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3 - 9 AUGUST 2019 - VOL 48 ISSUE 14

Diverse Cabinet.

Way Ahead?

inside: Regeneration project: Building our community SEE PAGE 16-17

30,000-40,000 terrorists operating in Pakistan: Imran SEE PAGE 21

Sajid Javid Priyanka Mehta Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed the most diverse cabinet the

Priti Patel

Rishi Sunak

UK has ever had. But can his ministers save the Sterling from crashing to an alltime low, fix the immigration system, clean the Brexit mess, and renew people's

Alok Sharma

confidence in the country's politics and politicians?

Continued on page 6

Yediyurappa wins trust vote in Karnataka assembly SEE PAGE 24

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3 - 9 August 2019

onetoone WITH KEITH VAZ, MP

was a plus for me. I am also pleased to have won my Local Councillor seat by a convincing majority and more importantly, in the last General Election was part of the campaign team that ensured that Chingford and Woodford Green Constituency became a marginal seat for the Labour Party.

Cllr Elizabeth Baptiste

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shopping just think of the markets and the parks are super.

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What are your proudest achievements?

Being a mother is one of my proudest achievements and seeing my daughter graduate from University as a qualified Dietitian

Burglaries and drug-related crimes dropped in Redbridge last year A drop in burglaries and drug-related crime in Redbridge in the last year has been welcomed by police chiefs. Overall crime levels in the borough have reduced slightly year-onyear, data from the Office for National Statistics shows, and burglaries have dropped by 20per cent.

There were 23,444 reported offences during the 12 months to March 2019, down 1pc on the previous year, when 23,646 incidents were recorded. That means there was a rate of 78 crimes per 1,000 residents during 2018-19, below the England and Wales average of 89.

East Area Det Sup Shabnam Chaudhri, pictured, said: "There is a lot of good work going on across Redbridge by our officers and partners and we use a range of tactics, such as days

of action, stop and search, weapon sweeps and patrolling the crime 'hot spots'. We will continue to work with community and partners to drive down crime. Our message to those who commit crime is we will track you down, arrest and bring you to justice because we are committed to a safer, stronger Redbridge."

The latest statistics are based on crimes reported to the police, and the ONS urges caution in interpreting some of these figures.

Possession of weapons offences in Redbridge rose by five to 164 incidents.

These include knives, hand guns and even corrosive acid.

But there were 2,080 residential burglaries reported in 2018-19, down 20pc compared to the previous year, and there have been three murders or

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What is the best aspect about your current role?

As a Councillor and Chair of the Labour Group in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, making decisions that improves the lives of my constituents and policies that are relevant in enhancing the quality of their lives.

What insprires you?

Elizabeth Baptiste was born in London to parents from the Caribbean Islands of Grenada and St Lucia. She grew up in London and the Caribbean and studied Social Policy and HRM at both Middlesex and Westminster University. She has worked in many educational settings and is a Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist with more than 18 years experienced in the public sector. She is a former Leadership and Organisational Development Adviser at Westminster University with specialist interest in Women and Leadership, Learning Organisational Development, Staff Coaching and Mentoring. Her interest in politics stems from her strong UNISON Labour link, holding various positions, e.g. Branch Chair, Regional Equalities Convenor and National Executive Committee for Higher Education. In May 2018 she was successful in her bid to become a Local Councillor in Valley Ward Chingford preventing the Tories from having a clean sweep in the ward. Since becoming a Councillor she was elected by her peers in 2018 to become the Deputy Group Labour Leader. Ms Baptiste lives in the London Borough of Waltham Forest with her daughter April. She is the founder of 'Engage-Plus', a campaigning group working to promote BAME Women in Leadership.

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

I feel at home in London. I am fortunate to have family who live across London, from Hackney, Islington, Streatham, Barking , Croydon and Willesden. London is a diverse city with so much to do you will never be surprised. If you are like me and you enjoy

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manslaughters. Theft in Redbridge, one of the most high volume crimes, also decreased by 4pc and drugs related offences dropped by 9pc.

Criminal damage in the borough, which includes arson and vandalising cars and houses, has gone down, from 1,682 incidents in 2017-18, to 1,544. Violence with injury crimes, which include assault, GBH and wounding, also dropped.

There were 533 sexual offences recorded between April 2018 and March 2019, a 1pc decrease on the previous year, when 536 crimes were reported. There were also 1,553 cases of stalking and harassment reported over the same period.

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And the worst?

Making decisions that makes a difference in improving the quality and living standards for my constituents is a key driving force and motivational factor that inspires me. As a Councillor I have seen first-hand how austerity has affected our local community. Issues such as Crime, Cost of living and Social Security are all having an impact. I am inspired on a daily basis to make considerable strides to address this imbalance. Did you know that Iceland has made it illegal to pay women less than men?

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There are no worst - It is a honour and a preivilege to serve in public life.

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What are your long term goals?

There is a need to increase BAME representation across all public life. As a result my long term goals is to serve in public life as either an Assembly Member or as a Labour Member of Parliament. I understand how deeply inequality effects the people, especially BAME and young people and I am interested in developing and promoting social justice for all.

What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

It is important to remove negative stereotypes and improve better access to opportunity for everyone. There should be no limits to opportunities for all. More mentoring and shadowing roles should be encouraged for BAME and young people. Over the years I have made a strong mental commitment that there should be nothing stopping anyone from aiming for what they need to achieve. As a public servant - I pledge to be the voice of the people.

If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

The impact of austerity and budget cuts have had a devasting impact on the most vulnerable in our society. The lack of funding for local services is restricting opportunities for local communities, BAME and Young people. I would definitely ensure equality for all.

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

My father was my role model. He came to England in the early 1950s (Empire Windrush) and instilled in me the importance of Education. His mantra was continually repeated to me during my youth 'get that piece of paper' - meaning get that educational qualfication(s) to enable me to have a better quality of life.

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If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.

I would like to spend my time with Rosa Parks - she is the 'first lady of civil rights' and 'the mother of the freedom movement'. I embody her quote: each person must live their life as a model for the other.

I would have welcomed some lessons on not giving up.

Muslim community group presents Slough mayor with gift of peace Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Slough met the mayor Cllr Avtar Kaur Cheema on Monday last week, presenting her with a Gift of Peace.

A long discussion with the mayor including the charitable works of the community and the many ‘community support initiatives’ that they undertake throughout the year.

Atiq Ahmad Bhatti, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Slough, said: “It was a pleasure meeting the mayor and presenting her with a Gift of Peace, something that we undertake every year with the new mayor. We are looking forward to inviting her to our upcoming Poppy Appeal campaign and we look forward to supporting her during her term.”

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Slough and Burnham was set up to do voluntary work in the local community, promote interfaith harmony, provide vol-

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Pupils share concerns for planet with local MP Worried pupils at Khalsa Primary School visited their MP Tan Dhesi on Friday to share their anxieties about the planet. The head boy and girl with their deputies from the school in Wexham Road, Slough visited Mr Dhesi's offices to lobby him on climate change and plastic pollution.

The four children, who are currently in year 5 at KPS, brought with them an envelope containing 62 letters; one for each of the children in their class. Every year 5 pupil had conducted research on climate change and plastic pollution and written a letter to Mr Dhesi beseeching him to take

action. Some children had even prepared and recoded a rap which Mr Dhesi and his office were looking forward to listening to. The four young visitors delivered a speech on plastic pollution to Mr Dhesi and shared many facts which they had learnt. They suggested a campaign to make Slough single use plastic free.

Mr Dhesi explained to them some of the work that he was involved with in parliament to legislate against plastics and climate change.

He also promised to table a question in parliament in response to the children’s letters and their lobbying efforts.

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3 - 9 August 2019

Boris Johnson, India, Brexit Boris Johnson is a larger than life politician. He has boundless energy, eloquence, gilded with wit, humour and vision, yet is also a chancer.

After the three dreary years of Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, endless to-ing and fro-ing between London and Brussels, sedentary speeches and repetitive resolutions, each lost on the floor of the Commons, amid more promises of a Brexit nirvana, Boris Johnson has taken over the reins as Britain’s new Prime Minister, fresh of face, mind and demeanour, a visionary with a commitment to the jewels of the welfare state, including its prized National Health Service, housing, education and much else that is praiseworthy, including a points-based immigration system, designed

to facilitate creative contributions to the British economy, health care, science and engineering.

A Brexit-free UK, for Boris Johnson, would entail a closer relationship with India in diverse fields. Indian faces in the British government is surely an expression of intent. Then the rub – a brusque warning to the EU, that a no deal Brexit was on the cards, in face of an unyielding Brussels. Mr Johnson must surely take pause. Geography, history and economics determine surely that the UK and EU maintain the closest of partnerships. This is not some optional clause, but a prerequisite - a platform, if you will – for cutting the best available deals elsewhere, deals that would profit and enrich the British people.

Lessons of Kargil Early in 1999, India’s first BJP Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee embarked with scant political preparation on what he described as a Peace Journey to Lahore, the seat of Pakistan’s largest and most populous province, Punjab, a mere 40 miles from India’s Amritsar. Pakistan at the time was in one of its phases of army rule, therefore General Pervez Musharraf was its head of state. The absence of Pakistan’s service chiefs at the formal welcoming ceremony for the Indian visitor boded ill for the venture. It was meant as a robust affirmation of Pakistani patriotism and a martial resolve to settle scores on Kashmir and perhaps other issues as well. It turned out to be foolhardy gamble. Musharraf calculated that, if his army were to present India with a surreptitious presence on the Kargil heights, the fait accompli would unnereve India into some form of surrender to Pakistani diktat on Kashmir. Adventure turned to misadventure, The bleak, vertiginous peaks of Kargil in the northern reaches of Kashmir provided the setting of a new contest of wills and purpose. Prime Minister Vajpayee, having returned from his sentimental journey to Delhi with high hopes that his Lahore would yield the sought after, a peace dividend, was stunned to learn that units of the Pakistan army, taking advantage of the winter hiatus when both sides withdraw from the area due to the freezing conditions, were in stealthy occupation of the area. Dislodging the intruders would prove formidable challenge indeed – a true test of mountain warfare on the ground and in the air.

Bit between their teeth, Indian troops rose to their task, while Indian pilots faced the daunting hazards of high altitude strikes. Indian artillery lacked the range to be effective.

In some desperation, the Indian government approached Israel for the necessary weaponry. The response was prompt.

Supplies from Israel’s emergency military stocks were duly dispatched and deployed and made an immediate impact on a grim situation. The tide began to turn. Indian infantry started their climb up the hazardous slopes, while withstanding Pakistani fire from the commanding heights. Rajputs, Dogras, Sikhs, Gurkhas, were joined by men from Kumaon, Himachal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala in the perilous assault. But two groups – Tibetan Khambas, and Nagas from India’s North East, in particular, distinguished themselves in

close combat, high altitude night-time fighting in which they have no peers. According to subsequent revelations by Premier Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Northern Command was decimated by the loss of around 25,000 soldiers, all interred in a vast graveyard.

Sharif made a desperate call to US President Bill Clinton to mediate; he invited both leaders to Washington, where he planned to broker a peace deal, but Prime Minister Vajpayee turned down the invitation. Hostilities ceased on July 26, 1999, with Pakistani units vacating their remaining outposts in stages.

Were lessons learned? Yes, slowly over time. India paid a high price, losing seven hundred and more men in battle. The culture of piety, of do-gooder slogans and clichés on peace, mutual understanding, and much rancid nonsense, has taken years to extirpate.

What was (and still is) required of the Indian state by Pakistan was in effect its voluntary liquidation – euthanasia, in other words. That has not happened, is unlikely ever to happen. Separatist truculence and the siren calls of the Abdullah and Mehbooba brigades for US mediation will not wash. The ethnic cleansing of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandits from the valley in the late 1980s, and the silence of Indian peaceniks and human rights crusaders, are memories difficult to erase.

On the broad canvas remain the nightmare jihadi terrorist assaults from across the border on Mumbai, first in March 1993, next in November 2008, with the horrendous losses of innocent lives. No new Caliphate will defile the Indian earth.

Legislation has been passed by Parliament banning the triple talaq, which required a mere husbandly whim, casting adrift wives and children, free of the nuisance of courts and the rule of law.

Finally, Israel’s prompt response to India’s call for help opened new vistas in their relationship. Prime Minister Vaypayee wrote a letter of thanks to Prime Minister Sharon, which was delivered in person by Brajesh Mishra, the India Premier’s top aide. Premier Sharon paid a state visit to India, an Israeli first, with no looking back since.

Meanwhile Kargil has become a hot spot for Indian tourists: ‘All’s well that ends well,’ pronounced the Bard of Avon centuries ago.

Travails of Hong Kong Surprise, surprise, text book wisdom for almost two centuries carried the distilled wisdom of the British yoke grinding the Chinese people into the Chinese dust. Revisionists are witnessing the self-same masses of another generation in the former British colony of Hong Kong expressing their militant preference for legacy of British law that ensure democratic rules of political engagement free from Beijing’s coercion and tyranny. What does this tell us? That to view each and every historical event in simple black and white colours is best avoided. Truth is that the Old oppressed China that evokes deep liberal guilt was itself an oppressive empire itself, socially and economically backward by centuries, yet comfortable in the bland conceit that it radiated a celestial light unto the barbarians across the seas and others nearer home.

Buddhist Tibetans and Muslim Uighers today groan under the pitiless rule of their Han Chinese overlords, much as they did in times past. When the mandarin Tso Tsungt’ang took over the reins of pacification in Xinjiang way back in 1877, he counselled his superiors in Beijing to open ‘free public schools where Mohammedan children are ordered to study our written and spoken language...to issue to them such books such as the ‘One Thousand Character Essay, The Three Character Classic, The Filial Piety Classic...so that

they can learn the meaning of Confucian ideas,’ and thus help in governing a rebellious province acquired through conquest in 1769.

President Xi Jinping today is merely following in the footsteps of his august ancestors, corralling subjects in massive Kafkaesque detention centres with 21st century cameras and listening devices to monitor their every move and word.

The real irony is that the Old Empire was the creation of invaders from the steppe, Mongols and Manchus, whose rule the native Han population once resented, but now cling to fervently. President Xi , like Chairman Mao and Chiang kai-shek before him, perceives the vision of a Greater China as a national birthright. Hence claims to soverreignty are also made to Han-populated Taiwan as part of the packaged ‘One China’ policy, to which all nations are expected to adhere.

Taiwan and Hong Kong and possibly Singapore by virtue of their Han majorities, together with former tributary clients such as Korea and Vietnam, along with the South China Sea – a proprietary claim based on obscure millenary scrolls is possibly reflective of ancestor worship. Is Beijing’s list of lost territories destined to expand with the inclusion of Korea,Vietnam or Siberia up to Lake Baikal? It beggars belief in this day and age.

Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today

– Will Rogers

Alpesh Patel

Modi and the Environment Are you going to watch it? The Discovery documentary with PM Modi in the wilderness with Bear Grylls? I am. What a clever, clever idea.

As I spoke on BBC News – if you want proof of climate change, then just ask NASA – their data, from the second cleverest scientists in the world, proves it. (The cleverest being the Indian ones who can do all NASA can, but at one tenth of the cost).

Doing the early morning BBC TV newspaper review allowed me in the past to vent some anger which has been boiling up for 20 years.

The story I was asked to comment on was the fury of Obama at BP for the oil spill some years ago. Now I can imagine the President, pacing in the Oval office, the most powerful man in the world, with the largest nuclear arsenal, heading a country which has since its creation in 1776 never known a decade without war outside its borders, yet unable to put a boot on the throat of BP. Now I don’t have a problem with the President’s anger, and indeed welcome it on issues of the environment. But I only wish the Americans could have given half a damn when it came to 3,000 dead Indians in Bhopal due to an American company and a chemical spill.

You see with BP – no one has died. Okay some Louisiana fisherman are suicidal, but with Bhopal mothers witnessed their children die. Dead. 3000. But it doesn’t count. Doesn’t count because poor Indians do not count. The lovely Louisiana coastline and the livelihood of one bloated American living in the world’s richest country counts more than 3,000 dead poor Indians.

I remember once being at the British High Commission in Delhi and the bantering with the High Commissioner he pointed out I was British. And I told him – he is right I am. But the blood coursing through these veins is that of my ancestors. I am a British Indian. Sadly the Louisiana Governor at the time, Bobby Jindal, I suspect was all American – he’s drunk the Kool aid as they say.

It should be said of Indians you can take the Indian out of India but not India out of the Indian – wish it was true. How I wish the Bobby hadn’t converted. How I wish Bobby would have the guts to tell the President where to go. Anyway, why should he, lower than Indians are poor people and poor people don’t matter.

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Anzac Day terror plot: Blackburn boy granted anonymity The identity of a teenager who plotted to behead police officers at an Anzac Day parade in Australia will remain a secret for the rest of his life.

The boy, from Blackburn, Lancashire, sent encrypted messages instructing an Australian jihadist to launch attacks at the remembrance event in Melbourne. Now 18, he was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court in 2015 after admitting inciting terrorism overseas.

The High Court ruled identifying him was likely to cause him "serious harm".

He is believed to be the youngest Briton guilty of a terror offence, and a ban on identifying him made at the time he was sentenced would normally expire on his 18th birthday.

A number of media organisations made repre-

sentations to the court, arguing that he should be named.

But the judge, Dame Victoria Sharp, granted him lifelong anonymity - a decision only taken in a small number of cases - including those granted to Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who murdered Liverpool toddler James Bulger, and child killer Mary Bell.

Sitting with Mr Justice Nicklin, she said the case was "an exceptional one".

"We acknowledge that any prohibition on the identification of a defendant in a criminal proceedings is a serious matter and represents a significant interference with the open justice principle," she said.

"Nevertheless, on the evidence before us, in our judgment it is both necessary and proportionate" as

identifying him would "fundamentally undermine" his rehabilitation," she added.

"The position is exacerbated by his autism, which manifests itself in his obsessive behaviour. This, combined with his need for recognition and status, makes him very vulnerable to exploitation and potential re-radicalisation."

During his trial, the court heard how at the age of 14, the boy adopted an

older persona in messages to alleged Australian jihadist Sevdet Besim, 18, instructing him to kill police officers at the remembrance parade.

He sent thousands of messages suggesting Mr Besim get his "first taste of beheading" by attacking "a proper lonely person".

Australian police were alerted to the plot after British officers discovered material on the teenager's phone.

Girl, 6, died in Slough crash months after moving to UK from Afghanistan A six-year-old girl was killed in a road crash less than a year after moving to the UK, an inquest heard. Daljit Khalsa, from Afghanistan, died of head injuries after being hit by a car in Slough on 26 October last year.

Reading Coroner's Court heard the driver, Tomasz Oklinski, admitted to travelling about 5mph above the 30mph speed limit at the time. The coroner concluded Daljit's death was as a result of a road traffic collision.

The schoolgirl had relocated to the UK with her family from Helmand Province in January 2018

before settling in Slough in September, the inquest was told. Her mother Raki said she had been holding Daljit and her sister's hand when they crossed Cippenham Lane at about 18:15 BST. In a statement read out in court, Mr Oklinsky said he knew he was driving at 35mph because his vehicle had signalled a warning to not exceed the speed limit.

He said he "suddenly saw some movement coming from my right" and "hit something" before he stopped and saw the girl lying in the road.

Kevin Spiller, a forensic collision investigator, said

Daljit Khalsa was hit 10 months after moving to the UK from Afghanistan with her family

the accounts of the family members did not "fit with the evidence" and that Daljit's "sight deficiency" could have been a "signifi-

cant contributory factor" in her death. The expert witness estimated the speed of the car when it was braking was "between 31 and 35mph".

Coroner Alison McCormick said she accepted Mr Spiller's analysis the "most likely explanation for the collision was that the child went into the northbound carriageway alone".

"If all three of them had crossed the road holding hands and been struck by the car, all of them would have been hurt," she added.

The coroner said it was "possible" Daljit crossed the road "in the impetuous way children do".

in brief SHEFFIELD CLINIC HELPS KIDS SLEEP SOUNDLY

A "pioneering" scheme in Sheffield has helped boost children's sleep by 2.4 hours a night, according to NHS England. A pilot scheme involving 40 families at Sheffield Children's Hospital's sleep clinic - in combination with NHS England and the local council - aims to improve children's sleep patterns. Some of the 800 children referred to the hospital were waking up 40 times a night, one parent said. According to NHS England, the scheme has led to children gaining nearly two and a half extra hours of sleep per night. The time taken to fall asleep also dropped from over two hours to just over 30 minutes. Parents and carers say their quality of life has improved, including a better relationship with their child, the NHS says.

THOUSANDS OF CHICKENS BAKED TO DEATH DURING HEATWAVE Thousands of chickens roasted to death inside in an intensive poultry farm as temperatures reached 38C last week.

Workers at the Moy Park farm in Lincolnshire were seen piling carcasses into huge mounds outside the buildings during the heatwave on Thursday.

The company is a major supplier of Tesco and Sainsbury’s and came under fire last month after an animal rights charity uncovered ‘extreme suffering’ at three of its farms.

One of the staff at the farm in Newton-on-Trent blamed the ‘freak weather’ for the deaths, the Lincolnite reports.

They said: ‘We tried to do everything but there was nothing more we could do. The freak weather has done this to them, please don’t turn this into anything bad. It has been really tough carting these animals out of the farm over the past couple of days. Animal activists don’t think that we care about them, but we really do.’

Just last month, Animal Equality UK released some shocking findings after investigators secretly entered three Moy Park chicken farms in Lincolnshire.

The charity claimed chicken carcasses had been ‘left to rot for days’ and many birds were found with severe leg injuries.

Some of them were allegedly unable to stand.

A spokesperson for Moy Park previously said they have a ‘zero-tolerance attitude toward anything that jeopardises the health and welfare of our birds’ and confirmed they were investigating the allegations.

GURINDERJIT RAI SHOTGUN DEATH SUSPECT RELEASED ON BAIL

Manchester Arena attack: Trial date set for arena bomber's brother The younger brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi will stand trial in November charged with murdering the 22 victims of the attack. Hashem Abedi, 22, appeared at Oxford Crown Court by prison video link for a preliminary hearing.

Mr Justice Sweeney set a trial date of 5 November at the Old Bailey in London.

The defendant was remanded in custody and will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing in early October.

The judge granted a prosecution application under section 22 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008, which means Mr Abedi will be interviewed by police even though he has already been charged.

Scene of shooting

Hashem Abedi faced Oxford Crown Court by video-link from HMP Belmarsh

Hashem Abedi was extradited to the UK earlier this month after being detained in Libya shortly after the May 2017 suicide bombing in which hundreds were injured.

Mr Abedi, who was born and raised in Manchester, is also charged with one count of attempted murder, encompassing all others pre-

Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi

sent at the arena, and one count of conspiring with his brother Salman Abedi to cause explosions.

Twenty-two people died in the explosion at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017 and hundreds were injured.

A suspect arrested over the death of a man found shot dead in a car has been released on bail.

Gurinderjit Rai, 41, from Eastleigh, was found in a lay-by on Shepherds Farm Lane in Corhampton, Hampshire, on 13 July.

A 41-year-old man from Owslebury, held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, has been bailed until 23 August.

Six other men arrested in connection with the death remain on bail, Hampshire Constabulary said.

Post-mortem tests found Mr Raj was killed with a shotgun.

Aston Hannis, 28, of Woolford Close, Winchester, has been charged with withholding information relating to the murder investigation.

He is charged under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, requiring him to disclose access codes to an electronic device.

Gurinderjit Rai

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3 - 9 August 2019

Dr Sohom Das: A new age Forensic Psychiatrist Rupanjana Dutta Dr Sohom Das from London, is not just your regular Consulting Forensic Psychiatrist. Currently in his early 40s, Sohom is quirky, witty, dabbles in stand-up comedy and does battle rapping on TV. He is also a debut fiction novelist, writing a story on a girl in a psychiatric ward, but his day job includes dealing with assessment and treatment of mentally disordered offenders in prisons, secure hospitals, and the community. He works as an expert witness in criminal and civil court cases and is a regular columnist in Huffington Post.

Some of his articles very articulately talk about the alternative approach that the system should have towards mentally ill prisoners, as the government cuts affect them severely.

Growing up and interest

Growing up in a village near Stockport, Sohom’s Bengali parents came from Kolkata, India, where theirs was the only non-white family.

Sohom’s mum was a secretary and dad was a chemical engineer, now both retired.

As Asian parents would, they

ensured Sohom took up a mainstream subject, though his creative side is reflected in his writings, comic timing and battle raps.

Studying psychiatry, Sohom did many placements, and that is how his interest particularly in forensic psychiatry came about. “When you are a junior doctor, you have to undertake six months experience in different types of psychiatry,” he told Asian Voice. “I did six months in forensic psychiatry and I found the stories of the patients fascinating. Every patient has committed a fairly serious crime, anything from assault to murder- and there is always a reason. The vast majority had some kind of abuse or problem growing up viz. emotional, sexual, drug addiction. But because they are quite dangerous, they have much complicated needs. Forensic psychiatry deals with smaller number of patients for a longer time and it is much more detailed.”

Moral vs legal obligations

As exciting as the profession could be, it is naturally difficult to balance between

Foreword

Dr Premen Addy shines new light on the Great Game of nineteenth century geopolitics in which Britain failed to grasp the objectives of both Russia and China. Russia’s purpose was neither grabbing Kabul nor Lhasa; the primary goal of the Tsar’s Empire was the establishment of a Mongolian buffer, a part if not the whole of the country, rescued from the maws of Imperial China. While the parallel Russian aim was to reinforce Tibet’s independence as ballast for an autonomous Mongolia, China looked for international support, which it received un inchingly from the Open Door policy of the United States of America. Washington endorsed China’s claim to sovereignty over Tibet. Britain obliged Imperial China through the casuistic ction of Chinese suzerainty, which more importantly, perhaps, provided a justi cation of sorts, for China’s invasion and occupation of its smaller neighbour in 1950.

British diplomacy aimed to keep Russia out of Tibet, and to safe- guard Britain’s commercial interests in China by keeping its rulers in play. Dr Addy draws attention to the ensuing larger, more explosive, contemporary Great Game with ambitious and aggressive China, once more its central player.

The author deftly weaves past with present and has done well to place the existential challenges facing India with close critical scrutiny in their regional and international setting. The chessboard has its pieces in place, as the tension ebbs and ows like nature’s tides, yet never disappears.

This book deserves the attention of historians, scholars and policymakers around the world.

M. K. rasgotra

Former Ambassador of India to France, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and former Foreign Secretary, Government of India

Dr Sohom Das

the moral and legal obligations as a human, but how does he manage it as a doctor? Sohom who loves hiphop, comedy nights, and tends not to take work home so that he can enjoy with his wife and two young children, said, “I think to be a good forensic psychiatrist, you have to be absolutely objective and neutral- your moral thought and attitude should not come in at all.

