India-US trade deal may include agriculture, pharma P23
India to welcome Sunita Williams soon P25
Nirmala Sitharaman to visit UK, focus on FTA talks
H E L P L E S S
P A T I E N T S S E E K
O V E R S E A S C A R E
As the NHS and social care system in the UK grapple with challenges, more and more community members are seeking solace in India's thriving medical industry, turning to its high-quality care as a solution
Anusha Singh
The Spring Budget has been met with concern from the health and social care sector, which has labelled it “worrying” and “unsustainable” due to the absence of new funding for the NHS or social care Instead, Chancellor Rachel Reeves prioritised £4 8 billion in welfare cuts, a £2 billion investment in social and affordable housing, and reductions in departmental budgets
The worry of the social care sector is not unfounded as an accompanying report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) outlines the potential impact on health and social care. The analysis shows that projected revenue spending for the sector in 2024/25 has risen from an estimated £190 1 billion in October 2024 to £193 3 billion a real-terms increase of 4 7%, surpassing the previous 3 8% forecast However, for 2025/26, the real-terms increase has been downgraded from 3% to 1 8%, signalling tighter financial constraints ahead
leadership to his son, Aditya Mittal A former donor to New Labour, Mittal later supported Boris Johnson s 2019 election campaign He now joins a growing list of
A non-dom is a UK resident whose
the
purposes
This status is unrelated to nationality, citizenship, or
Lakshmi Mittal considers UK exit amidst tax crackdown
Lakshmi Mittal
Chancellor Rachel Reeves with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at bilateral meeting in Washington D C on October 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Indian diaspora in Munich, Germany
UK hosts landmark summit to curb illegal migration
Th e UK is l eading a historic internatio nal cr ackdown on org anised immig r at io n cr im e a s t h e Prime Minister and Ho me Secretar y h ost a l andmar k su mmit
T h e O
s e d Immigration Crime (OIC)
Su m m i t u n i t e s o v e r 4 0 countries, including the U S , V i e t n a m
Fr
giants like Meta, X and TikTok, to dismantle peop
security
L
During the summit at
Ho
St a r m e r reaff irmed the UK’s com-
m i t m e n t t o c o m b a t i n g illegal migration, calling it a major driver of global i n s e c u r i t y He s t r e s s e d that uncontrolled migration fuels public frustration, strains ser vices, and leaves migrants vulnerable to ruthless gangs
Recalling his 2016 visit to a Calais migrant camp,
St a r m e r d e s c r i b e d t h e
dire conditions: "Children as young as f ive huddled
i n f r e e z i n g m u d , w i t h
n o t h i n g t o ke e p t h e m
warm The camp is gone, but the exploitation and gangs remain "
He likened the UK’s n e w a p p
treat organised immigrat i o n c r i m e a s a g l o b a l security threat and use ever y tool at our disposal "
Highlighting progress, he stated , "Since taking o f f i c e , w e ’ v e r e t u r n e d
over 24,000 people with no right to be here-something the Rwanda scheme would have taken 80 years to achieve "
Unveiling a tough new law on illegal working, he w a r n e d , " D o d g y f i r m s exploiting loopholes and undercutting honest businesses will face f ines up to £60,000, prison terms of u p t o f i v e y e a r s , a n d potential closure "
Ahead of the summit, t h e Ho m e O f f i c e announced a £33 million i n v e s t m e n t t o d i s r u p t p e o p l e - s m u
works and boost prosecutions
Labou r weighs mig rant depo rtation pl an
The UK government is c o n s i d e r i n g d e p o r t i n g failed asylum seekers to overseas migrant camps, P r i m e M i n i s t e r Ke i r
Starmer has indicated He said he was open to “ anything that works” to curb small boat crossings when asked if Britain might fol-
low the EU’s plan to set up foreign “return hubs” for migrants
However, such a policy could spark controvers
a n d draw comparisons to the C
d Rwanda scheme Earlier this month, the EU introduced regulations allowi
establish return hubs outside the bloc for rejected asylum seekers
The hubs could house
fe nations like Vietnam and India before deportation T
shore processing,” where asylum seekers are sent to
their claims are reviewed, as seen in Italy’s deal with Albania
Independents defeat L abour in Red bridge by-election
I n d ep e nd e nts d efea ted
L abour in an East L ond on by-election, reflecting g rass-
r o o ts d i s co n ten t No o r
J ah a n Be g u m w o n th e
R ed b ri d g e co u n ci l se at
v ac ate d by ex-l ead e r Ja s
A thwal, no w a L abour MP
I l fo r d S o u t h M P Ja s Athwal faced backlash over tenant complaints of black
m o u l d a n d p e s t s
I n d e p e n d e n t No o r Ja h a n Begum won Redbridge with
1 , 0 8 0 v o t e s , d e fe a t i n g
L a b o u r ’ s S a l e e m M a z h a r (663) and the Conser vatives (494) Despite high-prof ile
L a b o u r c a m p a i g n e r s , turnout was 24 65%, highlighting the party’s growing
c h a l l e n g e f r o m i n d e p e ndents in East London
Lutfur Rahman’s Aspire
r e t o o k c o n t r o l o f To w e r Hamlets council at the last local elections in 2022, while Newham Independents have become the opposition on Newham council after local b y - e l e c t i o n w i n s a n d a d e fe c t i o n i n t h e w a ke o f anger at Labour’s response to the war in Gaza
I n Ju l y, We s St
e t i n g narrowly kept his Ilford seat,
Noor Jahan Begum thanked
“historic win” and a vote for grassroots politics based on integrity and inclusion R e d b r i d g e a n d I l fo r d Independents chair Vaseem
Ahmed said voters rejected a Labour Party that "no longer
" He accused Labour of ignoring Jas Athwal’s failure to license his rental flats while enforc-
r s He added that the win was a stand against policies harming the NHS and vulnerable groups
Minister scrutinises visa allowing rich to bring workers
Home Off ice minister Jess
P h i ll ip s h a s cri ti c is ed th e O v er s eas Do m es ti c Wo rk v isa, calling it “servitude ”
The visa allows wealthy families to bring staff to the UK for six months Phillips said she is closely monitoring the system
Marking a decade since
t h e Mo d e r n S l a v e r y A c t , Labour minister Jess Phillips
c r i t i c i z e d t h e v i s a s y s t e m allowing wealthy families to bring domestic staff, calling it “ ser vitude ” She said, “I cook my own dinner and
h
Ministers and officials accepted freebies 3, 500 times in five years
ing t hese “fr eebies” also se cur ed t he most gov ern ment me etin gs, highlight ing pote ntia l adv ant age s T
Corruption, analysed hospitality accepted by ministers and off icials in f ive key departments from 2019 to mid-2024, during Conser vative rule
The issue resurfaced after Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, and other ministers faced criticism for accepting free event tickets, clothing, and accommodation from companies and a Labour donor Reeves, condemned for taking Sabrina Carpenter concert tickets, defended it on security grounds but pledged to refuse such offers in the future
T h e s t u d y h i g h l i g h t s We s t m i n s t e r 's widespread hospitality culture, benef iting not just ministers but also senior civil ser vants and advisers
Senior Treasur y off icials accepted hospitality from HSBC 10 times, with the bank holding 24 meetings-the most of any stakeholder Barclays provided hospitality 11 times and had 17 meetings, ranking third Together, both banks engaged with Treasur y off icials 1 2 times a week UK Finance was also a top hospitality provider and frequent Treasur y visitor
At the DBT, Permanent Secretar y Gareth Davies accepted event tickets from Oliver Wyman and others in 2024 KPMG, PwC, and Oliver Wyman ranked among the top hospitality providers and meeting attendees
The issue resurfaced after Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, and others faced criticism for
Labour donor Reeves defended taking concert t i c
decline future offers The study reveals a broader hospitality culture in Westminster benef iting ministers, civil ser vants, and advisers
Young Brits fear job market more than climate
Yo un g p e o ple a r e m o r e c o n ce r n e d a bo ut f ina nces, job pressure s, and in security than socia l m edia, climat e chan ge, or cultur e war s, re sear ch shows The study a lso challe nge s the i de a o f g e n e ra t i on a l co n flic t, h ig h lig ht i n g de epe r d iv ides wit hin G en Z-such as class, e duca tion, an d g end er t han be twe en gen er at ion s A UK Youth Poll 2025 study by Glasgow University’s John Smith Centre found 63% of young people believe democracy is "in trouble," though 57% still prefer it over dictatorship (27%)
I N B R I E F DRIVING TEST BACKLOG WORSENS ACROSS UK
Driving test wait times in Britain hit a record high averaging 20 weeks in February up from 14 weeks last year AA Driving School reports To tackle the backlog the DfT is recruiting and training 450 new examiners From 8 April, the notice period for changing a test slot will extend from three to 10 working days The DVSA aims to cut wait times to seven weeks or less by yearend, but only 14 centres met this target in February Meanwhile, test centres with 24-week waits nearly doubled to 183 over the past year AA Driving School welcomed the DVSA’s efforts, stressing the importance of reducing delays to prevent barriers to education and employment DfT data shows the number of 17 to 20 -year- olds in England with a licence dropped from 35% in 2019 to 29% in 2023 A DVSA spokesperson attributed high wait times to increased demand and low confidence in test availability They emphasised efforts to cut delays through a seven-point plan and urged learners to book tests only when fully prepared
DENGUE CASES HIT RECORD HIGH
Dengue cases in UK travellers have hit a record high with UKHSA reporting 904 cases in 2024 up from 631 in 2023 Health officials have issued a warning The UK has recorded its highest number of imported dengue cases since records began in 2009 According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), most cases were linked to travel in southern and Southeast Asia, prompting a warning for travellers to take precautions when visiting regions where the virus is prevalent Dengue is commonly found in the Caribbean, parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands, and some southern areas of North America It has also been detected in parts of Europe, including Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France The infection is not present in the UK and cannot be transmitted from person to person Symptoms typically appear between four and ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito
ANTI-SCAM GROUPS URGE POLICE TO CRACK DOWN ON FRAUDSTERS
Ellie Chowns, who warned that tying temporar
work visas to employers discourages workers from reporting
reforms proposed by experts in the f ield M s C
t e d renewable visas to provide
workers with more security and allow them to stay in t h e U K i f t h
breaches employment laws
She noted that Australia has already adopted this change
Gen Z is politically engaged, with 75% participating in activism last year The poll, conducted with Focaldata, showed f inancial worries (37%), work pressures (23%), and job insecurity (20%) as top concerns, far outweighing social media (14%) and climate change (10%)
Eddie Barnes, director of the John Smith Centre, said young people worr y more about f inancial sur vival and homeownership than social media Many feel they are just getting by rather than building careers Still, 67% support banning social media for under-16s Views on societal issues are split-67% see toxic masculinity rising, 42% say feminism has done more harm than good (45% disagree), and 73% see racism as a major issue While culture wars matter, crime now ranks above the environment in their priorities A poll found most young people hold moderate views, but a vocal minority of young men on the right favour dictatorship over democracy Gen Z’s opinions v a r y b y s o c i o e c o n o m i c b a c k g r
Anti-scam groups are calling for tougher action on fraud, labeling it a “penaltyfree crime” costing victims millions Their plea follows a 19% rise in cases last year and the UK government's plan to expand its fraud strategy A major data leak exposed a $35m scam call centre with over 1m files shared by SVT OCCRP and The Guardian GASA head Jorij Abraham urged global leaders to strengthen law enforcement Rocio Concha director of policy and advocacy at the consumer protection campaigner Which? stressed the need for police, government, and businesses to collaborate in tackling the UK s fraud crisis She urged regulators to penalise companies failing to prevent scams Launching the initiative, UK fraud minister Lord Hanson vowed to hold criminals accountable, warning that fraud funds other criminal enterprises The $35m Georgian scam operation targeted UK residents more than any other nationality, with Britons losing around £9m nearly a third of the total Of 2 ,000 global victims, 652 were in the UK,
Keir Starmer
Noor Jahan Begum
Jess Philips
Immigration, a divisive issue?
Every election in the UK sees immigration emerge as a key point of contention in party manifestos The Conservative government’s controversial Rwanda deal aimed to relocate refugees to curb numbers, but Labour scrapped it upon taking office While illegal immigration should not be tolerated, the challenge lies in how broader immigration policies are shaped and perceived
The issue is that every immigrant, particularly those from BAME backgrounds, ends up being unfairly scrutinised as a potential illegal entrant in an environment where racism is already prevalent Striking a balance between national security, economic stability, and humanitarian responsibility is essential This requires stronger international collaboration t o d i s m
investment in prosecuting smugglers, and measures to prevent abuse of visa systems
A major contradiction in Britain’s immigration stance is its response to war-torn refugees from regions like Libya and Afghanistan Many of these conflicts have been exacerbated, if not initiated, by Britain itself, yet when displaced people seek refuge, the UK often withdraws its support Meanwhile, France does little to prevent illegal crossings, creating a situation where Britain faces ongoing migration pressures
The presence of refugees in government-funded hotels has fuelled negative perceptions of the immigrant community as a whole, especially when isolated incidents of illegal activities occur This unfairly undermines the contributions of legal immigrants, who have played a vital role in building the UK’s economy and society
From the Conservatives to Labour, the rhetoric on illegal immigration has intensified, yet the reality remains: many of
these migration crises are consequences of Britain’s foreign policies Without a comprehensive and fair immigration strategy, the UK risks criminalising migration altogether, harming those who genuinely contribute while failing to address the root causes of displacement
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reinforced his stance on immigration during the Organised Immigration Crime (OIC) summit in London, announcing that over 24,000 people with no right to remain in the UK have been returned since Labour took office marking the highest return rate in eight years He criticised the previous government's Rwanda scheme, highlighting that despite a £700 million investment, only four people were relocated He argued that even if fully operational, the scheme would have taken 80 years to match Labour’s current return figures
Starmer also revealed the alarming lack of coordination between policing, the Border Force, and intelligence agencies, describing it as an "open invitation" for smugglers Labour’s approach now focuses on fixing these systemic gaps while enforcing immigration policies in a way that balances control with fairness
Despite these measures, the broader challenge remains The UK’s response to immigration has often been reactionary, shaped by a legacy of colonial influence and Western supremacy This has led to immigrants who have been central to Britain’s economy, healthcare, and infrastructure being unfairly targeted Their contributions are overlooked while policies continue to prioritise deterrence over longterm solutions True immigration reform requires acknowledging the UK’s role in global displacement and crafting a system that is both just and sustainable
Modi, Putin, and a shifting world order
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India, with both countries making the necessary preparations for the high-profile tour, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced
This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war His last trip to the country was in 2 0 2 1
upcoming visit, New Delhi and Moscow can discuss a range of critical issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, trade settlements in national currencies, Indian nationals in the Russian army, rail manufacturing collaborations, and broader trade and energy cooperation
The visit comes at a particularly chaotic moment, with Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency throwing global diplomacy into yet another whirlwind In just three months, Trump has dramatically flipped the US stance to unconditionally support Russia, leaving European leaders scrambling British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have rushed to Washington cajoling for Trump’s backing on Ukraine Meanwhile, Trump a n d V a n c e , t o o k
Volodymyr Zelensky during his US visit And now, in a plot twist, Trump has found a common ground with Starmer in “keeping up the collective pressure on Putin”, whatever that actually means in Trump’s ever-shifting playbook
The India factor of the China-Russia dynamic can also be noteworthy highlight, as all three nations navigate a delicate geopolitical balance Last year ’ s high-level meeting between I n d i a n P
President Xi Jinping in the Russian city of Kazan marked
their first direct engagement in five years While Russia has denied playing any role in facilitating the meeting, its envoy to India, Denis Alipov, welcomed the India-China rapprochement as a very positive development Given Russia’s growing isolation on the global stage, strengthening its ties with both India and China definitely remains a strategic priority for Moscow
Putin’s visit will also highlight Modi’s personality-driven foreign policy While the rapport between the two leaders was evident during their informal exchange at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Modi’s engagement with Putin additionally aligns with India’s broader efforts to establish itself as a leader of the Global South New Delhi views Moscow’s support as crucial in its pursuit of a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, given Russia’s status as a P5 member
Beyond diplomatic considerations, the visit is expected to advance Putin’s "new economic roadmap" for 2030, with both countries aiming to double their bilateral trade to over $100 billion annually Currently, India-Russia bilateral trade stands at approximately $60 billion per year, with both nations looking to further expand trade routes and supply chains
Additionally, this visit will also shape how world leaders perceive India as it rolls out the red carpet for Putin, who many now see as a heartless bully So far, India has carefully maintained its diplomatic balancing act neither fully aligning with the West nor backing Russia outright But with high-stakes negotiations, competing global interests, and shifting alliances in play, this visit is bound to be one for the books
Nepal’s leadership crisis deepens
I n 2 0 0 8 , N e p a l e n d e d i t s 2 4 0 - y e a r - o l d m o n a r c h y a n d embraced democracy with hopes of progress and stability The transition was widely welcomed, but over the years, political instability, corruption, and economic struggles have led many Nepalese to question whether democracy has delivered on its promises
Frustration with ineffective governance has fuelled a growing pro-monarchy movement, with increasing calls for the restoration of the royal institution as a means to bring stability and national unity
Since the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal has had 13 governments in 17 years, each failing to provide stable leadership Corruption scandals have further eroded public trust, with almost every Prime Minister accused of misusing power
Current PM Oli faces contempt charges, while former PMs, including Madhav Nepal, Baburam Bhattarai, and Khil Raj Regmi, have been implicated in land scams Five-time PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, face allegations of fraud, fuelling public outrage
During the protests, demonstrators have been chanting slogans such as Raja aau, desh bachau (Let the king come to save the country), Down with the corrupt government, and "We want monarchy back " The growing frustration with governance failures has led to violent clashes between protesters and police As public anger reaches a breaking point, many believe that restoring the monarchy could bring stability and hold corrupt politicians accountable
The Nepalese diaspora in the UK shares these concerns, arguing that democracy in Nepal needs to be more inclusive
and functional The protests reflect a loss of patience with political leaders and a demand for a government that prioritises economic growth, job creation, and national development instead of political infighting
Throughout its history, Nepal has maintained strong ties with India, both during the monarchy and after becoming a federal republic The two nations share deep cultural, religious, and economic bonds, with open borders facilitating trade and movement Even during the monarchy, India played a key role in Nepal’s economic development and regional stability Despite occasional trade and border disputes, NepalIndia relations have remained largely cooperative
India has also been a key destination for Nepalese people seeking better opportunities in employment and education
Thousands of Nepalese work in various sectors across India, including the armed forces, while many students pursue higher education in Indian institutions This long-standing support has further strengthened ties between the two nations
If Nepal restores its monarchy, India could face both benefits and challenges A stable monarchy could reinforce diplomatic ties and regional security, benefiting India However, political instability in Nepal could spill over into India, particularly in border areas Additionally, if a revived monarchy seeks closer ties with China, it could challenge India’s strategic interests in the region Ultimately, while India has always maintained close relations with Nepal, the future of their partnership will depend on how Nepal’s political landscape evolves
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Sketchbook
Alpesh Patel
UK India and USA – A Family Therapy Session
The United Kingdom, still grappling with its post-Brexit identity, now faces the added strain of U S tariffs Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the inevitability of these economic sanctions, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at securing exemptions The anticipated tariffs, potentially as high as 20%, threaten to shrink the UK's GDP by approximately 0 6%, a significant psychological and economic blow
In therapeutic terms, the UK appears to be exhibiting signs of an anxious attachment style, seeking validation and security from its longstanding ally, the United States However, the U S 's unpredictable behaviour under Trump's leadership suggests a need for the UK to develop a more secure, self-reliant stance Rather than retaliating a reaction akin to a knee-jerk response in therapy the UK might benefit from diversifying its alliances and deepening ties with Europe This pivot could provide a more stable foundation, reducing dependency on a partner whose actions have become increasingly erratic
India's Strategy: Preemptive Concessions or Assertive Independence?
India, often characterized by its pragmatic and adaptive nature, faces a complex challenge The looming U S tariffs could impact a vast array of sectors, from pharmaceuticals to textiles, potentially affecting 87% of India's exports to the U S , valued at $66 billion
In response, India has shown a willingness to reduce tariffs on over half of its U S imports, a move aimed at mitigating the impact of Trump's reciprocal taxes This preemptive c o n c
approach akin to a patient attempting to appease a domineering figure to avoid conflict
However, one must question whether such concessions might reinforce a cycle of acquiescence Alternatively, India could assert its independence by strengthening regional partnerships and investing in domestic industries to reduce reliance on U S trade This approach mirrors therapeutic strategies that encourage individuals to build self-esteem and autonomy, rather than perpetually seeking external approval
To Retaliate or to Ally: That Is the Question
Both nations stand at a crossroads, faced with the decision to retaliate against U S tariffs or to seek deeper alliances elsewhere Retaliation, while satisfying in the short term, often leads to escalating conflicts a dynamic welldocumented in both international relations and family therapy sessions
For the UK, forming deeper alliances with European neighbours could provide a buffer against U S unpredictability Re-engaging with the European Union, despite the complexities of Brexit, may offer a more stable and supportive environment, much like reconnecting with supportive family members after a tumultuous relationship
India, on the other hand, might explore strengthening ties within the D-10 Strategy Forum, a coalition of leading democracies, to counterbalance U S economic pressures By collaborating with nations such as Japan, Australia, and South Korea, India can diversify its economic partnerships and reduce vulnerability to unilateral actions from any single country
Conclusion: Navigating the Global Therapy Session
After all, in both therapy and geopolitics, understanding one's own needs and building healthy relationships are key to long-term well-being Let's hope these nations choose paths that lead to growth, self-assurance, and fewer sessions on the international couch Indeed the world may come together and have an ‘intervention’ against the US where collectively it decides to impose cripling tariffs on America
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Young couple convicted in brutal stepmum attack
A y o un g c ou ple h a s be e n found guilt y of att empt in g t o murde r t heir ste pmothe r i n a br u t a l ha mm e r a n d k nife at ta ck
Wasif Hussain, 21, and Nabela Tabassum, 19, wore
a n i m a l m a s k s a s t h e y ambushed Arifa Nazmin at their Kings Norton home on January 29 last year
Chilling footage showed Hussain attacking Nazmin with a hammer, strangling, a n d p u n c h i n g h e r a s s h e begged for her life
Despite stab wounds and defensive injuries, Nazmin convinced them to let her go upstairs, where she called for help
Hussain and Tabassum f l e d t o B o l t o n b u t w e
hours later
The couple met online in 2023, married in December, and moved in with Hussain’s f
n January Tensions soon rose, with Nazmin accusing them of treating the home like a
Tabassum’s housekeeping
In her police interview,
with her in-laws left her suic
involvement but later confessed, recalling how Mrs Nazmin begged for help as H
Tabassum admitted handing him a knife but claimed she refused to stab the victim
She also revealed they bought a lighter days earlier to "get rid" of Mrs Nazmin
Hussain’s father After the attack, they fled to Bolton to destroy evidence and start a "happy life "
intent to kill On March 27, a jury found Hussain guilty of attempted murder, while Tabassum was convicted by an 11-1 majority Sentencing is set for May 21
Leicester man jailed for running £2m cocaine network
A Leicester d rug dealer w ho ran a £2m cocaine netw ork h as been jailed
S a r j u K h u s h a l , 3 0 , o f
Hazeldene Road, Hamilton,
n 2 0 2 2 A raid on his home uncovered large amounts of Class A and B drugs, paraphernalia, cash, and multiple devices
L e i c e s t e r s h i r e P o
£76,000 wholesale, with a
£250,000 Khushal’s phones contained numerous messages about drug deals He pleaded guilty to multiple drug offences and possess i o n o
and was jailed for 11 years at Leicester Crown Court Det Sgt Sewell said the e v i d
n s
K
Armed gang convicted of DPD driver’s brutal murder
A mo b am bu sh ed and brutally killed DPD wo rker Aurman Singh in second s, hacking him to d eath in broad daylig ht
parcels in Shrewsbury when masked men attacked with an axe, severing part of his ear
His killers also used a wooden stave, metal bar, hockey stick, shovel, knife, and cricket bat in the violent assault
Mehakdeep Singh, 24, and Sehajpal Singh, 36, were found guilty of murder at Stafford Crown Court and face life in prison, with sentencing set for April 11
Their trial followed the convictions of four others for Aurman Singh’s murder and a fifth man for manslaughter The group received over 120 years in jail in April 2024
Aurman, 23, was ambushed in Shrewsbury on August 21, 2023 He was struck with an axe, fracturing his skull, and hit so hard with a golf club that it broke A knife wound to his back cut through a rib
H
Turna remain wanted in connection with the case
Mehakdeep and Sehajpal, who lived with c o n v i c t e d m u r d e r e r A r s h d e e p S i n g h i n
Tipton, fled the UK after Aurman’s murder but were arrested in Austria last year
I N B R I E F MAN JAILED FOR CHEATING DRIVING THEORY TESTS
A 28-year-old Leicestershire man was caught taking driving theory tests for others across the Midlands Aaron Kumar of Oadby charged £250 plus expenses per test visiting centres in Northampton Derby, Grantham, Wolverhampton, Sutton Coldfield, and Corby before his arrest He later pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud Kumar s offences began in 2021, and he was finally caught in January 2024 Staff at Corby’s DVSA centre recognised him retaking a test and alerted police Officers arrived while he was still completing it-initially, he claimed his identity was real but quickly confessed when challenged He was arrested, charged with six counts of fraud, and sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison at Northampton Crown Court PC Harry Cory of Northamptonshire Police said those who paid Kumar should be "ashamed of themselves " He welcomed Kumar’s jail sentence stressing that "economic crime does not pay" and urging him to reflect on his actions Cory added Driving is a privilege earned through both theory and practical tests no one should be able to cheat the system
LEICESTER'S TB RATE NEARLY 4 TIMES THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
f o u n d e v i d e n c e o n Khushal's phones linking his drug operation back to 2018, including messages detailing deals and images of him with wads of cash Detective Sergeant Chris Sewell from EMSOU said Khushal was
h a l was overwhelming, forcing him to plead guilty He confirmed police would seek to s
level, supplying over 19kg of Class A drugs worth more than £2m A drugs expert valued 2 k g o f c o c
Proceeds of Crime Act He added that efforts to tackle drug supply continue, as it h a r m s c o m m u n i t i e s a n d families
Scottish Government fails to deliver on GP services
T h e Sc o tti sh G ov e rnm ent f ac es To ry ac cu
failing
v ices
GP
Despite the 2018 GMS contract, an Audit Scotland
Covid S
Gulhane blamed
18 years of S N P
the decline in GP services, c i t i n g 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 f
appointments in a year as evidence of underfunding A n A u
ment is unlikely to meet its target of 800 new GPs by
address rising workloads Dr Gulhane criticised the 2018 contract as “broken”, leaving GPs burnt out and patients struggling to book appointments
He accused the SNP of false promises and under-
Government to invest directly in GP practices to safeguard services The government insists it is committed to hiring
patient access, with £2 billion earmarked for primary care next year A spokesper-
Judge Simon Hirst thanked jurors, excusing them from future service due to the case ’ s distressing details He confirmed both men face life sentences, with a minimum term to be decided before potential parole
Tories urge government to intervene in Birmingham bin strike
Senio r Conservativ es hav e urged g overnment ac ti o n
en in g b i n s trikes In a letter to D epu ty P M A ng el a Rayner, they w arned o f “ch ao s ” as all-ou t strikes since 11 March h av e left streets “ covered in rat-infested rubbish ”
They urged "urgent steps," including cutting councillors' pay to fund refuse collection Talks between the council and Unite union will resume after collapsing last week, with the council warning of compulsory redundancies Unite remains committed to a resolution The dispute concerns a job loss that could cut pay for 50 staff by up to £8,000, a claim the council disputes The council insists its "very fair" offer ensures no worker loses money
In their letter to Rayner, Alex Burghart and Kevin Hollinrake warned that the city s "risk of disease" was escalating and urged the Labour government to deploy private waste collectors to end the strikes
They also called for a Cobra meeting to coordinate national and local officials The letter criticised the council for granting a 5 7% pay rise to councillors despite being under commissioners since 2023 after its effective bankruptcy
The city council stated that the pay rise was recommended by an independent panel and had cross-party support but said it was up to the government to respond to the politicians' letter
Leicester s TB rate is nearly four times the national average, nearing levels seen in parts of Africa, South America, and the Caribbean WHO data shows that from 2021 to 2023, the city averaged 152 TB cases yearly, with a rate of 40 7 per 100,000 people the highest in England If all cases were confirmed, Leicester would be on the verge of high TB incidence, similar to some nations in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean This is four times the WHO’s low-incidence threshold of 10 cases per 100 000 and far above England’s rate of 8 5 UKHSA data shows TB cases rose by 11% in 2023 with a further 13% increase projected for 2024 If this trend continues the UK risks losing its WHO low-incidence status held since 2017 While Leicester s TB rate is the highest in England, no other part of Leicestershire exceeds the WHO threshold Oadby and Wigston had the next highest rate at 9 1 per 100,000, followed by Charnwood and Blaby at 5 8
NHS STAFF MISCONDUCT CASES SURGE IN THREE MONTHS
More than 40 misconduct hearings were held at Birmingham hospitals in just a few months a report has revealed Between October and December 2024 University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust launched 42 formal investigations, mostly for misconduct, including sexual misconduct, discrimination, unprofessional behaviour, physical altercations, and punctuality breaches The report noted 114 ongoing cases across its sites The report also noted that 34 cases were referred to the Trust s People Teams and closed without formal action In December 2024, the Trust launched a sexual misconduct policy to create a safer workplace and streamline reporting An online tool now allows staff to confidentially report incidents, reinforcing the Trust’s zero-tolerance stance A new website offers resources for managers and "behaviours at work" training will begin in April Ongoing training and awareness sessions are planned to ensure all staff understand the policy and their roles in fostering a respectful workplace The report also said work will continue this year on its bullying and harassment awareness campaign which was launched in April 2024
P o lice h av e ackno w led g ed that dom estic abuse v ictim s are being d riv en to su icid e by th eir abusers, as a new rep ort revealed th at su icid e d eath s am ong abu se v ictim s h av e su rpassed th ose killed by intim ate partners for the second year in a ro w
The report highlighted a grim milestone, with 1,012
d o m e s t i c a b u s e - r e l a t e d deaths recorded over four years, according to Louisa Rolfe of the National Police
C h i e f s ' C o u n c i l ( N P C C )
R
h o w ingrained violence against women and girls is in society
I n t h e y e a r b e t w e e n April 2023 and March 2024, 262 deaths were linked to domestic abuse in England a n d W a l e s O f t h e s e , 9 8 were categorised as suspected suicides following abuse
The report, compiled using l i v e p o l i c e r e c o r d s , a l s o examined deaths from falls, w i t h 2 2 s u c h i n c i d e n t s recorded Alarmingly, 36% of these were categorised as
Louisa Rolfe
suicides linked to abuse, and 27% were labelled as unexp e c t e d d e a t h s N o t a b l y , three women who fell were pregnant at the time
The report, produced in collaboration with the campaign group Killed Women, called for domestic abuse to be treated as a key line of inquiry in cases of women falling from heights It also found that 68% of victims or p e r p e t r a t o r s h a d p
o u s contact with police or agencies, underscoring the need for better information-sharing M i n i s t e r J e s s P h i l l i p s e m p h a s i s e d t h
standing the links between domestic abuse and deaths is vital to preventing future tragedies
Maternity unit to close amid falling birth rates
T he m aternity unit at th e Royal Free Hospital in north L ond on is set to clo se due to d eclining birth rates
The decision, confirmed
b y t h e N o r t h C e n t r a l
L o n d o n I n t e g r a t e d C a r e Board on Tuesday, follows data showing a 14% drop in births across the area over the past five years Under the plan, four out of five
m a t e r n i t y u n i t s i n t h e region will remain open, but
t h e R o y a l F r e e ’ s u n i t i n Camden will shut down
T h e c l o s u r e r e f l e c t s broader trends, with national birth rates in 2023 falling to a record low of 1 44 children per woman in England and Wales In Camden, the figure was even lower, at just one child per woman
The remaining materni-
t y u n i t s w
l l c o n t i n u
o s e r v e B a r n e t , C a m d e n , E n f i e l d , H a r i n g
Islington, as well as nearby b
h s T h e p
a l s also include shutting down birthing suites at Edgware Birth Centre, where only 28 births occurred in the past year These spaces will be r
and postnatal care
Officials noted that the Royal Free’s neonatal unit cares for fewer babies than other facilities and does not accept infants born before 34 weeks Admissions have been declining by 4% annually since 2018, with half of its cots unoccupied on average The closures, expected to take several years, follow a 14-week public consultat
thirds of respondents supported changes The plan could free up £67 million for investment in Whittington, U
C
, a n d Barnet hospitals
Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman in London next week for trade talks
In d i an F i na nc
visit Lo nd on from Ap ril 8-10 for talks under the India-UK Ec o no m ic and F i nan c ia l Dialogue, focusing on bilateral trad e and inv estment
She is expected to meet Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves as part of this
nism to strengthen econom-
nations
A senior official said the trade agreement and bilater-
also be discussed during the meetings Bilateral economic cooperation is guided by institutional dialogues like the Economic and Financial
Dialogue (EFD), where both sides regularly review trade and investment progress
On February 24, Indian
announced the resumption of India-UK FTA negotia-
with UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds
"We are actively negotiating three aspects-the FTA, Bilateral Investment Treaty,
Goyal said, emphasising that
swiftly, India will not rush into a deal "We will have
remarked
consists of 26-chapter in the India-UK FTA covers goods, services, investments, and IP rights The UK seeks lower tariffs on EVs and Scotch whisky, while India wants
Nirmala Sitharaman
Sentencing Council halts new guidelines over justice row
T h e S ente nc in g C o u nc i l h as suspended plans for new guid elines that could have led to d ifferent sentences based on age, sex, and eth nicity after pressure
f ro m m in is ters T h e g o v ern-
m ent is now set to introd uce emerg ency legislation to overturn the prop osals, which had sparked concerns about a “twotier” justice system
T h e d
were due to take effect, following a standoff with the Ministry
o
y Shabana Mahmood pushed for immediate action, but parliam e n t a
impossible to pass a bill before t h e E
would have been in force briefly before being outlawed
T h e p r o p o s e d g u i d e l i n e s required judges to consider presentence reports before imprisoning individuals from ethnic o r r e l i g i o u s m i n o r i t y
grounds, young adults, abuse
survivors, or pregnant women Critics argued this would introd
based on identity rather than individual circumstances
To prevent confusion, the Sentencing Council agreed to delay implementation, stating that it would not introduce a guideline that a draft bill is set to make unlawful The new legislation will clarify that sentencing should not grant special consideration to specific groups Mahmood, emphasising the
British Hindus reject 'police report' linking them to far right
B ri ti s h H i nd u g ro u p s h av e s tro ng ly co nd em ned a leaked p o l i ce rep o rt t h at a ll eg e d ly claim s British Hindu extremists are fo rm ing alliances with far-right gro ups in Euro pe ov er sh ared anti-Muslim sentim ents T hey h av e d ismissed th e claims as comp letely false, m islead ing, and baseless
The Mail on Sunday reported that it had obtained a classified UK intelligence document stating that Hindu groups had m e t w i t h f a r - r i g h t a c t i v i s t Tommy Robinson to promote a n t i - M u s l i m c a m p a i g n s T h e report also alleged that certain Hindutva supporters were aligning with the European extreme right, that Norwegian far-right t e r r o r i s t A n d e r s B r e i v i k w a s inspired by Hindutva ideology, and that Bollywood films such as Emergency carry Hindutva
t h e m e s , c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t e nsions between British Hindus and Sikhs
I N S I G H T U K a n n o u n c e d plans to file a complaint with both the Mail on Sunday and the press regulator IPSO, as well as s u b m i t a F r e e d o m o f I n f o r m a t i o n ( F O I ) r e q u e s t t o access the report “This is base-
P lan s
l e s s a n d l a c k s a n y e v i d e n c e
Articles like this make Hindus f e e l l e s s s a f e i n t h e U K , ” a spokesperson said Neeraj Patil, chair of Hindus for Labour, rejected the claims, s t a t i n g , “ N o c r e d i b l e H i n d u organisation in the UK, or major H i n d u c o n f e d e r a t i o n , h a s a l
g n e d i t s e l f w
n y r i g h twing group Those making these accusations should present solid proof This narrative is part of an anti-Hindu agenda pushed by those who resent the growing influence of British Hindus ” Kuldeep Shekhawat, president of OFBJP-UK, which campaigned against Labour in the 2019 UK election, also dismissed the allegations “We are British Hindus, and we have the right to c a m p a i g n f o r w h o e v e r w e choose How is that interference?”
