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Express APRIL 1ST EDITION 2015

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

Yorkshire trophy Striking title awaits for unveiled tour victor

By Ashley Grint

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

As the countdown to the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire race gets ever lower, the official trophy of the event was unveiled last week as a group of enthusiastic

See page 71

15 YEARS OF BOLLYWOOD Katrina Kaif reveals new ‘lookalike’ at Madame Tussauds

MAKKAH TO MADINAH Author dedicates 10 years of his life to create a photographic journey of the Hijrah Route See page 65

TROPHY: Othmane Lamouri and Zahra Afzal from Brudenell Primary School got their hands on the Tour de Yorkshire trophy last week

children got their hands on the striking accolade.

On Thursday 2nd April, youngsters from Brudenell Primary School in Hyde Park, Leeds, witnessed the official unveiling of the fitting Y-shaped trophy.

Continued on page 12

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A new kind of

RESPECT Councillors rejoin Galloway’s Party ahead of elections

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VOICE: Bradford West MP George Galloway said he was ‘delighted’ to see the four councillors return to the Respect Party last month

Four Independent Bradford councillors, who resigned from their party in October 2013 due to ‘unresolved issues’ have announced their return as the presence of Respect grows in the city.

Councillors Alyas Karmani (Little Horton), Ishtiaq Ahmed (Manningham), Ruqayyah Collector (City) and Faisal Khan (Bradford Moor) take the total

number of Respect party representatives to five in Bradford, depriving Labour of an overall majority on the council.

The councillor’s decision to rejoin the party was officially announced by the group’s leader, Bradford West MP George Galloway, at the end of last month.

In a written statement he said he was delighted to welcome back his ‘comrades’ ahead of the May elections.

“I am delighted to welcome our four comrades back and looking forward to

Respect’s new face

Hopeful City candidate eyes greater protection for students

POLITICS: Shariq Mahmood hopes to become the Respect Party’s latest councillor as he works alongside Bradford West MP George Galloway. Image courtesy of Riaz Ahmed/studio 68

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“I am delighted to welcome our four comrades back and looking forward to working with them in the future.

I am confident that this won’t be the last such announcement.”

Faisal Khan

Ishtiaq Ahmed

A new face has emerged to stand as the Respect Party candidate in Bradford’s City ward as Shariq Mahmood hopes to win his first seat on the city’s council.

Born and raised in Bradford, the father-of-three is hopeful of a strong showing in the May elections and says it is a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to represent ‘the true voice of the city’.

“I am a third generation Bradfordian and am passionate about making Bradford the best it can be,” he said.

“Amongst my many aims if elected would be to improve the sense of security when walking

working with them in the future,” Mr Galloway said, adding: “I am confident that this won’t be the last such announcement.”

The four councillors were originally elected to their positions after Mr Galloway’s sweeping 2012 by-election victory which he won with a majority of more than 10,000 votes.

However, in August 2013, the councillors, alongside Cllr Mohammad Shabbir who has opted to remain an Independent, resigned from Respect amidst claims Mr Galloway accused them of ‘attempting to sabotage the party’.

Mr Shabbir and Mr Ishtiaq had also been suspended the previous day over alleged criticism of the MP’s supposed plans to stand as London Mayor in 2016.

All four councillors released a joint statement explaining their decision to perform a political uturn which sees them rejoin the party after more than 18 months as around the city at night especially for vulnerable students.

“The city council needs to put measures in place to protect young females from being intimidated, harassed and hassled on a daily basis.”

He added: “Being a father the education system in Bradford is just not good enough. I believe Labour have failed to address these issues and I would work hard to lift the city off the foot of the national tables.”

Mr Mahmood joined the party around two months ago and has been campaigning alongside party members in the city in recent weeks.

independents.

It read: “After much consideration and reflection over the last few months we are pleased to announce that we will be rejoining the Respect Party in Bradford with immediate effect.

“In October 2013 we resigned from Respect due to unresolved issues within the party, these were mainly administrative and operational issues and we had since remained as Independents in Bradford Council.

“In essence these fundamental issues have now been resolved through intense dialogue initiated

by Respect officials and a clear strategy has been formulated to move the party forward, taking this into consideration we feel it is the appropriate move for Bradford and our respective ward members, regrettably other mainstream political parties have failed yet again to demonstrate that they actually represent the best interests of the ordinary working class, and

When questioned why he opted for the Respect Party, he said the influence George Galloway has had on the city in the past three years played a big role.

“When looking at the work George has done in the last three years, you can see consistent improvements across Bradford so you know the party is working for the people,” he said.

“There are already five Respect councillors in the city and after the next elections we hope to have even more which would enable Respect to have a very real voice and influence on the future of Bradford.”

Who are Respect?

Brief history of Galloway’s party In January 2004, the Respect Party was set up as an alternative left-wing option to the three established parties – Labour, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

It initially grew as a political party following the Stop the War Coalition, opposing the Iraq war with George Monbiot and Salma Yaqoob at the forefront of the operations.

Just six months later, in July 2004, the party won its first election as Oliur Rahma won a ward from Labour in Tower Hamlets.

The first Member of Parliament

for the party was elected one year later in the general elections as current leader, George Galloway, was victorious in Bethnal Green and Bow. Mr Galloway, now MP for Bradford West, remains the only MP for the party today.

According to the party’s official website, their members are ‘opposed to war, privatisation and unemployment’ instead standing ‘for peace, publicly owned services and a decent future for all’.

In total, five candidates are standing in the general election on Thursday 7th May as listed:

Asama Javed

George Galloway (Bradford West), Shiraz Peer (Birmingham Hall Green), Teval Stephens (Birmingham Yardley), David Lofts (Hastings and Rye), Asama Javed (Halifax).

Local elections are also due to take place on the same date.

this is clearly demonstrated by the dire education situation in Bradford which they have failed to recognise and tackle.

“It is our intention to continue working for people from all backgrounds to help drive a broad set of policies focussed on things that matter to people – the local economy, education, health, quality of life and robust long-range planning.

“Needless to say we will remain committed to the electorate and will continue to advocate for the citizens of Bradford, and work hard for the interests of our constituents and we will continue to represent them in Council on the issues that affect them in the District just as we have done over the last three years since being elected.”

In total, five councillors are now representing Respect on Bradford’s council with Asama Javed, who defected from Labour to join the party last month, the other addition.

Ruqqayah Collector

Alyas Karmani

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

Park and ride expansions

Opened in June 2014 in preparation for the Tour de France, the Elland Road Park and Ride scheme has exceeded expectations in less than a year of operation.

Over 45,000 people have used the service so far with over 350 cars parked most weekdays. Such is the demand that Leeds City Council is drawing up plans to upgrade the overspill area to provide a further 400 spaces to the same high quality specification.

Patronage is expected to grow even further with a recently introduced scheme which allows city centre businesses to purchase annual passes for their staff, providing a solution to access and parking issues they may have at their own premises.

Having a laugh in Huddersfield

Tickets are now on sale for Sarah Millican’s return to Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday 23rd January 2016.

In just 7 years Sarah Millican has gone from winning the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to becoming one of the UK’s most successful and multiaward-winning comedians, who also holds the record as the highest selling female comedian in the DVD market.

This autumn, Sarah will delight her fans as she heads out on the road again for her fourth stand-up tour, Outsider.

Tickets cost £25.50 and can be bought from Kirklees Box Offices by calling 01484 223200 or 222444.

They can also be booked online at www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk

Printing workshop for kids

Dewsbury Museum is offering children the chance to learn a new skill on Thursday 16th April.

Kids can have a go at creating prints, with tuition from practising artist Christine Anderson.

They will learn how to print images onto fabric and paper and will also be able to contribute to a collaborative print artwork.

Christine’s exhibition ‘Before, Now’ which explores identity is currently showing at the museum.

The workshop will run from 12noon to 4pm and costs £5 per child. It is suitable for children age five and over.

Places must be booked in advance by contacting the museum in Crow Nest Park, Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury on 01924 324 766.

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VOLUNTEER: Faisal Tariq and Sam Naaz both give up their own time to volunteer for the InTouch Foundation and are calling on others to give just a small fraction of time to help local causes

Getting Family-ar with charity

Siblings call on Yorkshire to get volunteering

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

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08703 608 606

A brother and sister from Keighley are urging more residents across West Yorkshire to ‘step up and be counted’ as an appeal for volunteers with local charities is echoed across the county.

Faisal Tariq and Sam Naaz both volunteer with the InTouch Foundation and have been working with the charity in their own time for two years now.

Balancing a family life, alongside full-time employment and a social life can seem a hard task to do, so when you add in the aspect of charity, people often turn a blind eye at volunteering opportunities.

For Faisal, who manages all four of these elements in his busy life, it is something which must not be overlooked.

“My earliest memory of charity is from when I was really young and I remember seeing my dad put money in charity boxes and collections,” the 28-year-old said.

“One day I asked him why he did it and he told me, ‘If God gave me this wealth why not share it with those who need it. You never know when you will be in such a situation’.

“Those words really stuck with me and I think by volunteering it is a great way of giving back and seeing firsthand the impact it can have on someone’s life.”

Faisal initially began working

with InTouch through their Keighley mobile kitchen on a one night a week basis.

Now, after advancing through the charity, he is the UK Fundraising Manager, completing all his work as a volunteer and continues to dish up food to those in need.

“I have helped raise money for charities in the past, but the difference in working for a charity close to home like InTouch and those that operate around the world, is you get to see the difference you make,” he added.

“In an ideal world there would be no need for a charity such as InTouch but poverty can affect anyone. It is only through volunteering that we are able to

help these causes.”

Sam, who got on board with the charity following her brother’s initial role, has also progressed up the voluntary ladder and now holds the responsibility of Volunteer Manager and Bradford Site Manager.

A teacher at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, the 26-year-old says she has even seen former students use the InTouch services.

Explaining how she got involved with volunteering, she said: “I started here after learning about the charity from Faisal and we both had similar views on the need to help close to home.

“On my first day at the mobile kitchen everything just felt right. I knew there and then that I was going to continue volunteering and would urge others to do the same.

“Whether it is just a couple of hours a week or casual opportunities, there are projects that need people’s help and it is a fantastic way of developing and progressing yourself as well as the community.”

The InTouch Foundation is run by volunteers and like many charities across West Yorkshire, rely on support, both financially and physically, to continue with the work they do on a daily basis.

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Kids putting other’s first

Family foodbank to help underprivileged in Bradford TREATS: Eight-year-old Zidaan Arshad prepares to hand over a mass of chocolate to the Salvation Army

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A Bradford family will be hosting their own foodbank starting this Easter after their children said they wanted to help local families who had fallen on hard times.

What was initially the idea of 14year-old, Sara Mahmood, quickly spread across her family until the idea of a fully operational project was set up last weekand her selfless vision became reality.

The first food parcels were purchased in bulk by her father Arshad Mahmood and his family who handed over the goods to the Salvation Army on Wednesday 1st April.

Amongst the parcels, which will feed between 15 and 16 families, was a host of chocolate treats in the form of Easter eggs and Easter bunnies. In total 40 children will receive the sweets to coincide with the Easter festival.

Mr Mahmood explained further why he wanted to get involved with local charities having given to other causes in Bradford in recent years.

“Running my own business gives me little time to volunteer at charities so I try to work under the idea of giving what I can financially if I can’t give the time,” he said.

“I was proud when Sara said she wanted to get help some local families

and so we got in touch with the Bradford Children’s Centre who then put us on to the Salvation Army.

“Hopefully these food items will help some underprivileged families and other businesses will follow suit and hold similar events in the future.”

Wayne Price, a Salvation Army Captain, accepted the food parcels on behalf of the families who he said would benefit greatly from the generous offering.

“The fantastic thing about this donation is that it is from a familyrun business which is showing other companies that money can be reinvested into the community,” he said.

“The food will be a massive help to so many families who have fallen on hard times and to show them that people in Bradford care about them is the most important thing we can achieve.”

Mr Price explained how the number of service users at the charity had grown recently since the disbandment of crisis loans.

In recent times the number of people speaking with the Salvation Army, who are on benefits but instead struggling to live off their minimum wage, have been asking for help.

If you would like to donate to the family’s foodbank, you can drop off your goods at the offices of Auto Prestige at 2 Rosse Street, Bradford.

GIVING: Arshad Mahmood met with Salvation Army Captain, Wayne Price, after purchasing food parcels and setting up a foodban k

“Hopefully these food items will help some underprivileged families and other businesses will follow suit and hold similar events in the future.”

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Who’s a good boy?

Dog owners in Thornhill are being invited to attend an eightweek course to help them manage their unruly pooches.

The course is designed to improve general behaviour and teach basic obedience through kind methods and socialisation techniques.

The course starts on Wednesday 22nd April at 12pm until 3pm and will be taking place at Edge Top Working Men’s Club in Thornhill, Dewsbury.

The final assessment/test and certification will be on Wednesday 17th June.

Training will be based on the (Bronze) Kennel Club Good Citizens Dog Scheme and is suitable for any breed of dog but they need to be fully vaccinated. Please note, the course is not suitable for dogs who show extreme or aggressive behaviour.

Owners must register in advance by calling 01484 414739 or emailing Dog.Wardens@kirklees.gov.uk

Bright future for Town Hall chamber

The ornate ceiling in Halifax Town Hall’s Council chamber has been restored to its original splendour.

Specialist repairs, intricate painting and thorough cleaning have conserved the stained glass and plasterwork in the ceiling for generations to come. Natural light is now pouring into the much-loved chamber, which houses many of Calderdale Council’s key meetings.

Last year some of the ceiling’s plasterwork started to crack and was at risk of becoming unstable, so the Council began repair works and installed scaffolding to allow access and keep the chamber up and running during the project.

When the project team looked closely at the glazed roof above the decorative plasterwork and stained glass ceiling, they found that it was damaged in several places, causing water to leak through and crack the plaster.

Artistic achievement

A young person from the Linden Brook short stay respite centre is celebrating after the centre organised for his artwork to go on show in Sowerby Bridge.

17-year-old Ashley Challoner has been visiting Linden Brook for three years. The Council- run centre offers short stays for disabled children, giving parents and carers the opportunity to rest, assured that their child is in a safe and secure environment.

Ashley has already undertaken a number of art projects at the centre, including contributing to a project where the back fence was painted using images that he had designed of animals.

To help encourage Ashley’s talent further, the centre has now organised for his work to be displayed at a café in Sowerby Bridge.

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Former 1D pop star continues to face wrath of fans and random media speculation Having allegedly lost some 50,000 followers on Twitter, Bradford-born Zayn Malik, has had a fair bit to deal with since he quit the globally-successful pop group boyband last month.

The former boyband star has revealed that, in leaving One Direction, he has "let the fans down" and denies rumours of being banned from joining his Little Mix fiancée, Perrie Edwards on tour.

A source reportedly told a national newspaper: “Senior figures are worried that with Zayn being so lost and confused after his One Direction split, he will just want to hang out with Perrie to make him happy.

“Having distractions is not what (Little Mix) need. Perrie already faces dozens of media questions about Zayn, when the focus should be on their music.”

But a rep for the star denied the claims, branding them 'absolute fabricated nonsense' and 'not true at all.'

Last week Zayn and Perrie went on holiday together in a bid to put Zayn’s cheating claims in Thailand behind them.

Zayn shared a snap from their holiday in the sun of the pair looking loved up on his Instagram page.

And post the release of his solo single with the help of producer Naughty Boy, Zayn continues to deny that there were any rifts between the One Direction band members, saying those claims ‘couldn't be more wrong’.

But he confessed he had wanted out of the band for some time.

He also dismissed rumours it was the beginning of the end for the band, who were put together on The X Factor in 2010, but has refused to comment on speculation he could return in the future.

Now Naughty Boy has opened up about the feud, telling a national gossip magazine that he doesn’t think Louis (Tomlinson) is being fair to his former bandmate.

“There seems to be some needless provoking going on,” he told the mag. “(Louis) was deliberately adding to the provoking. I don’t think that’s fair. Especially on Zayn, that’s not fair.”

He continued: “Right now, there needs to be calm. He could have said that to me privately. Doing it openly is another act of provocation that’s not needed.”

Naughty Boy went on to say that Zayn had been under huge amounts of pressure and that he had been there for him as a friend.

“I’ve been his friend,” he explained. “He needs one.

Just because we were seen at my studio – you (don’t) necessarily just make music.

“People seem to forget that he’s under so much stress. Which is why he left the tour.

There’s a lot going on.

People get caught up – what he has done is to be normal.

“Sometimes being normal is to try and sort things out with your fiancée or hang around with a friend. That is normal.”

Zayn in the midst of rumours

RUMOURS: Zayn Malik has denied that he’s been banned from joining his Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards on tour

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‘I had no choice’ Former UKIP MEP wants apology after ‘discrediting campaign’

A Conservative MEP who defected from UKIP earlier this year has said his former party faces the threat of legal action if allegations made against him are not withdrawn.

Yorkshire and Humber MEP, Amjad Bashir, joined the Tories in January after branding UKIP a ‘party of ruthless self-interest’.

However, just hours before his official resignation was to be made public, he was suspended.

Nigel Farage’s party issued a press release stating the decision was due to ‘unanswered financial and employment questions’, something the accused has always vehemently denied.

The following day, Mr Farage also publically criticised the behaviour of his former colleague, branding his acceptance by the Conservatives as the ‘only surprise’.

Now, following an episode of

the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme, it has been revealed that Mr Bashir’s solicitors, Atkins Thompson, sent a nine-page legal letter to Mr Farage and UKIP chairman Steve Crowther.

In it, demands are made which include the removal of a press release discrediting Mr Bashir from the UKIP website, an apology is made in open court, and damages and legal costs be paid.

The letter says: “There can be no other conclusion that [the allegations] were published as part of a deliberate campaign

on the part of UKIP and its most senior officers to discredit Mr Bashir in retaliation for his decision to join the Conservative Party.”

Adding: “Contrary to the impression given by the press release, [Mr Bashir] had no forewarning of what UKIP had decided to allege.”

In a statement, Mr Bashir said the case ‘remains in the hands of his lawyers’ and was now waiting for any response.

“As soon as the various allegations were made it became clear that I had no

“As soon as the various allegations were made it became clear that I had no choice but to pursue legal advice.”

choice but to pursue legal advice,” he said.

“I have taken that advice, we have compiled a case, and this now remains in the hands of my lawyers.”

A response to the letter is expected to be returned midApril.

POLITICS: Amjad Bashir defected from UKIP to the Tories at the start of 2015, slamming their lack of policies

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Tour de Yorkshire

Roadshow Residents and businesses across the county are being invited to a Tour de Yorkshire roadshow as the county gears up to host the new international cycle race.

The roadshow, which is one of a series being run by Welcome to Yorkshire and local authorities, will give simple and direct information, facts and advice on how to make the most of this world-class event. They will also give advice around brand guidelines and key dos and don’ts for businesses.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We saw a huge appetite for all things Yorkshire last year when we hosted the Tour de France, and this new race will bring back some of the world’s best teams.

This means spectators from far and wide and the most fantastic advert our county can wish for – global television coverage.

The roadshows will help businesses prepare in the run up to the event, race days themselves and of course long in to the future as we establish Yorkshire as Europe’s number one cycling destination.”

Residents and businesses have been overwhelmingly positive in signing up to the roadshows, which highlight what it will mean to them and their communities, both on and off the route.

A recent economic impact study of the Tour de France showed that over £12 million was generated for the Bradford economy with the potential for £3 million from repeat visitors.

Stage three of the new race takes place on 3rd May on over 40km of Bradford’s roads, taking in Oxenhope, Haworth, Oakworth, Laycock, Goose Eye, Silsden, Addingham, Ilkley, the Cow and Calf Rocks, Burley Woodhead and Menston.

The nature of the route chosen for the race means cycling fans old and new will find dramatic backdrops, tough climbs and Yorkshire landmarks such as the Cow and Calf where they can enjoy the race.

Phil Barker, Assistant Director for Sport and Leisure at Bradford Council, said: "When the Tour de France came to our district last year it brought huge benefits to the area and the effects are still being felt. I’d encourage residents and businesses from across the district to attend the roadshow and find out about how they can prepare for the Tour de Yorkshire.”

The event will take place at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley on Wednesday 15th April from 6.30pm to 8pm.

