British Hindus denounce 'Hindutva' in extremism report
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“ S H O P L I F T I N G I S N O T A V I C T I M L E S S C R I M E ”
British Hindus have vehemently rejected a leaked Home Office report that labels them as extremist, describing it as part of a fabricated global narrative aimed at demonising Hindus
Trupti Patel, President of the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB), argued that the review, which was leaked to the think tank Policy Exchange last week, forms part of a wider “anti-Hindu propaganda” effort She likened the situation to the e x p e r i e n c e s o f K a s h P a t e l a n d T u l s i Gabbard in the United States, who have also faced baseless accusations Patel stressed that Hindus in Britain are not "extremists " The HFB has formall y p r o t e s t e d t h e r e p o r t t o t h e H o m e Office and demanded access to the full document “We are a minority within a minority in Britain We contribute, integrate, and excel in everything we do As the HFB, it is our responsibility to ensure that Hindus are not unjustly branded as extremists,” she explained She also dismissed the report s claim that Hindutva was responsible for the 2022 Leicester riots, pointing out that there is no evid e n c e t h a t H i n d u s i n s t i g a t e d t h e v i olence
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Anusha Singh I
surged across the UK, leaving shop owners and staff grappling with an escalating threat to their safety and livelihoods Amit Puntambekar, the owner of Ash’s Shop in Fenstanton, Peterborough, found himself at the f o r e f r o n t o f t h i s g r o w i n g i s s u e when he confronted a shoplifter in a dramatic encounter W
response to theft quickly escalated into physical violence when one of three women Amit confronted for stealing punched him in the face Witnessing the attack, Amit’s mother tried to intervene Fearing for her safety, Amit was forced to pin the woman against the wall for 20 minutes until the police arrived Amit’s experience is just one of the many that go on to prove that retail crime i s s p i r a l l i n g o u t o f c o n t r o l , w i t h shoplifters increasingly engaging in b r a z e n a n d v i o l e n t a c t s o f t h e f t , emboldened by the lack of consequences
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Continued on page 20 BAPS opens Mandir, cultural complex in Johannesburg
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Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman
HH Mahant Swami Maharaj performing the murti-pratishtha rituals
Amit Puntambekar
Suella Braverman warns of ‘Islamist UK with nuclear weapons’ in controversial speech
Form er UK Home Sec ret ar y Suella Braverman has claimed that Britain could become “the f irst Islamist nation with nuclear wea pons ” , warn in g of a future where the country “falls into the hands of Muslim funda ment al is m ” an d res em ble s Iran
Speaking at the right-wing Heritage Foundation thinktank in Washington, Braverman referenced comments made by US Senator JD Vance, who previously suggested that the UK was on course for such a transformation “I don’t think he was joking,” she said
Braverman posed a provocative question asking, “Is it an impossibility that 20 years from now, the UK not China or
Suella Braverman
Russia will emerge as the greatest strategic threat to the USA? What happens if the UK falls under Muslim fundamentalism, our legal system is
Priti Patel confronted with soaring migration, sparks Kemi slap down
Tories were in tur-
m oil a fte r Dam e Priti Patel defended t hei r i mmi gra ti on record, which saw hi s tor ic s pikes i n a rri va ls Kemi
B ad enoc h har shl y
c ri t ic i se d her for s upport i ng t he party’s handling of the issue
On ‘The Sun's’ ‘Never Mind The Ballots’ show, Dame Priti Patel defended the UK's immigration record , claiming Brexit allowed Britain to select the "best and brightest" from abroad Responding to criticism over last year ’ s 1 2 million arrivals, she emphasised that the end of free movement and the points-based immigration system allowed the country to control who enters, based on economic needs
Dame Priti Patel, Home Secretary from 2019 to 2022, argued that many of the migrants were granted humanitarian visas for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers However, in 2022, 188,000 humanitarian visas were issued, a small fraction of the 1 07 million migrants who arrived , with most coming on work or study
replaced by Sharia Law, and our nuclear capabilities end up in a regime similar to that of Iran?” She clarif ied that she did not personally see this as a “realistic outcome” but argued that such concerns should not be dismissed outright
Elsewhere in her speech, Braverman criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming he is fundamentally opposed to former US President Donald Trump despite Trump’s recent praise for him Over the weekend, Trump described Starmer as “ a very good person ” and said, “I think he’s done a very good job thus far I like him a lot ”
Braverman, however, insisted that the UK-US relationship is now "in tatters”, arguing that
under Starmer’s leadership, Britain is “ more likely than ever to worship at the altar of punitive net zero policies, bend the knee at the cross of a distorted notion of human rights, and submit to the will of supranational institutions rather than prioritising national security and longstanding allies ”She also argued that restoring sovereignty, protecting British values, and halting mass migration are essential steps toward making Britain great again Her remarks have sparked criticism, with many calling them alarmist and divisive, while others see them as part of her ongoing efforts to position herself as a key f igure on the political right
UK invests £20mn in orbital rocket
visas, along with their families
Host Harry Cole questioned Dame Priti Patel about her previous vow to curb i m m i g r a t i o n , but she defended the policy, highlighting its focus on skilled workers Her views clashed with Kemi Badenoch, who apologised for the high immigration numbers under the Conser vatives The Tor y leader’s spokesman stressed the importance of acknowledging past mistakes, while Dame Priti later clarif ied her stance, admitting numbers were too high Political rivals, including Nigel Farage, criticised her, accusing the Conservative Party of proudly standing by their immigration record
A Labour spokesman criticised the Conservatives, saying, "They are completely out of touch with reality Priti Patel refuses to apologise for record-high net migration under the Tories and seems proud of her role in the party’s open-border experiment "
The UK government has announced a £20 million ($24 84 million) investment in space company Orbex to support the development and launch of its Prime rocket, set to take off fro m SaxaVo rd Spa cepo rt in the Shetland Islands in late 2025
If successful, it will mark the f irst British-built and British-launched orbital rocket, a signif icant milestone for the UK’s growing space sector Britain has long aimed to establish a domestic launch capability, with its space industr y employing 52,000 people and ranking as the world’s second-largest satellite manufacturer after the United States
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle hailed the investment as a move that
would "turbocharge" Britain's role in the industry, positioning the country as a key hub for small satellite launches in Europe
The government estimates that capturing just 2% of Europe’s satellite market projected to be worth $50 billion by 2033 could generate $1 billion in revenue for the UK economy The announcement follows a recent green light for German company Rocket Factor y Augsburg to conduct satellite launches from the same Scottish site
However, Britain’s space ambitions have faced challenges, including the failed horizontal rocket launch from Newquay in Januar y 2023, which dealt a signif icant setback to the industry
UK pioneers first laws against AI-generated child exploitation
Bri tain is set to become the f irst country to introduce laws targeting the use of AI tools in the creation of child sexual abuse images, responding to growing concerns from law enfo rc ement agenc ies abo ut th e alarming rise in such activity
To close a signif icant legal gap, it will now be illegal to create, possess, or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material
Offenders could face up to f ive years in prison Additionally, possessing manuals that teach how to use AI tools to create abusive images or facilitate child abuse will be punishable with up to three years in prison
New laws will also be introduced to target those who run or moderate websites that share abusive imagery or offer advice to offenders
Border Force will be granted pow-
ers to compel individuals suspected of posing a sexual risk to children to unlock their digital devices for inspection This move comes after reports showed the use of AI tools to create child sexual abuse images has more than quadrupled in the past year The Internet Watch Foundation recorded 245 conf irmed cases of AIgenerated abuse imager y in 2024, compared to 51 in 2023 There was also a rise in the proportion of the most severe “category A” images
The new legislation will be part of the upcoming crime and policing bill, which is yet to be presented to Parliament Technology Secretar y Peter Kyle acknowledged that the state had failed to keep up with the harmful use of AI and vowed to prioritise child safety while striving to make the UK a global leader in AI
A Labo u r M P has u r g ed that talks for a trade deal with India include discussions on t h e rel ease of British citizen Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been arbitrarily detained there
Ahead of Business Secretar y Jonathan Reynolds’ visit to India, Douglas McAllister called for negotiators to prioritise Johal’s release Johal, a Sikh activist from Dumbarton,
I N B
R I E F SHOPS AND FIRMS NOT REQUIRED TO ACCEPT CASH
Shops and service providers will not be required to accept cash a government minister has confirmed despite concerns that millions of vulnerable individuals depend on it Emma Reynolds, the new economic secretary to the Treasury, was questioned by MPs on the Treasury Committee about businesses, including coffee shops, trains, and leisure centres no longer accepting cash payments, potentially excluding certain groups of people In response, Ms Reynolds assured MPs that there were no plans for the UK to become cash-free in the near future She emphasised that the government is focusing on ensuring access to cash through initiatives like new banking hubs, as well as improving digital skills across the population While cash remains legal tender in the UK, businesses are not legally required to accept it as a payment method
ROYAL ALBERT HALL DISPUTE IN LORDS
A heated exchange erupted in the House of Lords over a contentious debate about the Royal Albert Hall, the iconic venue for the BBC Proms The dispute arose as peers discussed a private Bill proposed by the Hall’s trustees which seeks to amend the charity s governance structure At the heart of the controversy is the historic arrangement where 1 276 out of the Hall s 5 272 seats are owned by so - called seat-holders who can use or sell tickets for hundreds of events each year, including on third-party sites like Viagogo The Bill proposes changes to how these seatholders interact with ticketed events Critic s of the Bill argue it fails to address potential conflicts of interest, particularly the fact that the majority of the Hall s ruling council consists of seat-holders In a vote, peers overwhelmingly supported an amendment to the Bill at its third reading, with 206 in favour and 45 against This amendment aims to tackle the conflict of interest issue
YOUNG FACING MORE STRUGGLES
A recent survey found that nearly two -thirds of UK adults believe young people today face greater challenges than previous generations The findings align with a call from the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) to address rising youth suicide rates with over half of respondents saying the government should do more Calm has criticised “government inaction” arguing that young people in the UK have been consistently let down Between 2012 and 2022 6 929 suicides occurred among 15 to 24-year- olds in England according to the Office for National Statistic s The YouGov poll of 2 043 adults found that 62% believe young people face more difficulties than their parents generation, while 63% think efforts to address social media s impact on mental health have been ineffective 59% blame underfunded public services, and 55% feel schools lack adequate mental health support
MP urges India trade deal to secure British citizen’s release
Scotland, was arrested in Punjab in 2017 while preparing for his wedding and was forcibly taken in an unmarked car, according to his family
The UN Working Group on Arbitrar y Detention found Jagtar Singh Johal’s imprisonment violated his human rights and has called for his release and compensation McAllister asked, “While a
new trade deal with India could benef it jobs and prosperity in the UK, can the minister ensure that discussions include the immediate release of my constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, from arbitrary detention in India before any trade deal is f inalised?”
Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas responded in the Commons, saying, “I
acknowledge the importance of this issue to Mr McAllister We are committed to urging the Indian government to make faster progress in resolving the case
“The Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) raised the matter with Prime Minister Modi on November 18, and we have emphasised the need for quicker action towards a resolution ”
Priti Patel
Labour’s early stumbles
Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election was less a mandate for change than a rejection of Conservative mismanagement Yet, within just six months, Keir Starmer’s government has found itself under scrutiny for economic missteps, ideological overreach, and controversial foreign policy decisions, leading to growing discontent across political and business circles
The economy has been hit hardest by Labour’s fiscal recklessness Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to raise National Insurance and capital gains tax has dampened business confidence, while increased borrowing and excessive spending have widened the budget deficit to £22 billion Despite promising financial prudence, Labour’s means-testing of the Winter Fuel Allowance has alarmed pensioners, while changing fiscal rules to justify further borrowing has spooked markets
In the diplomatic sphere, Lord Mayor of London Alastair King met with High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami ahead of his visit to India, focusing on strengthening financial and green economy collaborations This visit underscores the enduring economic ties between the UK and India, even amid domestic political turbulence
On the domestic front, Labour’s governance is increasingly shaped by ideological agendas Angela Rayner, in her role at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is spearheading efforts to establish a 16-member council on Islamophobia The proposed body, intended to advise ministers on defining and addressing anti-Muslim discrimination, is set to be chaired by former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve
Grieve has previously endorsed a 2018 parliamentary report defining Islamophobia as “ a type of racism targeting expressions of Muslimness ” Critics, however, argue that such a defi-
nition risks limiting free speech, effectively introducing a blasphemy law Among the prospective council members is Qari Asim, a Leeds imam dismissed by the Conservative government in 2022 The government has yet to confirm whether it will adopt the proposed definition, but concerns persist over the potential stifling of legitimate debate
Adding fuel to the debate, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that Britain risks succumbing to “Muslim fundamentalism ” Speaking at the Heritage Foundation, she criticised Labour’s leadership and warned of growing Islamist influence, even drawing comparisons to Iran Braverman’s remarks have sparked controversy, reflecting deep divisions within the UK’s political landscape
Meanwhile, the Hindu Council UK has voiced concerns over a leaked Home Office report that allegedly identifies Hindutva as a security threat The council has dismissed the report as biased and misleading, arguing that it risks further marginalising the Hindu community and misrepresenting Hindu nationalism
Demographic shifts are also shaping political discourse
According to the ONS, the UK’s population is set to rise by nearly five million by 2032, entirely driven by net migration While proponents argue this will expand the working-age population and boost tax revenues, critics warn that Labour’s failure to manage immigration effectively could strain public services With fertility rates at a historic low and an ageing population on the rise, Labour’s policies must address the long-term implications rather than relying on short-term fiscal optimism
With mounting criticism on multiple fronts, Labour’s early tenure has exposed vulnerabilities that could define its future, and potentially shorten it
China strengthens military, US on edge
US president Donald Trump has ignited a potential trade war with sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on Chinese goods These measures threaten decades of economic integration that has bolstered US and global prosperity Officially, Trump cites the need to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, though Canada plays only a minor role in these issues His sanctions have already prompted stricter border controls, but further action remains limited
Trump’s tariffs are unprovoked in trade terms, serving instead as a coercive tool for his domestic agenda, demanding concessions Canada and Mexico may be unable to give Ironically, the US itself will suffer economically and diplomatically While his actions on China seem modest for now, they likely signal bigger moves ahead
With these three nations accounting for nearly half of US imports, the $100 billion in tariffs will be eclipsed by broader economic damage The trade war won’t just hurt America it will disrupt global markets, slow economic growth, and heighten financial uncertainty worldwide In response, Canada and China plan to challenge the measures through the WTO and regional trade agreements Meanwhile, China is expanding its military power, constructing a massive new command centre near Beijing reportedly 10 times the size of the Pentagon Dubbed "Beijing Military City," the project began in mid-2024, with satellite images revealing deep excavation across the 1,500-acre site, 30 km southwest of the capital
Details of the project remain secret, with the Chinese embassy in Washington claiming no knowledge of it While no
military officials are present, signs banning drones and photography are posted across the sprawling four-kilometre site The new command centre is expected to include large buildings and fortified bunkers, likely designed to shelter top Politburo officials in the event of conflict, including nuclear war The project is progressing as the People’s Liberation Army expands its arsenal and strategic capabilities in preparation for its centenary in 2027
China’s new military command poses a challenge for the QUAD alliance comprising the US, Australia, India, and Japan which was formed in 2007 as a security partnership to counterbalance China’s rise While the QUAD has largely avoided direct military cooperation, focusing instead on areas like vaccine distribution and disaster relief, this new development could shift regional dynamics
For the US, already engaged in a trade war with China, the growing military threat adds another layer of complexity, especially as Russia, aligned with China, is unlikely to side with Washington On the other hand, India finds itself in a particularly vulnerable position If tensions escalate, China could provoke conflicts via Tibet, land routes, or maritime incursions India must remain vigilant to avoid a scenario similar to Ukraine, where US support is financial, but the burden of conflict falls entirely on the affected nation
History has shown the consequences of strategic missteps Aksai Chin was lost under Nehru, and now China lays claim to parts of Meghalaya If India fails to act decisively, China could further destabilise the region, making it crucial for India to bolster its defences and safeguard its sovereignty
A positive shift with Union Budget 2025
Every year, when Nirmala Sitharaman announces the Union Budget, she inevitably becomes the target of internet trolls and memes However, this year, the response has been different from the internet as well as the nation While some political analysts have suggested that the budget is a gambit ahead of the Bihar elections, it has garnered a more positive reaction nationwide
The standout feature of this year's budget is its substantial tax cuts aimed at stimulating consumption, a move that has resonated with many and sparked an optimistic outlook for the economy With tax relief aimed at the middle class, the government seeks to boost disposable income, thereby spurring demand across various sectors This move complements broader supply-side initiatives designed to encourage private investment and economic growth However, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of these tax cuts, especially considering the government's fiscal consolidation targets If not managed carefully, the growing fiscal deficit could undermine the broader economic strategy
Another significant highlight is the government's emphasis on structural reforms, including simplifying the tax framework and promoting financial inclusion through initiatives like the Grameen Credit Score for rural borrowers These efforts, alongside investments in infrastructure and skill development, signal a clear commitment to creating jobs and fostering a more inclusive economy The expansion of these reforms, particularly in the rural and MSME sectors, is crucial to ensuring that growth is shared and accessible
That said, there are concerns, particularly regarding defence capital expenditure The allocation for military mod-
ernisation has been slower than anticipated, raising questions about India's preparedness in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment With tensions rising globally, ensuring robust and forward-looking defence readiness should be prioritised The lack of significant increases in military spending may leave India vulnerable in the face of evolving security challenges, and it is imperative to allocate resources for long-term strategic defence planning
The Budget also introduces significant complex changes for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), with enhanced scrutiny of foreign-earned income, expanded residency definitions for tax purposes, and stricter documentation for claiming tax relief under India’s Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Indian students and professionals in the UK will now need to report their foreign earnings to Indian authorities, even if they have no income source in India
Additionally, the expanded residency definition may subject NRIs to double taxation if they maintain strong ties to India The reworked DTAA will also result in higher withholding taxes on remittances or stricter documentation requirements for tax relief These changes complicate the tax obligations for NRIs, particularly those with assets or savings in India For businesses, the revised regulations may require restructuring to ensure compliance Essentially, NRIs will have to navigate a much more complex landscape to avoid penalties
Overall, the budget reflects pragmatic economic thinking, offering a significant fiscal stimulus to middle-class consumption and implementing long-term reforms But the true success of this budget, like any other policy, will depend on its ability to translate ambition into sustained growth and development
“To live is the rarest thing in the world Most people exist, that is all ” - Oscar Wilde
Political Sketchbook
Alpesh Patel
India, the UK,
and US Tariffs: What It Means and How Trump Could Bring Closer US-India Ties
If the UK and India manage to avoid new US tariffs, it would mark a significant diplomatic and economic success for both nations In a global landscape where trade restrictions are increasingly being used as political tools, being exempt from US tariffs signals strong bilateral ties and strategic importance in Washington’s broader economic calculations
Why It Matters for India and the UK
For India, dodging tariffs would reaffirm its growing role as a key economic and geopolitical partner to the US
Over the past decade, India has emerged as a counterbalance to China, with Washington increasingly seeing New Delhi as a crucial ally in maintaining economic and security stability in the Indo-Pacific If India is spared from tariffs, it would indicate that the US prioritises keeping India onside, particularly in areas like defence, technology, and supply chain diversification
For the UK, avoiding tariffs would highlight its ability to navigate a complex global trade environment postBrexit With no EU safety net, Britain has had to rebuild its economic alliances, and maintaining smooth trade relations with the US is vital If tariffs are imposed on EU countries but not on the UK, it would suggest that Britain still enjoys unique advantages in Washington, whether through its historic ties or the potential of a future USUK trade deal
What a Trump Comeback Means
With Donald Trump returning to the White House, expect an even stronger push for US-India ties Trump has long favoured India as a strategic and economic partner, often citing Modi as a key ally During his presidency, the two leaders shared a highly visible and friendly relationship, with Trump attending Modi’s “Howdy, Modi!” event in Houston and Modi participating in the “Namaste Trump” rally in Ahmedabad
A second Trump term could mean:
• Stronger Defence Deals – Trump sees India as a crucial buyer of US arms and defence technology A renewed focus on military cooperation could see India access more advanced weaponry and surveillance technology
• Greater Trade Opportunities – Trump, unlike Biden, has preferred bilateral deals over multilateral agreements He may push for a comprehensive trade deal with India, lowering barriers for goods and services
• A Tougher Stance on China – If Trump escalates tensions with Beijing, India would likely be a preferred alternative for supply chains, manufacturing, and investment from US companies
Where the UK Fits In
For Britain, Trump’s return could be a double-edged sword While he is keen on direct trade deals, his "America First" approach could mean more aggressive negotiations However, if India continues rising in global economic rankings under a pro-Trump US, the UK could benefit by aligning itself closely with both nations London’s historic ties with India and its status as a financial hub would position it well to play a bridging role between the two
Conclusion
If India and the UK avoid tariffs now, it's a sign of their growing leverage in Washington With Trump’s return, expect a more transactional but potentially lucrative US-India relationship, with the UK needing to position itself smartly to capitalise on shifting global trade dynamics
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Akshata Murty and mother share parenting insights
Beloved Indian author Sudha
Murt y joi ne d her daught er
Ak sha ta Murty , a b us in es s
woman and wife of former UK
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, for a heartfelt conversation at the Jaipur Literature Festival over the weekend
The mother-daughter duo, speaking at the “My Mother,
M
deep love for books and reflected on childhood memories of storytelling Their partners, for-
S
Narayan Murty were also present
queen of literature festivals,”
or “the Kashi of literature festivals,” as her mother would call
duty her parents instilled in her, shaping her approach to life
Sudha, in turn, highlighted how
these principles are woven into her own writing During their dis-
about her upbring-
importance of teach-
values Both she and Akshata agreed that balancing work and parenting requires prioritising family Sudha also credited her husband, Narayana Murthy, for his unwavering support in her journey
Panel finds no evidence supporting Lucy Letby’s conviction
An expert panel has concluded that the babies Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering were victims of "bad m edi c al c are " or n atur al causes The international team, p r e s e n t i n g t h e i
, stated there was "no medical evidence" to support claims
senior MP David Davis calli n
w o
s t injustices of recent times "
A panel of 14 experts, c h a i r e d b y D r S h o o L e e , r e v i e w e d t h e c a s e s o f 1 7 babies involved in the Lucy Letby case Lee, an emeritus professor at the University of Toronto, stated that they found "many problems with the medical care" but no evidence of deliberate harm "We did not find any murd e r s , " h e c o n f i r m e d a t a p r e s s c o n f e
Westminster T h e p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e followed the Criminal Cases
R e v i e w C o m m i s s i o n (CCRC) receiving a "preliminary application" from Lucy Letby’s legal team A CCRC spokesperson stated that it w a s u n c l e a r h o w l o n g i t w o u l d t a k e t o d e c i d
whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, which
c
there’s a real possibility they
will be overturned Lucy Letby, 35, is serving 15 whole-life prison terms a
murdering seven babies and attempting to kill another
Chester Hospital She has been denied permission to appeal her convictions twice by the Court of Appeal A public inquiry is currently
u
guilt
Hospital staff seen dragging children, report reveals
Sudha concluded by offering advice to parents, urging t
cooperation rather than competition, and to reduce screen
adults
Gunman in disguise targets police in Leicester car park
A gunma n in a f ak e pol ic e unif orm f ir ed at armed officers in a Lei c es te r pub c ar par k Ha ri Mann had pointed a handgun at a me mbe r of the public during the Braunstone Town incident last year
The 25-year-old was spotted around 9:30 am on Tuesday, June 4, driving a Mercedes Sprinter into a pub car park
While unloading the van, Mann pointed a h
prompting armed police to respond Mann fired shots at officers, but one quickly recognised the blanks from an imitation weapon After attempting to flee, Mann was tasered, arrested, and later assaulted a nurse while in custody The incident prompted a cordon and nearby evacuations due to concerns about the van ’ s contents A search of Mann’s Leicester home uncovered another firearm, police-style uniforms, and handcuffs bought online Investigators also found two cars linked to Mann a Ford Mustang and Ford C-Max-outfitted with sirens and blue lights
CRACKDOWN ON LAWYERS AIDING ILLEGAL MIGRANTS
Dodgy lawyers helping illegal migrants exploit the system to remain in Britain are set to face a crackdown This includes unqualified individuals giving fraudulent immigration advice The move comes as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper introduces her new Asylum and Immigration Bill Cooper’s Borders Bill, which targets people-smuggling gangs, also includes measures to confront lawyers offering misleading advice Ministers are working on an amendment to tackle these boat-chasing lawyers including those advising migrants to falsely claim they are Christians or LGBT to avoid deportation However concerns have emerged within the Government over Labour s Attorney General Richard Hermer s unwavering support for international laws which could hinder efforts to address the small boat crisis
BUDGET SHORTFALLS FOR UNIVERSITIES
Almost one in four top UK universities are reducing staff numbers and cutting budgets with up to 10,000 jobs at risk, prompting calls for urgent action to protect the sector s global reputation In the past week alone, four universities, including two from the prestigious Russell Group announced a combined total of 1,000 job losses due to budget shortfalls Around 90 universities are currently restructuring and implementing both voluntary and compulsory redundancies to lower wage bills While universities like Durham and Cardiff are only now revealing job cuts, others have been implementing ongoing cost-cutting measures and restructuring for the past three years Rising costs and a decline in tuition fee income from domestic students have significantly eroded their budgets With over 40 000 vacancies higher education staff are facing redundancies and hiring freezes across the UK
TEEN GIRL GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER IN SCHOOL BLADE ATTACK
CCTV footage revealed staff at Cyg net Jo yce P arker Hospital in Coventry abusing children, according to a Care Quality Commission (CQC) rep ort Inspecto rs fou nd three cases of physical abuse, with children reporting staff twi sting their wri sts and knees, causing them pain
safeguarding cases had concluded Following the inspec-
Limited, which operates the
Don't speak. Act. Don't announce. Realise. - Words of The Mother - 1950
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tioned to providing services
patients The CQC report, based on a July visit, reviewed C
instances where staff physically abused children during restraint
The report revealed staff were seen dragging children during incidents where no
d restraint There was also no attempt to de-escalate the s
t u a t i
t a g e identified 12 staff members as "passive bystanders" who didn't raise concerns Four of seven children interviewed said they "did not feel safe" at the service
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c k i n g " abuse allegations The hospital acknowledged inappropriate use of restraint but c o n t i n u e s t o " s t r o n g l y refute" abuse claims
Majority support reintroduction of death penalty
A majority of the UK public supports the reintroduction of the death penalty, with strong backing among millennials, according to a recent poll
The survey, conducted by think tank More in Common, found that 58% of respondents favour capital punishment for certain crimes, while 27% oppose it This marks a notable increase in support from 2023, with overall support rising from 50% to 55% Opposition decreased from 37% to 32%
Generation X (aged 44-59), with net support increasing by 16 percentage points The poll was conducted after the sentencing of the
death penalty debate The sentencing, which avoided a whole life order due to the attacker being under 18, sparked backlash, with 59% of respondents feeling the sentence was too lenient
Support for the death penalty varies by crime, with 70% of respondents backing it for serial murder or terrorism that results in death The public is divided on its use for other crimes, including rape and police officer murders Political affiliation also influences views, with 62% of Conservative
A 14-year-old girl was found guilty of attempted murder after attacking two teachers, Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin, and another pupil with a bladed multitool at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, on April 24 last year The victims were treated in hospital following the stabbing After a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court, the girl was found guilty of attempted murder Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury for their work, calling it a "difficult and unusual" case He added that if the girl were an adult a life sentence would likely have been the outcome Sentencing was adjourned until April 28 for pre-sentence reports including a psychology assessment The girl who cannot be named for legal reasons used a bladed multitool belonging to her father She had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of wounding with intent and one count of possessing a bladed article on school premises but denied attempted murder
Hari Mann
Lucy Letby
(L-R) Rishi Sunak Akshata Murty
Sudha Murty and Narayana Murty
Sudha Murty and Akshata Murty
Cancer can happen to anyone
Notice the possible signs and get yourself checked
Do you ever have the feeling that something in your body isn’t quite right, or have you
It could be that you’ve had tummy trouble like diarrhoea or discomfort for more than three weeks or you’ve seen blood in your urine, even just once; or lost weight unexpectedly; or perhaps you have had a cough for three weeks or more. Something that feels unusual or a change in your health could be a sign of early makes it more treatable and could save GP practice to get it checked.
Aged 62, Divyesh Trivedi had been working in his garden when he noticed some tiny bumps on his neck and thought they were probably insect bites. Although he had been experiencing some fatigue recently, he just put this down to his diabetes. When Divyesh went to his GP about an infection, he mentioned the bumps on his neck in passing.
‘I didn’t think anything of it, but thought it was worth telling the GP while I was there. She immediately insisted that I see a consultant at the hospital. I was a little bit worried but I also felt relieved that I had mentioned it rather than assuming it was nothing.’
The consultant took a biopsy and organised an MRI scan, and within two to three weeks Divyesh was told that he had Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a type of blood cancer. Divyesh was understandably alarmed at the news, as up until that point he hadn’t thought that anything was wrong. His father had also had Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and stomach cancer, so Divyesh knew he had to take it seriously. He had treatment for a month, followed by another MRI, which thankfully showed no signs of cancer.
‘It was such a relief to know that the treatment worked, and now a year later I don’t have any symptoms. I do have regular MRI scans and I make sure that I check myself for anything that seems unusual for me.’
Divyesh’s story shows how important it is to take notice of any changes in your body and to do something about it quickly. For example, if you have been feeling more tired than usual with no clear reason for it, have had a lot of infections or unexplained sweating at night, these are all possible signs of cancer that your GP can check for you and hopefully help ease your mind from worry.
Signs and symptoms of cancer could include:
An unexplained lump anywhere on the body
Blood in your urine - even just once Blood in your stool, from your bottom, after the menopause or between periods or after sex
If you notice any of these and it lasts for three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer:
A cough or a change in an existing cough
A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
Tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea, being bloated most days
Since his recovery, Divyesh wants to live life to the full every day, and he and his wife have written a ‘bucket list’ of places across the world that they want to travel to. He is more grateful than ever for his family and his children, and urges others to get checked so that they can live their lives with peace of mind.
‘Don’t be scared to get checked by a medical professional and put your mind at rest, even if you think a symptom is trivial. It may well be nothing, but if it is cancer, the earlier you are diagnosed and treated, the more likely you are to recover. We have to remember that cancer can happen to anyone, so please make an appointment with your GP straight away if you notice anything
You won’t be wasting their time and it could save your life.’
If something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice. If your GP suspects cancer they’ll refer you for further tests. It’s probably nothing it more treatable and can save lives.