T h e H i n d u C o m m u n i t y O r g a n i s a t i o n G r o u p s i n Leicester has written to the Mail on Sunday, calling the article inflammatory and misleading
T h e y w a r n e d t h a t i t r i s k s marginalising the Hindu community and called the alleged link to Breivik “deeply offensive ”
Assisted dying law delay possible until 2029
Kim Leadbeater, the MP sponsoring t
made during scruti-
o w M P s , including the introduction of a panel of experts and a new v
l require training While the foury e a r t i m e l i n e i s described as a "backs t o p , " L e a d b e a t
importance of equal treatment u
guidelines create a justice system where outcomes could be influenced by race, culture, or religion This is unacceptable equality before the law is the backbone of public confidence in our justice system
Starmer backed the move, calling for fast-tracked legislation to ensure sentencing remains
However, senior legal figures have raised concerns about the
Thomas of Cwmgiedd warned against political interference in sentencing decisions, arguing that penal policy should remain separate from judicial discretion
strained relations between the
government Mahmood previously demanded the guidelines be scrapped, vowing that there
would
, insisting the guidance aimed to ensure judges had the necessary information to treat offenders fairly Mahmood has now ordered a
which may lead to further legislative changes While No 10 has not ruled out reforming or e
officials stress that any decisions will be made carefully and not rushed A g o v
r n m e n t s o u r c e acknowledged that disparities in the justice system still need addressing but insisted these guidelines were not the solution “More must be done to understand and tackle inequalities, but these proposals would u n d e r m i n e
law,” they said
London university ranks among top student loan frauds
The Univ ersi ty of Wes t Lond on has been named one of the worst univ ersiti es in the UK for student loan f raud , with 543 fraud ulent appli cation s totall ing £6 2 milli on identifi ed by the Student Loans Company (SLC) sin ce 2022
The university, which has a student population of over 11,000, is among six institutions with the highest volumes of lost loan fraud, according to leaked data Other
Buckinghamshire New University,
Leeds Trinity University
Students were able to make fraudulent claims without over-
sight from the universities, which were not informed by the SLC of the fraudulent activity A significant portion of the fraud, 70%, was linked to students taught by the Oxford Business College, a franchised provider contracted by the University of West London
The university ended its agreement with the college in 2022 following an investigation into the c
Phillipson called the situation a " w a k e - u p c a l l " f o r u n i v e r s i t i e s that franchise courses V i v i e n n e S t e r n , C E O o f Universities UK, assured that universities are tightening controls to combat such fraud
Worker loses claim over diversity group invite A N a t ion a l T ru s t e m pl o ye e o f In d ia nPa kis t ani de s ce nt ha s l os t her ra cial disc rim ina tion claim af ter she was inv it ed t o join a divers ity group
A b i d a J e n k i n s alleged that her mana g e r , W
y n e C
t
S o u r c e I n s t a g a m / @ a b s d e n
, was acting as a “white saviour” when he asked if she would be part of the inclusivity team She felt singled out based o n h e r
c l a i
t h e request made her feel “shocked, e m b
r a s s e d , h u m
l i a t e d , a n d degraded ” The employment tribunal in Liverpool was told that Carter, w h o m a n a g e d v o l u n t e e r s a n d
community outreach, was surprised to learn that Jenkins, an engineering graduate, was upset by his approach After her resignation, Jenkins took legal action
a g a i n s t t h e c h a r i t y , a c c u s i n g them of racial discrimination
H o w e v e r , t r i b u n a l j u d g e Dawn Shotter dismissed Jenkins' claims, stating she had an “unjus-
I N B R I E F FARAGE AND NATWEST RESOLVE BANK ACCOUNT DISPUTE
NatWest and Nigel Farage have reached a settlement over the closure of one of his bank accounts The agreement comes nearly two years after Farage s account at Coutts, the exclusive private bank owned by NatWest Group, was closed This prompted a public dispute, with Farage accusing the bank of unfairly targeting him Coutts later acknowledged "serious failings" in its treatment of the politician, which ultimately led to the resignation of NatWest's chief executive Dame Alison Rose Details of the settlement remain confidential but a joint statement released on Wednesday confirmed that the dispute has been resolved and that the bank has issued an apology to Farage The row began in 2023 when Farage, a leading Brexiteer claimed that Coutts had decided to close his account without providing an explanation
OVER 3M UK HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY BENEFIT CUTS
More than three million households will be adversely affected by the government’s extensive welfare cuts according to official analysis with an additional 250 000 people expected to fall into relative poverty by 2029-30 The impact of these cuts which include a deeper-than-anticipated reduction in universal credit payments, will disproportionately affect those eligible for disability benefits As a result the number of people living in relative poverty will rise to nearly 14 5 million, including 50,000 more children The findings have sparked outrage among disability campaigners and are likely to fuel discontent among Labour MPs, many of whom are considering opposing the measures later this year Additionally, incapacity benefits, which were already set to be halved, will now be frozen in cash terms until 2029-30, while the basic universal credit rate will also face cuts in 2029 This impact assessment provides the first detailed breakdown of the measures' effects on millions of households The analysis reveals that the 3 2 million households negatively affected will see their incomes fall by an average of £1 720 annually in real terms
t i f i e d s e n s e o f grievance” and had e x a g g e r a t e d e v idence to support her case Jenkins, who worked as a t e c h n i c a l d e m o nstrator at Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, C h e s h i r e , b e g a n her role in 2022 The mill, a museum showcasing c o t t o n - m a k i n g m a c h i n e r y , i s where Carter would engage with staff about their work
When Carter invited Jenkins to join the diversity group, she declined, but claimed he didn’t accept her refusal and persisted, making her feel “singled out ” Carter explained he asked several times because he didn’t receive a c l e a r r e s p o n s e J e n k i n s a l s o r e c e i v e d a v e r b a l w a r n i n g f o r using museum equipment unsup e r v i s e d b e f o r e s u b m i t t i n g a grievance and resigning
J u d g e S h o t t e r u l t i m a t e l y ruled that Jenkins' claims of race, sex, and age discrimination were without merit
UK SAVERS COULD SECURE UP TO £110,000 PROTECTION
Under new proposals from the Bank of England UK savers would have up to £110,000 of their deposits protected if their bank or building society were to collapse The plan, introduced by the central bank on Monday, represents a nearly 30% increase from the current £85,000 limit and would be the first significant change to the savings protection scheme since the 2008 banking crisis The Bank s regulatory body, the Prudential Regulation Authority, explained that the rise accounts for inflation and aims to reassure consumers that their funds are safe if their UKauthorised bank building society or credit union fails The protection scheme managed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) guarantees a portion of savings for everyday customers and most small businesses Originally launched in 2001, the scheme was significantly enhanced following the global financial crisis, with the £85,000 limit being established in 2010 after several UK banks faced collapse
Shabana Mahmood
Kim Leadbeater
Abida Jenkins
British Nepalese call for stability amid Nepal’s political chaos
Nepalese authorities h av e detained over 10 0 people follow ing violent clashes at a pro-m onarch y demo nstration in Kath mandu Supp orters of former King Gyanend ra Sh ah d em anded the reinstatement of Nepal’s constitutional mo narchy, but tensions escalated as protesters v andalised a political p arty’s office, torched v ehicles, and looted sh ops
Violence peaked when demonstrators attempted to march toward parliament, prompting police to use tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live rounds fired into the air The Nepalese Army was later deployed
The unrest intensified after protest leader Durga Prasai breached security in a bulletproof vehicle and headed toward Baneshwor Prasai remains at large, with authorities identifying him as the main instigator “This is sheer vandalism, arson, looting, and anarchy It cannot be a protest,” said cabinet spokesman Prithvi Subba Gurung Authorities reported that protesters set fire to 14 buildings, vandalised nine, and damaged multiple government and private vehicles, including media offices
Nepal abolished its 239-year monarchy in 2008, transitioning to a secular republic after a decade-long Maoist insurgency Former King Gyanendra, now 77, has since lived as a private citizen in Kathmandu Political instability has plagued Nepal, hindering economic growth and fueling frustration The pro-monarchy movement gained momentum after Gyanendra called for support in a Democracy Day video message on February 19
Counterdemonstrations in support of Nepal’s republic also took place in Kathmandu Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ dismissed the promonarchy protests, stating, “Nepalis will not return to the past,” while acknowledging governance failures had fuelled unrest He called for an investigation into Gyanendra Shah’s alleged role, asserting, “It is clear he is behind these acts, and strict action is needed ”
Though Gyanendra has mostly stayed silent on politics, recent public appearances with supporters have fuelled speculation about his involvement, amid growing dissatisfaction with Nepal’s leadership A figh t for m onarch y or failed gov ernance
The recent promonarchy protests in Nepal have not only led to violence and unrest but have also deeply impacted the Nepalese diaspora in the UK As tensions escalate, many within the community are voicing their concerns about Nepal’s political future, democracy, and the possibility of the monarchy’s return Asian Voice has spoken to a few people from the Nepalese diaspora about the protests and restoration of the monarchy London-based Prashant Kunwar, who works to strengthen UKNepal ties through sports, business, and community
initiatives, condemned the violence, stating, “Peaceful protests are normal in a democracy, but this was a tragedy-lives were lost, hundreds were injured, and businesses were looted and burned This should not have happened ”
On the idea of Nepal returning to a monarchy, he said, “There is no alternative to democracyonly a more inclusive, functioning, and adaptable system suited to Nepal’s geography Reversing progress would lead to confusion and derail current achievements Nepal must focus on economic growth, job creation, efficient governance, and accountability ”
Regarding the protests' impact on political stability, he added, “Democracy allows for disagreement, and small protests are natural But if political parties fail to meet people’s expectations, the public will seek alternatives
Never underestimate the power of a common man ”
M ajor (retd) Tikendra Dewan JP said, “Democracy is the key used by political leaders to enjoy a never ending governance of musical chairs, but the latest protests are a testament to the reality which is that the people’s enduring patience has finally run out with them demanding the reinstatement of the Crown to take the lead
The immediate fear is that will this explode into a civil war?”
ment for cancer this morning, The King experienced side effects that required a short period of observation His afternoon engagements were postponed, and tomorrow's schedule will
City Hall raises concerns over Londoners' trust in Met Police
Metropo litan Police
This criticism follows a damning review by Baroness Casey two years ago, which found the Met to be “institutionally” racist, sexist, and homophobic Her 363-page
reforms to ensure the police operate under the Peelian
consent,” aiming to secure and maintain the public’s respect and approval
Despite these calls for change, public surveys con-
y t h e M a y o r ’ s O f f i c e f o r P o l i c i n g a n d Crime show that trust in the M e t r e m a i n s l o w e r t h a n
w h e n S i r S a d i q b e c a m e mayor in 2016 Confidence in the force is at an all-time l o w , w i t h j u s t 4 6 % o f L o n d o n e r s b e l i e v i n g t h e police “do a good job in their local area ” as of December 2 0 2 4 , d o w n f r o m 6 9 % i n 2016-17
At a London Assembly police and crime committee m e e t i n g , c o m m i t t e e c h a i r Susan Hall emphasised the n e e d f o r i m p r o v e m e n t i n p u b l i c c o n f i d e n c e K a y a
Manchester Police, though acknowledging that further
that the Met’s trust levels remain significantly
Additionally, she was challenged by Hall over a £32m shortfall in funding for the ‘
tion ” The King has apologised to those affected by the changes Royal aides emphasised that the side effects were minor and that the King's s
month is still expected to proceed The King also cancelled meetings with ambas-
pointment at the disruption
Despite this, he was reported to be in good spirits after returning home and continued his work in his study
revealed details of the King's cancer diagnosis or treatment
C o m e r - S c h w a r t z , d e p u t y m a y o r f o r p o l i c i n g a n d crime, agreed, noting that improving trust was a key priority in the mayor ’ s new Police and Crime Plan
reform program C
However, Kenny Bowie, MOPAC’s director of strategy, pointed out that confid e n c e i n p o l i c i n g h a s d e c l i n e d n a t i o n a l l y H e added that the Met is above
ained that this shortfall was due to historical underfundi n g a n d a
e d t h a t S
r Sadiq had already allocated an additional £10m to the M e t , w h i l e c o n
from the government
Major (retd) Tikendra Dewan JP
Prashant Kunwar
King Charles III
London s Mayor Sadiq Khan
Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz
Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Navreh with devotion
K a s h mi r i P an d it s wo r ld -
wide, includi ng i n the UK, celebrated Navreh , the fi rst day of th ei r New Year, with devoti on and enth us iasm
Th is festival blends s cientific precisi on with sp iritual tr ad i ti o n , m ar ki n g t h e c ele st ia
s app arent path (ec lip
tic) i ntersects the celestial equato r at th e first p oint of Aries
This year, the Kashmiri calendar entered its 5101st year, continuing a rich lega-
c y o f c u l
nomical significance
Navreh is deeply rooted
According to belief, on this
Parbat, Srinagar), the abode of Goddess Sharika, as the first rays of the sun illumi-
Bangladesh marks 54 years of Independence in Brum
Dhiren Katwa
B irmin gham’ s Lord Mayor has praised the contri bution of the B angladeshi commu-
B a n g l a d e s h i d e s c e n t , C l l r
Mumtaz Hussain and fellow councillors Mohamed Ziaul
honour
the New Year with hope and prosperity The festival also aligns with other New Year celebrations in India,
(Sindhi Hindus), and Ugadi (Telugu communities)
Navreh is the ceremonial preparation of a sacred thali on the festival s eve This plate holds rice, curd, bread,
Panchanga (almanac), each symbolising aspects of life such as sustenance, knowl-
begin their day by viewing
abundance and well-being in the year ahead
Pandits gathered to celebrate, exchanging greetings
taking part in traditional
connections but also preserves the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the community
The Bhavan honours legacy of Sri Joginder Sanger
The Bhav an L ondo n gathered to h ono ur Sri Jog ind er Sanger, a p illar o f th e org
Bolivia’s Concept of Buen Vivir and Sustainable Lifestyle
Rohit Vadhwana
T he first time I encountered the concept of Buen Vivir, or Vivir Bien, w as in February 20 24 during the Sixth Session of th e United Nations Environm ent A ssembly (UNEA-6) Ind ia h ad submitted a resolutio n o n prom oting a sustainable lifestyle, emph asizing harmo ny betw een hum an activities and nature Later in the process, Boliv ia introduced a draft resolution on Bu en Viv ir, a p hilosophy deeply rooted in its culture, which translates to living in h armony w ith nature, or Mother Earth
Since Bolivia’s submission came at a late stage when negotiations on other resolutions were already well advanced Member States suggested that Bolivia merge its proposal with an existing, thematically similar resolution The most closely aligned was India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles Both resolutions shared a fundamental vision: advocating for a way of life that respects and preserves nature rather than exploits it
Following discussions, Bolivia and India agreed that the essence of Bolivia’s resolution would be integrated into India’s draft on Promoting a Sustainable Lifestyle By that time, India’s resolution had already undergone multiple revisions through negotiations, making the incorporation of Bolivia’s philosophy a natural progression
At its core, Bolivian culture upholds the belief that human life and nature are intrinsically interconnected Buen Vivir promotes a way of living that neither harms nor depletes natural resources, recognizing that a bala
ni ty in the ci ty and West
M idlands region
Speaking at a celebration to mark Bangladesh’s
5 4 t h I n d e p e n d e n c e a n d
National Day last week, Cllr
K e n W o o d s a i d :
“Bangladesh may be many
m i l e s a w a y f r o m
B i r m i n g h a m , b u t t h e B a n g l a d e s h i c o m m u n i t y brings and contributes so much to our city,”
T h e c o n g r e g a t i o n clapped and cheered as cameras captured the hoisting of the flag of Bangladesh out-
s i d e B i r m i n g h a m C o
l House
G u e s t s i n c l u d e d W e s t Midlands’ Lord-Lieutenant Dr Derrick Anderson CBE, Deputy-Lieutenant Profess-
o r M o h a m m e d S a k h a w a t Hussain, Birmingham’s first f e m a l e c o u n c i l l o r o f
I s l a m M B E a n d S a d d a k M i a h , D r M o n a a K a p o o r a n d R a m e s h K u m a r
was the first Asian police officer in the West Midlands Constabulary T
from the Bangladesh High C o m m
Birmingham
B a n g
High Commissioner in the Midlands, Mr Mohammed Alim thanked all for attending and wished, in advance, Eid Mubarak, for those who will celebrate this week A
Alim continues his efforts to
with a particular focus on empowering and inspiring youth The independence of B
March 1971
Ser v ing as
and Chairm an fo r a d ecade, he left a lasting leg acy of d ed icatio n and lead ership
The evening began with
lowed by the lighting of the lamp by his daughter Reema and daughter-in-law Kanika, symbolising the warmth of the occasion
Several distinguished fig-
remembrances of Joginder Ji, sharing personal stories and
were Baroness Usha Prashar, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords; Lord Dholakia, Life Peer in the
Life Peer in the House of
Member of Parliament for
Sharma, former Member of
Southall; Lord Ranger, Life Peer in the House of Lords; Lord Loomba, Life Peer and
Mehta, Bhavan’s Vice Chair;
Mehta, community and cultural leader; Barry Gardiner, Member of Parliament for
Vidya Bhavan
the UK, and The Rt Hon Seema Malhotra MP, shared h
Joginder Sanger, praising his leadership, business success, and dedication to the community
The evening featured a heartfelt slideshow, a tribute from Bhavan’s Chairman, Sri S
Hindustani vocal students of
vowing to uphold his father’s l e g a c y T h e t r i b
with a video of Joginder Ji receiving the Asian Who’s Who Award in 2011, sharing his life philosophy
T h e e v e n
g c a p t u r e d
Joginder Sanger Ji’s warmth, wisdom, and commitment, leaving all who knew him with a lasting sense of gratitude and remembrance The g
prasad
between humans and the environment This indigenous philosophy is so integral to Bolivia’s national identity that it is enshrined in its constitution, guiding policymaking and development programs
India’s reverence for Prakriti (nature) shares striking similarities with Bolivia’s Buen Vivir Both traditions emphasize ecological harmony, making India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles deeply connected to the Bolivian ethos India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by the Prime Minister, served as the foundation of its resolution and provided a framework that could effectively incorporate Bolivia’s perspective
This episode underscores the cultural parallels and shared wisdom between India and Bolivia two nations separated by thousands of miles yet united by ancient philosophies that cherish nature Just as Indians revere Mother Earth, so do the people of Bolivia, integrating respect for nature into their way of life What a profound and inspiring connection across continents!
(Expressed opinions are personal)
Upcoming events
è Navnat Vanik Association will celebrate Ram Navami at Navnat Centre on Sunday, 6 April 2025, with bhajans (3–5 pm), followed by Aarti and Mahaprashad The Association will also host Global Navkar Mahamantra Day on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, at 6:45 pm. This worldwide Jap, uniting 20 Jain organisations in prayer for peace, will take place at Navnat Centre and be streamed live on Zoom
è The Preston Health Mela, organised by the Gujarat Hindu Society, takes place on Saturday, 12 April 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Foster Building, UCLan The event’s chief guest, Dr Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians London, will be in attendance Attendees can explore health exhibits, receive free health MOTs (Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure), and enjoy Reiki, Oral Health checks, and a Teddy Bear Clinic. The event also features live entertainment and fun activities for all ages
Ceremonial preparations of sacred thali
Dignitaries and community members present at the event
Cllr Mumtaz Hussain addresses the event
Joginder Sanger
Girish Sanger (son) speaking at the memorial
High Commissioner H E Vikram Doraiswami speaking at the memorial
Asian Foundation for Help hosts fundraiser for St Luke’s Hospice
The Asian Foun dat ion for He lp , L i o n s C lu b o f
K i n g sb ur y , a n d P r a
ha ve r aised £70,000 for St Luk e ’ s Hospice, t han ks to t
Lon don's Asia n commun ity Two events, one reli-
, were held at the Dhamecha L o h a n
H
community together for a day of spiritual observance and cultural celebration, all in support of hospice care for residents of Harrow and Brent
The day began with a
i & G r o u p , followed by Thal Aarti and M a h a P r a s h a d L i g h t refreshments were served in the afternoon, creating a welcoming atmosphere In t h e e v e n i n g , a t t e n d e e s
e n j o y e d “ A n E v e n i n g o f Nostalgic Journey through Bollywood,” a live perform a n c e b y r e n o w n e d
Mumbai singer Dr Supriya Joshi, accompanied by talented musicians from the UK and India A buffet dinner was served before the concert, which continued late into the evening
All event proceeds will benefit St Luke’s Hospice, p r o v i d i n g p a l l i a t i v e a
families
Meg Lustman, Chair of St Luke’s Hospice Trustees, expressed gratitude to the Asian Foundation for Help, Lions Club of Kingsbury, and Pranasha for organisi n g t h e e v e n t S h e s a i d ,
“Raising £70,000 in one day i s a r e m a r k a b l e a c h i e v ement, showcasing the community’s generosity These funds will enable us to con-
need in Harrow and Brent ”
The Asian Foundation for Help has long supported St Luke’s Hospice, funding e
services Most recently, the Foundation helped replace syringe drivers, crucial for managing pain and symptoms in patients both at the hospice and at home, where
place
Ketan Mehta from the Asian Foundation for Help expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support St L
H
, "The events, attended by over 400 people, raised cru-
awareness of the hospice's vital care We look forward to strengthening our partnership and continuing this important work
ETA scheme expands to EU nationals, costs £10
Decad es of British tourism
t o L a nz ar ot e h av e led to m any m i x ed - na ti o na li ty families o n the island, with British p artners married to sp ouses from Spain or oth er nationalities Th ese families, along with m ost non-British v isitors to the U K, are likely to be imp acted by new travel rules
F r o m A p r i l 2 n d , E U n a t i o n a l s , i n c l u d i n g t h o s e f r o m S p a i n , w i l l n e e d t o apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) costing £10 to visit the UK This follows the earlier introduction of ETA requirements for non-EU nationals The s c h e m e m i r r o r s t h e E U ’ s upcoming ETIAS, which will c h a r g e B r i t i s h v i s i t o r s € 7
Thousa nds of Muslims gat he re d at Small Hea th Pa rk, B ir
when introduced later this year
T h e U K H o m e O f f i c e s a y s i t i s d e v e l o p i n g a streamlined, digital immigration system to enhance speed and security for millions crossing the UK border each year From now on, all travellers, except British and Irish citizens, must obtain p e r m i s s i o n i n a d v a n c e , either through an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an e V i s a T h e p r o c e s s i s straightforward, requiring a photograph and answers to questions on suitability and criminality
The ETA is required for all EU citizens entering the UK, including those married to British nationals, affect-
also broken their fast at the m o s q u e , a d d i n
,
P
o p l e were so happy to give back and help those in need ” A t t
d e e A q s a N
s
r described the gathering as “ a beautiful and unreal feeling” a n d e n c o u r a g e d o t h e r s t o experience Eid celebrations Last April, Green Lane Mosque cancelled Eid gatherings at Small Heath Park a n d E d g b a s t o n C r i c k e t Ground, holding prayers at the mosque instead
LGIU survey reveals growing pressures on electoral services
94% cited the difficulty of o r g a n i s i
86% pointed to tight statutory timetables, and 80% highl i g h t e d c o m p l e x e l e c t o r a l law
tions
m i n i s t r a t
s t a f f r e p o r t stress from tight deadlines, unclear laws, and inadequate f u n d i n g f o r l o c a l e l e c t o r a l services
The LGIU survey reveals significant challenges faced by electoral administrators:
Additionally, 73% reported underfunding, and 72% s
polling station staff While election security was not a major concern, 60% experienced abuse or harassment, a
bances at polling stations
The report recommends i
tion timetables, and harmonising electoral law across the UK to address common areas of confusion
highlighted the crucial role of electoral staff, noting they work long hours under challenging conditions with complex legislation and frequent
tions approach, he stressed the importance of ensuring proper resources and support
reminded
Charity offers free workshops to combat Islamophobia
B
h o bi a, To geth er for Hop e T his initiative o ffers f ree wo rks
a nd s em i na r s in s c h o o l s , w o rk p l ac es , a nd c o m m un ities , a im ing to c om bat the rise o f I slamo pho bia in the U K
Project FAITH is an ini-
tiative tackling Islamophobia t h r o u g h f o u r k e y a r e a s :
Educational Outreach, offeri n g w o r k s h o p s t o p r o m o t e u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d d i s p e l myths in schools, workplaces, and communities; Interfaith
C o l l a b o r a t i o n , o r g a n i s i n g
d i a l o g u e s t o f o s t e r r e s p e c t a n d u n i t y ; E m p
r i n g C o m m u n i t i e s , p r o v i d i n g l e a d e r s h i p p r o g r a m s a n d amplifying marginalised voice s , e s p e c i a l l y f o r M u s l i m w o m e n ; a n d C u l t u r a l E
Islamic heritage with events like art exhibitions and film s c r e e n i n g s t o c h a l l e n g e s t
t y p e s a n d
u r a g e diversity Abbas Najib, CEO o f B e t t e r C o m m
n
i e s Bradford, stressed the urgency of tackling Islamophobia: “It’s a daily struggle, impacting mental health and social i n t e g r a t i o n O u r w o r k e m p o
ing mixed-nationality fami-
y traveller, regardless of age, must apply via a downloadable app Travel companies, such as airlines, are responsible for checking ETA status and may face fines for incorrect documentation
The ETA is valid for six months within a two-year period, after which it must be renewed While it currently costs £10, the UK government plans to increase the fee to £16, surpassing the E U ’ s d e l a y e d E T
A S f e e Exemptions include British
passing through border controls
H a n i y a A a d a m , t h e mosque ’ s head of PR, highlighted the significance of outdoor prayers, quoting the Quran: “When you look up to the sky, do you see my signs?” She added, “Praying outside helps us feel closer to God ” W e s t M i d l a n d s M a y o r Richard Parker praised the fantastic event, commending the mosque, police, and council for their efforts in organising it
Asian Foundation - Lions Club & Pranasha committees who organised event
Singer Supriya Joshi with Lord Popat and other members
The story of Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu It is observed during March-April, on the 9th day of the first month of the Hindu calendar
Lord Rama, who became the king of Ayodhya, was known for His exemplary qualities He is considered the seventh and one of the most popular avatars (incarnations) of the Hindu god Vishnu Often portrayed as “Maryada Purushottam,” meaning the perfect man, he embodies virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and respect for elders His story is told in the epic poem Ramayana, where he is depicted as a virtuous king, husband, and son who battled the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita Ravana is a significant figure in Hindu mythology He was a demon king who ruled over the land of Lanka and is depicted as having ten heads and twenty hands Known for his cunning nature, he possessed the ability to assume any form he desired After a fierce battle, Rama defeated and killed Ravana, rescuing Sita and restoring justice
Rama’s victory over Ravana is a powerful symbol of the triumph of good over evil, righteousness over wickedness, and the importance of upholding dharma (righteous conduct)
The invaluable lessons from the Ramayana should be incorporated into our daily lives to bring happiness, peace, serenity, and solace, leading us toward a righteous and fulfilling life
God bless all Please stay safe and healthy
Suresh and Bhavna
Patel
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Reading a recent news article, it is disappointing to see that many women, especially Gen Z and millennials, feel that motherhood harms their careers and self-confidence This highlights a harsh truth, the workplace still does not fully support working mothers
The problem is not motherhood itself but the lack of support for working mothers High childcare costs, inflexible work policies and gender biases make it difficult for women to balance both roles
Yet, 90% of women say that despite the challenges, motherhood is worth it This shows that the issue is not about women doubting motherhood but about how society and workplaces treat them Instead of discouraging young women from having children, we need to push for better parental leave, flexible work options and fairer career opportunities
Motherhood and ambition can and should go hand in hand Having children is a natural part of life and no woman should have to choose between her career and her family It’s time to create a system that supports both
Harshi Dave
Heartfelt thanks
Asian Voice recognised my efforts in obtaining the ten names of the deceased in the Pankaj Trivedi murder case This acknowledgment is truly a tribute to those who are assisting with honesty and integrity Such recognition is especially important in today’s times
Thank you very much to you and the entire team at Gujarat Samachar Asian Voice Vinoo Sachania
Private School VAT faces discrimination claim in court
The H igh Court ha s hea rd a l egal cha lle nge a gainst the gove rnment s pl an to add VAT to privat e school fees, with cla ims it "inte rfe res with the funda me ntal r ight to educa tion " Lord David Pannick KC, representing families, argued the policy is discriminatory, particularly for those with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or attending faith schools The government is expected to defend the policy, arguing it will raise funds and improve standards in the state sector The VAT on private school fees, introduced on January 1 across the UK, is being challenged in court Lord Pannick, representing families, argued that the policy unfairly targets those with limited means Two claimants have no alternative schools for their children with special educational needs (SEND), while another family sought a single-sex school after their child faced harassment Pannick claimed the policy violates their right to education, highlighting that it is "unprecedented" among Council of Europe states He added that around 25% of affected families are below the average wealth level, and the policy ignores both children's needs and families' ability to pay
L o r d P a n n i c k i s l e a d i n g t h e l e g a l c h a l l e n g e f o r t h e Independent Schools Council (ISC), representing over 1,400 private schools, as well as faith schools and the parent group Education not Discrimination They argue that the VAT on private school fees violates the right to education under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and is discriminatory
Combat against the ‘Sadistic’ online gangs
The internet was born as a boon to mankind, a revolutionary tool that connects, informs and empowers It is now woven into the very fabric of our daily lives Yet, with this extraordinary gift comes an ominous shadow, exploitation, scams, extortion and most disturbingly, the manipulation of vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls, into unspeakable acts
The recent revelations about ‘ com ’ networks are horrifying What was once a space for learning and growth has, in many corners, become a hunting ground for predators In the craving for friendship, validation, or love, young minds often fall into the traps of sadistic online gangs, only to be blackmailed, humiliated, or coerced into harming themselves
The responsibility to combat this does not lie with law enforcement alone Social media platforms must be held accountable for the content they host Parents, too, must take an active role, not just monitoring screen time but
Schools should educate children on digital safety, just as they do on road safety
The internet is here to stay, it is in our DNA But it is our collective duty to ensure it remains a force for good, not a weapon in the hands of those who prey on the vulnerable
Vikram
Parihar
The evolving education system
It is deeply concerning that schools now feel the need to offer iPads, bikes, pizza vouchers and other freebies just to get children to attend Have we really reached a point where education, the foundation of a child's future, must be incentivised like a sales promotion
While schools must make learning engaging, the real issue lies beyond their walls What message are we sending when students expect rewards just for showing up? What role do parents play in teaching discipline and responsibility? The problem isn’t just absenteeism, it’s the long-term impact If children grow up expecting rewards for basic duties, how will they cope in adulthood, where effort is expected without constant incentives?
