Asian Express Yorkshire - April 2nd Edition 2015 by Asian Expres

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Express APRIL 2ND EDITION 2015

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Express

Yorkshire

APRIL 2ND EDITION 2015

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RISHI KAPOOR DISAPPROVING

OF KATRINA KAIF?

Fraud-fighting wallets Students take up challenge of defeating bank card fraudsters

By Ashley Grint

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

See page 4

MOSQUE INVESTS IN

TECHNOLOGY FOR

TEACHINGS OF ISLAM Cross-platform application takes faith ‘on-the-go’

As the threat of credit card fraud and theft continues to grow across the country, the fight against the menace is being spearheaded right here in Leeds by a group of enterprising students. 21-year-old Ibbe Raja, has teamed up with his brother, Jalil, and friend, Sam Andrews, to create ‘Vinco’ – an ultrathin wallet which protects against contactless bank card theft.

Continued on page 10

PROTECTION: Ibbe Raja, from Sheffield, has developed the Vinco wallet to protect against bank card theft and fraud

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BUSY: Thousands turned out in Bradford and Leeds to take part in the annual Vaisakhi celebrations

Happy Vaisakhi!

By Ashley Grint

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

The site of Britain’s streets being overtaken by a vibrant sea of orange can only mean one thing the Vaisakhi 2015 celebrations are upon us. Held every year to mark the founding of the Khalsa, this year’s processions involved millions of people across the world and is one of the holiest occasions in the Sikh calendar. On Sunday 12th April, processions (called Nagar Kirtans) were seen in Leeds and Bradford, with followers of the faith marching through the streets, singing holy songs and waving the Nishan Sahib flag. Men, women and children joined in the celebrations, many dressed in their best clothes, as thousands turned out across the two cities. The celebration of Vaisakhi takes the form of continuous

Streets turn orange for annual Sikh celebrations

reading of the Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, over a period of three days. That is followed by the recitation of sacred hymns before the service ends with a final prayer for the good and well-being of the whole of humanity, and the serving of sacramental food. In Bradford, this year’s procession began at the Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, passing the city’s other four temples before returning to its start point with hundreds in attendance.

Amongst those who led the procession at different checkpoints was Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Airdar Balbir Panesar Singh Ji. Accompanied by other senior officers, Mr Singh guided the Sikh faithful past the Cathedral Church of St Peter showing communities uniting on the holy day. Meanwhile in Leeds, similar scenes were seen across the local gurdwaras. Member of the city’s Sikh Temple’s managing committee,

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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

Prem Singh Duggal, explained previously what the celebrations meant to him and how it helped unite local residents. “It is an important annual celebration which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699,” he said. “We have our own free celebration here which anybody can join in, and it was good to see so many people embrace the day.” CELEBRATIONS: Deputy Lord Lieutenants Sirdar Balbir Panesar Singh Ji and Dave Pearson at the Bradford event

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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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Sponsor a dragon(boat)

Organisers of the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Boat Festival are looking for a main sponsor for the event, with a range of packages available to suit any potential sponsor. There will also be opportunities for businesses to advertise at the festival, with money raised going to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, this year’s charities are Marie Curie Cancer Care and ‘Make It Happen’. The Dragon Boat Festival will see up to 30 teams take part in the races at on the River Aire at Roberts Park in Saltaire on 9th May. Nearly 20 teams have signed up so far, from a variety of backgrounds including businesses, schools, colleges, sports clubs, community groups and council staff. Anyone wanting to sponsor a team or make a donation can visit www.lmabradforddbf.co.uk

Music booms in Bingley

The organisers of Bingley Music Live have announced the first eight new artists taking to the Discovery Stage at this year’s festival. The Bradford Council-organised festival, with a history of championing new and under the radar artists, takes place in Bingley’s Myrtle Park on the weekend of 4, 5, 6 September. Headlining the Discovery Stage on Sunday will be singer-songwriter Scott Matthews, with Adam French taking the second spot. These artists will be preceded by ‘Coffee House Sessions Takeover’ with Kimberly Anne as headliner and Runaway [Go], Sam Brookes, Eoin Glackin, James McLaren and The Carnabys also performing. For more information about Bingley Music Live visit www.bingleymusiclive.com