For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms
Bishop of Liverpool resigns over misconduct allegations
A senior Anglican bishop has resigned amid sexual mi sc on duct al le gati on s, fur ther plun gi ng the Churc h of En gla nd i nto crisis
John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool, stepped down under pressure after his senior leadership team called for him to vacate his position following allegations of sexual assault and harassment
Joanne Grenfell, the Church of England’s lead bishop on safeguarding, also urged Perumbalath to step aside to allow for a thorough investigation
Shortly after, Beverley Mason, Bishop of Warrington, revealed she had filed a sexual harassment complaint against Perumbalath in March 2023 In a letter to the Liverpool diocese, Mason expressed her frustration
with the church's failure to address the issue "A bishop cannot be above the law," she wrote, adding that the church had not adequately dealt with the concerns raised Mason, who has been absent from her duties since April 2024, called the situation "long and terrible," and said it had been excruciating to remain silent
In his resignation statement, Perumbalath, 58, announced his immediate retirement, 12 years before the church’s
mandatory retirement age of 70 He denied the allegations, asserting that they had been investigated by the Church's national safeguarding team and found unsubstantiated He also pointed out that one of the allegations was examined by the police, with no further action taken
Despite this, Perumbalath claimed the media had prematurely declared him guilty, making his position untenable within the Church He stated that his decision to retire was not an admission of fault, but a necessary step to prevent further uncertainty for the diocese
Perumbalath faces two separate allegations: one involving kissing without consent and groping, and the other concerning sexual harassment
Judge who allowed Sara Sharif to live with father now revealed
Following a Court of Appeal ruling, the judge who decided Sara Sharif should live with her father, who later k i lle d h er, ca n now be named
In August 2023, less than four years after the ruling, Sara was killed by her father, Urfan Sharif, and his wife, Beinash Batool
Judge Alison Raeside, 66, a former Judicial College tutor for over a decade, has been identified in this landmark decision supporting open justice
The ruling followed Sir Geoffrey Vos, the second most senior judge in England and Wales, who criticised a high court judge for making “inappropriate and unfair remarks” about the press when banning
media from naming three judges in family court proceedings related to Sara Raeside oversaw hearings in the case from January 2013, when Sara was born and placed under a child protection plan, until October 2019, when Sharif and Batool sought to have Sara live with them
The senior judge based the decision on a social worker's report detailing past assault allegations by Sharif, yet concluded there were no concerns about the children staying with their father The report also highlighted Sara's disclosure of recent assaults by Domin and her mother s inability to meet Sara’s needs Raeside followed the social worker’s recommendation for Sara to
Sara Sharif (the victim)
live with Sharif and Batool, with supervised contact for Domin Months later, a brutal campaign of violence against Sara began, including being tied up, beaten, burned, and bitten
Sadiq Khan could unlock billions for transport with government backing
A major business group has urged the Government to grant Sir Sadiq Khan new fundraising powers, potentially unlocking billions for L ondon’ s Tube net work extensions
In a new report, BusinessLDN calls for the mayor to raise funds for projects like the Bakerloo line extension to south-east London or the DLR extension to Thamesmead by "borrowing against" their future economic benefits
The group highlights that transport improvements, like the 2022 Elizabeth line opening, have boosted local property values and attracted businesses Their report calls for the Government to let Transport for London (TfL) borrow funds for Tube and railway extensions, with repayment coming from the local tax windfall generated by these projects To collect this, the mayor would need powers to levy a share of res-
Duke of Edinburgh celebrates UK-India ties in Delhi and Mumbai
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the British School in Delhi, interacting with students and exploring various school stalls
During his three-day visit to India, his first official trip since King Charles's 2019 visit, he engaged with students from different schools about their work and projects
The Duke of Edinburgh visited India from February 2-4 to strengthen UK-India ties and promote non-formal education He met young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and engaged with Indian leaders in education, business, and philanthropy, attending events focused on sport, arts, and empowering youth
During his three-day visit to India, Prince Edward met Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan in Mumbai, where they discussed strengthening UK-India relations and the potential for greater collaboration The Duke of Edinburgh, also Chancellor of the University of Bath, highlighted the importance of education and vocational training, particularly beyond the classroom Governor Radhakrishnan welcomed the royal, emphasising the shared democratic values of India and the UK and noting that Indian students adapt easily to the UK’s higher education system
Raj Bhavan Maharashtra stated that Governor Radhakrishnan highlighted cooperation in Green Energy, Pharma, and Hospital Management, praising the UK s expertise As Chancellor of Maharashtra’s universities, he plans to encourage MoUs with UK institutions He also emphasised India's economic rise and the need for stronger UK-India trade ties, including a Free Trade Agreement Discussions with Prince Edward covered a Commonwealth Festival of Business and Culture, as well as football development in India The visit’s main focus was promoting the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (IAYP) in India
Senior Tory claims Britons aren't working hard enough
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp urged Britons to boost their work ethic to stay competitive globally
idential taxes, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax, and increased business rates in the area
This funding model, known as ‘tax increment financing,’ captures rising land values and was partly used for the Northern line extension to Battersea BusinessLDN’s report estimates it could raise over £4 5bn in 25 years for key projects, including £2 2bn for the Bakerloo line extension, £1 5bn for the DLR extension, and £1bn for the West London Orbital BusinessLDN chief executive John Dickie said: “Investment in transport is critical to boosting productivity and growth across London and the UK ”
He highlighted that nine million working-age adults in the UK are not employed and stressed the need for everyone to contribute to keep up with countries like China and India
Britain’s jobless rate rose unexpectedly to 4 4% in the three months to November, up from 4 3% in October The number of payroll workers also dropped by 47,000 in December to 30 3 million, marking the largest decline since November 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Mr Philp, who founded travel and finance companies before entering politics, said his hard work had paid off and could benefit the country Reflecting on early jobs like working at Sainsbury’s and delivering newspapers, he emphasised the value of a strong work ethic “Hard work brings its own reward,” he said, advocating for this mindset in national culture He added, “We need a work ethic, and everyone must contribute ”
A Labour spokesperson hit back at Mr Philp’s comments, saying it takes “real brass neck” for the Tories to blame the public after their economic failure
I N B R I E F
NEARLY 500,000 FINES ISSUED FOR SCHOOL ABSENCES
The number of fines issued to parents in England for taking their children out of school without permission rose to nearly half a million in 2023-24, according to Department for Education data A total of 487,344 penalty notices were issued, marking a 22% increase from 398,796 in 2022-23 In 2018-19, before the pandemic 333,388 fines were given Most fines (91%) were for unauthorised family holidays Fines for unauthorised school absences in England rose significantly in the 2023-24 academic year following an increase in penalty rates The new fines, which rose from £60 to £80 and £160 for repeat offences, were introduced in September as part of a push to improve school attendance post-pandemic Data showed 443 322 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised family holidays a 24% rise from the previous year This figure has nearly doubled since 2017-18 Additionally 1 086 fines were issued for lateness with local authorities showing wide variation in the number of fines issued
POLICE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CASES SURGE 67% IN A YEAR
Allegations of sexual misconduct against police officers surged 67% in 2024, rising to 819 from 491 in 2023, according to Home Office data The figures, covering forces in England and Wales, include claims of sexual assault and harassment Reports of police sexual misconduct rose 84% in 2024, with recordable conduct matters cases causing harm or serious injury jumping from 246 to 452 The total number of allegations reached 819 across all reporting routes Scrutiny of police conduct has intensified since Officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped raped and murdered Sarah Everard leading to Baroness Louise Casey’s 2023 review exposing a culture of misogyny in the Met Police In response the government introduced reforms to police vetting and misconduct processes to tackle violence against women Overall, police complaints rose 13% in 2024 to 54 647 The Home Office noted that data before 2023 is not comparable due to counting changes
GOVERNMENT UNCERTAIN ON HOW TO FUND £9BN CHAGOS DEAL
A senior Treasury minister has admitted that the government is still unsure how it will fund the controversial deal to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the UK/US air base on Diego Garcia In a written response, Chief Treasury Secretary Darren Jones, deputy to Rachel Reeves revealed that no funds have been allocated for the potential £9 billion cost of the Chagos Islands deal Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty suggested the bill might come from the already strained defence budget, which could delay increasing defence spending to 2 5% of GDP until 2032 Concerns about the deal include potential opposition from President Donald Trump, who fears its impact on the Diego Garcia base, as well as worries over China gaining a foothold and a nuclear weapons embargo on the islands The 2024 deal with Mauritius was renegotiated after Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam deemed it “not good enough ” The UK government has not released details but insists the agreement secures the future of the Diego Garcia base for 99 years
John Perumbalath
Sara Sharif (the victim)
Prince Edward
British Hindus denounce 'Hindutva' in extremism report
“In fact, it was our Shivalaya Temple that was attacked,” Patel clarified
The controversial report, commissioned by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has drawn widespread criticism for de-prioritising Islamism and categorising Hindu extremism as one of nine emerging threats It also made contentious claims, such as labeling campaigning against grooming gangs and references to two-tier policing as "far-right "
Security Minister Dan Jarvis was called before the House of Commons to address the matter, where he confirmed that ministers had rejected the report, describing it as one of “ many documents produced across government that are not implemented ”
The authors of the Policy Exchange report suggested that “Hindu nationalist extremism” played a role in the 2022 Leicester riots and other instances of intimidation,
asserting that the UK government was right to focus on "Hindutva "
D i p en R aj ya g u ru ,
Directo r o f Di versity and E qu al i ty at th e H i nd u
C o u nc i l U K, called the report "misinformed and biased," and at its worst, a reflection of a "racist colonial mindset " He warned that equating Hinduism with extremism is not only misleading but also harmful He pointed to the rising hate crimes, temple vandalism, and targeted attacks on Hindus in the UK, particularly following the Leicester riots Rajyaguru emphasised that rather than acknowledging these concerns, the report could further alienate Hindus and foster discrimination
A nil Bhanot, Managing T ru s tee o f T h e H i nd u C o u nc i l U K, further explained that “Historically, Hindutva was a movement formed, after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, to unite Hindus and other Dharmic traditions as one casteless Dharmic
people, but significantly to not allow the colonials to continue to divide and rule us with atrocities like the Jallianwala Bagh which a divided people could not reasonably defend
“Hindutva was defined as the essence (tva) of Hinduism, without castes, to unite all Dharmic people as one The colonials turned this definition upside down on its head to signify Hindu supremacy or against India’s pluralism, which obviously suited their divide and rule policy ”
Rajyaguru also clarified that "Hindutva" is often misunderstood, stating that for many, it represents “cultural pride” rather than extremism
Treasury heads to court over school VAT
T h e I nd e p end ent S ch o o l s
C ouncil (ISC) has confirm ed that a legal challenge against the Government’s d ecision to impo se VAT on private s ch o o ls w i ll p ro c eed to a cou rt h earing
The ISC, representing over 1,400 private schools, filed a judicial review arguing that the Labour government's policy is discriminatory The 20% VAT on private school fees, which took effect on 1 January, has sparked concerns about potential closures and an increase in private school pupils moving to the state sector
Minister
Lord Pannick KC, representing six families who brought the claim, will argue that the VAT policy violates the right to education under the European Convention on Human Rights Pannick will also assert that the policy discriminates against certain categories of children, violating Article 14 of the Convention
Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC, stated that the tax is unprecedented and harmful, with families and children bearing the brunt of its negative impacts The ISC seeks a declaration of
incompatibility under the Human Rights Act, asserting that the changes to the VAT Act 1994 are incompatible with human rights
The court case, scheduled for 1-3 April, comes amid concerns about a growing exodus of international students from UK private schools, with some schools raising fees by up to £16,000 for foreign students due to the VAT rise
The Government, however, maintains that ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1 8 billion annually by 2029/30, benefiting state education
reminded of duties following Muslim Council appearance
A m in i st er h as be en
“ re m ind ed o f hi s d u ty to u phold collective responsi-
b i li ty ” a ft er a tte nd i n g an event hosted by the M uslim
C ou ncil of Bri tain ( MC B), d espite a go vernment ban
o n e ng a
e nt w i th th
g rou p Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms attended the MCB’s annual leadership dinner last week, raising concerns from Conservative MP Nick Timothy about the Government's policy toward the MCB The Labour government severed ties with the MCB in 2009 after a senior figure reportedly expressed support for Hamas, but relations were later restored in 2010 after the MCB condemned vio-
lence However, both Conservative and Labour governments have refrained from any formal engagement with the group in recent years
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister's official
Quarter of Londoners living in poverty, report finds
A re cent rep ort fro m th e J o s ep h Ro w n tre e Foundation has high lig hted the alarming levels of p overty in London, with nearly a quarter of its population, or 2 2 million people, currently living in p overty
The capital has the third-highest poverty rate of any English region, following the West Midlands (27%) and the North West (25%) While the rate in London has slightly decreased over the past year, high housing costs and mixed tenure remain major contributors to the poverty crisis
Child poverty in London is especially concerning, with more than one in three children (34 8%) living below the poverty line Areas like Bethnal Green and Stepney, Stratford and Bow, and West Ham and Beckton see poverty rates among children soaring to around 50%
Other neighbourhoods with similarly high rates include East Ham and Poplar, Limehouse, and Tottenham
Rachelle Earwaker, a senior economist at JRF, emphasised the stark reality of poverty in London, noting that nearly half of the
city’s residents live in rented accommodation, paying significantly higher housing costs than the rest of the UK She called for government intervention, including a minimum floor for Universal Credit and a permanent adjustment of housing allowances to local rent prices
The report also highlighted a rise in food insecurity, with food banks in London experiencing a staggering 171% increase in emergency parcel distribution between 2018 and 2024
Construction industry needs migrant labour
Th e construction ind ustry is calling for a special v isa to address the w orker sh ortag e it says is critical to solving th e h o us ing cri si s, as th e go vernment faces increasing pressure to manage migration
Labour has pledged to build over 1 5 million new homes in the UK by the end of Parliament, but concerns about manpower are threatening to undermine these ambitious plans The National Federation of Builders (NFB) warned that
Labour’s housing goals are unachievable due to a shortage of more than 200,000 construction workers To address this, the NFB proposed a three-to-five-year construction visa and a “ one-for-one” scheme, where each overseas worker employed would be matched with a British worker who would receive funding or training Rico Wojtulewicz, NFB’s Head of Policy and Market Insight, explained that the UK trains fewer than 20,000
construction apprentices each year, while the demand for 225,000 new workers by 2027 is clear While migration has been blamed for exacerbating the housing crisis, Wojtulewicz stressed that, in the short term, foreign workers are necessary to meet the government's housebuilding targets However, training British workers to meet long-term needs is crucial, and the government must focus on how apprentices are recruited and retained
spokesman reiterated that the Government’s policy on the MCB "has not changed" and confirmed that Sir Stephen had been reminded of his responsibility to follow collective government policy Earlier, Timothy described the Government’s stance on the MCB as “ a complete mess ” Sir Stephen, along with backbenchers Afzal Khan, Naz Shah, and Abtisam Mohamed, was one of four Labour MPs who attended the event
Previously, under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Sir Stephen served as Labour’s faith envoy, fostering relationships with various faith groups He remains actively engaged with such organisations
Anil Bhanot
Sir Stephen Timms
Paying tribute to the Father of the Nation
Every year on January 30, G and hi N ir van D i va s i s observed to commemorate t he as s as s in at ion of Moha nda s Ka ra mcha nd Gandhi in 1948
ful rendition of Gandhiji’s favorite hymns by singers from The Bhavan At Tavistock Square, H E Doraiswami, Mayor of Camden Cllr Samata
This day is not only marked in India but also across the world, particularly in the UK, where The India League and the High Commission of India host annual tributes at Tavistock Square and Parliament Square in London H E Vikram Doraiswami, Lord Meghnad Desai, MPs such as Bob Blackman, Valerie Vaz, Lord Raval, Lord Sahota, former MP Virendra Sharma, and others paid their respects at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square
The tribute included a soul-
Khatoon, and other dignitaries paid floral tributes at the Gandhi statue, honouring his enduring legacy of peace, truth, and non-violence
Honouring Gandhiji with a tribute by Navnat Vadil Mandal
Navnat Vadil Mandal organised a heartfelt programme to commemorate the death anniversary of Gandhiji The e ven t comm enc ed i n the afternoon following lunch, w it h c oordi na tor Surendrabhai Shah welcoming attendees and officially starting the proceedings
dressed as Gandhiji, bringing joy and admiration from those in attendance Towards the end of the programme, a quiz on Gandhiji’s life engaged participants, who responded enthusiastically Special appreciation was extended to Minaben Sanghani for her
The program began with a Vaishnav devotional song performed by Elder Board President Natubhai Mehta and committee members
This was followed by captivating musical and dance performances by other members A highlight of the event was Jagdeepbhai Sandhani, who surprised the audience by appearing
Legendary singer Anuradha Paudwal in the UK
Renowned playbac k si nger
Padma shr i Anur adha Paudwal recently visited the res i den ce of C B Pat el, Publi s her and Ed it or of Asi a n Voi ce an d Guja rat
Samac ha r a lon g wi th Mr Arun Patel, where she had a
invaluable support throughout the event
The celebration concluded with the song "Soono Soono Ae Duniyawalo," performed by the committee members Kalpanaben Doshi expressed gratitude to everyone before tea and biscuits were served, marking the end of a memorable gathering
devotional singing, in particular, has touched millions of lives, bringing peace and spiritual awakening to listeners across the globe
Her visit aimed to endorse Bhaj Govindam, the divine composition of Adi
hear tf elt i nt era ct ion wi t h the family Her visit was not just a personal exchange but a reflection of her lifelong dedi c ati on t o m usi c and spirituality
Anuradha Paudwal is a legendary Indian singer who has significantly contributed to Bollywood, devotional, and regional music Her
Rohit
Vadhwana
Noaction goes in vain; each one has an impact Everything you do or don't d o has r ami fi c at ion s The ref ore , b e mindful of your actions as well as their consequences
Often, we focus only on our actions, assuming they are harmless We act or refrain from acting without considering the possible repercussions However, we seldom take the trouble to reflect on the impact of such actions or inactions
Shankaracharya within the community, following her soulful rendition at Aditya Utsav 2025, supported by the Aditya Birla Group
Dedicated to spreading Adi Shankaracharya’s spiritual wisdom, she continues to connect global audiences with India’s rich devotional heritage
Spiritual gathering at Navnat Centre for Samayik
Navnat Vanik Bhagini Samaj or gan i se d t hei r f i rs t p rogram me of 2 02 5 wi th a Samayik in the presence of Samani Neeti Pragyaji and Samani Malay Pragyaji
shared that Soniaben Mehta had requested the Samyik to be organized after taking Santharo in Samaniji's presence
Tarlika Mehta outlined
Nearly 240 people registered for the event, with preparations starting on January 10th, including setting up the Main Hall and bringing in idols of Bhagwan Mahavir and Shrimad Rajchandraji Attendees, dressed in white, arrived with enthusiasm to participate in the Samayik rituals
Special thanks to Nemishbai and Preetiben Mehta for accompanying Samaniji
The event began with Vice-President Jayshreeben Vora welcoming Samaniji, followed by remarks from President Sarojben Varia and Convenors Bharti Shah and Tarlika Mehta Sarojben
the program before Samaniji led the rituals, asking everyone to remain seated for 96 minutes (2 Samayik) The first 15 minutes were dedicated to meditation, followed by an explanation of the Theory of Karma
The ceremony concluded with the President and Committee Members honoring Samaniji with white Pashmina shawls on stage Sarojben led the Aarti and Mangal Divo, while Bharti Shah delivered a Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to volunteers and donors
The event ended with a delicious Jain Swamivatslya lunch
Upcoming event
Navnat Vadil Mandal presents a
at Navnat Centre on 15th February 2025, starting at 10:30 AM. Enjoy a special performance by a live band from India, featuring Umesh Shah and Tejal
Consider this: You lend your phone to someone to make a call, unaware that the call was made to deceive another person From your perspective, you merely performed a simple act allowing someone to use your phone However, the consequences of this seemingly innocent action were devastating, beyond your knowledge Similarly, imagine driving alone on a deserted highway in the middle of a cold night You see a person desperately waving for a lift, but out of concern for your safety, you decide not to stop The next moment, he is attacked and fatally stabbed by two criminals who had been pursuing him You could hardly have imagined that your decision not to help would lead to his tragic death
Such actions or inactions sometimes innocent and thoughtless can have unimaginable consequences for others History offers striking examples Had Mahatma Gandhi chosen to continue his legal career in South Africa instead of returning to India, would our freedom movement have had such powerful leadership? If Lata Mangeshkar had opted for marriage and household responsibilities, as many women of her time did, imagine the immense loss to the world of music
Your actions matter, but so do their consequences In law, ignorance is no excuse If you unknowingly buy stolen goods, you are still accountable Similarly, you cannot escape responsibility by claiming ignorance of the law "Ignorance of the law is no excuse " The same principle applies to the Law of Karma Whether you are aware of it or not, if your actions or inactions cause harm, you will inevitably have to repay for them
Therefore, before taking action or choosing inaction always consider the consequences df (Expressed opinions are personal)
Walfinch home care Harrow and Brent offers free yoga and dental checks
Clients of Walfinch Home Care in Harrow and Brent are improving their health and wellbeing through chair yoga sessions and free dental check-ups
Our clients often tell us that deep breathing helps them feel much more relaxed ” She also references studies supporting the benefits of seated yoga poses
Shilpi Verma, Managing Director and Registered Manager of Walfinch Home Care Services, explains:
“Some of our clients requested yoga guidance Having practiced yoga for the last 12 years, I approached my yoga teacher to see if she could offer online sessions for our clients She agreed, and now she provides free weekly online yoga classes for our clients, their families, and caregivers ”
Shilpi highlights that many clients have limited mobility, making chair yoga an ideal option
“They can practice breathing exercises, stretching, and relaxation techniques while seated
In addition to yoga, Shilpi Verma is offering free dental check-ups to all her clients with the help of local dentist Dr Lovlina Bindra Walfinch covers the costs of these yoga and dental services for clients in Harrow and Brent A winner of the Home Care Business Woman of the Year award at the Social Care Awards, Shilpi is expanding her services further by collaborating with local hairdressers and podiatrists “We aim to provide active care that enhances health and wellbeing These initiatives are transforming our clients’ lives for the better,” she says
Dignitaries and community members at Parliament Square
H E Vikram Doraiswami paying tribute to Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square
Totalee Halal Introduces the Ultimate Adventure of Totalee Epic Chase
Tot alee Ha la l is thrille d t o a nn oun ce t he laun ch of the
d esigne d t o bring t he local commun it y t oget her in the spirit of fun an d discove ry
Totalee Halal is an innovative Halal food delivery platform dedicated to providing consumers with Halal Food and Groceries
The 'Totalee Epic Chase' invites participants to embark on a thrilling local quest through the vibrant streets of Hayes, Uxbridge and Southall The hunt features interactive challenges and intriguing puzzles that will lead participants to iconic Halal Food spots and hidden gems From solving riddles to uncovering clues, adventurers will navigate their way through a journey
rich with food and flavor, while exploring renowned sites like local markets, bustling squares, and traditional eateries
The first riddle will be posted on 31st January 2025 on Totalee Halal’s social media and will serve as the initiation of the Contest It will last till 9th February 2025 Participants must complete all or at least 3 quests and submit the complete Entry Submission Form (link in Totalee Halal’s Instagram bio) at any point before the event ends in order to be considered for the rewards
Participants must solve riddles to complete quests There are 9 riddles in total, but they only need to finish at least 3 quests to qualify for prizes
Participants can download the Totalee Halal app on Instagram and Facebook (@totaleehalal) and stay tuned to Totalee Halal social media for updates and riddles
The treasure hunt will be concluded with one person winning the Grand Umrah Package while other participants will have a chance to win prizes worth £1,000
Emphasizing the importance of community engagement, Javed Hussain, CEO & Founder of Totalee Halal said, "We created this game to bring people together to have fun, explore their local area, and discover incredible halal spots with their friends and family ”
For more information, contact support@totaleehalal co uk
NVBS organised children’s christmas party
N avn at Va nik Bhagin i Sa maj
h o s t e d i t s p o pu l a r " Childr en ’ s Christma s Pa rty " on Sat urda y, 7t h De ce mbe r 2024, a t Na vna t Cen tr e Preparations for the event began the day before, with thanks to Navnat Vadil for allowing use of the Main Hall The venue was beautifully decorated with colorful Christmas trees and festive décor The NVBS team and their spouses enhanced the atmosphere, and David Holden, as Father Christmas, set up a traditional Grotto Special guests from Ashrey Care Centre and Phoolwadi Club (Mencap), invited by Lataben and Hitesh Kishore Shah, enjoyed the event, with transport provided by Harshadbhai Desai Funomenal Parties
provided entertainment, engaging the children with games, dancing, and music, while medals, stickers, bubbles, and a snow machine added to the fun Adults joined in the dancing as well
The presence of Binaben Mayurbhai Sanghvi (NVA BOA) was appreciated, and party bags were donated by Jayshree Vora and Kirti Sangani, with sweets from Pallavi Mehta and Kit Kat from Kalpana Parekh to celebrate her granddaughter
Anaiya Committee members led games like musical chairs, bringing joy to the children
Food was prepared under President Sarojben Varia’s guidance, and after refreshments, each child visited Father Christmas to receive presents donated by Bhartiben Kaneshbhai Gandhi in memory of late Ruxmaniben and Chimanlal Gandhi and late Damyantiben Dhirajllal Gathani
Bradford man reaches Everest base camp, raising for cancer research
Sandeep Gupta, a member o f th e H i nd u C ul t ur al Society of Bradford, reached M ount Everes t base camp, raisi ng over £8, 900 for vital
c a n c e r re s e a rc h i n Y orkshire
He completed the expedition in memory of his best friend, Sonu, who tragically passed away from bowel cancer in 2024
Sandeep said, “Sonu had just turned 50 when I last saw him, not long before he passed It’s been hard to accept losing him so young ” In Bradford, 50 people are diagnosed with cancer each week Yorkshire Cancer Research funds ground-breaking research and services to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in the region
After arriving in Kathmandu, Sandeep flew to Lukla, a town high in the Himalayas Alongside one fellow trekker and two Nepalese guides, he com-
pleted the 14-day journey, climbing over 5,000 meters to reach his destination
He said, “The trek was physically challenging, and it took time for my body to adjust to the altitude But the local guides were incredibly supportive and helped me through the tough moments ”
He added, “The higher I climbed, the harder it was to breathe There were times I wanted to quit, but thinking of my friend Sonu kept me
High Commission of India hosts Republic Day reception at Guildhall
Rupanjana Dutta
T h e I nd i a n H ig h
Com missioner H E Vikram
Do r ai s w am i an d w i fe Sangeeta Doraiswami ho sted a d inner reception on Tuesd ay 28 January at the Great Hall, Guild hall, C ity of London to mark India’s 76th republic Day Almo st 900 people from the co mm u ni ty g at h ere d at th i s ev ent It was well attended by M inisters, M Ps, P eers,
Co unci llo rs, lo cal co uncil M ay o rs as w ell as ent rep ren eu rs , c o rp o r ate lea d er s, j o u rna li s ts and artists amo ng o thers In attendance was guest of honours - Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Health Secretary Wes
Mohindra MP, Sojan Joseph MP, Bob Blackman MP, Barry Gardiner MP, Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Kulveer Ranger, former MP Virendra Sharma among others
Speaking at the event
going The sense of achievement I felt upon reaching base camp was indescribable ”
Alongside his Everest challenge, Sandeep teamed up with the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford to raise an additional £2,300 during its annual Diwali celebration last year The event, attended by over 400 people from Bradford and beyond, featured music, dancing, and food to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights
Streeting Also present was Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel MP, Gagan
High Commissioner H E Vikram Doraiswami spoke about India’s democracy unifying many diversities and the UK-India partnership and India’s commonalities with the UK in our parliamentary processes and election systems
India remains UK’s largest trading partner with 42 billion pounds Guest of Honour, Sir Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, spoke about his visit to New Delhi to attend G20 He also paid homage to the Indian soldiers who gave their life as part of the British Army, and the 31 Victorian Crosses awarded and 4000 rewards for gallantry Health Secretary Wes Streeting talked about the 1 8 million Indian diaspora in the UK as the ‘living bridge’, the contributions of the community in various fields including business, science and engineering and cultural exchanges and paid tribute to the diaspora for its success stories including to the achievements of UK’s first ever Indian-origin Prime Minister Rishi
The reception ended with a cultural programme and a lavish Indian buffet dinner
Community members present at the event
Sunak
CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Lord Rami Ranger and other guests at the reception
Invited guests at the reception in Guildhall
Health Secretary Wes Streeting speaking at the reception
H E Vikram Doraiswami High Commissioner of India to the UK giving the welcome speech
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle addressing the guests
Barry Gardiner MP, Lord Culver Ranger, Bob Blackman MP, Priti Patel MP, H E Vikram Doraiswami, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Lord Swraj Paul, Seema Malhotra MP, Wes Streeting MP, Darren Jones MP, Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Dolar Popat, Sojan Joseph MP, Gagan Mahindra MP and other dignitaries
Cultural performance
Sandeep Gupta
Protect Mother Earth
The issue of climate change has been highlighted again through recent wildfires [attributable to climate crises] in Los Angeles [California]
Now that the whole world has been floating in the waves of great technological advances, it is only well-advised to save Earth and the green world from various conundrums Speaking as an inherent resident, my beautiful native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Nagercoil, Marthandam, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu have been enriched by Mother Nature in terms of rivers, canals, trees and plantation fields
Truly speaking, America is no exception to such natural gifts as widespread rivers and ocean More proudly enough, so is the case of our Asian region – hub of the beautiful natural world in terms of mountains, seas and rivers It is time to protect our Nature and Earth from tumultuous situations through strong green strategies
Africa always reminds all the people around the world of beautiful forests like the Congo Basin and other natural vistas Such beautiful African natural resources are but treasure troves only to be protected and appreciated by others Apart from studying Africa in school geography in Korkai and Tuticorin, I have come across many Africans during my day outs in my native areas like Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu
Earth has been home to numerous naturally beautiful places like Africa and panoramic vistas A great study and possible research activities will go to greater extents in the matter of making connectivity between those beautiful nations and the world at large South Africa is a country that always attracts the people and countries from across the world with its beautiful natural vistas and great culture
On the whole, the African continent is bubbling with energy, beauty and humble people During my school days in the early 1990s in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli, we had studied a lot about Africa and its culture through subjects like Geography and Social Science Encouraged by such interesting stories, I fared well in those subjects during the student days
Nelson Mandela was a big face when it comes to politics in South Africa It is mainly because of him that the issues like racism and apartheid had been properly tackled in South Africa Economic blunder, lack of growth and technology, unemployment and food scarcity are other major issues facing the African regime now
Now South Africa needs a lot of care and attention First off, the tourism front has to be improved furthermore to increase the tourist influx across the board For instance, my native town of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu has been the most preferred tourist destination in India apart from among the foreigners Again, beautiful agricultural fields, trees, seas, rivers, mountain ranges are magnificently sprawling across the other areas like Tuticorin, Korkai, Tiruchendur, Marthandam, Nagercoil, Tirunelveli A native of these places, I can easily feel the beauty and importance of such natural vistas
In the same way, the African continent and South Africa have been home to enchanting forest areas, rare animal species, safari parks and so on Hence, it is time to tap those remarkable resources besides pumping great knowledge and technological advances into South Africa in the best interests of all
P Senthil Saravana Durai
Pros and cons of assisted dying
For one reason or another, “Assisted Dying” is hugging headlines, taking over our conversation and makes some people nervous!