April 2015 - 1st Edition

Yorkshire trophy Striking title unveiled awaits for Cover story continued

Designed and manufactured by Yorkshire-based world renowned trophy makers, Thomas Fattorini Ltd, the iconic title will be presented to the winner in Roundhay Park on Sunday 3rd May. Thomas Fattorini Ltd was originally founded in Yorkshire in 1827 by Antonio Fattorini, a European immigrant who settled in the county where he then established a

number of retail outlets.

It was decided that the trophy would be unveiled in the city where Fattorini first began his life and local school children got a sneak peak last week.

Amongst the first pupils to get their hands on the prize were Othmane Lamouri and Zahra Afzal who were excited to be part of the historic occasion.

Tom Fattorini, Director of Sales and Marketing at the trophy makers, said: “We do business internationally, supplying

tour victor

trophies to the likes of FIFA, and when we were invited to support the production of the Tour de Yorkshire trophy and medals we felt it was a perfect fit given our Yorkshire history.

“We look forward to the winner proudly showing off the new trophy to the world on 3rd May.” Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: “The company’s history and

Yorkshire roots make them the perfect partner for providing the inaugural race trophy and medals.

“We were thrilled when we saw the design and even more excited when we saw the trophy for the first time.

The excitement is really building now right across

the county as we move towards race weekend, when Yorkshire will once again go global.”

The trophy will now embark on a mini-tour around the county during the next few weeks before returning to Leeds for the race next month.

UNVEILED: The trophy was shown for the first time to pupils in Hyde Park on Tuesday

“We were thrilled when we saw the design and even more excited when we saw the trophy for the first time.

The excitement is really building now right across the county as we move towards race weekend, when Yorkshire will once again go global.”

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Mini Money Makers

TEAM: Team Money Makers (l-r) Asad Isfahani, William Yeung, and Alfie Broadfield, celebrate with their trophy at Headingley Stadium

Teen trio are Yorkshire champions Three young enterprising pupils from Liversedge showed their business brains last week, advancing past 720 other teams to reach the national finals of a prestigious competition.

Spen Valley High School’s ‘Team Money Makers’ were one of five representatives previously chosen for the Mosaic Enterprise Challenge county finals at Headingley Stadium.

The three strong team comprised of 14-year-olds, Asad Isfahani and Alfie Broadfield, alongside William Yeung, 13.

Tasked with planning their own enterprise business, the teenage trio created a concept for a website on which users buy and sell unwanted items of school uniforms and books.

Members of the local community would also be encouraged to donate items which can be sold online rather than being thrown away and ending up in landfill.

Chairman of Judges, Ajaz Ahmed, praised the group’s teamwork and said they deserved to advance into the national finals later this month.

“It’s great to see the kids having the confidence to get involved with initiatives such as Mosaic’s Enterprise Challenge, which I was

proud to be involved with last year as well,” he said.

“This really does bring the best out in them. The quality and confidence displayed by the regional finalists is outstanding and in many cases better than some of the experienced entrepreneurs I see on a daily basis.”

Speaking about Team Money Makers’ win, Alfie Broadfield, added: “The whole day was pretty nerve wracking and we really can’t believe we’re through to the Grand finals at our first attempt, it’s so exciting.

“We’ve worked pretty hard with our mentor and think we’ve come up with a great idea so I think we’ve got a good chance! We can’t wait to try and do Yorkshire proud.

We’ll definitely give it our best shot.”

The yearly competition is open to all secondary school children throughout Britain who compete for the top prize of £2,500 for their school.

During the competition pupils work closely with an allocated mentor to come up with a winning business concept which is then pitched to a regional judging panel in advance of the Grand Final.

The Grand Final of the nationwide competition will be hosted in London on 23rd April.

BUSINESS: The Spen Valley team celebrate with judge Ajaz Ahmed and keynote speak their success er, Griselda Togobo

Vaisakhi message from the Prime Minister “I send my best wishes to everyone in India, Britain and around the world celebrating Vaisakhi.

“I know this is an incredibly important time for the Sikh community as families and friends come together to commemorate the birth of the Khalsa and give thanks. From Southall to Sunderland, from Ottawa to Amritsar Sikhs around the world will be marking Vaisakhi with vibrant parades and celebrations with homes, Gurdwaras and entire neighbourhoods bursting into life with decorations and colour.

“Vaisakhi also gives us a chance to celebrate the immense contribution of British Sikhs, who have enriched our country for over 160 years. Whether it is in the fields of enterprise or business education, public service or civil society Britain's Sikhs are a success story and model community.

“And I see this contribution every day, all around. Like at the magnificent Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick, where I saw for myself the values of Sikhism - of compassion, peace and equality - in practice. And across the country I see how Sikh and Asian businessmen and women are boosting the economy by creating jobs and opportunities. But this contribution is not just a recent thing it goes back many, many years and was never more starkly demonstrated than 100 years ago during the First World War. “Just last month we commemorated the Indian soldiers many of whom were Sikh who fought bravely alongside the Allies in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in Northern France. I pay tribute to those men who travelled far from home and who fought and died with their comrades in the fight for freedom. We will never let their sacrifice be forgotten.

“So at this important time, let us commemorate the birth of a great religion let us give thanks for everything the Sikh community does for Britain and let us celebrate the successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy country that we are.

“Wherever you are, I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Vaisakhi.”

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City of

‘Arab’

Culture DEBUT: Singer, Reem Kelani, will perform at the festival for the first time this year alongside her band

The highly anticipated return of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is getting ever nearer as another thrilling celebration of Arab culture is brought to venues across the city.

Running from 6th until 14th June, this year’s event is once again packed full of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and special events, and for the first time will explore the theme of ‘Shaping Change: A work in progress’.

The theme brings a welcome focus to how Arab communities worldwide are responding to contemporary changes from within and LAAF chairman, Taher Qassim, says it is important to recognise other cultures.

“Liverpool Arab Arts Festival remains the premier UK annual celebration of Arab culture,” he said.

“It attracts audiences from across the UK and beyond, whilst remaining firmly rooted in the local communities from which the festival

RETURN: The Arab Arts Festival brings the Arab culture to the forefront of communities in Liverpool in June

Annual Arab Arts Festival returns this summer was born, 14 years ago. The programme mixes international artists, home-grown talent, established names and emerging acts.”

One debutant announced already will be Palestinian singer, musicologist and broadcaster, Reem Kelani, who will perform with her band at the iconic St George’s Hall on Friday 12th June.

Meanwhile, festival favourites such as the ever-popular LAAF Family Day, and The Big Sunday event will make their welcome returns with the latter closing the festival at the Bluecoat on Sunday 14th June.

Mr Qassim added: “As always, this year’s programme showcases the most joyful and celebratory aspects of Arab culture, without shying away

from challenging subject matter.

“Audiences will see a strong focus on inclusion, as the programme gives a platform to voices from all walks of life.”

In build up to the festival, several preview events will take place across the city in the coming months with all information available via www.arabartsfestival.co.uk

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Extremist individuals blacklist Home Secretary Theresa May outlines a list of measures the government would introduce, including a review of the Sharia law in Britain

Home Secretary, Theresa May has announced that a blacklist of extremist individuals and organisations with whom the government and public sector should not engage, is being drawn up.

May has also outlined a list of measures the government would introduce, includes a review of the impact of the Muslim Sharia law in Britain.

She said that the UK will no longer tolerate the behaviour of Islamist extremists who ‘reject our values’.

The home secretary said a future Tory government would introduce measures such as ‘closure orders’ to shut premises owned or used by extremists.

She also said there were plans for civil ‘extremism disruption orders’ that could be used against individuals.

Mrs May also said everyone in Britain had ‘responsibilities as well as rights’, and must respect laws and institutions. A ‘partnership’ of individuals and communities could tackle the issue, she added.

The home secretary outlined a list of measures a majority Conservative government would introduce, including closure orders for premises being used by extremists and banning orders. The package would include a positive campaign to promote British values.

The move goes far beyond current powers to ban violent extremist and terrorist organisations and paves the way for a range of non-violent legal organisations to be put on a blacklist and boycotted by the government.

David Cameron, for example, has promised for the last five years to ban the non-violent radical Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir but it has failed to meet the legal criteria to be banned.

The Home Office defines extremism as: “Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.”

Measures to be introduced if the Conservatives won the general election • ‘Banning orders’ for groups which do not reach the current threshold to be outlawed under terrorism laws • A ‘positive campaign to promote British values’ to the public • A review of supplementary schools, which are currently unregulated • HM Inspectorate of Constabulary reviewing how police forces have responded to ‘honour crimes’, female genital mutilation and forced marriage • New ‘extremism officer’ roles in prisons to deal with extremist inmates and gangs • A ‘full review of citizenship law’ to make sure successful applicants respect British values • A ‘sharp reduction’ in funding for translation services and a ‘significant increase’ in money for English language training

Duty to learn English In 2001-2002 and 2008-2009 the Labour government had to treble spending on English for “speakers of other languages courses” to £300m over that period. In 2005 they took the decision to start charging anyone who wasn’t on Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance benefits.

Costs of classes vary, but on average an intensive one-year course of 15 hours a week could easily cost more than £1,000.

According to National Association for Teaching English and Community Languages, funding cuts since 2011 have resulted in a 42% drop in the number of migrants able to access/afford an English language course in the UK, down from 82,900 in 2012-13 to 48,300.

A survey in May 2014 suggested providers had waiting lists of up 1,000 potential students, meaning that many of those desperate to learn English are being turned away.

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Dewsbury teens flee to Syria

Families in ‘shock’ over disappearance of ‘ordinary Yorkshire lads’

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A brother of the UK’s youngest convicted terrorist is believed to have travelled to Syria to join Islamic State fighters.

Hassan Munshi – younger brother of Hammaad Munshi, disappeared from his family home on Thursday 31st March alongside friend Talha Asmal.

The pair are believed to have boarded a Thomas Cook flight at Manchester Airport later that day to Dalaman in Turkey before crossing the border into Syria.

Hamaad was arrested by counterterrorism police in 2006 as a 15year-old and later convicted for his role in a plot to kill non-Muslims.

The disappearance of his brother came as a ‘shock’ to his family with both missing boys described as ‘two ordinary Yorkshire lads’.

A statement released on behalf of the two families said: “Both families are devastated by the events of the last few days and in particular, we are extremely concerned about the safety and well-being of our loved ones.

“Our number one priority is to get Hassan and Talha back home with their families and we implore anyone who may have any information whatsoever to get in contact with the police.

“Naturally, we are in a state of profound shock and are trying to come to terms with the predicament we find ourselves in and we hope and pray that no other family finds itself in our situation.

“These were just two ordinary Yorkshire lads who enjoyed the things that all young people enjoy at their age - both Hassan and Talha had a promising future as an apprentice and an A-level student respectively, and we are praying

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FAMILY: Hammaad Munshi (pictured) is the youngest convicted terrorist in the UK, and it is his brother, Hassan, who has fled to Syria

they will be back with us soon and are able to realise that future.

“We would implore all parents to be extra vigilant, although as we found, it's near impossible to know your children have been groomed and brainwashed.

“Syria is a frightening war-torn place and we need to urgently educate our young children about the dangers posed by those who prey on impressionable teenagers.”

To date, the Metropolitan Police estimate that around 600 Brits have travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State with up to half of those now returning home to the UK. Since the Dewsbury teens’ disappearance last week, West Yorkshire Police have been

supporting the families whilst carrying out extensive enquiries alongside the North East Counter Terrorism Unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We are extremely concerned for the safety of these two boys and would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us.

“Our priority is for their safe return; their families are gravely worried about them and want them home.

“Anyone with any information about should call the police immediately on 101 or the confidential Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”

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A five-year-old from Bradford kick-started his own chocolate Easter egg collection last week as hundreds of treats were dropped off at two West Yorkshire hospitals.

Young Aman Chahal said he wanted to ‘donate his own pocket money’ to help other children in need during the holidays and with the help of local faith group, Sant Nirankari Mission (SNM), his wish was fulfilled.

Dozens of chocolate eggs were taken to the children’s wards at Leeds General Infirmary and Bradford Royal Infirmary in hope of bringing a smile to the young patient’s faces.

Project co-ordinator and volunteer, Mohinder Ram, said the initiative really ‘took off’ after Aman’s selfless declaration with support coming from across the community.

“Every year we usually have a collection to help those in need during Easter but this time we decided to do something a little different,” he said.

“It all began from Aman’s idea and from there we arranged for this collection to be carried out and handed over at both the Leeds General Infirmary and BRI. “Thanks to the generosity of Asda Superstore Manager, Davey Crabtree, we were able to make the donations stretch even further and bring joy to more children on the wards.”

In Bradford, the festive treats were warmly received by

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Egg-cellent idea staff nurses, Sister Karen Wright, Tracey Martin, Fran Prusinski and Lorren Hopper, who joined the volunteers in handing out some of the gifts to patients.

Local congregation member, Manjit Kaur, who was joined on the day by her son, Ashwin Reio Nandra, said it was an extremely rewarding project to be a part of.

“We are donating these small gifts on Easter to bring a smile to children’s faces,” she said.

“We wish them all good health and a speedy recovery, and from everyone at Sant Nirankari Mission we wish everyone a Happy Easter.”

Young and old members from the SNM faith group took part in the initiative and following its success, Mohinder says it could likely be repeated in future years.

Aman Chahal

DONATIONS: The SNM representatives handed over their egg collections to staff at the two local hospitals last week. (Aman Chahal pictured front row, second from right)

Youngsters donation proposal sparks community drive

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LAWSUIT: Texile guru Shri Sanjay Lalbhai (left) is the Managing Director of the company fined Arvind Ltd in India

Textiles firm Arvind Ltd in Bengaluru, India has said its subsidiary Arvind Lifestyle Brands Ltd will pay $3.2 million to Ralph Lauren Corporation USA to settle a lawsuit filed by it in a US court in 2013.

Ralph Lauren filed a case in a US District Court against ALBL and US Polo Association, USA (USPA) alleging breach of agreement due to non-compliance in respect of disclaimers to be printed on USPA products sold in India.

ALBL has licence to manufacture and market USPA branded products in India.

"The parties got into good faith discussions and agreed to enter into an amicable

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Indian company to pay $3.2m to Ralph Lauren settlement without admission of liability of any party," Arvind Ltd said in a BSE filing.

"Under the terms of the settlement, ALBL and USPA have agreed to pay jointly settlement amount to RLC. As per the settlement Agreement, ALBL shall pay $3,200,000 in full settlement and satisfaction of the dispute between the parties," it said.

Ralph Lauren had first

issued a notice for arbitration to be held in India against ALBL and USPA and the company was successful in obtaining a temporary injunction against the commencement of the arbitration from the jurisdictional court in India.

However, Ralph Lauren went ahead and filed a lawsuit in the US Court.

Arvind Lifestyle Brands

Limited owns and operates apparel retail stores in India.

The company owns value retail chain Megamart and a slew of international and local brands, such as Gant, Arrow, US Polo, Elle and Flying Machine and was formerly known as Pinnacle Risk Advisory Services Limited. It changed its name to Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited in September 2008.

COLOUR: Students had their own Holi celebrations on campus to mark the internationally recognised Hindu festival

International Student’s Week Colour, culture and communities at heart of celebrations

FASHION: Students wore their traditional clothes as vibrant colours were seen amongst the student body

The University of Huddersfield’s highly anticipated International Week returned for a third year earlier this month as students came together to celebrate different cultures and showcase their heritage.

This year’s event welcomed more than 3,000 international students from over 120 countries, and included a wide range of events, from sports to films and even food tastings.

Organised by the University’s international student societies and sponsored by the International Office it has become one of the cornerstones of the academic social calendar, growing in size every year.

“There is always great anticipation and excitement in the run up to and throughout the International Week,” said International Marketing and Events Officer Alan Tobi.

“The passion, initiative and effort our students put into the growing list of events highlights the high calibre and commitment of students at the University.

“International Week provides the perfect blend of sports, food, culture, traditions, film, arts and education and supports the development and skill sets of our student body.

“I would like to personally thank all students, staff and participants involved for making the week such a resounding success.”

Often the most anticipated day of the festival is the mid-week International Food and Culture Festival.

On this day, the international student societies prepare traditional food from their countries bringing a taste of the world to the campus.

Live music and dancing keep the crowds entertained, with audience participation welcomed. This year

saw a diverse range of acts from a Syrian cover of a Pink Floyd classic to a Vietnamese bamboo hat dance and from Iranian heavy metal to bellydancing.

Elsewhere, as sport often unites people with a common passion, students had the opportunity to take part in a world of sport and international football tournaments, as well as an international Zumba session and Bhangra dancing.

For the first time this year, the festival introduced ‘Ding’ a three minute speed-geeking event which enables students from different countries to meet and talk whilst raising money for the National Autistic Society.

Another festival first was an ‘international market’, which offered a range of food and gifts from India, China and Africa.

The ancient Hindu festival, Holi, also known as the festival of colours,

brought students from all nations together in a fun water-fight using coloured water-filled balloons and powder.

Even the University’s Campus Kitchen joined in the festivities by serving up an international themed menu with everything from traditional British fayre to a taste of Africa.

Amongst those to experience International Student’s Week for a first time was Advertising and Marketing Communication student Vivienne Lau from Hong Kong.

She said: “International week was full of fun, entertainment, joy and excitement for students and

attendees.

“For me, it was a great opportunity to talk to people from different backgrounds and cultures.”

MSc International Business Management student, Eva Šperlíková from the Czech Republic, added: “International Week is one of the events that bring students from all over the world closer.

“It is an amazing opportunity to make new friends who will stay in your contact list for the rest of your life. My favourite events during the week are the food and cultural festival and the world of sports.”

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Acoustics Engineer Dr. Amar Bose, to be honoured with Prestigious Founders Award at The Asian Awards

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The late Dr. Amar Bose, Founder of acoustics company Bose Corporation, is to be honoured with the prestigious Founders Award at The Asian Awards to take place on 17th April 2015 in London. Now in it’s fifth year, previous honourees of The Asian Awards include the legendary Ravi Shankar, Sir Ben Kingsley, Freddie Mercury and Bruce Lee. Born in 1929, Dr. Amar Bose was an Indian academic who turned his hand to building one of the most respectable acoustics companies in the world, the Bose Corporation. He received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD from MIT, all in electrical engineering. He joined the faculty in 1956 and taught until 2001, fully dedicated to his students and consistently recognised for teaching excellence. In 1964, Dr. Bose founded Bose Corporation. Since its inception, and true to his guiding principles, the company has remained privately held with a focus on long-term research.

His inventions spanned decades and transformed categories. His original analysis for noise cancellation was created in-flight from Zurich to Boston. For the next 19 years he continued the research and development of headsets for commercial pilots and the military.

In 2000, after nearly $60 million of funding, the QuietComfort® noise-cancelling headset was first introduced, revolutionising headphones globally and permanently.

It was his commitment to innovation that changed how people listen to music, with other technological breakthroughs in home audio, mobile audio, automotive sound and beyond – each challenging convention and norms.

He was known to say: “I would have been

www.asianexpress.co.uk fired a hundred times at a public company”, citing he never went into business to make money. Instead, he would explain: “I went into business so that I could do interesting things that hadn't been done before.”

On deciding the choice of this year's Founders Award, The Asian Awards Founder Paul Sagoo said: “We actually intended to honour him two years ago at the 3rd Asian Awards. When we notified him of our intentions he wrote me a beautiful email thanking The Asian Awards, but stating he was not well enough to travel. He sadly passed away five months later.

“We are delighted that Dr. Bose will be honoured this year with the Founders Award.

He lived his life with passion and by endowing the majority of his company to MIT, he has cemented a great relationship between Bose Corporation and one of the greatest technology institutes in the world.”

His daughter, Maya Bose will collect the award on her late father’s behalf.

A host of stars, business leaders and politicians will attend The Asian Awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals born in or with direct family origin from all of Asia across all disciplines of life. The Asian Awards were an ambitious idea conceived by Paul Sagoo, entrepreneur and founder of the Lemon Group. He says: “Our goal was to celebrate the highest calibre of individuals from the global Asian community across all spheres of activity,” said Sagoo. “This year is no different and we continue to raise the bar of the event each year.”

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Engineering students are top of class in consulate visit

Iraq Ambassador welcomed to Yorkshire WELCOME: The Iraq Consul General, Ambassador Zaid Noori (right), meets the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, Professor David Taylor

International students at the University of Huddersfield showcased their engineering talents last week as they were paid a special visit from the Consul General of the Republic of Iraq.

Ambassador Zaid Noori headed to the West Yorkshire educational establishment alongside other senior officials from the Iraqi consulate after an invite from the University’s Director of International Development Andrew Mandebura.

