AV 27th July 2024

Anusha Singh

Kamala Harris

Usha Vance

St

major UK-led summit of his tenure at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire In his opening address, Prime Minister

St a r m e r e m p h a s i s e d t h a t Britain, under his leadership, aims to be a “friend and a partner” to Europe

He e x p r e s s e d a c o m m i tment to working collaborat i v e l y w i t h t h e Eu r o p e a n Union, focusing on shared

v a lu e s r a t h e r t h a n d i f fe rences

For the f irst time, the summit included represen-

t a t i v e s f r o m N AT O, t h e

O r g a n i s a t i o n fo r S e c u r i t y and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe

Ahead of the summit, Downing Street stated that

the UK government would

closer collaboration on illegal immigration, enhanced s e c u

a n d other key issues At the conference, the Prime Minister also announced £84 million

crisis "at source" by supporti n

Eastern countries

Sir Keir Starmer stated that the funds will be directed towards health and education initiatives, as well as h u m a n

address the root causes of migration He emphasised

that these efforts are crucial for managing the migration crisis, noting that issues in these regions have repercussions at home and affect local communities

gangs, break their business model, and secure our borders " He also criticised the previous Conser vative government's Rwanda deportation scheme, which Labour has since abolished, stating, "We’ll do this, not by committing taxpayer money to gimmicks, but with practical solutions that align with international law "

Vaughan G ething ousted as Welsh First Minister

We ls h F i rs t M i ni st er Vaug han Gething has been o usted from off ice after four m em bers of his go vernment resig ned in protest against h is leadersh ip

G e t h i n g , w h o b e c a m e Europe’s f irst black national leader just four months ago, announced that he would “begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and as First Minister ” His decision came after t h e c o o r d i n a t e d r e s i g n ations of Mick Antoniw, Julie James, Lesley Griff iths, and Jeremy Miles, who informed him they could not fulf il t h e i r r o l e s “ w i t h o u t y o u standing down ” They further stated, “We cannot continue like this ” M i l e s , t h e E c o n o m y Secretar y who had contested the Welsh Labour leadership against Gething, called for the First Minister's resign a t i o n , d e s c r i b i n g “t h e e v e n t s o f t h e l a s t fe w months, including your loss of the conf idence vote in the

S e n e d d , a s i n c r e d i b l y painful ” He told Gething, “It is e s s e n t i a l t h a t w e s t a r t repairing the damage immediately, and I have come to the regrettable conclusion that this cannot occur under your leadership ” “I can’t see any way forward for us which allows us to get on with the job we are elected to do, without you standing down ” Gething faced a conf idence vote in the Senedd last month after accepting a £200,000 donation for his leadership campaign from a man convicted of environmental offences He broke d o w n i n t e a r s b e fo r e t h e vote

Magistrate diversity efforts stalled despite £1M campaign

A £ 1 m il li o n in i ti ati v e to increase the number of ethnic minority and workingclass magistrates has yield ed little pro gress, with the prop ortion of Black jud ges on t h e b enc h s ta yi ng

u n ch a ng e d o v er t h e p as t d ecade

T h e l a t e s t f i g u r e s o n judicial diversity, published last week by the Ministr y of Justice, have highlighted this issue and sparked calls for setting diversity targets and r e v i e w i n g t h e m a g i s t r a t e recruitment process

D e s p i t e o v e r 3 4 , 0 0 0

people showing interest in b e c o m i n g m a g i s t r a t e s through a 2022 government

c r u

p i t a l Xtra, Radio X, Heart, and LBC, the percentage of ethnic minority magistrates has remained unchanged at 13%

O f t h e 1 4 ,5 7 6 m a g i strates in England and Wales, the majority are white, middle-class professionals, with 57% being women In 202324, 4,025 people applied to b e c o m e m a g i s t r a t e s : 7 0 % were white, 16% Asian, and 9% Black

Among those appointed, 84% were white (with a 44% success rate), 7% were Asian (21% success rate), and 5% w e r e Bl a c k ( 2 4 % s u c c e s s rate) While 11% of applicants had attended private schools, 74% were state-educated, compared to the 6 5% of students in England and Wales who attend fee-paying schools

S i r Kei r S ta

Starmer under pressure from MPs over support for Israel

e r i s c o n-

fronting an im mediate challenge to h is authority from pro-Palestinian Labo ur M Ps wh o are calling for a ban on arm s sales to Israel Left-wing backbenchers have proposed an amendment to the King’s Speech, advocating for an embargo

amendment could offer an early chance for left-wing M

numerical strength

“Our new government must do the right thing and cease enabling Israeli war crimes

1,000 small boat arrivals since the election

Britain is set for a "diff icult s u m m e r" re g ard i n

secretary

rants h av e cro ssed since Labour to ok pow er Yvette Cooper informed the cabinet to expect a sign i f i c a n t i n f l u x o v e r t h e coming weeks, noting that crossings have hit a record high for the f irst half of the year Speaking as the Home Off ice published new f igu r e s , C

d that 427 migrants arrived in s

o a t s o n Mo n d a y, bringing the total for the year to 14,759 This marks a 12 per cent increase compared to this time last year and a 1 per cent increase from the same period in 2022 Since Sir Keir Starmer became prime min-

migrants have crossed the C h a n n e l C o o p e r e m p h asised that addressing illegal migration is a crucial aspect o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t 's " Eu r o p e a n r e s e t , " w h i

involves collaborating with European bodies, including Europol, to dismantle criminal gang networks and disrupt supply chains

On the other hand, the Home Off ice’s small boats chief has resigned just days after the new government took off ice, leaving civil servants "shocked" as crossings surge Stuart Skeates, a former British Army lieutenant general who ser ved in conflicts such as the Afghan and Gu l f w a r s , w a s a p p o i nt e d last April to establish Suella B

Home Office confirms first boat return to France

T h e Ho m e O ff ic e ha s a nnoun ce d tha t, for the f irst t i m e , a Br i t i sh v e ss e l ha s re turn ed migr ant s to Fra nce

A B o r d e r Fo r c e v e s s e l rescued 13 migrants from the water and returned them to C a l a i s T h e Ho m e O f f i c e dismissed claims of a policy shift, stating that the operat i o n w a s c o n d u c t e d i n response to a request from the French authorities

When asked if the incident signalled a shift in UKFr a n c e r e l a t i o n s , g i v e n France’s long standing opposition to Britain returning migrants, Sir Keir Starmer

s t a t e d : “ T h e o p e r a t i o n involved returning individuals to France, but this is an operational decision made o n a c a s e - b y - c a s e b a s i s There is no change in policy regarding this matter ”

St a r m e r a l s o i n d ic a t e d that ministers are open to exploring offshore processing for asylum seekers as part of a broader effort to “reset” the UK’s approach to illegal migration He sugg e s t e d t h a t m o v i n g a w a y from the “gimmick” of the Rwanda scheme could pave the way for stronger cooperation with European coun-

tries to address the small boats crisis This announce-

, where Starmer hosted over 40 European leaders Starmer announced that

from other leaders for his

acknowledged that there is no “silver

Violence erupts in Leeds, police car overturned

Ri ot poli ce were deployed in Leeds to disperse a large crowd after a bus and several other vehicles were set on f i re an d a poli ce car was overturned

Residents were advised to stay indoors after unrest e

i c e r s w e r e d i spatched to Luxor Street at 5 p m fo l l o w i n g a d i s t u rb a n c e i n v o l v i n g s o c i a l w o r ke r s a n d c h i l d r e n T h r o u g h o u t t h e e v e n i n g , off icers worked to disperse the large crowd that had assembled

S o c i a l m e d i a v i d e o s

c a p t u r e d a n o v e r t u r n e d police car with its lights flashing and siren sounding, alongside a car alarm b l a r i n g O t h e r fo o t a g e s h o w e d v e h i c l e s a b l a z e , including a double-decker bus engulfed in flames Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, tweeted on X (formerly known as Tw i t t e r) : “I a m h e a d i n g b a c k t o L e e d s f r o m Pa r l i a m e n t a n d i n t o u c h with the police and concerned residents about the o n g o i n g s i t u a t i o n i n Harehills The police report n o i n j u r i e s b u t a d v i s e avoiding the area if possible ” Councillor Salma Arif, r e p r e s e n t i n g G i p t o n & Harehills, posted a video on social media with a neighbourhood police inspector “There is an ongoing situation in Harehills,” she said “ T h e p o l i c e a r e o n t h e scene, and we are asking ever yone in the area to stay at home for now ” We s t Yo r k s h i re Pol ic e stated that when off icers arrived at the property, the crowd grew larger, prompting the decision to relocate the social workers and children to a safe location

Zarah Sultana

Vaughan Gething

Yvette Cooper

Hanging by a ‘threat’?

Despite repeated promises from ministers, old and new government, police departments and local leaders, Britons’ safety remains uncertain

A recent case highlights this concern Police sergeant James Endean, designated as an “ambassador” for women and girls, was dismissed for gross misconduct Endean, a 22year veteran of Thames Valley Police, was sacked after an independent panel found him guilty of inappropriate behaviour toward female colleagues and the public From early 2022 to March of the following year, Endean was reported to have bullied colleagues and made sexual innuendos and misogynistic comments, despite being an ethics and White Ribbon champion against violence towards women The panel substantiated over 12 allegations, including rating women's attractiveness and making sexual comments during patrols Witnesses reported Endean’s wolf-whistling and derogatory comments like “look at the legs on that ”

Endean, promoted to sergeant in 2009, was also found to have bullied officers, calling them derogatory names and threatening them Some officers avoided working with him Despite his representative alleging witness collusion and personal stress, the panel rejected these defences, concluding that Endean's conduct caused reputational harm to Thames Valley Police and undermined public trust Endean was transferred to Bracknell and Wokingham but continued in a supervisory role until his dismissal

This case reveals a troubling truth - those meant to pro-

tect can sometimes be the perpetrators! Trust in the police is alarmingly low Only 42% of people in the East of England trust their police force, according to research involving the University of Essex London’s Metropolitan Police, in particular, has the lowest confidence score, with women in London trusting the Met less than men A poll in April showed only four out of 10 people in England trust the police, with significantly lower trust among ethnic minorities These findings highlight the Met’s substantial reputational challenges

The police s failure to solve crimes is also evident The percentage of offences resulting in the offender being caught and taken to court in England and Wales dropped from 16% in 2015 to 5 7% in 2023 Calum Steele, former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, expressed concerns about diverting resources from essential backroom functions to investigate hate crime reports While acknowledging the importance of addressing hate crimes, Steele warned that reallocating resources could negatively impact frontline policing

Social media outrage and misinformation have further aggravated public mistrust The Leicester riots are a testament to the damage misinformation can cause Recently, London Mayor Sadiq Khan was concerned about a deepfake audio of him supposedly making inflammatory remarks before Armistice Day, almost causing "serious disorder "

In Leeds, a councillor called for unity among residents of an area affected by recent riots, warning against "outsiders"

“Do anything,

inciting "racial hatred " Mothin Ali, who tried to stop the violence in Harehills, accused the far right of attempting to "sow division" after the unrest, which saw a bus set alight, a police car overturned, and a delivery van ransacked The presence of West Yorkshire police supporting child protection workers sparked outrage, with claims of prejudice against Roma and Romanian communities

Iustin Dobre, 37, was charged with violent disorder and arson Following the riots, tensions have eased, with Roma community members holding vigils and attending church MP Richard Burgon praised the community’s resilience and highlighted the area's positive aspects Ali, a Green Party councillor, urged residents to ignore those seeking to cause trouble, following a call by far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a "peaceful protest" against immigration Robinson's false claims about Ali's involvement in the riots further inflamed tensions

Local residents attributed the disruption to a small group spreading disinformation via social media Technology consultant Martin Bryant emphasised the responsibility of social media companies to mitigate harm during such events

Britain’s security remains fragile, and rebuilding trust in the police is crucial Addressing misconduct, improving crime-solving rates, and managing the impact of social media are essential steps to ensure the safety and confidence of all citizens

The Indian-American influence in US politics

Over the past decade, the representation of South Asian communities has grown significantly This was recently showcased in the UK with the swearing-in of its most diverse Parliament Now, South Asian faces are also gaining prominence in the US election race

Joe Biden has shaken up the US election by endorsing Kamala Devi Harris as the Democratic candidate He called choosing Harris as Vice-President his best decision, and she has many notable achievements Born in California to a Tamil biologist mother, Shyama Gopalan, and a Jamaican-American father, Donald J Harris, Harris became the second African American and first Southeast Asian woman to serve in the Senate, which is a major milestone

However, Harris’ Indian roots only gained attention as she prepared to become Vice-President She has admitted that her upbringing was more influenced by her father’s roots While she occasionally mentions her "chittis" (aunts) and speaks highly of her mother and maternal family in Tamil Nadu, her Indian identity isn't a primary part of her life Nonetheless, her Indian connection is likely to benefit her, as the Indian-American community will likely support her

Harris’ appointment in 2020 was celebrated with fireworks and prayers in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a "historic occasion" and expressing his eagerness to work with her to strengthen India-US rela-

tions Despite the initial excitement, it is clear that the strengthening of India-US relations under Biden's administration has been driven by the President's initiatives rather than Harris's Indian heritage While Harris often speaks about her Indian roots, her policies and actions are primarily shaped by the strategic interests of the United States, not India and although her Indian heritage may attract the Indian diaspora, it is unlikely to receive the same focus once a winner is announced

Another person of Indian heritage, Usha Chilukuri Vance, has gained attention as the wife of JD Vance, who is Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election She is seen as Trump's strategy to appeal to immigrants in America Usha, whose roots are in Andhra Pradesh, comes from a family of academics, including her great-aunt, Professor Shanthamma Chilukuri, who is India's oldest active professor at age 96

Professor Chilukuri sent her best wishes to Usha and JD, saying, “She should remember India and the feelings of Indians If there are any mistakes, they can be fixed If any laws need to be included, she can use her position to benefit Indians ” However, like Kamala Harris, the expectations that Usha’s influence will benefit the Indian community might be unrealistic, as her political influence will likely be limited after the elections

Usha’s rise to prominence has proven challenging due to her connection with Trump, attracting criticism from

various groups for her beliefs and emotions Some South Asian Americans have accused the Republican Party and media of using Usha Vance’s profile to promote a model minority narrative about all Indians, despite policies that harm their community

While Harris and Vance highlight their heritage, some Indian-origin politicians, such as Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal, tend to downplay their Indian background to appeal to broader voter bases, which can be seen as a political strategy This is similar to Indian-origin politicians in the UK like Priti Patel and Suella Braverman, who, despite their immigrant backgrounds, have adopted strict antiimmigrant stances, aligning with conservative values to secure support within their parties

Historically, the Indian-American community has favoured the Democratic Party and have so far been a reliable vote bank for Democrats, with an estimated 80% of them voting for them However, the Vances’ entry, along with the rising profile of Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley in the Republican Party, may now cause ripples

Overall, it will be Kamala Harris versus Usha Vance in attracting and appealing to the immigrant voter base Whether Kamala Harris manages to overcome the usual hurdles of a woman presidential candidate in the US, or Usha Vance helps her husband overcome the typical challenges faced by a "redneck" candidate, Indian-Americans will be key to the 2024 US elections

Vision for 'Viksit Bharat' and economic parity

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim Budget for 2024-25, which serves as the strategic roadmap for the Modi 3 0 government, outlining its development agenda for the next five years To achieve the goal of 'Viksit Bharat', the finance minister highlighted nine priorities, ranging from enhancing agricultural productivity to implementing nextgeneration reforms

India's world-beating economy is on the right track amidst global challenges, as highlighted by the Economic Survey 2023-24 It also indicated that the country's economy has made a strong recovery after suffering a massive jolt due to the pandemic According to the survey, India's GDP could grow approximately 6 6-7% in FY25, clearly indicating its resilience

As India continues to improve its economic growth year by year, members of the Indian diaspora are choosing to return to their homeland for better opportunities and economic prospects In the United States, which hosts approximately 1 5% of the Indian diaspora population, 30% of NRIs express a desire to move back due to the country's rapid progress Experts predict that the number of returnees will increase significantly over the next decade

For NRIs, the Budget 2024 proposes a higher tax on certain capital gains while also reducing taxes on specific assets

The new tax rates will apply to transfers made on or after July 23, 2024 This revision aims to align the taxation structure between residents and non-residents, ensuring parity in tax treatment

The Economic Survey flagged several employment issues in India To tackle these challenges, the Union Budget prioritises employment and skilling as key focus areas It introduces three schemes under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) programme to stimulate formal employment, support workforce entrants, and incentivise manufacturing job creation Additionally, efforts to increase women's work-

force participation and a new skilling programme in collaboration with state governments and industry emphasise a comprehensive approach to employment issues

However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of these measures for degree holders who are unemployed due to a lack of job opportunities These individuals may face difficulties in restarting their careers The government has promised to create over 40 million jobs for youth over five years under five schemes with an outlay of Rs 2000 bn, but the CMIE data shows India's unemployment rate stands at 9 2 per cent Often, there are only a few dozen vacancies or a few thousand posts, leading to millions of candidates applying and competing for limited positions This allocation may have little impact on the severe unemployment situation

From the common man to salaried individuals, India's thriving middle class eagerly anticipates income tax relief in this budget Amid rising inflation and growing income inequality, they face heightened job uncertainties and financial pressures The Union Budget offers a mixed bag of measures that impact their daily lives

Significant cuts in customs duties will make essential items such as gold, silver, cancer medicines, solar panels, solar cells, electric vehicles, and mobile phones more affordable Conversely, items like ammonium nitrate, plastic products, and specified telecom equipment will become costlier

The government needs to address the unchanged deduction limit on health insurance premiums under Section 80D, which has remained stagnant for nine years despite escalating healthcare costs With India experiencing a medical inflation rate of 14%, surpassing its South Asian peers, it is crucial to link the deduction limit to inflation and revise it periodically This adjustment would provide essential financial relief to taxpayers and encourage broader adoption of health insurance

To attract foreign direct investment and boost the use of

the Indian Rupee in overseas investments, the rules and regulations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Overseas Investments will be simplified Additionally, the government is committed to further digitising and streamlining taxpayer services, making the appeal process more efficient and reducing the time limits for appeals, easing the burden on the middle class

While the budget provides clear benefits such as increased standard deductions and simplified tax procedures, changes in capital gains taxes and TDS rates will require careful consideration by taxpayers Overall, the budget reflects a step towards a smooth and taxpayer-friendly regime, but the real impact will depend on the implementation and reception of these changes in the coming years

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Just

four

migrants sent to Rwanda for £700m

A st aggering £700 mil lion was s pe nt o n t h e fa il e d R w a n da

s ch e me , w h ic h s a w j us t fo ur migran ts sent volunta rily to t he African count ry, the ne w Home Se cre tary re veal ed on Monday

Yvette Cooper described the enormous cost under the previous Conservative government as “the most shocking waste of taxpayer money I have ever seen ” She also claimed that the total cost of the Tory Rwanda policy could have reached £10 billion “I have been shocked by what I have found,” Ms Cooper told the Commons

She added: "Two years after the previous government launched it, I can report it has

already cost the British taxpayer £700 million to send just four volunteers to Rwanda These costs include £290 million in payments to Rwanda, chartering flights that never took off, detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them, and employing more than a thousand civil servants to work on the scheme A scheme to send four people this is the most shocking waste of taxpayers' money I have ever seen Looking forward, the costs are set to get worse

“Even if the scheme had ever got going, it's clear it would only cover a minority of arrivals, yet a substantial portion of future costs were fixed costs

Mahmood: No choice but to release 5,500 prisoners early

J u s ti c e S e cr eta ry S h a ba na M ah mood h as stated th at the Gov ernm ent has "no choice" but to release 5, 50 0 priso ners early d ue to th e proj ected overcrowding of jails by S eptem ber

To address this, the Government will temporarily reduce the minimum sentence served in jail from 50% to 40% for many prisoners This measure will be reviewed in 18 months Additionally, a review into the prison capacity crisis will be conducted to investigate why critical decisions were not made sooner

In a Commons statement, Ms Mahmood explained, “We have introduced a draft statutory instrument, pending approval from both Houses, which will allow those serving eligible standard determinate sentences to be released after 40% of their sentence rather than 50%, with the remainder served on licence Our impact assessment predicts that approximately 5,500 offenders will be released in September and October Until we can reverse this emergency measure, 40% will be the new automatic release point ”

Ms Mahmood criticised the previous administration, stating, “I referred to the previous occupants of Downing Street as ‘guilty men ’ not lightly Their legacy is a near-catastrophic prison system, only avoided due to the dedication of prison and probation staff ” She also announced the discontinuation of the previous government’s supervised licence scheme and outlined plans to recruit at least 1,000 new trainee probation officers by the end of March 2025 The Prison Governors’ Association accused the former government of avoiding tough decisions and passing unresolved problems to the new administration

Racist campaign left widow 'mentally unwell'

K u m ud in i Ni c o la , an A s i an w idow liv ing in Darlington, has been enduring relentless antisocial behaviour and suspected racial abuse since m oving into h er council house th ree years ago The 58-year-old has faced a troubling series of incidents, including dog waste left on her doorstep, vandalism, and thefts from her garden Despite reporting these issues to both the police and Darlington Borough Council, the harassment persists “I can’t go out now I am scared all the time,” Nicola told the BBC She recounted instances of verbal abuse related to her skin colour and an incident where someone urinated in her garden while laughing

Originally from Sri Lanka, Kumudini has been living alone

UK’s new Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits India

David Lam my is v isiting India this w eek follo wing a d irectiv e fro m his cabinet colleag ue, Jo nath an Reynolds, to resu me trade negotiations This m arks L am my's first official visit as the UK's Foreign S ecretary and prov ides an early o pportunity to rev iew and enhance the bilateral C omp rehensive S trateg ic P artnership

During his visit, Lammy will meet with Indian counterpart Vikram Misri as Keir Starmer's new government seeks to finalize a significant trade deal that eluded the previous administration The agenda includes discussions on the long-pending India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) and New Delhi’s concerns about pro-Khalistan activities in Britain These talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled for Wednesday evening, according to sources familiar with the visit

Earlier in the election campaign, Keir Starmer emphasized to Asian Voice that, "Our partnership with India, as the world’s fifth-largest economy and the UK’s second-largest inward investor after the USA, is a crucial part of our mission " He added, "If elected, we aim to forge a new UK-India strategic partnership The FTA will be the foundation of this, and we plan to negotiate it if we come into power We will focus on deepening trade, advancing new and green technologies, and addressing economic, domestic, and global security concerns

since her husband’s death in 2017 and has four children The ongoing abuse has taken a severe toll on her health, leading to high blood pressure and mental distress, and she has even contemplated suicide “My blood pressure is really high and my hands are shaking all the time I’ve got mental problems now I can ’t sleep,” she said “Sometimes I am thinking about suicide ”

A BBC investigation revealed that while councils in north-east England received over 31,000 reports of anti-social behaviour in 2023, fewer than 1% of these cases resulted in penalties Despite Darlington Borough Council’s assurances of taking appropriate action and ongoing investigations, Kumudini’s situation remains unresolved

We also intend to leverage our diplomatic network to attract Indian foreign direct investment into the UK, expand Indian markets for British exporters, and shape emerging regulatory frameworks " However, the resumption of talks comes amid potential controversy Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently received Russia’s highest honor during a summit in Moscow, where he warmly embraced President Vladimir Putin This development, coupled with concerns from Muslim groups about Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies, may complicate diplomatic efforts Starmer's Labour government has already faced criticism from pro-Gaza independents over its support for Israel, straining relations with Muslim communities

This new engagement with India represents a shift from Jeremy Corbyn’s previous critical stance on Modi’s government Lammy had previously visited India as Shadow Foreign Secretary, accompanied by Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Women 'waiting too long to have babies’

Wom en are waiting to o long to h ave babies, w ith the average age of those starting IVF treatm ent su rpassing 35 for the first t i m e, t h e f ert il i ty r eg u l ato r rep orts

The trend of delaying motherhood has been attributed to poor access to NHS services, the cost of living, and pandemic lockdowns making it difficult to find a partner However, women risk lowering their chances of success by waiting, according to a report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

The report found that IVF results in pregnancy for 42 per cent of women aged 18 to 34, but this drops to 26 per cent for those in their late thirties and 5 per cent in their early forties

The overall average age for women to have their first child, whether through IVF or not, was 29 in 2022, up from 28 in 2012

and 27 in 2002

This trend is fuelling political concerns about Britain’s falling birthrate Official figures published this week revealed that births were at their lowest since 2002 As a result, some MPs have called for "pro-natal" policies, such as free childcare and tax breaks, to promote marriage and having children at a younger age

The HFEA, which regulates NHS and private fertility clinics, used national data from 2022 for its report It highlights that record numbers of single women are trying to have babies on their own using sperm donors More than 5,000 single women pursued this route in 2022, making up nearly 1 in 10 fertility patients Single women starting IVF treatment tend to be slightly older, with an average age of 36 In total, 52,500 women had IVF treatment in 2022

I N B R I E F

MURDER ACCUSED CLAIMS INTENT TO 'SCARE'

A 15-year-old boy on trial for the murder of a teenager has testified that he felt "regretful and upset" upon learning of the victim s death He stated that he never intended to harm or kill anyone, although he admitted to carrying a knife for protection The defendant, along with his friend, also aged 15, is accused of murdering Muhammad Hassam Ali, known as Ali, in Birmingham on January 20 Ali, 17 succumbed to his injuries in hospital after being allegedly followed through the city centre by two masked individuals he did not know, and then being stabbed in the chest while sitting in Victoria Square In his testimony the accused claimed that he only brandished the knife to "scare" Ali and his friend not to cause serious injury or death Both defendants who deny charges of murder and possession of a knife as well as Ali’s friend cannot be named due to a court order related to their age The trial is ongoing

CHILDREN’S FOOD IS HIGHLY PROCESSED

Research indicates that ultra-processed foods make up two-thirds of the daily calorie intake for British children Experts discovered that ultra-processed foods constitute a significant part of the diets of 11 to 18-year-olds, with higher consumption observed among white children and those from deprived backgrounds These foods, which are often high in saturated fat, salt, sugar and additives, have been linked to adverse health outcomes such as obesity and heart disease They can displace more nutritious options in the diet The study, conducted by the University of Cambridge and the University of Bristol, analysed fourday food diaries from nearly 3,000 11 to 18year-olds in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey between 2008/09 and 2018/19 It found that ultra-processed food consumption averaged 861 grams (1 9 pounds) per day accounting for 66 percent of daily energy intake Researchers attribute this decline to health campaigns encouraging reductions in sugar and fatty food consumption as well as the UK government s sugar tax which has led to reductions in sugar content in drinks

DIFFICULTIES FOR NORTH LONDON COUNCIL

A North London council has issued a stark warning about the need for difficult decisions’ regarding future public service cuts The local authority estimates a budget shortfall of £16 million for the 2025/26 financial year, potentially increasing to £30 million by 2027/28 Brent Council’s finance department has highlighted the ‘significant risks, issues, and uncertainties’ it faces in meeting the growing demand for services in the borough A recent report outlines the challenges the council encounters in balancing its budget having already implemented cuts exceeding £210 million since 2010 The budget for February revealed a need to address an £8 million shortfall to maintain core services for 2024 Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Cllr Mili Patel, noted that the council will likely need to make further ‘significant savings in the coming years to achieve a balanced budget This is particularly pressing due to increasing pressures to sustain social care and homeless support services Cllr Patel described the report's findings as ‘sobering,’ emphasising that tough decisions will be required regarding which services to prioritise and which to reduce

Shabana Mahmood

David Lammy with S Jaishankar and Jonathan Reynolds during his last visit to India

"Covid had serious consequences, and the response should have been much more effective"

Anusha Singh

Th e U K g ov er n m en t

"f a i le d " i t s c i ti z e n s through inadeq ua te processes, planning, and policies ahead of the COVID19 pandemi c, according to a public inquiry

Over 235,000 COVID19-related deaths occurred in the UK by the end of 2023 A newly published report suggests that some of the "financial and human costs may have been avoided" if the country had been better prepared for the 2020 outbreak This is the first of nine reports by the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, focusing on the nation's preparedness and response structures for a pandemic

The 83,000-word document identifies "several significant flaws," including the preparation for "the wrong pandemic " Baroness Heather Hallett, the inquiry chair, is advocating for "radical reform" and makes ten recommendations, including a comprehensive overhaul of how the UK government prepares for civil emergencies

"Never again can a disease be allowed to lead to so many deaths and so much suffering," Lady Hallett writes in the introduction Following the report's release, she stated: "I have no hesitation in concluding the processes, planning, and policy of the civil contingency structures across the UK failed the citizens of all four nations There were serious errors on the part of the state and serious flaws in our emergency systems This cannot be allowed to happen again "

Key recommendations include radically simplifying systems, conducting a UK-wide pandemic response exercise at least every three years, and creating a single, independent statutory body responsible for the preparedness and response of the entire system

Dr Saleyha Ahsan is a Britis h physic ian, presenter and journalist who lost her father during the Covid-19 pandemic Reacting to the outcomes of the report, she said, “What’s crucial now is addressing the issues Baroness Hallett identified in her report and it is imperative that the government urgently finds solutions to these problems and acts quickly ”

She also highlighted the disparities faced by the ethnic minority communities stating, “Indian and Pakistani patients experienced some of the highest death rates and inequality in healthcare was a major factor, which Baroness Hallett initially hesitated to address but was ultimately persuaded to include in her findings

“The report reveals substantial healthcare disparities that led to higher death rates and worse outcomes for Asian patients Additionally, many of the doctors who died were of Asian descent ”

G ur c h R a n d h a wa ,

Profes sor of Divers ity i n Publi c He alth & Director of the I nstitute for Health Researc h at the Univers ity of Bedfordshire also highlighted this disparity sharing, “During the covid19 pandemic, Public Health England (PHE) published a report on disparities in risk and outcomes from COVID-19 identified that men from black ethnic groups were over three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people of white ethnic groups, even when accounting for age, sex, deprivation, and region People from Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean, and other black ethnic backgrounds had between 10% and 50% higher risk of death when compared with the white British population

“It is vital that there is a systemic approach to building trust and awareness among communities to ensure those suffering from long-covid-19 are supported to access appropriate services ”

Dr Ahsan also talked about the failure of the Conservative government in the handling of the pandemic She said, “It was disgusting to know that while my dad and other patients were fighting for their lives, parties were being held at 10

Downing Street

“When it became clear through exercises and training that we were not prepared to respond to a pandemic, action should have been taken Under the previous Chief Medical Officer, these issues should have been addressed Proper planning and preparedness were essential, and it was clear that these were lacking

“The lack of adequate PPE and the delay in implementing lockdowns were critical failures The lockdowns were delayed, including the second one, which is when my dad contracted Covid We needed to address the fail-

ures that have accumulated over the past decade These issues had serious consequences, and the response should have been much more effective ”