Sooner or later, dying becomes inevitable It does not discriminate rich or poor, famous or unknown It is the final act in every one ’ s life Yet some foolhardy people behave as if they are immune to this scenario, will live for ever and behave accordingly
Although medicine has made tremendous progress, people living well into their eighties, perhaps it is a blessing in disguise, as we may be living longer but not a healthy, satisfactory life style So many health issues, problems are associated with old age It may be a blessing for a few fortunate individuals who maintain good health until the final hour but majority have their own problems later on in life
New and previously unknown, hidden health problems are surfacing all the time and sooner or later that makes lives of these affected people miserable, unbearable This is when assisted dying comes into contention
Assisted dying is not as bad as it is portrayed in the media, in the social circle It has its pros and cons It is as good or as bad as the person who is associated with There are some diseases that make dying a blessing in disuse For example, the dementia is on the rise but it does not kill people straight away, unlike cancer or heart problems
Dementia takes away your dignity and self-respect It takes away your freedom and choice bit by bit, at least in most cases until no dignity is left The “Assisted Dying Bill” has been presented in the Parliament so many times but always by an individual member of parliament that was never taken seriously by the most MPs Perhaps it will never pass, go on statute book unless and until one of the major political party includes it in their election manifesto
Bhupendra M Gandhi
Family given poor care after son's death
An investigation has revealed that a family, who reported hearing hospital staff laughing as their son was taken off life support, were given inadequate bereavement care
Five-year-old Muhammad Ayaan Haroon, known as Ayaan, passed away at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on March 13, 2023 Ayaan had respiratory issues and a rare genetic condition called Hace 1 His father, Haroon Rashid, criticised what he described as a “catalogue of catastrophic errors ” in his son's treatment, believing these mistakes contributed to Ayaan's death
A draft report from Niche Health and Social Care Consulting highlighted that Ayaan's care fell short of expected standards It acknowledged that while some improvements might have slightly increased his chances of survival, the outcome likely would have remained the same However, Mr Rashid disagrees, insisting that the errors led to Ayaan's death
and calling for a second investigation
The report also found that Ayaan’s family received "poor" bereavement care and lacked cultural sensitivity after his death, further adding to their trauma Staff failed to ask about specific cultural wishes for Ayaan’s last rites and body management Additionally, Ayaan’s care was delayed by issues like staff shortages and a four-hour wait for ICU admission An NHS South Yorkshire spokesperson expressed condolences and assured the family they would be supported as they review the draft report
Police data reveals child abuse in hotels
Police have received hundreds of reports of child sexual abuse in budget hotels, according to exclusive data shared with BBC News
In 2023, there were 504 offences recorded at hotels, with 92% (464) involving physical contact with a child, and 40% (203) categorised as rape The figures, provided by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC), highlight that most of the incidents occurred at budget hotel chains
While offences in hotels account for less than 1% of all recorded sexual crimes against children in England and Wales in 2023, authorities believe the true figures are likely higher due to underreporting In response, the NPCC has launched Operation Makesafe, aimed at raising awareness of child sexual exploitation within the hotel industry
Under the initiative, hotel staff are trained to recognise signs of exploitation and report concerns to the police The trade body UK Hospitality, which represents over 130,000 venues, emphasised its commitment to tackling this issue The NPCC noted that many crimes took place in locations with easy access to transport, such as major towns, cities, train stations, and motorways The data reveals that most victims were female (84%), with ages ranging from 15 to 17, while nearly all suspects were men with an average age of 28
£200k payouts for pothole claims by North London council
A FOI request revealed that Harrow Council has paid over £200,000 in compensation for pothole and pavement-related injuries since 2020, with a peak of £75,000 in 2022
The council plans to more than double its investment in roads and pavements next year to reduce accidents caused by uneven surfaces
Over five years, Harrow Council paid £202,846 across 30 claims, according to an FOI by Accident Claims Advice Of 231 pedestrian accident claims, 182 were for pavement defects and 24 for carriageway issues Harrow’s 13% success rate for claims was 5% above the national average
Councils must maintain public spaces like parks, highways, and footpaths to ensure safety If they fail, they can be sued for injuries resulting from poor upkeep To file a claim, one must prove the council breached its duty of care, directly causing harm Cracked and uneven surfaces pose a greater risk to people with disabilities or mobility issues
Harrow resident Adam Gabsi, Chair of Inclusion London, told LDRS: “Poorly maintained streets in Harrow create significant barriers for disabled people Uneven pavements, broken slabs, and blocked pathways make it nearly impossible for wheelchair users, the visually impaired, and those with mobility aids to navigate safely ” He added, “These hazards not only increase the risk of injury but also limit independence and exclude disabled people from fully participating in their communities Harrow must act urgently to make its streets accessible, safe, and inclusive for all ”
K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I
The Ugly Head of Anti-Hindu Labour Exposed Again
The smoke and mirror strategy to hide the anti-Hindu hatred that is at the core of the Labour Party has been exposed, again
Over the past decade or more there have been countless examples of Labour MPs and councillors indulging in anti-Hindu rhetoric Theirgoal appears to be to deflect attention away from Islamist and Khalistani extremism
Yvette Cooper, the Secretary of State for the Home Departmentinstigated what was termed the ‘Rapid Analytical Sprint’, to ascertain the extent of extremism and terrorist elements in our country The secret report was leaked recently and whilst there are elements in it that one could support, what was astonishing was how the report tarnished the whole Hindu community
It deflects the rightful attention we should place on Islamists and their anti-nation actions However, in order to appease to the Muslim community, it seems Cooper has decided that they will mix into this khichadi other elements as well It acknowledges “leftwing, anarchistand single issue (LASI) extremism,” and “environmental extremism” as cause for concern I am sure we would all agree with it so far However, it then goes on to includeHindu extremism as a distinct phenomenon that counterextremist policy should tackle
News flash for Yvette Cooper and Keir Starmer, there is no such thing as Hindu extremism Those two words can never be put together in any sentence On the contrary, the overwhelming evidence of the past few decadesshows:
a There have been 7 identifiable far-right extremist attacks, resulting in at least 6 dead and some 150 injured Most of these have been perpetrated by lone attackers
b There have been 19 identifiable Islamist attacks, resulting in at least 96 deaths and more than 1000 people injured Perpetrated by lone attackers as well as groups of attackers
There has NEVER been any extremist or terrorist attack by any Hindu element on anyone Yet in this report Cooper has decided that in order to appease to the Muslim vote bank, it was strategic to taint Hindus, the most law-abiding citizenswith this absurd allegation of extremism
Let me remind you that in 2022when Islamists attacked Hindus and Hindu mandirs in Leicester, it was Labour politicians and the Labour Mayor who wereseen to be blaming the Hindu victims They even made oneof the main culprits, a Muslim 'activist' Majid Freeman, their hero Freeman was later sentenced and sent packing to jail!
I have written many times that the Labour Party is in the hands of Islamists Starmer dances to the tune of his vote bank This is the party that adopted the most corrupt definition of ‘Islamophobia’ A definition that has been rejected by anyone with any common sense Their fascination with Islamists and Pakistani grooming gangs suggests clearly that it has a massive problem
Thousands of white girls were and are being sexually and violently abused mainly by men of Pakistani heritage The Labour government’s instinct seems to be to protect these evil perpetrators and ignore the victims
There are millions of people in our nation who are clear that Labour is complicit in these crimes Their refusal to instigate a proper statutory public inquiry into grooming gangs told us everything we wanted to know about who they wish to protect
Given the exponential fall in support for the Prime Minister and the Labour Party since the election, it is clear that Starmer now needs to hold on tohis Muslim vote bank at any cost
I ask people like Dr Neeraj Patil Chair of Hindus for Labour, Rajesh AgrawalChair of Labour Friends of India andKrish Raval Chair of Labour Indians – have any one of you formally represented to Keir Starmer your utmost disgust at the tarnishing of the Hindu community? If you have done so, I invite you to send me the documentary proof If you have not done so, then pray may I ask, what on earth are you doing? Surely you are not there just to collect honours and privileges
Kapil Dudakia
Muhammad Ayaan Haroon
Will Government inaction on Science, Trade & Innovation cost the UK its economic future?
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chairman of RandalSun Capital Ltd
As the government wrestles with market backlash and deep business concern from early economic decisions, the layers of economic complexity are building
The Independent reported earlier in January on the government watchdog’s own assessment of the cost of Brexit - something which is still being fully weighed up, but their estimates show that “the economy will take a 15 per cent hit to trade in the long term”
Bloomberg Economics valued the impact to date (in 2023) at £100bn in lost output each year - values and impact which must be read alongside the now over-reported and repetitively stated “black hole” in government finances, being used to rationalise decisions which are already proving damaging
Brexit’s constraint on international trade in many sectors brought barriers we ’ re still having to unpack and navigate In pharmaceuticals for instance, we ’ re left with a skewed playing field between the U K and Europe with one-sided regulation advantages, formal market entry barriers and new costs now stacked in, which tumble margins and reduce competitivenessno matter what productivity increases we achieve
The life sciences and science tech sectors more widely continue to see out migration of companies and IP - to jurisdictions where development support, support to scale and growth acceleration
can be found - the US being one of these This is now a well-trodden pathcompanies and knowledge with potential taking the economic benefits of concepts born in the U K beyond our shores, in order to grow
The last few days saw the publication of findings from the Governments Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into engineering biology, an area of excellence and remarkable potential for the U K The inquiry found that incentives are needed to anchor bio-tech firms here, recommitments must be made on government R&D investment, support is critical to address a growing vacuum in skills and also for access to capital to support Only then will we enable scaling as globally competitive companies This support is currently missing - but crucial
These fundamental gaps in policy and support are now so frustratingly obvious, longstanding and frankly, big enough to be visible from space
That’s tongue in cheek of course - but they’re visible to business as we make difficult choices - and they are visible to competitor economies who are capitalising on
them Our “ own ” scrutiny of opportunities and barriers continues to reveal this now familiar refrain of well evidenced needs
There’s urgent action needed - the answers are known But will positive steps now follow? Or will we continue to jeopardise, long-term, the true potential of the U K economy by ignoring what businesses truly need, to bring about sustained growth, continued recovery - and assert the UK’s position as an economic force to be reckoned with? Whilst the Chancellor has this week highlighted ‘there are no easy routes [to growth]’ – I’d encourage policy makers to focus on clearly demonstrated and longstanding economic barriers – from skills gaps, to connectivity challenges, to disparity in the public investment landscape and more; and start to dismantle thoseat pace
I firmly believe that the U K as a science superpower is within reach - our science innovation, translation and manufacturing is second to none - but the government needs to come to the table quickly, and play its promised role as a positive and invested partner to business
Smriti
Irani attends roundtable on the future of women’s leadership at LSE
India’s former union minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, attended an exclusive event with women CEOs, directors and professionals for a roundtable on the future of women ’ s leadership at the Lon don Sc hool of Ec onomi c s on Fr id ay 31 January evening
The roundtable successfully organised by Ruhi Khan of LSE, Hema Prem of Infosys and Clare Thorne of Tech She Can, brought together a diverse set of women leaders who came to LSE from different parts of the UK to take part During the discussion, Irani answered a wide range of questions, which included gender disparity in the technology sector to roadblocks encountered by women leaders, STEM education for girls, and her political journey in India
“I’ve never looked at myself in the political environment as a female candidate I see myself as simply a candidate,” said Irani when questioned about her success in a male-dominated political environment “I was seven years old when I made the resolve that men in uniform would salute me one day ”
The group also learnt some tips and tricks on the art of negotiations “Negotiation is most effec-
tive when you have all the facts in hand and a clear plan in mind I war game a lot in my head Others have a plan A and a plan B, while I have plans A to Z for every element in the room, ” said Irani
Organiser Ruhi Khan said, “We had some very powerful and privileged women, all change-makers and thought leaders, and the idea behind this roundtable was to bring this energy and expertise together and collaborate Mrs Irani, with her incredible experience in media and politics, has been vital to drive the conversation forward and into actionable goals ”
Hema Prem added, “Mrs Irani is a true inspiration and a brilliant speaker, and we all greatly benefitted from her experience and insights today She is keen to work with us to further the cause of women in India
and globally ” When asked what Irani expected out of the India UK Free Trade Agreement, whose negotiations are expected to resume shortly, she said: “FTAs are not just papers which bring about a negotiated position onto a trade ministers table, look at it through the lens of potential employment, money and supply chains affecting the last individual who can’t afford to be at that table ” Irani spent two hours sharing her experiences and her life’s mantra “I am 48, and I feel as if I have received Nirvana,” she told the group “I have never looked for validation and I have never looked for strength outside Everybody spends their whole looking for that perfect someone; I knew at 10 that there was only me Your life becomes your purpose ”
East London worker recognised for 50 years on the night shift
For 50 ye ars, Mohammad Shafaq has been a dedicated night-shift worker at an East London soft drinks factory, en s uri ng sm oot h ope rations His service was celebrated with a special event attended by family, friends, c oll eag ue s , a nd l oca l MP James Asser
Shafaq started his career in 1975 at R White Rawlings as a Production Operative on double-day shifts In 1977, he switched to nights, where he spent most of his career Over the decades, he held various roles, including Night Shift Chargehand, Lubrication Operator, Specialist Trainer, and Team Coordinator, adapting to industry changes and new technology
Reflecting on his journey, Shafaq shared, “I started here in February 1975, back when it was R White Rawlings, not Britvic After two years on double-day shifts, I moved to nights in 1977 and 50 years later, I’m still here ” He credits his long tenure to the people around him “My colleagues and team leaders have made this place feel like home It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m grateful for everyone who came together to celebrate this milestone ”
Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, the leading newsweeklies, are seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual with excellent communication skills, to help expand newspaper distribution across London and the UK, focusing on areas with a larger Asian community presence
w Visit shops to introduce and promote the sale of our newspapers. w Build strong relationships with shop owners and managers
If you are eager to take on this dynamic role and join us in building stronger connections with the community while broadening our readership, send in your details at: cb.patel@abplgroup.com or call us at:
Sadiq Khan’s £5.4m plan to aid vulnerable adults in police interviews
Sir Sadiq Khan has unveiled a £5 4m initiative to ensure vulnerable adults are treated fairly by the police
The funding will provide independent "appropriate adults" to assist individuals during police interactions, including searches, interviews, and identification procedures
In the UK, it's a legal requirement for children or vulnerable adults to have an appropriate adult present during police interviews to
protect their rights and welfare Vulnerable adults, such as those with mental health issues or learning difficulties, are those who may be prone to confusion or provide unreliable information
Until now, no single agency in London has been responsible for providing appropriate adults, which according to City Hall has led to “inconsistency and gaps in provision, costly delays and pressure on
resources ” The mayor ’ s office stated that the new Londonwide service ensures quick access to appropriate adults, helping vulnerable individuals participate effectively in police proceedings Sir Sadiq Khan emphasised the importance of providing support during stressful situations like eyewitness statements and voluntary interviews to ensure vulnerable people are treated fairly
Dr Nik Kotecha
Smriti Irani with the organisers and participants of the roundtable
Mohammad Shafaq (middle) with community members
“
S H O P L I F T I N G I S N O T A V I C T I M L E S S C R I M E ”
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing over 200 major retailers, reported that incidents of customer theft surged by 3 7 million to a total of 20 4 million cases in the 12 months leading to September of last year This wave of theft resulted in a £2bn loss for retailers
The BRC's annual crime survey also revealed a concerning 50% rise in violence and abuse against shopworkers, with more than 2,000 such incidents occurring daily on average The survey, based on a sample of retailers employing over 1 1 million people and generating a market turnover exceeding £194bn, highlights the severity of the problem
Additionally, separate figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that shoplifting offences reported by police in England and Wales climbed by 23% to over 492,000 cases, marking the highest number since current recording practices began in 2003
Retailers struggling as criminals walk free
South Asian retailers in the UK make up a significant portion of the retail landscape, with a concentrated presence in areas like London, where Asian-owned businesses play a key role in driving the economy
Unfortunately, these businesses are also affected by the growing issue of retail crime
According to a report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), verbal and physical attacks, violent threats, and sexual and racial abuse in shops soared to more than 2,000 incidents a day in the year leading up to last August This marks an increase from 1,300 the previous year and more than triple the number of incidents reported in 2020 Yet, despite the rise in crime, little is being done to address this escalating issue
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), attributes this surge to the involvement of organised crime, which has recognised retail theft as a lowrisk, high-reward crime “There’s no need to break into premises or escape with stolen goods," he explains "This makes it an easy crime to commit, and the reality is that organised crime is significantly driving the increase in incidents Additionally, we are now facing the consequences of years of turning a blind eye to the problem ”
Amit is a vocal advocate for raising awareness about the growing threat of shoplifting On his shop’s Facebook page, you’ll find numerous posts warning other retailers about serial shoplifters, with clear photographs and names provided Yet, despite having all this information, criminals continue to walk free Amit explains that arresting shoplifters is far from straightforward “Many of the major shoplifters are known to the police,” he says, “but they struggle to prosecute
them unless a certain amount of theft has occurred over time The police need a threshold of offenses before they can arrest the individual, if they are able to find them ”
Even after an arrest is made, there are times when the case is presented to court, only for it to be rejected “It’s disheartening,”
Amit continues “There’s one individual, well-known by local authorities, who shoplifts everywhere We even worked with Tesco’s security to get him arrested He spent eight weeks in jail before being released, and then went out and stole again This person is also violent and known to carry knives The police often feel let down by the court system They work hard on some cases, but the courts often fail to take it seriously, and this has a huge impact on businesses and their staff ”
Amit's shop, like many other retailers, has suffered financially due to this rising crime wave In January alone, he lost around £250 a week, which amounts to approximately £200,000 to £225,000 in lost turnover over the course of a year This is a substantial amount, and for small independent retailers, it can make a significant difference
As the scale of retail crime continues to rise, it’s clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes and provide retailers with the support they need to protect their businesses and livelihoods
Urgent need for more effective law enforcement
Amit, like many other business owners across the UK, has invested in enhanced security systems to safeguard his shop and ensure his personal safety He has implemented artificial intelligence that monitors cameras in real-time, allowing him to detect suspicious behaviour, such as customers attempting to conceal items in their bags or coats
Although the system doesn’t immediately prevent theft, it enables Amit to review footage and identify those stealing “In the coming months, we plan to implement facial recognition technology,” Amit explains “This will help track repeat offenders, allowing us to take what I call 'soft measures' if they return Staff can casually engage with them, asking things like, 'How’s your day going? This approach subtly creates awareness and deters them from stealing without direct confrontation ”
While shopkeepers like Amit are taking steps to secure their businesses, the alarming statistics surrounding retail crime remain concerning In response to the issue, the police stated that they have made progress in 2024 "Over the past year, we have made significant strides in our fight against retail crime, strengthening relationships with retailers and greatly improving information sharing This has led to a number of high-harm offenders being brought to justice," said Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss, the National Police Chiefs' Council's lead for retail crime
However, Amit believes much more needs to be done He emphasises that the £200 threshold for police call-outs related to shop theft must be eliminated to ensure all thefts are addressed, no matter the value Moreover, both the police and the courts need to take retail crime more seriously "We're seeing a shift from petty theft to more serious violence," Amit says "What used to be manageable for businesses has now escalated into situations where criminals feel emboldened to attack staff, knowing the law is lenient Retailers are increasingly facing violent confrontations, and it's only a matter of time before this escalates into weaponised violence, with attackers using knives or other weapons "
Amit stresses that shoplifting is not a harmless or victimless crime "It has real consequences for businesses, employees, and communities The courts must recognise this and address the issue at its core to prevent further escalation and protect frontline workers "
Andrew Goodacre echoed Amit’s concerns “Independent retailers consistently tell me they want more police presence on the streets There’s a commitment from the government to increase the number of officers for community policing, and we urge them to implement this as soon as possible,” Goodacre said “Furthermore, business and retail crime must be prioritised by Police and Crime Commissioners and chief inspectors across the UK The response to these crimes must be proportional and act as a deterrent If individuals are caught, we must ensure effective punishment, preventing them from reoffending ”
MPs consider dropping high court oversight in assisted dying bill
MPs supporting assisted dying legislation are considering removing the requirement for a High Court judge to approve applications, citing concerns over the burden on the court system Instead, a panel of e xper ts , i nc ludi n g a re ti re d judge, social workers, and psychiatrists, may oversee decisions
Senior judges have warned that the courts lack capacity to handle the projected caseload Sir James Munby, former head of the family division, estimated that the bill could require 34,000 hours of judicial involvement annually far beyond current capacity Former High Court judge Sir Nicholas Mostyn warned this could consume three-quarters of the family division’s time Lord Sumption, former
Supreme Court justice, called the judicial requirement “ unnecessary, ” arguing that it would be time-consuming and largely symbolic Supporters believe a panel would provide better scrutiny while reducing delays
However, opponents argue that removing judicial oversight weakens essential safeguards Labour MP Catherine Atkinson warned MPs were assured of “robust protection” through High Court oversight Conservative MP Danny Kruger called the proposal a “massive change” that removes a “vital safeguard ”
A source close to Kim Leadbeater, the bill’s architect, said MPs were “carefully considering” amendments, while consulting both supporters and opponents
Two Indian students dead in fatal Ireland car crash
Two Indian s tudents, Cherekuri Suresh Chowdary and Chithoori Bhargav, both in their 20s, were killed in a car crash in County Carlow, southern Ireland
their 20s, were taken to St Luke's General Hospital The four friends, who had recently graduated from South East Technological University (SETU), had been living
The vehicle they were traveling in struck a tree, and the two were pronounced dead at the scene Two other students were seriously injured and are receiving treatment Superintendent Anthony Farrell from Carlow garda station confirmed the students were in a black Audi A6 that veered off the road and hit a tree at Graiguenaspiddoge The car had traveled from Mount Leinster through Fenagh to Carlow "All of those in the car are part of our Indian community in Carlow town Our condolences are with them, he said The two injured passengers, a man and a woman in
together in Carlow, with one working at the local pharmaceutical company MSD Family friend Venkat Vuppala launched a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses, raising over 25,000 Euros in less than 24 hours In an online post, he expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Bhargav Chitturi and Suresh Cherukuri, two Indian students from SETU Carlow who died in a tragic car accident on January 31 Vuppala's post emphasised support for their families during this difficult time The Indian Embassy in Dublin also extended condolences and offered assistance to the two injured students
Starmer makes historic visit to EU meeting post-brexit
Pr ime Mini ste r Keir Starmer is heading to Brussels for talks with EU leaders, marking the first visit by a British prime minister since Brexit The discussions will focus on defence, security, and a meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte
The trip is part of Starmer's "reset" of UK-EU relations, aiming for improved cooperation on defence, security, crime, and trade While the UK will not rejoin the EU's single market or customs union, ministers hope to finalize agreements by a UK-EU summit in April or May EU leaders are meeting for an
"informal retreat" at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, focusing on the war in Ukraine and Donald Trump's return to the White House The EU acknowledges the need for greater responsibility in defence, responding to Trump's recurring demands and threats of tariffs
The Prime Minister said, "Trump’s threat of more sanctions on Russia has rattled Putin, who’s worried about Russia’s economy I’m here to work with European partners to target energy revenues and suppliers to Putin's missile factories, as this, along with military support, will help bring peace "
Andrew Goodacre
Cherekuri Suresh Chowdary and Chithoori Bhargav
Cycling across continents to raise awareness for global warming
Subhasini Naicker
Ni sha Kumari, an adventurer f rom Vadoda ra, i s gaining global attention for her remarkable journey On June 23, 2024, she began a 180-day cycling expedition from Vadodara to London wit h her coa ch Ni le sh Bhan ot Ea rli e r, i n M ay 2023, she made history as the fi rs t per son f rom Va doda ra to s ummi t Mount Everest, where she unfurled the Indian flag in a moment of triumph
In an interview with Asian Voice, Nisha spoke about her experiences in adventure sports, challenges faced during cycling journey and much more How did your experiences in adventure sports shape your journey towards it?
As a child, I did some camping in school, but it wasn’t something I pursued beyond that However, when I was in my master’s program, I connected with my coach, Nilesh Bharot, who was involved in adventure sports and camping I asked him if I could join, and when I did, I developed a deep love for nature and outdoor experiences Initially, I wasn’t focusing on high-level achievements, but I was passionate about teaching self-defence to girls in villages I’d go to schools and train them
One day, a principal asked me what I had accomplished in sports that qualified me to teach others That question was a turning point, and I decided then to aim for something bigger Mount Everest I discussed it with my coach, and he encouraged me to pursue it I asked him to train me for the journey, and he did, preparing me for the Mount Everest challenge What inspired you to take on this incredible journey of cycling over 16,000 kilometres from Vadodara to London?
During my climb of Mount Manaslu, which stands at 8,163 meters just below Mount Everest I found myself above 7,000 meters when an avalanche struck A few of my colleagues, just 100 or 150 feet
ahead of me, were caught in the avalanche, and tragically, some lost their lives
Around the same time, in Uttarakhand, 29 teachers and students at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering were caught in a similar avalanche, and all of them perished These incidents are a stark reminder of the growing impact of global
“The main challenge has been the weather, which varies drastically and can be extremely harsh.”
warming It was then that I decided to take action for the environment After my summit of Mount Everest, my coach and I began discussing how we could contribute We realised that one of the longest connected routes from India to London could be a powerful platform to spread awareness and engage more people in our message about preserving nature
W hat were s ome of t he bigges t challenges physical, mental, and logistical that you fac ed along the way?
The main challenge has been the weather, which varies drastically and can be extremely harsh In Uzbekistan, for example, we encountered a sandstorm, and the terrain was unforgiving there was nothing 200 or 250 meters
ahead or behind us, making it incredibly difficult to continue riding In Russia, the temperature dropped to as low as -19 to -22°C, making cycling even harder The water on the roads often turns into black ice, which is treacherous To manage this, I had to attach spikes to the soles of my shoes and walk while pushing my bike through areas covered in black ice The sharp spikes made walking uncomfortable, but it was necessary to stay safe and keep going
Have you had any interactions with the Indian diaspor a whi le cycl ing? How have they reacted to your achievement?
I would say Russia is the best in terms of people’s warmth and hospitality
The people in Russia treated us incredibly well, always offering support In every country we visited, we received help and kind gestures from strangers
There were moments when I was cycling, and a few cars would stop ahead of me during windy conditions
They would ask if I was tired and offered to let me put my bike in their car to take me to my destination
As for my coach, when he was driving the car and going slowly, many trucks and cars would stop and ask if there was any problem or if he needed help towing the car
In the UK, we had a great discussion with the Indian Embassy, who invited us on January 26th to be facilitated by H E Vikram Doraiswami and other officials They expressed their support for our efforts to help save nature, and were pleased with what we ’ re doing
WEC initiates inquiry into female entrepreneurship
The Women and Equalities
C ommi tte e (WEC ) ha s launched a new inquiry into
f em ale e ntr epre neur shi p,
a i mi ng to i nve s ti gat e the b ar ri ers wome n f ac e i n starting and growing their businesses
Chaired by Labour MP
Sarah Owen, the cross-party committee will examine which sectors present the greatest obstacles to female entrepreneurs and explore ways to address these challenges The inquiry will
assess best practices in supporting women-led businesses both in the UK and internationally, while also considering the steps the Government should take to foster the growth of femaleled enterprises
A key focus will be on access to funding, analysing the challenges women encounter when securing investment and how these barriers vary by region and demographic background The inquiry will also take an
UK faces worsening ‘epidemic’ of violence against women
A N atio na l Aud it Office (NAO) report has found that violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the UK is e sca latin g d esp ite y e ar s of government strategies
The report highlights a disjointed and ineffective response, stating that one in 12 women in England and Wales is affected, suffering physical, mental, social, and financial harm The 2021 government strategy, launched after the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, has failed to improve victim support or drive lasting
change The NAO criticises the Home Office’s lack of oversight, noting that it does not track funding or measure policy impact effectively
While 78% of commitments in the strategy were met by 2024, many were superficial, involving funding announcements, meetings, or guidance publications rather than substantial action The report places pressure on Keir Starmer’s government, which has pledged to halve VAWG within a decade Campaigners warn that
achieving this goal requires cross-government cooperation and a cultural shift to combat deep-rooted misogyny
The prevalence of sexual assaults rose from 3 4% to 4 3% in 2023-24, while police reports of rape and sexual assault quadrupled over three years, partly due to improved reporting A new VAWG strategy is expected in spring, but experts stress that without clear prevention policies and dedicated funding, progress will remain stalled
NHS Chief warns of misogyny in health service
The head of th e NH S, Am and a Pr it ch ard, has acknowledged a misogynistic culture within the health service, warning that it does not alwa ys pri ori ti s e women ’ s needs
Speaking to the Commons health select committee, she noted that the NHS was largely built by men and faces a “big cultural challenge” in addressing gender biases in healthcare Her comments come amid controversy over potential cuts to women ’ s health targets The NHS’s upcoming annual planning guidance, outlining key priorities for hospitals and community services, is expected to scrap a pledge to establish
So far, 39 out of 42 health regions have set up these hubs, which the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) described as “transformational” for women ’ s healthcare In a letter to Health
a decline in women ’ s health services
Pritchard also addressed a damning report by the public accounts committee (PAC), which criticised NHS leadership for “complacency and lack of ideas” in improving productivity Layla Moran, chair of the health and social care committee, expressed disappointment with Pritchard’s testimony
However, Pritchard defended NHS England, rejecting claims of complacency and insisting that “there is no shortage of fresh thinking” within the service
intersectional approach, considering the additional hurdles faced by Black and minority ethnic female entrepreneurs
Sarah Owen MP, Chair of WEC, said, "Women possess immense economic and creative potential, yet they continue to face unique challenges when pursuing entrepreneurship These range from gender bias in financial support to the impact of caregiving responsibilities
Coach Nilesh Bharot and Nisha Kumari
Secretary Wes Streeting, the RCOG warned that abandoning the commitment to these hubs could lead to
Amanda Prichard
Changing attitudes towards waste management through plogging
Subhasini Naicker
Environmental activi-sm comes in many forms, from policy advocacy to grassroots efforts, all working toward a cleaner, greener world One such initiative is plogging a mix of jogging and litter-picking that has gained global popularity
Vive k G urav, an environmental activist from Wembley began plogging in 2021 to tackle litter pollution Originally from India, he started his plogging movement in Bristol and later launched the "PlogYatra" challenge, aiming to jog and cleanup 50 UK cities The initiative promotes sustainability, waste management, and climate action, while also raising funds for Parkinson’s UK
His efforts have grown into a UK-wide campaign, earning recognition from government leaders and media In 2022, he received an award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was invited to 10 Downing Street by Rishi Sunak That November, he spoke at COY17, the youth version of COP27
In an interview with Asian Voice, Vivek spoke about his plogging journey and more
How did you get started with plogging? And what's the biggest challenge you have faced so far on your journey?
