AV 25th January 2025

Southport

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

Tamil community joins PM Starmer to celebrate Thai Pongal

India gears up for grand 76th Republic Day parade

Subhasini Naicker

With India set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, preparations for the grand parade are in full swing The Army, security personnel, and various teams are actively engaged in detailed planning, rehearsals, and implementing enhanced security measures to ensure a smooth and secure Republic Day celebration The Republic Day parade will showcase six Army contingents, including the Brigade of the Guards, Mahar Regiment,

and Kashmir Rifles, and Corps of Signals Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest The Army Band

Solicitor Rakesh Prajapati

Members of the Tamil community and classical dance performer with PM Keir Starmer and Uma Kumaran, Labour’s first Tamil MP

UK PM Starmer signs 100-year pact with Ukraine

Ukraine and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark 100-year partnership agreement aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors

A statement from the UK Prime Minister’s off ice emphasised Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, highlighting NATO membership as the key to Ukraine’s security, with the UK committed to supp o r t

path to joining the alliance The

Ukraine’s recover y, technological innovation, and the promotion of trade and collaboration in key areas

T h e d e a

a mutual commitment to creating a favourable environment for investment and trade, while enhancing cooperation in sectors such as transport, infras-

tructure, and energy The aim is

economies, making them more resilient and prosperous These

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X

Zelenskyy reflected on the day's meetings, stating, "Today was a busy and productive day f illed with important international discussions I welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Tulip Siddiq involved in third Bangladesh inquiry

Form er anti-corruption

m inister Tulip Sid diq has been named in a third inquiry launched by authorities in Bangladesh, focusing on money laund ering and abuse of p ower

At a media brief ing in Dhaka, held just hours after Siddiq resigned as minister, investigators conf irmed they were opening a new probe involving the Labour MP This marks the third inquir y in Bangladesh concerning Siddiq, adding to ongoing questions about London properties she either currently owns or has previously lived in, which have ties to her aunt, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the ruling Awami League party

Akhtar Hossain, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, told Sky News that the commission was "preparing another investigation against Tulip Siddiq and her uncle Tarique Siddique for money laundering, power misuse, and the illegal occupation of Bangladesh government property "

Hossain also noted that the investigation team in Bangladesh would reach out to UK authorities if further information was needed A spokesperson for Siddiq stated, "No evidence has been presented for these allegations Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted by anyone on the matter and completely denies the claims "

Tarique Siddique, Siddiq's uncle, is the husband of her mother's younger sister and previously ser ved as a defence and security adviser to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina Siddiq stepped down as anti-corruption minister on Tuesday after her ties to her aunt and the political regime came under scrutiny

to Kyiv, and together,

I

Partnership Agreement, marking

tions

new chapter

also met with

defence, joint production, and creating new opportunities for jobs and technological development in Europe " In another post, Zelenskyy shared developments in drone

“B

drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and FPV drone carriers manufactured by Ukrainian compa-

our defenders protect against Russian forces

criticised the agreem

r l y the potential cooperation in the Azov

spokesperson Maria

missed the deal

Kyiv and expressed concern about the deployment of British militar y assets in the region Zakharova reiterated Russia's stance on the Sea of Azov, calling it an "internal sea" and warned of resistance to any foreign interference in the area Azov Sea is a crucial waterway for both economic and militar y interests, signalling potential challenges to the UK and U

Damning NHS report reveals patients dying in corridors

A report has expose d the s evere s tate of the NHS, revealing that patients are dy ing in hos pital c or ridors and re ma ini ng und is c ove red for hours , whil e others suffering hea rt attac ks c a nn o t r ec ei v e CP R d ue

crowding T

(RCN) described appalling conditions where some pregnant women have miscarried in hallways and patients are unable to call for help due to a lack of call bells The report, which is

nurses, highlights how patients are routinely harmed and sometimes die

whelmed

D

Britain’s A&E doctors, called the reve-

lations a “watershed moment,” urging the government to take immediate action to address the NHS crisis The report details patients receiving treatment in corridors, storerooms, car parks, and even toilets, where basic care has broken down One nurse described witnessing a cardiac arrest in a corridor with no necessar y equipment, while another had to inform a patient they were dying amidst chaos

The f indings come as the NHS faces its worst winter crisis, with multiple hospitals declaring a “critical i n c i d e n t ” He a l t h S e c r e t a r y We s Streeting acknowledged the situation b u t b l a m e d t h e p r e v i o u s g o v e r nm e n t 's n e g l e

while the ambition is to end corridor care, the damage to the NHS will take time to undo

Reform UK gains popularity, trailing L abour by only a point

Nigel Farage's righ t-wing Reform UK party has em erged as Britain’s second m o st p o pu lar p oli tical fo rc e, trailing the go verning L abour Party by ju st o ne p ercentag e point, acco rdin g to a Yo u Go v o p i ni o n p o l l released on Tu esday

Six months after Labour's landslide victor y in the general election, and with the next vote not scheduled until 2029, the poll revealed that if a n e le c t io n w e re h e l d t o m o r ro w, 26% of voters would support Labour, while 25% would back Reform UK The Conser vatives, traditionally one o f t h e t w o d o m i n a n t p a r t i e s i n British politics, were in third place with 22%

The poll, conducted since the July 4 election, shows a

N B R I E F ROYAL MAIL SET FOR PROFIT AFTER CHRISTMAS

The owner of Royal Mail reported a boost from strong parcel deliveries during Christmas putting the company on course to achieve annual profitability as its £3 6bn acquisition by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský approaches completion International Distribution Services (IDS) announced that Royal Mail successfully delivered over 99% of items sent before the recommended last posting dates, ensuring they arrived in time for Christmas The 509year- old postal service, which faced challenges with on-time deliveries leading up to the holiday season, credited operational improvements for its success Royal Mail also highlighted a 19% year- on-year increase in the use of its tracked parcel services over Christmas, with a total of 188 million parcels handled Additionally the company recorded a 2 4% rise in revenue for the three months ending in December

UK VIRUS CASES SOAR ; NHS URGES CAUTION

The NHS is under mounting pressure due to a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) a respiratory virus spreading globally Health officials are urging people with symptoms to avoid medical facilities and wear masks when visiting hospitals First identified in the Netherlands in 2001 HMPV belongs to the same viral family as RSV and typically causes mild respiratory infections including cough, fever, and congestion In December, England reported a 4 5% positivity rate among GP patients with respiratory symptoms, with the highest rate (7 2%) in children under five Though often indistinguishable from flu, the virus can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems

BENEFIT FRAUDSTERS' CASH TO BE SEIZED

nered 14% of the vote last summer

The party appears to be drawing supp o r t p r

m

r i l y f r o m d i s a f fe c t e d Conser vative voters and, to a lesser extent, those who previously supported Keir Starmer's Labour

Despite holding only f ive seats in the 650-member Parliament, Reform UK s national vote share of over 4 million has positioned it as a serious p

landscape historically dominated by Labour and the Conser vatives The poll also indicates that only 54% of those who voted Labour in the last election would do so again

T h e Yo uG o v s u r v e y, w h i c h polled 2,279 people over the past two days, highlights a shifting political dynamic as populist movements gain t r

Benefit fraudsters could soon have funds seized directly from their bank accounts under a new crackdown announced today The proposed powers would allow authorities to reclaim money from individuals who have committed benefit fraud but are not currently on benefits or PAYE schemes Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasised that the measures aim to hold fraudsters accountable and protect public funds The government stated the powers would be a last resort targeting those with the means to repay but who refuse to do so Safeguards oversight measures and staff training will accompany the new powers to ensure their appropriate use

A group of MPs has retracted a controversial report on Bangladesh following accusations that it was biased in favour of the ousted government of Sheikh Hasina The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the Commonwealth released the report last November, which criticised the current regime in Dhaka but was later criticised for containing significant inaccuracies Officials have confirmed that the report is no longer being distributed and is currently "under review" after a complaint was raised by a Labour MP in the House of Commons A spokesperson for the APPG stated "The report remains an internal document under review and has been shared with the [Foreign Office] as part of the group s broader deliberative process It is not intended for wider dissemination and the APPG will not be taking the matter further or making any follow-ups

PM Keir Starmer with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his recent visit

Vladimir Putin

Tulip Siddiq

Nigel Farage

Keir Starmer

AI is effective, but does it meet ethics?

The UK government has introduced its AI Opportunities Action Plan, a bold strategy designed to establish the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence The plan promises to drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and revolutionise public services, outlining a forward-looking vision for technological advancement

By leveraging AI, the government aims to enhance efficiency across various sectors, such as the NHS and public services, making them more responsive and better equipped to tackle future challenges This initiative seeks to reshape the way the government adopts, develops, and implements new technologies, ultimately improving the delivery of public services for all

However, as AI reshapes the operation of public services, it is important to recognise that AI is still an emerging technology with inherent risks Some groups may seek to exploit AI in harmful ways as seen during the far-right riots in August An AI-generated image circulated on X by an account called Europe Invasion, depicting bearded men in traditional Muslim attire near the Houses of Parliament, one holding a knife This image, which included a crying child wearing a Union Jack tshirt, diverted attention from the tragic deaths of three girls, shifting the focus to issues of ethnicity and religion

Experts have warned that such tools, combined with the ability to mobilise quickly, have empowered Britain’s fragm

Southport attack to rally and strengthen their presence AI is also increasingly misused to create child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, and other scams While AI offers many bene-

fits, its potential for harm is significant and must be carefully considered

One such factor to be considered is the estimation that full AI adoption by UK companies could save nearly a quarter of the time currently spent by private-sector workers equivalent to the annual work output of 6 million people However, this raises a crucial question of what happens to the jobs of those displaced by AI? While AI could reduce costs

impact on workers could lead to social unrest, particularly if retraining programs are inadequate Where does the balance ultimately lies?

On one hand, AI can streamline government processes, reducing human error and making data-driven decisions, analysing vast amounts of data to inform policy decisions, optimising resource allocation, and enhancing public service delivery On the other hand, many AI systems operate as black boxes, making it difficult to understand how they arrive at decisions This lack of transparency is especially concerning when AI is applied to governance, where it can affect people’s rights and well-being Systems like predictive policing, for instance, may unfairly target certain communities based on historical data, raising concerns about fairness and justice

The government must carefully balance AI’s potential with its risks, ensuring that it is deployed ethically and responsibly Achieving this balance will be key to ensuring that AI serves the public good, strengthens democratic institutions, and fosters trust in its applications

Donald’s desire for dominance

Donald Trump is a challenging leader who thrives on disruption and unpredictability, making him difficult to handle diplomatically He often uses bold, provocative rhetoric as a negotiating tactic, refusing to take “ no ” for an answer Trump’s desire for dominance and spectacle demands calculated engagement, balancing firmness with diplomacy to navigate his often volatile and unconventional policymaking style

Sometimes emotions speak louder than words for us humans For ordinary people, these moments can affect others unexpectedly But Donald Trump is a different story His words often defy convention uttering the unsaid, sparking controversy, or saying too much Some joke his tongue is as “whimsical” as him, often leaving audience stunned and confused (See As I See It on P7)

Donald Trump’s rise highlights a clash between two visions of democracy: one as a system for resolving disputes, the other as empowering the will of the people Trump portrays himself as a strongman opposing a “rigged” system and a “deep state,” promising retribution for ordinary Americans Critics fear Trump may exploit emergency powers, undermining democratic norms To counteract, liberal democrats must expose the risks of corruption under strongman rule and defend the electoral system, aiming to restore faith in democratic governance

T h e M o d i - T

mutual admiration, shared populist rhetoric, and aligned interests in security and trade Modi’s embrace of Trump during events like “Howdy Modi” underscored strong ties, boosting India’s global image While the Indian Prime Minister couldn’t make it to Trump’s inauguration, he did

Jaishankar who attended the inaugural ceremony seated in the front row for the newly appointed POTUS (See P1) Despite all his tactics and socialisation, Trump’s return to power could strain this dynamic His protectionist stance might lead to reversing policies favourable to India, such as relaxed H-1B visa rules or trade concessions

Potential shifts in US-China relations under Trump could also affect India’s strategic positioning While Modi may leverage personal rapport, India must prepare for a recalibrated partnership prioritising American interests over the collaborative gains of the past Elon Musk criticised the

TikTok’s US access vs X’s China ban “unbalanced ” Amid Trump’s plans to extend TikTok’s divestment deadline, Musk urged change He also met Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, highlighting business leaders’ role as mediators in volatile Trump-era Sino-US ties

Trump’s aggressive stance towards China, focusing on trade wars and military posturing, could push India and the US closer due to shared concerns about China’s growing influence However, Trump's unpredictability may complicate long-term strategic alignment, as India seeks a balanced approach to both its economic ties with China and security concerns

Donald Trump claims to restore America’s superpower status through aggressive economic policies, military dominance, and nationalist rhetoric However, his leadership style often polarises allies, disrupts global stability, as he prioritises short-term gains over strategic planning As Trump takes over office as POTUS, the impact of his 2 0 era remains to be seen

India's space and spiritual tourism shaping the future

The year 2025 is poised to be a landmark year for India’s burgeoning space sector, which is rapidly positioning itself as a potential global leader in space exploration Recent breakthroughs have unlocked a new era of ambitious projects that were long anticipated by the industry

In a groundbreaking milestone, India successfully accomplished satellite docking in zero gravity, a highly complex technological feat mastered by only a select few elite spacefaring nations This accomplishment not only showcases India s advancing technical expertise but also paves the way for future innovations and global collaborations in space exploration

Until now, only the United States, Russia, and China have conducted space docking missions, a critical capability that enables separate satellites to operate collaboratively, synchronising tasks and sharing resources that cannot be housed on a single spacecraft

The successful docking marks a pivotal step in India’s space ambitions, paving the way for transformative projects by ISRO, including a manned lunar mission by 2040, the construction of India’s first space station, and a Venus orbiter In August 2023, Chandrayaan-3 made history as the first mission to land near the moon ’ s South Pole, fuelling ISRO’s expanding aspirations The upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission will aim to collect lunar samples and dock with a return spacecraft, bringing them back to Earth

Indian space startups are increasingly focused on securing funding, expanding into global markets, and developing real-time applications There is growing optimism surrounding the revised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, which is designed to unlock new capital and accelerate growth

While the global commercial space market is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, India currently holds just 2% of the market, valued at $8 billion However, the government aims to raise India’s share to $44 billion by 2040, underscoring its commitment to scaling the sector

Moreover, the country’s space sector has become a powerful tool of soft power Through pioneering, cost-effective missions, India has demonstrated its technological innovation, earning global recognition and bolstering its influence on the international stage

India’s spiritual tourism is a powerful facet of its soft power, drawing millions of global visitors to its ancient temples, ashrams, and meditation retreats Iconic destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodh Gaya serve as hubs for spiritual seekers, offering transformative experiences rooted

Unfolding the Evolution and Growth of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism in India,’ the sector is poised for significant growth, with its market value expected to reach $59 billion by 2028 and over 100 million jobs anticipated in the industry by 2030

The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela is further solidifying this sector as a financial powerhouse, fuelling robust growth in travel and tourism Reports indicate a 20–25% rise in expenditures compared to previous Kumbh Melas While the majority of visitors hail from across India, the event is also

impact

"Act as if what you do makes a difference It does " William

Political Sketchbook

James

Hinduism, Trump, and the Rise of Hindu-Americans in U.S. Politics

F rom Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the 1 893 P arliament of Religio ns to the successes o f Hindu s in m ode rn A m eri c a, th i s co

resilience, up liftm ent, and inclusion Yet, the narrativ e is not without its critics Som e o rganizatio ns seem determ ined to undermine this progress with d ivisive rhetoric It is time to add ress these contradictions th ough tfully and d raw lessons from Hind u p hilosophy that can benefit all o f A merica

The Legacy of Vivekananda: A Framework for Unity

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda stood before the world in Chicago and introduced Hinduism not as a religion of exclusion, but as a universal philosophy of acceptance He spoke of the interconnectedness of all beings, emphasizing harmony over conflict and inclusion over division

These principles resonate deeply with the American ethos The Hindu ideas of dharma (duty), seva (service), and vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world as one family) align with foundational values of individual responsibility, public service, and equality of opportunity Hinduism does not seek to impose but to coexist, offering timeless wisdom to navigate modern challenges

Hindu-Americans in Politics: The Embodiment of Vivekananda’s Vision

The success of Hindu-Americans in politics is a testament to these values in action From Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Kash Patel these leaders embody the spirit of service and excellence They represent a community that has risen through education, entrepreneurship, and hard work integrating seamlessly into the American Dream while staying rooted in their heritage It is transformed from the US Congress in which I worked three decades ago

What remains the same is the anti-India voices that I witnessed then and I do now

The ascent of Gabbard and the others is vital therefore for Hindus and Indians as it also challenges stereotypes about Hindus being politically disengaged or confined to certain professions These leaders are not merely representatives of their community but champions of broader causes They prove that faith and modernity are not mutually exclusive, but deeply complementary

The Critics: And Internal Divisions

Despite these successes, organizations like Hindus for Human Rights often cast aspersions on the motives and achievements of Hindu-Americans in politics Their critiques, steeped in sneering cynicism, risk alienating the very communities they claim to support

Instead of celebrating progress, they focus on dividing Hindus into “good” and “bad” camps based on political leanings This approach not only undermines the achievements of Hindu-Americans but also reinforces harmful stereotypes Constructive critique is necessary, but it must be rooted in nuance, not blanket condemnation

Swami Vivekananda once said, “Condemn none; if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so ” These words serve as a powerful rebuke to those who prioritize division over dialogue

The Role of Faith in Building a Unified America

Hindu philosophy offers a roadmap for unity in an era of discord The teachings of karma (action) and dharma encourage individuals to focus on their responsibilities rather than external divisions The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) reminds us of the power of empathy and mutual respect

These values are not confined to temples or scripture; they are lived every day by millions of Hindu-Americans

Continued on page 10

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Harrow Business Centre, 429-433 Pinner Road, North Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4HN Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081

Email: aveditorial@abplgroup com Website: www abplgroup com

Alpesh Patel

State 'failed' Southport child victims: Keir Starmer

Axel Rud akubana, the teenage killer resp onsible for S outh port killing s, was repeated ly flag ged to co u nter- terro ris m o ffi ci als but was tragically allow ed to carry out a d eadly attack

Despite being referred to

unchecked as he spiralled into violent behaviour and extreme online content The 17-year-old murdered three children and attempted to kill eight others and two adults in Southport last summer

J u s t a w e e k b e f o r e t h e attack, Rudakubana attempted a school massacre, ordering a taxi to take him to Range High School during the busy time when students were leaving for the holidays His father intervened, preventing the attack

A u t h o r i t

aware of his dangerous interest in mass killings in 2019 when

missed him as not a terrorism risk

referred to Prevent in 2021 after viewing material related to the 2017 London terror attack, but authorities failed to recognise

Birmingham surgeon suspended for performing 'unsanitary' circumcisions

bee

se nte nced to 67 m on ths in prison

D r M o h a m m a d

S i d d i q u i , 5 9 , f r o m

B i r m i n g h a m , p e rformed multiple circumcisions on children up to the age of 14, disregarding basic hygiene prac-

t i c e s a n d s h o w i n g c o m p l e t e indifference to the health and safety of his patients

Siddiqui, who worked as a

c l i n i c a l f e l l o w i n p a e d i a t r i c surgery at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, sourced the anaesthetic

B u p i v a c a i n e H y d r o c h l o r i d e from his workplace, despite the procedure being non-therapeu-

t i c a n d u n r e g u l a t e d H e w a s convicted of 25 offences, including 12 counts of actual bodily harm, five counts of child cruelty, and eight counts of adminis-

t e r i n g p r e s c r i p -

tion-only medica-

t i o n s S i d d i q u i was struck off the G e n e r a l M e d i c a

unsafe and harmful conditions

D e s p i t e n o n - t h e r a p e u t i c male circumcision not requiring r e g u l a t i o n , S i d d i q u i ' s a c t i o n s caused emotional and physical harm to children and distress to their families The court also i m p o s e d a f i v e - y e a r s e r i o u s c r i m e p r e v e n t i o n o r d e r o n Siddiqui, preventing him from performing circumcisions after his release

The CPS and police praised

t h e f a m i l i e s a n d v i c t i m s f o r their support throughout the lengthy investigation and prosec u t i o n p r o c e s s , w h i c h r a i s e d concerns about the lack of regulation for non-therapeutic circumcision

Birmingham car seller jailed; wife spared

A crooked car d ealer wh o so ld d angero us second-hand v ehicles h as been jailed, wh ile his wife, w ho acted as the sch eme ’ s bookkeeper, av oided prison

S a j a d H a m i d a n d A i s a h

R a s h i d d e f r a u d e d a r o u n d a dozen customers, selling vehicles so hazardous that lives were at risk Operating from their home on Vibart Road, Yardley, t h e y c r e a t e d d a i l y c h a o s f o r neighbours Both were convicted of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of money laundering after a trial

On January 17, Birmingham Crown Court sentenced Hamid to four years in prison, while Rashid received a two-year sus-

from domestic premises for 20

Behaviour Order (CBO) Their

played a significant role in the fraud, was jailed for nearly three y e a r s i n 2 0 2 3 a f t e r p l e a d i n g guilty to similar offenses The scam ran between May 2018 and January 2021 T

through misleading adverts on

Auto Trader, claiming to sell "stunning" vehicles Victims discovered the cars were riddled w i t h f a u l t s o r c o m p

l y unroadworthy The fraud came to light after neighbours inund a t e d t h e c o u n c i l w i t

unconvinced that terrorism ide-

Officials are now investigating how he was allowed to progress unchecked

As Rudakubana pled guilty to the murders, Keir Starmer warned that Britain is now facing a "new threat" in light of the Southport stabbings, speaking at an emergency press conference at Downing Street He highlighted the evolving nature of terrorism in the UK, noting

that in the past, threats primarily came from organised groups like Al Qaeda with clear political agendas

The Prime Minister committed to reviewing the country’s counter-extremism system

changes to terrorism laws are needed

Hundreds of millions in funding for East Midlands' clean energy

T h e G ov ern m en t h a s announced a record £ 410 million investm ent in th e developm ent of fusion energy, a prom ising source of safe, low-carbon, a nd su s ta i nab le en erg y t h at c o u ld p l ay a c ru c ia l ro le i n achieving net zero em issio ns in the fu ture

T h e i n v e s t m e n t c o i n c i d e s

with the shortlisting of five construction and engineering partners by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) to help build a w o r l d

2050 The project is expected to unlock unlimited clean energy and create thousands of new jobs in the region Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, welcomed the announcement, stating, “This is f

Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, a region ready to lead the way in green energy The Government’s commitment to this investment is a great opportunity to create skilled jobs in our former coal-mining communities ” T h e G

ment follows a previous comm

C

y Authority (EMCCA) to allocate u p t o £

Investment Fund to support the T

Supercluster, focusing on former coal-fired power stations along the River Trent The fusion plant, located at W e

h Nottinghamshire, will host the STEP prototype fusion energy plant

plaints about transporters clogging their street BDO LLP advises £3.4bn deals in Midlands A c c ou

advi sory fi rm BDO LLP advis ed on nearly 70 deals a cros s the M idlands and East of En glan d i n 202 4, with a comb ined value of £3 4 bi lli on T h e f i r m ' s M & A , Transaction Services, and Tax teams supported 49 buy-side and 20 sell-side

accounting for 48% of the deals (33 transactions), while corporate and trade deals made up 45% (31 transactions), with five involving capital markets Vinod Patel, partner in deal a d v

S e r v i c e

, a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e challenging trading conditions d u e t o e c o n o m i c h e a d w i n d s but highlighted the resilience and ambition of regional busi-

n e s s e s t h a t s u s t a i n e d r o b u s t deal activity He emphasised

t h a t r i s i n g c o s t s m i g h t l e a d b u s i n e s s e s t o a d j u s t p r i c i n g strategies, pause recruitment, or limit pay rises N o t e w o r t h y t r a n s a c t i o n s included BDO’s financial due diligence for HSBC in the takep r i v a t e a n d r e f i n a n c i n g o f Rotala PLC, the sale of Utopia T a b l e w a r e t o S t e e l i t e International, and the sale of T o r u s T e c h n o l o g y t o K K Rb a c k e d I P G r o u p B D O a l s o s u p p o r t e d N u r t u r e G r o u p ’ s a c q u i s i t i o n s t r a t e g y , C l i f t o n P a c k a g i n g G r o u p ’ s s a l e t o Carton Pack, and CCS Media’s sale to Advania, among others Roger Buckley, partner in deal advisory – mergers and a c q u i s i t i o n s , e x p r e s s e d o p t im i s m f o r 2 0 2 5 , a n t i c i p a t i n g higher activity levels supported by a strong pipeline and continued private equity and trade appetite

I N B R I E F

MIDLANDS UNDER COLD WEATHER ADVISORY

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, SC, has issued an updated cold weather advisory for Northwestern and Central Orangeburg, along with Newberry Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, and Sumter counties Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 9°F in parts of eastcentral Georgia and central South Carolina with the advisory remaining in effect until 10 AM Wednesday “Prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia ” warns the NWS They urge caution when venturing outdoors and recommend wearing proper clothing, including hats and gloves Residents are advised to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours frequently Additionally the NWS stresses the safe use of portable heaters and reminds people not to use generators or grills indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

HOSPITAL BUILDS FACE 'SIGNIFICANT DELAY'

Plans to rebuild major hospitals in Nottingham and Leicester have been delayed following a government review Nottingham's Queen s Medical Centre (QMC) and City Hospital alongside Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) were part of the Conservative government s pledge to construct 40 new hospitals by 2030 However, Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that work on these projects would now be postponed until later in the decade Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) expressed disappointment over the delay, stating it was "very disappointing" to see work on QMC and City Hospital pushed back According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Nottingham hospital redevelopment, known as the Tomorrow s NUH (TNUH) project, is now scheduled to commence between 2037 and 2039 The estimated cost for the project has risen to at least £2 billion

LIFE EXPECTANCY DECLINES IN NORTHERN ENGLAND

A new study has revealed an “alarming” drop in life expectancy in communities across several northern English cities over the past decade, with the decline beginning before the Covid pandemic Researchers from Imperial College London found that areas in cities like Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester Liverpool and Blackpool had the lowest life expectancy levels in England They also noted that the gap between the north and south of the country was widening In 2019 women living in communities with the highest and lowest life expectancies faced a disparity of around 20 years For example, a woman in Camden, north London, could expect to live to 95 4 years, while one in Leeds had a life expectancy of just 75 For men, the gap was even starker about 27 years A man in Kensington and Chelsea, London, was expected to live until 95, while in Blackpool, one area had a life expectancy for men of just 68

Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, Bebe King, 6, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9

Axel Rudakubana

Dr Mohammad Siddiqui

Eight men jailed for abusing teenagers

Eigh t men hav e been convicted and sentenced to nearly 58 years in prison for sexu ally exploiting two teenage girls in K eigh ley, West Y orkshire, d uring the late 1990 s The surv ivors, aged 13 and 16 at the tim e, end ured years of abuse, wh ich only came to light wh en one cam e forward as an adult

The convictions followed two trials at Bradford Crown Court, uncovering the systematic exploitation of vulnerable girls The issue of grooming gangs has been a contentious and persistent problem in the UK, with many offenders from Pakistani backgrounds, sparking political and public debate

The first trial, concluding in Octo ber 20 23 , saw fiv e men sentenced:

w Amreaz Asghar (47) was sentenced to 4 5 years for rape

w Perwaz Asghar (50) received 6 5 years for two indecent assaults w Mohammed Din (47) was given 14 years for 11 counts of rape

w Sajid Mahmood Khan (45) was sentenced to 3 years for rape

w Zehroon Razak (47) received 6 5 years for rape

A second trial in Decem ber 2024 resu lted in convictio ns for three men:

w Fayaz Ahmed (45), sentenced in absentia to 7 5 years for two counts of rape w Imtiaz Ahmed (62), also sentenced in absentia to 9 years for rape

w Ibrar Hussain (47), sentenced to 6 5 years for two counts of rape

w Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Fayaz and Imtiaz Ahmed

The survivors spoke of enduring years of abuse,

with one recalling being "plied with drugs and alcohol" to numb the trauma, and men queuing to assault her, leaving her with lifelong psychological scars Judge Ahmed Nadim criticised the police and social services for their inadequate response to the case, describing their actions as "ill-equipped" or "disinterested " Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Greenbank praised the victims' courage, while Michael Quinn of the Crown Prosecution Service condemned the men ’ s actions as “wicked, vile, and sordid,” urging other victims to come forward