Mr Mandebura had visited the Iraqi Consulate in Manchester earlier in the year and spoke of the excellent work, students from Iraq are doing in West Yorkshire.

Explaining more about the visit, he said: “The open discussion session was an excellent opportunity for current students, who are sponsored by the Iraqi government, to give feedback about their experiences on campus and it was a huge success.

“We thank Ambassador Noori for

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taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and visit the University’s Iraqi student population as well as seeing some of their excellent research.”

After being greeted by the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Taylor, the tour progressed to the campus’s EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Advanced Metrology - globally respected for its expertise in the science of measurement.

Here, Ambassador Noori, whose background is in civil engineering, heard a presentation from EPSRC researcher Dr Hussam Muhamedsalih about the Centre’s award-winning research into creating the next generation of measurement technology.

Dr Muhamedsalih highlighted the development of an innovative Wavelength Scanning Interferometer (WSI), which is used to measure micro and nano geometry and surface topography, even in exceptionally harsh

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The device won the prestigious 2014 Manufacturing Technology category at the annual Innovation Awards run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Ambassador Noori then met award-winning Iraqi PhD student Mothana Hassan, who explained his doctoral research in the field of interferometry.

The quality of his research led to Mothana receiving a scholarship from Iraq’s Ministry of Higher Education and was presented with a certificate by the Iraqi Cultural Attaché at a special ceremony in London.

The tour finished with Ambassador Noori being introduced to members of the Iraqi Student Society.

Thirty Iraqi students attended the meeting where there was an open discussion session over lunch.

“We thank Ambassador Noori for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and visit the University’s Iraqi student population as well as seeing some of their excellent research.”

STUDY: Dr Hussam Muhamedsalih gave a presentation to Ambassador Zaid Noori and the Iraqi delegates about the University’s EPSRC Centre

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A delightful range of selected cuts of prime beef is now available for the real “Steak Lovers”, or even “Newbies”.

Select from the following range and enjoy steaks how they should be enjoyed, at home, with the family and friends.

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Our Prime Beef Steaks are prepared from graded cattle, perfect in age, so much more tender and tasty, and to crown it all, matured in our Beef Ageing Chamber for over 21 Days, and that’s no Bull! You have to try our steaks to believe it.

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APPEAL: Razia has spent her on money purchasing sewing machines for people in Africa and is appealing for more equipment to be donated

Generous Gran heads to Africa Sewing machines wanted prior to take-off

WORK: The machines will be used to set up a ‘sewing centre’ where women in Burkina Faso can earn a living

A charitable grandmother from Bradford is set to venture half way around the world later this year as she hopes to set up a sewing centre in one of Africa’s most deprived nations.

54-year-old Razia Amini, from Heaton, will head to Burkina Faso at the end of May as a representative of the Humanity First charity.

Having already completed two successful trips to the Gambia in the last two years, she is once again calling on the public to help her in her quest to support some of the world’s most vulnerable families.

“This year I am specifically appealing for sewing machines,” she explained. “When we arrive in Burkina Faso we are hoping to set up a self-operating ‘sewing centre’.

“Our initial plan is to hire one member of

staff, and train her in the field before she then teaches them same skills to the group which will enable the site to run independently and selfsufficiently.

“The products they make, and services provided, will help them earn a wage in an area of major unemployment and also act as a safe place in the area.”

Razia will spend two weeks in the country alongside one or two other representatives from the charity where they will focus their work on the sewing centre and a local school.

A huge container full of supplies is already being prepared to be shipped prior to Razia’s departure, which so far includes more than 40 sewing machines amongst thousands of other items.

The truck-load of products will be twice the size of her previous collections, and Razia admits it will be a new experience.

“It is going to be a new challenge and we are going to a very poor area but it is something I am looking forward to and prepared for.”

As well as the sewing machines, Razia is also appealing for other donations.

“The major appeal this year is of course the sewing machines but I am also hoping to gather bikes which can help children get access to education which they previously never had,” she said.

“I’m also calling on schools, and businesses who may be refurbishing to donate desks, chairs and laptops which will be put to very good use in the country.”

Almondbury Community School, in Huddersfield, is one educational establishment which has already got involved with the appeal, donating masses of their furniture.

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BUILDING: Leeds Beckett University Asma Dauleh, beat hundreds of other entries to clinch the ‘Better Philadelphia Challenge’ award

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Amazing architects

Leeds students victorious in plans to build a ‘better Philly’

Three aspiring architects from Leeds Beckett University have returned from their trip across the Atlantic after picking up an international design award.

Asma Dauleh, Freddie Garside and Nick Husband, all first year Masters of Architecture students, fought off stiff competition from hundreds of other entries, to be named as one of five awardwinning groups in the ‘The Better Philadelphia Challenge’.

Receiving their awards in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, the competition is in memory of Philadelphia’s iconic 20th Century city planner, Ed Bacon, and challenges university-level students to address real-world urban design issues in Philadelphia.

The Leeds trio, who have become firm friends since they were grouped to work together for the project as part of their coursework, said they were thrilled and proud to be prize winners in such a prestigious international competition.

They won the ‘Special Jury Prize for Alternative Energy’ for their innovative design entry and travelled to Philadelphia for the awards ceremony to present their project.

23-year-old Asma, who following university hopes to work in third world countries in the development of self-sustained eco-settlement communities,

explained more about the group’s designs.

“Our idea was to turn Petty Island into a self-sustained research and nature preserve, which the public, families and school groups could access, utilise, learn from and enjoy,” she said.

“We looked at all of the factors and issues that are currently challenging and affecting Philadelphia and the surrounding areas and how we could turn Petty

Island into something which would begin to address those issues.

“Unemployment is a huge problem in the region, and the need for stable and sustainable jobs is paramount. Our master plan for the Island allowed for education, practice and training which would lead to continual employment.”

Better Philadelphia Challenge Judge, Bob McConnell, from

DESIGN: One of the group’s design entries was centred on the redevelopment of Petty Island into a ‘self-sustained research and nature preserve’

architecture firm EwingCole and Co-Chair of the Ed Bacon Memorial Committee, praised the group’s award-winning project.

He added: “The team’s focus on the future of bio-chemical fuels was smart as they may continue to be a part of our region’s energy portfolio for the foreseeable future. We were also impressed with the thoughtful way this team developed the site to function even as sea levels rise.”

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Westborough are winners in national business competition

CHAMPIONS: Westborough High School students picked up top prize in the nationwide enterprising competition for their business – Ethical print

Tycoon in Schools

CHAMPIONS Budding entrepreneurs from Dewsbury swapped the classroom for Buckingham Palace last week after clinching top prize in a nationwide enterprise competition.

The seven Year 10 students from Westborough High School were confirmed joint winners of the Tycoon in Schools contest at a ceremony attended by nine groups of finalists and the competition founder, Peter Jones CBE. The students, who set up the company Ethical Print, impressed with a community newsletter that focuses on charity work and environmental issues. To raise profits – which were then donated to charity – they sold advertising space to local businesses.

Team member Suhail Rahim, 14, said: “It was amazing attending Buckingham Palace and winning both the Key Stage 4 and overall Tycoon in Schools trophy. It was an experience of a lifetime and it made all our hard work worthwhile.

“During the competition we learned how to pitch an idea, how to negotiate with clients and suppliers and how to use our time wisely. We learnt business etiquette and the approaches needed in clinching a deal.”

Since its launch in 2012, a single

team has won Tycoon in Schools each year.

However, in a surprise announcement by the Dragon’s Den star during the ceremony, it emerged that three companies would share the top spot – each collecting £1,000 investment.

The champions had all won their respective key stage categories with Berkshire’s ‘Retrocycle’, West Yorkshire’s ‘Ethical Print’, and Tyne and Wear’s ‘Mount’, all triumphant.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr Jones said: “I was delighted to announce the winners of Tycoon in Schools at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace this afternoon with HRH The Duke of York, KG, Patron of The Peter Jones Foundation.

“The standard was so high this year that we decided to crown not one, but three winners. All of the teams have worked so hard and I have been bowled over by their enthusiasm and achievements throughout the competition. With thousands of students taking part, it has been the most successful Tycoon in Schools yet.

“Retrocycle, Ethical Print and Mount were the teams that really stood out to all the judges. They all excelled in each area of the judging criteria, came up with some incredibly innovative ideas,

worked excellently as a team and generated some incredible profits.”

Tycoon in Schools challenges schoolchildren from all over the UK to develop their own real-life businesses.

After pitching an idea to their teachers, they receive a loan of up to £1,000 from the Peter Jones Foundation to get their companies up and running.

They then raise as much profit as possible during a seven-week trading period, before submitting a final evaluation report to a panel chaired by Mr Jones himself.

The judges consider profitability, teamwork, business concept, sustainability and community engagement.

Lukman Patel, head of ethics at Westborough High School, said he would recommend the programme to all schools across the country.

“I was so impressed with the resilience that the students showed throughout this competition. They have learnt skills that will stand them in good stead for the future,” he said.

“We would encourage all schools to take part in Tycoon in Schools. It allows young people to develop fantastic enterprise and business skills.”

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• Permanent Make-Up • • Skin Care Products • • IPL Hair Removal •

April 2015 - 1st Edition

FAITH: Imams from across the country gathered in London for the launch of ‘Haqiqah’

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‘The Reality’ of ISIS

Imams launch digital magazine A Leeds-based imam was joined by leading clergymen from across Europe in London last week as the struggle to reclaim their faith from those who wish to tarnish it, went digital.

Qari Asim was one of many imams present at the launch of a new digital magazine called ‘Haqiqah’ - launched in support of a wider drive by Muslims everywhere to ‘reclaim their online space’.

Haqiqah, which translates into ‘In Reality’, has been developed with contribution from Imams and scholars as a direct response to the threat of online radicalisation and extremism.

The magazine will deliver a clear and positive message for readers with information that they can share easily across their social media network.

Highlights include a section providing ‘correct’ context to specific verses of the Quran, which have been regularly twisted in extremist material.

Shaukat Warraich, Chief Editor of Imamsonline.com, an organisation providing a voice for Islamic religious leaders, and host of the Imams Online

Digital Summit, said: “The magazine ‘Haqiqah’ which translates as ‘The Reality’ is aimed at young people and will counter the extremist narrative used by groups such as ISIS. “We’re turning the tide - though we still have a way to go, we know that by taking efforts to support and mobilise the huge online Muslim population we will eventually drown out the violent voices.”

Leeds Makkah Masjid’s Qari Asim, Senior Editor of Imamsonline.com and contributor to the magazine, added: “We are reclaiming the online space, but we need absolutely everyone to get involved in this effort.

“So this is a call to log on, get informed, and share the magazine with all your friends and family online.”

The summit was honoured by the attendance of various highly respected Imams including, Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, President of the Forum for Promoting Peace, and Hamza Yusuf, leading US Imam and co-founder of California based Zaytuna College.

“We’re turning the tide - though we still have a way to go, we know that by taking efforts to support and mobilise the huge online Muslim population we will eventually drown out the violent voices.”

Boosting business, reducing rates

Businesses looking to expand or start up in Calderdale could be given a helping hand with their rates if a new discount scheme is approved by the Council’s Cabinet on Monday 13th April.

This is the latest in a range of methods that the Council is using to boost business growth and create new jobs for local people, by opening up new sites and buildings to house Calderdale’s growing firms and attract new businesses from outside the area.

As part of its business and economy strategy, the Council has been busy working with landowners, private developers and businesses to identify obstacles stopping sites moving forward for development.

One barrier is that moving to larger premises increases business rate bills, so the Council is proposing a temporary discount to encourage the building of new premises and improvement of older buildings.

Win £6,000 through paying tax

One lucky Calderdale resident could scoop £6,000 simply by changing the way they pay their Council tax.

Calderdale Council has teamed-up with Bacs Payment Schemes Limited, the not-for-profit organisation behind Direct Debit in the UK to offer a cash prize for those residents who choose to pay their Council tax by this method.

Calderdale Council is one of four Yorkshire local authorities taking part in the campaign, with those living in Bradford, Doncaster and Kirklees also eligible for entry into the draw.

To be in with a chance of winning the £6,000 prize, Calderdale residents must register to pay their council tax bill by Direct Debit before 5pm on 31st July 2015.

This can be done either by returning a completed Direct Debit Instruction form by post, signing-up to Direct Debit online at www.calderdale.gov.uk/counciltax, or calling 01422 288 003 to arrange over the phone.

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Future’s bright in Leeds Scholarships reward university pioneers

Fourteen local students will benefit from scholarship awards this year as they become the first members of their families to attend university.

Young academics from Leeds Beckett University were each issued with £1,000 funding through the Bright Futures Scholarships to help with their studies in the city.

Amongst the group is Nuha Khan, a first year Law student who, like her peers, is pioneering the way for her family.

She was selected on her academic merit and is joined by aspiring sport scientists, computer animators and much more.

Professor Susan Price, Vice Chancellor at the university, said all the students had shown great ‘potential’ and deserved the extra support.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality student experience and opportunities for all talented individuals,” Prof Price said.

“These scholarships make a significant difference to the students who receive them, helping to support their studies.

“Congratulations to our brilliant students selected for this year’s scholarships, all of whom have all shown great commitment and potential. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported our Bright Futures scholarships through their donations.”

All funding for the scheme is provided by Leeds Beckett graduates who are reinvesting in the educational establishment that helped them achieve their degrees in the past.

BA (Hons) Events Management student Niki Gill said she was delighted to be

SUPPORT: Fourteen students were awarded a £1,000 scholarship to help them with their studies

receiving the scholarship and would be using the funding to help purchase textbooks, stationery and a printer.

Speaking about her future aspirations, she added: “I have always had an interest in the arts and after university I hope to have a

career running events within the arts industry.

“My degree is definitely going to help prepare me for that and this scholarship will aid me in reaching my full potential.”

STUDY: Nuha Khan is the first member of her family to attend university and is currently studying Law at Leeds Beckett University

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

Community unites in tree planting mission Green fingered volunteers from across Yorkshire headed to the stunning Butterley reservoir last weekend to help plant the first of thousands of trees in the surrounding area.

Huge restoration works are currently being undertaken at the historic site by Yorkshire water with the reservoir being bled for the past two years in build up to the current operations.

With the water levels at an unprecedented low for its 300year history, White Rose Forest and Woodlands Trust have been contracted to carry out environmental work.

Amongst their many projects, the two organisations will be planting thousands of trees, across the treachery cliff and hills looking down upon the reservoir.

Through liaising with members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) from across the Yorkshire area, the group undertook the mammoth task of transporting 2,000 trees, guards and materials across the treacherous steep terrain, where the mountain ash and oak tree saplings were finally planted.

Fields of Bradford project manager, Ian Butterfield, said: “The planting is part of a 7,000 tree project at Butterley Reservoir.

“The project has been put together by Yorkshire Water, White Rose Forest and The Woodland Trust.

“Forest of Bradford (a partner

TREE-mendous effort

TREES: Thousands of trees were planted by volunteers last weekend at the Butterley Reservoir

of White Rose Forest) is working with AMYA to plant 2,000 trees on Saturday 21st March."

Kamal Aftab, Regional Youth Leader for AMYA Yorkshire, has been involved in many similar projects previously and was impressed with the turnout on the day.

He added: “The Butterley reservoir holds a significant role in the area.

“By completing this project we are bringing people from various areas and different faiths, or those of no faith, to collaborate and celebrate what we have and contribute together to enhance the environment in which we live.”

Over the past six years AMYA has planted over 125,000 trees across the country and continue to host their own planting events as that total goes ever higher.

VOLUNTEERS: Young and old got involved with the project which involved over 2,000 trees on Saturday

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Choose to be a Chaplain volunteer

April 2015 - 1st Edition

CARE: Maryam Riaz has been a Chaplain at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for almost ten years and described the work of volunteers as ‘remarkable’

Could you ‘be the backbone’ at Bradford hospitals Volunteers from all religions need to be aged 17-years-old and are being sought to help bring a over, and be able to commit at listening ear and a kindly word least two-to-three hours every into the lives of hospital patients week to the hospitals. in Bradford.

Four days of training are The chaplaincy service at provided to applicants before Bradford Teaching Hospitals, they undertake their roles on site, which caters to people of on their preferable wards if different faiths and those of no available. faith, wants to expand its reach and recruit even more volunteers than the 60 it currently has.

Mohammed Arshad, head of chaplaincy at the hospitals, has been in his role for the past 15 years and has seen the ‘huge impact’ volunteers can have on patients’ lives.

Explaining how the role of a volunteer can often be the difference between a ‘good day and a bad one’ for people on the wards, he said: “The volunteers are the backbone of our department.

SUPPORT: Head of “It is not all about religion with our department as our Chaplaincy, Mohammed is one of seven main aim is to ensure the Arshad, chaplains who currently spiritual wellbeing of each work at the hospitals patient is catered for, with 60 volunteers regardless of their beliefs.

“The Trust currently employs seven chaplains who Hospital chaplain, Maryam represent all major religions in Riaz, will have been working with the city, but we also need an the Bradford hospitals for ten enthusiastic team of volunteer years in August. visitors who can supplement our She said that the work of staff’s work in providing spiritual volunteers is ‘crucial and healthcare. remarkable in its own right’, and “This support and allowed every department to run enhancement of our smoother. compassionate care ethos helps to She added: “The chaplains enhance the patient experience deliver a thorough training here at our Trust and for many programme to equip potential patients is a vital source of volunteers with the essential skills comfort during their stay.” that are required for visiting To become a volunteer you patients.

“This includes how to provide general support to patients in a variety of situations during their hospital stay, understanding religion and spirituality from different faiths, vital listening skills and an introduction to providing bereavement support.”

Previous chaplaincy volunteers have won awards in recognition for the dedication, commitment and kindness they have shown across the Foundation Trust’s hospitals.

Every year, an annual ‘Thank you Lunch’ is held for the volunteers where the hospital’s chief executives and chairperson will attend to commend the efforts.

Terry Kershaw, from Bankfoot in Bradford, came third in the Foundation Trust’s Volunteer of the Year awards last year after being nominated for his work by staff on ward 26 of the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Meanwhile, in 2013, chaplaincy visitor Mary Gilmartin won second prize at the annual ceremony after being nominated by Maryam.

If you are interested in becoming a chaplaincy volunteer, please contact Dawn Arnison on 01274 365 819 or email dawn.arnison@bthft.nhs.uk.

The Foundation Trust is currently interviewing prospective candidates in advance of the four-day induction course for new chaplaincy volunteers, between 5th and 8th October, 9.30-4pm, at St Luke’s Hospital.

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Your National and Local Business Round-up

Business news

Crossley House An exquisite venue fit for Kings and Queens

W

hen planning your wedding day everything has got to be perfect, from the dress to the invites, yet with thousands of options to choose from, it can be a long and exhausting process.

Thankfully when it comes to booking that dream venue, there is only place you need to look.

Crossley House is a magnificent grade-II listed mansion set away in the heart of Yorkshire and easily accessible from the centre of picturesque Halifax.With acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the grand building, it is as beautiful to view on the outside as it is when stepping foot through the doors.

You will find it hard not to fall in love with this place upon your first visit, which will set the magical tone for your upcoming celebration.

Two large ballrooms, with the capacity to cater for up to 550 guests, have been lavishly decorated in keeping with the French Renaissance style with chandeliers, glass honeycomb ceilings and mirrored walls. The French Resiaancce Ballroom is beautiful for grand sit down meals and the adjoining Crystal Ballroom is perfect for receptions, offering a glamorous setting for your after wedding party and meaning guests needn’t travel between venues when attending your wedding day.

All events are overseen by experienced event coordinators, who spend time with you to

understand how you have envisaged your day and are present on the day to ensure your event is delivered to perfection. The grandeur of Crossley House demands a service which is second to none, and the service staff pride themselves on ensuring each and every guest is well looked after.

Of course Crossley House has not always been a wedding venue with its history as grand as its spectacular appearance suggests.

Built in 1845 for local philanthropist and industrialist, Sir Francis Crossley, the premises were completed with a majestic grandeur, including fine stonework, a large and imposing marble staircase as well as the high ceilings which all still exist today.

Over the years, the original features have been retained and restored to their original best ensuring the venue continues to impose prestige and presence for every occasion it hosts.

This beautiful house which boasts grandeur is available for hire all year round and could be just the place for your perfect event.