Jeremy Hunt has apologised for the failures in the UK's pandemic preparations highlighted by the Covid inquiry Hunt, who served as health secretary from 2012 to 2018, admitted to being part of a "groupthink" that overprepared for pandemic flu and neglected other types of pandemics

Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg program, he said: “I apologise unreservedly to the families What happened to this country during Covid was the most terrible tragedy ” Hunt also urged the new government to adopt the recommendations from Baroness Heather Hallett’s 217-page report

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, The report confirms what many have always believed - that the UK was under-prepared for COVID-19, and that process, planning, and policy across all four nations failed UK citizens The safety and security of the country should always be the first priority, and this government is committed to learning the lessons from the inquiry and putting better measures in place to protect and prepare us for the impact of any future pandemic "

The inquiry reviewed 103,000 documents, gathered 213 witness statements, and heard from 68 witnesses during the first module in June and July of last year Hearings for later phases are expected to continue until 2026

Rishi Sunak formally steps down as Conservative leader

ing the process to e

ct his succe ssor

Sunak will continue as acting leader until a new leader is elected on Saturday, November 2 He stated, “It is in the national interest to ensure a smooth and orderly transition to a new Leader of the Opposition Therefore, I will remain in position until November 2, when the leadership election concludes This approach will allow our party to perform its role as the official opposition effectively and professionally ”

He further noted, “I believe this is the best course of action for the Conservative Party and, most importantly, for our country ”

The rules have been established following meetings of the 1922 Executive Committee and the Conservative Party Board Harrow East MP Bob Blackman, Chairman of the 1922 Committee of Backbench Tory MPs, stated, “While there are important discussions to be had about the future of our party, we must ensure that the focus remains on constructive debate rather than personal attacks

“I am confident that this process will facilitate such discussions I am pleased that Rishi Sunak will continue in his role until November 2, ensuring a smooth and orderly transition to a new leader ” Suna k's light-he art ed a dvice to Sta rme r in fir st officia l speech

In his first official speech Rishi Sunak offered a touch of light-hearted advice to his successor, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, congratulating him on his "decisive" victory in the recent general election This exchange took place in the House of Commons following the King’s Speech, which marked the State Opening of Parliament During the event, King Charles III outlined the new Labour gov-

ernment’s legislative agenda and priorities for the coming year

Humorously reflecting on his own political journey "Life on the government benches moves quickly," Sunak said "You might start with a junior ministerial role, end up in the cabinet, and if the prime minister's position becomes unstable, find yourself in the highest office And before you know it, you ’ re 44 and wondering if you can be seen as an elder statesman," he quipped, drawing laughter from the room

Rishi Sunak began his career as a junior minister in the UK Treasury before being promoted by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to become the first British Indian Chancellor of the Exchequer Following the partygate scandal and the brief premiership of Liz Truss, Sunak assumed office as the UK’s first British Indian Prime Minister on Diwali Day in October 2022 Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who secured a decisive victory in the recent election, expressed his gratitude to Sunak for the warm and gracious welcome as he commenced a new parliamentary session under the Labour Party government

Dr Saleyha Ahsan

Gurch Randhawa

Rishi Sunak

Action against inadequate care home for autistic Asian women

T h e Care Qu ali ty

Co m m i ss io n ( CQC) h as once again rated Two Rivers Care Ho me as inadequ ate and placed it in special measures following inspections conducted in February and M arch The CQC will also t ake fu rt he r r egu lato ry actions, which w ill be disclosed when legally permissible

Operated by Suncare Recovery Limited, Two Rivers Care Home is registered as both a residential care home and a domiciliary care service It provides personal care for up to eight people within the residential home, while the domiciliary care service is currently inactive The facility is specifically designed to support autistic Asian women and Asian women with learning disabilities

Inspectors found that

the leadership had not addressed the issues identified in the previous inspection in 2023, where it was noted that residents' individual needs, preferences, and goals were not consistently considered in their care Staff continued to impose unnecessary restrictions that could infringe on residents' human rights, with only minimal improvements observed

Victoria Oeckden, CQC Deputy Director for North London, commented, “It was disappointing to find that Two Rivers Care Home had not demonstrated the necessary improvements identified in our last inspection We expect adult social care providers to ensure that autistic women and women with learning disabilities receive the choices, dignity, independence, and care that

others might take for granted

“The service must improve communication with residents, tailoring it to their needs rather than staff convenience We were particularly concerned about basic safety issues, such as staff not preparing food and drink to meet the specific needs of residents at risk of choking

“Due to the failure to provide safe and effective care, Two Rivers Care Home has been rated inadequate once again and remains in special measures to safeguard residents Further enforcement action has been taken, which will be reported once legally permissible ”

The service has been rated inadequate overall and in the areas of safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness, and leadership

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar graduates from Aston University

D u dle y ’ s fir s t fe m ale MP , Sonia Kumar, has graduated from Aston University with a d e g re e i n B usi n es s a n d Management

Elected with a majority of 1,900 in the General Election on July 4, Kumar was previously a front-line NHS physiotherapist Her newly formed constituency, which includes parts of the former Dudley North and Dudley South seats, is one of 57 seats in the West Midlands

After leaving Cadbury College, Sonia Kumar worked at the Royal

Orthopaedic Hospital in Northfield, where she is now a foundation trust member She received her Master’s degree in Business and Management at a ceremony held at the Eastside Rooms in

Birmingham

Sonia Kumar MP expressed her joy, saying: “I’m thrilled to have graduated from Aston University with a distinction in MSc Business and Management

The Prime Minister kindly gave me a day off to attend the ceremony Over the past few weeks, I’ve been networking and gaining insights, and I’m eager to apply my new skills in my role as an MP I encourage future students to break glass ceilings and push boundaries nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it ”

Misconduct leads to pharmacist's dismissal after assault allegations

A Boots pharmacist has been st ru ck off for g r opin g a pa ti e nt who sough t t he morning-after pill

Sajjaad Patel, a married pharmacist, was reported to have "abused his position" by inappropriately touching a woman's groin and breasts during an examination that was not clinically justified, according to a misconduct hearing

The woman felt "frozen [and] freaked out" as Patel

stared at her and moved his hands around her body in front of her two-year-old daughter The incident left her feeling incredibly uncomfortable and vulnerable," causing her to suffer from nightmares and flashbacks Patel has been struck off after a General Pharmaceutical Council tribunal determined that no other outcome would "adequately protect the public " He was working at Boots in

Rawtenstall, Lancashire, when the incident occurred in September 2020 The woman, referred to as Patient A, felt embarrassed to request the morning-after pill in the store, so she asked for a consultation Once in a small room, Patel told her, "We do things differently now I need to examine your stomach to check your hormones "

The next day, Patel was arrested and interviewed under caution

New border security bill unveiled to address migrant channel crossings

Laws aimed at “ modernising the asylum and immigration sy s tem” wil l suppor t the Government’s plan to establish a security border comman d, f un ded by s av in gs from the cancelled multimi ll ion - poun d Rwa nda scheme

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, outlined in the King’s Speech, will create a new Home Office unit tasked with combating organised immigration crime using counter-terrorism powers, according to documents

detailing the plans If passed, the Bill will apply across the UK and aims to ensure "secure and stronger borders and a wellmanaged asylum system," according to Government assurances It also reiterates commitments to reduce the asylum backlog, end the use of hotel accommodations, and enhance “fast-track returns” for individuals from safe countries

Building on Labour’s manifesto commitments, the statement criticised existing policies for their

Twelve-year-old Isha Kaur Athwal joins ‘High Hoops’

A young actress has landed a l eadi n g role i n C BB C's upc omi ng s i tc om, ‘H i gh Hoops’ Isha Kaur Athwal, a Year 8 student at Bradford Grammar School, has temporarily relocated from Idle to Halifax for the shoot Filming for the comedy began in June and is set to conclude in mid-August

The series, set in Halifax, follows the adventures of a girls' school basketball team

Twelve-year-old Isha, who returns home on weekends, manages her schoolwork and budding acting career with support from a chaperone and tutor on set

Isha shared: "Securing this role is thrilling and a great addition to my CV It’s exciting to be part of a pro-

ject aimed at an older audience and to work with talented actors from across the UK ”

Isha, who started acting at the age of five, has featured in films like ‘The Runaways’, appeared in advertisements for Children in Need and Morrisons, and

played Anneena on the CBeebies show ‘Biff, Chip and Kipper’ She also voiced Frankie the cat in the acclaimed ‘Pip and Posy’ animation on Channel 5 Isha is represented by Articulate, a Yorkshirebased stage school and casting agency

Lisa Nandy announces grassroots sports initiative

The new Secretary of State f or Cult ure, Me di a, an d Sport has c omm it ted to i nc re as i ng footb al l ac ce ss for girls and boys across the UK Thi s pled ge ai ms to build on the legacy of UEFA E uro 202 4, wher e t he England team reached the finals but narrowly lost the trophy to Spain

Lisa Nandy also revealed plans for a review of the school curriculum to ensure adequate time for physical education (PE) and new legislation to restrict the number of kit items schools can require The British Indian Cabinet minister, who attended the Euro 2024 final in Berlin with Keir Starmer, commended the England team for their impressive performance and making the nation proud

Nandy stated: “The

entire nation is immensely proud of England’s achievement in reaching the Euro 2024 final and we extend our congratulations to Spain as the winners The Three Lions have once again inspired future generations of footballers

“We are dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of this success resonates throughout communities

across the country Our commitment is to provide every child with access to the sports they love, both in schools and grassroots clubs This will not only help discover the next generation of stars but also contribute to a healthier nation and positively impact lives ”

She highlighted that to inspire the next generation of sports stars and prepare for hosting UEFA Euro 2028 across the UK and Ireland, the government plans to bolster support for grassroots football clubs and ensure that every child has access to sports in schools This initiative aims to nurture talent everywhere and promote a healthier nation, aligning with efforts to increase opportunities and create a future-ready NHS

Dr Neeraj Patil joins UK Labour Party NEC

D r N eer aj Pa ti l, f orme r Ma yor of the Lon don Borough of Lambeth, has been elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the British Labour Party, the party's highest decisionmaking body

failure to prevent Channel crossings or prosecute people smugglers, declaring that “ our current asylum system is broken ” It claimed that withdrawing from the “ineffective and highly expensive Migration and Economic Development Partnership” for sending migrants to Rwanda would save “ over £100 million in future payments,” along with “tens of millions of pounds” in additional relocation costs for a limited number of individuals

A Consultant in Accident and Emergency Medicine with 28 years of NHS service, Dr Neeraj Patil, has been a dedicated Labour Party member for 20 years He has also served as the Foundation Governor for both St Thomas' Hospital and King's College Hospital

Dr Neeraj Patil served on Lambeth Council for eight years and played a key role in installing the Basaveshwara statue opposite the British Parliament in 2015, which was unveiled by the Prime Minister of India

He also chaired Hindus for Labour, an officially recognized Labour Party organisation that aims to engage British Hindu voters Dr Patil and his team worked tirelessly across the UK to rally Hindu support for the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer has praised Hindus for Labour for their crucial role in the Labour Party's landslide victory on July 4, 2024

The NEC, comparable to the Congress Working Committee (CWC) of the Indian National Congress and the BJP's Parliamentary Board, oversees the UK Labour Party's strategic direction and policy development Comprising 39 members, the NEC includes Prime Minister Keir Starmer, representatives from trade unions, MPs, and party members

Sonia Kumar

Isha Kaur Athwal

Lisa Nandy

Dr Neeraj Patil with Sir Keir Starmer

Struggles of parents with young children highlighted

Anusha Singh

In its annual survey, the UK Committee for UNICE F (UNICEF UK) has raised concerns about the growing risks to children's futures due to escalating debt, deteriorating mental health, and the high cost and scarcity of childcare The survey reveals that 87% of parents with babies, toddlers, and young children are anxious about their children’s future opportunities

The charity highlights that parents, especially those from lower-income households, are not receiving adequate support to ensure their children have the best possible start in life

Results of the annual YouGov survey commissioned by UNICEF UK has found that financial worries, poor mental health, and childcare continue to severely impact families with young children up and down the country 66% of parents of 0-4 year olds said the costof-living crisis had negatively impacted their family, 63% reported to have struggled with their mental health while being a parent, and 62% cited the lack of local, affordable, and quality childcare as one of the biggest challenges facing parents

Joanna Rea, Director of Advocacy UNICEF UK, told Asian Voice, “Our findings reveal that households living on lower incomes (£19,999 or below a year) are suffering the most with 77% from this group reporting to be negatively impacted by the cost-ofliving crisis The report shows a consistent pattern across the metrics of those on lower incomes suffering more - with 62% dreading the holidays because of the financial strain, 39% borrowing money or have gone into debt to make ends meet and pay for the essentials, and three-

quarters (75%) reporting to have struggled with their mental health while being a parent

“Behind these figures are children and families across the country who are really struggling – parents borrowing money, skipping meals, and worrying about making ends meet, children going without the essentials they need, starting school already behind their peers, and growing up in stressed and stretched households ”

UNICEF UK surveyed parents to understand their top concerns and the impact these worries have on their lives and parenting

The most common concerns included saving for the future (56%), making ends meet (47%), childcare (44%), and children’s health and development (44%), with many respondents expressing significant anxiety about these issues

“We heard time and again how parents had reduced spending on activities for their children, struggled to pay for play groups, and cut back on spending on books and toys for their children We need to ensure the systems in place to support young children and their parents work properly to ensure every child can thrive now and into the future”, said Joanna

UNICEF UK is urging the new Government to reconsider early childhood services and enhance support for young children and their families by implementing a ‘National Baby and Toddler Guarantee ’ This initiative would ensure that every

baby, toddler, and child under five receives the necessary support and services to thrive in their early years and beyond

On the other hand, recent customer segmentation research by Fair4All Finance, in collaboration with Trajectory and CACI, reveals that nearly three million people have faced financial difficulties in the past year Currently, 44% of UK adults are living in financially vulnerable situations Many are at risk of falling into problem debt due to a lack of financial safety nets such as credit, insurance, or savings, which leaves them vulnerable to everyday events or unexpected expenses

Ayesha Begum, Senior Manager, Strategy & Impact discussed financial disparity and how the ethnic minorities get the shorter end of the stick, stating, “People from minority ethnic groups face systemic economic disadvantages that are complex and multifaceted They are more likely to be in lower-paid jobs, experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment, and face elevated housing costs Additionally, their lower financial resilience makes them more vulnerable to financial difficulties in the event of a financial shock These challenges, combined with barriers to accessing financial services, contribute to significant disparities in support for their financial well-being and resilience ”

Starmer vows to boost UK skilled worker training

Si r Ke ir Starm er has pl edged to “ fire up ” the training of skill ed workers in Britain and reduce the nation’s “over-reliance” on immigration

A new organisation, Skills England, will collaborate with the Government’s independent migration advisers to identify current and future skills gaps in the UK The Migration Advisory Committee and the skills chiefs will then develop plans to address labour shortages

Speaking at the Farnborough International

Airshow in Hampshire, the Prime Minister told business leaders, “We are going to make sure there are highly-motivated, ambitious, talented young people who want to work in your business We won’t be content just to pull the easy lever on importing skills We are turning the page on that We’re going to fire up the training of more UK workers ” While acknowledging the contributions of overseas workers, he added, “All too often young people in our country have been let down, not given

Sunak’s

new appointments push 40% of Tory MPs to front bench

Rishi Sunak has appointed more junior members to his

being on the front bench

This latest round of appointments follows the announcement of his temporary shadow cabinet

With 51 MPs on the Conservative front bench, they now make up 42% of the parliamentary party, highlighting the significant reduction in Tory numbers

Approximately 10 of the

newly appointed frontbenchers are juggling multiple roles Andrew Bowie, the shadow veterans minister, is also handling duties as shadow minister for energy security and net zero Meanwhile, Hampshire MP Paul Holmes has taken on three positions: shadowing the Foreign Office and the Northern Ireland Office, and serving as a Tory whip

Other notable appointments include Alicia Kearns, former chair of the

Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, now serving as a shadow Foreign Office minister, and Danny Kruger, co-chair of the New Conservatives group, appointed as shadow defence minister

In the House of Lords, Earl Howe has been named shadow deputy leader of the House, maintaining a continuous 33-year presence on the Conservative front bench that began with his appointment as a whip under John Major in 1991

Met ad sparks new boycott call from ethnic minority recruits

O ffic ers have r eit er at ed t h eir ca ll s for p o

Met

ice Service, despite the force's new camp ai gn aimed at increasing constable numbers

The recruitment campaign, titled Change Needs You, seeks to attract individuals who embody the core values of policing: courage, empathy, and respect The campaign includes a oneminute film and advertise-

ments across billboards, the London Underground, and various social and digital platforms

It comes in the wake of high-profile criminal cases involving Met Police officers, such as serial rapist David Carrick and Wayne Couzens, who raped and murdered Sarah Everard

The campaign also follows Sir Mark Rowley's pledge to purge the force of rogue officers

access to the right opportunities or training in their community This has created an over-reliance in our economy on higher and higher levels of migration It cannot be right that some people don’t get to feel the pride of making a contribution, the dignity of work, just because we can’t find a way of creating a coherent skills system ” To further support this initiative, firms will be granted more flexibility in spending the Growth and Skills Levy, raising several billion pounds, to be used beyond apprenticeships

However, associations representing Black, Asian, and minority ethnic officers have urged individuals from these backgrounds to avoid joining the Met They continue to face disproportionate disciplinary actions within the force

A report by Baroness Louise Casey revealed that data indicates Black, Asian, and minority ethnic employees are disproportionately represented in employment tribunal claims and are also more likely to be dismissed during probation

Joanna Rea Ayesha Begum

Mrs Kapoor's Daughter's Wedding 2 makes successful West End debut

Rupanjana Dutta

A musical theatre celebrating a big f at Ind i an w edd i ng made its West End debut on T u esd ay 1 6 J uly ‘Mrs K ap oo r ’ s Dau g hter’ s W ed d ing 2 – M au riti us ’ staged a one-off show at the Ad elphi Theatre, in Strand, being th e f irst-ever Bri ti sh Gujarati play to be run i n L o ndo n ’ s p resti g io us W es t End Asian Voice, also became th e fir st ever A si an newsweekly to be featured in a West End production

The ambience was no less than a real Indian wedding, with red carpet, dhol players, dancing families and garlands that welcomed “guests” (audience) to the “Bride’s Side” and “Groom’s Side”, in a theatre that was founded in 1806, and seat upto 1500 people.

The show has been watched by 100,000 people and made four phenomenal

our British Asian identity. It's about honouring our roots, embracing our traditions, and showcasing the diverse narratives that define us. Let's celebrate this proud achievement and historic event for the Gujarati community.”

Since the inception of the show, it has received widespread acclaim for its seamless integration of comedy, dance, and music, captivating audiences and estab-

UK tours. Though the show's dialogues have mainly been in English, a lot of what Mrs Kapoor spoke was bilingual –mixing Gujarati anecdotes and English translations.

Archana Kumar, the choreographer and visionary behind the production, expressed her excitement for showcasing British Asian culture on stage and told Asian Voice, "This production is not just a mere spectacle; it's a testament to the essence of

lishing itself as a cultural phenomenon. Featuring relatable immersive Indian wedding rituals like the ‘vidai’ ceremony, ring ceremony, and the groom's shoe hiding ceremony, the musical not only entertained but also educated culturally.

Comedian, actor and renowned author Manoj Kerai, portrayed the character of Mrs Kapoor effortlessly. Modelled a bit like Kapil Sharma’s Show where Sunil

and

women in comic roles- Manoj could be seen cladded in a Gujaratistyled saree with a cardigan on top, bindi and a long-hair wig. As a quintessential British Gujarati woman married to a happy-go-lucky Punjabi man, Manoj as Mrs Kapoor showcased his incredible talent in a comic role, though one wonders why a woman could not be cast in his place as Mrs Kapoor.

Kush Pattni who acted as demure yet subtly flirtatious Mr Kapoor, often outnumbered by 6 women at his household and seen reading Asian Voice with chai (tea), sitting in his living room, kept up with Manoj’s comic pace.

Singer and influencer Rio Jai acted as the weight pushing gym loving groom, Reeya

very efficient wedding planner, who could easily tackle bride's bickering mum (Mrs Kapoor) and mum-in-law (played by comedian and content creator Rupal Maru). Bavine Baichande dressed like Kartik Aryan from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 acted well as an ultra-modern, quirky guru come Pandit with a western swag.

The dancers who played multiple roles including Mrs Kapoor’s daughters, were brilliant.

Mrs Kapoor’s Wedding 2Mauritius, with technical direction by Hiten Kumar, has all the potential to be a regular West End popularity, drawing Bollywood fans across the world to come enjoy the cultural fest.

photo courtesy: Vineet Johri

Shravan: A sacred month of devotion, legends, and rituals

The f if t h mon th o f t he

Hi nd u lun a r c al en da r, Shravan holds immense sign if i c an c e f or de vo te es of Lord Shiva Named after the Shravan Nakshatra, which shines on full-moon days, this sacred month i s marked by a series of festi vals, religi ous ob s er va n ce s , an d chances for fresh starts

During Shravan, devotees honour Lord Shiva by offering leaves, flowers, fruits, and water to the Shiva Linga, participating in rituals that symbolise purification and devotion.

The importance of Shravan Somvar Mondays in Shravan, referred to as Shravan Somvar, are especially significant. Devotees visit temples on these days to witness the continuous bathing of the Shiva Linga with holy water and milk. This ritual, known as abhishekam, is thought to purify the soul and deepen the connection between the devotee and the divine.

Several legends highlight the spiritual importance of Shravan Shravan is a time of profound spiritual significance and rich legends. This sacred month spans from July to August, which is marked by deep devotion and transformative rituals. According to ancient lore, Sati, King Daksha’s daughter, sacrificed herself and was reborn as Parvati. During Shravan month, she performed penance to marry Lord Shiva, who was pleased with her devotion and granted her wish, leading to their reunion.

Shravan, from July to August in the Hindu Calendar, is favoured by Lord Shiva.

During the Samudra Manthan, when the Gods and Demons churned the ocean for nectar, poison emerged along with other substances. To save the world, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, which was held in his throat by Goddess Parvati, turning it blue. This is why Shiva is called Neelakantha. Ganga water was then offered to alleviate the poison's effects.

Another tale from Shravan involves Lord Vishnu’s four-month slumber. On Devshayani Ekadashi, he falls asleep and remains so until Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Vishnu had promised King Bali to reside in Patala, the underground realm, as a reward for his charity. Distressed, Laxmiji, Vishnu’s wife, sought help from Lord Shiva and Lord

What happens when you expect something so much, but it does not happen? This situation can arise in both your personal life and workplace You m ight have anticipated positive outcomes from your hard work, driven by optimism, only to be m et with disappointment when things turn out disastrously How do you feel in such moments?

Imagine inviting a friend over for dinner. You’ve cooked a special meal, tidied up your home, and are looking forward to an evening of good conversation and laughter. At the last moment, your friend cancels, claiming they are not feeling well. Later, you find out through social media that they were watching a cricket match with other friends. The sting of betrayal can make you feel heartbroken and unappreciated.

In another scenario, you invested in a stock, expecting it to rise based on promising company reports. However, to your dismay, the stock plunges, resulting in a significant financial loss. Or perhaps your son was aiming for admission to a top university, but despite his efforts, he ends up in a school that was never on his list of preferences. Your expectation of a promotion might also meet dismay when your boss chooses a mediocre colleague over you, someone who has never performed their duties well.

Such events can be emotionally draining. They can shake your confidence and make you question the value of your efforts. However, it’s important to remember that life is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises can be pleasant.

On the flip side, let’s look at instances where reality exceeds your expectations. Imagine getting an unexpected order for your factory from a new customer, bringing in a significant profit. Your house might sell for much more than you anticipated, providing a financial windfall. Your daughter could receive an acceptance letter from a prestigious fashion design institute, thanks to her artwork shared on Instagram. Perhaps your wife surprises you with a thoughtful gift when you least expect it.

These positive surprises elicit joy and gratitude, reminding us that good things can happen unexpectedly. They balance out the disappointments and reinforce the idea that life’s unpredictability can bring about favorable outcomes as well.

In all these situations, our reactions are shaped by our expectations. When things go awry, it’s natural to feel a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration. However, it’s crucial to manage these emotions constructively. But there are ways to manage our reactions in such situations. It can be either acceptance of the situation, or changing our perspective towards outcome, or developing a type of resistance. We may also be grateful for the opportunities coming our way without developing remorse for occasions when our expectations are not met.

(Expressed opinions are personal)

Fundraising for local charities

Brahma. They agreed to spend four months each in Patala, allowing Vishnu to be free for eight months. These months, starting with Shravan and known as Chaturmas, are when Lord Shiva maintains the balance of the universe.

Rituals and practices in Shravan

During Shravan, devotees engage in various rituals such as fasting, temple visits, and special prayers. Notably, Shravan Somvar Vrats, observed on Mondays, are for seeking prosperity, success, and marital harmony. People also worship deities like Lord Krishna, born in Shravan, and Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar on Wednesdays when the Moon transits the Shravana nakshatra.

(If your organisation or temple is celebrating Shravan, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us a photo of your celebrations )

Gujarat Hindu society organised Bhajan Sammelan on 15 June at Preston Mandir to raise funds for two local chariti es namely G allo ways Society for Blind & Derian house children's hospice The so ci ety were able to rais e £5400 in total for the 2 charities through this programme Cheque presentation took place at the temple on Sunday 21 July when repre-

sentatives from both organisations were invited to be presented with £2700 each. Both charities appreciated the efforts put in by the devotees of Gujarat Hindu society for considering them for receiving the donation.

Ishwer Tailor, President said that the society even though is a charity continues to support local regional and international charities.

London hosts spectacular Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

Rohit Vadhwana

Grover

Krushna Abhishek dress as

Patel as the bride, Bhavna Patel as Mrs Kumar, while Vallisa Chauhan acted as the

Archana Kumar with CB Patel, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar

London celebrated the vibrant Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, a lively chariot festival that takes place every July from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. Since 1969, this event has echoed the traditional "Ratha-yatra," meaning "chariot festival" in Sanskrit. The festival, originally from Jagannath Puri in Odisha, India, features three grand chariots bearing the deities Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra, which are manually drawn through the streets amidst energetic musical performances.

GBS hosts graduation ceremony for students

Graduation ceremonies are a special occasion for students, marking the culmination of their educational journey

Almost 1500 GBS graduates received their certificates on 8 July at Queen Elizabeth II Centre Guest speakers included Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, Alex Mejia, Division Director at United Nations Institute and Research (UNITAR) and Labour MP Seema Malhotra

Some other key guests were Baroness Pola Uddin, James Murray MP, Anwar Choudhury, Former Governor Cayman Islands at Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Former British High Commissioner, Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London, Virendra Sharma, former Labour MP, Rajesh Agrawal, former Deputy Mayor of London, Sir Graham Brady, former MP, Stanley Johnson, Sir Tim Lankester, member of GBS advisory Board, representatives from the British Army, Royal Navy and many more

The founder of GBS and GEDU Group CEO, Dr Vishwajeet Rana, GBS CEO Prof Ray Lloyd and GBS Deputy CEO James Kennedy attended the ceremony to support and celebrate the achievements of the students

Guru Purnima celebrations at Neasden Temple

As had hi Puna m i s ce leb rat ed by m il li ons of Hindus around the world as Guru Purnima It is the auspicious occasion when aspirants can honour and thank thei r guru for hi s indispensable role as a life coach, spiritual guide and, ultimately, a bridge to God Guru Purnima was joyously celebrated through a special assembly of devotional songs, videos and discourses at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London (popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’) on Sunday 21 July 2024 in the presence of Narayancharandas Swami and Somprakashdas Swami – senior and learned swamis visiting from India

The evening programme began with devotional songs to the accompaniment of a variety of instruments that were eloquently performed by youths, describing the spiritual benefits that are realised by one who follows the guidance of a guru N a r a y a n c h a r a n d a s Swami – who personally looked after Pramukh Swami Maharaj during his spiritual travels across the

O B I T U A R Y

world – then addressed the congregation During his discourse, he shared a selection of his cherished memories with, and unique and inspiring episodes from the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj –including many that took place in London which resonated deeply with those who were present in the assembly

His narration was supported with a selection of videos, photographs and audio blessings from Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, revealing their saintly qualities, devotion to God and profound love and compas-

Mansukh (Balubhai) Popat Kalidas Radia

Lord Dolar Popat

Mans ukh Ba lubhai Popa

Kalidas Radia was born in Porb and ar, G uj ara t to Popatlal Kalidas Radia and Zaverben Radia His family then moved Kam pal a Uganda where he grew up then qualified as a barriste in the UK, then practised in Uganda, before having to move to the UK

An eminent lawyer Balubhai was on the verge of becoming Chief Justice of Uganda under Presiden Milton Obote, a position he could not assume due to Idi Amin’s coup Despite this setback, his contributions to the legal field and his community were significant and enduring

where elders in the community look forward to socialising and meeting

Practising law in the UK, and true to his strong sense of justice and belief that everyone had a right to be represented regardless of their ability to pay, he helped many people, often without charge if they couldn’t afford it He lived unwaveringly by his values

Balubhai will also be remembered as the founder of the Lohana Social Centre, which has become a beloved community centre for the elderly members of our community The centre is attended three times a week by large numbers of men and has become a valuable place in the community

In the early 1970s, as a young man, I had the privilege of attending a Lohana community meeting under Balubhai’s presidency His vision and leadership during that time were instrumental in the successful division of the community into East, West, North, and South branches, each with devolved powers To this day, these branches operate successfully, a testament to his foresight and dedication

Balubhai was also a professionally trained volunteer and trustee for Age Concern During this time he also supported the report on the ageing population in the Lohana community, recognising the importance

of caring for the elderly His dedication to this cause highlighted his deep empahy and foresight

Balubhai’s drive to help others extended abroad too o his beloved India too: upon retiring from the egal profession in the UK he committed to developng and upgrading the Motibai Devraj girls school o give young girls the opportunity to be educated This school is now hriving with girls who have graduated now inspirng others

The Lohana community, has lost one of its great pillars in Balubahi: Balubhai’s sense of duty was profound, a constant guide in his life He served his community in the UK and abroad and profession with an integrity that remains exemplary His passing is a great loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Radia family and his many friends He will be deeply missed by all who knew him He lived a selfless life driven by his desire to help others to the extent that even on his death he donated his body to medical research with the view that the research might help others

Balubhai peacefully passed away on 20 July 2024

Ministers mulling delay on £86,000 social care cost cap

Ministers are considering postponing the c ap on s oc ia l c ar e c os ts af ter coun ci ls reported that implem ent i ng it b y nex t year would be “impossible ” Health Secretary

sion for everyone

Somprakashdas Swami – an excellent orator and singer – continued the uplifting celebrations through a vibrant discourse that he interspersed with bhajans He also shared some of his personal memories with Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, and explained how their compassion as well as their own devotion to their gurus has illuminated the spiritual path of countless souls