Instead of quick fixes, we need real solutions, support for students mental health, parental accountability and a culture where learning is valued, not bargained for A generation raised on rewards instead of responsibility will struggle in the real world It’s time we rethink our approach before we create a future where entitlement replaces effort and bribery replaces ambition
Barkha Singh
Nurseries face closure threat amid rising costs
Children’s nurseries have w arned they may be forced to clo se by th e end of the year d ue to upcom ing changes in Rachel Reev es ’ s bud get, which take effect in Ap ril Establish ed childcare p rov iders say th e national insurance increase and hig her national liv ing wage are putting pressure o n their finances, jeop ardising service quality and safety
Currently, three and four-year-olds are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare weekly, with the government expanding this to children aged nine months to two years However, rising inflation and budget cuts are pushing nurseries to the brink Donna Ellis, from Rainbow Pre-school in Wickford, Essex, with 15 staff members, expressed concerns about meeting financial demands, stating, “Our incomings are nowhere near meeting our outgoings to keep my children safe ”
The national living wage will rise by 6 7 percent starting tomorrow, and employers will face a 1 2 percent increase in
Finchley, North London, noted that while childcare funding had increased by 4 3 percent, their wage bill had risen by 7 percent, or £63,000 annually
Labour’s “jobs tax,” stating nurseries are nearing a breaking point In response, a Department for Education spokeswoman emphasised that spending on early years entitlements will increase to over £8 billion next year
One in four Britons report having a disability
A qu arter of Britons now claim to have a disability, with two million m ore ind ivid uals rep orting strug gles due to p oor mental health since the pandemic I n
Labour unrest, ministers are standing firm on cuts to dis-
reduce payments by £4 8 billion Despite this, more MPs have pledged to oppose the cuts, which, as detailed in
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will leave three million people worse off However, only about a dozen backbenchers h
backlash from over 150,000 people who will lose their c
the individuals they care for no longer qualify for per-
assessments predict savings of £500 million from this c h a n g e C a r e r s U K expressed concern, stating
Rushdie’s
that claimants are “shocked, worried, and scared ” Despite the cuts, overall spending on disability benefits will rise from £36 billion last year to £59 billion by the end of the decade A recent official survey reveals that 16 8 million people in the UK now say they have a dis-
impacts daily
40 percent increase over the past decade, and 700,000 more than last year Among them,
Mental illness is
the leading cause of disability for 48 percent of working-age people
While Health Secretary Wes Streeting has suggested there is "overdiagnosis"
tions, Minesh Patel of the
that the
due to
very real reasons, ” including the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis
resilient return: New novellas explore life and mortality
Salman Rushdie, 77, continues his literary journey with Th e Eleventh Hour, a collection of th ree n ov e llas , w ri tten ov er th e past year Th is marks a late-career flou rish following the near-fatal attack on h im in 2022, w hich left him blind in one eye T he novellas explore themes o f mortality, co nflict, and introspection, addressing to p i cs s u c h as Bo m bay , Cambrid ge, ang er, p eace, and ev en the works of artists like Goya, Kafka, and Bosch
One story follows an undead academic seeking revenge in an English college, while another revisits the magical Bombay of Midnight’s Children These novellas are interconnected yet distinct, forming a single narrative arc Rushdie reflects on life’s "final stage" and the process of saying farewell
This release comes after his 2023 memoir Knife, which r e c o u n t s t h e b r u t a l a t
resilience is evident not only in his writing but in his ability to confront his trauma head-on The Eleventh Hour will be published in November, showcasing Rushdie’s continuing vitality as a storyteller despite the odds
71% of British Muslims identify as Muslim first, survey reveals
A report by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) found that Muslims in Br it ain often hav e their "Britishn ess" question ed, lea din g man y to iden tify as Muslim first and British second
This is not due to a religious demand for loyalty to Islam, but because many feel unwelcome in identifying primarily as British The report found that while British Muslims, especially older generations, feel a strong sense of belonging to the UK, their faith often takes precedence over national identity This is partly due to experiences of hostility based on religion, ethnicity, or appearance, which creates a sense of exclusion from mainstream Britishness A survey of 815 British Muslims revealed that 71% primarily identify as Muslim, while 27% identify as British, English, or Scottish Charlotte Littlewood, IIFL’s research director, explained that identifying as Muslim first isn’t about rejecting British identity, but feeling unwelcome in prioritising it The study found that the desire to identify as British diminishes when one's Britishness is challenged Most British Muslims feel the UK is more "accommodating" than other European countries, particularly France, where they feel less free to openly express their faith
Salman Rushdie
Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visits UK, speaks at Oxford University
Chief Minister
Bengal
Mamata Banerjee’s 6day visit to the UK from 23
March included three major engagements. As the London weather remained sunny and mild, the Chief Minister was seen brisk walking (and jogging), along with journalists and delegates, across Hyde Park and Victoria Embankment
On Wednesday morning, during her walk to the Tower Bridge from her hotel in St James’, she made a brief stop at the Gandhi statue on the Parliament Square and paid her respects
While her third visit to
t h e U K m
Thursday 27 March at the prestigious Kellogg College, Oxford University followed by an ‘in-conversation’ with College President Professor
J
Bynum Tudor Fellow Lord
attended a high tea reception at India House, accompanied by her delegation, on a special invitation by
t h e I n d i a n H i g h Commissioner to the UK,
D
Indian High Commissioner
Sujit Ghosh
S p e a k i n g a t G a n d h i Hall, CM Banerjee requested the High Commissioner to help in resuming direct f l i g h t s f r o m K o l k a t a t o London for the diaspora, t h o u g h t h e c o n v e r s a t i o
Rabindranath Tagore
In an interactive session that followed, the delegates accompanying CM shared their stories of running suc-
c e s s f u l b u s i n e s s e s i n Bengal, while Ms Banerjee herself explained about the swiftness with which work happened, particularly post investment promises were
m a d e d u r i n g t h e r e c e n t
B e n g a l G l o b a l B u s i n e s s Summit (BGBS) in Kolkata
Present in the audience
w a s g u e s t D r L a k m a l
Jayasinghe, Chief Scientific
O f f i c e r o f O x f o r d
N a n o p o r e T e c h n o l o g i e s , who is due to visit India soon Reciprocating CM’s invitation to visit and invest in Bengal, he said, “We are doing DNA sequencing, we are one of the most successful IPOs in London Stock
E x c h a n g e W e w a n t t o e x p a n d o u r b u s i n e s s i n India We are going to India in a few weeks’ time We are s t a r t i n g a n o f f i c e i n Bangalore; we have some work in Delhi too and we will be happy to come to K o l k a t a a n d e x t e n d o u r b u s i n e s s i n W e s t B e n g a l too ”
Business Meet
On Tuesday 25 March, FICCI, UKIBC and WBIDC
o r g a n i s e d a s u c c e s s f u l
B u s i n e s s M e e t i n E d w a r d i a n I , T a j 5 1
B u c k i n g h a m G a t e p o s t a sumptuous lunch Among 150 attending were mainly b u s i n e s s a n d c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r s a s w e l
started, Lord Siraj Paul paid a visit to CM, to show support
A l o n g w i t h t h e C h i e f
Minister, the session was a l s o a d d r e s s e d b y H E Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to t h e U K , R i c h a r d H e a l d O B E , C h a i
set up a direct flight first Present at the meet was a
, CM added, “London is not far away from Kolkata We need a direct flight from London I came to London from Kolkata, spending 18 hours A direct flight will be a great success for the West Bengal government ”
At the meet, she also mentioned about Bengal’s G D P t h a t h
u
p a s s e d India’s GDP and highlighted that her government has been able to reduce unemployment by 46% in 202324 She also talked about opportunities and ease of work force in Bengal and the State being a gateway to the opportunities available in North-East of India
The delegation accompanying CM Banerjee told the audience how under her
Bengal” At the meet, an
Group to launch the first-
y Football School in Kolkata, marking a new era in Indian football development Oxford U niv ersity speech
At Oxford, post a guide d w
Bodleian Library and the D i v i n
a n d H
Agarwal, President, FICCI
Speaking at the Meet, CM Banerjee reiterated the n e e d f o
Kolkata
She said she would offer fuel and other discounts to “whichever airline” would
In the evening over 200 people gathered at Kellogg College hub to listen to CM Banerjee speak about lead-
e r s h i p , h e r p r o m o
i
n o f women ’ s rights and social d e v e l o p m e n t O t h e r s joined the live stream by University
g i r l s ) a n d ‘ L a k s h m i r
Bhandar’ (cash grants for w o m e n ) S h e a l s o u r g e d Oxford University to open branches in Bengal
M i d w a y t h r o u g h t h e
e v e n t , a s m a l l g r o u p o f protesters, apparently from S F I - U K i n t e r r u p t e d t h e speech, heckling her about the recent political events in West Bengal A calm and composed CM tried to pacify them by offering to send t h e m “ c h o c o l a t e s ” a n d
w i s h i n g t h e m a “ g o o d n i g h t ’ s s l e e p o v e r t h e i r agendas”
But when some of them h o l d i n g p l a c a r d s s t a r t e d questioning her stance on the recent RG Kar rape and murder case, CM Banerjee added, “The responsibility of investigating this case is now in the hands of the C e n t r a l g o v e r n m e n t , t h e case is no longer in our hands ” She further said, “ D o n ’ t d i s r e s p e c t y o u r institution by insulting me I have come here as a representative of the country Don’t insult your country ”
Ultimately the rest of the audience grew impatient and angry about the disruption and called for the Chief Minister to be allowed to speak uninterr u p t e d T h e p r o t e s t e r s
w e r e e v e n t u a l l y e s c o r t e d
Before the event, Lord Karan Bilimoria told Asian
K e l l o g g C o l l e g e , w e a r e looking forward to hosting a
C h i e f M i n i s t e r o f W e s t Bengal Mamata Banerjee in Oxford where we will have a panel discussion “I know t h e a u d i e n c
w i l l b
e x t r e m e l y e a g e r t o l e a r n about West Bengal, one of India’s most prominent and important states and about India’s phenomenal growth story, from one of India’s most significant and longserving Chief Ministers ”
Harry Potter was shot, CM Banerjee went for a closeddoor meeting with a gatheri n
s from across the University, r e
a r c h i n g o n v a r i o u s aspects of the Indian society She was accompanied by former cricketer Sourav Ganguly
A d d r e s s i n g t h e a u d ience, Chief Minister shared details about her governm e n t ’ s e f f o r t s t o u p l i f t marginalised communities, h a v i n g t r a n s f o r m a t i v e effect on many She highl i g h t e d i n c e n t i v e s l i k e ‘Kanyashree Prakalpa’ (cash s c h e m e f o r s c h o o l - g o i n g
message to women or those interested to join politics to always “think positive”
At the end of the session, her speech and interv i
n
ovation from the audience
a n d o
L a t e r s h e obliged the diaspora present with a group selfie
Audie nce re action
A n a m ik a G ho s h, w h o travelled all the way from P e t e r b o r o
o l d A s i a n Voice, “I was deeply moved by her effortless simplicity and genuine approachability While her remarks can b e d e l i g h t f u l l
dictable, they carry
subtle
steadfast determination and inner strength Her extraordinary journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of India’s most influential leaders epitomises the simplicity and humility that have won her the hearts of so many ” C o
protest and interruption to C M ’ s s p
and to invite investment in Bengal a platform meant to elevate our state’s image The hecklers not only disr
logue but also cast a shadow over our state’s reputation Their behaviour was coun-
disappointing
who travelled from London to hear C
outside by security
Following her speech, the conversation moved to a more personal discussion, a s L o r d B i l i m o r i a a n d Professor Michie asked her
a b o u t h e r j o u r n e y t h a t s h a p e d h e r l e a d e r s h i p
W h e n a s k e d h o
CM Banerjee humorously a
unfortunate that such an august platform was misused bringing disrepute for the UK and the institution both Peaceful protest outside was still ok but not disruption like that!
“Indian politics should be done in India - inside the country not in a global platform Didi here was India’s r
r s t a n d then Bengal’s Disrespecting her by heckling was equivalent to disrespecting India and Bengal!”
L-R: Richard Heald OBE, Chairman, UKIBC, Bengal s Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, HE Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, President, FICCI with Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Business Meet
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee meeting Professor Jonathan Michie and Lord Karan Bilimoria (right) at Kellogg College, Oxford University
CM Banerjee paying her respects at the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, London
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with her delegation, Indian High Commissioner HE Vikram Doraiswami, wife Sangeeta Doraiswami, Deputy Indian High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh, members of the Indian High Commission and invited guests at India House
Anamika Ghosh Mukulika Banerjee Professor of Anthropology LSE and other members of the diaspora with Mamata Banerjee in Oxford
CM Mamata Banerjee addressing 200+ audience at Kellogg College, Oxford University
Photo courtesy: Kellogg College
Celebrating the birth of Lord Rama
R am Nav am i i s a si g n if i ca nt
H i nd u f es ti v a l th a t m ar ks th e birth of Lo rd Rama, the sev enth
avatar o f Lo rd Vish nu It falls on the ninth d ay o f th e bright half of C haitra, a m onth in th e Hind u
c al en d ar , typ i c al ly o bs erv ed i n M arch o r April Th e festiv al also m arks the conclusion of Vasanta Navratri, a sp ringtim e period of d ev otio n
A s o n e o f H i n d u i s m ’ s f i v e major festivals, Ram Navami is celebrated with great reverence Devotees honor Lord Rama by
r e c i t i n g t h e R a m a y a n a a n d
Shrimad Bhagavatam, engaging in bhajans and kirtans, and offering prayers at temples or within their
h o m e s M a n y o b s e r v e f a s t i n g , believing it brings divine blessings and removes negative influences
T e m p l e s a r e a d o r n e d w i t h offerings of sweets and fruits, and grand pujas are conducted to seek the blessings of Lord Rama In several regions, processions and Ratha Yatras (chariot processions)
t a k e p l a c e , w i t h i d o l s o f L o r d R
streets
I n s o u t h e r n I n d i
, R
m Navami is also observed as the
symbolic wedding day (kalyanotsavam) of Lord Rama and Goddess
Sita Temples hold elaborate wedding ceremonies, reenacting the divine union Hind u commu nities and temple com memorate Ram Navami R
d with devotion across the UK, with temples in London, Leicester, and Birmingham hosting bhajans, kirtans, and Ramayana recitations
known as Neasden Temple-will
mark the occasion on Saturday, 5 April 2025, alongside celebrations for Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan’s manifestation
Sunday, 6 April 2025, at 3:00 pm
host festivities the same day, featuring a stage program, a decorated shrine, special displays by the lake, and a vegetarian buffet for invited guests
NHS sees highest translation demand in Gujarati, Punjabi and Polish
L e ic e s te
Pa
S Trust spent £406,558 on transl ation s ervices in 2023-2024, a 55% incr ease f rom the previous year ’ s £262 ,300
The highest demand came from
G u
speakers Over the past five years, the Trust has spent £1 7 million on translations, with Bengali, Arabic, and Romanian also among the most common languages
Critics argue the funds could be better spent elsewhere
The cost of translation services is equivalent to hiring 16 nurses or 14 junior doctors for a year The NHS faces severe staff shortages, and Leicestershire Partnership NHS
Trust has struggled to meet care standards
C
report rated the Trust as requires improvement," citing unsafe and
mental health services The Trust later admitted liability for the death of 68-year-old Steve Dance, who took his own life after multiple care failings, including a four-month gap without psychiatric nurse visits
providing substandard care Amid the national immigration debate,
some argue translation costs add to NHS pressure
Responsibility recently noted that migration is helping Britain avoid recession, with many NHS staff from migrant backgrounds filling
Trust emphasised that translation
ensuring no
excluded
e d a g a i n s t T h i s includes offering translations, sign l a n g u a g e , a n d e a s y - r e a d documents
Wage boost begins for thousands of Scottish workers
Hund reds of t housa nds of work ers in Scotlan d will be nefit fr om n ew N at ion al Living Wa ge and Na tiona l M in imum Wag e ra te s, wit h ar ound 220,00 0 p eople se eing a pay r ise
F u l l - t i m e w o r k e
s o n t h e National Living Wage will receive an annual increase of £1,400 in real terms, reports STV News
MPs’ call for Kashmir airport faces ministerial backlash
A minister h as urg ed M Ps camp ai g ni n g f o r a n a ir p o rt in Pak is tani- co ntro lled K ash m i r to fo cu s on th eir UK constitu encies instead
A group of 20 predominantly Labour MPs and peers recently urged Pakistan’s prime minister to fund an airport in Mirpur, citing concerns from their constituents
a b o u t l o n g r o a d j o u r n e y s f r o m
Islamabad The MPs highlighted
K a s h m i r i d i a s p o r a H o w e v e r , senior government figures and the Conservatives criticised the camp
, "We're trying to restore faith in politicians "
Security Minister Dan Jarvis told Times Radio that MPs should p r i o r i t
stituencies “MPs represent their constituencies in our country, and that should be their primary focus, though they can have views on international matters,” he said
The campaign was spearheade
Labour MP for Bedford, who was born in Mirpur
The letter, signed by 20 MPs and peers, including Tahir Ali, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Stella Creasy, T
Hussain, Lord Qurban Hussain,
and more, highlighted concerns from British Kashmiris about the
Islamabad to Kashmir, which often exceeds three hours
Moseley, vowed to “ pursue this issue until permission is granted
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, criticised the campaign, pointing to ongoing bin strikes in Birmingham “You’re an MP for B
Stand-up show ends in chaos as heckling leads to violence
Police are investigating reports of a fight and an assault follow ing a comedy gig The incident occurred after P aul C h ow d hry's s tand -u p routine at th e Cliffs P av ilion in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
T h e a t r e m a n a g e m e n t s a i d a small number of customers confronted a heckler during the show Police attended the scene, and no serious injuries were reported Chowdhry filmed the heckling and crowd disruption, later sharing the footage on social media He condemned the disruption, saying, "I do not condone violence in any form," and emphasised that l i v
S t a f f q
l drive economic growth
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over has risen by 6 7%, from £11 44 to £12 21 per hour, while the National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 has increased by 16 2%, from £8 60 to £10 per hour
U K B u s i n e s s S e c r e t a r y Jonathan Reynolds stated that the changes are part of the government's "Plan to Make Work Pay," marking the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation He e m p h a s
T he High Co urt has issued a freezing order ag ainst Do rota Newm an, a no
Jarmans Solicitors in 2022
Jay Singh Sahota and his wife, Joti Kaur Sahota, claim she owes
Last week, Mr Justice Miles granted the Sahotas an interim freezing injunction on her assets,
and Exeter, with a penal notice a
attend, and the judge noted her lack of seriousness despite facing a substantial claim
The Sahotas’ solicitor, Akbar Ali of Ali Legal, called the ruling a
For those under 18, the wage has risen by 18% to £7 55 per hour, w
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray
moment, emphasising its potential
enjoyable, not conflict-driven He jokingly swore at the heckler and warned, "I'll take a picture and make sure you never get back in "
Chowdhry also expressed hope t
occur at his upcoming show at the O2 Arena
key step in recovering their owed funds He said it was devastating for them to see their former firm collapse but hoped this brought them closer to justice
T h e i n j u n c t i o n b a r s M s Newman from disposing of assets, except for living expenses of £800 a week and reasonable legal costs
Ms Newman must provide Ali Legal with a full asset breakdown by the next hearing on 4 April The order will be lifted if she deposits £346,000 or agreed security with the court
A
A T r a f a l g a r E n t e r t a i n m e n t spokesperson said a physical altercation broke out after some customers expressed frustration with a heckler
staff, and performer safety Essex Police responded to reports of an assault around 21:35 GMT, but no serious injuries were reported, and inquiries are ongoing
Bradford man dies after hit-and-run incident
three
ays after being hit by a car in Bradford He was struck by a black Audi Q3 on Great Horton Road, near the junction with Havelock Street, around 10:00 GMT on Thursday
Yorkshire Police The driver of the Audi failed to stop at the scene A fourth person has been arrested in
Paul Chowdhry
Shabbir
She Can Engineer!
Anusha Singh M aira Sh ernaz Bana , co -
fo u n d er o f
SheCanEngineer and Head
o f C o m p u tati o n al
E ng i ne eri n g a t R ed
E ng i ne eri n g D es ig n, w a s recog nised with a British
Em p ire M ed al (BE M ) f or her contributions to div ersity in engineering in The King ’ s New Year Honours in 2025
B a l a n c i n g h e r d u a l roles, Maira plays a crucial
p a r t i n t h e d a t a c e n t r e industry, which serves as the backbone of the digital
w o r l d T h e s e h i g h - t e c h facilities, housing vast networks of servers and cooling systems, support every aspect of our online lives from streaming content to business operations Maira
s p e c i a l i s e s i n
C o m p u t a t i o n a l F l u i d dynamics (CFD), a field of engineering that has revo-
l u t i o n i s e d d a t a c e n t r e design over the past two decades
With SheCanEngineer, an initiative dedicated to promoting gender diversity in engineering, her team has, over the years, turned a grassroots effort among volunteers into a registered charity, engaging in
c o n f e r e n c e s , w o r k s h o p s , and even launching a podcast series Entirely volunteer-led, the organisation
h a s g r o w n i n t o a m a j o r platform for advocacy and
m e n t o r s h i p , c o n n e c t i n g
a s p i r i n g e n g i n e e r s w i t h industry leaders and championing an inclusive future for the profession
I n c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h Asian Voice, Maira shares more about her work, lead-
e r s h i p , w o m e n i n m a l edominated fields and more
Asa woman in a te ch nical l eadership role , gai ning respect and re cog nit ion can come wi th unique challe ng es In y ou r expe ri ence , how do you navi gate t he se dyn amics?
R e s p e c t i s n ’ t a l w a y s e q u a l a n d t h e t e c h n i c a l aspect of my role becomes especially noticeable in cert a i n s i t u a t i o n s W h e n I attend conferences, despite
t h e w o r d " e n g i n e e r i n g " appearing in my job title, there’s often an assump-
t i o n t h a t I d i d n ’ t s t u d y
e n g i n e e r i n g o r n e v e r worked as an engineer I try to brush this kind of thing
o f f O c c a s i o n a l l y , I ’ l l address it directly, but with a s m i l e B u t w h a t t r u l y matters is that my workplace and clients recognise
m y e x p e r t i s e W h i l e t h i s may be due to their fair-
m i n d e d n e s s , i t ’ s a l s o because technical compe-
t e n c e s p e a k s f o r i t s e l f W h e n y o u c o n s i s t e n t l y d e m o n s t r a t e k n o w l e d g e and capability, people take notice
One reality of being a woman in a predominantly
male industry is that your a c t i o n s g o o d o r b a d s t a n d o u t M i s t a k e s a r e more visible, but successes
a r e e q u a l l y a m p l i f i e d
That’s why proving technical competence time and time again is essential I don’t subscribe to the comm o n a d v i c e t h a t w o m e n should speak up more in meetings just to gain visibility Instead, I believe in s p e a k i n g w h e n i t a d d s value When you ’ re known for well-reasoned ideas and c l e a r t h i n k i n g , y o u g a i n r e s p e c t a s s o m e o n e w h o brings meaningful contributions Even if your idea isn’t adopted, sound logic and expertise leave a lasting impression
As a leader, I’ve realised that much of what I do is instinctive I’m empathetic, self-aware, and, admittedly, quite sensitive This sensitivity has shaped my leade r s h i p s t y l e I w o u l d n ’ t belittle anyone because I know how it feels to be on the receiving end I never a n t i c i p a t e d h o w v a l u a b l e q u a l i t i e s l i k e e m p a t h y , openness, and vulnerability, often considered "feminine" traits, would be in leadership
A t t h e s a m e t i m e , women leaders often feel pressured to adopt a traditionally “masculine” style assertive, authoritative to earn respect If they do it well, they’re acknowledged If they don’t, they face criticism far more than their male counterparts That’s the imbalance It’s unfair, b u t I b e l i e v e t h a t w h i l e women may have to work harder for it, those who c o n s i s t e n t l y d e m o n s t r a t e competence and leadership will be recognised
Many girls hesitate to pursue engineering, not due to lack of interest but societal conditioning What key strategies can help shift this mindset and show them they can thrive in the industry?
One of the core values of SheCanEngineer is true i n c l u s i o n T h a t m e a n s bringing men to the table whether it's a workshop for engineers or a leadership session encouraging men to participate in conversations about gender diversity is a top priority When they’re part of the conversation, they become part of the solution
The old model hasn’t
Attending your breast screening appointment could save your life
worked The by women, for w o m e n a p p r o a c h h a s i t s place; it’s valuable for cre-
a t i n g s a f e s p a c e s B u t I don’t think it’s the thing that will change our world Real change happens when we work together If we want diversity, we need a diverse approach to solving
t h e p r o b l e m T h a t ’ s w h y men must be involved in these conversations
A similar approach can be seen when we work with schools: our programs are open to both boys and girls
We make sure to put pre-
d o m i n a n t l y f e m a l e e n g ineers in front of them, not to highlight the challenges
a r o u n d d i v e r s i t y , b u t t o n
f women in engineering We d o n ’ t f o c u s o n b e i n g a female engineer; we focus on being an engineer We talk about the excitement, t h e c h a l l e n g e s , a n d t h e i m p a c t o f t h e f i e l d a s a whole
As a result, male students leave thinking, “That w a s c o o l w e w e r e o u tnumbered today”, and they d o n ’ t d w e l l o n i t
M e a n w h i l e , f e m a l e s t udents walk away realising, “This feels different from w h a t w e e x p e r i e n c e i n school, but if those women are doing it, why can’t I?” It’s a subtle but powerful shift
How can women step up as role models and better support the next generation?
A m a n a g e r o n c e s a i d something to me during a really tough time that has stuck with me It was at a point in my career where I was unhappy, I had no form a l a u t h o r i t y , I w a s n ’ t m a n a g i n g a n y
e , a n d I probably believed my prese n c e i n t h e r o o m w a s i n s i g n i f i c a n t H e s a i d , "Know your power " At the time, I thought, W h a t p
e r e a r e people who will notice you, whether because you ’ re the only woman in the room or simply because of the presence you carry You have the power to uplift the people around you or bring them down That perspective changed the way I saw myself Even if you don’t want to be a role model, s o m e o n e i s w a t c h i n g observing both your good a n d b a d q u a l i t i e s A n d wouldn't it be better if your impact were a positive one?
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, and the chance of getting it increases w i t h a g e . R e g u l a r b r e a s t screening is a crucial weapon against this disease. It can d e t e c t c a n c e r a t a n e a r l y stage often before you can see or feel it saving around 1,300 lives each year in the UK
That’s why the NHS’s latest campaign is calling on every woman to take a c t i o n a n d a t t e n d h e r
b r e a s t s c r e e n i n g w h e n invited If you've received an invitation letter now is the time to prioritise yourself and encourage those around you to do the same A r e c e n t N H S s u r v e y revealed that 42% of South Asian women rarely discuss breast screening with those who matter most The survey found that the majority (70%) are concerned about p o t e n t i a l l y d e v e l o p i n g breast cancer Despite this worry, the latest NHS data shows that around a third o f t h o s e i n v i t e d d o n ’ t attend screening – which increases to 46 3 per cent of those invited for the first
time
The survey also found t h a t o n e i n t h r e e ( 3 1 % )
South Asian women over 50 admitted they would put off attending ‘non-urgent’ health appointments - like breast screening, but early d e t e c t i o n i s k e y B r e a s t screening can find cancer long before any symptoms appear, giving you peace of mind If any signs of cancer are found, detecting it early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful
Dr F a r za n a H u ss a i n s a y s , “ A l o t o f u s w o r r y about going to our breast screening because we don’t want to find out we have cancer Most women who attend their breast screening will not have cancer, but in cases where signs of cancer are found and it’s diagnosed early, it’s more likely that treatment will be successful
“There can also be concerns around undressing at t h e a p p o i n t m e n t o r p e rhaps needing someone to translate what’s going on for you The specialist who does your breast screening – the mammographer – will always be female, and you can also ask if there is the option for interpreting services The actual screening i s q u i c k a n d s t r a i g h t f o rward it takes about 30 minutes You’ll get two Xrays for each breast, and your results will arrive in the post within two weeks ” “If your results show no sign of breast cancer, you’ll be invited in the next three years for your next screeni n g I f f u r t h e r t e s t s a r e needed, you’ll receive guida n c e o n t h e n e x t s t e p s Most who need extra tests don’t have cancer, but early detection is vital for effective treatment ” A l l w o m e n r e g i s t e r e d with a GP will receive an invitation for breast screeni n g e v e r y t h r e e y e a r s between the ages of 50 to 7 1 Y o u r f i r s t i n v i t e w i l l come in the post between age 50 and 53 Even if your breast screening shows no sign of breast cancer, it's i m p o r t a n t t o c h e c k y o u r breasts between mammograms and contact your GP practice if you notice any changes S o r e m e mb e r , w h e n y o u ’ r e in v it e d : S a v e t h e dat e, it could sav e your life !