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

TECHNOLOGY: Members of the Al-Jamia Suffa-Tul-Islam gathered for the official release of the app last Friday

Mosque invests in technology for teaching of Islam

Cross-platform application takes faith ‘on-the-go’

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DOWNLOAD: The Bradford Grand Mosque free app is downloadable in both the Apple and Google Play store for mobile and tablet devices

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

An innovative mobile ‘app’ was officially launched in Bradford last week, as a new dimension of technology was introduced for followers of the Islamic faith. The Al-Jamia Suffa-Tul-Islam, also known as the Bradford Grand Mosque, developed the hybrid cross platform application, alongside an app developer, as a way of allowing followers of the faith and those in the wider community to learn more about their religion. The app is designed to pull live content directly from the iconic mosque and keep the nation up-todate with the latest events, religious teachings as well as daily prayers. Ataa-ur-Rahman, the app developer, says the digital tool has been a long time coming and was really pleased with the final result. “The app is a great introduction to the new digital platform,” he said. “Nearly half of the population now embrace modern technology and as a mosque we always try to work with communities and find effective ways in communicating with them. “This app is the perfect way to teach people our religion. The design

of the app has had a lot of input from the local mosque media We have been committee. developing and trailing this app for over a year now and it is time that people could see this beneficial app for themselves.” The app brings together several knowledge elements of Islam including the Holy Qur’an, poetry in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, and intriguing critique interpreting the true message of Islam in a contemporary manner. The app is not only aimed at the Muslim community but has also been developed as a platform for non-Muslims to engage with Islam as a religion and learn about other’s teachings and beliefs. In 2014, a team of volunteers came together to begin developing the app directly from the largest Mosque in the UK and Chairman of Bradford Grand Mosque, Mohammed Riaz said he was delighted to see its official launch on Friday. “The app is a great addition for Bradford Grand Mosque,” he said. “We are showing people what our religion is about and that is through modern technology. “We launched the app in a small conference on Friday 10th April and hope people will download it and use it on a daily basis.”

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08703 608 606 Don’t forget to register

Voters have just a few days to make sure they are registered to vote in the general and local elections next month. Monday 20th April is the final date to register for this year’s elections on 7th May. A new system called ‘Individual Electoral Registration’ has been introduced this year and every individual is responsible for registering themselves. Under the old system the ‘head of each household’ could register everyone who lived at their address. Most people who are already registered to vote have been moved onto the new system automatically, so many may not need to do anything, but others will need to join the new register. Anyone who has moved house recently, or changed other details such as their name, may not be registered correctly so should contact Electoral Services to check.

Safe to cycle

The missing link on the Canal Road Greenway is now open for pedestrians and cyclists - just in time to enjoy the beautiful Spring sunshine. Construction work is almost complete on the route between the section where Carnegie Drive in Shipley meets Leeds Road, and Stanley Road. The Canal Road Greenway is a traffic free route which runs between Shipley and Arnold Lavers on Canal Road. The missing link was a section running through an old allotment site between Poplar Road and Gaisby Lane. The section near to Carnegie drive has been cleaned up, pot holes have been repaired and the barriers repositioned to make access easier. What remains of the former allotment site is now fenced off.

Building a future

Providing specialist housing for older people took a major step forward this week with Leeds City Council taking a decision to award a contract to build flagship ‘extra care’ homes. Henry Boot Construction Limited will be responsible for building 45 self-contained apartments at the Haworth Court site in Yeadon. The apartments will be the first council owned and managed extra care scheme in the city and forms part of the council’s ambitious plans to provide accommodation that suits people’s needs now and in the future. Comprising 18 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom apartments and a range of communal and outdoor spaces, Haworth Court will provide older people with flexible, spacious and modern living accommodation with the reassurance of care and support when needed.