Swamis and devotees concluded the joyous celebrations by offering guru pujan to the sacred images of the gurus

Wes Streeting has called for a review to assess the feasibility of capping lifetime care costs at £86,000 starting next year, a reform that has been postponed multiple times by the previous government Councils are advocating for a further delay, citing escalating costs and insufficient preparation as reasons why the October 2025 deadline would be “impossible” to meet

Eight out of ten local authorities have reported that they are unprepared for reforms that will also necessitate increased payments to care homes

This adjustment is intended to offset the higher fees charged to middle-class families funding their own care Labour pledged to implement the cost cap as part of broader reforms during the election campaign

Streeting has neither committed to maintaining the current timetable nor ruled out a possible delay

The cap on care costs was initially proposed by Sir Andrew Dilnot in 2011 and later promised by Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson Johnson's 2019 manifesto pledged to prevent older people from having to sell their homes to cover care expenses The policy aims to cap individuals’ lifetime care costs at £86,000, with the government covering any additional expenses

Mansukh (Balubhai) Popat Kalidas Radia

Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE addressing the audience

Wes Streeting

Pujya santos offering pujan to Guruhari, Mahant Swami Maharaj

P Somprakash Swami

P Narayancharan Swami

Breaking the silence on male sexual abuse

Jeremy Indika’s courageous journey through sexual abuse and his subsequent efforts to support others is really impressive His story powerfully shows the importance of resilience and speaking out

Jeremy’s story, from the first triggers to finding support from his friend and family, shows the urgent need to break the silence about male sexual abuse His experience highlights not only his personal struggle but also the broader stigma associated with discussing such topics within communities

The creation of Jeremy’s support group, ‘Something to Say,’ is a commendable initiative His goal to inspire and educate through this platform is crucial, especially in dispelling the myths and negativity around sexual abuse

Jeremy’s work in schools, where he shares his story to encourage young people, is equally significant Overall, Jeremy Indika’s efforts are a beacon of hope and education His openness and dedication to helping others are commendable I hope his story inspires more people to seek help, fostering understanding and compassion in our communities Priya Saha ni

Tech dependence exposed

The global Microsoft outage caused by a faulty update from CrowdStrike serves as a distressing reminder of our overdependence on technology This incident, which affected millions of Windows devices worldwide, highlights how such technical disruptions can have widespread economic and societal effects, particularly for those with limited technological knowledge

For many individuals, especially those who are not techsavvy, such outages can cause significant disruptions

Everyday activities, from managing travel plans to accessing essential services, can turn chaotic The fact that flights were cancelled, and airline systems across Indian airports faced delays, shows how technological failures can ripple through various sectors, impacting ordinary people's lives With AI and BI technology coming into force, it has made work easy for many but has also brought its ill-consequences which the world is yet to see in the coming future While major corporations and tech experts can work on fixes and updates, the common person often least equipped to handle such technical issues suffers because of such disruptions This incident reveals how our deep reliance on technology exposes us to vulnerabilities that can have far-reaching consequences

Sudhir Pathak

Challenges with ageing voter base

The analysis showing that one in six Conservative voters might die before the next election highlights a critical issue for the Tory party As Labour's younger base grows, the Conservatives are struggling with an ageing electorate With younger voters increasingly leaning towards Labour due to economic and housing concerns, the Tories must adapt their policies to address these issues

The party’s heavy reliance on older voters is a significant risk To remain relevant, the Tories must adapt their policies to address the concerns of younger generations Looking at how conservative parties in other nations have successfully engaged younger generations could provide valuable lessons If the Tories fail to adapt, they risk losing relevance with the evolving voter base

Harpreet Kaur

Remembering Kerala’s ex-CM Oommen Chandy

Kerala s ex-CM Oommen Chandy who died of cancer on 18 July 2023 was the Chief Minister of Kerala who served as the State’s CM twice from 2004 to 2006, and then again from 2011 to 2016 Always among the people, he never wanted to be alone He was a leader whose compassion went far beyond political lines He had even helped a student realise his dream by raising funds to build a house of his own The local people had a great affection for him, which led to his endearing nickname "Kunjunju," reflecting the caring and loving nature of their bond Unlike many other Chief Ministers, he did not distance himself from the people after assuming office He remained accessible and dedicated to helping others, ensuring that assistance truly served its intended purpose

Jubel D'Cruz

Bridging culture

It was worth reading and knowing about Anu Vaidyanathan’s journey in the recent interview published in Asian Voice Through her storytelling, how she tackles taboo subjects with authenticity and depth that is really sensible and worth appreciating Her reflections on balancing diverse roles and societal expectations offer valuable insights Anu's story demonstrates how courage and cultural heritage can combine to create meaningful and impactful work I have a personal connection to theatre, having wanted to pursue it but being pushed into a corporate career due to family limitations Anu’s journey reignites my passion for theatre and inspires me to stay connected to that dream Rahul Gowtham

Is human slavery resurfacing with vengeance

I was perturbed reading in Asian Voice dated 20th July 2024 that Italian police freed 33 Indian citizens who were brought to the country on false pretend, forced to work as farm labourers twelve hours a day, seven days a week, in the northern region of Italy, namely Verona, picking grapes, apples and such other agricultural products, a hard, backbreaking job local people are unwilling to do

While on holidays to such regions, we have observed tons of fruits like apples, pears, grapes and other such Mediterranean fruits rotting on trees, as well as littering on the floor, as farmers could not find pickers Some farmers bring labourers from the neighbouring countries to do the hard work, most of them brought here under false pretence and treated more like slaves than willing work-force

It is the same here in Britain At the end of summer when crops such as corn, wheat, potatoes, onions as well as seasonal fruits are ripe and ready for picking, our farmers bring in loads of farm workers, mainly from Eastern European countries, housing them in caravans or on the site until harvest is complete and stacked away in barns, safe from unpredictable British weather

The disturbing fact is that people involved in this slave labour are their own countrymen, namely fellow Indians or East Europeans who put profit, financial gain before the well-being of their fellow citizens The police also seized almost three hundred thousand pounds in Euro, Dollar and British Pound currency in this raid The sad fact is that although perpetrators of these heinous crimes are well known, they will go unpunished, as no one is willing to stand-up in court and give evidence They are too afraid for the safety of their family members’ way back in India and East European countries

This human trafficking trade is based on bribery, fear of punishment and the desire to come to Western countries that they think is the heaven, where streets are paved with gold! Most of them regret coming here but are trapped, as they cannot leave until money they borrowed on their property, that includes houses, lands and fields are repaid in full Obviously, it will take a long time before they are freed from their financial burden By that time they become used to Western way of life, however hard it may be and are unwilling to go back

Many of them make a success of their stay in a Western country, their children going to universities and providing much needed professional manpower, in the form of doctors, pharmacists, engineers and such other fields who always need additional man-power Unfortunately this means that slavery in one form or another will always be with us

Bhupendra M Gandhi

Out About & Upcoming show

This weekend's Out & About will take you to the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre at Parliament Square, London, for a special graduation ceremony celebrating future business leaders

Don't miss it on Sunday, July 28th, at 6 PM, only on Zee TV

Sky 707 Virgin 809

Soneri Sangat

Following the tremendous success and overwhelming requests from our audience, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar organised another enriching episode of "Soneri Sangat" with Kamu Palan!

Kamu Palan, a seasoned yoga instructor and successful businesswoman, returns to share her expertise in breathing techniques, asanas, chakras, and mudras She demonstrated how simple mudras can significantly impact our health with minimal effort and can be practiced anytime, anywhere By incorporating these asanas and mudras into our daily routine, we can potentially reduce our dependence on medication Read full report in Gujarat Samachar this week on pg 22

For those who missed it, catch up on this event and previous episodes by visiting our YouTube channel @abplgroup8772

Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way!

I was watching on TV the Trump campaign rally taking place near Butler, Pennsylvaniaon July 13, 2024

Everything seemed to be as usual for a Trump rally His loyal supporters turned up in their thousands Their attention on the centre stage as Trump walked on with hands held high, waving to acknowledge his admiring people No sooner had he started to speak, shots rang out His hand goes to his ear, he ducks to avoid further injury and then finally the secret service showed up to shield him from further harm As they took the former president off the stage in what can only be described as a shambolic display of presidential protection, Trump rose up, fist up and shouting, ‘fight’, ‘fight’, ‘fight’ In those 2 minutes the whole American presidential race changed

Within minutes, the internet was consumed by multiple conspiracy theories Some founded on legitimateunanswered questions, whilst the majority were from lifelong members of the conspiracy theory consortia

The truth, if we ever find that, might be rather different and possibly rather uninteresting

Nevertheless, we can ask legitimate questions like:

a Why was a high pointonly a few hundred feet awaywith direct sight to the stage not secured? It is unprecedented that anyone in charge of such high-level security would not have ensured that every vantage point that could possibly be used by an association was declared off limits, and officers stationed to ensure such out buildings remain secured Can the American Secret Service be this incompetent?

b Why did the secret service snipers who knew about the man on the roof do nothing?

c Why did the secret service who knew about a potential threat not delay the former president from taking to the stage?

d Who gains from the death of Trump? If Trump had died, then whoever the Republicans replaced him with would almost certainly win by a landslide So, would the Biden camp or the Democrats risk such an outcome?

e Was this staged to boost Trump into the Whitehouse? Trump was already well ahead in the polls and therefore maybe he would not wish to take such a risk to his own life

f Can this be just a lone wolf, a 20-year-old kid, who somehow managed to outwit the whole of the secret service apparatus, the full security measures, the multiple layers of electronic surveillance and get into a position to assassinate the former president?

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted at the House Oversight Committee that it was a ‘colossal failure’ Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers called on Cheatle to step down in the wake of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump It seems, she has managed to unite both sides of the house

At the end of her testimony, one was left wondering what quality she had that secured her this prestigious high-profile job It seems sometimes competence is sacrificed to either pamper to DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) ideology, or maybe certain state actors wanted their person in power to safeguard their interest

In the end, within a matter of days President Biden declared he was out of the race It seems VP Kamala Harris has the momentum to become the Republican candidate, though I note she has still to secure the support of the Clintons and the Obamas We know Hilary wanted to be the first woman president but lost to Trump I suspect Obama wants Michelle to get into the Whitehouse, but timing is the essence of winning And whilst the Republicans go through their self-inflicted trauma, Trump was and remains on a high The first test of what might happen in November will be when Trump faces Harris in a public debate He wiped the floor with Biden, will he, now the older man, be able to take apart the younger Harris? Can Harris become the first woman to become the President?

Folks, the race to the Whitehouse just got very interesting Trump is here, by the grace of his ear it seems Is there divine providence with him on his march to the Whitehouse? The traditionalists in America see him surviving as a sign from God, that he is the chosen one In 100 days, we will know whether American democracy delivers a legitimate result, or whether it will be shrouded in controversy, again The world is watching with bated breath as the most ‘ powerful’ nation attempts to survive its own madness

Kapil Dudakia

King’s Speech sets out Labour’s plans to rebuild Britain

a

In a moment of traditional

, Westminster

Wednesday

1 950

King Charles III delivered the address, outlining the legislative agenda of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new Labour administration This marks the first time a Labour government has presented its program since 2009, following the party’s landslide victory in the July 4 general election

The King's Speech, crafted by the government, aimed to set a new tone for British politics by emphasising service over self-interest a change Labour attributes to the 14 years of often chaotic Conservative Party rule

"My government will govern in service to the country," declared Charles, adorned in a crimson and white robe and the Imperial State Crown Starmer also cautioned voters that the path to recovery would be gradual "Rebuilding our country will not happen overnight The challenges we face require determined, patient work and serious solutions," he stated

He emphasised Labour's commitment to economic revitalisation, vowing to unlock growth and take the brakes off Britain" after years of what he described as economic irresponsibility under the Conservatives

The agenda featured significant reforms, including a shakeup of planning laws to stimulate housebuilding and infrastructure investment, the creation of a publicly-owned energy company, and plans to bring failing privatised railway

networks back into public ownership The speech outlined over 35 proposed bills

Key priority areas h ighligh ted

econo my: Labour plans to invigorate economic growth through a new industrial strategy, strengthening workers' rights, and banning zero-hour contracts

T a c kl i ng th e h o u si n g crisis: The government will reinstate mandatory housebuilding targets and reform planning laws to facilitate more home and infrastructure development The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to reduce local opposition to new developments by focusing on "democratic engagement with how, not if, homes and infrastructure are built "

Addressing th e cos t-o fliving crisis: Measures will be introduced to prevent a repeat of the utility bill price hikes that contributed to the UK's recent cost-of-living crisis

Impr ov ing p ublic serv ices: Labour promises to repair the country’s aging infrastructure and frayed public services, including the gradual renationalisation of Britain's rail services This plan involves returning rail contracts from private companies to state control once they

expire, reversing much of the privatisation enacted in the 1990s

S

u r i t y: A new border security command will be established to address irregular immigration

R es t o r i ng r e l at i o n s with Eu rop e: The government has abandoned the controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, signalling a shift in immigration policy and a desire to reset relations with the European Union The King’s Speech mentioned seeking a new security pact to enhance cooperation Starmer will host a meeting of the European Political Community, a group formed in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

F is c al r es p o n si bi l it y: Despite ambitious plans, Starmer emphasised that changes would adhere to "unbreakable fiscal rules," with no increases in personal taxes

The speech also proposed measures to empower local governments and ensure independent scrutiny of government budgets While the agenda is described as "very ambitious and very wide-ranging," it has faced criticism for several omissions

British duo's death confirmed in Sweden

T he p artner of a British travel ag ent who w ent missing i n S w ed e n w i th a fr ie nd confirm ed their death last ni g ht am i d co ncerns th ey m ay h av e been caug ht in a g ang conflict

Security camera footage released showed Juan Cifuentes, 33, and Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, picking up a car at Copenhagen Airport Reports indicate they were later seen driving, along with a third man, across the Öresund Bridge from Denmark to Sweden in a Toyota Rav4

Two bodies were discovered inside a burned car along a dirt track at 2:30 p m that day The vehicle was abandoned on the outskirts of Malmö, at the southern end of the Öresund Bridge Reports

indicate that at least one of the victims had been shot

Stephanie, Cifuentes' partner, had previously appealed for help on social media when they failed to return from what was supposed to be an “overnight business trip ” The couple leaves behind a son and daughter

Stephanie posted on social media to confirm the

Cycling UK urges government to prioritise safe bike routes over culture war policies

Shefali Saxena

C ycling U K, the c ou ntry’s

l arg e s t c yc li n g c am p a i

n g roup , u rges the new g overnment to shift aw ay from a c

ed a p p ro

h to

tr av e l and inv est properly in safe bike ro utes This call follows a su rv ey revealing that nearl y h al f o f p e o p le av o i d cycling due to safety concerns, p articularly old er riders

The group advocates for coherent investment in cycling infrastructure, contrasting the previous approach under Rishi Sunak’s government, which prioritised drivers' needs and opposed low-traffic neighbourhood schemes, 20mph zones, and bus lanes

Former transport secretary Mark Harper also perpetuated myths about 15-minute cities, falsely suggesting they limited shopping trips

Cycling UK’s poll found that while 92% of UK adults can ride a bike, fewer than half do, with 48% citing road safety concerns The charity stresses that despite cycling being safer than perceived, the fear of danger remains a barrier This can be mitigated by infrastructure like separated bike lanes, which 70% of people support

Cycling UK calls on the Labour government to allo-

cate 10% of the transport budget to active travel, highlighting benefits for public health and the environment

Chief executive Sarah Mitchell notes a strong public desire for more cycling routes and safer infrastructure, emphasising the need for evidence-led debates

New transport secretary Lou Haigh has expressed a commitment to boosting active travel levels, emphasising the importance of environmentally friendly transport initiatives She aims to make public transport and active travel more attractive, building on efforts to promote zeroemission vehicles and sustainable aviation fuels

Asian Voice asked Surath, a cyclist, how he thinks the new govern-

ment's approach to investing in safe bike routes, as Cycling UK advocates, could impact the overall safety and usage of bicycles for transport He said, “I believe this is extremely beneficial from many different perspectives Firstly, the overall number of people cycling to work will increase and in turn the traffic on the roads should decrease over time Many people live within a 5-10 mile radius of their workplace, which is easily manageable I would argue that without a shift in policy, we will forever have to deal with congested roads or roads under construction There are significant health benefits for the riders, and most definitely for the environment ” Considering the previous government's emphasis on favouring drivers' needs, Surath shared his thoughts on the pushback against low-traffic neighbourhood schemes, 20mph zones, and bus lanes He told us, “It is hard for me to comment on the larger picture without sufficient data However, such policies should enable a more active travel approach with walking and cycling But I’m sure some people may need a faster means of transportation and this should be balanced ”

deaths of her partner, Juan Cifuentes, and his friend Farooq Abdulrazak, both from Finchley, North London She described Juan as a "phenomenal human being and the most amazing father who embraced Islam at 20 She praised him for his humility and charity and noted that he had recently completed umrah with Farooq

King Charles III

King Charles III

Surath during his preparation for Ironman challenge

T H E ‘ D E S I ’ D U E L

With his decision to forgo re-election, President Biden has opened the path for Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the ticket, with his endorsement

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President And it’s been the best decision I’ve made Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year Democrats it’s time to come together and beat Trump Let’s do this,” he wrote in another post Will the desi diaspora ch eer for Kam ala?

Having entered the political scene in the US, the 59-year-old Vice President has brought her connection with India into the spotlight Harris has received support from several prominent Indian-Americans since Biden’s endorsement

Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam called her the right leader at the right time Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner, announced plans to host fundraising events for Harris Ashwin Ramaswami, candidate for Georgia State Senate, highlighted the significance of Harris’ candidacy for Indian-American and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation

The Asian American Action Fund PAC also announced its full endorsement of Harris, with chair Albert Shen stating, “Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the values we hold dear: equality, opportunity, and justice for all ” Prominent diaspora leader Rangaswami expressed pride in Harris’ candidacy, noting the increasing contributions of the Indian diaspora to American society Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar praised Harris’ work as a senator and expressed confidence in her potential as president He said, "I think Kamala Harris would be a great president She is a tough lady She has been a prosecutor As a senator, she has done an outstanding job And I look forward to working with Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States " He added, "She is very strong on small business growth So I look forward to working with Kamala Harris as a member of Congress And I am proud that she could be our next President "

However, not all members of the Indian diaspora share this enthusiasm M itesh Th akkar, a bu sinessm an in the US, expressed scepticism He said, “While

it is great to see South Asians gaining representation at such a high level in the government, this might not necessarily lead to an easier immigration process for South Asians, as these leaders are not there to favour their countries of origin ”

He noted that the South Asian community predominantly leans towards the Republicans, especially with the possibility of Donald Trump becoming the next president "Many view Trump as one of the best presidents in US history due to his strict policies and rule enforcement,” he said

Mitesh’s son, Pr ath am Thakkar, a student, believes that minority representation could significantly

impact the perception of South Asians among other communities in the United States “People often view South Asians as technology or business-oriented, but this milestone could alter that perspective, highlighting their capability in positions of power, ” he said Like his father, he also supports the idea of Trump as president, citing Harris’ perceived limited knowledge of running a country He added, “Many think Trump might be able to help America out of the severe recession Additionally, the next president after Trump could be Vivek Ramaswamy, who is of Indian origin and is perceived to have the perfect knowledge of how to run a country ”

In the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, Harris had previously spoken about her mother’s love of good idli while addressing a virtual campaign event to commemorate India’s Independence Day She also cooked masala dosas alongside Indian-origin actor Mindy Kaling

sweets, and drew colourful ‘kolams’ in front of their homes Now, a special pooja was held at the family temple in her ancestral village to invoke blessings for her expected upcoming presidential battle against Donald Trump Trum p vs Kamala: Who is better poised to w in?

Vice President Kamala Harris is performing better than Biden against Republican candidate Donald Trump

According to a Morning Consult survey conducted after Biden announced his decision to step aside, Trump leads Harris by just 2 percentage points 47 percent to 45 percent This is an improvement from the 6point margin Biden faced in earlier surveys before exiting the race

The latest poll indicates that Harris is more competitive against Trump than Biden among key groups She appears more capable of harnessing the political power of the anti-Trump coalition that has been strong in the federal elections of 2018, 2020, and 2022 Harris polls better among both women and men, as well as among Democrats, who had been a consistent weakness for Biden She also runs ahead of Trump among independents

Furthermore, Harris leads Trump by 54 points among Black voters, compared with Biden s 39-point advantage While the youngest voters favoured Trump by 9 points against Biden, Harris leads by 2 points among them

Harris is seen as an upgrade over Biden Weeks of poor fundraising, shaky public appearances, and demands from fellow Democrats for him to withdraw had raised doubts about his campaign's viability At the very least, Harris should be able to conduct energetic campaign events and boost fundraising efforts

ActBlue, a left-leaning online contribution platform, announced that small donors contributed more than $50 million within hours of her announcement that she was entering the race

Kamala Devi Harris

Sharing her opinion on UK’s alignment with Trump’s campaign, she said, “While the UK has made significant efforts to strengthen relations with Trump's team his scepticism over support for Ukraine, his hawkish approach to China and his scepticism of climate leadership and international institutions are a challenge for the UK

“A Trump Presidency will be very difficult for the UK to navigate, as he turns away from the US traditional allies Nonetheless, the special relationship has endured difficult leaders on both sides of the Atlantic before and no doubt will continue to do so ” Minority vs minority to sp lit voters?

While Kamala Harris' Indian heritage has been a highlight since her endorsement as the presidential candidate, she faces strong competition from Usha Vance, the wife of Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance

Usha Vance, with roots in Andhra Pradesh, comes from a family of academics, including her great-aunt, Professor Shanthamma Chilukuri, who is India's oldest active professor at age 96 Her candidacy is seen as part of Trump's strategy to appeal to immigrants in America Although Usha is now a registered Republican, she identified as a Democrat in 2014 Republicans believe her shift might inspire more South Asian voters to switch from Democratic loyalty

However, while Usha Vance’s position is notable, what will ultimately matter to voters is JD Vance's stance on key issues like immigration, climate change, and health care

Kamala D evi Harris was born on O ctober 20, 19 64, in Oakland, California Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a bi ologi st known for her groundbreaking work on the proges terone receptor gene, which signifi cantly advanced breast cancer research

Her victory alongside Biden in the 2020 US presidential election was celebrated in her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, where villagers burst crackers, distributed

Whoever America chooses to be their President later in the year, it is clear that Kamala Harris in the Oval Office will be more favourable for the UK Evi e Aspinall, Director of the British Foreign Policy Group, told Asian Voice, “ As sister parties, relations between the Labour Party and the Democrats are very strong and would continue to strengthen under a Harris Presidency Harris is not hugely experienced in the international arena but her views are broadly aligned with the UK ”

Some South Asian Americans have criticised the Republican Party and media for using Usha Vance's profile to promote a model minority narrative that does not address policies harmful to their community

Going forward, this battle for minority and immigrant votes will certainly be an intriguing one It will be interesting to see which candidate can successfully shift perspectives and gain the support of these communities

( For a curated profile on Usha Vance's Indian connection, please refer page 26) Continued from page 1

Shyamala emigrated from India to the United States in 1958 as a 19-year-old graduate student She studied nutrition and endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her PhD in 1964 She raised Kamala and her sister Maya as a single mother

Kamala Harris’ father, Donald J Harris, is Jamaican American with Afro-Jamaican roots He is a retired professor of economics at Stanford University

Kamala's maternal uncle, Gopalan Balachandran, is an academic based in Delhi and a former consultant at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) Her grandfather, P V Gopalan, was involved in refugee rehabilitation efforts from East Pakistan and later served as an advisor to the Zambian President, living in Lusaka His wife, Rajam, earned recognition for her social work

Balachandran notes that Kamala Harris maintains a strong connection to her Indian heritage, both through her upbringing and visits to Chennai After her mother’s death, Harris and her sister Maya visited Chennai to immerse their mother’s ashes in the sea, honouring Hindu traditions

Kamala is married to attorney Doug Emhoff and is stepmother to his two children, Cole and Ella

Evie Aspinall

Mitesh Thakkar

Pratham Thakkar

Kamala Harris with her mother

Kamala Harris with husband Doug Emhoff and his kids, Cole and Ella

Kamala Harris with Mindy Kaling (Left)

Kamala & Maya Harris in their childhood years

Shekhar Bharania: Inside Commercial Law

Sunetra Senior

Sh ekh ar is th e CE O o f rising law firm,

P hilip Jo nes Legal, which specialises in Corp orate and Co mmercial law “In th is area of th e legal field,” he sh ared, “lawyers play a key role in business transactio ns – wh ether it is an acquis itio n wherein one company is bu ying another o r p ro viding services to the p ublic, or sup plying go ods, th e processes are governed by Ac ts of Parliament su ch as the Co mp anies Act 2006 and the agreements in place between th e p arties ”

***

Shekhar attended Said Business School of Oxford University and holds a degree in Classical Studies from the University of Manchester which he told us: “taught him the significance of the rule of the law as well as rhetoric, public speaking and politi-

cal philosophy as the original context ” Interestingly, his enterprise helps explicitly enable wider business while defending the rights of small and medium-sized businesses: “in this sense we facilitate entrepreneurship,” he continued “A lot of the time bigger companies or multinationals are in an advantageous position when entering into an agreement with a sole trader or smaller business owner We try to protect the commercial interests of the latter by advising on complex legal contracts and pushing for favourable terms ” A current case involves negotiating on behalf of a tech company who is providing product to one of the biggest investment banks in the US

Shekhar was born in Camden Town and grew up in North London, East Finchley, aiming to pursue law from a young age: “My family actually wanted me to be a doctor and bought me a medical dictionary when I was growing up, but I was especially good at English literature where I knew I wanted to enter the legal profession early on ” Indeed, the sparky solicitor has come a long way without reneging on his roots Having opened a successful SouthAsian firm of his own, he champions the idea that law is a vast area that can enforce a certain degree of social progress: “The legal system affects every aspect of society whether it is a proprietorial, constitutional, commercial or criminal – obviously with the latter you are making sure that society stays civilised and so on There is multiplicity where one may choose where to specialise and follow a certain career path to make a civic impact

This is what’s attractive about the profession ”

involves propelling the controversial phenomenon of cryptocurrency by fighting for avant-garde emerging business within that sector, and a growing team in Immigration & Asylum for which he has recently been awarded a Legal Aid contract by the UK Government Shekhar shared: “Ultimately, we are dealing in corporate rather than adversarial law and not necessarily fighting one another in the typical sense: we are Officers of the Court pushing for greater decorum while pushing our clients’ objectives We are often protecting smaller businesses from being exploited and supporting healthy business However, even in disputes, it is advisable to attempt negotiation before entering the courtroom ”

This is valuable advice, especially regarding respecting the strict regulation to which commercial law is generally subject Shekhar’s ethos then foremost is to be a foothold for commercial equality Indeed, this includes the internal management of finances which is conducted evenly for the steady advancement of the just business: “In terms of dealing with costs, I advise that one keeps substantial excess funds in the office account as there will always be unexpected overheads and fees to take care of ” Philip Jones Legal is further based in Hatch-End and thrives as a regional law firm: “We chose to physically re-locate out here The biggest perk of having your base in the City is that you have international clients, but we can organically access this through our networks My family is originally from Uganda and there is a big community of East-African Indians who live locally whom we are proud to represent Wherever you are in the world, South-Asian business savvy is second to none!” Shekhar went on to comment on the wider issue of cultural representation: “Most of the judiciary, from senior lawyers or the King’s Council to the judges, have also been incredibly welcoming – it is an established idea that there are many top BAME lawyers and firms However in terms of diversity at the very top, there is perhaps a way to go: none of the top twelve judges in the country are of South-Asian or minority descent and there are only two women Inclusivity in that sense could be better ”

“A lot of the time bigger companies or multinationals are in an advantageous position when entering into an agreement with a sole trader or smaller business owner: protecting the commercial interests of the latter is important"

However, the industry also poses unique challenges: especially the intensely high-pressure world of entrepreneurial law Philip Jones Legal, for example, deals predominantly with corporate law but has a department specialising in arbitration and mediation which involves representation during difficult business disputes This means the work is potentially contentious and high-risk which can additionally push the prices of insurance up Indeed, Shekhar’s other associated departments include Digital Assets which

Pinner raid reveals large sum of cash, leads to major crime group's dismantling

A sys tem atic c rim e g ro u p res p o n si b le for laundering m illions in illicit funds, dis tribu ting class A and B d ru g s , a nd attempting to fraudulently acquire £ 1 5 m i lli o n i n

is m

ntl ed after a tw o-year inv estigation by th e NCA

On June 6 and July 15, 2024, Rickinder Hare, 36, and Neelen Balarajah, 34, were each handed sentences totaling 14 years and six months for their roles in money laundering and conspiring to supply class A drugs

NCA officers saw Balarajah taking a ‘Gucci’

embossed box from Hitesh Vadolia When they approached him, Balarajah tried to flee by driving his car toward the officers, who had to use an unmarked vehicle to block his escape The box was later found to contain more than £20,000 in cash

Through a thorough analysis of telecom data, investigators discovered that Hare, from William

Street, Knightsbridge, had orchestrated the exchange

He was arrested on July 20, 2022

Meanwhile, officers conducted an overnight search at Balarajah’s residence in Pinner, Middlesex, uncovering a significant quantity of cash, herbal cannabis, cocaine, and numerous empty wrappings that tested positive for cocaine

The investigations into Hare and Balarajah’s activities revealed additional cash couriers and other affiliates of the crime group, prompting separate investigations by various police forces

Report: UK men die early annually

A recent report reveals that over 133,000 men in the UK die prematurely each year

health

Research by the charity Movember found that nearly two in five men die before the age of 75, often from preventable health conditions The report highlights that nearly twothirds of men (64%) wait more than a week before

seeing a doctor for symptoms, while 48% believe it is normal to skip health check-ups Additionally, less than 40% of eligible men take advantage of NHS health checks

The report also points out that men ’ s health in the UK lags behind many other wealthy countries Men in the UK’s most deprived areas are 81% more likely to die prematurely than those in wealthier regions A boy born in the UK in 2021 has a

life expectancy of 78 7 years, which is four years less than girls and significantly lower compared to boys in Switzerland, Australia, and Ireland

In England and Wales, suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 20 to 34, with men ’ s overall suicide rate being three times higher than that of women The report also notes that men are less likely to lead healthy lifestyles compared to women

Shekhar has prior worked for large law firms but created Philip Jones Legal so that the enterprise could be bespoke, providing quality of service with a highly skilled team who could allocate more time to respective cases: “During my time working at bigger names I noticed that lawyers were dealing with hundreds of cases and inevitably the attention given to individual clients suffered My workforce comprises of top legal experts who can work intently on strategies ” Finally, not only does Shekhar demonstrate the philosophy of fairness that law is meant to represent but also that of accessibility to the legal system which ultimately preserves that paradigm He aptly concluded on an aspect of law that may seem obvious but is often overlooked: “From the running of a business to individual rights and discrimination and social working at large, it is important to understand that the rules of law often still apply even if the parties involved have not formally acknowledged them ” Even in the inherently profitable world of commercial law, navigating this effectively is a pivotal step