Majority of women believe motherhood hurts careers
M o st w o m e n be li e v e t h a t h a vi n g chi ld re n n e g a t iv e ly impa ct s t heir ca ree rs, with y o u n g e r g e n e r a t i on s a lso say ing it a ffect s the ir selfconfide nce, a ccor ding to a s ur v e y by G oo d House ke eping
The survey found that 64% of women agreed that m o t h e r h o o d h u r t c a r e e r progression Among Gen Z, this number rose to 71%, and a m o n g m i l l e n n i a l s , i t w a s 74% In contrast, 54% of baby b o o m e r s a n d 4 6 % o f t h e s i l e n t g e n e r a t i o n t h o s e born before 1945 felt the same way
Despite these concerns, employment among mothers in the UK has reached its highest level in 20 years The Office for National Statistics reported that in April–June 2021, 75 6% of mothers were e m p l o y e d , c o m p a r e d t o 66 5% in 2002 However, the
employment rate for fathers remains significantly higher at 92 1%
Jane Bruton, UK editori n - c h i e f a t G o o d Housekeeping, said the findi n g s w e r e u n s u r p r i s i n g Many millennial and Gen X women struggled with juggling work, homeschooling, a n d c h
e v e n a f t
r e t u r n i n g t o w o r k , m a n y found it difficult to secure flexible arrangements She added that the cost of living c
o n younger women are delaying starting families
T h e s u r v e y , w h i c h included 2,951 women aged 18 to 92, also found that 64% believed motherhood negatively affects self-confidence and body image This view was most common among Gen Z (79%) and millennials ( 7 7 % ) , w
(59%), baby boomers (43%), a n d t h e s i l e n t g e n e r a t i o n (36%) agreed Nearly half of t h e w o m e n s u r v e y e d f e l t that having children could strain relationships, with the strongest concerns coming from Gen Z and millennials Birth rates in England and Wales have hit a record low, with an average of 1 44 c h i l d r e n p e r w o m a n i n 2023 the lowest since 1977 The average age of first-time mothers has also risen to an all-time high of 29 3 years Financial concerns and the long-term effects of the pandemic were among the key reasons young adults cited for delaying parenthood H o w e v e r , 9 0 % o f t h e w o m e n s u r v e y e d a
that, while motherhood is
G e n X
having children was the best thing in their lives
Safety fears deter women from cycling
I nt i m id a t in g dr i ve r b eha viour, poor in fr as t ructure, and sa fety concerns are preventing m or e wom en in the UK f rom cy cling c ompared to men, ac cording to new resear ch, as bike sa les c ontinue to de cline f ol lowing the "Covid boom " A study by Cycling UK, a c h a r i t a b l e m e m b e r s h i p organisation, found that the gender gap in cycling participation has widened over the p
behaviour, such as close passes by drivers, have decreased for men, they have remained unchanged for women More than half of women (
and
Maira Bana BEM
Dr Farzana Hussain
EDUCATION
Experts debate smartphone bans for under-16s
Subhasini Naicker
The UK is consid ering a ban on s martp ho nes fo r ch ildren under 1 6 to protect th em from online h arm s,
am i d g ro w i ng c o nc er ns about th e im pact of screen tim e, social media, and d igital expo su re on you ng people's mental health
A r e c e n t P a r e n t k i n d survey revealed that 58% of parents support this measure, with over 80% considering smartphones "harmful" to children
If enacted, the regulation would introduce two categories of smartphones: "children’s phones" without social media apps for those
u n d e r 1 6 , a n d " a d u l t phones" with full functionality
E d u
across England, responding to growing pressure from MPs about social media’s effect on teenagers She will monitor a group of schools
a n d a n a l y s e t h e n a t i o n a l
behaviour survey to identify the most effective ways to enforce bans and address challenges
T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s expressed frustration over
p r e v i o u s f a i l e d e f f o r t s t o enforce phone bans, with a focus now on ensuring full compliance in schools
Support for a ban has gained momentum, partly
s p a r k e d b y t h e N e t f l i x series ‘Adolescence’, which highlights the dangers of o n l i n e m i s o g y n i s t i n f l uencers and digital exposure
Asian Voice has spoken to experts on the potential impact of banning smartphones for under-16s and creating a safer online environment
Inclusive online env ironm ents for all young people
Policy and Regulatory Manager for Child Safety Online at the NSPCC, Rani Go vend er said, “We recognise and share the concerns
r a i s e d b y y o u n g p e o p l e , which is why we focus on finding balanced solutions
The NSPCC is working to ensure young people maintain access to the online
w o r l d w h i l e b e i n g b e t t e r p r o t e c t e d F o r i n s t a n c e ,
The Voice of Online Youth, a group the NSPCC collaborates with, highlights how the online world is integral
to their identity and life experiences, with no dist i n c t i o n b e t w e e n o n l i n e and offline lives Just as we
respected offline, it's crucial to extend the same protection and support to their online experiences ” Emphasising that dis-
h o n e s f o r education and communication, Rani said, “It's crucial to consider intersectionality when developing these p o l i c i e s , a s m a r g i n a l i s e d children are often at the highest risk of online harms and may be most negatively a f f e c t e d H o w e v e r , f o r LGBTQ+ children, online spaces can be essential for exploring their identity and connecting with communities that may be difficult to find in the offline world
Many children depend on these online spaces, which can offer more accessibility a n d s u p p o r t t h a n t h e o f f l i n e w o r l d T h e r e f o r e , i t ' s v i t a l t o c r e a t e s a f e online environments that foster inclusion and protection for all children ” Tech regu lation crucial for child safety, say experts P r o fe ss o r S o n i a L i v i ng s to n e OB E F B A,
p r o v i d e e n o u g h p o s i t i v e activities for children
She supports regulating tech companies to prevent harmful content but opposes banning technology for children “There is little evidence that banning technology benefits children,” she said “Instead, offering stimulating activities-both online and offline-supports
t h e i r d e v e l o p m e n t ” S h e advocates for better parks, outdoor freedom, regulated s o c i a l m e d i a , a n d e
tional apps, adding, “Talk of
bans distracts from what really matters ” P
S
o
aj i t Basu, from the University of Leeds, supports a ban on smartphones in schools for children under 16, calling a
positive step, though not
have taken decisive action, banning social media for younger children and hold-
effective implementation of such measures ” However, Basu cautions against an absolute ban on
media, as it could punish
"Young people’s rights shouldn’t be framed solely around protecting them but also allowing them to engage safely with the digital world."
D i r e c t o r a t t h e D i g i t a l
Futures for Children (DFC) Centre, stressed the importance of focusing on what children are doing online
She noted, “The real quest i o n i s w h e
l d r e n engage with beneficial cont e n t o r
p o s e d t o harmful material by algor i t h m s I f n o t o n t h e i r p h o n e s , w o u l d t h e y b e engaging in healthier activities?” Livingstone argued that the screen time debate d i s t r a c t s f r o m t h e l a r g e r issue of society failing to
Starmer supports Adolescence as Netflix series sparks national conversation on child protection
N et f li x ’ s o r i g i n a l se ri e s ,
Adol escence is makin g wav es for i ts bold take on shieldi ng chil dren from v iolent misog yn y and harmful content on soci al media
O n M o n d a y , B
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
h
ator Jack Thorne and produce
Johnson at Downing Street to discuss child protection The meeting included representatives from charities such as Tender, the NSPCC, and The Children’s Society
Following the discussion,
announced its support for a
Adolescence freely available in secondary schools across the UK The series will be accessible via the Into Film+ streaming service, with healthy relat i o n s h i p s c h a r i t y T e n d e r d e v e l o p i n g e d u c a t i o n a l r e s o u r c e s t o h e l p s c h o o l s address its key themes
Reflecting on the show’s impact, Starmer stated, “As a f a t h e r , w a t c h i n g t h i s s h o w w i t h m y t e e n a g e s o n a n d daughter, I can tell you it hit home hard ” He emphasised the importance of open conversations about how young p e o p l e c o m m u n i c a t e a n d engage with content online, noting that these discussions are vital for helping them navi g a t e c o n t e m p o r a r y c h a ll e n g e s a n d r e s i s t h a r m f u l
influences
Adolescence follows the s t o r y o f 1 3 - y e a r - o l d J a m i e Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a classmate The series also feat u r e s p e r f o r m a n c e s b y
S t e p h e n G r a h a m , A s h l e y W a l t e r s , E r i n D o h e r t y , a n d
Faye Marsay
A n n e M e n s a h , N e t f l i x ’ s
VP of UK Content, praised the series for sparking important c o n v e r s a
h a s c a p
Safety Act’ has made strides but is insufficient in creati n g a s u p
g
l environment for children “We must balance protection with autonomy Young people’s rights shouldn’t be framed solely around protecting them but also allowing them to engage safely with the digital world,” he added
A d
h e n a t i
n
l mood, articulating the pressures young people and parents face in today’s society,” she said Netflix is “incredibly proud” of its impact and is committed to making it available to all UK schools through Into Film+, with Tender creati n g g u i d a n c e m a t e r i a l s f o r teachers and parents to navigate its critical themes
Ajay, an Indian father in L o n d o n , r e a c t i n g t o
Adolescence on Netflix, told
A s i a n V o i c e : " T h e s e r i e s i s
fairly scary as a parent of a young kid There is almost a parallel personality or world t h a t a c h i l d c a n c r e
social media, which can go undetected by parents It is thought-provoking on cyberbullying as well how harmful it can be, especially for kids a t s u c h a n i m p
Adolescence brought tears to my eyes as a parent who continually strives to nurture and s
Seeing the complex dynamics particularly children hiding their pain and secrets
own parental experiences It reminded me vividly of the
between giving guidance and allowing independence, especially in a digital era where external influences can profoundly impact young minds Above all, as Indian parents, our unwavering commitment to our children defines our
Whatever life's challenges, our dedication remains constant, deeply rooted in unconditional love, cultural values, and emotional support The show poignantly highlights the collective responsibility we share in raising emotionally secure,
equipped to face the world confidently "
Ofsted lauds Al Islah for strong ethos and community efforts
P upils at Al Islah Girls’ High
S c h o o l w er e p r ai s ed as “excellent ambass adors” fo llowing an Ofsted insp ectio n in early March
T h e p r i v a t e s c h o o l i n
A u d l
‘ G o o d ’ o
l l a n d ‘Outstanding’ for Behaviour
a n d A t t i t u d e s T h e h e a d teacher and chair of govern o r s c o m m e n d e d t h e efforts of pupils and staff, with the report highlighting the school’s “friendly and welcoming” atmosphere
I n s p e c t o r s p r a i s e d t h e
s c h o o l ' s s t r o n g I s l a m i c ethos, creating a respectful, s u p p o r t i v e a t m o s p h e r e
P u p i l s s e t t l e i n q u i c k l y ,
achieve well, and meet high expectations Their exemp l a r y b e h a v i o u r i n c l u d e s a c t i v e l y s u p p o r t i n g t h e s c h o o l a n d c o m m u n i t y through charity initiatives
The report noted: “The school’s curriculum identifies the important knowledge that pupils will learn over time, organising key subject content logically ” It added, “This enables pupils t o b u i l d t h e i r k n o w l e d g e cumulatively year-on-year ”
On teaching, inspectors said: “Teachers have strong subject knowledge across all a r e a s a n d
school’s vibrant library and
y introduced 'buddy readers' initiative ” The report stated: “Staff are proud to work at the school and value leaders' consideration of their well-being ” It also noted, “The proprietor and governors have strong oversight o f t h e s c h o o l ’ s s t r e n g t h s and areas for development ”
” However, they pointed out that “at times, teachers do n o t c o n s i s t e n t l y u s e t h i s information well enough to address gaps in pupils’ learning ” The report also praised the school’s efforts to foster a l o v e o f r e a d i n g : “ M a n y p u p i l s m a k
Special schools struggle with capacity crisis
DfE figures sho w England had 8,0 00 mo re seco nd ary p u p i ls ne ed i n g sp e c ia l s ch o ol p la ce s th a n w er e available last year-a 25% rise in 12 months
About two-thirds of special schools were at or over capacity in 2023-24, despite 5 , 0 0 0 n e w p l a c e s b e i n g added
The government says its £ 7 4 0 m i n v e s t m e n t , a
SEND places in mainstream schools
E d u c a t i o n S e c r e t a r y Bridget Phillipson said the f u n d i n g w i l l h e l p a d d r e s s “significant gaps in provision ” An estimated 1 7 mill i o n c h i l d r e n i n E n g l a n d h a v e S E N D , w i t h E H C P n u m b e r s s e t t o r i s e b y 44,000 over three years
In May 2024, special secondary schools had 92,000 places but enrolled 100,000 pupils T h e P u b l i c A c c o u n t s C o m m i t t e e s l a m m e d t h e SEND system as “in disarr a y , ” c
step” toward closing gaps in provision
mary
of
from
Professor Sonia Livingstone OBE
Rani Govender
Subhajit Basu
Ketan Dattani
Sustainable Tourism: How to Travel Responsibly
So uth A sia holds a sp ecia l place in m y hea rt, and India , in pa rticular, feels like home-the land of my ancestors, the place tha t shaped m y identity
The region's natural beauty is awe-inspiring, and its cultural heritage, full of vibrant traditions and delicious cuisine, is like no other From the beaches of Sri Lanka to the mountains of Nepal, South Asia is a dream destination for any traveller But with the increase in tourism, we must ask ourselves: how can we preserve what makes this region so special while still enjoying all it has to offer?
Why Susta inab le Tour ism Ma tte rs in Sout h Asia
Tourism brings significant economic benefits to countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, creating jobs and boosting local businesses But as the number of visitors grows, so too does the pressure on the environment and local communities I’ve seen firsthand how unregulated t o u r i s m
Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh, for example, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s now under threat due to overcrowding and unmanaged tourism Similarly, in Sri Lanka, the beautiful rainforests and pristine beaches face the risk of losing their charm if we don’t act responsibly
Tourism is an important economic driver, but if we continue at this rate without considering sustainability, we risk losing the very things that make South Asia so unique
That’s why I feel it’s crucial that we approach tourism with mindfulness, ensuring that future generations can experience these wonders too
How t o Tr ave l Sustain ably in South Asia
Having spent time in various parts of South Asia, I’ve learned that small changes in how we travel can make a world of difference Here are a few tips I always follow to reduce my impact and support the communities I visit:
1 Choose Eco-Frien dly Accommoda tions
When booking accommodation, I look for places that are committed to sustainability Many hotels and resorts in South Asia are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint For example, in Nepal, eco-lodges near the Himalayas are designed to minimise waste, conserve water, and support local conservation projects These places allow me to enjoy nature while knowing I'm doing my part to protect it
2 Support Ethical W ildlife Ex perie nces
As much as I love experiencing wildlife up close, I avoid activities that exploit animals, like elephant rides in Thailand or having photos taken with caged wildlife Instead, I visit ethical sanctuaries where animals are treated with respect and live in their natural habitats In Sri Lanka, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a great example of a place where elephants are cared for in humane conditions, and in India, national parks like Jim Corbett offer sustainable ways to see wildlife in the wild
3 Buy Local and Suppor t Small B usine sse s
Instead of spending my money with big international chains, I always seek out family-run businesses and local artisans In Rajasthan, I love shopping for handmade textiles directly from the craftspeople who make them I also enjoy eating at small, family-owned restaurants, where I get a taste of authentic flavours and know that my money is going back into the local community
4 Respe ct Local Cult ures an d the Env ironme nt South Asia has such a rich cultural tapestry, and I make it a priority to learn about local customs before I travel It’s as simple as understanding the dress code when visiting temples or monasteries, or being mindful of local traditions in places like Bhutan, where showing respect at sacred sites is part of the experience And when visiting natural sites, like the beaches in the Maldives or trekking in Nepal, I always stick to designated paths to minimise my impact on the environment
5 Red uce W aste
One thing I’ve noticed across many South Asian countries is that waste management can be a real challenge I’ve made it a habit to carry reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils to reduce my reliance on single-use plastics
This small step helps lessen the burden on local waste systems, especially in places like India, where plastic waste is a growing issue
6 Conser ve Wa ter and Ene rgy
Water is a precious resource in many parts of South Asia, and I try to be mindful of my consumption In places like Rajasthan, where water scarcity is a significant concern, even small actions like taking shorter showers and switching off lights when I’m not using them go a long way in helping conserve resources
Sustainable tourism isn’t just about limiting our negative impact it’s about enhancing the positive contributions we can make to the places we visit South Asia, with all its diversity and beauty, deserves to be protected for future generations By choosing to travel responsibly, we can continue to enjoy all that this incredible region has to offer, while helping preserve its natural and cultural treasures
Every time I visit a new place, I try to keep in mind the legacy I want to leave behind As tourists, we have the power to make a difference one conscious choice at a time
Anusha Singh
The complexities of dating for South Asians
Dating can be challenging for anyone, but for many second-third generation South Asian immigrants, it comes with an added layer of cultural expectations, family pressures, and societal taboos
Striking a balance between personal choice and traditional values can make navigating relationships a complicated and, at times, stressful experience From the stigma around dating openly to the influence of caste, religion, and parental expectations, South Asian millennials and Gen Z face unique hurdles in their search for love
As a neurosciencebased dating coach, Manj Bahra, founder of NOVA, a modern matchmaking service for South Asian professionals shares his insight into the South Asian dating experience
are the key skills or mindset shifts you help your clients develop to improve their dating experiences?
The biggest mindset shift I help clients make is to stop obsessing over what they can’t control dating apps, algorithms, the dating pool, societal expectations and instead, focus on what’s in their hands Most people waste energy worrying about factors they have little influence over Instead, I guide them to shift attention to what truly moves the needle: their
mindset, the stories they tell themselves about dating, whether they’re actively meeting people, and if they’re living a full life outside of dating
A powerful tool I use is inversion theory I tell clients, “You’re already an expert at creating your current dating results just look at the habits, thoughts, and patterns that have led you here ” Once they map these out, the next step is simple: flip the script Do the opposite for a while and watch what happens This experiment often sparks a mindset shift once you see change, you realise what’s possible
What’s the biggest mistake highachieving South Asians make when dating?
For many highachieving South Asians, the fear of settling leads to an impossible search for the “perfect” partner They treat dating like a highstakes selection process, filtering people through rigid criteria someone ambitious but always available, independent yet traditional, exciting yet emotionally secure The
result? No one ever feels “good enough,” and they get stuck in selection mode instead of connection mode
For high-achieving South Asian women, this plays out in another way they don’t settle for the wrong person, but they settle for the wrong dynamic Raised to be fixers balancing family expectations, excelling in high-pressure careers, and taking on emotional baggage they carry this into dating Instead of choosing someone emotionally available, they overcompensate in relationships, chasing men who won’t commit, trying to “ earn ” love through effort But love isn’t something you work for it’s something that happens when both people show up equally
The key shift? Stop proving and start choosing High standards aren’t about finding the hardestto-get person; they’re about valuing yourself enough to walk away from those who can’t meet you where you are
Howdo cultural expectations impact the dating experience for South Asians in the UK? How do you help clients balance family expectations with their personal desires in a partner?
Cultural expectations like caste and religion play a significant role in South Asian dating, primarily because of a deep desire to please elders and maintain family reputation One of
the biggest reasons parents resist inter-caste or interfaith relationships isn’t personal belief, it’s fear of reputational loss In tightly-knit communities, marriage isn’t just about two people; it’s about family standing
This is why I tell clients: Don’t wait for family permission to marry outside caste or religion because that permission is never coming By asking, you signal that you need approval, which gives parents power to influence your decision Their resistance isn’t about control, it’s about keeping you and themselves safe from social fallout If you ’ re 100% sure about your choice, stand by it but be prepared to face backlash
It’s also important to zoom out and think longterm In 10, 20, or 30 years, will this still be an issue, or will we look back at these barriers as outdated relics? I realised that my kids wouldn’t see my interfaith marriage as a big deal So I had a choice be the change now, or be part of the lost generation that upheld outdated norms
Ironically, South Asians in the UK often hold onto these traditions more rigidly than people back home When our families moved here, they clung to culture to preserve identity but in doing so, they froze it in time Meanwhile, the world has moved on The real question is: Are you willing to?
UK approves £8.3bn plan for largest road tunnel
The U K’s la rge st r oad tunn el project has bee n giv en the gre en lig ht, with an £8 3 billion plan appr ove d by t he gover nme nt
Heidi Alexander has granted
Crossing, which will connect Kent and Essex The project includes two 2 6-mile tunnels under the Thames, set
to become the longest road tunnels in the UK
D e s c r i b e d b y N a t i o n a l Highways as “the most sig-
a generation,” the new motorway-style route will link the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13
congestion at the Dartford Crossing by nearly doubling r
Thames Planning for the cross-
already spent The government is considering private financing, with costs poten-
depending on the funding model Construction could begin next year, with completion expected in the early 2030s A g o v e r n m e n t spokesperson said the crossing will improve connectivi-
ty between the South and Midlands, boost trade, and drive economic growth Matt Palmer, executive
emphasised
construction and supporting green skills development He pledged to work with local communities to
provide job opportunities
UK firms prepare to move factories closer to home
UK compa
revealed that many companies are increasingly
countries, with
tomers
The disruption caused by the pandemic and subseq
e s has pushed companies to reassess their supply chains and enhance resilience As a r e s u l t , m a n y h a v e b e e n moving their manufacturing operations back to the UK (known as "reshoring") o r t o n e a r b y c o u n t r i e s (known as "nearshoring")
A c c o r d i n g t o R o b W
tion" presents a significant opportunity for economic growth The survey found that British businesses have already spent $440 billion o n r e s h o r i n g a n d nearshoring since 2022, and t h e t r e n d i s e x p e c t e d t o accelerate By 2028, 59% of U K r e s
the UK and nearby count
v e r s behind this reindustrialisat i o n i n c l u d e n a v i g a t i n g geopolitical risks, avoiding s u p p l y c h a i n d i s r u p t i o n s , reducing logistics costs, and prioritising sustainability The US is expected to be the largest beneficiary, but the UK is set to be the second-largest, with a substantial increase in investment, including $10 billion earmarked for UK data centres
Manj Bahra
Britain’s wealth drain?
Under the current system, non-doms only pay UK tax on income earned within the country, while foreign i n c o m
legally reduce tax obliga-
t i o n s b y d e s i g n a t i n g a lower-tax country as their domicile
With the non-dom tax regime now being phased
o u t , n e w r u
Those moving to the UK from that date will enjoy four years of tax exemption
o n f o
However, after this period, they will be subject to the same tax rules as UK residents
For existing non-doms, a two-year transition peri-
o d h a s b e e n i n t r o d u c e d , encouraging them to integrate their offshore wealth
i n t o t h e U K t a x s y s t e m
D e s p i t e t h i s a d j u s t m e n t , many high-net-worth individuals see the reforms as a turning point, accelerating their departure in search of
m o r e f a v o u r a b l e t a x c l i -
mates
The movement of mill i o n a i r e s t o m o r e favourable tax jurisdictions
h a s f l u c t u a t e d s i n c e t h e financial crash, but the UK is now poised to experience the world’s largest proportionate loss of wealthy residents by the end of this
p a r l i a m e n t W h i l e n o n -
d o m i c i l e d r e s i d e n t s w e r e already relocating graduall y , m a n y o f t h o s e w h o remained are now making swift plans to leave
The Labour Party’s tax reforms, including the abolition of the non-dom tax regime, have caused a significant exodus of millionaires from the UK In 2024, a net 10,800 millionaires
l e f t t h e c o u n t r y a 1 5 7 % increase compared to 2023 - placing the UK as the second highest global loser of w e a l t h y i n d i v i d u a l s a f t e r China
F o r e i g n I n v e s t o r s f o r
B r i t a i n ( F I F B ) h a s b e e n actively lobbying No 10 and the Treasury to adopt the TTR as a pragmatic alternative to abolishing nondom status and have met with No 10 and Treasury on a number of occasions and are maintaining this dialogue
Leslie MacLeo d-Miller, C EO of Foreign Investors
f o r B ri ta i n s a i d , “Chancellor Rachel Reeves must steer Britain’s economy away from the impending iceberg of lost growth
A s g l o b a l c o m p e t i t i o n intensifies, Britain is driving wealth and opportunity into the welcoming arms of n a t i o n s t h a t u n d e r s t a n d t h e v a l u
i n g t o
a t
Britain risks becoming an economic outlier
“When the Chancellor s a i d s h e w o u l d d r i v e growth, we did not believe that to mean drive growth away from Britain When s h e s a i d s h e w o u l d p u t money in people's pockets, we were not told that she w o u l d b e t a k i n g o u t o f Britain s pockets and filling t h e p o c k e t s o f t h e U S A , I t a l y , S w i t z e r l a n d a n d Dubai ” F u r t h e r d e m a n d i n g action, he said, “This is a d e f i n i n g m o m e n t f o r
B r i t a i n E v e r y t a x p a y e r should demand action to k e e p w e a l t h w i t h i n o u r borders and compete effectively on the global stage Failure to act decisively will leave Britain on the sidelines as other nations reap t h e r e w a r d s o f f o r w a r dthinking policies ” Chang es to inh eritance tax
The UK government is introducing major changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) and tax reliefs, aiming to modernise the system and a d d r e s s f i s c a l c h a l l e n g e s
A l o n g s i d e l e g i s l a t i v e updates, a push toward digitalisation will change how IHT is managed and paid
"Failure to act decisively will leave Britain on the sidelines as other nations reap the rewards of forwardthinking policies."