APPEAL: Younus Adam has run the Texaco garage on Walkley Lane for 25 years and wants the public to help find the two men involved in a robbery at the services last month

‘Find them for my son’

Service station owner appeals for help in finding store robbers By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A petrol station owner in Heckmondwike says he wants to see ‘justice’ brought against two men who threatened his only son with a knife in a terrifying robbery last month. Younus Adam has run the Texaco Services on Walkley Lane since it was opened more than 25 years ago and has never been the victim of a robbery in his 40 years in the industry. However, on Thursday 26th March at around 3.12pm, Mr Adam’s 28-year-old son, Aamir Adam, who works at the family business, found himself fighting off knife-wielding thieves. His father said: “I heard about the robbery at about half past three when my son phoned me and I was really shook up. “I was told two men in motorbike helmets came into the store and held a knife right up to Aamir (Mr Younus’ son), making demands for cash and threatening him. It was just shocking to hear. “Aamir is my only son and I would not know what to do if anything ever happened to him.

TARGET: It is the first time in the 25 years of ownership under the Adam family that the Texaco garage has been ‘held up’

“This incident took place at a busy time of day, and I am sure that someone will have witnessed some or all of what happened. “This kind of incident has never happened to me and to see it in this area came as a shock to all the local residents. Their support through this has been really helpful and they have been very supportive.”

After filling their motorcycle with fuel, the two suspects approached the till at the Texaco garage with what is believed to be a kitchen knife and made demands to Mr Aamir Adam for cash. They made off with an amount

of money on the motorcycle in the direction of Heckmondwike after the employee managed to escape the premises PC Nicole Senior of Kirklees District Robbery Team, says that due to the timing of the incident, people may have been passing by at the time of the robbery and seen something which could help the investigation. She said: “This incident took place at a busy time of day, and I am sure that someone will have witnessed some or all of what happened. “I would urge them to get in touch so we can bring the offenders to justice.” Suspect one is described as white, chubby, in his 20's, and was wearing an orange coloured helmet. Suspect two is described as mid 20's, slim build and approximately 5"8" tall, whilst a red motorcycle has been recovered. Anyone who was in the area at the time and who saw anything suspicious or witnessed the incident is asked to contact PC Nicole Senior at Kirklees District Robbery Team on 101 quoting crime reference 13150121354.

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Make the difference

Wakefield Council is looking for people to care for adults in their own home. The shared lives service supports people over the age of 18 with learning disabilities, mental health needs and older people to live a full and active life to stay as independent as possible. There are currently 56 Shared Lives carers supporting 132 vulnerable people across the district, but more carers are urgently needed. Shared Lives Carers need a spare room in their home and a willingness to support someone for both short and long term care. This can be for a couple of days throughout the week whilst family members have a break or on more of a permanent basis with people living with them at their home. For more information call the team on 01977 722 254 or visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/sharedlives

Celebrate World Book Night

Residents in Calderdale have the opportunity to pick up a free book as part of the celebrations for World Book Night. World Book Night is now in its fifth year, and is an annual celebration of reading and books, with events taking place on or around Thursday 23rd April, the International Day of the Book. It is run by the charity Reading Agency, as part of its work to inspire people to take up reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to lives. As part of the celebrations, sets of special, World Book Night editions of selected titles are given away free to individuals and institutions who apply to hand out books in their communities.