Whether you are looking for an exclusive venue to host your big day or want to host an impressive corporate event, Crossley House offers the majestic setting for an event you will never forget.

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Hopwood Lane, For selected dates Halifax, HX1 5EN in 2015 Tel: 01422 410 067 Web: www.crossleyhouse.co.uk Email: info@crossleyhouse.co.uk

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

BlackStone Accountancy Ramsay’s Agency Nightmare

I

n a High Court case which was heard at the beginning of this year, the television celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, was found to have given a personal guarantee for the £640,000 annual rent for a restaurant and hotel owned by the film director and actor, Gary Love, even though Mr Ramsay had not personally signed the guarantee documents.

In February 2007, a 25 year lease was granted to Gordon Ramsay’s company, Gordon Ramsay Holdings International Limited, for the York & Albany restaurant and hotel near Regents Park in Central London. The terms of the lease required a guarantee to be given by Mr Ramsay.

Mr Ramsay’s signature was placed on the guarantee documents by Mr Ramsay’s father-in-law, Mr Hutcheson, using a ghost writing machine (which is frequently used by authors to sign books). At the time, Mr Hutcheson was the Chief Executive Officer of one of Mr Ramsay’s companies.

Mr Ramsay had left the lease negotiations and the management of the business to Mr Hutcheson. This was the usual course of dealings between the two as they had a 20 year working relationship together before they fell out in 2010 when Mr Hutcheson was sacked

by Mr Ramsay. The Court heard evidence that Mr Ramsay did not expect Mr Hutcheson to keep him updated and that he was aware that legal documents had often been signed on his behalf by Mr Hutcheson using the ghost writing machine.

When an attempt was made to enforce the personal guarantee by the Landlord, Mr Ramsay challenged the enforceability of the guarantee on the basis that he had not signed it personally and that Mr Hutcheson had operated the machine without his authority. It was accepted that if Mr Ramsay himself had operated the ghost writing machine to place the signature on the guarantee then it would have been effectively signed by him. The

issue before the Court was whether Mr Hutcheson had the necessary authority to place Mr Ramsay’s signature on the guarantee document. It was Mr Ramsay’s case that Mr Hutcheson did not have such authority.

The High Court found that as a result of Mr Ramsay’s long standing relationship with his father-in-law and the fact that there had been numerous previous dealings where legal documents had been executed by his father-in-law using the ghost writing machine, there was sufficient and extensive authority for Mr Hutcheson to execute the personal guarantee on behalf of Mr Ramsay using that machine. In short, the Court found that Mr Hutcheson had been given a wide enough authority to act on Mr Ramsay’s behalf and that even if Mr Ramsay did not know the precise details of the guarantee, he had trusted Mr Hutcheson explicitly to enter into business transactions on his behalf and there were no limitations placed on Mr Hutcheson’s authority and therefore Mr Ramsay was bound to guarantee the annual rent payment under the terms of the lease.

This case provides a useful reminder for businesses that use agents in transactions to ensure that they set out clear guidelines as to what those agents can and cannot do to avoid any disputes arising subsequently. Businesses need to limit the authority of their agents where necessary so that they are not bound by agreements that are entered into on their behalf by agents who have exceeded their authority. In this particular case, Mr Hutcheson had sufficient authority to commit Mr Ramsay to a personal guarantee which he had not even seen beforehand.

At Blacks we can assist you in drawing up agency agreements as well as advising in any agency disputes or disputes arising out of Personal Guarantees.

Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or by email at LPatel@LawBlacks.com

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unning your own business can be taxing enough at times so to add the task of managing all your company’s finances is something you just do not need.

Thankfully there is one firm of chartered accountants that can not only advise you on all the right steps in business but also ensure your financial planning is at its most efficient all year round to ensure you are paying only the legal minimum in taxes.

BlackStone Accountancy provide free consultations to all new clients to establish how they can add value to their business.

Once the client needs are established, all clients can rest easily due to their fixed fee policy, knowing very well they will not face any nasty ‘surprise bills’.

BlackStone Accountancy operate from their head office in Bradford, as well as having offices in Leeds and London with a nationwide client base.

Striving to ensure business owners, from one man banks to multinational companies, receive the premium care they deserve, the team of industry professionals are only a phone call away 24 hours a day for all clients.

Competitive fixed fees and unlimited support ensure all costs are seen upfront with the first class service provided always proven to be a worthy investment.

From pensions, to insurance, and even an

exclusive printing service, all your requirements and more are met at Yorkshire’s premium accountants.

Senior partner at BlackStone Accountancy, Mohammad Arshad, known as ‘Eddy’ to all his clients, explained what his firm’s main objectives were when handling client’s taxes.

“Our aim with every client, regardless of whether that is a local shop owner or a multi-million pound business, is to ensure their finances are working for them,” he said.

“We have a team of chartered accountants with decades of experience under their belts and understand the best way to handle finances within organisations in the most tax efficient manner possible.

“There is also no need to worry about any new legislation affecting a client’s organisation. From the chancellor’s budget to law changes, our accountants can ensure business operations continue as usual as they remain up-to-date on all possible factors that could affect trading.”

BlackStone Accountancy has a proven track record of helping struggling businesses turn their fortunes around, working around the clock to put businesses ‘back in the black’ and ‘away from the red’.

To begin planning a brighter future for your business, contact BlackStone Accountancy today and receive your free consultation on the road to financial recovery.

Freephone: 0800 043 3046 www.blackstoneaccountancy.co.uk Offices in Leeds,Bradford and London 24 hour helpline

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

he quest for perfect skin in Bradford is almost over as the city’s only private medical aesthetics clinic specialising in hair re-growth and rapid weight loss treatments continues to pave the way forward in cosmetic and preventative healthcare treatments.

AMA Clinic, located at 489 Barkerend Road in BD3, specialises in non-invasive and minimally-invasive cosmetic medical treatments developed to give patients the look and confidence they so rightly deserve.

From hair restoration to hair removal, anti-wrinkle to skin rejuvenation, weight loss treatments and body contouring treatments, all services are either performed by or supervised by doctors giving you confidence that your health is in expert hands.

Set up 18 months ago by Drs Akram Khan and Javed Rehman, the clinic is led by doctors with full medical registration and several years of hospital and General Practice experience.

AMA clinic have invested heavily in medical equipment and machinery that is not available anywhere else in the city.

Dr Khan said: “What differs us from other clinics and beauty clinics is that we provide well researched medical non-invasive treatments that make a real difference to your body appearance and boosts confidence without surgery. Our treatments already have a track record of success and are proving extremely popular with men and women across Bradford.”

Sophia, (the clinic’s highly trained medical aesthetician) said: “ We aim to provide a look where you have all the benefits but none of the scars, side effects or complications of surgical treatments.”

One service that has proven to be a major success in Bradford is the hair loss treatment for men and women , carried out with low level light therapy and specially formulated medical products for hair re-growth.

Dr Khan added: “Results to date have shown that at the very least, our clients will not lose any more hair and in many cases, actually begin growing hair once again, even after suffering years of hair loss. You can be assured that we will only offer treatments that will make a difference to our client’s particular circumstances.”

Another treatment which continues to grow in popularity is the medical weight loss treatment.

Unlike many other clinics AMA Clinic specialises in providing rapid weight loss treatments for patients with chronic illnesses that prevent them from taking up exercise to lose weight, or those who are unable to take up weight loss treatments elsewhere due to their medical condition.

Dr Rehman said: “Following a full medical review, a dietician and the doctor designs a bespoke program in which you can expect to safely lose up to two kilograms a week without initially having to exercise. Once the weight starts to come off and you are able to do

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AMA Clinic

Specialists in skin and healthcare

more, we advise you on how to continue to maintain a healthy weight to fit in with your lifestyle and medical history. We continue the program until you are confident to maintain a healthy lifestyle. After successfully completing the program we continue to maintain contact without charge for as long as you require.”

Once the weight starts ‘falling off’ you can also be rest assured that excess skin tissue that is often seen with other weight loss treatments is minimised with the latest Endermologie machine available on site.

Imported all the way from Paris, where it is used in many private medical clinics, government and university hospitals, the equipment provides a specially tailored mechanical massage which gently pulls, stretches and rolls the skin tissue, firming and toning it in the process.

This Endermologie Lipo-

massage allows your skin to remain tight, toned and rejuvenated giving you the chance to achieve that final result you have been aiming for.

Such treatments have become popular amongst A-list Hollywood stars, and at the Cannes Film Festival, the endermologie stall is usually one of the busiest.

Celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jenifer Lopez, Beyoncè and many more could have used the treatments.

Dr Rehman added: “Perhaps most importantly, treatments at AMA Clinic are carried out only if it is going to be safe with regard to your medical history. Before any of our treatments are undertaken, a full medical review is undertaken to ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.”

So, for your free consultation and an insight into how the professionals can help you achieve that perfect look, contact AMA Clinic today.

489 Barkerend Road, Bradford, BD3 8QX Tel: 01274 739 400 Mob: 07951 020 841

Web: www.amaclinics.co.uk

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

DONATION: Vice-Chair of the Aagrah Group, Zaffar Iqbal, presents a £15,000 cheque to Jonathan Townsend of the Prince’s Trust

£30,000 raised for worthy causes

Walk and Talk ‘We will not be beaten on price’

F

or the past 13 years, only one independent retailer in Bradford has been synonymous with mobile phones and that same business is, today, continuing to grow as it reach new levels across the city.

With five stores now running throughout the week, Walk and Talk is the only place you need to go when looking for your next mobile phone or repair work.

Bradford’s largest independent mobile phone stockists boast years of experience in the complex field and have the quickest turnaround times in the city with most jobs completed the day you drop off your device.

Elsewhere, a cracked screen on an iPhone 6 could cost hundreds of pounds to repair. At Walk and Talk, not only are you guaranteed the most competitive prices, at a fraction of other quotations, but will also be able to pick up your device in full working condition within just 20 minutes.

All works are guaranteed to lengthen the longevity of your phone’s life and are 100 per cent trialled and

800 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9TY Tel: 01274 669 051 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm Sun: 12pm-9pm Follow us on Facebook at: pages/Walk-and-Talk-A-Z-Repair-Solutions tested, to ensure all work carried out is safe and to industry standard.

There are no quicker repairers on the high street who are able to boast the same reputation as the team at Walk and Talk, who have been fixing phones in the city for over a decade.

Of course it isn’t only repairs that are carried out at the five Walk and Talk stores, with hundreds of mobile devices, tablets and accessories available to be purchased at each outlet.

At every site, including the flagship Lilycroft

Road establishment, new and used models of the latest phones and mobile devices can be picked up today, with something to suit every pocket.

Due to the business’ growth over the past decade, products are now purchased in bulk by the Walk and Talk team, allowing them to cut prices even further, and reaffirming their place at the top of the industry.

So, when looking for your next phone, accessory or safe repair job, make sure you ‘make the right call’ and head to Walk and Talk.

Aagrah Business Dinner continues ‘changing lives’ The annual Aagrah Group of Restaurants Business Dinner returned for a 32nd year in October 2014 and as usual, the highly anticipated event proved a huge success raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Regarded as one of the biggest annual events on the corporate calendar, the evening was attended by more than 700 invited guests including leaders of regional, national and international businesses.

Each year a main beneficiary charity(s) is selected to be supported by the dinner, alongside supporting charities and in 2014, the Prince’s Trust and Mosaic were chosen.

Last month, both charities received their donations raised from the night, totalling £15,000 each.

Aagrah Group’s ViceChair, Zaffar Iqbal, presented one cheque to Jonathan Townsend of the Prince’s Trust whilst Aagrah’s Managing Director, Mohammed Aslam MBE, presented the separate donation to Mosaic’s Jonathan Freeman.

Aagrah’s Jannat Welfare International Trust, the charity wing of the Aagrah Group, also supports Alshifa eye hospital.

With generous support from Aagrah’s supplier partner, sponsors and supporters, the business has raised more than £1.6 million to date, which has been used to make a real difference to so many people.

Thanks to generous funding from events like the Business Dinner, The Prince’s Trust was able to help almost 5,000 disadvantaged young people in Yorkshire and the

Humber to get their lives back on track last year.

Money raised helps the Trust’s work with 13 to 30 year olds who are unemployed, and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion, giving them the skills and confidence to succeed.

The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work.

Chantelle Gautier, a young person that had been supported by The Prince’s Trust and spoke at the Aagrah Charity Business Dinner said: “The Prince’s Trust helped me turn my life around; I didn’t

want to be on the dole but was struggling to find work.

Thanks to the Trust’s ‘Get into Customer Services’ programme I’m now working full-time in a job I love, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Events like this help to fund programmes that really do change lives like mine.”

The annual Business Dinner started 32 years ago in memory of Sajid Sabir, son of Aagrah Group Chairman Mohammed Sabir MBE, Dbs. Every year, money is raised for different regional, national and international charities with 70 per cent of all funds donated to UK charities and 30 per cent allocated to charities abroad.

SUPPORT: A cheque for the same value is presented to Mosaic representative, Jonathan Townsend from Aagrah Managing Director, Mohammed Aslam MBE

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Border control Home Office announces all passports to be checked on UK exit New border checks have been introduced this week which will require every passport to be thoroughly verified before a person can leave the UK. The checks are being introduced at seaports, airports and tunnels which provide exit points from the British Isles.

The changes are expected to particularly affect cross-Channel and Channel tunnel travellers, who will now need to have their passports scanned.

As airlines currently gather passengers' information ahead of time, there is unlikely to be a noticeable difference in queues for passengers.

But there are fears of delays at peak travelling times while the changes are implemented.

Until now, many people have been able to leave the country without having their passport scrutinised.

The Home Office says the changes will strengthen Britain's border security, adding that the implementation of the checks will be staggered at sites across the country.

For the first month all passports will be scanned, but only 25 per cent of passport holders will have their details verified.

In the second month 50 per cent will be checked. By the middle of June, 100 per cent of passports will be fully checked.

Security and immigration minister James Brokenshire said: "It is right that we have an immigration system that is fair, that tackles immigration and that clamps down on anyone who tries to cheat the system by staying here when they have no right to do so.

"Exit checks will provide us with vital information that

confirms a person's exit from the UK. "Port and travel operators are experts in their business and know their customers best, which is why we've supported them to design and trial the systems for collecting data in a way that will minimise the impact on customers."

More staff have been brought in to cope with the new measures, but whether the changes will have a detrimental impact on passengers will not be known until peak travelling times, such as the summer months.

A P&O spokesperson said: "They have picked a quiet day for the introduction of the checks.

"The actual scanning of passports is quick, it's the verification that takes longer. We are hoping there will be a fairly seamless transition to the new system."

Hunt for gang behind £200 million heist

London's Metropolitan Police are hunting for a gang who raided safety deposit boxes in London's major jewellery business district, making off with cash and gems in what media is saying could be the country's biggest-ever heist.

Police said the thieves used heavy cutting equipment to get into the vault at Hatton Garden Safety Deposit Ltd, where they are believed to have broken into 60 to 70 boxes.

The gang are thought to have tunnelled their way in through one wall to access a lift shaft at the building on Friday, while businesses in Hatton Garden, home to almost 300 diamond, gold and gem dealers and more than 50 shops, were closed for the Easter holidays.

They then abseiled down to the

vault and smashed their way in, an unnamed source told the paper.

Police gave no details of what was stolen but the Sun said the haul could be as much as 200 million pounds, dwarfing the amounts taken in Britain's previous biggest heists.

Many jewellers and dealers leave their stock in safe deposits over holiday periods.

On its website, Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Ltd said it was founded in 1954 and was one of the first companies in Britain to offer safe deposit boxes.

"We are currently one of London's most successful and leading safe deposit companies aiming to provide our clients a secure and costeffective solution to store and protect important and irreplaceable personal

belongings," it said.

There was no immediate answer to phone calls or emails from the business.

Detectives were contacting victims and carrying out a detailed forensic examination of the scene, which they said could take two days.

"This is a slow and painstaking process," police said in a statement.

Britain's record heist was carried out at a Securitas cash depot in Tonbridge, southeast of London in 2006 when robbers stole almost 53 million pounds in cash.

In 2000, police foiled a daring attempt to steal 350 million pounds worth of diamonds from a display at London's Millennium Dome in what would have been the world's biggest ever robbery.

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London Pet Show returns!

With hundreds of different animals, amazing animal action displays and fun and informative talks and demonstrations, the London Pet Show sponsored by Gocompare.com is the ultimate day out for pet lovers, owners and families.

From the cute and cuddly to the weird and wonderful, the London Pet Show, held between 9th and 10th May 2015 at the ExCel London, is the place to discover everything you need to know about dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, micro pigs, ponies, parrots, miniature horses, hamsters, fish, geckos, and lots more.

To help guide you to your favourite animals, the show is divided into dedicated zones covering dogs, cats, small furries, reptiles and aquatics, ponies and animals. Within each section, you can learn about each type of pet, meet a whole host of different breeds and receive essential advice from the experts.

The live features are not to be missed. With Rabbit Show Jumping

by Burgess, Nerf Dog Activity Ring, Doggy Dancing, Duck Herding, Agility and Obedience displays, expert talks and many more activities, the London Pet Show provides an educational and entertaining weekend for pet lovers.

Don't miss the spectacular SuperDogs Live competition, which will take place throughout the weekend, presenting talented, heroic

and dancing dogs from across the country, all taking centre stage and competing to win awards in a funfilled, action packed show.

You will have the opportunity to meet animal experts and celebrities including reptile expert Crocodile Joe and Channel 4’s Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, who will present his wonderful SuperVet Live show in the Super Theatre, revealing the latest advances in the veterinary profession and recounting heartwarming success stories. After each show, Noel will be available for signings, photo opportunities and to answer any questions.

New for 2015, Hill's School for Dogs will feature live training and demonstrations from leading

COMPETITION! COMPETITION! COMPETITION!

The Asian Express is offering TEN lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the UK’s favourite pet show. To enter, simply answer the following question:

Where is the London Pet Show being staged this year?

Send you answer, name, address and contact number to competitions@asianexpress.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning.

Closing date 24th April 2015. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. If you are not a lucky winner, you can book tickets by visiting www.londonpetshow.co.uk

stars Week starting 10/4/15 ARIES

March 21st - April 20th

April 21st - May 21th

Venus continues to favour your love life. If you are still seeking the ideal partner, things are definitely looking up. An increase in your social life is likely to bring you in touch with someone attractive. At work you need greater flexibility as well as a degree of patience. Do not step on any one's toes.

GEMINI

May 22nd - June 21st

Sun and Mercury stimulates your solar eleventh house. This surrounds your long-term goals, friendships, and group affiliations. This could test a friendship, or a friend may experience a little crisis and ask for your help.

You could suddenly find yourself amongst people through no choice of your own.

CANCER

June 22nd - July 22st

Don't get over- anxious if you feel that you're being kept in the dark. You will probably find that worries have been unfounded. Although you may be faced with a difficult decision concerning your career or employment, this is not the time to hide. Don't waste time if you can improve matters.

with

SNEH JOSHI

You can expect a lively and varied time ahead.

Communications will be free and easy, making this an excellent time to deal with important matters. Also, you'll find that people you meet, perhaps especially newcomers, will be a stimulating influence and may encourage you to dabble in new interests.

TAURUS

behaviourists and trainers. You will be able to learn how to train your dog, discover best care practices and listen to fascinating canine talks.

Whether you want to treat yourself or your pet to a well deserved gift, or discover the latest gadgets and pet products, the London Pet Show's Market Place is the ultimate shopping destination, with a fantastic range of treats, toys, food, clothes and souvenirs available throughout the weekend.

As well as providing a fantastic day out, the London Pet Show promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare with charity partners including The Rabbit Welfare Association, Cats Protection and many more.

LEO

Telephone: 0208 518 5500 July 23st - August 23rd

Sun and Mercury activate your solar ninth house.

Matters of personal philosophy, faith, travel, and the higher mind may be in store. This could manifest, for example, as a surprising adventure that takes you beyond your normal routine, a sudden opportunity to travel or for higher learning, and other such possibilities.

VIRGO

August 24th - September 23rd

LIBRA

September 24th - October 23rd

Sun and Mercury activate your solar eighth house. Issues surrounding intimate matters, joint finances and resources, or financial support may be in store. This could manifest as, for example, the paying off of a loan, the loss of financial support, a change in your spouse's status and other such possibilities.

Sun and Mercury activate your solar seventh house.

There will be a lot of things that need to be dealt with regarding partnerships and relationships. There are decisions to be made if something that has been bothering you and comes to light. Whatever you decide now, will impact your future.