Plogging began in India on October 2, 2019, when I launched Pune Ploggers as a community-led initiative My goal was to unite individuals passionate about the environment and create a consistent, weekend-based clean-up movement Before this, I had spent five years working on various clean-up missions across Pune, where I moved for my studies
Seeing the city’s polluted rivers and a cycle of blame where the government, people, and companies all pointed fingers at each other I realised someone had to take responsibility I call this the "triangle of inaction " Inspired by the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world," I decided to act first, believing that leading by example would encourage others to join
After two years leading Pune Ploggers, I moved to the UK in 2021 on a Think Big scholarship at the University of Bristol to study climate change My biggest challenge remains
changing attitudes many believe waste management isn’t their responsibility However, I’ve found that leading by example inspires action
A common misconception is that developed countries are cleaner While they have better waste systems, high consumption of single-use disposables leads to significant littering In India, reusable containers are still common, whereas in the UK, reliance on takeaways increases plastic waste My
“Sustainability has always been an integral part of Indian and South Asian culture”
focus now is raising awareness about reducing single-use plastics and promoting minimalism for long-term sustainability
Whatwas the public response to your plogging tour, and have people joined in or shown interest in the movement?
In 2021, I launched my first plogging challenge in the UK a 30-day initiative that engaged 150 international students from 18 countries The momentum continued in 2022 with a “ 30city plogging tour”, where I connected with 250 participants, including schools, communities, NGOs, and student unions Companies also reached out, inviting me to collaborate on waste management awareness campaigns
What started as a small act an international student picking up litter created a “ripple effect”, inspiring many, especially children, to adopt plogging My efforts gained media attention which has led to invitations from cities across the UK, where people wanted to join the movement While I
received overwhelming support, I also faced criticism some questioned why an Indian student was cleaning the UK instead of his own country But I see such comments as a sign that I’m on the right path sparking conversations and challenging perspectives on responsibility and sustainability
South Asian traditions often emphasise respect for nature How do you integrate these values into your plogging mission and daily life?
Sustainability has always been an integral part of Indian and South Asian culture Our traditions emphasise minimalism, responsibility, and respect for nature, using natural resources in ways that do not harm the environment For generations, we have honoured these resources through customs and prayers an acknowledgment of their value and a commitment to preserving them for the future
When I see new sustainability campaigns emerging in the West, I often point to the rich traditions of India, where many of these practices have existed for centuries Take, for example, the shift towards biodegradable alternatives to plastic plates bamboo and leaf-based plates, which our ancestors perfected long ago, are now being rediscovered and marketed as innovations
This is India's soft power on the global stage a form of environmental diplomacy where the world is now embracing and adopting our time-tested practices As an Indian plogger, I take pride in carrying this message forward My work isn’t just about litter picking; it’s about showcasing how sustainability is deeply rooted in our culture and heritage
Fire chiefs sound alarm over UK’s climate preparedness
Fire chiefs have warned that the UK is unprepared for the impact of climate breakdown, urging the government to act swiftly to protect communities
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) highlighted that fire services, often the primary responders to weather-related emergencies like flooding, heatwave fires, and storm damage, are at risk of being overwhelmed as such events become more frequent The organisation representing UK fire and rescue leaders, called for more investment
and better long-term forecasting to maintain services amid growing resource and staffing pressures
Firefighters have been stretched in responding to more frequent extreme weather, from Storm Babet in October 2023, which flooded 1,000 homes and killed three, to Storm Darragh and January’s Storm Éowyn, which caused severe damage across the UK and Ireland
The Met Office warns that by 2070, winters could be 4 5°C warmer and 30% wetter, while
Ketan Dattani
The Environmental and Cultural Benefits of Dog Ownership in the UK Asian Community
Stray dogs are a common sight in many S outh Asian co untr ies, with India alone home to a staggering 62 million stray dogs as of 20 21 Unfo r tu natel y, t h is l ar g e stray population has led to deeprooted negative associations with dogs
Many South Asians, particularly in rural areas, grow up fearing them especially street dogs that can appear aggressive and carry diseases like rabies This widespread fear and cultural perceptions contribute to the belief that dogs are dirty or dangerous Conversely, in the UK, stray dogs are a rarity Known as a nation of dog lovers, the UK has around 13 5 million domesticated dogs However, only 2% of dog owners come from South Asian backgrounds, highlighting a significant cultural gap in pet ownership While some of this may stem from childhood experiences or practical concerns, religious beliefs also play a crucial role For example, some Muslims consider dogs to be impure, leading to restrictions on keeping them indoors or touching them Similarly, within some Hindu and Jain communities, there is a reluctance towards pet ownership due to spiritual beliefs around maintaining a clean and sacred home environment
Additionally, some Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs prefer not to have meat in the house, which can be a deterrent to dog ownership as commercial dog food contains meat-based ingredients
Despite these barriers, it is worth exploring why dog ownership is so prevalent in the UK and the potential benefits-both environmental and personal-that it can offer
One of the lesser-discussed benefits of dog ownership is its impact on reducing carbon emissions Dog owners tend to walk more, often replacing short car journeys with a brisk walk around the neighbourhood or local park This simple change reduces dependency on vehicles, leading to lower emissions and a reduced overall carbon footprint For those of us trying to embrace sustainability, walking instead of driving is a small yet impactful step towards greener living
Walking a dog isn’t just good for the planet; it’s excellent for our health too Daily walks improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and boost stamina More importantly, walking a dog has profound mental health benefits, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve sleep quality
For many UK Asians who often juggle work, family responsibilities, and community commitments, incorporating a daily walk with a pet can be a great way to prioritise personal well-being while staying active
Food waste is a global issue, and in the UK, we discard millions of tonnes of food each year While feeding table scraps to pets should always be done with caution, many leftover foods can be safely consumed by dogs helping to minimise waste at home Of course, it’s essential to check which foods are safe, as certain ingredients can be harmful to dogs
Some people consider dog ownership a drawback because dogs shed fur, but from an environmental perspective, dog fur can be repurposed to support local wildlife Birds and small animals use dog fur as nesting material, keeping their homes warm and insulated By simply collecting and leaving clean fur in our gardens or green spaces, we can meaningfully contribute to local ecosystems
Beyond companionship, dogs play an important role in society Rescue dogs use their highly sensitive noses to locate missing people, while guide dogs provide lifechanging assistance to the visually impaired These working dogs help reduce reliance on heavy machinery or vehicles, indirectly lowering pollution levels Their service brings independence to those in need and showcases the positive impact dogs can have beyond a traditional pet-owner relationship
Given the cultural and religious considerations that often discourage South Asians from keeping dogs as pets, it’s important to address misconceptions When well-trained and cared for, dogs are neither aggressive nor unclean Many UK Asians who have embraced pet ownership find that their dogs become cherished family members, offering companionship and emotional support With appropriate care and hygiene practices, owning a dog can align with personal beliefs while still reaping the environmental and health benefits
It’s time to move past outdated fears and open our hearts to the idea of dog ownership Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, contributing to waste reduction, or simply enjoying the unconditional love that dogs provide, the advantages are undeniable For those of us committed to sustainability and well-being, welcoming a dog into our homes could be a step towards a healthier and greener lifestyle
summers may see temperatures rise by 6°C and become 60% drier, with the south of England facing 40°C heat and 25% more rainfall Ben Brook, Chief Fire Officer for Warwickshire and NFCC lead on climate change, said: “Fire services collaborate with local partners to respond to extreme weather, but lack access to accurate data and predictive tools for long-term planning Local resilience forums are also under-resourced and unclear on their climate change resilience role ”
Veganuary 2025 sees record 25.8 million participants worldwide
Veg anu ary, t he gl obal mov ement encouraging people to try a vegan li fest yl e i n J anu ar y and beyond, continues to expand its reach
This year, the initiative launched in Canada, Peru, and Malaysia through collaborations with local partner organisations An estimated 25 8 million people worldwide took part in Veganuary 2025, marking another milestone for the campaign To determine participation levels, Veganuary commissioned nationally represen-
tative surveys across 11 key countries By combining survey results with current population estimates, the organisation calculated the global participation figure
Celebrities remain a driving force in the campaign’s success, with stars like Woody Harrelson, Pamela Anderson, Bethany Antonia, Victoria Ekanoye, Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall, Ainsley Harriott, and Levi Roots among many others sharing plant-based recipes and cooking tips
Vivek Gurav
Sanjay Rishi: Heading Healthcare
Sunetra Senior
Sanjay is the recently appointed Global Head of Growth and Performance at Roche: a large Swiss Pharmaceutical company known for delivering life-changing innovative solutions to healthcare worldwide “It is a privilege to have been promoted to such a senior position and I am especially proud as a PoC,” he shared: “driving diversity and inclusion is a huge passion of mine and arriving at this point has been an interesting journey despite the steep learning curves along the way ” Sanjay has been at Roche since November 2015, in his previous role as the Global Diversity & Inclusion Lead for Product Development overseeing the global diversity and inclusion strategy in late-stage drug development The sincere role model’s most current job involves making the operation of Roche as a huge pioneer of biotech that much more efficacious: “We aim to work as quickly as possible to bring new medicines to the global healthcare community The role is to make sure that the organisation is always ready to handle any new changes that may come through and create internal stability longterm My team helps build the competencies of our scientific and business colleagues in drug development through a combination of learning & development and business effectiveness coaching We also help identify any gaps in skills and training needs and build that knowledge across departments We focus on a broad range of core business topics, including competencies like digital and AIsavviness, to ensure our teams feel ready and equipped for the future” ***
PricewaterhouseCoopers where he worked in consulting “leading projects across industries including healthcare redesign, company turnarounds, due diligence and corporate strategy development and implementation ” Having grown up in the UK, before moving to Basel in Switzerland, which is the long-standing HQ of Roche, he was always invested in medical solutions, experiencing health problems personally in his life “I am passionate
delivery of the pharmaceutical options
His interest in robust wellbeing extends to lifestyle where emotional equilibrium and social community are valuable prerequisites too: “Living abroad, exploring internationally and being able to integrate into another culture is just one of the best experiences one can have It really helps that the team at
What is the secret to creating strong growth and performance, if you had to share some insight?
Intimately understanding the company ’ s structure and culture – this will differ between a huge corporate and family-owned company or one that is both like Roche As a corollary, it is important to form strong relationships internally and genuinely foster people’s trust
What have been some challenges for you in this new role?
Having to adjust to such a rapid pace coming in and understand what programs to introduce This involved having to co-ordinate on an international scale, scheduling meetings across different time zones and moving along initiatives You’ve also got to be able build strong relationships over a laptops screen
What
has helped you along in your personal journey?
Having very supportive parents –I have learned a lot from them It has also been a huge drive for me to be able to introduce meaningful reform in the sector of healthcare Finally, it is an honour to be of South-Asian descent and do my bit in terms of representing the community –it’s not usual to see many people from my background so high up in this part of the world!
One in four children need social care by 18
A new study reveals that one in four children in England will require social care services by the time they turn 18, raising concerns abo ut poverty and funding cuts in these services
The research, led by University College London (UCL), challenges the government’s current reliance on annual snapshot studies, which estimate that around 400,000 children (1 in 30) need state support each year However, this new study suggests that a significantly higher proportion of chil-
dren about one in three are referred to children’s social care (CSC) services during their childhood
The study emphasises the impact of government policies on the upbringing of children, including issues like employment, benefits, housing, and healthcare
The findings suggest that children in poorer areas are more likely to need social care services Although the study didn’t break down data by factors like gender, region, or ethnicity, Dr Matthew Jay, the study’s lead
author, speculated that in the poorest regions, more than half of children may be referred to CSC
The study also found that about 7% of children will require a child protection plan due to significant risks, such as abuse or neglect It calls for a shift towards early intervention services and advocates for addressing the root causes of children’s needs by targeting socioeconomic and structural factors, rather than just responding to crises when they arise
UK faces social care crisis with ageing population
T he go vernment is being urged to invest more funding into the social care system aft er new p ro jec tio ns revealed the UK is facing a care crisis, with the number of people aged over 85 set to do uble i n th e next tw o decades
Ramzi Suleiman, policy and public affairs manager at the Carers Trust, has warned that the sector is "nowhere near ready" for this rise in older people, as it is "already creaking at the seams "
According to projections from the Office for National
Statistics (ONS), the number of people aged over 85 will nearly double to 3 3 million by mid-2047, making up 4 3% of the UK population This is an increase from 1 7 million in mid-2022, when they represented 2 5% of the population The rise is attributed to both the large number of people born in the 1960s, who will be over 80 by 2047, and increasing life expectancy, the ONS said
The call for action comes after the government confirmed earlier this month that major social
care reforms would not be introduced until 2028 An independent commission chaired by Baroness Louise Casey will begin work in spring The government has committed to creating a National Care Service, though details remain unclear
The government also noted that it is already working on improving adult social care by promoting better use of care technologies and enhancing the professionalism of the workforce
King prefers his curry "not too strong"
The Ki n g sh are d that he prefers his curry "not too strong" during a reception at B uck in gham Pal ac e f or ne wly e le cte d MPs an d members of the House of Lords
Sanjay has prior held a few management and directive roles at Roche as well as at
"We focus on a broad range of core business topics, including competencies like digital and AIsavviness, to ensure our teams feel ready and equipped for the future”
about delivering healthcare – in fact, being able to work with local governments to deliver primary healthcare across the UK has been a career highlight It is important for me that people who need the help are supplied it, and I am happy to be able to contribute in this way ” Advanced medical solutions that have been created by Roche include Actemra/RoActemra which is approved in 116 countries for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)and Alecensa for the treatment of cancer and solid tumours Interestingly, Sanjay was brought up by a father who worked in the corporate sector while his mother was an osteopath so it is as if the leader was destined to work in commercial healthcare which facilitates the reach that can improve many people’s lives at once Accessibility then is as much a core concern for Sanjay as development and
Roche are like a family too Professionally, Basel is a global bio-tech hub – its own Silicon Valley There is much opportunity to network and explore new developments However, it is the unique work-life balance that is afforded here that is truly rewarding Lunch breaks for an hour are mandated by law and private healthcare is compulsory –everyone is entitled to it It is very clean, safe and active People really enjoy the outdoors here This environment of personal fulfilment really enhanced my professional life in a way that perhaps staying in the UK wouldn’t have ” To conclude, Sanjay epitomises the fact that more than simply a principle or even a socially conscious initiative, essential transformative healthcare is “ a fundamental human right ”
W:https://www roche com /about
The King and Queen, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, welcomed the new MPs in the Ballroom on Wednesday afternoon Attendees included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, former prime minister Theresa May, and Reform UK leader Nigel
Farage
Labour MP Deirdre Costigan, representing Ealing Southall, spoke to the King about his "love of cur-
ries " She recalled that when she mentioned her constituency, the King immediately recognised it as "Little India" and expressed his fondness for curries He also noted the large Sikh community in the area and suggested that she invite him to Ealing Southall to explore its curry offerings Costigan added that the King quickly recognised her Irish accent, remarking, "You're Irish," and expressed interest in a potential state visit to Ireland When asked about his curry preferences, she said the King stated, "not too strong "
UK population may rise to 72.5 million in 8 years
The latest projections from the O ff i c e for Na ti ona l Statistics (ONS) reveal that i n the comi n g de ca des , deaths in Britain will soon outnumber births, with significant implications for the nation’s population dynamics
Between 2022 and 2032, the UK is projected to see 17,000 more deaths than births, primarily due to the aging "baby boom" generation born after World War II This trend suggests that, without the continued influx of migration, the population would begin to
shrink, mirroring demographic shifts seen across parts of Europe
Despite these challenges, net migration is expected to continue to contribute to population growth The ONS report projects that the UK's population will rise by 4 9 million by mid-2032, reaching a total of 72 5 million Migration, projected to average 340,000 people annually from mid-2028, will play a key role in driving this growth However, the rate of growth will slow compared to previous
decades, with an increase of just 7 3% over the next 25 years
Further projections show the population is set to grow by 8 9 million by 2047, a 13 2% increase James Robards from the ONS highlighted that the aging population will be a significant factor, with the number of people aged over 85 expected to nearly double by 2047
The number of people at state pension age is also projected to rise significantly, exacerbating pressures on social services
SANJAY RISHI
King Charles III
Should your partner be your best friend? Weighing the pros and cons
Anusha Singh
I n mode rn re lat i on s hips ,
the idea of a romantic partner also being a best friend has gai n ed wi des pre ad appeal From social media posts romanticis ing "marrying your best friend" to re lat i ons hip ex pert s emphasising deep emotional connection, many believe that a strong friendship is the foundation of lasting love But is it always a good thing?
While having a partner who understands you like a best friend can foster emotional security, trust, and shared joy, it can also blur boundaries, create unrealistic expectations, and potentially stifle external friendships Some argue that expecting one person to fulfil all roles lover, confidant, and best friend places too much pressure on a relationship
So, should your partner be your best friend? To help navigate this question, we spoke to Raisa Luther, a clinical psychologist, to explore the benefits and drawbacks of intertwining romance with deep friendship
The pros of a partner who is also a best friend
Many people believe their romantic partner should also be their best friend But is it healthy to expect a partner to fulfil both emotional and companionship needs typically
met by a best friend?
Luther explained, "While there are elements of companionship that naturally develop in long-term relationships, it’s not always the best idea to expect your romantic partner to be your ‘best friend ’ This may place too much implicit pressure on the partner to fulfil multiple roles and needs typically met by other people in the wider social circle It’s also important for couples to have other fulfilling friendships outside of the relationship to maintain a sense of perspective, especially in a long-term partnership where boundaries naturally blur "
One of the clear benefits of a strong friendship within a relationship is improved communication and conflict resolution "Couples who invest in the ‘friendship’ aspect of their romantic relationship tend to develop better ways of resolving conflicts and communicating," Luther said "There’s nothing wrong with being great friends some of the healthiest relationships I know naturally develop a deep friendship over time", she added The potential pitfalls of relying too much on your partner
While a strong friendship can be beneficial, Luther warns that trying to
Bristol named UK's most romantic city, survey reveals
A s Va l ent ine ' s D ay a pproaches, a new survey reveals that romance is alive and well in the UK, with over half of Brits identifying as romantics
Bristol tops the list as the UK's most romantic city, with 40% of residents showing affection daily, earning it the title of the capital of love Common gestures of affection include giving hugs, spending quality time together, and helping with everyday tasks On average, Bristolians say "I love you" nine times a week
Manchester ranked second in the Moonpig survey, with couples displaying affection an average of four times a week Newcastle, London, and Birmingham also made the top five, while Leeds lagged behind, with just 27% of residents regularly showing affection
Sarah-Jane Porter, Global Design and Licensing Director at the personalized greetings card brand, said: Despite the phrase romance is dead,
create a ‘best friend’ dynamic may lead to unhealthy dependency
Relying too much on a partner for emotional support can create an imbalance in the relationship This can put immense pressure on one person to be the sole provider of emotional stability, leaving little room for external friendships and other social interactions "
Over-reliance on a partner can also lead to disappointment when they cannot meet every need Some signs that someone may be overburdening their partner with expectations meant for a broader social circle include:
w Solely relying on their partner for social support and interaction
w Limiting all social interactions to situations they can show up as a couple
w Expecting their partner to fulfil multiple roles at once (friend, romantic partner, housemate) and getting frequently disappointed when their expectations aren’t met
w Struggling to find a sense of social identity outside of the being a part of the relationship
w Becoming jealous when their significant other goes away to do things with other people, and subsequently creating
conflict that brings the focus back to them Finding the right balance
Rather than seeing the question as a simple yes or no, Luther encourages couples to find a balance that works for them "I like to think of relationships as a dance, with both partners moving in harmony to create a balance that suits them There’s no universal rule what matters is that both partners feel supported without feeling overwhelmed "
For couples seeking to strengthen their relationship while maintaining independence, she suggests fostering a supportive but not all-consuming dynamic "Encourage friendships outside of the relationship, maintain hobbies and interests that are separate from your partner’s, and set healthy boundaries so that neither partner feels solely responsible for the other’s emotional well-being "
Ultimately, every couple is different, and what works best depends on individual dynamics The key is to foster emotional closeness without losing the sense of self and external social connections that make relationships truly enriching
Unique Valentine's Day customs around the world
Thoughtful gifting ideas to celebrate love
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to express love and appreciation for your special someone It’s a time to celebrate the bond you share, create cherished memories, and show how much they mean to you
Whether you ’ re looking for something romantic, practical, or unique, the right gift can make the day even more special Whatever you choose, the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts are those that
to their interests Options include gourmet food or wine subscriptions, selfcare and wellness boxes, book clubs, or personalized snack boxes
5 Tech and gadgets for the modern love: For tech lovers, consider stylish smart watches, wireless ear buds, or a digital photo frame preloaded with your favourite pictures A subscription to a music or audiobook service is also a thoughtful way to show you care
reflect your partner’s personality and the love you share From classic tokens of love to personalised surprises, here are some thoughtful gifting ideas to make your celebration truly unforgettable
1 Personalised gifts:
A personalised gift adds a sentimental touch that makes it truly one-ofa-kind Consider customised jewellery with initials or a special date, a personalised photo book capturing cherished memories, or a custommade piece of artwork that represents your relationship
6 DIY and handmade gifts:
A heartfelt DIY gift can be more meaningful than a store-bought item
Create a scrapbook, write love letters for them to open throughout the year, or put together a homemade candle or bath set for a spa-like experience at home
7 Thoughtful books or journals:
If your partner loves reading, gift them a novel by their favourite author, a beautifully bound poetry book, or a couple’s journal with prompts to deepen your connection
it's reassuring to see that isn't true " She added, "People are still expressing their romantic side through words, actions, and meaningful gifts "
Most adults surveyed believe romance is essential in relationships While a quarter think it should be spontaneous, over twothirds say it’s a mix of spontaneity and planning Common gestures of affection include remembering key dates, bringing favorite treats, and giving personalised gifts, with a third of respondents saying they do this daily
For 45% of respondents, spending quality time together is the most valued romantic gesture Men were 10% more likely to prioritise this than women "Quality time" was the top choice for 36% of people when asked about their love language Sarah-Jane Porter emphasised that romance is found in small gestures, like a shared laugh or a handwritten note, which create meaningful moments
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is known for its love, chocolates, and flowers, but did you know that the way people celebra te va ri es d rama ti c all y aroun d the worl d? From exc hanging love letters to honoring friendship, different countries have their own unique customs that make this romantic holiday truly spe ci a l He re ’ s a l ook at some of the most fascinating Valentine's Day traditions from around the globe
In Japan, Valentine's Day is centered around giving chocolate Women give ‘girichoco’ (obligation chocolate) to colleagues and friends, and ‘honmei-choco’ (true love chocolate) to their romantic partners Men then reciprocate on White Day, March 14th, by giving more personal or expensive gifts to the women who gave them chocolates In South Korea, women give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day, and men reciprocate on White Day (March 14th) However, South Korea adds Black Day on April 14th,
where singles who didn’t receive gifts gather to eat jajangmyeon (black bean paste noodles) and celebrate their single status In Finland, Valentine's Day, or ‘Ystävänpäivä’, is a celebration of both love and friendship While couples exchange gifts, friends also send cards, wishing each other a “Happy Friendship Day” to honour all relationships In Italy, couples exchange gifts like jewelry, flowers, and chocolates, often celebrating with a romantic dinner Some also visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, tossing coins to wish for eternal love
In France, Valentine’s Day is marked by romantic gestures like exchanging flowers, chocolates, and dinners in Paris, though the historical "lottery of love" has faded In Wales, Dwynwen’s Day on January 25th celebrates love with couples exchanging intricately carved love spoons, each symbolising affection, such as hearts for love and keys for security
2 Experience-based gifts:
Rather than material gifts, consider creating new memories together Plan a romantic getaway, book a couple’s spa day, or arrange a private cooking class to bond over a shared experience Concert tickets, wine tastings, or adventure activities like hot-air balloon rides can also make for unforgettable gifts
3 Classic flowers and chocolates with a twist:
Flowers and chocolates are timeless Valentine’s gifts, but you can elevate them by opting for a luxurious bouquet with exotic flowers or a preserved rose that lasts for years Gourmet chocolates, artisanal truffles, or a DIY chocolate-tasting kit add an extra touch of indulgence
4 Subscription boxes: Give the gift of ongoing surprises with a subscription box tailored
8 Luxury fragrances and skincare:
A signature scent or a high-end skincare set can make for a sophisticated and practical gift Look for luxury perfumes, beard grooming kits, or premium bath products for a pampering experience
9 Custom star map or coordinates jewellery: Capture a special moment by gifting a star map showing how the night sky looked on an important date, such as when you met Alternatively, a necklace or bracelet with coordinates of a meaningful location adds a sentimental touch
10 Romantic dinner or picnic setup: Plan a surprise candlelit dinner at home or set up a romantic picnic in a scenic location Cook their favourite meal or order a gourmet food basket for a cosy and intimate experience
Raisa Luther
How K-Dramas shape emotions, expectations, and relationships
Korean dramas, or K-dramas, hav e captivated g lo bal
au d ie nc es w i th t h ei r romance, stu nning visuals, an d c o m p el li n g s to ri es
B eyo n d e nte rta in m en t, they deeply influence emo-
ti o n s, e xp e ct ati o ns , a nd relationsh ips, offering both es c ap i s m a nd e m o ti o na l
c ath ars i s H o w ev er, th e y can also fo ster unrealistic ideals about lo ve, life, and material desires
K-dramas captivate viewers with their emotional depth, featuring high-stakes romance, intense conflicts, and personal growth Their immersive storytelling fosters deep emotional investment, evoking joy, heartbreak, and empathy
Psychologically, they activate mirror neurons, making viewers feel characters' triumphs and sorrows This emotional rollercoaster serves as a cathartic release for pent-up feelings
U n rea li s ti c rel at io n sh i p expectatio ns
While K-dramas depict romance in a charming and idealized manner, they often set unrealistic standards for relationships The grand gestures, intense loyalty, and unwavering devotion portrayed in these dramas can shape viewers’ perceptions of love
For instance, the frequent trope of a rich, handsome CEO falling for an ordinary woman fosters the expectation that love should be extravagant and destiny-driven The notion
of love-at-first-sight and serendipitous encounters also fuels the belief that romance should unfold like a fairy tale As a result, some individuals may struggle to find satisfaction in real-life relationships, expecting dramatic declarations of love and unwavering devotion, which are often unrealistic
Additionally, K-dramas frequently portray partners as inherently perfect attentive, emotionally available, and deeply understanding This depiction can lead to disappointment when real-life partners fail to meet such unattainable ideals, potentially straining relationships and fostering dissatisfaction
M a ter ia li s ti c d e si r es a nd hig h stand ards
K-dramas are often set against the backdrop of luxurious lifestyles, featuring high-end fashion, expensive cars, lavish apartments, and dream vacations While these ele-
ments add to the visual appeal, they also contribute to heightened materialistic desires among viewers
Many K-dramas reinforce the idea that wealth is a crucial component of happiness and romantic success The male leads are often depicted as financially successful and powerful, capable of showering their partners with extravagant gifts and dream-like experiences This portrayal can lead viewers to associate love and happiness with financial status, causing them to expect lavish expressions of love in their own relationships
Moreover, the beauty standards depicted in Kdramas-flawless skin, designer clothing, and polished appearances-can create a sense of inadequacy among viewers Many individuals may feel pressured to conform to these unattainable ideals, leading to issues such as low selfesteem and body dissatisfaction
How social media has changed Valentine’s
Va le ntin e ’ s Da y, on ce a time for hand writt en love let te rs
a n d i n t im a t e d in n e r s, h a s
e vo lv ed in t he d igit al a ge, t han ks to the influe nce of social med ia What was on ce
a privat e, pe rsonal ce le bra -
t ion of love is n ow shar ed, bro adca st ed , an d a mplified
t hr ou g h p la t f o r m s li k e
In st agr am, Facebook , a nd X ( for merly Twit ter ) A s social
m e d ia c on t in u e s t o sh a pe our live s, it ’ s n o surpr ise that it ha s tr an sforme d t he way
w e e xpr ess a ffe ction , ce lebra te r elation ships, a nd e ven
n a v i g a t e s in g le h o o d on
Va le ntin e ’ s Da y A public displa y of a ffect ion
Social media has shifted Valentine’s Day from private to public displays of affection Where couples once shared love privately, today they’re inclined to broadcast their feelings online From Instagram posts with #ValentinesDay to Facebook love declarations, couples showcase their romantic moments whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a thoughtful gift, or a surprise trip
The pre ssure to be ‘ perfect ’ Social media has amplified Valentine’s Day celebra-
Day celebrations
tions, but it also creates pressure to appear perfect Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are filled with curated images of grand gestures and lavish experiences, leading to a culture of comparison While sharing love online is fine, it’s important to remember that these idealised images often overlook the reality behind the scenes, where couples may be facing stress or discomfort
