t o r s r e l a t i n g t o A d a n i g r o u p ’ s stocks, especially after the Hindenburg report had cast d o u b t s a b o u t t h e g r o u p ’ s ‘free float status’ F r e e f l o a t s t a t u s i s defined as those of stocks of a company which are not held by the promoters and a r e r e a d i l y a v a i l a b l e f o r t r a n s f e r t h r o u g h t h e
bourses
A m o n g t h e l a g g a r d s f r o m t h e g r o u p ’ s s t
Sunil Bharti Mittal
Yunus dials PM Modi, assures protection of Hindus
N E W D E L H I / D H A K A : M uhamm ad Y unus, ch ief adviser o f Bang ladesh’s interim g ovt, called up PM M odi to assure him that the new regim e in Dhaka w ould prioritise the protectio n o f Hindus and all oth er minorities
The conversation also saw Modi promising Yunus of India’s support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive” Bangladesh, while underscoring the importance of ensuring the “protection, safety and security” of Hindus and other minorities, according to a readout by Indian govt
Y u n u s t o l d t h e P M t h a t reports of attacks on minorities had been exaggerated and “he is i n v i t i n g I n d i a n j o u r n a l i s t s t o visit Bangladesh and report from the ground on issues of protection of the minorities” Yunus said his govt was committed to making all state apparatus fully f u n c t
o n a l a n d e f f e c t i v e , a n d ensuring human rights for every citizen of the country
m
W h i l e t h
n o r i t y c o m m
n i t i e s i n B a n g l a d e s h s e e m s t o h a v e improved a bit in the past few
Modi & Muhammad Yunus
Narendra
days, Hindu groups have continu
threat of violence This was the
Hindus since the interim govt took over Early polls unlikely Yunus pledged to hold elections but said a “free, fair and participatory” election can only be held when the interim govt has completed its “mandate” to carry out “vital reforms” In his first interaction with diplomats in Dhaka, Yunus said reforms are needed in the election commission, judiciary, civil adminis-
media In their effort to stay in power, Yunus told diplomats,
Indian origin man jailed for helping friend in Singapore football scam
SI NG A POR E: An I ndi an- origi n man ha s b een se nten ced to ei ght wee ks in jai l for h elping a former d eputy d irector of the Footb all As soci ation of Sing apore (FA S)
c h e a t t he or g a n i s a t i o n o f o v e r S GD
4 50,000
Pallaniappan Ravindran, 51, pleaded guilty to five counts of engaging in a conspiracy to cheat the association involving his friend and former FAS deputy director Rikram Jit Singh Randhir Singh Ravindran, who was the director of sports merchandise supplier Myriad Sports & Events, had helped Singh, 43, to dupe FAS by pretending that Myriad would supply items to the association
A company linked to Singh and his wife, Asya Kirin Kames, however, were supplying the items and taking payments from FAS The trio's conspiracy led to the association being cheated of a total of SGD 457,605
S i n g h , w h o m D e p u t y P u b l i c
Prosecutor Thiagesh Sukumaran called the mastermind behind the crime, was sentenced to 55 weeks in jail in January this year Asya, 36, who was earlier handed 46 charges, was granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal in January - meaning she cannot be charged again with the same offences
DPP Sukumaran told the court on August 14 that Singh and Ravindran were colleagues at another company from 2008 to 2009
In 2016, Ravindran considered winding down Myriad as he had other work commitments and the firm was not generating revenue Singh advised him not to do so and asked Ravindran to provide quotations to supply sports merchandise to FAS
Singh said he would take over the supp l y j o b s F A S h a d g i v e n t o M y r i a d Ravindran could keep a small sum of FAS' payment and then transfer the rest of the money to Singh
W h e n R a v i n d r a n a s k e d w h y t h i s arrangement was necessary, Singh admitted that it was a conflict of interest for him or any company associated with him to get contracts with FAS
the “Sheikh Hasina dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country The judiciary was broken and democratic rights
decade-and a-half crackdown ” The “to-do list” involves a
early elections and formation of an elected govt “The revolutionary students want us to carry out meaningful reforms, which will turn the country into a thriving democracy,” he said Ex-m antri held; media org ’ s office attacked
Police arrested former minister and Awami League joint
i while two more murder cases
were filed against Hasina and a petition moved seeking a ban on Awami League and cancellation of its registration Unidentified miscreants, meanwhile, attacked Bangladesh’s East West Media Group, a leading media organisation, and vandalised its offices in Dhaka and nearly two dozen parked vehicles of senior journalists Hasina’s extraditio n A s c a s e s r i s e a g a i n s t h e r , including murder accusations, Bangladesh will decide whether to ask India to extradite Hasina, the country’s de-facto foreign m i n
M
Hossain said Hossain said he did not want to speculate, but noted that Hasina was facing “ so
home and law ministries decid-
her return to Bangladesh”, he said “That creates an embarrassing situation for the Indian g o v
n m e n t , ” h e s a i d , a d d i n g India “knows this and I am sure they will take care of it” He did n o t e l a b o r a t e I n d i a ’ s f
comment
Workers celebrate Raksha Bandhan at BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi
AB U DH AB I: The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi c elebrat ed its first Raks ha B andhan on Sunday, August 18, 2 02 4, since of ficiall y opening its doors The event m arked a s ignificant miles tone and embodied the spirit of com muni ty
across the s even e mirates , m any of whom wer e away from the ir fam il ies and l oved ones
In a special program crafted to honor these individuals, the companies enthusiastically transported their staff in busloads to the Mandir Each and every visitor was meticulously looked after and ensured of an uplifting experience in the serene and spiritual surroundings of the Mandir The facilities were dedicated to creating an atmosphere of love and connection, fostering relationships and support within the community
As the clock struck 2 pm, the workers began arriving in droves, greeted warmly by the Mandir’s volunteer team who received t h e m w
d
, g u i d
n
e m through the majestic steps and into the sacred space The Mandir allowed each worker the opportunity to perform darshan of the sacred images, deepening their spiritual connection
Inside, they were welcomed by the BAPS Swami’s, who tied a special rakhi -a ceremonial thread symbolizing love and protectionaround the right wrists of each visitor This
gesture, typically exchanged between siblings in India, was transformed into a meaningful experience of community bonds and blessings, as the Swamis engaged personally with each guest, sharing moments of joy and support
The evening unfolded with a captivating program of traditional devotional songs, performed by enthusiastic volunteers and c o m m u n
e n t i c Indian instruments Following the inspiring performances, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, t h e H e a d o f t h e B A P S H i n d u M a n d i r , addressed the assembly explaining the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan, concluding with a prayer As the assembly conc l u d e d , t h e w o
treated to a special sumptuous meal with prasad -sanctified food offered to God, symbolizing love and devotion
Sikh woman, minor son rescued from captivity in Pakistan
in brief
INDIAN ORIGIN MAN SHOT, KILLED BY TEEN IN US
A 36-year-old Indian origin man has been shot and killed after a teenage boy robbed a convenience store in the US state of North Carolina, authorities said Mainank Patel, the owner of the Tobacco House store, died after the shooting A juvenile male is in custody for the crime, according to Rowan County Sheriff s Office Because the young man is a juvenile deputies cannot release his name He was arrested but no additional details have been released Deputies initially responded to the Tobacco House convenience store in response to a 911 hang-up call said Captain Mark McDaniel public information officer for the Rowan County Sheriff s Office While they were en route to the location, communications were received that there had been a shooting When the deputies arrived on scene they found Patel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds
REJANI RAVEENDRAN LOSES GOP PRIMARY IN WISCONSIN
Businessman Eric Hovde secured the Republican nomination for Senate, setting up a matchup with Democratic incumbent senator Tammy Baldwin On his way to getting the nomination, Hovde defeated University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student Rejani Raveendran who came in third garnering 34 587 votes, accounting for 6 3% of the total Hovde, a multimillionaire with a career in banking loaned his campaign $13 million of the $16 7 million total he has raised In stark contrast, Raveendran, pursuing a degree in political science with a certificate in international relations ran a grassroots campaign with limited financial resources She is reported to have raised $37,912 including a $10,000 personal loan, according to media reports
IMRAN APPLIES TO BE OXFORD CHANCELLOR
Pakistan’s jailed ex-PM Imran Khan has applied to become the next chancellor of University of Oxford, his party said Khan, PM from 2018 to 2022, has just marked one year in prison on various charges from graft to inciting violence that he said are politically motivated The list of candidates for the 10year term will not be made public until Oct according to the varsity’s website with voting taking place at the end of the month Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975 after studying philosophy, politics, and economics
AVALANCHE HITS RESCUE TEAM IN PAK, RUSSIAN MISSING
A mountaineer from a five-member Russian team went missing on Pakistan’s Gasherbrum IV when an avalanche struck while they were on a mission to retrieve the body of another Russian who had gone missing on the same mountain last year Mikhail Mironov and Sergei Mironov were stranded on the mountain after sustaining serious injuries while Alexey Bautin and Evgeni Lablokov were safely airlifted by a Pakistan army helicopter to Skardu on Saturday Sergei Nilov went missing,” said Akhtar Shigri a police officer responsible for the security of foreign climbers A rescue mission will be launched as soon as weather conditions permit Shigri added
L A
woman who was sub
to gang-rape by he
in Pun ja b pr ov ince of Pakist an has be en rescued, police said The incident took place in Faisal aba d district of Punjab , some 130 k m fr om Lahore
The police claim to have rescued both the Sikh woman and her minor son and arrested the alleged abductors/rapists
According to Gender-Based Violence Unit head (Faisalabad) ASP Zainab Khalid, the Sikh woman, a resident of Nankana Sahib, was illegally confined by two brothers - Khurram Shahzad and Kizar Shahzad - of Faisalabad who repeatedly raped over nine months
T he p o l
, a divorcee, was introduced to suspect Khurrum by her friend Saima in Nankana Sahib a few
years ago " I n D e c e m b
Khurrum to drop her minor son at her sister's house in Faisalabad from Nankana Sahib Instead, he took the boy hostage and forced the woman to come to his house in Sohailabad where he confined them both and along with his brother raped her repeatedly over nine months," the ASP said and added the police launched an investigation on the complaint of her relative and on August 14 raided the house of Khurrum and recovered her and her son
ASP Khalid said the police team also managed to arrest both suspects The Sikh woman said that she was subjected to torture when she resisted rape A case has been registered against both arrested suspects under the Pakistan Penal Code
OVER 18,000 MPOX CASES DETECTED IN AFRICA SINCE JAN
A total of 18,737 suspected or confirmed cases of mpox were reported in Africa since the beginning of the year, including 1,200 cases in one week alone, the African Union health agency, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said The figure accounts for three strains of the virus, of which one is the new more deadly and more transmissible Clade 1b which prompted the WHO to declare an international health emergency To date, 3,101 confirmed and 15,636 suspected cases have been reported from 12 African Union member states, resulting in 541 deaths - a fatality rate of 2 89%
in brief PAETONGTARN SHINAWATRA IS YOUNGEST THAI PM
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s PM after receiving a royal letter of endorsement, two days after she was chosen by parliament following a court order that removed her predecessor Paetongtarn is Thailand s second female PM after her aunt, and the country s youngest at 37 She replaces another leader from the same Pheu Thai Party at the head of a coalition that includes military parties associated with the coup that deposed the party’s last govt Paetongtarn is the third Shinawatra to hold the job after her billionaire father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra Both were removed from office and forced into exile in coups, although Thaksin returned to Thailand last year as Pheu Thai formed a govt
KENYAN AVIATION WORKERS POSTPONE STRIKE PLAN
Kenya s Workers Aviation Union (KAWU) has postponed for two weeks a strike that was scheduled to start on Monday The union which represents airport workers, said this was to allow for talks with government over a proposed deal to develop the country s main airport It believes the agreement with India s Adani Airport Holding to upgrade Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will lead to job losses and bring in non-Kenyan workers
The facility is a major African hub and industrial action would cause significant disruption to regional air traffic and national carrier, Kenya Airways The government has denied union claims that the airport is for sale, and said it had not yet decided whether go ahead with what it described as a “publicprivate partnership”
IRANIAN NOBEL LAUREATE BEATEN UP BY JAIL GUARDS
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi was violently beaten by prison guards last week and her requests for hospital care and a meeting with her lawyer have been denied her lawyer said The lawyer Mostafa Nili told Iranian news media about the violence against Mohammadi raising concerns about the state of her health and well-being He said that her cellmates had communicated her situation My client says that she was beaten and has bruises on her body, Nili was quoted as saying Despite the prison doctor s orders, and considering my client s heart condition, he said, “she has not been sent to the hospital
KAMPALA LANDSLIDE
TOLL RISES TO 34
The death toll from the collapse of a landfill in Kampala has risen to 34, with many residents and homes in the Kiteezi neighborhood buried under a massive pile of waste following heavy rains The landslide occurred on August 9 and rescue efforts continue, though 35 people remain missing The collapse is believed to have been triggered by heavy rainfall The Kiteezi landfill is on a steep slope in an impoverished part of the city Women and children who scavenge plastic waste and some homes have been built close to the landfill Kampala authorities for years have considered closing the site and commissioning a larger area outside the city as a waste disposal site
WORLD WAR I WARSHIP FOUND INTACT