Grooming gang national review announced

national aud it to inv estigate th

exploitation, add ressing cultu ral

involving

en of Pakistani origin, has sparked d ebates on p olitical co rrectness and early intervention

gained further prominence when Elon Musk raised it on his social media platform X, leading to political pressure and a national review of the

inquiry as the Conservatives had demanded

Casey, known for her report

extent of grooming gangs

Casey would have access to data not available during the initial national inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay The review would focus on the ethnicity and demographics of both the abusers and victims, as well as the cultural and societal factors driving this type of offending, par-

ethnic groups

Simultaneously, Cooper revealed that Tom Crowther KC, who previously led a

tion in Telford, would help create a model for a series of similar investigations The initiative would begin with

Oldham

South Yorkshire Mayor urges IOPC to release Rotherham report

Ol ive r Coppa rd, the Mayor of Sout h Yor kshire , has wr

(IOPC) following recent re

Rother ha m child abuse scandal aired by Cha nnel 4 Ne ws C a m p a i

e r s h a d accused the IOPC of "burying" a key report into South Yorkshire Police’s handling of grooming in Rotherham These claims were supported by two former IOPC investig

alleged directive not to pursue senior officers

h

investigation as a failure, cit-

In his response, Coppard confirmed Channel 4 ’ s findi n g s t h a t t h e ' O p e r a t i o n A m a z o n '

investigation's handling has not yet been released

When asked about the independence of the IOPC, h

I want to see the report to assess whether the investigation was conducted prope r l y a n d

Regarding his intervent i o n , h e a d d e d , “ Y e s , I ’ v e asked for the report My predecessor also requested it, but they were denied I’m h o p e f u l t h e y ’ v e h a d a change of heart ” Oliver Coppard

work Ultimately, that is my responsibility ”

Yvette Cooper

T

, along with the appointment of prominent Indian Americans to key positions in his Cabinet, signals a promising future for US-

I

doors for Indian professionals and

b

Minister Keir Starmer is working diligently to secure a trade deal with the US Trump has expressed hope that Saudi Arabia will soon m

tions with Israel, further advancing peace in the region

Trump C abinet 2 0: Key IndianAm erican lead ers app ointed to top p ositions

Donald Trump has made a h

announcing a diverse group of Indian-American leaders appointed to top roles in his second-term C

reflect the growing influence of Indian-American professionals in key sectors such as technology, public health, and civil rights

Among the key appointments is Sriram Krishnan, a Chennaib o r n e n t r e p r e n e u r , w h o w a s named Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence

( A I ) K r i s h n a n , w i t h h i s b a c kground in technology and venture capital, will shape US AI policies

ERA OF TRUMP 2.0

renowned health researcher from Kolkata, was appointed Director

H e a l t h (

, known for his stance on Covid-19 policies, is expected to advocate for public health measures prioritising individual freedoms

Kash Patel, appointed as FBI Director, continues his support for Trump, leveraging his background in national security These appointments mark a new chapter for diversity at the highest levels of the US government Ind ian American sup port shines at the P resid ential inaugu ration Gala

The Presidential Inauguration

H i n d u G a l a , h o s t e d b y t

American Hindu Coalition at The M

growing Indian American support

Trump Utsav Sanduja, founder of Hindus for America First PAC, revealed that support for Trump among the Indian American comm

2020 to 31% in 2024

Speaking at the event, Sanduja detailed his group ’ s efforts during Trump’s campaign, which includ-

Bangladesh “I’ve been briefing his

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, was appointed to

D e p a r t m e n t o f G o v e r n m e n t Efficiency (DOGE) Ramaswamy, born to Indian parents in Ohio, w i l l b r i n g a b u s i n e s s - o r i e n t e d approach to the federal administration Vivek Ramaswamy may n o l o n g e r c o - h e a d t h e

G o v

D

O h i o Governor

H

born in Chandigarh, was named

A s s i s t a n t A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l f o r Civil Rights at the Department of

J u s t i c e D h i l l o n ’ s a p p o i n t m e n t highlights a focus on protecting

c i v i l l i b e r t i e s u n d e r T r u m p ’ s administration

D

ceremony as his special envoy Notably, Jaishankar was seated in the front row, a position highlighting the importance of India in the diplomatic community His attendance reflected India's continued commitment to strength-

United States

Jaishankar delivered a person-

India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the US Sharing his

Jaishankar said, “Privileged to represent as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the

States

Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, and his wife,

select guests at an exclusive candlelit dinner with Trump before the inauguration The intimate event included only 100 attendees, comprising influential billionaires, foreign dignitaries, and prominent politicians

Tribeca Developers and a licensed

Organization in India, attended the ceremony alongside Pankaj

M3M Developers, and Ashish Jain,

team for months, and I’m hopeful the president will act on this concern, ” Sanduja said

The gala, the first of its kind focused on Hinduism, and celebrated cultural heritage and unity

Prominent Indian American figures, including leaders from the A

p h a s i s e d

p o r t a n c

d i v e r s i t y i n b u i l d i n g b i p a r t i s a n support Sanduja highlighted the unity among different communities “We saw people from various r e l i g i o n s a n d r a c e s c o m i n g together to support the president

T h i s u n i t y s h o w s a p r o m i s i n g future for all,” he added

The event also featured memb e r s o f t h e L a t i n o c o m m u

y who joined in solidarity As one supporter stated, “We’ve got to t a k e A m

i c a b a c k a g a i n , a n d Trump did it ” Trump, who previously served a s t h e 4 5 t h p r e s i d e n t , w i l l b e sworn in as the 47th president on M o n d a y a t t h e U S C a p i t o l i n Washington, D C Prom inent Ind ians attend T rum p ’ s inaug uration, high lig hting U S-Ind ia ties

S e v e r a l h i g h - p r o f i l e I n d i a n p e r s o n a l i t i e s a t t e n d

Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, underscoring the significance of US-India relations E x t e

future roles

“We congratulate you for this excellent p o s i t i o n M a y G

bless

said

U

your

t s f r o m A n d h r a P r a d e s h , studied at Cambridge and Yale The couple met at Yale Law School Her family’s native v i l l a g e , V a d l u r u i n A n d h r a Pradesh, celebrated the couple’s s u c c e s s , r e f l e c t i n g h o p e f o r strengthened US-India ties

St ar mer pushes for US tra de dea l as Trump pre par es for t he ina ug urat ion

P r i m e M i n i s t e r S i r K e i r

S t a r m e r i n t e n s i f i e d e f f o r t s t o secure a trade deal with Presidentelect Donald Trump as the latter prepared for Monday’s inauguration Starmer convened a “miniCabinet,” including senior ministers and Jonathan Powell, architect of the Chagos Islands deal, w h i c h h a s c o m p l i c a t e d U S - U K relations

T r u m p ’ s t e a m d e l a y e d t h e

C h a g o s a g r e e m e n t , c i t i n g c o ncerns over potential advantages f o r B e i j i n g i n t h e I n d o - P a c i f i c

involved in Trump-branded real estate projects in India

Sundar Pichai, the Indian-origin CEO of Google and Alphabet, joined a distinguished group of global tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos The partici-

was uncertain

The presence of these influential figures underscored India’s growing prominence on the global stage and symbolised optimism for a strengthened US-India partnership during Trump’s presidency F

Suella Braverman and Laurence Fox arrived in the US ahead of Trump's inauguration; Braverman expressed gratitude for the invita-

Trump is going to be inaugurated tomorrow in that building behind me He has won a huge mandate," said Dame Priti Patel who was also invited to the inaugural ceremony

U sha Vance’s grand-aunt congratulates US Vice President couple

P

grand-aunt of Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President-elect JD Vance, e

tions to the couple ahead of their

Trump-era Sino-US ties

Admir ation for British Roy als could bolste r UK-US Re la tions

P r e s i d e n t - e l e c t D o n a l d

Trump’s fondness for the British royal family may provide a boost to UK-US relations amid tensions with Labour's government Trump has expressed admiration for the royals, praising the late Queen Elizabeth II during his 2019 UK state visit and more recently com-

meeting him in Paris

E

global appeal and Trump’s deference to their status could help ease diplomatic challenges While the

role, their soft power has historically reinforced the UK-US bond Prime Minister Keir Starmer may strategically leverage this influence to foster goodwill with the

Meanwhile, Labour insisted Lord Mandelson would assume the role of the British ambassador to the US despite Trump allies questioning his pro-Beijing stance

C h a n c e l l o r R a c h e l R e e v e s plans talks with Trump allies at Davos amid fears tariffs could cost the UK £2 5 billion

L abour cr it icised Sa diq Kha n's ‘Fa scism’ re mark ahe ad of Tr ump ’ s in augur ation

L a b o u r f a c e d b a c k l a s h a f t e r

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called US President-elect Donald Trump part of a “resurgent fascism haunti n g t h e W e s t , ” h o u r s b e f o r e Trump’s inauguration His comments, made on BBC, sparked criticism from Conservative allies of P r i m e M i n i s t e r K e i r S t

Secretary Priti Patel urged Labour to focus on strong diplomatic ties with the incoming Trump administration

On 20th January, campaigners protested Trump’s inauguration outside Downing Street, warning o f r i s i n g r a c i s m a n d f a r - r i g h t influence in Britain

Elon Musk criticised the lack of reciprocity in US-China tech r e l a t i o n s , c a l l i n g T i k T o k ’ s U S access vs X’s China ban “unbalanced ” Amid Trump’s plans to extend TikTok’s divestment deadline, Musk urged change He also met Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, highlighting business leaders ’ role as mediators in volatile

Trump administration

Im plication s for India ’ s e conomy a nd tr ade Donald Trump's return to the White House has sparked discussions about the impact of his policies on India, given the close econ o m

e s b

w e e n t h e t w o nations The US is India’s largest export destination, accounting for 1 8 % o f I n d i a ’ s t o t a l e x p o r t s i n FY24

Trump’s “America First” agend a , w

d u c e s reliance on imports, may lead to higher tariffs on Indian goods like pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles However, his anti-China stance could benefit India, as US companies may relocate operations to India

T r u m p ’ s s

t e r m i s expected to deepen US-India ties, particularly in defence, technology, and trade, creating opportunities for Indian businesses His probusiness policies, including corporate tax cuts, could boost global markets, leading to increased foreign investment in India W h i

, energy, and technology stand to gain, India’s IT sector could face challenges due to Trump’s restrictive immigration policies Overall,

in

JD Vance with his wife Usha Vance and daughter Mirabel Rose

President Donald Trump taking oath during the ceremony along with his wife Melania Trump

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP representing Conservative Party at the Presidential inauguration

EAM S Jaishankar with Kash Patel during the inauguration

Business leaders including Mark Zuckerberg Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk present at the ceremony

Nita and Mukesh Ambani with President Donald Trump at his inauguration ceremony

OnMonday, Donald Trump was sw orn in as the 47th President of the U nited States The inau guration cerem ony marked a sig nificant mom ent in history It is only natural to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the new ly elected President, the people of Am erica and th e global co mmunity As human beings, when words falter, our hearts often feel the weight of emotions

u n s p o k e n F o

, words may occasionally falter and when they do, they touch a soul in unexpected ways But Donald Trump is a different case

We have all witnessed how his words often take unexpected turns Saying what

remarks or speaking excessively, these are

Some even joke that his tongue is as unpredictable as his whims, often leaving listeners stunned or speechless

In America, it is a tradition to release an o

takes up the presidency This practice is also followed in Britain and India However, the photograph of Trump accompanying this column is particularly intriguing His body

, almost like a cat preparing to pounce Much depends on the perspective of the observer, but since we have mentioned a cat, it seems only natural to talk about the mouse as well

Mice are found everywhere, in homes, offices, ships, planes, shops etc Small and seemingly harmless, they still manage to cause chaos wherever they go Their presence often leads to damage, destruction and even heavy penalties if discovered in a shop, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage By the time they are dealt with, the harm is usually already done What’s truly remarkable about a mouse, however, is their instinct for self-preservation They are always the first to flee in times of danger

W h e t h e r i t ’ s a s i n k i n g s h i p o r a s h o p engulfed in flames, they vanish at the first sign of trouble, dashing away with their tails held high

In this context, it will be interesting to see how Donald Trump, recognised for his b ld r m rk nd tr n rh t ri h ndl

What lies ahead for the world’s largest Superpower?

Outgoing American President Joe Biden recently claimed that, had he contested the Presidential election, he would have defeated Donald Trump While Biden’s memory may be fading, he shouldn’t overlook the fact that as the election drew near, his approval ratings had plunged to a historic low of 27% During that critical time, senior party leaders, well-wishers and supporters urged him to step aside gracefully They confronted him with the harsh reality that his chances of defeating Trump were too low After much deliberation and with a heavy heart, Mr Biden ultimately withdrew from the race Instead, he agreed to back his

Democratic Party’s candidate for the presi-

with a decisive victory, it is crucial not to let the intoxication of power cloud his judgment Many who once opposed him are now publicly praising him After his victory, a long line of distinguished visitors formed o u t s i d e h i s r e n o

where not only his supporters but also his former critics were seen This highlights the complex nature of power, where yesterday's adversaries can sometimes become today's admirers

T h e w o r l d f o l l

everyone praises the rising sun This is clearly seen in the case of Tesla's visionary, E

Initially, Musk acquired Twitter and swiftly imposed a ban on Trump's public state-

dency

President Biden claims he would have

Kamala Harris lost However, he seems to ignore the fact that Harris was defeated by a narrow margin of just 1 5% With more time to campaign, the outcome might have been different

What happens now, as Mr Trump takes charge of the world’s most powerful nation?

America isn’t just any powerful country, it

economy, defence, and diplomacy In many ways, America is a blend of the extraordinary and the everyday, shaping and even a f f

nations can

Mr Trump must remember that while he has taken the h l f

ments and controversial remarks Today, h

M

Trump's closest allies, with him putting aside past grievances and turning to Elon M

Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, who once opposed Trump's ideology, was also spotted at the Mar-a-Lago Both Musk and Zuckerberg, along with others, have donated millions in support of Mr Trump This illustrates the fluid nature of power and alliances

Last month, India’s Foreign Minister S J

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embarked on a six-day visit to the United States During his stay, he met with several key leaders, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and other senior officials However, there were no reports of him visiti M L Thi b k l

that is asserting itself on the global stage, charting its own course without seeking validation from any individual or power

But EAM Jaishankar attended President Trump's inaugural function as the special envoy of Prime Minister Modi During his v

Indian PM Narendra Modi addressing to the US President, further symbolising the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations The bond between Prime Minister N

Trump is strikingly strong One of the most memorable moments was when PM Modi organised an impressive gathering of over 1,00,000 people to warmly welcome his friend, Donald Trump, to India in 2020 Today's India encourages us all to stand tall, embodying the nation's rising stature and confidence on the global stage This evolving dynamic showcases India's progress, its ability to assert its own identity and its skill in building strong relationships with world leaders

It is indeed remarkable that Donald Trump extended invitations to global leaders for his inauguration, marking a historic first in the United States He shared on a social media platform that he had a productive call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, j

expressed optimism about addressing issues

peace, emphasising their shared commitment to solving problems and making the world safer Given, Mr Trump's tendency to react strongly to slights makes it interesting to see how he will handle his relationship with China and its leaders

After winning the election, Mr Trump has been making bold statements on various issues, from illegal immigration to the I

Russia war His words reflect the influence

While he now leads the world’s superpower, it’s worth remembering that time and experience shape everyone ’ s journey The challenges and victories we all face are universal, though we encounter them in unique ways and at different points in our lives W

remember that time and circumstances, not just individual strength, ultimately shapes

strength, Mr Trump’s bold, direct approach ld

CB Patel

New chancellor of Aston University takes office at winter graduation

Dr Jason Wo uhra OBE,

a

C hancellor He is

C hancellor and the first of A sian heritage

Dr Wouhra received the

Aston’s winter graduation

h

Symphony Hall, attended by around 4,500 graduates and

monies

University’s 130th anniversary, celebrating its roots as the Birmingham Municipal

T

c h became Aston University in 1966 Dr Wouhra is the uni-

with a ceremonial role that

graduates annually

D

expressed his pride in being installed as Chancellor of Aston University, calling it a tremendous honour and a

privilege, especially as the

Chancellor of Asian, partic-

Europe He emphasised that the ceremony was a celebration of the graduates, who, with the knowledge gained

Reflecting on Birmingham's

encouraged the new graduates to carry that spirit forward Dr Wouhra highlight-

working with the university

them create a lasting impact both in the UK and globally

received an honorary doctorate from Aston in 2014 for his business contributions As the founder and CEO of Lioncroft Wholesale and chairman of Unitas, the U

wholesale buying group, he h a s m a d

impact in the industry In 2

d e d

OBE for services to business and international trade

HEF expands to Scotland, empowering Hindu businesses

The Hindu Econ

Hindu busine ss community

across the

Trades Hall welcomed digni-

t a r i e s s u c h a s C o u n c i l l o r Anne McTaggart, former MP

M a r t y n D a y , C o u n c i l l o r Graham Campbell, and Vice

C o n s u l A m i t C h a u d h a r y from the Indian Consulate in Edinburgh Business leaders from England and Scotland gathered to strengthen ties and foster connections within the UK and global Hindu community

Under the leadership of

S w a m i V i g y a n a n a n d j i ,

C h a i r m a n o f t h e W o r l d Hindu Economic Forum, and HEF UK leaders Anil Puri, Subhash Thakrar OBE, and K

S

a t i o n has rapidly grown, quadrup l i n g m e m b e r s h i p i n t w o years, with key support from chapter leaders Rajesh Rajan Singh and Ram Raghavan

The Scotland chapter of HEF is led by Dr Richa Sinha

P

President, aiming to foster

empowerment in Scotland’s Hindu community

The launch was a success, featuring inspiring speeches, networking, and a curated culinary experience by Alok Singh of Firangi Restaurant

L o c a l b u s i n e s s m a n G a n e s h

Shinde praised the initiative, calling it “ a fantastic step forward for Scotland ” HEF supports Hindu entrepreneurs with a network for invest-

Membership

events and initiatives

and

highlighted the event’s sig-

businesses shows the potential for growth and collaboration, reflecting HEF’s com-

empowerment

UK Parliament launches EDM to honour Kashmiri Pandit massacre victims

T he UK Parliament has tabled an Early Day Mo tio n (EDM) to c o m m em o r a t e t h e 3 5 th anniversary o f th e geno cide o f K ashmiri P andits fro m Jamm u a n d K a s h m i r T h e m o t io n , s ubmitted o n January 16, 202 5, b y M P B o b Bl a c k m an , e xp re s se s dee p s adne ss and d is a p p o in tm e n t o ve r t h e c oordinated attac ks in January 199 0 by c ross -border Is lamic t e r ro ri s t s o n th e m in o r it y

H in du p o p u l a t io n o f t h e K ashmir val ley

The EDM extends condo-

lences to British Hindu citizens whose friends and family w e r e k i l l e d , r a p e d , i n j u r e d , and displaced by force in this p l a n n e d m a s s a c r e T h e motion urges the Government o f I n d i a t o f u l f i l l i t s l o n gstanding international comm i t m e n t t o r e c o g n i s e a n d acknowledge the genocide of H i n d u s i n J a m m u a n d Kashmir It also calls on the UK Government to commemorate January 19 as Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Day

The EDM highlights the

c o n t i n u e d p l i g h t o f t h e K a s h m i r i H i n d u m i n o r i

who have yet to see justice or recognition of the atrocities committed against them over the past 35 years

The UK Parliament stands in solidarity with the Kashmiri Pandit community and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals affected by this tragic chapter in history

This EDM was welcomed by the Kashmiri Pandit and Indian diaspora in the UK

You Lose It If You Don’t Use It

Rohit Vadhwana

Ev erything u nused ev entually go es to w as te w h eth er i t’ s y ou r t alents , p os sess io ns, or s kills Co nsi der a bicycle: if left unused for too long , it will rust and beco me unrid eable A playground neg lected for months will soon be o verrun with g rass, losing its functionality as a place fo r recreation S imilarly, artistic skills such as painting will dim inish ov er time if no t p racticed reg ularly Learning a new language is no d ifferent if you d on ’ t apply it through speaking, reading, o r w riting , th e effort spent acquiring it w ill be in v ain Quite sim ply, if yo u don’t u se it, you lose it

Knowledge gained through reading and studying must be revised periodically, or it fades from memory Without regular revision, even diligent study will fail to yield good results in examinations History offers countless lessons: for instance, Dandi Rishi once told Alexander the Great, “All the territories you conquer will be lost as soon as you a

Alexander’s governors refused to remain loyal in his absence Henry Ford remarked, "Money is like an arm or leg use it or lose it " For any practice-intensive endeavor, consistent effort is key Without repetition, the impact of any learning or skill is diminished

Knowing this, we must consciously nurture every aspect of our lives to prevent them from slipping away Relationships, for example, require attention and care Neglect causes friendships to fade, and love to disappear Without communication and effort, even the strongest bonds can break

The message is clear: if you don’t use it, you lose it Whether it’s your knowledge, skills, or relationships, give them the attention they deserve By doing so, you ensure they remain meaningful, vibrant, and valuable parts of your life John Templeton very aptly summarised this by saying, "If you don't use your muscles, they get weak If you don't use your mind, it begins to fail "

(Expressed opinions are personal)

Upcoming events at Brahma Kumaris UK

- Start the year with inspiration! Join them for ‘The Heart of Wellbeing with Sister Jayanti and Stewart Wallis OBE’ on Saturday, 25th January, at 3:30 PM in Willesden, NW10 2HH Explore the root causes of today’s challenges, envision a sustainable future, and share practical steps toward collective wellbeing.

- Join them for ‘A Taster in Raja Yoga Meditation’ on Sunday, 26th January 2025, from 2:00 to 5:15 PM (with a tea break) at Global Co-operation House, 6569 Pound Lane, Willesden, London NW10 2HH Participants will discover how Raja Yoga Meditation-yoga for the mind-can unlock clarity, self-respect, resilience, and inner peace

its celebration on 2nd February

S

i Pandit Heritage Foundation (KPHF- UK), expressed gratitude to MP Bob Blackman for his unwavering support to the cause As a Kashmiri Pandit who lost her home as a child, Sonal expressed anguish that in 35 years, her community has yet to receive justice and r

implored the current adminis-

Kashmiri Pandits back in the valley

Sankranti celebrated by hundreds in Leicester

Shree Hanum

Spelthorne is also invited to the event to join the auspicious occassion

Global will hold its event on 1st February 2025 from 1:00 pm at the Zoroastrian Centre

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Aleks Subic and Dr Jason Wouhra OBE

Dignitaries present at the event

Community joins PM Starmer to celebrate Thai Pongal

O n M ond ay 2 0 J an uar y,

P ri m e M i n i s te r Ke i r Starmer for the first time

e ve r hos t e d t he B ri t i s h

T am i l c om m un i t y a t 1 0 Downing Street for a Thai Pongal rec eption

Uma Kumaran MP, the Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow and the first elected British MP of Tamil heritage, joined the

P r i m e M i n i s t e r t o w e lcome the community, who were dressed in colourful traditional attires

T h e e v e n t b r o u g h t

t o g e t h e r T a m i l s f r o m across the UK to mark the traditional harvest festival

c

T h e e v e n t w a s a

a

British Tamil community to the UK, with notable attendees from a diverse a r r a y o

g science, healthcare, educat i o n , b u s i n e s s

, and sport

M

P

S t a r m e r , w h

e n d e d and addressed the gathering, highlighted the significant contributions of the

T a m i l c o m m u n i t y t o British life and reiterated the government’s commit-

m e n t t o s u p p o r t i n g a l l c o m m u n i t i e s i n t h r i v i n g and succeeding

Speaking at the event, PM Starmer, who was garl a n d e d b y U m a t o w e lcome him, said, “There s a huge contribution of the Tamil community to our nation, and I'm so proud of Uma, our first Tamil MP The richness and generosity of the Tamil com-

munity overflows, bringing light and hope to the entire country Your history, your heritage, reminding us all of our need for community and solidarity ”

U m a K u m a r a n M P said, “Thai Pongal is a time to give thanks, and celebrate cultural heritage as British Tamils I'm proud that for the first time the Prime Minister personally h o s t e d t h i

u s event and welcomed the

T

o number 10 - the highest office in the country “ I t w a s i n s p i r i n g t o bring together members of our community who are thriving across the UKcontributing to our NHS,

driving innovation in business, science and tech, and

sports

“As the first British MP of Tamil heritage, I know how important it is for young people and the next

makers to see themselves reflected in politics and public life This event is not just a celebration of Tamil culture but also a recognition of the British values of hard work, gratitude, and community that Tamils embody and celebrate ”

The evening featured

speeches that reflected on the progress of the Tamil community in the UK

in Advantage Assam

2.0

by the Federation

showcased Assam’s strategic advantages to British businesses Borah extended an invitation to the upcoming

Assam was presented as the

s and potential for sustainable growth and global partnerships

“Our state is renowned

for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and its position as a dynamic frontier of new economic opportunities in India,” Borah added Guwahati, the state capital, was also highlighted as the "gateway to the Seven Sisters" – the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, M e g h a l a y a , M a n i p u r , M i z o r a m , N a g a l a n d , a n d Tripura, alongside Assam

The region is celebrated for i t s a b u n d a n t n a t u r a l resources and skilled workforce Assam, one of India’s fastest-growing economies

ecosystem “Assam presents immense opportunities for UK investors who wish to be part of India’s r e m a r k a b l e g r

w

h s t o r y So, welcome to Assam, welcome to India,” he said

PM Keir Starmer greeting a Tamil community member present at the reception as Uma Kumaran MP and other guests look on

Uma Kumaran, Labour’s first Tamil MP welcoming

Keir Starmer by garlanding him

Delegates and guests at the event

Why do people go hungry in the land of plenty?

Millions of tons of food, like wheat and maize, are either fed to cattle and poultry or just ploughed back into the field while millions of people, especially in Africa and Latin America, go hungry; children go to bed with just a glass of water

Why does the so-called civilised world tolerate such a situation when a little intervention by the so-called superpowers could change things, making it possible to banish hunger and starvation throughout the world, especially in Africa?