G ift s in t he digita l a ge
Social media and online shopping have transformed gift-giving Where once personalized, handcrafted gifts were common, people now turn to platforms like Moonpig, Etsy, and Amazon for luxury gifts or flowers with just a few clicks The rise of digital gifts, such as ecards, personalised memes, and virtual experiences, further reflects how social media shapes the gifting culture While some still favor tangible gifts, others opt for experiences like virtual dinners, live-streamed concerts, or Netflix watch parties, all easily shared on social media
Dating scams will keep rising without tougher laws, warns dating app Sizzl
Romanc e s cams are surging, and dating app Sizzl warns that wit hout stronger legisl ation, the probl em will only es cal ate
With fraudsters exploiting weak security measures across many dating platforms, Sizzl argues that stricter identity verification requirements should become an industry standard to protect users from financial, emotional, and even physical harm
Recent figures paint a concerning picture According to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, nearly £92 million was lost to romance fraud in the UK during the 2022-2023 financial year and that’s just from reported cases Many dating apps continue prioritizing user numbers over security, leaving gaps that scammers are quick to exploit The rise of AI-generated images and deepfake videos has only made it easier for fraudsters to pose as legitimate users
To combat this, Sizzl has implemented OneID, a secure digital identity verification system, ensuring that
every user is who they claim to be Unlike platforms that rely on basic email or phone number verification, Sizzl makes it nearly impossible for scammers to create fake profiles or remain anonymous
However, co-founder Phil Beesley believes this level of security should be the industry norm, not an exception
“The dating industry has a serious problem, and it’s time for tougher rules to force change Scammers are using fake profiles to exploit vulnerable people, and many dating platforms are not doing enough to stop them,” Beesley said
“Stronger legislation is essential to ensure that all
dating apps implement proper identity verification measures At Sizzl, we verify every user with OneID, meaning everyone on our platform is exactly who they claim to be This level of security should be standard across the industry, not a rare exception We cannot allow dating platforms to continue operating with minimal safeguards while their users are being scammed out of millions ” Without stricter regulations compelling dating apps to adopt robust security measures, romance scammers will continue finding easy targets Sizzl argues that voluntary efforts clearly aren’t enough-it's time for tougher laws to protect users before more people fall victim
UK retailers prepare for a buoyant Valentine’s Day
start ed shopping,
sign ifica
m 20 24 , with those age d 25 -3 4 l eading the charge
Influencer s and comme rcialisat ion
Another major change brought about by social media is the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day Brands and influencers capitalize on this holiday, promoting everything from flowers and chocolates to fashion and travel destinations Influencers have become a modern-day cupid, offering advice on the perfect gifts, dates, and how to create the most Instagramworthy Valentine’s experience
F or si n g l e s: #S e lfL o v e a nd community
While Valentine’s Day has long been associated with couples, social media has made it a celebration for singles as well The rise of #SelfLove hashtags and antiValentine’s Day movements has given those without a romantic partner an outlet to celebrate themselves Whether it’s a post about treating yourself to a spa day or sharing self-care tips, social media has provided a platform for singles to express their love for themselves
This age group, often with young families, is expected to purchase gifts for partners, children, and friends Retailers have a prime opportunity to take advantage of this trend, encouraging larger basket sizes and higher spending, according to GlobalData’s report, “Retail Occasions: Valentine’s Day Intentions 2025 ” The report shows that
69 3% of 25-34-year-olds intend to spend on Valentine’s Day, marking a 7 8 percentage point increase from last year This group is set to account for nearly a quarter of all Valentine’s Day shoppers in 2025
Zoe Mills, lead retail analyst at GlobalData, noted that while spending intentions are high, the majority of consumers have not yet made purchases, giving retailers ample time to attract shoppers Retailers in the food & drink and gifting sectors are well-positioned, with romance-themed meal deals, such as prosecco and champagne offers, recom-
mended for prime store displays
Retailers should also cater to families by offering Valentine’s Day products appealing to younger audiences, like heart-themed biscuit kits from Marks & Spencer
While partners remain the top recipients of gifts, more consumers are buying for their children, and an increasing number are purchasing gifts for friends particularly Gen Z This shift reflects a broader understanding of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of love in all forms, including friendships, self-love, and familial bonds
Standing against domestic abuse this Valentine’s Day
Th e Ch eshire East Domestic A buse Partnersh ip is raising awareness o f d omestic abuse th is Valentine’ s Day, rem ind ing v ictim s that help is av ailable
While Valentine’s Day is typically associated with love, for some individuals in the borough, it will be another day of enduring abuse Alarmingly, one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and on average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days Domestic abuserelated calls are made to the police every 30 seconds
The new campaign seeks to reduce incidents of
sexual and domestic violence and encourage victims to come forward
Councillor Carol Bulman, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, stated, “Valentine’s Day is a time for love and affection, but unfortunately, this is not the reality for everyone in Cheshire East Domestic
abuse can affect anyone at any stage of life, often without them realizing it as abuse ”
“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach
Dear
Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel New Tax and Pension Landscape: Strategies to Secure a Wealthier Future
Recent announcements in the March 2024 and October 2024 Budgets have left many taxpayers re‐evaluating their financial strategies With sweeping changes to tax and pension rules, it is incumbent upon both savers and investors to take stock of the evolving landscape While some measures may appear onerous at first glance, a closer inspection reveals opportunities to secure a more prosperous future
A headline change is the introduction of inheritance tax (IHT) on pensions Previously, pensions enjoyed a degree of tax neutrality when passed on to beneficiaries However, the new regime could potentially dent your retirement legacy Savvy investors are advised to explore strategies that circumvent these pitfalls, such as optimising pension drawdown timings and utilising other tax relief opportunities In certain scenarios, your children could inherit between 16 67% and 41 67% more than they would if you had invested in alternative vehicles like ISAs Detailed guidance on these adjustments is available on the government’s website at gov uk
Another noteworthy change is the rising attractiveness of salary sacrifice Come April 2025, when employers ’ National Insurance (NI) contributions are set to increase, the benefits of salary sacrifice will become even more compelling By agreeing to a modest reduction in gross salary in exchange for higher pension contributions, employees can reduce their tax and NI liabilities a welcome reprieve in an era of escalating costs
This approach not only enhances take-home pay in the long run but also contributes significantly to retirement savings
For higher-rate taxpayers, the advantages of pension saving are particularly striking New calculations suggest that saving in a pension, rather than an ISA, typically delivers an effective boost of around 41 67% The favourable tax relief on pension contributions reinforces the notion that long-term planning remains the bedrock of a robust retirement strategy As discussed in detail on HMRC’s website, the differential in tax treatment can have a profound effect on your retirement corpus
For high-income earners, there is even more reason to celebrate: enhanced tax relief on pension contributions now ranges between 50% and 60% This effectively makes every pound contributed a more efficient tool in the arsenal against taxation, a change that should not be ignored by those in the upper echelons of the pay scale
Moreover, company pension contributions have emerged as a particularly attractive alternative to dividends a development that directors and business owners should closely consider in light of less favourable dividend tax treatments
In a period of significant fiscal recalibration, the mantra for the prudent investor is clear: adapt and take advantage of the new tax efficiencies As the old adage goes, it is not the strongest that survive, but those most responsive to change
AstraZeneca
cancels UK
vaccine plant plans
As traZ enec a ha s s cr appe d plans for a £450 million vaccine manufacturing plant in Spek e, nor ther n Engl an d, marki ng a significant setb ac k f or the UK gover nment’s efforts to attract private-sector investment
The pharmaceutical giant cited "protracted discussions" with the government and changes in the final offer compared to previous proposals as key factors in its decision The proposed investment, which had been announced by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in March, was part of a larger expansion that included a £200 million investment in its research and development hub in Cambridge
However, AstraZeneca’s UK chairman, Shaun Grady, expressed urgency in a letter to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, stress-
Joyalukkas opens its second showroom in Southall
Joyalukkas has inaugurated its second UK showroom in Southall, marking a significant expansion after 19 years in t he regi on The n ew showr oom, loc at ed a t 38 The Broadway, was officially opened on 31 January 2025, by Cl lr Yvonn e Johns on, May or of Eal in g, wi th Joy al ukka s G roup' s Man agi ng D ir ec tor John Paul Alukkas and Director Soni a Al uk ka s who we re also present
Designed to provide an elegant and exclusive shopping experience, the showroom features a vast collec-
tion of jewellery, ranging from classic gold to exquisite diamonds and precious stones, catering to various tastes and occasions The interior combines comfort with personalised ser-
vice, offering a unique environment for customers to explore an array of traditional and contemporary designs Mr Alukkas highlighted the showroom's role in the
brand's growth strategy, emphasising their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and service The showroom aims to be the premier destination for jewellery enthusiasts in the UK, boasting exclusive diamond collections, bridal sets, and daily wear pieces sourced from over 20 countries
To celebrate the opening, Joyalukkas is offering special promotions until February 16, 2025, including a free GBP 50 gift voucher with significant purchases and no deduction on old gold exchanges
Minister vows to secure trade deal with India
Days after UK Business and Trade Sec ret ary Jon atha n Reynolds announced plans to v i si t I ndi a , a m in i st er from hi s D epar tme nt of Business and Trade (DBT) up date d the H ous e of Commons on the relaunch of UK-India trade negotiations in February
Gareth Thomas, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Business and Trade, was responding to questions in Parliament when Conservative MP Bob Blackman asked about the
proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India Thomas confirmed that Secretary Reynolds will travel to Delhi in February to
Oyo to invest £50 million in UK expansion
Travel tech uni co rn Oyo announced plans to invest £50 million (Rs 539 57 crore) in the UK over the next three years, with a primary focus on expanding its premium hotel portfolio This investment is expected to create 1,000 jobs in the UK hospitality sector, the comp any stated on Tuesday
ing the need for early government assurances regarding the advanced manufacturing plan Despite this, Astra did not receive the necessary support in time, missing crucial internal deadlines for the project
This move comes after frustrations grew within AstraZeneca over delays in government backing While the Speke site will continue to produce the company ’ s flu vaccine, the cancellation of the new plant underlines broader concerns over the UK's fiscal and operating environment
CEO Sir Pascal Soriot had previously criticised the UK’s tax rates, citing them as a reason for AstraZeneca’s decision to build a $360 million plant in Ireland instead The company has also made significant investments in the US and Canada
Marking a strategic shift, Oyo is prioritising the premiumisation of its UK portfolio by acquiring high-end inventory and securing longterm leasehold and management contracts The company is also in advanced discussions with major hotel chains and real estate firms for potential asset management deals
Baroness Poppy Gustafsson OBE, UK Minister for Investment,
welcomed the move, stating, "Oyo’s investment in premium hotels will not only strengthen our tourism infrastructure but also support our ambitious ‘Showcase Britain’ initiative, driving economic growth as part of our Plan for Change " Puneet Yadav, Oyo UK’s Country Head, highlighted Oyo’s journey since entering the UK market in 2018, building on a model that had proven successful globally "While we continue serving the budget segment, our focus is now on leasehold agreements and management contracts with premium properties We also plan to introduce several of our popular European brands to the UK, expanding our offerings to meet evolving customer needs," he said
£35 million boost for State Pension funds
Since April last year, people seeking to boost their State Pension by filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record have contributed a total of 68,673 years, amounting to £35 million, through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online service
Analysis of the service reveals that over 37,000 online payments have been made, with 65% of top-ups covering years from 2017 onward The average payment stands at £1,835, with the highest weekly State Pension increase recorded at £113 76 HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are urging individuals to act quickly, as they have only until 5 April 2025, to fill any NI gaps from 6 April 2006 onward After this date, voluntary NI contributions will be limited to the previous six tax years The Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV UK and the HMRC app provide a quick and easy way to review pension forecasts and take necessary action
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive, advises, “With just two months left, don’t delay in checking and filling any NI gaps it’s a simple process that could significantly impact your retirement finances ”
relaunch trade talks with India He emphasised that preparations are underway across the government to ensure a deal that drives economic growth
Thomas further highlighted that India, projected to become the fourthlargest global importer by 2035, presents significant opportunities for UK businesses and could unlock substantial growth Blackman raised concerns about access to India’s services market, which UK firms have struggled to
access in the past Thomas responded by expressing the government’s commitment to securing a trade deal with India, although he refrained from providing specific details on priorities for the negotiations
This update follows UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that stalled UK-India FTA talks would restart in early 2025, after his bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in November last year
11.5 million submit Self Assessment
before deadline
More than 11 5 million taxpayers successfully met the Self Assessment deadline, filing their tax returns for the 2023–2024 tax year by 31 January and avoiding a £1 00 late f ilin g pena lty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed
On deadline day alone, 732,498 people submitted their returns, with the busiest hour between 16:00 and 16:59, when 58,517 returns were filed Thousands left it until the last minute, with 31,442 people submitting between 23:00 and 23:59
HMRC urges those who missed the deadline to file their tax return promptly and pay any outstanding tax to minimise penalties The HMRC app provides a fast and secure
way to make payments, and Time to Pay arrangements are available for those unable to settle their tax bill in full Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Thank you to the millions who filed on time If you missed the deadline, submit your return as soon as possible to avoid further penalties Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV UK for more information ” Penalties for late filing include an initial £100 fine, followed by additional charges after three, six, and twelve months Late payments also incur 5% penalties at 30 days, six months, and twelve months, plus interest on outstanding amounts
Tuk Tuk Soul Food in Blackpool for sale at £40K
An Asian street food takeaway u ni t l oc ate d i n Blackpool’s Abingdon Street Market Food Hall is now up for sale for £40,000 Tuk Tuk Soul Food, known for serving authentic Punjabi street food, has become a well-established presence in the market The business is being listed for sale via the online platform
B u s i n e s s e s F o r S a l e c o m , through Kays Peake Property Services The listing highlights: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire an Asian street food takeaway unit in the popular
Abingdon Street Market food hall, situated in the heart of Blackpool town centre ” The market features an open-plan seating area with benches, two bars, and food outlets around the perimeter The annual lease agreement includes a rent of £525 per month, plus 15% of turnover The market operates on a card-only payment system with no cash transactions Abingdon Street Market, which underwent a complete refurbishment, reopened with a fresh new look in May 2023
Showroom opening led by Cllr Yvonne Johnson Mayor of Ealing ex MP Virendra Sharma in the presence of John Paul Alukkas Managing Director, Joyalukkas Group, and Sonia Alukkas, Director, Joyalukkas Group
Gareth Thomas
India's GDP projected to grow at 6.3-6.8% in 2025-26
I n di a ’ s G DP growt h i s projected to range between 6 3% and 6 8% in 2025-26, according to the Economic Sur vey tab le d by Uni on f i na nc e mi ni s ter Ni rma la Sitharaman in Parliament, t hat pus he d for more reforms, especially by states, to take growth to a higher trajectory
The GDP growth range provided in the survey is not very different from the 6 4% at which the economy is projected to grow this year (2024-25), which itself is not too far away from the 6 5-7% estimated in last year ’ s Economic Survey
Chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, speaking later at a press conference, characterised the projection as a baseline estimate that could be exceeded “Whenever opportunistically we can generate higher export growth, as we were able to
do so in 2021-22, we should be able to capitalise on that,” he said, noting that export diversification and expansion into new geographies could add 0 5- 1 percentage point to growth rates
The Survey points to challenging global conditions affecting the baseline projection The Index of Global Real Economic Activity (IGREA) has remained in negative territory since October 2024 (-3 37), declining to -11 44 in November and -45 40 in December 2024, according to Dallas Fed data, it stated “If you look at Global
Real Economic Activity Index , it has been declining since 2023, and it has now come to negative territory So, the growth rate after having achieved 9 7 and 8 2, the current relative slowdown in the economy is to be seen in that context,” Nageswaran said To meet its target of becoming a developed economy by 2047, India would need a GDP growth rate of 8% a year, the Survey said, pushing for deregulation and measures that make it easier to do business The Survey listed land, labour and industrial laws as areas where it was possible to make life easier for businesses Nageswaran himself said that in the absence of such reforms or measures policy initaitives may not result in the desired outcomes
Adani Power Q3 net profit rises to £294mn
Adani Power Limited reported a 7 4% jump in its consolidated net profit at £294mn in the third quarter of FY25, rising from £273 79mn in the yearago period, according to the c o mpany ’ s st oc k exc hange filing
The company ’ s consolidated revenue from operations stood at £1 36bn during the quarter ended December (Q3 FY25), from £1 29bn in Q3 FY24, a yearon-year rise of 5 23% Sequentially, the revenue was up by 2 5%
Govt looks to position India as manpower supplier to world
S kil l ing and j ob cr e at ion will be a major theme in the Budget as govt seeks to fill a cr itica l g a p a nd in t he process boost income and demand in the economy Indian companies are looking for skilled workers, including at construction sites within the country, and the skilling initiative will help meet domestic as well as overseas demand
One of the issues being discussed is to position India as a manpower supplier to the world at a time when the country has a young population, while Europe, Japan and several other economies grapple with an ageing population While Indian technology
and medical workers are in high demand, govt is keen to arm others, including blue collar workers such as drivers, plumbers, and health workers, to fill the gap in several advanced economies
The international arm of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is trying to train young men and women for jobs available in countries such as Romania, Finland, Russia, Germany, Saudi Arabia and UAE NSDC has placed nearly 60,000 young men and women in Japan, Germany, Israel, UK, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
While the initial numbers may appear small,
the demand from overseas is rising rapidly The attraction of better wages and working conditions and the promise of a new life is prompting many to opt for foreign language and skill development courses Several centres are being run to impart language and other training to equip the youth for jobs in Europe, Japan and West Asia
Sources said that aspects related to employment, including higher women participation in the Indian economy, have been discussed in detail with the labour ministry and some steps are likely in the Budget
Gujarat added record 19mn new equity investors in 2024
Pune led the district-wise rankings Rajkot advanced significantly, adding 154,000 new investors and bagging the 10th position in 2024, up from 12th in 2023
Both Gujarat and Maharashtra featured three districts each in the top-10 list
SB Khyalia, CEO, Adani Power Limited, said, “Adani Power is well on its way to achieve its generation capacity target of 30+ GW by 2030, with rapid progress in under-construction projects, secure supply chain, and successful bids for long-term PPA tie-ups " “We are taking steps ranging from backward integration into mining to improve our competitiveness and digitalisation of our operations to enhance our future-readiness," he added
Gunjan Kedia becomes first woman CEO of US Bancorp
G un jan Ke dia ha s b ee n
n a me d the n e xt chie f
e x ecut iv e of fice r o f US Bancorp, becoming one of the most influential women in the financial sector The compa ny an noun ce d t hat Kedia, currently president, w ill ta ke ov er as C EO
f ol lo wing th e a n nua l sh ar eho lde rs m ee tin g on April 15 She will also join t he Boa rd of Dir ect ors Kedia, 54, will succeed Andy Cecere, who will transition to executive chairman while con t in uin g to l ea d t he board and supporting Kedia in her new role
Kedia, who joined US Bancorp in 2016, has been a key driver of the company ’ s revenue lines and brings nearly 30 years of experience in financial services Before US Bancorp, she held global
executive roles at State Street Financial and BNY Mellon and worked in leadership positions at McKinsey & Company and PwC
Recognized as a seventime honoree on American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance list, Kedia has also been named twice to Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance list
In addition to her financial expertise, she serves on the boards of PBS, the American Red Cross, and Carnegie Mellon Business School She holds an MBA with distinction from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Delhi School of Engineering
The company ’ s board also approved raising of funds up to a maximum of £500mn by way of a qualified institutions placement (QIP), according to its Q3 earnings presentation
In 2024, Gujarat witnessed a record addition of 19 18mn n ew eq uity inv esto rs, marking the highest ever 12m ont h gr owt h This r epr ese nt ed a sig nif ican t in cre ase fr om 974 ,00 0 a dd it ion s in 20 22 an d 11 76mn in 2023, according to National Stock Exchange (NSE) da ta With 96 8m n registered investors by the e nd of 20 24 , G uja ra t secured the third position nationally Surat, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot districts were among the top 10 districts for new investor additions Uttar Pradesh led with 33mn new investors, followed by Maharashtra with 30mn Surat and Ahmedabad each contributed 327,000 new investors, securing fourth and fifth positions respectively among the country’s top 10 districts Delhi- NCR, Mumbai, and
OpenAI chief Sam Altman plans to visit India
Micro soft- backed Op enAI’s chief Sam Altman is planning to vi si t I nd ia next w eek, sou rc es w ith d irect kno wledg e of the m atter said, in what could be his first visit in two years at a time when the com pany faces legal challeng es i n the country
The sources said Altman has scheduled his trip to New Delhi for Feb 5 One of the sources said a meeting with govt officials was also on the cards
But the schedule is not finalised and his plans could still change, the people said OpenAI, IT ministry and PMO did not respond to requests for comment
OpenAI has said India is its second-largest market by number of users, after the US Altman visited India in 2023 when he met PM Modi in New Delhi and discussed the potential of AI in boosting India’s tech
ecosystem
Since then, OpenAI has faced several legal challenges in India A lawsuit against it claiming breaches of copyright began last year after news agency ANI challenged it in a New Delhi court
Book publishers and almost a dozen digital media outlets, including those owned by billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, have also since joined the case OpenAI has said it only uses publicly available data in a manner protected by fair use principles, and has said Indian courts have no jurisdiction to hear the matter Separately, a global tech market rout was triggered this week after the emergence of Chinese AI rival DeepSeek DeepSeek’s AI Assistant has overtaken ChatGPT to become the top rated free app on Apple’s App Store in the US
“Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Pune retained their positions as the top three districts, registering 14mn, 970,000, and 340,000 new investors in 2024, respectively, with all three recording growth rates excee ding 30% Surat climbed two spots to become the fourth-largest district for new investor registrations, recording a 66 9% increase to 330,000 investors in 2024, contributing to a 20bps rise in its share of total registrations Ahmedabad held the fifth spot,
registering a 58 8% increase in new investors,” the report said
“New demat account opening and trading have become easier with the use of technology Most investors participate in IPOs, and it is also a reason for the higher number of new investors The number of young investors is increasing steadily, and female participation is also on the rise in the stock market because the new generation does not invest in traditional investment options like fixed deposits,” said Viral Mehta, west zone head of a leading stock broking firm The NSE data revealed that Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat collectively represented 35 6% of nationwide new investor registrations in 2024
Reliance brings Shein back to India after 2020 ban
Shein, the global fashion brand, has made its return to India with a dedicated mobile app, nearly five years after being banned in 2020 The app, launched by Reliance Retail, is now available on Android and iOS, initially serving customers in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru A nationwide rollout is planned in the coming months
Shein was among several Chinese apps banned by the Indian government in 2020 due to concerns over data security and national interest Before the ban, the platform had gained popularity for its affordable, trendy clothing, particularly among young shoppers Its sudden exit left a gap in the Indian fast-fashion market, later filled by local brands and international competitors like H&M and Zara
In 2023, Shein announced its re-entry into India through a strategic partnership with Reliance Retail Under this agreement, Shein does not hold any equity in the Indian operations Instead, Reliance Retail has full control over manufacturing, operations, and data sovereignty, while Shein functions as a technology partner and earns a licensing fee for brand usage
Unlike its previous business model, where Shein imported products, the new venture relies entirely on local manufacturing All Shein-branded products sold in India will be designed and produced by Indian manufacturers, in line with the government’s “Make in India” initiative
The pricing remains competitive, with dresses starting at Rs 199, making it accessible to budget-conscious shoppers
This positions Shein as a strong player in India’s growing fast-fashion segment
a
India's
I N D I A ' S B U D G E T 2025 Major tax relief, boost for startups and farmers
Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introduces the most significant tax exemption in over two decades Under the new tax regime, individuals earning up to Rs 12,00,000 annually will pay no income tax, offering major relief to the salaried middle class.
W i t h t h e s t a n d a r d d e d u c t i o n o f R s 75,000, the exemption for salaried taxpayers rises to Rs 12,75,000, continuing the Modi government’s trend of easing the tax burden on middle-class earners
The latest tax exemption marks a significant increase from the Rs 700,000 limit in 2023, the largest rise since 2005
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed it as Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the middle class On X, he wrote, "The middle class is always in PM Modi's heart Zero Income Tax up to Rs 12,00,000 will greatly
e
Congratulations to all the beneficiaries "
i n g
Tax-free incomes up to 12,00,000
To boost household consumption and d e m a n d , S i t h a r a m a n a n n o u n c e d t h a t incomes up to ₹12,00,000 will be tax-free With the standard deduction of ₹75,000, the revised limit under the new tax regime is now
₹12,75,000
To ease tax burdens for small taxpayers, Sitharaman proposed a revision in tax slabs and measures to rationalize TDS and TCS structures The new structure aims to reduce taxes for the middle class, increasing disposable income to boost consumption, savings, and investment Under the revised slabs, incomes up to ₹400,000 will be tax-free, w h i l e t h e h i g h e s t s l a b f o r i n c o m e s o
₹24,00,000 will have a 30% tax rate For example, a ₹12,00,000 income will benefit f r o m ₹ 8 0 , 0 0 0 i n t
₹18,00,000 earners will save ₹70,000
Budget boosts farmers and MSMEs with new initiatives
F
m
announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in 100 underperforming districts, aimed at benefiting 17mn farmers The Kisan Credit Card scheme was
extended, with the short-term loan limit increased from ₹300,000 to 500,000, helping 77mn farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers Sitharaman also introduced the Mission for Pulses Self-Reliance, a six-year initiative to boost productivity and farm i Additionally, the Rural Prospe Resilience Programme was se support rural women, young ers, and marginalised commun New measures to enhance e of doing business
several measures to enhance
the FDI cap in insurance for
announced the creation of a KYC registry, faster approval cesses for company mergers,
Experts welcomed the move increase FDI and the establ ment of a ₹100 billion fund support startups This fund provide loans up to £200,00 first-time entrepreneurs, wi
Castes, and Scheduled Tribes
Slew of projects for Bihar
cuits and medical tourism facilities, alongside a significant increase in the tourism ministry’s budget to £254 10mn for 2025-26, up from £85 03mn in 2024-25
Wearing a Madhubani saree from Bihar's Mithila region, Sitharaman announced several key projects for Bihar ahead of this year's Assembly elections Among the initiatives were the establishment of a Makhana board, a
Entrepreneurship and Management, and the expansion of Patna airport, including a new brownfield airport Additionally, she highlighted support for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in Mithilanchal, which aims to benefit farmers cultivating 50,000 hectares of land Development in the tourism sector
Sitharaman unveiled a plan to transform 50 destinations into world-class tourist hubs as part of the Union Budget 2025 This initiative includes the development of Buddhist cir-
Sitharaman emphasised that the tourism i l l f c u s o n e m p l o y m e n t - l e d tes required to contribute ucture Key initiatives also d i n g M U D R A l o a n s t o i s a f a c i l i t a t i o n , v i s a f e e select groups, and the f the ‘Heal in India’ proor medical tourism
T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s osted infrastructure funding, with the Swadesh Darshan scheme receivi n g £ 1 9 0 m n , u p f r o m £35mn last year, while the RASHAD scheme for pilmage tourism remains at 4mn T h e E c o n o m i c S u r v e y 024-25, released before the u d g e t , r e v e a l e d t h a t ourism contributed 5% to DP in FY23, with 76 milon jobs created and intera t i o n a l t o u r i s t a r r i v a l s turning to pre-pandemic s India captured 1 45% of al arrivals in 2023, earning $ llion in foreign exchange and ranking 14th in tourism receipts
A key announcement was the launch of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, aimed at preserving India’s manuscript heritage The initiative will involve academic institutions, museums, and private collectors to document and cons e r v e o v e r 1 0 m n m a n u s c r i p t s , c r e a t i n g a
National Digital Repository for India’s intellectual heritage
Plans for other sectors
India Inc found little to celebrate in this budget, with no major tax cuts or incentives f o r M N C s W h i l e M S M E s r e c e i v e d s o m e attention, large industries and multinationals saw limited benefits, lacking significant corporate tax cuts or regulatory relaxations to boost competitiveness
£25 5bn, slightly lower than the previous fiscal’s £26 2bn, potentially slowing expansion projects
Sitharaman announced healthcare measures, including 200 day care cancer centres, 10,000 new medical seats by 2025-26, and 5
However, these were seen as insufficient, given India’s low healthcare spending of 3 3% of GDP, compared to 5 4% in China and 16% in the US
whelmed by the budget, which included
incentives for EV batteries and solar PV cells, but lacked significant reform
Major boost to defence spending
Sitharaman earmarked £68 1bn for the Ministry of Defence for the financial year 2025–26, a 9 55% increase from the £62bn allocated last year The budget is a testament
strengthen military preparedness as India navigates an ongoing standoff with China while also addressing security concerns along its western border with Pakistan In addition to operational challenges, the Ministry of Defence is making efforts to ensure the welfare of both active and retired personnel
Revenue expenditure typically covers the daily operational costs of the armed forces, including salaries, equipment maintenance, ammunition, and other consumables The rise in allocation reinforces India’s commitment to keeping its armed forces battle-ready and capable of responding to emerging security threats
The capital outlay for 2025–26 has been set at £18bn, compared to £17 2bn in the previous fiscal year This funding is crucial for the modernisation of the armed forces and the
ment, and weaponry
Another key aspect of the budget is the l a r g e r c o n t r i b u
which have risen from £14 1bn in 2024–25 to £16bn in 2025–26, marking a 13 5% increase The allocation would ensure financial security for retired defence personnel and their families, reinforcing the government’s commitment to their welfare
Key tax changes impacting NRIs and foreign investors
Anusha Singh
(NRIs) and foreign investors To offer tax clarity, the government proposed a presumptive taxation regime for foreign entities providing services to Indian electronics manufacturers A safe harbour provision has also been i m p
storing components for supply to designated electronics units.