Get on your bike

Students and their families are saddling up for a day of all things cycling, as Calderdale Council, Brooksbank School and Pedalsport Cycling Club host their first ever track party. The family fun day, funded by the Council, will roll into action at Brooksbank School’s cycle circuit in Elland on Sunday 19th April from 9am to 4.30pm, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy track cycling, races, coaching sessions and a guided Sky Ride on part of the Calderdale route made famous by the Tour de France. The 750-metre circuit, made of smooth tarmac and away from the roads, will be open for anyone to have a go at cycling at their own pace. If you don’t have your own bike, why not test ride one of the latest models available on the day? And if you can’t cycle, you can find out how to learn at the event. Asian

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Community ‘in shock’ Lessons ‘must be learned’ over Syria-bound teens By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A community champion from Dewsbury says the disappearance of two ‘quiet boys’ from the town must act as a catalyst for greater education in the area about the threat of extremism. Farook Yunus, previously headteacher of the Zakaria Madrasah in Saville Town, which both missing Hassan Munshi and Talha Asmal attended, knew the boys well and regularly spoke with them near his own residence. The news of their decision to flee home to join up with Islamic State insurgents came as a ‘huge shock’ according to Mr Yunus, adding the whole community had failed them. “They were both just quiet boys who would go to mosque to pray as so many youths around here do,” he said. “When the news of them travelling to Syria broke, there was just a feel of shock around this whole community. “We’d heard of these incidents happening elsewhere in the country but had never expected it to happen here. Everyone is now thinking ‘what went wrong’ and ‘how can we stop this happening again?’.” Mr Yunus currently works with a number of young people in the area alongside the award-winning youth group, Kumon Y’all, and says the ‘key’ to eradicating the threat of extremism in the future relies on ‘communication’. At Kumon Y’all, the topic of extremism was discussed as

recently as last week, yet Mr Yunus adds that it is not only children who need educating. “Engaging with the youth, through projects such as Kumon Y’all, is key to ensuring these incidents do not happen again,” he continued. “In that same sense, as much as an adult can teach a child about online safety, the children also play a role in teaching us. “Online grooming from extremists is a thing which did not necessarily effect the previous generation so we are all learning about this new threat all the time.” Meanwhile, pictures of the two fleeing 17-year-olds were released for the first time on Thursday last week as the community continues to react to the news. The families of both boys issued a joint statement saying they remain in ‘profound shock’ as West Yorkshire Police continue to work with the North East Counter Terrorism Unit. Their full statement read: “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

“Engaging with the youth, through projects such as Kumon Y’all, is key to ensuring these incidents do not happen again.”

at their age - both Hassan and Talha had a promising future, as an apprentice and an A-level student respectively, and we are praying they will be back with us soon and are able to realise that future.” Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom, of West Yorkshire Police, added: “We are extremely concerned for the safety of these two boys and would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us.”

DISAPPEAR: Hassan Munshi and Talha Asmal, both 17, are believed to have crossed over into Syria after boarding a flight to Turkey COMMUNITY: Farook Yunus works closely with the youth in Dewsbury and says communication with children is key to ensuring no repeat incidents occur in the area

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REVOLUTIONARY: After a friend became a victim of Radio Frequency ID (RFID) theft, Ibbe says the idea of a wallet to protect against that crime was developed

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Fraud-fighting wallets Students take up challenge of ridding bank card fraud As part of the project, the Leeds Beckett University student has now launched an online crowd-funding campaign in a bid to raise more than £3,000 to manufacture and sell the wallets and is already making headways to that target. If the amount is met by the deadline, the trio will receive the public’s pledged cash which so far stands at around 60 per cent of their fundraising target. Ibbe explained: “Our Vinco wallet was made to keep your money portable and, more importantly, safe. “The fact is, almost all wallets are prone to RFID (Radio Frequency ID) skimming, and we were inspired to create a product

Cover story continued which protected against this crime after one of our friends was the victim of this form of theft. “Not only is Vinco thin and secure, its stylish design makes for a discreet yet RFID-proof wallet. Weighing just 30 grams, it'll fit into any pocket unnoticed and can hold up to seven cards and a few folded cash bills. It will also be available in a range of colours.” The wallet has already been trialled, tested and proven to protect against RFID signals which is a form of contactless bank card theft. An RFID scanner has also been used on Vinco and has not been able