There is no shortage of food In fact, in many countries, governments pay farmers to leave their fields unploughed or grow grass, animal feed that can be used during severe winter months when cattle and other such animals are confined to their sheds, as fields are covered with snow and ice, and grass is buried deep under several feet of snow, out of reach for most grazing animals

In fact, some of the super-rich countries in the West use food aid as a weapon to control these nations, keeping them under the influence of Western culture to exploit their natural resources, like precious minerals, gold, diamonds, copper, oil, and other such hidden assets for their own use, paying a fraction of the price these products can fetch on the open market The Western philosophy is that power and political control come out of a barrel of guns No wonder the firearms industry is flourishing, pouring billions of pounds into the research and development of the most sophisticated arms, progressing from the use of bows and arrows to nuclear-armed missiles that could kill millions with just the press of a button from their safe underground bunkers, free from nuclear fallouts

It is time that the most influential nations, like China, India, Japan, the US, and the EU, put their foot down and ensure that grain is provided at an affordable price to banish hunger from the face of the earth

Bhupend ra M G an dhi

Inaction on inquest advice linked to thousands of deaths

Thousa nds of liv es could be

s a v e d e a ch y e a r if p ub li c bodies took action on the

c o n ce r n s r a i se d d u r i n g in que st s In 2022, the Office for National Statistics recorded nearly 82,000 "preventable"

d e a t h s i n E n g l a n d a n d Wales, meaning they could have been avoided through effective public health interventions Coroners highlight measures to reduce this toll in reports to prevent future

d e a t h s , w i t h a r o u n d 5 0 0 published annually

C o r o n e r s a r e l e g a l l y required to alert public bod-

i e s , i n c l u d i n g m i n i s t e r s ,

N H S t r u s t s , p r i s o n s , a n d r e g u l a t o r s , i f t h e y b e l i e v e future deaths could occur without action While recipients must respond in writing, they are not obligated to address the concerns raised

by coroners

K a t y S k e r r e t t , s e n i o r

coroner for Gloucestershire, published a report last week following the inquest into t h e d e a t h o f T h o m a s Kingston, 45, who took his o w n l i f e a f t e r a n a d v e r s e reaction to antidepressants Skerrett questioned whether p a t i e n t s a r e a d e q u a t e l y informed about the suicide risk linked to sertraline and citalopram, SSRIs commonly prescribed for anxiety

T h e T i m e s a n d t h e Preventable Deaths Tracker

a t K i n g ’ s C o l l e g e L o n d o n h a v e f o u n d 4 0 p r e v i o u s coroner reports highlighting issues with these drugs In several cases, coroners noted that patients were not adequately informed about the i n c r e a s e d r i s k o f s u i c i d a l thoughts linked to the medication

Republic Day celebrations in India

Republic Day is an occasion for us to celebrate with the hoisting of our national flag, recitation of our national anthem, singing patriotic songs, and organising social and cultural events Celebrating Republic Day is a great honour for Indian citizens as well as for those who have settled abroad

It is a day of great importance and is celebrated by the people with great joy and enthusiasm They eagerly wait for this day to become part of its celebration again and again Preparation for the celebrations at Rajpath in New Delhi begins a month in advance, and the way to India Gate becomes very close for the common man Security arrangements are made a month in advance to avoid any untoward incidents during the celebrations Large-scale celebrations also take place in the national capital and state capitals across India

National Flag by the President of India and the singing of the National Anthem Following this, the Indian army parade, state-wise Jhankis, march-past, and awards distribution ceremony take place Throughout the day, the whole environment is filled with the singing of the National Anthem and other patriotic songs

Students of schools and colleges are also very keen to celebrate this event and begin preparing for it a month in advance Students performing well in academics, sports, or other fields of education are honoured with awards, prizes, and certificates on this day

Republic Day is one of the three national holidays in India On this day, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti as a mark of respect to the martyrs who fought bravely for the country’s independence

The three national holidays in India are: Republic Day on January 26th, Independence Day on August 15th, and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd

Jubel D’C ruz

Khalistanis disrupt ‘Emergency’ screening, police back protest

M

storme d the Ha rrow Vue

ng the Indi an di aspora watching ‘Emergency ’ , and forci n g t he s c r ee n i n g to b e

halted

Saloni Belaid, a British Indian, was at the cinema with friends when masked men and a woman stormed in, shouting "Down with India " The group, without tickets, handed out leaflets about the Sikh genocide, causing chaos While most of the audience fled, Belaid and her friends stayed to confront the Khalistanis Police arrived within 10 m i n u t e s b u t m a d e n o arrests, telling the group

t h e p r o t e s t w a s w i t h i n rights as long as no harm was done Belaid's group asked to continue watching

the film, but the manager c a n c e l l e d t h e s c r e e n i n g " I t ’ s t e r r i f y i n g t h a t m o b r u l e p r e v a i l s , " s h e s a i d "There was no one to protect us, and some had kirpans We didn’t know their i n t e n t i o n s , a n d i t w a s frightening " R a s h m i C h a u b e y , a n Indian from Varanasi, was with her kids when masked men disrupted the screening, covering the projector and blocking doors "It was d a r k , a n d p e o p l e g o t scared," she said The men shouted Khalistan slogans, and when police arrived, staff were told not to continue the film due to security concerns Jasveer Singh

o f t h e S i k h P r e s s

A s s o c i a t i o n , w h i c h s u pports the protests, called the movie "anti-Sikh Indian state propaganda "

Hinduism, Trump, and the Rise of Hindu-Americans in U.S. Politics

Continued from page 3

They guide doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs who serve their commu-

n

leaders who champion policies rooted in fairness and opportunity

Bridging Eastern Philosophy and Western Politics

Swami Vivekananda’s message transcended borders, offering a framework that blends Eastern spirituality with W

America grapples with issues of inequality and cultural fragmentation, these lessons are more relevant than ever

T

n n

c t

d

s s c h a m p ioned by Hindu philosophy can guide policy on immigration, education, and healthcare areas where inclusivity and c o m p

embracing these principles, America can

find common ground in its diversity Trump, Inclusion, and the HinduAmerican Perspective

Donald Trump’s presidency has also

Americans to assert their values and contribute to the national dialogue

American community, known for its contributions to business and innovation At the same time, his rhetoric on immigration and diversity challenges these values, offering a chance to advocate for policies that reflect vasudhaiva kutumbakam

The rise of Hindu-Americans in politics is not just a story of individual achievement; it is a testament to the enduring relevance of Hindu philoso-

K A P I L’S K

I C H A D I Starmer’s Big Con No Justice for RapeVictims

In wh at can o nl y be described as the ‘Con o f th e C entu ry ’ , Labou r MP s voted to sto p any s tatu tory publ ic inqu iry into the scandal o f P akis tani Groo ming Gangs

If this betrayal of the victims was not enough, Yvette Cooperafter massive public outcrylater announcedthe most pathetic of inquiries possible Readers should note, I had personally written to the Prime Minister on 15th January giving him detailed information on what the government should consider in conducting such an inquiry For your reference, I provide the relevant part of that letter below:

The minimu m requ irement f or a p ublic inquiry into Pakistani gro oming rape gangs:

a It should be televised live There is no reason why it should be censored

b It should cover ALL towns and cities where such grooming/rape gangs have operated

c The period covered should be from 1997 to present day

d It should take into account other related inquiries as supporting evidence

e It should have the legal powers to subpoena ALL evidence that exists with local councils, the police and any other public entity

f It should have the legal powers to subpoena any victim, witness, perpetrator, police officer, civil servant, politician or any other entity the panel feels is relevant to unearthing the truth

g It should have the legal powers to put to trial any person or entity that broke the law, contributed to the abuse of the victims, took part in any cover-up, or perverted the course of justice

h It should investigate whether any aspect of the teachings of Islam had any bearing in the abuse of the victims

i It should investigate whether any aspect of the cultural practices of the perpetrators and their linked community had any bearing in the abuse of the victims

j It should have the legal powers to expand the investigations as they see fit considering any emerging evidence

k It should have all the necessary resources including funding, expert personnel, legal advisers, investigative experts, technology experts, Islamic experts, cultural experts, child abuse experts, and any other type of expertise as required considering emerging evidence and lines of inquiry

l It should provide its initial findings within a year The full report should be furnished within 3 years It should have the right to release interim reports as necessary

The inquiry announced by Yvette Cooper fails on almost all the above points In fact, out of the possible 50 towns and cities, ONLY 5 will be considered in the inquiry In addition, evidence will NOT be collected under statutory powers or under oath Many of those involved cannot be compelled to give evidence It seems the Labour government,Starmer and Cooper are working hard to protect their fellow politicians, corrupt police, and compromised public servants who abdicated their duty of care to the victims In fact, victims have stated that some of them were instrumental in aiding the perpetrators in committing these crimes, and in protecting them from prosecution They areenablerswho for reasons best known to themselves, were instrumental in the wholesale rape and torture of white vulnerable girls by men of Pakistani heritage

Surely as a society we should all wish to know:

1 What are the statistics on the grooming gangs in the UK in terms of ethnicity, religion and race?

2 What percentage of victims are white? Sikh? Hindu? Or from other identifiable group?

3 How many enablersin local councils, councillors, Police, government officials, MP's, MSP's, civil servants, the CPS and others in authority have been prosecuted?

phy in a modern, pluralistic world It reminds us that faith, far from being divisive, can be a force for unity and progress

Organizations purporting to speak for Hindus, then spending their time attacking them should instead of sneering at the achievements of their peers, celebrate the diversity of thought and action within the Hindu community Criticism is healthy, but it must be constructive, not destructive

As Swami Vivekananda famously said, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached ” For Hindu-Americans, the goal is not merely political success but the creation of a more inclusive and compassionate America This is a journ

Hindus, but for all who believe in the power of

and service

4 How many perpetrators in grooming gangs did Keir Starmer prosecute whilst he was at the DPP? And just as important, how many cases did he decide not to prosecute?

5 How many cases were ignored? What is the true number of victims (claims of this being more than 500 000 need to be investigated)?

I reminded the Prime Minister that it was the Labour Party, Labour politicians and Labour Mayors, and many in public services, who used the term ‘Asian’ grooming gangs By so doing they purposefully connived to deflect attention away from the real culprits Did they do this because they wanted to protect their Muslim vote bank? Or was it to protect their friends on the left? Or maybe even both What is absolutely clear is that they used the term ‘Asian’ knowing it was false Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists have been maligned, been the target of hate, been traumatised, all because officials w h o s

Pakistani grooming gangs and their benefactors

The only conclusion I can arrive at is that the inquiry announced by Yvette Cooper is nothing but a scam Karma will not forget Starmer’s big con It’s a disgrace and I am certain voters will remember this act of treachery next time they enter a ballot box

Kapil Dudakia

Power of diaspora engagement and international development

Hemansu

Roy-Trivedy is now retired from fulltime work but remains active in various roles. Since 2024, he has served as the Honorary Consul of TimorLeste in Scotland He is also a Trustee for ActionAid UK and dedicates his time as a part-time, volunteer mentor for the United Nations and the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK He served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste from February 2018 to November 2022, and as the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea from December 2013 to December 2017.

Before joining the UN, Mr Roy-Trivedy spent 13 years with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), where he held several key roles, including Head of the Civil Society Department (2009-2013), Team Leader for the UK White Paper ‘Building Our Common Future’ (2009) and more He career began with 20 years of work for non-governmental organisations across the UK, Mozambique, India, and Malawi He studied at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and the University of Sheffield

Speaking to Asian Voice, Mr Roy-Trivedy shared, “Growing up in East Africa, I witnessed how development could transform emerging countries, which inspired me to contribute to that process In the early years, there were few Asians in these fields, and I was determined to make an impact in every country I worked in I’ve been fortunate to find something to love in every

place I served within the first six months, which made my work more than just a job it became a passion ”

Reflecting on his roots, he said, “My family hails from Saurashtra in Gujarat, India My parents were born and raised in Chuda, a small town in Saurashtra, and I had the opportunity to visit these places through my work with tribal women ’ s groups and Save the Children Many of my relatives live in Ahmedabad and nearby areas, so I was able to reconnect with our ancestral home I am incredibly proud of my heritage and honoured to have contributed to India’s development, from grassroots initiatives to policy-making with the UK Government and the UN ” Em powering com munities through g lo bal p artnerships

Mr Roy-Trivedy emphasised his focus on building strong partnerships with governments and communities during his tenure as Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste In Timor-Leste, a country with limited healthcare, the Covid-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge “We worked closely with the UN and development partners to deliver essential supplies and assist with economic management Despite being isolated, TimorLeste kept the death toll low thanks to these efforts

and strong leadership,” he said

As Honorary Consul for Timor-Leste in Scotland, he also highlighted the important role of the diaspora in economic development and cultural exchange

“Timorese Diasporas, including those born in the UK, send remittances home while bridging cultures and bringing back valuable knowledge I’ve been working to bring Timorese music and dance to the Edinburgh Festival, opening global opportunities for the country’s culture

Similarly, the Indian diaspora has contributed significantly across fields, promoting global cooperation and cultural exchange ”

Speaking about advice to young people from the diaspora considering careers in diplomacy, international development, or humanitarian work, Mr Roy-Trivedy said, “There are many opportunities to study, learn, and gain experience through internships and other avenues My advice is to start by engaging with your local community and serving at the grassroots level My own work with the Indian Tribal Women’s Trust taught me valuable lessons about the real challenges people face and the impact of local and international policies Begin small, build your experience, and explore organisations like the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office or NGOs like ActionAid

The diaspora plays an essential role, and I encourage young people from Asia, Africa, and beyond to get involved, stay committed, and keep learning Discover where your passion lies and how you can make a meaningful difference ”

Knife crime on the rise

Kni fe crime i n Eng land a nd Wa le s h as e s ca

ma tica lly si nce the Covi d19 pa ndemic, with vi olent

r ob b e ri e s a n d k n i f e po i n t thefts of s ma rtphones risin g by 47%

Between January 2013 and December 2023, over 2,500 deaths resulted from k n i f e - r e l a t e d v i o l e n c e , h i g h l i g h t i n g a t r o u b l i n g t r e n d o f 2 3 0 f a t a l i t i e s annually Contributing fac-

t o r s i n c l u d e d e p r i v a t i o n , significant cuts to youth

s e r v i c e s , a n d t h e r i s e i n online knife sales, alongside record levels of youth

u n e m p l o y m e n t p o s t - p a n -

demic

Data analysis from over 4 7 million crime and sen-

tencing records, as well as hospital admissions, sheds l i g h t o n t h e i s s u e K n i f e p o i n t r o b b e r i e s surged by 11% in 2023, and o v e r a l l k n i f e c r i m e r a t e s h a v e i n c r e a s e d b y 4 7 % since 2021 Despite a 12% d r o p i n s e n t e n c e d k n i f e carriers last year, the total number has risen by 15% over the past decade

Notably, white people make up 63% of knife crime victims, while black comm u n i t i e s , r e p r e s e n t i n g 13 5% of London’s population, accounted for 53% of f a t a l s t a b b i n g v i c t i m s i n

UK-India trade talks resume, Jaishankar's 2025 visit planned

Da vid La mmy infor

House of Commons

day

and their role in boosting the

Sandher inquired about the progress of the trade talks and emphasised the importance of finalising a “good UK-India trade deal ” Sandher, co-chair of the India All Party Parliamentary G r o u p ( A P P G ) , r e m a r k e d ,

“This year presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our economic growth and t r a d i n g

h i p w

t h India Our nations share a deep history and common d

n d together we face the challenges of a dangerous world and a warming planet Can the Secretary of State detail how he plans to secure a strong UK-India trade deal, including collaboration on green technologies to combat climate change?” Lammy highlighted the c o m m i t m e n t o f P r i m e

Ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following their meeting at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024

Calcutta as a personal connection to the region I

Foreign Minister Jaishankar

Strengthening this strategic partnership is essential ” Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s ambition for the FTA, noting, “We’ve relaunched the agreement as a foundation, not the limit of our goals It was equally significant to host a delegation of Indian business leaders who m e t w i

, the Prime Minister, and me shortly before Christmas ”

Hackers claim health workers' visa data breach

P ol i c e a re i n ve s ti g a ti n g

c l ai m s th at ha c ke r s h av e s tolen pers ona l de tai ls of hundreds of UK healthcare workers

Last week, a user on a hacking forum reportedly claimed to have breached a H o m e O f f i c e v i s a s a n d immigration database, selling sensitive information, including passports, work permits, UK visas, and bank s t a t e m e n t s o f h e a l t h c a r e workers The Home Office confirmed that police are i n v e s t i g a t i n g a n i n c i d e n t a f f e c t i n g d a t a

which is believed to involve

around 200 individuals I n i t i a l l y , r e p o r t s s u gg e s t e d

n d i v i

s m a y have been affected, but this figure was later revised The NHS and social care sectors

h e a v i l y r e l y o n m i g r a n t workers who are sponsored for visas, making them particularly vulnerable

C a r o l i n e W a t e r f i e l d ,

D i r e c t o r o f D e v e l o p m e n t and Employment at NHS Employers, expressed concern over the breach, stressi n g t h e n e e d f o r a s w i f t investigation to confirm or reject the allegations The h a c k e r , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e

Health Service Journal, suggested there could be ongoing access to the database, as it is regularly updated

An industry source indicated that the hacker might have been financially motiv a t e d S e c u r i t y M i n i s t e r Dan Jarvis recently revealed that taxpayers' money has b e e n e x t o r t e d b y c y b e rc r i m i n a l s , w i t h m i l l i o n s p a i d b y p u b l i c b o d i e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e N H S , i n recent years

Jarvis also highlighted t h e l a c k o f a m a n d a t o r y reporting system, meaning the exact sums paid out are not fully known

2023 A significant proportion of young black men aged 18-20 are involved in knife-related offences The M e t r o p

Rowley, expressed concern about the normalisation of young black men ’ s murders due to knife crime, particularly in London He linked the rise in thefts, including smartphone snatching, to the booming black market for stolen phones

h e H o

m p

rtance of fair and effective p o l i c i n g , i n c l u d i n g s t o p and search, in tackling this g r o w i n g t h r e a t Preventative measures, tar-

, a n d better funding for youth

s e r v i c e s a r e c r i t i c a l i n addressing the rising tide of knife crime

Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, the leading newsweeklies, are seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual with excellent communication skills, to help expand newspaper distribution across London and the UK, focusing on areas with a larger Asian community presence.

w Visit shops to introduce and promote the sale of our newspapers

w Build strong relationships with shop owners and managers

Hemansu Roy-Trivedy

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Indian External Affairs Minister

Jaishankar

Dr Jeevun Sandher

T H E S I L E N T K I

L L E R

How diet plays a key role in fatty liver disease

Subhasini Naicker

Liv er issues a re of ten associate d with alcoh ol, but an unh ea lthy d ie t can also contribute, par ticula rly thr ough f atty liv er dise ase P oor ea ting habits, like co nsuming processed fo ods a nd unh ea lthy f ats, can ca use fat buil d-up in th e l ive r, lea ding to infla mmat ion and scar ring Withou t trea tme nt, it ca n pro gre ss to live r f ibrosis and cirrh osis

Sh ara n Ve rma, a nutritionist specialising in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), was inspired by her father’s battle with the condition Diagnosed at 50, his fatty liver worsened due to lack of dietary guidance, eventually leading to liver cirrhosis and his untimely death This experience motivated Sharan to study nutrition and focus on liver disease prevention Partnering with the British Liver Trust, her research highlighted the Mediterranean diet as an effective approach to managing fatty liver, fuelling her passion to help others

Speaking with Asian Voice, Sharan discussed the challenges of NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the growing concerns surrounding it

Whatare some of the most common misconceptions people have about NAFLD and how diet can impact it?

One of the biggest misconceptions about liver disease is that it’s only related to alcohol, but fatty liver disease is actually caused by food choices A major issue I see, especially among people I help, is that when they’re first diagnosed, they don’t take it seriously They fail to understand that the

liver is just as vital as the heart Even though there may not be any immediate symptoms, the problem still exists As liver disease progresses, you may start feeling pain in the right side of your abdomen, experience fatigue, or develop jaundice That's when people start to worry and seek medical attention, only to be told that the disease has advanced Liver disease is often called a "silent killer" because, by the time symptoms appear, the damage is already significant The only way to detect it early is through blood tests If liver enzymes are elevated or your liver function is inflamed, it can signal a problem That’s when doctors will take action Without these tests, liver disease often goes unnoticed until it's too late For early detection, people can visit my website or the British Liver Trust’s site to take a liver screening By answering a few questions, they can assess whether they’re at risk for fatty liver disease

Haveyou noticed a rise in NAFLD diagnoses in recent years? If so, what do you think is contributing to this trend?

According to the British Liver Trust, 90% of liver disease cases are preventable through diet and lifestyle changes I’m seeing a significant increase in patients

about five or six inquiries a day from the NHS and others who have recently been diagnosed with fatty liver It’s alarming The main contributing factors are our diet and lifestyle

People aren't moving as much as they used to and are increasingly relying on processed foods, takeaways, and convenience meals Busy lifestyles leave little time for cooking, and many forget the basics: eat less, move more Instead, they often turn to extreme diets like juice cleanses or fad diets, but these don’t work in the long run What people really need is to understand how food impacts their health

Finally, what’s one piece of advice you would give to anyone wanting to improve their liver health, even if they don't have a specific diagnosis like NAFLD?

One key piece of advice I’d give is to add more colour to your diet by including Mediterranean-inspired meals, such as roasted vegetables, and incorporating lean meats It’s important to reduce sugary foods and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods Doing this can have a huge positive impact on your health Additionally, small changes like taking a 30minute walk during your lunch break can make a difference You don’t need to go to the gym to stay active; simply walking outside is excellent for your mental and cardiovascular health Sadly, many young people in their 20s and 30s are now being affected by fatty liver disease The silent nature of the disease means it can progress unnoticed In fact, one in five people in the UK have this condition but don’t even know it

The Prince of Wales to honour Holocaust Memorial Day in London

On M ond ay, 27th Janu ary 20 25, The Prince o f Wales

w ill attend a special cerem o-

n y i n L o nd o n m ar ki ng

H o lo c au s t M em o ri al D ay and the 80 th anniv ersary of the liberation o f AuschwitzBirkenau

T

faith and civic leaders along-

Holocaust and more recent

Memorial Day serves as an international day of remem-

brance for the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, those who perished under Nazi persecution, and the victims of subsequent genocides T h e f

Memorial Day was observed

the same date every year since This date marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp by the Soviet U n i o n i n 1 9 4 5 I t i s a l s

Gangster posed as Uber driver to run drug empire

M o h a m m ed A bd ul B aky e, 45, leader of a m ultimillionpou nd d rug s gang , has been j ai led af ter a ttem p t in g to evade p olice by posing as an U ber d riv er in Londo n Bakye ran a large-scale c

gang, which exploited vulnerable individuals, includ-

constant fear of retaliation Bakye’s right-hand man, Naseem Ahmed, 22, managed the “Reeko” network C

Toyota Prius, one of several vehicles used to create the illusion of being an Uber driver On August 6, 2023, p

s c o v e r e d o v e r £45,000 worth of drugs, a s a w n - o f f s h o t g u n , a n d a silencer during a raid on an east London property Bakye

was arrested in Dagenham with two mobile phones D

Jared Fortune, who led the investigation, explained that Bakye used the “Green Eyes” name to build his reputation in the drug trade He also noted that Bakye’s method of switching cars frequently and using an Uber sticker helped him avoid detection Despite pretending to be an Uber driver, Uber confirmed he was never employed by

members, including Ahmed, face

Court of appeal to review Sharif’s sentence for Sara’s death

Th e S ol i c it o r G e ne r a l ha s appealed Sara Sharif 's fat her Urfan Sharif's se nt ence, calli ng

Sha rif , 43, was se nt enced to lif e with a minimum of 40 years before parol e eligibility S o l i c i t

S h a r i f ' s s e n t e n c e t o t h e Court of Appeal, saying it may be "unduly lenient " A s p o k e s p e r s o n f o r t h e

A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l ' s o f f i c e stated it is now for the court t o d e c i d e i f t h e s e n t e n c e should be increased Sara Sharif endured over two years of abuse, including being hooded, burned, and beaten, before her body w a s f o u n d i n W o k i n g , Surrey, in 2023 Her step-

C r e d t S u r r e y P o c e

m o t h e r , B e i n a s h B a t o o l , received a life sentence with a m i n i m u m o f 3 3 y e a r s before parole

S h a r i f a n d B a t o

r e s e e k i n g p

s s i o n t o appeal their minimum sentences Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was sentenced to 1 6 y e a r s f o r c a u s i n g o r allowing her death and is also seeking to appeal his sentence No court date has been set for the appeals The trial revealed that S a r a s u f f e r e d i n j u r i e s , including six probable bite marks, an iron burn, and scalding before her death on 8 August last year

Defence projects over budget and behind schedule, report shows

A nalysis rev eals that mo st d e fe nc e p ro j ec ts are o v e r budg et and beh ind sch ed ule Only two of th e Ministry o f Defence s 49 military p rog r am m e s ar e o n tra c k, ac c o rd i n g to t h e Infrastructure and Projects

A utho rity's annual report

S i x t e e n p e r c e n t o f defence schemes received a red rating, indicating unfixable issues preventing completion to original specificat i o n s M o r e p r o g r a m m e s

recognised as International H

Day and serves as the date f o r H o l o

M

i

l Days in several other countries During the ceremony, H

to hear their personal stories He will also give a readi n g a n

alongside young represen-

partner organisations

than before are now deemed unachievable on time and budget Among them is the Protector drone system at RAF Waddington, which has faced delays and cost overruns, with its delivery confid e n c e d o w n g r a d e d f r o m amber to red

A defence source noted p r o g r e s s s i n c e t h e r e p o r t w a s c o m p i l e d s i x m o n t h s ago, with the new drones e x p e c t e d t o e n t e r s e r v i c e this year Seven of the 16

drones have been accepted into UK ownership and are b e i n g t e s t e d T h e r e p o r t , covering the 12 months to June, states that red-rated projects face major issues w i t h d e f i n i t i o n , s c h e d u l e , budget, and quality, which a p p e a r u n m a n a g e a b l e o r irresolvable

Of the 52 major projects for 2022-23, 10% were rated red Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged reforms to prevent delays and waste

Accountant victimised after discrimination complaint, tribunal rules

A white accountancy executi v e w as a w ard ed o v e r £ 4 0 ,

Blackwell noticed her

employees

be forms of bullying and victimisation She stressed the importance of a clear grievance policy and the right of employees to raise complaints without fear of retaliation ” After passing her probation in October, Blackwell c

Juneja

Sharan Verma

Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool

Mohammed Abdul Bakye

Leading the way in holistic hair restoration

Shefali Saxena

P oonam S av jani, a qualified tricho log ist and fou nd er of Hair Serenity Clinic, sp ecialises in holistic hair restoration treatments

Inspired by her journey w ith h air loss, Po onam com bines evid ence-based therapies w ith natural rem ed ies to ad dress hair thinning effectiv ely Her com mitment to prov id ing p ersonalised, one-on-one care has h elped countless clients reg ain no t just h ealthier, fuller h air, but also their confidence

Poonam Savjnai’s journey into the field of hair care stems from a deeply personal battle with postpartum hair loss After the birth of her first child at 24, her hair loss was significant yet temporary However, her second pregnancy brought severe shedding, leaving her with seven bald patches and diminishing confidence

Coming from an Asian background where appearance often invites unsolicited opinions, Poonam faced comments and pity from visitors, which amplified her struggle Frustrated by

inconclusive medical advice and treatments, she delved into natural solutions A breakthrough came with a non-invasive treatment, restoring her hair and confidence

Inspired by this transformation, Poonam pursued trichology, becoming a certified hair loss specialist In October 2023, she opened her clinic, offering personalised treatments and innovative solutions Her work has already helped hundreds regain their hair and confidence, solidifying her dedication to transforming lives through natural hair restoration

Speaking of hair loss and baldness in Asian men, Poonam told us, “Hair loss in Asian men often stems from genetic and hormonal factors, with male pattern

baldness being the most common cause While less prevalent than in other demographics, those affected typically notice thinning at the crown and receding hairlines Stress, societal pressures, and dietary deficiencies common in traditional diets can worsen hair loss In my practice, I identify causes like stress, thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances

Comprehensive blood tests help uncover underlying problems, enabling me to provide tailored advice and recommend supplements This holistic approach ensures effective, longterm results by addressing the root causes of hair loss ”

Further talking about hair loss in Asians, she said, “In the Asian community, hair is seen as a symbol of vitality, making hair loss a sensitive issue

Traditionally, many rely on remedies like hair oils, but these often fail to address deeper causes Blocked follicles from dandruff, product residue, or excess skin can prevent new growth Healthy hair

requires both internal and external care, much like fitness demands proper nutrition At our clinic, we focus on scalp rejuvenation through treatments like the Photon Therapy Brush and microneedling, which unclog follicles and boost circulation By educating the community, we ’ re empowering individuals to embrace effective, sciencebacked solutions for lasting results ”

But hair loss can be tackled Poonam says, “Hair loss can be distressing, but early action is key Identifying causes like stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances is the first step I recommend blood tests to detect deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, B12, and biotin, which are crucial for hair health At my clinic, we take a holistic approach, combining treatments like microneedling, Low-Level Light Therapy, and natural remedies with personalised advice on diet, stress management, and scalp care By addressing internal health and external factors together, we empower individuals to regain their hair and confidence ”

Muslim police officer awarded Police Bravery Medal

P C Zara Basharat, a Muslim p olice officer wh o has faced racist abu se d uring her fiv eyear career in Sand well, is set to receive a prestigious p olice brav ery award Over the course of her s e

more than 40 racial slurs,

similar situations PC Basharat explained, “ O

abuse, but ethnic minority officers experience it more

female, South Asian, and w

some people see as making me an easy target ” She has been subjected

including having her hijab

n a m e s , a n d receiving threats to burn her headscarf Additionally, she faced harassment within her own community, where she was labelled a ‘traitor’ and filmed during a deployment at pro-Palestinian protests

D e s p i t e t h e s e c h a llenges, PC Basharat is working to create a more supportive environment for colleagues facing similar racial abuse In collaboration with the Black and Asian Police

Private schools VAT leads to overseas pupil withdrawal

Labour’s VA T policy has led

while the growth of ov ersea s sa te llite ca mpuses is on the r

Pape r A

recruiter, Juliane von Bülow, m

that more international students are leaving UK private s

She explained that parents a

V

T increase and are questioning w h

i o n i s still worth the cost "Parents are asking if it’s worth paying for a UK education or if they should explore other o p t i o n s o f f e r i n g m o r e f o r the same price," she said

Experts warn that this trend could harm the sector, drawing comparisons to the financial crisis in universities due to a decline in intern

However, wealthy

ships “This is new for

said von Bülow Von Bülow believes the UK’s reputation may be losing its appeal, as

Association, she aims to help officers build resilience and create a supportive network Her dedication has earned h e r t h e S a m H u g h e s I n s p i r a t i o n i n P o l i c i n g Bravery Award, which she will receive in January 2025 PC Basharat noted, “We don’t do this for awards, but it’s rewarding to be recogn i s e d b y l e a d e r s h i p

However, the real focus is ensuring support for officers f r o m t h e f i r s t a s s a u l t onward, which can positively impact their well-being and retention ”

Report reveals millions in UK face income volatility

A new report reveals that mi llions of people i n the UK are facing financial diffi culties due to income volatility a fluc tuati ng pattern of e a r ni n g s th at pe ak s a n d di ps ins tead of remaini ng s table

The report, produced by the Real Accounts project, a 10-month study led by Nest

I n s i g h t i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n

w i t h t h e C e n t r e f o r P e r s o n a l F i n a n c i a l

W e l l b e i n g a t A s t o n University and the Yunus

C e n t r e a t G l a s g o w C a l e d o n i a n U n i v e r s i t y , introduces the concept of t

e builds on previous findings, o f f e r i n g i n s i g h t i n t o t h e coping strategies people use and the specific challenges faced by different groups

To address these issues, the report advocates for inclus i v e p o

sector reforms, and community support

Dr Hayley James, Senior R e s

This refers to the additional financial strain experienced b y t h o s e w i t h i r r e g u l a r incomes The study highl i g h t s t h a t t h e c u r r e n t financial system, including p r o d u c t s , p o l i c i e s , a n d workplaces, operates on the a s s u m p t i o n o f a s t e a d y income, leaving many individuals at a disadvantage T h i s t h i r d a n d f i n a l r e p o r t f r o m t h e R e a l A c c o u n t s p r o g

Insight, who recently

challenge for the growing number of people in the UK with unstable incomes The financial diaries methodology has been key to uncovering their experiences and identifying the pinch points

issue

Man jailed for investment scam

I nder Daggar, 32 , from Southall, was sentenc ed to

s ix yea rs and fi ve months

i n prison a t Reading

C rown Court on J anuary 6

f or def raudin g inves tors out of £3 2 mi lli on

Between October 2019 and November 2021, he falsely claimed to be starting a business and

convinced individuals in Slough and Dubai to invest He promised returns by showing fake contracts and documents, claiming he was bidding for projects with major companies like PepsiCo and Mars Instead, Daggar moved the funds to his own accounts and gambled

them away, placing bets with 53 gambling companies

Many victims, including friends and family, suffered significant financial loss and emotional distress Daggar was charged on August 5, 2023, after his fraudulent activities were uncovered

Poonam Savjani

PC Zara Basharat

Inder Daggar

Rising singer joins in ‘Young Voices’ tour and ‘Bob Marley Singalong’

Subhasini Naicker

Souparnika Nair, or ‘Sou,’

is a 15-year-old singer whose impressive vocal maturity and pitch-perfect talent gained her widespread acclaim after her performance of ‘Never Enough’ from ‘The Greatest Showman’ on ‘Britain's Got Talent’

With nearly 100,000 YouTube subscribers and over 100 million views, Sou is now set to join Young Voices, a leading music initiative for UK schools, and will participate in a global singalong celebrating Bob Marley's 80th birthday

Speaking to Asian Voice, Sou spoke about her musical journey, participating in Young Voices and much more Can you tell us about how your journey into music began and how it felt to receive such admiration from the judges and audience on Britain’s Got Talent at such a young age?