A team of UK divers has hailed the discovery of a wreck off Scotland believed to be a Royal Navy warship sunk during World War I but still “virtually intact” The team found what it thinks is HMS Hawke -– which sank after being hit by a German torpedo in October 1914 - in the North Sea earlier this week Paul Downs who was among the divers and filmed footage of the longlost wreck described it as a once in a lifetime” discovery given its unbelievable condition
C
Biden
Kamala
Tearful Biden gets huge ovation at Democratic convention farewell
ovation
surp rise ap
ank h i
being an "incredible" p resident "I love you," the tearful 81y
crowd to deafening cheers, less than a month after dropping out of the White House race against Donald Trump and passing the torch to his vice president
Biden took to the stage to chants of "We love you Joe" from
pushed him out over concerns
biggest political shocks in US political history
" W e b o t
more to do, but we re moving in t h e r
referring to himself and the 59-
weeks, has turned the presidential race upside down America's first female, Black and South Asian vice president has quickly breathed new life into the Democratic Party and
polls
She heaped lavish tribute to
Biden at what must be one of the toughest moments of his career, even breaking with tradition to speak on the first night of the convention in praise of her boss "I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president Joe Biden," said Harris
B
y family, with wife Jill Biden and their daughter Ashley introducing him "Joe and I have been
India Day parade in New York features replica of Ayodhya Ram Mandir
NE W Y ORK : People in larg e numbers particip ated in the Ind ia Day Parade held in New Yo rk, US A carnival float featuring Ram Mand ir was also part of the parad e P atriotic songs were played as th e p e o p le p art ic
e parade P eople carried Ind ian flags and were seen p laying d hols and d ancing as they participated in the parade
Religious songs were played as the float moved on the roads during the carnival The float, made of wood, largely depicts the Ram Mandir - a grand pink sandstone temple built for Lord Ram in the city of Ayodhya The 18-foot long, nine-foot wide and eight-foot height float has largely been carved out in India and has been shipped by air cargo to participate in the parade
T h e p a r a d e m a r c h e d d o w n M a d i s o n
Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street in the city In addition to the parade, there was also a festival with a stage for cultural performances and over 45 booths and food vendors
According to the Federation of Indian Associations, the parade featured more than 40 floats, over 50 marching groups and over 30 marching bands, along with celebrities and dignitaries
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha was
the grand marshal, and the guests of honour included Indian actor Pankaj Tripathi and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj said, "I have come to New York to participate in the India Day Parade at the invitation of the Indian-American community People are enthusiastic as they participate in the India Day Parade Different tableaus featuring I n d i a ' s d i
a y i , Mrityunjaya, and Sanatan culture, and its values are seen here All tableaus are very wonderful here "
A group representing Indian American Muslims withdrew its float from the Parade following controversy over the inclusion of the Ram Mandir float they say shows antiMuslim bias
Indian origin woman charged for death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry
C H A N D I G A R H : F iv e p e o p l e h a v e be e n charged in co nnection with Matth ew Perry's dea th T h e p r os e c ut o rs ca l le d i t a “b ro a d undergrou nd criminal netwo rk” dedicated to getting th e “F riends” star the p owerf ul s urgical anes thetic th at killed h im
Jasveen Sangha, one of the accused in the case - who the prosecutors described as a drug dealer known to customers as the “Ketamine Queen” Sangha has been accused of selling 50 vials of ketamine to Perry over two weeks She allegedly earned $11,000 through the transact i o n s , a c c o
Estrada
The indictment alleges that Sangha was well aware of the dangers of ketamine overdose According to ABC News, in August 2019, she sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who died of an overdose After learning about McLaury’s death, Sangha apparently did a Google search for “ can ketamine be listed as a cause of death ”
Perry's death, authorities said Sangha pleaded not guilty and was denied bond She had first
been arrested in the case, charged with possession of ketamine with intent to distribute and released on bond in March, with authorities keeping Perry's involvement quiet
But a new indictment unsealed alleges a direct connection to the actor's death, and the judge ruled she should remain in custody due to her concern over prosecutors' contentions that she destroyed evidence and has used m o n e y f r o m d r u g s a l e s t o f u n d
lifestyle The prosecutor said the defendants exchanged messages soon after Perry's death referencing ketamine as the cause of death Estrada said they deleted messages and falsified medical records in an attempt to cover up their involvement The assistant received the ketamine from Erik Fleming, who has pleaded guilty to obtaining the drug from Sangha and delivering them to Iwamasa In all, he delivered 50 vials of ketamine for Perry's use, including 25 handed over four days before the a
ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery
when I fall in love with him all over again," the first lady said But Monday's first night of the convention was an emotional one on many levels, and for many of the key players
H
against Trump in 2016 in her own bid to become America's first woman president, backed Harris to finally break the glass ceiling "Something is happening in America, you can feel itsomething we've worked for and dreamed of for a long time," the former secretary of state and first lady said Harris will formally accept the party's nomination on the
biggest chance yet to define her candidacy in front of a huge audience of tens of millions of American voters
Indian origin couple, daughter die in US car crash
HO US TO N : In a tragi c inci de nt, an Indian-origi n couple and their teenage daughter wer e k ille d i n a road acci de nt while dri ving he r to colle ge in the U S state of Texa s, leaving be hind their 14-yea r-old son as the lone surviv or Arvind Mani (45) , his wife Pra deepa (40) a nd the ir 17y ear -old daughte r Andr il, a ll we re from Le ander T he cr ash happened near Lampa sa s county, the Austin Ameri can Statesman re ported Their only surviving immediate family member, son Adiryan (14), was not in the vehicle with them W i t n e s s e s c l a i m e d t h e v e h i c l e p a s s e d them at a high speed before the collision The Texas department of public safety said the blowout caused the driver of the Cadillac to lose control and cross over to the northbound lane into the Kia’s path The Kia crashed into the passenger side of Cadillac, causing extensive damage to both vehicles, officials said “It is one of the worst crashes I have seen in 26 years because of the magnitude of the damage and amount of people lost,” said Texas department of public safety trooper Bryan Washko
One killed, six missing after British-flagged superyacht capsizes off Italy
SI C IL Y : One person d ied and six others m issing after a superyach t carrying mostly British passengers w as caug ht in a tornado and
coast of Sicily, accord
A one-year-old English girl is among 15 people who were rescued after the 56-meter (183-foot) sailboat went under the water,
arrived at a children's hospital with her mother who was given chest stitches for a slight graze The British-flagged superyacht, named Bayesian, was anchored off the coast of Porticello in Palermo on the Italian island when it capsized, according to ship-tracking site Marine Traffic
Local media said water spouts formed as strong winds battered the area overnight The vessel, described as one of the largest superyachts in the world, had a crew of 10 p
, America and Canada, the Italian coast guard said Italian news outlets have reported that most of those on board were British, and claim the other people on the boat were from New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland BritishFrench citizens were also among the 22 people on the superyacht, according to reports
Kamala Harris & Joe Biden
After 10 years, J&K to vote in 3 phases, Haryana on 1 October
T he E l e c t ion C om m is s io n
a nnounced ass embl y poll s in Jam mu & Ka shmir, ending a
1 0 y e a
-wa it f or pol
S up r em e C our t ’ s Se p t 3 0 deadl ine This will be the firs t a ss emb ly poll in J&K sinc e
t he nul l if ic a t ion of Ar t ic l e
3 70 and its reorganisa tion as a Union Territory Alongside J&K , Haryana will go to polls on Oc t 1
p
Staggered over just three
& K
shortest in several decades, with polling to be conducted over a 14-day period between Sept 18 and Oct 1 Counting for both will be held Oct 4, chief election commissioner
R a j i v K u m a r s a i d i n a statement
A s s e m b l y e l e c t i o n s i n
M a h a
n t s
o r J & K , besides rains and festivals in the state
C o n g r e s s w i l l l o o k t o preempt a BJP hat-trick in Haryana, and pull off a good show in J&K, alongside allies NC and PDP BJP is banking
on its course correction with appointment of CM Nayab
S a
blunt the opposition’s claims of a loss of face and numbers in 2024 LS polls
d
T h e s h o r t e n e d p o l l schedule is not the only first in regard to J&K This is also t h e f i r s t p o l l s a f
t h e implementation of ST quota i n
s s e m b l y s e a t s p o s tabrogation of Special Status on August 5, 2019 J&K will become the third UT, after
D e l h i a n d P u d u c h e r r y , t o h a v e a n e l e c t e d a s s e m b l y
The strength of J&K assembly h a s g r o w n t o 9 0 f r o m 8 3 s i n c e t h e l a s t p o l l s , w i t h
Jammu region getting six of the seven additional seats Nine seats - almost a tenth of the total strength - have been
r e s e r v e d f o r S c h e d u l e d
Tribes; six of these seats are in Jammu Seven seats, all in Jammu, are reserved for STs W h i l e u p h o l d i n g t h e Article 370 abrogation and
r e o r g a n i s a t i o n o f J & K l a s t
y e a r , S u p r e m e C o u r t h a d directed EC to hold polls in t h e U T b y S e p
K
t h
window available after the
h
Yatra, the polls were being held “well within the time period”
“The EC will ensure that all layers of democracy are
s
e s a n d meetings and wider use of IT
a p p s l i k e C V i g i l a n d
Suvidha,” CEC Kumar said
H e a d d e d
E C ’ s confidence lies in the people
o f J & K w h
e n o n change and also want to be
y choosing ballot over bullet and boycott
C
c o r d turnouts in J&K in the recent L o k S a b h a p o
l s , t h e C E C said, “Time has come to erect
t h e b u i l d i n g o n t h e s o l i d foundation laid during the 2024 general election ” Polls represent an opportunity to key regional players of J&K, N a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e a n d P D P , w h i c h w i l l s e e k t o return to office after their near-marginalisation in the six years of central rule
Maharashtra, Jharkahand assembly
polls likely in Nov
El e ct i on C o mm is si on wi l l a n n o un c e asse mb ly pol ls in Ma ha rashtra onl y after the J&K an d Ha ryan a e lection re sult s on Oct 4, a n d i s l i
h e Jharkhan d poll s S o u r c e s s a i d
h a t e l e c t
o n s i n Maharashtra and Jharkhand may be held in Nov and would be completed well before the t e r m o f c u r r e n t M a h a r a s h t r a a s s e m b l y expires on Nov 26
C h i e f e l e c t i o n c o m m i s s i o n e r R a j i v Kumar, while announcing the poll schedule for J&K and Haryana, said assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana - which were held together over the last few cycles - were delinked this time as the existing Haryana assembly’s term was ending much earlier on Nov 3, 2024 Since J&K was a new addition to the list of assembly polls due in this part of the year, the options available to the EC were to either sync Haryana polls with J&K’s or wait until the conclusion of J&K polls to announce elections in Haryana
H o w e v e r , a s J & K p o l l s h a d t o b e completed within the Sept 30 timeframe set by the Supreme Court and the earliest the poll process could start was Aug 20 (since Amarnath Yatra would be over a day before
a n d t h e f i n a l r e v i s e d r o l l s f o r t h e U T published by then), the EC did not have a decent window to hold the Haryana polls after the J&K polls
Also, the poll panel did not deem it proper to announce the Haryana polls separately while the poll process in J&K was still on
“The time between the completion of J&K poll process on Oct 6 and Nov 3, by when a new Haryana assembly should be in place, was not enough to accommodate the entire p o
procedure, campaign and polling Besides in 2019, the Maharashtra assembly’s term was only till Nov 9, unlike Nov 26 now, and much closer to the expiry date of the Haryana assembly on Nov 2, 2019, which is why the two states had gone to polls together,” said an EC official W i t h t h e J h a r k h a n d a s s e m b l y ’ s t e r m ending on Jan 5, 2025, EC sources indicated it
m a d e s e n s e i n t e r m s o f l o g
n d expenditure to bring the Jharkhand polls forward and align them with the exercise in Maharashtra “Since the Delhi assembly polls are due only in Feb next year, EC appears m
g J h a r k h a n d p o l l s forward,” the official said
Gujarati man under scanner in US over fake green cards
A 33-year-ol d Gujarati man is under s canner in t h e U S f o r al l e g ed l y p r o v id ing f o r ge d American green cards sou rced fro m C hina to illegal immigrants A native of M atar taluka in K heda, th e man, identified as Atul Patel (name c hanged), h ad moved to th e US in 2 007 The P enns ylvania res ident is acc used of p osing as an Indian embassy emp loyee and carrying an identity card sh owing h im as a dis tric t off ic er in N ew Y ork
P a t e l ’ s n a m e e m e r g e d w i t h i n t h e undocumented immigrant community when he allegedly took $70,000 from a woman from Kheda in exchange for a green card However, when she received the card, she found it to be of substandard quality, with a silver stamp on t
questioned Patel about the card’s authenticity,
22 coaches of Sabarmati Express derail, sabotage suspected
A r ou n d 22 co a ch e s o f Sab armati Express en route from Vara nasi to Ahme dabad d e r a i l e d n e a r G ov i n d pu r i station in Kanpur l ast week a ft e r t h e e n g i n e h i t a n “object pl aced on the tra ck ” , t r i g ge r i n g su sp ic io n s o f sa b o t a ge a n d a n in t e n siv e investigat ion This was the second tra in dera il ment in UP in a month Rail minister
A sh wi n i Va i sh n a w sa i d : “ Sh a r p hi t m a r k s a r e o b se r v e d Ev i de n c e i s protected IB an d UP pol ice ar e al so working on it No i n ju r ie s t o pa s se n g e r s or staff ” At the accident site, a three foot-long segment of track that looked old and worn out was found near the
1 6 t h c o m p a r t m e n t o f t h e train The train had 1,727
p a s s e n g e r s , o f w h i c h 1 0 4 boarded at Kanpur Central
According to the driver’s a c c o u n t , “ p r i m a f a c i e , a boulder on the track collided with the engine, resulting in s e v e r e d a m a g e a n d distortion to the cattle guard o f t h e e n g i n