You should only comment on the mental illness, which

has relevance to the offender. I don’t find it difficult but some of my colleagues do, but I find it easy to detach my emotion.

“Occasionally nonforensic psychiatrists when asked to do these kind of assessments, in my view could be very judgemental.

You have to appreciate that it is for the court to serve justice and punish and it is up to the judge to do so, whereas you are only there to assist the judge by assess-

ing the mental illness of the offender.”

The job gets even more challenging as many tend to fabricate their symptoms or make them up entirely in an attempt to be absolved of the allegations, or for leniency with their sentences. Sohom told the newsweekly that it is easy to fake such symptoms but it is definitely hard to do it convincingly, in front of someone like him, who has worked so closely with different settings of this profession.

“I look at the evidencewitness statements, case papers, cctv footage, their old medical notes and make a judgement call about how they were,” he told us.

“Occasionally we even get patients who pretend to be psychotic. I have to look through all the evidences, if something has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, been in and out of hospital, then potentially that might be true, if the CCTV footage shows they have been acting bizarrely, or police interviews show them talking about bizarre ideas, then all that indicate that what they might be saying is true. But if somebody has no history of mental illness at all, and suddenly say they have been hearing voices, you have to

be cautious.”

While drugs and other substance abuse may lead to criminals returning to prisons, Sohom says there are certain things that mental health psychiatrist can help with, but there are somethings they can’t. “If somebody has a clear mental health disorder, that can be treated with medicine, but somebody does not want to treatment they can be detained and treated against their will. What can’t really be treated in the same degree is substance abuse,” he added.

Excited about debut novel

But among all this grim, there is a happy silver lining.

Sohom who is an avid fiction short story writer, is now busy writing his debut novel, possibly out later this year, set in a psychiatric ward, loosely based on a real life patient he had treated years ago. “It is on an eighteen year girl who killed her sister. The story is about the aftermath- 3 years of journey.”

For more about Sohom see: www.sdas-author.com @Dr_S_Das

Price: £25

Premen Addy was educated at St. Xavier’s and Presidency Colleges, Calcutta, and at Selwyn College, Cambridge (UK) and completed his dissertation at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He was Visiting Fellow in the Department of International Studies, at the London School of Economics in 1986-87; and Visiting Tutor in the Department of Politics and History, Kellog College, Oxford, from 1988-2010. He also taught at adult education institutes in the Greater London area during the same period. He now lives in Kolkata.

Tibet, bordering, China, Mongolia and India, and within reach of Russia, was (and is) strategically located - the prism refracting great power rivalry in an unfolding age of global politics and diplomacy.

The Russian state expanded eastwards through the Eurasian heartland to the Pacific Ocean, in the opposite direction the westward expansion of the United States of America brought it also to the Pacific’s broader terminus. Farther afield, Britain, Holland and France built maritime empires in South and South East Asia. Britain, Russia and initially, moribound China, jostled for power and influence in Tibet, with Russia a distant player in Mongolia, casting its special shadow across the region.

India has replaced Britain in the new Great Game, with a risen China, the United States and Russia, alongside Japan and a range of regional states, including Australia, participants in different shapes and forms. There is much to ponder in the incendiary disorder that increasingly threatens global peace and security; too much is at stake to warrant passive despair.

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Diverse Cabinet. Way Ahead?

Political pundits have placed their bets on how long the country's most “right-wing” government will last. Some cabinet ministers most notably those who were sacked or forced to resign under Theresa May's government have perhaps, received the most flak for being escalated to few of the highest positions of power. But as the cabinet surges forward to take charge of the country three months before we Brexit, Boris and his team face greater problems around spending cuts and implementing Australian style of points-based immigration.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has gone on record to indicate that “only skilled, English-speaking workers are welcome” but this initiative seems to have further caused factions in an already divided UK. “It is wrong to shut the doors for low-skilled workers. This is not just discriminatory but also self-defeating. We need our nurses, care workers and our construction builders. I think the values that migrants bring to our community go far beyond their labour and economical contributions to the UK,” said Nazek Ramadan, Director of Migrant Voice.

Migrant Voice have also recently written a letter both to prime minister Boris Johnson and Priti Patel where Nazek has sought justice for the thousands of international students whose visas had been revoked following the BBC Panorama scandal.

“I hope that our current Home Secretary builds on the work done by Sajid Javid (former Home Secretary) and finally bring justice to those students whose visas were wrongfully revoked by the Home Office. These students have gone through immense financial and emotional difficulties and some even cannot go back to their countries without these criminal charges being removed from their record,” Nazek continued.

Priti Patel and Gavin Williamson with CB Patel, edior/publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar at Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards

Local Government. He is also appointed as the chief to the Treasury and is the son-in-law of Indian industrialist and Infosys mastermind N. R. Narayana Murthy.

Dominic Raab - Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State: Dominic Raab is appointed as foreign secretary and first secretary of state. The MP for Esher and Walton worked as an in-house lawyer for the Foreign Office in 2000 has now returned as head of the department. It's a major promotion for Raab, who has just four months of experience in the Cabinet after his stint as Brexit Secretary last year. After being knocked out in the Tory leadership race on a hardcore Brexiteer ticket, he quickly backed his former rival Johnson and supported him But while immigration remains a sore subject, Javid is the in his campaign. Raab is in favour of a no-deal Brexit and new chancellor of the exchequer, and is given the task of delivreplaces Jeremy Hunt. ering the prime minister’s tax and spending pledges this Michael Gove - Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: autumn. Johnson expects him to break the austerity of the Michael Gove has been made Chancellor of the Duchy of past decade and ensure that money is available, even at the Lancaster – effectively minister without portfolio. Like risk of higher public borrowing. According to observers, Johnson a former newspaper columnist, Gove has represented Johnson appears to be doing two things- revving up the econthe safe Surrey Heath seat since 2005. After a junior spell on omy to gain support for his plans with a fallback that increased the shadow front benches, he was made education secretary spending could somehow bear the brunt of a no-deal deparby David Cameron in 2010. Gove became environment secreture. But, the Sterling has already dropped to an all time low tary in June 2017 and he proved a key advocate of May’s Brexit in the last two years hitting at $1.21 against the dollar in the deal, while other Brexiteer cabinet ministers resigned. prospect of a no-deal Brexit and closing at Rs. 83.80 against Ben Wallace- Defence Secretary: Formerly the security the Rupee as we go to press on Tuesday. Analysts in a Brexit minister in the Home Office has been named Defence driven economy believe the exchange value for Sterling could Secretary. An MP for almost 15 years and a frontbencher for 12, slip to as low as Rs 70. What remains to be seen is how long Wallace will nonetheless be one of the lesser-known figures in can will this volatile cabinet last and what would these cabinet Johnson’s new cabinet, where he has replaced Penny players be successful in delivering?

Mordaunt. From 1999 to 2003 he was a member of the Scottish parliament. In 2005 he won the Lancaster and Wyre seat. From 2007 he worked in the Scotland and Northern Ireland offices, and as a whip, before entering the Home Office when May became Sajid Javid – Chancellor of the PM. exchequer: The former home secreGavin Williamson tary always seemed set for a highEducation Secretary: The ranking position in Johnson’s cabistate-educated South net. He is the first ever Asian to Staffordshire MP, who studhave acquired the top-position as ied social sciences at the chancellor, replacing Philip University of Bradford, has Hammond and was a successful made an astonishing return investment banker until he was to the Cabinet as Education elected as an MP for Bromsgrove in Secretary.

The former 2010.

Defence Secretary was Priti Patel - Home Secretary: sacked just three months ago Indian origin Priti Patel is a promifor leaking secrets from a nent Brexiteer to take account in National Security Council the cabinet as home secretary. The meeting. As a former chief 47-year-old former international whip, with an in-depth development secretary, has supknowledge of the Tory party ported Johnson in the leadership machinery, Williamson was a contest, describing him as the only person who can save Brexit and the Sajid Javid with CB Patel, edior/publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat key member of Johnson’s campaign team.

Tories. Patel resigned from the cab- Samachar at Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards Matt Hancock - Health inet in November 2017 following a and Social Care Secretary: Matt Hancock stays in one of the row over unauthorised meetings with Israeli politicians. She was first elected to the seat from Witham, Essex, in 2010, after hardest job in government as Health and Social Care Secretary despite aiming volleys of criticism at Johnson while running working for several years in PR for the Conservative Party, as against him for the leadership. As chief of staff to Osborne well as lobbying for tobacco and alcohol industries. She also before entering parliament in 2010, Hancock was closely assocampaigns for capital punishment. ciated with the Osborne–Cameron circle, and rose steadily Alok Sharma- International Development Secretary: Alok through junior ministerial ranks under the coalition and Sharma is another Indian origin in Johnson's cabinet as beyond. When May took over in 2016, he might have expected International Development Secretary. The former employa return to the backbenches, but was spared. ment minister and MP for Reading West backed Johnson for Andrea Leadsom - Business Secretary: One of prime ministership. He said he believed Johnson was the only Conservatives’ most prominent female politicians, and an candidate who could deliver on Brexit. Prior to being elected ardent Brexiteer, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed as busiin 2010, he qualified as a chartered accountant and worked in ness secretary. The 56-year old, who worked in investment banking. banking for more than 20 years entered Parliament in 2010 to Rishi Sunak will also attend cabinet as Parliamentary represent the newly created seat of South Northamptonshire.

Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and

STERLING ON THE SLIDE

KEY CABINET PLAYERS:

She served in cabinet as environment secretary from 2016-17 and then as leader of the House of Commons. Leadsom resigned as leader of the House of Commons on 22 May, saying she had lost faith with the government’s plan for Brexit.

Liz Truss - International Trade Secretary: Liz Truss, a staunch ideological supporter of Johnson, is named international trade secretary to the Treasury. The MP for South West Norfolk since 2010 was briefly justice secretary before moving to the Treasury. She was second-in-command at the Treasury in the last cabinet and had previously served as Environment Secretary and was the first female Lord Chancellor between 2016 and 2017. Truss was elected to Parliament in 2010 after serving as deputy director of think tank Reform.

Robert Jenrick - Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government: A big promotion for the youngest member of Johnson’s cabinet, and the most recent arrival in Westminster. The former lawyer, 37, entered parliament in 2014 in the Newark by-election, caused by the resignation of the incumbent MP, Patrick Mercer. Jenrick has been on the Tory front bench for even less time, taking a junior Treasury role at the start of 2018.

Grant Shapps - Transport Secretary: Shapps has been rewarded for his role helping Johnson’s successful leadership campaign. His previous roles include being both Tory party co-chairman and a Cabinet Office minister from 2012 to 2015, when he became a minister at the Department for International Development. A former remainer, he has since said he is backing Brexit "as hard as you like".

OTHER APPOINTEES WHO WILL ALSO ATTEND CABINET Johnson’s brother Jo is appointed minister of state at the department for business, energy and industrial strategy and the department for education. Arch-Brexiter Jacob Rees-Mogg was made Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons., as will Esther McVey, who becomes minister of state at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Chris Skidmore, minister of state for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. Geoffrey Cox stays on as attorney general, while Mark Spencer is chief whip. Brandon Lewis has been appointed a Home Office minister. Oliver Dowden was named paymaster general and minister for Cabinet Office. Kwasi Kwarteng becomes minister of state at BEIS. Munira Mirza who was a deputy mayor for Johnson throughout his time at City Hall, has been recruited to be head of Number 10’s policy unit. They will all attend cabinet, according to Downing Street.

Stephen Barclay, Matt Hancock and Amber Rudd keep their jobs as Brexit secretary, health secretary and work and pensions secretary respectively. Former chief whip Julian Smith has been appointed Northern Ireland secretary, Alister Jack becomes Scottish secretary, and Alun Cairns will remain Welsh secretary. James Cleverly becomes the Conservative party chair. Robert Buckland QC is appointed lord chancellor and justice secretary and Nicky Morgan becomes secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport.

Walking for the spirit of unity On Sunday 4th August, the Sardar Patel Memorial Soceity (SPMS) UK will salute the Iron Man of India and embark on a walk from his London residence to Wormwood Scrubs Park along the scenic walk by the Grand Canal. This walk aims to pay tribute to Sardar Patel and remember him for his contribution in making India One United Nation.

SPMS is committed in supporting the community and during the twomile walk, all funds raised would be used for a good cause.

All the proceeds from the Sardar Charity Walk will be paid into SPMS UK and donated to Sangat Advice Centre – a charity that supports community in need.

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Labour Friends of India holds its Zishan becomes equities partner at EY West London reception in Ealing

Rajesh Agrawal, Virendra Sharma MP, Steve Pound MP and other guests at the reception

The Labour Friends of India (LFIN) held a successful West London reception on Thursday evening (25 July 2019) in Ealing.

The event, attended by MPs, London Assembly Members, London councillors and party activists was addressed by the co-chair, Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business. Other speakers included Steve Pound MP and Virendra Sharma MP. Speaking at the event, Mr Agrawal said, “People from around the world have made London their home.

London welcomed me with open arms in 2001 when I made my first journey outside India arriving with £200 in the pocket. With opportunity and hard work, I created two successful businesses, but not everyone gets those opportunities.

“Sadly, inequality exists and one in four Londoners

live in poverty. I joined politics to change that and to create a fairer and equal society. Labour Friends of India introduced me to the Labour Party."

Steve Pound MP, one of the founding members of the LFIN said, “LFIN was established in 1999 and is the oldest parliamentary group on India. He emphasized importance of bilateral relationship between UK and India”.

Virendra Sharma MP said, “There are over 1.5m people of Indian origin in the UK and India is one of the fastest growing major economies in the world.

Vibrant Indian diaspora is bridge between UK and India.”

LFIN is a community of Labour party members, supporters and political office holders that aspires to strengthen the relationship between British Indians and

Zishan achieved a significant milestone in his career and was invited to join EY’s equity partnership in the UK. This follows a 16 year career at EY, after joining as an entry level audit junior.

Zishan is a partner in the London audit practice servicing mid-market entrepreneurial companies accounts. He has dedicated his achievement to the many sacrifices made by his immigrant parents, especially his late mother, who was a proud supermarket checkout worker.

Zishan says that he has

never compromised on visibly practicing his faith in the workplace, being authentic in his religious beliefs and maintaining his cultural traditions. Whilst this has required personal resilience and determination at times, he says that EY has been incredibly supportive throughout his career journey. EY is an inclusive employer and is maintaining a focus on culture to ensure that all our people feel they belong.

Over the coming months, Zishan will be publishing a series of articles

introducing us to EY and its focus on developing ethnic minority and female talent.

Zishan hopes that sharing his story will help inspire others and provide selfbelief.

“Study in India” : Increasing employability of UK graduates Co-chair Rajesh Agrawal addressing the guests

the Labour Party. It also strives to fortify the age-old relationship between the UK and India, the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest.

A recent Foreign Affairs Committee report concluded that the UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India. India's place in the world is changing fast and the UK government needs to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power; the UK cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical ties.

TiE London Awards : Tying entrepreneurs and potential investors Nominations are open for TiE London Awards network with potenTiE London is a not for tial investors because profit organisation that funding in today's celebrates the unheard day and age is critical stories of budding for most businesses entrepreneurs and proespecially for individfessionals across uals with innovative London for their conideas but limited captributions to the UK ital. economy. TiE Awards “So, in a way we fosters entrepreneurprovide that platform ship across 22 countries including India, Rajeev Misra, CEO of Softbank’s Vision Fund with Nina for growing businesses to pitch to priAmerica, Europe and Amin at TiE London Awards 2018 vate equity firms, Australia. venture capitalists or angel investors among “TiE London Awards recognises and proothers,” said Amin. motes entrepreneurs and business people in Some of the winners last year included the capital who have made outstanding hotelier Surinder Arora of Arora Hotels, Vin achievements in various categories such as Murria OBE and Priyanka Raswant, cotechnology, finance, entrepreneurship and founder and CEO of Join Highbrow Ltd. intrapreneurship amongst others. among others. Raswant won the “Young “It is established as a networking and proEntrepreneur of the Year” award for her inspifile-raising platform for celebrating the contrirational on-demand video platform for chilbutions made by both men and women from dren’s educational content. At the end of the diverse communities,” said Nina Amin, summer, she had a total of 25,000 videos on President, TiE London. that list. The jury for these awards is carefully Last year's TiE Awards saw headlining financial experts such as Rajeev Misra, CEO of selected and last year it included Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Baroness McGregor-Smith, CBE, Dr. Softbank’s Vision Fund, in conversation with Vijay Patel, Alison Cooper, and Jean De Nina Amin. The discussion revolved around Fougerolles as the esteemed judges. investment in disruptive technologies, an The TiE London Awards has six categories insight into crafting marketing pitches for – Entrepreneur of the Year, Young small scale start-ups and the vision behind the Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman of the Year, largest technology fund ever raised of almost Fastest Growing Business of the Year, $100billion. Misra spoke openly of the fund’s Intrepreneur of the Year and The Chairman's investment strategy and shared interesting Award. insights into the fund’s investments such as You can nominate the candidates here: OYO. https://hub.tie.org/e/gala-dinner-and-awards “These awards also enable individuals to

A new India-UK bilateral pilot scheme has been launched to support Britain’s universities to collaborate with Indian partners with the aim of sending UK students to India during their studies.

The “UKEIRI Mobility Programme: Study in India”, an initiative of Universities UK International (UUKi) and British Council India, aims to generate up to 200 opportunities for undergraduate students at UK universities to visit India by March 2021. Programme organisers hope the initiative will increase the levels of outward student mobility

from the UK to 13 per cent by 2020, as set out in UUKi’s Go International: Stand Out campaign. They said the scheme will increase the employability of UK graduates and help them prepare for a globally competitive workforce. Priority for the programme to visit India during their courses will be given to students from traditionally under-represented groups.

Funding for the initiative will come from the UK and Indian governments. It will be delivered by the British Council, Universities UK International and EdCIL in India.

Universities Minister Chris Skidmore

“International opportunities such as these can offer fantastic benefits to our UK students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to set them up for exciting, successful careers," said Universities Minister Chris Skidmore.

1/11/19 LANDMARK HOTEL

Join us for the TiE London Awards & Gala Dinner

Nominate now for the Entrepreneur Awards London.tie.org/awards Entrepreneur of the Year Woman of the Year Fastest Growing Company Technology Company of the Year Young Entrepreneur of the Year Intrepreneur of the Year

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As I See It CB Patel

Rolling out the red carpet for distinct diversity Recently “selected” Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been branded with multiple personalities. For some he is a maverick, whereas others consider him to be the man of all seasons for his opportunist politics.

These labels only get worse. Opportunism in my humble opinion, is fair to a certain degree in life, but particularly in politics- as long as core fundamental values “Remain” part of the uniform and it's not a mere camouflage or concealment.

Formation of Johnson's “most right-wing government” and appointment of this Cabinet surprised if not shocked many.

Almost 47 years ago, in 1962, when a similar butchering of the British cabinet took place, it was called the 'Night of the Long Knives'. Now, practising his “revengeful politics” Boris perhaps wielded a sharper sword, by choosing 17 Cabinet ministers who were either sacked or forced to resign in Theresa May's Government.

Perhaps, picking his lessons from the most diverse English cricket team that lifted the world cup for the first time ever, Johnson has tried applying that diversity formula to his political team as well.

Out of his 20 core teamplayers, there are three ministers of Indian origin, a Pakistani, a Jewish, and an African. The head of his No. 10 Policy Unit is Munira Mirza, a Pakistani.

A real rainbow indeed; both men and women.

The most prominent of the top five heads are Sajid Javid and Priti Patel. As history is etched in British politics with the appointment of the most inclusive government perhaps, this is also the most appropriate moment to recall history.

The UK-India “special relationship” has achieved a new milestone today with “Patels” bringing our “homes” together. Priti Patel is the first Indian-origin minister to be crowned the Home Secretary of the UK at a time when the UK

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Priti Patel

imperial legacy appears to be crumbling. Whilst, Sardar Patel, the Iron Man of India and it's first-ever Home Minister, was instrumental in India's freedom struggle against the British.

In the meantime, a person of colour from the “colonized” country has become the first chancellor of ex-chequer of his former colonizers in the form of Sajid Javid. Boris Johnson has a unique knack of politics. Perhaps, his background as a journalist gives him a special insight into the political dynamics of EU and his experience as a former foreign secretary gives him the advantage of handling international relations.

The May government with EU were more or less pushed over in considerable time. The recent announcements made by Boris- Javid, Michael Gove, and Rishi Sunak as well as others in the Sunday papers, only three days after appointment are rather revealing.

Chancellor Javid talks about fighting funds, has pledged ample allocation of money for infrastructure development and public services, along with a generous amount to the nonagreed divorce preparations from the EU. Britain has played a very devoted role in security and freedom of Europe for over two centuries. In tomorrow's world, European partners, at least some would identify that and try to negotiate a more acceptable exit. But, the huge allocation of billions of pounds will have a relative impact on British economic and financial

The art of healing: Sushma Johri paints the world in colours of spiritual art

Sajid David

spreadsheet. The consequences for stocks, shares and property values, foreign exchange and even budgetary discipline will be of enormous importance.

Some of the measures announced so far are aimed at winning over the Labour held constituencies, especially in North England, which may potentially increase employment. It's a multi-prong strategy.

At the end of the day good diplomacy requires more than photo-opportunistic and poli-ticking the diversity boxes. It requires strategic policies to be drafted and successfully implemented. But I have to admit, it is remarkable how Boris Johnson has developed a rainbow coalition; commissioning Conservative votes.

Setting aside skeptics, going forward, people will be wary of any future Labour administration. It is also worth mentioning that so far, Johnson has managed to increase his popularity if only by 10 per cent.

Elections may or may not be in the horizon but the government machinery is ensuring that there is no resistance to the right-wing Tory politics in the coming three to six months.

Johnson perhaps is well-versed in Bharatnatyam.

Since the first horn was blown calling Britain's exit, to this moment, he has come a long way.

Everything's is fair in love, war and politics.

However, as far as I am concerned, the clear diversity reflecting from his choice of cabinet bodes as a good omen for the country and the minority diaspora.

Everything else, is just a waiting game.

An exclusive collection of paintings that highlighted the intricate relationship between religion and spirituality through art was exhibited on 25th July, Thursday at the Nehru Centre.

Sushma Johri's collection “Ancient beliefs or Science?” depicts the roots of Indian mythology, and explains the significance of religious traditions and cultures in modern day life.

However, mythical stories are often lost to varying narratives over the years and the conflicted messages passed over generations result in loss of faith.

Through her paintings, sculptures and artwork, Sushma hopes to distinguish the threads of spirituality and religion.

“Everyone aims for the peak of the mountain and aside from our work we believe in spiritual and religious practises.

“The difference between spirituality and religion is

that there are different religious groups with each group having it's own set of beliefs and practices.

Whereas, spirituality thrives

on the essence of all religions,” said Sushma.

Aside from her paintings she has also written books on Indian mythology, spirituality and tradition. Her books talk about the significance of the traditions behind nine Hindu goddesses and the tradition of celebrating Navratri, the only Hindu festival celebrated

twice in a year. In her book, she also explains the appearances of the goddesses and the storyhave multiple arms and objects in their hands.

Her books are are written to appeal to the younger generation who follow logical reasoning as opposed to blind faiths and therefore provide a greater insight into the science connecting the body, mind and soul.

Sushma conducts lectures on the meaning and benefits of spiritual art and also teaches art in her home studio. As a trained artist, Sushma encourages young Asians to pursue their passion in the field of performing arts and culture today.

The exhibition was attended by artists such as Pieter Weltevrede of the Sanatan Society who had all the way from Holland to appreciate Sushma's paintings. While several performers such as Asmita Tawade among others performed Bharatnatyam, and Kathak pieces.

INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION BIDS FAREWELL TO RAJAN

Curry King faces slavery charge A restaurateur to the stars and former Government adviser who has rubbed shoulders with Prime Ministers has been arrested on suspicion of modern-day slavery.

Tory donor Enam Ali, pictured was arrested after police raided a restaurant in Surrey whose A-list diners have included actors Johnny Depp and Pierce Brosnan.

It is understood Mr Ali has been released under investigation.

As organiser of the

annual British Curry Awards, Mr Ali is a highprofile figure who has been pictured with Boris Johnson, Theresa May and David Cameron. He was appointed to the Home Office advisory panel on the hospitality sector in 2008 and later lobbied

Mr Cameron, then Prime Minister, to introduce socalled ‘vindaloo visas’ so workers from the Indian subcontinent could fill staff shortages in British curry houses.

The Mail on Sunday understands the investigation by Surrey police relates to the alleged mistreatment of a Bangladeshi former kitchen worker at Le Raj, in Epsom. During the raid, officers are understood to have removed documents and electronic devices.

(L-R) Krishna Pujara, Sharad Parikh, Mrs. Rekha Rajan, P.G. Patel, AS Rajan, Dr. Rami Ranger and Ravi Shastri

Manmeet Singh Narang

On 29th July Monday, a farewell ceremony was organised for AS Rajan, Co-ordination Minister at the Indian High Commission London. The event hosted by the Bihari Connect Global in association with all All Indian Community Organisation was attended by prominent members of the Indian diaspora in the

UK and India.

Some of these chief guests included Mr. Sunil Arora, Virendra Sharma MP, Bob Blackman MP, Lord Karan Bilimoria, DS Gangwar, Professor Dr. Neeta Singh, Dr. Rami Ranger and Kuldip Singh Shekhawat.

Manmeet Singh Narang will be the new Co-ordination Minister.

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Together we are safer Michael Whine A recent Asian Voice article on the vandalisation of the Shree Ram Mandir in Walsall highlighted the growing number of attacks against faith institutions, particularly those of the Asian communities.

Desecration of religious buildings, and hate crimes, are not new to the members of the Jewish community which has evolved mechanisms and institutions to defend and protect our way of life. The Jewish community started to protect itself immediately after World War Two, when Jewish ex-servicemen returned home to discover that British Jews were still being targeted by racists, as they had been in the 1930s. Out of these experiences we established the Community Security Trust which works across the community and with our representative bodies such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, to protect ourselves. We work closely with the police and government who understand the particular threats that we face and who have been supportive with time, and with money, to pay for commercial security guards to protect Jewish schools.

We have also established a body of trained volunteers who provide security for our institutions and events, and who work to the highest professional levels.