SHEKHAR BHARANIA

Rickinder Hare and Neelen Balarajah

British Indian parliamentarians choose Bhagavad Gita for oath

Newly elected Indian-origin M Ps i n the House of Commons are showing their d edi ca t ion t o t he UK b y sw e ar ing alleg ia nc e t o t he B ri ti sh Cr own T hey a r e either taking their oaths on holy texts or making a formal affirmation, symbolising their c ommitment to the country

Shailesh Vara, the former Conservative MP who lost his Cambridgeshire seat in the recent general election, presented a new copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle This presentation took place early in the proceedings, coinciding with Rishi Sunak, one of the first British Indian MPs, taking his oath Holding the text in his right hand, the former prime minister recited the traditional oath: "I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law So help me God "

The first Indian-origin parliamentarian to represent Wales by winning the Vale of Glamorgan seat for Labour, MP Kanishka Narayan, also opted to swear his oath on the Bhagavad Gita Similarly, new Tory MP Shivani Raja from Leicester chose the Gita for her oath

Bob Blackman, a seasoned Tory MP for Harrow East in London and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British

Hindus, held both the Bhagavad Gita and the King James Bible during his oathtaking ceremony

British Sikh MPs Tan Dhesi, Gurinder Singh Josan, Harpreet Uppal, Satvir Kaur, and Warinder Singh Juss swore their oaths using Sikh scriptures without holding a text Preet Kaur Gill, draped in a red scarf, held a clothwrapped Sundar Gutka prayer book Sojan Joseph, elected MP for Ashford, used the New Testament for his oath Re-elected Conserv-atives Priti Patel and Claire Coutinho, and Liberal Democrat Munira Wilson,

chose the King James Bible for their oaths Two new Independent MPs, Shockat Adam and Iqbal Mahmood, along with others like Tory MP Gagan Mohindra and Labour's Lisa Nandy and Seema Malhotra, opted for non-religious affirmations

First-time MPs Dr Neil Shastri-Hunt, Jeevun Sandher, and Sonia Kumar also affirmed their allegiance with the declaration: "I do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law "

Choudary faces life sentence for leading terror group

R adi c al pr eac her A nj em Choudary has been found g uil ty of l ead in g a pr oscribed terrorist group and encouraging online support for it

Anjem Choudary faces a potential life sentence after being convicted of serving a "caretaker role" within the Islamist group alMuhajiroun He was also found guilty of being a member of a proscribed organisation following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court Prosecutors revealed that Choudary led the group for a substantial period after 2014 and promoted its cause through online meetings

During his trial,

Choudary claimed to be one of the original three members of al-Muhajiroun The prosecution argued that he continued to act as its leader as recently as July 2023, delivering online speeches to the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS), a US-based offshoot This group had

been infiltrated by undercover law enforcement officers who attended Choudary's lectures in 2022 and 2023

The court also heard that Choudary viewed being labelled an extremist as a "medallion" of honour during his talks The conviction followed a joint investigation by British, American, and Canadian authorities into al-Muhajiroun

Investigators sifted through hundreds of hours of audio and video recordings and reviewed over 16,000 documents to establish the connections between al-Muhajiroun, ITS, and Choudary

Bradford bids farewell to Pir Sahib, influential Muslim leader

T h o u san ds h ave c om e

t oge th er to h o no u r S yed

M ahroof Shah, a prominent leader in Bradford's M uslim community Mourners gathered at Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-

I s lam Bradf or d Cen tral

M o s qu e to p ay t he ir

r esp ec ts Aff ec tio na tely known as Pir Sahib, S hah passed away at the age of 88

f ol low i ng a pr olo nged il l-

ness At his funeral, Sofia Buncy from the community

charity Khidmat Centres described Pir Sahib as a "very wise man" with an "immense" impact She highlighted his role in founding the Bradford Council of Mosques and his significant contributions to building Muslim communities in the city over the past 60 years

Ms Buncy noted that Pir Sahib's influence spanned all generations and praised him for his dedicated service to local communities

Braverman expected to join Reform amid Tory leadership race

Co ns ervat ive M P S ue lla B raverm an is exp e cted to quit the party and join Nigel F ara ge ’ s Re fo rm UK l ater th i s y ear, a cc or ding to sources in both parties

The right-wing former Home Secretary is struggling to gather enough support to run for the Tory leadership when the race begins next week, as key allies have deserted her fledgling campaign She risks the embarrassment of failing to secure

enough backing to appear on the ballot, with support within the parliamentary party shifting to other rightwing candidates

“We expect her to take a shot at the Tory leadership and then join us, possibly around the autumn conference, ” a Reform source said “She’ll fit in well ”

A senior Tory source commented: “There’s so much antagonism towards Suella Braverman among

MPs that many believe she will defect If she does, it will be a clear admission that she cannot win the leadership and lacks support from any MPs in the party ” Ms Braverman, MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, denied the claim Her spokesman stated: “Suella has recently been elected as a Conservative MP and has been a member of the Conservative Party for three decades ”

Public services 'set to worsen by next election'

P ubl ic servi ces in Britai n h ave worsened since 20 10 and are projected to decline further by the end of this parliament, according to a report by the Institute for Government

The study, which examined health, education, local councils, and the criminal justice system, found that services have regressed across various metrics The report warns that the government's current spending plans will not only fail to improve services but will actually leave them in a worse state by the next gen-

eral election, describing the situation as a “ poisoned chalice ” Despite a 12 per cent increase in NHS funding and a 20 per cent rise in the number of doctors and nurses, the health service is performing only 2 per cent more procedures than in 2010

This productivity issue is attributed to cuts in management budgets, deteriorating infrastructure, and a shortage of experienced staff

Local councils have seen a 22 per cent real-term reduction in spending power since the

Conservatives took office, with the deepest cuts affecting the poorest areas Services like libraries, youth clubs, waste collection, and road maintenance have been disproportionately impacted

The legal system is also struggling, with 27 per cent of crown court trials and 22 per cent of magistrates’ court hearings being delayed due to factors such as a shortage of lawyers

Additionally, two-thirds of local authorities are facing cumulative school budget deficits

Labour plans free breakfast for all primary pupils

The new Labour government plans to implement a nationwide ‘free breakfast club’ for all primary school students Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the initiative at a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) event

The Children’s Wellbeing Bill was introduced in King's Speech, marking Labour's first State Opening of Parliament in 15 years

If passed, the bill will mandate 'free breakfast clubs' in every primary school, ensuring all children start their school day wellnourished and ready to reach their full potential

The plans also call for

increased funding for early speech and language interventions and aim to expand the existing attendance-hub scheme to support an additional 1,000 schools in England

Phillipson emphasised, “Every day a child misses school can significantly

impact their future prospects We need strong partnerships between parents, schools, and the government to address this issue effectively Governments have their responsibilities, too ”

The proposals also involve using Ofsted to review attendance data and employing AI to identify trends in absences by integrating records from services like social care

According to Department for Education data, over 20% of children in England are now persistently absent from school, double the rate before the Covid-19 pandemic

Reeves unveils pension reform to drive economic growth

The C hanc el lor Rac hel Reeves aims to increase pensi on pots by £11,000 an d unl ock b il li ons in i nv es tment through a review of retirement savings

As part of his works, he helped to oversee the development of 18 mosques and supplementary schools in Bradford He was also recognised as a "pioneer" of the Masajid movement, which originated in Bradford and significantly impacted the development of mosques across the UK and Europe

The Bradford Council of Mosques estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people attended his funeral

With pension schemes projected to manage around £800 billion by 2030, the review will explore ways to encourage investment in productive assets like infrastructure

The Treasury stated that the review would not only support the Government’s goal of boosting economic growth but also enhance returns for savers, potentially raising the average pension pot by over £11,000

This announcement follows the introduction of a

Pension Schemes Bill in King’s Speech, which aims to assist savers through automatic consolidation of small pension pots and a value-for-money framework to improve governance

Rachel Reeves stated: “Despite inheriting significant challenges, this new

Government is focused on delivering our mandate to drive economic growth and improve living standards across the country

“Our latest review is part of a broad set of reforms designed to stimulate growth, increase investment, and enhance savings for pensioners

“There is no time to lose I am committed to strengthening our economy ’ s foundations to rebuild Britain and elevate people’s lives ” The review will be led by new pensions minister Emma Reynolds, the first to work jointly with the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions

Rachel Reeves

Bridget Phillipson

Rishi Sunak Shivani Raja

Kanishka Narayan

Anjem Choudary

Bob Blackman

“I am desi, and I belong, in my own way, to a broader global community”

Anusha Singh

U sha Rungoo, a M auritian w riter, scholar, teach er, sp eaker, and mo ther, has w on the 20 24 C omm onwealth Prize for the Africa region

She is one of five regional winners chosen from a record-breaking 7,359 entries Rungoo earned the accolade for her short story “Dite,” which delves into a Mauritian woman's deep affection for tea and its colonial history

In an interview with Asian Voice, Rungoo reflects on her South Asian heritage, the themes of “Dite,” and how her identity influences her writing

Can you share the inspiration behind your short story “Dite” and why you chose tea as a central theme? How did you approach integrating a complex historical context into the narrative?

Dite draws inspiration from both the pleasure we, Mauritians, take in tea and from the colonial history of tea plantations in Mauritius There is a way in which tea, along with other colonial goods, such as sugar and coffee, is baked into our morning and afternoon rituals Yet, amidst our pleasure in these daily habits, we often overlook the troubling origins tied to colonial violence This juxtaposition of tea as a source of both daily delight and historical oppression fascinates me

Likewise, our life everyday, is peppered with pleasures inherited from colonial times For example, Mauritians fluidly switch between Kreol, French, English, and various Asian languages in creative and enjoyable ways Some jokes and nuances are only fully appreciated when one understands multiple languages, a skill widely shared among us This linguistic diversity is a source of pleasure

However, it also reflects a hierarchical structure where proficiency in English and French is often perceived as more sophisticated and desirable than fluency in Kreol or Asian languages

In Dite, tea serves as the central thread that weaves these elements together Yet, the essence of Dite goes beyond tea; it explores how colonial legacies infiltrate our everyday lives, blending moments of pleasure and discomfort I aim for my narratives to embrace these complexities harmoniously, which is not always easy to do

Addressing

colonial violence and its infiltration into personal and collective identities, how do you balance the personal and political aspects in your fiction?

There are personal elements from my own life woven into the story

Similar to Durga, I have a complex relationship with the French language, and my grandmother worked on a tea plantation from the age of 9 until she turned 70 Our personal experiences are deeply steeped in political contexts, and I don't see any contradictions there

European empires ruled in violence for centuries, profoundly impacting the lives of millions At its zenith, the British Empire controlled nearly 90% of the globe Coloniality, i e the enduring structures of colonialism, continues to shape our lives today In the face of such monumental events and systems, violence often becomes an abstract concept For me, storytelling serves as a means to humanize this violence I am particularly interested in exploring how our inner worlds are affected by these historical forces

Asa Mauritian writer, scholar, and diasporic South Asian, how do these identities influence your writing and perspective on storytelling?

I write from a complex positionality that encompasses multiple facets of identity I am both a writer and a scholar, navigating my roles as an islander, an African, and with South Asian roots I have spent half my life in Mauritius and the other half in North America

These diverse experiences and identities naturally weave through my storytelling and stylistic choices And I have been intentional about holding all of them without contradiction

These intersecting identities also overlap and intersect There exists a stereotype that academics

cannot embrace creativity, that research and critique are antithetical to imaginative expression

However, in my experience, each realm enriches the other; I integrate personal narratives into my scholarly research, and rigorous research and editorial standards inform my creative writing process

As an African of South Asian heritage, my stories challenge conventional perceptions of these identities Likewise, while I primarily write in English, my narratives are infused with French, Kreol, Hindi, and Mauritian Bhojpuri Although the words are English, the rhythm of my writing often echoes the cadences of French and occasionally Hindi

TheUK is currently celebrating South Asian Heritage Month Can you share what your cultural roots and heritage mean to you and contribute to your identity? How do you hope to pass on your heritage to the future generations?

When I was younger, I used to push against certain aspects of my identity I viewed identity as monolithic, finding it difficult to reconcile all its facets I identified as Mauritian but didn't always connect with my South Asian heritage Now, I have a Hanuman statuette in my office and a Kali figurine at home I've come to realize that while I m not of India, I am desi, and I belong, in my own way, to a broader global community I've also learned that there are diverse expressions of desi identity, just as there are varied ways to be African or Mauritian, and that it's a dynamic, evolving concept

In terms of passing on this heritage to future generations, I do so through various means Through literature, I educate my students about the histories and worldviews of my region I also write about these, differently With my fouryear old son, I try to speak both Kreol and French, sharing stories from my own childhood His father, a second-generation Indian American, connects him to his Gujarati roots, and I hope he will have a rich understanding of what it means to be desi However, he will shape his identity based on his own experiences and perspectives Whatever heritage I pass down to my son or students, they will interpret and integrate it in their own unique ways

South Asian Heritage Month commences

T

H e r i t a g e M o n t h (S A H M ), from July 18 to August 17, is t h e m e d “ Fr e e t o Be Me ” T his

cin g on e 's

ue se lf, highlightin g the import an ce of pe rsonal a uthen ticity and s e lf- e x p r e s si on wi t h in t he South A sia n comm unity

“Each of us has a unique journey marked by experiences that shape who we are For SAHM 2024, we want to hear about the moments that have taught you valuable lessons and fostered your growth Your story matters, no matter who you are, ” is the core message of South Asian Heritage Month

Our stories connect us in profound ways, and there are countless ways to share them Whether through art, writing, music, fashion, or food, your heritage and individuality are worth celebrating Let’s explore and honour the diverse ways we express our roots and personal journeys

Co-founders Jasvir Singh and Binita Kane stated, “South Asian Heritage Month is a crucial initiative for helping people understand what it means to be South Asian today It also explores how South Asian identity is reflected in various aspects of society

“This month is inclusive and meant for everyone, regardless of their heritage ”

This year, the focus is on themes that reflect community spirit and embody the essence of “Free to Be Me ”

Here are the themes to explore during SAHM

Iden tity : Reflect on what makes you unique and the moments that have defined your identity, proudly celebrating your South Asian heritage from countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

C o m m un it y : Consider how we support and uplift one another Share insights on the strength and unity within the South Asian community in the UK and how it has positively influenced your life

Ge nde r: Delve into what gender means within your cultural context Explore how traditional roles and expectations have shaped your journey and the ways you've navigated them

Fait h: Discuss how your faith impacts your life

Reflect on the role of spirituality and religious practices

in your daily life and personal growth

Fa mily: Examine the role of family in your story Share the lessons, values, and traditions passed down through generations and their influence on your life choices and identity

L ife cho ice s: Highlight how your South Asian heritage has shaped your life decisions Emphasise the choices that have led to personal growth and how you have embraced change while staying connected to your cultural roots

P o si t i v e i m p a c t s: Celebrate the positive impacts your South Asian background has had on your life in the UK Acknowledge the unique perspectives and strengths you bring to your community and recognise those who serve as role models

This week, Asian Voice presents a detailed overview of South Asian Heritage Month, including profiles, a comprehensive list of organisations celebrating SAHM, and much more

Vibrant concert at Birmingham City University

To cel ebra te South Asia n He ritage Month, Birmingham Cit y University (BCU) hoste d a conce rt titl ed ‘The Music Of Our Community ’ a t the Royal Birmingham Con ser vatoire’s Br adsha w Ha ll

The event highlighted the rich diversity and vibrant heritage of South Asian culture, showcasing both classical and contemporary dance and music This colourful celebration brought together students and community members, emphasising the profound impact of South Asian culture on Birmingham’s cultural landscape

The evening began with a captivating performance by Natasha Rose Seth, a rising singer-songwriter, setting a beautiful tone for the event This was followed by a mesmerising Kathak dance by Kesha Raithatha, a British-Asian dancer and choreographer who splits her time between India and the UK

The spellbinding performance was succeeded by an engaging Bharatanatyam duet by Prem Rai and Dhivya Srilakshmi, showcasing the grace and intricacy of classical Indian dance

The event was headlined by a virtuoso performance

from celebrated international violinist Ustad Johar Ali, who captivated the audience with his exceptional talent He was joined on stage by members of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, much to the audience's delight The evening reached a joyful crescendo when pupils from RBC St Benedict’s Primary School of Music joined Ustad Ali and the conservatoire members, receiving enthusiastic applause The night concluded with an energetic Bollywood dance finale, featuring a lively medley of songs from India Island Academy

'Little English' premieres on ITVX

UK free- to-air broadcaster

ITV will stream the British South Asi an in dependent film “Little English” on its ITVX platform

“Little English”, recently nominated for Best Feature Film at the UK’s National Film Awards, is the directorial debut of acclaimed theatre practitioner Pravesh Kumar The film tells the story of Simmy, a Punjabi newlywed whose life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé goes missing As she navigates this challenge, she forms an unlikely alliance with her brother-

in-law, Harry, leading to a secret romance that drives the plot forward

The film had a successful cinema run in 2023, backed by the BFI Audience Fund and National Lottery funding Central City Media supported Resource Productions in reaching underserved diaspora audiences Since December 2023, it has been available on pay-perview platforms in the U K and is set for release on US streaming platforms later this year

Usha Rungoo

Documentary ‘Mother Kili’ showcases South Asian women’s Kilimanjaro climb

During South Asian Heritage Month, the documentary ‘Mother Kili' will have a special screening chronicling the inspiring adventure of a group of trailblazing South Asian amateur female climbers who embarked on an extraordinary journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

The expedition was organised by Rupinder Kaur

who is a Founder of Asian Women MEAN Business

About the Documentary: ‘Mother Kili’ is directed by Rehmat Rayatt & Daisy Gaston and produced by Blue Fox Media

Crowdfunded to £80,000 by supportive community members who saw the need for this representation, the film is a celebration of diversity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women who dare to dream big and achieve the impossible

Speaking about the inspiration behind organising the expedition, Rupinder said, “The reason I organised this expedition is that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro had been a dream of mine for 20 years Life got in the way, and it remained just a dream When I began discussing it with other women, I discovered that many of them shared the same desire So, I brought together a group of women and invited them to join me I wanted this to be an opportunity for all of us to achieve something we had always dreamed of and to demonstrate to other women and to our community that it's possible ”

Rupinder emphasised that the trip required extensive planning over a year before their summer 2022 departure She said, “Total 14 women joined us for the expedition Training began in 2021, focusing on physical fitness for walking seven to eight hours daily Monthly hikes across the UK were part of their regimen We also practised camping with weekend trips to get used to sleeping in tents To prepare for the final summit of Mount

Kilimanjaro, which begins at midnight in complete darkness, we did a nighttime hike up Snowdon The challenging hike in harsh weather conditions proved to be tougher than the actual climb in Africa, but it was crucial for their preparation ”

Discussing how the expedition idea evolved into a documentary, Rupinder said, “While talking to the travel company, they mentioned they'd never had an all-South Asian female group attempt Kilimanjaro before The owner, connected to South Asian culture, shared a story about a group of plus-size women who had a filmmaker document their climb, changing perceptions within their community This conversation planted a seed in my mind With our diverse group of South Asian women, ranging from their late 20s to 50s, I realised it would be incredible to document our journey to inspire others I reached out to Rehmat Rayatt, a South Asian filmmaker in the UK whose work I admired She loved the idea and agreed to join us We then estimated the costs, which amounted to £80,000, covering filmmakers, equipment, travel, editing, and postproduction Initially, I was naive about the costs, but we set up a crowdfunding campaign, gained sponsors and partners, and received individual donations This strong community support brought the film to life ” Rupinder underscored that South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to showcase various elements of their heritage She said, “This year's theme, "Free to Be Me," resonates with the message of their film

Despite being mothers, wives, daughters, and daughter-in-laws with many responsibilities, it's crucial to embrace individuality Taking two weeks to climb a mountain in Africa is something to be celebrated I hope their journey inspires others in the community to pursue their own dreams and embrace their freedom ” Experience of climbers at Mount Kilimanjaro Climber Belinder Kaur said, “As a mother of three, my life is filled with cherished routines and responsibilities However, I wanted to do something extraordinary to inspire my children and prove that it's never too late for new adventures Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the perfect opportunity to push my limits, experience

nature's beauty, and demonstrate determination and resilience ”

“Working with the diverse group of climbers was enriching Each of us brought unique strengths, and the camaraderie and support we shared were vital, especially during the climb's challenging parts We bonded like family through shared stories, laughter, and encouragement”, she added

Another climber who

participated in the expedition, Simar Kaur Nyote said, “As I was about to turn 30, I wanted to do something meaningful and fulfilling, which motivated me to join the Kilimanjaro expedition Climbing this mountain symbolised starting my 30s with energy and lessons from my 20s This journey was not just about the climb to me but also about connecting with my heritage and Sikhi roots ”

“This expedition challenges traditional roles and perceptions of South Asian women by breaking stereotypes and demonstrating our strength, independence, and adventurous spirit

Often, single South Asian women face societal expectations that restrict their freedom, such as not travelling alone or embarking on adventurous holidays By climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, we defied these norms and proved that we can excel in physically and mentally demanding challenges,” she added

Diverse flavours mark start of heritage month in Birmingham

S out h Asia n He r ita ge

Month began with a vibrant celebration of flavours, as women from Birmingham gathe red at the Women’s En t e rp rise Hu b on L ad y po ol R oa d Th ey brought a delectable array of dishes, including biryani, samosas, pakoras, daal, and seviyan, to kick off a month d ed ica te d to ce le b ra t in g British Asian heritage

Now in its fifth year, South Asian Heritage Month seeks to enrich Britain s appreciation of South Asian culture and its impact on British society

On Monday, July 15, the month’s festivities included a celebration of South Asian

countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives

Local resident Bushra hosted a live cooking demonstration, showcasing her skills in preparing Halwa a sweet treat with Persian origins (now Iran) that has become popular throughout the Middle East and South Asia Kheira Mohammed, events coordinator for Share Community Project, said: Today, we ’ re kicking off South Asian Heritage Month by showcasing the vibrant flavours of South Asia We have women sharing traditional dishes

from their homelands, cooking demonstrations, and a celebration of the rich diversity within our community Food has a unique way of uniting people, and experiencing different cuisines from around the world is truly wonderful Our community activities, centred around these diverse flavours, foster connection and joy among us all " The influence of South Asian culture in the UK began with the migration from South Asian countries in the decade after World War II, following Indian independence and the Partition of 1947

TikTok features South Asian musicians for SAHM

The platform showcases a diverse range of South Asian musicians, whose unique sounds are captivating global audiences With over 180,000 posts tagged #SouthAsian, TikTok has become a vibrant space for both established and emerging South Asian artists to engage with fans, reach new listeners, and share their latest work

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) 2024, running from July 18 to August 17, will see TikTok spotlighting a range of featured artists throughout the month

The first featured artist is Zack Knight, renowned for his R&B music infused with Bollywood influences Known for his multilingual songwriting, Zack continues to push boundaries in the music industry With popular tracks like Tum Hi Aana" and "Bom Diggy," it's

no surprise that he has garnered over 500,000 followers and 8 million likes on TikTok

TikTok’s #SouthAsian will also spotlight Celina Sharma, a British Indian singer and songwriter who rose to prominence on the platform Her breakout moment came with the track "Killer," a collaboration with the girl band Girls Like You Ahadadream, an emerging DJ committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, is making waves in the music industry He’s bringing South Asian electronic music to the global stage, collaborating with international stars like Skrillex and Caribou As a co-founder of

More Time Records, Ahadadream is also dedicated to supporting and spotlighting new talent in the industry

For TikTok’s South Asian Heritage Month celebrations, Grammy Awardwinning producer Savan Kotecha will share exclusive content about his most influential tracks Renowned for his work with artists like One Direction, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry, Savan has significantly shaped contemporary pop over the past two decades On TikTok, he’s been teasing new music from August Moon, a fictional boy band featured in the 2024 film *The Idea of You*

Coventry exhibition sheds light on South Asian identity

A S ou

That Made Us: Protest & Id

in Coventry, a Grade I listed bu

or y spanning 700 years

Hardish Virk, Curator and Creator, presents this exhibition as part of St Mary’s Guildhall’s community engagement program, supported by the Heritage Fund This exhibition draws inspiration from the Stories That Made Us archive, a comprehensive collection of artefacts that document the South Asian experience in Coventry and beyond, in collaboration with Coventry Artspace For generations, protest

and identity have been central to the South Asian experience in the UK Many South Asians who migrated to cities like Coventry had to navigate a sometimes hostile environment while establishing homes and raising families, often displaying resilience in what could be considered unspoken forms of protest

At times, South Asians took to the streets to campaign for equal rights and combat racist attacks Organisations such as the Indian Workers Association emerged as pivotal political movements driving these campaigns

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, British-born South Asians formed the

British Asian Youth Movements, actively challenging racism in cities like Birmingham, Bradford, Sheffield, and Southall

Born to South Asian parents but only knowing Britain as their home, many British-born South Asians face the dual challenge of grappling with racism and inequality

This identity narrative resonates deeply with children of migrants, who find themselves in a different culture and context from their parents For Hardish, his experience is rooted in Coventry, where he was born to Sikh-Punjabi parents who were both activists and artists

Rupinder Kaur

Simran Kaur Nyote

Belinder Kaur

Celina Sharma Ahadadream

Asifa Lahore discusses her journey and South Asian heritage

Subhasini Naicker

Asi f a La ho re i s a drag arti s t w h o ch all enges norms around being LGBT, South Asian, and Muslim

She appeared in Channel 4 ’ s 2015 documentary ‘Muslim Drag Queens’, narrated by S ir I an M c K elle n, w h i ch drew 1 1 m i lli o n vi ew ers

T ha t ye ar, s h e wo n th e

Atti tu de M agaz i ne P ri de Award for h er activism and vi si bi li ty ef fo rts fo r th e ‘Gaysian’ community

Asifa made her acting debut in the Iris Prize 2022 winner ‘Queer Parivaar’, directed by Shiva Raichandani, and also featured in the BAFTA TVnominated ‘Always, Asifa’, documenting her journey to gender affirmation for Together TV’s Diversity Film Fund 2022 Passionate about disability rights, Asifa is severely sighted and has Retinitis Pigmentosa

In an interview with Asian Voice, Asifa spoke about her personal journey, perception in shifting within LGBTQ and South Asian community, South Asian Heritage Month and more Can you share your personal journey of becoming a drag artist and how it intersects with your identity as a South Asian and Muslim?

My journey as a drag artist has been challenging I began 14 years ago, at a time when the landscape for drag especially for South Asian and Muslim performers was vastly different There were few outspoken drag artists from these communities willing to publicly embrace the art form, which led to significant backlash from both my family and community

However, over the years, I’ve witnessed a shift towards greater acceptance and awareness Despite the personal and professional obstacles I faced, I’m now in a happy place and feel privileged to be pursuing this as a full-time career

Can you share a moment in your career that felt particularly triumphant or validating?

Earlier this year, I travelled to Pakistan to shoot a music video for my Bollywood cover of "Sharara " The production process was swift, but the experience was deeply meaningful Although I was aware through the internet that there were queer communities in Pakistan, meeting and working with queer Pakistanis in person was incredibly validating It showed me that, despite the challenges, these communities are not as underground as often portrayed People are out there, living their lives authentically and finding happiness despite the struggles This realisation was profoundly affirming for me

Haveyou noticed a shift in perceptions within LGBTQ+ and South Asian communities over the years? If so, how?

When I started 14 years ago, I never imagined I’d be asked to host the main stage at Pride in Trafalgar Square, London Such opportunities were unthinkable back then The perceptions and stereotypes of South Asians in the media have evolved significantly We now see increased representation in Indian and Pakistani cinema, dramas, and South Asian media overall There is greater awareness and spotlight on these issues, with many actors and filmmakers addressing them In Britain, particularly among the younger generation, there’s a stronger understanding of queer issues and their connection to broader human rights This generation is growing up with a firm belief in equality With same-sex desi weddings

happening in the UK and the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India, progress is definitely being made

Thisyear's South Asian Heritage Month theme is "Free to be Me." What does this theme mean to you personally?

To me, embracing who you are means being the best version of yourself Personally, as a British, South Asian, Pakistani, Muslim, transgender, queer, and disabled individual, being true to myself involves not hiding any part of who I am and living authentically I believe everyone should have the freedom to fully express themselves everywhere and at all times If we lived in a world where everyone could be their true selves without fear or restriction, it would undoubtedly be a much happier place

Howdo you hope the celebrations and awareness during South Asian Heritage Month will influence future generations?