A key reform in this budget
(LTCG) tax rates for non-residents, i
Investors (FIIs), with those for resident taxpayers Sitharaman highlighted, "This will bring parity in the taxation of capital gains from the transfer of securities between
e s i
t s , including FIIs " Further, tax exemptions under Section 10(4H) have been extended to cover capital gains from the transfer of equity shares in ship
l e a s i n g c o m
Centres (IFSCs) for non-residents A d
Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in IFSCs will now be tax-exempt, subject to conditions
Stricter Compliance and Reporting for NRIs B u d g e t 2 0 2 5
d u c e s enhanced tax compliance for NRIs, especially affecting students and young professionals abroad The government's focus on fiscal transparency and alignment with international tax norms means more scrutiny of income earned abroad
Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) will require Indian students and professionals working overseas to declare their foreign earnings in India, even if they have no domestic income sources This change aims to curb tax evasion but could complicate tax filings for NRIs
threshold for taxation was reduced from 182 days to 120 days in Budget 2020 for high-income individuals
Budget 2025 proposes tightening these rules, making it harder for individuals with significant financial ties to India to maintain their
higher tax liabilities
The government also plans to
with countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia to close tax
raising withholding tax rates on foreign remittances and imposing
ments for tax relief claims These changes may complicate financial transactions for NRIs, requiring
unforeseen liabilities
Raghavend ra Rau, Professor of F i
U
o f Cambridge, noted, “The stricter NRI tax regulations in the 2025 B u d
w
o m p l i c a t e l i f e f o r Indians in the UK Expanded datasharing means UK-based Indians must now report their earnings to I n d i a n a u t h o r i t i e s , e v e n i f t h e y have limited connections to India
Tighter residency definitions could
m e a s Indian residents for tax purposes, l e a d i n g t o d u a l t a x o b l i g a t i o n s Businesses may also face shortt e r m c h a l l e n g e s d u e t o t h e s e changes ” Impact on Students and Professionals
I n d i a n s t u d e n t s a n d p r o f e ssionals working abroad may face increased tax obligations and double taxation risks due to the stricter regulations NRIs will need to be more diligent in managing their financial affairs to avoid penalties a n d e n s u r e c o m p l
h Indian tax laws
A major change is the requirement for more detailed financial reporting, including declarations of overseas earnings, investments, and bank accounts Non-compliance could lead to penalties under anti-tax evasion laws, adding to the financial burden for those balanc-
countries
Remittances to India under the L
(LRS) could also face more stringent compliance checks, particularly for large transactions, potentially causing delays or administrative hurdles for students or professionals sending money to family members or making investments
Those who have worked abroad and plan to return to India must disclose foreign assets such as savings, stocks, or property invest-
assets could result in severe penalties under the Black Money Act
Dr Vinish Kathuria, Professor (Economics) at IIT Bombay, said, “Students planning to remain in the UK post-graduation or young professionals may face increased tax obligations and potential double taxation risks if their finances
returning NRIs who
could face taxation and penalties on repatriated funds ” In light of these changes, NRIs, particularly students and professionals, will need to reassess their financial strategies to ensure compliance while minimising tax liabilities
Dr Vinish Kathuria
Prof Raghavendra Rau
Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman
in brief
ELON MUSK’S MOM DEFENDS USHA VANCE
Elon Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, recently praised Usha Vance: She is even more lovely, smart and charming This was in response to a social media post highlighting the lack of recognition for Usha Vance the first Indian American and Hindu to serve as the Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance married to Vice President JD Vance has faced racist online attacks particularly from the MAGA circle due to her Hindu faith despite being married to a Christian This is not the first time her background has been scrutinized
FRESNO CITY TO NAME SCHOOL AFTER A SIKH
Fresno’s Central Unified School District has made history by naming a new elementary school after a Sikh The school board voted 6-1 on January 28 to name the new campus, located at Shields and Brawley avenues, Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary When it opens in August 2025, it will be the first public school in North America named after a person of Sikh descent The district serves a large Punjabi Sikh community, with 1,700 students identifying as Punjabi/Southeast Asian, according to The Fresno Bee Punjabi students are expected to make up 9% of the new school’s enrollment, it added
9 INDIANS KILLED IN SAUDI ROAD ACCIDENT
In an unfortunate incident, 15 people, including nine Indian nationals, were killed in a road accident near Jizan in western Saudi Arabia The information was shared by the Indian mission in Jeddah “The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is providing full support and is in touch with the authorities and families,” reads the statement According to reports, the accident took place when the 26 workers were travelling in a bus to their worksite in the southern port city of Jizan when their bus collided with a trailer Among the 15 who were killed nine were Indians and the remaining six included three each from Nepal and Ghana Those injured have been rushed to the hospital
INDIAN STUDENT KILLED IN CHICAGO ROAD CRASH
Mohammed Wajid a 28-year-old student from Hyderabad and an active member of the Telangana Youth Congress was killed in a road accident Wajid who was studying in Chicago, was driving a semi-truck when he failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a grain truck, according to the Iowa state patrol The impact caused Wajid s vehicle to strike the rear of the grain truck, splitting it in half The crash also ignited a fire in nearby fields Emergency responders rushed Wajid to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead The driver of the grain truck, Timothy Wilkin, escaped unharmed Wajid was an active member of the NRI Minority Congress Committee in the US and remained closely involved with the Telangana Youth Congress in Hyderabad
TRUMP FIRES CONSUMER BUREAU DIRECTOR
ROHIT CHOPRA
Rohit Chopra head of the top watchdog agency for consumer finance submitted his resignation after President Donald Trump fired him overnight according a resignation letter he posted online and a person familiar with the situation Chopra s resignation ends a term at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in which he spent years sparring with the financial sector under former President Joe Biden The Trump administration has not announced a replacement, but US Senator Tim Scott, the chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said that he expected an announcement soon on who will take over from Chopra
BAPS opens Mandir, cultural complex in Johannesburg
J OH A NN E SB UR G: The BAPS Shri Swami naray an H in du Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg, officially opened its doors following a sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony, led by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of BAPS This sacred ritual marks the spiritual inauguration of the Mandir, as deities are ceremo ni ally i nfused wi th di vi ne pres enc e, tra nsf or mi ng the temple into a sanctified place of worship, transforming statue into murti
As the largest Mandir and cultural complex in the Southern Hemisphere, this spiritual landmark stands as a beacon of unity, heritage, and interfaith dialogue BAPS is currently hosting a 12-day Festival of Hope and Unity, a grand celebration of art, culture, and heritage that beautifully weaves together the deep-rooted connections between Indian and African traditions
Deputy President Paul Mashatile attended the event and met with His Holiness
Mahant Swami Maharaj, praising the Mandir’s contribution to multiculturalism and interfaith harmony in South Africa He
A historic contribution to South Africa
commended the temple’s role in strengthening the country’s cultural diversity and fostering understanding among communities
Spanning 5 9 hectares with over 37,000 square meters of built-up space, the Mandir and cultural complex represent a significant investment by the Indian community in South Africa It serves as:
• A Jewel of Hope and Unity – A landmark that unites people of all backgrounds in peace and harmony
• A Home for Arts, Culture, and Spirituality – Showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and the rich heritage of Hindu traditions
• A Hub for Multicultural and Inter-religious Dialogue –
Promoting understanding and collaboration across faiths A Lasting Legacy
Constructed with the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, the Mandir is a testament to selfless service and devotion
The site also embraces environmental sustainability, with over 100 trees planted as part of BAPS’ commitment to ecological responsibility
With its official inauguration, the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex becomes a spiritual and cultural milestone for South Africa, inspiring generations to come
Human Rights Watch highlights violence against Hindus in Bangladesh
DH AKA: Reports of attacks on Hindu minorities since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina govt have rai s ed i n ter nat ion al c onc e rn, Human Ri ghts Watch (HRW) said
In its report titled ‘After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh’, the New York-based HRW stated that commentators in Bangladesh have informed the organisation that Hindus and other religious minorities were attacked because they traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League Some reports of such attacks have been “exaggerated” on social media, causing panic,
but the uptick in violence against the Hindu community is real, the report added Even as Hindu groups allege “hundreds of incidents” of vandalism targeting their businesses, homes and places of worship, the interim govt has confirmed that only 88 cases of communal violence were registered between Aug 5 and Oct 22, with 70 people arrested HRW also found a “disturbing pattern” of security force abuses re-emerging after Hasina’s ouster, this time targeting former Awami League supporters, including journalists Police are again “ arbitrarily detaining” people and filing
7,000 Indian students overstayed in 2023, flouting US visa rules
WASHINGTON: India had the highest number of student visa overstays in the US last year, with 7,000 Indian students staying beyond their permitted time, according to US immigration expert Jessica M Vaughan In comparison, Brazil and China, the next highest on the list, each had around 2,000 students overstaying their visas
Speaking before the US House Committee on the Judiciary, Vaughan warned that student and exchange visitor visas, especially F-1 (for academic students) and M-1 (for vocational students), have some of the highest overstay rates among all temporary visas
Vaughan, a policy analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies, argued that the current system is too lax and allows students to abuse their visa status She called for stricter enforcement, requiring students to prove they intend to return home after their studies She also criticized the “dual intent” policy, which lets student visa holders express interest in staying in the US after graduation
Programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allow international students to work in the US after completing their education, were also flagged as vulnerable to fraud
Vaughan recommended tighter controls and stricter standards for schools issuing I-20 forms, which are necessary for student visa applications Schools with high overstay rates, she said, should lose their authorization to sponsor foreign students
Beyond student visas, Vaughan pushed for major reforms to work visa programs, including H-1B visas She proposed cutting the total number of H-1B visas to 75,000 annually and prioritizing higher-paying employers She also suggested reducing the visa duration for specialty occupations to two years with limited extensions
mass criminal complaints against unnamed individuals, which allows the police to threaten virtually anyone with arrest, the rights group said
The interim govt has embarked on much-needed institutional reforms, but recent cases of arbitrary arrests and reprisal violence underscore the need for long-term systemic reforms, HRW said The 50-page report offered recommendations saying the govt should seek technical assistance, monitoring, and reporting by the office of the high commissioner for human rights and other UN rights experts to ensure lasting reforms “ Bangladeshis lost lives fighting for democracy , ” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW “This hard-won progress could all be lost if the interim govt does not create swift and structural reforms that can withstand any repression by future govts ”
M ONTREAL : Canada has failed to take m eaningfu l ac tio n to address s ystem ic abu ses i n a decades-old foreign worker programme, subjecting thousands of labo ure rs to an “ i nherently exp lo itati ve ” s ystem , Am nesty International says In a 71-page report, the rights group outlined a wide range of abuses linked to the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP), from wage theft to excessive work hours, racist abuse and violence Many of the violations are related to the labourers’ “closed” work permits, which tie them to their employers and leave them open to exploitation, Amnesty said Workers typically do not speak out due to a fear of reprisals
“Exploitation, discrimination and abuse are integral features, not bugs, of the Temporary Foreign Worker programme, ” Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary general of Amnesty International
Canada’s English-speaking section, said in a statement
“Cosmetic changes are not enough Our leaders must implement the reforms required to bring the programme in line with Canada’s human rights obligations – and, ultimately, to respect the rights of workers ” Launched in the 1970s, Canada’s foreign worker programmes have come under increased scrutiny in recent years as former and current labourers denounced their treatment In 2022, a group of workers from Jamaica wrote a letter likening conditions on farms in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, to “ systematic slavery”
A year later, a United Nations special rapporteur said the TFWP schemes “ make migrant workers vulnerable to contemporary forms of slavery, as they cannot report abuses without fear of deportation”
A karyakar applies a chandlo to a devotee
Kash Patel thrills Indians – greets family with 'Jai Shri Krishna'
WASHINGTON: FBI director nominee Kash Patel seemingly dis tanced h imsel f fr o m
P r esident D onal d Tr u mp
s blanket pardon o f Januar y 6 r io t er s du ring h is Senat e co nfir mat ion hear ing, t el ling lawmakers he does not support commuting sentences for those wh o c ommi tt ed vi ol ence against law enforcement
“I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence
o f a n y i n d i v i d u a l w h o committed violence against law enforcement,” Patel said His
s
most significant breaks from a
M A G A
Patel will need both moderate and conservative support for confirmation
T r u m p s h o c k
Washington earlier this month when he issued approximately 1,500 pardons related to the C a p i
Patel reportedly arrived at his
redirected blame to President Joe Biden for issuing pardons in h
according to Fox News
D
honoring his Indian heritage, thanking his parents - Pramod and Anjana Patel - who flew from India for the hearing as
with “Jai Shri Krishna ” A video clip also showed him touching their feet
has continued to promote false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and that bureaucrats
worked to undermine Trump He also authored a series of
wizard-like figure and the king was ostensibly Trump
Kash Patel's girlfriend revealed
Kash Patel, former President Donald Trump’s FBI nominee, appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing last week, joined by a close circle of friends and family seated in the front row Among them was his girlfriend, country music singer Alexis Wilkins, who s
Switzerland before being primarily raised in Arkansas
The attendees also included Alina Habba, Ric Grenell Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions along with Patel’s sister and parents, who travelled from India to witness the proceedings In a show of support, Patel sat behind Wilkins, confirming their relationship, as reported by the Daily Mail A source revealed that the couple first met at a conservative ReAwaken America event in October 2022 and began dating in January 2023
Richard Verma appointed as distinguished fellow at alma mater, Lehigh University
B ETH LE HE M: Lehi gh
Un ive rsi ty has appo i nted
Richard Verma, former US Amb ass ado r to Indi a and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, a s i ts f irs t Pres ide nt’s D i sti ngu i shed Fe llo w A 1990 Lehigh graduate and f o rmer u ni vers i ty tr us tee, Verma began his six-month appointment on February 1, 2025 In this role, Verma will m e n t o r s t u d e n t s , l e a d discussions on global and n a t i o n
leadership insights He will v i s i t L e h i g h ’ s B e t h
m p u s a
programmes in New York City and Washington, DC Lehigh President Joseph
HOUSTON: NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams set a new milestone on January 30, sur pa ssin g f or me r a str ona ut Pe ggy W hit son ’ s record for tota l spacewalk in g time Williams has now spent more than 60 h ours an d 21 min ute s out sid e the In te rn a tion al Spa ce St at ion (ISS ), performing extravehicular activities
W i l l i a m s , p a r t o f E x p e d i t i o n 7 2 , conducted the spacewalk to maintain ISS
h a r d w a r e a n d c o l l e c t s u r f a c e m a t e r i a l samples from the Destiny laboratory and Quest airlock The mission, the 92nd US spacewalk, was live streamed by NASA She was joined by astronaut Butch Wilmore, marking her ninth spacewalk and his fifth The two astronauts, who arrived at the ISS in 2024, are scheduled to complete their
J Helble highlighted the
appointment, stating that his career in government
opportunities Verma, who attended Lehigh on an Air
p , expressed his excitement
the university “Lehigh has been a key part of my life for o
international issues shaping today’s world,” he said
mission in March 2025 Meanwhile, their return to Earth has become a point of political debate President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social, that the astronauts, had been “abandoned in space ” by the Joe Biden administration H o w e v e r ,
Wilmore and Williams as “stranded” has
delayed, they were never in danger and c
SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule They remain on schedule to return with the Crew 9 mission at the end of March, completing nearly 300 days in space Any early return, NASA officials noted, could disrupt ISS operations by leaving only one US astronaut aboard
Trump lists India among nations ‘harming US’ over tariff
W AS H I N G T O N : US Pr es id ent Don al d Trump has said that PM Narendra Modi will do “what is right” on illegal immigrants, underlining that discussions are going on with India Trump was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida He also mentioned that Modi is likely to visit the White House in Feb
T r u m p t o l d H o u s e R e p u b l i c a n s a t a Florida retreat that the US would impose tariffs on countries that “harm” America, naming China, India, and Brazil as hightariff countries “We’re going to put tariffs on outside countries and outside people that really mean harm to us Look at what others
do China is a tremendous tariff maker, and I
countries So, we ’ re not going to let that happen any longer because we ’ re going to put America first,” he said
conversation with Modi in which, as the White House said in a statement, Trump c a
p
procurement of American made security e
bilateral trading relationship ” The leaders discussed plans for PM Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations, said the White House
Two Indian origins among 67 killed in US plane collision
W A S HI N G T O N : At lea st two Indian origin people are among the 67 people killed in a co llisi on between an arm y helicopter and a jetliner at Washington’s Ro n ald R eagan N ati on al Airport, according to reports Vikesh Patel, a GE aerospace engineer and Asra Hussain Raza, a Washington DCbased consultant were on the doomed American Airlines flight 5342 that collided with the army helicopter as it approached the airport last week Patel, from Greater Cincinnati, had recently switched jobs at t h e c o m p a n y a n d w a s a n M R O Transformational Leader who travelled a r o u n d t h e c o u n t r y , a c c o r d i n g t o h i s LinkedIn page
In a statement to FOX19, Larry Culp, c h a i r m a n a n d C E O o f G E A e r o s p a c e , identified the employee as Patel “This is a tragedy not only for our industry but also for the GE Aerospace team as one of our cherished colleagues, Vikesh Patel, was onboard the flight,” he said “Our hearts are with his family and all those impacted by this horrific accident ” Raza, 26, was one of several victims killed, her father-in-law, Dr Hashim Raza, said A daughter of Indian immigrants, Raza graduated with honours in 2020 from Indiana University and married her college sweetheart in Aug 2023, Hashim said Raza was a Washington, DC-based consultant who travelled to Wichita twice a month to w o r k o n a t u r n a r o u n d p r o j e c t f o r a h o s p i t a l t h e r e , h e r f a t h e r - i n - l a w s a i d Raza’s husband said his wife texted him that she was about to land, but by the time he got to the airport to pick her up, his life had changed forever T h e c o
e r t h e helicopter apparently flew into the path of the American Airlines regional jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National A
members, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the accident President Donald
T r u m p t o l d a W h
e H o u s e n
conference that no one survived “We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital
in brief DOUBTS OVER VIVEK'S EXIT FROM DOGE
Radio host Charlamagne Tha God pressed Vivek Ramaswamy on his departure from the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) casting doubt on his explanation During an interview, Charlamagne questioned whether Ramaswamy was forced out of DOGE, which he was supposed to co-lead with Elon Musk Ramaswamy now eyeing a run for Ohio governor insisted the decision was mutual “It was a slightly different vision from where we started to where we landed ” Ramaswamy said Charlamagne argued citing reports that suggested Ramaswamy was pushed out due to disagreements with Musk I would say that we arrived at it pretty mutually, Ramaswamy reiterated
INDIAN, 19 OTHERS DIE AS CHINESE JET CRASHES IN SUDAN
A small plane chartered by a Chinese oil company crashed in a remote part of South Sudan, killing 20 people One passenger survived The flight chartered by Greater Pioneer Operating Co had 21 people on board, including two pilots, when it crashed while taking off near an oil field in Unity state as it headed to the South Sudanese capital Local media reports said the passengers were oil company workers The UN-affiliated Radio Miraya citing the flight manifest said the victims were mostly South Sudanese and included one Indian and two Chinese nationals Authorities did not confirm the identities of the victims It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the crash
18 SOLDIERS, 23 MILITANTS KILLED IN PAK ATTACKS
At least 18 soldiers were killed and five including two civilians injured after separatist militants launched overnight attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province the military s media affairs wing said adding that 23 terrorists were also gunned down in sanitisation operations following the assaults The incident took place in Mangochar town, in Balochistan s Kalat district when militants attempted to establish roadblocks in the area, Inter-Services Public Relations, the army’s media wing, said
PAK SENATE OKAYS BILL ON REGULATING SOCIAL MEDIA
Pakistan’s upper house of parliament passed a controversial bill that critics argue is designed to suppress freedom of speech The bill which was passed by the lower house earlier grants the govt extensive powers to impose heavy fines and incarcerate social media users for spreading disinformation Journalists rallied against the bill in major cities, including Islamabad and Lahore The approval by the Senate removes the last obstacle in the bill s path It will now be sent to the President Asif Ali Zardari, who is likely to sign it quickly Under the act, authorities would create an agency with the power to order the immediate blocking of content deemed “unlawful and offensive ”
IRAN TEST-FIRES ANTIWARSHIP CRUISE MISSILE
Iran test-fired an anti-warship cruise missile with a range of 1 000 km capable of reaching US navy ships in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman state TV reported “This is a Ghadr-380 mile type L It has over 1 000-km range It has anti-jamming capability,” said Gen Ali Reza Tangsiri, the head of the navy of the Revolutionary Guard, in a report that showed an underground missile facility on the southern coast of Iran The report elaborated neither on warhead that the missile carried nor the time of the test The report said the new weapon was a “sophisticated missile,” without elaborating The missile was launched from central Iran into the Sea of Oman, it said
Richard Verma Sunita Williams breaks spacewalking record
Kash Patel & Alexis Wilkins
25mn take holy dip as Naga Sadhus lead Amrit Snan at Kumbh
N aga Sadhus led the thi rd
a n d f i n a l A m r i t Sn a n of
M aha Kumbh at sunrise on M onday All 13 a kharas an d m ore than 2 5mn devotees partic ipated in the sac red
b at h i n g ri tu a l a t T r i ve n i Sangam on the f inal day of
B a s a n t Pa n c h a m i , w hi c h
s tr e t c he d f r om 9 1 4a m Sunday to 6 52 pm Monday
The two-day event saw the total count of pilgrims taking a holy dip surpass 38mn, with the overall number of visitors to Maha Kumbh exceeding 370mn since Kumbh began on Jan 13 Authorities anticipate that the figure will cross 500mn before the festival concludes on Feb 26
Security was tightened following the tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29), which resulted in 30 deaths and left 60 injured The security setup and crowd-control measures ensured that the
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck
Basant Panchami Amrit Snan concluded peacefully
At 3 30am, UP CM Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting from the “ war room ” at his Lucknow residence, personally monitoring the situation at the mela grounds “This grand event fosters the spirit of peace, prosperity, and harmony in society,” the CM said, extending greetings to the seers and pilgrims
The acharyas and mahamandaleshwars of the 13 akharas arrived in regal fashion, seated atop elaborately decorated chariots mounted on tractor trolleys, followed by long processions of ascetics First to reach the Sangam was Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani, with the rest following in a disciplined flow
Bhutan King takes holy dip with UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday Bhutan King accompanied by Yogi Adityanath arrived in Prayagraj to attend the Kumbh Mela Earlier in the day, Yogi Adityanath welcomed Jigme Wangchuck at Lucknow Airport and presented him a bouquet of flowers The two dignitaries then boarded the plane for travelling to Prayagraj
Gujarat making strong pitch to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games
Ev en as Ahmed abad ey es host in g the 2036 O lym pics, Gujar at is mak ing a str ong pitch to host the 2030 Common wea lt h G ame s ( CWG), ca pitalisin g on t he on going constr uct ion of spor ts infrast ructure in Ahme dabad and Ga ndhina gar , t op g ovt sources said
A high-level presentation was made at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Chris Jenkins, who was accompanied by officials of the Athletics Federation of India Sources within the CMO revealed that Jenkins was informed that an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the city’s bid was likely to be formally submitted to the CGF by March 2025
“A crucial phase will follow, with initial site visits scheduled between April 1 and Aug 31 to allow CGF General Assembly authorities to assess the proposal The final bidding process for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is set to conclude in Nov 2025, ” said a senior official of the state sports, youth and cultural activities department
“Before making the CWG 2030 proposal, the state govt also submitted to Jenkins that a thorough analysis was undertaken on the planning, distinct achievements, and infrastructure of the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games to understand elements of hosting the CW games, ” added the senior official
The official also revealed that while making Gujarat’s case, the venues for the games were identified as SVP Enclave (aquatics, boxing, basketball, gymnastics, kabaddi), Karai Sports Hub (athletics, triathlon), Naranpura Sports Complex (badminton, table tennis, judo), Statue of Unity (beach volleyball, mountain cycling), Narendra Modi Stadium (cricket), IIT Gandhinagar (road cycling, hockey), Gujarat University (netball, shooting), Trans stadia Eka Arena (rugby, e-sports, yoga), Mahatma Mandir (weightlifting, wrestling), and the Vijayi Bharat Foundation for archery
“It’s not the CWG of 2030 alone, but we also have plans in the pipeline to host single and multi-sports events which are already awarded or in the bidding process ” said the senior official in the youth and sports department
30 die in stampede
At least 30 pilgrims died and over 60 were injured in a stampede on Akhara Marg on Wednesday last after a rush of visitors converging on Sangam for a dip in the opening hours of Maha Kumbh's Mauni Amavasyathe most auspicious period in the 45-day event's calendar - led to barricades collapsing and opened the gateway to chaos for close to an hour
Among the deceased, one belongs to Gujarat and is believed to be Mahesh Somabhai Patel from a village in Visnagar, Mehsana district The 1-2am tragedy capped a crowd management nightmare, marked by over 120mn pilgrims swamping the Maha Kumbh area over the past three days leading to Mauni Amavasya Nearly 55mn had taken a dip in the waters of Sangam by late Tuesday, official data confirmed As the night wore on, the congregation grew
200 Indians deported from US will land at Punjab's Amritsar airport
A US military p lane is at present enroute to Ind ia, carrying a batch of 200 illegal
sources said M
President He took over on January 20
The US is using a C-17 Globemaster military plane, which is expected to refuel at Ramstein air base in Germany during its journey before landing at Amritsar
It is for the first time that the US is using a military plane to deport illegal
migrants to India In the past, all deportations to India have been on board commercial planes The C17 uses jet engines like regular commercial planes; has a toilet on board and seats are configured for movement of US troops The Indian Air Force uses the same plane
A US Embassy spokesperson in New Delhi said, “United States is vigorously enforcing its border,
tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk ” In November 2024, the US has shared a list of 18,000 illegal migrants who need to be deported to India
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already made it clear that India does not bat for illegal migration In January, when Jaishankar visited the US for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, he had said that India supports legal mobility because it believes in a global workplace
Air India launches Wi-Fi on domestic flights
Ai r Indi a has launch ed in-f light Wi- Fi o n i ts
Ai rbu s A350, Boeing 787- 9, and selec t A321neo aircraft, making it the first airline to of fer WiFi on d omestic fli ghts withi n Indi a
In July, Vistara became the first airline to offer Wi-Fi on international flights, before merging with Air India in November The Department of Telecom later announced that Wi-Fi would be available only when devices are permitted above 10,000 feet in Indian airspace
Air India’s Wi-Fi rollout on domestic flights follows an initial programme on international routes operated by its Airbus A350, select A321neo, and Boeing 787-9 aircraft to destinations like New York, London, Paris, and Singapore The service is currently complimen-
tary for an introductory period, with plans for broader fleet expansion Air India's in-flight Wi-Fi will allow passengers to connect multiple devices above 10,000 feet, enabling them to browse the internet, access social media, catch up on work, or text loved ones
Additionally, Air India plans to discontinue its direct Kochi-London flights in March, affecting many Malayalis in the UK The move will end the only direct connection between Kerala and the UK, forcing passengers to rely on alternative routes via Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru The airline currently operates three weekly flights to London Gatwick from Kochi, as well as from Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Goa
SOUTH INDIA
SC rejects plea seeking direction to recall TN governor
N E W D E L H I : T h e
S upreme C ourt in its order rej ected a plea filed by a lawyer seeking a directio n
t o t h e S ec ret ary o f t h e
P r es i d en t o f I nd ia an d
o t h ers to im m ed i a tel y
r ec al l T am i l N ad u
Go v erno r RN Rav i, after f i nd i n g " no m e ri t" an d noting that the prayer w as " ill-conceived "
The two-judge bench of the apex court, led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, rejected the petition filed by Tamil Nadu-based lawyer, C R Jaya Sukin, after noting that there was no merit in the plea "We cannot grant such prayers Plea dismissed Prayers ill-conceived," the CJI said, in the order on Monday Sukin, in his petition, said the Governor walked out without delivering his customary address in the Legislative Assembly on January 6, marking a hat-trick of walkouts by the governor
The Governor claimed that the national anthem was not played, as
PUNJAB
per his request, at the beginning of his official address Instead, the Tamil Nadu State anthem, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu (Invocation to Mother Tamil), was sung, the plea said "Since taking over as Tamil Nadu Governor, Ravi has made charged political comments, ignoring the rules of conduct of the Governor's chair He has termed the Dravidian model of governance an expired ideology He has held up legislation by refusing to give his assent to Bills On occasion, he has sent back Bills or withheld the Bills," the plea, of Sukin filed before the Supreme Court, said The plea stated that the Governor's open criticism of Dravidian culture and governance contradicts the Constitution, as the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench has stated that the Governor cannot engage in political matters and may only perform the functions specified in the Constitution
Cross-voting helps BJP to win Chandigarh mayoral polls
C HNA D IGA RH : In a politically charged co ntest, simmering tensions w ithin bo th the Aam Aadmi Party (A AP) and Congress, co upled w ith the fractured unity of their all i anc e, all o w ed t h e Bh ara ti ya J a nat a Party ( BJP ) to rec laim th e C hand ig arh mayoral seat that it had lost last year after eig ht straight years of control
Harpreet Kaur Babla, 60, secured a narrow but decisive win over AAPCongress candidate Prem Lata, 46, by a razor-thin margin of just two votes in the 35-member municipal corporation
Despite a numerical advantage, the AAP-Congress alliance was plagued by differences and seething internal rifts within both parties, undermining their leaders’ efforts and paving the way for the BJP to exploit the cracks within The INDIA bloc, boasting 20 votes -13 from AAP, six from Congress and MP Manish Tewari’s ex-officio vote - as expected to deliver a comfortable victory
WEST BENGAL
Karnataka allows patient's ‘right to die with dignity’
B E N G A L U R U : K a rna tak a
h ealth minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the state h ealth d epartment has passed a h istoric ord er to imp lement the S upreme Co urt's d irectiv e for a p atient's righ t to die w ith d ignity Taking to the social med ia p o s t ‘ X ’ , h e s tat ed t h at th e d epartment has also co me o ut with an Ad vance Medical Directive (AM D) , or a living w ill, in which a patient can record their w ishes about their medical treatment in the future
“My Karnataka Health Department, @DHFWKA, passes a historic order to implement the Supreme Court's directive for a patients Right to Die with dignity,” he said
The minister said this will immensely benefit those who are terminally ill with no hope of recovery, or are in a persistent vegetative state, and where the patient no longer benefits from life-sustaining treatment “We have also come out with an Advance Medical Directive (AMD), or a living will, in which a patient can record their wishes about their medical treatment in the future,” he said This important step, according to the minister, will bring great relief and a dignified sense of closure to many families and individuals “Karnataka is a progressive state and we are always at the forefront in upholding liberal and equitable values for a more and just society,” he added
However, three crucial cross-votes from within the alliance allowed Harpreet to secure 19 votes, edging out Prem Lata, who managed 17 With the total 36 votes, 19 were needed to win
The election was conducted via secret ballot under the watchful eye of retired Punjab and Haryana high court judge Justice Jaishree Thakur, appointed by the Supreme Court to supervise the process All 36 votes were deemed valid
In a twist of irony, while the AAPCongress alliance fell short on the mayoral seat, the Congress managed to secure the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor positions According to their agreement, AAP had fielded its candidate for the mayor ’ s post, while the Congress contested for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor As it happened, both Congress candidates Jasbir Singh Bunty and Taruna Mehta triumphed in the respective races
After a decade, Teesta bridge gets Bengal nod
K OLK A T A: After mo re than 10 years, th e West Bengal go vernment gave its nod to th e T ee s ta b ri dg e p ro je c t, wh ic h wi l l connect S ikki m and West Bengal Th e ne w br i dg e wi l l no t o nl y h e lp b o o s t to urism, but is also impo rtant fo r strategic purp oses
Sources in the state government said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given the green signal to the Centre for the project and ordered the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a Detail Project Report (DPR) At present, there is only one British-era bridge on the Teesta linking West Bengal and Sikkim
What i s the exi sting bridge over the Teesta?
The Coronation Bridge was built in the memory of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from 1937 to 1941 At that time, its construction cost over Rs 100,000 Its foundation stone was laid by then Bengal Governor John Anderson
The Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017 made the construction of a new bridge more urgent, as the Coronation bridge is the only lifeline for the armed forces to transport necessary equipment to the China and Bhutan
border and military bases
Why has it taken 12 years?