Government understands the threats to faith communities and now provide funds and advice to enable temples and gurdwaras to enhance their security. The Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme provides money for closed circuit television monitoring and other protective security measures,whilst the 2015 Counter Terrorism Protective Security Advice for Places of Worship and the 2017 Crowded Places Guidance give advice on secured access to buildings. But terrorism is only the worst of the threats. More often it is vandalism motivated by hate, the effect of which can be devastating leading to fear and a reluctance to participate in faith practice

and social events. It is a tragedy when community members can no longer live their normal lives because of fear.

In the Jewish community we recognise that we cannot work in isolation and that extremism threatens all faith communities.

For this reason the Community Security Trust has sought to work with others since our foundation in the mid-1990s.

Since then we have maintained an active cooperation with the Hindu Forum, the Hindu Council, the various Sikh representative bodies, a number of large Hindu temples and the Bahai community. We also have a 25-year association with National Churchwatch which provides security advice and training for members of the Anglican Church.

Since the Christchurch terrorist attack in March we have been inundated with more than 80 requests for help from other communities, including from Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsees and Muslims, and are enlarging our capacity in order to meet this demand.

Our approach to security can be used by all, and is not dependent on money. Rather it is based on developing a security awareness among members of the community, and acting to mitigate and prevent risk. First, the trustees or leaders have to buy into the need for security, and allocate time for it. In many cases they have a legal obligation to make security preparations.

Second, one of them needs to take responsibility for security. That person, and it can be a man or woman, needs to become familiar with security matters, and consider all the nasty things that could happen, take steps to prevent such an eventuality, be it criminal vandalism or terrorism, and put in place measures to prevent any attack from succeeding.

Third, the security person needs to recruit and train a team of volunteers to secure the premises when services or other events take place. This means controlling access, and closing doors. Analysis of all the recent terror attacks proves that the attackers just walked in unimpeded through open doors. This may mean having people manning the front doors which they shut in an emergency, or having entryphone systems.

And fourth, the whole community needs to be educated that there is a need for security to ensure that the building is a safe place to go to. This should not mean that visitors are made to feel unwelcome.

Security can be carried out sensitively and with a smile.

But ensuring security for our institutions should be just one element of our response. We believe that by working with other faith communities we strengthen society as a whole. We have much in common with each other. We are all descendants of immigrant communities who have worked hard and contribute a good deal to the betterment of society. We place our families and family life at the centre of practicing our faiths. Some of us share some common religious beliefs and practices, in part due to cross acculturation and the millennia-long presence of Jews in India and other south east Asian states.

Our community leaders have worked together on common themes, and some of us have lobbied government together on common concerns in the past. In recent CST has provided security advice at multiple meetings at temples, gurdwaras and mosques and we now intend to work even closer with Asian-originating colleagues. Our assistance comes without strings and we require no payment to help our colleagues and friends.

We work to the maxim that we are all stronger and safer by working together.

[Michael Whine is a director of the Community Security Trust and a founding trustee of the Indian Jewish Association UK.]

Aged Indian-origin couple brutally assaulted in Uxbridge Indian-origin couple Harbhjan Noorpuri, 86 and his wife Pritam, 89, were brutally assaulted by burglars at their home in Uxbridge. After hearing some noise from the bedroom, Harbhjan went to investigate. He found a masked man standing on his bed. The intruder had something in his hand and, as the man swung it, the 86-yearold grabbed it. They struggled, and two other men who had climbed through the window forced Harbhjan into the narrow gap between the room’s two beds.

They assaulted him.

Harbhjan cannot remember how many times he was punched and kicked, but four fractured ribs testify to the savagery of the attack.

Then Pritam came into the bedroom and, despite being 89 herself, fought with the attackers and tried to get them off her husband. By this time a fourth burglar came into their home. She was slammed into a television, and forced into the same narrow gap where her husband was immobilised by the burglars.

The husband and wife both had to be treated in hospital for their injuries.

The beating would have continued, but Pritam saw

one of the pair’s council alarms below the bed. While two of the men searched the house, stealing her jewellery box, Pritam grabbed it and pressed the button. Her son Harpreet believes if she hadn’t, his parents might be dead.

This was the second attempted burglary of the Noorpuris’ home in two years, and the experience is becoming more common in West London, with police only recently getting the number of aggravated robberies back under control after a steady rise.

Burglaries in West London

From July 2017 to June 2019, there were over 3,600 burglaries in Hillingdon, over 4,100 in Ealing, and over 3,300 in Hounslow.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Bingley said: "The West Area’s Proactive Unit have been working hard to tackle aggravated burglaries in the area, resulting in a significant drop in reports since

April. We’ve carried out several successful operations specifically targeting organised criminal groups and arrested and charged some prolific offenders in the community.”

After the attack, Pritam spent the night in hospital.

Her husband spent four, being transferred to St Mary's Hospital with doctors fearing his damaged ribs could affect his lungs.

Now they live in fear, too frightened to return to their bungalow in Uxbridge.

Now, they are staying with their son Harpreet, in Hayes.

Spooked by door slamming

Harpreet said even now when he comes home from work, his parents are spooked by the sound of the front door slamming. The couple's other son, Satnam, said his mother told him she was seeing the burglars everywhere, and imagining them in the house. The attack, Harpreet said, was not targeted, and could have happened to anyone. He said his parents were very popular in that area. The old couple, now hope to find a new home in Hayes, but Harpreet said he is happy to house them as long as they needed.

10 READERS VOICE

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Launch of London Mayor’s Good Work Standard I want to urge businesses across our local community to sign up to the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard, launched this week.

In doing so, they’d be playing their part in raising the bar when it comes to promoting workers’ rights and workplace wellbeing, whilst also boosting their business’ stability.

To achieve accreditation, employers are required to adopt progressive workplace policies. These include eliminating existing gender and ethnicity pay gaps, providing more flexible and agile working environments and paying staff the London Living Wage.

With the Office for Budget Responsibility warning that a no-deal Brexit could damage our economy, it’s worth highlighting that signing up to the Good Work Standard could provide businesses and employees with some degree of certainty and stability during this turbulent time.

Not only will accreditation provide organisations with public recognition that they are decent employers, they can reap the benefits of better outcomes when it comes to staff recruitment and retention, increased productivity, more robust loss prevention and long-term cost savings.

Surely that’s something worth exploring.

Navin Shah AM London Assembly Member for Brent & Harrow

Laugh out loud Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a jolly fellow who likes to make people laugh which is no bad thing when a massive question mark hangs over the UK's political future.

However I think Boris is in the wrong profession. He would make a great comedian.

Rudy Otter By email

Sugar or Sweeteners - the consumer’s choice With public health advice to reduce our intake of sugar and the introduction of the Sugar Tax, most (if not all) food and drink manufacturers have been either completely replacing natural sugar with artificial sweeteners OR reducing the amount of sugar whilst adding some sweeteners to maintain the “sweet” taste.

Look at the ingredients labels and you will find sweeteners such as Sucralose, Saccharin, Aspartame, Acusflame-K, etc.

Although these artificial sweeteners offer benefits such as zero or very low calories (it’s main selling point), there is no evidence about its long term safety for human health.

Your readers might be interested in reading the following study which was published in the BMJ: https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.k4718 which concluded that: - There was no compelling evidence to indicate important health benefits of non-sugar sweetener use on a range of health outcomes - Potential harms from the consumption of non-sugar sweeteners could not be excluded The problem for us consumers is that we do not seem to have a choice in whether to ingest artificial sweeteners! It is included in the recipes by food and drink manufacturers leaving us no choice in the matter.

Surely, it would be far better if the food/drinks industry would offer products with natural sugar and with artificial sweeteners so customers can choose which one they want to buy.

The only fizzy drink which does NOT contain artificial sweeteners that I can find is the original Coca Cola and original Pepsi. My son’s favourite fizzy drink Lucozade now contains sweeteners without a sugar option.

Whatever happened to consumer choice?

Dinesh Rai By email

MAKE YOURSELF HEARD

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Make sure they are NOT more than 350 words.

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The contributors

Priti Patel’s appointment as Home Secretary

There used to be more than a dozen contributors to this “Your Voice column” of Asian Voice. Over the years, a number of them have either departed from this world or have stopped contributing. So the number in our club of letter writers has dwindled and only a few like my- self, having written over 500 letters to-date, come up with new and varied topics every week.

At the moment we can discuss the new prime minister and how he will deliver Brexit and how the home minister will tackle the scourge of knife crime which has become a scourge in London. We want our club of letter writers to flourish and revert to its former glory. We want people to come up with interesting original ideas rather than dwell upon other contributors’ initiative or make unwarranted comments on their contributions at the instigation of others.

Boris Johnson’s visit to Buckingham Palace where the Queen asked him to form the new government, reminded me of my own visits, twice, to the Royal garden parties where I had the privilege to rub shoulders with royalty.

I have also had the pleasure to speak with Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, when she made a whistle stop visit to my place of work at the Department of Education and Science. Princess Margaret was a patron of one of our schools and I was introduced to her by Margaret Thatcher who was then secretary of state at my Department.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

I am sure we would all like to congratulate Priti Patel in been given the post of Home Secretary by the new PM This is an extremely high profile appointment - that rightly breaks barriers and a particularly significant achievement because the appointment is of an individual who is not only a female but also one who is from an ethnic minority background.

However I do have a concern - there is no harm in being fiesty and dare I say it,it's also ok with me to be slightly inclined with views leaning to the right of politics - what I do have a problem with is, sometimes what I see in her is lack of empathy and sincerity.She will have to be a better listener and not always give a monotonous party line reply to problems that particularly affect ordinary people.

I want her to remember her roots ,and be proud of her past - absolutely culturally, on every opportune occasion this is a given ,and if she behaves indifferently ,she will not be forgiven and will not be respected,not only by her own community but wider. She should also remember the small business background she is also from,and although she may not be directly involved ,support their cause always - because they support local communities. In short, champion the aspirations of all ,you are a British Indian be proud of that and take us all on the journey with you - we would all like to see you do well and as a Patel I want to see you make a positive mark in British politics.

Hiten Patel Northwood

The Brain of India: Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission Rocket The Indian mind has long been pre-occupied with political and economic issues and the launch of Chandrayaan 2, The Rocket to the moon mission came as a great delight.

The fully-armed 44-metre-tall rocket lifted itself and disappeared into the clouds. The Rocket Man of Bharat, Mr. Sivan, space agency ISRO’s Chairman made history. We can see a new race rising, India’s scientific base revealing itself.

A mighty Nation emerging into a new world – a nation with unbounded talent. We must remember the scientific seeds sown by Dr.Homi Bhabha- the atomic scientist who promised our late prime minister Shastriji, whatever weapon you want give me few seconds.

India has a decent of noble scientists whose pioneering works have achieved world acclaim. Scientists like: - Satyendra Bose – an Indian Physicist, specialising in quantum mechanics and his Bose-Einsten theories are part of modern scientific education. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India.

- Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose : He was a polymath, physicist, biologist, biophysicist, botanist and an archaeologist. If you look deeply into India’s scientific base, one would conclude that it is a scientific country with immense talent.

Ramesh Nehru By email

Could Boris save the nation from self-inflicted wounds?

Boris Johnson whose life-long ambition was to become PM, the highest position one can achieve in British politics, has at last climbed the ladder to sit on the podium. Now burning question is will he succeed or crumble under pressure.

Media who thrive on calling Jeromy Corbin, left wing, antisematic and Boris a racist, right-wing politician with scant respect for ethnic minorities, may have to swallow their words, as PM Boris’s cabinet is most diverse, with politicians from ethnic minorities occupying two of the four most sought after Cabinet post, that of Chancellor and Home Office, by Sajid Javid and Priti Patel respectively, who has been loyal to Boris, stood by him through thick and thin, now richly rewarded. Other office holders from ethnic minorities are, Alok Sharma, Rishi Sunak, James Cleverly and Kwasi Kwarteng.

Although PM Boris is made of sternal stuffs, his task is not easy, as he faces opposition from two fronts, from unelected, arrogant EU bureaucrats as well as from his own MPs who are ready to bring him down if he leaves EU without a deal. If this may result in General Election, many will lose their seats. Ex PM Mrs May, who is kind, caring and gentle politician, was humiliated time and again by power drunk EU bureaucrats, trying to put her and Britain in its place, to punish the nation for daring to leave EU, thus losing a hen laying golden egg!

I never understood why Britain was negotiating from inferior position, as with £85 billion trade advantage in favour of EU, with our streets congested by German and French cars, Netherland and Spain exporting soft fruits and vegetables to Britain that sustains their agriculture, we should be in a prime position to get best deal possible, if only our self-doubting, lackadaisical politicians muster courage and call EU bluff. With our £600 billion net contribution to EU chauffer’s, used for building five star luxurious EU parliament and other buildings in Brussels and Strasburg, it is EU who should reimburse us rather than we paying them £39 billion divorce settlement!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

PM Boris Johnson's Brexit Finally Boris Johnson has become the Prime Minister of UK despite his many failings and set-backs. In fact the Prime Ministership was a gifted to him by Theresa May. She had mishandled the Brexit negotiations with EU and had wasted precious 3 years and then at the last moment cobbled up a withdrawal agreement which was thrice rejected by the parliament. Thereafter kept on extending unsuccessfully dates to re-negotiate the agreement with EU. Since Boris Johnson has now replaced her, he has openly said it is a ‘do or die’ and no ‘ifs and buts’ situation and he will definitely leave the EU on 31 October, 2019.

He has encountered EU resistance over Brexit plan, and they will not budge despite his threats and intimidations of no deal Brexit. Experts, the business community, opposition parties and even former Tory cabinet members say that no deal or hard Brexit will be devastating not only to UK and EU but also for the Irish economy. This means he will have to withdraw from EU without an agreement. Will British parliament agree to that proposition? He has also demolished the previous Theresa May’s cabinet and replaced it with a new cabinet with hard-line Brexiteers and hard-right warhawks. He is making big promises and talks about unifying the divided country but judging from his actions and utterances he is bringing divisions and polarisation by deepening the chasm.

At present he seems to be riding on his high horse and enjoying the intoxication of power, but time is not far when he will fall with a thump. He is following in the footsteps of his guru Donald Trump and that does not augur well.

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

Dhoni’s patriotism beyond call of duty We all know and appreciate M. S. Dhoni’s contribution on the field when he proudly led the Indian cricket team on so many occasions with total commitment. No wonder he is one of the most successful and popular Indian cricketer in the history of the game. His sharp cricketing brain, power of observation and the trust and respect he has gained from his fellow cricketers is the main-stay of the team, led by Virat Kholi who often leaves decision making to Dhoni. Although he had poor world cup, comparing to his past success, mainly due to his somewhat slow batting, he is still regarded as indispensable. No one will be surprised if he is chosen for the twenty/20 world cup in 2020.

My aim to write this piece is to highlight Dhoni’s devotion to the nation, not only on the cricket field but far beyond, to defend the nation by giving his services to the nation’s Armed Forces. Former Indian opener and well respected cricketer turned politician Gautam Gambhir, one of five BJP MP for Delhi, praised Dhoni’s decision to serve in Indian army, in the most troubled spot Kashmir, setting an example for other notable sport personalities to follow.

Dhoni will serve Indian army for fifteen days, undertaking duties, such as patrolling, guard at army check point and much more, in company with his fellow soldiers. This will raise army profile and will encourage youngsters to join army, a much needed young blood to safeguard nation’s borders. Dhoni chose to spend some time with army rather than go on tour of West Indies, a tropical paradise with sun shining all year round and equally hospitable people that make West Indies tour such a pleasant experience. I hope other well-known lustre cricketers and other sport-personalities par-excellence, like Virat Kholi, Jasper Bumrah, Rohit Sharma and few more, will follow Dhoni and serve the nation after retiring, that gave them myriad fame and fortune beyond their wildest imagination.

Kumudini Valambia By email

www.asian-voice.com

EDUCATION

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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11

3 - 9 August 2019

Allergy death mum's plea to schools to save lives

School funding top priority for new Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will have to deliver an increase in spending on England's schools after replacing Damian Hinds as the new education secretary.

Mr Williamson was sacked from his previous post as defence secretary at the start of May after an inquiry into a National Security Council leak.

Boris Johnson pledged to increase school budgets on his first day in office as the new prime minister.

Head teachers said tackling the "funding crisis" should be a priority.

Mr Hinds was com-

mended by the ASCL head teachers' union for his efforts to tackle recruitment and retention problems for teaching. But the incoming education secretary, who was taught at a comprehensive in Yorkshire and then studied at the University of Bradford, faces the unresolved challenge of school funding shortages.

"The government has ducked this issue for far too long and its negligence in this regard has brought the education system to its knees," says ASCL union leader Geoff Barton.

Jules White, the head

teacher who has organised the WorthLess? school funding campaign, said the new education secretary should "ditch the 'more money than ever' nonsense" and deliver the extra money needed by schools. But there are likely to be differences over how much funding is needed.

Conference charts the history of Sikh studies The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton is hosting an inaugural conference which charts the history of Sikh studies through the years.

The conference, ‘A Journey of 550 Years: Sikh Studies in Academia’ is being held in the Chancellor’s Hall at the University’s City Campus from Tuesday 3rd September until Thursday 5th September 2019.

September.

Tickets are also available at £20 per person for a dinner on the evening of 4th September in the Chancellor's Hall at the University.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Registration for the Conference is essential, to reserve your place for the conference and the dinner(s) visit the website or email csps@wlv.ac.uk for more information.

The three-day Conference will host internationally renowned scholars of Sikh Studies in showcasing the ground-breaking research which has been taking place in the academic discipline of Sikh Studies at Universities across the world.

Attendance at the Conference is FREE but tickets are available at £5 per person for a dinner being held at Sitara Hall in Wolverhampton on the evening of the 3rd

The death of a boy after a severe allergic reaction at school is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, the BBC has learned. At the inquest, the coroner called the school's emergency response to Karanbir Cheema's anaphylaxis "inadequate".

Leading allergy specialist Dr Adam Fox says every school in England should have to hold emergency adrenaline pens.

The Department for Education says it has changed the regulations to allow schools to buy them.

Karanbir's mother, Rina Cheema, wants people to see the photograph of her son in intensive care - so they understand an allergy can kill. She has lost her only child as a result of an extreme reaction as rare as it is devastating.

Karanbir suffered an anaphylactic reaction after cheese was flicked at him by another pupil at break time at his school in Greenford, West London. His mother describes herself as living in a black hole of depression because of the loss.

When the incident happened, in 2017, Karanbir went straight to the school

office, where he was given his asthma inhaler and an antihistamine - but he continued to deteriorate.

After 10 minutes, his adrenaline pen was used by staff - but it was out of date and the second back-up pen was not in place.

An ambulance was called - but as paramedics arrived at Karanbir's side, half an hour after he had alerted staff, he went into cardiac arrest. The oxygen loss he suffered during the reaction was devastating and he died 11 days later in hospital.

Rina now wants all schools to educate pupils and staff about the risks and how to deal with them.

Within months of Karanbir's death, the law was changed to allow schools to buy emergency adrenaline pens. They cost about £50 to £70 each and can be used where there is no alternative available or no pen has been prescribed.

Life-threatening reactions are extremely rare but they are also hard to predict.

About 5% of children in the UK have an allergy.

Adverse reactions to food are the most common.

And just because a child has

Rina Cheema with her only son Karanbir who passed away after a severe allergic reaction

never had a severe reaction, that does not mean it might not happen in the future, particularly if they have poorly controlled asthma.

Dr Fox is alarmed by the patchy understanding of allergies in some schools.

Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, says while schools are not required to hold spare devices, they are conscious that awareness and management of allergies is crucial. Their priority would be to ensure that children with severe allergies are supported and staff are trained in how to respond to the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, he says.

Fix 'woeful' overseas student visa service, say universities International students are "paying through the nose for a woefully inadequate document-checking service" for UK study visas, say universities. Some students are waiting 30 days for checks on the documents and biometric information they need, according to Universities UK. The problems started when outsourcing company Sopra Steria took over the

service in November, says UUK and has rejected suggestions its charges are excessive.

UUK, which represents all 136 UK universities, says it is concerned that if Sopra Steria is struggling now, it will be completely overwhelmed by the more than 40,000 overseas students arriving ahead of the autumn term.

Until last November,

students were able to arrange document checks through their local post offices. Now, universities say applicants too often face: - waits of at least two weeks, sometimes longer, for appointments - difficulties accessing and processing information online - a support line charging £2.50 a minute

- paying up to £200, on top of the cost of the visa, for a premium service, still not getting appointments but being refused refunds - long journeys to Sopra Steria centres for fast-track appointments Elisa Calcagni, who is studying for a doctorate at Cambridge and comes from Chile, said she struggled for weeks to get an appointment and eventually decid-

ed to pay for a "fast-track" appointment in Croydon, two hours away.

"Despite booking a timed appointment, there was a waiting time of an hour and then the system wasn't working properly leading to further delays," she says.

In addition, the website is not geared up for use by students with visual impairments, says UUK.

Southampton student Khalid Elkhereiji found the website would not allow him to log on as it was incompatible with his screen reader.

"This is not a problem I face with other websites."

When he finally logged on with the help of a sighted person, he found no appointments available in Southampton and the university had to intervene.

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12 MEDIA WATCH

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SCRUTATOR’S Scientists and engineers from the Indian Space and Research Organization and millions of Indians across the country, rich and poor, important and ordinary, eyes glued anxiously on television – the previous scheduled launch a week earlier having been aborted shortly before lift-off due to a technical hitch. This time the Chandrayaan 2 launch vehicle GSLV-Mark III MI roared into the skies, to thunderous applause at the launch site, with the precious satellite and its rover on a celestial voyage to explore the South Pole of the Moon, the first country to embark on this specific venture, and the fourth after the US, Russia and China to reach the moon itself. It was, without doubt, spectacular feat – a triumph of in indigenous technology algorithms and all, signalling India’s emergence as a power of substance in the comity of nations. It was a moment to savour; of pride and thanksgiving.

Seventy-two years of the pains of labour were bearing fruit.

Chandrayaan-2 will enter the moon’s orbit by August 20 and make its scheduled landing on the moon’s surface on September 7 – the goal of the mission. .

(Times of India, July 23, Hindu, July 25) Messages There were congratulatory messages from President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who drew special attention to the indigenous design and fabrication of the satellite and its systems. He said the venture would be an inspiration to India’s youth to take up careers in science.

India’s cricket captain Virat Kohli said: ‘Another historic and proud moment for the nation as Chandrayaan-2 is launched. Jai Hind!

Actor Shah Rukh Khan: ‘Congratulations to the team at ISRO for Chandrayan-2.

The Congress party issued the following statement: ’This is a good time to remember the visionary move of India’s first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to fund space research...and also Dr Manmohan Singh for sanctioning the Chandrayaan-2 project in 2008.’ (Times of India, July 23)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Virat Kohli

Shah Rukh Khan

Moving on The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi issued a mollifying statement that it was

US President Trump, Pak PM Imran Khan

time to move on from the controversy arising from the alleged Trump offer mediation on the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Indo-US ties were multifaceted and had its special dynamic, and hence was too valuable to permit a relatively minor misunderstanding to undermine its strength or impede its further progress on issues of mutual interest (Times of India, Hindu, Statesman, July 26)

A-Satellite in place (+Times of India, July 24) Navy on alert

Rising innovation India climbed five places to 52 in the global innovation index this year out of 129 listed countries.

Indian strength was displayed notably by science and engineering graduates. Industry and Commerce Minister Piyus Goyal said that although India was still a couple of places lower than it should be, he was happy with the progress made. Importantly, ‘the culture is taking centre- stage in the country. India is well poised to focus on R&D [Research and Development], said the minister.

(Business Line, July 25).

India shipsments smartphones second quarter surge

Trump aides in turmoil An aftershock hit The Times of India. Its veteran Correspondent in the US, Chidanand Rajghatta, a robust advocate of India’s active membership of the US-run ‘free world’, went into overdrive with two lengthy pieces on a single page. The first was titled ‘Trump’s “amateur hour” and K-bomb; the second, ‘State Department struggles to contain damage in Asia.’ Apparently, embarrassed aides in the Trump administration were convulsed, hand-wringing, breast-beating and attempted damage control, much like the loyalist Rajghatta himself.

Pakistan media hails Imran

Trump for Kashmir mediation In the wake of Pakistan Premier Imran Khan’s talks with US President Donald Trump’s in the White House, Mr Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan, had asked for his good offices in settling the India-Pakistan dispute on Kashmir - much to the surprise of the mandarins in New Delhi, who saw no evidence of this in the records of the Trump-Modi conversations. A prompt denial was issued from the Indian government. The standard Indian position for decades past has been that Kashmir was a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to discuss and resolve, if possible. No third party intervention would be acceptable to India.

Truth is that India and Pakistan belong to separate economic leagues (Times of India, July 24)

Kashmir mediation is the sweet spot of the Pakistani bat.

Such was the jubilation facing Imran’s return from Washington that the Pakistan Prime Minister remarked jokingly that it felt Pakistan had won cricket’s World Cup. The Pakistan public were clearly happy and relieved that Imran Khan had reset the button of US-Pakistan relations. What has been unachievable on the battlefield might, hopefully, be turned to profitable account through hours of double talk, chaired or hosted by the US in pursuit of its wider regional and global goals. However, Imran Khan admitted publicly that Pakistan had 40,000 jihadi terrorists operating in the country – a first step, hopefully, towards their eradication (Times of India, July 25, 26) Farooq Abdullah, Mehboob Mufti Leading Islamic voices in the Kashmir Valley, Farooq Abdullah and Mehboob Mufti have welcomed US mediation, as have separatist circles. Imran Khan says the Kashmir dispute has stymied Pakistan and Indian economic and social development for 70 years..

He must speak for Pakistan, because it clearly hasn’t for India, although Kashmir has exacted a price from India too, which India has been able to afford without too great a strain on its exchequer.

Driven by new launches, price cuts in older devices and cheaper expansion across brands, Indian smartphone shipments grew to a record 37 million units in the second financial quarter ending June 30. According to data published by Counterpoint’s Market Monitor, Xiaomi retained the top spot during this period with a 28 per cent share, while Samsung registered 30 per cent growth, driven by refreshed A series and M series smartphone price cuts on older I series and higher incentives during the cricket IPL season (Business Line, July 26) Indian dairy sector in steady 4-year growth India’s dairy sector grew annually at 6.4 per cent over the last four years., against global growth of 1.7 per cent. However, despite being ranked number one in global milk production, animal productivity is pretty low, just a yearly 1.806kg per animal compared with the global average of 2.310kg (Business Line, July 26) Larsen &Toubro in robust growth Engineering major Larsen & Toubro reported strong order inflows, which have boosted profit margins by 21 per cent to Rs 1,473 crore, although the company expressed continuing concerns at subdued levels of investment.