SCORPIO

October 24th - November 22nd

As Mars and Venus transit your seventh house, you have a greater need than usual to be in a relationship. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". Social interactions of a personal nature are highlighted. This is likely to be an extremely busy time for most of you. Use tact and diplomacy in your dealing, otherwise you are likely to come across as over confident and egotistical.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23rd - December 21st

Health is an important area that you will take seriously. It is likely that you may embark on a course of physical exercise and diet. It could be quite a difficult week psychologically with increased danger of misunderstandings arising and not being able to see the wood from the trees. Try to be diplomatic.

CAPRICORN

December 22nd - January 20th

After a period of relative inactivity, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very progressive period of the year, when you are inspired emotionally. You take more pride in your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies and are generally very sociable and make friends easily.

AQUARIUS

January 21st - February 19th

You can expect a sustained and quite hectic flow of visitors to contribute greatly to a very buoyant atmosphere. If you are ambitious, this promises to be an important time in your life. You are likely to get the lucky breaks and reach a wider audience no matter what your aims.

PISCES

February 20th - March 20th

Sun and Mercury stimulate your solar second house.

Your sector of personal finances is involved. Something that has been bothering you comes to light, or there is a significant fruition or culmination. This could be to do with a money-making opportunity, and other such possibilities.

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London’s burning

More than 2,000 people were evacuated from buildings in central London last week as toxic smoke filled the streets after an electrical fault triggered a massive underground fire near the Indian High Commission here as well as the London School of Economics (LSE).

Fire crews were called in after smoke was seen coming out of an inspection cover on a pavement off Kingsway in Holborn area.

Firefighters said power cables had started a fire beneath the pavement and they could not put it out until the current was switched off.

London Fire Brigade confirmed that the electrical fire was caused among some cables and a 25m safety cordon has been put in place in the area, which also houses the LSE as well as the Indian High Commission building, India House.

The High Commission officials were under an automatic fire drill after the power supply in the area was cut off.

Mosque collapses in Birmingham A mosque has collapsed in a Birmingham street, believed to be caused by building work on the property.

Crews were called to the mosque in Walford Road, Sparkbrook, around 11.30pm on Monday and arrived to find much of its roof had fallen in.

No one was thought to be inside the terrace property at the time and, despite its location on a

residential street, nobody else was hurt.

Search dogs from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and a police helicopter searched for anyone who might have been trapped in the rubble.

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said the ‘collapse was caused by ongoing structural works inside the premises’.

A skip and safety fencing were

pictured outside the property, indicating building work had been going on before the collapse.

A fire service spokesman said: “Structural engineers have been in attendance and contractors came out to make the building safe at about 3am.

“A K9 team has been through the property internally and externally and we're confident no persons were inside.”

‘Don’t leave the EU’

The collapse shut Walford Road while emergency services cleared the debris.

Access was also restricted to surrounding streets.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the incident was not a police matter and the council had been notified.

A safety inspection of the building would be carried out, police said.

British Prime Minister David Cameron's plan to hold a European Union membership referendum if he is re-elected next month would lead to an intense period of uncertainty for businesses, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday.

Cameron, whose Conservatives are neckand-neck with the opposition Labour Party in most polls ahead of the 7th May vote, has promised to renegotiate Britain's ties with Brussels, and then hold a referendum by the end of 2017.

In a campaign speech on Tuesday, former Labour leader Blair, prime minister from 1997-2007, said the ‘short-term’ pain of Cameron's proposed re-negotiation has been underestimated.

“Think of the chaos produced by the possibility, never mind the reality, of Britain actually quitting Europe,” Blair, said.

“Jobs that are secure suddenly insecure; investment decisions postponed or cancelled; a pall of unpredictability hanging over the British economy.”

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Banks use 60 per cent of their profits to pay fines and customer payments Illegal immigrants arrest figures

As enforcement squads crack down on Indian and Chinese restaurants, petrol stations and car washes, figures emerge that around forty illegal immigrants a day are being arrested in Britain.

An increase in raids on premises known for employing people in the black economy has helped to bolster the number of illegal immigrants being picked up by the authorities.

Home Office figures show outstanding fines of more than £1 million on Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan restaurants and almost £500,000 on Chinese restaurants and takeaways after illegal immigrants were discovered working there.

Among those detained by immigration enforcement teams are visitors who have overstayed their visas and migrants who have been smuggled into Britain.

The latest figures show

that the number of arrests for illegal working has doubled over the past four years, rising from about 20 a day in 2010 to 40 a day last year.

Overall the number of arrests has almost doubled since 2010 to 14,338 last year according to Home office data released under freedom of information laws.

The statistics show that arrests fell from 7,920 in 2010 to 7,792 in 2011, then increased to 9,269 in 2012 and jumped to 15,098 in 2013.

Meanwhile, the number of foreigners winning British citizenship has plummeted to the lowest level since 2002, figures show.

Analysis of official data by Oxford University showed just under 126,000 foreign nationals were awarded citizenship - thus entitling them to a British passport – in 2014, a fall of 40 per cent year-on-year.

ANALYSIS: Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays and Standard Chartered were scrutinised by accountants

Britain's largest banks have paid 60 per cent of their profits since 2011 in fines and repayments to customers, according to a report by accountants KPMG. Costs including repayments relating to Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) and so-called interest rate hedging products cost banks £9.9bn last year.

It was a reduction of eight per cent from 2013, said KPMG. The accountants analysed the results of Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays and Standard Chartered.

The total in penalties for the last four years was £38.7bn.

Banks have been repaying customers who didn't want, ask for or understand PPI - an insurance against missing loan repayments. Their PPI bill is now £24.4bn, according to consumer group Which?.

Nine UK banks have reimbursed business customers to the tune of £1.8bn after selling them complex deals on interest rates they probably did not understand or were likely to cost them more than a regular loan.

Another source of worry for banks will be their return on equity, a profitability measure showing how much money they make for investors, says the report.

It is currently below their cost of capital - what investors demand for the risk in investing in banks.

But a stronger capital base after tighter regulations forced them to raise money or keep profits means banks were in a ‘healthier shape,’ it said.

HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Swiss bank UBS and US banks JP Morgan Chase, Citibank and Bank of America were all fined a collective £2.6bn by UK and US regulators for their attempts to manipulate foreign exchange rates.

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Smart battery An aluminium cell that charges phone in one minute

The panic that strikes most smartphone users when they realise their battery is treacherously close to dying out and they’re in the middle of their social media activity is no laughing matter. Who can afford to put a pause on their ‘selfie’ of the day whilst their phone needs charging – that would be a disaster, surely?

Well panic no more, - scientists now state they have invented a new battery that could fully charge a smartphone in just one minute.

The researchers have created an aluminium battery, which they hope could replace the lithium models commonly found in laptops and mobile phones.

And as well as the ‘unprecedented charging times’ of their aluminium prototype, the team said it was also safer than lithium-ion batteries as it was less prone to catching fire and more environmentally friendly than alkaline models such as AA and AAA. Publishing the findings in the journal Nature, Hongjie Dai, a professor of chemistry at Stanford University, hailed it as a breakthrough in battery technology that went further than previous attempts using aluminium.

He said: “We have developed a rechargeable aluminium battery that may replace existing storage devices, such as alkaline batteries, which are bad

for the environment, and lithium-ion batteries, which occasionally burst into flames. Our new battery won't catch fire, even if you drill through it.

“Millions of consumers use 1.5-volt AA and AAA batteries. Our rechargeable aluminium battery generates about two volts of electricity.

That's higher than anyone has achieved with aluminium.”

The prototype was said to be more durable, withstanding more than 7,500 cycles without any loss of capacity and surpassing previous aluminium batteries which died after just 100 chargedischarge cycles, while a typical lithiumion battery lasts about 1,000 cycles.

“This was the first time an ultra-fast aluminium-ion battery was constructed with stability over thousands of cycles," the report's authors wrote.

Prof Dai added lithium batteries can ‘go off in an unpredictable manner’ and cited a ban by US airlines Delta and United on bulk shipments on passenger planes.

And the new design could be used to store renewable energy of the electrical grid, the researchers suggested.

Meanwhile, co-author Ming Gong said: “Another feature of the aluminium battery is flexibility. You can bend it and fold it, so it has the potential for use in flexible electronic devices. Aluminium is also a cheaper metal than lithium.”

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Billion-dollar helicopter deal

Pakistan and the United States moved closer to a billion dollar defence deal this week, after U.S. authorities notified Congress of a proposal to supply helicopters and missiles to sharpen up Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.

U.S. ally Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 180 million people, is fighting a Taliban insurgency in its northwest, a separatist insurgency along its Iranian border in the west, and has a heavily militarised and disputed border with arch rival India in the east.

The $952 million proposal involves the United States supplying Pakistan with 15 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 1,000 Hellfire missiles, engines,

targeting and positioning systems and other equipment. But negotiations are not complete.

The helicopters and weapon systems were designed for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, especially in the mountainous Taliban strongholds along the Afghan border, the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency said.

On Monday, the agency notified Congress of the proposed sale, noting it would ‘contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a country vital to U.S. foreign policy and national security goals in South Asia’.

IS release hostages

RISK ASSESSMENT: The International Monetary Fund held its first consultation with an external advisory group of Islamic finance industry bodies, as regulators across the globe seek to address structural issues in the sector

Islamic finance Several key challenges must be faced if the Islamic finance system is to unlock its huge potential and develop safely, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

A report identifies that the Islamic finance system, which is a fast growing sector, lacks regulatory and supervisory frameworks catering to its unique risks.

Islamic finance, which is the provision of financial services in accordance with sharia law, has so far been governed mostly by frameworks developed for conventional finance, said the IMF. Cross-border operations of Islamic financial institutions have expanded considerably without regulatory harmonisation, the report added.

"These developments indicate a need for increased regulatory clarity and harmonisation, closer cooperation between Islamic and conventional financial standard-setters, and further enhancement of tools for effective supervision," it said.

The industry is still largely nascent, lacking economies of scale and operating in an environment where legal and tax rules, financial infrastructure and access to financial safety nets and central bank liquidity are either absent or do not take its special characteristics into account, the IMF said.

Islamic finance bans interest, products with excessive uncertainty, gambling, short sales and financing prohibited activities considered harmful to society.

International Monetary Fund says key challenges must be addressed

The industry is also based on shared profit and loss, which minimises risk for banks and avoids dealing in debt and derivatives such as foreign exchange forwards and futures, the IMF said.

The sector has doubled in size over the past four years and is now worth more than $2 trillion (1.76 trillion euros) as demand for its products rises rapidly.

Around 40 million of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims are clients of the Islamic finance industry, which has surged in popularity since its niche market days of the early 1970s.

But it continues to represent less than two percent of global conventional banking assets of $140 trillion, it said.

Although Islamic regulatory bodies have established standards, different interpretations of religious texts and weak implementation mean they lack harmonisation.

It’s been identified that Islamic finance has the potential to contribute to the global economy, promising to foster greater financial inclusion, especially of large under-served Muslim populations.

Its emphasis on asset-backed financing and risk-sharing mean it could support small and medium-sized businesses, as well as investment in public infrastructure, said the IMF, also noting the importance of Sukuk, or Islamic bonds.

Islamic finance's risk-sharing features and prohibition of speculation suggest that it may, pose less systemic risk than conventional finance and may help promote macroeconomic and financial stability, the IMF said.

The principles of risk-sharing and asset-based financing can help promote better risk management by both financial institutions and their customers, as well as discourage credit booms.

The IMF said the challenges facing Islamic finance may not only be impeding its development, but could also encourage complex practices and products that carry heightened risks.

Also affecting the industry are slow innovation and a scarcity of sharia scholars with financial expertise, the IMF said.

The sector has doubled in size over the past four years and is now worth more than $2 trillion (¤1.76 trillion) as demand for its products rises rapidly

A pair of Bangladeshi oil workers, abducted a month ago in Libya by Islamic State militants, have returned home and rejoined their families in their villages, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Muhammad Helal Uddin, 46, and Muhammad Anowar Hossain, 39, both employees of an Austria oilfield services firm, said their captors freed them after confirming they were both Muslims.

“They asked us to recite from the Holy Koran and we also said our prayers

regularly,” Anowar told Reuters by phone from his village 165 kilometers (103 miles) southwest of Dhaka.

“When they confirmed that we were Muslim, they assured us we needn't panic and would be released,” he said. “They also asked us why we took a job in a non-Muslim company.”

Anowar, who said he supervised electricians and plumbers in the oilfields, said the militants treated their hostages well but life in the hot and dry Sahara was harsh.

41 dead in Bangladesh storms

The death toll from high winds and heavy rain lashing northern Bangladesh rose to 41 after police and officials reported 17 more deaths in the past two days in storm damage, police and officials said on Monday.

Most of the deaths were in the north, 19 of them in the Bogra district, 230 km (145 miles) from Dhaka, said Shafiqur Reza

Biswas, Bogra's chief district administrator.

The main causes of death were collapsing walls, falling trees, boats capsizing, lightning and electrocution, officials said. More than 200 people were injured while thousands of mud houses were damaged.

Officials said the storm also hit other parts of the country and could spread further.

Airline under the spotlight

Sri Lanka's new government has ordered a criminal investigation into alleged corruption at the state-run national airline that it says involved ‘billions of dollars’.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said an inquiry, led by an anti-corruption lawyer, had found ‘shocking details of corruption running into billions of dollars’ at Sri Lankan Airlines, as well as ‘irregularities’ in its $2.3 billion 2013 deal to buy 10 Airbus aircraft.

The statement, issued

on Saturday, contained no allegations of wrongdoing

by Airbus.

Airbus said it had no comment on the Sri Lanka government statement.

According to the statement, the inquiry recommended investigations into the national carrier's ‘entire refleeting process’.

The statement also said that former airline chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe, who it identified as a brother-inlaw of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, ‘should be prosecuted’.

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

IS arrive in refugee camp

Islamic State has taken control of 90 percent of a Palestinian refugee camp on the Damascus outskirts where 18,000 civilians have suffered years of bombing, army siege and militia control, a monitoring group said on Saturday.

The hardline group's offensive in Yarmouk gives it a major presence in the capital. Islamic State, the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, is now only a few kilometres from President Bashar alAssad's seat of power.

The United Nations has said it is extremely concerned about the safety and protection of Syrians and Palestinians in the camp. Civilians

trapped there have long suffered a government siege that has led to starvation and disease.

“The situation in Yarmouk is an affront to the humanity of all of us, a source of universal shame,” U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) spokesman Chris Gunness said.

“Yarmouk is a test, a challenge for the international community.

We must not fail. The credibility of the international system itself is at stake,” he said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict from Britain, said Syrian air force jet bombed the camp on Saturday.

Asian

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Exhumation of Iraq’s mass graves Iraqi forensic teams have begun excavating 12 suspected mass grave sites thought to hold the corpses of as many as 1,700 soldiers massacred last summer by Islamic State militants as they swept across northern Iraq.

The mass killings last June of Shi'ite soldiers from Camp Speicher, a former U.S. base outside the Sunni city of

Tikrit, has become a symbol of the brutality of Islamic State fighters and their hatred for Iraq's Shi'ite majority.

The deaths showed Iraqis that the Islamic State fighters, who have also attacked ethnic and religious minorites as well as fellow Sunni Muslims opposing them, were a threatening new kind of foe.

The images of Shi'ite soldiers being machinegunned in their hundreds, posted online by the jihadists, could rank as the deadliest single act of bloodshed during a decade of periodic sectarian war in Iraq.

The exhumation of burial sites on the late dictator Saddam Hussein's presidential compound came

days after Islamic State militants were driven from the city by Iraqi forces and Shi'ite paramilitaries.

"We dug up the first mass grave site today. Until now we found at least 20 bodies.

Initial indications show indisputably that they were from the Speicher victims," said Khalid al-Atbi, an Iraqi health official working with the forensic team sent to Tikrit.

"It was a heartbreaking scene. We couldn’t prevent ourselves from breaking down in tears. What savage barbarian could kill 1,700 persons in cold blood?" he asked.

Survivors of Speicher have described their ordeal last June as the Iraqi military chain of command unraveled and Islamic State's Sunni fighters descended on Tikrit, rounding up Shi'ite soldiers for slaughter.

The victims' families, who often grow angry at Iraq's political class for failing to provide them proper answers, have wondered for months about the fate of their friends and loved ones.

"The only positive thing is the victory in Tikrit," said, Ali Hamad, whose cousin Kamal went missing at Speicher.

"We are happy. At least the families will soon know the fate of their sons and cousins," he said.

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Makkah to

Madinah Author dedicates 10 years of his life to create a photographic journey of the Hijrah Route

This eminent work is the culmination of an epic journey along the Hijrah Route by esteemed academic Dr. Abdullah Alkadi, Vice President, University of Dammam.

Incredibly, even after 1,400 years, the Hijrah Route has been traced accurately using sources as varied as Ottoman period maps, historic texts and oral accounts handed down through generations among locals, as well as state-of-the-art GPS technologies.

Dr. Alkadi dedicated 10 years of his life to the creation of ‘Makkah to Madinah’, which is eagerly anticipated by a UK audience following its initial release in Saudi Arabia.

Written in both Arabic and English, this recto-verso book illustrates the Prophet's (blessings and peace be upon him) Hijrah Route in exquisite detail, identifying landmarks and locations where verses of the Qur’an were first revealed.

Using metallic inks and hand drawn maps, London-based agency Inspiral Design has created a premium aesthetic to complement the beautiful illustrations and photography within this must-have book.

Dr. Abdullah Alkadi, a descendent of the noble Bani Hashim clan, is a scholar of religious and quantitative sciences. He has spent countless hours and untold days traversing over thirty thousand miles to trace every step that the Prophet (pbuh) took.

Dr. Alkadi explains: “Makkah to Madinah is the culmination of several years of research driven by the simple desire to determine as precisely as possible the exact route of the Hijrah.

“In the course of this study, I have conducted dozens of field expeditions, collecting data, recording GPS coordinates, identifying landmarks, calculating distances, and covering as much of the entire route as possible by foot.

“I have also examined every available

resource from Hadith and Seerah literature and narrations, to historical documents, maps from the eighteenth century to the present. I have also conducted extensive interviews with local residents to glean information handed down through generations.

“After analysing, synthesising, and crosschecking the information from this research, I have by the grace of God realised my original goal: to determine as precisely as possible the exact route of the Prophet’s Hijrah.”

Photographer Peter Sanders who assisted Dr. Alkadi’s book, began his career in the mid 1960s as one of London's key photographers of rock musicians. His pictures of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Who and many others performing are classics of the genre.

In 1970, he set off for India, cameras in hand. He travelled for seven months. This trip became a spiritual odyssey that led him onto Morocco and thereafter to the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, where he photographed the Hajj, at a time when few professional photographers had access to Islam's holiest sanctuaries.

Continuing to travel far and wide, Peter Sanders has built up a photographic archive of well over a quarter of a million transparencies from forty countries around the world.

His first book 'In The Shade of the Tree' (now in its second reprint) gives a wonderful insight into the diversity of the Muslim cultures around the world whilst his second book 'The Art of Integration, Islam in England's green and pleasant land', shows an alternative picture of Muslims integrated within British society.

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Greater compensation for farmers

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced higher compensation and government aid for farmers who are suffering due to unseasonable rains, in an attempt to calm growing discontent among people living in the countryside.

Storms have badly damaged crops in large parts of northern India and led to anger against Modi for not doing enough to help those in distress.

Dozens of farmers have committed suicide in recent weeks.

Discontent among people in rural areas, where 70 percent of India's 1.2 billion people

live, could hurt Modi's political ambitions as he tries to consolidate power in upcoming state elections.

On Wednesday, Modi said his government will increase the compensation provided to affected farmers by 50 percent, as well as bring down the threshold of crop damage that allows farmers to seek government assistance.

“The government's current (compensation) parameters are not enough to help the farmers,” Modi said at an event in New Delhi.

“The government is committed to help farmers as much as possible.”

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US and Saudi Arabia sanction Pakistani charity The United States and Saudi Arabia have sanctioned a Pakistani charity, registered in Peshawar for allegedly financing violent extremist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan under the guise of humanitarian work.

The sanctions target the Al-Furqan Foundation Welfare Trust, which had changed its name to avoid prior U.S. sanctions. It is the successor entity to the Afghan Support Committee (ASC) and Revival of Islamic Heritage Society branches in Pakistan and Afghanistan (RIHS-Pakistan), said the U.S. Treasury.