C u r r e n t l y , n o n - d o m s are only liable for IHT on UK-based assets, with foreign assets exempt unless they have lived in the UK for 15 of the past 20 years
From April 6, 2025, this will change: IHT will apply to worldwide assets if a person has been a UK resident for 10 of the last 20 years
Those who leave the UK will still be liable for IHT on worldwide assets for 10 years, preventing tax avoidance through last-minute
r
m
changes to generate £150 million annually by 2030
F
Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will take effect in April 2026, limiting tax relief for fami-
farms A study by Family B
family businesses and 17% of farms have already cut jobs or paused hiring, while more than half have halted
plans The research estimates these changes will result in 208,000 job losses and a £14 9 billion reduction in economic output, leading to a net fiscal loss of £1 9 billion for the gov-
Parliament
Family Bu siness UK said,
huge uncertainty in global
nomic growth, these latest
the damage that is already
and farms, and the wider economy
“ A c r o s s e v e r y s e c t o r , decisions are being taken n o w t o c u t j o b s , r e d u c e investment and sell assets threatening the future of t h o u s a n d s o f b u s i n e s s e s , farms and the sustainability and security of UK farming and food production Ultimately, it will be the working people, and communities right across the country, who depend on f
and farms who’ll pay the price
“But it’s not too late for these policy decisions to be reviewed or reversed For months we have called on g o v e r n m e n t t o c o n s u l t with us and our members in a meaningful way to find a workable solution that m i t i g a t e s d a m a g i n g impacts of the changes to B P R a n d A P R o n f a m i l y firms whilst simultaneous-
l y r a i s i n g a d d i t i o n a l t a x revenue for the Treasury and re-incentivising family
b u s i n e s s e s a n d f a r m s t o invest, recruit and create l o n g - t e r m g r o w t h W e would still welcome that opportunity ”
Economic growth stalling under Rachel Reeves
T h e UK e c o n o m y gr e w faster than in itiall y estimated in the first half of 2 0 2 4 b u t h a s s t a gn a t ed sinc e Lab our took office i n J ul y , a c c o r d in g t o revis ed figures from the O f fi c e fo r N a ti o n a l Statistics (ONS)
T h e O N S u p g r a d e d GDP growth for the first quarter of 2024 to 0 9%, up from 0 8%, and for the second quarter to 0 5%, up f r o m 0 4 % H o w e v e r , g
0
months of the year
Overall, the UK economy expanded by 1 1% in 2024, outperforming previous estimates of 0 9%
T h i s m a d e B r i t a i n t h e j o i n t - t h i r d f a s t e s t - g r o wing G7 economy, behind the US (2 8%) and Canada ( 1 5 % ) G r o w t h f o r 2 0 2 3 was unchanged at 0 4% ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner noted that
while the economy perf
tioned that Reeves’ limited £9 9 billion of fiscal headroom could be erased if new
announced £14 billion in spending cuts this week
Reeves now faces warni n g
growth this year will fall s
with the Office for Budget R e s p o n s i b i l i t y ( O B R ) slashing
income per capita rose by 1 7%
Rise in national insurance and household bills to hit record high, watchdog warns
The UK’s tax burden is s et to reach an all-time high due to stealth taxes and a rise in Nati onal Insurance, according to the O ffice for B ud g et R es p on s i b i l i ty (O BR)
Tax revenues will climb from 35 5% of GDP to 37 7% by 2027-28, largely driven by a 1 2 percentage point i n c r e a s e i n e m p l o y e r
N a t i o n a l I n s u r a n c e Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the tax hike in h e r b u d g e t l a s t O c t o b e r , but it takes effect on April 6 B u s i n e s s g r o u p s h a v e warned it could lead to clos u r e s a n d h i r i n g f r e e z e s
Even after levelling off, the tax burden will remain historically high due to frozen t a x t h r e s h o l d s , t h e O B R said
New projections show that 3 5 million people will be pulled into the 40% tax rate by 2029-30 500,000 more than previously estim a t e d A n a d d i t i o n a l 4 2
m i l l i o n w i l l s t a r t p a y i n g
b a s i c - r a t e t a x , w h i l e
6 0 0 , 0 0 0 w i l l e n t e r t h e highest tax bracket
Critics argue that the c o n t i n u e d f r e e z e o n t a x thresholds, introduced by Rishi Sunak in 2021-22, acts as a stealth tax by pulling
m o r e p e o p l e i n t o h i g h e r rates as wages rise Daisy
C o o p e r , t h e L i b e r a l
D e m o c r a t T r e a s u r y s p o k e s w o m a n , a c c u s e d
L a b o u r o f f o l l o w i n g t h e
C o n s e r v a t i v e s ’ p a t h o f “hammering families with s t e a l t h t a x e s ” w h i l e a l s o burdening businesses with
higher National Insurance
Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal S t u d i e s , s a i d t h e U K i s approaching its highest tax level ever “Broadly, it will remain at record levels if not permanently, then certainly for the foreseeable future,” he told The Times Despite promising not to extend the tax threshold freeze, Reeves may find it tempting in future budgets Johnson estimates that continuing the freeze for two
m o r e y e a r s w o u l d r a i s e around £10 billion
T h e t a x b u r d e n h a s a l r e a d y r i s e n s h a r p l y , u p from 33 2% of GDP before the pandemic to its projected 37 7% in 2027-28 While this is slightly lower than t h e O B R ’ s p r e v i o u s e s t imate of 38 3%, the impact on businesses and workers is expected to be significant
From April, about 60% of the National Insurance hike’s cost is expected to be passed on through higher p r i c e s a n d l o w e r w a g e growth By the following y e a r , t h e O B R p r e d i c t s workers will bear 76% of the cost, leading to a decline in r e a l w a g e s a n d a l o s s o f 50,000 jobs by 2029-30
Pressed on whether furt h e r t a x h i k e s w e r e planned, Reeves declined to rule them out, saying, “I’m n o t g o i n g t o w r i t e f o u r years of budgets today But this government is determ i n e d t o l i v e w i t h i n i t s means and grow the economy to improve living stan-
dards and fund public services ” H ousehold bills to go up
From April, a series of e s s e n t i a l h o u s e h o l d b i l l s will rise, with single parents among the hardest hit W a t e r b i l l s , e n e r g y prices, and council tax are a l l i n c r e a s i n g , a l o n g s i d e hikes in TV licences, car tax, and broadband and phone charges W h i l e t h e m i n i m u m wage is also set to rise, Citizens Advice warns that millions on low incomes a r e a l r e a d y s t r u g g l i n g , with single parents particularly vulnerable as a larger share of their earnings g o e s t o w a r d e s s e n t i a l expenses T h e h o u s e h o l d s w i l l see rising costs across utilities and taxes Water bills in England and Wales will increase by an average of £10 per month, with variat
variable tariff in England, Wales, and Scotland will go up by £111 annually to £1,849 Meanwhile, counc
in Scotland
years of cost-of-
are now facing yet a n
a i n with rising essential bills," said Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice
Neil Davy
Leslie MacLeod-Miller
Rachel Reeves
Helpless patients seek overseas care
Continued from page 1
A m i d s t t h e s e c o n c e r n s , H e a l t h S e c r e t a r y W e s
Streeting has pledged that social care funding will rise, though he did not provide specifics He indicated that
t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s l o n gterm plans for social care would become clearer with the release of the NHS tenyear health plan
Meanwhile, the government has also claimed that an additional £900 million will be allocated to councils in England over the next year to support adult and
c h i l d r e n ’ s s o c i a l c a r e , according to the BBC
While promises of sup-
p o r t f o r t h e h e a l t h a n d social care sector continue to trickle in, patients are
l e f t w o n d e r i n g w h e n i f
e v e r t h e y ’ l l s e e r e a l change In the meantime, many have taken matters
i n t o t h e i r o w n h a n d s Those who can afford it are turning to private practice, while a growing number are opting for India’s swift, efficient, and far more affordable medical care It seems “help is on the way ” , just not from where the government intended
S truggling with NHS, patients turn to private and overseas care
C o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s
s h a r e d t h e i r e x p e r i e n c e s with the NHS with Asian Voice, painting a stark picture of a healthcare system that many no longer find r e l i a b l e T h e i r a c c o u n t s reveal a troubling reality
o n e w h e r e p a t i e n t s a r e forced to navigate endless
b u r e a u c r a t i c h u r d l e s , endure months-long waits for appointments, or seek alternative solutions just to access basic care
S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n Voice, a South Indian couple living in East London
s h a r e d t h e i r f r u s t r a t i o n with the NHS They moved to the UK in 2019 to study and later secured jobs and visa sponsorship
The wife, who requested anonymity, shared that she weighed 68 kg when she arrived in London but is now over 100 kg due to hormonal issues Despite suff e r i n g f r o m p r o l o n g e d menstruation cycles, sometimes lasting a month, she has repeatedly sought help from her GP but received n o a s s i s t a n c e A t 3 5 , s h e hopes to start a family but has not been referred to a fertility clinic despite mult i p l e r e q u e s t s “ W e l o s t hope in the NHS and came to India Within days, we had all our tests done, and the reports were handed to us in three hours,” she said
H e r h u s b a n d , a n I T p r o f e s s i o n a l , j o i n e d t h e conversation, adding, “We have paid at least £1,500 in i m m i g r a t i o n h e a l t h s u rcharge yet received subpar treatment When my wife
a s k e d f o r a h a e m o g l o b i n t e s t , the GP suggested a blood sugar test instead Her horm o n a l i s s u e s h a v e b e e n ignored I have had shoulder pain for months, yet I still don’t have an appointment How can we live like this? We decided to come to India, where the cost and q u a l i t y o f c a r e a r e unmatched ”
Ru p an j ana , d e t a i l i n g her experience, said, “My h u s b a n d b r o k e h i s sesamoid bone in his left f o o t i n A u g u s t 2 0 2 4 H e went to his GP and despite repeated requests he was not transferred to the fracture clinic Neither was he seen by a specialist One d a y , o u t o f e x c r u c i a t i n g pain he landed at the A&E 5 h o u r s l a t e r t h e y o f f e r e d him no Xray and no referral Desperate, he took hims e l f t o p
thousands for MRIs and Xrays Finally we bought a ticket to India because we needed clarity on his prognosis In India everything was sorted in 2 days’ time and at one fourth the cost
“When a referral came from the fracture clinic in the UK, that was 3 months after the initial accident In fact the first appointment even got cancelled
“Later at the follow up appointments, doctors-incharge kept changing and they had no access to his background files now were they updated My husband had to keep showing his
India has emerged as a leader A community member M o loy Bh ad ra told Asian Voice, “I don't go to India
s o n s
New NHS Chief scraps payment cap to meet Starmer’s targets
But when I go to India I do medical treatments as well “Dental treatment has f a l l e n a p a r t
U K
Every time I visit India I do dental checkup, scaling etc at a very low cost - possibly equivalent to £10 Last 7 years this has helped me to k
ments
share their opinion on this increased influx Dr Bh arat S M ody, the Chairm an of W elc ar
Ho
K patients seeking treatment in India has grown signific
“Delays in accessing treat-
m
tions like osteoarthritis of
they receive internationalstandard care at a fraction of the cost A total knee
“We lost hope in the NHS and came to India. Within days, we had all our tests done, and the reports were handed to us in three hours.”
r
receive his due treatments
today he has not received an MRI scan from the NHS, which is basic and important to gauge the depth of the problem ”
No one should have to jump through hoops or suffer unnecessary complications just to lead a normal life or receive treatment for t h e
s t o f h
t h issues And yet, for many, as demonstrated by the above accounts, that has become the unfortunate norm
Delays are driving U K patients to Ind ian hospitals
While the frustrations of patients with social care
i s g l a r i n g l y o b v i o u s , o n e obscure result of a crumbling NHS is the growing p o p u l a r i t y o f m e d i c a l tourism The South Asian community in the country especially has the luxury of turning towards their home countries for treatment and
Dr Aalap Shah Fo und er & D irector, M is sio n Health, attributes this influx to cutt i n g - e d g e t e c h n o l o g y , faster recovery outcomes, and the ability to provide more frequent therapy sessions compared to the UK and other countries
H e a l s o s h a r e d t h a t , “UK patients often express frustration over long waiting times and limited rehabilitation options available to them ”
D r K e yu r B u ch ,
C o ns u lta nt O rth o p a ed i c J o i nt Rep l ac em e nt , A rth r o sc o p y & T r au m a S u r g eo n, r u n s S u s h r u t a
H e a l t h y , a n o r g a n i s a t i o n that provides high-quality h e a l t h c a r e t o p a t i e n t s i n
I n d i a a n d a b r o a d
P r e v i o u s l y a c o n s u l t a n t orthopaedic surgeon in the NHS and BMI hospitals in the UK, Dr Buch observes that while Indian doctors once advertised their services in the UK, patients n o w i n d e p e n d e n t l y s e e k medical care in India
“ I n t h e U K , p e o p l e expect social care because they pay income tax and
The NHS will increase fundin g fo r p r iv ate h o s p i ta ls after abandoning cost-cutti ng m e as u res th a t w ere hind ering efforts to reduce waiting lists in England New NHS England chief S i r J i m M a c k e y w i l l announce the U-turn, sayi n
waiting list pledge on track No 10 reportedly decided
Starmer’s key priorities W
expected to be seen more quickly, hospital leaders fear cuts elsewhere to address ongoing NHS overspending
Starmer’s deal with private hospitals aimed to prov
meet the target of 92% of patients waiting less than 18 w
tions Under the agreement, private hospitals are paid a fixed price per NHS patient, incentivising them to treat as many people as possible NHS cost-cutting plans to cap payments to private hospitals in 2025-26 were rejected after they threatened to withdraw from the
deal
Following intense government discussions, ministers are set to drop the cap
e r n a t i v e cost-control measures proposed by Mackey, supported b y t h e T r e a s u r y a n d Department of Health Mackey, who officially t a k e s c h a
g e o n A p r i l 1 , scrapped the payment cap, f e a r i n g i t w o u l d h i n d e r progress on elective surgeries Recently, he ordered hospitals to tackle a £7 billion deficit for 2024-25 and find other cost-saving measures, as Health Secretary Wes Streeting called for an end to routine overspending However, Mackey now faces the challenge of balancing private hospital use to meet waiting time targets without exceeding the NHS budget
UK and Mauritius close to finalising Chagos deal
T h e U K g o v e r n m e n t i s negoti atin g with Mauriti us to fin alis e a deal on the Cha gos Is lan ds , Down in g Street ha s conf irmed
U n d e r t h e p r o p o s e d a g r e e m e n t , M a u
i u s w o u l d g
costs up to £15,000, whereas in India, the same procedure with top-tier expertise and infrastructure is availa
e explained
Dr Mody also observed
Welcare Vatsalya, the hospital’s elderly care facility, which has been receiving senior guests from the UK “Elderly care costs in the UK have risen while quality has declined A care home costs £1,500 per week in the U K , w h e r e a s a s u p e r i o
facility in India offers better care in a culturally familiar environment, saving families up to £60,000 per year, ” he said
M i s s i o n H e a l t h M u l t i
S p e c i a l i t y P h y s i o t h e r a p y
Centre in Ahmedabad has also seen this influx Many come for Spine rehab, Knee r e h a b , A V N o f t h e h i p , Varicose Veins, and other joint-related conditions, as well as Advanced NeuroRobotic Rehabilitation for
N a t i o n a l I n s u r a n c e
However, I find this notion
p r o b l e m a t i c f a m i l y s u pport should not be entirely r e p l a c e d b y g o v e r n m e n t i n t e r v e n t i o n Y e t , s u c c e s -
s i v e B r i t i s h g o v e r n m e n t s have led people to believe the state can manage not only medical but also social and personal care needs ” H e a d d s , “ O v e r 6 0 years, unrealistic expectations have taken root No government can meet them without financial collapse, which would threaten even basic medical services ”
While the UK looks into a societal shift, “India offers
receive surgeries
c a r e , physiotherapy, and nutrit i o n a l s u p p o r t , r e d u c i n g the need for UK social care M a n y a p p r e c i a t e A h m e d a b a
s o v e r e i g n t y over the islands, while the US and UK would maintain a military base on one island for 99 years, at the British taxpayer's expense
U K g o v e r n m e n t sources have stated they are not waiting for Donald Trump's approval
E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r , F o r e i g n S e c r e t a r y D a v i d Lammy said the deal would be halted if the US president objected
The Mauritian governm e n t e c h o e d D o w n i n g S t r e e t ' s s t a t e m e n t , c o nfirming that both countries are working to finalise the agreement T h e p l a n t o t r a n s f e r c o n t r o l o f t h e C h a g o s Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean T e r r i t o r y , w a s f i r s t a n n o u n c e d l a s t O c t o b e r a f t e r t a l k s w i t h t h e nMauritian leader Pravind J u g n a u t h H o w e v e r , f o llowing elections, he was s u c c e e d e d b y P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a v i n R a m g o o l a m , w h o v o i c e d concerns about the deal P r o g r e s s w a s f u r t h e r d e l a y e d a f t e r D o n a l d Trump's election, as negotiators wanted to give the n e w U S a d m i n i s t r a t i o n time to review the plan
Teacher caught falsifying sick day to travel to India
A teacher who fals ely c laimed to be sick during the p andemic bef ore f lying to India has avoided a ban
Anita Sawhney, formerly of the now-closed Midpoint C e n t r e i n W
h
m p
, hid a negative private Covid test The school only learned of her trip when her return flight was delayed
S a w h n e y w a s f o u n d guilty of "unacceptable professional conduct" after falsely reporting a sick day during t h e p a n
have a raised temperature on October 21, omitting the test result
return in November, citing
Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) in February 2021 The p
attended work with a potential Covid symptom, violating self-isolation guidance She admitted to misleading the school and acknowledged a lack of integrity While the p a n e l r u l e d h e r a c t i o n s breached guidance to facilit a t e a t r i p t o I n d i a
, unblemished career, especially working with challenging pupils Despite the misconduct, the panel decided not to r
order, stating
penalty
Dr Bharat S Mody
Dr Keyur Buch
Jim Mackey
Dr Aalap Shah
Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel
Trump's comprehensive reciprocal tariffs has led to significant market volatility, leaving many investors anxious about the future. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq
C o m p o
performances since 2022, with declines of 4 6% and 10.5%, respectively.
During such times, it's crucial to remember the sage advice of legendary investor Warren Buffett: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful " This perspective encourages investors to view market downturns not as calamities but as opportunities to acquire quality companies at discounted prices
The Perils of Reacting to Market Noise
Market volatility often triggers a cacophony of sensational headlines and dire predictions It's essential to distinguish between short-term noise and long-term value Reacting impulsively to every market dip can lead to poor
A
Buffett wisely noted, "Uncertainty is the friend of the buyer of long-term values "
Identifying Quality Companies
In uncertain times, focusing on fundamentally strong companies becomes even more critical Look for businesses with solid balance sheets, consistent earnings, and a competitive edge in their industry These companies are
emerge stronger when the storm passes As Buffett advises, "Never invest in a business you cannot understand "
The Role of Cash Reserves
Maintaining cash reserves provides flexibility to capitalize on investment opportunities during market downturns Buffett himself is known for holding substantial cash positions, waiting patiently for the right moment to invest This strategy not only offers a safety net but also positions investors to act decisively when high-quality assets become attractively priced
Staying the Course
It's natural to feel uneasy during periods of market instability, especially when political actions contribute to economic uncertainty However, history has shown that markets are resilient over the long term By maintaining a disciplined approach, focusing on quality investments, and tuning out the noise, investors can navigate turbulent times effectively As Buffett aptly puts it, "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago "
In conclusion, while the current political climate may test investors' resolve, it's essential to remain calm and adhere to time-tested investment principles By focusing on quality companies, maintaining cash reserves, and avoiding reactionary decisions based on market noise, investors can position themselves for long-term success, regardless of short-term uncertainties I am excited about the investing opportunities from beaten back quality companies as we had in 2023 and 2024 with bumper returns from 2022 volatility
BT seeks foreign partnerships with AT&T, Orange
Britain’s BT (BT L ) has ap pro ached telecom g iants A T&T and Orange for p otential partnersh ips to help rev am p its international business, Bloomberg News repo rted Frid ay, citing sou rces
A BT spokesperson confirmed discussions with third parties but provided no further details CEO Allison Kirkby, who took over a year ago, has been focusing BT’s business on the UK while exploring options for its global operations
According to Bloomberg, a partnership could involve selling a stake in BT’s global division Orange declined to comment, while AT&T has yet to respond to Reuters’ request
BT recently reported record fibre customer additions, but its international business unit weighed on overall revenue for the quarter ending December 31
Frasers to launch Sports Direct stores in India
F rasers Group announced plans to open over 350 S ports Direct stores across So utheast Asia and India throug h its p artnership with Ind onesian retailer MA P Active
The expansion will extend Frasers’ flagship sportswear brand in Indonesia and introduce it to India, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia Frasers, majority-owned by British billionaire Mike Ashley, has been actively pursuing international growth, securing recent deals in the Gulf region, Egypt, and the Netherlands MAP Active, a division of PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk operates over 40 exclusive sports and leisure brands
What’s next for the economy?
Anusha Singh
Alpesh Paleja, Lead Economist at the CBI, specialises in the UK economy and oversees its economic forecasts In a conversation with Asian Voice, he shares insights on the UK’s economic landscape, the UKIndia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and business confidence in the new fiscal year
1 How would you describe the current state of the UK economy? What are the biggest challenges facing businesses in 2025?
A range of data –including the CBI’s own surveys – suggest that economic momentum remains weak A few things are behind that: we ’ ve had a long period of high inflation and cost pressures after the COVID pandemic, which has hit both household spending and business’ margins There was also continued uncertainty last year ahead of the general election and the government’s first Budget, which meant that many businesses kept new projects and investment on hold Firms have since been dealing with additional cost pressures that have arisen from the Budget: principally the rise in employer National Insurance Contributions and a big increase in the National Living Wage
On top of this, global economic and geopolitical risks are growing, particularly around numerous tariff measures implemented or coming down the track
from the US The swathe of headwinds and uncertainty really underscores how important it is to firm up the foundations for growth at home
2 Do you think that UKIndia FTA has any hope of being finalised under the Labour government after all the delay? Are there any potential hurdles that could delay or complicate the deal?
A Free Trade Agreement with India would be a great opportunity for the UK, given that India is set to remain one of the fastest growing major economies in the world
The strength of its consumer market means that there is considerable demand potential for some of the UK business community
The reality is that trade deals can often take a while to finalise – there tend to be lots of minutiae and fine details that need ironing out, to ensure that all parties benefit accordingly
And a UK-India FTA would also need to be considered in the broader context of the UK’s trade and interna-
tional strategy Notably, the Trade and Co-operation agreement with the EU is set to be renegotiated next year, which provides an opportunity to drive economic growth and position the UK as a leader on the world stage
3. What are the key economic trends shaping the UK’s financial landscape as a new fiscal year begins? What are some policies that are set to have an effect on the economy of the country and how do you see business sentiment shifting in response to government policies?
Business sentiment has been hit by the big rise in employment costs, and our members tell us that they’re reappraising some of their operations in response – looking at hiring, pay awards, pricing and investment plans Our own business surveys show a weakening in hiring intentions, and some resilience in pricing intentions, at a time when economic growth was already weak That’s set to remain a key theme over the coming months
But it’s important to remember that we could also see more tailwinds to growth this year
Consumer fundamentals are firmer, with wage growth outpacing inflation and interest rates having come down from previous peaks This could translate into more household
spending, which would have positive spillovers to investment The government’s Spending Review in the summer offers a golden opportunity to consolidate this near-term momentum into longer-term growth ambition
4. What is the current outlook for business confidence and how can businesses leverage government policies or financial incentives to drive investment?
It’s clear that businesses are still grappling with numerous headwinds, while contending with a challenging operating environment But given some glimmers of hope for nearterm momentum, we shouldn’t rule out a modest improvement in business confidence
The Spending Review in a few months can go a long way towards catalysing investment
Setting an ambitious goal for R&D spending, making it easier to invest in skills and taking measures to reduce the regulatory burden on business would be encouraging moves that would show the government understood what business needs to see from them
Business investment could also benefit from some near-term tailwinds
For example, it’s likely that the Bank of England will lower interest rates further, which should give some further support to capital spending
effect toda
This move, part of the G
pledge to raise living stan-
money in workers’ pockets Announced in the Autumn Budget, the uplift will also stimulate local economies
spending
apprentices will receive a record cash increase in the National Minimum Wage, m a r k i n g a s t e p t o w a r d s removing unfair age-based wage bands This ensures fairer pay, as a 21-year-old should not earn more than a 20-year-old for the same job Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, “This pay rise for over 3 million of the lowest-paid workers w a s a p r i o r i t y f o r t h i s Government, delivering a wage increase worth over twice the rate of inflation ”
A l o n g s i d e t h i s w a g e increase, the Government is investing billions to ease c o s t - o f - l i v i n g p r e s s u r e s They are spending £7 8 bill i o n o n
Triple Lock commitment and ensure pensioners are n o t l e f t b e h
d T h
Government is also allocating
Alpesh Paleja
Hurun India rich list: Ambani remains India's richest
Mu kesh Ambani, chairman
o f Re li a nc e I n du s t ri es ,
r em a in s In d ia ' s r i ch es t i ndividu al with a net worth
o f $9 1 8 billion, p lacing h im
1 8th glo bally on the H urun
G l o b al Ri c h Li s t 2 0 25
Gautam Adani, fo under o f
t he Ada ni Gro u p , f ol lo ws with a net worth of $53 5 b i l li o n , r an k in g 2 7 th worldwide
wealth gainer in absolute terms , with an impressive increase of nearly £10bn in his net worth His fortune rose by 13%
In the realm of women's
woman to break into the
global top 10 women
after
transferred a 47% stake in HCL to her
reduction in his net worth,
richest individual on the list
India has solidified its position as the third-largest hub for billionaires globally, with the number rising to 191 in 2024, up from 165 the previous year The collective wealth of India's billionaires has surged to approximately $950 billion, positioning the
United States and China in terms of billionaire wealth
Govt announces sops for electronics component manufacturing
manufacturing in India For
in
d ome st ic manufacturing of e l e ct r oni c i te ms, e spe cia l ly mobil e phones, component
m an ufa ctu re r s ha ve so far
r emained l argel y focuse d on
C hi na , w hich o ffe rs m uch higher volumes
With govt expanding the focus to include computers and laptops and cameras, the i d e a i s t o h a v e t h e f u l l
s
imported into the country If production linked incentives ( P L I
e n e w scheme also marks a shift, with the package including turnover-based incentives as well as those linked to capital expenditure The scheme is spread over six years
E l e c t r o n i c s a n d I T minister Ashwini Vaishnaw t o l d r e p o r t
I
£5 93bn
the scheme, which has been
continued focus on domestic
imports, despite a section of
barriers erected after tension flared up in Ladakh should be withdrawn
Indian appointed as whole time director on Maruti board
M a r ut i S u zu k i In d ia a nn ounced t he a ppointm ent of Sunil Ka kka r to the t op a ut o g i a n
A d d
d W hole -Time Dire ct or Wit h t his, Kakk ar ha s become a
h o m e g r o w n In d i a n
e m pl oy e e , h a v i n g be e n n omina ted by pa ren t Suzuk i
M o t o r C o r p or a t i on a s a d irector on its boar d A Maruti Suzuki lifer, Kakkar has over 35 years of
e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e a u t o major in various capacities
A s t h e S e n i o r E x e c u t i v e Officer, he currently heads
t h e C o r p o r a t e P l a n n i n g vertical of Maruti Suzuki India
I n a n o t h e r announcement, the board
approved Dr Tapan Sahoo
a s M a r u t i ' s S e n i o r M a n a g e m
designated as the Head of digital Enterprise (DE) and
Security, effective April 1 S
devising strategies for new-
operational efficiency using
d academia, etc
Finance ministry expresses concern over global uncertainties
to grow 6 5% in 2024-25 and
maintain the
global outlook
and
market pose significant risks to the outlook for g row th next year
It said that adding to the cloud over global prospects is the inadequate trust in key institutions and lower optimism about the future in developed countries, as per the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer
The economy is forecast
India It can be challenged in a tax tribunal or the courts
component used in mobile towers
S a m s u n g p u s h e d t a x a u t h o r i t y t o d r o p t h e s c r u t i n y , s a y i
component did not attract
disagreed in a confidential order S a m s u n g “ v i o l a t e d ” Indian laws and “knowingly and intentionally presented false documents before the c
commissioner of customs, said in the order
Samsung was ordered to pay £446 mn ($520 million), consisting of unpaid taxes and a penalty of 100% Seven India executives
f a c e f i n e s o f $ 8 1 m i l l i o n , among them the network d i v i s i o n ’ s v i c e p r e s i d e n t , S u n g B e a m H o n g , c h i e f financial officer Dong Won C h u a n d S h e e t a l J a i n , a general manager for finance, as well as Nikhil Aggarwal, Samsung’s general manager for indirect taxes, the order showed
growth
The report said global
affected by uncertainty in the policy environment The
G l o b a l T
y Uncertainty Index rose to a record high of 237 4 in the
Tariff related developments in multiple countries have h
risks, affecting investment and trade flows globally
But the report asserted that
India Inc raises £38bn in FY25 from equity, debt markets
FY2 4 and FY21
I P O s a n d q u a li f i e d
n s t i t ut i o n a l pl
c e m e n t s ( QIPs) , apart from debt If one adds the £1 61bn raised through rights offers, the to tal wou ld n ea rl y tou ch the £39bn m ark, also an allt i m e r e c or d, a r ep or t b y a n a l y ti c s f i r m Pr i m e D at a b a s e s ho w e d T o t al equity fund raisin g in FY25 w a s d o ub l e t h e pr e v i ou s high of £19bn rai sed during
According to industry a n a l y s t s a n d m e r c h a n t bankers, a good secondary market that offered strong l i s t i n g g a i n s t o I P O i n v e s t o r s d r e w i n m o r e such investors that in turn helped a large number of companies to go public In a d d i t i o n , i n s t i t u t i o n a l support and ‘right’ pricing by merchant bankers also helped strong fund-raising m o m e n t u m t h r o u g h
h e equity route
F Y 2 5 s a w t h r e e m e g a IPOs, of £1 billion or more: Automobile major Hyundai Motor raised £2 78bn (the largest ever in India), food d e l i v e r y m a j o r S w i g g y raised £1 13bn while stateo w n e d r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y giant NTPC Green Energy raised £1bn T h e y e a r a l s o s a w £111bn raised through debt i n s t r u m e n t s , w h i c h w a s also an all-time high Most f u n d - r a i s e s i n t h e f i x e d income side were through the private placement route a n d j u s t £ 8 0 4 4 m n w a s raised through public offers of bonds
In fresh lifeline to Vodafone Idea, govt converts dues into equity
I n a f r e s h l if el i ne t o
V o daf o ne Idea, g ov t h as decided to co nv ert £3 69 bn of spectrum dues into e qu i t y, m a ki ng it t h e larg est sharehol der in th e teleco m comp any with a h olding of almost 49%
F o l l o w i n g t h e f r e s h i s s u e o f s h a r e s t o t h e
C e n t r e , p r o m o t e r s ’ holding will fall from 39%
t o 2 6 % S p e c i f i c a l l y ,
V o d a f o n e G r o u p P l c ’ s stake in the Indian unit will fall to 16% from 29%, limiting its ability to veto special resolutions Aditya
B i r l a G r o u p c h a i r m a n
K u m a r M a n g a l a m B i r l a and his affiliated entities’ ownership will decrease to 9 4% from 10%
Despite these changes, in line with the earlier govt
d e c i s i o n , t h e p r o m o t e r s will maintain operational
c o n t r o l o f t h e c o u n t r y ’ s third largest mobile service
p r o v i d e r T h e l a
bailout is seen to be crucial for the company as it will f r e e c a s h f l o w , w h i c h would have gone towards payment of govt dues, and enable it to invest in capex, especially the rollout of 5G services, where it is absent,
India's EV brands can easily take on Tesla: Gadkari
Will Tesla ’ s ent ry into India ch a r g e up t h e l oca l E V mark et? Tra nsport minister Nit in Ga dk ar i is confide nt that In dia ’ s homegrown EV br ands wil l be a ble t o more t h a n h ol d t he i r o wn in co m pa r i so n “ I n di a is a n open mark et an d you ’ re free to come he re, ma nufacture a nd compe te on cost But o ur I n d ia n e l e c t r ic ca r make rs are no less and we ha ve th e b est in t er ms of d e si g n , q ua l it y a n d te chnology right here today, ” he sa id at H PCL pr es en t s Time s Dr iv e Aut o Summit & Awards
T h a t c o n f i d e n c e , h e added, was based on how the Indian automobile industry has changed from a “costb a s e d s e c t o r t o a q u a l i t ybased industry” In the near future, he added, this will m a k e I n d i a t h e t o p a u t o m o b i l e m a r k e t i n t h e world “Currently, we are the t h i r d l a r g e s t a u t o m o b i l e m a r k e t i n t h e w o r l d a t £220bn with the US (£780bn) a t n u m b e r 1 a n d C h i n a (£490bn) at number 2 In five years, because of the increase i n a l t
should be No
” Both industry and govt are already working towards a flexi-fuel future “Already
Mukesh Ambani
Sunil Kakkar
c
More than 2,000 killed in Myanmar quake
M
of
h op es faded of finding more s urvivo rs in the rubble o f ru ined buildings
National flags will fly at half-mast until April 6 "in sympathy for the loss of life and damages" from Friday's massive 7 7-magnitude quake, the ruling junta said in a statement
count has risen to 2,056, with more than 3,900 people injured
India launches Operation Brahma to assist earthquake-hit Myanmar
Indian Navy ships INS Karmuk and LCU 52 are headed for Yangon with 30 tonnes of disaster relief and medical supplies
Myan
The announcement came as the tempo and urgency of rescue efforts wound down in Mandalay, one of the worst-affected cities and the country's second-largest, with more than 1 7 million inhabitants
"The situation is so dire that it s hard to express what is happ e n i n g , " s a i d A u n g M y i n t Hussein, chief administrator of Mandalay's Sajja North mosque
Chinese nationals are among the dead, China s state media said, along with two French people, according to the foreign ministry in Paris At least 19 deaths have been confirmed hundreds of kms
Bangkok, where the force of the quake caused a 30-storey tower block under construction to collapse At least 76 people remained trapped under the debris of the Bangkok building
Earthquake relief efforts
Sanstha, under the inspiration and guidance of His Holiness Mahant
S w
Ishwarcharan Swami, swiftly organized relief efforts at the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Soi Sathu Pradit, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok BAPS volunteers prepared and served hot meals to over 70 people, ensuring immediate nourishment for those affected Additionally, temporary accommodation and sleeping arrangements were made available for anyone in need of shelter
Mahant Swami Maharaj, who was in Sydney, Australia, at the time, led prayers for all affected by this natural disaster and for a rapid return to normalcy BAPS devotees in Bangkok also offered prayers for everyone affected
‘Sacred Places’ exhibition in Paris commemorates new BAPS Mandir
PA R IS : As the construction work on the BA PS Swaminarayan Hindu M andir in Paris co ntinues apace, a sp ecial exhibition located underneath the recently restored iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in th e F rench capital com memorates the g rand new spiritual landm ark of the city
Hosted by Pavillon de l’Arsenal at Espace Notre-Dame, ‘Sacred Places: Building, Celebrating, Coexisting’ explores the theme of sanctity in the context of architecture, religion, nature, and its evolving role in modern society The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, being designed according to ancient Indian architectural traditions, is presented in a contemporary, multifaith European setting
Sanjay Kara, a Trustee of BAPS UK & Europe, notes: “It is an honour for BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir to be a part of the ‘Sacred Places’ exhibition and already be considered a valued part of Paris’ religious landscape
“To be included alongside such iconic Parisian landmarks, both religious and non-religious, also reflects its architectural and cultural significance We are grateful that the Mandir is able to represent the Hindu community within Paris’ rich and diverse artistic and architectural heritage
“This exhibition provides a wonderful platform to share the values of peace, devotion, and sanctity that are integral to the creation and functioning of the Mandir ”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that INS Karmuk and LCU 52 are en route to Yangon, carrying relief supplies for the affected regions This mission is part of India’s ongoing commitment to being
region
According to the Ministry of
ships Satpura and Savitri from
had already set sail on Saturday with 52 tons of relief materials The aid includes essential cloth-