Addressing reporters on its first quarter performance, S N Subrahmanyan CEO and Managing Director, said: ‘Don’t see businesses adding capacity even if they want to. Availability oif liquidity is a question.’ While industry sentiment has been low, L &T results have been good going forward Business Line, July 24)

A day after China released its defence white paper, with its emphasis on a strong navy to project its regional and global power, India’s Chief the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh said,’ we have to watch and see how we can respond within our budget...We have to watch’ China’s force projections in the Indian Ocean. He stressed the need to have two more aircraft carriers of 65,000 tonnes, but could give no timelines about their availability (Hindu, July 26) Chinese national held: espionage?

A Chinese national was held while making for the Nepal border with Indian documents, including Aadhaar and a Voter registration cards and $11,000 and 1,564 yen on his person. Interrogation revealed that he was a native of China’s Sichuan province. The man had claimed he was a Darjeeling resident, feigning ignorance of the Chinese language, but the subterfuge was quickly exposed under interrogation. His capture was a wake-up call for the Indian authorities. (Times of India, July 22) INS Tarkash at Russia’ s Navy Day Indian warship INS Tarkash arrived at St Petersburg to participate in Russia’s Navy Day celebrations, signalling the robust,

time-tested ties between the two countries. INS Tarkash was accorded a warm welcome by a band of the Russian Navy as it entered the harbour. An Indian delegation led by Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command.

President Putin INS Tarkash will form part of the mobile column to be reviewed

by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Vice Admiral Kumar will call on the Commander-in-Chief Russian Navy to review naval cooperation between the two sides and explore new collaborative ventures. Tarkash will be open to visitors during its stay in St Petersburg. (Statesman, July 27)

India to hold space drill The Indian armed forces are shortly to hold their first simulated space drill to counter possible threats to the country’s space assets. The tri-Services integrated defence staff will be conducting a two-day drill with all scientific and other stakeholders in the backdrop of intensified Chinese military space activity, India has already an operational

Boris Johnson at 10 Downing St. See page 3.

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LIVING BRIDGE Rohit Vadhwana

Celebrating the legacy of Swami Vivekananda “India is immortal if she persists in her search for God. But if she goes in for politics and social conflict, she will die.” - Swami Vivekananda I recently attended a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Vivekananda Human Centre at Logan Hall, University College of London.

For those of you who are not aware of Swami Vivekananda, he was one of the greatest spiritual leaders from India. One of the chief disciples of the 19th century Indian mystic Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda was instrumental in placing Hinduism on the global scale. It was his speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893 in Chicago that made him popular as "Messenger of Indian wisdom to the western world".

Today, his anniversary was organized by Shri Ram Chandra Saha, and graced by MP Virendra Sharma among other dignitaries. Several performances by children ricocheted Vivekananda’s messages while Swami Sarvasthananda and Swami Sarvapriyananda delivered remarks on teachings of Vedanta.

It is indeed a matter of pride for India that after nearly 125 years of his first visit to the UK, Swami Vivekananda is inspiring lives of millions. As is said, ‘that fellow is greater whose shadow is longer on the future', and certainly, Narendra (his childhood name) has created quite a long shadow- with the umbra and penumbra of his spiritual wisdom serving as a guiding light today. Born in 1863 in Bengal, he first met Ramkrishna Paramhansha in 1881 at Dakshineshwar. But it was only in 1886 when Narendra became 'Swami Vivekananda', a monk who had renounced worldly attachments forever. Then after, there was no looking back in his mission of spreading the message of Vedanta to the world. He considered himself for the West what Buddha was for the East.

Parliament of World's Religions in Chicago was only beginning for his acceptance and popularity in the western world. His famous speech that began with 'Brothers and Sisters' received a standing ovation for two minutes on his style of address. His intelligence, aura and oratory created an impact on the minds of people in Europe and America.

During his world tours, Swami visited and stayed in the United Kingdom thrice, in 1895, 1896 and finally in 1899, spending a total of 297 days. It was during the first visit in 1895 when he met Margaret Elizabeth Nobel, an Irish lady who became his disciple and is now known as Sister Nivedita. She bid her goodbye to the human world in October 1911 in Darjeeling from where her ashes were brought to the UK by famous Indian scientist Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose.

On her 150th birth anniversary, Sister Nivedita's statue was unveiled on 27 July at her family cemetery in Great Torrington by Swami Sarvasthananda, Head of Ramkrishna Vedanta Centre in Bourne End. Notably, the Centre has been active in London since 1948 and has shifted to a large ashram having more than ten acres of land near Bourne End, Buckinghamshire in 1978. Sister Nivedita devoted her life to Ramkrishna Mission’s cause and played an important role in connecting the West to the East and thus became a living bridge.

Meghan Markle’s organic shawl for Archie ‘made in Indian sweatshop’ about an hour from the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Workers at the factory, which has a total of 100 employees, were tracked down and it is alleged they are paid as little as 37p an hour.

Aruna Regar, a seamstress who works at the factory and who reportedly helped to add the finishing touches to the blanket, produced her pay slips showing she takes home an average of 6000 rupees per month (£70) for a 48 hour week. When she was told how much the blanket is being sold for, she 'almost fainted with shock', according to the Mail.

Aruna, 50, who admitted she doesn't know who Meghan Markle is, told the site: "The blanket almost costs what I earn in two weeks and that's difficult for me to believe."

The 50-yearold reportedly lives in a halfbuilt brick house in Bagru with her husband, two sons, their wives Malabar Baby was founded by wealthy IndianAmerican Anjali Harjani-Hardasani in 2014, after and two grandchildren.

The she moved from New York to Hong Kong family of eight share just two poorly lit organic baby clothes.

The Malabar Baby rooms which lack in water range is made by the textile supply and a toilet.

Meghan has previously company Nayika, based in the small town of Bagru, spoken of her wish to help

The organic shawl used by Meghan Markle to swaddle baby Archie was reportedly made in an Indian sweatshop where workers are paid as little as 37p per hour.

The Duchess of Sussex was pictured cradling her son in a white and yellow summer blanket while watching Prince Harry play polo earlier this month.

MailOnline now claims the blanket, which costs £35, is sold by a Hong Kong based company called Malabar Baby, founded by wealthy Indian-American Anjali Harjani-Hardasani in 2014, specialises in

A predator who killed his stepmum has now been jailed for raping a 14-yearold girl in the back of his car and fathering her child.

Mohammed Fethaullah, 58, jailed for raping the teenage girl on Friday, July 26 having previouslly been found guilty of the horrific offence.

He had been locked up in 2003 for the murder of his stepmum.

The rape happened before this, in 1999, but it

only came to light in 2017 when the victim contacted police.

She had been working after school at a grocers in Brixton , South London, that Fethaullah managed.

On Friday, 18 June 1999 she had worked a shift and was waiting to collect her wages.

Fethaullah, of no fixed address, was convicted on May 23 following a trial at Inner London Crown Court.

He has been jailed for 16 years.

the planet through her philanthropy and her desire to raise her son to be 'eco-conscious'.

Aruna said she was delighted to hear the Royals had chosen the Malabar Baby Indian blan-

Pensioner survives cancer and celebrates 70th birthday to stay by her side for six months as Mrs Patel recovered.

Mrs Patel celebrated her 70th birthday over the weekend. But instead of having a massive party, Mrs Patel raised money for Cancer Research UK in a private picnic event at the Stanmore Rugby Club.

Friends and family of Mrs Patel are donating various foods and cake for the picnic, with nearly £1,000

(Expressed opinions are personal.)

(Do you have a story or suggestion for this column?

Email me at: livingbridgeasianvoice@gmail.com)

Dangerous predator who murdered stepmum also raped girl, 14, and fathered her child

Megan Markle with baby Archie wrapped in an Erawan Cotton Dohar, a traditional Indian summer blanket, at the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day early this month

ket but said for her, her work is just about "survival".

She said: "We do not understand things about saving the planet or what is or is not organic. For us it is all about work and survival."

Aruna's husband Ram Gopal also works at the same factory and helped to cut the organic cotton that was used for Archie's blanket.

A typical day for the couple is from 9.30am to 5.30pm with a 25 minute break. They don't have a formal contract but they are paid a fixed monthly salary.

When shown a picture of Meghan holding the blanket, Ram said: "I do not know who these people are but we had heard that somebody very famous was using our dohar. This must be them."

Since the duchess was pictured with the blanket, it has sold out online and is available for pre-order only.

The factory where the blanket is made is founded

by Meenu Tholia, a local textile designer who also runs her own boutique in the city selling clothes under her own name.

The manager of the factory, Farid Mohammed, told the site Meghan and Archie have been the "best advertisement" for the product as it has become a "global hit".

Sneh Patel, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, never thought she would live to see her 70th birthday.

The pensioner from Harrow – who turned 70 on Sunday (July 14) - knew she felt incredibly sick in 2017, but after continuous checkups, doctors could not find the reason why.

A year later, Ms Patel discovered she had ovarian cancer with a 17.5cm tumour in her ovaries.

She said: “They took me to Northwick Park Hospital

to get the cancer treated, but as soon as I walked in, I collapsed.”

Doctors believed it was too late for Mrs Patel and she was told she only had a few days left to live.

Her daughter flew in from Sydney and she was supported by her family as she moved into a hospital in Hammersmith.

Even after her chemotherapy treatment, Mrs Patel was still suffering the repercussions from the treatment and felt extremely ill. Her daughter decided

raised so far. Her son-in-law from Sydney was told by his boss that whatever amount is raised, the boss will double it.

While the event this year was private to selected friends and family, Mrs Patel hopes many people will donate to Cancer Research UK for her birthday and is already considering whether or not to host a public event for her next birthday.

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14 COMMUNITY

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RILG fundraises through musical night to improve women's health in India

Mayor to host intergenerational Cricket Cup to show off West Midlands' rich cultural diversity

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street with members of Harborne Cricket Club (Pic courtesy: Ravi Masih, Warwickshire County Cricket Club)

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ (RCOG) India Liaison Group (RILG) hosted a fund raising event on Saturday, 20th July 2019 in Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London, paying tribute to the great maestro Rahul Dev Burman. The event titled ‘Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi' was uniquely conceptualised as a tribute to the on a bright sunny evening, it managed to capture 550 people who absolutely loved the show and through it and raised an outstanding £5500. This was the fourth fundraising event by RILG after the successful 'The Silver Screen Divas' last year and they plan to carry on their great work.

RILG is a body of obstetricians and gynaecologists of Indian origin based in the UK. Their main vision is to improve women’s health in India particularly in the rural areas through education. They have done this through fundraising events in London whereby all funds raised go towards education programmes in India as well as running training and edu-

cational courses such as perineal repair courses, management of obstetric emergencies and essential gynaecological service courses for healthcare workers in impoverished regions in India.

The Show

This show celebrated the life story of R D Burman. The songs and dances were handpicked as one of the iconic and memorable songs and showcases the versatile genres that Burman composed, from traditional to modern, cliché to experimental music. Most importantly, for the first time in UK, they showcased Burman’s background scores with live musicians on stage which included a String Ensemble and Saxophonist alongside the famous band “The 515 Crew”.

The event had music and dance performances by members from a group of doctors who are eminent in their fields and simultaneously have keen interest in performing arts. They were accompanied by professional singers.

Noted classical singer Chiranjeeb Chakraborty not only conceptualised and directed this musical bouquet, but also captured the audience with his classical renditions of popular Hindi film songs from Amar Prem and Ghar. The show ended with a wonderful uplifting medley of songs with all performers, dancers and vocalists mingling through music.

It was conceived, conceptualised and scripted by Dr Sharmistha Guha and co directed by her along with Chiranjeeb Chakraborty.

Felicitation

The evening was also used to felicitate senior members

of the Royal College for all their insipiring hard work.

These members included Prof Leslie Regan (President of the RCOG); Dr Ranee Thakar, Dr Sunit Ghatak and Dr Greg Ward. Ms Lakshmi Kaul (Head of the UK Confideration of Indian Industry) was the Guest of Honour. Keeping in with the ethos of supporting women’s empowerment, they also honoured Mrs Roshni Mukherjee of Myosutra for her entrepreneurship. Last but not the least Pandit Chiranjeeb Chakraborty who directed the show and all the 3 shows before and excels in his craft.

East Bengal, Mohun Bagan take their age-old football rivalry to London soil A one of a kind food festival aligned with the age-old rivalry of East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan i.e. the quintessential battle between the 'Bangals' (originally from eastern part of undivided Bengal, now Bangladesh) and the Ghotis (originally from West Bengal). Following the enormous success of last year’s IFA (India Fans Association) Shield UK, Bengal Heritage Foundation and London Sharad Utsav recreated the same magic again this year on Sunday 28 July but in a larger scale. Last year’s success triggered the football love in a much wider scale and the response from Bengalis settled in the UK was massive this year.

There were close to 72 players this year and divided between 3 East Bengal and 3 Mohun Bagan teams. The teams were named after legendary players to pay tribute to their contributions to the football giants – Dhiren De, Goju Bose, Balaidas Chatterjee, JC Guha, Poltu das, Swapan Bal. Both the

team players were seen wearing official jerseys of their teams presented by Quess East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

The event received accreditation from the Football Association (FA) community who also supplied official referees for the tournament and was supported by NHS for healthy living initiative. The match fixtures were planned in such a way that the East Bengal teams will only play against another Mohun Bagan team in a round robin manner to decide on the finalists. The tremendous success and responses received from last year has helped in drawing support from Vodafone, Snehodiya Kolkata for Senior Citizens living, Air India and the tournament was shown live

by Radio Bangla net.

Former Nigerian football player and legendary striker known for his contributions in the Indian leagues Chima Okorie was the chief guest for the tournament. He was present to

witness the Ghoti-Bangal football battle cry and to conduct a kid’s football workshop. This was first of its kind here in London where the Gen next kids were given a football workshop by Chima, while most of their fathers were busy on the other side of the Slough Town Football Park playing the tournament.

The enthusiastic kids age ranged anywhere between 3-15 were taught skills like passing the ball, control, co-ordination and striking to the net. Unaware of the Ghoti-Bangal rivalries, these kids were busy in learning new football tactics with dreams of becoming the next Beckham or Rooney of the nation. At the end of the workshop, all the

participating kids were presented a signed certificate from Chima and a football.

“Today’s kids are the future of football, the type of trainings and discipline they will be taught at this age will help them to shape their characters and hence make them better sports person” said Chima after the workshop. He also added that practice in sports has no end, one needs to keep practicing with discipline in order to attain perfection.

“Being a huge East Bengal fan since my childhood, I always miss being at the Yuva Bharathi Krirangan whenever there is a big match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. When I heard about this, I couldn’t resist myself and jumped to

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has announced that he is to host an intergenerational Cricket Cup at Edgbaston later this year in the wake of England’s thrilling World Cup triumph.

Street, who is himself a big cricket fan, is keen to build on England’s recent success and the start of the Ashes series by hosting this new tournament, which aims to unite the different communities of the region.

The Mayor’s Cricket Cup, which will take place on Sunday September 8, is aimed at young people aged 13-16 and adults over the age of 60, with grandparents competing against grandchildren.

The Mayor, who is the former CEO of John Lewis, told Asian “As well as being one of the greatest sporting spectacles many of us are likely to see in our lifetime, England’s triumphant World Cup campaign taught us all one crucial lesson – that sport has the power to unite.

“From young to old, amateur to skilled, the nation was gripped by England’s win, and we must take advantage of that – especially with the Ashes starting this week.

“That is why I have launched the Mayor’s Cricket Cup, which will help to bring both the older and younger generations together in what is sure to be a day to remember.”

It is hoped the cup, which could become an annual fixture, will also help to show off the West

Midlands’ rich cultural diversity, something that is on show with the England cricket team.

Birmingham-born allrounder Moeen Ali said, “If you can come together with a common purpose – in our case winning the World Cup – and you show courage, unity and respect (our team mantra) you can achieve anything.”

The tournament is being supported by Warwickshire County Cricket Club, with the club providing professional coaches and umpires on the day.

Ravinder Masih, the Head of Community Engagement and Government Relations at Warwickshire Country Cricket Club, said: “This has already been a fantastic summer of cricket at Edgbaston with the stadium hosting five incredible Cricket World Cup games and welcoming stars and spectators from across the globe.

“The Edgbaston Foundation is delighted to work with the Mayor on The Mayor’s Cricket Cup, an intergenerational community initiative that encourages young and old to get active and follow in the footsteps of their heroes by playing on the outfield at Edgbaston.”

Registration for places is now open, and 100 places in total will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on the event and to apply, visitwww.wmca.org.uk/may ors-cricket-cup

this opportunity to be a part of organising this. IFA shield UK has the potential to put Indian football’s footprints in the global map,” said Bhaskar Bhattacharya, Assistant manager of Hyatt Regency London and committee member of Bengal Heritage Foundation who has major contribution in shaping up this tournament along with Anirban Mukhopadhay, President of London Sharad Utsav, Sourav Niyogi – President of Bengal Heritage Foundation and Koushik Chatterjee, committee member of Bengal Heritage Foundation.

East Bengal won of this year’s IFA Shield UK 2019 defeating Mohun Bagan at the final match by 2-1. The trophy was lifted by the win-

ning team and was presented by Chima Okorie and Debashis Golder, Regional Head, Air India. Chima was present in this tournament for the second consecutive year and he was delighted the way the Bengali diaspora here in the UK has come together in a larger scale to not only keep the spirit of football in every Bengali’s heart alive but also to keep the age-old rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan rejuvenated away from homeland.

“Fitness is key for any sports and fitness comes from discipline in life, hence this sort of initiatives will trigger the urge to stay fit within the diaspora, as people look forward to next year’s tournament,” said Chima Okorie.

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TLIGHT

Esther Manito: Crusade

UK

15

3 - 9 August 2019

Modi goes wild with Bear Grylls

Sunetra Senior In today’s climate, to be ‘Transnational’ is to be provocative: not least because this cheekily challenges the concept of any cultural label. Up- and-coming Comedienne, Esther, perfectly embodies this.

Straight-talking, she successfully delivers what is promised in the title of her latest comedy show, ‘Crusade’: eage was confirmed to be a triumphant tirade against “identity from another, ultimately politics.” Coming from both an inconclusive, part of the Arabic and English background, Middle East. If you look Esther told us: “Simply going on stage back, people hail from so as a multidimensional human being many different backis enough to make people think. grounds globally: it’s Society always wants to squeeze you tricky to trace yourself into a convenient box. I’m expected back to a single ethnicity: to behave either traditionally why do we have to justify English, or Lebanese, but life’s more the degree to which we are complicated”.

British,” or, in fact, prove Covering this conundrum through traits that show loyalty to the course of her show, Esther is perany particular past? forming at the renowned Edinburgh Esther then at once highFringe Festival, 2019. She candidly talks lights the silliness of becomon the universal topics of body image, ing obsessed with identificafear of old age, the relationship tion. If the basics of the process between parent and child, and even the are tenuous, one must surely commonality of the second generation question the overall, righteous immigrant experience: “The show will point? Here, Esther told us of an unforappeal to everyone, but perhaps espegettable performance with a group of cially to those who have to negotiate EDL supporters, who were heckling cross-cultural barriers: whether you her in the crowd: “they were calling me are Indian, Caribbean or basically any‘Jihadi Jane’: they couldn’t understand one with a minority identity, you’ll how someone with Arab ancestry recognise a lot of my insights. For could look and be speaking ‘normally’ example, the children of immigrants like me. The term “Arab” has such a tend to feel the parental paranoia that horrible historical connotation: mythithey will lose the connection to their cal, ugly, demonic, and there I was talkinternational heritage, but then they ing innocuously on being a parent, the will never feel English ‘enough’ in the strain of it and motherly difficulty: UK. You are essentially English with they weren’t expecting that.” With other cultural influences, but you impressive voluminous hair which always feel yourself as if an “outsider”. looks like “the hair of thirteen women,” Also bringing her aloof yet casual Esther would certainly have reached style to observational comedy, Esther peak p olitical contention here: an has previously qualified as a finalist for accolade itself.

Nat West’s Asian Woman of However, the comic made sure to Achievement and So You Think You're emphasise her love of cultural Funny (2017), among many other colour too: “I am proud of noteworthy awards. She has being Lebanese, and I “My also performed at Desi love so many Central Entertainment aspects of show will nights. Esther went on London culture: appeal to everyone, to talk about the the relaxed assumptions within but especially to those exchanges, the cultural circles as well. strange chaos. I who have to negotiate just In the same way one want to be might be taken aback cross-cultural able to be both! In that a British person fact, as horrible as it barriers" could be Hindu, Esther was to be in the same talked of the disbelief she faces room as racist Tommy as an Arab woman who is not Muslim: Robinson supporters at least I exposed “religion and nationality are completethem to a different a point of view. ly conflated. People can’t get their head One guy even stayed back, and was around it! I talk on being presumed to laughing.” So, rather than chastising be Muslim, but never on Islam itself: it society’s customs, Esther simply prowould be insincere – I don’t practice. I motes a more fluid understanding of wouldn’t want to talk on somebody the self. Her show isn’t so much a cruelse’s belief.” sade against rigid labels as the brand of cynical thinking that engendered them *** to begin with. An archaic colonial remEsther then rightly embraces the nant, this attitude is perhaps even what idea that we are the sum of own our has undermined a multicultural nation experiences, and not the premeditated from thriving: “the sho w is definitely products of a one-dimensional physical cathartic. I get to speak out on what geography. Indeed, as she herself highpeople don’t usually consider. There’s a lighted, it was common to explore and part of it where I relay angry tweets settle in other countries before the directed at me. I’m really vocal.” Unlike construction of national boundaries as the Crusades of old, Esther flies the we know them today: entrenched kaleidoscopic flag in favour of pluralifirmly during imperialism. “Minority ty, championing an inner luminous communities can internalise colonial light. And she doesn’t take herself too or nationalist narratives. For example, seriously while she does it. Her show, the fact that I’m not religious can be Crusade, isn’t so much a war as a seen as a betrayal. Separately, my father chilled so cial riot. will always stress th e importance of my Lebanese background, but after doing Even with acknowledgean Ancestry DNA test, my genetic linment of a dual heritage, the public

seeing one as whole can remain frustrating. Do you feel that?

Yes, definitely.

People just have trouble reconciling different ways of life. As well as culturally, I’ve also faced a judgmental double standard as a woman: as a mother. A lot of the time, the parental label of responsibility is heavily applied to mums but not so much to dads. People have asked me whether I have “time for the kids?” assuming a stand-up career will be bad for family life. But I spend time with the children during the day, while my husband takes over at night.

Men aren’t held to the same high moral standard. If they are away, there are no questions. A guy will also get credit for what you’re doing. People will say to me: oh, your husband must be a very tolerant man to support you!

You say, you were “really torn between being seen as Arab or English.” That you now feel “you have every right to be proud of an Arab background and no need to dress it up with a hijab to prove this.” Tell us more?

I battled with identity for a long time: initially, I just went with what was immediately expected of me: getting married, moving back to the Middle East. I lived in the UAE for a while. But I just missed England so much. I’m proud of both my nationalities and I’m not spending anymore time pitting them against each other.

Being able to be open to other cultures is definitely beneficial.

Is Delivery half the talent in stand-up?

People are sensitive to different aspects of the stand-up, and your style definitely has an impact: is it slap-stick, heavy on word play? I’ve been called aggressive! But the content needs to be good. I’ll spend time gauging what’s getting the most laughs and honing that particular bit. I’ll make that punchier.

What’s a highlight anecdote in your upcoming show?

Taking my English husband to the Middle East...

Finally, what’s the best way to practice stand-up?

Just do it! It’s the best way to build resilience and test out your content.

Come see Esther at Edinburgh Fringe Festival: 3rd – 25th August (except 12TH) at the Gilded Balloon.

T: @esther_manito

India's prime minister Narendra Modi is teaming up with British TV adventurer Bear Grylls to explore India's wilderness and raise awareness about protecting nature at a time when climate emergency has gripped the world by a storm.

The programme's trailer shows Modi, driving into the Jim Corbett National Park in northern India guided by Grylls, with images of a tiger, a herd of elephants and deer running in the distance.

"People across 180 countries will get to see the unknown side of PM @narendramodi as he ventures into Indian wilderness to create awareness

about animal conservation & environmental change," Grylls, star of survival show Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel, tweeted.

Modi reportedly grown up in nature and the programme with Grylls was a chance to showcase India's rich wildlife.

Promoting the trailer for the programme, Modi tweeted: “India – where you find lush green forests, diverse wildlife, beautiful mountains and mighty rivers. Watching this programme will make you want to visit different parts of India and add to discourse of environmental conservation.

Waltham Forest Pride: Police probe homophobic abuse by woman in niqab

A Muslim woman in a niqab was filmed hurling homophobic abuse at Pride marchers in East London.

The Pride marcher was wrapped in an LGBT+ rainbow flag when she started yelling, “Shame on you, you despicable people”. She was also heard shouting a line from Alan Partridge where she reportedly said that ‘God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.’

Despite the shocking abuse, the victim however replied, ‘We still love you, you will not shame me,’ as a steward in a yellow vest tried to separate them.

Police are now investigating the suspected hate crime, which had happened during Waltham Forest Pride in Hoe Street, Walthamstow.

“Gutted to see this and clear such hatred isn’t acceptable anywhere let alone in our home town.’

She added she was ‘proud‘ to see people ‘from all faiths’, including Islam, joining the Pride march on Saturday,” wrote Stella Creasy, the MP for Walthamstow.

In the meantime, Baroness Warsi condemned the homophobic abuse and called on the police to find the woman.

In a statement, the Met Police has said that they are “aware of footage circulating on social media of abuse directed at those taking part in the Waltham Forest Pride event and enquiries are underway. Abusing someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is a hate crime.”

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18 FINANCE - UK

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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3 - 9 august 2019

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, So, the US stock market is skyrocketing and so is the UK one – thanks to a falling pound.

So what is stopping you getting involved? Let's get to the solutions. Get that pen and paper ready. This is the exciting bit. All right. First of all, we're not right all the time. Let's say the price is a hundred and you think it's going to go to 120 or it might get as low as 80 you might do a hundred trades. If you did a hundred random trades, 50 will go up, and 50 will go down 20 you'll make a net return of zero.

All we're trying to do is go from 50 50 a coin toss to 60 40. 60 40 not 70 30. That’s it – to be right 60% of the time in our trades.

Okay. Sometimes you've got a winning streak. If you get a winning streak, you might be right 10 times out of 10 for, I don't know, 10 times in a row, but not for a hundred times in a row. We're only trying to be right 60 40 and guess what? That gives us a net positive return.

That's something we can work with. And that way we can scale up our capital and make more. Like I said, if you've got the skills to make a thousand you can make two.