to read any cards whilst the tough material, Tyvek, ensures that bank cards and cash are kept dry. The wallet is also designed to grip its contents tightly, to stop bank cards falling out. Ibbe added: “We have a lot of faith in this product and hope that the public get behind us with our crowd-funding bid. Vinco is designed, stitched and shipped locally here in Leeds, so customers will get a wallet that incorporates the true sentiment of British values. “Vinco will be packaged and shipped by Clubit, an online retailer and wholesaler. Clubit was founded by a former Leeds Beckett student in 1999 and I am currently undertaking my University placement year with the company. “If we are successful with this crowd-funding bid, everything is already in place for us to begin manufacturing, selling and shipping out Vinco wallets worldwide.” The crowdfunding campaign is being hosted by American site indiegogo.com, which gives creative projects in need of a cash injection an online platform to garner public funding within an allocated timeframe.

“Almost all wallets are prone to RFID (Radio Frequency ID) skimming, and we were inspired to create a product which protected against this crime after one of our friends was the victim of this form of theft.”

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‘Family law specialist, Tahira Rahman is now on hand to answer any questions you may have. Here are a few of your questions answered. If you would like to put any questions to her for her next column, please get in touch with her at info@whiteroseblackmans.co.uk’ 1. Your firm deals with Family Law matters, you must come across some interesting cases? Yes, Family Law is a very interesting field within which to work. You really have to enjoy it, to do it and to do it well. Some would say that there is never a dull moment. It can be emotionally driven and sometimes draining but always rewarding. You can never draw a picture or description of an average Family Law client. Whilst the problems that family clients have, or are likely to have are the same or similar, their expectations and priorities can be very diﬀerent. A good family solicitor will take instructions and take a holistic approach to the challenges his/her client faces and be led by their client and his or her needs, whilst remaining objective at all times. 2. What is the status of a marriage that takes place outside the UK? With modern travel and cheap air fares the world has become a much smaller place. People are getting married in far flung places such as the Far East, the Caribbean, and Iceland etc. The Marriage Act governs such matters. The general rule is that if the marriage is legally recognised in the country that the marriage took place, it will be recognised as a legally binding marriage here in the UK. Religious marriages, which are not undertaken by an authorised institution, and take place on British soil are not recognised as legally binding marriages. 3. Can you get divorced without a marriage certificate? The short answer is ‘yes’. By way of explanation, when you file for a Divorce in the UK you have to file your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. This proves that there is a marriage which one or other party wants to dissolve. In the absence of a marriage certificate the court would need some evidence of a marriage having taken place. This can be done in a number of ways depending on the circumstances. A formal application has to be made for permission to file for a divorce in the absence of a Marriage Certificate. This can become protracted and add to the overall costs of a Divorce. 4. How long do you have to be married for before you can file for a divorce? You have to be marriage for one year and one day before you can file for a divorce. This is often known as the one year rule. 5. How long can it take to conclude a divorce? A simply straight forward divorce will take about six to nine months. This normally includes the statutory period of six weeks and one day between Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute. The Decree Nisi means you are nearly divorced and the Decree Absolute is the final Decree of Divorce. Once it is pronounced you are, should you wish, free to remarry.

Whiterose Blackmans Solicitors LLP T: 0113 216 5507 | F: 0113 216 5508 Fryers House, 146 Cardigan Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1LU www.whiteroseblackmans.co.uk

UK near bottom of religion table The UK is among the least religious countries in the world, according to a new survey. In a global ranking of 65 countries, the UK came six places from last with 30 per cent of the population calling themselves religious. While 53 per cent of people said they were ‘not religious’, just 13 per cent said they were a ‘convinced atheist" and the remainder "did not know’. It compares to 94 per cent of people in Thailand who are religious and 93 per cent of people in Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia and Morocco. At the bottom of the list was China where only six per cent of people say they are religious while 61 per cent say they are convinced atheists. It was followed by Japan, where just 13 per cent of people are religious, Sweden with 19 per cent, Czech Republic with 23 per cent, and the Netherlands and Hong Kong with 26 per cent. Jean-Marc Leger, president of Win/Gallup International Association, said globally an average of two-thirds of people still consider themselves religious. “Religion continues to dominate our everyday lives and we see that the total number of people who consider themselves to be religious is actually relatively high,” he said. “Furthermore, with the trend of an increasingly religious youth globally, we can assume that the number of people who consider themselves religious will only continue to increase.” Overall, those under 34 tend to be more religious than other age groups, as do those without a formal education but in general religious people are a majority in all educational levels. The poll was carried out by market research company WIN/Gallup International, which questioned 63,898 people - around 1,000 in each country - at the end of last year.