medicines, and emergency supplies These efforts are coordi-
External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Indian Army,
Integrated Defence Staff
earthquake-prone zone, sitting along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where multiple tectonic plates converge, causing frequent seis-
Philippines, and Thailand regu-
tions The region’s vulnerability underscores the importance of
mitigating human and economic losses In a special briefing, MEA s
response, reinforcing the princip l e o f " V a s u d h a i v a Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that India stands ready to provide all possible support to M y a n m a r d u r i n g t h i s c r i s i s J a i s w a l r e a f f i r m e d t h a t t h e r e have been no reported casualties a m o n g I n d i a n n a t i o n a l s i n Myanmar He also underscored t h a t I n d i a ' s c o m m i t m e n t t o global solidarity is demonstrated through action, not just words Dr Chamu Kuppuswamy is a senior lecturer and interdiscip l i n a r y r e s e a r c h e r a t Hertfordshire Law School and has been a part of Asian Voice’s C l i m a t e C h a n g e P a n e l i n t h e p a s t i n a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h t h e
Royal Air Force She’s passionate a b o u t p r o t e c t i n g t h e n a t u r a l environment as an individual in her spare time and volunteers as a p a r k r a n g e r w i t h t h e P e a k District National Park Speaking t o A s i a n V o i c e , s h e s a i d , “ D i s a s t e r p r e p a r e d n e s s i s a n integral part of climate change adaptation planning For some years now, both climate finance for adaptation a n d a d a p t a t i o n p l a n n i n g a n d implementation have been the neglected children of the UNFCCC negotiations It is high time adaptation takes off at speed so that the impact of disasters such a s t h e r e c e n t e a r t h q u a k e s i n South east Asia are better managed and much needed implem e n t a t i o n o f n a t i o n a l a c t i o n plans happen ”
BAPS Swamis visit Nigeria for the first time
AB UJ A: Four BAPS swamis – Gun saga rdas Swami, Aksha rvand andas Swami, Amrutswarupdas Swami an d Br ahmakirtan das Swami – visite d Nigeria for the first time at the invitat ion two senior Sindhi comm un i t y l e a d e r s, A n
Ga ngwani from Tor ont o They ha ve been a ssociate d with BAPS or ganisation These le aders re quest ed BAPS swa mis to bring sat san g to Niger ia The swamis we re accompanied by severa l BAPS vol unteer s The swamis met Chandramauli Kumar, India's Consul General in Nigeria During this meeting, he shared many details about Indians living in Nigeria and swamis discussed the various service activities conducted by BAPS The swamis presented him a copy of the Satsang Diksha The swamis also visited the ISKCON Mandir, Gita Mandir, Gita Ashram and other Hindu mandirs The swamis were warmly received, as it was the first time Hindu swamis were visiting the country On 15 March 2025, in the evening, the swamis conducted a satsang assembly at Sundarkand Pathya The swamis spoke on the messages of Sundarkand and inspired the devotees to develop steadfast devotion like Hanuman in their lives Additionally, they conducted satsang in small groups at the homes of devotees The saints visited over 35 devotees' homes, shops, and industrial complexes, offering prayers for their well-being
in brief
AMI BERA HONOURED FOR BACKING MEDICINE RESEARCH
Congressman Ami Bera has been recognised for his contributions to nuclear medicine research with the 2025 Legislative Champion Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) The award acknowledges his efforts in securing Department of Defense funding for research that enhances cancer treatment and improves healthcare for service members Bera a physician played a pivotal role in ensuring that nuclear medicine research was a priority within the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs for Fiscal Year 2024 the Society said
STUDENT RECOGNISED FOR DONATING BOOKS TO CHILDREN
Emily Bhatnagar, a first-year student at the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies has been awarded the Margaret L Hodges Leadership Award for her nonprofit initiative that provides books to children undergoing cancer treatment
Bhatnagar founded For Love & Buttercup in 2021 while still in high school, aiming to offer comfort and distraction to children facing serious illnesses Within six months she had donated 7 000 books Since then she has expanded the initiative through an Amazon wishlist facilitating thousands of donations nationwide To date she has distributed over 25 000 books
5 GET DEATH IN PAK FOR ‘BLASPHEMY’
A Pakistan court sentenced five men to death for posting blasphemous content online, a prosecution lawyer said as the country witnesses a sharp increase in such cases The five men included one Afghan and four Pakistanis “All five were sentenced to death for spreading blasphemous content against the holy Prophet Separately all were sentenced to life imprisonment for Quran s desecration and 10 years imprisonment for hurting religious sentiments, the lawyer said, adding the sentences will run concurrently
4 ‘FACILITATORS’ OF TRAIN ATTACK HELD
Four suspects have been arrested for facilitating the hijacking of Jaffar Express that resulted in the killing of 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel, earlier this month in Pakistan s Balochistan, according to a media report Sources in Counter -Terrorism Department of Balochistan police confirmed the arrests They said a joint team of senior officials from various law enforcement agencies is investigating the attack “These suspects have been taken into custody for interrogation ” sources said adding efforts are on to identify them
PAK JOURNALIST CHARGED FOR ‘DISINFORMATION’
A Pakistani journalist was charged with spreading disinformation online hours after his family reported he was seized in an overnight raid on his home Muhammad Waheed Murad, a journalist for Saudi-owned Urdu News, is facing several charges, including committing “cyber terrorism” and spreading “false and fake information” A judge ordered Murad be remanded in custody for two days The chargesheet accused Murad of glorifying a deadly attack on a train carried out by separatists in Balochistan province
24 KILLED IN S KOREA WILDFIRES
Wildfires ripping through South Korea have destroyed large parts of the ancient Gounsa Buddhist temple complex in the southeastern town of Uiseong, bringing down 20 of its 30 structures, including two buildings designated as national treasures’ Monks and Buddhist faithful saved the temple s third ‘treasure’, a Buddha statue built in 8th century Five days of wildfires considered the country’s worst have killed 24 people
Mahant Swami Maharaj chants the Swaminarayan dhun for the earthquake victims
BAPS Swamis visit Nigeria
The exhibition explores the theme of sacred places in the context of architecture, religion, nature, and their evolving role in modern society
PM MODI GREETS YUNUS ON EID, SEEKS STRONGER TIES
PM Modi greeted Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and the nation s people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr seeking stronger friendship between the two countries May the bonds of friendship among our countries grow stronger, Modi said in his message, which was shared by the chief adviser s press wing Modi said as the blessed month of Ramzan comes to a close, “I take this moment to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the joyous occasion of the festival of Eid al-Fitr ”
INDIAN ORIGIN WOMAN ATTACKED IN CANADA
An Indian origin woman was brutally attacked on a crowded railway platform in Calgary, Canada The woman was standing on the south side of the Third Street S E CTrain station The footage shows a man grabbing the woman’s jacket and repeatedly shaking her He then grabbed her water bottle, splashed water on her face, slammed her into the transit shelter walls and demanded her to give him her phone He fled the scene without the phone allowing the woman to call the police Acting swiftly the police arrested the man in 25 minutes The man has been identified as Braydon Joseph James French
BANGLADESH DEMOLISHES 1971 WAR MURAL
Days after covering the mural of the Liberation War Memorial Mancha in the Lalmonirhat district in Bangladesh with cloth on the country’s Independence Day it was demolished at the instruction of the local authorities Speaking to the local media the workers said they were demolishing the mural under the directive of the Lalmonirhat deputy commissioner The mural showcased the background of the 1950s language movement, the historic March 7 speech, the War of Independence, the formation of the Mujibnagar govt, the dawn of the new sun in the independent land, the 1971 genocide the heroic freedom fighters exulting in victory, the seven great heroes, the surrender of the Pakistani army, and many other historic moments Transparency International Bangladesh said it will protest the act
RUSHDIE’S NEW BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED IN NOV
Salman Rushdie has a collection of novellas and short stories coming out this fall, his first published fiction since being stabbed and hospitalised in 2022 Random House announced that Rushdie’s ‘The Eleventh Hour,’ billed by the publisher as “five interlinked stories and novellas that explore the eternal mysteries of the eleventh hour of life,” will be released Nov 4 ‘The Eleventh Hour’ is set in three parts of the world where Rushdie has lived India England and the US Rushdie’s memoir about the attack Knife was published last year and was a finalist for a National Book Award
SEDITION CASE AGAINST HASINA, 72 OTHERS
Bangladesh Police have lodged a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 72 others, alleging they conspired to overthrow the interim govt headed by Muhammad Yunus through a civil war The charges are based on an online meeting held in Dec 2024 during which participants reportedly discussed strategies to destabilise the current administration The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police filed the sedition case with the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate s Court The court took cognisance of the case and directed the CID to investigate the case
Indian American named to leadership role at Wharton
N E W Y O R K : A j ay A na nd , S eni or V ic e P res id e nt, Gl ob al
Services, Strateg y and Business Services, at Joh nson & Johnson, has been named as the inaug ural Executive in Resid ence at the Wh
Ini ti ativ
(W
year,
org anisations w ill work alo
ac u lt y an d st ud ent s to bridg e th e gap between cuttinged ge AI research and real-world ind ustry challeng es
Anand and Senior Director ERP, Digital & IT Strategy, The H e r s h e y C
A
m Welter have been named the i
Residence As Executives in Residence,
Wharton faculty, helping shape AI research to align with busin e s s n e e d s ; m e n
and guide future AI innovators i
like the Wharton AI & Analytics Accelerator
Wharton statement said that A
years of “transformational leadership, driving strategic impact across consumer goods, phar-
dynamic force in business and technology, he has led global initiatives that redefine industries ” It said the breadth and depth of
WAIAI's future and mentor the next generation of AI pioneers ” Anand holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, and an MBA from Drexel University in Philadelphia
Beyond his corporate leadership, he is an influential voice in the data and digital transformation community, serving on the Global Editorial Board of CDO M
insights on the future of health-
independent board member for USA Table Tennis (USATT)
NIH director Jay Bhattacharya sets sights on reforming NIH research funding
Bhattacharya direc ted staff to compile a lis t of grants and co ntracts related to “fighting misinformation or disinformation” - a step th at has rec ently p receded th
administratio
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Bhattacharya outlined a vision for a decentralized NIH that
embraces dissenting ideas and transparency while prio
direct health benefits He also expressed a desire to e
research projects
m
t i o n , B h a t t a c h a r y a a n d other scientists launched a research journal aimed at c h a l l
leadership at NIH signals a shift in funding priorities, aligning
broader push to reshape public health research A S
senior fellow at the university’s Institute for Economic Policy Research, Bhattacharya was a vocal critic of Covid-19 lockdowns and fiercely attacked Dr F a u c c i H e c o - a u t h o r e d t h e ‘Great Barrington Declaration,’ w h i c h o p p o s e d w i d e
lockdowns and promoted natural immunity for low-risk individuals over vaccination
Indian student denies US terror charges, wants reinstatement at Columbia
WA SHINGTON: Ind ian stu dent and F ulbrig ht sch olar Ranjani Srinivasan, w ho fled th e U nited States after her visa was rev oked for allegedly sup porting Ham as, has blamed Columbia U niv ersity of failing her In an interview, th e P h D s tu d e nt i n U rb an Planning expressed d isappo intment, saying, “I never exp ected the institution to let m e dow n Bu t it did ” Despite her forced departu re, sh e hopes the u niv ersi ty w i ll r eins tate h er enro llment
student was compelled to leave
U S
i n Canada after the U Consulate i
a email that her student visa had been canceled Srinivasan left for Canada on March 11, just days after her visa was revoked
n d b
f o r e U S i m m i g
a t i o n o f f i c e r s a r r i v e d searching for her Fearing detent i o n , s h e b o o k e d a f l i g h t t o Canada
Srinivasan believes her vocal support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s actions
Former Indian origin mayor of Anaheim sentenced to prison
SANTA A NA : F orm er A naheim Mayo r Harry Sidhu h as been sentenced to tw o mo nths in p rison for obstructing a fed eral investigation into th e controversial sale of Angel Stadium
US District Judge John W Holcomb handed down the sentence, citing Sidhu’s breach of public trust Along with his prison term, Sidhu must pay a $50,000 fine and serve one year of supervised release
Sidhu, 67, showed little reaction as the sentence was read, while his family members and supporters sat behind him in the courtroom He must surrender to authorities on September 2
His attorneys had sought no prison time, instead proposing three years of probation and a $40,000 fine but had not opposed the federal Probation Office’s recommendation of a $175,000 fine and 400 hours of community service
“I do believe the defendant did betray the city of Anaheim while serving as mayor, ” Judge Holcomb stated in court “There are consequences to those actions That breach of trust warrants a term of incarceration ”
While the judge acknowledged Sidhu’s cooperation with federal investigators and his resignation from office, he emphasized the need for jail time “It is significant for anybody to be incarcerated for any length of time, and this is what is warranted,” Holcomb said Federal prosecutors accused Sidhu of leaking confidential city information to an Angels consultant while negotiating the stadium sale, deleting related emails, and lying to the FBI Prosecutors further alleged that Sidhu sought a $1 million campaign contribution from the Angels in exchange for favorable terms on the deal, though he was never formally charged with bribery
in Gaza made her a target While she admitted to attending proPalestinian protests, she insisted she was not part of any organized groups at Columbia She also noted that she was outside the US for much of April 2024, when campus protests escalated T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f Homeland Security stated that Srinivasan “self-deported” using t h e C u s t o m s a n d B o r
immigrants to submit an ‘intent to depart’ form and leave volun-
that she traveled using a visitor visa she had previously obtained for academic purposes
Srinivasan, who had been in the US on an F-1 student visa,
enrolls me, ” she said She argued that all her PhD requirements
remotely
Nasa astronaut stuck in space for 9 months says he is partly at fault
W A S HI N G T O N : T wo a s t r ona uts who wer e stuck in spa ce for nin e mon ths have spoken for the first t im e since t heir ret urn , with t he spacecra ft's comma nde r sa ying tha t he is par tly t o blam e for what we nt wr ong
Butch Wilmore were expected to be gone just a week when they launched on Boeing’s Starliner's first astronaut flight, however due to technical issues, their stay o n
S
c e Station was extended to nine months
Speaking at a press conference, Wilmore addressed questions about what went wrong with the Starliner "There were some issues, of course, that happened that prevented us from returning on Starliner And I'll start with me," he told reporters
There were questions that I, as a commander of the spacecraft that I should have asked and I did not "At the time, I didn't know I
needed to And maybe you could call that hindsight But I'll start a n d p o i n t t h e f i n g e r a n d I ' l l blame me " He said that responsibility also lies with Boeing and Nasa, adding that "all the way up and d o w n t h e c h a i n W e a l l a r e responsible We all own this ” When asked about how they a r e a d a p t i n g b a c k t o l i f e o n Earth, Williams said that every day she is "feeling better and better" every day and has started to go out on runs and lift weights "It's pretty much a miracle to see how your human body can a d a p t , " s h e s a i d “ W e w e r e always coming back, and I think p e o p l e n e e d t o k n o w t h a t , ” Williams continued “We’re back to actually, you know, share our story with so m a n y p e o p l e , b e c a u s e i t ’ s unique, and there’s some lessons learned to it, and part of that is just resilience and being able to take a turn that was unexpected and make the best of it ”
Ajay Anand
Dr Jay Bhattacharya
A
d
Indian diaspora ranks world’s largest at 35.4 million
A ffairs Pabitra M argherita told
p arliament
m
T
(NRIs) and 19 5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), the Minister said in a written answer in the Lok Sabha He said that in recent years,
t
brought about a “transformational change” in its engagement with the diaspora
Remittances
Countries with the largest Indian diaspora
United States: The US is home
significantly to trade, commerce, and education
Canada: Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indians, with around 2 8 million people of Indian descent Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are
communities, where the Indian diaspora thrives in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and business
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is
Indians, many of whom work in construction, healthcare, and IT
people, actively contributing to sectors such as business, politics, healthcare, and education British Indians have played
South Afric
Indian community dates back to
indentured laborers were brought
Today, they play
T h e I n d i a n d i a s p o r a
overseas Indian community is an invaluable partner in the progress o
b o l s t e r s e c o n o m i c a n d c u l t u r a l c o n n e c t i o n s , a m o n g o
significantly contributing through
expertise and knowledge thereby acting as a bridge to further India’s growth,” the minister said
includes both NRIs and Persons of
technology, business, politics, and education
United Arab E mirates: With large communities in cities like
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the UAE hosts around 3 55 million Indians, making it the second-
diaspora Many work in business, healthcare, construction, and the service sector
strong Indian presence, primarily of Tamil descent, dating back to
After 2 decades, India-US civil nuclear deal finally sees progress
zed The U S De pa rt me
f Ene r gy ( DoE) ha s gr ant ed reg ula tory
Ho
In ter na tiona l t o design and b ui ld n uc le
in In dia
The March 26 approval authorizes Holtec to transfer unclassified small modular reactor (SMR) technology to three Indian firms: Holtec
o u b r o H o l t e c , l e d b y I n d i a n A m e r i c a n K r i s P
S i n g h , h a s o p e r a t e d a n e n g i n e e r i n g u n i t i n P u n e
s i n c e 2 0 1 0 a n d a m a n u f a c t u r i n g f a c i l i t y i n Gujarat
The decision is seen as a diplomatic victory for India, e s p e c i a l l y a m i d t h e U S ’ s transactional trade policies
I t c o u l d h e l p I n d i a modernize its nuclear sector, s h i f t i n g f r o m o u t d a t e d p r e s s u r i z e d h e a v y w a t e r r e a c t o r s t o g l o b a l l y prevalent pressurized water reactors
H o l t e c h a d o r i g i n a l l y s o u g h t a p p r o v a l f o r t h r e e a d d i t i o n a l s t a t e - o w n e d e n t i t i e s - N u c l e a r P o w e r
C o r p o r a t i o n o f I n d i a
Limited, NTPC Ltd , and the A t o m i c E n e r g y R e g u l a t o r y
B o a r d ( A E R B ) H o w e v e r , India did not provide nonproliferation assurances for these organizations Holtec may request an amendment to include them later
The authorization, valid for 10 years with a review at t h e f i v e - y e a r m a r k , i s c o n t i n g e n t o n I n d i a ’ s a s s u r a n c e t h a t t h e technology will be used only
f o r p e a c e f u l n u c l e a r a c t i v i t i e s u n d e r International Atomic Energy
Agency safeguards
P r e v i o u s l y , U S
r e g u l a t i o n s a l l o w e d c o m p a n i e s l i k e H o l t
export nuclear equipment to India but barred them from manufacturing or designing nuclear reactors there This restriction hindered India’s e
authorization outlines strict c
approval, and Holtec must r e p
activities in India
Holtec’s SMR-300 design
i s a m o n g s e v e n a d v a n c e d reactors backed by the US
D o E I f m a n
u r i n g a p p r o v a l s a r e g r a n t e d ,
Holtec has signaled plans to double its workforce in India
w i t h i n a y e a r , p o t e n t i a l l y positioning India and the US to compete with China in the growing SMR market
b y various political parties on purity of the electoral roll
W h i l e t h e C o n g r e s s h a s alleged erroneous additions
B
n
traces its roots back to the colonial era Many are engaged in trade
Punjabi communities forming
cultural fabric
United Kingdom: The UK has a well-established Indian diaspora o
crucial role in the country’s political, cultural, and economic landscape
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is home
Indian origin, primarily Tamils, who migrated as laborers during the British colonial period Kuwait: Kuwait has nearly 1 million Indians, most of whom work in skilled and semi-skilled sectors such as construction and services The Indian community forms a vital part of the country’s workforce
11 women among 17 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
S e v e n t e e n Ma o is t s, 1 1 o f them wome n, we re gunned down an d four ja wa ns were injured in an en counter in a r iv e rsi de for e st i n B a st ar ’ s S uk m a di st r i ct l a s t w e e k
Another Maoist was k il led in a g un fi g ht i n B i j a pu r t h e same day
T h e M a o i s t t o l l n o w stands at 134 in just 88 days of the year Senior Maoist c o m m a n d e r K u h d a m i Jagdeesh alias Budhra, who c a r r i e d a b o u n t y o f R s 25,00,000, was among those k i l l e d , s a i d C h h a t t i s g a r h ’ s deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma Jagdeesh was one of the gunmen in the Jhiram Ghati ambush of May 2013, in which nearly the entire s t a t e C o n g r e s s l e a d e r s h i p was massacred, said police
T h i s m a j o r o p e r a t i o n comes just a day before PM N a r e n d r a M o d i ’ s v i s i t t o state
U n i o n h o m
m i n i s t e r A
S
a h p r a i s e d t h e s e c u r i t y f o r c e s , s a y i n g , “Another strike on Naxalism! Our security agencies have neutralized 17 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in the Sukma operation ”
B a s t a r r a n g e I G P Sundarraj said a joint force o f D i s t r i c t R e s
Odisha, on the other bank The forces set out early morning and surprised the Maoists in their lair The first shots were fired at 8 am There was heavy firing from both sides for hours and when Maoists guns
India hits out at US commission's report on treatment of minorities
The Indian gov t hit out a t US Commission on Int ern at ion al Rel igious Fr ee dom ( USCIRF) for raising conce rns in it s an nua l report a bout India’s treat me nt of minorities an d see king sanction s aga in st R ese arch a nd Anal ysis Wing ( RA W) for al l e g e dl y pl ot t in g to ki l l S ik h separat ists I n a n o
continued its pattern of issuing biased and politically motivated assessments
“The USCIRF’s persistent attempts to m
aspersions on India’s vibrant multicultural society reflect a deliberate agenda rather than a genuine concern for religious freedom,” spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said
A
The BLOs, once trained, w i l l f o r m a c
trainers to strengthen the countrywide BLO network I n a u g u r a t i n g t h e t r a i n i n g p r o g
or
A s s a m , K e r a l a , P u d u c h e r r y a n d T a m i l Nadu All these states are due for assembly polls in the next one year
India’s standing as a beacon of democracy and tolerance would not succeed, and it was the commission that should be designated as an entity of concern
The ministry said USCIRF - a US federal govt commission that monitors the universal r i g h
makes non-binding recommendations - had
freedom conditions in India continued to deteriorate as attacks and discrimination against religious minorities continued to rise It accused PM Narendra Modi and the
during last year's election campaign
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Chile President
P rime Minis ter Narendra Mo di received C hile
P res ident Gabriel Bo ric F ont at Hyderabad Hou se, o fficial sp okesp erson for the Ministry
o f E xt e r na l Af f ai rs Ra n dh i r Ja is
a id
Jais wal said that F ont and Modi wil l h old ex te ns ive dis cu s s io ns o n exp a nding I ndiaC hile bilateral ties
Earlier in the day, Font paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat memorial and also signed the visitors', diary
Earlier the Chile President said that his country's delegation is in India to strengthen o u r t i e s , a
government officials, the National Congress,
reaffirming
bilateral ties At the invitation of PM Modi, F
'
ties He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, members of parliament, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and cultural figures engaged in India-Chile exchanges
Gyanesh Kumar
India-US trade deal may include agriculture, pharma
T h e p os s ib le tr ad e a g reem ent between India and th e U nited States could includ e key sectors su ch as agriculture, autom obiles, and pharm aceuticals, says a report by Jefferies
These sectors are considered politically and economically sensitive for India due to high tariff rates
The report said "A trade
commodities "
The report highlighted that India has maintained high import duties on many
biles and electronics, to pro-
from competition, particularly from China However, in trade negotiations with the US India may have to reconsider its tariff policies
Additionally, India must ensure that any concessions
agreements that are being
United Kingdom
be a major sector for discussions, particularly regarding intellectual property rights (IPR) The US may push for stricter patent regulations, which could impact India's generic drug industry T
deficit, the agreement with t
U S m a y
increased defence and oil or gas imports
The report says, while the deal could provide certain advantages to India, it may also pose challenges for specific industries such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and alcohol A
import duties on agricultura
soybeans, wheat, and dairy products could have politic
, particularly for local farmers However, some Indian c
s m a y benefit from lower-cost of imports T h e r e p o r t c i t e s d a t a
India's trade-weighted average tariff rate is 12 0 per c e n t T
l y higher compared to other e m e r g i n g m a r k e t s l i k e C h i n a , M e
d Indonesia, which have tariffs in the 3-5 per cent range, and the US, which has an average tariff rate of just 2 2 per cent I n d i a ' s t r a d e s u r p l u s with the US stood at USD 46 billion in 2024, accounting for 1 2 per cent of the country's GDP The US remains India's top export destination, accounting for 18 per cent of India's total goods exports
As India continues trade d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h m u l t i p l e
g l o b a l p a r t n e r s , i n c l u d i n g the US, UK, and EU, the final terms of these agreem e n t s w i l l b e c r u c i a l i n shaping the country's trade p o l i c i e s a n d e c o n o m i c growth in the coming years
No exceptions for any nation on tariffs roll out, says Trump
US Pres ide nt Donald Trum p c onf irmed he will be imposing a unif or m global ta riff (ba sicall y ta xes or duty on all im ports into the US) on all c ountries - with no except ions - on April 2, whic h he h a s c h ar a c t e r is e d a s ‘ Liberation Day’
“We would start with all countries, so let's see what h a p p e n s , ” T r u m p t o l d reporters on board the presid e n t i a l a i r c r a f t , d a y s a f t e r teasing a prospect that he “ may give a lot of countries breaks” and saying “it's going to work out very well” with New Delhi even though India is “ one of the highest tariffing nations in the world”
R e j e c t i n g r e p o r t s t h a t there may be exceptions or reciprocal tariffs for 10 or 15 countries, dubbed the ‘dirty
15 ’ by US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, Trump said:
“We've been talking about all c o u n t r i e s - n o c u t o f f s ” T r u m p ' s u n i v e r s a l t a r i f f threat came despite a key US diplomat, deputy secretary of s t a t e C h r i s
L a n d a u , predicting that a ‘golden age ’ for ties between US and India i s c o m i n g u p a h e a d w h i l e indicating some progress in trade talks between the two sides in New Delhi last week aimed at arriving at a bilateral trade agreement Trump aides indicated t h a t t h e r e c o u l d b e a n across the board 20% tariffs on all imports into the US Just a week into his job, L
v e r t h e weekend to talk trade and
other issues even as delegations from the two count r i e s w e r e h a s h i n g o u t details of a bilateral trade agreement to avert the sting of Trump’s universal reciprocal tariffs, with a possible
e x c e p t i o n o r d e f e r m e n t carved out for New Delhi
Even as a delegation, led by assistant US trade repres e n t a t i v e B r e n d a n L y n c h , was headed back after four days of intense negotiations where the two sides narrowed gaps, Trump, after calling out India as “ one of the highest tariffing nations i n t h e w o r l d ” , s a i d “ i t ’ s going to work out very well” with New Delhi, with complimentary remarks about PM Modi
Landau brought a similar personal touch, saying,
“I fully expect this to be a g o l d e n a g e f o r r e l a t i o n s , a n d w i l l a l w a y s c h e r i s h memories of a family trip there a decade ago I hope to return soon! India is one of the world’s great civilisat i o n s , a n d a n i m p o r t a n t partner for the US in both the political and commercial spheres - each country h a s m u c h t o o f f e r t h e other,” Landau said, talking of his phone call with Misri to discuss issues of mutual concern Although Landau did not elaborate on the w r i n k l e s , a s t a t e d e p a r tm e n t r e a d o u t s a i d h e thanked Misri for India’s assistance addressing illegal immigration to the US and asked New Delhi for continued cooperation on this issue
SC rejects PIL seeking FIR against Delhi HC judge
Govt
e
to
even as Supre me C our t re fused to e nterta in a PI L s eeki ng an FI R a gain st the judge from w hose hous e pile s of cash w ere allegedly recovered
Sources said that Delhi P o l i c e h a d s o u g h t C J I
S a n j i v K h a n n a ’ s p
m i ssion for registration of an FIR to probe whether the money belonged to Justice Varma or had been planted
there to defame him
Refusing to entertain a PIL by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara seeking regist r a t i o n o f F I R a g a i n s t Justice Varma, a bench of Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said since the inhouse inquiry was proceeding at a fast pace, “ we must await its report and at this stage it is not necessary for us to go into that aspect ” “ A f t e r t h e i n - h o u s e i n q u i r y i s o v e r , s e v e r a l o p t i o n s a r e o p e n I f t h e report indicates something is wrong, the CJI can direct registration of FIR and reco m m e n d i n i t i a t i o n o f r e m o v a l m o t i o n i n Parliament Otherwise, he c a n c l o s e t h e c a s e , ” t h e b e n c h t o l d N e d u m p a r a , and added that it would be premature to even consider the PIL while the in house inquiry was on Nedumpara said every-
one wanted to know why the law applicable to common man was not applied in case of the judge, why no F I R w a s r e g i s
d , a n d why no arrest was made
B u t t h e b e n c h p e r s i s t e d with its view and said, “Let t h e o n g o i n g p r o c e s s b e over ”
Sources said that Delhi P o l i c e h a d s o u g h t C J I K
learnt, chose the procedure l
ments of SC that warrant-
inquiry panel
Number of Indians arrested while entering US illegally drops
Th e num ber o f Ind ians arrested w hile entering the United States with out pro per d ocumentation has dropped to its lowest since at least 2022, sho wed data from the US C ustom s and Border Protection ag ency
While 6,817 undocumented immigrants were apprehended at the United States borders in October, the number decreased to 1,628 in February
The number of persons arrested was 6,154 in November, 5,622 in December and 3,132 in January
The arrests in February are the lowest in any month since 2022, since when the data is available Overall, the number of arrests on the US borders has dropped to 28,654 in February from 81,528 in January The overall February figures were also the lowest since 2022
The sharp fall comes amid a wider crackdown on undocumented immigration by the Donald Trump administration Soon after his inauguration in January, Trump signed 10 executive orders on border security and to carry out mass deportations
The US has deported 636 Indians since January, when the Trump administration assumed office
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities have shared with India details relating to another 295 persons who are “detained in their custody with final orders of removal” from the United States
A 2022 US Department of Homeland Security report estimated that 220,000 undocumented Indian migrants were living in the country More than 1,100 Indians were deported in the 12 months leading up to October 2024
Reports in January said that India was working with the Trump administration to deport around 18,000 undocumented or visa-overstaying Indian citizens from the US
India strengthening covert warfare
capabilities of special forces
I n di a i s pr o gr e s s iv e l y s trengthening c apabil it ies of its s pec ia l f orc es to unde rtake c overt wa rfare de ep behind e n e m y l in e s a s we l l as c ounter t error is m operations
The upgrade in the grue l l i n g c o m b a t t r a i n i n g , w h i c h w i l l i n c l u d e “ a u gmented reality/virtual reality mission planners and simulators” in the near future, as well as “specialised equipping” of the special forces in the Army, IAF and Navy is part of an ongoing process, sources said
There are now 10 Para Special Forces and five Para (Airborne) battalions (each has around 620 soldiers) in t h e A r m y , 2 7 ‘ f l i g h t s ’ o f around 1,600 Garud commandos in the IAF and over
1 , 4 0 0 m a r i n e c o m m a n d o s (Marcos) in the Navy
A m a j o r s h o r t c o m i n g , however, is the lack of a full fledged Special Operations
C o m m a n d , w h i c h w o u l d bring the disparate special forces together under a uni-
Th e S upreme C ourt h as strongly criticised and stayed the A llah abad h igh court o rder that g rabbing the breasts o f a minor girl and snapp ing the string of her pyjama were not eno u g h to ch arg e an ac cu sed wi th th e offence of rape or attem pt to rape The SC said the v erdict is alien to th e canons of law and dep icts “total insensitive and inhuman approach ”
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and A G Masih said the author of the judgment has shown insensitivity in deciding the case and j u s t i f i e d t h e h a r s h o b s e r v a t i o n s p a s s e d against him
“We have perused the said judgment and order dated March 17 We are at pains
to say that some of the observations made in the impugned order, and particularly in paragraphs 21, 24 and 26, depict a total lack of sensitivity on the part of the author of the judgment,” the bench said
“In normal circumstances, we are slow in granting stay at this stage But since the observations appearing in paragraphs 21, 24 and 26 are totally unknown to the cannons of law and depict total insensitive and inhuman approach, we are inclined to stay the said observations Issue notice to the Union of India, state of Uttar Pradesh and the parties before the high court Until further orders, there shall be stay to the observations made by the judge in the paragraphs,” the bench said
fied command and control structure for planning and e x e c u t i n g s t r a t e g i c o p e r ations instead of merely tactical ones
N e v e r t h e l e s s , t h e c r eation of a truncated Armed F o r c e s S p e c i a l O p e r a t i o n s Division (AFSOD) has somewhat addressed the issue of “ j o i n t n e s s a n d s y n e r g y ” among the Para-SF, Garuds and Marcos T h e i n d u c t i o n o f a d v a n c e d s o f t w a r e - d e f i n e d radios, including man pack versions, and satellite-comm u n i c a t i o n s y s t e m s , f o r i n s t a n c e , h a v e e n s
less” long-range communications for joint operations among the three forces, the sources said T h
wide array of specialised weapons, ranging
range sniper rifles, American
i TAR-21 Tavor
Narendra Modi and Donald Trump
Yashwant Varma
EPS meets Shah as BJP, AIADMK look to revive ties
N E W D E L H I : A I A D M K
g eneral secretary Ed ap padi
K P al ani s w am i ca ll ed o n U nio n ho me m inister Am it
S hah am id speculation o f a p ossible tie-up betw een the former allies ahead of the 20 26 Tamil Nad u assembly p olls, w ith people aware of t h e m at ter s ay i ng bo t h p arties m ay set up a steering com mittee to w ork out the alliance m odalities
According to sources, there have been several rounds of talks between the leadership of the two parties in the state
“The natural course of action is meeting the leadership in Delhi as the final call will be taken here Both the parties are keen for an alliance Once it is done, we would be speaking to other parties in Tamil Nadu for a broader alliance before next assembly polls,” a senior BJP leader said
AIADMK leaders aware of the talks
s a i d t h e r e w a s a n “
agreement for an alliance to take on the DMK-led grouping, which swept
Ranya Rao denied bail again in gold smuggling case
B E N G A L U R U : K ann ad a acto r Ranya Rao , arrested for her alleg ed involvement in a go ld s mu gg ling case, w ill continue to rem ain in j u d i ci
bail plea was d ism issed by a sessions court
With both lower courts
the Lok Sabha polls last summer “The discussions have just started If it goes through it will be an AIADMK
e d N D A
a n AIADMK leader close to Palaniswami said
There was no official statement from either side on what transpired at the meeting, held at Shah’s residence in the national capital
meeting was precipitated by recent
ruling DMK emerging as the leader of the anti-BJP front that has taken on
proposed delimitation exercise and the three-language formula
SGPC condemns Shah’s remarks, seeks quota for Sikhs in Army
A M RIT S A R: The Shiromani Gurd wara Parbandhak C omm ittee (SGPC) p assed a reso lution condemning Union Home Minister A mit Sh ah’ s alleg ed anti-Sikh remarks in Parliament a few d ays ag o During his ad dress, the m inister had claim ed th at “ some people in P unjab were trying to be like Bhindranwale and are no w reciting th e Guru Granth Sahib from an A ssam jail, in an indirect reference to jailed Punjab De chief A mritpal Sing h
The SGPC, during its general house meeting, described the remark as a blatant manifestation of anti-Sikh prejudice and an affront to the Sikh community
“Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, revered as a national martyr, sacrificed his life to safeguard the honour of Sikhism and to preserve the Sikh identity,” reads the resolution SGPC said that for a senior minister to evoke such divisive rhetoric in the country’s largest democratic forum not only insults the legacy of a great leader but also undermines India’s pluralistic and multi-religious fabric
The SGPC demanded the Central Government to show genuine respect for Sikh sentiments and refrain from making statements that further divide the nation The outfit said it also passed a resolution against the “hateful environment being fostered against Sikhs in regions beyond Punjab ”