I've always loved singing, with my parents saying I was humming around the house as early as 2 or 3 years old I started singing in primary school, and after performing Let It Go from Frozen in class, my teacher suggested I take lessons By age 6, I was learning and performing at local festivals At 9, my vocal teacher entered me into an audition for ‘Michael McIntyre s Big Show’, where I became an unexpected star, marking the start of my music career As for ‘Britain's Got Talent’, being on that stage was a dream come true I’d been watching auditions since I was 5, so to be on such a global platform, in front of judges I’d only seen online, was mind-blowing I’m so grateful for the chance to

share my love of music with millions

What has been the most rewarding experience of your musical journey so far?

Every stage I’ve performed on has been rewarding, but TV performances are especially meaningful because I worked so hard to get there The tour I’m currently doing with Young Voices is also incredibly rewarding It feels like a full-circle moment, as I was part of the Young Voices choir when I was 8, singing around the main stage Now, to be on that stage, performing with so many children and sharing the love of music with such a large audience, is truly an unforgettable experience

Has your cultural heritage influenced your musical journey or style? If so, how?

I wouldn’t say my cultural heritage directly influenced my music style, but my love of music was certainly shaped by my dad's background in Carnatic singing His passion for music inspired me to pursue a musical career While Carnatic music hasn’t directly influenced my style, it definitely motivated me to follow this path and embrace music in my life

Bob Marley’s music has had a profound impact globally. What excites you most about being part of this Worldwide Singalong to celebrate his 80th birthday?

I feel truly honored to be part of this celebration of Bob Marley's life His music has inspired so many people, sharing love and peace with the world in his own unique way To be a part of this sing-along on TV is such a privilege, and I’m really looking forward to it

Bob Marley’s music carries a sense of spirituality, with songs like "Three Little Birds" offering messages of peace and reassurance The song encourages relaxation and not worrying about the future, which is especially meaningful for younger generations who are often anxious about exams and their careers It’s a reminder that it's okay to take things easy, and that there’s no need to stressthings will fall into place

How does it feel to be a role model for young singers, and what advice would you give to those aspiring to perform on big stages?

Being with Young Voices is truly a privilege, and I hope to inspire the children singing with me, just as I was inspired years ago Eight years ago, I was in their shoes, watching performers with awe, and I hope they feel the same way I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to share my love of music with so many people

As for advice to young aspiring singers, my message would be to always keep learning and working hard I'm still striving to do that myself Stay open to new genres of music and make it a daily habit to listen to music That's the best advice I can offer based on where I am on my journey

Rappers and poets unveil work celebrating England's landscapes

M anc hester’s BB C 6 Music

f a v our i t e, O ne D a , a n d

M OBO award- wi nning Still Shadey from Croydon are among fi ve writers creating pieces ins pired by E ngland’s

N a t i on a l La n ds c a pe s to c onnect c ommunities with these cheri shed loc ations

In 2025, Nature Calling will unite all 34 National Landscapes in England with local arts organisations and community groups located within 30 minutes of each landscape This ambitious national arts initiative will co-create artworks inspired by these iconic spaces, cul-

minating in a Season of Art from May to October 2025, expected to reach tens of thousands of people

Among the contributors is Ayesha, a young deaf poet and multimedia artist, who has written three poems for the project Ayesha’s work explores her perception of

UK launches Soft Power Council to boost culture, economy

director o f the Victoria and A lbert M useu m, and Peter Bazalgette, ch air and proc

C olleg

of Art, to strengthen

pow er They will join a newly established 26-member Soft

impactful approach to leveraging the UK’s cultural and creative assets The council,

ment as

group of

experts,” will focus on aligning cultural and foreign policy initiatives with broader growth and security objectives It will convene quarterly

campaigns, promoting the UK’s global image through its diverse cultural, educat i o n a l , a n d c r e a t i v

s t r e n g t h s K e y m e m b e r s include Ewan Venters, former CEO of Artfarm, and Roland Rudd, chair of Tate’s board of trustees The council will seek to capitalise on opportunities across various sectors, integrating govern-

ment efforts with cultural and sporting events to maximise global influence

L

Foreign Secretary David

n c i l ’ s

m p o r t a n c e i n reimagining Britain’s role on the world stage, noting that British soft power encompassing music, sports, educ a t i o n , a n d i n s t i t u t i o n s c o m m a n d s g l o b a l a d m i r ation “We

approach to these assets,” Lammy said, underscoring the need to harness them to build trust, enhance securit

Nandy pledged to remove barriers holding back sectors like film, TV, music, and video games A significant portion of the funding will

Bradford 2025 exhibition links boxing and calligraphy

Fig hting to Be Heard , a new free exhibition ru nning from 17 January to 2 7 A p ri l, exp l o res t h e c o nn ec ti o ns b et w een boxing and callig raphy th r o u g h th e l ens o f B ri ti s h S o u th A si an M u sli m m en liv i ng in Bradford This exhibition, part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s opening celebrations, showcases rare items f r o m t h e B r i t i s h L i b r a r y ' s Arabic and Urdu collections a n d B r a d f o r d D i s t r i c t Museums and Galleries

Iraq, the golden 14th-century Öljaitü Qur’an, and S u f i p o e t r y f r o m 1 5 9 0 C o n t

During a visit, she found

inspiration for her poems, including one loosely based on an elderly relative who, at over 80 years old, fell into

biggest concern while waiting for help was his inability to put on his hat

Next, visual artists will collaborate with local com-

Ayesha’s poems into visual

cased during the national Season of Art This effort highlights the power of creativity in fostering deeper connections to nature and heritage

o r o f Bradford 2025, highlighted the exhibition's unique fusion of boxing and calligraphy, celebrating cultural h e r i t a g e T h e e x h i b i t i o n highlights personal stories a n d t h e u n e x p e c t e d l i n k s between boxing and calligraphy m a g e C r e d i s D a v i d L i n d s a y

C u r a t e d b y B r a d f o r dbased calligrapher Razwan Ul-Haq and members of the T a s i f K h a n C o m m u n i t y Boxing Academy, it features historical objects such as a 9 t h - c e n t u r y Q u r ’ a n f r o m

include calligraphy by the late Palestinian artist Dia Batal S h a n

'All These...' Exhibition by Faisal Hussain hits the streets

From January 20 to February 3 , 2025, a tem porary exh ibition titled 'A ll These ' by artist Faisal Hussain w ill be on d isp lay at locations on M a re S tr eet and Q u ake r Street

The exhibition is comp l e m e n t e d b y a d y n a m i c p

London, Birmingham, and Coventry, making it a multicity exploration of activism and social issues The exhib

i

m e i s c a p t u r e d i n t h e e v o c a t i v e phrase: “After the sun sets a n d n i g h t s e e p s i n , f i n d yourself a space for freedom t h a t i s y o u r s R e g r o u p , r e i m a g i n e , c o n s p i r e , a n d d r e a m a b o u t w h a t b e t t e r c o u l d c o m e a n d h o w t o make it ”

Presented with the supp o r t o f B U I L D H O L L YW O O D , t h e e x h i b i t i o n s h o w c a s e s w o r k s c r e a t e d o v e r f i v e y e a r s , r e f l e c t i n g Hussain’s response to social inequalities The pieces reference activism, critical terrorism studies, and personal experiences shaped by overh e a r d c o n v e r s a t i o n s T h e artworks take the form of l i g h t b o x e s , t e x t a r t , a n d p h o t o g r a p h y , s p a n n i n g m o r e t h a n a d e c a d e o f exploration H u s s a i n ’ s w o r k s d e l v e i n t o t h e m e s o f a c t i v i s m , questioning societal structures and confronting issues o f p o w e r , i n e q u a l i t y , a n d i d e n t i t y T h e e x h i b i t i o n ' s focus on "readymades" artw o r k s t h a t i n c o r p o r a t e everyday objects and materia l s c h a l l e n g e s t r a d i t i o n a l notions of art while making powerful statements about contemporary society The ‘ S e e I t , S a y I t , G e n o c i d e ’ p o s t e r c a m p a i g n f u r t h e r a m p l i f i e s t h e e x h i b i t i o n ’ s reach and impact, sparking c o n v e r s a t i o n i n p u b l i c spaces across major cities The campaign seeks to raise awareness of ongoing societal struggles and call for change, urging viewers to not only observe but also speak out

Souparnika Nair

David Lammy

Lisa Nandy

Sunetra Senior

Poo nam is a prolific and passionate osteopath who u ni qu e ly s p e ci al i se s i n treating pregnant wo men and paed iatrics “Not many do focus on this area, ” she to ld u s, h av i ng fu l ly realised th e calling of h er p ro f es si o n w h en s h e becam e a mother for the first time in 20 20 Poonam is a pop ular medical influenc er, c o -f o un d er o f th e MHV clinic, and has highp ro f il e cl i ent ele i n th e Mid dle East includ ing royalty and A - list celebrities

S h e re g u la rl y tra v e ls fo r

w o rk i nt ern ati o n all y “Interest in the profession is driven by my desire to effectively remov e the p ain fr o m p eo p l e ’ s li v e s, ” Poonam sh ared with us: “to eliminate the so urce of the issue rather th an just treating th e symp to ms I was v ery m uch i nflu enced by my d ad ’ s p ersonal journey growing up here: I saw he suffered a lot of shou ld er pain and couldn’t quite g et to the root of it ” ***

As a result, Poonam’s

i n d i v i d u a l a p p r o a c h h a s

e v o l v e d t o b e c o m e t h o rough and bespoke in the world of pain management : “when a patient comes in, it is important to have the right diagnosis – generally,

w h a t d e f i n e s a s t r o n g osteopath is someone who understands the anatomy of the body and physiology well and how interconnected it is especially Rapport is also important and work-

i n

them better to ideally even-

T

d

osteopath combines known

p

i

n c l u d i n g

p p l ementation She is also qualified in clinical acupuncture and kinesiology taping to ensure that she has an

e x t e n s i v e r a n g e o f t

e a tm e n t o p t i o n s t o a c h i e v e h i g h - q u a l i t y h e a l t h c a r e

“My patients will even have homework to do on selfcare and are encouraged to be active agents in managi n g p a i n a w a y f r o m t h e clinic ” The central ethos of

Poonam’s expert method-

o l o g y t h e n i s e m o t i o n a l : that of the commitment to h o n e s t y w h i c h f o s t e r s trustworthiness and allows t h e p a t i e n t t o f e e l t r u l y held “Authenticity is key –if you are genuinely invested it shows There is no n e e d f o r s a l e s m a n s h i p ” Indeed, Poonam has prior been a part-time lecturer a n d c l i n i c t u t o r a t T h e B r i t i s h C o l

e a n d supervising final year students “I have always specialised in pre and postnatal osteopathy and children and seemed to have increased interest around t h e n i c h e o n l i n e a f t

myself

The young osteopath is p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t e r e s t e d i n wellbeing around motherh o o d : “ I b

t h a t w

m

h o u l d b e a d v ocates for themselves in hospitals After my labour, I soon began to realise that the way our system works is very rushed – as soon as a woman goes into labour, she tends to be in and out quite quickly Even the process itself is hurried: if a m o t h e r h a s n ’ t g o n e i n t o labour after a certain number of weeks, they are press u r e d t o b e i n d u c e d o r receive a C-Section – a lot of babies are then born very quickly under the influence o f m e d i c a t i o n T h i s c a n result in digestive problems

s u c h a s c o l i c a n d r e f l u x which are very hot terms now – so many new babies

"A good osteopath is someone who understands the anatomy of the body and physiology very well, and how interconnected it is especially"

suffer from constipation I

b e l i e v e e v e r y w o m a n should have the option to

s a y y e s o r n o a t c r u c i a l points of the delivery process ” Poonam is also vocal about the difficult psychological aspect of becoming a new mother in life as well a s c e l e b r a t i n g i t H e r Instagram page gives valuable medical and personal tips to manage the different c

i n g early motherhood and how t o s u c c e s s f u l l y o v e r c o m e them “Motherhood is not so easy – its alright to talk about taboo topics and normalise a more complex idea of it ” Indeed, one example may be that ‘mothers are expected to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their c h i l d r e n a n d g i v e u p o n hopes and ambition’ when the truth is that ‘it is possible to prioritise both the health of the mother and child and push to have it all ’ In terms of her accomp l i s h m e n t s , P o o n a m shared that: “starting the MHV clinic with her husband was a big moment ” Now with bases in Central and North-West London, the business began simply as a series of home visits! The osteopath also stated that “the pleasure of teaching and flying out to the UAE to treat patients,” as highlights Broadly speaking, Poonam believes that

e m o t i o n a l a n d p h y s i c a l health are linked as a pract i s i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l : “ t h e body stores emotion and t r a u m a a n d t h e g r i e v i n g process – this can manifest as tension, for example, in the shoulders This is called a somatic reflex: the idea that pain is stored internal-

Poonam champion the fundamental empowerment of h

i c a l trade, but epitomises it too Indeed, conversation with her is noticeably smooth, relaxing the consciousness even as she speaks @P oonamsh ahm ed ical

500,000 tenants to lose Right to Buy

A new rep ort has rev ealed that the Gov ernment’s prop osed ch anges to th e Right to B uy ( RtB) s ch em e w i ll m ake around 500, 000 tenants ineligible to purch ase t h ei r c o u nci l h o m es T h e consultation on th e new RtB

l eg i s la ti o n, w h i ch cl o se s t o d ay , i nc lu d es p la ns to adju st the d iscount formula a nd ext end th e el ig ib i li ty requirem ent to tenants who

h av e liv ed in th eir h omes for 1 0 years instead o f three

T h e R e s o l u t i o n Foundation’s research indicates that these changes will s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c e t h e impact of the RtB scheme However, it also highlights t h a t R t B p u r c h a s e s h a d already fallen to just 11,000 in 2022-23 Moreover, 62% of England’s social housing stock is now owned by housing associations and is not eligible for the original RtB scheme The Foundation empha-

Oxfam claims British Empire extracted trillions from India

Oxfam International’ s latest rep ort, T akers No t Makers, as serts th at between 1 7 65 and 1 900, India lo st $64 8 2 t ri ll i o n to t h e UK , wi th m o re th a n h al f o f th i s wealth benefiting the richest 10% of th e pop ulatio n

Released in conjunction with the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, the report claims that such a sum could cover London’s streets with £50 notes nearly four times over Oxfam a r g u e s t h a t t h e B r i t i s h Empire suppressed India's i n d u s t r i a l g r o w t h ,

tributing to the country s p

0

I n

I

i a accounted for 25% of global industrial output, a figure

that dwindled to just 2% by 1900

protectionist policies, particularly against Indian textiles, which stifled the count

The report highlights that

inequality today, calling for reparations to those affected by slavery and colonisation The $64 82 trillion figure is based on estimates by e

and Prabhat Patnaik, who first calculated a similar figure of $45 trillion in 2018

However, some critics, such as Tirthankar Roy, a

School of Economics, dismiss the calculations, accus-

and

nomic dynamics

The report also tackles global inequality, pointing to the rise of billionaires

modern oligarchies While calls for reparations,

Kalki Koechlin named Goldsmiths Honorary Fellow

for social justice A former student of Goldsmiths, Kalki pursued her studies at the university before establishing a suc-

Chevalier dans L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the

sised that exempting newbuild homes from RtB is a crucial step to protect future social housing availability

T h e r e p o r t e s t i m a t e s that 400,000 new properties will be needed, at a cost of £50 billion, just to return to 2010 levels of sub-market r e n t h o m e s T h i s m e a n s o v e r a q u a r t e r o f t h e Government’s target of 1 5 million new homes would need to be designated for sub-market rent

Poonam Shah: Mum’s the Trade

POONAM SHAH

Kalki Koechlin

Rising interest in winter sports among South Asians

Skiing and snowboarding, once seen as nich e sports primarily enjo yed in colder, m ountainou s reg io ns, are increasing ly gaining p opularity am ong Sou th A sians

With growing exposure to winter sports through social media, travel opportunities, and a rise in disposable income, many South Asians are embracing these activities despite having no prior knowledge or experience

From learning the basics later in life to quickly mastering the slopes, more and more individuals are proving that with determination, anyone can enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding, regardless of their background or when they start Asian Voice has spoken to several individuals who took up skiing and successfully learned the sport, sharing their inspiring journeys

Skiing is ch allenging, but achiev able with determination

Filmmaker and chef, Sh rimo yee C hakraborty

then, skiing has become a regular part of my life I now look forward to skiing every winter holiday,” she added

Addressing misconceptions about skiing among South Asians, Shrimoyee said, “Many view skiing as an elite sport, which is partly true due to the costs involved However, a common misconception is

shared her introduction to skiing, saying, “I first heard about skiing after moving to the UK, but it wasn’t something I’d ever considered, especially coming from India My partner, a ski enthusiast and certified instructor, invited me to try it Initially, I hesitated due to the cost, but he encouraged me to experience it Thanks to my background in gymnastics, I picked it up quickly by the second day, I was skiing! That was nearly a decade ago, and now skiing is a regular part of my winter holidays ”

“However, my partner, who is a certified ski instructor, invited me to experience it for myself He wanted to show me what skiing was really like and started teaching me Perhaps because of my background in gymnastics and sports, I picked it up quickly by the second day, I was already skiing! That was about eight or nine years ago, and since

that adults can’t learn to ski I started at 26, and while it’s challenging, it’s definitely possible with determination and athleticism ”

She added, “Skiing is easier for children my child started at two and picked it up quickly But for adults, it’s more about mindset and consistent practice ”

Shrimoyee highlighted the South Asian community’s growing interest in winter sports, saying, “With rising disposable incomes, South Asians are traveling more and exploring activities like skiing, including in destinations like Kashmir India’s growing economy, improved education levels, and increased awareness of global leisure opportunities have significantly influenced lifestyle choices, encouraging more people to embrace adventurous experiences and foreign holidays ”

Pioneering surgery removes tumour via eye socket

Do cto rs in th e UK have successfully removed a tumou

surgery in a gro und-breaking procedu re

Ruvimbo Kaviya, a 40year-old nurse from Leeds, had a meningioma removed from a typically inoperable area beneath her brain and behind her eyes Surgeons at L

NHS Trust performed the UK’s first operation of its kind, having practiced using cadaver labs and 3D models of Kaviya’s head

The three-hour surgery, known as the endoscopic transorbital approach, left K

near her left eye The mother of three was up and walking the same day

Social m ed ia and ch anging mindsets are fu elling interest

Aeronautical engineer, Selv am uth ukum aran shared his experience with skiing and snowboarding, saying, “I tried snowboarding once, but it requires more coordination than skiing Skiing was incredibly enjoyable, despite the challenge of carrying equipment The thrill of the ski lift and managing to ski down without falling in front of toddlers who’ve skied since they could walk made it all worthwhile, with hot chocolate at the base as the perfect reward

Living in a town with a ski slope, free rentals, and friends who were experienced skiers encouraged me to try it, especially coming from the south of India where such sports were unfamiliar ”

Emphasising South Asian presence in skiing and snowboarding evolving in future, Selvamuthukumaran said, “Traditionally, skiing and snowboarding have thrived in regions with easy access to snow-covered mountains However, innovative developments like Copenhagen’s summer ski slope showcase how accessibility can be reimagined In India, limited infrastructure in places like Gulmarg and Auli, combined with affordability issues, hinders widespread participation The lack of training programs and representation in international competitions further restricts South Asian involvement in these sports That said, evolving mindsets and social media exposure are driving interest in winter sports A viral trend or a notable win by a South Asian athlete could spark greater enthusiasm and set a lasting precedent For those who get the chance, skiing is worth trying even if it means a few tumbles along the way!”

explained, “Minimally inva-

recent years With improved technology, tools, and 3D innovation, procedures can now be performed with less

Asim Sheikh, a neuro-

without applying pressure on the brain, making previously inoperable areas accessible

UK ranked second after US for investment, survey shows

T he U K ranks

beh ind the US , marking an imp rov em ent, according to P

C s ann u al su rv ey o f global business lead ers

Published at the start of the World Economic Forum in Davos, PwC's survey of nearly 5,000 CEOs from 109 countries ranks the UK seco n d , a h e a d o f C h i n a , Germany, and India This marks the UK's highest position in the 28-year survey, u

Reeves commented, "These results show global CEOs are backing Britain, making the UK one of the top destin a t

ment will drive economic growth and improve living standards across the country " Reeves will attend the Davos summit, participating in events to promote the UK as an investment partner She is set to meet business leaders, including JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Jo

leaders need to know the UK is where their businesses will thrive, so I’m meeting them face to face in Davos ” According to PwC, 14% of CEOs named the UK as the top destination for capital i n v e s t m e n t , f o l l o w i n g t h e US at 30%

AI tool gives ministers ‘vibe check’ on MP reactions to policies

A new AI to ol, P arlex, can alert minis ters to po lic ies likely to face backlash fro m their party’s MPs, performi ng a “ p a rli amen tar y vi b e ch eck ”

Part of a suite of AI tools c a l l e d H u m p h r e y , n a m e d after the ‘Yes Minister’ character, it helps predict potential difficulties with backbenchers and identify MPs with strong views on specific issues

The tool can analyse a policy, like a 20mph speed limit, and predict MPs' reactions based on their past p a r l i a m e n t a r y c o n t r i b ut i o n s A d e m o n s t r a t i o n

video shows how Tory MPs have opposed the change, while Labour MPs support traffic calming measures

The AI tools are part of r e f o r m s m i n i s t e r s w i l l announce, including plans t o e x p a n d t e c h n o l o g y i n p u b l i c s e r v i c e s , s u c h a s e l i m i n a t i n g q u

increasing AI use in job centres

As part of a "blueprint for a modern digital government," plans include greater d

organisations like the NHS

Kyle, Secretary of State for S

Technology, said, "Sluggish

public services, costing time and money " The government’s £23bn annual technology spending strategy will shift to create

smaller tech start-ups The Parlex tool, still in develop-

gauge the political climate and anticipate support or opposition to policies, with its creators calling it

British Council announces scholarships for Indian students

Shrimoyee Chakraborty

Selvamuthukumaran (right) with his friend

Ruvimbo Kaviya (centre) with team at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

AI SPEED CAMERAS IN UK CATCH 850 DRIVERS IN TWO WEEKS

In a two-week trial, AI speed cameras in the UK caught 849 drivers committing offenses, including using mobile phones and not wearing seat belts The cameras, borrowed from National Highways, were used in the Humberside Police area after a similar trial last year Safer Roads Humber (SRH) deployed the cameras for a week in March and June Following the trial, Safer Roads Humber will use the AI cameras sporadically throughout the year The 849 offenses included 533 seat belt violations 301 cases of mobile phone misuse and 13 instances of drivers losing control Ian Robertson from SRH stressed the importance of using technology to improve road safety and reduce accidents highlighting the ongoing need for education and enforcement Sam Sheehan from Cinch echoed this, noting AI's effectiveness in detecting violations and its potential for wider use across the UK

UK GRANTS LICENCE FOR FIRST ROCKET LAUNCH FROM SHETLAND ISLANDS

The UK has granted approval for a German startup to launch the first rocket from the Shetland Islands with plans for a vertical launch into orbit later this year If successful, Rocket Factory Augsburg will become the first European company to achieve this feat The UK s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) a vertical launch licence for takeoff from SaxaVord spaceport, 50 miles north of mainland Scotland If successful, RFA will become the first European company to launch a rocket into orbit The 30-meter RFA One rocket will be launched from Unst, away from populated areas Space launches were once government-controlled, but in the last two decades, private companies, especially Elon Musk's SpaceX, have revolutionized the industry Musk, the world s richest man due to SpaceX and Tesla transformed the sector with reusable rockets significantly lowering costs

LARGE-SCALE PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS DRILL

Emergency services, local councils, and government officials will participate in a multi-day pandemic preparedness exercise this autumn to help the UK prepare for future threats Announced by Minister Pat McFadden, the exercise will involve thousands of people nationwide, responding to the initial recommendations from the Covid-19 Inquiry on handling the pandemic Baroness Hallett, chair of the Covid-19 Inquiry, concluded that the UK was "ill-prepared" for the pandemic and "failed" its citizens In response, the government has announced a national pandemic preparedness exercise-the first in nearly a decade-designed to test plans procedures and capabilities for handling new threats The findings will be made public following Hallett’s recommendations in her July 2023 report Additionally a full test of the emergency alert system will take place later this year and the government plans to train 4,000 people annually through a new UK Resilience Academy set to open in April A "vulnerability map" will also be created to identify at-risk groups based on factors like age, disability, ethnicity, and care status

Head teacher slams Labour's plan to limit uniform logos

Birbalsingh, praised

d eprived area, is now in conflict w

ernm en

new issue: the leng

munity Schoo

boys

Katharine Birbalsingh criticised the government's schools bill, particularly its limit on school uniform logos The bill, aimed a

n England to just three logoed items, allowing parents to purchase basics from retailers like Aldi and Marks & Spencer

Katharine argues that limiting school uniform logos could

inadvertently increase vulnerab i l i t y

explains that branded trousers, which cannot be easily pulled down, help vulnerable boys in i n n e r c

f belonging and prevent pressure on girls to alter their skirts or trousers This, she says, ensures both boys and girls are safer from harm, offering the same protection afforded to students in private schools

branded items, including

£32 blazer and £19 50 trousers for

Asda offers two pairs for £14

The government claims that limiting branded items could

annually, noting that 24% of primary and 70% of secondary

and

fraction of the cost She also criticises the Department for

Half of Boris Johnson's promised hospitals delayed for years

At lea st half of the 40 new hospit als p romised by Boris Johnson will not be built for ye ars, a d ecision conde mned a s “dev asta ting” for sta ff an d patie nts

Labour is set to reveal that many crumbling NHS hospitals in England, due for replacement by 2030, will not meet the original timeline H e a l t h S e c r e t

Conservatives for leaving Labour w i t h a m

project, originally budgeted until March, now costing an estimated £30bn The announcement, expected next week, will leave m

continuing to treat patients in unsafe, outdated facilities

The heads of affected trusts are expected to be angered by the delays, which could prompt criticism from local MPs when a government review is published In September, Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that 12 o f t h e 4 0 h o s p i t a l p r o j e c t s , including seven at risk of collapse due to Raac concrete, could