South Asian Heritage Month has gained significant momentum over the past four years, especially since the pandemic Yet, within the South Asian communities, we often don't speak out about our experiences with racism in the West and the diaspora as loudly as, for example, the Black community does We need to come together and proudly share our stories because, as the largest diaspora globally, South Asians encompassing the populations of all South Asian countries Despite this, we often remain subdued and focused on our individual pursuits rather than celebrating our shared heritage We should take greater pride in our identity and culture, moving beyond stereotypes like the Bollywood or Indian clichés, and assertively showcase the richness and diversity of our South Asian heritage

Tapestry of events, performances, and exhibitions across the UK

As South Asian Heritage Month unfolds, cultural organisations across the UK are coming alive with vibrant c elebrations and a rich array of programmes that honour and explore the diverse traditions, histories, and contributions of South Asian communities

This dedicated month serves as a vibrant tapestry showcasing the artistic, cultural, and historical richness of South Asian heritage through events, exhibitions, performances, and discussions These celebrations offer an opportunity to delve into the multifaceted narratives of South Asian cultures, highlight their profound impact on society, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation among broader audiences

South Asian Heritage Month is celebrating its rich diversity through Focus Fridays, which explore various aspects of identity within the South Asian communities Each Friday delves into a different theme, starting with LGBTQ+ Pride on July 19th, Multi Heritage on July 26th, Dis/Ability on August 2nd, and CrossGenerational Understanding on August 9th

Additionally, it features special focus days for each of the eight South Asian countries: Bhutan on July 20th, India on July 21st, Maldives on July 27th, Sri Lanka on July 28th, Afghanistan on August 2nd, Bangladesh on August 3rd, Nepal on August 10th, and Pakistan on August 11th

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, a leading cultural and educational centre in West Kensington since 1972, is celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with a range of performances, classes, exhibitions, and more

Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK Centre, Dr M N Nandakumara MBE “Our former Director General

Law Society embraces South Asian Heritage Month with diversity focus

The Law Society of England and Wales invites solicitors to engage with their peers and celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, highlighting the vibrant and diverse aspects of South Asian culture Law Society President Nick Emmerson stated, “South Asian Heritage Month is crucial for highlighting the rich history and culture of

South Asia It also acknowledges the diverse experiences and significant contributions of South Asian communities in our country This year ’ s theme, ‘Free to Be Me,’ invites South Asian colleagues and their allies to connect and celebrate the unique perspectives that enrich our profession ” The Law Society’s Annual Statistics Report

2022 revealed that 18 4% of solicitors with practising certificates (PC) belong to Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups, with 9 7% specifically identifying as Asian or Asian British Nick Emmerson concluded, “Achieving a more inclusive profession starts with understanding and appreciating diverse experiences and perspectives This

awareness is crucial for fostering collaboration and advancing racial equity and inclusion within the legal sector and beyond By observing South Asian Heritage Month, we aim to inspire the profession to deepen its knowledge of heritage and culture and to celebrate the significant contributions of South Asian solicitors ”

used to mention that 'The Bhavan's work is God's work It is an adventure in faith I feel an institution like the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is very much needed to bring communities closer We are proud of what The Bhavan has been able to achieve with support from people from all walks of life over the past 50 years in the UK Bhavan UK believes that South Asian artists bring a kaleidoscope of perspectives, reflecting the beauty of unity in diversity Their narratives unfold like a captivating story, weaving threads of heritage into the fabric of contemporary expression It's a testament to the power of art to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and spark conversations that transcend borders Together, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic artistic landscape that reflects the beautiful mosaic of our society We are celebrating the South Asian Heritage Month with an array of splendid performances, workshops and masterclasses, special features from our archives in a month-long campaign on Bhavan s social media platforms ” Tara Theatre, dedicated to exploring global complexities through a South Asian lens and championing South Asian voices, has planned a series of events for South Asian Heritage Month Associate Director of Tara Theatre, Gavin Joseph said, “Tara Theatre has long been a home that recognises and celebrates the rich history of the South Asian diaspora, it is in our DNA Our commitment towards our community is at the forefront of who we are as an organisation, and we continually strive to showcase and provide space for South Asians locally and globally This year to show our support for South Asian Heritage Month we are hosting Decolonise Choir, a global majority choir who will be leading a workshop for participants to learn songs, write one together as a collective and then perform with the choir at the end of the night We will also be hosting Sudha Bhuchar and her show ‘Evening Conversations’, a show

exploring the relationship between a mother and her Gen Z / Millennial sons across generational and cultural lines We are proud of this celebration of our heritage and hope you can all come and revel in some much needed brown joy "

Exhibitions to see during South Asian Herita ge Month 2024

Four Corners in Bethnal Green is presenting ‘I Am Who I Am Now: Selections from the Bengali Photo Archive,’ which highlights the everyday life of the Bengali community in London's East End The Royal College of Music is hosting ‘Awaken: Sufi Music & Women of South Asia,’ curated by Attia Shiraz, exploring the origins and evolution of Sufi music and the role of female artists in breaking gender and cultural barriers Hampton Court Palace features an exhibit on the Indian Army, revealing untold stories At the Wallace Museum, ‘Ranjith Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King,’ curated by Davinder Toor, showcases the life of the Sikh leader Ranjit Singh through exquisite artworks, including jewellery and weaponry from the Sikh Empire Finally, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence’ examines how India and Ghana embraced modernist architectural styles as symbols of progressiveness, moving away from colonial influences

The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is hosting a special Museum Late event to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month Taking place after hours, this event, in collaboration with TfL’s Raising Awareness of Culture and Ethnicity Colleague Network Group (RACE CNG), will offer a vibrant array of talks, workshops, crafts, and performances Inspired by the experiences of Londoners and transport workers from South Asian communities, the evening promises to showcase the rich cultural contributions of these communities to the city’s history

Asifa Lahore

How Labour can support and revitalise the hospitality industry

Koolesh Shah, Founder, London Town Group

UK economy growth forecast upgraded

In recent times, th e hospit al it y in dus t ry h as fac ed u np r ecedent ed c h all en ge s due to the impact of the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, and changing co ns um er beh avio u r s A s one of the sectors hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis, hospitality businesses, ranging fro m r estau rant s and hotels to bar s and attractions, are in urgent need of supp or t and r evit al isatio n H osp it alit y cur r entl y co ntributes £140bn in revenue, £54bn in tax receipts and provides 3 5m jobs

The Labour Party has the opportunity to address critical issues and champion the recovery and growth of the hospitality industry through targeted policies and initiatives By reforming the Business Rates System Labour can advocate for reforms to the existing business rates system, which disproportionately burden hospitality businesses Introducing measures to reduce the rates for the sector, especially in the face of looming rate increases, will provide much-needed relief and support to those in need Labour can introduce sector-specific support measures such as reduced National Insurance Contributions, investment credits, and other incentives tailored to the needs of hospitality businesses

Labour can lead initiatives to reform the Apprenticeship Levy; by freeing up funds and facilitating skills training programmes, Labour can enhance job opportunities and career growth in the sector In addition, the opportunity to explore lowering the national insurance for the industry Increases to the National Minimum Wage and National living wage will see hospitalities wage bill increase by £3 2 billion, with employment costs making up half of operating costs, the industry page £40bn in wages and employment taxes

They can promote sustainable practices and green investments within the hospitality industry Supporting initiatives that reduce carbon footprint, promote eco-friendly operations, and provide incentives for green investments will not only benefit the environment but also position the sector for long-term success

By streamlining planning laws, removing barriers to development, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment, Labour can enable hospitality businesses to attract investment, innovate, and thrive

The emphasis should be on fostering growth, job creation, and sector-specific support measures underscores a commitment to driving economic recovery and ensuring the long-term success of the industry We are advocates of shining a light on the vital role that proactive government intervention can play in rebuilding and strengthening the hospitality sector, offering hope and a path forward for businesses in need

Wages increase at slowest pace in two years

Wage growth in Britain has slowed to its weakest pace in near ly two year s, signalling a potential cooling in the labour market as the Bank of England considers w h eth er to c u t int er est rates next month

Official data reveals that average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, increased by 5 7 per cent in the three months to May, down from 6 per cent previously This rate is the lowest since the June-toAugust period of 2022 when it stood at 5 4 per cent Including bonuses, total earnings also rose by 5 7 per cent, a decrease from 5 9 per cent in the previous three-month period

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its growth forecast for the UK economy upwards, providing a boost to the Labour government just weeks after the general election

The IMF now projects that the UK will grow by 0 7 per cent this year, up from the 0 5 per cent estimated in April Recent official figures show that the UK’s economic recovery from high inflation has exceeded expectations, with growth accelerating at its fastest rate in two years This revised forecast indicates that the UK is set to grow more quickly than

Germany, which is expected to see only 0 2 per cent growth, and at the same rate as Italy and Japan

While the IMF’s forecast is more conservative compared to some private

sector projections, which suggest growth could reach between 1 per cent and 1 3 per cent this year, the IMF’s growth estimate for 2025 remains at 1 5 per cent

Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented: “It is encouraging to see the IMF’s revised growth forecast, but we are fully aware of the significant challenges our economy faces and the legacy we have inherited That is why we are making tough decisions to strengthen the foundations of our economy, aiming to rebuild Britain and improve conditions across the country ”

The UK's recovery has

been supported by an increase in disposable incomes, as inflation has dropped to 2 per cent and wage growth stands at 6 per cent Business sentiment has also improved this year, although the interest rate remains unchanged at 5 25 per cent since last summer

The IMF’s upgrade comes with a cautionary note about persistent inflation in wealthy countries, which it said is complicating efforts to normalise monetary policy The fund’s economists highlighted that inflation remains stubbornly high in the services sector, including in the UK

Watchdog approves Virgin Money bid

Th e C om p et it ion a nd Mar ke ts Aut hority (CM A) has appr oved Nat ion wide

Building Society's £2 9 billion a cq uisition of Vir gin Mo n ey U K, de t er m in ing that the deal will not significantly reduce competition in the mortgage or credit card markets

The CMA concluded that the merger would not substantially lessen competition due to the presence of strong competitors It noted that the combined market share of the enlarged Nationwide would remain below 30 per cent in each product category considered

With the CMA’s

approval secured, the deal now awaits clearance from the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, and must also receive court approval as part of a scheme of arrangement Virgin Money shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the all-cash offer of 218p per share, with 89

per cent voting in favour Nationwide’s members will not have a vote on the deal

There remains a possibility of a competing bid, and Virgin Money is not obligated to pay Nationwide a break fee if it decides to change its recommendation As of yesterday, Virgin Money's share price increased by just 0 3

per cent to 215 5p, indicating minimal expectation of a higher offer

The CMA noted that while Virgin Money is a leading credit card issuer, its market share is below 30 per cent in most categories, and Nationwide’s card offering is relatively limited, targeting only existing customers Both companies face significant competition from major players like Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, and HSBC In the mortgage sector, the merged entity will be “relatively small” and will continue to face robust competition from lenders such as Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander

Zahawi working on £600m Telegraph bid

Br it ai n' s f orme r fi n anc e minister, Nadhim Zahawi, is repor ted ly a ss e mbl in g a £600 million ($776 34 million) bid to acquire the Daily Telegraph, according to Sky News

Zahawi, who left parliament in May after choosing not to run for his Stratfordon-Avon seat again, has been seeking financial backing from several billionaire investors for his offer This bid includes not only the Daily Telegraph but also its Sunday sister publication

The unemployment rate remained steady at 4 4 per cent in May, according to the Office for National Statistics Most members of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee have indicated that they require more evidence of sustained wage growth decline and a slowing labour market to justify what would be the first interest rate cut in four years Despite the expected slowdown in wage growth, financial markets are sceptical about an interest rate cut in August This uncertainty follows inflation data showing that the key measure of prices in the services sector remained at 5 7 per cent in June

and the Spectator magazine Sky News indicates that Zahawi has approached potential investors such as

Over 2,300 firms collapse amid high interest rates

The impact of high interest rates and inflation on busines ses b ecame evi d ent as official figures revealed that last month saw the thirdhighest number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales since the 2009 financial crisis

The Insolvency Service reported 2,361 company insolvencies last month, marking a 17 per cent increase from June 2023 and a 61 1 per cent rise compared to June 2019

Compulsory liquidations reached their second-highest level since January 2021, indicating that creditors are adopting a tougher approach this year The construction, hospitality, and retail sectors

remain particularly hard-hit

In June, Scotland saw a 4 per cent annual decline in insolvencies, while Northern Ireland experienced a 13 per cent annual increase, reflecting the different insolvency laws in these regions compared to England and Wales

The high insolvency figures partly stem from the overall increase in the number of companies Although the insolvency rate was slightly higher earlier in 2024, it remains below levels seen in the years following the 2008/09 global financial crisis The spike may also be attributed to many firms needing to pay rent on their properties in June

the Reuben family, known for their extensive property holdings and stake in Newcastle United Football Club Zahawi is also engaged in direct negotiations with International Media Investments (IMI), the Abu Dhabi-based entity that holds a majority stake in RedBird IMI RedBird IMI gained control of the Telegraph and Spectator in December by repaying a debt owed by the Barclay family to Lloyds Bank

However, Zahawi's

acquisition attempt faces hurdles, including a recent British government decision to ban foreign governments from owning newspapers While Zahawi has yet to make a formal offer, he is reportedly optimistic about securing the necessary financing to present a competitive bid In 2023, Zahawi was dismissed as Conservative Party chair following an investigation that revealed he had not been transparent about a tax probe

Landlord loans drop over 50% in 2023

Buy-to-let (BTL) house purchase lending fell by over 50% in 2023, with new loans dropping from 25,280 in the last quarter of 2022 to just 12,422 in the first quarter of this year, according to data from UK Finance

The number of outstanding BTL mortgages also declined for the first time, decreasing from 2 039 million in Q1 of last year to 1 98 million in Q1 of this year UK Finance attributes this decline to rapidly rising interest rates, which have made it more difficult for prospective BTL investors to meet lenders' affordability criteria Despite increasing rents, the rising costs of property management have eroded profitability The average interest cover ratio indicating how well rental income covers mortgage costs fell from 342% in Q1 2018 to 191% in Q1 2024

Most BTL borrowers continue to opt for fixed-rate mortgages, with 90% of new lending over the past two years on a fixed-rate basis However, a larger proportion of BTL mortgages are on variable rates compared to residential mortgages, leading to higher arrears rates As of the end of Q1 this year, 13,570 out of the 1 98 million outstanding BTL mortgages were in arrears, a 93% increase from the same quarter a year ago

Nonetheless, this represents just 0 68% of all BTL mortgages, with the number of arrears remaining stable since the last quarter of 2023

Rachel Reeves

Nadhim Zahawi

IMF ups India’s FY25 growth forecast to 7%

I MF rev i se d t he growth projection for India to 7% during the current financial year, compared to the earlier e s ti mate of 6 8%, c i ti ng upward revisions to growth

l as t y ea r an d i mpr oved pr ospe c ts for pri va te consumption, especially in rural areas The assessment

w il l provi de c omf ort to analysts and policymakers as rural demand is seen to be w eak , al though ther e a re initial signs of an uptick

The World Economic Outlook report has retained the global growth projection at 3 2% for this year, but projected a faster pace of expansion in emerging markets and developing countries driven by India and China, which is projected to grow 5%, compared with 4 6% earlier

“Growth in India and China is revised upwards and accounts for almost half of global growth Yet, prospects for the next five years remain weak, largely

because of waning momentum in emerging Asia By 2029, growth in China is projected to moderate to 3 3%, well below its current pace, ” it said While the Indian economy is projected to grow slower than the 8 2% during the last financial year, it will remain the fastest-growing major economy, not just this fiscal year but even in FY26

IMF’s projections are in line with govt’s estimates but lower than RBI’s revised forecast of 7 2% for the current financial year Govt may revise its projections when FM Nirmala

Sitharaman presents her seventh straight Budget next week

IMF also warned that momentum in the fight against inflation is slowing, which could further delay an easing of interest rates and keep up strong dollar pressure on developing economies

ADB retains growth forecast at 7%

A day after IMF revised upward India's growth prospects from 6 8 to 7 per cent, The Asian Development Bank maintained India’s growth forecast at 7% for the current fiscal Last month, RBI had revised its growth forecast upward to 7 2%, from the 7% estimated earlier India’s economy is on track to grow by 7% in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, as projected in ADO April 2024, said the July edition of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO)

No plans to allow business houses to promote banks: RBI governor

Go vernor S haktikanta Das said the Reserve Bank does not have any plan to allow business houses to promote banks at present Allowing corporate houses to promote b anks exp o se s o ne to conflict of interest risks and r elat ed-p ar ty trans ac ti on s, D as sai d, s p eaki ng a t an e vent o rgani se d by th e Financial Express

"At this point, there is no thinking in that direction," Das said, replying to a specific query on whether there is any consideration to allow business houses to open banks The RBI had disqualified a long list of conglomerates from

floating a lender in the last round of licensing around a decade ago

The issue was revived again in 2020, with an RBI working group supporting it, given the potential to get the capital for helping meet the country's growth aspirations Underlining that banks are different from other businesses, he said experience world over has shown potential conflicts of interest and issues relating to relatedparty transactions, if business houses are allowed

India also had business houses engaged in banking fray, Das said, speaking

about the time before bank nationalisation in the late 1960s "Experience world over has shown that it will be very difficult to monitor or to regulate and prevent related-party transactions

The risks involved are very high," Das said

He said, while the economy needs the resources to grow, we do not necessarily require more banks to achieve the aspirations

"What India needs is not proliferation in the number of banks, India needs sound banks, healthy banks, well governed banks which we feel will be able to mobilise savings

RIL posts 4% drop in first quarterly profit on weaker refining margin

Reliance Industries posted a 4 % drop in first quarterly profit, hurt by weak refining margins Profit stood at £1 74 bn in Q1FY25, falling short of anal ysts ’ exp ectati ons Revenue gained 12% to £ 23 6 b n b enefiti ng fro m th e streng th of oil-to-chemical ( O 2C ) and oi l & g as businesses as well as its fastg ro wi ng retail and d ig it al services (Jio) businesses

Operating profit, a yardstick for underlying business performance, remained nearly flat at £4 09 bn Expenses climbed 14% to £21 6 bn Operating profit of O2C declined 14% to £1 30 bn due to subdued global demand in well supplied markets

“The business was impacted by lower fuel cracks with tepid global demand and ramp-up of

new refineries,” said chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani Fuel cracks refers to cracking or breaking crude oil into different components like jet fuel, gasoline, and kerosene

Operating profit of digital (Jio) climbed 9% to £1 49 bn due to strong revenue growth However, Jio’s average revenue per user - a key metric that influences income - was at Rs 182 in Q1FY25, up just 0 6% ARPU is the total revenue of the telecom operator divided by the number of users on its network Launched in 2016, Jio has about 490 million customers as of June 30, 2024 and saw data and voice traffic growth of 33% and 6% on its network The company claimed that Jio is the largest 5G operator

India’s pharma exports surge with demands from US, UK

exports continue to register do u ble -di

affordable generic medicines in global markets led by the USA and UK

India’s pharma exports grew by 10 45 per cent in May this year to touch the $2 3 billion mark compared with the $2 08 billion in the same month of the previous financial year

India is now the world’s third-largest drugmaker by volume amid the growing demand for the country’s pharmaceutical products in export markets The US is a key market, which accounts for about 30 per cent of India’s annual pharma exports after a nearly 16 per cent increase in fiscal 2024

The country’s drug shortages as well as the increased use of drugs for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression are expected to

throughout the country through technology and meet the credit requirements," he said Das said that licensing of universal banks has been made on tap and added that applications are welcome Das said that the private credit space is growing rapidly and emerging as an attractive investment avenue for those with high risk appetite at present, and added the RBI is monitoring developments there

fuel the demand for India’s affordably priced drugs, according to industry sources

India is a hub of bulk generic drug manufacturing and drug makers including Dr Reddy’s, Cipla, Sun Pharma derive a significant share of revenue from both the US and Europe

The world’s largest drug market is facing decade high

drug shortages, India Ratings said in a note citing data from with Utah Drug Information Service There is an active shortage of 233 drugs across 22 therapeutic categories as of April, led mainly by discontinuing production of some drugs, rising demand and delays in shipments, it said, also citing data from the US Food and Drug Administration

Piyush Goyal urges diaspora in US to invest in India

In dia 's c ommerc e and in dust ry m in is ter Pi yus h Goya l appealed to the Indian diaspora of the US to help promote the coun try a s a p ref err ed i nve st men t d es ti na ti on, highlighti ng the vast opportunities avai lable in various sectors

He said that the government has taken a series of measures to attract investments and those steps include promoting ease of doing business, reducing compliance burden, opening sectors like space and efface for foreign direct investments

Goyal also asked the diaspora to participate in making India a developed nation by 2047

"Help promote brand India as a premium investment destination Investing in India has tremendous growth potential and we saw NRI deposits (increasing to) USD 3 billion between April and May, and that is four times what it was last year I am sure many of you would be looking at investments in the Indian stock market, bond market, banking systems, fixed deposits, depending on your appetite for risks," he said while virtually interacting with the Indian diaspora of the US

He added that though at present the US is attractive for investors because of high interest rates, going forward India provides huge opportunities for businesses "I would invite all of you to invest in India India's growth story will continue unfettered at a scorching pace India would continue to lead the world economy and will continue to be the most favoured destination for investment, and manufacturing," Goyal said

ICICI Bank launches student Sapphiro Forex Card

outside of China with 130 million subscribers

Operating profit of the retail business jumped 10% to £567 2 mn, led by growth in consumer electronics, grocery and fashion & lifestyle verticals Reliance

Retail has 18,918 outlets as of June 30, 2024

Operating profit of oil & gas shot up by 30% to £521 mn on account of higher volumes from the KG D6 Field “The oil and gas segment continued its growth trajectory with higher production, offsetting lower year-onyear gas price realisations, said Ambani On its new energy giga factories, Ambani said the company has made significant progress on the implementation of these factories

I CI CI Ba nk has l aunc hed the ‘Student Sapphiro Forex Ca rd’, a premi um for ex pre pai d c ard cr af ted specifically for students who are travelling abroad from India for higher education to ove rs ea s de st in ati on s, including the UK

The card, powered by Visa, provides exclusive benefits and convenience to students as well as their parents to manage education related expenses abroad such as admission fees, course-related fees and other day-to-day expenses including travel, dining and groceries, among others

Niraj Tralshawala, Head - Payment Solutions, ICICI Bank said: “We are delighted to offer a new premium forex card with attractive benefits for students travelling abroad for

education

“It offers students the triple advantage of payment of tuition and daily expenses, digital re-loading of the card by parents from anywhere, and additional curated benefits We believe that this card empowers students and their parents with a hassle-free and seamless experience for payments abroad ” The card offers the freedom of loading and transacting in 15 currencies, without any cross-currency

mark-up charge being levied by the Bank, allowing students to conveniently travel across the globe even if they load only one currency on the card This initiative comes in the wake of continuing surge in the number of Indian students going overseas for higher education

According to ICICI, the card comes with an array of joining benefits up to Rs 15,000, along with exclusive privileges It comes with a welcome kit with two cards – a primary and a replacement card – that can be activated digitally through iMobile Pay, internet banking or by calling the Bank’s Customer Care in the event of loss/damage of the primary card

Shaktikanta Das

Bangladesh protests halted, govt gets 48 hours to meet demands

DHA K A : S treets appeared calm i n Bang lad es h’ s capi tal, a d ay after the Su preme C ourt agreed to scrap mo st go vt j ob quotas t h at h ad ang e red s tu d ent -l ed a ct i v i st s an d led to d e ad l y p rotests

Late on Sunday, protesters gave Bangladesh’s govt 48 hours to meet a string of new demands, including a public apology from PM Sheikh Hasina for the violence, and the restoration of internet connections disrupted in the unrest

But on Monday, most appeared to be obeying a curfew in cities that had seen regular demonstrations after a high court in June reinstated old quotas that reserved many state jobs for descendants of freedom fighters and other groups

Nearly 150 people have died in the violence, according to information from hospitals

in brief

4 OF FAMILY FROM KERALA DIE IN KUWAIT FIRE

Four members of a family from Pathanamthitta in Kerala died in a fire that broke out at their residence in Kuwait The victims have been identified as Mathew Muzhakkal, his wife Lini Abraham and their children Isaac and Erin The family left for Kuwait after their vacation in Kerala only last week "Mathew has been working there for the past 15 years His wife is a nurse The children are studying there Mathew is survived by mother and three siblings According to preliminary information the fire was caused by a short circuit in the AC in the room

Dhaka police have arrested 516 people for involvement in “destructive attacks”, spokesperson Faruq Hossain said A public holiday declared over the last two days was extended, according to a govt notification “Normalcy will return within one or two days,” home minister Asaduzzaman Khan said UAE jails Bangladeshis

28 people, including 5 civilians, 10 soldiers, killed in Pak terror attacks

K ARACHI: A t least 28 people, including fiv e civ ilians, 10 soldiers, and 13 suspected m ilitants, were killed in two separate terrorist attacks, w hich includ ed a suicide bombing , in no rthwestern Pakistan, th e military said

A group of heavily-armed militants stormed the cantonment area in the Bannu district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province before a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the area, killing eight soldiers

"The attempt to enter the cantonment was effectively thwarted by the security forces personnel, which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive laden vehicle into perimeter wall of the cantonment," the military said in a statement The suicide blast, it added, led to the collapse of a portion of the wall and damaged the adjoining infrastructure, resulting in the killing of eight soldiers

In the ensuing operation, troops effectively engaged the attackers, killing all 10 suspected militants, the statement added The army pointed a finger at the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of outlawed Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP), "which operates from Afghanistan and has used Afghan soil to orchestrate acts of terrorism inside Pakistan in the past as well "

Nepal PM Oli wins vote of confidence in Parliament

K A T HM A N DU : Nepal's newly app ointed Prime Minister K P Sharm a Oli com fo rtably wo n a v ote of co nfidence in Parliam ent on Sunday, nearly a w eek after he w as sworn in to l ea d a c o al i ti o n g o v e rn m en t i n th e Himalayan nation

Oli secured 188 votes in favour while 74 votes were cast against the motion Out of a total of 263 members of the House of Representatives, who were present, one member abstained As the Parliament meeting started, Prime Minister Oli tabled the motion seeking a vote of confidence from the House Speaker Ghimire gave around two hours for HoR members and representatives from ruling and Opposition parties to discuss the motion He then allotted time for the Prime Minister to give his response to the issues raised by HoR members

The voting process started after the Prime Minister concluded his deliberations Responding to issues raised by the HoR members Oli said, I was not and will not get involved in corruption neither will tolerate if any one practices so

Meanwhile, a court in the UAE sentenced dozens of

Bangladeshi nationals to prison, including three for life imprisonment, over protests against their home govt in the Gulf country, state media reported The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal handed 10-year jail terms to 53 Bangladeshis nationals and an 11-year term to another, in addition to the three life imprisonments, according to the state-owned Emirates News Agency, WAM The UAE’s attorney general’s office indicted the Bangladeshis on several charges, including “gathering in a public place, protesting against their home govt with the intent to incite unrest,” obstructing law enforcement, causing harm to others and damaging property

Steep decline in Hindu population in Pakistan, Bangladesh

IS L A M A BA D: In 1947, wh en India was p artitioned , th e Hindu p opulation in Pakistan w as abou t 24%

According to a report by the Centre for Peace and Justice Pakistan, Hindu community, comprises about 1 18 per cent of the country's total registered population of 18,68,90,601

The report, based on data collected from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), says that minorities constituted less than five per cent of the total population of Pakistan, with Hindus being the largest minority community

According to NADRA data till March, the total number of registered people stood at 18,68,90,601 of whom 18,25,92,000 are Muslims

The report that collected data on the basis of minorities that have obtained Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC) from NADRA confirmed 17 identities of different faiths and religions, including 1,400 atheists

The registered Hindus figure 22,10,566, followed by Christians 18,73,348, Ahmedis 1,88,340, Sikhs 74,130, Bhais 14,537, and as many as 3,917 Parsis, said the report, based on three national population censuses held in Pakistan

There are 11 other minorities in Pakistan, accounting less than 2,000, who have been issued CNICs by the NADRA

The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents They often complain of harassment by extremists

In 1947, the Hindu population in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was 30% Today it is about 7% or probably even less According to a report published by a local daily newspaper of Bangladesh, the Hindu population in the country has reduced by nearly one million between 2001 and 2011 period The reduction mainly happened in nine districts – Bhola, Barisal, Jhalokati, Pirojpur, Bagerhat, Narail, Gopalganj, Rajbari and Manikganj The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom have said that Hindus constitute merely 7% of the population in Bangladesh as per as the latest 2016 figures Hindus in Bangladesh in the late 2000s were almost evenly distributed in all regions, with large concentrations in Gopalganj, Dinajpur, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Jessore, Chittagong and parts of Chittagong Hill Tracts In the capital city of Dhaka, Hindus are the second-largest religious community after the Muslims and the largest concentration of Hindus can be found in and around Shankhari Bazaar of the old city In 2013, Amnesty International reported that the rise of more explicitly Islamist political formations in Bangladesh during the 1990s had resulted in many Hindus being intimidated or attacked, and that fairly substantial numbers were leaving the country for India Since 1971, the Hindu percentage has continued to decline, forming 8 5% of the population as of 2011 The fall in the share of total population has been attributed to outward migration, and the fertility rate for Hindus remaining consistently lower than Muslims

3 Indians among crew detained on Singaporeflagged ship carrying drugs to Brisbane

S I NGA P ORE : T hree I ndian nationals are amo ng the crew who have been detained by I nd o ne s i

eflagged shi p fo r carryi ng drugs to Brisbane, according to a media rep ort

Acting on a tip-off, the Indonesian authorities intercepted the cargo vessel, called Legend Aquarius, in the Pongkar waters of the Karimun district It was manned by 10 Indonesian crew members, including the captain

Three Singapore residents of Indian nationalities were also on board They are allegedly the owners of the drugs and had commissioned the trip, police commissioner-general Marthinus Hukom, head of the Indonesian National Narcotic Agency (BNN), told reporters

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said that, it was alerted to the detention of a Singapore-flagged vessel, Legend Aquarius, by the Indonesian author-

ities, according to the Singapore Daily “MPA is in contact with the vessel owner to ascertain the facts and has advised the company to cooperate with the Indonesian authorities on the investigations,” the broadsheet quoted MPA as saying

At the press conference, InspectorGeneral Wayan Sugiri said the vessel left Singapore on July 9 for a private port in Johor Bahru While at the private port on July 12, the three Indian-origin Singapore PRs loaded the illicit drugs onto the vessel and placed them in the engine room

2 ANDHRA STUDENTS DROWN IN AUSTRALIA

Two students from Andhra Pradesh pursuing higher studies in Australia accidentally drowned while swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls near Cairns in Queensland The deceased were identified as Chaitanya Mupparaju from Bapatla district and Surya Teja Bobba from Prakasam district No other details were known about the students, but both were said to be in their 20s According to Queensland Police, when one of the two friends seemed to be struggling in the water, the other tried to help but both drowned Another person was said to have been accompanying the duo when the accident took place Police have not identified him, but said he appeared to be in a state of shock An online appeal to raise funds for their families to bear funeral expenses has been met

SIKH REPUBLICAN CRITICIZED FOR PRAYING TO ‘FOREIGN GOD’

Republican Harmeet Dhillon delivered a prayer at the Republican National Convention drawing from her Sikh faith tradition Dhillon who shared her family’s immigrant background recited a prayer that translates to This body and soul are yours You are our mother and father, and we are your children In your grace and through your benevolence, we experience peace and happiness! While Dhillon s prayer was well-received by many, some conservative Christians on X criticized her for praying to what they termed a “foreign god ” In response, Dhillon took to X, stating she was “blocking quite a few people” but noted that the majority of responses to her prayer were positive

BIHAR FIRM SUPPLYING SHOES TO RUSSIAN ARMY

Bihar’s Hajipur-based Competence Exports, is producing high-quality safety shoes for the Russian military Currently we export all our safety shoes to Russia, but we are also exploring opportunities in Europe and aim to launch in the domestic market soon,” said Shib Kumar Roy general manager Competence Exports The company employs 300 individuals, 70 per cent of whom are women Last year the company exported 1 5 million pairs of shoes worth £10 mn The company said the boots supplied to the Russian Army are made from a special material which keeps them lightweight and resistant to extreme cold

PAK SLAMS ATTACK ON ITS CONSULATE IN GERMANY

Pakistan condemned an attack on its Frankfurt consulate a day earlier by what it described as a gang of extremists” and urged German authorities to arrest those involved in the incident Footage shared on social media showed a large angry crowd, some holding Afghanistan flags and scaling the fence to enter the Pakistani consulate and removing its flag Pakistani authorities claimed the people were allegedly Afghan nationals who pelted the consulate with stones This is not the first time Afghans have exhibited hostility towards Pakistan at a neutral venue