If you can make two then you can make four and remember each month you're not guaranteed an income.

We're trading. Some months you might make 2000 and then you save the excess for the month in which you make nothing. So you iron out the ebbs and flows of capital so that you can get something more consistent because we want to be consistently profitable.

You're going to have winning months, losing months.

You saved the money from the winning for the losing months. Then you iron it out and you have a net positive return. That's all trading is. It's what it is and that's where the mistake people have made. They'd been paying, trying to pay more and more money for the holy grail of trying to be right all the time.

Okay So what we're going to do is we're going to switch that around. Surely if we can just get a hundred pounds from the market, we can get a thousand. If we can get a thousand and get two and so on, all we've got to do is become better at knowing when to buy and sell without being stuck in front of the screen. All right It's as simple as that.

You will have seen on the BBC I was incredibly passionate about investing. I’ve even created free online materials to teach kids and parents. I hope you will take time to learn to invest.

Diageo watches over cannabis as gin and tequila sales soar Drinks giant Diageo stated it was keeping an eye on the North American cannabis industry, as soaring gin and tequila sales helped boost profits. Pretax profit rode by 12 per cent to £4.2bn on the back of sales that were nearly 6 per cent higher at £12.9bn, triggering plans to return £4.5bn to shareholders over the next three years.

The best-performing spirits in the firm's cabinet were gin and tequila. Led by its brand Tanqueray, gin sales were up 23 per cent, while tequila grey by 37 per cent thanks to the surging popularity of its Don Julio label. A whisky tie-up with Game of Thrones that spawned White Walker by Johnnie Walker helped boost scotch, which accounts for a quarter of the company's net sales, by 6 per cent. Diageo has so far shied away from the strategy taken by rivals such as the US drinks firm Constelllation Brands, which bought 40 per cent of the world's largest cannabis

firm Canopy Growth to secure a foothold in the fastgrowing industry.

However, Diageo chief executive, Ivan Menezes said the company could not rule out following suit, depending on how the market develops for cannabis, which is legal in Canada and some US states.

"On cannabis we're just tracking it, it's at a very early stage.

We're looking at the sector, it's nascent and we just want to understand the consumer behaviour." He added that Diageo's business did not appear to have been affected by the legalisation of cannabis in parts of the US, tallying with research suggesting drinkers have not switched in large numbers to smoking marjiuana.

Menezes also said Diageo had no need to follow in the footsteps of multinational beer companies by shelling out for a craft brewery. He said, "The ultimate craft brewer is Guinness."

Pound tumbles as UK plays Brexit hardball with 'stubborn' EU Pound Sterling slid to a 28month low as Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a “stubborn” European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain’s economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London’s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Sterling has fallen two cents since Johnson was named as British leader last week. Johnson’s bet is that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU’s biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament. He has

Boris Johnson said that the EU must drop a “backstop” intended to keep the Irish border open. The backstop would require the United Kingdom to remain aligned to EU customs rules if a future trading relationship falls short of ensuring an open border.

The 27 other EU members say that the divorce settlement - including the backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say they believe an election in Britain is highly likely.

“There must be some change from the EU and if

the EU are not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, adding that London was “turbocharging” no deal preparations. Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as “stubborn”. Asked if he was threatening the EU whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom’s - Raab said: “I am not doing any threatening.”

Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said.

Strained relations Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and

Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave.

The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on Oct. 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.

Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom. While Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister, his Conservative Party’s leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit.

“Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history.

We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous,” Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit.

Youngest Arora brother acquires £56mn share of B&M The UK-based B&M Bargains, owned by Indianorigin Arora family, has redistributed their shareholdings to hand over youngest brother Robin Arora a £56mn slice of the £3.7 billion company. Simon Arora, 49, chief executive, and Bobby Arora, 47, trading director, hold 15 per cent of the discount retailer through their Luxembourg based SSA Investments vehicle. A statement to the stock exchange revealed that the two brothers have sold a 20 per cent stake in SSA to Robin, a B&M director. Robin sold almost all his initial 9.4 per cent

stake for £228 million in its stock market listing five years ago.

The Aroras, whose father ran a cash and carry business in Manchester, took over loss making B&M in 2005. The business was founded by Malcolm Billington in Blackpool in 1976. Today, there are more than 500 B&M stores selling home wares and food at rock-bottom rates. Former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy is chairman and the group owns the Jawoll chain in Europe as well as hundreds of UK outlets.

Being UK’s fastest growing retailers, the

company helps consumers seeking a cheaper alternative to mainstream supermarkets, health and beauty shops or department stores. In 2017 sales soared by nearly 20% to £2.4bn as the company opened new stores every week in the UK and 19 in Germany.

Pretax profits rose 18% to £183mn. B&M’s share

price has risen by a third since the company floated on the London Stock Exchange three years ago.

Their SSA investment vehicle is still B&M’s largest shareholder and the statement said the Aroras were “committed to participating in B&M’s exciting future growth prospects.”

Low-carbon energy makes majority of UK electricity for first time Official data reveals lowcarbon energy was used to generate more than half of the electricity used in the UK for the first time last year. Government's annual review of energy statistics revealed a rapid rise in renewable energy, combined with low-carbon electricity from nuclear reactors made up almost 53 per cent of generation in 2018.

Renewable energy sources set a new record by meeting a third of the UK's power generation last year after the UK's capacity to generate power from the sun, wind, water and waste grew by 10 per cent. The UK's use of coal fell by a quarter to a record low of

just 5 per cent, the report said. The "Energy Bible" confirms a string of record green energy records broken in recent years, as the UK undertakes more renewable energy projects and shuts down old, polluting coal plants.

Very hot weather can have a negative impact on renewable energy generation because high pressure weather systems can suppress wind speeds, and solar panels produce less electricity if temperatures climb too high. The rise of renewables has edged out coal and gas plants which together made up less than 45 per cent of the country's electricity last

year. Gas generation fell to 39.5 per cent of the generation mix last year, from 40.4 per cent in 2017.

Coal generation continued to decline, falling to 5.1 per cent last year after Eggborough coal plant shut and Drax converted one of its units to burn biomass instead. Now, since SSE announced plans to shut its last coal plant at Fiddler's Ferry near Warrington, Cheshire in March 2020, only five coal plants will be left running by the end of the coming winter.

Deputy chief executive of Renewable UK, Emma Pinchbeck said the recordbreaking figures "clearly show that investment in

renewables and the government's championing of offshore wind is delivering rapid change to our energy system." She said, "As well as helping keep prices down for consumers and boosting the competitiveness of our businesses, renewables are a huge economic opportunity, bringing employment and investment to all parts of the UK." The government pushed behind the offshore wind sector earlier this year by promising developers the chance to compete for a share of £557mn of state subsidies in exchange for industry investment of £250mn over the next 11 years.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

EXPLOSIVE COMBINATION

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We held a property seminar in Stanmore a few weeks ago, and during the seminar I covered some hot strategies for auctions. Simply using one of the strategies, we once made £200,000 for a client within 3 days.

We are combining two of these strategies and putting them into action for our client tomorrow.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

One is to look for anomalies in auctions. For example, a property which is in the wrong auction. We have come across a property in Scotland, which is in a London auction. There must be many auction houses between here and Scotland which will probably be more suited for this type of property. This is an anomaly, and for some reason or another it has popped up in a London auction which is probably not the best place for it. The lot we are looking at has a guide price of £60,000. It is a freehold building, consisting of 3 flats and is producing £10,000 per annum. This alone tells you it is extremely underpriced. Comparables show that this property should be worth around £180,000. £177,000 was the last comparison which was about a year ago.

Another strategy is underwriting. A lot of retail investors do not know that you can underwrite

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

19

3 - 9 August 2019

stock, meaning you don’t actually buy the property; you only agree to buy the property if it doesn’t sell above a certain price. If it does sell above the agreed price you are entitled to a percentage of the profit; the amount depends on the auctioneer. However, if it doesn’t sell for above the price that was agreed, then you have to buy at the agreed price.

Guided at £60,000, our client has underwritten it for £70,000, this means our client must pay 10% to the auctioneer. This has been done. The investor’s investment is only £8,000 (£7000 plus £900 buyer’s premium). If this property sells for £100,000, he is entitled to 45% of the £30,000 uplift, so that comes to £13,500. So, he will get £13,500 return on an £8000 investment. He will be making 150% on his money, practically, in a day. Although I think the auctioneer will hold on to his money until completion. So, in a month he is making 150%. This is a massive return.

However, you must always be prepared for the worst case scenario. If nobody bids for the property, then he will have to buy the property for £70,000. If this happens, he will get a mortgage for 75% LTV which comes to around £50,000. This means he will only put £20,000 into the deal. The stamp duty will not be that high because of the price. A £50,000 mortgage

will cost this client around £2,500 a year. This property is bringing in an income of £10,000 a year, which means our client is looking at a net income of around £6,000 per annum for an investment of £20,000, year on year.

To be honest though, if our client ends up with this deal, then the intention is to separate the leases and sell each flat off locally. We expect to be able to sell these at £60,000 each. It is a small deal, but still we are excited for our client. Time will tell what will happen.

l Beautiful two bedroom ground floor flat with private parking l Period conversion with low service charges l Long lease of more than 100 years

l Well placed to benefit from the regeneration happening in Kings Cross

l Yield of 5.3% per annum

London, NW1 Purchase Price: £410,000 Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

l Recommend as long term buy and hold opportunity

Call us now for more information!

Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

0207 993 0103

info@sowandreap.co.uk www.sowandreap.co.uk 27 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8HU SowandReapProperties

Sowandreapuk

Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20 FINANCE - INDIA

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3 - 9 august 2019

India needs to grow 8% to become $5 trillion economy: NITI Aayog CEO India needs to grow at over 8 per cent annually to become a USD 5-trillion economy by 2024-25, Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog said. Addressing in an event, Kant said economic growth is driven by the private sector, so India needs to create right environment for the private sector investment.

"We are growing at about 7 per cent per annum, the challenge is now to accelerate the growth. We need to grow 8 per cent plus year after year to

Amitabh Kant

become USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25," he said. Noting that

no country in the world has grown without penetrating global markets, Kant said exports hold key to the country's economic growth.

The Niti Aayog CEO insisted that India needs to continue opening up its economy and the country should push aggressively for globalisation.

Kant also said India needs to venture into advancing areas of industries, whether it is electric vehicle (EV) or battery manufacturing. "In the EV

sector, 20 Indian start-ups are driving EV movement," he said.

Kant said India has taken many structural reforms such as goods and services tax, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and direct benefit transfer (DBT). "A total of £9 billion has been saved by the government due to DBT," Kant said. India is also facing several challenges, he said, adding that there is a huge gender disparity in India, so we need to focus on health and eduction of girls.

Byju's CEO Raveendran is India's newest billionaire Byju Raveendran, a celebrity tutor who developed an education app that has grown into a valuation of almost $6 billion in about seven years, is the newest entrant to join the billionaire club after his Think & Learn Pvt scored $150 million in funding earlier this month. That deal conferred a value of $5.7 billion on the company in which the founder owns more than 21%.

Raveendran, who has said he wants to do for Indian education what the Mouse House did for entertainment, is taking his biggest step yet geographically and creatively. Its closing coincided with the announcement that the Byju’s app will team up with Walt Disney Co and take its service to American shores by early 2020.

In his new app, Disney staples from The Lion King's Simba to Frozen's Anna teach math and English to students from grades one through three. The same characters star in animated videos, games, stories and interactive quizzes.

"Kids

the industry's everywhere relate to biggest investors Disney's Simba or from Naspers Moana, who grip Ventures and kids' attention Tencent Holdings before we take them Ltd to Sequoia through the loop of Capital and learning," said F a c e b o o k Raveendran, also founder Mark chief executive Zuckerberg and officer. wife Priscilla E d u c a t i o n Byju Raveendran Chan. Those bigtechnology for name backers buy Raveendran's kindergarten to 12th grade is one vision. of the fastest-growing segments The young entrepreneur of India's internet market, said hails from Azhikode, a coastal Anil Kumar, chief executive village in Kerala, where his officer of Redseer Management parents were school-teachers.

Consulting Pvt. "Indian He was a reluctant pupil, playing education startups are well set hooky to frequent the football to seize the global opportunity field, then learning on his own given that they already cater to a at home. He became an engineer large English-speaking base and and then began helping friends have created unique education crack entrance exams to top content," he said.

Indian engineering and Byju's own fortunes have management schools. The spiraled alongside the market. classes swelled till he finally Its revenues are expected to began teaching thousands in more than double to £300 sports stadiums, becoming a million in the year ending celebrity tutor who commuted March 2020, Raveendran said. between multiple cities during That pace of growth has already weekends. caught the attention of some of

Tata Motors quarterly loss doubles to £368 mn Tata Motors’ quarterly loss almost doubled in April-June as India's largest automaker was hit by lower sales. Loss at the Tata Group flagship widened to £368 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 from £186.3 million in the same period of the previous fiscal. Sales were down nearly 8% to £ 6.15 billion. Analysts expected Tata Motors to post a loss of £193.8 million in the April to June quarter.

Loss at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which accounts for about 80% of Tata Motors’ revenue, increased to 395 million pounds in the latest quarter from 264 million pounds a year earlier. JLR’s sales declined 3% to 5 billion pounds. Rating agency Fitch had downgraded Tata Motors, citing risks to its “profitability and cash generation over the next two-three years”. The company generated a negative cash flow of £1.2 billion while its debt stood at £4.7 billion as on June 30. Negative cash flow means a situation where cash outflows are higher than cash inflows.

The auto sector has been plagued by a slowdown due to weak consumer sentiments and other macro factors, prompting companies to slash production on rising inventories. Automobile sales serve as a proxy to the consumption story and Tata Motors is the first vehicle maker to come out with quarterly earnings, making it an indicator of the sector’s performance.

He set up Think & Learn in 2011, offering online lessons before launching his main app in 2015. The business has signed up more than 35 million of whom about 2.4 million pay an annual fee of Rs 10,000 to 12,000, helping it became profitable in the year ending March 2019.

That's when Raveendran began courting long-term investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds - his latest backer is the Qatar Investment Authority. In Byju's latest funding round, the entrepreneur bought shares to maintain his equity level. Along with his wife and brother, the Raveendran clan now holds a total stake of about 35 per cent, said the people familiar with Byjyu.

Byju's approach is simple captivate kids by transforming the content to fit short attention spans.

Raveendran has always harboured ambitions to crack English-speaking countries, and has flown in YouTube stars to feature in his videos.

Mallya moves SC against confiscation of all his assets Vijay Mallya, the former business tycoon who is facing extradition proceedings in UK, has moved the Supreme Court of India challenging the decision of the Enforcement Directorate to confiscate all his properties. Mallya allegedly duped a consortium of banks to the tune of £620 million. In his appeal, Mallya said he was questioning the power conferred on ED under Vijay Mallya Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, for confiscation of all properties of a fugitive economic offender without assessing whether or not the properties under confiscation were part of the alleged “proceeds of crime”.

In his petition, the erstwhile owner of Kingfisher Airlines pleaded that he was challenging the constitutional validity of the arbitrary powers conferred upon the authorities under the FEO Act and that it was absolutely crucial for him to get a determination on this issue from the SC as the Bombay HC had refused to grant him relief. Proceedings for confiscation of properties of companies owned by Mallya and his relatives are pending before the Mumbai special court.

in brief PNB COMES OUT OF RED IN Q1 ON LOWER BAD DEBT Punjab National Bank (PNB) reported a profit of £101.9 million during the June quarter as improved situation of bad debt has led to lower provisioning, providing relief to the fraud-hit state-run lender. The bank had reported a loss of £475 million during the January-March and a loss of close to £1 billion during the first quarter of 2018-19. “During the last quarterly results, we had said that the worst was behind us and we will do better in the coming quarters... We have introduced major changes, the bank has done a lot in improving our system and processes so as to bring in stability into business results and to bring in stability in our asset quality,” PNB managing director and CEO Sunil Mehta said.

While the bank reported a 17% decline in operating profit, it was lower provisions for bad debt that helped the bank make up for the fall.

During the first quarter, provisions for nonperforming assets were down nearly 57% at £214.7 million, compared to £575.8 million.

LAKSHMI MITTAL'S BROTHER HELD IN BOSNIA Indian industrialist Pramod Mittal, the younger brother of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, was arrested in Bosnia for suspected fraud and “abuse of power”, a prosecutor said. The case is related to the running of a coking plant in the northeastern town of Lukavac, which Pramod Mittal has co-managed since 2003. It has 1,000 employees. “Police, who acted upon the order of the prosecutor, arrested the president of the supervisory board of Global Ispat Koksna Industrija Lukavac (GIKIL), Pramod Mittal,” prosecutor Cazim Serhatlic told reporters. GIKIL was founded in 2003 and is co-managed by Pramod Mittal's Global Steel Holdings and a local public company (KHK). Two other company officials - general manager Paramesh Bhattacharyya and another member of the supervisory board - were also arrested. They are suspected of “organised crime, notably the abuse of power and economic crimes,” the prosecutor said. Serhatlic said that if found guilty the suspects could get jail sentences of up to 45 years.

REL JIO PIPS VODA-IDEA TO BE INDIA’S NO. 1 TELCO Less than three years after making a re-entry into the telecom business, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has emerged as India's largest mobile operator, edging out Vodafone-Idea from the top position. Jio has also made more revenue than Vodafone-Idea in April-June quarter. Jio had started operations in September 2016 and finished the quarter ending June 30, 2019 with a subscriber base of 331 million. Compared to this, Vodafone-Idea had 320 million users in the same period as the company continued to shed low-spending customers as part of a new business strategy.

For the new 4G-only telecom entrant - which had moved ahead of Bharti Airtel in March this year - the growth has been swift and profitable, despite its charge being led by dirt-cheap tariffs and free voice calling. For Jio’s rivals, going remains tough. Airtel is struggling to get back into profitability. Vodafone-Idea said that its April-June loss stood at £487.4 million.

ANIL AGARWAL TO EXIT FROM ANGLO AMERICAN Mallya said though his challenge to the constitutional validity of FEO Act is pending before the Bombay HC, it refused his plea for interim stay on confiscation of all properties of companies owned by him and his family members and return of those properties which do not relate to Kingfisher Airlines’ irregularities. ED passed provisional attachment order on June 11, 2016 for properties owned by United Breweries Holding Ltd, some of which were acquired as far back as 1919, Mallya claimed in his petition. In September 2016, ED passed second provisional attachment order to seize properties owned by companies controlled

by Mallya’s family members.

Billionaire Anil Agarwal is divesting his nearly 20% stake in Anglo American, ending months of speculation that he would launch a bid for the South African miner. Agarwal has been holding interests in Anglo American through exchangeable bonds since 2017. Though the bonds mature in 2020, the metals tycoon has decided an early redemption of the bonds and make gains from the investment. Agarwal said the targeted returns had been achieved “even sooner than expected” and Anglo American’s stock price had nearly doubled since he made his investment. Based on its current market price, Anglo American is valued at $40 billion.

Agarwal, according to reports, will likely make about $500 million from his investment and pocket between $200 million and $300 million after fees. Though the chairman of Vedanta had insisted that his investment in Anglo American was purely financial, the Street thought otherwise.

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in brief INDIAN-AMERICAN FOSTER FATHER BEGINS LIFE SENTENCE The Indian-American foster father of 3year-old Sherin Mathews, sentenced to life in prison for the death of the toddler who was found dead in a culvert in 2017, has begun serving the jail term in Dallas. In a case that attracted international attention, Wesley Mathews (39), pleaded guilty on June 24 to a lesser charge of injury in Sherin’s tragic death. He was originally charged with capital murder by authorities in the US state of Texas after they discovered Sherin’s highly decomposed body after a massive search that lasted 15 days. A Dallas County jury heard the case, and Mathews was sentenced to life in prison. Sherin’s adoptive mother, Sini Mathews, was also criminally charged after the child’s body was found, but that case was later dismissed after the Dallas County District Attorney said there was not enough evidence to prosecute her.

PAK OPPOSITION DEMANDS IMRAN'S RESIGNATION Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's opposition parties are rallying across the country, urging Prime Minister Imran Khan to step down over what they say is his failure in handling the nation's ailing economy. Rallies, dubbed the "Black Day," marked the first anniversary of the parliamentary elections that brought Khan into office. Khan's political opponents say Pakistan's military intervened in those elections on his behalf, allegations denied by the army. About 10,000 people attended an opposition rally in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Similar rallies were held in other major cities. The rallies came less than two weeks after Pakistani businesses observed a daylong strike against taxes, which the opposition says were imposed as part of the International Monetary Fund's recent $6 billion bailout package for Pakistan.

PAKISTAN TO ALLOW DUAL NATIONALS TO CONTEST POLLS Pakistanis holding dual nationality can soon contest elections in the country, the cabinet led by PM Imran Khan decided. The decision will require an amendment to the Constitution. The special assistant to the PM on information, Firdous Ashiq Awan, said a committee representing ministries of foreign affairs, interior, overseas Pakistanis and parliamentary affairs will suggest a mechanism to remove hurdles in the way of dual nationals becoming legislators. She said the prime minister believes that providing overseas Pakistanis an opportunity to take part in the political process was in the interest of the country.

SHEHBAZ SHARIF SUES UK PAPER Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif served a legal notice to the British publication the 'Mail', its online site and their journalist David Rose for accusing him of embezzling public funds. On July 14, a story was published in the Mail, claiming that Shehbaz, the former chief minister of Punjab, had embezzled funds provided by UK’s department for international development for the rehabilitation of the victims of the 2005 earthquake. The story was refuted by the PML-N and the party insisted that it was published at the behest of PM Imran Khan.

It was also rejected by DFID, maintaining that “our robust systems protected UK taxpayers from fraud”. In the notice, the London-based legal firm, Carter-Ruck Solicitors, confirmed that a complaint was issued against the news outlet and journalist for the “gravely defamatory” story.

30,000-40,000 terrorists operating in Pakistan: Imran WASHINGTON: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan made a startling revelation that about "30,000 to 40,000" terrorists who had trained and fought in "some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir" were in his country, but added his country cannot be blamed for the Pulwama suicide attack as it was carried out by a Kashmiri youngster. Notably, Khan’s remarks contradict the Pakistan Army’s position on the existence of terror groups.

At an event in the US, Imran said, "Until we came into power, the governments did not have the political will, because when you talk about militant groups, we still have about 30,00040,000 armed people who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir.

In 2014, the Pakistani Taliban slaughtered 150 schoolchildren at Army Public School. All the political parties signed the National Action Plan and we all decided that we will not allow any militant groups to operate inside Pakistan," he said at the US Institute of Peace. He said his government was the first to

Imran Khan

start disarming terror groups.

"This is the first time it's happening. We've taken over their institutes, their seminaries.

We have administrators there," he added.

At another event, Imran also said "40 different militant groups" were operating from Pakistan. Past governments, particularly in the last 15 years, were not in control and did not tell the US about the exact "truth on the ground," he said.

"We were fighting the US war on terror. Pakistan has nothing to do with 9/11. Al-Qaeda was in Afghanistan. There were no militant Taliban in Pakistan. But we joined the US war.

Unfortunately, when things went wrong we did not tell the

US exactly the truth on the ground," Khan told US lawmakers at the Capitol Hill.

"Part of the reason was, our governments were not in control. There were 40 different militant groups operating within Pakistan," he stated at a reception hosted by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chairperson of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus.

Phulwama attack an indigenous thing To a question on whether 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, arrested recently, would stay in jail or be let off again, Imran said his government had already decided "not to allow any armed militias in our country" in the interest of Pakistan, but because the terror group Jaish- eMohammed claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, "Pakistan suddenly came in the limelight." He alleged that the attack was "clearly an indigenous thing..."

Imran said though JeM is Pakistan-based terror outfit, it has a presence in Kashmir. "A Kashmiri boy was radicalised after the brutalities of the Indian

security forces and he carried out the attack, but suddenly Pakistan came into the limelight," Khan was quoted as saying.

Pakistan-based JeM has carried out umpteen terror attacks in India, including the one on Parliament on December 13, 2001. The latest outrageous action by the outfit was in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14, when a suicide bomber of JeM, identified as Adil Ahmed Dar, rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on SrinagarJammu National Highway, killing 40 security personnel.

Owning up Khan's admission reinforces India's assertion about terror attacks by groups operating from Pakistani soil.

Sources in the government in New Delhi said they were “glad” the Pakistani Prime Minister was “owning up” the existence of these groups and that it is important for the Pakistani leadership to act on this knowledge by "destroying the breeding ground of terrorists".

US resumes military aid to Pak, India not concerned WASHINGTON: The Donald Trump administration has announced its decision to resume military aid to Pakistan in a move set to add tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. India, though, is not much concerned. Days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the US, the US government announced $125 million worth of technical and logistics support for Pakistani F16 warplanes. However, it almost simultaneously announced the sale of $670 million worth of support equipment and services for Indian Air Force’s C-17 transport planes. India recently received the first four of the 22 Apache attack helicopters from the US under the £1.39 billion deal inked in 2015.

While the US decision

regarding military aid to Pakistan is bad news for India, good news is the amount is a modest $125 million which India suggested was done in breach of its end-user agreement.

However, India is viewing the developments as a “victory” and not something to be concerned about, officials said. This is because Washington has said that as part of the $125 million aid to Pakistan, US will post its government officials as well as representatives from Lockheed Martin, the maker of F-16 fighter jets, in two of Pakistan airbases constituting a Technical Security Team (TST).

In a statement, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the TST will be “protecting US technology through the continued presence of US personnel that provide

24/7 end-use monitoring” of the refurbished F-16s. “India has nothing to be concerned at all with these developments,” said a senior government official. The official added that the delivery of the first batch of French Rafale fighter jets (in September), coupled with an upgraded fleet of Mirage-2000s, also French, India will have “much better competitive edge” over Pakistan.

No need for India to be jittery The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) now boasts not just the F-16 but also China’s JF-17 Thunder, which is their mainstay.

Pakistan is now even producing these Chinese aircraft and plans to export them to other countries. It has so far assembled more than a hundred units of JF-17 Block I as well as Block II in its aircraft

manufacturing factory at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra. “It does not matter what the Pakistanis do with the JF-17 Thunder. They need the F16 fighters as it is much superior to JF-17. Both will co-exist,” said former Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy. “This should not make India jittery that we start shopping for fighters in a rush, spend a lot of money and make a mess of it. The Indian Air Force is much bigger. They (Pakistan) can do nothing to us,” said Krishnaswamy.

He added that Pakistan will “go to any extent to make money” at a time when its economy is in a ramshackle condition. “The $125 million aid (given to Pakistan by the US) is nothing compared to the huge operating cost of the F-16 that Pakistan will have to bear.”