when the driver applied the e
rails
However, North Central
found at the site, which is believed to have caused the derailment A committee has been formed to investigate
sequence of events
26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana can be extradited to India: US court
A US c ourt has rul ed that P ak i s t a n i-o
H us s a in R a n a c a n b e extr adited to India, where he is wanted f or his involvem ent in t he 2008 Mumb ai terror
a t t a c k s c a r r ie d ou t b y
P ak i s t a n ba s ed L eT
terr orists
“ T h e ( I n d i a U S
E x t r a d i t i o n ) T r e a t y p e r m i t s
R a n a ’ s e x t r a d i t i o n , ” t h e U S
C o u r t o f A p p e a l s f o r t h e
N i n t h C i r c u i t s a i d i n i t s ruling Ruling on an appeal filed by 63-year-old Rana, a panel of three judges affirmed t h e D i s t r i c t C o u r t i n t h e Central District of California’s denial of his habeas corpus
p e t i t i o n c h a l l e n g i n g a
m a g i s t r a t e j u d g e ’ s c e r t i f i c a t i o n o f h i m a s
Tahawwur Hussain Rana
he gave an unsatisfactory answer and offered to return the money to her
A source privy to the developments in the case said, “Patel usually offers green cards in the IR-1 category, also called spouse green c
married to American citizens He also offers employment-based green cards for researchers and investors, claiming to have links with the I
s However, the cards are printed in China ”
One of the victims allegedly duped by Patel said that he was taken to a location where his biometrics were taken “I received my green card in a couple of minutes I later learned that it was a counterfeit,” the victim said Another source said that Patel might have access to green card records
Haryana will be a k eenly w a t c he d b a tt l e w h e re a r e s ur g e n t C o n g re s s w i l l see k to ous t the BJP after a d e c a d e ou t o f po w e r i n what was its ba stion till the advent of N arendra M odi on the nati ona l scen e B J P s p o t t e d s i g n s o f s t r o n g a n t i - i n c u m b e n c y , b u i l t a r o u n d j o b s , p r i c e s and law and order, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and effected correctives by replacing chief minister M L Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini But the party could not stave off the Congress which won five of the ten s e a t s , a m a j o r s h i f t a f t e r having been reduced to zero in 2019 and just one in 2014
T h e i m m e d i a t e backdrop of the battle is the
r e a s o n w h y C o n g r e s s i s gung ho about its prospects, w i t h p a r t y l e a d e r s e v e n predicting a landslide
After Congress lost the assembly owing to decade-
newspaper, ‘Jyllands-Posten’, that published a controversial i m a g
o f P r o p h e t Mohammed He faced three m a i n c h a r
p p o r t t o Lashkar, and conspiring for the Mumbai attacks He was a c q u i t t e d o f t h e M u m b a i attack charge, but convicted i n t h e o t h e r t w o a n d sentenced to 14 years
extraditable to India Rana, currently lodged in a jail in Los Angeles, faces charges for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attack and is known to be a s s o c i a t e d w i t h P a k i s t a n iAmerican LeT terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the m a i n c o n s p i r a t o r s o f t h e attacks Judge Milan Smith, who wrote the opinion for the bench, said “India provided s u f f i c i e n t c o m p e t e n t e v i d e n c e ” t o s u p p o r t t h e initial order of a magistrate j u d g e ’ s “ f i n d i n g o f probable cause that Rana committed the charged c r i m e s ” t o a l l o w t h e extradition R a n a , a C a n a d i a n citizen living in Chicago, was arrested in the US in 2 0 0 9 f o r p l o
After Lok Sabha boost, Congress eyes power in Haryana
l o n g a n t i - i n c u m b e n c y barely months after Modi wave installed the BJP govt at the Centre, the state has been decoupled from the
c e n t r a l s c e n e B a r e l y h a d t h e s t a t e v o t e d overwhelmingly for BJP in the post-Pulwama 2019 LS e l e c t i o n s t h a t i t n e a r l y shocked the party in vidhan sabha The BJP was stopped at 40 seats and had to tie up with JJP to form the govt This time, Congress goes into the polls having won half of the Lok Sabha seats, and that too in an election
w h e r e p o l a r i s i n g f a c t o r s like Ayodhya were in full play
P o s t - 2 0 2 4 , t h e m a i n rivals have been trying to adjust the factors to their advantage Congress led by Bhupinder Hooda has been o n a n o n - s t o p c a m p a i g n across the state, beefed up b y s t a t e w i d e y a t r a b y D e e p e n d e r H o o d a a n d a
separate one focussed on urban seats by senior MP and Dalit face Kumari Selja Congress is a divided house in the state, but insiders e x u d e c o n f i d e n c e t h a t i t would not come in the way of aggregating the voters for the party BJP, on the other hand,
variable that it inserted in
2014 with the formulation “ 35 qaum ka chunav”
an allusion to the strategy of
India fast-tracks deal for US
ei r f l ee ts o f ar me d d ro n es , India is fast-tracki ng negotiati ons for th e acqu isitio n o f 3 1 we ap o n is e d M Q- 9 B ‘ h u n te r- k il l er ’ re mo t el y p iloted aircraft from th e US, with th e so mewhat ambitiou s aim to ink the mega deal by Nov-Dec th is year Techno-commercial discussions for the inter-governmental contract for the
3 1 a r m e d h i g h - a l t i t u d e , long-endurance drones “ are in an advanced stage now ” , with 15 Sea Guardians earmarked for Navy and eight
S k y G u a r d i a n s e a c h f o r Army and IAF, defence ministry sources said
T h i s c o m e s a t a t i m e when China, which continues its military confrontation in eastern Ladakh for the fifth straight year, has stepped-up supplies of its
sought 16 more armed CH-4
d three in Navy,” a source said
The MQ-9B Reaper or P
B
, designed to fly for around 40 hours at altitudes over 40,000-feet for surveillance and armed with Hellfire air-
smart bombs for precision strikes, are considered far superior to Chinese armed drones
The operational utility of the MQ-9B drones has been reinforced by exten-
drones
taken on lease from
US firm General Atomicsboth over the Indian Ocean R e g i o n ( I O R
w e l l a s along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control with China
While the US has put a price tag of $3 9 billion (over
weaponised MQ-9B drones and associated equipment, including 170 Hellfire mis-
navigation systems, sensor suites and mobile ground control systems, the Indian negotiating team is working to bring the costs down
offered by the US govt and General Atomics to other countries are being taken into account All efforts are under way to conclude the
year after the final nod from the cabinet committee on security,” a source said
Need to explore many areas further: Malaysian PM
C a l l in g Pr i m e M in i st e r
Na rendr a Modi his brother, M a l a y s ia n P
An wa r Ibrahim, who is on a
St ate visit t o In dia , said that t h e r e a r e ma n y a r e a s M a l a y s ia a n d I nd i a a r e
r equired to explore further
D e scr i b i n g I n d ia a s a n i m po r t a n t n a t i on , t he
Mal aysian PM said t ha t b oth
c ou n t r ie s d i scu ss a s t r ue
b rothers on all issues, sen si-
t i ve or ot he r wi se , b e ca use
t his is the true meaning of friendship
P r i m e M i n i s t e r
Narendra Modi is my broth-
er Even when I was not the PM he was very kind We have agreed to enhance the f u r t h e r c o m p r e h e n s i v e strategic partnership " the Malaysian PM said in a joint p r e s s s t a t e m e n t w i t h P M
M o d i E a r l i e r , P M M o d i announced that India and Malaysia have elevated the
t i e s t o a C o m p r e h e n s i v e Strategic Partnership
"We will reinvigorate this
w o r k i n g r e l a t i o n s i n a l l f i e l d s W e d i s c u s s a s t r u e brothers on all issues, sensitive or unlike wise, because this is the true meaning of
friendship We have established an understanding of a number of issues, and the Prime Minister kindly mentioned some of them But I have said, as we have said in the meetings, we will extend this," Malaysian PM Ibrahim said
"I personally believe, and I h a v e s a i d t h i s t o P
m
M i n i s t e r N
d r a M o d i , that there are so many areas that we need to explore further, and it s unfortunate, in the last many years, there has not been that truly forthcoming India is an important and great nation with a great history and great cult u r e a n d c i v
added
Malaysia has initiated a lot of
that he extends invitation to Indian companies for collaboration in Malaysia Ibrahim said, "We would hope that Indian companies collaborate with Malaysian
challenging areas like energy transition, digitalization, and also food security We did emphasize the need to use
b
expertise in the semiconductor area, which we are fortunate to be considered a hub in Southeast Asia "
Centre asks UPSC to cancel lateral entry advertisements
The Cent re on Tuesday a ske d the UPSC to withdraw the lat est ad vertisement for la tera l e ntry in bure aucra cy, a mid a row ov er reserv ation in the adv ertised posts
Union Minister of State for Personnel
Jitendra Singh wrote to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairman Preeti Sudan and asked her to cancel the advertisement so t
rightful representation in government services
The UPSC had on August 17 issued a notification for recruiting 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries through lateral entry - referred to as appointment of specialists (including those from the private sector) in government departments
The decision had ignited criticism from
Jagdambika Pal to head Parliamentary panel on Waqf Bill
S en i or B JP L ok Sa b ha m ember Jagdamb ika Pal was n a m e d c ha i rp e r s on o f t he j oi nt c om m i t t e e of Parliame nt (JPC), which will e x a m in e t h e c o nt e n t io us Wa qf ( Am end me nt ) Bil l A Lok Sabha notification s aid Spe aker Om Birla appointe d Pal as the head of t he 31m ember com mittee
A m i d p r o t e s t s b y t h e opposition in the Lok Sabha on its provisions, the govt had decided to refer the bill to a joint committee of the two Houses The joint panel has 31 members -21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha -and will submit its report by the next session
The 73-year-old Pal is a f o u r t h - t e r m M P f r o
n Uttar Pradesh and is seen as a
lawmaker who enjoys warm crossparty relations
The Lok Sabha and the R a j y a S a b
Kiren Rijiju, who also holds
portfolio, naming the members to be part of the committee
In the Lower House, 12
Democratic Alliance (NDA), including eight from the BJP, and nine from the opposition In the Upper House, four are from the BJP, four
e from the YSRCP, which has opposed the bill, and one is a nominated member
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha recently and referred to a joint committee of Parliament after a heated debate, with the govt asserting the proposed law did not intend to interfere with the functioning of mosques and the opposition calling it tar-
attack on the Constitution
The committee has been asked to submit its report to Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the next session, Rijiju said
Millions have died because of ‘toxic’ allopathic medicine: Ramdev
Yoga gur u Baba R amde v has on ce a gain re ite rat ed his sta nce a gain st allopa thy, claimin g “millions of pe ople in In dia hav e per ishe d due to the use of allopat hic me dicin e ” A t a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e a t P a t a n j a l i
Yogpeeth in Haridwar, Ramdev emphasised the need for medical autonomy and reaffirmed his commitment to a “swadeshi revolution through Patanjali, aimed at achieving economic, social, and medical freedom in India ” Ramdev accused foreign pharmaceutical companies of perpetuating a cycle of dependency on synthetic drugs, which he described as “toxic ” He asserted that millions of people
opposition parties, which claimed it undermined the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs and STs
In his letter, Singh said that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reservation in public employment is a cornerstone of our social justice framework aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity"
"Since these positions have been treated as specialised and designated as single-cadre posts, there has been no provision for reservation in these appointments This aspect needs to be reviewed and reformed in the context of the Prime Minister's focus on ensuring social justice," Singh said
This step would be a significant advance in the pursuit of social justice and empowerment, Singh said
are dying every year due to these “poisonous” medicines “The dream of medical freedom is still unfulfilled, as millions continue to suffer and die from allopathic drugs Just as millions of Indians were killed during British rule and in various conflicts around the world, millions are now perishing from synthetic pharmaceuticals,” he said Ramdev reiterated Patanjali’s “mission to accelerate the swadeshi movement under the banner of Patanjali Wellness, aiming to bring about a significant shift towards indigenous and natural healthcare practices ” Ramdev ’ s past statements on allopathy have led to legal cases, including a lawsuit by the IMA
Jagdambika Pal
Anwar Ibrahim & Narendra Modi
SOUTH INDIA
Relief for Karnataka CM, HC defers action till August 29
evelopm ent Authority (Muda)
def er it s proc eedings a nd not to t ake any precipitative ac tion till t he next date of hearing on Aug 29 J
interim order after the court was told that the trial court is scheduled to pass orders on the private complaints lodged against the CM on Aug 20 The judge was hearing a writ petition filed by the CM challenging the
l e g a l i t y o f t h e o r d e r o f t h e g o v e r n o r granting sanction to prosecute him in the alleged land scam
Responding to BJP protests calling for h i s r e s i g n
h s a i d , “ M y conscience is clear I first became minister 40 years ago, and since then, there has not been a single black spot in my political life
My political life is like an open book The people of the state know that I have not d
question of resigning
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing three
that the CM had misused his
alternative sites allotted in his wife’s name on the strength of certain fake documents in the layout formed by Muda
advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that though the governor is bound by the advice of the cabinet, he not only ignored the cabinet’s advice in this case but also passed a two-page order according sanction D
, unreasoned, and issued without application of mind,” Singhvi claimed that though there w e
sanction pending with the governor from a few months to three years, no decision was taken on them
Singhvi submitted that the “friendly governor plucked the application filed by his blue-eyed boy TJ Abraham the same day it was submitted and issued a show-cause notice to the petitioner on July 26, 2024 ”
Haryana govt announces sops to woo voters
C H A N D I G A R H : H ary an a ’ s BJP gov t cleared tweaks in SC and OBC quotas as part of a s le w o f p o p u li s t d e ci s i o ns d e sp i te th e m o d e l c o d e kicking in since declaration of assem bly po lls the prev ious day, signalling a last-minute shaky dash to w oo vo ters