Hindu temple defaced with anti-India grafitti in Canada in brief PROTESTS

CONTINUE AGAINST BANNU

FIRING

Thousands of protesters continued their sit-in protest in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Bannu against a shooting incident allegedly by the Pakistan army which led to stampede resulting in the death of at least two people and injuries to more than 20 others last week Following the attack, thousands have been demanding an end to further military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province currently governed by Imran Khanled PTI The federal govt accused the PTI govt of politicising the incident and alleging that PTI workers were involved in the incident

12-YEAR-OLD US GIRL SMOTHERS COUSIN OVER AN IPHONE

A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her 8-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone after coming from out of town to stay with their grandmother A security camera recorded the killing inside the bedroom they shared in Humboldt The recording shows the older child using bedding to suffocate her cousin, Gibson district attorney Frederick Agee said After the child died, “the juvenile cleaned up the victim and repositioned her body” Agee said The girl was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence Agee said he would seek to prosecute the girl in adult court which would allow for lengthier sentence

KENYAN MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING 42 WOMEN

In Kenya, a judge has decided that a man who allegedly admitted to killing and dismembering 42 women between 2022 and 2024 beginning with his wife must remain in custody for 30 days as the investigation continues Collins Jumaisi Khalusha 33 was described by police as a "vampire and a psychopath and was arrested after the discovery of mutilated bodies in a Nairobi garbage dump He appeared in court in the Kenyan capital, where the magistrate approved the police request for his detention The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) in Kenya announced that it is investigating potential police involvement or failure to prevent the killings

RUSSIA JAILS US REPORTER FOR ‘SPYING’

A Russian court found US reporter Evan Gershkovich guilty of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in a maximum security penal colony in what his employer the Wall Street Journal, called “a sham conviction Gershkovich, a 32-year-old American who denied any wrongdoing, went on trial in the city of Yekaterinburg last month after being accused of trying to gather sensitive information about a tank factory He was the first US journalist accused of spying in Russia since the Cold War and his arrest in March 2023 prompted many Western correspondents to leave Moscow US Prez Joe Biden said Gershkovich did not commit any crime and has been wrongfully detained

LANDSLIDE VICTORY FOR RWANDA PRESIDENT

Rwanda's president Paul Kagame has been reelected with 99 18% of the vote the National Electoral Commission said, extending his near quarter-century in office The two men standing against him - Frank Habineza from the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana - both conceded defeat which rights groups say was marred by a crack-down on journalists the opposition and civil society groups A government spokesperson repeatedly rejected such criticism during the election period

E DMONTON: A Hindu temple in Canada's Edmonton was defaced with anti-India graffiti The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple was targeted early in the morning, the Hindu American Foundation said, adding that the slurs used in the grafitti attacked Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya

The organisation shared a photo of the defacement in a post on X

"The @chcconline is confirming that the @ B A P

became the latest Hindu temple targeted for an attack early this morning The temple was

@AryaCanada, one of a few Hindu Members of the Canadian House of Commons We are outraged by this latest incident that mirrors several previous attacks - many blamed on pro-Khalistan activists," the post read

MP Chandra Arya said that Hindu temples in Canada have increasingly being "van-

dalised"

The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti," Arya said in a post on X

Arya, a Liberal member of Parliament known for his advocacy on multicultural issues, pointed to the impunity enjoyed by "Khalistani extremists" in Canada "As I have always been saying, Khalistani extremists seem to get away with ease with their public rhetoric of hate and violence Again, let me put it on record Hindu Canadians are legitimately concerned Like a broken record, I again call on Canadian law enforcement agencies to take this issue seriously before these rhetoric get translated into physical action against Hindu Canadians," he said

US urges India to use Russia ties to end Ukraine war

WASHIN GTO N: The United States urged India to use its longstanding relationship with Russia to urge President Vladimir Putin to “end his illegal war and to find a lasting peace ” in its conflict with Ukraine

Mathew Miller, the State Department

s p o k e s p e r s o n , w a

Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow and his meeting with President Putin, which continues to generate interest in Washington

“India has a longstanding relationship with Russia,” Miller said, adding, “We have, speaking for the United States, encouraged India to utilize that relationship with Russia,

President Putin to end his illegal war and to find a just peace, a lasting peace to this conflict ”

Vladimir Putin to respect the UN charter, to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty And that’s what we continue to i

which is an important partner of ours when it comes to its relationship with Russia ”

Trump accepts nomination in 90minute speech pledging healing

W A S H I N G T O N : Th e sp ee ch be ga n wi th uplifting sentiments and words around the theme of unity a nd healing Then his natural instincts took over a nd gripe s, grievances, and threats flowed Recounting his nar row escape from an assassin’s bullet in excruciating detail, for m er U S pr e z D on a ld T ru mp i ni tia lly pledged to launch “ a new era of safe ty, prospe rity and fr eedom for citize ns of every race, religion, colour a nd creed” in a 90-minute n omi na ti on a cce pta n ce sp e ec h a t the Republi ca n National Conve ntion fina le in Milwaukee

But he reflexively kept revisiting divisive i s s u

stolen election in 2020 that he lost by nearly 7 million votes, suggesting that his promise to

heal the country is incumbent on being recognised as the victor in 2024 regardless of the outcome “The discord and division in our society must be healed We must heal it quickly As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate We rise together Or we fall apart,” he said in an address that had a few l o f

digressions

“I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” he said, adding, “To every citizen, whether you ’ re a young or old, man or woman, Democrat, Republican or Independent, black or white, Asian or Hispanic, I extend to you a hand of loyalty and of friendship Together, we will lead America to new heights of greatness ”

US cop who laughed after Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula's death fired

N E W Y O RK / SE AT TLE : A Seattle polic e offi cer, whose insensi ti ve c omments and laughter following the death of an Indian student which had caused outrage, has been fired Jaahnavi Kandula, 23, was struck by a poli c e vehi c le dr iv en by Se att le Poli c e Officer Kevin Dave as she was crossing a street on January 23 Dave was driving 74 mph (more than 119 kmh) on the way to a report of a drug overdose call Kandula was thrown 100 feet when she was struck by the speeding police patrol vehicle I n b o d

y

Seattle Police Department, Officer Daniel Auderer laughed about the deadly crash and remarked that “Uh, I think she went up on the hood, hit the windshield, and then when he hit the brakes, flew off the car But she is d

Man from Agra killed after US road rage scuffle

AGRA: A newly wed resident of Agra was s hot dea d i n a road rage i nc i den t i n Indianapolis, United States, last week Gavin Dasaur, 29, and Cinthya Viviana Zamora, a Mexican-origin woman he married just 18 days ago, were riding a two-wheeler when a white Chevy pick-up truck recklessly overtook them

A purported video of the incident shows Gavin pulling out a gun and confronting the truck driver while banging on the car The two get into a scuffle before the driver pulls out a gun and shoots Gavin multiple times

Police arrived at the scene and carried o

However, to the family’s dismay, “the driver, who, unlike Gavin, was a US citizen, was released ” The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said that the investigation into the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the alleged road rage incident is ongoing Gavin’s father, Pawan D a s a u

c o m p a n y

employee, said his son graduated in science from St John’s Degree College in Agra He left for the US in 2016 to pursue a diploma in automobile engineering

Haley, Ramaswamy get prime speaking slots at RNC

MILWAUKEE: Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaking at the Republican Party’s National Convention here, promised illegal immigrants will be ‘returned’ to the country of their origin

“Our message to illegal immigrants is also this; we will return you to your country of origin Not because you ’ re all bad people, but because you broke the law and the United States of America was founded on the rule of law” the 38-year-old said

“To every legal immigrant: you ’ re like my parents You deserve the opportunity to secure a better life for your children in America,” the former Trump rival said Ramaswamy’s parents migrated to the US from Kerala in the 1980s

Auderer “laughed hard for four seconds,” the Disciplinary Action Report said Interim Chief Sue Rahr at the Seattle Police Department said in an internal email that the hurt Auderer's words have inflicted on Kandula's family “cannot be erased The actions this individual police officer have b r o u g h t s h

Department and our entire profession, making the job of every police officer more difficult”

Rahr said as the leader of the organisation, it is her duty to uphold the high standards necessary to maintain public trust “For me to allow the officer to remain on our force would only bring further dishonour to the entire department For that reason, I am going to terminate his employment,” she said in the internal email

Addressing black Americans he said, “the media has tried to convince you for decades that Republicans don’t care about your communities We want for you what we want for every American: safe neighborhoods, clean streets, good jobs, a better life for your children, and a justice system that treats everyone equally – regardless of your skin color or your political beliefs ”

Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor in her address to the Republican National Convention said, “President Trump asked me to speak to this convention in the name of unity It was a gracious initiation and I was happy to accept I’ll start by making one thing perfectly clear; Donald Trump has my strong endorsement Period ” Speaking about the border issue, Haley said that it’s the single biggest threat Americans face under US President Joe Biden

Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy

Mathew Miller

Four Indian students win gold medals at Mathematics Olympiad

The Indian team of six high school students has achieved

a h i sto ri c fe at a t th e

I nternatio nal M athem ati cs

O lym p i ad ( I M O) 2 024,

s ec ur in

p

nce In dia' s debut in 1989

B

Rushil Mathur, Ananda

, and Kanav Talwar clinched gold medals for India, while Arjun Gupta secured a silver

m

C

honourable mention

T

(former IMO medalist; from Homi Bhabha Centre For

S c i e n c e E d u c a t i o n , o r

H B C S E ) a s t h e d e p u t y

l e a d e r , f i n i

c o u n t r i e s , w i t h o v e r 6 0 9 students in the competition

The Indian team scored an impressive 167 points, just

ion Gue r

g the previous best rankings of 7th in 2001 and 1998

For each team member,

Mathur from Powai, who w

and computer science at the University of Oxford for his

mathematics

middle-

introduced to its vastness and beauty when I began

o n e m a r k b e h i n d S o u t h Korea, with the US, China, and South Korea taking the top three spots T h i s o u t s t a n d i n g performance marks India's best result in the Olympiad in terms of medals won and

Olympiad problems -which I didn't even know how to approach at first -hooked me onto mathematics " Prime Minister Narendra

M

achievement via a post on X, calling them an inspiration to young people

The team is expected to return to India and will be honoured at HBCSE The I M O

championship mathematics competition for high school students, held in different countries since 1959, with t h i

Kingdom

44-year-old ban on govt staffers joining RSS lifted

The Centre confirmed that govt employees would no l on ge r b e pen a li s ed f or associating themselves with RSS, ending a prohibition that has been in force since 1 966 an d w hi c h ha d n ot been done away with even by previ ous BJP govts

A n o t i f i c a t i o n

s e g r e g a t i n g R S S f r o m

o r g a n i s a t i o n s w i t h w h o m

g o v t e m p l o y e e s a r e n o t supposed to be involved was

i s s u e d o n J u l y 9 , s o u r c e s said The order, which was

f l a g g e d b y C o n g r e s s o n Sunday to attack govt, may appear to give only a de jure status to the reality of RSS

a c t i v i s t s o c c u p y i n g s e n i o r p o s i t i o n s i n g o v t a s m e m b e r s o f t h e U n i o n cabinet But it is significant because of the timing as it comes amid a perception in

m a n y q u a r t e r s a b o u t

differences between Sangh and govt

The first order, issued by the then Congress govt i n 1 9 6 6 , h a d t a g g e d R S S w i t h J a m a a t - e - I s l a m i , stating that “govt have (sic) always held the activities of these two organisations to be of such a nature that p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n t h e m b y govt servants would attract the provisions of sub Rule 1 of Rule 5 of Central Civil S e r v i c e s C o n d u c t R u l e s , 1964)” The rule states that no govt servant shall be a member of or be associated with any political party or

a n y o r g a n i s a t i o n w h i c h t a k e s p a r t i n p o l i t i c s , o r shall take part in, subscribe i n a i d o f o r a s s i s t a n y p o l i t i c a l m o v e m e n t o r activity

Following a ban on RSS i n t h e w a k e o f t h e

A rm y (PL GA ) w e re sho t d e ad in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli in a six-h ou r op er a tio n , in v ol vin g 200 po lice co mm a n do s air d ro pp ed in t o th e de n se Wan d ol i f or e sts n ea r t he Chhattisgarh border amid torrential rain The forces f ir ed mo re th an 2,0 00 rounds during the gunfight - one of the most intense in r ece n t de ca d es a g ain st Maoist insurgents

The operation was a big b l o w f o r P L G A i n n o r t h Gadchiroli as its divisional

c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r a n d

T i p p a g a r h d a l a m c h i e f

L a x m a n A t r a m , t h e commander of PLGA in the

r e g i o n , w a s k i l l e d S a r i t a Parsa, a woman Maoist and C h a t g a o n d a l a m a r e a c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r , w a s among the dead

E m e r g e n c y c l a m p e d b y Indira Gandhi govt in 1975, D o P T i s s u e d y e t a n o t h e r o r d e r m e n t i o n i n g t h e g a z

July 3 and 4, 1975, banning

R S S , J a m a a t - e - I s l a m i , Anand Marg and CPI (ML)

T h e b a n m e a n t t h a t a n y person who associates with s u c h o r g a n i s a t i o n s c o u l d invite up to seven years in jail and/or fine Relief for R S S a n d o t h e r

o r g a n i s a t i o n s , h o w e v e r , came after the Indira govt was dislodged in 1977 by the

J a n a t a a l l i a n c e A D o P T clarification dated April 23, 1977, stated that consequent upon the lifting of the ban

o n R S S , J a m a a t - e - I s l a m i ,

Anand Marg and CPI (ML)

e t c , t h e N o v , 1 9 7 5 O M referred to above relating to the aforesaid organizations may be treated as deleted

f o u n d s e v e n a u t o m a t i c w e a p o n s , i n c l u d i n g t h r e e A K - 4

Insas rifles, and a carbine, at the site

The commandos faced severe weather conditions, i n c l u d i n g f i v e f l o o d e d nullahs, to reach the PLGA camp The operation, led by DSP Vishal Nagargoje, was crucial as anti-mine combat v

e

immobile due to the floods

announced a reward of Rs

5 1 , 0 0 , 0 0 0 f o r t h e commandos Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal

The Maoist death count is likely to go up as another b o d y i s s u s p e c t e d t o b e l y i n g s o m e w h e r e i n t h e j u n g l e S e c u r i t y f o r c e s

highlighted the element of s u r

guerrillas did not expect

weather “We managed to reach the camp in the nick of time Another hour lost

been marooned,” he said

wounded in the shootout They were evacuated with

police in Chhattisgarh and flown to Gadchiroli Patil, who took

bullet in his

shifted to Nagpur

Amid surge in attacks, Army chief reviews Jammu security situation

Ar m y ch ief G ener al Upendra Dwivedi last week r eviewe d op er at io nal situation in Jammu region, wh er e u r g ent n eed to str engt hen cou nt er -t er ror grid as well as intelligence network has been dr iven home by a major surge in t er r o ri sm in r ecent months

Gen Dwivedi, on a daylong visit to Jammu, was b r i e f e d o n t h e i n t e r n a l s e c u r i t y s i t u a t i o n b y h i s l o c a l f o r m a t i o n c o m m a n d e r s H e a l s o chaired a top-level security review meeting with senior o f f i c e r s f r o m J & K P o l i c e and CAPFs (central armed police forces) like BSF and CRPF, which went on for almost two hours

“The action plan is to s t r e n g t h e n a n d r e a d j u s t

A r m y ’ s c o u n t e r - t e r r o r i s m

Antique idols found in inner chamber of Ratna Bhandar

Govt officials and servitors, who opened the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple after 46 years , di scovered several antique idols crafted from precious metals in the treasury’s inner chamber These idols were not listed in any previous inventories

“The ancient small idols - perhaps 5 to 7 in number - have turned almost black over the last four decades We did not touch them We promptly lit a diya and worshipped them They will be shifted to a temporary strongroom Details like weight and make of the idols can be ascertained only after the inventory,” Biswanath Rath, chairman of an 11-member committee set up to oversee the inventory of Ratna Bhandar, said The servitors believe these idols were once worshipped by “bhandar mekaps”, or treasury caretakers, long ago The members admitted they were unaware of the specific types of valuables stored in the chests and almirahs within the inner chamber

There is widespread speculation that the inner chamber contains precious items like gold crowns, gold and tiger claws, golden wreaths, gold wheels, gold flowers, silver thrones, necklaces adorned with diamonds and pearls, and a gold-studded Mayur Chandrika, among other treasures

g r i d , r e i n v i g o r a t e t h e i n t e l l i g e n c e n e t w o r k a n d

e n h a n c e s y n e r g y w i t h

CAPFs and J&K Police,” a source said, adding, “The meeting resolved that there must be a serious focus on e n h a n c i n g s e c u r i t y a n d stability in the region The discussions covered areas secured by security forces

a n d t h e o n g o i n g

o p e r a t i o n s a i m e d a t d i s m a n t l i n g t e r r o r i s t support networks ” With lack of adequate

“ h u m a n a n d s i g n a l i n t e l l i g e n c e ” , A r m y h a s s u f f e r e d s e t b a c k s i n operations against trained t e r r o r i s t s , w h o a r e

e q u i p p e d w i t h m o d e r n w e a p o n s a n d h i g h l yencrypted communication

g e a r a s w e l l a s a d e p t m i l i t a r y - s t y l e a m b u s h e s and traps, in the denselyf o r e s t e d m o u n t a i n o u s terrain

The Army chief’s visit comes after four soldiers, including Captain Brijesh Thapa, were killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in Doda on July 1 5 - 1 6 I n t e l l i g e n c e i n p u t s s a y 5 5 t e r r o r i s t s , m a i n l y f r o m

Eight Indians among 9 rescued after oil tanker capsizes off Oman coast

Nine of the 16 crew members who were on board a Comoranflagged oil tanker that capsized in the Arabian Gulf near Oman have been rescued, the Indian Navy said Eight of those rescued are Indians, while the ninth crew member is a Sri Lankan Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said that one crew member was found dead, but did not state the person ’ s nationality Thirteen of the crew members on board the tanker were Indians, while the remaining three were Sri Lankans Search and rescue operations are underway for the remaining six crew members The Indian Navy said that search and rescue operations were being carried out in challenging weather conditions as the area was experiencing rough seas and strong winds The Navy has deployed its warship INS Teg to take part in rescue efforts

The oil tanker, identified as the Prestige Falcon, capsized 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port town of Duqm in Oman Shipping data shows that it left Dubai’s Al Hamriya Port on July 9 and was to reach the port of Aden in Yemen

FIR filed against IAS probationary officer Puja Khedka for forging papers

D elh i Po l ic e fi led an F I R

a gai nst p ro bat io nar y I AS

o fficer Pu ja Khedkar after UPSC initiated criminal proc eedi ngs agai nst h er f o r

w ri ti ng th e c ivi l se rvi ces exam a dozen times under di f fere nt i denti ti es b y allegedly forging documents,

m i s us i ng th e “ b ench m ar k disability” provision and, on o ne o cc as io n, “ ru nni ng away ” from a medical test at AIIMS Delhi

“After nine attempts, she got her benchmark disability certificate, which is issued for 40% disability,” a police officer said, citing the FIR “On getting this certificate, she made three more attempts, eventually making the cut ”

UPSC issued Khedkar a show-cause, asking why her candidature in the 2022 civil

services exam should not be cancelled, in which case she would cease to be part of the IAS and be barred from all future competitive exams

The crime branch will also investigate how Khedkar got an MBBS seat at Pune's Shrimati Kashibai Navale Medical College by availing reservation in the ‘Nomadic Tribe-3’ category

Based on UPSC’s complaint, police slapped IPC sec-

tions 420 (cheating), 464 (making a document in the name of a fictitious person), 465 (forgery) and 471 (passing off a forged document as genuine) on Puja She additionally faces charges under sections 89 and 91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and 66D of the Information Technology Act

Officials said IPC had been invoked as the alleged offences were committed before the new criminal laws took effect on July 1 “UPSC has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation into the misdemeanour of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar She fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the examination rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father’s

and mother’s names, her photograph/signature, her email ID, mobile number and address,” UPSC said In 2021, Khedkar cleared the mains and was supposed to undergo a medical test at AIIMS, which she allegedly ran away from to avoid being caught faking disability

“The next year, she again appeared for the exam, using a fake certificate Even before the results appeared, she applied for UPSC 2023, ” an officer said, quoting from UPSC's complaint The complaint alleges that Khedkar showed her parents Dilip and Manorama Khedkar as having separated, so that their assets could be segregated and she could apply for a fake income certificate Manorama was arrested in a different criminal case

Incessant rain batters Saurashtra region

Incessant rain for the fourth consecutive day caused wi desp read floo ding a nd di sru p ti on in t he S a ura sh tra region Th e most affected places were Kalyanpur taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Upleta taluka in Rajkot district, and M anavadar talu ka o f Ju nagadh Kalyanpur taluka received over 270 mm of the total 281mm rainfall during the day in just four hours, leaving many villages inundated and isolated

The district administration launched rescue operations, summoning the IAF and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Three people stranded on a farm in Kalyanpur taluka were airlifted to safety by an IAF helicopter, while the NDRF team rescued eight people from the villages of Keshvpura and Tankariya Two additional NDRF teams were deployed in the district to assist with ongoing rescue efforts even as rain continued to pound the district

Infrastructure was severely impacted, with the national highway connecting Porbandar and Dwarka becoming impassable due to waterlogging near

Lamba Dwarka town received 135 mm of rainfall, adding to the challenges that the residents and authorities were already facing due to waterlogging in several areas

GT Pandya, Devbhumi Dwarka district collector, said, “The people trapped in Keshavpura and Tankaria were rescued by local people, the team of mamlatdar, and NDRF personnel

However, for those trapped on a farm in P aneli village, it was very difficult even for the NDRF to reach them as the water level was high ”

The Devbhumi Dwarka administration has issued warnings to those living in low-lying areas near dams, as most of the dams in the district are

filled to their maximum capacity Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid crossing roads near causeways

Upleta taluka in Rajkot district received 132 mm of rain in four hours, with Lath village being severely affected The village, situated at the confluence of three rivers was submerged by the rising waters In Upleta town, floodwaters entered schools, and parents had to brave waterlogged streets on tractors to bring their children home safely An SDRF team had to rescue ten people, including two children, who were trapped on the outskirts of the village Junagadh district also faced the consequences of heavy rainfall, with Manavadar (198mm) and Visavadar (149mm) talukas receiving significant amounts of rain Junagadh district collector said that 1,100 people had been evacuated from low-lying and slum areas in Manavadar taluka and provided with food packets and drinking water

Supreme Court to examine if governors are immune from criminal cases

For the first time in 74 years, Supreme Court will test the constitutional validity of immunity from criminal proceedings accorded to the President and governors

A bench of CJI Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra entertained the plea of a former woman employee of Kolkata Raj Bhavan who said the constitutional provision (Article 361) had prevented police from probing her charge of sexual harassment against Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose

“How can police and courts be silent

on a crime committed by a governor that violated the right to dignity, selfrespect and safety of an employee guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution?” asked Shyam Divan, counsel for the woman, leading the bench to look into the issue of whether immunity enjoyed by the President and governors was absolute Divan said instead of inquiring into the very serious “incident”, police have remained inactive because of the governor's immunity from criminal proceedings “When a serious criminal offence is alleged, the police machinery

must move with alacrity to gather evidence, which otherwise may be obliterated with passage of time and the constitutional post holder may influence witnesses,” he said The bench issued notice to West Bengal govt, sought assistance of attorney general R Venkataramani to adjudicate this complex constitutional question and asked Divan to make the Centre a party to the petition where the woman, has said that while she was left without remedy, the governor continued to give statements ridiculing her and trashing her allegations as politically motivated

Over 4,500

Indian students return from Bangladesh

More than 4,500 Indian stud ents h ave retu rned f rom Ba ng l ades h am i d g ro wi ng u nrest and vio lence th ere, th e M ini stry o f External Affairs said

The ministry added that 500 students from Nepal, 38 from Bhutan and one Maldivian citizen have also been evacuated to India from Bangladesh

The ministry said in a statement that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been “making arrangements for security escort for safe travel of Indian nationals to the border-crossing points” It also said that the assistant high commissioners in other parts of Bangladesh have assisted in ensuring safe passage home for Indian nationals

At least 150 persons were killed in Bangladesh over the past week as thousands of protestors clashed with the police and members of the

ruling Awami League party’s student wing The toll is hard to assess because of a communications blackout in the country University campuses across Bangladesh have been gripped by protests since the beginning of July, in response to a high court ruling in June that reinstated a 30% quota in government jobs for family members of freedom fighters of the 1971 Bangladeshi liberation war The reservation system, which was abolished in 2018 following widespread protests, has rekindled anger among young job seekers and students who fear that they are being deprived of opportunities because of the quota Bangladesh’s Supreme Court last week scaled back most of the quotas in government jobs amid the violence

The top court also urged protesting students “to return to class”, a lawyer involved in the case, as saying

Anant Ambani and Radhika’s 'griha pravesh' in Jamnagar

Anant Ambani and R a dhi ka M e r cha nt recently celebrated a s ign ifi can t milestone with a tradit i ona l 'g r iha p ra v esh ' ce r e mo ny a t the i r ne w r esidence in Jamnagar, Gujarat The couple, who wed in a lavish ceremony at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on July 12, marked the event to symboli se Ra dh ik a's en t ry i nt o Anant's life and home

After their spectacular wedding, Anant and Radhika flew to Jamnagar for additional ceremonies Jamnagar holds a special place in Anant's heart, as it is the birthplace of his grandmother and the city where his grandfather, Dhirubhai Ambani, and father, Mukesh Ambani, began their business journeys Anant expressed his joy at celebrat-

ing in a place so integral to his family s history, referring to it as his dadi s janmbhoomi and my dada and papa's karmbhoomi " Upon their arrival, the newlyweds were greeted with a grand welcome, reflecting the city's significance to them The 'griha pravesh' was a main event, with Radhika performing the traditional homecoming ritual for new brides in India A viral video captured Radhika dipping her feet in red dye and walking on cloth to leave her footprints, symbolizing her formal entry into the Ambani household

Bhutan’s King, prime minister visit Statue of Unity

Ki n g J i gm e Kh es ar Na mgye l Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan visited the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, and the Sarda r Sarova r Da m a t E k ta Nagar in Narmada district

Three killed, 30 injured as 21 coaches of Dibrugarh-bound train derails

Three passengers were killed and 30 o th ers i nju red wh en 21 c oach es of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Motiganj in Gonda, 150 km from Lucknow The train was en route to Dibrugarh in Assam and was 25km from Gonda when the accident occurred

This is the second fatal rail accident in a month, after a goods train rearended Kanchanjungha Express near north Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station on June 17, resulting in the death of 10 people and injuries to 41 others There

have been several accidents in the past 12 months, including a three-train collision that killed as many as 300 people in Odisha’s Balasore in June last year The Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express’s loco pilot, Tribhuvan Narain, reported hearing a loud sound as the train approached Jhilahi railway station and saw overhead electrical wires swinging wildly, prompting him to apply emergency brakes, which led to the derailment At the time of derailment, the train was travelling at 70-80

kmph between Motiganj and Jhilahi stations Of its 22 coaches, eight were fully derailed and others partially slipped The Jannayak Express had passed the area about 30 minutes before without reporting any suspicious activity

In addition to a routine investigation by Commissioner of Railway Safety, a high-level inquiry has been ordered to find the cause of the derailment No explosives or suspicious items were found at the accident site by the Railway Protection Force sniffer dogs

The 182-metre tall statue, a memorial built on a small island in the Narmada river near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, honours the country’s first deputy prime minister, Sard ar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India

A state government release stated that Bhutan’s King and PM, along with their delegation, were surprised after seeing such a huge structure Dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire, the foreign dignitaries were received at the Statue of Unity premises by state protocol minister Jagdish Vishwakarma and senior officials At the SoU premises, a guide provided them with details of India’s Independence struggle and the contribution of India’s first home minister Sardar Patel in the struggle and in the unification of the country thereafter

Puja Khedkar

SOUTH INDIA

14-year-old boy who tested +ve for Nipah dies in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram : A 14-year-old boy from Kerala’s Malappuram district who had tested positive for Nipah infection d ied w hil e u nde rgoing t reat ment a t Kozhikode govt medical college even as the state govt has intensified preventive measures like contact tracing This is the first Nipah fatality in Kerala this year

The Union health ministry said in a statement that Centre will deploy a multi-member joint outbreak response team to support Kerala in investigating the case, identifying epidemiological linkages and providing technical assistance The ministry said the boy had exhibited acute encephalitis syndrome and was admitted to a healthcare facility in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to Kozhikode hospital

The boy’s samples had tested positive for the Nipah virus at NIV Pune Kerala health minister Veena George, who is camping in Malappuram to oversee the preventive measures, said he had been unconscious and on ventilator support He suffered a massive cardiac arrest and died She said the authorities have so far identified 330 contacts of the boy and 101 of them have been classified as high-risk As many as 68 of the contacts are health workers Six of the contacts are under observation at the Manjeri govt medical college and one person is admitted at the Kozhikode govt medical college George said that seven samples were tested, including six high risk contacts, and all tested negative "We will continue the process of testing the high risk contacts of the boy and will also closely check the contact list once again to ensure that no one is left out from the contact list," she said, adding that no person from the boy’s family have any Nipah symptoms

PUNJAB

Karnataka local job quota bill on hold after industry backlash

BENGA LU RU : Karnataka govt’s controversial decision to introduce job reservations for “local candidates” in the private sector faced a severe backlash from industry b od ie s a n d t he b u sine ss com m un ity , f or cin g chie f minister Siddaramaiah to retract, at least temporarily Late at night, the CMO released a message stating: “The job reservation bill for Kannadigas, cleared by the state cabinet, has been temporarily put on hold The same will be reviewed in detail once again at the next cabinet meeting, and a decision will be taken ” The bill, to the consternation of industrial and business communities, stipulated 50% reservation for “locals” in managerial roles and 70% in non-managerial positions across industries, factories, and other establishments

Caught unawares by the state govt’s move, which seems to have had little to no input from the private sector, industry and the business community made their displeasure known loudly and clearly

Industry body Nasscom, representing the vital technology sector, voiced apprehensions over the bill’s potential impact on Karnataka’s status as a global technology hub Nasscom highlighted the sector’s substantial contribution to the state’s GDP and its role as a magnet for digital talent It said stringent local employment mandates could deter investment and force companies to relocate

Haryana announces 10% quota in jobs for Agniveers

CH AND IG ARH: A 10 per cent r eser vat io n h as been ear m ar ked in p o li ce an d m ining gu ar d j ob s fo r Agniveers, announced Haryana Ch ief M inist er Nayab S ing h Saini, amid an escalating row o ver t h e Ag ni p ath sch em e between the Centr e and th e Opposition

The Chief Minister also said that the government will provide interest-free loans of up to ₹ 500,000 if any Agniveer wishes to set up their own business

"In direct recruitment to posts of constable, mining guard, forest guard, jail warden and special police officer made by the state government, there will be a 10 per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers," he