According to officials, Chief Minister Mamata was unhappy with the land acquisition needed for the project
A senior official of the state Home department said, “There were some land acquiring problems that stopped Mamata from giving her go-ahead to this project Mamata is always against forcefully acquiring land However, with the fall of the Hasina government in Bangladesh and China’s increasing presence at the Sikkim border, the security importance of this bridge has become apparent Thus, she has given her nod ” The official also said, “Sikkim is also one of the main tourist destinations for tourists from West Bengal A new bridge will facilitate tourist flow ”
Ahead of Haryana civic polls, Dera chief out on parole again
R ohtak on a 30-day parole The release comes a
c oinc ides wi th D elhi polls
According to records, Ram Rahim has been out of jail for a total of 121 days since Jan 20, 2024 This is the dera chief’s fourth parole or furlough in the last year and his twelfth in the 305 days since becoming eligible for such benefits on Oct 24, 2020
He is serving a sentence following his conviction by a CBI court in Panchkula on Aug 25, 2017, for the rape of two women disciples, for which he received two 20-year prison terms He is also serving a sentence in the murder case of a journalist The timing of his release has drawn attention due to the religious cult’s following and its history of support for BJP The dera claims to have thousands of followers across the country, with a strong influence in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and parts of UP
Classroom ‘wedding’ with student puts Bengal college prof in a spot
Technology has bee
bride and exchanging garl ands wit
dur ing
pur port ed “wedding ps ychodram a ” inside a c lass room
Payal Banerjee, the teacher seen in the videos, said that she had resigned and would be initiating legal action against “ a jealous colleague” allegedly out to malign her She explained that her students conceived the mock wedding as part of a freshers' event on Jan 16, and she agreed to play the main character, unaware that a scandal would arise from videos allegedly shared by an unnamed colleague “The students requested my participation, and I went along with it Other faculty members were aware and approved the programme It was all scripted and light-hearted, with no serious intentions,” she said An e-invitation for the "psychodrama" lists Jan 9 for the “haldi ceremony ” and Jan 14 for “mehndi and sangeet ” The “wedding day” was Jan 20 The events purportedly took place inside the same classroom at the institute's campus in Haringhata, around 60 km from Kolkata
NORTH-EAST
SC seeks forensic report on audio tapes involving Manipur CM
The Supreme Court has sought the submission of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory’s report on the examination of certain audio tapes that allegedly contain statements suggesting that Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh was involved in the state’s ethnic unrest A bench, including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, issued the directive in response to a petition filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, calling for an independent investigation into the audio tapes The case will be heard again in the week starting March 24, 2025 Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, argued that the tapes had been analyzed by “Truth Labs,” which confirmed with over 93% certainty that the voice in the recordings was indeed that of Biren Singh Bhushan claimed that in the recordings, the Chief Minister could be heard admitting to allowing Meitei groups to raid the State’s armoury and ensuring they were shielded from arrest He alleged that these comments were “unfortunately” recorded by someone present at a private meeting and later leaked, stressing that this was a “serious issue” that indicated the Chief Minister’s involvement in encouraging and aiding ethnic violence
CENTRE ISSUES NOTICE TO ULFA, SEEKS RESPONSE WITHIN 30 DAYS
The Central Government has issued a showcause notice under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and its associated factions, wings, and front organisations The notice calls upon ULFA to justify why it should not be declared an unlawful association for a period of five years, effective from November 27, 2024, as per the Gazette notification No S O 5053(E) issued on November 25, 2024 ULFA has been given 30 days from the receipt of the notice to submit a written explanation as to why the organisation should not be classified as unlawful The group has been directed to file its objections or responses before the “Register of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the Matter of the United Liberation Front of Asom ” In addition ULFA has been instructed to appear either through an authorised representative or a designated legal counsel at the tribunal hearing to take place in Courtroom No 2 of the Gauhati High Court (Old Block) This move marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to address unlawful activities under the provisions of the UAPA
SEC ISSUES NOTICE TO TWO MIZORAM MINISTERS
Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) has served show cause notices to two ministers over the alleged breach of model code conduct ahead of village council and local council polls scheduled to be held on February 12 a senior official said State election commissioner H Lalthlangliana said that notices were served to PWD minister Vanlalhlana and sports minister Lalnghinglova Hmar after the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) filed a complaint Apart from the complaint against the two ministers the election commission has not received any other complaint about violation of MCC till Sunday, he said The MNF alleged that a video showing Vanlalhlana campaigning for Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) party candidates in the Durtlang local council from his ministerial office went viral on social media recently The minister violated the MCC provision for virtually campaigning from his office, it said The opposition party also alleged that Hmar had announced development plans and upcoming projects while meeting ZPM candidates in his constituency on January 27, which contravened the MCC provision
Dinesh Gundu Rao
RN Ravi
PM Modi to reach US on Feb 12, to meet Trump next day
PM Nar en dra M odi wi ll
travel to Washington from Paris on Feb 12 for his first b i lat era l m eet in g wi th
Pr es i den t D ona ld Trump after the latter’s inauguration last month His official engagements are scheduled to take place over the next two days, with the summit likely on Feb 13 M
Macron is hosting on Feb 10-11 While Trump too had been invited for the summit, the US is likely to be represented in the meeting by Vice President J D Vance With Trump not travelling to Paris, the bilateral summit with Modi will now take place in the US capital T
h the PM, that he would be visiting the White House in Feb
In what was their first conversation since the Jan
20 inauguration, Trump had r
sticking points in ties
trade a
while pledging cooperation
including through Quad in t h e I n
P
c i f i c T r u m p sought a fair trading relationship with India, in line w
reduce the trade deficit, and e
Modi would do what’s right o
migration
Modi will be among a select group of leaders who will visit the White House in
Nasa clears Indian astronaut's 14-day Axiom-4 mission to Space Station
Nasa has green-lighted the A xiom -4 mission t o b e pil ote d by In dia 's G r oup C apt ain Sh ubh an shu
Shukla The Indian astronaut will be joined by three others on the 14-day mission t o th e Int er na tion a l Space Station
the first month of Trump’s s e c o n d t e r m I s r a e l i P M
Benjamin Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to call on Trump This is likely to be followed by a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II early next week
While there was no official word from either side about the dates for the visit, sources said Trump is likely to host a dinner for Modi
a n d t h a t n o c o m m u n i t y event had been planned for the PM till now As of now, Modi is also not scheduled to travel to any other city A meeting with business leaders isn’t ruled out
Trump administration set to push India to ink more defence deals
Fr om f ig hte r je ts an d armoured combat vehicles to ae ro-en gine s an d m issiles, Trump administration is set to push India to further crank up military purcha se f ro m U S, w hich already stands at well over $25 billion just since 2007
P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d
T r u m p ’ s t r a n s a c t i o n a l approach was evident in his p h o n e c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h
P M N a r e n d r a M o d i l a s t week, where he called upon India to increase its pro-
c u r e m e n t o f U S - o r i g i n weapon systems and platforms
“India will have to nego-
tiate carefully with the new Trump administration US military technology is certainly top-notch, but it will have to dovetail into our p o l i c y o f ‘ M a k e i n I n d i a ’ with foreign collaboration at a reasonable cost India wants co-development and c o - p r o d u c t i o n i n s t e a d o f just outright purchases,” an official said
T r u m p ’ s p u s h c o m e s
b a r e l y f o u r m o n t h s a f t e r India inked a mega $3 3 billion contract with US govt for 31 weaponized MQ-9B ‘Predator’ remotely piloted aircraft, along with another $ 5 2 0 m i l l i o n c o n t r a c t w
General Atomics to set up an MRO facility here
But that was during the l a s t d a y s
f t h e B i d e n administration Trump will want his own pound of flesh in terms of big deals
There are, of course, the o n g o i n g t e c h n o - c o m m e r -
c i a l n e g o t i a t i o n s , w h i c h began last month, for coproduction of the American General Electric F414-INS6
a e r o e n g i n e s w i t h
H i n d u s t a n A e r o
Limited (HAL) in India for Tejas Mark-II fighters The deal will cost around $1 5 billion
FIR filed against Kejriwal hours before the Delhi Assembly elections
H o ur s befo re t h e Del h i Assembly elections, a case has been filed against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Haryana's Shahbad Police Station The complaint, by Jagmohan Manchanda, follows Kejriwal’s claim that t he Har yana go ver nment p oisoned t he Y amu na to disrupt Delhi’s water supply
T h e c a s e , u n d e r t h e
B h a r a t i y a N y a y a S a n h i t a (BNS), includes charges of promoting enmity, spreading false information, making false accusations, and insulting religious beliefs Kejriwal's legal troubles
d e e p e n e d a s a H a r y a n a court summoned him over his remarks, ordering him to appear on February 17
w i t h e v i d e n c e T h e Election Commission had also asked him to substantiate his claims
A
February 5 Delhi elections, Kejriwal told that Yamuna water contained ammonia levels as high as 7 PPM, c
H
dents and challenged Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah to drink the water to prove its safety
R a h u l G a n d h i f l i p p e d the script on Kejriwal, challenging him to drink the
Y a m u n a w a t e r h e c a l l e d "poison" and mocking his unfulfilled pledge to clean the river "Drink a glass of Delhi s water, and we ll see y o u i n t h e h o s p i t a l , h e quipped
PM Modi also hit out at Kejriwal, accusing him of i n s u l t i n g t h e c o u n t r y
Speaking in Delhi, he ques-
t i o n e d w h e t h e r H a r y a n a would poison water its own people drink Kejriwal faces a threew a y c o n t e s t i n t h e N e w
Delhi Assembly seat against BJP’s Parvesh Singh Verma a n d C o n
s ’ S a n d e e p Dikshit The results of the election are scheduled to be on 8th February 2025
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command t h e c o m m e r c i a l m i s s i o n , while ISRO (Indian Space R e s e a r c h O r g a
Shukla will serve as pilot
The two astronauts will be supported by European Space Agency project astronauts Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary
“I am excited to see continued interest and dedication for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit,
private astronaut missions
expand access to the unique microgravity environment," Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program said
spacecraft and travel to the space station Once docked, the private astronauts plan
aboard the orbiting labora-
will be the first Indian astro-
Station, who is also part of the Indian Air Force Shukla has also been selected as an
Gaganyaan Mission
“Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding
strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavor, but a testament to human inge-
nuity and teamwork," Peggy Whitson added
The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by W h
May 2023 with four private astronauts The Ax-4 mission is
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US last year
As part of their preparation, Shukla and his backup, G
Nair, have undergone extensive training with interna-
Nasa, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan A
Agency (JAXA)
Sonia's remark on President Murmu triggers a storm
In an unprecedented move, Ra shtrapa ti Bhavan depl ore d So ni a Gan dhi ’ s c ommen t t ha t Pr esi dent Droupadi Murmu had got ti red while deli verin g her address to the joint sitting of Parl ia me nt whil e Prime Mi ni ste r Na rendra Mo di said the remarks on a tribal wo man sma cke d o f arrogance of the “dynasty”
A R a s h t r a p a t i B h a v a n spokesperson called Sonia’s r e m a r k s “ i n p o o r t a s t e , u n f o r t u n a t e a n d e n t i r e l y avoidable” It’s rare for the President’s office to directly comment on political matters Sonia made the remark to her children, Rahul and P r i y a n k a , s o o n a f t e r Murmu’s inaugural address to the session
S o n i a s a i d , “ T h e p o o r lady, the President, was getting very tired by the end she could hardly speak, poor thing,” Sonia was heard saying in a video t h a t i m m e d i a t e l y s t a r t e d doing the rounds on social media, triggering a furore, with BJP leaders lashing out at her for “insulting” the first tribal President As per the video clip, Sonia’s remarks were in response to Rahul asking her if the President’s speech was “boring repeat-
ing the same thing”
S o o n , R a s h t r a p a t i Bhavan, usually stoic in the face of criticism, stepped in “Rashtrapati Bhavan would like to clarify that nothing could be farther from the truth The President was not tired at any point Indeed, she has believed that speaking up for the marginalised c o m m u n i t i e s , f o r w o m e n a n d f a r m e r s , a
doing during the course of her address, can never be tiring The President’s office believes it might be the case that these leaders have not acquainted themselves with the idiom and discourse in I n d i a n l a n g u a g e s s u c h a s Hindi, and thus formed a w r o n g i m p r e s s i o n I n a n y case, such comments are in poor taste, unfortunate and e n t i r e l y a v o i d a b l e , ”
Ajay Kumar Singh said While addressing a pub-
lic meeting, Modi reacted to comments by Sonia, saying, “ T h e s e C o n g r e s s p e o p l e think they are the masters of the country The arrogance of the Congress royal family h a s o n c e a g a i n b e e n exposed Today, our comm o n P r e s i d e n t , D r
Parliament Coming from
tribal family in Odisha, she rose from the tribal region to
Despite not speaking Hindi
mother tongue, but
“The
Three Indians go missing in Iran, Delhi seeks Tehran’s assistance
Three Indians have gone missing in Iran, and New Delhi has strongly taken up the matter with Tehran, the foreign ministry said “We have strongly taken up the matter with the Iranian government so that we could relocate these people , ” mi n is tr y spok es per son
Randhir Jaiswal said “These people had lost touch with their families soon after they landed in Tehran sometime back ” The three individuals have been
Sadeeque and Sumeet Sud They
eled separately, with Panchal departing for Iran in early December, followed by Sadeeque later in December, and Sud who traveled in January
Panchal's family said that he flew from Mumbai to Tehran on December 5 to explore business opportunities in West Asian country after recently starting a firm that exports dry fruit and apples His family said the 33-year-old was in touch with them for three days but became unreachable after “The last call we had with him was
Shraddha said “He seemed to be in a crowded place and said he will call back soon But no call came ”
She said she repeatedly tried her husband's number for the following two days, but to no avail On December 9, the number was switched off She added that he had booked tickets to return on December 11 but never came back This was his first trip abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs has said the families of all three individuals are in touch with them and have been assured of all possible assistance
Donald Trump & Narendra Modi
Sonia Gandhi & Droupadi Murmu
BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrates first ‘Patotsav’
The BAPS Hindu Ma ndir in Ab u Dhabi cel ebra ted its first
P a t o t sa v wi t h g r a n d f e st i v it i e s, p r a y e r s , a n d
cultura l pe rforman ces Over 10, 000 devotee s, voluntee rs, a nd we ll-wisher s gather ed to m a r k a y e a r o f s pi r i t ua l g r o wt h T h e Pa t ot s a v, honouring t he Mandir's Pran Pr at ishtha ( con se cra tion of de it ie s), feature d traditional r i t u a l s, p r a y e r s , a n d d e v o t io n a l o ff e r in g s t o r eaffirm faith and dev ot ion
The day began at 4 am as hundreds of devotees and volunteers prepared for the Mahapuja, a ritual for peace and prosperity Jigisha Joshi expressed her joy in serving the community early on her
w e e k e n d , s a y i n g , " B y s e r v i n g o t h e r s , I o f f e r gratitude to God " At 6 am,
o v e r 1 , 1 0 0 p a r t i c i p a n t s j o i n e d t h e c e r e m o n y ,
b l e n d i n g t e c h n o l o g y a n d spirituality with projections of rituals on the Mandir, e n h a n c i n g t h e d e v o t i o n a l experience
A s t h e s u n s e t , t h e S w a m i n a r a y a n G h a a t became a vibrant stage for
cultural performances, with Aartis held at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8pm, filling the Mandir with devotion
P u j y a B r a h m v i h a r i Swami, Head of the BAPS M a n d i r A b u D h a b i , c o n c l u d
t y e a r has been filled with love,
India blames Canada for illegal migration
C a na d a c o nt in u es to interfere in India’s internal af f ai rs , c rea ti ng a n “ en v i ro n m en t fo r i ll eg a l m i g r ati o n and o rg a ni s ed c ri m i na l ac ti v i ti es ” , t h e
C entre said in a statem ent th a t s tr o ng l y re j ec ted a C a na d i an i nq u ir y com mission report alleging interference by India in the country’ s internal affairs
New Delhi’s mention of i l l e g a l m i g
hope, and unity While the M
l backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and harmonious society May we all fill our lives with love and unity ” In his closing blessings, P u j y a B r a h m v i h a r
m i expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generosity and support He also thanked all those who contributed to making the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi a reality, highlighting the collective efforts behind the spiritual landmark
Tendulkar receives BCCI's lifetime achievement award
Sa c h i n T e ndu l ka r h a s received th e Co l CK Nayudu Lifetime Ach ievement Award
at th e BC CI 's annual aw ards ceremo ny in Mum bai Jasp rit
B u m r ah w o n t h e P o l l y U mrigar Award fo r th e best international cric keter (men)
f o r 2 0 2 3- 2 4 i n th e m en ' s
c a t eg o r y a nd Sm r it i Mandhana the c orresp onding
a w ar d i n w o m en ' s Mandhana was also awarded
f o r bein g t h e h ig he s t ru n-
g et t e r i n w o m e n ' s O D I s during the 2 023- 24 p eriod
T e n d u l k a r b e c a m e t h e 31st recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which w a s i n s t i t u t e d i n 1 9 9 4 i n honour of India's first Test
c a p t a i n C K N a y u d u
T e n d u l k a r r e t i r e d f r o m international cricket having p l a y e d f o r m o r e t h a n t w o decades after debuting as a 16-year-old against Pakistan
in 1989 His 200 Test and 463
O D I a p p e a r a n c e s a r e t h e highest for any player in the game's history, as are his runs tally in both formats: 15,921 in Tests and 18,426 in ODIs He also played one T20I, India's f i r s t e v e r , a g a i n s t S o u t h
A f r i c a i n J o h a n n e s b u r g i n 2006 Bumrah, who was also named the ICC Cricketer of the Year earlier this month, was India s standout bowler i n t h e a w a r d s p e r i o d H e played a pivotal role in the team lifting the T20 World Cup in June, taking 15 wickets in eight games at an economy of 4 17 Apart from that, he w a s a l s o i n s t r u m e n t a l i n India's Test series win against England at home
M a n d h a n a , w h o w a s n a m e d t h e I C C W o m e n ' s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, was India's best woman batter across formats Apart
f r o m s c o r i n g 1 4 9 a g a i n s t
South Africa in the one-off Test in Chennai, she notched u p 1 1 7 , 1 3 6 a n d 9 0 i n successive ODIs against the same opponents R A s h w i n , w h o r e t i
from international cricket in D
second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, was given a special award Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and played a lead role in India s 12-year
d o m
n
t i o n i n
g
s t format at home wherein they won 18 series on the trot Sarfaraz Khan was picked
f o r t h e B e s t I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Debut (Men) for his quickfire fifty against England in the Rajkot Test in February 2024
A m o n g w o m e n , A s h a Sobhana won it for her 4 for 21 against South Africa in the f i r s t O D I i n B e n g a l u r u i n June 2024
In landmark launch, India sends navigation satellite into orbit
I ndia su ccess ful ly launch ed into o rbit a new navigation satell ite abo ard a hom e-grown rocket, s trength ening its independent s atellite p ositio ning s ystem at a t i m e w h en
m ing increasingly critical
The NVS-02 satellite lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota about 6:23 am IST (0053 GMT) aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket, marking the latest step in India s efforts to expand its N a v i g a t i o n
(NavIC) system
GLONASS
The launch, ISRO's 100th, comes as competition in space
navigation and financial transactions
J
Designed to provide positioning services over India and surrounding regions, NavIC has been positioned by the country as India's answer to the US Global Positioning System (
Science and Technology said, "It's a privilege to be associated with the Department of Space at the historic moment of this record feat " In 2024, the United States led with 145 space launches, driven largely by SpaceX, while China followed with 68, according to industry data India, historically a smaller player, is increasing its launch cadence, with ISRO planning 30 missions by March 2025
n i s significant as it comes amid a surge in the number of I n d i a n s l o o k i n g t o m a k e their way illegally into the U S t h r o u g h t h e C a n a d a border
A c c o r d i n g t o U S a u t h o r i t i e s , o v e r 4 0 , 0 0 0
Indian nationals attempted entry through that route last
year The Indian govt has been under pressure from the Trump administration to take back close to 18,000 Indian nationals facing final removal order
M E A s p o k e s p e r s o n Randhir Jaiswal, “We have seen a report about alleged a c t i v i t i e s o n p u r p o r t e d i n t e r f e r e n c e I t i s i n f a c t C a n a d a w h i c h h a s b e e n consistently interfering in India’s internal affairs This h a s a l
India and expect that the
illegal migration will not be further countenanced
Over 500 detained across Kashmir in ‘message to militants’
A d ay a f te r s u s p e c te d
m i l i t a nt s k i l l ed a re ti re d
s oldi er and wounded hi s wife and ni ece i n south Kashmir, Jammu and Kash mi r P oli ce d et ai ned o v er 5 0 0 p e o p le f r o m a cr o s s th e K a sh m i r Valley
A large number of those d e t a i n e d w e r e r e l a t i v e s o f Kashmiri militants based in P a k i s t a n a n d P a k i s t a noccupied Kashmir (PoK) “There have been massive d e t e n t i o n s a c r o s s t h e K a s h m i r V a l l e y a n d t h e number is well above 500, ” a
senior police officer said “I d o n ’ t r e m e m b e r d e t e n t i o n s on this scale in the recent past following a militant attack,” he said The officer explained t h a t t h e d e t e n t i o n s w e r e made to send a message to m i l i t a n t s “ o p e r a t i n g f r o m across the border that such attacks won’t be tolerated”, and that in the past, “sending such messages have had the desired results”
Unidentified gunmen on Monday opened fire at retired s o l d i e r , M a n z o o r A h m a d Wagay, his wife and her niece
in Behibagh village of south
K a s h m i r ’ s K u l g a m W h i l e Wagay (45), who was hit in the abdomen, was killed in the attack, the two women were h i t i n t h e l e g a n d a r e undergoing treatment While police have, over the last few y e a r s , t a r g e t e d P a k i s t a nbased Kashmiri militants by s e i z i n g t h e i r h o u s e s a n d properties in the Valley, this is for the first time that their family members and relatives a r e b e i n g d e t a i n e d simultaneously in such large numbers
Gujarat CM launches dollar-based BSE sensex derivatives trading at Gift City
Gu j ar a t c h ie f m i ni s te r
Bh u p e nd ra P at e l l a u n c h ed trading in U SD-denominated BSE s ens ex derivatives at the India I nternational Exch ange (I nd ia I N X) in G if t I n te r na t io n a l F in an c ia l Services Centre (IF SC ) This new product allows global investors to trade and settle BSE sensex derivatives i n U S d o l l a r s , i n c r e a s i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r a d e r a n d investor participation The 2 2 - h o u r t r a d i n g w i n d o w a i m s t o f u r t h e r i n t e g r a t e I
with the global system
b
services hub “Around 450 f
Ramamurthy, MD and CEO of BSE, said: “BSE is Asia’s f
sensex is the first market index The launch of BSE sensex derivatives at India INX represents a key step in broadening access to India’s benchmark index for global investors ” With
Rahul Gandhi criticises 90s Congress
Ra h u l G an dh i ac k n o w l ed ge d C o ng re s s ' s failure to p rotect th e interests o f Dalits and backward co mmunities after the 1990s, stating that had the p arty maintained their trust, the RSS wo uld never h ave co me to p ower
He admitted this lapse in the past 10-15 years allowed the rise of the RSS
At a Dalit influencers' event in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi called AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and PM Modi "anti-reservation and antiDalit," likening Kejriwal to a refined version of Modi and comparing the latter to Fidel C a s t r o f o r h i s a u t h o r i t a r i a n s t y l e H e acknowledged Congress's loss of support f r o m D a l i t s a n
noting that alienation began in the 1960s when OBCs, feeling sidelined by upper-caste dominance, shifted to parties that aligned with their demands Rahul emphasised that
the party is now focused on rebuilding ties with these communities C o
y launched a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha, claiming that P
'Make-in-India' initiative, aimed at boosting
responded to Rahul Gandhi s comments, accusing the Congress leader of spreading false narratives "You are speaking lies," he said Rijiju emphasised that while expunging o
Swami Brahmavihari ji adressing the devotees
Cultural performace at the spiritual gathering
90% accurate bowel cancer test for IBD patients
A new test can predict bowel cancer in high-risk individuals with over 90% accuracy, according to research Around 500,000 people in the UK live with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
Currently, high-risk individuals undergo regular checks for pre-cancerous gut growths, which carry a 30% chance of progressing to bowel cancer within 10 years
However, UK research shows DNA changes in these cells, analysed by an algorithm, can predict cancer development with over 90% accuracy within five years Researchers analysed tissue from IBD patients and aim to develop a simple blood test to identify those at highest risk
Prof Trevor Graham from the Institute of Cancer Research said most people with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis won’t develop bowel cancer However, those with pre-cancer signs face tough choices: regular monitoring or bowel removal He highlighted that the new test and algorithm provide vital information to help patients and doctors make informed decisions about managing cancer risk
Dr Iain Foulkes of Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, noted that advances in genome sequencing are transforming cancer research By providing a clearer understanding of tumor DNA, this technology helps target treatment for high-risk IBD patients, saving time and resources, while offering peace of mind to those at lower risk
Breathing techniques show promise in reducing stress and anxiety
At 7Breaths, a meditation studio in central London, groups of young professionals gather multiple times a day for breathwork sessions In a warm, minimalist space, participants sit cross-legged on cushions as an instructor guides them to focus on their breath, gradually lengthening inhales, exhales, and pauses The aim: to reduce stress and promote relaxation
The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture from the 1st or 2nd century, mentions “ pranayama ” the practice of breath control which is later described in yoga texts for its benefits in calming the mind For modern breathwork enthusiasts, guided breathing is reported to alleviate stress But to validate these claims scientifically, randomiSed controlled trials are necessary
A 2023 meta-analysis in ‘Scientific Reports’ reviewed 12 studies with 785 participants to assess the effect of slowbreathing on stress Participants who practiced breathwork showed greater stress reduction than those in control groups, with benefits comparable to online cognitive behavioral therapy However, some studies involved participants already seeking help for stress, and comparing them with a waiting list group could lead to a "nocebo effect," making the benefits of breathwork appear stronger than they are
In a 2023 Stanford study published in ‘Cell Reports Medicine’, participants practiced mindfulness, cyclic sighing, box-breathing, or cyclic hyperventilation for five minutes daily While all experienced an initial mood boost, only those doing breathwork showed sustained improvement, especially in the cyclic-sighing group Breathwork may improve mood by shifting focus from negative thoughts and increasing heartrate variability, which is often low in individuals with mental health conditions A November 2024 study in ‘Nature Neuroscience’ also found that stimulating a brain pathway for slow breathing in mice helped reduce anxiety
Empower yourself this World Cancer Day Know your
body
and get yourself checked
On World Cancer Day, health professionals and faith leaders are coming together to emphasise the crucial importance of getting checked out by your GP if you notice anything in your body that could be a possible sign of cancer
Scheduled for Tuesday 4th February, this year’s World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention and mobilise action towards early detection Alongside this, NHS England’s latest campaign encourages everyone to be aware of their bodies and to be able to spot potential cancer symptoms, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment
Checking your body regularly helps you to know what’s normal for you, and to notice anything that might seem different from usual However, a recent survey by NHS England found that under half (46%) of South Asians regularly check for changes in their bodies
Something that feels unusual, or a change in your health, could be a sign of cancer so we need to make checking our bodies part of our regular routine
GP Dr Jyoti Sood sees World Cancer Day as the perfect opportunity for everyone in the community to start taking control of their health:
‘The first step is to make sure you ’ re checking yourself regularly Understanding what your own body normally looks and feels like means you’ll start to notice if anything is different and perhaps needs medical attention We often prefer not to talk about cancer, but it can happen to anyone and we need to be aware ’
There are many different possible symptoms of cancer, including having tummy
trouble - like diarrhoea or discomfort in that area - for more than three weeks, or blood in your urine, even just once Unexpected weight loss or a cough for three weeks or more could also be a possible sign that needs investigating The first step should always be to contact your GP to get checked out, but we often put off making an appointment and just hope the symptoms will go away
The survey found that over two thirds of South Asian people (67%) would not contact their GP about heartburn or indigestion for three weeks or more, and three quarters (76%) would not contact their GP if they had unexplained night sweats – despite both of these being potential signs of cancer Just over 1 in 5 would put off making an appointment because they wouldn’t want to waste NHS time or be a burden, and more than a third (38%) would want to be sure it was serious before contacting their GP
Dr Sood explains how vital it is to act quickly if you spot anything that could be a sign of cancer:
‘Please don’t just leave it
or ‘wait and see ’ The earlier you see your GP, the better the chances of treatment if it does turn out to be cancer If your GP suspects cancer, they’ll refer you for tests In most cases it will be nothing serious, but you’ll never be wasting your GP’s timethey’d much rather see you to make sure, so make an appointment as soon as possible ’
Over half of South Asian survey respondents (53%) also said that family was one of the most important things in their life and 1 in 5 (20%) would worry about the possible impact on their family if they got bad news about their health
Khrishna Bhan from the Hindu Council is clear that checking for cancer symptoms goes hand in hand with family and faith:
‘When it comes to cancer, we owe it to ourselves and to our families to look after ourselves - it’s part of our commitment to our faith I want to encourage everyone in the community to check themselves regularly and to see a GP if you are worried about anything, giving yourself the best chance of a long and fulfilling life ’
While over a third (37%)
of South Asians say that they often put off a visit to the GP because they are afraid of the potential diagnosis, an overwhelming 87% – almost 9 in 10 - felt a sense of relief after the last time they had a health issue checked with their GP
Divyesh Trivedi is thankful to be cancer free, having previously had NonHodgkin's Lymphoma – a type of blood cancer He urges others to get checked so that they can live their lives with peace of mind
‘Don’t be scared to get checked by a medical professional and put your mind at rest, even if you think a symptom is trivial It may well be nothing, but if it is cancer, the earlier you are diagnosed and treated, the more likely you are to recover ’ If something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice If your GP suspects cancer they'll refer you for further tests It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to nhs uk/cancersymptoms
Experts urge cancer awareness and early detection
observed on February 4, is
global initiative led by the
early detection and treatment
Established in 2000, it aims to unite individuals, organisations, and governments in the fight against cancer, emphasising the importance of education, research, and equitable healthcare access to reduce the global cancer burden Asian Voice spoke with several general practitioners about cancer awareness Professor of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (full), University of Oxford (visiting) & All-India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur (visiting),Professor Prasanna Soor i akum ara n said, “Raising awareness about cancer is crucial, especially within the South Asian com-
munity, where the focus has traditionally been more on diabetes and heart disease
However, cancer rates particularly prostate cancer, which I specialise in are rising rapidly in this community This increase is partly due to Westernised diets and longer life expectancy, as fewer people succumb to heart disease Unfortunately, awareness has not kept pace with this shift Initiatives like World Cancer Day play a vital role in highlighting the growing cancer risk and encouraging
early detection ”
Emphasising on genetic research and awareness about hereditary cancers for South Asians in the UK, Prasanna said, “Genetic cancers affect certain types more than others For example, individuals with BRCA genes have a higher risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, impacting both men and women Anyone with a strong family history of cancer, regardless of ethnicity, should consider genetic testing, especially if cancer occurs
at an early age It's also crucial for relatives, such as children or siblings, to undergo testing if a family member is diagnosed ” Dr CR Chandrasekar, a Consultant Orthopaedic Oncology Surgeon at Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust said “Awareness and early detection can enable curative treatment for cancers It’s important to take part in available screening programs There should also be an increase in diagnostic hubs, radiology equipment and workforce to enable early timely detection of suspicious cancers There should be robust referral pathways that ensure early appointments with appropriate site specific cancer teams, providing the best possible treatment Every effort should be made to reduce Stage 3,4 cancers at the time of diagnosis ”
Dr Jyoti Sood Divyesh Trivedi Krishna Bhan
Dr CR Chandrasekar Prasanna Sooriakumaran
Junaid Khan says family legacy helps him land roles without social media
Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, is gearing up for his theatrical debut in ‘Loveyapa’ alongside Khushi Kapoor Despite staying off social media, he acknowledged in a recent interview that his family’s legacy helps him land projects
Junaid, who previously worked as an assistant on his father’s productions and debuted in 2024 with YRF’s ‘Maharaj’, admitted his privileged position, saying, “It has all the advantages ” As for trolls, he added, “Nobody has said anything negative to me I'm not on social media, so I wouldn’t know ” Junaid Khan acknowledged his privilege, admitting he can get work without a social media presence something most actors can’t afford “Producers sign me despite no public presence, and that’s solely because of my family,” he said Many actors have spoken about the pressures of social media, as roles are often cast based on following, with even top stars expected to stay active for fan engagement and promotions
In the same conversation, Khushi Kapoor also acknowledged her privilege, stating, “We are in a very privileged position with much to be thankful for I don’t want to complain about anything I’m happy where I am ”
Rasha Thadani on
her mischievous childhood: "I never listened to mom!"