CM Nayab Singh Saini, treading cautiously, said the decisions cleared at a cabinet meeting were subject to EC’s approval The decisions also include one that p r o v i d e s j o b s e c u r i t y f o r e x t e n s i o n (contractual) college lecturers getting Rs 50,000 and above per month The model code came into force on August 16 after the announcement of the Oct 1 polls Saini had ample time to prepone the cabinet meeting before that But he chose to have it on August 17
convene the meeting,” said Saini
While leaving the fate of the decisions to the poll p a
are sure to form the govt on Oct 4 and we shall have the first meeting of the House on Oct 6, where we will pass all these proposals,” Saini said Possibly aware of the model code hurdles, the CM said his govt would form a three-member committee of secretaries to “ screen ” issues and forward them to the EC through chief electoral officer (CEO) Pankaj Aggarwal The CEO described the screening committee, led by the state chief secretary, as a routine practice
Karunanidhi a towering figure in Indian politics: PM Modi
C HEN NA I: P rime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to former Tamil Nadu CM and DM K patriarch M Karu nanid hi as the Centre released a co mmemorative coin marking the d eparted politician’ s centenary
In a letter to Karunanidhi’s son and current CM M K Stalin, the PM praised the DMK stalwart, describing him as a “towering figure” in Indian politics, literature, and society Modi’s sentiments were shared in a post on platform X by Stalin, who expressed gratitude, saying: “I wholeheartedly thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Thiru @narendramodi avl for his kind wishes and support ”
S t a l i n e x p r e s s e d p r i d e i n t h e n a t i o n a l recognition of his father’s legacy, saying: “I am happy that the entire country is celebrating Kalaignar through the centenary coin ” D
officially unveiled the coin at a ceremony in C
national figure Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also p
dedication to empowering people paved the way for millions to live a life of dignity,” he said He c r e d
transforming Tamil Nadu
Centre ‘ignoring’ Sikh issues for four years, alleges SGPC
A M RI T SA R: A fter th e SA D and BJP p arted ways in 2020, the PM Narend ra Mod i-led NDA g overnment had been ignoring th e Sikh issues, alleged th e SGPC sources Ev en the demand of a com mittee formed by Akal Takh t to change the S ahibzad as Martyrd om Day to “ Sahi bzad e Sh ahadat Diw as ” h ad been ig no red, said th e sources Similarly, issues pertaining to historic gurdwaras in Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have not been addressed by the Centre even after the SGPC s e n t m u l t i p l e c o m m u n i q u é s f o r t h e i r resolution
NORTH-EAST
BJP sweeps panchayat poll in Tripura
u ncontested
Voting for the remaining 29 per cent of the seats was held on August 8 and the counting of votes concluded last week As per officials, the BJP won 584 out of 606 gram panchayats, 34 panchayat samitis of 35 and eight of eight zila parishads In June, the ruling BJP had won both Lok Sabha seats in the state
In the panchayat elections, the BJP won 93 of the 96 seats in eight zilla parishads while the Congress and the CP(M) bagged two and 1 seat, respectively, state election commissioner Asit Kumar Das said
The performance was similar in panchayat samitis where the party won 1,476 of the 1,819 gram panchayats The Congress and CPI(M) bagged eight and six seats respectively
Similarly, the BJP won 1,476 of the 1,819 g r a m P a n
Congress and the TIPRA Motha bagged 148, 151, and 24 seats respectively
While the BJP thanked the people of the state for reposing their faith in the Modi government, while the Opposition parties said that they could not field any candidates in 71 p
uncontested
S p e
results, Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the results have displayed the extent of the people’s support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his leadership
The BJP won 97% of the seats with huge margins “There must be an effort to win all 100 per cent seats in the future,” Saha said M e a n w h i l e , t h e C P I ( M ) s a i d t h a t t h e results have come as a wake-up call for the BJP as it faced tough competition in seats where the Opposition fielded candidates
AMIT SHAH TO CHAIR NORTH EAST COUNCIL MEETING
“ I w a s c a u g h t u n a w a r e s o n t h e declaration of the elections We were all s u r p r i s e d B u t s i n c e t h e a g e n d a o f t h e cabinet meeting had been circulated and time had been fixed in advance, we had to
a f t e r i m p o s i t i o n o f m o d e l c o d e t o g e t clearance for urgent matters that may halt routine functioning of govt departments
Former CM and leader of opposition, Congress’s Bhupinder Singh Hooda, accused the Saini govt of trying “to befool people of state and various groups ”
S G P C c h i e f H a r j i n d e r S i n g h D h a m i alleged that the Central Government was deliberately ignoring Akal Takht appointed five-member panel to take up the cases of “ B a n d i S i n g h s ” ( S i k h p o l i t i c a l p r i s o n e r s )
T h o u g h t h e S G P C h a d c o m m e n c e d t h e campaign to secure the release of Bandi Singhs in 2013, they became vociferous after the BJP’s oldest ally left the NDA in protest against the passage of three controversial farm laws
BJP ramps up protests against govt, presses for Mamata's resignation
KO LK A T A : The BJP has d ecided to intensify the ag itation for the
r es i g na ti o n o f c h i ef m in i st er
M am ata Banerjee am id und ying p ublic outrag e ov er the trainee
d octor’ s rape and murder at RG
K a r M ed i c al C o l leg e a nd Hosp ital in Calcutta
State BJP president Sukanta
M a j u m d a r s a i d t h a t t h e w o m e n ’ s w i n g o f h i s p a r t y would observe Raksha Bandhan at 15 locations in Calcutta and elsewhere in Bengal to focus on the safety of women
“The BJP will approach the court to seek permission for a p r o t e s t s c h e d u l e d a n d a c o n t i n u
u s s i t - i n demonstration is planned from A u g u s t 2 0 t o 2 3 T h e c h i e f minister has lost the trust of the c o m m o n p e o p l e a n d w e w i l l
continue our movement till she resigns,” Majumdar said Laying out the details of the p r o g r a m m e f o r t h e n e x t f i v e days, Majumdar said leader of t h e O p p o s i t i
S
n d u Adhikari, along with other BJP MLAs, would join the protest, f o l l o w e d b y t h e M P s o f t h e party
“Representatives of all cells and departments of the BJP will be present at the demonstration
and we have a Swasthya
B h a v a n G h e r a o programme Finally, the women ’ s wing of the BJP will lead the protest on Friday,” Majumdar added T h e C P
d t h e allegation that there were deliberate attempts to tamper with the evidence so that the perpetrators could be saved
“ W h y d i d t h e R G K a r administration claim it was a c a s e o f s u i c i d e b e f o r e t h e v i c
t h e influential doctor from north Bengal who was informed of the incident even before police and t h e p a r e n t s ? ” C P M s t a t e secretary Md Salim asked
T h e C P M q u e s t i o n e d t h e real intentions behind the CBI’s i n v e s t i g a t i o n , w i t h S a l i m p o i n t i n g o u t t h a t d e s p i t e n u m e r o u s r e p o r t s “ e x p o s i n g c o r r u p t i o n ” i n t h e p u b l i c healthcare system, the agency had yet to summon anyone T a r g e t t i n g K o l k a t a P o l i c e commissioner Vineet Goyal, the s e n i o r C P M l e a d e r s a i d : “ I s V i n e e t G o y a l , w h o
e d l y s a b o t a g e d t h e K a m d u n i i n v e s t i g a t i o n , b e i n g g i v e n c h a r g e a g a i n t o r e p e a t h i s actions?”
“ M a m a t a B a n e r j e e i s n o t only the chief minister but also the in-charge of the health and home departments It is an utter failure and she should take the responsibility of this failure and resign immediately,” he added
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to c h a i r a s i g n i f i c a n t m e e t i n g i n T r i p u r a , addressing various developmental issues of the North Eastern region from August 31 to S e p t e m b e r 1 T h e m e e t i n g o f t h e N o r t h Eastern Development Council (NEC) marks the first such gathering since the formation of the BJP coalition government in Tripura “This is a pivotal moment for our state and the entire North Eastern region,” stated Chief Minister Manik Saha during a press briefing “Besides the Chief Ministers of eight states, including Tripura, the Governors will also be p r
announced that DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will attend the two-day meeting, scheduled for August 31 and September 1 “We are looking forward to fruitful discussions and actionable outcomes from this important assembly,” he added
3 MEGHALAYA CONG MLAS JOIN NPP
alleged anti-party activities, the two, along with
National People's Party (NPP) Earlier, the three Congress legislators met Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas Sangma to complete the formalities for their merger with the NPP This shift leaves the Congress party with only
Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, which previously had 28 MLAs, now increases its strength to 31 The suspension of Marngar and Wahlang for six years over alleged anti-party activities raises questions about whether the Congress will pursue legal recourse
Siddaramaiah
Mamata Banerjee
CM Nayab Singh Saini
PM Modi to address Indian-Americans in New York on Sept 22
when he vis its the U S for the high-level UN G eneral A ssemb ly ses sion
The community event will be held on September 2
Nassau Coliseum in Long Island
address the high-level UN General Assembly session h
, according to a provisional list of speakers issued by the UN Sources said that
swing for the community event in Long Island, coming 10 years after Modi had addressed a massive com-
September 2014 This happened just months after he had first taken charge as Prime Minister and had vis-
ited the city to attend the high-level annual General Assembly session
In 2019, Modi addressed the mega community event ‘Howdy Modi' at the NRG S
Texas, where he was joined
Donald Trump
This year, Modi's visit to the US comes just weeks before the country goes to
November
with
woman of Black and Indian
President and the presiden-
Modi's visit to Poland sparks excitement among Indian diaspora
Contiuned from page 1 In the appeal it was written, “At this saddest
Excellency to give an appro-
response to this heinous situation We respectfully request
Russian-Ukrainian war Your leadership and intervention
c o u l d s i g n i f i c a n t l y c o ntribute to bringing about a r e s o l u t i o n a n d r e s t o r i n g peace in the most righteous manner, and thereby it will
h i g h l i g h t I n d i a ’ s c
m m
lenges, stands to benefit greatly from closer economic ties with India As traditional markets like Russia remain closed and
tment to humanist and democratic values ” This visit would mark the first time an I n d i a n p r i m e m
Ukraine since 1982
S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n V o i c e , C E O & M a n a g i n g P a r t n e r , S h a r d a G r o u p o f Companies and Vice President, Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industry A mit L ath said, “This visit is a historic milestone i n s t r e n g t h e n i n g I n d
W h i l e P
h a v e exchanged visits before, this marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland
since 1979 Poland's central location and its status as one of the top six economies in Europe make it a key partner for India
S i m i l a r l y , I n d i a i s a c r u c i a l p a r t n e r f o r Poland, offering a vast market of 600 million middle-class consumers ”
Amit said, “The Indian diaspora is excited about Modi's visit to Poland, especially since it marks the first such visit in many years This visit not only generates enthusiasm but also serves to elevate Poland's profile among the Indian community It is expected that discussions between the two governments will focus on various areas of cooperation, paving the way for a strong partnership between the regions and countries ”
“This visit also holds significance in the broader context of the ongoing IndiaEurope Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations Strengthening ties between India and European countries like Poland could facilitate a more favourable outcome for the FTA, which is crucial for both sides Europe, currently facing economic chal-
political party
This year, the high-level general debate of the 79th session of the UN General A
from September 24-30 As per the provisional list of s
G
a l Debate issued by the UN, I n d i a ' s “ H e a d o f Government” is scheduled
t o a d d r e s s t h e h i g h - l e v e l session in the afternoon of September 26
The list is not final and t h e U N r e l e a s e s u p d a t e d provisional lists of speakers in the weeks leading up to t h e h i g h - l e v e l s e s s i o n t o reflect any modifications in attendance, schedules and
speaking slots of leaders, ministers and ambassadors
Brazil, traditionally the first speaker at the debate, will open the high-level session on September 24, foll o w e
Biden delivering his current term's final address to global leaders from the iconic U N p o d i u m b e f o
country heads to presidential elections in November
Modi took oath in June as Prime Minister for a historic third term and had last addressed the annual high-level UNGA session in September 2021 He visited t
June 21 last year, leading
memoration at the North Lawn of the world body's headquarters before heading to Washington DC for a State Visit hosted by Biden U N S
Antonio Guterres will present his report before the start of the General Debate, followed by an address by the President of the 79th
Assembly World leaders will convene at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for
President in her Raksha Bandhan day message calls for safety of women
difficulties, and with the US pursuing its own strategies, India emerges as a natural
Europe Poland, in particular, stands to gain from this
he highlighted Poland's crucial role during the early stages of the Ukraine war, especially in helping evacuate Indian students He said, “We are deeply grateful to Poland for allowing these students to cross their borders without visas, even in cases where students had lost their passports This act of kindness by Poland stands as a testament to the strong bonds between our nations Moreover, this cooperation echoes a historical connection dat-
Maharajas of Jamnagar and Kolhapur prov
P
s h women and children fleeing the conflict The Maharajas’ generosity is a symbol of t h e e n d u r i n g t
e s b e t w e e n I n d i a a n d Poland In many ways, both countries have shown remarkable solidarity in times of need, and we are profoundly thankful for the mutual care and support extended to our citizens ”
H isto rical ties between India and Poland India and Poland share a rich historical bond, marked by mutual support and cultural exchange During the early 1940s, Poland faced devastation from German and Soviet invasions, leading to a severe refugee crisis At that time, the princely states of Jamnagar and Kolhapur in India
e x t e n d e d s a n c t u a r y t o P o l i s h r e f u g e e s Specifically, around 1,000 Polish children, many orphans, were sheltered at Camp
B
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja These children, part of an amnesty allowing their escape from the Soviet Union in 1942, were held until their return to Poland in 1946, after the war ended The Balachadi camp was converted into a Sainik School in 1961, featuring a plaque gifted by Polish survivor t