WEST BENGAL

said at a press conference The decision comes months before the state goes to polls

Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces Those in the 17 521 years age group are inducted for a four-year period There is a provision to retain 25 per cent

of these recruits for 15 more years The remaining will be given a financial package as their service comes to an end Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers

The Chief Minister said that the Congress is spreading propaganda regarding the scheme, adding this is a very good plan of Prime Minister

BJP leader Suvendui’s anti-Muslim stand creates a controversy

KO LKAT A: BJP MLA and Bengal L oP Suv en du A dhi k ar i c a us ed a flutter when he argued for scrapping the saffron party’s Minority Morcha, attributing the loss of Lok Sabha seats in the state to “low s upport f rom mi noriti es ” and declaring i t was time to “stop this Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”

“I would say ‘jo hamare saath, hum unke saath (We will be with those who are with us)’ I used to speak about nationalist Muslims earlier, but I won’t anymore, ” he said during BJP’s extended working committee meeting in Kolkata that did a poll post-mortem

The Nandigram MLA alleged that “Hindus were stopped from voting in a number of constituencies”, playing a role in BJP’s state tally shrinking from 18 in 2019 to 12 this election

Adhikari’s outburst invited criticism from colleagues, especially his dismissal of PM Modi’s slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” The first rejoinder came from Union minister Manohar Lal, who was on the dais with Adhikari Reminding BJP workers of the

merits of inclusive politics, Manohar Lal said, “People with different identities are not our enemies There are reasonable people in every segment of society, and the popular mandate comes from everyone ” He said it would be a mistake to isolate any community, based on poll thesis “We fight enemies on the borders, not people within the country When it comes to seeking mandate, we have to reach out to those with rational minds and take them along ” Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar distanced the party from Adhikari’s statement “Suvendu was a delegate here Whether we will keep a delegate’s proposal or delete it, is up to the party chief and his team,” he said BJP national minority morcha president Jamal Siddique called up Charles Nandi, Bengal BJP’s minority morcha chief, to know the context of Adhikari’s statement “We do not approve of what Adhikari said The PM has reached out to Pasmanda Muslims and asked party workers to serve them,” Nandi was quoted as telling Siddique

Narendra Modi as it leads to skilled youth

Saini said that in Group C and D posts, an age relaxation of three years will also be given "However, for the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation will be five years," Saini added

In direct recruitment for Group C civil posts, there will be a five per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers, the Chief Minister said He also announced sops for industrial units employing Agniveers "If any industrial unit employs an Agniveer at a salary of more than ₹ 30,000 per month, then our government will give that unit an annual subsidy of ₹ 60,000," Saini said Agniveers will get arms licences on priority, he further added

HC bars Mamata, three others from ‘defaming’ Bengal governor

KO LK ATA: The Calcutta HC has restrained Beng al CM Mam at a Bane rj ee, n ewl y el ect ed Tr in amo o l MLAs Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Hossain Sar kar, and ex-MP Kunal Ghosh from “making any defamatory or incorrect statement by way of publication and on social platforms” against governor CV Ananda Bose till Aug 14, when it hears the latter’s defamation suit next Justice Krishna Rao’s 21-page directive mentions that Bose prima facie made a case for an interim restraining order, stating that he would otherwise suffer “irreparable loss and injury to his reputation”

In specific cases where a court of law is convinced that statements are being recklessly made to cause injury to reputation, it is justified in granting an injunction, the single-judge bench said “If at this stage, an interim order is not granted, it would give a free hand to the defendants to continue making defamatory statements against the plaintiff and continue to tarnish his reputation ”

While Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution grants citizens freedom of speech and expression, it is subject to restrictions under Article 19(2) that include defamation, the bench said Didi challenges order

Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, moved a Calcutta high court division against a single-bench order restraining her from making “defamatory and incorrect statements” against governor C V Ananda Bose “in publications or social media platforms” till Aug 14, arguing that “justifiable criticism” was not libel and that the order completely curbed her fundamental right to free speech

AFTER BSP NETA, ANOTHER TN POLITICIAN KILLED

An armed gang hacked to death a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) functionary during his morning walk in an upscale locality of Madurai Police said the gang that murdered C Balasubramanian (48) was hired by his relatives over a property dispute as well as matrimonial issues Six people, including two of the NTK neta’s relatives, have been arrested Balasubramanian, NTK’s Madurai deputy secy, was a regular morning walker at Vallabhai Street Police said around 7am a fourmember gang wielding sickles started chasing Balasubramanian He tried to flee raising an alarm but the gang intercepted him and hacked him repeatedly The killing of Balasubramanian comes days after murder of BSP state chief K Armstrong in Chennai Police said there was a property dispute between one Mahalingam and Pandiyarajan, son-in-law of Balasubramanian s brother

UDHAYANIDHI STALIN LIKELY TO BECOME TAMIL NADU DEPUTY CM

The ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu is likely to elevate sports minister Udhayanidhi as deputy chief minister, sources said This move is similar to that of his father, MK Stalin, who became deputy CM after the 2009 Lok Sabha elections DMK s youth wing leader and MLA from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, Udhayanidhi, was sworn-in as a minister of the DMK cabinet in December 2022 According to the sources Udhayanidhi was proposed to be made deputy CM twice this year but that move did not work out In January this year the plan to make him deputy CM but was dropped due to the Sanatana Dharma controversy and later due to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy

PUNJAB MAN GETS 70YEAR JAIL TERM FOR TRIPLE MURDER

A district and sessions court in Ropar, Punjab, has sentenced a man from Morinda town to 70 years in jail for the murder of his wife, sister-inlaw and wife s nephew, besides injuring another nephew District and sessions judge Ramesh Kumari agreed with the additional public prosecutor that the convict Alam, was guilty of both murder and attempt to murder He was awarded three life sentences of 20 years each for the triple murder and a 10-year jail term for the attempt to murder The order, made it clear that the sentences will run consecutively On the night of June 3 2020 Alam had hacked to death his wife Kajal sister-in-law Jaspreet Kaur and Jaspreet’s son Sahil with an axe while they were asleep at his wife’s parental house He also attacked and tried to kill Jaspreet’s second son Bobby but he survived In Feb 2021 police framed charges against Alam, and the trial concluded on July 20, 2024

4 NEWLY ELECTED TMC MLAS TAKE OATH

Krishna Kalyani, Mukutmani Adhikari, Madhuparna Thakur, and Supti Pandey - the four newly elected Trinamool MLAs on Tuesday took oath in the state assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee administers the oaths Following the oath administration, Speaker claimed that the entire ceremony was done following the constitution Meanwhile the BJP members boycotted the ceremony as they remained absent from the session After the MLAs were elected, the Speaker had written to governor Ananda Bose, asking if he would administer the ceremony, to which the latter reportedly did not respond “If the Governor does not assign someone to administer the oath-taking ceremony, the house will organize the ceremony during a session, the Speaker had said "As per convention and under Article 188 of the Constitution, the four newly elected members who won in the recent by-elections, will be sworn in by me " the Speaker told reporters earlier

Funds for rural development, jobs, skilling and agriculture hiked

Fi n anc e Mi ni s ter N ir mal a

Sitharaman’s budget clearly indicate a shift in priorities for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new dispensation, with ramped up allocat i on s for rural de vel opmen t, skilling, jobs and agriculture

Bad news for investors

The budget increased tax on long-term capital gains on all financial and non-financial assets to 12 5% from 10% Assets held for over a year are considered long term Short-term capital gains will now be taxed at 20% instead of 15%

The budget has also increased the securities transaction tax on derivatives trading This was widely expected, with the Economic Survey released a day earlier raising red flags about rising speculation and growing participation of retail investors in Indian equity markets

3 new schemes for job generation

Sitharaman has announced three new schemes to address India’s chronic employment challenge that will cost the government £18 5 bn over the next five years

First-time job entrants in the formal sector will receive a direct cash transfer equivalent to their monthly salary (or up to a maximum of 15,000 rupees) in addition to their first month's pay

Additionally, two more programmes have been announced to boost manufacturing jobs through which the government will provide employment-linked incentives to both employees and employers

Tax relief for start-ups, middle classes and foreign corporates

India's burgeoning start-up ecosystem will have something to cheer about, with an angel tax levied on capital raised by private companies now being abolished

Minor tweaks were also announced to personal income taxes, with expected savings of up to Rs 17,500 in outgo for people who opt for the new tax regime

Corporate tax on foreign companies has also been reduced from 40% to 35% to promote investments

Support for Andhra, Bihar

The budget sought to satisfy spending demands from the BJP's two key regional allies - Janata Dal (United) of Bihar and Telugu Desam Party of Andhra Pradeshwhich hold 28 seats in India’s lower house

The finance minister announced financial support of 150 bn rupees for the development of Andhra Pradesh’s capital, with a promise for more money in the coming years A slew of new airport, road and power projects were sanctioned in Bihar

Reduced budget deficit

The budget has set a new, reduced target for its fiscal deficitthe amount by which spending exceeds revenue - at 4 9% for this financial year, below the 5 1% announced earlier

The number is closely watched by ratings agencies and has a direct bearing on interest rates

A significant dividend payout of more than $25bn from the country’s central bank has enabled the government to reduce its deficit without cutting expenditure significantly Proposed capital expenditure on infrastructure creation hasn't been revised from the interim budget

Rationalisation of tax deducted at source rates

As per the budget 2024, "There are various provisions of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) with different thresholds and multiple rates between 0 1%, 1%, 2%, 5%,

Uddhav Thackeray slams Dharavi redevelopment by Adani group

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray declared that if his party comes to power in Maharashtra, the controversial Dharavi slum redevelopment project tender awarded to industrialist Gautam Adani’s firm will be promptly scrapped

Thackeray said that his party is committed to ensuring that Dharavi residents and businesses are not uprooted during the redevelopment process Dharavi is known as one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas

“We will scrap the Dharavi slum redevelopment project tender after coming to power, ” the former chief minister said at a press conference “The government must answer why it should not be scrapped now itself We will not allow Mumbai to be transformed into an ‘Adani city’ ”

Thackeray also raised concerns about additional concessions granted to the Adani Group beyond the contract specifications “We will not provide further concessions,” Thackeray stated “Our priority is the well-being of Dharavi’s residents, and if necessary, we will issue a fresh tender ” Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Nana Patole, echoed similar sentiments He said the Congress and Rahul Gandhi have taken a clear stance on the Dharavi issue However, the BJP-led coalition government continues to push for the project

“The initial tender for the Dharavi project was awarded to a Dubaibased firm but was later cancelled and given to Adani,” Patole pointed out Thackeray expressed concern about the government’s approach to housing allocation “Every home is being assigned a number,” he said “This risks trapping Dharavi residents in a web of eligibility and ineligibility, ultimately driving them away ”

The government has initiated the process of procuring 20 plots in the city, earmarked for infrastructure development However, Thackeray argued that this move could exacerbate the severe space crunch in the city

Thrust on quality job creation, skilling: FICCI chief Anish Shah

FICCI president Dr Anish Shah congratulated the finance minister for delivering a growth-oriented budg et t hat ha s de li ver ed bot h short term demand stimulus and act ion s fo cus ed on med ium t o lon g t er m gr owt h i mper a t iv es, while maintaining fiscal discipline

The b udget is inclusive, with a strong thrust on quality job creation and skilling It also strikes a balance between agriculture and manufacturing, with elements of services, he added

10%, 20%, 30% and above To improve ease of doing business and better compliance by taxpayers, the TDS rates are proposed to be reduced However, no change would occur with respect to sections such as TDS on salary, TDS on virtual digital assets, TDS on winnings from lottery etc/ race horses, payment on transfer of immovable property and payments to non-residents, TDS rates for TDS on contracts etc

Capex unchanged

The outlay on state-led capital expenditure on infrastructure creation has remained unchanged from the $134 bn announced in the interim budget “However, it is clear that the focus has now become more diversified to other areas like employment, small businesses and social welfare,” said Shubhada Rao, economist and founder of QuantEco Research

There is continuity in policy announcements The focus on simplification and ease of doing business, boost to manufacturing, focus on research and innovation, thrust on public capex, use of technology, support to women, farmers and MSMEs, and promoting sustainability are the key themes that resonate once again in this Union Budget proposals

“The focus areas of budget are very much in line with the FICCI’s key priorities for the industry and we are happy to note that many of FICCI’s suggestions have been considered in this budget, as seen in the proposals for accelerating agriculture research, enhancing participation of women workforce in manufacturing, factor market reforms for improving manufacturing competitiveness as well as measures to promote green economy, ” he added

Priya Guha MBE, Chair, FICCI India-UK Industry Advisory Group said:

"The 2024-2025 Union Budget presented by the Indian government is a forward-looking blueprint that significantly enhances the investment climate for UK businesses operating in India. Initiatives like the reduction in corporate tax rates for foreign companies and abolition of the angel tax are important steps that will foster greater economic collaboration and investment between our two countries

These measures, coupled with the focus on digital public infrastructure, renewable energy and trade facilitation, underscore India's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for international business I believe these initiatives will pave the way for stronger economic ties and mutual growth "

NRI to pay higher tax on these capital gains

Budget 2024 proposes a higher tax on certain capital gains for non-residents However, it has also proposed to reduce on certain assets The new tax rate will apply only on transfers made on or after July 23, 2024 The revision is aimed at bringing parity between resident and non resident taxation structure NRI tax hiked on these assets

• In Budget 2024, long-term capital gains resulting on transfer has been raised to 12 5% for certain assets

• Long-term capital gains exceeding Rs 125,000 will now be taxable at 12 5% instead of 10% from 23 July 2024

• Short-term capital gains is hiked to 20% from 15%

• Indexation benefit on sale of property removed; new LTCG rate of 12 5% announced for capital gains on sale of property

NRI tax rate reduced on these assets

While long-term capital gains is reduced from 20% to 12 5% Long-term capital gains will not be applicable for transfers on or after July 23, 2024

According to the Budget 2024 announcement, Parity in taxation between resident and non-resident assesses: To bring parity of taxation between residents and non-residents, corresponding amendments to section 115AD, 115AB, 115AC, 115ACA and 115E are being made to align the rates of taxation in respect of long-term capital gains proposed under section 112A and 112 and rates of short term capital gains proposed under section 111A "

UPSC chairman Manoj Soni quits 5 years before term ends

UPSC chairman Manoj Soni has tendered his resignation barely a year into his six-year tenure, citing “personal reasons ” The news of his resignation, believed to have been submitted to the President some time back, comes amid the controversy over IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s selection to the civil serv ic es ba se d on forg ed i den ti ty, which had led UPSC to file a police complaint against her Govt sources, however, said

that Soni’s resignation was not linked in any way to the Khedkar episode “The resignation was submitted almost a month ago, well before the IAS probationer’s selection became a matter of probe,” an officer said

There is no clarity on whether govt has taken any call yet on accepting Soni’s resignation A source indicated that govt may be mulling over a suitable replacement before relieving Soni

Soni, who had joined UPSC as a member in 2017 and took over as its chairman last year, is said to be keen to step down to devote more time to “socio-religious” activities Reports indicated that he wants to give his undivided time to serving the Anoopam Mission, a non-profit organization linked to the Swaminarayan sect that he is deeply involved with The resignation is also said to have mentioned health reasons, according to a source

Flight operations normalise after global Microsoft outage causes chaos

Flight operations across all airports in India returned to normal, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Saturday This follows the significant disruption caused by a global Microsoft outage, which led to numerous flight cancellations and chaotic scenes at check-in counters last week The ministry assured that all travel adjustments and refund processes are being handled

"Since 3 am, airline systems across airports have started working normally Flight operations are going smoothly now There is a backlog because of disruptions, and it is getting cleared gradually Very soon, we

expect all issues to be resolved," the aviation ministry stated

Despite the general improvement, the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi faced notable disruptions on Saturday morning The Digi Yatra system, a biometric-based boarding system, remained non-operational, causing long queues at departure terminals as passengers checked in manually Additional staff were deployed to assist travellers and manage the congestion

Between 6-7 am, the system continued to experience glitches while issuing boarding passes However, the situation improved

later in the day

Most flights managed to stay on schedule, with the waiting period at Terminal 3 departures averaging around 3 to 5 minutes, a significant improvement from Friday when the global outage led to widespread delays The global IT outage had far-reaching effects, disrupting airline operations worldwide Airports and airlines rely heavily on Windows-based systems for various functions, including check-ins, baggage handling, and security clearances The outage highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to software issues

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, along with the Ministers of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary as well as her Budget Team/senior officials of the Ministry of Finance

Elon Musk, brother Kimbal have heated arguments over business

B i ll io n ai re E lo n M u s k an d h i s younger brother Kim bal (51) , w ho serv es o n the board of Tesla, Elon’s e lect ric ca r co m p any, say s th ey “ hav e very different ideas on h ow to build a business We actu ally h ad a d ebate about manufacturing and how we g et the costs d own, ” K imbal said

“Kimbal challenges Elon and d i s a g r e e s w i t h h i m m o r e t h a n anyone, but in a container of, ‘I love you, you ’ re my brother But I don’t agree with you',” Kimbal's wife, Christiana, says “They have different world views but at the end of the day they are both just giggling children They have the most insane laughter attacks with each other ”

T h e M u s k b

w h o "literally used to get into fistfights" w h e n

make up quickly Born a year after

E l o n ( 5 3 ) , K i m b a l g r e w u p i n P r e

e

s

, T

c

( 4 9 ) A l l three kids moved to Canada with t h e i r m o m , M

divorced their father, Errol

various business and community initiatives

In 2021 his net worth was $700 mn, according to Forbes Much of this was the result of the digital platform Zip2, a company that he

They sold it to Compaq four years later for $307mn

The Kitchen, a restaurant group that sources its food locally, with branches across the United States H

Kitchen Cookbook: Cooking for Your Community "Elon doesn’t think about food or meals There’s a lot of chaos,

calming, loving environment ” E l o n , C E O o f s p a c e exploration company SpaceX as well as Tesla, may be the richest man in the world, but Kimbal is the power behind the throne, the person closest to Elon, who keeps him (more or less) tethered to the ground

Elon now lives at Starbase, an industrial complex in Texas that houses the SpaceX rockets Elon travelled to Canada at the age of 17 to attend Queen's University and evade military service in South A f r i c a M u s k g o t h i s C a n a d i a n citizenship the same year, partly because he thought it would be

easier to get American citizenship

United States in 1992 to study

earned an undergraduate degree in economics before continuing on to earn a second bachelor's degree in physics Musk went to Stanford University in California to earn a Ph D But that Ph D couldn’t make it to Elon degrees since he walked out of Stanford after only two days to start his first firm Elon subsequently went on to create his own online financial s

Confinity, a company formed by Peter Thiel and two others mere m

building, was its main competitor

In March 2000, the two firms joined and adopted the name of their major product, PayPal, an online money transfer service for i n d i v i d u a l s I

purchased PayPal for ＄

5 billion Elon, who had been the largest shareholder in PayPal with 11 7% of the company's equity shares, found himself with ＄165 million in Ebay stock at the age of 31 Elon joined engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to h

2004, where he played a key role in the development of the world's

Roadster Musk took

company in 2007 due to

series of conflicts Tesla has grown to be

desirable vehicle brands in the world under his leadership Tesla, in addition to creating electric automobiles, has

Heritage isn’t

just history, PM Modi says while inaugurating Unesco event

P r i m e M i ni s te r Nar en d ra

M o d i se nt o u t a st ro ng m essage to the w orld citing “ h e ri ta g e ” a s a u ni f yi ng factor th at has the pow er to

t ran s ce nd c u rre nt

g eo political factors and pave th e way fo r s olu ti ons fo r betterment of the world

“ H e r i t a g e i s n o t j u s t

h i s t o r y b u t a s h a r e d

c o n s c i o u s n e s s W h e n e v e r we see any heritage in the world, our minds overcome the geopolitical factors We must tap into this potential

o f h e r i t a g e f o r t h e betterment of the world and to connect hearts,” PM said while inaugurating the 46th

S e s s i o n o f t h e W o r l d

H e r i t a g e C o m m i t t e e T h e

m e e t i n g i s b e i n g h e l d i n India for the first time

“It is India’s clarion call t o t h e w o r l d t o c o m e

t o g e t h e r t o p r o m o t e e a c h other’s heritage and amplify the spirit of human welfare,

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

c r e a t e m o r e j o b opportunities,” he said

Modi said that there was

a time when heritage was i g n o r e d i n t h e p u r s u i t o f d e v e l o p m e n t , b u t t o d a y , India’s vision is development as well as heritage - ‘Vikas

b h i , V i r a s a t b h i ’ H e m e n t i o n e d s t e p s s u c h a s

K a s h i V i s w a n a t h C o r r i d o r , Shri Ram Mandir, Modern Campus of ancient Nalanda University “This resolve of India regarding heritage is linked with the feeling of serving the entire humanity Indian culture talks about us,

n o t j u s t a b o u t s e l f , ” h e added

M o d i a l s o a n n o u n c e d that India will contribute $1 million to the Unesco World Heritage Centre for capacity

b u i l d i n g , t e c h n i c a l

Media influencer dies while filming near waterfall

A anvi Kamd ar, a 27-year-old

s o c i al m ed ia i n fl ue nc er , tragically died after falling into a 3 00 -fo ot-d eep gorge

S he was filming a vid eo near t h e f am o u s K u m bh e w aterfall in M angaon at the time of the accident

A c c o r d i n g t

p o l i c e o f f i c i a l s , t h e i

n t occurred on July 16 when Aanvi was out with friends

S

following of 275,000 on her I

, ‘theglocajournal’ Aanvi primarily created

had worked with Deloitte

Aanvi was attempting to make a video near Kumbhe waterfall when she fell off a hillock and died Her friends

assistance and conservation of world heritage sites He underlined that this money

w i l l b e u s e f u l f o r t h e c o u n t r i e s o f t h e G l

considers the preservation of

highlighted the engineering marvels that define India’s

Referring to the Capital, he c

resistant and gives a glimpse

prowess in the past

“India’s heritage is not

m e r e l y h i s t o r y , b u t a l s o science India’s civilization and history are much older

a n d w i d e s p r e a d t h a n t h e history that we know As we

a r e g e t t i n g n e w e v i d e n c e , and as it is getting scientific

v e r i f i c a t i o n , w e a r e developing a new perspective to view the past,” he said

extensive search Multiple rescue teams assisted in the effort, and after six hours, she was found Sadly, she

Mangaon taluka hospital

or electric utility grid use Elon Musk s personal life is as captivating and multifaceted as his entrepreneurial ventures He has been married three times, has

string of high-profile celebrities His relationships have often

Usha Vance belongs to an Indian family of high academic achievers

A long way fr om O hio a nd Wa shin gton , nea r the wat er s of the Bay of Be nga l in south Ind ia , live s the last ten uous li n k wi t h I n d i a f or U sh a Van ce Chilukuri, wife of the R e pu bl ic a n n om i n e e fo r vice-pr esiden t JD Van ce Shanthamma Chilukuri, a 9 6 - y e a r - o l d p h y s i c i s t , i s Usha’s great aunt, and one of m a n y h i g h a c h i e v e r s i n a large family that proliferates w i t h d o c t o r s , e n g i n e e r s , s c i e n t i s t s , a n d p r o f e s s o r s C h i l u k u r i , a w i d o w , l i v e s frugally with a small family o f h e l p e r s i n Visakhapatnam, a port city i n t h e s t a t e o f A n d h r a Pradesh

She is hard of hearing a n d u s e s t w o w a l k i n g

s t i c k s f o l l o w i n g k n e e replacements Yet Chilukuri still commutes to work at C e n t u r i o n U n i v e r s i t y i n

V i z i a n a g a r a m , n e a r l y 4 0 miles away by car, four times a w e e k “ I h a v e t a u g h t p h y s i c s s i n c e 1 9 5 6 a n d I loved teaching but I have reduced it slightly as I need more time to work on my

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

m o l e c u l a r s p e c t r o s c o p y , ” she said

In 1978, she received a F u l b r i g h t s c h o l a r s h i p f o r research in spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules - or how matter absorbs or emits r a d i a t i o n H e r h u s b a n d , Subramanya Sastry, had five brothers Usha Vance, 38, is the granddaughter of one of these brothers, Rama Sastry Vance’s father, Chilukuri Radhakrishna, studied at the I n d i a n I n s t i t u t e o f Technology, one of India’s p r e m i e r e n g i n e e r i n g colleges, before leaving for

the US in the late 1970s with h i s w i f e , L a k s h m i T h e y settled in San Diego where they teach engineering and molecular biology

Chilukuri is one of the few relatives who remained i n I n d i a “ I h a v e n o t m e t Usha though I have visited America a few times Her

s u c c e s s d

me The whole family excels in academics My husband too was top of his class at university,” she said Apart from academia, Chilukuri’s family is rooted in Indian heritage U s h a V a

Diego, USA She received her BA degree in history from Yale University in 2007 and a n M P h i l f r o m t h e University of Cambridge in 2009, where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar She has served on the board of the

and

Orchestra Usha and Vance met at Yale Law School, where they

relationship The couple had

Hindu ceremony conducted by a Hindu priest, honoring Usha’s Hindu heritage They have three child ren : Ewa

4 , and Mir abel, 2 In an interview with Fox News, Vance explained how

Christiana says "Kimbal loves to nourish him and makes him three

Elon Musk and Kimbal Musk

Shanthamma Chilukuri

Aanvi Kamdar

Wealthy travellers seeking a secluded paradise are increasingly drawn to the world's most luxurious and remote islands As luxury travel experiences a r e s u r g e n c

h rebounded to pre-pandemic levels last year, is anticipated to soar to over £900 billion by 2030 This growth reflects a g

beaten-path destinations that offer both privacy and opulence For those looking to indulge in the ultimate escape, here is a

exquisite islands to consider:

1. Noirmoutier, France

An enchanting island, Noirmoutier off

the Vendée coast of western France, offers a remote yet captivating retreat with its expansive sandy beaches, picturesque dunes, and hidden coves This serene destination caters to luxury travellers with its premier dining experience at La Marine, a prestigious restaurant honoured with three stars in the 2023 Michelin Guide La Marine is celebrated for its innovative culinary approach, elevating French gastronomy to new heights and providing an exceptional gastronomic experience on this idyllic island

2 Layang-Layang Island, Malaysia

Nestled in the vast expanse of the South China Sea, the remote and exotic Layang Layang Island is renowned for its unparalleled diving experiences Celebrated as one of the world's premier dive destinations, it boasts a stunning underwater landscape highlighted by 14 vibrant coral reefs Visitors to this secluded island are treated to an unspoiled diving adventure, exploring

Curated list of the most exclusive island retreats

rich marine life and crystal-clear waters in a truly pristine environment

3 Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

It is renowned for its exclusive beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and secluded coastline, and stands out as one of the Mediterranean's most coveted destinations

Known as the ‘Emerald Coast,’ it attracts billionaires, celebrities, and royalty with its blend of luxury and natural beauty The region is home to upscale hotels, high-end designer boutiques, and a sophisticated dining scene, making it a magnet for those seeking both opulence and stunning scenery

4. Skorpios, Greece

Nestled off the western coast of mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea, Skorpios is a

private island poised to become an ultraluxury VIP resort The island is set to offer exclusive weekly rentals ranging from €950,000 to €1 8 million, catering to the world's elite With its transformation into a premier luxury playground, Skorpios promises an unparalleled escape for the rich and famous, offering opulent accommodations and bespoke experiences in a stunning and secluded setting

5. Horse Island, Ireland

Set amidst the deep blue waters of Ireland's southwest coast, the luxurious 157acre private Horse Island boasts a breathtaking natural landscape and pristine sandy beaches Every property on this serene island offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean Guests can immerse themselves in the island's beauty with activities such as swimming and scuba diving among playful dolphins, enhancing the exclusive and tranquil experience that Horse Island offers

6. Šipan, Croatia

During the 15th and 16th centuries,

noble families from Dubrovnik constructed their summer residences on Šipan, an idyllic island off the coast of Croatia Today, this hidden gem offers a blend of stunning natural beauty, rich historical heritage, and exquisite cuisine With its picturesque bays, secluded beaches, and tranquil ambiance, Šipan is the perfect destination for those seeking privacy and a serene escape in a historically rich setting

7. Orpheus Island, Australia Set amidst the shimmering waters of

the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is a tropical haven enveloped by pristine national park This secluded paradise features infinity pools, crystal-clear waters, coconut palms, and powdery white sand

The island offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and a renowned restaurant where the chef crafts personalised dishes to suit every palate With its blend of natural beauty and high-end amenities, Orpheus Island promises an exceptional and tranquil escape

Book Review

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

“A Suitable Boy” is a 1993 novel by Vikram Seth set in post-independence, post-partition India Spanning 18 months, the story follows four families, with a central focus on Mrs Rupa Mehra’s attempts to arrange a marriage for her younger daughter, Lata

At 19, Lata is a university student who resists the pressures from her controlling mother and her opinionated brother, Arun Her narrative explores the difficult decision she must make among her suitors Kabir, Haresh, and Amit We first meet Lata at her sister Savita’s wedding, and after securing Savita's marriage, their widowed mother focuses on Lata Lata, though gentle, has her own ideas about what she wants in a husband

When she falls for someone deemed unsuitable, her mother takes her to Calcutta in search of a better match However, the story extends beyond a mere love story or wedding tale The novel features a rich tapestry of characters, including Lata and Savita’s brothers, their sisterin-law and the quirky Chatterji family, as well as the Nawab Sahib and his sons, who provide a Muslim perspective on India during the early 1950s and post-partition Each character is portrayed with depth and individuality

Political themes are integral to the narrative, particularly the "zamindari" bill aimed at curbing the power of wealthy landowners and the backdrop of India’s first general election Characters are variously involved in or affected by the political landscape, with Seth skillfully weaving these elements into the story While the parliamentary scenes might feel excessive, they are crucial to the book’s overall context

Religious divides also play a significant role, influencing both friendships and conflicts Romantic relationships across religious boundaries are taboo, and tensions around religious holidays and temple construction add to the drama The depiction of Hindu festivals is particularly vivid and offers a contrast to Western experiences

The book delves deeply into both local and federal politics, which, while significant to the novel, sometimes feel overly detailed and less engaging Despite this, the novel’s sheer size is matched by its readability

The characters are vividly drawn, nuanced, and distinct, making it easy to follow their relationships without frequently referencing the family trees

England hits record for Dementia diagnoses

NHS figures reveal a record 487 ,432 people in England wer e di a gnos ed wi th dementia in the past year

Despite this increase, the diagnosis rate is still below pre-pandemic levels

Currently, 65% of those estimated to have dementia have been diagnosed, falling short of the NHS’s 66 7% target, which was last achieved in 2019 The NHS highlighted that England boasts one of the highest dementia diagnosis rates globally, with high-income countries generally ranging between 20-50%

This achievement is attributed to proactive assessments by specialist nursing and other staff, who actively identify dementia cases among care home residents Despite progress, a postcode lottery persists

A recent report by an allparty parliamentary group (APPG) on dementia estimated that over 115,000 people with dementia

remain undiagnosed due to geographic disparities

Analysis of NHS primary care data from 2023 revealed a 45 percentage point gap between the best and worst performing regions

Structural barriers contributing to this disparity include cultural differences, challenges accessing GPs, long waits for memory assessments, insufficient post-diagnostic support, a shortage of scanners, and difficulties with travel to appointments The APPG urged the previous government to boost scanning capacity and expand the workforce, and called on NHS integrated care boards to develop strategic local plans to improve access to diagnostic services

Early diagnosis allows individuals to receive the necessary support and care to manage the illness effectively

Skip cocoa for three minutes of exercise before bed

Co n ve n tio na l w isd om

su gg e sts th at to e ns ur e a g ood n ig h t’ s sle e p, on e shou ld w ind d own i n th e evening with a good book or relax on the sofa

However, recent research indicates that short bursts of exercise throughout the evening might actually help people fall asleep faster and gain an extra half-hour of rest

Doctors typically advise against intense exercise before bed, citing concerns that it raises body temperature and heart rate, potentially impairing sleep quality Yet, a study led by the Health Research Council of New Zealand challenges this notion

The research involved 30 healthy young adults who usually spent at least two hours sitting down in the evenings Participants were observed over two nights in a controlled setting On the first night, they engaged in three-minute exercise

sessions every half hour from 5 pm to 9 pm On the second night, they remained sedentary The results showed that participants who exercised before bed slept an extra 27 minutes compared to those who stayed inactive Additionally, the exercise helped reduce blood sugar levels, potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes

Jennifer Gale, the study’s lead author, argued that these findings suggest evening exercise does not disrupt sleep quality, contrary to current recommendations In the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine journal, Gale noted that the results contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting evening exercise

The researchers concluded that incorporating short exercise sessions into evening routines could help prevent obesity, heart disease, and diabetes

The herb of health and flavour

Coriander, a fragrant herb packed with antioxidants, offers a range of culinary and health benefits. It may help lower blood sugar levels, enhance heart health, and protect brain function Additionally, coriander supports digestive health, boosts the immune system, and contributes to skin health Its diverse benefits make it an easy and valuable addition to your diet.