"We are committed to exposing terrorist financiers, especially those who masquerade as charities,” Adam Szubin, Treasury's acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.

The Treasury said its sanctions would shut Al-Furqan out of the U.S. financial sector and prohibit Americans from doing business with the organisation.

Saudi Arabia also designated AlFurqan under an anti-terrorism law.

Since its establishment in the mid2000s, Al-Furqan has provided funding and other support to terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida, the Taliban, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba.

RIHS-Pakistan changed its name to

Al-Furqan after the United States and the UN designated ASC and RIHSPakistan in January 2002 for funding al-Qaida.

Al-Furqan is a charitable organisation that is a major conduit of financial and material support for terrorist groups and their activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. As of November 2013, Al-Furqan was providing funding for the U.S. designated terrorist training centre Ganj Madrassa, which was controlled by al-Qaida facilitator Shaykh Aminullah.

Al-Furqan was used to manage financial transactions between individuals in the Gulf and Pakistan in support of the Afghan insurgent movement led by Shaykh Aminullah.

Afghan insurgent money managers gained access to funds through AlFurqan with a special note written by Shaykh Aminullah.

As of mid-2014, Al-Furqan’s management provided tens of thousands of U.S. dollars to Lashkar-eTayyiba leadership. Some of this money was obtained as a result of AlFurqan’s revenue streams from individuals in the Gulf. In August 2014, Al-Furqan was used to transfer funding on behalf of al-Qaida from sources in the Gulf.

DETERMINED: “We are committed to exposing terrorist financiers, especially those who masquerade as charities,” says Adam Szubin, US Treasury’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Yemen: At least six children under the age of 10 were among a reported 25 people killed in Saudi Arabian-led airstrikes in the Yemeni capital Sana’a.

Amnesty International spoke to medical personnel at four different hospitals where the dead were taken after being pulled from the rubble of 14 houses that were hit in a residential neighbourhood near the city’s international airport.

The rest of those killed were men, mostly in their 30s and 40s. It is believed that more people may still be buried beneath the rubble, and at least 20, including four women, were admitted to hospital with mainly shrapnel injures.

"This high toll of civilian deaths and injuries in these attacks raises concerns about compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law. Saudi Arabian and any other armed forces carrying out airstrikes in Yemen are required to take all feasible precautions to spare civilians," said Said Boumedouha, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Programme.

"This includes verifying that targets are in fact military objectives and giving civilians

Six children among dozens killed in Saudi Arabian-led airstrikes

effective advance warnings unless circumstances do not permit.

"The Huthi armed groups and the Yemeni armed forces also have obligations under international humanitarian law to protect

civilians under their control from the effects of attacks, including by avoiding, to the extent feasible, locating their fighters and weaponry within residential neighbourhoods."

Given the civilian deaths and

injuries, Saudi Arabia and other states involved in these airstrikes must investigate whether violations of international humanitarian law were committed. If there is evidence that war crimes were

committed they must prosecute the suspects in fair trials.

Yemen’s Ministry of Health said the airstrikes killed 25 people and injured some 40 – it is not yet known if there were any fighters among the casualties.

According to a paramedic who witnessed the aftermath, the airstrike near the airport occurred shortly before 3AM local time, in a residential area called Beni Hawat.

Huthi armed groups had allegedly been operating a checkpoint around 100m away, as well as al-Dailami base around 500m away.

Saudi Arabian officials stated they had destroyed ‘all Huthi air defences’ at al-Dailami base next to Sana’a International Airport.

Beni Hawat was among a number of sites around the city hit by airstrikes as Saudi Arabia announced it was launching a military intervention by a coalition of 10 countries, including five Gulf Cooperation Council states, against the Huthi armed groups.

The US government today stated it had ‘authorised the provision of logistical and intelligence support’ to this military intervention, and other governments, including the UK and Turkey, endorsed the move.

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Entertainment THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRITY NEWS FROM BOLLYWOOD & HOLLYWOOD

Katrina Kaif reveals new ‘lookalike’ at Madame Tussauds For the past 15 years, London’s Madame Tussauds has been welcoming visitors from around the world to their unique Bollywood exhibit, bringing the waxworks of Indian film stars to the forefront of public attention.

Last Friday, to celebrate reaching their latest milestone, the world famous attraction welcomed Bollywood royalty as Katrina Kaif was on hand to officially open a new glamorous setting for the wax figures, as well as revealing her own brand new ‘lookalike’.

The stunning star becomes the seventh Bollywood actor to be honoured with a figure at Madame Tussauds London and her inclusion came after she was voted for by fans, just as Amitabh Bachchan was in 2000.

Katrina, who collaborated closely with the Madame Tussauds artistic team to ensure total accuracy, was delighted with the figure, which is portrayed in a dancing pose wearing a beautiful sequined white, silver and gold, two-piece outfit by Manish Malhorta.

“It’s an amazing honour to be asked to be featured alongside icons of the Indian film industry,” the actress

commented.

“I have really enjoyed working with the team and am delighted with the end result. I can’t believe how detailed and accurate it is. It is just like looking in a mirror in 3D. Madame Tussauds London’s General Manager, Ben Sweet added: “We have a long and strong relationship with the Indian film industry and our Bollywood figures are hugely popular with guests.

“We are delighted to welcome Katrina to the ever growing Bollywood A-list here, the first to be featured in a glamorous new setting where guests can get up close with some of the biggest film stars in the world, from Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, to Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit-Nene.”

Katrina’s figure was created by a team of 20 sculptors and artists over a four month period, using hundreds of precise measurements taken at a sitting in Mumbai and cost £150,000 to create.

15 Years of Bollywood

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Entertainment

www.asianexpress.co.uk Back with a bang, talented singer/songwriter Kee is taking the British Asian music scene by storm again with her brand new single ‘Akhiyan’.

Working a male-dominated industry can be daunting but that hasn’t phased natural musician Kee, who has refined her style over the years.

Returning with a stunning fresh look, buzzing new sound and a sure fire hit, Kee’s latest offering promises to be a definite floor filler.

Set for release this month, the track is produced by renowned music producer and DJ, 'Shayal' who’s set to release a track with French Montana, Movado and DJ Khaled later this year. He's currently working with RnB artist J

Arjun Kapoor: In our generation, Ranbir is leaps and bounds ahead

Among the new generation of actors, there’s one quality that is very admirable - they don’t shy away from appreciating other actors in the industry.

Arjun Kapoor has praised Ranbir Kapoor wholeheartedly for the kind of films he’s doing.

Said Arjun: “Ranbir Kapoor is a superstar.

“The choices that he has made have been bold and have paid off and he continues taking risks. ‘Bombay Velvet’ is going to be another risk for him.

“No actor can control the commerce of film beyond a point any which ways, but he’s always been very brave. He’s loved by everybody.”

He further added: “We, as actors look forward to seeing a Ranbir Kapoor film - because he does deliver, and if he’s doing a film it must be good or there must be something to it.

“You will never disregard a Ranbir Kapoor film.

Even when he does a film in a special appearance, it has the burden of expectations.

Therefore, in our generation, he is leaps and bounds ahead.

“He’s been here for a while and has made some very good choices. I think that is an example to learn.”

Arjun added that he doesn’t believe that the magnitude of superstars such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan can be recreated.

He said he thinks the definition of a “superstar” has changed.

Holiday on a new single due out in a few weeks.

‘Akhiyan’ is a Punjabi-infused hip-hop anthem, with a relentless beat and stunning vocals. The track also features a rap interlude from Rishi Rich’s latest protégé, Stax.

Speaking about the track, Shayal comments: "I’m really excited about the release of the song. It’s got a great Punjabi/Hip-hop vibe which hasn’t been done in this way before. Watch out, because this one’s going to take the clubs by storm.”

Breaking the mould as a young Asian female music artist, Kee’s vocals are unique. After slowly tiptoeing onto the scene, she quickly developed a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, and worked with a

April 2015 - 1st Edition range of major players in the industry.

Always approached for her distinctive vocal style, Kee has worked with Tigerstyle, Raxstar, DJ Dips and AG Dolla. She's also toured extensively with the music sensation Arjun.

Speaking about her latest track, Kee says: “I mainly used to listen to Bollywood music growing up, and that’s influenced my own sound a great deal.

“I think hip hop with a Bollywood flair is definitely a niche I want to fill and it’s something I hope comes across in Akhiyan. Shayal and I are really confident that this track is going to make people want to dance.”

Akhiyan is set for release on the 9th April 2015 via iTunes and other digital stores.

Breaking the mould Singer and songwriter Kee continues to challenge the male-dominated music industry with new track

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Sunny Leone: “I am not a typical Bollywood actress”

Adult star turned Bollywood actress Sunny Leone’s films have worked well and have been reasonably successful too.

From ‘Jism 2’ to ‘Rajini MMS 2’, her films have thoroughly entertained the masses and it seems that Sunny has made her mark in the industry.

At an interview, Sunny was asked if the success of her film has made her more confident on trying new things.

She said: “Because I feel I have done

everything backwards and I am not a typical Bollywood actress in this industry, everything that I could have done wrong I have done wrong. So, for me if I get to do a chance to do something different, I will do something different.”

“If I believe in the story and I love it for whatever reasons, then I honestly do believe that it will do well.

“One of my movies was not a success, it was a big reality check; it

didn’t even hit the floor and was a sinking ship.

“After ‘Jackpot’, I was really nervous for ‘Rajini MMS 2’ and needed it to do well.

“I got lucky and it did well and the Kanika Kapoor song ‘Baby Doll’ was such a huge success.

Having movies that have been successful does help and I hope when people watch ‘Ek Paheli Leela’, they see growth and they see that

maybe I have done a better job in acting or dancing, or just that they enjoy the character.”

Also starring Jay Bhanushali, Rajniesh Duggal, Mohit Ahlawat, Jas Arora, Rahul Dev & others, ‘Ek Paheli Leela’ is directed by Bobby Khan, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ahmed Khan and Shaira Khan. It’s set to release on 10th April.

Safra's 'Shattered' gets the V-Dubl-E Treatment!

Classically trained singer and songwriter Safra Paul’s singing ability was evident from a young age, but the Bedford-born artist followed the more traditional route of academic study and the world of work before fully immersing herself in her musical pursuits.

Alongside formal training, Safra has performed choral works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with classical greats such as Aled Jones, Hayley Marsh and Faryl Smith. She has also performed with her local church choir, often as a soloist, and has participated in musical festivals and a number of charity events across the country.

Safra's talent has been recognised by others in the industry, and many opportunities have come her way.

After singing a famous cover in the studio, she was given due recognition for her outstanding vocal ability and her original style and has since worked with producers and artists such as Guy Stanway and Nikki

Amitabh Bachchan: “My bond with Kolkata cannot break” Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who will next be seen in the upcoming Bollywood film ‘Piku’, has shot quite a lot of scenes in Kolkata and was also snapped cycling on the streets while shooting.

Big B and Kolkata’s connection goes a long way and the megastar feels that whenever you feel depressed you should visit the “City Of Joy”.

At the trailer launch of ‘Piku’ which is directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by NP Singh, Big B said: “I did my first job in Kolkata and I stayed there for eight years.

“I keep visiting there often as I cannot forget the environment and atmosphere there.

“I keep on telling my co-stars that whenever you are feeling depressed go to Kolkata. The people there are so passionate that they will awaken you.

With how ever many years I have spent and whatever I have learned there, you might get to see a part of it in the film.

“What more should I say, it is always great to go back to a place where you have stayed and worked before. It makes me nostalgic and all the old memories flash in front of me.

He said that he always tries to visit the places where he has stayed and worked. He even said that he tries to see his old boss and the people who he used to work with whenever he can.

Further telling us about his special Kolkata connection Big B said: “Like you all must know, I am Kolkata’s sonin-law as my wife is a Bengali, so this bond cannot break only.”

‘Piku’ also stars Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan in the lead and is will release on 8th May.

Murray, and diversified in the urban Asian music scene collaborating with VDubl-E and Des C. Guy Stanway of ZY Records and all round Musician & Vocalist, Nikki Murray produced and enabled Safra to record two contemporary tracks 'Never Wanted to be Loved' (uptempo pop) and 'I Try' (a country sounding ballad).

After a recent hiatus she has been working with producer Richard West and collaborating with Tim Laws (T-Rox Music Publishing and Productions Ltd) on the track 'Shattered' and in the studio with the talented country blues singer Cherry Lee Mewis.

Safra's musical style is original yet versatile, and this enables her to reach a wide and diverse audience.

She has a work ethic that is second to none and continues to challenge herself daily, often venturing outside of her comfort zone to achieve the limitless possibilities within her reach.

Her latest single ‘Shattered’ is out now via iTunes and other digital platforms.

Lata Mangeshkar sings after three-year break Living singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, who is extremely choosy in singing for films, has now sung a song for a first Indian Norwegian collaboration film called ‘Dunno Y2 Life Is A Moment’ which is being produced in three languages Hindi, English and Norwegian.

It’s a sequel of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning ‘Dunno Y…Na Jaane Kyun’. Incidentally, she sang the title track for this flick.

The theme song for ‘Dunno Y2 Life Is A Moment’ is about love and will be filmed on Zeenat Aman, Kapil Sharma, Yuvraaj Parashar, Pakistani actress Sadia Khan and European actors.

Nikhil Kamath has composed the song and lyrics have been written by Vimal Kashyap.

The film, which is directed by Norwegian director Tonje

Gjevjon and Indian director Sanjay Sharma, has a mix of Indian and European singers and composers.

Music director Nikhil Kamath says: “Lataji was very impressed with the composition and meaningful lyrics of ‘pal mein rishtey badalte hai…’ from ‘Dunno Y…Na Jaane Kyun’.

“The song went on to be a great hit all over the world.

“Now when I approached her for the song ‘jeena kya hai…’ in ‘Dunno Y’ part 2, after hearing the scratch she felt that this song is very close to her heart. She instantly gave a positive nod. Now after her singing all I can say only she could have sung this song.”

Lead actor Yuvraaj Parashar adds ‘Dunno Y’ part one, was screened practically all over the world and at all the festivals whether it was Israel or Sydney or Germany or Houston.

“Infact, in Israel everyone knows two Bollywood personalities Raj Kapoor and Lata Mangeshkar”.

Kapil Sharma adds excitedly “We are very fortunate she has blessed us again! It’s a dream come true…”

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RELEASE DATE: 27/2/2015

RELEASE DATE: 13/2/2015

FILM: Roy DIRECTED BY: Vikramjit Singh GENRE: Action/Thriller STAR CAST: Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Jacqueline Fernandez Ranbir Kapoor stars as the world's most audacious thief in this sizzling Bollywood love triangle thriller.

The mysterious Roy (Ranbir Kapoor) is both a legend and an enigma. He's pulled off incredible heists in every corner of the globe. His amazing adventures have been chronicled in two hit films by talented, hugely successful director Kabir Grewal (Arjun Rampal).

Now production is about to commence on the eagerly anticipated 'Guns Part 3'. But will the outcome be the same

this time? Will Roy's legions of fans finally get to see his face?

Most importantly of all, will he finally get caught?

Vikramjit Singh makes his directorial debut with this action-filled crowdpleaser, starring his childhood friend and multiple awardwinning Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor. Sri Lankan actress and model Jacqueline Fernandez is the leading lady.

Arjun Rampal, whose credits include the hits 'Ra.One' and 'Housefull' is the third part of the film's red-hot love triangle.

FILM: N.H 10 DIRECTED BY: Navdeep Singh GENRE: Thriller STAR CAST: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Darshan Kumaar

FILM: Honour Killing DIRECTED BY: Avtar Bhogal GENRE: Drama STAR CAST: Zara Sheikh, Sandeep Singh, Jawed Sheikh, Tom Alter, Gulshan Grover, Prem Chopra

RELEASE DATE: 20/2/2015

FILM: Badlapur DIRECTED BY: Sriram Raghavan GENRE: Action/Thriller STAR CAST: Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam, Vinay Pathak, Divya Dutta Varun Dhawan teams up with director Sriram Raghavan for this gripping thriller.

Raghu (Varun Dhawan) is a normal man living a normal life. He lives with his wife, Misha (Yami Gautam), and works as part of the creative team in an advertising agency.

He has a child, Robin, and is enjoying his life in Pune, but his life is turned upside side when Misha and Robin are killed in a bank robbery.

The killings change the previously mild-mannered Raghu into someone hellbent

RELEASE DATE: 13/3/2015

A young couple's road trip goes badly wrong after an encounter with a group of violent criminals in this gritty thriller.

Meera (Anushka Sharma) and Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) are a professional couple who enjoy a good life in their home city of Gurgaon.

Everything changes when Meera is attacked by a group of unknown men after leaving a party late at night. Although she manages to escape, the experience leaves

her traumatised.

Feeling guilty for not being there to protect her, Arjun tries to get their relationship back on track by organising for them to go on a luxurious holiday in the desert.

Stopping at a roadside cafe on National Highway 10 en route, the couple witness a young girl being attacked by a group of men and Arjun decides to intervene, unaware that his actions will put both of their lives in mortal danger.

on revenge, but it's 15 years before he finds out the identity of the man who pulled the trigger, after which his journey to avenge his family's deaths begins.

Directed by the great Sriram Raghavan, whose previous films are known for their edgy characters and gripping action sequences, Badlapur is a tense thriller where the we are asked to consider what own reactions would be to such a terrible situation and thus, our own morality.

The film which is largely based on revenge (Badla) and

is about a man who sets out to take revenge after being wronged and undergoes a transition during the course of the story, leading to `badla’.

Those familiar with Mumbai are aware that there is a station named Badlapur on the Central Railway. It’s heard that, Badlapur used to be one of the stations where the trains would change tracks. This aspect has massive role to play in the film as the station features in the backdrop when the plot undergoes a change, hence the birth of the title of this film.

FILM: Dilliwaali Zalim Girlfriend DIRECTED BY: Japinder Kaur GENRE: Comedy STAR CAST: Divyendu Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Prachi Mishra, Pradhuman Singh, Ira Dubey Dilliwaali Zalim Girlfriend is the story of two innocent friends, Dhruv (Divyendu Sharma) - an aspirant IAS officer and Happy (Pradhuman Singh), who's a happy go lucky fun guy.

Life becomes a depressing mess for them from the time Dhruv takes a private loan from a company where Sakshi (Prachi Mishra), the girl Dhruv loves, works. He in fact buys a car from the loan just to woo her

too.

There starts their encounter right from today's super materialistic girls (where money comes above love), the finance company, the system and many more on the way, remains pretty Zaalim; leaving them to sort their problems on their own.

Despite all the crooks they face, Dhruv and Happy along with another friend of theirs Nimmy (Ira Dubey), get

A powerful multi-cultural love story set against the shocking backdrop of honour killings in the UK. Three men become firm friends in melting-pot Britain, despite their very different cultural backgrounds. One is a Sardar, the second a Pathan, and the third an Englishman who was born and raised in India.

When the Englishman's daughter weds, his friends get together to organise traditional Asian celebrations. The Sardar's son Sunny (Sandeep Singh), who has come the UK to continue his education, meets the Pathan's daughter Sameera (Zara Sheikh) and they quickly fall in love.

The blissfully happy young couple hope that their parents will be relaxed about their plans to marry. But the respective families' intense opposition leads to bitter enmity and ultimate tragedy.

Shot in London and Punjab, Avtar Bhogal's important drama uses actors from Britain, India and Pakistan to explore the complex background to the burning issue of honour killings.

RELEASE DATE: 20/3/2015 together taking matters in their own hands and expose one of the biggest rackets underlying in Delhi.

Though Dhruv buys the car to woo the girl who could never be his, in the process to get it back, he finds the right girl who was always out there next to him Nimmy.

The music of the movie has been put together with Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jazzy B, Hard Kaur, Meet Bros Anjjan, Indeep Bakshi,

Dr. Zeus, Jatinder Shah, Milind Gaba, Jassi Katyal and Tiger Style while the lyrics are penned by Kumaar, Alfaaz, Bunty Bains, Zora Randhawa and Mavi Bains.

April 2015 - 1st Edition

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Entertainment

SAEPPRT 2015

GET HARD STARRING: WILL FERRELL, KEVIN HART, CRAIG T. NELSON, ALLISON BRIE, TIP 'T.I.' HARRIS DIRECTOR: ETAN COHEN GENRE: COMEDY

UK RELEA SE DATE:

27/03/20 15

April 2015 - 1st Edition

UK RELEA SE

27/03/20DATE: 15

Hedge fund manager James King (Will Ferrell) lives a life of luxury. So it comes as quite a shock when he's arrested, tried and convicted of fraud and embezzlement.