stay Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji's generosity led to him being honoured as the patron of the first public school established in Warsaw after World War II, named in his honour Today, eight schools bear his name In 2012, the Polish Sejm
p
Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit, and Warsaw's City Council named a park square in the Ochota district "Square of the Good Maharaja" to honour his legacy
ing of af fec tion and res pec t towards al l sisters and daughters
In a post on X, President Murmu said, "On the auspic i o u s o c c a s i o n o f R a k s h a Bandhan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen This festival, based on the feeling o f l o v e a n d m u t u a l t r u s t between brothers and sisters, instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters " She also urged the citiz e n s t o t a k e a p l e d g e t o ensure the safety and respect of women in society "I would like that on this festival day, all the countrym e n t o t a k e a p l e d g e t o ensure the safety and respect of women in our society," the post further reads
I n d i a n P r i m e M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi also greeted people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity
U n i o n H o m e M i n i s t e r A m i t S h a h a l s o e x t e n d e d wishes and prayed for everyone's happiness and prosperity
R a k s h a B a n d h a n , c o mmonly known as Rakhi, was c e l e b r a t e d o n M o n d a y , August 19 this year It is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters
On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care for their sisters Rakhi symbolises a sense o f p r o t e c t i o n O n R a k s h a B a n d h a n , t h e b r o t h e r s promise to protect their sisters from harm of any kind It is a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been c e l e b
I n c i d e
n
rakhi around their brothers' w
m e n t i o n
d i n H i n d u r e l igious texts
Hindus in Pakistan celebrate Raksha Bandhan
The Hindu community in Pa kista n, especially t h o se i n t h e n o r t h - we st e r n c i t y o f
Pe sha war a nd the sout hern cit y of Kar achi celebrat ed t he fe stiva l of R ak sha Ban dhan with e nthusiasm Kr ishn a Kumar i, a Hin du se na t or fr om th e P ak ist an Pe ople ’ s Pa r ty (PPP), tied a ra khi to he r pa rty chief Bila wal Bhutto Zar dar i Sharing a video of herself tying the rakhi to the PPP leader, Kumari wrote in a post on X : “ H a p p y R a k s h a B a n d h a n T h a n k y o u respected Chairman @BBhuttoZardari” and t a g g e d h i s s i s t e r s A s e e f a Z a r d a r i a n d Bakhtawar B Zardari
A h e a d o f t h e f e s t i v a l o n M o n d a y , makeshift stalls selling rakhis in different
colours and designs were set up inside several temples in the city In Peshawar, the festival was celebrated amid tight security as heavy contingents of police were deputed around temples in city and cantonment areas to ensure peaceful observance of the occasion
A large number of Hindu women and young girls from all across the metropolis thronged a temple in Jhanda Bazar in the city area for early pooja and then prepared for ‘aarti ’ They tied rakhi to their brothers after attending the rituals
According to a Lahore-based TV channel, similar celebrations were held at the city’s old Krishna Temple where brothers and sisters celebrated the festival
Rahul Navin appointed as ED chief for 2 years
Th e C entre appointed Rahul Nav in, acting chi ef o f Enforcem ent Directorate, as the central ag ency ’ s full-tim e director fo r a fixed tenure of two years A 1993-batch IRS officer, he had been holding additional charge of ED director since S ept last year when its th en chief S K Mishra demitted office His elevation had looked imminent since his promotion to the rank of additional secretary in Jan
I n a n o t i f i c a t i o n , A p p o i n
Committee of the Cabinet approved Navin’s appointment as “director of enforcement in ED for a period of two years ” Navin, who has been with the agency
since 2019, is considered an expert in intern a
Management Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act During his tenure with ED, he has been involved in supervision of all high-profile investigations Before taking over as acting chief of the agency, he held the charge of vigilance and administration He holds BTech and MTech degrees from IIT
Amit Lath receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 from President of India
Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja
Droupadi Murmu celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with children and students
PM Modi urges Global South to unite, speak in one voice
W h i l e c i t i ng t h e g lo b al
a t mo s p h e re o f u n ce rt a i nt y and challenges posed by war, i nc ludi ng concerns related to f ood and energy s ecuri ty, PM N arend ra Mo di app ealed to
t h e G l oba l So u th to u ni te ,
s p e ak i n on e v o i c e a nd become each other’s strength A dd ress ing the third G lobal S outh Summit Indi a hos ted vi rtually last week, Modi said
t e rr o ri s m, e xt r em i s m a nd s ep aratism conti nued to po se s eri ous threats to soc ieties
After having listened to p a
G
o b a l
Development Compact’ that will be “human centric, multid
C
burden of debt in the name of development finance It will contribute in balanced and
i d Modi
‘Development Compact’, we
growth, technology sharing, project specific concessional finance and grants To boost t
a l fund of $2 5 million,” he said D
about conflicts as a serious issue, Modi said solutions to these will depend on just and inclusive global governance, s
priorities give preference to
take steps to reduce the gap between Global North and South
The PM said earlier in his
emerging Looking to drive home India’s point about the
UNSC and other global and financial institutions, Modi also said these had failed to meet the challenges of this century
sharing its experiences, its capabilities with countries of Global South and wants to
inclusive growth, progress of
development, he said
Man enters UK hotel room, attacks sleeping Air India staff
A n A ir In d i a ( A I) c r e w
memb er was a ssault ed b y an int ruder in her London hotel
r o o m e a r l i e r t h i s we e k
L uck il y, her cr ies for h el p
r e a che d co l l e a g u e s in a djace nt rooms, aft er which
t h e y c ha s e d do w n a n d caught t he fleeing assa il ant The crew member suffere d b ruises, was ta ken to hospital a nd is now b ack in India,
w h e r e sh e is b e i n g coun se lle d, said an official
A n A I s p o k e s p e r s o n confirmed the assault: “We are deeply anguished by the
u n l a w f u l i n c i d e n t o f intrusion at a hotel, operated
b y a m a j o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l chain, that affected one of our crew members We are p r o v i d i n g
l l p o s s i b l e support to our colleague and t h e i r b r o a d e r t e a m , i n c l u d i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l counselling Air India is also working with local police to p
fullest extent of the law, and with the hotel management to ensure such incidents are not repeated ” The airline asserted that it “accords foremost priority to the safety, security and well-being of our crew and
s
those involved be respected ”
The incident happened after midnight at Radisson
multiple AI flights were at t h e p r o p e r t y “ T h e c r e w member was sleeping when the intruder attacked her in her room around 1 30 am Startled, she screamed for help He attacked her with a clothes hanger and dragged her on the floor as she tried to escape, ” said a source Colleagues came to her r e s c u e “ T h e p o l
e called in and she was taken to hospital,” the source said Police are probing the attack “The intruder was arrested H e m i g h t h a v e b e e n a homeless person who walked into the hotel and managed to enter the room The lack of security in the hotel is shocking,” the source said
ISRO launches earth observation satellite EOS-8
T he Indian S pace Research Org anisation ( I S R O) l au nc h e d E ar th O bs er v at i on S atellite-8 (EOS-8) from the Satish Dhawan S pace Centre in Sriharikota, A nd hra Pradesh last week
As per ISRO, the six-and-a-half-hour c o u n t d o w n l e a d i n g t o t h e l a u n c h commenced at 2 47 am This is the third and f i n a l d e v e l o p m e n t a l f l i g h t o f t h e S
D 3 / E O S - 0 8 m
t i s designed for a mission duration of one year
The primary objectives of the EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites, an ISRO release said earlier Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus,
t h e E O S - 0 8 c a r r i e s t h r e e p a
Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the G l o b a l N a v i g a t i
Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter
The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and LongWave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night, for applications such as satelliteb a s e d s u
g
environmental monitoring, fire detection,
volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for applications such as ocean surface wind
waterbody detection
advancement in satellite mainframe systems
known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, which combines multiple functions into a single, efficient unit This system is designed
Venomous snake found in parcel
In a startling turn of events, a couple from Bengaluru experienced an unexpected 'surprise' upon receiving their latest Amazon delivery The package, which was supposed to contain an Xbox controller, instead housed a dangerous guest -a spectacled cobra - along with the package The family, who resides on Sarjapur Road, ordered the gaming accessory The family was anticipating the arrival of the package,
excitement quickly turned into fear when they noticed the slithering presence stuck to the packaging tape The spectacled cobra is a venomous snake predominantly found in the Indian subcontinent The venom of the spectacled cobra is a potent neurotoxin that can impair the respiratory system, leading to paralysis or even death if left untreated
Hospital staff dies after three hour wait for doctor
A sweeper at St George Hospital in Mumbai died after reportedly waiting nearly three hours for medical attention Anish Kailash Chauhan, who sustained head injuries, had come to the hospital seeking stitches CCTV footage shows him sitting in a wheelchair with a bandage around his head while waiting for care Following his death, Chauhan's family and friends gathered at the hospital to protest what they claimed was a delay in medical treatment They are demanding accountability for the apparent negligence Meanwhile, his fellow staff have held the doctors responsible for Chauhan's death They said that the delay was solely due to the doctors at the hospital who later sent an intern to examine him The victim's friend Aditya Mahimkar said that they will neither claim the body nor take it from there until strict action is taken against those who need to be held accountable for the death He said, "We demand strict action and suspension of the Resident Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent " This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the management of St George Hospital, a government-run facility
Chinese firm bans applicants born under specific Zodiac signs
Superstition remains deeply rooted in Chinese culture, extending into the corporate world Business decisions are often prompted by superstitions, from favouring lucky numbers to avoiding certain colours or dates to incorporating feng shui principles into corporate decisions Recent attention related to the superstition has been drawn to Sanxing Transportation, a company in Guangdong Province, due to its unusual hiring policy According to reports, the firm has gone viral on Chinese social media for explicitly banning job applicants born in the Year of the Dog Their rationale behind this decision is that those born under the dog zodiac sign might be the source of misfortune for the head of the firm, who is a dragon The conflict in the 12-year zodiac cycle between the dragon and dog is represented in Chinese astrology It is said that the dragon has a water element, while the dog has a fire element As a result, if a dragon works with a dog, they will often disagree Superstitious beliefs also regard dog people as vindictive and capable of bringing bad luck to the careers of dragon people
Teacher living in US draws salary from school
The Gujarat govt has ordered an investigation into allegations that a primary school teacher, Bhavna Patel, has been drawing a salary while residing in the US since 2016 The accusation was levelled by Parul Mehta, the incharge principal of the primary school in Panchha village of Banaskantha district, where Patel is employed According to Mehta’s complaint, “Bhavna Patel settled in Chicago in the US in 2016 However, to ensure the continuity of her service, she comes to the school once a year and serves for a month This has been going on for several years The students are suffering because of her long absence She should either resign or resume duty ” District education officer (DEO) Vinu Patel confirmed that Bhavna Patel has been on unauthorized leave for the past eight months and has not received any salary since Jan State education minister Kuber Dindor said, “I have ordered an inquiry and sought a report from the district officials We do not allow such practice If found guilty of unauthorized absence, we will punish the teacher and recover the salary she was paid ” Bhavana Patel responded via WhatsApp that she would resume duty in Sept However, her response was rejected, and she was asked to report to work immediately The DEO said they will issue a suspension notice and take strict action against her
Cop wants 5 kg of potatoes as bribe, lands in soup
In a district known as the potato belt, a request for potatoes is hardly unusualunless, of course, it’s a policeman demanding 5 kg of the staple as bribe Such a case surfaced in UP’s Kannauj where a sub-inspector (SI) was suspended after an audio clip purportedly of his conversation with a farmer went viral on social media In the audio, SI Ram Kripal, incharge of the Chapunna-Bhawalpur police outpost, was allegedly heard negotiating with a farmer for 5kg potatoes as bribe to settle a police case against the latter The farmer expressed his inability citing financial crunch and instead offered 2 kg potatoes The SI refused to budge initially but the deal was finally settled at 3 kg potatoes After the audio went viral, Kannauj SP Amit Anand suspended Ram Kripal and ordered an inquiry “Police are investigating whether ‘potato’ was a code word for a certain amount of money that the SI had asked for,” the officer said
Another bridge collapses in Bihar
Apart of a bridge over the Ganga in Bihar under construction for over 10 years gave way on Saturday, taking the dubious tally of the state’s bridge collapses since June this year to 18 No one was harmed when the iron superstructure of the four-lane Sultanganj (Bhagalpur)-Aguani Ghat (Khagaria) bridge fell into the overflowing river But this was the third time a part of the same bridge collapsed in a little over two years, adding to concerns about the quality of the Rs 1,710 crore project Sources said the collapsed structure, part of the damaged portion from the 2023 mishap, was scheduled for removal
The day I met the Prime Minister of India
My name is Vihana Rachhoya and I am 13 years old.