Man guilty of killing couple in crash after police stop for bad driving

Sima rjee t Singh, 35, who nev er p a sse d hi s d ri v in g te st , k ille d G ail a nd Ian G ale afte r losing cont rol of his car while dr iving i ll e g a ll y f r om Le ic e s t e r t o Up pin gham

Three months earlier, he had been stopped by Leicestershire

P o l i c e f o r b a d d r i v i n g S i n g h drifted onto a grass verge, overcorrected, and collided head-on w i t h t h e G a l e s ’ H y u n d a i H e described the crash as an accident," pleaded not guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving but was found guilty

D u r i n g s e n t e n c i n g a t Leicester Crown Court, the couple’s daughter, Emma Johnson, s p o k e a b o u t t h e d e v a s t a t i n g impact She had gone to the hospital to give birth the same day and was not told of her parents' deaths due to the stress it could cause her baby

L a t e r , s h e l e a r n e d o f t h e tragedy from her partner and was required to identify their b o d i e s H o w e v e r , p o l i c e w e r e concerned about how the stress of doing that could affect her unborn baby's health In the end, she said, she had to "pressure" the medical staff at Leicester Royal Infirmary to induce her baby so that she could give birth before going to identify her parents

H o u r s a f t e r g i v i n g b i r t h , Emma Johnson had to leave her newborn to identify her parents' bodies She described the experi-

ence as "not the way I wanted to g i v e b i r t h " J o h n s o n c a l l e d Singh's actions "selfish and disgusting and criticised the long wait for trial, saying his refusal to plead guilty added to her pain She said, "Imagine identifying your mum ’ s body after giving birth to a grandchild she'll never meet," and lamented that the deaths "seemed so avoidable " Prosecutor Jonathan Dunne r e v e a l e d i n c o u r t t h a t t h r e e months before the fatal crash in N

Uppingham, police had stopped

Leicester Officers discovered he had only a provisional licence and issued him a fine D u r i n g t h e t r i a l , t h e j u r y heard that Singh, 35, of Dishley Lane, Belgrave, Leicester, could not explain why he lost control o f h i s c a r H i s l a w y e r , B a l r a j Bhatia, described the incident as a momentary lapse of concentration" and highlighted Singh's family circumstances, including his wife and two young daught e r s L e t t e r s f r o m h i s f a m i l y expressing their support were shown to the judge

proceed However, 25 other projects involving aging hospitals are under review for cost, viability, and timelines The delays, scrutinised by the Treasury and NHS England, will stretch costs o v e r a l o n g e r p e r i o d , b u t Streeting assures that redevelopment will eventually occur, with revised cost estimates provided

Siva Anandaciva, director of p o l i c y a t t h e K i n g ’ s F u n d , warned that delaying hospital rebuilds would be a false economy, as many NHS buildings are

maintain He stressed that poor b u i l d i n

patients and staff and hinder NHS productivity The Liberal Democrats condemned the delay, with health

criticised both the Conservative party's handling of the issue and L

showing disregard for the health service

London ranks among top five cities in the world

London ranked fifth among the world's top 50 cities in Time Out's 2025 list, b as ed on thousands of locals' opini ons

The UK capital retains its position for the second year, w i t h h i g h l i g h t s f o r v i s i t o r s including new Piccadilly Line trains and the upcoming V&A

E a s t S t o r e h o u s e o p e n i n g i n May 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Cape Town claimed the top s p o t , p r a i s e d f o r i t s e c l e c t i c n i g h t l i f e a n d v i b r a n t a t m

sphere, while Bangkok secured s

friendly locals and warm welc

Melbourne rounded out the top

five, taking third and fourth positions, respectively Joe Mackertich, editor-inchief of Time Out UK, praised London for its exceptional cuisine, vibrant pub culture, shopping, and diverse people He d i s m i s s e d

investments in the scene New spots like Hoxton’s Lion and Lamb, Hackney Wick’s Colour F a c t o r y , a n d b a r s l i k e L a Camionera and The Divine are reshaping the city’s nightlife, making now the perfect time to visit “Does that sound like a moribund metropolis to you?” he asked

‘Covid-style lockdown’ punishment for criminals

n

w

n s p

n f r o m Sweden s system, where inmates are granted temporary releases for family visits, education, or job searches The council proposed a "parttime prison" system for low-risk, non-violent offenders to maintain family ties and prepare for release This is part of submissions to David Gauke’s sentencing review, which aims to address the ongoing prison population crisis Labour introduced

Barris ters have p ropo sed im posin g C o v id - l ik e r e s t ri c ti o n s o n criminal s in Engl and and Wales as an al ternative to o vercro wded p riso ns In a submission to a sentencing review led by former justice secretary David Gauke, the Bar Council suggested measures such as enhanced home detention for non-violent offenders and "parttime prisons" to aid reintegration They also recommended 20-hour curfews as a direct alternative to c u s t o d y , a r g u i n g t h a t s u c h restrictions could offer various benefits, similar to those imposed during the Covid lockdowns The B a r C o u n c i l s u g g e s t e d u s i n g existing laws to restrict offenders access to pubs, sports grounds, and events, offering significant liberty deprivation without incarceration It also recommended d r

Simarjeet Singh

Helen Morgan Siva Anandaciva

Katharine Birbalsingh

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel

F

is

C ommunity Must Take Contr ol of Their We alth Now

The British Indian community has long been celebrated for its entrepreneurial spirit and economic success Yet, beneath this narrative lies a stark reality: a significant number of British Indians are failing to take full control of their financial futures The lack of financial literacy especially in leveraging investments and modern tools like artificial intelligence threatens not just individual wealth but the collective prosperity of the community

A s a d e a l

Entrepreneur Programme, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds globally But I’ve also seen how far behind many people, particularly from our community, are in grasping the opportunities available to them We’ve evolved from shop keepers to professionals, to entrepreneurs, but the next step begins now This is why I’ve made it my mission to help a million people learn how to make their money work harder through my Campaign for a Million

The Cost of Financial Illiteracy

Research from the FCA shows that over 39% of UK adults lack confidence in managing their money For British Indians, who often focus on tangible assets like property or hold substantial cash savings, this can mean underutilized opportunities and subpar returns Worse, inflation erodes the value of stagnant savings, leaving families financially vulnerable despite outward signs of wealth

AI tools now make it easier than ever to manage investm e n t

Platforms leveraging AI can analyze portfolios, predict market trends, and offer tailored recommendations But tools are only as good as the person using them Without financial literacy, even the best technologies are wasted Our children must be educated young The schools do not do it My son knows about crypto and bath time is about business and stocks – he is six and he loves it

The Emotional Toll

This isn’t just about numbers I’ve spoken to people who feel helpless watching their pension funds barely grow or their children struggle to afford homes despite generational savings These are not isolated stories they are a pattern The gap between potential and reality is a failure of education and empowerment The truth is, you don’t need to be a financial genius to succeed You just need access to the right knowledge and the discipline to act on it And yet, too many are stuck believing that financial growth is either a gamble or reserved for the wealthy elite This frustration drove me to launch a campaign to educate a million people on how to take control of their finances

But it’s about more than just numbers It’s about changing the mindset of an entire community Financial literacy empowers people to demand better from their pensions, invest with confidence, and make informed decisions using AI and other tools It puts the power back in their hands We’ve worked for generations – not to enrich IFAs and wealth managers in high fees!

Why It Matters Now

The stakes have never been higher With the UK government increasing scrutiny on pensions and potential tax h i k e s l o o m i n g , t h e w i n d o w f o r a c t i o n i s s h r i n k i n g Meanwhile, rapid advancements in AI are transforming global finance Those who don’t adapt will be left behind

The British Indian community cannot afford to remain passive We need to embrace technology and educate ourselves now, or we risk seeing our hard-earned wealth stagnate or disappear

A Call to Action

This is not just a financial issue it’s a moral one Each of us has a responsibility to secure the financial future of our families and our community Ignorance is no longer an excuse The resources, tools, and guidance are available

Join me in this campaign for a million Take the first step by learning how to make your money work harder, smarter, and faster Don’t let another year pass with your wealth sitting idle or shrinking The time to act is now

BoE to cut rates four times

Ec onomists po lled by Reu ters p redict th at th e Bank o f England will c ut interest rates fou r times this year to supp ort a sluggish eco nomy

However, rising inflation risks may prompt the central bank to adopt a more cautious stance While interest rate futures anticipate only two cuts, recent instability in global bond markets underscores growing inflation concerns, particularly linked to US President-elect Donald Trump's prot e c t i o n i s t p o l i c i e s A l t h o u g h U K i n f l a t i o n u n e x p e c t e d l y slowed last month, core inflation monitored by the Bank of England dropped more sharply, suggesting room for further rate reductions, even as the Federal Reserve may only make one more cut Despite futures predicting just two 25-basis-point cuts, 60% of economists polled between January 10-15 (38 out of 63) forecast four quarter-point reductions, bringing the Bank Rate to 3 75%

(

UK employers' pay rise plans beat inflation

Ov e r tw o - f if th s o f U K

emp loyers p lan to giv e th eir staff pay rises this year th at barely surpass the cu rrent

rat e o f i n fl ati o n ( 2 5 %) , according to new find ing s from Robert Walters

T

e Office for National Statistics

S

drop in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which may offer some employees a bit more financial room to breathe

that challenges remain, with a forecasted £25bn increase

Insurance contributions and p

Chris Eldridge

hikes likely to affect inflation by April Chris Eldridge, CEO of R o b e r t W

e r s U K & Ireland, commented, “While the drop in inflation and a modest GDP increase offer employers some breathing

space, the economy ’ s sluggish growth means there’s no guarantee it will continue Many professionals are still willing to move for better pay, so caution is necessary ” Pay rises this year are largely driven by efforts to retain staff (44%), alleviate c

(31%), or reward promotions and targets (21%) However, many workers remain dis-

increases of just 2% or less,

workers expecting no

al bonus

Amidst these pressures, job switching emerges as

growth, with professionals earning an average 10-15% pay rise by moving to anoth-

Employers are responding by increasing benefits such

Ultimately, while infla-

some worries, professionals are still seeking both better pay and more flexibility in their roles

UK borrowing cost spike fades

Bri ti sh governm ent b onds rallied for the third c on secutive day on Friday, J anuary 17, reversi ng muc h of the s ha r p r i s e i n yi e l ds s e e n earlier thi s ye ar

oncerns that

ery

2 mini -budget cris is

As of 12:00 GMT on the day, gilt yields across various maturities had fallen by around 6 basis points The 10-year gilt yield stood at 4 622%, marking its biggest

weekly drop since July and a significant decline from the 4 925% peak on January 9, which had been the highest level since 2008

e a r l i e r t h i s m o n t h

w a s d r i v e n p r i m a r i l y b y shifts in U S bond markets

However, it sparked press u r e o n f i n a n c e m i n i s t e r Rachel Reeves as it raised q u e s t i o n s a b o u t w h e t h e r her fiscal plans could be met without additional tax increases or spending cuts T h e o p p o s i t i o n Conservative Party seized

UK sees mass exodus of millionaires

Mo re th an 10,000 millionai res left Britain i n 2024, acco rding to global analytics firm New World Wealth (NW W) , marki ng a s ha rp increase from the net los s of 4, 200 in 2023

The UK now ranks second only to China for the highest outflow of wealthy residents NWW attributes this trend to several factors, i n c l u d i n g h i g h t a x e s , t h e growing dominance of the US and Asia in the global hitech sector, the waning sig-

o n Stock Exchange, and concerns over the UK’s deteriorating healthcare system

From 2017 to 2023, the UK saw 16,500 millionaires

l e a v e d u r i n g e v e n t s l i k e Brexit and the pandemic

H i s t o r i c a l l y , L o n d o n h a d

been a prime destination for affluent families from E u r o p e , A f r i c a , A s i a , a n d the Middle East However, cities like Paris, Dubai, and Geneva, as well as hotspots like Florida and the Algarve, are now drawing those leaving the UK

A n d r e w A m o i l s , NWW’s head of research, h i g h l i g h t e d “ c o m p l e x drivers” behind the exodus, noting increased taxation on non-domiciled residents a n d h i g h r a t e s o f c a p i t a l gains tax and estate duty A T r e a s u r y s p o k e s p e r s o n defended the tax reforms, stating they aim to ensure fairness and fund vital public services, projecting £33 8 b i l l i o n i n r e v e n u e f r o m non-dom reforms over five years

PNB MD & CEO and MLRO visit ABPL office

on the volatility, suggesting a lack of market confidence in Reeves

The recent rally in gilts h

weaker-than-expected econ

a s u r p r i s i n g d e c l i n e i n December retail sales, and increased speculation of an i n t e r e s t r a t e c u t b y t h e Bank of England (BoE) on February 6

A n d r e w G o o d w i n , C h i e f U K E c o n o m i s t a t

O x f o r d E c o n o m i c s , s a i d ,

c o p e f o r longer-term yields to fall further ”

“We still think this is on the low side – we continue to forecast 100 basis points of cuts If we're proven right,

Is Santander considering UK exit?

Banco S antand er is rev iewing its operations in th e UK, tw o decades after acquiring A bb ey N ati o na l, w h i ch solid ified its position as a ke y p la ye r i n th e Br it i sh banking sector, according to a source familiar with the matter

The review is part of the bank's regular assessment of its major markets, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to disc u s s t h e m a t t e r p u b l i c l y

This review could lead to various outcomes, including a potential scaling back of Santander s UK operations, the source added However,

S

c

m m i t m e n

e U K , stating, "The UK is a core market for Santander and this has not changed," in a s t a t e m e n t i s s u e d o n Sunday

S a n t a n d e r c o m p e t e s with other major UK banks s u c h a s L l o y d s B a n k i n g

December’s retail sales volum es

G r o u p ( L L O Y L ) a n d Barclays in a market that is one of ten key regions for the Spanish bank, alongside Mexico, Brazil, and Spain

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e s o u r c e s , B a

explored the possibility of

r ' s U K b u s i n e s s , b u t d i s c u s s i o n s faltered last year due to dis-

Times The review is still in the early stages, and no immediate announcements or deals

comes as Santander has set aside

umes surged by 4 4%, driven by demand for fashion gifts a n

r

IMF retains India’s FY25 growth forecast at 6.5%

Adani group stocks surge as US short-seller Hindenburg to close down T

For next year, the World Bank has estimated growth to beat 6 7% India will still r e t a i n t h e t a g o f f a s

growing major economy in

tensions and global policy uncertainty

S e v e r a l m

agencies have revised their

o r e c a s t G D P g r o w t h f o r India at 6 5% for this year

downwards for India after

expected to expand by 6 4% - the lowest in four years in the current financial year, and sharply below the 8 2% recorded in 2023-24 The sharp slowdown in growth has triggered calls

consumption, which some experts say have been hit by

Bank of India to cut rates to boost growth The budget is

l measures to step up growth, amid the backdrop of an uncertain global economy

Foreigners can open rupee a/c in overseas Indian banks

The Re serv e Bank of In dia ( R BI ) h a s a n n o un ce d n e w r ule s t o e ncoura ge the use of r upee in int er nat ional tra de a n d i n v e st m e n t T h e s e

cha nge s a llow for eigne rs to o p e n r up e e a cc ou n t s ov erse as, makin g it e asier to

u se t he loca l cur re ncy for cr oss-bor der t ra nsactions

T h e a m e n d e d n o r m s allow overseas branches of banks with authorised dealer licence from RBI to open rupee accounts for people

w h o l i v e o u t s i d e I n d i a

These accounts can be used

to make payments or receive m o n e y f o r a p p r o v e d activities involving people in India “ T h e a b i l i t y t o

a foundational element of the

c u r r e n c y T h i s w i l l accelerate the move towards i n v o i c i n g a n d s e t t l

transactions internationally u

cases and ecosystem are only going to grow, ” said Srinivas

S to c ks of c

he A da n i group ralli ed as m uc h as 10% last week on the back of news that H indenb urg Research will close down Nearly two-years to the day, t

r a s h i n A d an i g ro up ’ s stocks after it published a 1 10 - pa ge r ep or t a ll e gi n g

s e v er a l c o rp or a te m a lf e a s an c e s b y t he Ahmedabad-based bus iness house, including stock price m an i pul at i on, c oo ki n g of books etc

Adani group had denied all the allegations and had t h r e a t e n e d t o s u e H i n d e n b u r g R e s e a r c h i n the US

I n t h e l a s t w e e k ' s session, the Adani group ’ s c o m b i n e d m a r k e t

Deutsche Bank India The move comes at a time when the rupee has come under pressure due to a stronger d o l l a r a n d e x i t i n g f o r e i g n p o r t f o l i o i n v e s t o r s

Internationalizing the rupee can mitigate the exchange rate risks, reduces pressure o n f o r e i g n e x c h a n g e reserves, and improve India’s current account balance It

a l s o a d d r e s s e s g e o p o l i t i c a l risks arising out of sanctions on trading partners

India's trade deficit hits 3-month low in Dec

I n d i a's tr ad e d e fi c i t narrowed to a three-m onth low of $22 billion in Dec as exports contracted 1% to $38 billion, while im ports g rew almost 5% to $60 billion

The fall in goods exports in Dec was mainly due to

l o w p r i c e s o f p e t r o l a n d diesel, which resulted in oil product exports falling 28%

t o $ 4 9 b i l l i o n , w h i l e

s h i p m e n t s o f g e m s a n d jewellery dropped 26 5% to $2 1 billion and chemicals slipped 2 9% to $2 5 billion

G o l d i m p o r t s a r e e s t i m

t

55% to $4 7 billion in Dec, while silver shipments shot up 3 1 times to $422 million I n c o n t r a s t

n i c s shipments jumped 35% to a two-year high of $3 6 billion, while ready made garments too saw a 13% rise to almost $1 5 billion

C o m m e r c e s e c r e t a r y S u n i l B a r t h w a l s a

Indian exports had shown resilience, especially non-oil shipments and underlined

added that the schemes of g o

exporters have helped India perform better than several of its peers in a challenging

g l o b a l e n v i r o n m e n t

Barthwal said that India was on course to achieve goods and services exports of over

$

current financial year

O

estimated to have increased 3 5% to $32 7 billion, while imports rose 12% to $17 5 billion

Jio Financial Services in talks with bankers for maiden bond issue

J io Financial Services (JFS) , that was carved o ut o f M u ke s h A m b an i -

I ndustries, is reportedly in early talks with m e rc ha nt b a nk

s f or

m

de

on d i ssue The company may look to raise $600 to $1 2 b illion through the iss ue

A c c o r d i n g t o a r e p o r t , J i o F i n a n c i a l Services may tap the market in the last quarter of this financial year Bankers said that Reliance Industries is in the process of g e

necessary approvals

The company was listed in August and aims to establish itself as a full-service financial services firm in auto, home loans and other products

B

Financial Services to issue shorter-term commercial papers and put bank borrowing lines in places to establish pricing It has also been recommended that the company

Jio Financial Services debuted on the stock exchanges on August 21, listing at Rs 265, which is close to the discovered price of Rs 261 85 It started trading at NSE at Rs

Investments Private Limited in June 1999 and was subsequently changed to Reliance Strategic Investments Limited in January 2

incorporated On July 25, 2023, the name of the company was further changed to Jio Financial Services The NBFC is a holding company and operates its financial services

b

subsidiaries such as Jio Finance Limited (JFL), Jio Insurance Broking Limited (JIBL), and Jio Payment Solutions Limited (JPSL) and a joint venture namely Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL)

c a p i t a l i s a t i o n j u m p e d b y about £2 8bn to £129bn I n a d d

Hamas war, also added to

stocks, sources said Adani group operates one of the major ports in Israel and a

lower

business in Israel A m o n g t h

o u p ’ s stocks, NDTV closed nearly 10% higher while Ambuja Cements was up 4%, Sanghi

China moves to prevent companies from shifting production

Chin a is ma king it ha rde r for e m p lo y e e s a n d sp e ci a li se d e quipmen t n eed ed for hig ht ech ma nufactur in g in India a nd Southe ast Asia t o lea ve i t s bo r d e r s , a c co r d i n g t o p e o p le fa m i li a r w i t h t h e ma tte r, a possible at tem pt to p r e v e n t c om p a n i e s fr om s h if t i n g pr od u c t i on i n a nticipat ion of hig her t ariffs

u n d e r U S P r e s i d e n t - e le c t

Dona ld Trump

Officials in Beijing have v e r b a l l y e n c o u r a g e d

r e g u l a t o r y a g e n c i e s a n d

l o c a l g o v t s t o c u r b t e c h n o l o g y t r a n s f e r s a n d

equipment exports to the regions, one of the people said The aim is to shore up

C h i n a ’ s o w n p r o d u c t i o n , r e d u c e a n y p o t e n t i a l j o b

c u t s , a n d p r e v e n t f o r e i g n investors from fleeing the country if the US imposes

n e w t r a d e b a r r i e r s , t h e person said

Apple’s main assembly

p a r t n e r F o x c o n n h a s n ’ t b e e n a b l e t o d i s p a t c h i t s Chinese staff to India and its factory in the country hasn’t

b e e n a b l e t o r e c e i v e a d d i t i o n a l s p e c i a l i s e d m a c h i n e r y f r o m C h i n a , s o m e o f t h e p e o p l e

There’s been no immediate i m p

o n p r o d u c t i o n though, they said C h i n a ’ s m i n i s t r y o f f o r e i g n a f f a

statement that the nation “treats all countries equally and is open to enterprises”

Apple’s strategy to

Washington and Beijing that could escalate further when Trump returns to the White House next week

RIL’s Q3 profit rises 12% to £2.19bn on retail boost

Reliance Industries reported a 12% rise in quarterly profit, help ed by strong d em and in the retail business, and as high er telecom tariffs and a rise in 5G subscribers bo osted the teleco m unit P rofit g rew to £ 2 19bn in the Dec quarter, beating analysts’ estimates Rev enue totalled ov er £24bn, up abo ut 7%

£4 55bn Expenses climbed by 7% to nearly £21bn Operating profit of the traditional oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business increased 2% to £1 44bn due to higher volumes and operational flexibility

£1 66bn due to higher subscriber numbers, and hike in telecom tariffs Launched in

2016, Jio had 482

respectively Operating profit of the

operational

Imran Khan, wife jailed in land graft case

lion, while Bibi was fined half that amount Failure to pay the fines would result in an addi-

three times in the £190-million Al-Qadir Trust case since Dec Following the ruling, Bushra was arrested from the courtroom A

Imran Khan Pakistani Rs 1 mil-

Bushra, the judge said According to the verdict, the property of the “sham trust AlQadir University Project Trust is hereby forfeited to the federal govt” “Both convicts are present

Lanka inks $3.7bn deal with Chinese state oil giant

B EI J IN G : Chin a has offered to i nvest $ 3 7 b illion in Sri Lank a, s tated to be the bi gge st-ever

f o r e i gn

n ve s t m e n t i n

he i sland nati on, to build a state-

o f - t h e a r t oi l r e f i n e r y a t Hamb antota as the tw o count r i e s s i gn e d a n e w p la n t o upgrade BR I c ooperation dur-

i n g La n ka n Pr es i d e nt An u ra

K u m a ra Di s s a n a y a k e ’ s s t at e

vi sit to Chin a Dissanayake met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and chairman of the standing committee

o f t h e N a t i o n a l P e o p l e ’ s Congress Zhao Leji and pitched for more Chinese investment in his address to Chinese firms

A day earlier, Dissanayake held talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping following which the two sides signed 15 agreements

According to a press release by the Sri Lankan president’s

media division, the deal was “formalised this morning with the signing of an agreement between Sri Lanka’s ministry of energy and Sinopec, a leading C h i n e s e i n t e r n a t i o n a l petroleum corporation ” T h e r e f i n e r y w i l l h a v e a capacity of 200,000 barrels

C h i n a h a s s e c u r e d t h e strategic Hambantota port in the Indian Ocean on a 99-year lease as a debt swap China has also secured a long-term lease to build an economic zone at Hambantota Dissanayake incid e n t a l l y w a s a c r i t i c o f t h e Hambantota port deal for its long-term lease while he was in the opposition It was seen as a balancing act as last year India and Sri Lanka inked a deal to jointly develop 85 WWII-era oil storage tanks at the strategic Trincomalee port in the eastern region of the country

Khaleda Zia acquitted in corruption case

D HA KA : Ba nglade sh National ist Pa rty chairperson Kha leda Zia, he r son an d BNP act ing cha irm a n T a r iq u e R a h ma n , a l on g with four other accused, were a cq uitt ed b y the appe ll ate divis io n of B a n g l a d e sh Su pr e m e C o ur t in t he Zi a O r p ha n a g e Trust cor rupt ion case They had pr eviously bee n sente nce d to 10 y ears ’ imprisonment in t he case, which SC t ermed “malicious”

Following the verdict, there are now no legal barriers prev e n t i n g t h e t w o - t i m e f o r m e r PM from contesting the upcoming national elections Khaleda and her son are currently residing in London

S C o v e r t u r n e d t h e j u d gm e n t s d e l i v e r e d d u r i n g t h e r e g i m e o f o u s t e d P M S h e i k h

Hasina by the high court and trial court The trial court had sentenced Khaleda to five years ’ i m p r i s o n m e n t , w h i l e T a r i q u e and the other accused received 10 years each Later, HC doubled Khaleda’s sentence to 10 y e a r s w h i l e u p h o l d i n g t r i a l c o u r t ’ s v e r d i c t f o r t h e o t h e r accused

In its ruling, SC observed that the prosecution of the Zia

O r p h a n a g e T r u s t c a s e w a s “malicious” and noted that the accused, who did not appeal the

HC verdict, would also benefit from this judgment “restoring their dignity as innocent individuals”

A five-member bench of the appellate division, led by Chief

J u s t i c e S y e d R e f a a t A h m e d , delivered the unanimous verdict The ruling came after hearings on two appeals filed by Khaleda and individual appeals made by Kazi Kamal and businessman Sharafuddin Ahmed Khaleda had initially been jailed on Feb 8, 2018 after a special court in Dhaka sentenced her to f i v e y e a r s i n p r i s o n f o r h e r involvement in the case The o t h e r a c c u s e d - K a z i K a m a l , S h a r a f u d d i n , K a m a l U d d i n Siddique and Mominur Rahman - were sentenced to 10 years ’ imprisonment for misappropriating over BDT 2 1 crore, which was intended as foreign grants for orphans

before the court; they be taken into custody in this case and be

along with the com-

serve the sentences so awarded,” it added

The couple were indicted in the case on Feb 27, 2024, shortly after the general elections The case alleges that Khan and his wife had acquired land worth billions of rupees for the AlQadir Trust from Malik Riaz Hussain, a prominent property tycoon in Pakistan, to estab-

institute for the poor In return,

watchdog alleged, Khan’s govt from Aug 2018 to April 2022 had provided legal cover to Riaz’s

recovered and handed over to the Pakistan govt

major case in which the former cricket star has been convicted Last year, Khan was convicted in cases related to selling state gifts, leaking state secrets, and unlawful marriage, all of which were later overturned or suspended by

behind bars, with dozens of cases

describes the cases as a political witch-hunt

Sunita Williams undertakes spacewalk after 12 years

N E W D E L H I : I nd i an - or ig in NASA ast ronaut Sunita Will iam s steppe d out of the Inter national Space Station (ISS) for a s pac ewalk along wit h colleague Nick Ha gue, the US s pace agency s aid This is Sunita's first s pac ewal k in 12 year s, and the eighth in her career, while it's Hague's f ourth T

rently working to perform maintenance tasks and replace hardware, NASA said NASA said they step outside of the Space Station

including repairs to our NICER (

telescope In a blog post, NASA s

replace a rate gyro assembly that helps provide orientation control for the station and install patches to cover damaged areas of light filters for NICER They will also replace a reflector device used for navigational data on one of the international docking adapters

check access areas and connector tools that will be used for future maintenance work on the Alpha M

also announced a second spacewalk, scheduled on January 23

During the second mission, the duo will remove a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the station's truss, and collect samples of surface material for analysis from the Destiny laboratory and the Quest airlock to s e e w h e t h e r m i c r o o r g a n i s m s may exist on the exterior of the orbital complex They will also prepare a spare elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm in t

has yet again delayed the mission to return Sunita and Willmore to Earth, as the launch of SpaceX Crew 10 has been delayed to late March 2025

20,000 Indian students skipped Canadian colleges last year: IRCC

T ORONT O: Nearly 20,0 00 international stud ents from India did n’t turn up at the Canadian institutio ns they were enrolled d uring the months of March and April last year, according to a comp liance report of Immig ration, Refug ees and C itizenship C anad a or IRC C