The general house meeting also discussed the way the Central and State governments were handling the ongoing farmers’ struggle The SGPC’s session also demanded a special quota for Sikhs in the Indian Armed Forces “The Sikh community has time and again made great sacrifices for the nation’s defence and has contributed significantly to the military
No gang rape in RG Kar Medical College, CBI tells Calcutta HC
KO LK A T A : T he CB I in for m ed th e Ca lcut ta high court t ha t the victim of t h e R G Ka r Me d i ca l C ol l e g e a n d H o
G hosh of the Calcut ta high cour t, the CB I counse l said, “We have brought t he stat us r epor t, further investigation is going on All the queries have be en a nswer ed in t he
c
suspects “All forensic reports were taken, all DNA samples collected from the scene of crime was examined A medical board comprising 14 experts f r o m d i f f e r e n t m e d i c a l i n s t i t u t i o n s across the country from gynaecology, orthopedics, DNA experts was formed They opined that this is not a case of gang rape, ” the CBI counsel replied The CBI counsel told the HC that the agency was now investigating into
conducted
“You are investigating destruction of evidence Is this examination on conspiracy related to commission of offence?” Justice Ghosh asked the CBI counsel
When Justice Ghosh asked, how the CBI left out section 70 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita related to gang r a p e , t h e
agency was probing the post offence conduct
“Therefore, you say that incident was by a single person Even if there was no second offender, there was no
offence,” said Justice Ghosh The state counsel Kalyan Banerjee said the state had no objection to the investigation on destruction of evidence
A trial court had convicted former Kolkata Police civic volunteer Sanjay Roy of rape and murder and gave him a life sentence The CBI has appealed against the lower court verdict
legal team is now preparing to move the High Court, their final option to secure her release In its order, the court cited multiple reasons for denying her bail Investigating officers told the court that Ranya's case has international links, raising concerns over cross-border implications She is also accused of violating customs baggage rules during her frequent foreign travels Records show she had travelled abroad 27 times within just one year
Authorities argued that if granted bail, she could
investigation The court also took note of allegations that she had been involved in evading customs duty to the tune of 28 per cent, amounting to a total loss of Rs 4,83,72,694 to the exchequer
The court argued that if released, she could flee the country There were also concerns that she could
Punjab to conduct census on drug addiction
CH AN D IG AR H : The AAP govt in Punjab wil l soon conduct t he fir st -ev er cen sus to coll ect da ta on drug addiction, dea ddiction centre s a nd the socio-economic sta tus of the affe ct ed popul ation as par t of it s fight ag ainst t he dr ug menace
Presenting the govt’s fourth budget, with an outlay of almost £24bn and no new taxes, state finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said: “It is the primary responsibility of the Centre to halt cross-border smuggling of drugs and arms We have now decided to complement the efforts of BSF by undertaking two initiatives to completely block cross-border smuggling of drugs ” He added that security at the international border will be bolstered with a second line of defence by deploying 5,000 home guards as “eagle eyes ” alongside BSF with an allocation o f £ 6 m n A l s
budgetary provision of £5mn, will be installed at the border
In the ‘Badalda Punjab Budget’, the govt will extend the health insurance scheme with an annual cap of Rs 10,00,000 to all households (about 65,00,000 families across the state) However, the budget is silent on the monthly dole of Rs 1,100 which it had promised to women during the last assembly elections Cheema said it was the only pre-poll guarantee that remained unfulfilled, but it will be announced in the near future
BJP lines up march to
'protect
Hindu voters' from TMC ahead of polls
KO LK A T A : The BJP’s youth front will org anise a march in C alcutta on Ap ril 2 to urge the Election Com mission of India (ECI) to protect Hindu vo ters from the Trinamul C ongress, a mov e th at signals the saffron cam p ’ s effort to cou nter Mamata Banerjee’s driv e against “gh ost vo ters”
“The TMC has targeted Hindu voters in bordering districts and Hindi-speaking residents to remove their names from the electoral roll I invite youths from all spheres, including Matuas and Hindi-speaking residents who have been living in the state for years, to join the
Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the Opposition
BJP Yuva Morcha president Indranil Khan said the march would begin from the party’s headquarters at 6 Murlidhar Sen Lane in the city and end at the office of Bengal’s chief electoral officer (CEO) at BBD Bagh
“It will be a mega march in the city where we have already invited representatives from all corners of the state to participate,” said Khan
A BJP source said similar political events would be organised in each district as part of the party’s effort to counter the TMC’s alleged ploy to remove Hindu voters’ n
NORTH-EAST
Afspa extended in Manipur, parts of Nagaland, Arunachal
(Special
( Afspa) for an ad ditional six m onths
The move comes when the state has not seen any major or prolonged bout of ethnic violence for the past seven months, contrary to the trend of recurrent clashes between its
changed since the last notification under Afspa was issued on Nov 14, 2024, with CM N Biren Singh having stepped down in Feb, followed by the imposition of President’s rule in the state In separate notifications
extended the validity of Afspa in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh until Sept 30, 2025, “unless withdrawn earlier”
As per the notification with respect to N
would continue to remain in the ‘disturbed areas ’ list According to home minister Amit Shah, there is now a semblance of normalcy in Manipur, with shops and markets having opened and prices kept in check, and talks between the sparring ethnic groups also on track, with one round already held at the level of the home ministry and another expected soon
MANIPUR MILITANTS NOW RECRUITING WOMEN FOR EXTORTION
Militant groups in Manipur are recruiting fresh members ‘purely for extortion , police said A security source indicated that certain militant outfits are placing emphasis particularly on recruiting females for the task following imposition of President's rule in the state Three cadres of PREPAK and KCP were apprehended, police said One PREPAK outfit cadre among them was found to be involved in recruiting new members for extortion from the public in Kakching district "Young lads, predominantly from impoverished families in desperate need of money are being recruited Females are also being recruited for extortion, which is an emerging pattern observed, particularly after the imposition of President s rule More than a dozen girls have been detained in Imphal city since last month a security source said The recruitment of numerous youths by militant groups is solely for extortion purposes They aren't assigned UG (underground) ranks cadre numbers badges etc but are being trained in tactics to extort money from civilians and commercial establishments These new recruits aren t provided basic arms training either, the source said
TRIPURA CM LAUNCHES AFFORDABLE MID-DAY MEAL SERVICE
In a move aimed at easing the burden on patients’ families Tripura CM Manik Saha launched a mid-day meal service at just Rs 10 at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital Describing the initiative as historic, Dr Saha lauded the efforts of the Health Department Rogi Kalyan Samiti, and the Rotary Club in bringing the scheme to fruition “Thousands of patients from across the state visit AGMC and GB Pant Hospital daily, often accompanied by family members who endure long waiting hours Many of them struggle to afford proper meals To address this concern, we have introduced this affordable mid-day meal service ” Saha said He said that the meal, comprising rice, vegetables, egg curry, and dal, is available at an unbelievable price of Rs 10, ensuring nutritious food for the patient’s kin Saha also shared the state government’s proposal to construct a shelter house for people accompanying patients providing them with a comfortable stay during difficult times E
WEST BENGAL
Ranya Rao
Russia confirms Putin's India visit, preparations underway
Pra ising t he Indian gove rn-
Na rendr a Modi for “consis-
p osit ion on
U
a in ian crisis” and for advocating its
Minister Ser gey La vrov said
V
a d im ir Putin will visit India this year
a nd pre parations for it are unde rway
This will be Putin’s first
Russian invasion of Ukraine
announcement of the visit comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has taken the lead in mediating a
c e a s e f i r e b e t w e e n t h e Kremlin and Kyiv Trump is also expected to visit India for the summit of Quad leaders later this year
In a video address to a conference titled ‘Russia and India: Together Towards a N e w B i l a t e r a l A g e n d a ’ i n Moscow, Lavrov said, “It is symbolic that Prime Minister Modi made his first bilateral
foreign visit after his re-election last year to Russia Now i
President Putin has accepted the invitation of the head of the Indian government The
Russian state to the Republic of India is being prepared ” Lavrov said, “I would like
gratitude for the fact that India, and personally Prime Minister Modi, consistently take a balanced position on
elimination of the root causes of this conflict ”
He said Russia “fully shares this approach and from the very beginning
should lead to the end of
establishment of a lasting peace by eliminating its root causes ”
The Ukraine war has put India in a delicate diplomatic position with its Western allies India has also a
g against Russia in several res-
Nations
w and New Delhi have close or even coinciding views on the objectively emerging multipolar world order which, in o u r c o m m
c t i o n , should be based on a variety of development models and compliance by all states with t
h e U N Charter not selectively, but in their entirety and interrelation ”
US embassy in India cancels 2,000 visa appointments made by ‘bots’
The United States is c racki ng down on “bots” blocki ng s ub stantial visa in te rview appointment dates i n I ndi a, leaving many applic ants with no option but to pay agents about R s 30,00035, 000 per person to get the s ame in time for their proposed vis it
T h e U S e m b a s s y i n India said on X: “Consular
T e a m I n d i a i s c a n c e l l i n g about 2,000 visa appointments made by bots We h a v e z e r o t o l e r a n c e f o r agents and fixers that violate our scheduling policies Effective immediately, we
a r e c a n c e l l i n g t h e s e appointments and suspending the associated accounts’
scheduling privileges ”
“We will continue our anti-fraud efforts We have zero tolerance for frauds,” the post added It is an open s
s a l o n g wait for appointment dates for US visas - business & visitor B1/B2 & student - payi n g a n
g
n
m
g
y s e c u r e s a s l o t w i t h i n a month or so
“We tried to get a visa interview date for our child
w h o h a d t o j o i n a n American university last fall but nothing was available in the timeframe to do so We paid an agent Rs 30,000 and got the same in time,” a person said
Sources say agents use bots to block appointment dates due to which no near term availability is visible w h
When the wait for B1/B2 appointments was near the 999-day mark in 2023, the US had to open appointments for Indian applicants
a t i t s c o n s u l a t e s i n F r a n k f u r t a n d B a n g k o k , among other places
India had also taken up the issue of long visa wait times with the US 2-3 years ago The US took a series of steps to cut waiting times
N o w , w i t h U S c r a c k i n g down on bots, the situation might improve further
Sunita Williams to visit her 'father's home country' India soon
N A S A A st r on a u t S u n i t a
Willia ms said she plans to visit In dia soon, an d me et with Isr o's te am d uring her visit
W i l l i a m s s a i d d u r i n g
NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 PostFlight News Conference that she found India to be 'amazing' each time her spacecraft
p a s s e d b y t h e H i m a l a y a s during her extended stay of nine months in space
"I hope and I think for sure I'm going to be going back to my father's home
c o u n t r y a n d v i s i t i n g w i t h people and getting excited about the Indian astronauts who's going up on the Isro
m i s s i o n c o m i n g u p , " s h e said
W i l l i a m s ' m o t h e r ,
U r s u l i n e B o n n i e P a n d y a
( n e e Z a l o k a r ) , i s o f Slovenian-American descent, w h i l e h e r f a t h e r , D e e p a k
P a n d y a , i s f r o m G u j a r a t
Williams said she would love to share her experience up in the space with Isro, and said it was great how India put its foot forward in the space
s e c t o r , b e i n g a f e l l o w democracy
" [ I t ' s ] p r e t t y a w e s o m et h e y ' l l h a v e a h o m e t o w n hero there of their own that will be able to talk about
h o w w o n d e r f u l t h e
International Space Station is from his perspective," she said "I hope I can meet up at some point in time and we can share our experiences with as many people in India
a s p o s s i b l e b e c a u s e i t ' s a great country, another wonderful democracy that s trying to put its foot in the space countries and I would love to be part of that and help them along," she added
W h e
along in her impending trip to India, she responded in the affirmative and jested, saying the crew would be primed with spicy food "Absolutely! You might stick out a little bit but that's okay- we we'll get you all primed with some spicy food we'll be good," she said
Williams said that she
could see India's geog r a p h i c a l f o r m a t i o n , when the landmass coll
Himalayas and as a ripp
formed
"India is amazing E v e r y
w e n t over the Himalayas- we
pictures of the Himalayasso just amazing Like I've described it before just like this ripple that happened Obviously when the plates collided and then as it flows down into India It's many, many colours," she said
India's diversity visible from
culture from the East to the fishing fleet on the West "I think when you come from the East, going into like
fishing fleet that's off the coast there gives you a little bit of a beacon that here we come! All throughout India," she said Williams said the country looked like a network of
down towards smaller cities
US Secret Service blocked Pannun plan to serve Doval summons
A US court h as o bserv ed that the serv ice of delivery of summ ons to NSA
A jit Dov al, wh o accomp a ni ed P M Nar en d ra Mo di during his visit to the US on Feb12-13 , was not completed d uring his s tay t h ere , bru s h i ng aside K halistan separatist G ur p at w ant S i ng h Pannun’s claim th at he manag ed to get the notice delivered to the top security official
The court was responding to a letter from Pannun’s lawyer which also revealed t h a t U S S e c r e t S e r v i c e
a g e n t s g u a r d i n
t i o n w
P r i m e M i ni s te r Nar en d ra M odi underlined his bo nd w ith RSS and said the teachings of Guru Golwalkar have been th e life m antra for him, a d d i ng th a t I nd i a w i ll a cc o m p l i sh i ts g oa l o f becoming a develo ped country by 2047 under th e guidance of the Sang h chief and D r K B H ed g ew a r, th e f o u nd er o f t h e H i nd ut v a o rganisation
R e f e r r i n g t o a n i n t e rview of Golwalkar in which he was asked about calling the Sangh ubiquitous, Modi said, “Guruji said Sangh is like light It may not be able to accomplish all by itself, but it helps others by showing them the way We have to be like light to remove darkness and obstacles and chart out new paths ”
“When our actions are not guided by selfish interests but by the consideration
of welfare of people, when we are guided by the philosophy of nation first, then we t u r n o u r s e l v e s i n t o t h a t light,” Modi said as he listed the measures taken by his govt to implement policies which he said were aligned w i t h S a n g h ' s “ n a t i o n a l i s t ” vision Modi, on his first visit to RSS headquarters as PM, at o n e p o i n t u s e d t h e w o r d ‘hum’ (we) when referring to RSS swayamsevaks The PM
was speaking at an event to mark the commencement of the project for expansion of an eye hospital built as a tribute to Golwalkar The occasion, along with his visit t o S m r u t i M a n d i r , t h e memorial of Hedgewar and ‘Guruji’, and the bonhomie w i t h R S S c h i e f M o h a n Bhagwat, should put to rest t h e p e r s i s t e n t s p e c u l a t i o n during the 2024 Lok Sabha e l e c t i o n c a m p a i g n a b o u t tensions in ties
s p u t u p , threatened to arrest his server when he tried to place the notice on the ground outside what is the President’s g u e s t h o u s e T h e s e r v e r could only leave the summ o n s w i t h a n e a r b y Starbucks store that didn’t prove to be enough for the court
After reviewing the letter, a judge of the Southern District of New York said that “the complaint was not delivered to a member of the hotel management or staff
o r a n y o f f i c e r s o r a g e n t s p r o v i d i n g s e c u r i t y f o r
D e f e n d a n t ( D o v a l ) , a s r e q u i r e d b y t h e C o u r t ’ s O r d e r ” T h e d e v e l o p m e n t confirms the Indian position that the NSA wasn’t served the summons, which f o r e i g n s e c r e t a r y V i k r a m Misri had described as based on unwarranted and unsub-
stantiated imputations, during his stay in the US
T h e s u m m o n s w a s i s s u e d l a s t S e p t b y a U S court in response to a civil l a w s u i t f i l e d b y P a n n u n a b o u t a n a l l e g e d m u r d e r plot against him for which US authorities had blamed an Indian govt agent named Vikash Yadav Indian govt has conducted a probe into the issue and recommended legal action against Yadav I n d i a n n a t i o n a l N i k h i l Gupta remains in US custody for his alleged involvement in the plot and his case will go to trial on Nov 3
Another individual named Wayne Engram, a p p a r e n t l y a m o r e e n t e r p r i s i n g p r o c e s s server with 15 years of experience, approached the agents the next day As Secret Service again refused to accept any document, he tried to place the envelope on the g r o u n d b e f o r e t h e m - a “ s t a n d a r d m e t h o d o f s e rvice” apparently However, one of the agents told him he would be arrested if he
ground Engram then decided to leave the documents at the nearest public location w
e arrested This happened to be a Starbucks approximately 100 feet from the checkpoint “Engram left the service documents in a sealed envelope in the public seating area outside Starbucks Then he went back to the checkpoint, told the agents where he had left the documents and asked them to p l
t h e m
n d give them to defendant as soon as possible,” says the l e t t e r T h i s p
o v e d t o b e insufficient for the court While all this was going on, t h
Pannun also spoke to Blair H
c
e t Service over the phone but was told there was no way to serve the defendant there They refused to share an email ID to send the summons
Pannun is said to have h i r e d t w o p r o c e s s s e r v e r s a n d o n e i n v e s t i g a t o r t o effect service on Doval in Washington DC during the latter’s two-day trip to the US According to the contents of the letter, the first server, identified as Ambiko W a l l a c e , r e a c h e d B l a i r House on Feb 12 at 7 22pm and found it barricaded with a single checkpoint that was g u a r d e d b y t h e S e c r e t Service Wallace showed the legal document to an agent, but he would have none of it a n d f o r c e d t h e s e r v e r t o immediately leave the checkpoint
Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi
Sunita Williams
Ajit
PM undertakes Darshan along with pays floral tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir in Nagpur Maharashtra
New "Coolcation" escapes for hot summer travel
occurred since 2020, with the ten warmest since 2007
As a result, 88% of UK travelers are reconsidering their summer holiday plans,
extreme temperatures (22%) as key concerns W
Travel has launched a new r a n g e o f N o r d i c s u m m e r experiences From June to
d e s t i n a t i o n s ‘ C o o l c a t i o n s ’ are gaining popularity for those seeking active pursuits
t h r o u g h f j o r d s , g o o n Swedish safaris, hike under t h e m i d n i g h t s u n , a n d embark on ocean trips to s p o t w h a l e s , a l l w h i l e e n j o y i n g b r e a t h t a k i n g
s c e n e r y a n d i m m e r s i v e culinary experiences
Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, says,
“ W e ’ v e s e e n a r i s e i n
b o o k i n g s f o r N o r d i c
h o l i d a y s a s s o a r i n g temperatures across Europe d r i v e d e m a n d f o r c o o l e r
sun, offers the perfect blend of adventure and wellbeing ” Northern Norway
Hike the 4 km trek to B l å i s v a t n e t , t h e w o r l d ’ s b l u e s t l a k e , n e s t l e d a t t h e foot of Lenangsbreen glacier
After a refreshing dip in the i
majestic fjords, passing Bird Island and the Barents Sea, w h e r e t h e m i d n i g h t s u n sparkles on the water
Sweden
Explore Swedish Lapland with a safari to meet moose,
reindeer, and huskies at Cape Wild Enjoy al fresco dining and relax in a cozy cabin by t h e L u l e R i v e r , w
opportunities for fishing and boat trips
Finland
cabins at Wilderness Hotel
Inari Hike to Otsamo Fell,
w
enjoy a 5-star tasting menu
waters of the archipelago and forage for berries
Greenland Visit Ilulissat for whale watching, where humpback whales feed near the surface Explore the Ilulissat ice fjord,
Arctic foxes and ptarmigan
d
Iceland Iceland’s long summer
relax at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon or take a helicopter
formations
Book swaps removed from underground stations
L as t week’s World Book Day gave Trans po rt f or Lo nd on (TfL ) the chance to celebrate o n e o f t h e L o nd o n U nd ergro und 's h eartwarmi ng f eatures: Bo ok swappi ng at
T u b e s t at i o ns , w h i c h h as made a big i mp act across the c i ty , ac c o r d i ng t o t h e i r F acebook acco unt
For over a decade,book exchanges at London Tube stations have let commuters swap used books, thanks to c o m m u n i t y a c t i v
station staff
However, a fire safety crackdown by TfL is leading to their removal, labeling
b o o k s a s “ c o m b u s t i b l e
m a t e r i a l ” S t a t i o n s l i k e Clapham North and Oval
h a v e a l r e a d y s h u t t h e i r s d o w n , w h i l e H i g h b u r y & Islington remain for now
C u r i o u s l y , f r e e newspapers, often nearby, s e e m e x e m p t f r o m t h e rules
Those who set up the b o o k s w a p s a r e d i s a p p o i n t e d A n t h o n y Fairclough, who launched one at Wimbledon station, said they not only helped p
recycled books that might otherwise end up in landfill He added that they created a s e n s e o f c o m m u n i t y , making stations feel more welcoming While safety is i m p o r t a n t , h e q u e s t i o n e d whether small bookshelves pose a real fire risk
T f L s t a f f a r e a l s o frustrated, with one saying t h e r e m o v a l s t a k e
interaction This week, 60 b
complaints T
that all book libraries must b e
d f r o m underground stations due to fire risks Nonsubsurface stations must also comply unless they have proper fire
s a f e t y m e
s u r e s Regulations on combustible materials have been in place since 2009
TfL said it works closely
book swaps It apologised for the inconvenience and is reviewing whether they can return in the future A
Iran beach turns red after mysterious 'blood rain'
A stunning natural phenomenon that occurred in Iran recently has captivated and stunned people worldwide Viewers are curious and perhaps a little afraid after seeing videos of a beach glowing brilliant red after a downpour Many are referring to it as "blood rain," while others are just enthralled by the uncommon sight Multiple viral videos of the phenomenon sparked a wide range of reactions on social media One user wrote, "I wish I was there under the rain of Hormoz and the beautiful soil coloured with love " The beach, on Rainbow Island in the Strait of Hormuz, is a popular tourist destination in Iran for its naturally red soil, which contains high levels of iron and other minerals The bizarre yet unique 'blood red' phenomenon is a year-round attraction at the coast, caused by the high iron oxide content in the volcanic soil Far from being a reason for alarm, this amazing sight attracts travellers from across the world keen to see Iran's "blood rain" beach for themselves
US boy calls police after mom eats his ice cream
A four-year-old boy in Wisconsin recently called 911 after discovering that his mother had eaten his ice cream The youngster was reportedly upset and disappointed upon realizing his treat had been taken without permission In an act of frustration, the boy dialed emergency services and requested that authorities arrest his mother for the food theft The incident, which may seem comical to some, shows the innocence and seriousness with which children view fairness and justice When officers arrived at the scene, the child changed his mind and decided he no longer wanted his mother to be arrested The next day, the police returned with a special surprise - a delivery of ice cream for the boy
Monkey steals man's phone, exchanges it for a 'treat'
Recently, a monkey in Vrindavan became the talk of the town after pulling off a daring trade The mischievous primate exchanged a pricey Samsung S25 Ultra smartphone for a pack of mango drinks, leaving onlookers in stitches A viral video shows the monkey perched on a balcony, clutching the phone Below, three men desperately try to negotiate its return, offering multiple packs of Frooti However, the monkey refuses to budge, seemingly unimpressed by the offers Just when negotiations appear to be failing, one of the packs lands within the monkey's reach Seizing the opportunity, the clever primate snatches the drink, returns the phone, and enjoys its reward The video has gone viral, leaving social media users in stitches Many have expressed amusement at the monkeys' clever tactics, noting that they've developed a cunning strategy of stealing valuable items like phones and eyeglasses, only to return them in exchange for food
Owner's daughter says she stood in queue to land job at her company
Lynsi Snyder, heiress to In-N-Out, a popular fast-food restaurant chain in the US has revealed that she stood in a line for hours to land a job at her own company Snyder, who became the president of In-N-Out Burger at the age of 27, said she was just 17 years old when she started working at the restaurant to show she hadn't been handed any opportunities simply because of her surname According to a report, Snyder queued up for two hours outside a new In-N-Out restaurant in Redding, California to land a summer job at the chain "I think that there's a stigma that can come with being the owner's kid I just wanted to be respected like others, doing it the right way and not having the special treatment, Snyder said Snyder revealed that her first job at the burger chain involved doing minor jobs like chopping vegetables and serving customers In fact, she previously said that no one knew her real identity except the manager of the store This ensured she was not treated differently from other employees She added that the experience helped her gain the confidence to do things her way
Lack of civic sense among Indians
A video of an Indian man calling out fellow Indians' behaviour in public spaces is going viral on social media In the clip, Instagram user Ankush captured an incident that took place at the lounge of Abu Dhabi Airport He showed an Indian man talking loudly on his phone and said that the man continued to speak at high volume, despite being told by the bartender to lower his voice He questioned the lack of civic sense among Indians in general He claimed he's come across similar instances that highlighted an apparent insensitivity towards others in public spaces The Instagram user also compared the behaviour of Indians in public spaces with that of people from countries like the US and South Korea, where such loud conversations in public are rare "What do you think about people who talk loudly on their phones in public spaces without considering those around them? I have to admit, I might be guilty of this too Why do we do it? Here's a quick rant about someone in an airport lounge who just wouldn't lower their voice," Ankush captioned the post
American woman lists things she wishes US had
In a recent Instagram video, Kristen Fischer, an American expat and mother of three, shared her list of Indian conveniences she wishes were available in the US Having moved to India nearly four years ago, Fischer has discovered several innovative features that she believes would greatly benefit her home country Topping her list is India's digital IDs and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Fischer expressed her admiration for the convenience of UPI, stating, "I can go out with just my phone, and that's enough " She believes this technology is something the entire world should adopt She further praised the availability of autos, describing them as a "cheap, fast, and very convenient way" to get a
appointments are often not necessary, and prescriptions are not always required for m
government-mandated waste removal "It is so convenient to hire skilled labour in India and have help In America, if you need something done you have to figure out how to do it yourself because it is just so expensive to hire people," she noted She also talked about India's rich culinary landscape, particularly the abundance of vegetarian options "Delivery apps are one of the most convenient things about being in India There are dozens of apps that will deliver virtually anything to your door in minutes Yes, you read that right, minutes," she wrote
The healing properties of turmeric
T urm eric, a brigh t yellow -o rang e spice related to ginger, has been a staple in Ind ian, S outh east A sian, and M idd le Eastern coo king for centuries
Beyond its culinary use, it has long been valued in traditional medicine for treating ailments like breathing problems In recent years, turmeric has gained popularity as a superfood The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has shown potential in easing depression and improving the effectiveness of antidepressants, though research results remain mixed
Some research suggests that curcumin supplements may help reduce PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps, while other studies indicate potential benefits in lowering LDL cholesterol and protecting heart health, particularly in those recovering from heart surgery
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects have raised interest in its role in preventing Alzheimer’s, but there is no strong scientific evidence to confirm this yet It may also help with arthritis by easing joint pain and stiffness, especially when consumed with black pepper to improve absorption
AI cancer tech funding cuts in England risk lives
T he g overnm ent has scrapped m illions in funding for A I cancer technolog y, a d ecision experts w arn will increase waiting times and put more lives at risk
AI auto-contouring speeds up radiotherapy planning by mapping tumours in minutes rather than hours, reducing treatment delays Research shows it could cut waiting times by up to nine days for some cancers
In May 2024, the Conservative government pledged £15 5 million over three years to roll out AI contouring across England After the election, hospitals continued implementing the technology, assuming funding was secured But in February, NHS England informed trusts that funding had been withdrawn due to “limited investment priorities,” forcing many to return to time-consuming manual contouring Radiotherapy UK estimates this reversal will add up to 500,000 extra waiting days for breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients, leaving each trust with a £300,000 shortfall Long waiting lists are already a concern, with 60% of patients waiting over two months for treatment and nearly a quarter waiting beyond 104 days
Leading oncologists have condemned the decision Prof Pat Price called it “ a step backward” that will worsen staff shortages and delay treatment Dr Clive Peedell described it as “catastrophic,” saying hospitals may need more staff to cope Jane Richards, a radiotherapy manager, called the move a “betrayal,” warning it would lead to exponentially growing waiting lists
The Department of Health insists that funding has not been cut, pointing to a £70 million investment in new radiotherapy machines However, experts argue that without AI, patient care will suffer, and lives may be lost
Yawning: Brain's cool trick
Yawning is not just a sign of tiredness or boredom; it may serve a physiological purpose by cooling the brain Research suggests that when we yawn, the deep inhalation of air helps reduce the temperature of the brain, preventing overheating and keeping it at an optimal level for cognitive function The stretching of the jaw and face muscles during yawning may also increase blood flow to the brain, further aiding in cooling This process helps enhance alertness and cognitive performance, ensuring the brain stays sharp and efficient
How to outsmart daylight saving disruptions
E ach year, nearly a quarter o f t he g l ob al pop ul at i on adjusts thei r clocks for daylight savi ng time ( DST)
W
y seem minor, many experie
and brain fog in the days that follow For night owls,
sensitive these systems are to environmental changes
metabolism, and body temperature Disrupting these rhythms can affect these p
need three to seven days to adjust to DST, but night owls may require two to three weeks to fully realign their sleep-wake cycles
Changing the clocks for daylight saving time (DST) can affect health in several ways Here’s how-
1 Disrupted sleep patterns
Spring forward (losing an hour): Losing an hour of s
and difficulty concentrati
who already struggle with sleep
F
h o u r i n a u t u m n m i g h t seem beneficial, it can still disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to temporary sleep disturbances
2 Increased risk of heart issues
Studies suggest a small i n c r e a s e i n h e a r t a t t a c k s and strokes after the spring clock change, likely due to s u d d e n s l e e p d e p r i v a t i o n and stress on the body
The autumn change is s o m e t i m e s l i n k e d t o a s h o r t - t e r m d e c r e a s e i n these incidents as people get an extra hour of sleep
3 Mood and mental health effects
Losing sleep in spring can increase stress, anxiety, and irritability
T h e a u t u m n c l o c k c h a n g e l e a d s t o
evenings, which can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to lack of sunlight
4 Increased risk of accidents
T h e t i m e c h a n g e c a n lead to more car accidents, particularly in spring when people are sleep-deprived
T
which can increase pedestrian accidents
5 Metabolism and appetite changes
Circadian rhythm disruption can affect hunger h
increased cravings, overeating, and potential weight gain S o
issues due to the sudden shift in routine How to minimise the impact •
sleep: Shift bedtime by
before the change
• Get morning sunlight:
internal clock
• Stay active: Exercise
mood
• Maintain
weekends, try to wake up at the same time
NHS launches DIY smear tests to end cervical cancer
The NHS has unv eile d a bold pl a n t o e l im i n a t e
ca ncer in Englan d by 2040, wi
Ex ecutive Ama nda Pr it ch ard a n n o
ca llin g
" w or ld- le ad in g ambit ion" to sa ve thousan ds of liv es C u r r e n t l y , c e r v i c a l screening requires a medical professional to collect a sample using a soft brush, but embarrassment and discomfort contribute to low partici p a t i o n r a t e s D e s p i t e advancements, cervical cancer still claims two lives daily in the UK The introduction of DIY home swab kits aims to increase accessibility and c o n v e n i e n c e , a l l o w i n g women to order tests via the NHS App, GP, or pharmacy
H o w e v e r , t h e r o l l o u t remains subject to approval
b y t h e U K N a t i o n a l Screening Committee
W h i l e c e r v i c a l c a n c e r
If you ’ ve ever ch ecked your
study
Researchers found
rates have declined among women in their 20s due to HPV vaccinations, cases have risen among women aged 30 to 44 NHS data reveals that in 2023/24, only 68 8% of eligible women aged 25 to 64 attended screenings within t h e r e c o m m e n d e d t i m eframe, a slight increase from the previous year ’ s 68 7%
C e r v i c a l s c r e e n i n g detects high-risk HPV strains that can lead to cancerous cell changes If HPV is present, further analysis is conducted to identify abnormal cells that require treatment
before developing into cancer As Pritchard prepares to step down next week, she emphasised the importance of making screenings more a c c e s s i b l e T h e N H S w i l l expand its ‘ping and book’ service, allowing women to receive screening invites via the NHS App Additionally, H P V v a c c i n a t i o n s w i l l b e made available in community settings such as pharmacies, with app-based tracking and appointment booking
Cervical cancer currently causes 685 deaths annually in
England The World Health Organisation defines elimination as an incidence rate below four cases per 100,000 w o m e n T h e N a t i o n a l Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan, first proposed in 2023, now includes a structured timeline and key targets by 2030: • 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15 • 7 0 % o f w o m e n screened with a high-performance test (such as HPV primary screening) by ages 35 and 45 • 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receiving timely treatment The NHS is preparing for potential approval and funding by ensuring laboratory capacity and implementing r o b u s t t r a c k i n g s y s t
Personalised outreach strategies will aim to boost partici-
trauma-informed care
Sara Ali Khan on Saif’s knife attack: “It could have gone so wrong”
In January, actor Saif Ali Khan was brutally attacked at his Bandra home, sustaining six stab wounds He was rushed to the hospital for surgery and recovered within days, but the incident was deeply traumatic for his family
Recently, his daughter, actor Sara Ali Khan, shared how it made her realise how life could have changed overnight if things had gone worse
Expressing her relief and gratitude, Sara Ali Khan said, It makes you realise what truly matters Our entire family felt immense gratitude because it could have gone so wrong I’m so grateful everything is fine-it was a reminder of the life we have We often talk about mental health, but being grateful for your life is so important, and moments like this make you realise it "
She added, "He is my father, and we are as close as can be This didn’t just remind me of that it made me realise how life can change overnight Every day deserves a mindful celebration It reinforced the importance of gratitude "
Sara Ali Khan, Saif Ali Khan’s daughter with his first wife, Amrita Singh, was last seen in ‘Sky Force’ alongside Veer Pahariya She will next appear in Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro In Dino’, starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Anupam Kher, Konkona Sen, Neena Gupta, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Pankaj Tripathi The film is set to release on July 4, 2025
Bollywood showers love on Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul’s baby girl
Bollywood is buzzing with excitement as Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul welcome their baby girl Celebrities like Kiara Advani, Kriti Sanon, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Arjun Kapoor took to social media to congratulate the new parents Athiya and KL Rahul confirmed the news on Instagram, receiving an outpouring of love and blessings A
, ons! Hugs and squishes,” while Parineeti Mrunal Thakur also sent their best wishes or cheered, “#Squishy! Congrats, guys, ” and e Kiara Advani dropped heart emojis Kriti laimed, “Omg!!! Congrats you two,” while
nekar also joined in to congratulate the new ents
Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul announced he birth of their baby girl on Instagram with joint post They shared an image of two swans with the message, “Blessed with a baby girl,” along with the date ‘ 24-03-2025 ’ Without a caption, they added a baby emoji with a halo and wings This marks their first child together
Hrithik Roshan to direct
‘Krrish 4’; Rakesh Roshan, Aditya Chopra to co-produce
‘Krrish 4’ is in the works, with Hrithik Roshan making his directorial debut
The hit superhero franchise, spin off from ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ (2003), was previously directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan.