On 25 July 2024, I was given the o p
Samachar) to a meeting she had with the Prime Minister of India in New Delhi The opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy was indeed a dream come true for me - one of the most unique memory and experience I will carry with me forever As is appropriate to d o , I a
Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi as Modiji This is my brief account of the day
On the day of our meeting, as we
heavy security in the entire complex
We were subjected to strict security m
protocols We had to hand in all electronic items such as power banks, chargers (even my tube shaped lip balm!) for safe-keeping We had deliberately reached the Parliament well in advance as we did not want to be late by even one minute, and quite honestly I was happy to soak in the atmosphere of just being there We were escorted to a waiting room adjacent to Modiji's office at exactly 12:07 pm and waited for about 20 minutes until we were called in While we were waiting, an officer attended to us to safe-check our possessions, in particular the two books we were carrying to present to Modiji
Exactly at 12 27pm, we were called into Modiji’s office My sister, Virina, and I looked at each other in sheer anticipation and excitement I almost wanted to pinch myself to make sure this was real As soon as we entered Modiji’s office, we greeted him, and I touched his feet to seek his blessing as a sign of respect
We were asked to sit down at his large oval-shaped table At once, two official photographers came in to take our pictures with Modiji I really did n o t e x p e c t t h i s o n c e - i n - a l i f e t i m e moment to be captured officially As we briefly introduced ourselves to Modiji one by one, I found enough courage to address Modiji in Gujarati and said: “Sir, tamne maline khubh anand thayo” (I am very happy to m e e t y o u I h o p e M o d i j i w a s impressed by my Gujarati!)
We handed Modiji the two books we were carrying The first is a book written in Gujarati by my grandmother Jyotsna Shah, titled “ Jeevan Ek Sur A ne k” ( a s i ng u l ar li fe o f m an y melod ies) and the second written by m y l a t e p a t e r n a l g r a n d f a t h e r ( e x D i r e c t o r G e n e r a l o f P o l i c e o f Rajasthan) Dr P N Rachhhoya, titled “Information Technolo gy Laws and Cyber C rim e ”
The moment my dream came true
Then came a moment of pure magic for me I took the opportunity to ask Modiji: “Sir, what do you think are the most important qualities for a Prime Minister to have?”
I was afraid I had asked a very open-ended question but with the kind of humility which I can never ever forget in my life, Modiji simplified it for me by saying that experience (“Anubhav”) is the most important requirement for his job Modiji explained that as India is a federal country comprising 28 States and 8
Union Territories, you need a lot of experience to manage a diverse and populous country of 1 4bn people As we all know, Modiji has a tremendous amount of leadership experience as a n a
Bharatiya Janata Party Organisation (BJP), and as an able Chief Minister of o n e o f t h
n g states of India (Gujarat) for 13 years, and most of all he has been the Prime Minister of India since 2004 by winning 3 consecutive elections That is indeed a lot of experience! When I think about how to relate that to all of us, I think that what Modiji was hinting to me, is that the skills that you can learn outside the classroom are
itage of India) and the Shilp Gallery (displaying the handicraft traditions of different states of India)
In the Sangeet Gallery, there was a p a n e l o n I n d i a
instruments which displayed instruments which once belonged to India’s music icons such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, P
Kumar Sharma and Ustad Bismillah Khan
One more security personnel killed in J&K encounter
An in sp ector fr om CRPF’s 187t h ba tt alion was k ille d in a t errorist att ack in a re mote for est of U dhampur distr ict on Monda y, bringin g the t otal numbe r of securit y for ce fa talities in J& K to 1 8 sin ce Ma y, wit h 14 in Ja mmu re gion a nd an additiona l four in Kashmir
According to officials, the inspector was fatally shot when terrorists hiding in the forests of Chill in Dudu-Basantgarh area fired at a joint patrol of CRPF and J&K police
“The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is under way to track down the terrorists,” said an official
Earlier fatalities in Jammu zone included a Captain of 48 Rashtriya Rifles in Doda district on Aug 14, a soldier in Poonch on July 23, a Captain and three soldiers from 10 Rashtriya Rifles in Doda on July 15, and the five soldiers from 22 Garhwal Rifles on July 8 A CRPF constable was killed in Kathua on June 12, and Corporal Vikky Pahade died in an ambush on an IAF convoy in Poonch on May 4
In Kashmir, two soldiers were killed in Anantnag on Aug 10, and two others died in separate gunfights in Kupwara on July 24 and 27 Security has been intensified in the mountainous interior following EC’s announcement of assembly elections in J&K after a decade-long gap - in three phases from Sept 18 to Oct 1
just as important as what you can learn inside
After about 10 minutes of conversation, our meeting had come to an end Before we left, I requested Modiji to sign my notebook with my beloved Parker pen which I used for end-ofyear exams in school Modiji wrote in m y n o t e b o o k t h e w o r d s , V a n d e Matram, which translate to 'salute to my mother country'
Modiji requested us to ensure
organised for us to tour the building with a history guide
A Tour of the Parliament
In the exact centre of the parlia-
lum also signifies the “integration of the idea of India with the idea of the cosmos ” T
My sister and I found the galleries to be visually very attractive as they showed India’s diversity and rich culture in a unique and interactive way I would definitely recommend young p
Indian parliament if they ever visit India
This experience will stay with me and my family forever and I believe that having been presented with such a rare opportunity, I must inspire myself to find some path in future to be a public servant I am of course unbelievably in awe of my own grandmother, whose lifetime dedication to community service as a voice of the Indian community in my own country made such a meeting possible I would also like to give our special thanks to C B Dada (CB Patel), Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, who is one of the most prominent personalities of the Indian community in the UK
Dudu-Basantgarh is situated about 65 km from Ramnagar town and shares its borders with Bhaderwah and Marmat in Doda district to the east, and Basoli Billawar in Kathua district to the southeast The region falls on a key axis connecting Kathua, Udhampur, and Doda, which has been a conduit for terrorists entering Kashmir valley The dense vegetation in the upper reaches of these districts provides natural cover for terrorists The recent surge in violence in Jammu region has been attributed to “highly trained intruders” from Pakistan, who are working in small, mobile groups of three to four terrorists Officials said terrorists have shifted their tactics from suicide attacks to a “hit-and-run” guerilla strategy, engaging in jungle warfare This change in strategy has proved fatal for security forces in several instances Armed with sophisticated weapons such as M4 carbines and armour-piercing bullets, these groups are also using advanced tech, including iridium satellite phones and thermal imaging devices
Jaishankar bats for ‘free, rules-based Indo-Pacific’ at India-Japan ministerial meet
In dia 's exte rnal affairs min ister S Jaishanka r sa id t ha t the cooperat ion betwee n India an d Japan is set against a lar ger conte xt of a “free , ope n and rul es-ba sed Indo-Pacific ” In his ope nin g remark s at t he third In dia -Japan 2+2 Min ister ia l Me eting, t he min ister sa id, "For India, this is a nat ur al e xtra pol ation from our Act Ea st pol icy In deed, t he propor tion of our activities a nd int erests East of In dia has been stea dil y growing "
Jaishankar, who met his Japanese counterpart Kamikawa Yoko earlier in the day, said in the last decade, India-Japan ties a s s u m e d t h e f o r m
Partnership ”
“The logic of this evolution is our expanding interests and growing activities As we both step forward into a more volatile and unpredictable world, there is a need for reliable partners with whom there are substantial convergences, ” the external affairs ministry quoted Jaishankar as saying
“As a result, we have consciously sought to facilitate each oth
, strengthen each other’s positions and work with other nations of shared comfort Our Strategic Partnership will continue to grow as we embrace mutuality and display sensitivity,” the minister added
During the press interaction, Jaishankar once again reiterated a “free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific” as the top priority for both the countries “We explored the possibility of coordinating our respective security and development assistance where our interests converge, ” he added
Jaishankar said both India and Japan are resolute in their opposition to terror, including cross-border terrorism “We discussed strengthening our capacity-building cooperation, including on dealing with challenges emanating in the cyber space and through the misuse of digital technologies,” he said
L-R Virina Manish Kaushalji PM Modi Jyotsna Shah Hema and Vihana
Jyotsna Shah, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar presenting her book to PM Modi
A panel of musical instruments in the Sangeet Gallery
Peanut butter set to dethrone honey
S ince its creation in the 19th century, p eanut bu tter h as alw ays lagg ed beh ind h oney in popularity, but it's now set to surpass its sw eet rival
Waitrose, which sells over three million jars of peanut butter annually, has seen a 10 5 per cent increase in sales over the past year The retailer predicts that by the end of the year, peanut butter will outsell honey, which has experienced a 7 per cent sales rise
P e a n u t b u t t e r ' s g r o w i n g a p p e a l i s d r i v e n b y h e a l t h
c l
media and a trend
t o w a r d s p r e m i u m spreads with fewer
D
peanut butter is considered healthier due to its lower sugar content H
comparison of honey
, based on 2020 USDA and NIH dataV i tam in s an d M in era
: P
a n u t butter boasts higher amounts of thiamin,
pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, folate, Vitamin E, and iron compared to honey
Nutrients: Peanut butter is a great source of calcium, dietary fibre, potassium, and protein, while honey is high in carbohydrates
Carboh yd rates: Honey has 82 4g of carbs per 100 grams, all from sugar In contrast, peanut butter has 21 6g of carbs, composed of 39 per cent sugar, 37 per cent dietary fibre, and 23 per cent starch
Crafts could outdo jobs for mental wellbeing
E n ga g i ng i n c
knitting and crochet might boost mental health even
mo re th a n h av
ob , ac cording to a new study
D r H e l
and her team found that activities such as painting, sculpture, and embroidery offer a similar boost in life satisfaction as employment
“Crafting and other artistic
a c t i v i t i e s h a d a n o t a b l e effect on how worthwhile people felt their lives were, ”
Keyes said “In fact, crafting seemed to have a greater impact on life satisfaction than being employed ”
T h e s t
c h
o n , u n l i k e m a n y j o b s T h o u g h t h e s t u d y could not definitively prove t h a t c r a f t i n g c a u s e s i m p r o v e d m
link, especially for people w
depression
Participants reported a slight increase in wellbeing from crafting, but it was still more significant than many other factors affecting life satisfaction, such as age or income Keyes noted that crafting provides a sense of achievement and creativity often missing in daily jobs
“ I f t h e N H S o r government are looking for a f f o r d a b l e , e f f e c t i v e i n t e r v e n t i o n s , p r o m o t i n g crafting might be a good option,” Keyes suggested
Lift things and move around
Engaging your muscles is vital for overall health
Exercise goes beyond improving appearance; it ensures optimal body, brain, and hormone function. Lifting weights helps lower blood sugar, insulin, and triglycerides while boosting testosterone and growth hormone levels Regular exercise also reduces depression and the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease The key is to find enjoyable activities that you can sustain long-term. If you have health concerns, consult a doctor before starting a new exercise routine
Soak up the sun: Why vitamin D is your summer superpower
nctio
In the UK, from April to
strong enough to support vitamin D production, so now is the ideal time to get outside and soak up some rays Boosting your vitamin D levels during the summer
lower vitamin D levels over winter Insufficient vitamin
autoimmune diseases, and diabetes
Here are some of the benefits of soaking up the sun to get you motivatedBoosts your mood S
feel good, it can actually
which helps you feel calm and focused Studies have shown that serotonin levels are higher on bright days compared to cloudy ones, and the amount of sunlight
production of endorphins in your skin, contributing to that feel-good sensation
Lower you r blood pressure
S u n l i g h t h a s b e e n shown to help lower blood
n i v e r s i t y demonstrated that just 20 m i n u t e s o f s u n l i g h t o n y o u r a r m c a n i n c r e a s e nitric oxide production in y o u r s k i
blood vessels to dilate and reduce blood pressure Get stro nger
Vitamin D is vital for bone health and can even enhance your strength A r e c e n t s t u
n d t h a t vitamin D supplementation improved athletes' muscle
s t r e n g t h b
muscle cell growth It may a l s o h e l p p
respiratory infections and boost your immune system
No alternative beats the su n While you can obtain some vitamin D from foods l
(
, mackerel, sardines) and, to a lesser extent, egg yolks a n d m u s h
'
challenging to get enough from diet alone Sunlight is the most effective way to produce vitamin D When s
, your body converts it into this essential nutrient Ho w Much Su n Do You Need?