Rohingya refugees refuse to return to Myanmar sans rights DHAKA: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh refuse to return to Myanmar unless they are recognised as an ethnic group in their home country, leaders told visiting Myanmar officials as fresh repatriation talks started.

A campaign by Myanmar’s military in response to insurgent attacks in 2017 drove 7,30,000 Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh's southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar, where they live in squalid camps, fearing further persecution if they return. UN investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included

mass killings, gang rapes and arson and was executed with “genocidal intent”. Myanmar denies the charge.

This is the second time Myanmar officials have visited the camps in Cox's Bazar in an effort to convince Rohingya refugees to kick-start the repatriation process.

In October, Rohingya rejected an offer to return to their homeland when a Myanmar delegation held talks with leaders of the group. The Myanmar delegation, led by permanent foreign secretary Myint Thu, held talks with 35

Rohingya leaders amid tightened security. Rohingya leaders said they wanted Myanmar to recognise them as an ethnic group with the right to Myanmar citizenship.

“We won’t return unless we are recognised as Rohingya in Myanmar,” Dil Mohammed, one of the Rohingya leaders, said.

He also said they will not return to Myanmar unless demands for justice, international protection and the ability to go back to their original villages and lands are met. “We want citizenship, we want all our rights. We don’t trust them. We will return only

if international protection is in place,” he said.

With the repatriation plan largely stalled, Bangladesh has been considering relocating Rohingya refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal, but some have expressed concern that this could lead to a new crisis given the island is vulnerable to cyclones.

In November, a formal move to start the repatriation process was stalled as no Rohingya agreed to return to Myanmar.

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SA President submits affidavit on meetings with Gupta Brothers JOHANNESBURG: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has submitted a sixpage affidavit to the inquiry commission into “state capture” in which he detailed his meetings with the controversial Gupta Brothers. The president also asked the State Capture Commission to make his affidavit public.

The Indian-born Gupta Brothers - Ajay, Atul and Rajesh - are known to be close to former South African President Jacob Zuma and have been accused of wielding enormous political influence in South Africa, with critics saying that they tried to "capture the state" to further their own business interests. The Gupta family allegedly used its relationship with Zuma to influence state contracts, Cabinet appointments and secure several lucrative deals in the country.

The former President, however, claimed that he never broke the law in his dealings with the Guptas. His son, daughter and

Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

one of the wives worked for the family's firms, according to media reports.

In the affidavit submitted to the commission, headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Ramaphosa said that his meetings with the Gupta Brothers had been "inconsequential." Ramaphosa said he had met with two of the Gupta brothers on "three or four occasions.

My interactions with the Gupta brothers were at events where nothing of any consequence was discussed. I never engaged with them

beyond the basic greetings, pleasantries and common courtesies."

The President said that the "only occasion where matters of substance were discussed was when the Guptas met the African National Congress (ANC) officials to discuss their situation in relation to closure of their bank accounts and at which was also raised the controversy around them and their relationship with Zuma".

Ramaphosa also detailed another instance in April 2016 when Rajesh Gupta had met him and made a presentation on the

Gupta family's business model.

The President said that he had also voiced concern over landing the family's private jet full of wedding guests at South Africa's National Defence Force Waterkloof Airforce Base in 2013. "I stated that they had, through their actions, placed the former president in an invidious position," the affidavit read.

"Tony (Rajesh) Gupta's reaction was that permission for the plane to land was obtained and given by the Indian High Commissioner."

Ramaphosa's affidavit came after the commission wrote to him and all members of the Cabinet to state whether they had any meetings, or interactions or dealings with any of the Gupta Brothers and if that had happened, to detail the nature of the interactions.

Muslim Lankan ministers who quit after Easter Sunday attack rejoin govt COLOMBO: Four Sri Lankan Muslim ministers, who resigned following the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 258 people, have rejoined the government after investigators found no link in their alleged involvement with a local Islamist extremist group. Two senior Muslim leaders Rauff Hakeem - the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and Rishad Badiyudeen, the leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress - were sworn in by President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday night.

Along with them, two more Muslims, a State Minister and a Deputy Minister rejoined the government. The Ministers were among nine government legislators, several of them Cabinet Ministers, who resigned in early June after a Buddhist lawmaker demanded their sacking and accused them of terror links.

File Photo of Muslim cabinet members Rishard Bathiudeen (center) and A.H.M. Fowsie (right)

Badiyudeen was targeted by the Opposition which demanded his resignation over his alleged close links to local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ). Nine suicide bombers attacked three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21 in one of Sri Lanka’s worst terror attacks, killing 25 people and injuring hundreds others. The ISIS terror group claimed

responsibility for the attacks, but the government blamed the NTJ for the bombings.

Tackling the after-effects of Easter terror attacks “We want the government response to the issues faced by the Muslim community,” said Hakeem on his return. The Opposition said they again would move a no trust motion against Badiyudeen. “We will present the no confidence

motion against Badiyudeen,” said Shehan Semasinghe, an Opposition legislator.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said since police investigations against the Muslim Ministers over their alleged links to NTJ had drawn a blank, they were free to re-join the government. In the wake of the bombings, the majority Sinhala community mobs attacked Muslim-owned properties in towns north of the capital killing one Muslim man and leaving hundreds of homes, shops and mosques vandalised.

The Muslim Ministers quit their posts after two Muslim Provincial Governors resigned following protests by thousands of people, including majority Buddhist community monks, in the pilgrim city of Kandy. They demanded their sacking for allegedly supporting Islamist extremists responsible for the Easter suicide bombings.

No direct IS link to Easter Sunday attacks: Lanka police COLOMBO: Sri Lankan police did not find enough evidence against the Islamic State (IS) militants who claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 250 people. The attacks were carried out by local groups who drew inspiration from, but were not directly linked to the IS, a Sri Lankan investigator said.

Ravi Seneviratne, head of the Sri Lankan police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), made the remarks in a meeting

with the country's parliamentary panel investigating the security and intelligence lapses that led to the April 21 bombings. "They followed the IS ideology, but our investigations have not shown any link between them," Seneviratne told the panel.

He noted that remnants of the National Thowheeth Jamath (NTJ), the armed group that was held responsible for the attacks, had persuaded IS to claim the attack two days after the deadly events in Sri Lanka. Earlier, in a statement, Sri Lankan President

Maithripala Sirisena alleged the attacks "were the work of international drug dealers" to disrupt his anti-narcotics drive.

However, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe refuted the

president's claims. "Police completed the investigations within about two weeks," an officials said. "There is no mention of drug dealers being involved. We have no reason to doubt our investigators."

in brief 17 KILLED AS PAK MILITARY AIRCRAFT CRASHES At least 17 people were killed and 12 injured after a Pakistani military aircraft crashed into a residential area near Rawalpindi in the early hours of Tuesday. All five crew members on the aircraft and 12 civilians were killed in the incident. A Pakistani rescue official said that the small plane was on a training flight. The reason for the crash is being ascertained.

Rescue teams were rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire. The plane lost communication with the tower, before crashing in the village of Mora Kalu on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, and setting fire to residential structures. "The plane hit the side of the building and completely destroyed, an army officer at the scene said. They also said that the toll could rise as some of the injured were critical.

PAKISTAN TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST ASTRONAUT IN 2022 Pakistan said that it would send its first astronaut to space in 2022 using China’s satellite launch facilities. Pakistan’s decision came as India on July 22 successfully launched its second lunar mission Chandrayaan 2.

Fawad Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Minister for Science and Technology, said the selection process of the astronaut for the space mission would start from February 2020. He said the Pakistani Air Force will play a lead role in the selection process of the astronaut for the space mission. “The Air force will be the custodian of the selection process. Globally pilots are selected for space missions,” he was quoted as saying. He said that initially 50 pilots will be selected, from which the list will be brought down to 25 and then 10. “Ten pilots will be trained and eventually one pilot will be sent to space,” he said.

LANKA DOCTOR ACCUSED OF STERILISING WOMEN GETS BAIL A Sri Lankan court granted bail to a Muslim doctor accused of having sterilised over 4,000 women from the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, his lawyer said, a deeply sensitive case in a country long dogged by communal bloodshed. Shegu Shihabdeen Mohamed Shafi, who has denied the allegations, was given bail of 2.75 million rupees ($15,600), defence lawyer Faris Saly say after a fivehour hearing in Kurunagala magistrates court in northwestern Sri Lanka. "He was arrested (in May) under a bailable offence and the judge found no reason to refuse bail," Saly said. The allegations are incendiary on an island where hardliners within the Buddhist majority have accused Muslims of seeking to use a higher birth rate to spread their influence. Shafi’s supporters said he is innocent and the charges were whipped up to stoke inter-communal tensions in the wake of bombings of churches and hotels on Easter Sunday that killed more than 250 people.

TULSI GABBARD SUES GOOGLE Tulsi Gabbard, the Democratic presidential candidate and the first Hindu member of the US Congress, has sued Google for at least $50 million for the tech giant’s “discriminatory actions” against her 2020 election campaign and stifling her free speech rights. Gabbard, 38, who has been serving as the US Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district since 2013, said in a lawsuit that Google infringed on her free speech when it briefly suspended her campaign’s advertising account for six hours on June 27 and 28, after the first Democratic debate in June. It said the tech giant obstructed Gabbard’s campaign committee’s ability to raise money and spread her message to potential voters. Google, however, said it had automated systems that flag unusual activity on advertiser accounts including large spending changes - to prevent fraud, said Jose Castaneda, a spokesman for the company.

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in brief EIGHT KILLED AS QUAKES HIT PHILIPPINE ISLANDS Eight people were killed and dozens injured when a series of earthquakes struck islands in the far northern Philippines, toppling historic buildings and sending terrified locals fleeing their homes. The tremors hit the province of Batanes, a group of sparsely populated islets north of the nation's largest Luzon island, tearing deep cracks in roads and forcing the evacuation of a hospital. Authorities said some of the dead, including two babies under a year old, were crushed by the walls of their own homes. "We saw houses shaking. Some of the walls of the houses collapsed and fell on the victims," Police sergeant Uzi Villa said.

"Some people died because they were sleeping since it was still early," he added.

Many people were still asleep when the first tremor struck, followed just under four hours later by a second, stronger jolt.

POPSTAR BOBI WINE TO CHALLENGE MUSEVENI Uganda's 36 - year -old pop star turned opposition figure Bobi Wine announced that he would take on veteran President Yoweri Museveni in 2021 national elections. Wine said he was not running under any political party and the revolutionary movement seeks to create "a society which works for everyone.

On behalf of the people of Uganda I am challenging you (Museveni) to a free and fair election in 2021," the singer, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, announced at an event in Kampala. Wine was wearing a red tie and his signature red beret, which he has called a "symbol of resistance", a look copied by dozens of his supporters at the event. Wine entered parliament in 2017, has been staging a high-profile campaign to unseat Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving presidents.

BAPS organises Hindu assembly in Moscow MOSCOW: In the presence of Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, the convener of BAPS activities worldwide, as well as other senior swamis from India and UK, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) organised a special assembly on 27 July at the Indian National Cultural Center SITA in Moscow, Russia.

The assembly, attended by over 100 guests, was themed ‘In the Joy of Others’ – the spiritual ethos that His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, embodied throughout his life.

Swamis elaborated upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s profound teachings and selfless life through a series of discourses, bhajans and presentations. The Indian National Culture Center ‘SITA’ is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to honour, promote and engage the Indian culture and heritage with local

BAPS organises special Hindu assembly in Moscow

Russians, foreigners and Indians in Russia.

Mikhail Davydov, a senior government advisor, was the chief guest at the event.

Impressed by the exemplary life and values of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Davydov pledged to imbibe some of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s values in his own life. Sanay Kara, a lead volunteer of BAPS, said, “We would like to offer our gratitude to SITA for partnering with us and supporting this event.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s borderless love touched the lives of millions. We’re very

honoured to have an opportunity to share these universal values here in Moscow.”

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is an international community-based Hindu organisation affiliated to the United Nations, caring for individuals, families and societies through its more than one million members, 55,000 volunteers and 3,850 centres.

Under the spiritual leadership of his Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS strives to build a righteous, peaceful and harmonious community that is

spiritually elevated and free of addictions and violence.

Pramukh Swami (1921-2016) was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan (Lord) Swaminarayan. He was an inspiration to millions worldwide. Personifying his motto, “In the joy of others lies our own”, he dedicated his life to serving and inspiring others for the greater good of humanity. He travelled across the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness and faith in God to all members of society irrespective of class, colour, creed or age.

Violent protests continue in Hong Kong

Sixteen US Marines were arrested in Southern California on suspicion of drug-related offences and the smuggling of undocumented migrants along the US-Mexico border, US military officials said. The arrests at Camp Pendleton stemmed from a separate investigation of two other Marines arrested earlier this month on human trafficking charges filed by federal prosecutors in San Diego, a base spokesman said. Those two Marines were also stationed at Camp Pendleton, according to the spokesman, Marine First Lieutenant Cameron Edinburgh.

"Information gained from the previous investigation gave way to this string of arrests," Edinburgh said.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong witnesses second day of violent ruffle between police and prodemocracy protesters. Tens of thousands of demonstrators defied the police ban, taking over streets near Sai Wan and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to reach the Chinese government's office.

Police issued warnings as one group that had blocked a road near the Chinese government’s liaison office began to move forward. Officers fired tear gas to halt the advance while protesters were seen throwing eggs at them.

Protesters had rallied earlier in Hong Kong’s financial district before marching out in several directions despite not winning

AUSTRALIA PLANS TO BAN EXTREMISTS FROM COMING HOME

Pak imports anti-rabies, anti-venom vaccines from India

Australia is set to pass laws that would allow the government to prevent suspected extremists from returning home for up to two years while Australian supporters of the Islamic State group are demanding to be repatriated from crowded Syrian refugee camps. The bills based on British law were debated in the Senate after they were passed in the House of Representatives where the conservative government holds a majority.

The center-left Labor Party opposition wants the legislation made more consistent with the British model with amendments that would allow a judge rather than Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to decide which Australians are banished. But the opposition supported the legislation in the House, indicating that their misgivings were not sufficient to attempt to block its passage.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has imported over $36 million of anti-rabies and anti-venom vaccines from India in the last 16 months, due to lack of manufacturing capacity in the country. The Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) submitted the statistics in the Senate Standing Committee after Senator Rehman Malik asked about the quantity and value of medicines being imported from India. He also sought a reply on the capacity of government departments for manufacturing the vaccines.

In its reply, NHS said that both anti-rabies and anti-venom serum were manufactured in

16 US MARINES ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

police approval for a public procession. It was the second straight day that protesters took to the streets without official permission.

Black-shirted demonstrators streamed out into the streets.

Pakistan by the National Institute of Health, while a private company also manufactured anti-venom serum locally, the report said.

However, the capacity of both manufacturers was not enough to fulfil the demand due to which the vaccines are imported by duly-approved registration holders of these products from India. The report submitted by NHS also revealed that there was a gap in demand and supply of vaccines in different regions of the country. Senator Malik suggested that it must be made mandatory for local manufacturers to produce these vaccines as Pakistan is self-

Chanting “Add oil,” a phrase that roughly means “Keep up the fight,” a crowd marched east down a thoroughfare. They stopped near a department store and set up barricades to block off the area and defend it against

sufficient in medical raw material and that vaccines manufactured here will be much more affordable. “It was a pity that vaccines were being imported from India and China.

When Pakistan itself was selfsufficient in providing raw

police. Another group headed west toward mainland China’s liaison office.

They stopped about two blocks short of the office and used construction barricades to build a wall spanning a major road. They massed behind the barriers as night fell. Police in riot gear gathered nearby ahead of the clearing operation.

Officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets as demonstrators threw bricks and other objects.

Police arrested 13 people for offences, including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapon and assault, according to police and media. A hospital authority said 24 people were taken to five hospitals, out of which eight remained hospitalised, two in serious condition.

medical material,” Malik said.

Notably, Pakistan was buying the vaccines despite the chill in bilateral ties, especially after the Pulwama terror attack by a suicide bomber belonging to Pakistan-based Jaish-eMohammed terrorist.

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Yediyurappa wins trust vote in Karnataka assembly BENGALURU: B S Yeddyurappa, the newly sworn-in chief minister of Karnataka, sailed through the floor test, securing the fate of his government for the remaining four-year term.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition that stepped down from power last week did not even press for division of votes. The coalition, however, expressed its disdain over the manner in which the BJP formed government. "I oppose the confidence motion as it is immoral and unconstitutional," Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah said. "You cannot give a stable government at all," he added. "You should have thanked the 17 rebels for sitting there," H D Kumaraswamy, former chief minister and JD(S) leader said. The coalition has accused the BJP of engineering the crisis by luring CongressJD(S) legislators to resign, eventually bringing down the 14month old government.

Minutes after Yediyurappa won the trust vote in the Assembly, Speaker K R Ramesh

B S Yeddyurappa taking oath as a Chief Minister

tendered his resignation from the House. Handing over his resignation letter to Deputy Speaker Krishna Reddy, Kumar said during his 14-month-long tenure as Speaker, he had worked according to his “conscience” and in accordance with the Constitution. “I have upheld the dignity of office to the best of my ability,” he added. The House also passed the finance bill and the supplementary budget. The two sides got into a brief argument on the decision of the BJP to go for a vote on account

for three months instead of the remainder of the eight months.

On Sunday, the speaker had disqualified 14 rebel legislators – 11 from the Congress and three from the Janata Dal (S). The total number of disqualified MLAs went up to 17, bringing down the effective strength of the assembly to 208. Two of the disqualified MLAs, on the other hand, went the Supreme Court to challenge the Speaker’s action. But, later they withdrew the petition. All the disqualified MLAs were expecting to be inducted into the

BJP cabinet. The disqualification bars the legislators from contesting Assembly polls for the term of the current Assembly - 46 more months unless mid-term polls are called - and also bars them from holding constitutional posts during this period.

I believe in forget and forgive policy: BSY Among the first decisions of Yediyurappa as CM was the announcement of a £10 million loan waiver for weavers besides providing an additional Rs 4,000 each to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. The amount will be disbursed in the first two instalments of income support to farmers. Addressing media after chairing the first cabinet meeting, which was attended only by officials as no other minister was sworn in at the oath ceremony, Yediyurappa said he would not practice vendetta politics. “I believe in the policy of forget and forgive. I will not practice any vendetta or vindictive politics,” he said.

PUNJAB

HC bans wild celebrations in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh CHANDIRGARH: In an attempt to curb noise pollution, the the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued 15 commandments banning the use of loudspeakers or public address systems in private or public places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Among other things, the blowing of horn has been banned in residential areas between 10 pm and 6 am.

Religious places such as temples, mosques and gurdwaras have

also been prohibited from using loudspeaker and public address system without permission. And even this permission cannot be granted 15 days before or during annual examinations.

The high court underlining that glorification of violence has given rise to culture of gangsters in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory Chandigarh, directed a blanket ban on celebratory firing and live show songs glorifying liquor, drugs and violence. The

bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Harinder Singh Sidhu made it clear that nobody in Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh would carry firearms to fairs, religious processions, marriage ceremonies and other public assemblage or within the precincts of any educational institution.

Authorities have been instructed to keep visiting and monitoring public places, private places, auditoriums,

conference rooms, community halls, banquet halls, temples, mosques and gurudwaras.

District magistrates, senior police officials of each district have been made personally responsible for compliance.

The only exception made on the use of loudspeakers and public address systems is between 10 pm and 12 midnight during a cultural or religious festive occasion of a limited duration not exceeding 15 days in all during a calendar year.

WEST BENGAL

Professor assaulted, forced to chant 'Mamata Zindabad' KOLKATA: Subrata Chattopadhyay, a professor at Nabagram Hiralal Pal College in West Bengal’s Hooghly district was 'assaulted' at the campus gate by members of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The incident occurred when TMCP members allegedly tried to force female students to say “Mamata Banerjee Zindabad” and “Trinamool Zindabad”.

There was a conflict between members of TMPC and some senior students. To resolve the matter, Professor Chattopadhyay along with his colleagues intervened. It was then decided that some students will apologise to the student

Subrata Chattopadhyay

union members. "While they apologised, the union members asked them to utter 'Mamata Banerjee Zindabad' and 'Trinamool Zindabad'," Chattopadhyay said.

The professor said members of TMCP always misbehave with

college staff and ask them to chant 'Mamata Zindabad.' "But I can't name them. If I do so I will not be able to step in the campus," he said.

Videos of the incident were aired showing the professor getting repeatedly punched in the face and falling to the ground and sent shockwaves across the city, prompting the TMC to tender an apology.

Local TMC MLA Prabir Ghosal and party district president Dilip Yadav visited the college where they met the professor and apologised. Ghosal said that “outsiders” who had assaulted the professor would not be spared. The accused Bijoy Sarkar and Sandeep Paul have been arrested. The authorities have

decided to allow students inside the college premises having valid identity cards only.

Mamta called for damage control Chattopadhyay said that he felt reassured after receiving a call from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee soon after the incident. He added that the CM assured him of “stern action against the miscreants.”

Reacting to the incident, TMCP chief Trinankur Bhattacharya said he doesn't know if the student who attacked the professor belonged to their student union. "I strongly condemn the act and we are inquiring into the matter. The one who is at fault will definitely be punished," Bhattacharya said.

in brief NALINI RELEASED ON 30-DAY PAROLE

S Nalini, life convict in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, was released on a month's parole last week. Amidst tight security, she came out of the women’s prison in Thorapadi, Vellore and escorted into a police vehicle. She reached Rangapuram in Sathuvachari, Vellore, where her stay had been fixed a fortnight ago. She will stay in a house belonging to a functionary of the Dravida Iyakka Tamizhar Peravai. The release order was passed by the Madras High Court on July 5, after she argued her case in person. The court order says that she may be allowed out of prison on a 30day parole to make arrangements for the marriage of her daughter, who resides in London.

TRIPLE MURDER STUNS TAMIL NADU The triple murder of former DMK mayor Uma Maheswari, her husband and domestic help in Reddiyarpatti town of Tirunelveli district has stunned Tamil Nadu. The murder came to light when the domestic help's mother came searching for her daughter at Uma's house. Uma was mayor of the Tirunelveli Corporation between 1996 and 2001. According to the police, Uma, her husband Muruga Sankaran (65) and a woman domestic help were killed by the assailants at her residence. The maid's mother came at Uma's residence to inquire about her daughter and found their bodies lying in a pool of blood. Police suspect property dispute could be the reason behind the murder.

ED GRILLS EX-HARYANA CM HOODA IN AJL CASE The Enforcement Directorate questioned former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for over four hours in connection with the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) land allotment case. The case pertains to an alleged fraudulent allotment of land in Panchkula to AJL, a group which runs the National Herald newspaper and is reportedly linked to senior Congress leaders.

Hooda is also scheduled to appear before a special Central Bureau of Investigation court for hearing in connection with the Manesar land scam case. In December last year, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Hooda and Congress leader Motilal Vora for misusing power to allot the land in 2005.

1.5 KG JEWELLERY, COINS RECOVERED FROM WOMAN'S STOMACH Over 1.5 kg jewellery and coins were recovered from the stomach of a mentally unstable woman at a government hospital in West Bengal's Birbhum district. Ninety coins in the denomination of Rs 5 and 10 and ornaments like chains, nose rings, earrings, bangles, anklets, wrist bands and watches were found from the stomach of the 26-year-old, said Siddharatha Biswas, the head of the surgery department in the Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. The ornaments were mostly made of copper and brass but some golden jewellery was also there, he added. "My daughter is mentally unsound. For the past few days she used to throw up everytime after having a meal," the mother said.

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Khushwant Singh on a Smiling Death • Curious about death Madhavsinh aspires to end journey at 95 • Sardarji, who wrote his own obituary in twenties, died at 98

t was a pleasant encounter with Madhavsinh Solanki, former Chief Minister of Gujarat who was also the External Affairs Minister of India for a brief period, at his Gandhinagar residence after a gap of nearly three-decades. No discussion of politics in the country took place. Somehow he initiated a discussion on death, saying: “I want to experience death but unless I die it is not possible. I want to live for 95 years.” He has turned 93 on 29 July 2019.

None could break the record set by Solanki in his political career by winning 149 out of 182 seats for the Indian National Congress in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in 1985. Of course, he lost Chief Ministership within a few months of setting the record. He set another record for his party in 1990 by winning the lowest number of seats i.e. 33 out of 182, in the Assembly elections when he was asked by the Congress high command to return as the Chief Minister in 1989! Elderly persons may have their perception about death since death is inevitable but curiosity about where the soul travels or lands up was making Madhavsinh uneasy that he even asked his doctor about death at length.

I

Same was the case of Khushwant Singh (2 February 1915- 20 March 2014) who did write: “At 98, as I look back on my life, I think about what has enriched it, what’s been important to me, the mistakes I’ve made, and what my experiences have taught me.” He was an Indian author, historian, lawyer, diplomat, journalist and politician.

He would not hesitate to write: “I retain my curiosity about the world around me; I enjoy the company of beautiful women; I take joy in poetry and literature, and in watching nature.” Though self proclaimed agnostic, he would not mind writing most authentic history of Sikhs in two volumes and returned Padma Bhushan in protest against the siege of the Golden Temple at Amritsar Khushwant Singh by the Indian Army. Everyday he rose early at four every morning, spending most of the chair in the dark. At times he broke down day sitting in his armchair, reading and but soon recovered his composure. Since he writing. “All my life I’ve worked hard; I’ve had no faith in God, or in the Day of been a man of habit and stuck to a discipline judgement, or in the theory of daily routine for over fifty years. That has reincarnation, he had to come to terms with stood me in good stead into my nineties.” the complete full stop.

Like Madhavsinh, Khushwant was keen on a Next Column: Khushwant too kept on asking burial because with a burial you Dalai Lama and Acharya Gandhiji observed fast on give back to the earth what you Rajneesh about death. Of 15 August 1947 have taken. Of course, the management of the Bahai faith course, he initially agreed but later came up with all never feared kinds of conditions and rules. He was not death.

He okay with that. When he died he was believed in cremated at Lodhi Crematorium in Delhi. the Jain Of course, his ashes were buried in his philosophy Hadali school, now in Pakistan. He wanted that death to go like a man without any regrets or ought to be grievances against anyone and quoted celebrated.

Allama Iqbal who expressed it so beautifully He even in a couplet: wrote his Nishaan-e-mard-e Momin ba too goyam?