Onerising star who lit up the silver screen was Raveena Tandon’s daughter, Rasha Thadani. The 19-year-old made her cinematic debut in Abhishek Kapoor's period drama ‘Azaad’ alongside Ajay Devgn and Aaman Devgan. Fans are now eager to see what’s next for the star kid and to learn more about her bond with Raveena and her childhood. And much to their delight, Rasha has finally spilled the beans!
Rasha Thadani opened up about her mother, calling Raveena Tandon her “best friend” and a “cool mom ” who always maintained a friendly bond with her Like any child, Rasha occasionally got into trouble, but she shared, “Of course, she corrects me when I’m wrong-that’s a mother at the end of the day But she’s always been my backbone ” When asked if Raveena was strict, Rasha admitted she was during her early years but became much more relaxed after she turned 14
Rasha Thadani shared, “Hopefully, by 14, I learnedbut if not, of course, I got yelled at! When I was younger, I even got thappads (slaps) for bad habits like nail-biting ” She admitted to being a mischievous child, saying, “I was so naughty! My parents were always shocked If my mom said, ‘Rasha, don’t do this,’ I’d agree-then do it a minute later!”
Naseeruddin Shah slams 'sickening' hyper-masculine Bollywood films
Naseeruddin
Shah, one of India’s most respected actors, recently voiced his disappointment with the Hindi film industry, criticising “sickening” films that “celebrate masculinity” and “debase women ” He expressed concern that cinema, as a reflection of its time, would be viewed as a “big tragedy” by future generations looking back at Bollywood in 2025
Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Naseeruddin Shah admitted to doing some films just for money, which he regrets the most “I don’t think it’s shameful to work for money, but those are jobs I regret Thankfully, people forget bad work and remember the good,” he said He also emphasized cinema’s role as a record of its time, warning that if future generations look back at Bollywood in 2025, it would be a “big tragedy ”
When Parvathy asked Naseeruddin Shah about the rise of "insecure hyper-masculinity" in mainstream films, he expressed strong disapproval of movies that “ celebrate masculinity and degrade femininity ” He called these films “sickening,” noting their success reflects troubling aspects of society “I don’t know if it’s a reflection of our society or its fantasies,” he said He added, “These films feed into the hidden fantasies of men who look down on women, and it’s terrifying how much approval they get It explains the horrific things that happen to women in many parts of our country ”
Shahid Kapoor opens up about growing up without Pankaj Kapur
Shahid Kapoor, who began his care with ‘Ishq Vishk’ in 2003, views himself as an outsider despite having parents like Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem Reflecting on his upbringing, Shahid shared that his mother’s struggle to raise him alone after her divorce from Pankaj motivated him to start working early. Neelima was just 22 when she had Shahid, and the couple divorced three years later.
Shahid Kapoor shared a close bond with his mother, recalling, “We were more like friends She always took me everywhere, and as her first and elder son, I felt responsible ” Growing up without his father, Shahid often felt like “the man of the house,” even if he had little to offer at the time He always felt protective and loving toward her, and their unique friendship continues to this day Shahid also began his career at 18, appearing in a music video, ad campaigns, and working as a background dancer in films like ‘Taal’
Shahid Kapoor, reflecting on his early dedication to work, shared, “Both my parents were achievers, and I wanted to prove myself and do something meaningful I didn’t want to waste my life ” He added that growing up with a single mother, he felt the need to support her financially “From the age of 14-16, I wanted to contribute and take care of my own expenses, so she wouldn’t have to bear the burden alone ”
Ibrahim
Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor's ‘Nadaaniyan’ first look revealed
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut film is titled ‘Nadaaniyan’, where he stars alongside Khushi Kapoor, marking her third release after ‘The Archies’ and ‘Loveyapa’ Recently, Karan Johar introduced Ibrahim with a heartfelt post, reflecting on his long-standing association with Ibrahim’s parents, Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Rao Netflix India recently unveiled the first poster for ‘Nadaaniyan’, featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor Set in a playful, casual backdrop, the film will stream on the platform as a young adult romantic drama It follows Piya, a bold girl from South Delhi, and Arjun, a determined boy from Noida, as their worlds collide in the chaos of first love Directed by Shauna Gautam, making her debut after assisting on ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’, ‘Nadaaniyan’ explores the magic and madness of young romance
The release date of ‘Nadaaniyan’ is yet to be announced, but the film has already generated significant buzz following the release of its first poster by Netflix India Fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the young adult romantic drama
Zahan Kapoor recalls Amitabh Bachchan's visit to grandfather Shashi Kapoor’s home
Zahan Kapoor, grandson of the legendary Shashi Kapoor, is gaining praise for his role in ‘Black Warrant'. In a recent interview, he revealed that he didn’t fully grasp his grandfather’s stardom until he was older.
the situation, Zahan remembered Shashi telling him, “Namaste karo,” followed by, “Haan, theek hai, jao ” Zahan found it amusing, saying, “I didn’t know what was going on at the time, but now I look back
Tanishaa Mukerji
wishes her mom Tanuja had taken a break from work
Tanuja raised her daughters, Tanishaa and Kajol, on her own after separating from Somu Mukherjee. Juggling work and family, she had limited time with them. Tanishaa recently shared that she missed her mother during childhood and, if given a choice, would have preferred she didn't work Kajol and Tanishaa w mainly raised by their grandmother, Shobhna Samrath, as their mother, Tanuja, had to work due to financial struggles after separating from Shomu Mukherjee In a recent interview, Tanishaa shared how she missed her mother's presence during childhood and expressed that women should take a break from work after having a child She recalled her mother working multiple shifts daily, leaving little time for family,
hi h made her long for more aternal care
A YouTube user commented that while Tanishaa’s views weren ’t entirely wrong, she oversimplified the situation, highlighting that she grew up around strong, independent women Others praised her for eing a strong woman and eciated how well she expressed her thoughts, finding her perspective reasonable
Tanishaa shared that she believes only a mother can truly provide what a child needs and feels women should stay home with their children, especially in the early years, rather than balancing work She also admitted to being very attached to her mother, as she felt left out during her childhood
TV Listing
MON 10 FEB - FRI 14 FEB 2025
09:30 DESHI BEATS
14:00 Daily Bonus
14:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam
17:30 RASOI SHOW
18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma
19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re
19:30 Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki
20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI
20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU
21:00 United States of Gujarat
21:30 Mangal Fera
22:00 Seeta Vallabh
22:30 Daily Bonus
SATURDAY 15 FEB 2025
09:30 DESHI BEATS
14:00 Daily Bonus
14:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam
17:30 RASOI SHOW
18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma
19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re
19:30 Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki
20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI
20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU
21:00 United States of Gujarat
21:30 Mangal Fera
22:00 Seeta Vallabh
22:30Daily Bonus
SUNDAY 16 FEB 2025
09:30 DESHI BEATS
10:30 Best of Rasoi Show
11:30 Love is Blind
14:30 Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam
17:30 Best of Rasoi Show
18:30 Rangai Jaane Rangma
19:00 Shyam Dhoon Lagi Re
19:30 Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki
20:00 RASHI RIKSHAWALI
20:30 MOTI BAA NI NANI VAHU
21:00 United States of Gujarat
21:30 Mangal Fera
22:00 Seeta Vallabh
22:30 Daily Bonus
Zahan fondly remembered Shashi Kapoor, or "dadaji," as a family man who loved TV, cricket, and spending time with loved ones at meals For Zahan, his memories of Shashi revolve around simple family moments like shared breakfasts and lunches
Zahan Kapoor shared that as a child, he didn’t realise his grandfather, Shashi Kapoor, was a superstar, which he now considers a blessing He recalled a moment when he came home to find Amitabh Bachchan visiting Not fully understanding
and laugh ” ‘Black Warrant’ is a gripping web series set in Tihar Jail, focusing on inmates' lives and an honest officer battling corruption The term "black warrant" refers to a legal document authorising execution Available on Netflix, the series has drawn attention for its intense storytelling Zahan Kapoor stars as Sunil Kumar Gupta, a rookie jailer, while Rahul Bhat plays senior officer DSP Rajesh Tomar Sidhant Gupta portrays infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj, with Paramvir Singh Cheema and Anurag Thakur in supporting roles
MON 10 FEB - FRI 14 FEB 2025
16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours S3
17:30 Shrukra Mangal
18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1
19:00 Anmol Bandhan
19:30 RAMACHARI
20:00 Appollena
20:30 Udaariyan
21:00 Choti Sardarni
21:30 Punyavati
22:00 Anmol Bandhan
22:30 Appollena
23:00 Ramachari
SATURDAY 15 FEB 2025
16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours
17:30 Shrukra Mangal
18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1
19:00 Anmol Bandhan
19:30 RAMACHARI
20:00 Appollena
20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull
21:30 RAMACHARI
22:00 Anmol Bandhan
22:30 Appollena
23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull
SUNDAY 16 FEB 2025
16:30 Rasoi Show Desi Flavours
17:30 Shrukra Mangal
18:00 BALIKA VADHU SEASON 1
19:00 Anmol Bandhan
19:30 RAMACHARI
20:00 Appollena
20:30 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull
21:30 RAMACHARI
22:00 Anmol Bandhan
22:30 Appollena
23:00 Entertainment Ki Raat-Housefull
Siddharth on turning down toxic roles: “I did
what I liked”
Actor Siddharth attended the Hyderabad Literary Festival, where he discussed his love for books and career choices Speaking with his wife Aditi Rao Hydari’s mother, Vidya Rao, he shared how he moved away from portraying toxic characters Siddharth also interacted with the audience, revealing that he could have been a "bigger movie star" if he had accepted certain roles.
Siddharth shared how he rejected roles that involved toxic masculinity, such as slapping women or doing item songs, even if they had potential for success He admitted that he could have been a bigger star if he had accepted those roles, but chose to follow his instincts He also expressed gratitude for being recognised as someone who is "cute" yet "respectful to women " He added that it’s rewarding when fans, including children who watch his old films, appreciate his respectful portrayal of characters and his willingness to express vulnerability on screen Siddharth gained fame early with roles in films like ‘Boys’, ‘Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana’, and ‘Rang De Basanti’ He produced the 2023 film ‘Chithha’, which addressed child abuse Recently seen in ‘Indian 2 ’ and ‘Miss You’ (2024), Siddharth will next appear in ‘Indian 3 ’ and ‘Test’
Kannada Producer accuses Nani and makers of ‘Hi Nanna’ for copying his film
Kannada producer Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah, known for producing Rakshit Shetty’s ‘Avane Srimannarayana’, accused Nani and the makers of ‘Hi Nanna’ of allegedly copying his film ‘Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja’ In a nowdeleted Instagram story, he referred to the act as a "cheap thing to do," according to a report.
Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah, producer of ‘Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja’, called out Nani and the makers of ‘Hi Nanna’ on Instagram for allegedly copying his film without securing remake rights Sharing posters of both films, he wrote, “Without taking #RemakeRights, ‘Hi Nanna’ has copied our original movie ‘Bheema Sena Nala
‘Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja’, directed by Karthik Saragur and produced by Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah, Rakshit Shetty, and Hemanth M Rao, was released on Prime Video in 2020 as part of the Great Indian Festival, after being unable to release theatrically due to the pandemic The film, which explores the six rasas (flavors) through its characters, stars Aravinnd Iyer and Aarohi Narayan, along with Priyanka, Aadya, and Achyut Kumar It follows the story of a cook who shares his love tale with a stranger
Prithviraj Sukumaran on ‘Empuraan’: "First 30 minutes will feel like a Hindi film"
Prithviraj
Sukumaran’s directorial debut, ‘Lucifer’, starring Mohanlal, opened up the overseas market for Malayalam cinema. Now, with the success of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, Prithviraj and Mohanlal are set to return with ‘Empuraan’, the second part of their franchise
Prithviraj revealed that ale, ce 2017, is more nd international, f ‘Empuraan’ in irst 20-25 minutes el like a Hindi m, and he believes e expanding market is perfect for such an ambitious project.
Prithviraj Sukumaran, despite calling mpuraan ’ an tious project, n refers to it as a
"small" film, which became a running joke at the recent teaser launch, with Mohanlal and Mammootty joining in Prithviraj explained that he downplays the hype to keep the audience's expectations balanced and encourage them to approach the film with an open mind He also emphasised that he prefers not to reveal too much in interviews, as it s the audience s reception that ultimately defines the film's impact
Prithviraj Sukumaran explained that the hype around ‘Empuraan’ is justified, especially given his preference for shooting in real locations rather than relying heavily on CGI Despite the film’s large scale, he chose to shoot in countries across the world, avoiding green screens where possible He highlighted that even extensive action sequences, like chopper scenes and explosions, were done without VFX Remarkably, ‘Empuraan’ was completed in 145 days, 28 days ahead of schedule, thanks to careful planning and the flexibility of the cast, especially Mohanlal, who was always available as needed
Naga Chaitanya, whose recent films have had a mixed reception, is hoping his upcoming movie ‘Thandel’, directed by Chandoo
and
At a Mumbai press event, Naga revealed that ‘Thandel’ marks not only his reunion with Sai after ‘Love Story’ (2021) but also an interesting connection with Aamir Khan Aamir, who worked with Naga in ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ (2022), supported ‘Thandel’ by attending the launch of its Hindi trailer Naga shared that after watching the ‘Love Story’ trailer, Aamir called to express his desire to attend the launch, which led to a positive outcome for the film's success
Naga Chaitanya called the presence of Aamir Khan at the ‘Thandel’ trailer launch a “magical moment,” linking it to the positivity Aamir brought during the ‘Love Story’ success He joked that moving forward, whenever he works with Sai Pallavi, he’ll invite Aamir for the trailer launch Reflecting on their time together during ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, Naga shared that the six months on set had a significant impact on him, both as an actor and as a person
Maharaja’ What a cheap thing to do, @nameisnani ” Neither Nani nor director Shouryuv have responded to the claims
Mondeti
costarring Sai Pallavi, will give his career a boost
c
l
Indira Nooyi’s sister, Chandrika Tandon clinches Grammy 2025, Zakir Hussain’s
omission sparks outrage
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards took place on Sunday at the Crypto com Arena in Los Angeles, with Indian-American vocalist Chandrika Tandon emerging as a major winner Tandon bagged the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her album Triveni, surpassing notable nominees such as Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar.
T a n d o n s h a r e d t h e p r e s t i g i o u s
with her collaborators South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto The other nominees in the category included Break of Dawn by Ricky Kej, Opus by Ryuichi Sakamoto, Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn by Anoushka Shankar, and Warriors of Light by Radhika Vekaria
Congratulating Tandon on her win, the Consulate General of India in New Y o r k t o o k t o s o c i a l m e d i a , s t a t i n g
Tandon @chandrikatandon on winning the Grammy Award @RecordingAcad in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant
A l b u m c a t e g o r y
T
i v e n i ! A mesmerising fusion of ancient mantras, flute, and cello, Triveni bridges cultures and traditions through the universal language of music ” While the awards ceremony celebrated m u s
first Indian musician to win three Grammys in a single year
segment featured tributes to celebrated artists, including Liam Payne, Kris Kristofferson, Cissy Houston, Tito Jackson, Joe Chambers, Jack Jones, Mary Martin, Marianne Faithfull, Seiji Ozawa, and Ella Jenkins British rock band
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin, fresh off his India tour, performed the tribute alongside
guitarist Grace Bowers
Grammy winner Zakir Hussain was excluded from the In Memoriam segment, an annual t
legends Hussain, who passed away on December 15, 2024, due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at a San Francisco hospital, was notably absent from the tribute montage The omission did not go unnoticed, as fans and members of the
previous Grammy Awards by becoming the
Following its global success and critical acclaim, including a BAFTA nomination, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light will stream exclusively on BFI Player from 17 February 2025, with a BFI Blu-ray/DVD release on 3 March
Since its cinema debut on 29 November 2024, the film has earned over £370K at the UK box office BFI Player subscribers can enjoy the film at home on various devices, accompanied by a 30-minute interview with Kapadia, hosted by Ashanti Omkar A 14-day free trial is available, with subscriptions at £6 99/month or £65/year
Starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, ‘All We Imagine as Light’ was the first Indian film in three decades to compete at Cannes and made history with
in Grammy history with 99 throughout her career In addition to Album of the Year, she
Country Duo/Group Performance
Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and Charli XCX received seven nominations
Carpenter and Chappell Roan earned six nods
Apart from the musical highlights, the evening witnessed dramatic moments Rapper Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori were escorted out of the venue by police for reasons
Hollywood star Will Smith made his first televised awards show appearance since the controversial 2022 Academy Awards incident Smith opened the tribute to Quincy Jones,
followed by a performance of Fly Me to the Moon by Cynthia Erivo
Beyoncé finally won the coveted Album of the Year award at the 2025 Grammys after being shut out the last four times she was nominated She entered the night with the most nominations, 11, for her album Cowboy Carter becoming the most-nominated artist
nominated in, winning both Record and Song of the Year Roan was also a big winner, taking home the award for Best New Artist Comedian and former host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah returned to host the ceremony for a fifth straight y e a r E
p
f o r m
e s , a l o n g w i t h a s u r p r i s e a p p e a r a n c e f r o m T h e W e e k n d , w h o ended a yearslong boycott of the award show that he once called "corrupt " Swift was not a performer this year, but she did p r e s e n t t h e a w a r d f o r B e s t C o u n t r y Album to Beyoncé
In addition to celebrating the best in music, this year's show also focused on the d e v a s t a t i n g w i l d f i r e s t h a t b u r n e d t h r o u g h neighbourhoods in the Los Angeles area last month, killing at least 29 people Throughout t h e s h o w , N o a h r e m i n d e d v i e w e r s a n d corporate sponsors alike to donate to relief efforts and air time was given to local business owners who lost their establishments in the f i r e s A g r o u p o f L o s A n g e l e s C o u n t y firefighters was invited on stage to present the final award of the night and got a standing ovation from the crowd
The 2025 Grammy Awards were hosted by c o m e d i a n T r e v o r N o a h f o r t h e f i f t h consecutive year, maintaining his streak as the face of music’s biggest night With a mix of triumphs and controversies, this year ’ s event l e f t a l a s t i n g i m p a c t o n t h e g l o b a l m u s i c industry
Payal Kapadia as the first female Indian filmmaker in the festival’s Official Competition
Following its Cannes Grand Prix win, the film earned global recognition, including BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, and
nods from BIFA and the London Critics’ Circle It won the Gotham Award for Best International Feature, the APSA Grand Jury Prize, and the Silver Hugo at Chicago Recognised by major critics' circles, it was named ‘Film of the Year’ by ‘Sight and Sound’, ‘The New York Times’, and ‘Film Comment’, and won a Golden Tomato for ‘Best Limited Release Movie’ Director Payal Kapadia, a Film & Television Institute of India graduate, previously premiered ‘Afternoon Clouds’ (2017) at Cannes Cinéfondation and ‘And What Is The Summer Saying’ (2018) at Berlinale Her debut feature, ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’ (2021), won the Golden Eye Documentary Prize at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight
Marathi filmmaker Rohan Parashuram Kanawade's ‘Sabar Bonda’ has made India proud at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, the only Indian feature to premiere at the festival, won the prestigious World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic
The Sundance Film Festival announced the win on its official social media ‘Sabar Bonda’, starring Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman, follows two men rekindling their love in rural Maharashtra
A co-production between India, the UK, and Canada, the film had its world premiere at the festival, attended by its cast and crew, including first-time producer Jim Sarbh
The film's official synopsis states: "Anand, a 30-something city dweller, is forced to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in the rugged countryside of western India There, he forms a tender bond with a local farmer resisting marriage As the mourning ends and Anand prepares to leave, he must decide the fate of their relationship, born under duress "
UK to host Kabaddi World Cup 2025 with £500,000 govt backing
Shefali Saxena
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025, a collaboration between World Kabaddi, the British Kabaddi League, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, will be held from 17th to 23rd March across Wolverhampton, Coventry, Birmingham, and Walsall.
Backed by £500,000 from the UK Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund, the tournament promises thrilling competition.
Asian Voice spoke exclusively to A shok Das, Presid ent, of World K abad di about the tournament.
What inspired you to introduce Kabaddi to the UK over 20 years ago, and how has the journey evolved to this point?
I was born in Kapurthala and represented the Punjab Kabaddi National Team in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After getting married and settling in Birmingham, I helped with an International Kabaddi Tournament in the city in August 1993, because I wanted to give something back to my community. Community engagement is very important to me, and all walks of life and all religions can play kabaddi.
“I created a series called ‘Kabaddi History & Techniques’
and introduced the sport in English universities and to the British Army as a way of keeping them fit. I was a runner-up in the BBC Midlands Sports Unsung Hero of the Year, became known as the ‘Kabaddi Daddy’ and promoted the sport wherever I could so that budding players could make themselves, their families and ultimately their country proud.
What impact do you hope hosting the first Kabaddi World Cup outside Asia will have on the sport's growth and recognition in the UK and globally?
My dream is for kabaddi to one day become an Olympic sport. Hosting the first World Cup outside Asia will bring people and communities together, regardless
of age, gender or social background. It will be a hugely exciting milestone in the global growth and expansion of the sport across Europe. The West Midlands will welcome men’s and women’s teams from around the world –including India, Pakistan, China and the USA – this spring, and we can’t wait to enjoy a fun, energetic and interactive celebration of South Asian sport. I hope the World Cup will encourage youngsters to play sport. Unlike other sporting activities, you don’t have to spend any money to play kabaddi – so come along, have a training session, and take part!
C ouncillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolv erham pton Co uncil
C ab in et M em b er fo r Res i d e nt Services also spoke to Asian Voice:
India trounce England by 150 runs, win series 4-1
T he Indian cricket team scripted
h istory on Su nd ay after beating England by 150 runs in the fifth
a nd fi na l T 2 0 I i n M u m ba i
A bhishek S harma w as the wrecker-
i n- ch ief as Ind i a s ma sh ed th eir
h i g h e s t- ev e r s c o re in th e
p owerplay in th e form at, 95 runs at the loss o f one wicket Boundaries
w ere flow ing all-around th e park,
t h an ks to t err if i c h i tti ng fr o m
A bhishek as he reached his fifty in
o n ly 1 7 b all s B y th e e nd o f
p owerplay, the sou thp aw reached the sco re of 58 off only 21 balls
Abhishek missed equalling Rohit Sharma's record of being the
fastest Indian to score a T20I ton by just two balls. Rohit had hit a 35ball T20I century for India against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Abhishek also scored a 17-ball half-century, which was the second fastest by an Indian, when
Pragg steals a march over Gukesh, Erigaisi to win Wijk chess title
Pra ggnana ndhaa is writing a new scr ipt of his own iden tity The 19-ye ar-old e lite GM st ol e a mar ch over reigning world cha mpion D G uke sh an d for mer worl d N o 2 Erig aisi Ar jun to win t he Wijk aan Zee Tata Masters chess titl e in The Nether land s on Sunda y Pragg punished Gukesh’s overambition in the sudden death playoff to seal the title. Earlier, he lost the first game of the blitz playoff to Gukesh but struck back in the must-win second blitz game.
“Maybe I should buy something for Arjun,” Pragg told the tournament’s webcast referring to Arjun’s win with black pieces over Gukesh in the dramatic 13th and last round of the round-robin phase that helped Pragg finish on equal points at the top with Gukesh.If Gukesh had won the crown, he would have felt indebted to his world championship seconds Germany’s Vincent Keymer, who defeated Pragg in the crazy 13th and last round of the round-robin phase and ensured Gukesh’s tally of 8.5 points could not be overtaken by either Pragg or Nordirbek Abdusattrorov. That result ensured that Gukesh would get the right to participate in the playoffs.
What makes Wolverhampton an ideal location for hosting the finals and semi-finals of the Kabaddi World Cup, and how do you envision this event benefiting the city?
It’s a real honour and tremendously exciting that Wolverhampton and the West Midlands will be hosting the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup, the first time the sport’s most prestigious global tournament will be hosted outside of Asia, and I am even more excited that Wolverhampton will play a big part in this momentous occasion by hosting group stages, the semifinals and the final.
The first ever British Kabaddi League match played in Great Britain was held at WV Active Aldersley in 2022 between Wolverhampton Wolfpack and Birmingham Bulls and we have a plaque to commemorate this at our venue. We played a pivotal role in working with World Kabaddi and England Kabaddi in setting up the league and bringing the sport to the wider public.
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 has received £500,000 of funding from the UK Government's Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund following a joint regional bid led by the City of
he hit Jamie Overton for a massive six in the fifth over. He also shared a 115-run second-wicket partnership with Tilak Varma (24).
Asked to bat first, a fired-up Abhishek unleashed seven boundaries and 13 sixes en route to 135 (54 balls) as he scored the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian batter off 37 balls to help the hosts amass 247 for 9. Indian bowlers Mohammed Shami (3/25), Varun Chakravarthy (2/25), Shivam Dube (2/11) and Abhishek Sharma (2/3) then stifled the England batters, managing to dismiss them for 97 runs with 9.3 overs to spare.
Ambani family wins Oval Invincibles cricket franchise
Indi a ’ s billio na ire Amba ni family h as won the bidding battle for a stake in the f i r s t o f e i g h t E ng l i s h cricket tea ms be ing put up for auction by th e s port’s gov erning bo dy as it see ks t
e h u n d re ds o f millions o f pou nds
The family saw off competition from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners as it emerged victorious in the the fight for the Oval Invincibles. The London-based franchise became the first from The Hundred - a short-form contest that takes place each summer in England - to open up to outside investment in an online bidding process for a 49 per cent stake in each entity. A stake in Birmingham Phoenix was
also on the block, with bidding for stakes in the remaining teams set for the coming days, as the opportunity to buy into English cricket attracts a range of international investors.
RPSG Group bags
Manchester Originals
The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquired 70 per cent stake in the Manchester Originals cricket franchise for approximately 75 million pounds – valuing the franchise at 107 million pounds – following an auction on Monday. The RPSG Group outbid a USbased private equity firm to land the winning deal. This is the first time a majority stake has been bought by a group in a Hundred franchise.
Wolverhampton Council and World Kabaddi.
How do you plan to leverage the Kabaddi World Cup to introduce the sport to more schools, colleges, and universities across the West Midlands and inspire greater youth participation?
Through our work with all organisations involved in the World Cup, including England Kabaddi and Scotland Kabaddi, we hope to use it as a catalyst for introducing kabaddi into more schools, colleges, and universities across the West Midlands, inspiring our young and diverse population to become more physically active and engaged in sport.
Our cultural programme of activities around the World Cup will include school/community activities and cultural content that will form part of the opening and closing ceremonies.
We are engaging with 24 schools and/or community groups through workshops, intending to engage 1,000 residents and school children, emphasising Kabaddi’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening community pride and involvement in the World Cup.
Rishi Sunak enjoys tennis ball cricket during Mumbai visit
of tennis ball cricket," he shared on X Rishi Sunak, dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and sports shoes, enjoyed a game of tennis ball cricket, with bodyguards, children, and staff watching as he took his stance on the field.
"Great to be at the Parsee Gymkhana Club for its anniversary celebrations. Such an extraordinary achievement with a rich history and exciting future ahead. I managed not to get out too many times this morning," Mr Sunak told reporters, adding that he looks forward to more visits.
Founded on February 25, 1885, the iconic Parsee Gymkhana was led by Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy as president and Jamsetjee Tata as chairman. It relocated to its current spot along Marine Drive in 1887.
Sunak, accompanied by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, also attended the Jaipur Literature Festival, where a video of him greeting the crowd with folded hands went viral. The moment was captured as an anchor on stage welcomed him.
Ambanis join Rishi Sunak, Narayana
Murthy at Wankhede
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai played host to a number of VIPs for the India vs England 5th T20I. Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani was spotted in the stands with elder son Akash Ambani and fellow billionaire Ajay Piramal. They were joined by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his son-in-law, former UK PM Rishi Sunak. Rishi Sunak interacted with Mukesh Ambani and Akash Ambani during the match.
After witnessing England’s loss, Sunak took to Instagram to share a selfie and a consolatory
post for the team. “Tough day for England at the Wankhede but I know our team will come back stronger. Congratulations to Team India on the win,” wrote Sunak. “Despite the result, it was an honour to meet Jos Buttler and Suryakumar Yadav before the match and a pleasure to watch cricket with my father-in-law,” Sunak added.