The amount of sunlight
adequate vitamin D varies
sensitivity Aim for brief, regular sun exposure rather than prolonged sessions to avoid burning Darker skin has more melanin, which c
n D production, so individuals with darker skin may need more sunlight
Ageing impacts most in 40s and 60s
Re se ar ch sugg ests tha t a ging doe sn’t pro gre ss at a ste ad y r at e b ut r at her involves at le ast t wo dist in ct periods of rapid change : one in y our mid-forties and another in your sixt ie s “We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are significant shifts,”
genetics at Stanford University “The m
changes
including those related to skin aging, alcohol processing, and inflammation, from 108 participants aged 25 to 75 The study involved regular blood, stool, skin,
oral, and nasal samples over up to seven years
The researchers analysed various b i o m a r k e r s , i n c l u d i n g R N A ( w h i c h carries genetic instructions), proteins, and metabolites (substances involved in breaking down food and chemicals)
T h e y a l s o e x a m i n e d p a r t i c i p a n t s ’
m i c r o b i o m e s b a c t e r i a , v i r u s e s , a n d fungi living in and on the body
They found that both molecular c o m p o s i t i o n a n d m i c r o b i o m e underwent significant changes at two key stages: around age 44 and again at 60 The first wave of changes affected
c a r d i o v a s c u l a r m a r k e r s a n d t h e metabolism of caffeine, alcohol, and fats, while the second wave involved
Mania more likely around menopause
Re se ar che rs hav e found that women ar e mor e tha n twice a s like ly to ex perie nce ma nia a nd major depr essiv e disorde rs ar ound the time of the ir fin al pe riod T h i s s t u d y , t h e f i r s
connection between psychiatric disorders and p
n experience menopause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, and brain fog while still having periods reveals significant findings
The research team from Cardiff University d
depressive disorder increased by 30 per cent during the four years leading up to a woman's final period Mania cases surged by 112 per cent in the four years following a woman ’ s final period, compared to the six to ten years before perimenopause began
In collaboration with Bipolar UK, the study analysed data from nearly 130,000 women in the UK Biobank, comparing the onset of disorders in the years following their final period to the years before perimenopause Professor Arianna Di Florio from Cardiff University explained, “While approximately 80 per cent of women experience symptoms during perimenopause, the link to severe mental illness was not fully understood ” She noted that her clinic had observed some women, who had previously lived without severe
affected,” she added
substances related to immune function, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney health
T h e p r o n o u n c e d c h a n g e s i n t h e mid-forties were unexpected Initially, t h e r e s e a r c h e r s t h o u g h t m e n o p a u s e might be driving the shifts in women, but similar changes were observed in m e n a s w e l l S n y d e r s u g g e s t e d t h a t some of these changes might be linked to lifestyle factors These findings could offer valuable insights for self-care For example, reducing alcohol consumption in your forties might be beneficial as y o
t declines “It’s important to adapt our
Snyder advised
Stressed at work? your heart might be feeling it!
A stud y has revealed that a d em and in g b o s s an d tig ht w ork dead lines can significantly increase th e risk of develop ing serious heart problems
Office workers facing high levels of job stress and feeling undervalued
a r e 9 7 p e r c e n t m o r e l i k e l y t o d e v e l o p a t r i a l fibrillation a condition causing heart palpitations that can lead to stroke Researchers at the U n i v e r s i t y o f Q u e b e c t r a c k e d nearly 6,000 white-collar workers in Canada over two decades and assessed job strain through regular questionnaires, measuring factors l i k e h e a v y w o r k l o a d s a n d t i g h t d e a d l i n e s , a n d r e v i e w e d participants' medical records
Dr Xavier Trudel, the study’s author, emphasised the need for workplaces to implement flexible working arrangements and relaxed deadlines to protect employees’ h e a l t h H e s u g g e s t e d t h a t addressing work-related stressors c o u l d b e c
The study found that those w i t h h i g h j o b s t r a i n w h o f e l t underpaid or unappreciated were a l m o s t t w i c e a s l i k e l y t o b e diagnosed with atrial fibrillation E v e n h i g h s a l a r i e s d i d n ’ t f u l l y p r o t e c t a g a i n s t t h i s r i s k ; employees with high job strain and high pay were still 83 per cent m o r e l i k e l y t o d e v e l o p t h e condition
The study, published in the J
Association, included data from 5,926 managerial or office workers in Quebec, averaging 45 years old at the study’s start and 65 at its conclusion
In the UK, about 1 4 million
‘Aattam’ wins best film, Rishab Shetty grabs best actor award at 70th National Film Awards
The winners of the 70th National Film Awards were announced at the National Media Center in New Delhi
The ceremony, to be held later, will honour the best Indian films of 2022 across languages Eligible films were certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2022 This year’s jury includes Feature Film Jury Chairperson Rahul Rawail, Non-Feature Film Jury Chairperson Nila Madhab Panda, and Best Writing on Cinema Jury Chairperson Gangadhar Mudalair
T h e M a l a y
m ’ won Best Feature Film at the 70th National Film Awards, while Rishab
S h e t t y t o o k h o m
award The Best Actress award was shared by Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh ‘Ponniyin Selvan: 1 ’ emerged as the biggest winner, securing four awards Additional awards included Best Director for Sooraj Barjatya (Uunchai),
B
Gupta (Uunchai), and Best Supporting
A
a l h o t r a ( F o u j a ) ‘Karthikeya 2 ’ won Best Telugu Film, while special mentions were given to Manoj Bajpayee for ‘Gulmohar’ and S a n j o y S a l i l C h o w d h u r y f o r
‘Kadhikan’
T h e a w a r d c e r e m o n i e s w e r e delayed by two years due to the Covid19 pandemic The 69th National Film Awards, held in 2023, recognised the best Indian films of 2021 ‘Rocketry’ won Best Feature Film, Allu Arjun took home Best Actor, and Alia Bhatt
a n d K r i t i S a n o n s h a r e d t h e B e s t Actress award
Thetrailer for Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ was launched at a grand Mumbai event, attended by the cast including Kangana, Anupam Kher, Mahima Choudhary, and Shreyas Talpade During the media interaction, Kangana, who spent over two years on the film, discussed being boycotted by the industry and claimed that many tried to sabotage her career. She also revealed that her PR team advised her not to speak at the event.
At the event, Kangana Ranaut remarked, "Making this film came with many challenges, as with any film Every project faces obstacles, but you find supporters along the way I want to thank my cast specially Everyone knows I’ve been boycotted by the industry It’s not easy to stand by me, be part of my film, or praise me, but they’ve done all of that " Kangana Ranaut revealed that her PR team initially imposed a media blackout ahead of the
'Emergency' on me, suggesting we avoid the media But Anupam Kher argued that the media are our friends, so I decided to speak " She also expressed concerns about sabotage, stating,
campaigns to tarnish it Our industry can be very negative and attempt to ruin careers That’s why we ’ re cautious "
Kangana Ranaut says that
‘I have been boycotted by Bollywood and PR team imposed media Ban’
Bollywood stars share heartwarming Raksha Bandhan moments
Bollywood celebrities have embraced the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, with vibrant enthusiasm and heartfelt gestures From sharing nostalgic posts and throwing intimate family gatherings to donning traditional attire and exchanging rakhis, these stars bring the essence of this cherished festival to their fans
For Raksha Bandhan, Sara Ali Khan shared vibrant family photos featuring Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ibrahim, Soha Ali Khan, and Jeh
One photo shows Sara tying a rakhi on Ibrahim's wrist, while another captures a candid moment between Sara and Jeh Sara wore a yellow salwar suit, Saif and Jeh coordinated in blue, Kareena donned a pink kaftan, and Soha chose a bright red kurta
Sonam Kapoor's Instagram showcases a mix of childhood and recent photos with her brother Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor and cousins Akshay and Mohit Marwah Bhumi Pednekar celebrated Raksha Bandhan with sister Samiksha, while Genelia D'Souza shared a hug with her brother Nigel Sanjay Dutt posted a heartfelt message with his sisters Namrata Kumar and Priya Dutt, highlighting their joyful smiles Mahesh Babu's children, Sitara and Gautam, also shared posts celebrating the occasion Sophie Choudry's tribute to her "bhaiya" features a collage of smiles and hugs Many other Bollywood celebrities also joined in the celebrations
Shah Rukh Khan’s routine: ‘Sleeps at 5am and eats one meal a day’
Rukh Khan amazed fans with his return in ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ after a four-year hiatus, showcasing his impressive physique at 58. In a recent interview, he shared his fitness secrets, which contrast with the methods of fellow superstar Akshay Kumar While Akshay Kumar promotes an early bedtime and rising at 4 am, Shah Rukh Khan shared that he sleeps at 5 am, saying in an
Wahlberg wakes up, I go to
He noted that he spends half an hour at the gym daily and eats only one meal a day, emphasising that this is his personal choice and not related to intermittent fasting
Following the success of ‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’, and ‘Dunki’, Shah Rukh Khan is preparing for his next
titled ‘King’ Khan stated, "We chose Sujoy because we wanted the film to be
We're aiming to create
Soha and Kunal Kemmu s daughter Inaaya tying rakhi to her brother Taimur
Sara Ali Khan (centre) celebrating Raksha Bandhan with her family
Bhumi Pednekar (right) with her sister Samiksha Kapil Sharma with his sister
H Vinoth to direct Vijay’s last film before his political entry
Vijay announced that his next film will be his final project before entering active politics Although there were rumours that director H Vinoth would helm this swansong, no official confirmation was made until Vinoth confirmed at an awards ceremony that he is indeed directing Vijay in the film, tentatively titled ‘Thalapathy 69’
When asked if Vijay’s upcoming film would be political, director H Vinoth clarified, “It will be a 200 percent Thalapathy film, aimed at all ages and political views ” He emphas i s e d t h a t ‘ T h a l a p
purely commercial, with no focus on political leaders or parties
W i t h t h i s p r o j e c
Malavika Mohanan has sparked excitement with the release of her Tamil film ‘Thangalaan’. Portraying the character of Aarathi, she has captivated audiences once again with her powerful performance. The film has received widespread acclaim, earning praise from both fans and critics alike
Malavika Mohanan says, “Today is incredibly special for me The release of ‘Thangalaan’ in Tamil is a milestone, and I’m excited for the Hindi-speaking audience to experience it soon Working with Vikram and the entire team has been unforgettable I’m grateful for the opportunity to portray such a unique character in this remarkable story I can’t wait for everyone to see the dedication and passion that went into this film ”
Malavika Mohanan has significantly boosted the buzz for ‘Thangalaan’, travelling with lead actor Chiyaan Vikram across South India to engage with fans As the film captivates Tamil audiences, it is poised to enchant Hindispeaking viewers upon its upcoming release
Malavika Mohanan
says, “Working with Chiyaan Vikram was unforgettable"
Saif Ali Khan introduced as kushti expert Bhaira in ‘Devara Part 1’
OnSaif Ali Khan's birthday, the Devara team unveiled a 52-second teaser showcasing his character, Bhaira, from Koratala
Siva’s ‘Devara: Part 1’ This film, marking Khan’s Telugu debut, features him alongside Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor
T h e o f f i c i a l X ( f o r m e r l y Twitter) account for ‘Devara’ shared the teaser with the caption, “His presence is a celebration of havoc The hunt will be more brutal than ever ” The video reveals Saif Ali Khan’s character, Bhaira, in two distinct looks one with short hair and the other with long
The teaser opens with scenes of people praying and participating in a procession, then shifts to a traditional wrestling match where Bhaira is depicted as a formidable and ruthless competitor supported by the crowd The video also shows him chasing someone through a forest, his long hair suggesting a different era
Fans reacted enthusiastically to the glimpse, with one commenting, “Saif Sir’s best characterisation of his career His vintage look feels vastundi Best look ” Another fan noted, “Saif looks even more massy than Jr NTR ”
Earlier, Jr NTR, Saif’s co-star, wished him a happy birthday, saying, “Happy birthday, Saif sir Here’s to another amazing year of creating magic on screen! Can’t wait for the world to witness BHAIRA ”
Nani’s career revelation: ‘I would've been projector operator if not an actor’
Actor
Nani, a cherished figure in Telugu cinema, is preparing for the release of his new film, ‘Saripoda Sanivaaram’ Renowned for his versatile performances, Nani has captivated audiences throughout his career
During the film’s promotion, he made an unexpected revelation about his future career direction
According to Gulte, Nani revealed that if he hadn’t become an actor, he would have chosen to work as a projector operator in a theatre This reflects his deep passion for cinema, showing that even if he weren't in front of the camera, he would still be involved in film in some capacity
Before achieving stardom, Nani's journey in the entertainment industry was gradual He began as a Radio Jockey and program producer for a local Telugu station, where his voice and charisma first drew attention He then moved into the film industry as an Assistant Director before making his acting debut with ‘Ashta Chemma’ in 2008, which launched his successful career
Directed by Vivek Athreya, ‘Saripoda Sanivaaram’ features Nani as a vigilante working on Saturdays This film is another collaboration between Nani and Athreya, and it also stars Priyanka Mohan, S J Suryah, Aditi Balan, P Sai Kumar, and Subhalekha Sudhakar
V
n o t h becomes one of the few filmmakers to have directed both Ajith and Vijay He described Ajith as an abstract thinker
a n d V i j a y a s a s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d thinker Official updates on the cast
a n d c r e w o f ‘ T h a l a p a t h y 6 9 ’ a r e expected after the release of ‘GOAT’, directed by Venkat Prabhu and set for S e p t e m b e r 5 ‘ G O A T ’ a l s o s t a r s Prashanth, Sneha, Laila, Prabhudeva, Ajmal, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Jayaram
Tabu says she joined ‘Dune: Prophecy’ instantly
Superstar Tabu, who recently revealed her first look as Sister Francesca in ‘Dune: Prophecy’, shared that she joined the cast of the highly anticipated prequel series “without a second thought.” The series serves as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster *Dune* film franchise
Tabu described her experience playing Sister Francesca in ‘Dune: Prophecy’ as extraordinary “From the moment I was approached, I said yes without hesitation It’s a delight to be trusted with such an interesting, intriguing, and emotionally powerful character,” she said Tabu will take on the recurring role of Sister Francesca, portrayed as “strong, intelligent, and alluring ”
“Sister Francesca leaves a powerful mark wherever she goes Once a great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace disrupts the power balance in the capital,” the creators explained Tabu described exploring Sister Francesca’s character as “ an immersive process ”
She expressed excitement about sharing her story with both Indian and global audiences through JioCinema, saying, “You’ll see me later in the season The Dune Universe is rich in history and intrigue, and I can't wait for audiences worldwide to experience it!”