‘Krrish 4 ’ will be directed by Hrithik Roshan and produced by Rakesh Roshan and Aditya Chopra
Announcing the news on Instagram, Rakesh shared a photo with his son, writing, “Duggu, 25 years ago, I launched you as an actor, and today, after 25 years, you ’ re being launched as a director by Aditya Chopra and me to helm our most ambitious film, ‘Krrish 4 ’ Wishing you all the success in this new avatar!” Hrithik’s girlfriend, actor Saba Azad, reacted with heart emojis
Fans were thrilled, as ‘Krrish 3 ’ was released in 2013, and they had been eagerly awaiting an update One fan wrote, “HR turns director for ‘Krrish 4 ’ Woah, crazy news!” Another tweeted, “The excitement is real Can’t wait to see #HrithikRoshan in the director’s seat for #Krrish4 This is going to be epic ” Some even predicted record-breaking success, with one post reading, “Be scared #Pushpa2TheRule record is set to break ” Many have already d l d h fil “ hi ” i h ki
Salman Khan opens up on parents’ marriage challenges
Salman Khan shared the challenges his parents, Salim and Salma Khan, faced in their marriage Surprisingly, he revealed that their struggles were not due to religious differences but rather his father's demanding career as a screenwriter
During a press meet for his upcoming film ‘Sikandar’, Salman Khan opened up about his parents’ marriage
Speaking to select journalists, he clarified that the main challenge wasn’t their religious differences but his father’s profession He explained that objections from his maternal side were never about cultural practices but rather concerns over his father working in the film industry
Salman stated, “It was never about Hindu-Muslim differences or traditions The bigger concern at the time was, ‘Ye toh film line se hain’ ”
Salim Khan, along with Javed Akhtar, is credited with iconic blockbusters like ‘Don’ and ‘Sholay’ He married Salma in November 1964, and they have four children Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail, and Alvira In 1981, he married actor Helen Meanwhile, Salman is gearing up for the release of ‘Sikandar’, directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala Co-starring Kajal Aggarwal and Rashmika
Mandanna the film is set to hit theaters on Eid 2025
Ishaan Khatter on acting with Shahid:
“Would be a special moment”
For Ishaan Khatter, the idea of sharing the screen with his brother Shahid Kapoor is incredibly exciting He admits he wouldn’t be able to wait to dive into a role if given the chance to act alongside Shahid
W h e n a s k e d a b o u t a p r e f e r r e d genre for their collaboration, Ishaan said, "The beauty of this industry is its u n p
what s coming next Both Shahid and I strongly rely on instinct "
Reflecting on their bond, Ishaan
a d d e d , " H e ' s m y e l d e r b r o t h e r , someone I deeply respect, but there's also a mutual admiration We give each other space and independence in our careers "
The actor, who recently walked the runway at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in Guwahati, described working with Shahid as a "special moment "
"If we get to collaborate, it would be incredibly special, and we'd want to make it just as meaningful for the a u d i e n c e , " s a i d I s h a a n , w h o f i r s t appeared on screen as a child in ‘Vaah!
Life Ho Toh Aisi!’, starring Shahid
He added, "As for the story, it could be any genre, but if I'm facing the camera with my brother, I won’t be able to wait to sink my teeth into the role
Looking ahead, Ishaan is gearing up for the release of ‘The Royals’, w h e r e h e s t a r s a l o n g s i d e B h u m i
Pednekar
According to the teaser, Ishaan plays Aviraaj Singh, the charismatic heir to the royal throne of Morpur, w h o c r o s s e s p a t h s w i t h B h u m i ' s character, Sophia Kanmani Shekhar-a driven, no-nonsense CEO
Mandanna, a leading talent in Indian cinema, has dominated the southern industries and is steadily making her mark in Bollywood with films like Animal, Chhava, and the upcoming Sikandar with Salman Khan and Thama with Ayushmann Khurrana
Born and raised in Karnataka, Rashmika Mandanna admits that mastering spoken Hindi hasn't been easy In a recent interview, she shared that she still feels self-conscious when
Growing up, she primarily spoke Kannada and English, but after moving to Hyderabad for her film career, she had to learn Telugu to communicate with her team
Rashmika added that she visits Mumbai only for work and can deliver her Hindi lines flawlessly, though she remains conscious of making mistakes-even when she isn’t She believes she could master the language if she lived in Mumbai, but Salman Khan disagreed, saying that even then, she wouldn't, as most people around her would still converse in English
Rashmika Mandanna has an exciting lineup of films across multiple languages, including Kubera, The Girlfriend, Animal Park, and Pushpa 3 Notably, she is the only actress to have three films-Animal, Pushpa 2: The Rule, and Chhaava-in the 500 crore club
Randeep Hooda slams bollywood’s copycat culture
Bollywood
faces a box office slump, with only two hits this year
Randeep Hooda criticised the industry's "herd mentality," chasing trends instead of originality He noted the rush to make horror comedies after ‘Stree’ and blamed the crisis on excessive execution over true filmmaking Praising South Indian cinema for staying culturally rooted, he urged Bollywood to embrace experimentation.
R a n d e e p H o o d a b e l i e v
storytelling thrives on OTT but notes its business-driven focus He aims to balance mainstream and experimental projects that resonate with audiences
Praising South Indian cinema, he highlighted its rooted storytelling and r
Bollywood’s obsession with abs over depth ‘Pushpa’, he noted, stands out
Hindi filmmakers overlook character-
transition phase, he remains hopeful for change
Randeep Hooda will next be seen as the menacing villain Ranatunga in the action thriller ‘Jaat’ The film also
Kher, Zarina Wahab, Vineet Kumar S
, Dayanand Shetty, Jagapati Babu, and Babloo Prithiveeraj in key roles
Tamil-Telugu actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar got emotional on Zee Tamil's dance show while supporting contestant Kemy, who shared her experience of family harassment Moved by her story, Varalaxmi embraced Kemy and revealed she had faced similar trauma in her childhood, making the moment deeply heartfelt.
On Zee Tamil's dance show, Kemy bravely shared her experience of family betrayal and sexual harassment Moved by her story, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, known for her composure, broke down and revealed she had also faced abuse as a child while in the care of others
She stressed the importance of teaching children about 'good touch' and 'bad touch' to prevent such trauma Overcome with emotion, she apologised for crying on camera, but fellow judge Sneha reassured her, praising her courage Through her Save Shakti Foundation, Varalaxmi continues to advocate for abuse survivors
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is making significant strides in her acting career The daughter of veteran actor Sarathkumar and Chaya, she recently impressed audiences with her performance in Bala’s ‘Vanangaan’. Her longdelayed film, Sundar C’s ‘Madha Gaja Raja’, finally hit screens 12 years after completion and surprisingly emerged as a Pongal box office success
Keerthy Suresh and Vijay Deverakonda reunite for ‘Rowdy Janardhan’
Vijay Deverakonda has a packed year ahead with multiple films in the works. One of his most anticipated projects, ‘Kingdom’, directed by Gowtham Tinnamuri, features him in a striking physical transformation and is set for a May 2025 release. He is also set to star in ‘Rowdy Janardhan’, directed by Ravi Kiran Kola, with reports suggesting Keerthy Suresh as the female lead
The production manager of ‘Rowdy Janardhan’ confirmed Keerthy Suresh as the female lead, dismissing reports about Rukmini Vasanth “We recently approached Keerthy, and she said yes All formalities are complete, and filming is set to begin in May,” they stated
This marks Vijay and Keerthy’s first lead pairing, though they previously appeared in ‘Mahanati’ (2018) without sharing screen space Meanwhile, ‘Kingdom’ has been generating buzz with its action-packed teaser, promising a gripping Telugu spy thriller Producer Naga Vamsi recently revealed details about Vijay Deverakonda’s remuneration for ‘Kingdom’ In an interview with Galatta Plus, he shared that Vijay agreed to a nominal upfront fee, opting instead for a profit-sharing model based on the film’s box office performance Vijay was last seen in ‘The Family Star’ alongside Mrunal Thakur, which underperformed at the box office However, his cameo in Nag Ashwin’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ received praise from both fans and critics
Vikram jokes: “Even my best can’t beat Mohanlal”
Actors Vikram and Mohanlal’s upcoming films, ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’ and ‘L2: Empuraan’, are set for release on the same day While promoting his film in Kerala, Vikram shared that his wife, Shailaja Balakrishnan, is a huge Mohanlal fan and torn between which film to watch first Calling the clash “healthy,” Vikram admitted, “I’m a huge fan of Lalettan, but my wife is an even bigger fan No matter what I do
Tamannaah Bhatia on 10 Years of 'Baahubali': “A film that made history”
Tamannaah Bhatia believes no one could have predicted the phenomenal success of ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’, which marks its 10th anniversary this year Directed by SS Rajamouli, the 2015 epic was the first Telugu film to get a global release in Hindi and became a landmark in Indian cinema
Bhatia, who played the warrior A
described the film as a turning point in her career and beyond
asked which film she’d watch first, she simply said, ‘Both ’” ‘Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 ’ , directed by SU Arun Kumar, will a sequel, Part 1 ’ yet to gin roduction Starring Vikram, SJ Suryah, Suraj, Siddique, and Dushara Vijayan, the ction-drama tures music V Prakash he release date for ‘Part 1 ’ remains unannounced Meanwhile, ‘L2: Empuraan’, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, sees Mohanlal reprise his role as Khureshi Ab'raam / Stephen Nedumpally from ‘Lucifer’ (2019) The film boasts a stellar cast, including Prithviraj, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Jerome Flynn, and more A third installment is also in the pipeline but has yet to begin production
*Baahubali* was a magical experience for all of us None of us could have imagined its impact, not just on our careers but on the entire Indian film industry It became something truly unforgettable and historic," she told
This year marks a special milestone for Tamannaah Bhatia as she completes 20 years in the film industry She made her debut in 2005 with
Chehra’ and has since built a successful career across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, with notable films like
, Aranmanai 4, and the upcoming Odela 2
Reflecting on her journey, the 35year-old actor shared, "It takes about 20 years for creative people to truly understand themselves I started very young, and I genuinely feel like I m just getting started I want to make every day count and continue bringing something special to the audience " T
t h e ramp for designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock alongside Karan Johar She dazzled in a metal corset paired with a black jacket and flared pants, praising the designers for blending glamour with modern silhouettes
Varada Sethu leads in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Andor’
This April, Disney+ brings a sci-fi double feature with the muchanticipated returns of ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Andor’ Fans can expect thrilling adventures across time and space, alongside a deeper look at the Rebel Alliance It’s a milestone month for Varada Sethu, who debuts as new ‘Doctor Who’ companion Belinda Chandra and reprises her role as Rebel operative Cinta Kaz in ‘Andor’
Varada Sethu takes centre stage in both ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Andor’, with both series premiering on Disney+ this April Her
prominence
Disney+ unveiled new posters, showcasing her dual roles, with ‘Doctor Who’ emphasising the season ’ s theme: getting Belinda Chandra home Ncuti Gatwa returns as the Doctor, joined by Sethu as Belinda Chandra and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday As the Doctor tries to return Belinda to Earth, a mysterious force derails their journey, leading to perilous encounters Interestingly, Sethu, now a full-time companion, previously appeared as Mundy Flynn in the season one episode “Boom ”
India release of ‘Santosh’ stalled over censorship dispute
‘Andor’ follows the growing conflict between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, with Varada Sethu returning as Cinta Kaz, a fierce
Featured in the latest promos, Cinta is also part of *Star Wars’* first major on-screen queer couple alongside Vel
Aamir Khan’s audition tape for Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has gone viral Despite being the film’s producer and a Bollywood superstar, Khan was rejected for a key role, with Rao choosing Ravi Kishan instead The clip shows Khan in a police uniform, chewing paan as he delivers his lines Though eager to play the part, Rao felt Kishan was a better fit
Despite Aamir Khan’s interest in the role, Kiran Rao stood firm on casting Ravi Kishan, believing he was the perfect fit Kishan revealed this in an interview, praising Rao’s vision and unwavering support “Hats off to Kiran-she was adamant, ‘I want Ravi Kishan ’
The highly anticipated Indian release of ‘Santosh’, a Cannescelebrated film and the UK’s official Oscar entry, has hit a roadblock. The CBFC demanded extensive cuts, forcing director Sandhya Suri into a difficult decision. “It was impossible to make those cuts while keeping the film coherent and true to its vision,” she said.
Set in a fictional northern Indian town, ‘Santosh’ follows a y
Even Aamir wanted the role,” he shared
‘Laapataa Ladies’ earned widespread acclaim for its unique storytelling and powerful performances It even surpassed ‘All We Imagine As Light’ as India’s official Oscar entry but unfortunately didn’t make the final shortlist
Aamir Khan will next be seen in the highly anticipated ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ The film’s teaser, certified U by the CBFC, runs for 79 seconds While many speculated it would be attached to Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’, reports suggest there’s no confirmation on its release date yet
husband's police role, only to face a harrowing investigation under an authoritarian inspector Suri added, “I wanted the film to be released in India, but it doesn’t glorify violence-it’s not sensationalist ” "I wanted the film to be released in India and tried to make it work, but the cuts would have made it incoherent," Suri said "Unlike many police dramas, my film doesn’t glorify violence or have a single hero-it portrays a morally complex world, which might be unsettling for some Shahana Goswami, the lead in ‘Santosh’, expressed her disappointment, saying, “It’s disheartening that a film reflecting our reality can't be seen by a wide audience It could have done well in theatres, but that’s no longer possible ” Several acclaimed films, including Oscar-winning ‘Anora’ and ‘The Substance’, as well as Oscar-nominated ‘The Apprentice’, faced similar issues with the CBFC and were not released in India
‘
distribution but couldn’t secure certification A source involved in the release process noted, “Foreign filmmakers want their films released in India, but CBFC roadblocks often lead to rejected cuts, compromising the narrative ”
After earning praise for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii
Prem Kahani’, Anj li A d captivates audiences Cartel’. She was cast j before filming, after d impressed by her per ‘RARKPK’, secretly au am and urged everyo choice
After watching A ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Kahani’, Shibani Dan realised she had mad mistake in her initia casting Convinced A was the perfect Shah she faced resistance secretly instructed th casting director to contact her Anjali recalled getting the call while traveling to
Mumbai-just as her car had a flat tire The h h d i Netflix project where she’d be instantly ading the script t Shibani audition at 1 to trust her on, Anjali was e from episode ut any context moment she performing, it ear Shibani had the right ce Grateful for ole of Shahida, ali believes she in the right ce at the right me
IPL: Ashwani stars in MI’s first win
Mumbai Indians dismantled Kolkata Knight
sensational three-over spell that broke the back of Ajinkya Rahane’s team Inspired by Ashwini’s dream initiation into the IPL, MI, having suffered defeats in their first two matches, finally got their campaign going, thrashing KKR by eight wickets with 43 balls to spare It was a sweet homecoming for the five-time IPL champs
After asking KKR to take first strike, MI shot out the defending IPL champs for 116 in j u s t 1 6 2 o v
s A s h w i n i , o f c o u r s e , capitalized on early strikes by MI’s senior pacers Deepak Chahar (2/19) and Trent Boult (1/23), while the hosts also thrived on some electric fielding MI then coasted home by the 13th over itself, as their new recruit, South African opener Ryan Rickelton (62 not out) tore into the KKR attack Delhi beat Sunrisers
Delhi Capitals displayed an all-round p e r f o r m a n c e a g a i n s t t h e S u n r i s e r s Hyderabad winning the contest by 7 wickets o n S u n d a y C h a s i n g 1 6 4 , F a
d u P
s handed DC a sensational start with other top-order batters also chipping in with some knocks In the end, Abhishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs guided their team over the line with ease KL Rahul on his DC debut made 15 off 5 balls as he was looking to end the contest as soon as possible For SRH, Zeeshan Ansari was the standout performer with the ball as he took three wickets on his debut for the franchise Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad batters were dismantled by the Delhi Capitals bowling attack after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first Fast-bowler Mitchell Starc was the top performer for Delhi as he picked up five SRH wickets followed by Kuldeep Yadav who also got 3 scalps
Nitish, Hasaranga set up RR’s win Nitish Rana smashed a blistering 36-ball 81, while leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga
starred with a four-wicket haul as Rajasthan Royals (RR) opened their account with a hard fought six-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL in Guwahati on Sunday Promoted to number 3, left-handed Rana dominated the CSK bowlers, hitting 10
towards back-end just about manage a parscore of 182 for 9 CSK, who had never successfully chased a target over 180 since 2019, faltered again, managing 176 for six in
around skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 63, but it wasn’t enough as CSK succumbed to their second consecutive loss
Prasidh, Sudharsan shine for Titans
Prasidh Krishna (2/18) complemented Sai
Gujarat Titans secured a commanding 36run win over Mumbai Indians in the IPL m
Sudharsan showcased his growing stature with a fluent 63 off 41 balls and his 78-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill (38) led Gujarat to 196/8 after Mumbai opted to bowl In reply, Tilak Varma (39 from 36 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (48 from 28 balls) stitched a promising 62-run stand off 42 balls for the third wicket before MI stumbled in the middle overs to finish on 160/6 Prasidh's late introduction was the turning point of the match
RCB breach Chepauk fortress
( R C B ) ended their 17-year winless streak at the MA
Chidambaram Stadium with a 50-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday To make matters worse, it turned out to be CSK’s heaviest defeat at the the venue With this win, RCB consolidated their position at the top of the IPL 2025 points table with four points from two games CSK, on the other hand slumped to seventh place with two points from as many matches Lucknow beat Sunrisers Hyderabad
impressive and comprehensive five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad to earn their first win in this year's Indian Premier L
Sunrisers' destructive batting line-up to 190-9 and then cruised to their target with 3 5 overs to spare Nicholas Pooran crashed 70 from 26 balls and Mitchell Marsh hit
Sharma for six and Ishan Kishan a duck in
threatened in hitting five fours and three sixes But Head was bowled by seamer Prince Yadav for 47 and contributions of 32
Heinrich Klaasen and 36 by Aniket Verma were not enough Shardul finished with 434 and is the tournament's leading wickettaker after eight matches
GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLER SUNIL SECURES ANOTHER ASIAN MEDAL
Pakistan to play in India in Asia Cup hockey
Despite the India n and Pa kista ni
cr ick et te ams havin g d ecided not t o play in each othe r ’ s coun try following In dia’s re fusa l to t ra vel t o Pak ist an for the Cha mpions Tr ophy, it wa s a nnoun ce d that Pa kista n men ’ s hock ey t eam will v isit India t o ta ke par t in t he Asia
C up to be he ld in Rajg ir, Bihar from Aug 29-Se pt 7 a t the n ewlybuilt spor ts complex
They had last visited India to
t a k e p a r t i n t h e A s i a n Champions Trophy in Chennai
in 2023 and finished fifth in the six-team event
S p e a k i n g o f t h e
president Dilip Tirkey said, “Any
Pakistan anywhere in the world is always exciting and good to watch In 2023 also, when the ACT was held in Chennai, the two teams played a good game I expect it to be similar when the two teams face off in Rajgir for which the fans would come in numbers
No immediate plan to increase teams in WPL: BCCI
The Women’ s Prem ier League has “ grown phen om enally” i n the las t three years but there a r e n o i m m e d i a t e p l a n s t o i ncreas e the number of team s f r o m th e e x i s ti n g f i v
, I P L c hairman Arun Dhuma l, who i s a l s o a p a rt o f t h e WP L c om mittee, has s aid T h e W P L c o m
t t e e h e a d e d b y B C C I p r e s i d
t Roger Binny The Board had plans to increase the number of teams after three seasons but it now wants to consolidate “To f u r t h e r s t r e n g t h e n t h i s tournament for the time being, we want to consolidate before w e t a k e a c a l l o n f u r t h e r
addition of any team There are n o i m m e d i a t e p l a n s ( t o a d d teams),” Dhumal said Having said that, Dhumal is pleased with the growth of the tournament
“So, within three editions, WPL has grown phenomenally i n t e r m s o f t r a c t i o n , f o r instadium attendance All the b r o a d c a s t n u m b e r s a r e v e r y , very encouraging And it has given new impetus to women ’ s cricket worldwide “ S o , w e a r e h o p i n g t h i s continues to grow And this augurs very well for not only the tournament, but women ’ s cricket in general,” he added
n men
s hockey team that has been regularly visiting India - 2018 W o r l d C u p , 2 0 1 4 C h a m p i o n s Trophy, Junior Hockey World Cup 2021 - but the Indian Davis Cup team also toured Pakistan last year The Pakistan football team also came down in 2023 to t a k e p a
t c h between the two teams India had won 4-0, Sunil Chhetri scoring a
Indian team competed at the Bridge Federation of Asia and M i d
(BFAME) in Lahore winning 4 gold medals
Besides Pakistan, India will host six more teams at the event, including Japan, South Korea, C h i n a a n d M a l a y s
T h e remaining two teams will secure t
qualifying tournament, the AHF Cup
Shreyas Iyer set to regain BCCI contract
In-form ba tsma n Shr eyas Iyer is set to regain his BCCI cen tral contract when the top br ass of t h e I n di a n c r ic k e t b o a r d a n n o un c e s t h e f ul l l is t of r etained pl aye rs for t he 2024-25 season It ’ s le arnt that the BCCI secreta ry Deva jit Saikia will meet I n d ia ’ s h e a d co a ch G a u t a m Ga mb hir , curre ntly vaca tionin g in France with family, a nd chief
s e l e ct o r A j it A g a r k a r f or a d i scu ss io n on t h e ce n t r a l contracts While Iyer is set to get back his BCCI central contract, things are not that certain for Ishan Kishan, who was excluded from the list of players with central contracts for the 2023-24 season
last year on the grounds that both players skipped domestic m a t c h e s d e s p i t e i n s t r u c t i o n s from the apex Indian cricketing b o d y T h e o t h e r b i g p o i n t o f d i s c u s s i o n h a s b e e n w h e t h e r I n d i a ’ s O D I a n d T e s t c a p t a i n Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja will b e r e t a i n e d i n t h e h i g h e s t category of central contracts, A+, d e s p i t e h a v i n g r e t i r e d f r o m T20Is However, a source in the BCCI said that “all three will be retained in the highest category, along with Jasprit Bumrah ” M e a n w h i l e , l e f t - a r m spinning allrounder Axar Patel is l i k e l y t o b e p r o m o t e d f r o m
India’s Greco-Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar continued his impressive run on the continental circuit securing a commendable bronze –his fifth medal overall –in the 87kg weight division in the ongoing Asian Championships in Amman, Jordan The 25-year-old vanquished China s Jiaxin Huang 51 to clinch bronze Sunil, who won bronze at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, garnered his initial point due to Huang’s passivity and subsequently executed two swift gut wrenches to extend his advantage to 5-0 at the end of the first period In the second and final period, Sunil yielded a point on passivity but thwarted his opponent from accumulating any additional points for a potential comeback Sunil commenced his campaign with a 10-1 triumph over Tajikistan’s Sukhrob Abdulkhaev in the quarterfinals before losing to Iran’s eventual gold medallist Yasin Ali Yazdi by a 3-1 margin He subsequently overcame Huang for bronze in the repechage round Sunil s podium finish opened India s account in the competition Previously Sunil had secured silver medal at the 2019 edition of the Asian meet, before ending the country s 27-year-long wait for a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the continental event with a victorious finish in 2020 His other two bronze came in 2022 and 2023 editions
BERWAL TO LEAD INDIA'S CAMPAIGN IN BOXING WC
Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal will headline a 10-member Indian men’s boxing team that was handed a mixed draw at the inaugural World Boxing Cup in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil This will be the first event hosted by World Boxing since receiving provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Feb India have sent only male boxers as the women’s National Championships concluded only last week Two boxers have got a direct entry in the semifinals and few more need just a win to reach the last four Lakshya Chahar will be the only Indian in action on the opening day He will take on Wanderley Pereira of Brazil in the 80kg prequarterfinals Among other Indians in fray, Sachin (60kg) and Vishal (90kg) have got a bye in the opening round and will take the ring directly in the semifinals while Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg) will need to beat Ellis Trowbridge of Great Britain to book a spot in the semifinal
ARYAN SHAH BEATS
JAY CLARKE TO LIFT ITF TITLE
Aryan Shah dished out a stellar performance, outclassing Great Britain s Jay Clarke 6-1 6-3 to win the men’s singles title at the ITF M$30k tournament in Ahmedabad on Sunday Aryan dominated from the start smashing remarkable returns and breaking Clarke’s serve with ease His solid baseline game and ability to control the points from the outset gave him the edge throughout the match Aryan had lost in three sets to Clarke at the ITF M$15k tournament last week Clarke, who has faced off against legend like Roger Federer and defeated Diego Schwartzman of Argentina in the qualifiers of Wimbledon in 2024, is ranked 298th as per the ATP charts The 19-year-old Aryan is ranked 567th