15 The judge gives him 30 CERT days to get his affairs in order before starting a 10 year stretch in the notorious San Quentin jail.

Desperate James turns to car wash boss Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart) to teach him how to survive life inside. But despite James's stereotypical assumptions, Darnell is a lawabiding citizen who has never been in prison.

That doesn't stop him throwing himself into the role of 'incarceration expert', hilariously attempting to transform this pampered white collar criminal into a fearsome thug

U

CERT

CINDERELLA STARRING: CATE BLANCHETT, LILY JAMES, RICHARD MADDEN, STELLAN SKARSGARD, HELENA BONHAM-CARTER DIRECTOR: KENNETH BRANAGH GENRE: DRAMA, FAMILY After Ella's father dies, she is left in the company of her cruel stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett).

Dubbing her 'Cinderella' due to her always being covered in ashes, Tremaine makes Ella (Lily James) work as a servant girl.

After Ella meets a dashing stranger, Kit (Richard Madden), whom she fails to recognise as a Prince, the young Cinderella begins to fall in love.

But after being told by her stepmother that she cannot attend a Palace ball, she begins to believe she'll never see Kit again. That is, until her Fairy Godmother comes to her aid.

12A

When a retired hit man CERT is forced back into action by a brutal Russian mobster, he hunts down his adversaries with the ruthlessness that made him a crime underworld legend in John Wick, a stylish tale of revenge and redemption.

UK RELEA SE DATE: John’s search for 07/04/20 his stolen vehicle 15 takes him to a side of New York City that tourists never STARRING: KEANU REEVES, see, a hyper-real, MICHAEL NYQVIST, ALFIE super-secret ALLEN, WILLEM DAFOEGUEZ criminal DIRECTOR: DAVID LEITCH, community, where John Wick was CHAD STAHELSKI once the baddest GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER guy of all.

15

JOHN WICK

CERT

WOMAN IN GOLD

FURIOUS 7

STARRING: HELEN MIRREN, RYAN REYNOLDS, DANIEL BRÜHL, CHARLES DANCE, MAX IRONS DIRECTOR: SIMON CURTIS GENRE: DRAMA

STARRING: VIN DIESEL, LUDACRIS, JASON STATHAM, DWAYNE JOHNSON, PAUL WALKER, MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ DIRECTOR: JAMES WAN GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER

Helen Mirren stars in the compelling true life tale of Maria Altmann, a TBC Holocaust survivor who, CERT in the 1980s, went to the law courts to reclaim five paintings by the artist Gustav Klimt, which, after being stolen by the Nazis, ended up in the possession of the Austrian government.

An all-star cast bring this little known true story to life in director Simon Curtis' captivating drama about an ordinary person who takes on an entire government in order to take back what is UK RELEA rightfully hers.

SE DATE:

10/04/20 15

Jason Statham takes on Vin Diesel and the crew in this seventh high-octane rush of vehicular mayhem In the previous instalment of the spectacular Fast and Furious series, everybody's favourite speed-crazed criminal crew reunited for a mission to London.

Having succeeded in bringing down former British Special Forces soldier Owen Shaw, they received an

UK RELEA SE

03/04/20DATE: 15 amnesty for their crimes and returned to the US. But we also learned that Shaw has a brother, Ian. Now he is gunning for Dominic, Brian, Luke and the rest of the gang in this jawdroppingly stuntpacked sequel.

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Entertainment

FILM TIMES AND

PRESENTS

WIN FREE N E SS MOVIE MAD

E TS CINEMA TICK

Odeon and The Asian Express bring back the movie mania as you get a chance to win free cinema tickets.

Answer a simple question and you could win tickets to a film of your choice.

is Kee’s new What isWhat the name of the new Sci-fi called? film to single come out of Pakistan?

Send inin your Send youranswers answersto to competition@asianexpress.co.uk competition@asianexpress.co.uk Don’t forget to mention full name, contact and Don’t forget to mention youryour full name, contact detailsdetails and address. address.

Entry closes March 15th 2013, 5.00pm Entry closes April 17th 2015, 5.00pm Winners willbe beselected selected randomly randomly from entries.

Winners will fromall allcorrect correct entries.

Hook on to this page for free cinema tickets to upcoming films.

Hook on to this page for free cinema tickets to upcoming films.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The Competition is organised by the Asian Express Newspaper. The Asian Express Newspaper reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition, the Competition Notice or these Rules at any time without prior notice.

Competition entries must be made in the manner and by the closing date specified on the Competition Rules. Failure to do so will disqualify the entry. In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules, Competition Notice, conduct, results and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the Asian Express Newspaper shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. To qualify to enter the Competition you must be resident in the United Kingdom and aged 16+. Only one entry per person per Competition is allowed and multiple entries will result in an entrant being disqualified.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply to a specific Competition, e.g. a valid passport, visas and/or driver’s licence will be required. Prizes are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Winners may be requested to take part in promotional activity and the Asian Express Newspaper reserves the right to use the names and addresses of winners, their photographs and audio and/or visual recordings of them in any publicity. Any personal data relating to entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the individual’s prior consent. The Competition and the terms and conditions of this agreement will be governed by English law.

25% Off Tickets all day every Monday Classic - £1.99 and 100 Introductory points Deluxe - £4.99 and 500 introductory points Ultimate - £9.99 and 1000 introductory points and double points for a month You can spend your points on popcorn, soft drinks and snacks. or use them to get film tickets at the box office.or at odeon.co.uk

Odeon Kids £2.50 Every Saturday & Sunday morning and most School Holiday mornings

Silver Cinema £3.00 Mid-Morning screenings chosen from modern and classic cinema

Odeon Newbies £5.00 Watch current film releases without worrying about your little one making any noise

Friday 10 April until Thursday 16th April

ODEON - Leeds/Bradford BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT RE:2015 (15) 117mins AD Sun CINDERELLA (U) 113 mins AD Fri-Thu 11:00 12:00 13:40 14:30 16:20 17:10 19:00 DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHI (15) 148mins Bollywood Fri-Sun 17:10 Tue-Thu 17:10 FAST & FURIOUS 7 (12A) 137mins NGP, Fri-Sat 10:45 11:45 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:45 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 Sun 10:45 11:4512:30s/t13:00 14:00 15:00 15:45 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:00 21:30 22:00 Mon & Wed 10:45 11:45 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:45 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:00 21:30 22:00 Tue 10:45 11:45 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:00 19:30 20:00 10:45 11:45 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:15 17:15 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 Thu FOCUS (15) 105mins AD Fri-Thu GET HARD (15) 100mins AD Fri-Sat 15:20 17:40 Sun-Thu 15:20 17:40 GOOD KILL (15) 102mins AD Fri-Sat Sun-Thu HOME 3D 3D (U) 94mins AD Fri-Mon 10:10 Tue 16:40 Wed 10:10 Thu 16:40 HOME (U) 94mins AD Fri-Thu 10:30 11:30 12:50 13:50 15:10 17:30 JALAIBEE (15) 120mins AD, Fri-Sat JOHN WICK (15) 101mins AD, Fri-Sat 16:10 18:30 Sun 16:10 18:30 Mon 16:10 18:30 Tue-Thu 16:10 18:30 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 (PG) 94mins Fri-Sat 10:50 13:10 15:30 17:50 Sun 10:50 13:10 15:30 17:50 Mon-Tue 10:50 13:10 15:30 17:50 Wed 10:50 13:10 15:30 17:50s/t Thu 10:50 13:10 15:30 17:50 SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3D (U) 91mins AD Fri-Thu 10:40 SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (U) 91mins AD Fri-Thu 10:00 11:10 12:10 13:30 14:40 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT (12A) 119mins AD Fri-Thu 16:00 18:40 THE DUFF (12A) 101mins AD Fri-Sat 13:20 15:50 18:20 Sun-Thu 13:20 15:50 18:20 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 123m AD Fri-Sat 12:20 19:50 Sun 12:20 Mon-Thu 12:20 19:50 THE WATER DIVINER (15) 111mins Fri-Thu

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19:30 20:00 20:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:30 22:00 21:30 22:00 22:40 20:20 20:20

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ODEON PLUS CULTURE NT LIVE: THE HARD PROBLEM (15) 120m Thu 19:00 SILVER CINEMA UNBROKEN (U) 137mins Tue 14:00 | Thu 11:00 FOXCATCHER (U) 134mins Tue 11:00 | Thu 14:00 KIDS SCREEN PADDINGTON (PG) 95mins AD Fri-Thu 10:00 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB (Captioned) 2D (PG) 98mins AD Fri-Thu 10:15s/t BIG HERO 6 2D (PG) 108mins AD Fri-Thu 10:30 ALL DAY EVERYDAY TICKETS 2D FILMS £5.50 • 3D FILMS £6.50 • BLOCKBUSTER = £1 EXTRA Opening Times: Fri-Thu 09.45

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

The all-new McLaren Sports Series brings McLaren racederived technologies and supercar driving exhilaration to the sports car market for the first time.

Launching with two power outputs, the Sports Series offers class-leading performance, lightweight construction including a carbon fibre chassis, recognisable McLaren design values and a comprehensive specification list.

Pricing for the higher-powered 570S, will retail from £143,250, whereas the 540C Coupe will start at £126,000. Weighing as low as 1,313kg (2,895lbs), due to the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, the Sports Series is almost 150kg lighter than its closest rival.

The Sports Series features an evolution of the 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine, named M838TE, with 30 percent of components bespoke to the new model.

Engineered by McLaren, it produces 570PS (562 bhp) at 7,400 rpm, and 600Nm (443 lb ft) of torque at 5,000-6,500 rpm.

The classic mid-engine rear-

wheel drive supercar configuration optimises handling and agility – except that it competes in the sports car, not the supercar, market – delivering power through a seven-speed seamless shift gearbox (SSG).

Despite being one of the world’s most powerful road car engines, it is also extremely efficient. A new stop-start system seen for the first time at McLaren provides greater efficiency during city driving, improving fuel consumption and CO2 output.

The 570S returns 25.5 mpg on the EU combined cycle with an improved range, while emissions are just 258g/km.

Overall performance for the 570S is class leading with the 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint taking 3.2 seconds, while 0-200km/h (124 mph) in 9.5s. Top speed is 328 km/h (204mph).

Dynamic styling provides visual presence and is based around functional elements, combining fluid surfaces and strong features to deliver a design that optimises air flow management in, out

By Steve Maybury info@asianexpress.co.uk

and around the vehicle. Weight is minimised through the layering of panels, which are designed to float above aerodynamic surfaces along with suspended members, supporting the potency of this compact sports car.

Every McLaren road car since the iconic McLaren F1 from the 1990s has included distinctive dihedral doors - produced primarily from aluminium to minimise weight, and the Sports Series continues that design tradition. In true McLaren style, the newly designed doors have greater operating range, and with a revised opening arc, allowing easier access to the cabin with a larger aperture opening.

The 570S Coupe is fitted with the performance focused Pirelli P Zero™ Corsa tyres as standard, with a

Motors

Pirelli P Zero™ available as a nocost option. Tyre sizes are 225/35/R19 on the front and 285/35/R20 on the rear. The Corsa tyres have been developed with stiffer sidewalls and treads, offering outstanding grip levels, and yield advantages on a circuit and in standing-start acceleration.

The Sports Series is launched with a range of newly designed wheels. The 570S is fitted as standard with fourteen-spoke lightweight forged wheels, 19-inch at the front, and 20-inch at the rear, finished in silver. A further five-spoke, or a 10-spoke super lightweight design offering a 7kg weight saving, is available as an option.

A new ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system, developed with Bosch, includes a new ‘Dynamic’ mode which provides reduced intervention, to allow greater vehicle control on the limit and ‘driftability’. The ESC system includes a dedicated

control switch, allowing ESC control independently to the handling control dial. This allows the choice of full, dynamic or ESC-off when in Sport and Track handling modes. With an improved pump and dual valve system, the ESC system is refined and provides greater resolution and thus more progressive control.

Sharing technology with the Super Series, the M838TE engine includes Formula 1™ technology such as dry sump lubrication – to enable higher cornering speeds without oil surge – and a flatplane crankshaft, to allow the engine to be sited as low as possible to improve the centre of gravity and both handling and agility.

The Sports Series uses the same seven-speed twin-clutch SSG (Seamless Shift Gearbox) as the 650S, and offers a ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes. New advanced throttle control during shifts ramps up or down engine speed with greater urgency.

Highest power and lightest car in the sports car segment by almost 150kg means a class-leading powerto-weight ratio

Setting a new benchmark

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

New Toyota Powerful and muscular in character The all-new Focus RS features the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system and a specially engineered 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine Ford’s all-new highperformance hatchback, the Focus RS, will make its first appearance in America, revealing exclusive new signature colour Nitrous Blue at the New York International Auto Show.

This is the first ever Ford RS vehicle to be sold in the U.S. and will be offered in markets all over the world.

Ford confirmed deliveries to customers in Europe will start early 2016.

“Customers have begged for the Focus RS to come to the United States for years,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company.

“And now we can say that they are getting one of the most innovative, powerful and best-looking RS cars ever. That is special.

“The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs. It’s a great example of our passion for innovation through performance, and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound,” he adds.

One of 12 new performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally by 2020 in a new era of Ford performance, the all-new Focus RS features the innovative Ford Performance All-WheelDrive system and a specially engineered 2.3litre EcoBoost engine.

Ford Performance AllWheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring delivers a new level of handling capability and driver

enjoyment, combining outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed.

The high-performance hatchback’s EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium fourcylinder engine in the allnew Mustang. This engine has, however, been significantly upgraded through a comprehensive package of design changes to deliver a projected output well in excess of 320PS. The all-new Focus RS also introduces advanced performance technologies, and is the first Ford RS equipped with selectable Drive Modes – including an industry-first Drift Mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts – and Launch Control.

The exterior design of the all-new Focus RS is both dramatic and functional, with a more powerful and muscular character. It will

be offered in a choice of four-coat metallic finish Nitrous Blue and further striking exterior colours including Shadow Black, Magnetic Grey and Frozen White.

“This is the ultimate Focus – stunning to look at and entirely fit for purpose,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “RS models have always been striking, highperformance cars where function is paramount. This new Focus RS is true to that heritage.”

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and U.S., the new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. The 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, the Focus RS will be built in Saarlouis, Germany, from late this year.

First details of the UK line-up demonstrate how Toyota has raised Avensis’s appeal with more distinctive styling, higher levels of sensory quality in a re-worked cabin, improved equipment specifications and a range of efficient Euro 6-compliant engines.

True to its 17-year-heritage, new Avensis is British-built, manufactured exclusively at Toyota’s Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire.

Both saloon and Touring Sports wagon models are priced from £17,765, with the first cars being delivered to customers from late June.

Avensis adopts a new grade structure, which reflects how it has been designed, engineered and equipped to meet the leading requirements of both private and business customers.

The engine range is fully compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards, featuring two new generation D-4D diesels. The 110bhp 1.6 and 141bhp 2.0-litre units are both teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Both provide a smooth relaxing drive with low carbon emissions and strong fuel economy. The 1.6 musters 270Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,250rpm and delivers from 108g/km CO2 with 68.9mpg average fuel consumption (combined cycle). The 2.0 D4D has a performance-oriented character, with 0-62mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds and a 124mph top speed. Benchmark figures for the 2.0-litre saloon are from 119g/km and

62.8mpg.

The line-up is completed by Toyota’s 145bhp 1.8-litre Valvematic petrol engine, offered with the choice of six-speed manual transmission or automatic CVT. Pending homologation, CO2 emissions are expected to be from 138g/km with 47.4mpg.

The established Active and Excel grades mark the entry point and top of the range.

These are joined by new Business Edition and Business Edition Plus versions at the heart of the line-up.

Key features of the Active grade include Pre-Crash Safety system, cruise control, air conditioning, six-speaker CD/radio audio, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED rear and daytime running lights and power windows.

Business Edition adds to this strong foundation with the Toyota Touch 2 with Go touchscreen multimedia and navigation system, digital/DAB audio package with eight-inch display, reversing camera, rainsensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, automatic air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels and part-Alcantara seat upholstery.

The active safety features extend to Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Assist.

Business Edition Plus delivers further premium features including leather upholstery with Alcantara inserts, front fog lights with a cornering function, LED headlamps, smart entry and rear privacy

Hybrid tyre to change the future

A novel tyre that features different tread areas could point the way to how drivers can enjoy both sporty handling and efficiency for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) SUVs. To date, engineers have struggled to develop tyres that offer low rolling resistance to increase the car’s range whilst offering sharp, sporty dynamics expected by sporty SUV drivers.

Debuting this month on Mitsubishi’s Concept XR-PHEV II small SUV, powered by a new PHEV system, the outer third of Falken’s concept tyre comprises a primarily low rolling resistance

slick surface with intelligently placed water dispersion grooves that prevent hydroplaning and also enhance wet road grip.

To offer better grip under hard cornering, the inner third of the tyre features a curved (like a motorcycle) surface that comes in greater contact with the road whilst the car is being pushed harder.

“Consumers want to have the best range with a hybrid but aren’t prepared to sacrifice an ‘involving’ driving experience with sporting dynamics,” says Matt Smith, Falken’s UK Director. “A new type of tyre is needed and this concept

highlights how Falken could help SUV drivers to achieve efficiency without sacrificing a sportier driving experience.”

No production date has been set for the novel tyre but Falken believes that such bespoke tyre technology is the way tyre design will progress. “Tyres play a critical role in the way a vehicle drives and stops,” adds Smith. “Expect to see more bespoke tyres to extract the best all round performance for a car.”

Earlier this month Falken announced it now produces a bespoke version of its tyres for the new Volkswagen Passat.

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

Avensis glass. The LED daytime running lights gain light guides, creating a distinctive lighting signature.

At the top of the range, Excel grade adopts Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus, adding more sophisticated navigation functions and access to additional connected services. The

specification also embraces a 10-speaker audio system, full leather seat upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with heaters and adaptive headlights that adjust automatically to improve illumination through bends and turns. The Excel Touring Sports gains a panoramic roof.

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Making an entry It’s just been announced that new entry-level engines, a further four-wheel-drive model and additional equipment options will increase the diversity of features available for the BMW 2 Series Coupé.

With the market launch of the new BMW 218i Coupé, a three-cylinder petrol engine from the BMW Group’s latest engine family will be featured for the first time in the brand’s sporty and elegant compact model.

State-of-the-art BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is featured on the new power unit provides a maximum power output of 130hp and a maximum torque of 220Nm. The new BMW 218i Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.8 seconds. Prices start from

£22,355.

Furthermore, xDrive, BMW’s intelligent fourwheel drive system, will also be available for the BMW 220d Coupé.

In the new BMW 220d xDrive Coupé the advanced system ensures not only optimised traction and vehicle stability in all road and weather conditions, but also increased dynamics when taking bends at higher speeds and optimal acceleration.

The 2 Series Coupé is

also now available in luxury guise for an even more premium feel.

Luxury specification is recognisable by the Chrome Line exterior trim and the outer air intake surrounds in the same detail. Also included are 18-inch light alloy wheels.

Inside, fine-line stream high-grade wood interior trims including an Oxide Silver accent strip, leatherwrapped sports steering wheel and Dakota leather trim in a range of colours all feature.

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McLaren launches its sports series with 570S Coupe

McLaren has announced that the first model to be launched in its Sports Series family will be called the 570S Coupé.

This V8 powered, carbon fibre structured two-seater will show its beautiful yet aerodynamically optimised form for the first time in less than a week when it debuts at the 115th New York International Auto Show.

With the launch of the first Sports Series derivative, the 570S Coupe, McLaren will be displaying its threetier model strategy together in New York for the first time globally.

Every Sports Series model will share its DNA with the Super Series and Ultimate Series that sit above it in the McLaren hierarchy.

A pure McLaren, offering classleading levels of performance,

coupled with optimised handling characteristics and driving dynamics, the 570S Coupé marks the first time McLaren has offered its pioneering and race-derived technologies in the sports car segment.

In line with the naming convention begun with the 650S, the number 570 gives away the power output of this first McLaren Sports Series model: 570PS, which equates to 562 in hp.