Rasika Dugal reveals “Tired of crying scenes in every script”
Actress Rasika Dugal, tired of always crying on camera, is relieved that writers are now creating more diverse roles for her. She recalls a time when scripts predictably included at least two crying scenes in the last 10 minutes Dugal is grateful for the change in roles since ‘Mirzapur’, which showcased her as a femme fatale
Rasika Dugal admitted that typecasting often limited her acting range “I could always predict that the last ten pages of a script would include at least two crying scenes for me ” When asked if
things have changed, she replied, “Yes, there's now more variety, and I’m happy to see a bit of the femme fatale role ” Rasika Dugal credits the OTT boom for revitalising her career She noted that streaming
opportunities and audience reach “Streaming platforms gave me a new lease on life, as many of
deserved Shows like ‘Mirzapur’ allowed smaller films to reach wider audiences, which was a major breakthrough for me ”
Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan reunite for new film project
Salim-Javed, the iconic screenwriting duo who transformed Indian cinema in the 1970s with classics like ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Sholay’, and ‘Deewar’, are set to reunite for a new film project, as announced by Javed Akhtar
The industry veteran shared the news at the trailer launch of the upcoming Prime Video docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’, which delves into the influential creative partnership and enduring legacy of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar
"Let me share that we ’ ve decided to write together again I’ve spoken to him and said, 'We will write one more film together '"
"Back then, our price was already high, and now it will be much higher just wait and see," Akhtar told reporters
resonated with audiences while capturing the social unrest of their era They were also the first Indian screenwriters to attain star status
After working together on 22 Hindi films and two Kannada movies, the duo parted ways in 1982
The 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) celebrated Indian cinema with a grand award ceremony, honouring exceptional talent and films RRR star Ram Charan and Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman received the top accolades for their contributions to Indian cinema Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor for his role in ‘Chandu Champion,’ while Kabir Khan and Nithilan Swaminathan shared the Best Director award for their work on ‘Chandu Champion’ and the Vijay Sethupathi-starrer ‘Maharaja,’ respectively
Salim-Javed are credited with redefining the Bollywood blockbuster by crafting films that
The docuseries title, ‘Angry Young Men’, refers to the iconic hero archetype they created in the '70s, which not only captured the spirit of the era but also launched Amitabh Bachchan into stardom
CAS dismisses Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for silver medal
In a setback to Vinesh Phog at, the ad hoc d iv ision of th e C ourt o f
A rbitration for S port has dism issed
the petition filed by the wrestler
a g ai n st h er d ra m at ic
d is q u ali f i ca ti o n be fo re t h e
w omen ’ s 50 kg final of the Paris
Olym pics
Vinesh had appealed for the award of a joint silver medal as she had reached the final in the 50 kg
c a t e g o r y “ A p p l i c a t i
n f i l e d b y
Vinesh Phogat on 7 Aug 2024 is dismissed,” read the operative part of the decision in her application against UWW & IOC
The judgment was signed by
C A S
h o c division’s sole arbitrator Annabelle Bennett, who was hearing the case
CAS had announced that it will pronounce its verdict on Aug 16, 1800 hrs Paris time (9:30 pm IST), but surprisingly came out with the
(IOA) president PT Usha expressed
Shreyas Royal: Chess prodigy’s path to grandmaster status
Subhasini Naicker
youngest grandmaster at just 15 years old, following a remarkable victory in the British Chess Championships He secured his
Shreyas moved to the UK with his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, at the age of three.
In an interview with Asian Voice, he s h a r e d i n s i g h
n e y , discussed the role models and mentors who have inspired him, and delved into various aspects of his career and experiences Can you share how your journey in chess began? At what age did you start playing, and what drew you to the game?
I began playing chess at the age of 6, initially taught by my father My mother wanted me to be engaged in a hobby, and after trying various physical activities, she f e l t I m i g h t e x c e l i n s o m e t h i n g m o r e intellectual Chess was suggested, and my father brought home a chess board for us to try As I played with him, I eventually started winning, which took some of the fun out of the game for him Consequently, he enrolled me in the local school chess club, where my skills developed and I gradually advanced through the ranks
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your path to becoming a Grandmaster, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the financial burden of chess, which is an e x p e n s i v e s p o r t a n d o f t e n l a c k s a d e q u a t e recognition and support, especially in the UK While chess is more recognised in India, it’s less mainstream here Fortunately, my dad managed to connect with generous supporters, including Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind
T e c h n o l o g i e s a n d a f o r m e r c h e s s p r o d i g y himself Another major challenge occurred in 2018, when my family faced the threat of deportation due to a visa rule requiring my father to earn £120,000 annually This rule was widely criticised, and many, including Dominic L
Federation, advocated fiercely on our behalf
Thanks to their efforts and the intervention of former Secretary Sajid Javid, we were granted the right to stay in the UK
Have you had any mentors or role models in the chess world who have influenced your game? How have they shaped your approach to chess?
offering valuable lessons Magnus Carlsen, one of the greatest chess players of all time, is a significant role model for me His allaround excellence - not just in chess but also in his mental and physical fitness - makes him an ideal figure to aspire to Although he hasn’t had the most direct impact on my game yet, I’ve learned a lot from studying his play Vishy Anand has also been a major influence Recently, I discovered that our
Anand’s pragmatic approach and his role in revolutionising chess in India have inspired me I hope to follow in his footsteps by becoming a strong chess player in the UK and inspiring others, much like Anand did in India His quick playing style, known as the "Lightning Kid," also resonates with my own, despite occasional setbacks Garry Kasparov i s
privilege of meeting him twice through the Kasparov Chess Foundation, which conducts training camps for talented juniors Working
p understanding of chess has been remarkable H
evolving? Do you have aspirations beyond playing, such as coaching or promoting the game?
I hope to see chess gain more popularity and respect in the UK, with emerging young talent My main goal is to become one of the
progresses, I plan to stay involved in chess t h r o u
h c o
c h i n g a n d p
i o n I ’ m passionate about encouraging young players and currently contribute by working with ChessKid, writing articles, visiting schools, and giving presentations I believe inspiring and mentoring younger players is crucial, as they represent the future of the game
“shock and disappointment” at the turn of events The association said it will stand by Vinesh in her tough times In an official release, IOA also informed that it is exploring legal options so that the wrestler’s case is properly heard C heerful welcome
Vinesh Phogat returned from Paris to an overwhelming crowd of supporters waiting for her outside Delhi’s IGI Airport, quickly lifting her spirits and the struggle she faced for the past few days The first to greet her were Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, and ace
Malik and Bajrang Punia
and ‘Tiger
a vehicle alongside P
garlands, maces,
with
and
and
eyes Throughout the 100-kilometre
Extravagant tent-pegging showcase draw crowds to Lancashire
Dozen s of riders turned out to showcase their skills a
took part t hr oughout the da y on Sunday Riders gather ed earl y in the mor nin g for the event which a ttracts cr owds a n d f a n s fr o m a c r os s t h e
Nor th We st to the town
This year organisers had decided to separate the event from a Kabaddi tournament
Both have taken place on the same day in recent years but due to numbers and parking
t h e e v e n t s w i l l b e h e l d a week apart
E a c h c l u b , d r e s s e d i n t h e i r c l u b c o l o u r s w i t h matching turbans enter the p l a y i n g a r e a j o i n e d b y s u p p o r t e r s
m m e r s Riders gallop down a playing area and attempt to hit a small target on the ground
This year a juniors team f r o m e a c h o f t h e c l u b s opened proceedings to show off their skills
T e n t p e g g i n g i s a n e q u e s t r i a n s p o r t w h e r e mounted horseman gallop, pick up and carry away a small ground target
When a target is hit, a commentator, who was one of the highlights of the day, congratulated the rider and h i s t e a m t o t h e s o u n d o f more dhol drums
Each club had its own
Imtiyaz had travelled from A c c r i n g t o n H e s
I missed it last year but it is lot
u g h t i t would be “It is great to meet old friends and the horses are amazing ” Kamran has headed to Blackburn from Bolton He added: “I think it is great that the sport is alive and well “It i s a l o v
l y d a y o u t f o r everyone ” N e x t S u n d a y t h e Kabaddi tournament will be held at the same location
Grand send-off for Indian Paralympic contingent
The I ndi an Paralympic con ting en t was g iven a gran d sen d-off, ahead of the Paris Games which are s cheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8 A g rand ceremon y was hosted for th e I n d i an c on t i n g e n t by th e P ar al ymp i c Committee of In dia (PCI) and Sports Authority of In dia (SAI)
The Indian team comprises 84 athletes a c r o s s 1 2 d i s c i p l i n e s , i n c l u d i n g a r c h e r y , athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind j u d o , p o w e r l i f t i n g , r o w i n g , s h o o t i n g , swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo This will also mark a special moment for India, as it will be the country's largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes, a significant increase from the 54 who competed in Tokyo
"Our para athletes have a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities They have shown remarkable d e t e r m i n a t i o n a n d p e r s e v e r a n c e i n t h e i r
preparation for the Paris Paralympics 2024," Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a release Bhagyashree Jadhav and Sumit Antil have been named India's flag-bearers for the Paris Paralympics 2024
Many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative, and a significant number f r
Paralympics The government is committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel at the highest level
"As they embark on this important journey, w e
confident they will bring honour to our nation We wish them the very best as they strive for excellence on the global stage," he said India had won 19 medals at the Tokyo Paralympics and PCI president Devendra Jhajharia hoped the country's athletes will produce another good show this time
PM Modi interacts with Olympics contingent
Th e do uble bronze-winning shoo ter Manu Bhaker was seen exp laining about her p istol wh ile the hockey team g ifted a stick signed by all the players as P rime Minister Narend ra Mo di, at h is residence, met with th e Ind ian contingent wh ich retu rned from the Paris Olymp ics with six m ed als The players, including the just-retired hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and hockey c a p t a
n posing with the Prime Minister with the bronze medals on their necks “It was a delight to interact with the I n d i a n c o n t i n
o u r nation in the Paris Olympics Heard their experiences from the games and lauded their feats on the sports field," PM Modi tweeted “
champion The Government of India will continue to support sports and ensure that a top-quality sporting infrastructure is built," he wrote on 'X' Bhaker, who became the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics, showed PM the pistol with which she scripted history for India in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed event in Paris Sarabjot Singh, who teamed up with Bhaker to win a bronze in 10m air pistol mixed event, also interacted with the PM, so did Swapnil Kusale who won a bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions Wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who won a bronze in men's freestyle 57kg, was also seen posing with the PM with an India jersey with his signature on it