Unpacking 2024’s health craze

In the ever-evolving realm of well n es s , s ta yi n g abreast of the latest health trends can often feel like a full-time commitment

From debates over hydration to exclusive gym memberships, 2024 has ushered in a range of trends that are reshaping our attitudes toward health and well-being

Let's delve into some of the most prominent health trends shaping this year

Revival of gut health

While gut health has been a prevalent topic in wellness circles for years, 2024 has seen it move into the mainstream spotlight like never before The market is flooded with products promising to enhance gut health, from prebiotic beverages in trendy pastel packaging to the resurgence of apple cider vinegar as a remedy for acid reflux

Amidst the buzz, gastroenterologists emphasise the importance of foundational practices for maintaining gut health A diet rich in fibre, low in processed foods, and effective stress management remain crucial These timeless habits often prove more beneficial than the latest

trendy products

Hydration focus

Water, a fundamental aspect of daily life, has taken on heightened importance in 2024

Thanks to the viral hashtag #Watertok, conversations around hydration have intensified Discussions now extend beyond how much water one should drink daily to include debates on the adequacy of plain H2O

Hydration needs vary widely among individuals

While some advocate for specific daily intake goals, others suggest drinking based on thirst cues

Concerns about the cleanliness of reusable water bottles, often plagued by the buildup of mould, have also surfaced, prompting reminders to regularly sanitise bottles

Luxurious fitness

experiences

This year has witnessed a surge in highend fitness offerings

Specialised programs tailored for individuals using medications such as Ozempic aim to prevent muscle loss and enhance overall well-being

Yet, fitness need not be synonymous with high costs Many effective workout routines are accessible and timeefficient From core exercises to joint-friendly HIIT workouts that can be completed in 20 minutes or less, numerous options deliver substantial benefits without straining budgets

Embracing rest

2024 marks a cultural shift towards embracing rest and relaxation The Scottish term "hurkledurkling," which describes leisurely lingering in bed, has gained popularity

Additionally, the trend of lying flat on the floor, embraced by advocates known as "floor people," has emerged as a grounding practice The rise of sleep aids, including the social media sensation "sleepy girl mocktail," blends tart cherry juice, seltzer, and magnesium to purportedly enhance sleep quality

While its effectiveness may be subjective, sleep experts advocate proven methods such as establishing a prebedtime routine, reducing screen time, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake

A quirky yet effective tip from sleep specialists involves combating afternoon lethargy by briefly placing one's head in the freezer for an invigorating burst of energy, particularly refreshing during summer

As we navigate through 2024, these health trends underscore a growing interest in personalised and mindful approaches to wellness Whether rethinking hydration practices, prioritising gut health, exploring luxury fitness options, or redefining rest, the trends of this year emphasise the significance of listening to our bodies and making informed health choices

Cycling to work linked to lower cancer risk

Cycl in g to wo rk c an significantly reduce the risk of early death from illnesses su ch as can cer and he art disease, according to a new study involving UK workers

The research found that those who commuted by bike had a longer lifespan and were less likely to require hospital treatment for various illnesses The study, which is the largest of its kind, tracked 82,000 individuals aged 16 to 74 who reported their commuting methods during the Scottish census Participants were followed from 2001 to 2018 to assess hospital admissions, drug prescriptions, and mortality rates

Cycling to work was

associated with a 47% lower risk of death from any cause and a 51% lower risk of dying from cancer It also reduced the likelihood of hospital admissions by 10% and decreased the need for treatment for heart disease by 24% Additionally, cyclists were 20% less likely to be

prescribed psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, compared to less active commuters

However, the study also noted a downside: cyclists were twice as likely to be hospitalised due to road traffic accidents compared to those who drove or took

the train to work Of the 1,363 cyclists studied, 83 were admitted to the hospital following a traffic accident

The research also looked at walking to work, which showed some benefits but not as pronounced as cycling Published in the medical journal BMJ Public Health, the study was led by Catherine Friel, Dr David Walsh, and Bruce Whyte from the University of Glasgow They emphasised the need for safer cycling infrastructure to mitigate the increased risk of road traffic casualties

Currently, less than 5% of people in the UK cycle to work, while 68% use cars, 11% walk, 9% take the train, and 6% use the bus

Speaking up helps Parkinson’s patients

A form o f speech therap y devel op ed in the Uni ted States fo r p atients w ith Parki nso n's di seas e has proven more effective than the standard NHS treatment, according to a recent trial The condition affects about 150,000 people in the UK

The trial revealed that Parkinson's patients who underwent an intensive course of "Lee Silverman Voice Treatment" (LSVT LOUD) showed significant improvement, while those who received standard NHS speech and language therapy did not Developed in the 1980s in the United States, the Lee Silverman

technique focuses on speaking more loudly For the study, published in the British Medical Journal, 388 participants with Parkinson's or speech difficulties were randomly

assigned to one of three groups: the Lee Silverman voice treatment, NHS speech and language therapy, or no treatment at all

The Lee Silverman

group received four 50minute sessions per week for four weeks, including exercises such as holding the sound “ah” for as long as possible and practicing speaking loudly and clearly while repeating sentences In contrast, the NHS speech and language therapy was delivered according to local provisions, averaging one session every other week for 11 weeks The trial's findings demonstrated that the Lee Silverman treatment effectively reduced voice problems, while NHS therapy showed no benefit compared to no treatment

Natasa Stankovic, Hardik Pandya confirm split: 'A tough decision'

Aftermonths of rumours about their separation, modelturned-actor Natasa Stankovic has confirmed the news in a detailed Instagram post regarding her split from cricketer Hardik Pandya

The couple shared a note on their respective Instagram handles, stating, "After 4 years together, Natasa and I have mutually decided to part ways We tried our best and gave it our all, but we believe this is in the best interest of both of us It was a tough decision, considering the joy, mutual respect, and companionship we shared as we built a family "

The note continued, "We are blessed with Agastya, who will remain at the centre of our lives We will co-parent to ensure his happiness and well-being We sincerely ask for your support and understanding to respect our privacy during this difficult and sensitive time "

A day before the announcement, Natasa Stankovic was spotted at the Mumbai airport with her son Agastya The video quickly circulated online, prompting netizens to express concern for both Hardik and Natasa In recent weeks, Natasa had been sharing cryptic posts hinting at their separation Her absence from IPL and World Cup matches further fueled speculation, as did Hardik Pandya’s decision to skip the Sri Lanka series

Celebrities pays tribute to Bhushan Kumar's cousin Tishaa Kumar

Tishaa Kumar, daughter of Tseries co-owner Krishan Kumar, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer Her funeral was held in Mumbai, attended by Bollywood celebrities who came to pay their last respects

Among those seen braving the waterlogged streets to reach the crematorium were Riteish Deshmukh, Farah Khan, Saiee Manjrekar, and Salman Khan's bodyguard Shera

Indeed a

‘bad newz’!

Rupanjana Dutta

When I had first watched Triptii Dimri acting in Bulbbul, I felt it was one of the best female centric characters ever portrayed (after perhaps Kangana Ranaut in ‘Queen’). Dimri’s acting in Bulbbul, most through her expressive eyes as her personality changed into a saviour of women, was captivating I felt it was at par with Alia Bhatt’s iconic role as Gangubai

In addition to Riteish Deshmukh and Saiee Manjrekar, Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar, and Kushalli Kumar were present at the funeral Sajid Khan, Farah Khan, and Javed Jaffery also came to pay their respects During the prayer meeting, several members of the film industry, including Kartik Aaryan, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, attended to offer their condolences

Other notable attendees included actors Suniel Shetty, Maniesh Paul, Fardeen Khan, and Sanjay Kapoor; filmmakers

Rakesh Roshan and Ashutosh Gowariker; and musicians Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam, all there to support the family in their time of grief

T-Series previously issued a statement regarding the passing of 20-year-old Tishaa Kumar,

daughter of Krishan Kumar The statement read, "Tishaa Kumar, daughter of Krishan Kumar, passed away yesterday after a prolonged battle with an illness This is a difficult time for the family, and we kindly request that their privacy be respected ” According to a report, Tishaa was diagnosed with cancer, and the family decided to take her to Germany for treatment She passed away there on Thursday, marking a very sad time for the family Tishaa was last seen at a public appearance during the premiere of film ‘Animal’ in November 2023

Then came her film Qala - and it convinced me that Dimri indeed belonged to a genre of actors who made art of acting look effortless! Very similar to what Vicky Kaushal has proved in most of his roles - whether it was Raazi or Masan or Sam Bahafur or in Uri

But then come films like Bad Newzwith all the efforts and promising actors - yet fails to live up to its potential!

icha

Chadha and Ali Fazal blessed with

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal have announced the birth of their baby girl The couple shared a note saying, "We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our healthy baby girl on 16 07 24! Our families are thrilled, and we thank our wellwishers for their love and blessings!"

Just a few days ago, Richa shared a series of photos from their pregnancy photoshoot on Instagram She captioned the post: “What could a love so pure create but a radiant beam of light? Thank you for being my partner on this extraordinary journey @alifazal9, through this

a baby girl

lifetime and beyond, across starlight and galaxies Thanks to the brilliant @ridburman for capturing us in our natural habitat May we welcome a warrior of light, a child of compassion, empathy, healing, and above all, love Ameen!”

The actress disabled her comment section, stating, “Comments are off because this is the most private thing I’ve ever posted ” Ali and Richa announced their pregnancy in February with a photo that read, “ 1+1+3, ” followed by a second image of the couple affectionately posing together The caption said, “A tiny heartbeat is the loudest sound in our world ”

The story plot is not bad and makes you repeatedly question how a modern woman ’ s ambition is still treated as ‘small’ - in comparison to her family pressure to marry and have children- in other terms ‘settle’

But what escapes me is why the desperation to make this film into an unnecessary romantic comedy The plot is inspired by a true story of a case of heteropaternal superfecundationwhere an unknown 19-year old gave birth to twins, and discovered one was fathered by another man, when a DNA test was taken In 2022, the twins turned 16

There are scenes in the film which are genuinely funny, but a lot of it is trivialisation of issues or emotions and situations including inconsistencywhich is not expected from an amazing and matured film director like Karan Johar

The music is average too, while acting wise this clearly has been Dimri’s worst Kaushal’s swag remains the only saving grace while even Ammy Virk fails to make a mark The film is a cringe-fest from the beginning to end, ironically living up to its title - ‘Bad Newz’

Amitabh Bachchan praises Prabhas' 1000 crore success, cherishes ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ experience

Nag Ashwin's sci-fi film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, starring Prabhas alongside Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and others, has performed exceptionally well at the box office Amitabh Bachchan, in a new video shared by the film's team, expressed his pride in the film's success Unlike Prabhas, who has starred in numerous blockbusters, Amitabh noted that being part of such a major film was a significant milestone for him.

A m i t a b h B a c h c h a n , w h o p l a y s Ashwatthama in the film, expressed h i s d e e p g r a t i t u d

, " I

m extremely thankful to everyone who supported ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and contributed to its success, helping it earn o v e r ₹ 1 0 0 0 c r o r e I a l s o

o extend my appreciation for the honour of working alongside my co-stars Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone, whose remarkable presence continues to impact the film industry

He noted that the film's success was a significant milestone, stating, “For Prabhas, reaching the ₹1000 crore mark might be routine, given his track record However, for me, being part of such a grand project like ‘ K a l k i 2 8 9 8 A D ’ i s a r e m a r k a b l e achievement I’ve already watched the film four times and each viewing reveals new details that I might have missed before ”

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

s ‘Cinema is my life, even though Nikolai is my

love

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar married Mumbai-based gallerist Nicholai Sachdev in a private ceremony earlier this month at a beach resort in Krabi, Thailand After the wedding, they held a reception in Chennai, which was graced by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, music composer AR Rahman, actor-politician Suresh Gopi, actors Jackie Shroff, Kichcha Sudeep, Balakrishna, and Venkatesh, as well as filmmaker Mani Ratnam, among others

Newlyweds Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Nikolai Sachdev spoke to the media about their journey together

In the press conference, Nikolai shared, “I don’t know Tamil yet, but I’m learning and will speak it soon My wife is not only beautiful, talented and an exceptional actress, but she is so much more I am incredibly proud and inspired by her every day Chennai feels like home for us because it’s where our ancestors, including Varalaxmi’s family, lived Even after marriage, Varalaxmi will continue acting Cinema is her first love ” Varalaxmi addressed questions about her acting career after marriage saying, “Many people have asked if I would continue acting after getting married My husband answered that for me, cinema is my life, even though Nikolai is my love ” She also mentioned, “I wanted to invite all the journalists to the wedding, but couldn’t due to the election season wanted to meet you all after the marriage, which is why we ’ re having this press meeting Nikolai is a wonderful person, and by God’s grace, we met and got married I will continue acting in films, and I hope your love and support will always be with us ”

Nithilan Saminathan 'flattered' by Vijay's praise for “Maharaja”

Naveen Polishetty

discusses bike accident:

Director Nithilan Saminathan shared on X ( formerly Twitter) photos with actor-politician Vijay, thanking him for supporting his recent film featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap Nithilan posted two pictures with Vijay: one showing them together and another with an additional person In his post, he wrote, “Dear @actorvijay anna, thank you for this inspiring meeting I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet you and deeply flattered by your detailed feedback on #Maharaja Your support, love, and encouragement mean a lot to me Love you Also, a big thanks to my producers @Sudhans2017 and @Jagadishbliss for everything ” Maharaja marks Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film It premiered in theatres before becoming available on Netflix and was released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi The film follows the story of a barber who reports his missing dustbin, named Lakshmi, to the police As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the story is about much more than just the missing bin The revenge saga also features Abhirami and Mamta Mohandas

‘Tough and Painful’

In March this year, reports emerged about actor Naveen Polishetty being involved in a bike accident in Dallas, USA For the first time, the actor has discussed the incident, sharing a photo of his casted arm and an emotional message.

Naveen, who has been less active on social media recently, posted a photo of his casted hand on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) He wrote, “Unfortunately, I recently sustained multiple severe fractures in my right hand and also injured my leg It has been a challenging and painful period, especially creatively, as I’m unable to shoot films or connect with you through my work ”

He added, “The recovery has been slow and challenging, but I’m working closely with medical professionals to fully recover so I can return to my energetic self for all of you Although it may take a few more months, I am determined to come back stronger and healthier than ever ”

Naveen also expressed his excitement for the films he’ll work on once he recovers “Please rely only on updates from me, ” he wrote, adding, “I can’t wait to return to the screen and entertain you all again ” He mentioned in the caption that this period has been challenging both mentally and physically

Choreographer

claims unpaid dues from Diljit Dosanjh's tour

Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati tour is regarded as a major milestone in his music career

The Punjabi singer-actor, known for his global concerts, is now facing accusations of nonpayment from choreographer Rajat Batta Rajat has voiced his disappointment about the issue in an Instagram post

T h e L o s A n g e l e s - b a s e d choreographer shared a note which read, “While we as a Desi Dance Community are really proud of a Desi Artist

b r e a k i n g g l a s s c e i l i n g s a n d doing sold out tours across

N o r t h A m e r i c a I s t i l l f e e l deeply disappointed that Desi Dancers are still undervalued as an industry All of the Desi

D a n c e r s i n D i l j i t ' s D i lLuminati Tour were not paid, and just expected to perform f o r f r e e D e s i D a n c e a s a n i n d u s t r y h a s b e c o m e a lifeblood for artists and do a significant part in the entire

e c o s y s t e m o f t h e i n d u s t r y while its choreography, stage performances, music videos,

r e e l s , t o e v e n p r o m o t i n g songs It's an essential part of p r o d u c t i o n a n d i t ' s r e a l l y disappointing to see an artist of this calibre cut corners by stepping on the throats of the

D e s i D a n c e r i n d u s t r y a n d continue to contribute to that culture ”

R a j a t e n d e d h i s p o s t b y stating, “Diljit, we ’ re thrilled about your success, but your dancers should have been paid

a n d i n c l u d e d i n t h e production budget ”

The second teaser for HBO Max's

*Dune: Prophecy*, a prequel series to Denis Villeneuve' hit *Dune* films, has introduced Bollywood star Tabu as Sister Francesca The Warner Bros Discovery-owned streamer released the teaser in the evening and announced that the six-episode series will debut in November this year

Tabu, renowned for her roles in films like ‘The Namesake’ and ‘Life of Pi’ and the BBC miniseries ‘A Suitable Boy’, makes a brief appearance near the end of the teaser Her character, Sister Francesca, is portrayed as “strong, intelligent, and alluring,” leaving a significant impact

Tabu appears in new teaser for HBO Max's “Dune: Prophecy”

to the palace disrupts the power balance in the capital.”

According to the creators, “Once a great love of the Emperor, her return

The series is set 10,000 ars before the events of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel “Dune”, which was recently adapted into two films by Denis Villeneuve In the 2021 and 2023 films, Charlotte Rampling portrayed Reverend Mother Mohiam, the Emperor’s ne Gesserit Truthsayer, while Lady Jessica, the Bene Gesserit mother of the protagonist Paul (played by Timothée Chalamet), was featured prominently “Dune: Prophecy”, based on the novel “Sisterhood of Dune” by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson, was formerly titled “Dune: The Sisterhood”

Irrfan Khan was the first choice for

Jaideep

Ahlawat's role in Maharaj

Ata press conference, director Siddharth P Malhotra revealed that they believed Irrfan Khan was the ‘only person’ suited for the titular role

Siddharth revealed that the late Irrfan Khan was the only person they envisioned for the powerful and villainous Maharaj role “We could only think of Irrfan Khan for that role No one else could play it but him,” he said

However, after Irrfan's passing in 2020, they realised that Jaideep could also excel in the role Siddharth said, “I kept telling Jaideep sir that there was only one actor who could do this, and that’s him He can do anything and is undoubtedly one of our best actors It took some time to convince him, and there was a lot of pressure on him He’s rightfully receiving all the praise for his performances ”

At the press meet, Siddharth also revealed that after shooting wrapped, he realised Jaideep’s introductory scene needed to be re-shot By then, Jaideep had gained weight over the five months since filming Siddharth reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, Jaideep sir I’ve seen plenty of VFX magic We’ll add abs in postproduction, and it will look great ”

However, he took three months to get his body back in shape for just one day of shooting “He said, ‘Brother, I’ve dedicated ve-and-a-half months to achieve hat body I can’t start with a fake hysique in my first scene Give me three months ’ I told him it was just one day of shooting, but he insisted on three months to get back into shape And he did ”

Ram Charan at IFFM says 'Honoured to represent our industry'

Ram Charan will be the guest of honour at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) this year The festival, hosted annually by the Victorian State Government, will take place from August 15-25 Ram Charan will also be honoured with an award for his contributions to Indian cinema

The official IFFM social media page announced on X (formerly Twitter), “Are you excited or ARE YOU EXCITED? Global Star Ram Charan is coming to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 Are we ready to dance to 'Naatu Naatu'?”

In a press release from his team, Ram Charan shared his enthusiasm about attending the festival He stated, “I am deeply honoured to be part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which celebrates the diversity and richness of Indian cinema on a global stage It’s a privilege to represent

Suryakumar to lead India in T20s; Gill is his deputy

The na ti ona l s el ec tors hav e opt ed f or s ta bi li ty as the y announced Suryakumar Y adav a s T2 0I c aptai n an d handi ng ov er the vi c e- c apt ai nc y to Shubman Gill in both T20Is and ODIs for the white-ball tour of Sr i Lan ka la ter thi s mont h Hardik Pandya was relieved of vice-captaincy in both formats

The selectors have also convinced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who recently announced their retirements from T20I cricket, to travel to Sri Lanka for the three ODIs

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has been firm on its stand of having a stable leadership for the whiteball teams “The selectors and

Gambhir have been very clear with their plans With Hardik being prone to injuries, they felt that it would be wise to have someone who is focused on just the T20 format Gambhir thinks very highly of Surya’s game awareness, ” a BCCI source said It was also felt that the stalwarts like Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah needed to be in the team environment more with the ICC Champions Trophy being about six months away Bumrah however, has been rested to manage his work load Kuldeep Yadav has also been rested for the T20Is Interestingly, Ravindra Jadeja, who too announced his T20I retirement after the T20

World Cup, has not been named in the ODI squad While no official reason has been given for it, sources say that the selectors and team management feel that it is time to find alternatives for Jadeja Jadeja’s batting has not been up to the mark in white ball cricket for a while With Axar Patel evolving as a potent replacement, Washington Sundar has been named in both squads Shreyas Iyer, who lost his central contract earlier this year, has been drafted back into the squad

T2 0I s qua d: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik

Suryakumar Yadav

Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd Siraj ODI s quad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana

India crush Nepal to enter Asia Cup semi-finals

Hi

over Nepal

i n their final Group A fixture at the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024

o n Tue s da y Def en di n g champions India rested skipper Ha rm an pr ee t Kaur f or the i r thi rd group game against Nepal

a t th e Ra n gi ri Dam b ull a I n te rn a ti on al Sta di um i n Sri Lanka Open er Shaf ali Verma

l a id t he f oun da ti on fo r a gigantic total with her quickfire half-century India openers Shafali and Dayalan Hemalatha demolished the bowling attack of Nepal with their 122-run stand in the high-scoring encounter Shafali smashed her career-best score (81) in T20Is while Jemimah Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 28 off 15 balls as India posted

178-3 in 20 overs Senior bowler

Sita Rana Magar (2 for 25) shared three wickets with Kabita Joshi against the free-scoring Indian side Wickets kept falling for Indu Barma's Nepal as India restricted the crestfallen side to 96-9 in 20 overs Producing another collective bowling performance, Renuka Thakur Singh (1), Arundhati Reddy (2), Radha Yadav (2) and Deepti Sharma (3) sealed India's comfortable 82-

Paes, Amritraj inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame

Indian tennis legends, Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj, the heroes of many a historic triumph transcending generations, became the first men from Asia to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame Paes, 51, whose list of achievements include the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games men ’ s singles bronze, eight men ’ s doubles and 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam crowns, besides several famed Davis Cup victories, was given the rare honour in the ‘Player Category’ Vijay Amritraj, 70, reached the men ’ s singles quarterfinals at the Wimbledon and US Open twice each besides guiding India to the Davis Cup finals twice - in 1974 and 1987 At his peak, he was ranked No 18 in the world in singles and No 23 in doubles He and Richard Evans were inducted into the Hall of Fame in the ‘Contributor Category’ “The three inductees brings the total to 267 legends from 28 nations represented in the Hall of Fame,” said the International Tennis Hall of Fame statement Paes spent 37 weeks at No 1 in the world rankings in doubles, and won 54 doubles titles on tour He is one of only three men in tennis history to capture a career Grand Slam in both disciplines Paes, who hails from Kolkata, competed in seven straight Olympic Games between Barcelona, 1992 to Rio, 2016, the most in tennis history

run win over Nepal India have topped Group A by extending its winning run to three games India and Pakistan have qualified for the semi-finals from group A

Back-to-back wins

Team India thrashed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their previous fixture of the Asia Cup India's Richa Ghosh smashed her first T20I half-century and shattered several records in the one-sided contest between the two teams

Contrasting half-centuries from Richa and skipper Harmanpreet powered India to its highest T20I total in women's cricket Richa remained unbeaten on 64 off 29 balls as India posted 201-5 in 20 overs Chasing the mammoth target, the United

Arab Emirates mustered 123-7 to lose the match by 78 runs India primed to enter semifinals

With an impressive net run rate of +3 298, Team India is leading Group A in the Women's Asia Cup T20 standings Harmanpreet’s Team India outclassed archrivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener before hammering UAE to record back-to-back wins in Sri Lanka Team India is followed by traditional rivals Pakistan, who are placed second with two points from two games Team Nepal also has a win to their name, while UAE have lost all of the Asia Cup matches in the island nation A win over Nepal in Dambulla sealed India's berth in the semi-finals

Bashir spins England to victory in second test

Spinner Shoaib Bashir took five wickets as England bowled out West Indies for 143 to secure a 241-run victory on the fourth day of the second Test at Trent Bridge and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series

The touring side, chasing 385 to win, started well thanks to a solid opening partnership of 61 between captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis

The dismissal of Louis by Chris Woakes, however, prompted a collapse as West Indies lost five wickets in 35 balls After Louis was caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for 17, Kirk McKenzie edged Bashir to Smith for one and Brathwaite fell for 47 when he feathered a catch to Smith off Woakes

Kavem Hodge, who made a century in the first innings, was trapped lbw by Bashir for a duck and Alick Athanaze edged Bashir to Joe Root at slip for one to leave the West Indies at 82-5

Kevin Sinclair did not last long, skying a catch off his wrist to Zak Crawley in the slips off Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson trapped Joshua Da Silva lbw for 14 Atkinson bowled Alzarri Joseph for a duck, Bashir bowled Jason Holder for 37 and the spinner bowled Shamar Joseph for eight to complete figures of 5-41

SHOOTING LEGEND BINDRA GETS OLYMPIC ORDER

Abhinav Bindra has been awarded with Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for his outstanding services to the Olympic Movement The award ceremony will be held during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on Aug 10, a day before the closing of the Games “It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the IOC executive board has decided to award you with the Olympic Order for your outstanding services to the Olympic movement,” the IOC wrote in a letter addressed to Bindra The Olympic Order is the highest award of the IOC, given for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement It is awarded to recognize an individual who has illustrated the Olympic ideal has achieved remarkable merit in the sporting world or has rendered outstanding services to the Olympic cause

SURYAKUMAR RETAINS 2ND SPOT IN T20I RANKINGS

Suryakumar Yadav is the highest placed Indian at second spot while Yashasvi Jaiswal occupies the sixth position in the ICC T20I batting rankings Ruturaj Gaikwad has dropped a place to the eighth position in the T20 batters’ list which was updated following India’s recent 4-1 series triumph over Zimbabwe Jaiswal was the big winner following his 141 runs in the series as he rose four places behind No 1 ranked batter Travis Head of Australia and Suryakumar Shubman Gill, who led India against Zimbabwe moved up a whopping 36 places to 37th

NO INDIAN IN THE TOP10 OF THE T20I BOWLERS RANKINGS

Axar Patel who was rested for the Zimbabwe series, dropped four places to 13th spot Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar and spinner Washington Sundar also made upward movements Mukesh, who scalped eight wickets, has gained 36 places to rise to 46th spot Washington, who picked up eight wickets, has risen 21 spots to 73rd rank

BAHUTULE TO BE INDIA'S BOWLING COACH IN LANKA

Former India and Mumbai leg-spinning allrounder Sairaj Bahutule will travel to Sri Lanka as Team India’s bowling coach for the sixmatch white-ball series Serving as a bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for the last three years, Bahutule has been a part of the support staff with the India A and the Indian teams with previous head coach Rahul Dravid and NCA chairman VVS Laxman Bahutule who played two Tests and eight ODIs for India has done good work with India s young spinners and his presence should particularly help the team s spinners Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar, who are all part of the India T20 team, and Kuldeep Yadav, who will feature in the ODIs He was also with the Indian team during the home series against Sri Lanka last year

FLINTOFF’S SON ROCKY HITS TON FOR ENGLAND U-19S

Manolo Marquez appointed as India men's football team head coach

T h e A ll India F o ot bal l Fe der atio n (A IF F )

c o nfirm ed th at Mano lo Mar quez ha s be en appointed as the Indian men's football team's head coach Marquez will succeed Igor Stimac in the role The Spanish football manager is currently in-charge of FC Goa in the Indian Super League, and AIFF stated that Marquez will remain the manager of the club throughout the 2024-25 s eason, while also handling the responsibilities of the Indian football team Commenting on the development, AIFF

President Kalyan Chaubey stated, “We are delighted to welcome Marquez to this important role and are also thankful to FC Goa for their generosity of releasing him for national duty We look forward to working with Marquez in the years ahead The AIFF, FC Goa, and Marquez will collaborate closely to ensure there is minimal impact between the two jobs and strive to achieve the best possible results for all involved ” Marquez also issued a statement on his

appointment, thanking the federation for “providing flexibility” for him to work with FC Goa concurrently with the Indian team for the upcoming season Marquez has been coaching in India since 2020 He has coached two ISL clubs – his first stint was with Hyderabad FC (2020-23), before he switched over to FC Goa (2023-present) Overall, Marquez had an extensive coaching career in Spain – Las Palmas (top division) and Las Palmas B, Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat, Europa (third division)

Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of former England all-rounder Andrew, became the youngest player to hit a century for the England Under-19 side during a test match with Sri Lanka Rocky was unbeaten on 82 overnight after Lanka posted 153 in the first innings and he brought up his century in the first session at the College Ground in Cheltenham The middle order batter was dismissed soon after for 106 in a knock that included nine boundaries and two sixes The 16-year-old signed his first pro contract with Lancashire last month