SPORTS: The Brownlee brothers could see their favoured competition staged in Leeds next year

Leeds is the Sporting Capital

Leeds could play host to another major international sporting event next year as the city is being considered to stage a round of the prestigious ITU World Triathlon Series. If successful it would give the city’s own triathlon superstars, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, the chance to compete in front of packed crowds and in an atmosphere similar to the unforgettable Tour de France Grand Départ in the city last summer. Being chosen would see Leeds join other major international cities such as Cape Town, Auckland, Gold Coast, Yokohama, Chicago, Abu Dhabi, Stockholm, Hamburg and Edmonton which are all hosting International

Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series races this season. Each race is broadcast live around the world and attracts big crowds and significant media coverage. National governing body, British Triathlon, selected the Leeds bid which has been led by Leeds City Council with support from Sport Leeds, Welcome to Yorkshire and other key stakeholders. Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and bronze medallist at London 2012 Jonathan Brownlee have advised on a potential race route in the city, which could see the Leeds-based brothers compete in front of a home crowd in one of the final races before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio

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QUALIFIED: Members of the BYO celebrate with their official certificates after a presentation ceremony in Manningham last week

Kulfi Ice... What is Kulfi? Kulfi is the south asian version of ice cream. The unique flavour of kulfi comes from the boiling process - where reactions between the milk sugars and milk proteins cause it to become caramelised. This flavours the milk and reduces it to a fudgey mass which can be used as a 'plain' flavour, or more often, is enhanced with fruits, nuts and other flavourings then frozen around a stick. Before the development of modern refrigeration, kulfi was a luxury item reserved for very special occasions. Today kulfi is enjoyed around the world on a daily basis thanks to commercial mass production by TUBZEE LTD.

Tubzee House, Queens Road, Halifax, HX1 4LN Tel - 01422 355518 www.tubzee.co.uk

Young people receive certificates after completing skills courses

Training pays off for youth By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Young people from across Bradford were awarded with a host of certificates last week as a local youth centre recognised the ‘tireless’ efforts of many of its members. Whether it was out-of-work individuals wanting to gain a new skill, or young employed workers, 42 certificates were handed out in total by the Bangladeshi Youth Organisation (BYO) to those who had completed a range of courses hosted by the charity. Courses included first aid training, food hygiene, ICT and study support amongst others, culminating in a day of recognition on Thursday 9th April. David Green, leader of

Bradford Council, was on hand to present the awards to the recipients alongside Peter Horner, of Young Lives Bradford. Mohammad Joynal, project manager at the BYO, praised all those who collected their accolades last week, adding how important it was for young people to have access to such training courses. “The presentation event was a fantastic way of rewarding these young people who have taken it upon themselves to achieve official accreditations which will help them in their working lives,” he said. “Many of those involved in today’s ceremony required the certificates, such as food hygiene, to achieve what is needed for a job in that field so it is great for them to finally get their award. “So many people have done

SUCCESS: Mohibur Rahman was one of many recipients to receive his award in ‘Basic First Aid’ from the BYO

fantastic work throughout these courses and I am certain their new skills will prepare them for a competitive job market.” Mr Joynal added: “Some recipients have also been out of work for a long time so to have an event like this, where we can bring a bit of hope and allow them to achieve something physical is really important.”

The idea for the presentation ceremony was only thought up around a week prior to the event, yet despite such a short turnaround time, around 200 people gathered at the BYO offices in Manningham. Following its success, Mr Joynal confirmed that he would like to run similar events in the future and hopes for a repeat success.