Madhavsinh Solanki own obituary Choon marg aayad, tabssum bar lab-e-ost in 1943 when (You ask me for the signs of a man of he was in his twenties. He had imagined faith? even the headline in the Tribune: “Sardar When death comes to him, he Khushwant Singh Dead”. He had to cope has a smile on his lips.) with death when he lost his wife, Kawal Dr. Hari Desai Malik, in 2001. He could not find solace in (The writer is a Socioreligious rituals. He discouraged friends and political Historian. relatives from coming to console with him.

E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com) He spent the first night alone sitting in his

Over 1,000 passengers rescued from stranded train after 17 hours Over 1,000 passengers, including nine pregnant women, were ferried to a safer location from the Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express that was stranded for close to 17 hours due to flooding caused by incessant rains.

In a multi-agency operation, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Air Force, Army, Navy, State Disaster Authority, state police, Railway Police, fire departments of nearby municipalities along with locals helped rescue the

passengers marooned at Vangani - 80 km from Mumbai - where the Ulhas river rose and inundated the Central Railway (CR) line.

“All the passengers were rescued safely from Mahalaxmi Express. They are

being provided with food and medical aid. There were nine pregnant women in the train who were safely rescued. One of them is admitted to a nearby hospital for check-ups,” said Rajesh Narvekar, collector of Thane district. Nine-month pregnant Reshma Kamble, a passenger who went into labour, is now under observation at Shushrut Hospital in Badlapur.

Diary of a new Canadian Immigrant Mitul Paniker

The Great North Dear Readers, It has been a hectic week and by the time I could reel from it, another starts. I recently had a little taste of the much-talked about weather mood swings of the mighty West, and I have to admit, getting caught in the rain in Toronto is not fun. It was freezing and seemed to pinch like a thousand needles. A lot of you who know me have asked why I migrated. Honestly, it was one of the most calculated and logical decision I have ever made. I weighed the prospects of living in a new country, job market, cost of living, social acceptance, financial future, and a lot of other areas.

When faced with the question of whether I would want to shift countries, my answer was a swift "No". Why leave a secure, well-paying job behind to start from scratch in a country where you might not even be welcome? However, with the pressure of considering the option became pressing, I spoke to a ton of agents. Canada was a collective recourse. The country is a geographical giant known as the land of the immigrants, and most importantly, it was welcoming migrants by the hundreds.

As I dug deeper into its prospects, I realised a bunch from my own social group were preparing to take the leap. The process was easier as compared to other countries. For starters, it provides a bigger range of immigration and visa programs for all categories, on top of work permits and student programs. Standards of health and education are the highest among the world, and in addition to that, it also provides some of the best worldrecognised social programs.

No, this column is not a 'Welcome to

Canada' advert piece sponsored by Justin Trudeau. It is more of an appreciation post for the Great North. When it comes to jobs, there are numerous opportunities for the qualified and skilled migrants. Demand created by the thousands of people who fly in on a daily basis, has made way for a regular supply of jobs in all sectors. With an employment rate lower than 10 per cent, there are reportedly 58,900 jobs created each month in Canada. Another part I considered was the fact that a Canadian passport holder also enjoys a visa free travel for almost all major countries across the world.

Not to mention Canada's beautiful homogeneous peaceful society.

Considering the almost 300,000 annual newcomers into the country, Canada has a large population of immigrants from several different religious and cultural background. It is said that 1 out of every 5 Canadians were born outside of the country and chose to settle here. The three largest visible minority groups - South Asians, Chinese and Blacks - accounted for 61.3 per cent of the visible minority population.

Hindus represented 1.5 per cent of the total population, Sikhs 1.4 per cent, Buddhists 1.1 per cent. There are 122,460 Gujaratis of various religious backgrounds living in Canada. Toronto is only second to New York as home to the largest Gujarati community in North America. It is also home to the largest Navratri raas garba festival in the continent.

What I am fishing to prove here is that in more ways than one, Canada is the new 'American Dream'.

Flood situation in Assam, Bihar grim; death toll reaches 209 The death toll in Assam and Bihar floods surged to 209, with over 10.6 million people affected by the deluge in the two states, officials said. In Assam, the toll reached 82.

As per Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) officials, till now 1,25,000 people have been evacuated. Around 199 relief camps have been set up by the government in which over 10,00,000 people have taken shelter. A population of 21,68,000 of 1,716 villages in 56 revenue circles of Assam is affected by the calamity. Besides Barpeta, the 17 other affected districts are Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup (M), Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat and Cachar, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.

The rivers flowing at the danger level are the Brahmaputra at Neamatighat (Jorhat) and Dhubri, the Desang at Nangamuraghat (Sivasagar),

the Jia Bharali at N T Road Crossing (Sonitpur), the Puthimari at N H Road crossing (Kamrup), the Beki at Road Bridge (Barpeta) and the Kushiara at Karimganj (Karimganj), it said.

In Bihar, there was no let up in the flood situation.

The deluge has affected over 85,00,000 people even though the toll remained at 127. One of the severely affected districts, Darbhanga has so far reported 12 casualties ever since Bihar was hit by flash floods earlier this month owing to torrential rainfall in Terai region of Nepal.

Altogether 13,85,000 people, in 200 panchayats of 16 blocks in the district are affected by the floods, the

state disaster management department said. A total 876 personnel with 133 motor boats have been deployed for relief and rehabilitation work. The IAF has deployed two helicopters for air dropping food and other relief material while the 9th battalion of the NDRF has deployed 19 teams in the flood-affected areas.

Nitish Kumar seeks financial aid Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said his government will send a memorandum to the Centre seeking financial assistance following an assessment of the damage caused by floods in the state.

"Currently, we are carrying out relief and rescue work from our own resources.

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India protests harassment of its diplomats in Pakistan India has slammed Pakistan with yet another note verbale earlier this month, an action taken against five cases of harassment of Indian diplomats in Islamabad.

With the increasing frequency of such cases, the government thought it proper to register a protest, most of which were the cases of tailing.

Significantly, as per the official sources, India this month also green signalled the appointment of Pakistan’s new high commissioner Moin-ulHaque. Haque was former ambassador to France, before Islamabad decided in May to send him to India and is expected to arrive in Delhi in the third week of August. India is expecting Haque to play a pragmatic

role in the implementation of the understanding of the two countries to make Kartarpur corridor operational.

The two countries have in the past few months used the 1992 Code of Conduct for treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan to bring down the number of harassment incidents.

On several occasions, things have threatened to fall apart like before Eid this year when both Pakistan and India accused each other of disrupting their respective iftar gatherings.

The two countries are currently in negotiations to provide Indian consular officials access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, as

pressed by the ICJ. The government wants Pakistan to allow Indian officials to talk to him in private.

Islamabad has said it will

provide consular access “according to Pakistani laws”.

The government is also hoping the euphoria in

Pakistan over Islamabad’s, as a source put it, successful gaming of US President Donald Trump’s Afghanistan strategy will

not embolden it to become more unreasonable in talks with India on issues like Jadhav and Kartarpur corridor.

As the government reiterated in Parliament last week, Pakistan is yet to take credible steps to end crossborder terrorism.

However, while India is satisfied with the state department’s clarification that there was no change in the US position that Kashmir was a bilateral issue, the US decision to resume military aid to Pakistan in the form of $125 million worth of technical and logistics support for Pakistani F-16 fighter jets has led to the perception that Trump’s remarks were not merely a fleeting mental aberration.

India urges Iran to free all its crew after nine released Iran has freed nine Indian crew members of a Panamaflagged tanker, MT Riah which was detained by the Iranian coastguard on July 13, with 12 Indian crew members on board. Further to the advancement, the foreign ministry has appealed for the release of three remaining crew members held from the same ship. However, no reason has been provided as to why the three were being held. Iranian state TV aired footage of the vessel a few days after it was seized, saying it had been detained

by Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards for smuggling fuel.

"Nine crew members have been released and they will be on their way to India soon," foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

"Our mission in Iran has requested the concerned Iranian authorities for the

release of remaining crew members."

However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero which was seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged violation of international maritime rules. Indian and Iranian authorities said this week Iran had granted India consular access to 18 Indian crew seized on another ship, the British-flagged Stena Impero, that Iran seized in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19.

The seizure of the British tanker in the world’s most important waterway for the oil trade has deepened a crisis between Iran and the West that was triggered in May when the United States tightened sanctions, effectively barring all countries from

buying Iranian oil. Iran said it had seized the Stena Impero because it had collided with a fishing boat.

India’s junior foreign minister, V. Muraleedharan, said India was pushing for the release of the Indian crew on the British vessel.

India has had long-standing political and energy ties with Iran, but it has cut off

all its oil supplies from it because of US sanctions.

Also, 24 Indian crew members, who were on board shipping vessel ‘Grace 1’, detained by Gibraltar police authorities, are also under detention. The boats have been seized amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US since Washington began

reimposing sanctions on Tehran. Indian officials have met the 24 Indian crew members who were on board shipping vessel ‘Grace 1’ and assured them that the government will take necessary steps to ensure their release and repatriation, the External Affairs Ministry said. Iranian oil tanker ‘Grace 1’ was

seized off the Spanish coast earlier this month by British marines and Gibraltar police.

“Crew’s morale is high.

Assured all assistance for early release.

HCI London will facilitate necessary travel document and related a r r a n g e m e n t s , ” Muraleedharan tweeted.

Raveesh Kumar said India had sought consular access and a three-member team visited and met all the 24 crew members. “What we saw was that the crew members were very calm, very composed, and there was no sense of panic.

They had been in regular touch with their family members. We had assured them that the government of India will undertake all the necessary steps to ensure their early release and repatriation,” Kumar said at a media briefing.

Cafe Coffee Day founder Siddhartha goes missing VG Siddhartha, the founder of the popular chain Cafe Coffee Day and son-in-law of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna, has gone missing from a bridge near Mangaluru in Karnataka, police say. He was last seen on the bridge over the Netravati river in the coastal town on Monday evening, according to the police. In his statement to the police, Siddhartha's driver Basavaraj Patil said they were going to Sakleshpur from Bengaluru when the businessman asked him to turn towards Mangaluru.

As they approached a

bridge near Mangaluru, the businessman asked the driver to stop the car and got down from the vehicle. Patil, in the statement, said Siddhartha asked him to drive towards the other end of the bridge and wait there. "He said he will walk and come... At 8 pm (an VG Siddhartha hour later) I called him Mangaluru Police but his phone was Commissioner Sandeep (switched) off. Then I called Patil said they are checking his son and he said he'll call who all Siddhartha spoke to him too. Later I filed a last. "A dog squad was used complaint," said Patil, who (on the bridge). It stopped at has been driving for the a point in the middle of the businessman for three years.

bridge.

Local fishermen are helping in the search," Patil said. Karnataka BJP leader Jnanendra told reporters that Siddhartha's father is unwell and is in a hospital in Mysuru.

Another state BJP leader, Shobha Karandlaje, has written to the centre asking for help to trace the missing businessman.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa visited the Bengaluru home of SM Krishna. Top leaders DK Shivakumar and BL Shankar from Krishna's

former party, the Congress, also visited him. A large number of leaders and wellwishers have also gathered at his home. A news agency tweeted a letter that Siddhartha reportedly wrote to the management and employees of the coffee chain, expressing unhappiness over not creating "the right profitable business". "...I have failed to create the right profitable business model despite my best efforts... Every financial transaction is my responsibility... The law should hold me and only me accountable," the letter says.

Siddhartha's offices were

raided by income tax officers in September 2017.

He is among the country's largest exporters of coffee bean. His family has been in the coffee-growing business for more than 130 years, according to his profile page on the website of consultancy firm Mindtree, where he is a non-executive director. He sold his entire 20 per cent equity stake in Mindtree to Larsen & Toubro Ltd for £330 million in March this year. He was also reportedly in talks with Coca-Cola to sell his flagship chain - which he founded in 1993 and has over 1,500 outlets.

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Drug-resistant superbug spreading in EU hospitals Superbugs resistant to emergency antibiotics are spreading in hospitals, a Europe-wide study shows.

Drugs called carbapenems are used when an infection cannot be treated with anything else.

The spread of resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae was "extremely concerning", researchers from the Sanger Institute said. And they warned other bugs could become resistant too because of the unique way bacteria have sex. It can live completely naturally in the intestines without causing problems for healthy people.

However, when the body is unwell, it can infect the lungs to cause pneumonia, and the blood, cuts in the skin and the lining of the brain to cause meningitis.

Some strains are developing resistance to antibiotics.

"The alarming thing is these bacteria are resistant to one of the key last-line antibiotics. The infections are associated with a high mortality rate. It's already

worrying that we're seeing 2,000 deaths in 2015 - but the concern is that if action isn't taken, then this will continue to rise," Dr Sophia David, from the Sanger Institute, told BBC News.

Deaths from carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae have gone up from 341 in Europe in 2007 to 2,094 by 2015. This is the largest study of carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae, with 244 hospitals involved from Ireland to Israel.

Researchers analysed the bacterium's DNA - its genetic code - from samples from infected patients.

"Our findings imply hospitals are the key facilitator of transmission [and suggest that] the bacteria are spreading from person-to-person primarily within hospitals.

The fact that we see the same high-risk clones in many different hospitals around Europe also shows there's something special about those strains," said Dr David.

The results were pub-

EARLY MS SCANS 'CAN PREDICT LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS'

lished in Nature Microbiology.

Drug-resistant K. pneumoniae could continue to spread or pass its resistance on to other species of bacteria. Two bacteria can meet up and have bacterial sex called conjugation - and a short string of genetic information, called a plasmid, is shared between them. And the study found the instructions that give K. pneumoniae carbapenem resistance written on to plasmids.

"These have the ability to spread very rapidly through bacterial populations," said Dr David.

The best way to deal with drug-resistant infec-

tions is to avoid getting them in the first place.

"We are optimistic that with good hospital hygiene, which includes early identification and isolation of patients carrying these bacteria, we can not only delay the spread of these pathogens, but also successfully control them, said Prof Hajo Grundmann, from the University of Freiburg.

"This research emphasises the importance of infection control and ongoing genomic surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to ensure we detect new resistant strains early and act to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance."

Parents 'missing out on new baby health visits' About one in four new parents in England is not seeing a health visitor when their baby turns one, increasing the risk of mental health problems going unnoticed, the NSPCC says.

The government has promised five home visits for every family - from pregnancy until the age of two.

But cuts to local authority budgets and fewer health visitors were having an impact, the charity said.

Scotland provides 11 health visits and Wales nine.

Health visitors work with parents who have new babies, offering support and advice from pregnancy until the child starts school at the age of five.

Health officials in England said they would continue to encourage uptake of the five child

health and development reviews "so that parents and children benefit from this vital support".

In England, the five health checks on babies and families are: - antenatal health visit - new baby review - six- to eight-week assessment - one-year assessment - two- to 2.5-year review Preliminary figures, from Public Health England for 2018-19, show 77% of children received a 12-

month review by the age of one. This compared with 75% for the previous year.

And a Freedom of Information request by the NSPCC, completed by 32 out of 149 local authorities, suggests 38% of families are not receiving a visit from a health visitor before the baby is born.

A new campaign by the charity says one in five mums and one in 10 dads experiences mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth.

'Pack children's medicines in your hand luggage' Medications for children should be placed in hand luggage on a flight in case they become ill during the journey, a new study suggests.

US experts say most inflight incidents involve common conditions that should be easily treated - but airlines often fail to carry children's medicines. They say their analysis should provide a "shopping list" for airlines.

A UK expert said parents preparing for their summer break should ensure they had suitable medications with them.

The team from Duke University in North Carolina looked at data on 75,000 medical incidents from 77 airlines on six continents between January 2015 and October 2016. Around 11,000 involved children and teenagers aged up to 19.

Nausea and vomiting were the most common conditions, seen in a third of incidents, followed by fever or chills (22%) and acute allergic reactions (5.5%).

About 16% of total cases resulted in a child needing additional care on landing, the Annals of Emergency Medicine study found.

You are allowed to take "essential medicines" of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foods and inhalers as well as medical equipment. But you do need to have a letter from your doctor or a copy of the prescription with you. And staff might need to open containers at security. Tablets are also permitted.

Airlines flying short haul are only required to carry a basic first aid kit, containing things like bandages and antiseptic wipes. They do not have to carry items like asthma inhalers, antihistamines or adrenaline pens.

So, while some do, if a child has asthma or an allergy, they should have their own devices with them.

But anyone who has a medical condition, or whose child does, can talk to their airline ahead of travelling if they have concerns.

And doctors suggest parents take "child-safe" doses of common medicines like liquid paracetamol for fevers, or rehydration salts for sickness and diarrhoea, so they know they have the right dose.

The team said that the likelihood of an airline hav-

in brief

ing an appropriate remedy on board for a child was slim.

Aircraft first aid kits often do contain asthma inhalers, antihistamines and aspirins, but the medications tend to be in pill form, which many youngsters are unable to swallow, or in adult dosages.

Dr Alexandre Rotta, who led the study, said: "Parents should take precautions to avoid in-flight medical events when possible. For example, remember to carry your child's medicine on to the plane rather than leaving it in checked baggage, since on-board emergency medical kits currently are not tailored to address issues most commonly experienced by paediatric travellers. Both airlines and parents should be aware of

the most common illnesses and be prepared to deal with them. But for right now, if you are a parent travelling with a child, we recommend you carry on the medications you think your child might need."

Dr Donald Macgregor, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "Children are not mini adults and therefore need medication that is safe and suitable for them.

"As schools break up for the summer, and families plan their holiday, parents can familiarise themselves with common illnesses and travel with suitable medication, allowing them to deal with illnesses if they were to find themselves in this situation. This will also help put their mind at ease so they can enjoy their break."

Scans carried out when someone is first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can predict their long-term prognosis, research has shown.mMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are already a key part of the diagnosis and management of MS. But a 15-year study of people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), who can go on to develop MS, suggests they can also predict future disability.

The MS Society said more information would help patients' treatment choices. The organisation, which funded the study in the journal Brain, added that knowing more about their condition would also reduce uncertainty for patients.

More than 100,000 people in the UK live with MS. The condition affects everyday activities like walking, talking and eating, though everyone's condition develops differently and to differing degrees. MRIs are already used to show if there is damage to the myelin sheath, the layer surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

In this study, specialists followed 164 people diagnosed with CIS - neurological symptoms which can, but do not always, develop into MS - for an average of 15 years. Scans were also carried out one and three years after the CIS episode.

Prognosis was worst for those who had both inflammation in the brain and spinal cord damage. And early spinal cord damage was also an indication that a patient would go on to develop the secondary progressive form of MS, which currently has no treatment and is where disability gets steadily worse. However, early treatment can reduce the risk of developing secondary progressive MS.

PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS RELEASE BLUEPRINT OF IDEAL LAYOUT THAT WOULD 'HELP TACKLE OBESITY'

Supermarkets should be redesigned to have fruit and vegetables by the door and live cooking demonstrations for healthy meals, experts say.

The Royal Society for Public Health has released a blueprint of how supermarkets should be laid out to help fight obesity.

Smaller sections of the shop should be dedicated to alcohol, cakes and crisps, with more space for fruit and veg, the body says.

Research by the RSPH and Slimming World found more than a third of adults impulse buy unhealthy snacks when they're lured in by special offers.

And the layout of supermarkets could be to blame, the organisations said as they call for shops to do more to help people make healthy choices.

On the redesigned shop floor fruit and vegetables, potatoes, rice, bread and cereal and pasta take pride of place in the first aisles by the entrance.

This was compared to a mock-up of a typical supermarket as they are now, showing desserts, pizza and ready meals, snacks and the bakery in the first rows.

The RSPH report also removes what it shows to be a halo of sweets and chocolate around the checkout area where people may be tempted while waiting for a till.

They hope doing more to promote healthy foods in supermarkets will help tackle rising rates of obesity in the UK. Two thirds of adults in the UK are now overweight and about a third of them are obese. Around 30 per cent of children are overweight, too.

Being fat increases the risk of various health problems including the hip and knee joints deteriorating and the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The Government estimates the NHS spends more than ÂŁ6billion per year treating people with obesity-related health problems. And the wider costs to society are thought to be more like ÂŁ27bn per year as it affects people's job prospects and ability to work due to mental health problems.

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Mukesh Bhatt rubbishes AliaRanbir wedding rumours Fans have been awaiting the sound of wedding bells for actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and if reports are to be believed, the two will be making the rounds pretty soon. While people like us have been holding on to hope that the rumours are true, Alia's family was quick to squash hope.

Recently there were rumours that Alia had picked ace fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee to design her

wedding lehenga after she was spotted outside the designer's store in Mumbai. However, her uncle Mukesh has rubbished all reports. He said, "This is utter rubbish. Who is spreading these rumours?" Her stepbrother Rahul Bhatt too addressed the subject and said, "Alia is my step sister. We don't stay together. I don't know much about her life's development. However, I do

like their jodi. If I am invited to the wedding, I will definitely like to be a part of it." Work-wise, the actress has a jam-packed calendar and is currently shooting in Ooty for her next 'Sadak 2'.

The movie marks her father Mahesh Bhatt's return to direction after almost 20 years. Before this, she was busy shooting for Ayan Mukerji's 'Brahmastra', where she has been paired with Ranbir for the first time.

Alia also has Karan Johar's 'Takht' and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Inshallah'.

Taapsee Pannu to work with NGO associated with Meghan Markle Ishaan, Janhvi not roped in for 'Dear Comrade' remake

Taapsee Pannu is all set to work with a Mumbai-based NGO which will impart menstrual education among women. It is the same organisation associated with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Speaking on the cause, Pannu said even today periods are discussed in hushed tones. "Even in a regular middle-class household in Mumbai and Delhi, periods are discussed using furtive gestures and awkward eye contact," Pannu said.

She added that it was important to address this issue in big cities before moving to smaller cities and towns across India. The 'Mission Mangal' actress also spoke about the need to brief children about the right periods cycle before adolescence hits them. She said, “There’s a chapter about menstruation in biology, but by the time you deal with it, you have already heard about it from sources in a weird way, and you’re hushing the topic and getting awkward in the class. The first step should be to talk about it, as regular period determines the health of a female. It is because we don’t talk about it, a lot of health hazards are not addressed.”

The NGO is the same that brought Meghan Markle to Mumbai. She had taken particular interest in the NGOs efforts to empower women in slums. Speaking more on periods, Pannu said, "Having periods is common to Meghan Markle, me and

every other woman in the world. With great power comes great responsibility, and if people like to contribute and support this kind of initiative, it widens its reach, as she is in a power position."

On the work front, Taapsee will be see next in 'Mission Mangal', based on India’s Mars mission, dubbed Mars Orbitor Mission (MOM). The film stars Vidya Balan, Kirti Kulhari, Sonakshi Sinha, Nithya Menen apart from Akshay Kumar and Sharman Joshi.

Taapsee also has 'Sandh Ki Aankh' and 'Tadka'.

Sidharth Malhotra wants to honour Shershaah Vikram Batra Filmmaker Karan Johar has cleared the air and announced that no lead actors have been considered or approached for the Hindi remake of Telugu film 'Dear Comrade'. There were several reports doing the rounds recently that suggested that Karan will be signing actors Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor in the Hindi remake.

The filmmaker tweeted: “All the best and big success to the team of Dear Comrade on July 26! Also a clarification! No lead actors have been considered or approached for the film as yet.” He stressed that the planning for the film is still in progress. "The planning for this lovely film is underway," he added. Karan announced last week that he will be producing the Hindi remake of Vijay Deverekonda's Telugu film 'Dear Comrade'.

He took to Twitter to praise the film, and tweeted, "Had the pleasure to be the first to see Dear Comrade. What a powerful and intense love story! Top notch performances by Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is exceptionally moving and leaves you with such an important and relevant message". He added that he was “super excited” to produce the project under his production banner Dharma Productions.

With India celebrating 20 years of the Kargil war, actor Sidharth Malhotra remembered Captain Vikram Batra, and said that he wants to make the martyr's family happy by doing full justice to this role in the biopic 'Shershaah'.

Captain Vikram Batra dies while recapturing Indian territories from Pakistani intruders during the Kargil war in 1999. He was referred to as 'Shershah'. Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest war-time gallantry award.

Sidharth said, "More than interesting, it is more of a responsibility to bring back his glory on screen. He sacrificed his life for our nation, so I can never take this project for granted. I met his parents and his brother, they are so attached to him emotionally. I hope I don't let them down. Apart from business aspect, I hope we make

a film that does justice to Batra's glory and eventually makes his family happy."

The movie is produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, and is directed by Vishnu Varadhan and the story was written by Sandeep Srivastava.

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3 - 9 august 2019

Kartik Aaryan turns cheerleader for Sara Ali Khan In a special surprise, Kartik Aaryan joined Ibrahim Ali Khan in the audience for Sara Ali Khan last week as she walked the ramp at the FDCI India Couture Week 2019 in New Delhi. Sitting in the first row, Kartik could not stop smiling as Sara walked down the ramp in a Falguni and Shane Peacock lehenga with a trail and greeted the audience with a namaste.

Sara looked stunning in an elaborate ivory lehenga at the fashion show. Both Kartik and her brother Ibrahim later joined her post the event. Both, Sara and Kartik have wrapped up the shooting of Imtiaz Ali film rumoured to be titled 'Aaj Kal', in June. Kartik is currently shooting for his next 'Pati, Patni Aur Woh' in Lucknow. The film also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday.

While Sara's infatuation for the 'Luka Chuppi' actor

is not unknown, the two seem to have really connected as they are seen together at a couple of places. Kartik was recently spotted with Sara in Lucknow and was seen protecting her from the crowd. He had also come to receive Sara at the Mumbai airport upon her return from her London vacation. She later returned the favour and saw him off at the airport the next day. When asked about her relation with Aaryan, Sara had told Vogue magazine that she was busy with her life and wasn't oblivious to attention from boys. She said, "If you knew all the thoughts I have but don't do anything about, I promise we would get over this Kartik Aaryan thing."

Varun Dhawan faints on sets of 'Super Dancer 3D' Just days after sharing a much viewed inspiring video of father David Dhawan, actor Varun Dhawan pulled off an 18-hour shift while shooting for his upcoming and fainted due to low blood pressure. A media report said, "Varun was battling cold and fever for a long time but continued to shoot nonetheless, well aware that his portions had to be wrapped up before July 26. In the film he had a gruelling dance sequence with his co-actors. Following intense prep, Varun was shooting for the number when he got dizzy and fainted. An alarmed director Remo D'Souza immediately called for the doctor, who diagnosed Varun with low blood pressure and advised him bed rest for few days. Naturally, Remo called off the shoot for the next two days."

Varun was shooting for Remo's 'Super Dancer 3D' amid cold and fever and wanted to wrap it up by July 26.

However, Varun returned to the sets after just a day's rest.