Of the total 49,676 students, 6 9 per cent were no shows at their designated learning institutions or DLIs, according to the report, based on IRCC data, which itself was predicated on information collected from colleges and universities

As far as India in concerned, 91 1 per cent of the total or 327646 were compliant, while another 19,582 or 5 4 per cent were not In addition, information on 12,553 of them was not reported by the institutions The non-compliance rates for students from India, therefore, was below the average in the report

It was far higher for a clutch of students from some African nations The non-compliance figures for Burundi, Rwanda and Chad stood at 49 per cent, 48 1 per cent and 44 6 per cent, respectively

But in a series of posts on X, Dikshit Soni, principal consultant at SAAB Immigration Services, indicated the reading of the data ought to be more nuanced “Students arrived in Canada, often realising too late that their institution didn’t make them eligible for a PGWP (post graduate work permit) This left them scrambling to switch schools, often without properly updating IRCC,” he stated

The no shows were inflated by “ gaps ” in policy, which were addressed in November 2024 as IRCC stipulated that students would have to secure a new permit before changing institutions, he said However, he added, “Was the system abused? Oh yes, BIG TIME But not just students Some students did misuse the system - switching schools without proper updates, failing to enroll, or working without studying Some colleges also exploited the system for enrollments ”

in brief

CONGRESSMAN BACKS PROBE INTO DEATH OF SUCHIR BALAJI

California Congressman Ro Khanna called for a full and transparent investigation into the death of Suchir Balaji the OpenAI whistleblower who gained national attention last year for alleging that the company violated federal copyright laws Khanna s call came in response to concerns raised by Balaji s family following the San Francisco County Medical Examiner s preliminary ruling that the 26-yearold’s death was a suicide Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment nearly two months ago, sparking doubts from his parents about the cause In response to these concerns, they have commissioned a separate autopsy, although the findings have not been released

ANEESH SOHONI NAMED CEO OF TEACH FOR AMERICA

Teach For America (TFA) has named Indian American Aneesh Sohoni as its next chief executive officer, effective April 15 A Teach For America alumnus and a dedicated advocate for educational equity, Sohoni will take over from Elisa Villanueva Beard who has served TFA for 27 years Sohoni, a Minneapolis native and the son of Indian immigrants brings a deeply personal connection to TFA s mission Growing up in a vibrant immigrant community he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education After graduating from college he joined TFA’s Twin Cities corps in 2009 teaching high school English near his childhood home

JANUARY PROPOSED AS TAMIL HERITAGE MONTH

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month to celebrate the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Tamil, one of the world s oldest languages Tamil is spoken by over 80 million people worldwide, including 360,000 in the US, and boasts a history spanning over 2,600 years Krishnamoorthi emphasized the cultural importance of the resolution, stating, “As a Tamil American, I am proud to introduce this resolution honoring Tamil language, heritage, and culture I hope this resolution will highlight the distinct culture and achievements of the more than 350,000 Tamil Americans today ”

40 PAKISTANIS FEARED DROWNED

More than 40 Pakistanis were feared to have drowned in the capsizing of a boat off West Africa’s Atlantic coastline, which has emerged as a primary point of departure for migrants aiming to reach Europe President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the deaths Spain-based migrant rights group, Walking Borders, said 50 people had died on their way to the Canary Islands and that 44 of them were Pakistanis The group said that the migrants began their journey on Jan 2

PAK AUTHORITIES RAZE AHMADI WORSHIP PLACE

A pre-partition place of worship of the minority Ahmadi community was demolished by the local administration in Punjab’s Sialkot district Pakistani media reported The place was built by Chaudhry Zafarullah Khan Pakistan’s first foreign minister and an Ahmadi by faith in his native town of Daska Sialkot A renowned lawyer in British India he was a crucial champion for the Ahmadi cause in significant trials This historical structure was razed on Jan 16, two days after local authorities claimed that an extension of the structure was illegal as it encroached 13 feet onto a public road Amir Mahmood spokesperson for the marginalised community said they had complied with the govt

and a wall was constructed on

Khaleda Zia

Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi

Sunita Williams

in brief

HYDERABAD YOUTH SHOT

DEAD IN WASHINGTON

A 26-year-old MBA from Hyderabad working part-time in Washington DC after getting his degree from an American university was fatally shot in a suspected carjacking attempt by the assailant near a gas station He is the fourth person from Telangana to be killed in the US since June 2022 The victim Koyyada Raviteja was in a car he had leased for food delivery when he was attacked on Washington Avenue, his family said New York-based North American Association of Indian Students said the “circumstances” of the shooting were still being investigated “Authorities are exploring all angles including a possible hate crime,” it said

BHAGAT SINGH FOUNDATION'S PLEA REJECTED

A Pakistani court dismissed a petition seeking to rename Shadman Chowk here after independence war hero Bhagat Singh and place his statue there "Lahore High Court Judge Shams Mehmood Mirza disposed of a petition of Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, Pakistan seeking renaming of Shadman Chowk Lahore after Bhagat Singh and placing his statue where he was hanged " a court official said The judge after hearing arguments from counsel for the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore and the foundation dismissed the petition The foundation s chairman, Advocate Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, said it would challenge the LHC s decision in the Supreme Court

INDIAN AMERICAN WINS DANNIE HEINEMAN PRIZE

Yale astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan has been awarded the 2025 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics in recognition of her groundbreaking research in black holes and dark matter The Heineman Prize, presented by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP), honors mid-career excellence in astrophysical research Natarajan is the first Yale faculty member to receive the prestigious award since its inception in 1980 Natarajan’s research has significantly advanced theoretical models addressing fundamental astrophysical questions, particularly the formation of black holes and the nature of dark matter

SIKH COUPLE PLACES NISHAN SAHIB AT ANTARCTIC PEAK

Sikh couple Harpreet Singh Cheema and Navneet Kaur Cheema from the US made a history on January 7 by becoming the first to plant the Nishan Sahib at the summit of Mount Vinson the highest peak in Antarctica and the sky echoed with the sound of Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal On May 23, 2024, they reached Mount Everest (8848m), the world's highest mountain The couple had set a goal to complete seven summits of the world together and since then, with great perseverance, they have been working to accomplish the same

INDIAN AMERICAN JAILED FOR 8 YEARS

Sai Varshith Kandula 20 has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his attempted attack on the White House in 2023 The sentencing took place on January 17, following last year’s incident on May 22, in which Kandula attempted to overthrow the US government and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi ideology Kandula a lawful US permanent resident born in Bengal traveled from St Louis Missouri to Washington DC on a one-way ticket Upon arriving at Dulles International Airport, he rented a U-Haul truck and drove it to Lafayette Square, near the White House At approximately 9:35 pm, he rammed the vehicle into metal barriers sending pedestrians fleeing for safety After reversing and striking the barriers again he exited the vehicle retrieved a Nazi flag from his backpack and displayed it near the crash site

BAPS volunteers help LA wildfire victims

C HIN O HIL LS (C A LI FO R N IA ) : As the Palisa des, Ea ton a nd ot her fir es cont inue to dev asta te communitie s a cr oss t he Los Ang ele s a re a , t h e BA PS Swa mi na r a ya n Hin du Ma ndir t hrough its cha rit a bl e a r m BA P S C h a r i t i e s, steppe d forwar d to pr ovide cr itical r elief an d re cov ery supp or t t o thousan ds of d isplaced fa milie s In co lla bo r a t i o n w it h l oc a l auth or ities, e merg ency response te ams, a nd mutua l aid organ izations, BA PS C harit ie s ha s be en w or k in g t o e n s u

a id re aches the a ffecte d

Among the dedicated volunt e e r s l e

Yogin Patel and his wife, Hetal Patel - evacuees from Pasadena themselves Despite being displaced by the fires, they have c h a n n

helping others in need

overwhelming it feels to leave everything behind,” said Yogin Patel “That’s why we wanted to

BAPS and BAPS Charities has allowed us to turn our personal challenge into a way to support others

though we are facing uncertainty, it gives us strength to be part of something bigger Every sup-

rebuilding our community

Since the fires erupted, with-

launched its #SOCALSTRONG relief efforts and deployed teams

Musk criticises Beijing’s ban on X as TikTok gets a reprieve in US

W A S H I N G T O N : Elon Musk has objected to a lack of reciprocity in the US-China tech relationship, a rare criticism from the billionaire on issues sensitive to Beijing after President Donald Trump prepared to offer a reprieve to TikTok on a ban in the US

Musk, who has long sought to maintain close ties with Communist party officials in China, a core market and production centre for his electric car company Tesla, has for years been careful in his statements about Beijing

But he said on Sunday that “something needs to change” after Trump said he would “most likely” extend a deadline for Chinese

TikTok, which faced a ban under a US law that briefly forced it offline

Musk said that while he opposed banning the short-form video app on freespeech

g

TikTok is allowed to operate in America but

X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced” “Something needs to change,” he said in a post on X

Asked about Musk’s comments, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing welcomed any company that abided by its laws and Chinese groups abroad were obliged to follow local rules Responding to Trump’s proposal to push TikTok, which began restoring service in the US on Sunday, into a joint venture, Mao said that Chinese groups should “decide independently” on operations and deals Musk’s criticism was mild compared with some of his fierce attacks on western politicians and recent intrusions into the domestic politics of countries such as Germany, the UK and Italy But it highlighted the Tesla chief’s potential conflicts of interest between protecting his business interests in China and serving as a confidant to the incoming president and as a government efficiency tsar

Indian industry CEOs meet DC officials, Musk in Texas

WASHINGTO N: The In dia G lo ba l F o r um (I G F ) la unched in the US with a

of In

closed-door discussions with incoming U S admin ist rat ion m e m be r s a n

ic ymak ers

The delegation featured influential figures such as P r a s h a n t R u i a , D i r e c t o r , E s s a r C a p

Co-Head, Kotak811, Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO, OYO, Kalyan Raman, C E O , F

Birla, Director, Aditya Birla

M

Private Limited, Nilesh Ved, Chairman, Apparel Group, Author Amish Tripathi and among several others

The discussions covered President Trump’s populist a

shifts, and the Indian diaspora ’ s influence The group also explored opportunities

ways to strengthen US-India

collaboration “Democracies

Forum, during his opening address “Today, we are here not just to discuss policies or trends but to actively shape the synergies between India and the United States

together to navigate a complex and rapidly changing global landscape

former Chairman of the US

Director of ORF America, offered a geopolitical perspective on India’s priorities

analysed 2024 election data a

trends

The day concluded with a reception at India House, h

s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra The delegation then visited Brownsville, Texas, where Elon Musk welcomed them at SpaceX’s Starbase facility, expressing optimism a

and advocating for reduced trade barriers to boost commerce

the community to join the relief efforts by donating or vol-

directly support the purchase of critical supplies and long-term recovery efforts for wildfire victims and first responders

for governor bid, parting ways with DOGE

of Ohio in 2026 Accord ing to several m ed ia rep orts, Ramaswamy w ill make the o fficial announcem ent early next w eek The Ohio governor ’ s seat will be open as incumbent Governor Mike DeWine reaches

comes after DeWine appointed Lt Gov Jon Husted to fill the Senate vacancy left by Vice President-elect JD Vance

Ramaswamy’s decision to run for governor signals a departure from DOGE, a federal advisory group under President Donald Trump, tasked with reducing federal spending by $2 trillion by 2026 Ramaswamy, who had overseen key deregulation efforts at DOGE, will leave the department’s operations in the hands of co-chair Elon Musk

Ramaswamy hinted at the transition, posting a photo on social media with Musk on January 20 captioned, “A new dawn ” Ramaswamy’s focus on Ohio politics is

declared he was putting his gubernatorial ambitions on hold to lead DOGE, his political aspirations reignited after the Senate appointment process E

emerged as a late contender for the Senate

Governor DeWine However, the position ultimately went to Husted, who was widely

DeWine, leaving the path for Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial bid more open Ramaswamy, an Ohio native, brings a national profile to the state race, having gained prominence during his 2024 presidential run, where he competed against Donald Trump for the Republican nomination

Vivek Ramaswamy

Dignitaries present at the event

Shah opens Vadnagar Archaeological Museum, other projects

Vadnagar is the birth place of Prime Minister Narendra M odi

The museum showcases 2,500 years of Vadnagar's historical and cultural heritage, Prerna Sankul complex honors PM Modi's early education and the sports complex aims to develop future Olympic athletes The project will be valued at £30mn

S

birthplace of PM Modi All of us know that Vadnagar is one of the

country in every era For thousands of years, the journey of Vadnagar continued and we have evidence of the same for the last 2,500 years There is no

Modi By making this vision, he has

culture of Vadnagar, Gujarat and the country on the world map The museum building and excavation site have brought to life the 2,500 years of history of Vadnagar The museum not only gives a sense of t

Defence ministry inks £296mn deal for extra MR-SAM missiles for Navy

The defence ministry inked

a £ 2 9 6m n co n tra ct w i th

s tat e- o w ne d B h ara t

Dynamics Ltd for th e sup ply

o

m ed iu m rang e s urf

ai

d ev el o p ed j o in tl y w i th Israel, for frontline warships of the Nav y

The contract, inked in

milestone” in the ongoing e

d indigenise advanced military

t e c h n o l o g y , a m i n i s t r y official said

“ M R - S A M s a r e n o w a standard fit onboard Indian warships and is planned to be fitted on the majority of future platforms planned for acquisition,” he added

Navy, IAF & Army have

i n d u c t e d M R - S A M s , c a l l e d n e x t - g e n e r a t i o n B a r a k - 8 , u n d e r j o i n t p r o j e c t

d between DRDO and Israel Aero space Industries MRSAMs are designed to destroy hostile aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at a r a n g e o f 7 0 - k m I n t h e N a v y , t h e s y s t

deployed on aircraft carrier

I N S V i k r a n t , t h e t h r e e Kolkata-class destroyers and t h

among others After the Navy

and the IAF, the Army in Feb 2023 also operationalized its

which defends the frontier with China in Sikkim and the Siliguri Corridor “ T h

m provides point and area air defence against a wide range of threats including fighters, U

cruise missiles,” an officer said

India, France agree to enhance partnership in high technology

I nd i a and F ra nc e h a v e ag re ed to enhance their partnersh ip in high -end technology ahead of P rim e M inister Narend ra M od i’ s v isit to Paris next month to attend a su mmit o n artificial intelligence

T h e t w o c o u n t r i e s r e v i e w e d progress in bilateral cooperation under t h e I n d i a - F r a n c e H o r i z o n 2 0 4 7 Roadmap at a meeting between foreign s e c r e t a r y V i k r a m M i s r i a n d A n n eMarie Descôtes, the secretary-general of the French foreign ministry, in Paris on Monday

The discussions covered key areas of b i l a t e r a l c o o p e r a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g d e f e n c e , civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, AI, institutional dialogue mechanisms, and i n i t i a t i v e s f o s t e r i n g p e o p l e - t o - p e o p l e exchanges, the external affairs ministry said in a statement “Both sides agreed to expand bilateral partnership in the areas of high-end technology sectors,” it said Modi is expected to visit France for the AI Summit to be held during February 11-12

The Horizon 2047 Roadmap was unveiled during a meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris in July 2023 with the aim of boosting bilateral ties in areas ranging from trade and investment to strategic cooperation

The talks between Misri and Descôtes also focused on the situation in West Asia and the Ukraine conflict, the external affairs ministry said

“In addition, the dialogue extended to g

cooperation in environment, climate change and health, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, t

international issues and crises such as those concerning the situation in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine conflict,” it said France is India’s closest strategic partner i

hardware ranging from Rafale combat jets to advanced submarines The two countries

governance," he said "I also inaugurated the Prerna Sankul complex, the school where P M M o d i

e

p

education, where children from all over the country are coming to pursue education and follow his path The complex will serve to develop many such big leaders in the future A sports complex has also been inaugurated PM Modi

s p

s p e r s o n from Vadnagar will be trained and sent for the event," he further said

E a r l i e r A m i t S h a h , a c c o m p a n i e d b y G u j

£24 1mn in Mansa, Gandhinagar district

The centerpiece of the event w

£23 4mn barrage on the Sabarmati River at Mahakali Dham - Mini P

pilgrimage site in Mansa taluka

The project is expected to benefit over 3,500 hectares across eight villages in the region, improving irrigation systems and addressing the water needs of local farmers, according to press release Shah in his address highlighted the transformative role played by M

management policies, which have

Gujarat, including those in North

Fast track immigration clearance for Indians and OCI cardholders at 7 airports

I nd ia n s a n d O CI c a r d ho l de r s c

m ore airports in India now Union Home M inist er and M inis ter of Cooperation Amit S ha h wil l in a ug ur

Im m igra tion - Trus t ed Tra vel l er Pr ogra m ' (FTI- TTP) a t Mum ba i, Che nna i, K ol kat a, B e

og r a m m e wi l l b e implem ented at 2 1 major air ports across India

The Home Minister had earlier launched t h e p r o g r a m m e o n J u n e 2 2 , 2 0 2 4 , f r o m Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi

The FTI-TTP is a significant step under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ 2047 initiative to provide w o r l d - c l a s s i m m i g r a t i o n

r a v e l

seamless and secure Initially, this facility was launched free of cost for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders

Once Indian and foreign citizens with OCI cards enroll and become members of

clearance will be faster, easier, and more secure The program membership will be for 5 years or till the validity of the Passport, whichever is less

To enroll in the programme, the applicant has to register online on the portal by filling the details and uploading the required documents One can sign up after successfully authenticating t

email verification One needs to ensure that the Passport is

for at least

months at the time of applying for FTI-TTP Applicants found eligible, will need to

information as per the data fields provided in the application form The enrolment to the programme shall be done after necessary verifications and fulfillment of eligibility

12 Indians serving in Russian Army killed, 16 missing: govt

At least 12 Ind ian citizens serving in the Russian Army am i d i ts w a r o n U kr ai ne hav e d ied , the Ministry of Ex te rna l A ff ai rs s ai d Add ressing a p ress briefing, m i ni st ry sp o k es p er so n Rand hir Jaiswal said that 1 8 Ind ians w ere still serving in Ru s si a ’ s m i li ta ry T h e whereabouts of 16 of them are not kno wn Jaiswal added that 126

c a s e s o f I n d i a n n a t i o n a l s serving in Russia had been r e p o r t e d O f t h e s e , 9 6 i n d i v i d u a l s h a d b e e n discharged from the military and had returned to India

“We have been in constant t o u c h w i t h R u s s i a n authorities for early release and repatriation of Indian nationals who are serving in the Russian Army,” Jaiswal added

BJP pledges ₹2,500

Another Indian national f r o m K e r a l a , w h o w a s similarly recruited, had been i n j u r e

c e i v i n g treatment in a hospital in Moscow, the foreign ministry had said The deaths have heightened concerns about I n

, often as support staff such as cooks and helpers

L a s t w e e k , t h e U n i o n g o v e r n m e n t r e i t e r a t e d i t s d e m a n d t h a t a l l I n d i a n n a t i o n a l s s e r v i n g i n t h e R u s s i a n m i l i t a r y b e i m m e d i a t e l y r e l e a s e d T h i s c a m e a f t e r a c i t i z e n f r o m Kerala who was recruited by the Russian Army recently died in Ukraine

for Delhi women

CM Bhupendra Patel & Amit Shah at Vadnagar Archaeological Museum

Record 35mn devotees take holy Sangam dip on Makar Sankranti

The march of the faithful to Sangam swelled to over 35mn on a freezing Makar Sankranti morning and bathed in the spirit of Maha Kumbh and the first Amrit Snan of a spiritual journey through this confluence of religion, culture and tradition Last week's footfall exceeded the previous Makar Sankranti record of 2mn during the 2019 Kumbh Mela.

T h e i

d with ashes, flowers embedded in their matted hair, and their tri-

high, hundreds of Naga Sadhus from various akharas led the spectacle along the riverbank since the first light of dawn Some arrived at the venue on horse backs

a

Millions of devotees lined up

Sangam for a glimpse of the sadhus as they awaited their turn to take a dip The other two Amrit Snans of Maha Kumbh will take place on Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29) and Basant Panchami (Feb 3 ) The a c h a r y a s a n d m a h a m a n d

s arrived on flower-bedecked chariots mounted on tractor trolleys

Seers and members of the akharas walked behind them

T h e p r o c e s s i o n o

Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani was the first to reach Sangam for Amrit Snan According to tradition, Bhaladev of the akhara took a bath first, followed by the Naga s a d h u s , A c h a r y a M a h a m a n d a l e s h w a r a n d o t h e r seers

After Mahanirvani, it was Atal

Akhara’s turn Eleven other akharas followed one after the other, approaching Sangam by the designated set of pontoon bridges and e x i t i n g b y a n o t h e r a f t e

A m r i t Snan A d a n i G r o u p c h a i

Gautam Adani attended the Maha Kumbh with his wife Priti Adani,

organising the event Prominent

and Sudha Murthy were also present during the auspicious event Tents and huts gutted after LPG blasts at Kumbh

A cluster of 40 huts and six tents at the Maha Kumbh site was gutted in a fire triggered by successive LPG cylinder explosions in S e c t o r 1 9 o n

APSEZ They offered prayers at Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet Adani also visited the I

sanitation workers, and police for

S u

coinciding with CM

visit to Sangam to take stock of prepa-

M

i Amavasya No casualties or injuries to p

i r e safety teams swiftly evacuated the approximately 25 people inside camps in the vicinity, officials said P M M o d

later to enquire about the fire, originating from a gas leak in the kitchen of the Gita Press camp

The blaze was controlled with-

Isro docks 2 fast-moving satellites in space; India joins elite club

India “made it to th e elite group of natio ns capable of execu ting space d ocking operati on s ” after I sro co m p leted its fi rst- ev er s a tel li te- d o c k in g m a no eu v re, m ar ki ng a g iant leap toward s m ultiple future missions, i nclu d ing C hand rayaan- 4 and setting u p India's o wn space station

The achievement, which placed India in the exclusive league of the US, Russia and China, came in Isro's fourth docking attempt since putting the two satellites -Target and Chaser - in orbit on Dec 30

After the satellites started drifting apart by Jan 7, Isro deployed various strategies to pull them back as close as three metres from each other before taking the final step

T h e c r i t i c a l m o m e n t o f t h e S p a c e

Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) unfolded at 6 30am when commands were issued from

Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (Istrac) in Bengaluru Tension filled the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) as

operation Isro termed the docking “ a historic moment” “Docking was initiated with precision, leading to (a) successful spacecraft

Docking successfully completed,” the space agency said

Following the docking, Isro demonstrated another crucial capability by controlling the joined satellites as a single unit The next phase of the mission involves undocking

m

between the satellites Isro said several more s

needed to master this complex technology

Gujarat CM opens GIFT-IFIH and GIFT-IFIH at GIFT City

G u j ara t ch i ef m i ni st er Bhup endra Patel inau gurated th e GIFT Internatio nal F intech Institute (GIFT -IF I) and th e GIFT International F intech Institute Innov ation Hub (GIFT-IFIH), m arking a new approach to fostering startup s in GIFT City

The CM said that these

ecosystem in Gujarat Over the past decade, the country

h a s e

revolution under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, resulting in the widespread d i g

in the Fintech sector,

and unique innovations The CM added that

SDRF and police teams were part of the operation long with 45 fire engines and over 200 fire services personnel, deputy director of fire services Aman Sharma said Akhara expels 'IITian Baba' for calling guru ‘pagal’

A e r o s p a c e e n g i n e e r - t u r n e dsanyasi Abhey Singh, aka IITian Baba, was expelled from the Juna Akhara camp at Maha Kumbh for allegedly using abusive language a g a i n s t h i s g u r u M a h a n t

Someshwar Puri Juna Akhara said discipline and devotion towards the guru were paramount and that anyone failing to conform to this credo couldn't become a sanyasi "Abhey Singh's act goes against the guru-shishya (disciple) tradition and sanyas (renunciation) If you have disrespected your guru, you have shown that you don t h a v e a n y r

Mahant Hari Giri, chief patron of Juna Akhara With over 100,000

" H i r a n y a k a s h y

demon king) and his guru "pagal" (insane) in a reel that went viral Soon, there was a clamour within the akhara seeking action against him On being asked by his guru to leave the camp, IITian Baba

camp

Babas making headlines at the Maha Kumbh

Apart from Abhey Singh, several other babas have gained social media attention during the Maha Kumbh One standout figure is R

Pradesh His vintage 1973 saffronpainted Ambassador car, a constant travel companion for over 35 years, has become a symbol of his spiritual journey The fully functional car is integral to his presence at gatherings, with Baba driving it himself

A n o t

Rudraksha Baba, recognised for his necklace of 11,000 Rudraksha beads, weighing 30 kilograms Das Tyagi, also known as "Computer

technology, often seen carrying a laptop and watching cartoons

monk, who survives on 10 cups of chai, teaches civil service students via WhatsApp, without speaking or eating Ramesh Kumar Manjhi, or "Kaante Wale Baba," is famous f

demonstrate his endurance These

continue to capture attention at the Kumbh Mela

Meta apologises, says poll remark ‘inadvertent error’

A d ay after the head of a parliamentary p anel said Meta o fficials w o u l d b e s u m m o n ed fo r th e rem arks made by its C EO Mark Zuckerberg on the 2024 g eneral election, a senior functionary of the so cial media giant issued an u nc o nd i ti o nal ap o l o g y to th e go vt, emp hasising Ind ia’s impo rtance to the company

“ D e a r h o n o u r a b l e m i n i s t e r A s h w i n i Vaishnaw, Mark’s observation that many incumbent parties were not reelected in the 2024 elections holds true for several countries, but not India We would like to apologise for this inadvertent error India remains an incredibly important country for Meta, and we look forward to being at the heart of its innovative future,” Meta India vice-president Shivnath Thukral posted on X Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP and head of the parliamentary standing committee on

dignitaries during the event

launched Fintech Innovation Hub in GIFT City will realize Modi’s vision of IT (India T o m o

o w ) T h

C M remarked that the Fintech Innovation Hub will create new opportunities for thous a n d

entrepreneurs and generate fresh employment prospects for young professionals

communications and information

t e c h n o l o g y , h a d d e m a n d e d a n apology from Meta for tarnishing India's image and said the compan y ’ s o f f i c i a l s w o u l d b e s u mmoned However, after receiving the unconditional apology, Dubey said the committee would not pursue the matter further

“The Indian Parliament and govt have the blessings and public trust of 1,400 mn people Meta’s Indian official has finally apologised for his mistakes This is the victory of the common citizens of India By making Modi ji the prime minister for the third time, the people have introduced the country’s strongest leadership to the world Now, the responsibility of our committee ends on this issue We will call these social media platforms in the future on other issues Forgiveness suits the cobra who has poison,” Dubey posted on X

Govt picks 1.5 acres at the Rashtriya Smriti complex for Manmohan memorial

Th e g overnment has earm arked 1 5 acres at the Rashtriya Smriti complex in the national capital for M anmohan Singh’s m em orial, to be built adjacent to the site carved out for the s am adh i o f form er Presid ent P ranab Mu kherjee

T h e m i n i s t r y o f h o u s i n g a n

affairs has officially informed the family of the late prime minister about the decision and requested them to register a trust - a mandatory requirement for allocation of public land - so that procedural formalities can be completed Earlier this month, top govt officials visited Rashtriya Smriti after the Centre made the announcement of a memorial for Manmohan Singh

Though senior officials have requested Singh’s family to inspect the site, they have

not visited it yet, sources said Since Singh’s family is in mourning, the members have not taken a decision on the govt’s offer, they added “This is likely to take time The family will be discussing what kind of a memorial they want to construct, and then will intimate to the govt,” said one of them Rashtriya Smriti was developed along the Yamuna bank as a common site for last rites and memorials of Presidents, ViceP r e s i d e n t s , P r i m e M i n i s t e r s a n d f o r m e r Presidents, ex-VPs and former PMs At present, there are memorials of seven leaders, including former PMs Atal Bihari Vajpayee, P V Narsimha Rao, Chandra Sekhar and I K Gujral, at the complex The remaining two s i t e s h

Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukhrejee

Gautam Adani with his family at Kumbh

Sadhus taking the holy dip

Bhupendra Patel with other

Mark Zuckerberg

Ambassador Baba

SOUTH INDIA

SC issues warning to Tamil Nadu govt, governor

N E W D E L H I : T h e S up r e me C ou r t made strong ob se rvations on t he tussl e

b e t we en Ta mil N ad u G ove r n or R N

R avi a nd the ruling Drav ida Munnet ra

K a zh a g a m t o so r t ou t t he i r l on g -

r un ning sq ua bbl e over the passing of

b i l l s a n d t he a p po in t m en t o f v ice -

chancell ors for state-run universities

"B y n ext date (of hea ring) if this is

r esol ved well an d good Otherwise, we will re sol ve it , " the top court said

A bench led by Justice SB Pardiwala made the remark as both sides have

b

e Governor s refusal to clear a clutch of bills, including those that limit the Governor's powers to appoint vicechancellors and replace the Governor as chancellor of those universities