Dramatic entry The all-new Jaguar XF has been revealed during a dramatic ‘highwire’ water crossing in the heart of London’s business district.

Expert British stunt man Jim Dowdall, veteran of Hollywood movies including Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones, drove the allnew Jaguar XF 240 metres across a high-wire to demonstrate the new XF’s lightweight aluminiumintensive construction.

The new XF is 80kgs lighter than its closest competitor, resulting in best-in-class efficiency (over 70mpg) and CO2 (104g/km).

It brings an impressive blend of refinement, fuel economy, dynamics and design to the business car segment. It will make its global motor show debut in New York on 1st April.

With segment-leading figures for interior space, the all-new XF’s dynamic, coupé-like design is formed around Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive architecture and combines the outstanding proportions, elegant surfaces and pure lines which define all Jaguar cars, with exceptionally low aerodynamic drag.

The cabin utilises a seamless blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and state-ofthe art technology. With features such as the new InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system and 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster.

The original XF’s sleek exterior and luxurious interior made it a desirable, aspirational vehicle.

Combined with benchmark driving dynamics, the XF was like nothing else in the segment and has gone on to become Jaguar’s most-awarded car.

The all-new XF retains its predecessor’s core attributes but uses Jaguar’s advanced aluminiumintensive architecture to elevate them to a completely new level.

Featuring 75 per cent aluminium, the architecture enables weight savings of up to 190kg over the outgoing model and an increase in torsional stiffness of up to 28 per cent.

The lighter, more efficient and dynamic new Jaguar XF The architecture also delivers dramatic improvements in packaging and the proportions so essential to Jaguar design. Though 7mm shorter and 3mm lower than the car it replaces, the all-new XF’s 2,960mm wheelbase is 51mm longer, enabling class-leading rear seat space with more legroom, knee-room and headroom.

The efficiency gains inherent in the lightweight aluminium construction are complemented by the all-new XF’s refined, powerful engine range. The 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engines are available in 163PS/380Nm and 180PS/430Nm ratings and are offered with specially-optimised six-speed manual- and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

In 163PS manual form, the allnew XF delivers 104g/km CO2 and is the lightest, most efficient nonhybrid diesel model in the segment – 80kg lighter than its closest competitor.

All other engines are matched exclusively to eight-speed

automatic transmissions.

The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel benefits from a host of advanced technologies which boost efficiency and refinement still further, and raise output to 300PS and a remarkable 700Nm of torque. Also available is the renowned 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine with 380PS/450Nm torque.

The light, stiff bodystructure is also fundamental to the all-new XF’s superb vehicle dynamics. The sophisticated double wishbone and Integral Link suspension – combined with near-50:50 weight distribution – delivers the ideal balance between agility, comfort and refinement.

Incorporating all of the learning from F-TYPE and XE, the meticulously-tuned Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) maintains the XF’s benchmark steering feel and response – and contributes to the all-new XF’s outstanding fuel economy.

Advanced passive damper technology delivers exceptional

ride comfort as standard, but for even better control the Adaptive Dynamics system determines the optimum damper settings for the driving conditions.

Jaguar Configurable Dynamics, first developed for F-TYPE, provides the ultimate in control and enables the driver to individually tailor settings of the dampers, steering, engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

As with XE, rear-wheel drive ability is enhanced too. All-Surface Progress Control, developed for low-speed driving in adverse conditions, automatically manages the brakes and the throttle to deliver the best possible traction, enabling the car to pull away smoothly and without drama: the driver only has to steer.

Infotainment and connectivity is the most advanced Jaguar has ever offered. The all-new InControl Touch Pro system features a 10.2inch touchscreen and Dual View technology which simultaneously

allows the driver to see information such as navigation, while the front seat passenger watches TV or a DVD. To handle the enormous amounts of data, InControl Touch Pro features a solid-state drive and a quad-core processor, and runs on state-of-the-art, ultra-fast Ethernet – a next-generation network offering exceptional data transfer rates. Combined, they deliver incredible graphics, fast response times and truly exceptional performance.

Complementing InControl Touch Pro is a reconfigurable 12.3inch TFT instrument cluster. Jaguar Land Rover pioneered this technology with the XJ and Range Rover and is now bringing it to the business car segment.

To make every journey safer and even more relaxing, the all-new XF offers a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems, and is also the first Jaguar to offer fullLED headlights.

The all-new aluminium-intensive Jaguar XF will be manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich Plant alongside the allaluminium F-TYPE and XJ. Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar says: “In creating the allnew XF, as a design team we have been driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity. Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose – nothing is superfluous.

Achieving that simplicity takes time and requires great determination; it’s all too easy to add lines to a car, but much harder to add character by leaving lines out.

“Inside too, we have been driven by the desire to ensure the XF’s cabin is as comforting as it is comfortable. New technology, including our new 10.2-inch touchscreen, is combined carefully with materials that cosset and reassure. The all-new XF has a clear sense of calm and strength, both outside and inside – and I’m proud of my team for delivering that,” he adds.

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April 2015 - 1st Edition

Soccer League UK - Leeds Soccer League UK Leeds was officially launched in August 2014 with the ambition of bringing together West Yorkshire’s leading sixa-side teams to crown an overall champion.

With representatives travelling from across Leeds and Bradford to

take part in the weekly competition, the matches are held at Thomas Danby College every Monday and Thursday evening.

The brainchild of Mushad Ahmed, Soccer League UK Leeds is the first of many franchise opportunities which will hopefully set up across the

country, offering teams the chance to play against their region’s top sides, at the lowest prices around.

Keep up to date with all the latest match reports and league tables with the Asian Express newspaper who will be reviewing the best of the week’s actions every issue.

Khan Conquers Newbees Al-Aqsa 2-1 Team NewBees The search for a first win of the season goes on for Team NewBees as they were edged out in a close encounter, going down 2-1 at the hands of high-flying Al-Aqsa.

Wasim Khan’s sealed all three points for the eventual victors after Waqar Hussain had earlier levelled for the league’s bottom side.

On a positive note, the NewBees did register their first goal of the campaign and can walk away from the latest encounter knowing they should have picked up at least a point with only an inspired goalkeeper performance denying them.

From the kick-off the contest was close, with the first chance finally arriving towards the end of the first half as the NewBees’ Jitendar Singh forced a great save from Ahmed Bashir.

It was just a sign of things to come from the shot stopper who was almost unbeatable throughout the game.

The deadlock was finally broken after half time when Khan got his first if the night, striking the ball on the half volley before it nestled in the keeper’s far corner.

However, the lead did not last long as the underdogs struck back almost immediately when Waqar Hussain got in on the action and bagged that elusive goal his side has been searching for over the

Jubodhol go clear as Tino’s stumble past five league games.

As the game closed to a finish, it seemed NewBees were the most likely team to take away three points, yet Bashir in the opposing goals continued to pull off save after save.

In a cruel blow to the NewBees,

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Old Bacca Boys’ Safraz Akhtar scored what could be the goal of the month as he fired in an equaliser to earn his side a point against Borussia Teeth

Al Aqsa stole a winner with just moments to go as a counter attack put Khan through on goal and the talisman rounded off a fine individual performance with his second of the night.

Man of the Match - Wasim Khan (Al-Aqsa)

Sport

... rest of the action

Hyde Park 2-1 JackHammer FC

Hyde Park came back from a goal down to defeat JackHammer FC 2-1 last week, making it back-to-back league wins and closing the gap at the top.

Last season’s champions are starting to find their form again this term, and have moved to third place in the table with their latest win keeping them just four points off leaders Jubodhol.

Despite their eventual success, Park didn’t have everything go their way early on with JackHammer opening the scoring early on through an individual effort by Sukhy Singh.

The forward’s second goal of the year was only his side’s fourth of the campaign with the side struggling for firepower so far.

Unfortunately for JackHammer, the lead lasted until just before half time when Tyler Bussue levelled after being played through on goal by Sulayman Osman.

The same combination was on show for the winner deep into the second half when Osman once again picked out Bussue for the game to finish 2-1.

Bussue did have a chance late on to complete his hattrick yet the post denied him from the goal scoring feat.

Man of the Match - Tyler Bussue (Hyde Park)

Old Bacca Boys 1-1 Borussia Teeth

Two of the league’s top footballing sides were held to a 1-1 draw on Thursday as Old Bacca Boys and Borussia Teeth shared the spoils from a closely fought encounter.

Perhaps it was Borussia who just about edged the game, yet a solid defensive performance from OBB ensured neither side walked away empty handed.

Waleed Akhtar opened the scoring for Teeth yet his side were soon pegged back when Safraz AKhtar scored the goal of the night to equalise.

Striking the ball from distance, the ball flew passed a helpless keeper with the goal good enough to win any game.

Borussia overall enjoyed more of the ball possession, yet found goal scoring opportunities were very few and eventually settled for the point.

Both sides remain with just the one defeat to their names this season, and both occupy mid-table positions respectively.

Man of the Match - Safraz Akhtar (OBB)

NFA 1-1 Tetley’s Tino

NFA lost their spot at the top of the SLUK table as they drew 1-1 with NFA in a feisty encounter.

Nadeem Saddique came close to opening the scoring in the first minute for TT when his effort went narrowly wide before teammate Hasan Abrar did grab the opener.

Tetley’s were looking to make it five wins from six games with a potential victory over an inconsistent NFA yet were setback when an equaliser was fired in moments before the half time whistle.

An unstoppable free kick from Rippon Ali saw the talisman get his name on the scoresheet once again, in a moment which seemed to reenergise his side.

Kabir Miah came close to putting NFA ahead when he hit the post from range whilst Ali was also presented with chances but was unable to convert before the final whistle.

Man of the Match - Rippon Ali (NFA)

OTHER RESULTS Jubodhol 3-0 HADC / Super Six 3-0 Real

THURSDAY 6'S DIVISION 1 POS TEAM

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1 Jubodhol

6

5

1

0

12

2

10

16

2 Tetleys Tino

6

4

2

0

12

1

11

14

3 Hyde Park

6

3

3

0

8

2

6

12

4 Al-Aqsa

6

4

0

2

8

4

4

12

5 Borussia Teeth

6

3

2

1

8

3

5

11

6 Old Bacca Boys

6

2

3

1

10

3

7

9

7 NFA

6

2

3

1

5

2

3

9

8 JackHammer FC

6

3

0

2

4

3

1

9

6 6

1 0

0 1

5 5

4 1

12 8

-8 -7

3 1

9 Super Six 10 NewBees

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Sport

EASY DOES IT – AMIR “KING” KHAN VS CHRIS ALGIERI

By Khalil Alam info@asianexpress.co.uk

On 30th May 2015 Amir “King” Khan will be taking on Chris Algieri at an American venue to be announced later this week.

Algieri who is a former king boxing champion prior to becoming a professional boxer lost “convincingly” to Manny Pacquiao last November.

The announcement of Khan fighting Algieri is a disappointment amongst boxing fans since Algieri is not viewed as an elite fighter in the welterweight division and there had been speculation that Khan was considering a bout against the much more talented American Adrian Broner.

Algieri however is a decent fighter and previously managed to go the full 12 rounds against Pacquiao even though he was knocked down several times during that bout and was unable to handle the Pacquiao ferociousness and hand speed.

Algieri’s professional boxing record is an impressive 20-1 and he has beaten the likes of “experienced” Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3). Algieri is also the former WBO world champion and is regarded by many as a gladiator of boxing due to his willingness to fight, bravery and heart.

Khan has spoken about Algieri boxing accomplishments prior to announcing this fight as justification for his choice to fight him, but the fact remains that this is a much easier option for

Khalil Alam

Khan and a Khan victory is virtually guaranteed.

Khan cannot be overly criticised for taking an easier fight at this stage of his career as he is probably still hoping that he will eventually get to fight Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather after their May 2nd bout and a risky fight against the likes of Broner, Kell Brook or even Keith “one time” Thurman could jeopardise his chances should he lose.

Then there is the punchers chance in boxing and underdogs like Algieri could spoil the script and throw a lucky punch against Khan and win the fight. There has been many occasions where the “no hope of winning” boxers have shocked the world and won like Buster Douglas against Mike Tyson, Hasim Rehman against Lennox Lewis and Muhammed Ali against George Foreman.

Khan also suggested earlier this week that he was willing to fight Kell Brook on a winner takes it all contest, but then branded Brook and his promoter Eddie Hearn “pathetic” for calling him out after Brook had stopped his credible but limited opponent Jo Jo Dan this Saturday night.

Khan said “My team spoke to Eddie 2 weeks ago and he knows June 13 is a no..... (Due to Ramadan) and they still called me out. This could be the biggest fight the UK has ever seen and you want to do it all in two months? Let's say he beats a Marquez, Maidana, Rios or even stops Alexander next or any other top fighter, our fight will be even bigger.

They are doing a very good job making the public believe I don't want the fight. Trust me, I do!

Keep building the hype because the winner takes all.”

We wish Khan all the best with his fight against Algieri and I am sure he will put on another good, crowd pleasing performance.

April 2015 - 1st Edition

Coaching is a ‘breeze’ in Leeds SPORTS: Coaches and children enjoy the day of football training at the John Charles Centre for Sport

Future football coaches on their way to the top

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Year 11 pupils from a council sports academy in Leeds completed their sports leadership coaching assessment last week as they hosted a special football coaching exhibition with youngsters from a number of primary schools in the city.

The coaching exhibition, held at the John Charles Centre for Sport, was the culmination of a course by the Breeze Sports Academy and Leeds United Foundation which offered students the chance to earn a ‘Sports Leadership Level 2’ coaching award.

The exhibition saw pupils from primary schools across south Leeds, including Middleton St Mary’s, St Phillip’s, and Hugh Gaitskell, take part in planned football sessions and small sided games that were delivered by the academy’s students.

Leeds council’s Breeze Sports Academy is a city-wide initiative that provides students in nonmainstream education with the opportunity to gain a variety of sports and coaching qualifications.

Opportunities provided by the scheme and qualifications gained will aid the students in making a positive transition into their post16 careers options.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said: “The Breeze Sports Academy is a fantastic initiative

which provides young people who are not in mainstream education with the opportunity to earn a range of sporting qualifications that can be used to widen their post-16 options.

“We have worked closely with the Leeds United Foundation on this particular project, and I would like to thank them for their help and support.

“It was great to see the hard work of the pupils on the course finish with a specially arranged coaching session where they coached youngsters from a number of primary schools. The children really seemed to enjoy it and we are looking forward to welcoming a new batch of potential coaches to the Breeze Sports Academy in the near future.”

Alan Scorfield, the Leeds United Foundation’s senior executive officer, said: “The Leeds United Foundation has had a long and successful partnership with the Breeze Sports Academy and this course has extended that relationship.

“These young people learn by 'doing' and they have responded well to the challenge of developing leadership and coaching skills. It is great to see them working responsibly with the children and putting their learning into practice. It shows how far they have come since starting the course; building confidence and self-esteem, and hopefully formulating some ideas about their future career opportunities.”

Cook claims Century The long wait for an Alastair Cook century finally came to an end earlier this week as the England captain registered his first ton for over 24 months against a St Kitts and Nevis Invitational XI on Tuesday.

Retiring on 101 not out, the 30-year-old reached the elusive landmark for the first time since May 2013, which came in an Ashes warm-up game against New Zealand.

This time around the opposition were certainly less testing, as England bowled out the hosts for just 59 on the first day and declaring with the bat on 379-6.

Cook, who has made 25 centuries in 109 tests and scored 8,423 runs at an average of 46.02, opened the batting with Jonathan Trott who was himself back in the international side for the first time since leaving the Ashes tour in 2013 due to depression issues.

Despite his own personal victory, Cook is likely to be disappointed with his side who were unable to bowl out the minnows on the second day, meaning the game was eventually tied.

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Pujara pulls up in Yorkshire Back page story continued

SIGNED: Indian Test star, Cheteshwar Pujara, will sign for Yorkshire in the coming days and is likely to feature in the opening County Championship game on Sunday

However, the deal had only been signed on the presumption Khan would not be included in his nation’s tour of Bangladesh next month, yet that situation is now likely to change.

Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket, Martyn Moxon, moved quickly to pull out of the agreement with the Pakistan veteran and was quick to secure the services of Indian Test star Cheteshwar Pujara, subject to a work permit being granted.

“It is very disappointing, at this late stage, to pull out of the agreement with Younus,” said Moxon.

“When the deal was agreed initially, it was on the understanding that Younus would not tour Bangladesh with Pakistan.

OUT: Younus Khan will not be returning to the Headingley club as he is likely to feature in Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh

All change ahead of County Championship season

Younus made it clear to us on Sunday that he would find it difficult to turn down should he be selected.

“At this late stage that is no good to us. We had to make a decision and as result we have decided to cancel his contract.”

Khan is replaced by 27-year-old classy right-hander Pujara, who averages over 57 in First-class cricket and is a major part of India’s top-order in Test cricket.

An agreement has been signed with The Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) for Pujara to play four-day cricket with Yorkshire until the end of May, when Australian international Aaron Finch will arrive after his Indian Premier League commitments.

Moxon says he is hopeful that Pujara will be free to play in

Yorkshire’s opening LV= County Championship match against Worcestershire on Sunday 12th April.

“We have moved quickly to bring in Pujara and he is a superb player,” added Moxon.

“He is an outstanding young Test cricketer, who is hungry to perform in the English game. In the brief conversations I have had with him, he is very much looking forward to be joining Yorkshire and being part of our plans.

“He is a classy right-hander that likes to dominate the crease and he will be a big asset for us during the early part of the new campaign.

“He speaks fondly of wanting to play for Yorkshire and we are looking forward to welcoming to Headingley and hopefully he can make an impression in the first month of the season with us.”

Pujara, who has been playing domestic cricket in India for Saurashtra, says he is ‘honoured’ to be joining England’s most successful county.

“I’m very excited and honoured to be signing for Yorkshire County Cricket Club,” said Pujara.

“The Club’s history is fantastic and being the current Champions is a testament to the quality of the club and staff.

“I was looking to return to the UK after my previous experience of county cricket, which I greatly enjoyed and when Yorkshire made the offer I didn’t think twice.

“To wear the same white rose Sachin Tendulkar did is going to be a great feeling for me. I hope I can contribute to further success.”

In his decade-long first class career, Pujara has recorded over 8,700 runs at an average of 57.01.

WALK & TALK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Lahiri ready for Masters India may have just one representative at the first Major of the 2015 golfing calendar, yet in Anirban Lahiri, the country could have one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages when the Masters tees off on Thursday.

After four years away from the sport’s most prestigious competitions, the world number 34 will make his Masters debut in Augusta and comes into the tournament off the back off four victories in 12 months.

Most recently, Lahiri’s victories in the Malaysian and Indian Open have propelled him up the world rankings and he says it is a dream to play at the renowned course.

“It's obviously been one of those things that I have wanted to do, to be here ideally inside the

2013/14 AWARDS

***

CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED • Est 1995 I-Phone Screen Fitted I-Phone 4 / 4S I-Phone 5 I-Phone 5C I-Phone 5S GOLF: Anirban Lahiri will tee off alongside Lee Westwood and Manuel Angel Jimenez on his first day at the Masters

Indian number one hopes to spring a surprise in Augusta ropes, where I find myself this year,” he said.

“I think this is obviously one of those events that growing up as a kid, anyone who is playing golf or has watched golf, followed golf, associates the sport with and associates history with, and I am no different.

“So it's a very exciting time in my career for me, great opportunities and really excited to be here.”

Lahiri has been paired with

Manuel Angel Jimenez and England’s own Lee Westwood ahead of the tournament’s first day.

Meanwhile, heading into the Augusta, world number one Rory McIlroy is favourite to lift the Major title, which would complete his career grand slam at just 25years-old.

If victorious, he will be the first Brit in almost 20 years to find success at the Masters, with Nick Faldo last triumphing in 1996.

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Pujara pulls up in Yorkshire All change ahead of County Championship season

WE NEED YOU!

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Life at Yorkshire County Cricket Club is never dull and this fact was only reaffirmed last week as Younus Khan left the club before he even arrived.

The 37-year-old batsman had previously committed his short term future to the reigning champions of the LV= County Championship after signing a contract with the side for the upcoming 2015 campaign.

SIGNED: Indian Test star, Cheteshwar Pujara, will sign for Yorkshire in the coming days and is likely to feature in the opening County Championship game on Sunday

Published by Media Buzz Ltd. 4 Armley Court, Armley Road, Leeds LS12 2LB. Company Registration No. 8863227

Continued on page 91

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