A source confirmed, "Knowing that they had lost out on a day. Varun told Remo that he would do a double shift. He reported to the set at 1 pm and worked till 7 am next day." Varun is also said to

have shot for a commercial on the same day.

Dhawan had recently shared video of his filmmaker father who can be seen talking about his struggle in Bollywood.

David Dhawan talks about how he worked in double shifts while shuttling between location and the hotel. Dhawan Jr shared the video and wrote, "My dad's schedule for his film vs my schedule. Even with fever while I shoot and think today was a hard day on the sets of #sds. This is only till my dad told me how he used to shoot a double shift going up to nearly 19 or 20 hrs a day sometimes. Those days the unions where not strong enough for technicians and films needed to be made in this manner. I want to always be the hardest worker in the room and I still have a lot of catching up to do to earn that place in my home. #lovefilms."

Varun will be seen opposite Shraddha Kapoor in 'Super Dancer 3D', which is set to hit theatres on January 24 next year.

He will then begin work on his father's 'Coolie No. 1' remake.

You don’t have to beg for money in Hollywood: Radhika Apte Ace actor Radhika Apte is scheduled to work on her next Hollywood project 'Liberte: A Call to Spy'. When asked about how working in Hollywood is different from working in the Indian film and television industry, Radhika said, "People are very punctual there. And they pay you on time. You don't have to beg them for money."

Radhika will play a spy named Noor Inayat Khan aka Nora Baker in 'Liberte.' She was the first female wireless operator to parachute into Nazioccupied France to help the French Resistance during World War II. The actor is reportedly going through a lot of reading material, spy films, classic novels and other related stories in order to prep for her character.

Radhika also appeared in the film 'The Wedding Guest', opposite Dev Patel. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the movie also stars Jim Sarbh. It is based on a mysterious British Muslim man who goes on a journey across Pakistan and India.

Arjun Kapoor makes hilarious comment on uncle Anil Kapoor Anybody who knows Anil Kapoor, knows his narcissus-level love for himself. The veteran actor is extremely active on social media and recently posted new pictures of himself on Instagram, showing just how fit he remains despite being over 60. Several of his industry colleagues were among the first to congratulate him, however, his nephew Arjun Kapoor had a tongue-in-cheek comment he had to make.

Sharing his picture, Anil had written: “I could add some deep quote here but let’s be honest I just wanted to post some good looking pictures of myself. #loveyourself

#Iammyownmotivation.”

His honest flattery of himself invited a funny and tongue-in-cheek response from his nephew, actor Arjun Kapoor who wrote: “...& u say I ruin ur reputation... just see this post.”

The post drew attention from several celebrities from the industry. Farhan Akhtar wrote, "You da best. Love

the caption." Kapoor's daughter Rhea wrote, "So handsome dad." Karan Johar made a very telling comment and wrote, "So handsome my king!" To those with no reference, there have been reports suggesting that Anil may be playing an aging Shah Jahan in Karan's ambitious directorial 'Takht', which will see Vicky Kaushal who will play Aurangzeb, pitted against Ranveer Singh who will play Dara Shikoh.

On the work front, Anil was last seen in this year's multi-starrer comic caper 'Total Dhamaal', and will be next seen in Mohit Suri's 'Malang: Pagalpanti'.

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Murugadoss teases fans with new photos from Rajini’s 'Darbar' TV Listing

* Schedule is subject to change

Keeping fans on their toes, filmmaker AR Murugadoss teased everybody on the internet by releasing two stills from Rajinikanth's upcoming Tamil action-drama 'Darbar', which features the 68 year old in the role of a police officer, for the first time in 25 years. While one of the still features Thalaivar in khaki, walking with an iron rod in his hand and a fiery look on his face, the other picture features him wearing a light blue coat with rolled up sleeves.

Murugadoss took to Twitter to share the stills and

wrote, "Hi guys. The HD photos of our very own Thalaivar & title Design of 'Darbar' will be released. Get creative and do what you do the best. The best design will be selected and released officially." The final schedule of the film is currently underway in Mumbai. It marks the maiden collaboration of Murugadoss and Rajinikanth.

Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, the film stars Nayanthara as female lead, and Suniel Shetty as the primary antagonist. Actor Prateik Babbar, Nivetha Thomas and Yogi Babu play crucial roles.

Vijay Deverakonda still clueless about stardom Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda, who is gearing up for the release of his new film, 'Dear Comrade' said he is still clueless about stardom because it can't be measured until masses flock in to watch your film at the theatres. He said he can't believe he enjoys the kind of stardom everybody said he does.

"I don't know if this stardom people say I enjoy is true.

I'm still worried if people will turn up at the theatres to watch my films. I'm still clueless about stardom because I don't know how to measure it. Stardom only makes sense when it converts into footfalls in the cinema halls. It's the only physical transaction that justifies it," he said.

Meanwhile, a recent viral video of the kind of reception Vijay received in Kerala shows just how much stardom the actor has reached. "I was surprised by that kind of reception. Then again, these are people who don't get to meet me regularly. This was their chance to interact with me. I know there are people who get influenced by what I say and will do anything for me."

Deverakonda believes a lot of factors have contributed to taking him to the place where he is in right now. "I can't point out a few things and say these made me who I'm today. Something as small as my human values class in my school or my upbringing has in some way shaped me and

my career. Success gives you the courage to u n l e a s h

yourself. After the success of two films, I thought I'll start a clothing line and I did it and that's how I want to approach life," he said.

When asked if that courage has been misunderstood as recklessness, he said, "It has to some extent. But there is nothing I can do to change the way some people perceive me. When I have to say something or react to a faceless comment on social media, my team would want me to go easy and say it mildly. But I'm not the President of India to always say the right things. I don't always have to be correct, do I? It's perfectly alright for people to not understand me."

Vijay Sethupathi to play Muttiah Muralitharan in biopic Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi will essay Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan in a biopic written and directed by MS Sripathy. The film is expected to be titled 800 - after the number of wickets the former cricketer has in Tests, the most in history by any bowler. “I am happy to be associated with the Muttiah Muralitharan biopic. He is an iconic sportsman of Tamil origin and someone who has made his mark across the world,” Vijay said.

“Portraying Murali is a challenge I’m looking forward to. I’m delighted that Murali himself will be closely involved with the project and guiding me on the cricketing aspects. I am thankful to Murali and the producers for the faith bestowed on me,” added the actor.

Opening up on the project, Muralitharan said, “We are looking at a late 2020 release. I am honoured that

SATURDAY AUG 3, 2019 00:02 FILM: AATMA - FEEL IT AROUND YOU 01:40 FILM: DHOKHA 05:00 FILM: PRITHIPAL SINGH... A STORY 07:00 FILM: MR. NATWARLAL 10:16 FILM: AKAASH VANI 13:15 FILM: YES BOSS 16:40 FILM: 36 CHINA TOWN 19:31 FILM: BHAGAM BHAG 22:50 FILM: SHAAPIT SUNDAY AUG 4, 2019 01:27 FILM: AATMA - FEEL IT AROUND YOU 05:00 FILM: THE SILENT HEROES 07:20 FILM: ISHQ CLICK 10:01 FILM: AAKHREE RAASTA 13:24 FILM: TAAL 17:15 FILM: GADAR - EK PREM KATHA 20:54 FILM: DOUBLE DHAMAAL MONDAY AUG 5, 2019 23:46 FILM: 36 CHINA TOWN 02:10 FILM: SAAYA 05:00 FILM: BAS EK TAMANAA 07:12 FILM: AAJ KA MAHATMA 10:00 FILM: HOTE HOTE PYAR HO GAYA 12:54 FILM: JUNGLE 16:04 FILM: BHAGAM BHAG 19:22 FILM: D-DAY 22:26 FILM: ANJAANE - THE UNKNOWN

MON 5TH AUGUST - FRI 9TH AUGUST TIME

TV PROGRAM NAMES

18:00 BEYHADH

18:30 VIGHNAHARTA GANESHA 19:00 MERE SAI * Schedule is subject to change

SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 18:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 20:00 SUPERSTAR SINGER 21:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 23:00 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 18:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 20:00 SUPERSTAR SINGER 21:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 23:00 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 29TH - FRI 2ND AUG 2019 13:00: SWARAGINI 15:30: INDIA UNLIMITED 16:00: THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2 16:30: RASOI SHOW 17:30: CHHUTA CHHEDA 18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI 18:30: BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 19:00: JAHAANARA 19:30: BEPANNAH

* Schedule is subject to change

an accomplished actor such as Vijay Sethupathi will be playing me in the film. I have been actively collaborating with the creative team for the past several months and I will continue to support this project.”

TUESDAY AUG 6, 2019 00:39 FILM: THE ACID OF LIFE 05:00 FILM: SWEEKAR KIYA MAINE 07:46 FILM: KAUN KARE KURBANIE 10:27 FILM: YEH ZINDAGI KA SAFAR 13:29 FILM: JAHAN TUM LE CHALO 16:22 FILM: DOUBLE DHAMAAL 19:14 FILM: RAMA RAMA KYA HAI DRAMA 21:56 FILM: FAREB WEDNESDAY AUG 7, 2019 00:19 FILM: BIWI. COM 05:00 FILM: VIKALP 07:33 FILM: AULAD 10:48 FILM: MRITYUDAND 14:03 FILM: SHIKAAR 16:49 FILM: DEEWANE HUYE PAGAL 20:00 FILM: THAKSHAK THURSDAY AUG 8, 2019 23:39 FILM: LUV SHUV PYAR VYAR 01:41 FILM: CHOR BAZAARI-EK ATRANGI PREM KAHANI 05:00 FILM: MUNNA MAANGE MEMSAAB 07:30 FILM: TADIPAAR 10:20 FILM: WOH LAMHE 12:56 FILM: JAANAM 15:46 FILM: SHAURYA 18:35 LIFESTYLE : STAR STOP 19:04 FILM: ENEMY NO.1 22:04 FILM: FOUR PILLARS OF BASEMENT FRIDAY AUG 9, 2019 00:24 FILM: KAUN 05:00 FILM: TITOO MBA 07:09 FILM: JOHNY I LOVE YOU 10:02 FILM: YEH HAI MUMBAI MERI JAAN 12:50 FILM: DEEWANE HUYE PAGAL 16:01 FILM: THAKSHAK 19:40 FILM: COMPANY 22:41 FILM: PHIR HERA PHERI

MON 29TH - FRI 2ND AUG 2019 19:30: CHOTI SARRDAARNI 20:00: SHAKTI ASTITVA KE EHSAAS KI 20:30: RAM SIYA KE LUV KUSH 21:30: BEPANAH PYAARR 22:00: BAHU BEGUM 22:30: VISH

19:30 YEH UN DINON KI BAAT HAI 20:00 CHANDRAGUPTA MAURYA

20:30 ISHAARON ISHAARON MEIN 21:00 PATIALA BABES

21:45 LADIES SPECIAL 22:30 CRIME PATROL

SONY MAX 2 PRIME TIME

19:00

MONDAY

19:00

WEDNESDAY MAIN AZAAD HOON

19:00

FRIDAY

19:00 19:00

AAINA

TUESDAY

PATTHAR KE SANAM

THURSDAY

BIWI HO TO AISI AAP KI KASAM

20:00: TERE NAAL ISHQ 20:30: MOHE RANNG DO LAAL 21:00: BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE 22:00: RED ALERT SAT 3RD AUG 2019 18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI 18:30: BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 19:00: UNPLUGGED 19:30: RED ALERT 20:30: INDIA'S GOT TALENT (SEASON 8) 21:30: JAGTE RAHO SUN 4TH AUG 2019 18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI 18:30: BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 19:00: UNPLUGGED 19:30: RED ALERT 20:30: INDIA'S GOT TALENT (SEASON 8) 21:30: JAGTE RAHO

SAT 3RD AUG 2019 19:30: DESI BEAT RESET 20:00: BFFS WITH VOGUE (SEASON 3) 21:00: DANCE DEEWANE SEASON 2 22:30: KAWACH MAHASHIVRATRI SUN 4TH AUG 2019 19:30: DESI BEAT 20:00: BFFS WITH VOGUE (SEASON 3) 21:00: DANCE DEEWANE - SEASON 2 22:30: KAWACH MAHASHIVRATRI

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Mahant Swami in Atladara

BAPS chief Mahant Swami is in Atladara. A large number of Haribhakts gather in the morning and evening assembly to seek blessings from Mahant Swami. Various days were celebrated in the presence of his holiness. On 23 July, 'Gungrahak Din' was celebrated. The dialogue representing the demerits of bad traits, benefits of virtues was conducted.

On 24th, 'Mahanubhav Din' was celebrated where business leaders from various fields were present to seek blessings of Mahant Swami. Later, Mahant Swami addressed the students of BAPS Swaminarayan Hostel, Ataladara. On 26th, 'Prapti Din' was celebrated, while 'Yuva din' was celebrated on the 27th. The youth who participated in the recently organised child-youth convention spoke about their experiences before, during and after preparation and after the results.

On 28th, Mahant Swami, under tree plantation campaign, urged that everyone should plant and nurture a 'Tulsi' plant in the Brahmamuhurt in the temple premises. 'Bal Din' was celebrated on 30 July.

Coming Events

l A talk by Pujya Swami Paramatmanand Saraswatiji on Bhakti se Shanti ki Yatra Date: 12 August Time: 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm (Followed by Dinner) Venue: Sangat Centre, 28, Sancroft Road, Harrow HA3 7NS The teaching programmes include: For Seekers: Scripture Study For Students: Character Building (E.Q. Development) For Teachers: Culture and Values For Government and Private organisation employees: Soft skill development and Seminars and Workshops for ethics & values l 108 Hanuman Chalisa Mahayagya Date: 4 August, Sunday, Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Venue: Social Club Hall, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow HA1 3UJ, Food sponsor - Moraban Kevlani and family.

Contact. 020 8459 5758/07973 550 310 l VYO UK organises Shri Yamunaji Lotti Utsav in the presence of Acharya Vrajkumarji Mahodayshri Date: 10 August, Saturday Time: 3:00 pm Venue: Patidar Samaj Building, 26B, Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RG Contact. Devyaniben Patel 07929 165 395

Sneh Joshi

Mishti Puraan helps raise much needed funds for charities Bengalis and ‘Mishti’ (Bengali for ‘desserts’) are like two inseparable components of the same organism, they are entwined together since ancient times when the land of Bengal was known as ‘Gour’, derived from the Bengali word for jaggery, ‘Gur’. The land of jaggery, the land of sweets beckon you no matter where in the world you are. ‘Mishti’ is the umbilical cord that binds a Bengali to his motherland. And it was this cord that gave birth to the unique festival of Bengali sweets in the UK, ‘Mishti Puraan’.

Mishti Puraan could have been just another communal get-together, another festival organized by the NRIs in UK. But the organizing group IBUK went a step further. They culminated their will to make a difference in the society with their will to organize a first of it’s kind Bengali desserts festival.

We have seen charity events in the UK where people come with homemade cakes and cookies to raise funds for a cause. IBUK or ‘Indian Bengalis in UK’ gave that charity event culture a typical Bengali twist.

Volunteers would come with homemade Bengali desserts, the kinds which are hard to get in the shops abroad and raise money from the sales for a noble cause.

IBUK or ‘Indian Bengalis in UK’ started out as a Facebook group in 2015, founded by Dalia Singh out of a passion that would for the first time give voice to the Indian Bengali diaspora on a platform outside India.

Anywhere abroad, a Bengali

is generally identified with the nation of Bangladesh.

But IBUK wanted the world to know that a Bengali doesn’t only mean Bangladesh, it means West Bengal as well, it means India as well !

Mishti Puraan was planned as a cross UK event, which will be hosted across cities, mainly because IBUK has a member count of 3700 and rising (as of today) spread across the length and breadth of the country.

The first event was hosted in London on 19th January, 2019 with 8 volunteers dishing out some popular and quintessential Bengali desserts and raised a sum of £1000 from the sale of sweets and the online fundraising page hosted by IBUK during the event. And all this was donated to Cancer Research UK. After London, it moved to East Anglia where on 3rd March, it was hosted in Camboune, Cambridgeshire with the unwavering support of the Indian community there led by Shrobona Bhattacharya. A whopping amount of £900 has been raised from the sales and an online donation of £120 has been deposited in the crowdfunding page.

To know more details about it’s various exciting events round the year, visit www.indianbengalisinuk.net . Mishti Puraan has proved that even in these tumultuous times, love has not lost out to hate. With this continued intent, Mishti Puraan will move onto newer shores across the this island nation, spreading the sweet aroma of unconditional love.

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Sail Away - by Rabindranath Tagore Early in the day it was whispered that we should sail in a boat, only thou and I, and never a soul in the world would know of this our pilgrimage to no country and to no end.

In that shoreless ocean, at thy silently listening smile my songs would swell in melodies, free as waves, free from all bondage of words.

Is the time not come yet?

Are there works still to do?

Lo, the evening has come down upon the shore and in the fading light the seabirds come flying to their nests.

Who knows when the chains will be off, and the boat, like the last glimmer of sunset, vanish into the night?

AJIT NINAN FOR TOI

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The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Pursuit of pleasure increases

and you are more inclined to take the initiative in affairs of the heart. Brilliant energy is with you, take advantage of this phase and make changes in your life where required. This is especially a passionate time for you - be careful not to burn the candle at both ends. Cash flow is still restrictive.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Mercury continues to move

through your solar third house where it feels right at home. Your mind is especially inquisitive during this cycle. Short trips, and other forms of communication and making connections, appeal strongly. Some are fidgety or nervous due to increased errand-running, phone calls, or information overload.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Mercury highlights your second

house of finance, and your focus is on material affairs and comfort issues. This is a good time to plan your future investments carefully to maximise your profits.

Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated. It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life.

Your energy and attention will CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting things done. Close personal relationships will improve with Mercury in your sign.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Your charisma and self-confidence will be heightened while the Sun transits your solar first house. The planet Mercury in your solar 12th house assists you to catch up with neglected tasks. You are likely to require a certain amount of solitude in order to get your thoughts together or to be mentally productive.

your ruling planet is VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Mercury, energizing your solar eleventh house now. Group activities and cooperative efforts are the best way to achieve your goals. Avoid allowing the ego to attempt to dominate others. The best way to achieve your goals during this period is to work as a team, or to at least to do some networking.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Mercury transits your solar tenth house. Relationships with authority figures, superiors, and with the public are in focus during this cycle. It's a time when being a team player reaps the most rewards, and you may be mixing business with pleasure now. This may be a time when you are especially enjoying your career or position and making the most of it.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

The cosmic energies are decidedly invigorating at the moment. If you are taking a holiday, so much the better! Mercury is putting a favourable emphasis on travel and you can be sure of deriving the utmost pleasure from adventures and excursions. The feedback you are receiving from others is helping to strengthen your self-image.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Mercury continues to move through your solar eighth house this week. You are attracted to the deeper elements of relationships and social interactions now, rather than what you meet on the surface. Mysteries fascinate you and you could be looking for others' motives for doing and saying what they do.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

As Mercury transits your seventh house, you have a greater need than usual to be in a relationship. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". Social interactions of a personal nature are highlighted. This is likely to be an extremely busy time for most of you. Use tact and diplomacy in your dealing, otherwise you are likely to come across as over confident and egotistical.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Mercury highlights your solar sixth house. This is a period that finds you tending to your daily routines, and health matters. You seek to perfect your skills and as a result, you can be more critical than usual, but this process is necessary for you to sort out what works for you and what doesn't. Romance is in the air as some of you will be getting engaged or married.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

An inner sense of security and the desire for peace motivates you now. Your affections are strong, preferring quiet moments with loved ones. Mars energizes your solar sixth house. It's a great time to take up healthy regimes. As you have much energy, it would be wise to find little projects and things to do so that you can channel this energy positively.

Sport Kohli dismisses reports of tiff with Rohit Sharma

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www.asian-voice.com

3 - 9 august 2019

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has categorically denied reports of rifts between him and Rohit Sharma, which have been making the rounds after the team returned from England after their loss in the semifinals of World Cup 2019.

Reports emerged of divisions in the dressing room with the Indian captain and vicecaptain reportedly not in the best of terms. "In my opinion it's baffling to be honest. It's absolutely ridiculous to read such stuff that comes out. I have been to a few public events and the sentiment is 'aap log kya khele (you guys played so well)'," Kohli told reporters in a press conference in Mumbai ahead of India's departure to West Indies. “We are feeding off

lies. We are overlooking facts. We are turning a blind eye to all the good things that has happened. We are creating fantasies and scenarios in our head and want to accept that this is the truth," he reacted to the rift rumours. Virat claimed that India wouldn't have been the successful team as they are if not for the camaraderie and understanding in the dressing room.

Recently, there were speculations that Rohit 'unfollowed' Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma on Instagram, which added fuel to the fire. Kohli said bringing in personal lives was disrespectful. "I've seen this for too long now, bringing personal lives into the picture. It's disrespectful

Rohit sharma and Virat Kohli

beyond a point, honestly. I've played the game for 11 years, Rohit has played for 10 years.

It's bizarre that people are creating this stuff on the

Axiom Stone Solicitors wins The Prideview Cricket Cup Axiom Stone Solicitors won the Prideview Cricket Cup ’19, an annual 6-a-side charity cricket for the property industry, which took place at Merchant Taylors’ School in Middlesex on 13 July. The event, organised by Prideview Group, saw 12 teams go head to head with over 300 spectators. The event was culminated with a charity auction of cricketing memorabilia. After a long day

of cricket, Axiom Stone Solicitors, won the cup for the second year running.

Over £30,000 were raised

for One Kind Act, a charity supporting 3 projects in London, India and Tanzania.

Axiom Stone Solicitors secured the winning bid for the most popular lot, a bat signed by the entire Indian Cricket team. Axiom Stone Solicitors is the trading name of Axiom Stone Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Axiom Stone Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

IOA chief urges India to boycott 2022 C'wealth Games in Birmingham In an unprecedented move, the Indian Olympic Association proposed boycott of the 2022 B i r m i n g h a m Commonwealth Games for dropping shooting from the roster, and sought the government's approval. In a letter to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, IOA president Narinder Batra requested him for an early meeting to deliberate on the proposal.The development comes a day after the IOA pulled out of the Commonwealth Games Federation's (CGF) General Assembly, to be held in Rwanda in September, protesting the dropping of shooting from the 2022 CWG roster. The IOA had also withdrawn the nomination of its secretary general Rajeev Mehta for

the election of a regional vice-president as well as that of Namdev Shiragaonkar for sports committee member.While proposing a boycott of the 2022 CWG, Batra lashed out at the CGF leadership for having an "India bashing mindset" and for "trying to change rules" whenever the country does well in the Commonwealth Games. He even went to the extent of saying that India is no longer a colony of any country."We want to express our protest by not taking part in 2022 CWG in the UK to make the CWG understand that India is not prepared to take India bashing anymore and the people with a particular mindset in CWG need to understand that India got its Independence in 1947

and India is not a colony of anyone anymore and is now the fifth largest economy in the world and by far the fastest growing economy in the world," the IOA chief said in the letter."We have been noticing over a period of time that wherever India seems to be getting grip of the game and performing well, then somehow we find that either the goal posts are shifted or rules are changed.

We feel it is time for us in IOA/India to start asking tough questions and start taking tough positions," he said.

Batra said the IOA cannot take a decision of this magnitude with such far-reaching implications by itself and requested the sports minister to grant an early meeting to discuss the boycott proposal.

outside. You guys come to the change room and see, we can't make videos and show you guys.

"It baffles you as a leader,

coach and a team when lies are being floated around. They are made to look like they are believable.

It's disrespectful." Kohli said it was time for everyone to focus on Indian cricket and not on 'things that don't exist'.

"I'm the kind of person who, if I don't like a person or insecure about him, you'll see it on my face or in my behaviour towards that person.

That's how simple it is," he said. "I have always praised Rohit at every opportunity because I believe he is that good.

We have had no issues. As I said it's baffling. I don't know who is benefiting with all these stories. We are living,

breathing, living and working towards taking Indian cricket to the top.

And then people want to get some kind of pleasure in bringing it down. I don't understand how that works.

You work hard for four years to bring a team from seven to one, and after four years what are we talking about."

"Within the team, it's there for everyone to see the friendship and camaraderie. It's baffling and ridiculous to read such stuff.

It's time we focus on taking Indian cricket forward and not on things that are not even there." Coach Ravi Shastri too dismissed speculations strongly saying: "The way this team plays, no individual is bigger than the game.

India to participate in Physical Disability World Cricket Series Indian team is set to play in the first 2019 Physical Disability World Cricket Series which will be held in England. The tournament, organised by the England and the Wales Cricket Board, will be held at Worcestershire from 3 to 13 August. The Indian team landed in the UK along with support staff, team coach Sulakshan Kulkarni and captain Vikrant Keni. The high-spirited cricketers are determined to win the Natwest Physical Disability T20 World Series as a tribute to late Padma Shri Ajit Wadekar.

The team will have conditioning camp in London to acclimatize themselves with the English weather till 1 August. They will then travel to Worcestershire, where they would play warm-up games on 3 and 4 August, before beginning of tournament

on 5 August. India will play its first game on 6 August against England, while on 9 August it is scheduled to play against its arch rival Pakistan.

The announcement was made by the All India Cricket Association For The Physically Challenged (AICAPC) in presence of BCCI general manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim and legendary batsman Dilip Vengsarkar, on the birth anniversary of former India skipper Ajit Wadekar, who died last

year. Karim clarified that the BCCI has only given recognition to the AICAPC. In 1988, the AICAPC was founded in Mumbai, by Wadekar in association with The Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped.

AICAPC is the apex body in India for promoting cricket among all the categories of the disabled persons.

AICAPC conducts cricket tournaments for the physically challenged person at local, regional, national as well international level.

Michael Owen to announce new grassroots football project in Leicester A new grassroots football initiative will be launched in Leicester which will promote a new generation of diverse footballers and local youngsters to competitive football.

Spearheaded by one of England’s legendary footballers Michael Owen and Sany Supra, the event will be organised on 1 August at Leicester Bharat Football Club, Recreation Ground, Rushey Fields. With the aim to attract a greater number of British Asians and local talents in professional football, the event will look to generate the buzz required to incite youngsters to take part nationwide.

The full details of the project will be unveiled by Michael Owen. Michael has

chosen Leicester Bharat FC as it is in the heart of the BAME community and there are many talented youths who dreams to become professional footballers. Leicester has a number of trailblazing local football clubs of which Bharat is one among them.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said, “We are thrilled that one of England’s greatest football stars has chosen to promote and discover fresh talent by coming into the heart of the community and to announce this new football project. This will be such a momentous event. I am sure he will be given a hero’s welcome by local people and the project has our full support.”