Of the 10 bills in question, the Governor has only cleared one Assent to seven - required to convert them into laws - have been withheld and no action has been taken on the remaining

t w o T h e s t a t

h

d s o u g h

n amendment to its original plea - that it f i n d t h e G o v e r n o

'

i o n s "unconstitutional and illegal", and to direct him to give assent to the bills, as

outlined by the Constitution

One aspect of the row between the Governor and the DMK stems from the Governor's insistence on including a nominee from the University Grants Commission - a statutory body under the Union Education Ministry - in

chancellors for state-run universities

The state government says these universities' statutes do not allow this The state moved the court last year after Ravi set up a committee to name vice-chancellors for the University of Madras, Bharathiar University, and the

University

The state called the move "illegal"

University Grants Commission Ravi later withdrew the search committees he had set up

Earlier the DMK moved the court seeking directions to the Governor to clear several bills, including two passed

government

HC seeks report on delayed municipal elections in Punjab

a H

Co

s d i r e ct e d Punjab Stat e Election Commission t o submit an affidavit detail in g steps ta ken

t o co n d uc t m u ni ci p a l e l e ct i on s in Tal wara , Tar n Tar an a nd D era Ba ba

Na n a k T h e d i r e ct i v e c a me a m id ‘dispute’ over time frame in a dhe ring t o t he S up r e m e C ou r t ’ s o r de r d a t e d Nov ember 11, 2024, mandat in g e lections within eight we eks

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh quoted the Supreme Court as saying, “ W e d i r e c t t h e S t a t e E l e c t i o n

C o m m i s s i o n , P u n j a b , a n d P

commence the election process within

w i t h i n e i g h t w e e k s t h e r e a f t e r N o further extension shall be granted ”

T h e b e n c h o b s e r v e d t h a t t h e t i m e l i n e p r e s c r i b e d b y t h e S u p r e m e Court might have been breached The c

whether the timeline prescribed by the apex court for completion of elections vide order dated November 11, 2024, was to be counted from November 22, 2024the date of notification under Section 13-A of the Punjab Municipal Act for holding the elections, or from the date of publication of election programme “If it is calculated from the date of p u b l i c a t i o n o f e l e

Commission, Punjab, and Punjab are in contempt of the directions of the apex court in terms of the timeline prescribed b y

, 2024, ” the Bench asserted Expressing dissatisfaction, the court asserted, “It is unfortunate to note that Punjab has not filed any application before the apex court seeking extension of the timeline prescribed vide order dated November 11, 2024 ”

Life term for Sanjay Roy in RG Kar rape-murder case

KO L KA T A : S anjay R oy, convi cted of rapi ng and murd eri ng an onduty trai nee do cto r at the staterun RG Kar Medic al Coll ege and H o s p i t al i n K o l ka ta , h as be en sentenced to l ife term till d eath by a Sealdah court on Mond ay Alo ng with th is, the co urt has also fi ned ₹ 50,00 0 to the accused

Judge Anirban Das of the additional district and sessions court, Sealdah, directed the state to pay compensation of ₹17,00,000 to RG Kar doctor's family in the rape and murder case

Judge Das said the crime did not fall under the "rarest of the rare" category as justification for not giving the death penalty to the convict Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was brought to the court to pronounce the sentence amid tight s

quantum of punishment Explaining the penalties of the section, the Kolkata court said to Sanjay Roy, “I told you the previous day the charges you were convicted against

Karnataka to discuss caste census report before cabinet meet: Sidda

NORTH-EAST Assam orders

S id daramaiah announced that th

ci p at ed S o

i

Eco nomi c and Education Survey report - co mmo nly cal led “ caste c ens us

be taken up

cabinet hall two ho urs before the meeting, h e added This decision comes after govt faced criticism for d

meeting, reportedly under pressure from various caste groups The date of the next cabinet meeting is still undecided Law and parliamentary affairs minister H K Patil defended the delay, citing administrative concerns “We will certainly open the sealed cover at the next cabinet,” he said

Lingayat face in governing Congress, meanwhile said that excluding Lingayat sub-sects from the report would amount to grave injustice “Many Lingayat sub-sects have registered as Hindus due to reservation policies, but they remain part of the Lingayat community We need to bring these subsects under one umbrella Only then will the true picture emerge If they are left out, it’s a mistake If the report is correct, we are fine; if not, we will ask the CM to rectify it,” he said State law and parliamentary affairs minister H K Patil dismissed reports that govt feared a backlash from dominant communities over alleged leaked numbers

121 farmers end fast after Dallewal takes medical aid

P A T IA L A : A g roup of 121 farm ers, w ho sat on a fastunto-d eath at the Khanauri protest site in solid arity with farmer leader Jagjit S ing h Dallewal, ended their ind efinite strike after h e took m ed ical aid

The 121 farmers ended their fast by sipping juice in the presence of deputy inspector general of police

M

superintendent of police Nanak Singh

Dallewal (67), who has refused any aid since he sat on a fast-unto-death on November 26, agreed on Saturday to take medical aid following the Centre’s invitation for talks on February 14 to discuss farmers’ demands

A high-level central delegation, led by Union agriculture ministry joint secretary Priya Ranjan, met Dallewal and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha,

administered intravenous (IV) fluids to recover from acute dehydration The veteran farm leader, whose fast-unto-death entered 55th day on Sunday, will not end his indefinite strike until a legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops is given

against you ” When asked about his charges, Roy claimed that he had not done anything and was being "falsely

anything, neither rape nor murder I am being falsely implicated You

innocent I already told you that I was tortured They made me sign whatever they wanted," accused Roy said

During the sentencing, Roy's lawyer said, "Even if it is a rarest of rare case, there should be scope for reformation The court has to

reformation or rehabilitation The public prosecutor has to present evidence and give

eliminated from society " Found guilty of sexually assaulting the 31-year-old trainee doctor and throttling her to death, Roy was convicted by the judge under Sections 64, 66 and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 64 (rape) of the BNS entails a punishment of not less than 10 years and can go up to life term BE N G A

Bengal suspends 12 medical college docs over C-section death

a llega tions th at t heir crimina l n egligen ce ca use d t he d eat h of a 32-ye ar-old woman within a few hour s of giving birt h by cae sa re an section

The suspensions, said to be the maximum at one go involving a single medical case in the state, came eight days after Mamoni Ruidas’s death 12 hours after giving birth to a son She was a

deteriorated rapidly after C-section procedures Mamoni purportedly died of septic shock while three other mothers were shifted to a Kolkata hospital The suspended doctors include vice-principal of MMCH, head of obstetrics and gynaecology, and three senior colleagues C M M a m a t a B a n e r j e e t e r m e d M a m o n i ’ s

d e a t h d u e t o s u s p e c t e d m e d i c a l n e g l i g e n c e

“shocking, unacceptable and avoidable” She said the kin of the deceased had every reason “to question us ” The CM announced a state govt job for one member of the bereaved family and compensation of Rs 500,000 She said the health department’s complaint in the case would be converted into an FIR

judicial probe into coal mine disaster

T he A ssam cabinet ap prov ed ₹ 10 ,0 0, 00 0 com pensation each to the kin o f th e fou r w orkers wh ose bod ies w ere reco vered from the flood ed coal mine in the Dim a Hasao d istrict and the five who rem ain untraced d esp ite m ulti-ag ency rescue operation fo r o ver 10 days

It also decided to institute a judicial and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probes Nearly 40 workers were in the illegal mine on January 6 when it was flooded At least 25 of them managed to escape from the nearly 300-feet well-shaped mine while nine got t r a p p e d C h i e f m i

Sarma told reporters that chances of finding survivors were very slim as it has been over 10 days since the flooding “The cabinet approved ₹10,00,000 to kin of those whose bodies have been found and those yet to be traced ” Sarma said retired high court judge A

commission to probe the mishap and fix responsibility The commission will submit its report in three months The cabinet directed Assam Police chief GP Singh to

negligence The judicial commission will monitor the SIT probe Sarma said that around 220 illegal mines were operating in the same area He said they would look into satellite imagery of these mines

RAHUL GANDHI BOOKED IN GUWAHATI FOR HIS COMMENTS

The Assam Police filed a case against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his remark that the Congress was fighting not just the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh but also the Indian state Gandhi has been booked in Guwahati for acts endangering the country’s sovereignty and integrity under Section 152 and making assertions prejudicial to national integration under Section 197(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Both these are cognisable and non-bailable offences The complaint was filed by an individual named Monjit Chetia who claimed that Gandhi’s statement was not an ordinary political remark but was a direct challenge to the integrity and stability of India warranting immediate legal action Chetia claimed that the Congress leader incited subversive activities and rebellion among the population at large This is an attempt to delegitimise the authority of the State and to portray it as a hostile force, thereby creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments,” he alleged in his complaint

ASSAM POLICE CHIEF APPOINTED AS CRPF DG

Gyanendra Pratap Singh a 1991 batch IPS officer and currently Director General (DGP) of Assam Police has been appointed as the new DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) CRPF special DG Vitul Kumar has been officiating as CRPF chief since the superannuation of incumbent Anish Dayal Singh on Dec 31 2024 Sources said that Singh may assume charge at the CRPF headquarters after overseeing security arrangements for Republic Day celebrations in Assam Singh’s appointment order dated Jan 18 states that he will have a tenure until his superannuation on Nov 30, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier Meanwhile, the next DGP of Assam is likely to be named after chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma returns from South Korea and Japan, where he is on a visit to seek investments in Assam In terms of seniority, Harmeet Singh, a 1992 batch IPS officer and currently Special DGP (Headquarters) in Assam Police, is the next senior most officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre

Sanjay Roy

Siddaramaiah

Bangladeshi national arrested for attack on actor Saif Ali Khan

A f t e r

which suspect s we re picked up from pl ace s as far a part as Mumbai, Vir ar, Thane and D urg, police on Sunday foun d the man who stab bed a ctor Sa if Al i Kha n He wa s hiding in a mar sh dot ted wit h vege tation on the e dge of Tha ne city

A M u m b a

team narrowed the search, based on C C T

Kavesar near Ghodbunder Road In a nightlong combing operation over shrub land and nullahs, the team found the accused, a Bangladeshi illegal identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammed Rohilla Amin Fakir, 30 He had covered himself with dry leaves to stay concealed and was caught when a cop shone his torch into a bush

The police took the accused to Saif’s building in Bandra as part of their investigation He was asked to

detailing how he gained access to the building and fled after his confrontation with the actor

Saif Ali Khan’s attack and hospitalization

The shocking incident that sent waves through Bollywood and raised concerns about security in affluent areas occurred when Saif Ali Khan was allegedly stabbed multiple times by Shehzad during a burglary attempt at his Bandra penthouse last week The 54-year-old actor suffered severe injuries and was swiftly rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors successfully operated on him

India gears up for grand 76th Republic Day parade

Continued from Page 1

The parade will feature 31 tableaux from States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries, showcasing the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ Highlights include a flypast by 47 aircraft, two tableaux celebrating 75 years of the Constitution, and performances by cultural artists using traditional instruments from across India The 61st Cavalry Regiment, the last operational cavalry unit in the world, will also be part of the procession, symbolising the Army's enduring traditions

The parade will showcase a diverse array of equipment, highlighting the operational readiness and technological strength of the armed forces Featured will be the T-90 Bhishma main battle tank, Mechanised Infantry with ICV BMP-II (Sarath), and the NAMIS (Nag Missile System), demonstrating mobility and advanced firepower Also on display will be Nandighosh, a quick reaction fighting vehicle for rapid deployment, Agnibaan, a Pinaka multiple launch rocket system known for preci-

Bridging System for battlefield mobility, and the

Police had tracked his movements from Bandra to Worli and Thane by trawling through 500 CCTV recordings Sources said they got a tip-off from the

o

Pandey had provided a housekeeping job to the accused in a restaurant at Worli and later in Thane without verifying his antecedents Pandey is now being questioned

Shehzad had used a fake name, Bijoy Das, to land the job in June 2024 In August, he was sacked from Worli’s Slink and Bardot restaurant for theft Police said Pandey redeployed him in Thane till Dec 15 when the establishment ended its contract with the staffing agency Out of work, he began carrying out recces for burglary Police have found a birth

details stored on his phone Shehzad, police said, has confessed to the crime

He planned to burgle a flat in Bandra or Khar as he knew the rich and famous lived in this area He had no clue that he had entered Saif Ali Khan’s house He was produced in the Bandra Magistrate’s court, where he was remanded to police custody for five days Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhari said police have invoked the Foreigners’ Act, 1946, and Foreigners’ Order, 1948 for illegal entry, alongside Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for armed robbery against Shehzad

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police claimed that they have gathered what they claim are the strongest pieces of evidence against Shahzad Sources confirmed that fingerprints lifted from the crime scene match those of the accused Investigators discovered Shahzad’s fingerprints on the bathroom window he used to enter and exit the house, the duct shaft, and the ladder he utilised to climb into the building

With the help of local auto-rickshaw driver Bhajan Singh, Saif was transported to the hospital In an interview, Singh shared his experience, recalling how he had no idea it was the famous actor sitting in his rickshaw "His back was hurt, and he was bleeding badly I thought I was helping some injured person, not realising it was Saif Ali Khan," Singh said "It wasn't until they got out of the rickshaw at the hospital that I realised who it was "

While some reports stated that Saif’s eldest son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, had accompanied him to the hospital, a doctor at Lilavati confirmed that Saif arrived with his younger son, Taimur Ali Khan Due to the urgency of the situation, Saif needed immediate transport, and with his driver unavailable, quick action was critical to prevent further harm

Doctors at the hospital were amazed by Saif’s strength Despite being covered in blood and in critical condition, the actor walked into the hospital unaided, refusing to use a stretcher Dr Niraj Uttamani, the Chief Operating Officer at Lilavati, praised Saif for his incredible resilience, calling him a "true hero " He added, "He walked in like a lion He is fortunate If the knife had been just 2mm deeper, it could have been a far more serious injury "

In addition to Saif's injuries, the family’s housekeeper also sustained a hand injury while trying to protect the family from the intruder Actor discharged and undergoing rest

The actor has been discharged from the hospital, six days after the knife attack The actor left for his Bandra home and it is learnt, has been advised complete bed rest for a week and asked not to receive visitors to prevent any infection Heavy force has been deployed at the hospital as well as Saif's residence as people have started gathering at both places to catch a glimpse of the popular actor

enhancing real-time situational awareness

Chetak all-terrain vehicles, Akash air defence systems, BrahMos missile systems, Grad BM-21 rocket launchers, and the Bajrang light strike vehicle, captivating both the audience and distinguished guests at Kartavya Path on January 26

Citizens will also play a key role in the celebrations, with 10,000 special guests, including achievers and sarpanches, invited Couples in traditional attire from each State and Union Territory will attend, alongside winners of online competitions like essay, quiz, painting, and tableau design contests

Other planned events include cultural performances by 5,000 artists, showcasing over 45 dance forms The Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29 will feature only Indian tunes The Bharat Parv festival at Red Fort, running from January 26 to 31, will highlight food, crafts, and cultural performances This year's parade will highlight the armed forces' commitment to national security and progress, while celebrating the achievements in indigenisation and self-reliance under the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative Celebrations in the UK

The Indian diaspora worldwide, including in the UK, is gearing up for grand celebrations to mark India’s 76th Republic Day In the UK, the festivities will feature cultural events and performances that celebrate India’s rich heritage and achievements Communities across the country will come together to honour India's constitutional journey, reflecting pride, unity, and a deep connection to India’s history and progress

The High Commission of India in London invites Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin (PIOs), and friends of India to join the Flag Unfurling Ceremony on 26th January 2025 at 10:00 am (arrival by 9:30 am) The Bhavan will also celebrate India’s Republic Day on 6th February 2025 at 6:30 pm, with Chief Guest His Excellency Mr Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India, gracing the event

IDUK Group will host a Republic Day celebration in Slough (Berkshire) on 25th January 2025 at the Slough Hindu Temple from 4:30 pm, featuring the flag hoisting and cultural performances by children and adults

Jai Shree Swaninarayan

Janakray M Patel, or J M, pronounced “Gem”, as his wife called him, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the USA, aged 92

Janakray was born on August 19, 1932 in Mwanza, Tanzania to Mansukhbhai Narsinhbhai Patel He was one of 6 children, having 2 older brothers and 3 sisters, 2 of which survive him He and his s

father died when they were just little children The mother having to return to India, died soon after Their widowed grand- kaki, Zaverba, raised all six siblings in challenging circumstances With many sacrifices made, especially b y t h

Mahendrabhai,and eldest sister Sushilaben, they were raised and educated

Our father, Janakray, studied at Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India, near Karamsad (his ances-

t

President of Zambia He led

very fulfilling life there, with evening card parties, get- togethers with close friends, outdoor picnics – all of which he absolutely loved He was known for his love of good food, for which he had my mother to thank, accompanied by bellyfuls of laughter He also travelled a lot, to Mauritius, and the U K , v i s i t e d m

y E u

o p e a n cities, and drove around Zambia He really loved his life in Africa and made lifelong friends there He was known to be very generous with his money and finan-

degree in Civil Engineering He married Madhuben Patel in 1961 and returned to Tanzania, to work as Assistant Town Engineer for the city of Dar es Salaam Later he was employed as Town Engineer for the city of Mufulira, Z

and chosen social causes; he helped a young man with eye surgery, the Theosophy Society, and individuals who needed help to find a job He was a regular

Movement (An organisation that

upliftment)

In 1983, Janakray moved to

Maryland He continued in civil engineering, and was justly proud of helping build the Woodrow Wilson Bridge And to everyone ’ s amazement he worked until the age of 82 He helped many others find a job in civil engineering, making grateful friends in the process Even after retiring, he continued to lead a very active life regularly visiting the Laurel S

much loved and recognised as the center’s oldest active member He loved swimming and p

there, building friendships along the way He leaves behind memories of a life few of his peers can say they have had We remember his love of chocolates and ice cream; l

‘Dad’s Army’, ocean dipping, and

his utmost thrill at becoming a grandfather and great grandfather He devoted many years to spiritual growth, actively particip

u Sampradaya, and was fortunate and blessed to meet Pramukh Swamiji, Hariprasad Swamiji and his mentor Madhav Priyadasji In honour of his mother, Savitaben, he donated money to Karamsad Hospital

We remember, with gratefulness, his late deceased elder siblings: Mahendrabhai Patel and Hasmukhbhai Patel, and sister Sushilaben Patel, whose efforts and sacrifices made possible the future our father had We would also like to recognise the unwavering support of our brother Viswas, ‘Tony’, and

loved and fed and attended his

weeks Our cousin Kirtibhai and his wife Minabhabi, and our dear

throughout We have so much gratitude for your love and your relationship with our father

With utmost respect and our love: wife Madhuben Patel; sisters Saroj Patel, Pushpa Patel and her husband

“C.B” Patel; daughter Sima Patel and her husband Jatin Patel; sons Visvas Patel (Fed Govt supervisor), Dr. Belur Patel and his wife Lisa Patel; grandchildren Tanvi Newton and her husband Jack Newton, Riya Patel, his other granddaughter Shawnia Ward; and great grandchild Shay Newton Jai Swaminarayan

Saif Ali Khan coming out of hospital

Extreme weather caused more than 3,200 deaths in 2024

Extreme weather co nd itions caused o ver 3,20 0 d eath s in 20 24 - the warmest year on r ec o rd in I nd ia , w i th l i g h tn in g and t h u nd e rs to

s and heav y rains (1, 287) and h eat wave (459), show s the

I n d i a M e teo r o lo g i c al Department’s (IM D) Annu al C lim ate S ummary - 2024

L i g h t n i n g a n d

t h u n d e r s t o r m s

maximum number of lives in Bihar, whereas floods and h

maximum deaths in Kerala

P r a d e s h a n

M a h a r a s h t r a figured in list of top five reporting bigger numbers of casualties due to extreme weather events in 2024

T h o u g h M

stating 2024 as the hottest y

records began in 1901, its annual climate summary for the year disclosed how the

temperature rise in certain

national average (+0 65° C

average)

The IMD report shows that the mean temperature rise over parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, east M

W

Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, south interior

K

K

h y a Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Rayalaseema and Kerala and Mahe was above normal by about one degree Celsius It means these meteorological

than the national average of annual warming last year

was warmer by 0 37 degree

C

season (March-May) by 0 56

(June-Sept) by 0 71 degree Celsius and post-monsoon s

degree Celsius - the warmest last three months since 1901

record in

UK influencer gets 'woman tax' as compensation

of

degrees Celsius), Gaya (47 4

reported

Police in Kerala arrest 44 men accused of raping girl over five year period

Po lice in Kerala arrested 44 m en accu sed of raping an 1 8-year-old g irl ov er a period o f fi v e ye ars T h e arre st s w ere m ad e last week, in a case that has sh ocked the coastal tourist resort

T h e v i c t i m , a n a t h l e

e who belongs to the lower caste community, told police in a statement that she was sexually abused by 62 people over a period of five years Local media reported that f o u r o f t h e a c c u s e d w e r e minors

Police have identified 58 of those men, some of whom are minors and arrested 44 o v e r t h e l a s t t w o d a y s , officials said

“We have identified the remaining 14 and they would b e a r r e s t e d s o o n , ” t h

Police in the Pathanamthitta

district of Kerala where the c

p l a c e , P S Nandakumar, said The case came to light after the girl narrated the g a n g r a p

during a gender awareness

who heads the investigation,

were still being investigated

In her statement to the

police, the victim said abuse began when she was 13 after h e r n e i g h b o u r a l l e g e d l y raped her Under Indian law, accused in rape cases that involve lower castes do not immediately get bail

There were more than 3

2022 in India, the latest year for which data is available, a

notoriously low

Bengaluru gets new US Consulate

I nd i a' s e xter nal aff ai rs m i ni ste r S Jaishankar joined US A mbassador to India, Eric Garcetti for the op ening of t h e U S C o n su l ate i n Ba ng a lo re H ail in g th e s tep as an im p o rtan t m o m ent i n th e I n d i a- U S ti es , Jaishankar also announced that Ind ia w ill so on be op ening its consu late in L os A ngeles

"Bengaluru is such an important place, it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats this time It has been something long in waiting I told him (US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti) you get Bengaluru done and I'll get you Los Angeles done, which is his h o m e t o w n S o , w e w i l l b

g o u r consulate in Los Angeles also A consulate serves many purposes A big part of it is to facilitate travel," the EAM said W h i l e a d d r e s s i n g t h e

h

r i n g , Jaishankar highlighted several aspects of the India-US ties and said that the opening of the consulate was long due

"Today it is within our grasp, within the

important that Bengaluru too, realise its potential in the relationship As a country, today we are encouraging the opening of more embassies in the capital It's part of our deeper engagement with the world But along with that, we are also encouraging more embassies to open consulates I hope that there will be more occasions where more countries will open more consulates in Bengaluru It would serve India's interests, K

interests better," Jaishankar said

Camilla Do Rosario is a social media influencer currently surrounded by controversy following her strange parenting agreement with her husband She shared a video on social media with a caption stating that her husband pays her a monthly "woman tax" as a form of compensation for the challenges she undergoes while carrying and raising their children According to Camilla, her husband gives her 85 Pounds every two weeks, which sums up to about 2,500 pounds per year She uses this money for personal expenses, such as getting her nails done, as a way to offset the physical and emotional toll of motherhood This has been criticized by some as an unnecessary financial transaction within a family, while others see it as an innovative way to recognize the sacrifices of a mother It has generated more general discussions on the value of care giving and the dynamics of modern relationships

Meet Junjun the bear cub, internet's latest heartthrob

Visitors to the Shanghai Zoo have fallen in love with Junjun, a one-year-old brown bear cub who enjoys playing with his favourite toy - a well-worn tire - and splashing in water He has now become a favourite of zoo visitors, but also he is going viral on the internet with many people sharing his videos on social media platforms Junjun, standing 1 meter tall and weighing over 35 kg, has the cutest fluffy coat and puppy-like charm that instantly puts him on a crowd favorite His fans cannot resist gushing about his adorable puppy-like face that resembles a mischievous puppy as they take pictures and videos of him and cheer at every move Even on cold January weekdays, when the zoo is mostly empty, Junjun still attracts a devoted audience Every two days, he greets his visitors, who admire his energy and cuteness Junjun's playful spirit is bringing warmth and joy to Shanghai this winter, proving he's not just a bear cub - he's the zoo's little superstar "His little movements are really funny Very cute, so cute that it can't be cuter," one visitor said

Despite winning lottery, this man goes back to work clearing drains

A 20-year-old trainee gas engineer from Carlisle has stunned everyone after winning a 7 5 million pounds Lotto jackpot James Clarkson's win was quite spectacular since he had won 120 pounds on the National Lottery over Christmas and had reinvested his winnings in more tickets, according to The Metro Despite his newfound wealth, James still wants to carry on with his work According to sources, he even headed straight to the site and was found unclogging the blocked drains James's unexpected success has not only changed his financial future but also highlights his grounded attitude, as he expressed his intention to keep working despite becoming a millionaire overnight Despite the massive win, James was back to work carrying out property maintenance by the next morning He explained, "I was out in the cold fixing blocked drains the day after I found out I had won It was a bit grim, but that's reality I'm not going to stop working; I'm too young "

At Maha Kumbh, this seer carries a pigeon on his head

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is known for its spiritual grandeur, attracting saints and ascetics from across India And amid a sea of men, women and children at the venue, a seer draws a lot of attention for his unusual companion - a pigeon that sits gracefully on his head Known as the "Kabootar Wale Baba" (the Pigeon Saint), Mahant Rajpuri Ji Maharaj from the Juna Akhara has been walking this unique path for nearly a decade Speaking about his companion, he said, “The pigeon's name is Hari Puri,” adding with a smile, “I have spent 8 to 9 years with this pigeon ” For the seer, the pigeon symbolises love and harmony, embodying his philosophy of compassion towards all living beings He adds, “Serving living beings is considered the highest form of duty It is our responsibility to show compassion and care towards all living creatures Our ultimate goal in life should be to dedicate ourselves to the service of living beings ”

Rs 32,867 bill for live lobster at Chinese restaurant

A woman from Perth recently took to social media to express her outrage after being presented with a staggering bill at Canton Lane Chinese Restaurant According to the New York Post, Reanna Ho and her group of eight dined at the restaurant, ordering eight dishes, including a "live lobster" that single-handedly hiked the bill to USD $584 18 The lobster, priced at USD $380, was the main contributor to the hefty bill Although Ho was informed that the price would vary based on weight and market price, the specifics were not disclosed when the dish arrived Furthermore, Ho claims that the staff failed to inform her that the additional servings of noodles would cost $15 each "Though I paid the bill, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off," she wrote in a Facebook post A followup phone call to the restaurant the next day uncovered the reason behind the hefty price tag: the 4 5-pound (2 04 kg) lobster came with a price of USD 74 25 per pound However, Ho alleges that this crucial detail was not disclosed to her at the time of ordering Woman sheds 28 kg, reveals 5 practical sacrifices

Diksha, a health coach and qualified nutritionist, talks about her motivational experience losing 28 kg by cooking at home and working out regularly She offers insightful advice to others in a recent post by highlighting five "realistic sacrifices" that helped her lose 28 kg Here are the 5 realistic sacrifices I let go of the need to see fast results: Slowly and steadily is the only way to go if you want to lose weight and maintain it! Sugar was a big no on most days: Yes, having a balanced diet is very important Being too restrictive is harmful in the long run, but giving in to your cravings too frequently will slow down the progress unnecessarily Early dinners: This one took time I had to train my mind and body that eating by sunset was right for me I did crave food while sleeping for a few days, but once my body had adapted to this new lifestyle, there was no going back Perfectionism: This should have been first on the list This is the first thing to let go of when trying to lose weight or improve your health overall! Consistency takes precedence over perfection here Punishment loop: I gave up on the idea of punishing myself for eating a piece of cake on my birthday by running for two hours on the treadmill and instead inculcated a wholesome relationship with food and my body Where I take care of my body and its needs 80-85% of the time, and the remaining times when I indulge, my body supports me by metabolising the food She concludes the post by writing that "take one day at a time, set realistic goals, don't be in a hurry, and no one can stop you from achieving your goals "

Karnataka Dy CM D K Shivakumar outgoing US envoy Eric Garcetti and foreign minister S Jaishankar

R Madhavan

on

‘Tanu Weds Manu 3’:

"Maybe they’ve replaced me"

Speculation about a thir Weds Manu’ film has b circulating, with rumors of Madhavan reprising his ro in an interview, Madhavan hasn’t been approached. A questions about the seque Ranaut playing a triple rol have no idea. It’s all on Ins Neither Aanand Rai nor an has discussed part three w

Rasha

Thadani, daughter of actress Raveena Tandon and film distributor Anil Thadani, makes her film debut in ‘Azaad’, directed by Abhishek Kapoor The movie, which stars Aaman Devgan and his uncle, superstar Ajay Devgan, explores the bond between a young stable boy and a horse.

At 19, Rasha is eager to carry forward the legacy of her maternal grandfather, filmmaker Ravi Tandon. "I hope to make my family proud through hard work and win over audiences," she said

When asked if her mother, 90s and 2000s star Raveena Tandon, shared any acting tips, Rasha Thadani revealed, “She always said, ‘Trust the director’s vision; no one else has it ’” Rasha, who discovered her passion for acting as a child, often practiced expressions and movements in front of the mirror “My mom always knew I’d pursue this She enrolled me in Kathak at five and Indian classical classes by nine, despite my initial hesitation,” she shared Rasha Thadani reflects on her journey with gratitude, crediting her mother for enrolling her in dance classes early on “Thank you, Mumma, for those classes,” she said Taking on ‘Azaad’ during her 12th-grade board exams was a leap of faith “I was unprepared and clueless, but it just happened with auditions and meetings,” she shared. Initially, she and co-star Aaman Devgan didn’t get along but later developed a strong bond “He’s now my best friend and someone I can truly rely on, ” Rasha said A fan of Alia Bhatt, she recently praised ‘Jigra’ as “an amazing

Rasha Thadani on 'Azaad':

"I hope to carry my family's legacy"

Triptii Dimri speaks out amid smear campaign

Triptii

R Madhavan hinted h be part of the rumored th Weds Manu’ film, saying clue about the script Ma in it or they’ve replaced m no idea ” Previously, Mad expressed reluctance to r franchise, calling it “wate bridge ” In a chat with Yo Jaby Koey, he said, “Ther in beating a dead horse with it I don’t want to g being Manu ” The franchise began Weds Manu’ in 2011, a cu followed by the 2015 hit Manu Returns’ Both film the unlikely romance bet Madhavan’s reserved Ma Kangana Ranaut’s spirite in the vibrant landscapes Pradesh

Dimri, known for her performances in ‘Laila Majnu’ and ‘Animal’, continues to captivate audiences despite some criticism for her role in the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Recently, she made headlines for allegedly exiting *Aashiqui 3*, starring Kartik Aaryan Reports suggest the makers dropped her over concerns about her "purity in demeanour" and bold scenes in the Sandeep Reddy Vanga film

Netizens were quick to identify a smear campaign targeting Triptii Dimri’s character, but fans have rallied in her support While the ‘Qala’ actress has remained silent, she shared a cryptic Instagram story today, which fans believe addresses the backlash, hinting she chooses to focus on the love she’s receiving

On Instagram, ‘Bad Newz’ actress Triptii Dimri shared a video with a message that reads, "Sometimes, all you hear is the hate, but there is more love in this world than you can imagine "

Though rumors were strong, Triptii Dimri was never officially announced as part of ‘Aashiqui 3 ’ with Kartik Aaryan Director Anurag Basu dismissed reports about her being ousted over “purity,” calling them baseless

Triptii’s last theatrical release was ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 ’ with Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit She also appeared in ‘Bad Newz’ with Vicky Kaushal and ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ with Rajkummar Rao Her upcoming projects include ‘Dhadak 2 ’ with Siddhant Chaturvedi and ‘Arjun Ustar’ with Shahid Kapoor

Kartik Aaryan opens up about his 'love-hate' bond with Karan Johar

Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar's professional relations long been speculated, especially after their fallo during ‘Dostana 2’ in 2021. However, Kartik recently described their dynamic as a "lovehate bond " Speaking about a picture of the two at a Mumbai event, where Karan is playfully pulling Kartik by the ear, he opened up about their current bond

Looking at the photo Kartik Aaryan wrote, “What do I say to this? I think it’s a love-hate relationship, and this picture represents that

perfectly ” He explained that the t was captured just before began working on ostana 2 ’ , adding, *“It was when we signed our first film together I think he knew something was coming, so he took the picture beforehand ” Kartik Aaryan shared that he’s working with Karan Johar again on ‘Tu Meri

Main Tera Main Tera Tu eri’, backed by Dharma ductions and directed by r Vidwans Slated for a se, Kartik expressed his optimism, saying he hopes the film finally sees the light of day this time

Abhishek Bachchan reflects on comparisons with Amitabh and Aishwarya

Abhishek Bachchan, now 25 years into the entertainment industry, has often faced comparisons with his father, Amitabh Bachchan, and occasionally with his wife In a recent interview, he shared his perspective on these comparisons, offering thoughtful insights

When asked about being tied to his family’s legacy, Abhishek Bachchan said, “It’s never easy, but after 25 years of being asked the same question, I’ve become immune If I’m compared to my father, I see it as being measured against the best, which is an honor My family’s achievements make me proud ”

H e a l s o p r a i s

Bachchan’s work ethic, adding, “At 82, he’s shooting for KBC from 7 AM, setting an incredible example I aspire to be like that so driven that one day my daughter can proudly say, ‘My dad is still at it ’

Abhishek Bachchan is set to star

featuring Suhana Khan and Abhishek Verma He’s also gearing up for Remo D'Souza’s ‘Be Happy’, where he plays Shiv Rastogi, a father determined to help his daughter achieve her dream of performing on a major dance reality show

Kangana Ranaut reflects on her past feud with Vikrant Massey

After multiple delays, Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ was released

The film, which she directed and stars in as Indira Gandhi, faced Censor Board challenges and multiple reschedules

Despite being a BJP MP, Kangana struggled to get it released, unlike ‘The Sabarmati Report’, which had smoother support from BJP-ruled states In a podcast, she shared, "I've always been a lone warrior; for me, life has always been a struggle "

Kangana Ranaut explained how her off-screen persona has often been a topic of discussion She said, "When you're with a party and making a film that aligns with its ideology, you'd expect some support, even if it's neutral But ‘Emergency’ is authentic, making me an easy target for the opposition " Calling herself a "soft target," she also mentioned how her comments on the farmer protests and Khalistan prompted BJP leader JP Nadda to publicly distance the party from her views "It wasn’t embarrassing; I don’t see favouritism in the party The Godhra film might be an exception," she added, noting positive comments about ‘Emergency’ from BJP Minister Nitin Gadkari

Kangana Ranaut addressed her past feud with Vikrant Massey, emphasising that people can change and shouldn't be labeled She clarified her previous "cockroach" remark, saying she doesn’t hold grudges but speaks her mind Kangana also shared the struggles of releasing ‘Emergency’ theatrically, admitting she considered the OTT route to avoid scrutiny, but sees the film s release itself as a success

Anurag Kashyap

on ‘Satya’ fights with RGV: “Do it in your own film”

Filmmaker

Anurag Kashyap, who co-wrote

‘Satya’ with Saurabh Shukla, recalled his experience on the 1998 action-crime drama during a conversation with the ‘Satya’ team on Radio Nasha He shared how he often clashed with Ram Gopal Varma during filming and revealed that the movie was “made on the go ”

Anurag Kashyap, reflecting on his raw

, recalled arguing with Ram Gopal Varma often He shared, “I was learning and digging

eventually, he would be right To quiet me, he’d say, ‘Good idea, put it in your film, this is my film ’”

Anurag also spoke about a heated debate over the death scene of Manoj Bajpayee's character He disagreed with how it was shot, but only after seeing it on screen did he realise his mistake He recalled RGV telling him, “When you make your own film, focus on the logic Right now, just shoot it ”

Anurag Kashyap addressed rumors that ‘Satya’ began with an incomplete script, revealing, “We did write something, but after two days of shooting, Ramu discarded it He said it wasn’t the film he wanted to m

scenes and dialogues being written daily

“We’d literally write the dialogues on a sofa for the day’s shoot ”

MON 27 JAN - FRI 31 JAN 2025

09:30 DESHI BEATS

15:00 Daily Bonus

15:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam

17:30 RASOI SHOW

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Sanskaar-Dharohar Apnon Ki

20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21:00 United States of Gujarat

21:30 Mangal Fera

22:00 Seeta Vallabh

22:30 Daily Bonus

SATURDAY 01 FEB 2025

09:30 DESHI BEATS

15:00 Daily Bonus

15:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam

17:30 RASOI SHOW

MON 27 JAN - FRI 31 JAN 2025

16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours S3

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:00 Anmol Bandhan

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Appollena

20:30 Udaariyan

21:00 Choti Sardarni

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22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Appollena

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18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

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19:30 Sanskaar-Dharohar Apnon Ki

20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21:00 United States of Gujarat

21:30 Mangal Fera

22:00 Seeta Vallabh

22:30 Daily Bonus

SUNDAY 02 FEB 2025

09:30 DESHI BEATS

10:30 Best of Rasoi Show

11:30 Vhalham Jao Ne

14:30 United States of Gujarat

15:00 Daily Bonus

15:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam

17:30 Best of Rasoi Show

18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma

19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re

19:30 Sanskaar-Dharohar Apnon Ki

20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI

20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU

21:00 United States of Gujarat

21:30 Mangal Fera

22:00 Seeta Vallabh

22:30Daily Bonus

SATURDAY 01 FEB 2025

16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Appollena

20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

21:30 RAMACHARI

22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Appollena

23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

SUNDAY 02 FEB 2025

16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours

17:30 Shrukra Mangal

18:30 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1

19:30 RAMACHARI

20:00 Appollena

20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

21:30 RAMACHARI

22:00 Anmol Bandhan

22:30 Appollena

23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull

GV Prakash on working with ex-wife

Saindhavi: “We respect each other”

Music composer-actor GV Prakash

Kumar and singer Saindhavi may have parted ways in 2024, but their professional collaboration remains strong Fans were delighted when Saindhavi performed at Prakash’s concert in Malaysia, showcasing their continued artistic synergy Recently, the composer shared his thoughts on working with her again post-divorce I

Kumar’s concert in Malaysia went viral, sparking widespread admiration When asked about it in a recent interview, Prakash responded with a smile, saying, “We are extreme professionals and have respect for each other It’s because of that mutual respect that we continue to collaborate ” Fans praised Prakash’s response, with one commenting, “We need GV Prakash and Saindhavi duet songs in upcoming movies All your fans will celebrate it ”

Rajinikanth's manager slams director over 'Billa' flop claim

Rajinikanth was struggling to make it big in his career when he starred in R. Krishnamoorthy’s 1980 film ‘Billa’, a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan hit ‘Don’ The film became his biggest commercial success at the time However, in a recent interview, director Vishnuvardhan referred to it as a flop, prompting Rajinikanth manager to step in and urge him to fact-che k his claims

Vishnuvardhan director of the 2021 Hindi film

‘Shershaah’, recently commented on the 1980 Rajinikanth-starre

‘Billa’, claiming, “T tell you the truth, ‘Billa’ didn't run w that time I though are we going to do? What do I like about the film? I liked that they had a dark character as the lead at that time, and I thought, that is a great idea ” Vishnuvardhan made the statement while explaining his decision to remake the film in 2007 with Ajith Kumar in the lead The remark didn’t sit well with Rajinikanth’s PR manager,

the clip on X merly Twitter) d clarified, Dear @vishnu dir sir, I would like to politely bring to your attention hat the 1980 lease #Billa was ilver Jubilee Hit may kindly this with the producer of the original version, Mr Suresh Balaji I humbly request you to ensure accuracy in your statements to avoid sharing incorrect information #RajniBillaBlockbuster #ThalaivarNirandharam ” In a separate post, he urged journalists to fact-check and uphold the highest standards of journalism

about separating personal and professional matters truly mature individuals ” At a concert in Malaysia, Saindhavi and GV Prakash Kumar reunited to perf

Dhanush-starrer ‘Mayakkam Enna’ With P

delivering a heartfelt rendition, the performance struck a nostalgic chord with fans, quickly going viral on social media

Nazriya opens up on Fahadh's ADHD diagnosis saying life hasn't changed much

Fahadh

Faasil's recent ADHD diagnosis has sparked discussion, and his wife, Nazriya Nazim, shared how it has impacted their lives

She explained that despite the diagnosis, their life has remained largely unchanged “I’ve been living with Shanu (Fahadh) long before we knew about his condition His personality traits were something I had been handling for years, and they became part of our life,” she said

Fahadh’s condition has made her more patient, their life has otherwise remained unchanged “Now that we know about the condition, I may be a bit more patient, but apart from that, nothing has changed,” she said Fahadh was diagnosed with ADHD at 41 and shared that earlier detection could have made a difference in his treatment During a visit to Peace Valley Children’s Village in Kothamangalam, he recalled asking a doctor if ADHD could be cured if diagnosed later in life The doctor explained it is easily treatable in childhood, but gave a more nuanced response when Fahadh inquired about being diagnosed at 41 “I am clinically diagnosed with ADHD Even if it’s not severe, I do have some traits of the disorder,” the actor said

Nazriya and Fahadh's journey began on the sets of ‘Bangalore Days’ in 2013 After dating for a year, they got engaged on January 20, 2014, and married on August 21, 2014, in Thiruvananthapuram

Vijay Sethupathi reflects on life: "I cherish both stardom and normalcy"

Vijay

Sethupathi celebrated his 47th birthday, with heartfelt wishes from fans and celebrities Marking the occasion, he joined a star-studded roundtable discussion with Arvind Swamy, Unni Mukundan, Siddu Jonnalagadda, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Varma. The lively conversation delved into their views on fame and personal growth, offering fans unique insights.

During the discussion, Vijay Sethupathi reflected on balancing stardom with simplicity, saying, “I enjoy my life as a star, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped cherishing the simple things

While some miss having a regular life, I’ve found joy in both worlds ” He also spoke about his intentional journey to stardom, contrasting it with others in the room “I chose this path because I love it Unlike Arvind Swamy sir, who entered the industry unexpectedly, my journey was deliberate I enjoy the attention, the crowd everything about being a star For me, it’s only added to my life, never taken away ”

On the professional front, Vijay Sethupathi’s last release, the mega-blockbuster ‘Maharaja’ directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, marked a milestone as his 50th film and a resounding success Up next, he’s set to impress fans with versatile roles in exciting projects like ‘Gandhi Talks’, ‘Train’, and ‘Ace’.

CROSS-PLATFORM

Indian talent shines at BAFTA 2025

with ‘Santosh’, ‘Sister Midnight’ and ‘Monkey Man’

The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards nominations, announced online by Mia McKenna-Bruce and Will Sharpe, brought cheer for India. Alongside ‘All We Imagine As Light’, two Indian filmmakers, Sandhya Suri (‘Santosh’) and Karan Kandhari (‘Sister Midnight’), earned welldeserved nods

Both filmmakers were nominated in the ‘Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer’ category, having produced their films in the UK Sandhya Suri earned her nomination alongside James Bowsher and Balthazar de Ganay for ‘Santosh’, while Karan Kandhari was recognised for ‘Sister Midnight’ They join fellow Indian-origin filmmaker Dev Patel, nominated for his directorial debut, ‘Monkey Man’ The trio faces competition from Luna Carmoon (‘Hoard’) and Richard Peppiat (‘Kneecap’) Karan Kandhari's debut film, ‘Sister Midnight’, is a horrorcomedy funded by a £1 million grant from the British Film Institute in 2022 Starring Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, and Smita Tambe, it premiered at Cannes last year to rave reviews Sandhya Suri’s directorial debut, ‘Santosh’, is a gripping crime drama set in rural India Produced by Mike Goodridge, James Bowsher, Alan McAlex, and Balthazar de Ganay, it stars Shahana Goswami as a widow-turned-police officer investigating a gruesome murder Featuring Sunita Rajwar, it was the UK's entry for Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards Payal Kapadia’s ‘We Imagine As Light’ scored a single nomination in the Best Film Not in the English Language category

Rhea Chakraborty reveals how jail time helped her understand mental health

Rhea Chakraborty recently returned with her podcast ‘Chapter 2’, interviewing stars like Farhan Akhtar and Aamir Khan In the latest episode, she spoke with Yo Yo Honey Singh, who shared his struggles with bipolar disorder They discussed the importance of raising mental health awareness Rhea also reflected on her time in jail after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, recalling how the police thanked her for educating them on mental health.

During her conversation with Honey Singh, Rhea Chakraborty shared her personal connection to bipolar disorder, saying, "I’ve seen it closely I was moved by how you shared your experiences Many don’t survive to speak about it, especially in India where awareness is limited " Honey Singh agreed, elaborating on his own struggles, describing how he believed he was going to die and his family didn’t exist

Rhea, reflecting on her time in jail, recalled how people often misunderstand bipolar disorder, labeling patients as "crazy" or "possessed " She shared her experience with suicide watch during solitary confinement and how she used the opportunity to discuss mental health with the two women monitoring her Rhea Chakraborty shared that during her 15 days in jail, she spoke extensively about mental health, trying to

understand her own experiences On the 16th day, one of the women watching her revealed that her husband had been tied to a Peepal tree, believed to be possessed After listening to Rhea, she realised her husband might be suffering from bipolar disorder Later, the woman thanked Rhea after her husband was diagnosed with the illness Rhea reflected, “Maybe my time in jail was meant to help him understand this illness ”

Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson seek blessings at Babulnath Temple ahead of Coldplay's Mumbai concert

Coldplay’s Chris Martin and his girlfriend, actress Dakota Johnson, embraced Indian culture by offering prayers at the Babulnath temple in Mumbai A video of their visit was shared on Instagram

In the video, Chris Martin is seen greeting the priests with a smile while Dakota Johnson stands beside him He offers a ‘namaste’ with his hands folded, wearing a scarf around his neck The Coldplay lead vocalist embraced tradition in a powder blue kurta and black trousers, while Dakota wore a printed k i d d aped a dupatta head one clip Dakota

Rakesh

Roshan refused to cast Hrithik despite father-inlaw's advice

Ahead of its Netflix premiere, ‘The Roshans’ released a threeminute teaser featuring Rakesh, Rajesh, and Hrithik Roshan flipping through a family album The trio reminisced about old memories and shared stories behind the photos, including one from the 50th SCREEN Awards where they posed together

reflected on their success at the 50th SCREEN Awards, where they won nine awards for ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’, including Best Film, Best Director for Rakesh Roshan, a

father on the sets of the 1997 film ‘ K

assistant days, and this was Koyla " Rakesh shared a funny anecdote, revealing that his father-in-law, Om Prakash, insisted on casting him despite his limited dialogue, saying, "He doesn’t speak to you but me " Rakesh Roshan recalled being "stunned" when Hrithik gave his first shot, while Rajesh added, “By then, he had it in him ” Hrithik made his acting debut with the 2000 film ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’

Khan and Madhuri Dixit, was

financial crisis for Rakesh Roshan In an ETC Bollywood interview, H

flopped, we faced

investments Even someone who had borrowed from him ran off "

d Rakesh leaving him in tears

di's idol The couple, ating since 2017, rs of a breakup w ce and the Coldpl mbai for their ‘M heres’ World To an leg begins to Y Patil Stadium second perform scheduled for tomorrow, Janu Their Mumbai co will conclude on 21 before headin Ahmedabad s Na Modi Stadium fo shows on Januar 26 Singer Jasleen will open for the dding to the excitement

Bumrah named in India's Champions Trophy squad

Captai n Rohit Sharma will lead

I nd ia 's s tar -s tudd ed s qua

t he I C C C

T

ph y 2025 , hoping to win the title for the first time s ince 2013 India,

t he tw o- ti m e wi n n e rs , a r e bolstered by the availability of J as prit B umrah; how ever, his p ar t i c i pa ti o n re m a i ns contingent on fitness H enc e, as a precaution, Harshi t Rana has been added as his backup I f B umrah does pl ay, with hi m

w i l l b e t he r e tu rn i n g

M oham med Sh ami , who wi ll make his comeback to India's OD I setup

B u m r a h a n d S h a m i w i l l reunite with Arshdeep Singh, the country's most successful bowler from 2024, as India's t h i r d f r o n t - l i n e s e a m e r T h e same squad will play the three-

O D I s e r i e s

n d starting February 6

Despite being in rollicking

form, there was no place for Karun Nair in the squad The

V i d a r b h a c

belting runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing 752 of them with five centuries at an average o f 7 5 2 ,

attention of none other than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar

l

Agarkar confirmed, fell behind in the pecking order to those who play more regularly with the national team

S

captain, taking over the reins from KL Rahul Hardik Pandya was Rohit's deputy in the 2023 ODI World Cup, but with him

No personal managers, chefs for India cricketers on tour

Aft er the thrashing Down Under , the board has sent out a 10-point policy docum ent to the pl ayers

w hic h l ook s t o b r in g a b out expec ted c hanges

According to the dossier, the BCCI reserves the right to take d i s c i p l i n

sanction from participating in all B C C I c o n d u c t e d t o u r n a m e

t s including the IPL and deduction

t c h fees in the BCCI player contracts

W h i l e p l a y i n g d o m e s t i c cricket has been made mandatory

a n d t r a v e l l i n g s e p a r a t e l y w i t h families during tours instead of m o v i n g i n a g r o u p h a s b e e n discouraged, what is interesting

is that the BCCI has said

unless cleared by the board

staff on tour/series personal staff ( e g , p e r s o n a l m a n a g e r s ,

assistants and security) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI

T

remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges,” point 4 of the dossier reads While p l a y e r s l

, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya travel with their personal chefs, coach Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager has been a feature of the recent touring parties

India's men and women's teams

win inaugural Kho Kho crowns

I t was doubl e deligh t for I ndian teams at the inaugural edition of th e Kh o Kh o W orld Cu p in New Del hi Af ter t he wom en's team defeated Nep al 7 8- 40 in the final, t h e m e n' s t ea m b at t l ed it o u t agains t their arch- rivals Nep al to c linc h a 54-36 vic tory on Sunday

a t th e I n di ra Ga nd h i I n do o r Stadium

B o t h t h e m e n a n d t h e w o m e n ' s t e a m s r e m a i n e d u n b e a t e n t h r o u g h o u t t h e competition After the women's

t e a m d e c i m a t e d N e p a l i n t h e final, the men's team followed suit, racing to a decisive lead as early as the end of the first turn

India attacked first and put

r e l e n t l e s s p r e s s u r e o n N e p a l , much to the delight of a packed crowd at the venue Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal's Suraj

P u j a r a S u y a s h G a r g a t e t h e n

t o u c h e d B h a r a t S a h u t o g i v e India a great start with 10 points in just 4 minutes There were more sky dives from the Indian men as they went on an attacking spree, denying Nepal even one dream run in the opening turn At the end of the first turn, India had secured a 26-0 lead, getting

their last ODI series –against Sri Lanka

off to a roaring start

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match Team India's levels but did prevent the India from

s e c u r i n g a d r e a m r u n A d i t y a G a n p u l e a n d s k i p p e r P r a t i k

Waikar carried the team through

t h i s t u r n

touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the side

second half of the clash

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives with the s u p p

K

another star of the tournament

Aditya Ganpule was also at his best, and the team's collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the big final, ensuring they had enough in their bank to see off Nepal's final attack

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against Team India But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar

a n d t h i s t i m e S a c h i n B h a r g o proved too strong Mehul and S u m a n B a r m a n w e r e e q u a l

shortlisted him for the responsibility

Yashasvi Jaiswal has earned his maiden ODI call-up after burning up the charts in Tests last year Along with him, the batting responsibilities will be

Shreyas Iyer Rishabh Pant has been named the squad's sole wicketkeeper, with no backup included, leaving Sanju Samson out of contention However, if the need arises, Rahul can don the gloves like he did during the

Kuldeep Yadav makes his return following a groin injury India squad for Champions

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL

Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (Wicket keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Bumrah's back-up)

India women score record 304-run win over Ireland

P

M and hana's 70 -ball century, Indian women's cricket team d e m o li s h ed I re lan d by a wh opping 30 4 runs to claim its biggest-ever ODI win and comp lete a 3-0 clean sw eep in Rajkot last week

The result of the match was a mere formality once India set Ireland a massive target of

bundled out in 31 4 overs

victory through record breaking Mandhana (135) and her opening partner with Pratika Rawal (154), reaching 435/5, highest total by

women's - in ODIs

total is 418/5 made against the West Indies in Indore in 2011

Mandhana and Rawal added a whopping 233 runs for the first wicket in just 26 4 overs and there was no looking back Then spinners Tanuja Kanwar (2/31) and Deepti Sharma (3/27) took over, sharing five wickets among them to decimate the Irish lineup, which was well short on e x p e r i e n c e S t u n n i n g S m r i t i Mandhana's 10th ODI century came off just 70 deliveries as the l e f t - h a n d e r s u r p a s s e d H a r m a

Africa last year

Two Indian heritage players face off in NCAA D1

Fo r the fi rs t time i n his to ry, two pl ayers o f I nd ian heritage started i n a men ’ s NCA A Di vi sio n I highmajo r game Ryan A garwal and I shan Sharma faced of f as s tarting g ua r

level To make the moment even more sp ec ial, i t was also Ish an's fi rst career s tart, and thro ugho ut t h e ga m e, th e tw

shared his excitement, saying, “It was an honour to play against Ishan Sharma, a freshman from Virginia, who got his first career start today It was amazing to match up against him - it was such a fun environment For me, especially, this is my third year in college basketball, but I’ve never p l a y e d a g a i n s t a n o t h e r I n d i a n before, so it was really cool to see s o m e o n e e l s e f r o m o u r

in brief

MANU, GUKESH AMONG 4 HONOURED WITH KHEL RATNA BY PRESIDENT MURMU

Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker World chess champion D Gukesh two-time Olympic medallist and men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalwinning high jumper Praveen Kumar were presented with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Manu made history by becoming independent India s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, clinching bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event in August last year Harmanpreet was a key member of the Indian men’s hockey team that secured bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics Praveen who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, upgraded his achievement to gold in Paris last year Gukesh made headlines by becoming the youngest-ever World chess champion in December 2024 defeating China’s Ding Liren He is only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this feat Gukesh also played a pivotal role in helping India secure a gold medal in the men’s team event at the Chess Olympiad in September Thirty-two athletes were honoured with the Arjuna Award 17 of whom were para-athletes Among the Arjuna awardees were Paris Olympics bronze medallists - wrestler Aman Sehrawat, and shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh - alongside members of the men s hockey team Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh Sanjay, and Abhishek

NEERAJ CHOPRA MARRIES TENNIS PLAYER HIMANI

India s double Olympic medalist and 2023 world champion Neeraj Chopra has tied the knot with Himani Mor in a private ceremony The 27-yearold was in India on a short trip recently and got married “2-3 days back”, according to his uncle Bhim Chopra “Beginning the new chapter of life with the blessings of family Grateful for every blessing that brought us to this moment together Bound by love, happily ever after,” Neeraj wrote Being one of India’s biggest youth icons, Neeraj’s wedding announcement sparked a flurry of comments on social media and a scramble to get more details about his bride Himani, 25, hails from Haryana like Neeraj A former tennis player and student of Delhi s Miranda House Himani is pursuing her Masters in Sports Management from McCormack Isenberg School of Management in Massachusetts US

PICHAI JOINS

community competing at a high level He’s only going to get better, and it’ll be fun to watch I think bringing that Indian culture to the States is going to be exciting over the next few years ” “It's amazing t o s e e h o w m a n y I n d i a n s a r e s p r e a d a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y , whether from India or as Indian Americans or Canadians Having that Indian heritage brings a lot of pride It’s a big deal to play at this level because it doesn’t happen o f t e n , a n d I h o p e t o i n s p i r e others Growing up, I had Indian basketball players as inspirations, so now stepping into that role feels meaningful,” he added

OTHER INDIAN CEOS IN $97MN BID FOR ENGLAND CRICKET TEAM

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has joined an elite group of Silicon Valley executives in bidding for a London-based cricket team, sources reveal The consortium, led by Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora and Satyan Gajwani, vice chairman of Times Internet has reportedly submitted a bid exceeding $97 million for either the Oval Invincibles or London Spirit These teams are part of The Hundred, a short-format cricket tournament aimed at capturing younger audiences and families The group also includes Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and Egon Durban, co-CEO of Silver Lake Management Indian American tech leaders have been instrumental in expanding cricket s influence in the US Both Nadella and Narayen are investors in Major League Cricket, a testament to the sport’s growing appeal beyond its traditional markets Pichai, an avid cricket enthusiast, has a deep-rooted connection to the sport, which originated in England but has since found its strongest following in countries like India thanks to the Indian Premier League’s lucrative contracts

Jasprit Bumrah

Cred t Instagram/@amaznhq

Ryan Agarwal and Ishan Sharma