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Taste of South Asia

Food lovers get tucked in for the kids A Jamie Oliver chef, three courses of delicious south Asian cuisine and entertainment from one of Yorkshire’s top acts is just a ‘taste’ of what you can expect to see at Bradford College’s fundraising event this week. On Thursday 16th April, students from the college will bring the ‘Taste of South Asia’ to the new Grove Restaurant, as they attempt to raise funds for Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity. Students, Chris Hanson, Sanaa Benlemaallem, Lorraine Ndlovu, Mateusz Tomczak and Kristine Zviedre, from the Foundation Degree in Travel and Hospitality Management, are the team behind the project. Funds raised through the dinner will go towards paying for state-ofthe art equipment for critically ill babies, children and teenagers, as well as play, rest and therapy facilities.

Chris explained: “We all came up with ideas and I suggested holding a charity dinner as I had previously met Naz Rafiq, a fundraising volunteer for the charity. I thought it would be a great opportunity for all of us to help raise money for such a worthy cause.” In November 2014 Naz won Bradford’s Volunteer of the Year Award for her tireless work to help parents and families of babies born prematurely. She added: “I do a lot of volunteer work for the charity because my son unfortunately passed away seven years ago with Congenital Myopathy. “The experience has made me quite passionate about trying to help support other parents who find themselves in similar circumstances.” Guests from across the Hospitality and Travel industry and the general public attending the

FOOD: Bradford College students will host a memorable meal for charity this week, pictured: (l-r)Kristine Zviedre, Lorraine Ndlovu, Sanaa Benlemaallem, Mateusz Tomczak, Naz Rafiq and Chris Hanson

“The experience has made me quite passionate about trying to help support other parents who find themselves in similar circumstances.” event will be helping to support the local charity. On arrival, they will be welcomed with a cocktail and mocktail reception, whilst dancers from Welcome to Yorkshire 2014 Finalists, Kala Sangam will provide the entertainment. Lorraine Ndlovu devised the ‘Bollywood-inspired’ drinks menu, whilst Mateusz Tomczak, a professional Chef from Jamie

Oliver’s Restaurant in Leeds, devised the fabulous three course South Asian menu. Bradford College students will work alongside Mateusz to freshly prepare and cook the outstanding menu for diners during the course of the evening with tickets for the event costing £20. Hospitality lecturer at the college, Clare Dodsley, has been overseeing

the event and praised the enthusiasm of the group. “The students have all assessed their individual skills and are contributing their unique attributes to the event,” she said. “They have worked well together so far and the event is set to be a success. It will hopefully generate a substantial donation for a local charity close to the students’ hearts.”

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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PEAK: InTouch UK fundraising manager, Faisal Tariq, views the amazing scenery at the top of the mountain

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Conquering Climbers

Fundraisers scale Wales’ largest mountain By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Adil Anwar has conquered many battles in his boxing career yet none were as tall as his latest challenger, standing in at one thousand metres high. The former Prizefighter champion was joined by more than 40 others on Saturday 4th April, as they scaled one of the UK’s largest peaks, Mt Snowdon, raising thousands for charity in the process. As part of the InTouch Foundation’s ‘United against Poverty’ challenge, the team of volunteers completed their annual fundraiser up and down the scenic route, with young and old taking part in the trek. Swapping trainers for hiking boots, Anwar, who is an InTouch ambassador, said he was delighted to be part of the team and help raise money for the worthy cause. He added: “I am truly

honoured to be part of the InTouch Foundation and it is an amazing cause. “The views here (Snowdonia) are breath taking. It was really good to see people getting involved and all climbing for those in need.”

sponsored walk and what a beautiful day it was. “We are expecting to raise around £3,000 once all sponsorships are in and that will help us provide meals for another 3,000 people adding to our grand total of 60,000 meals in just over

“The views here (Snowdonia) are breath taking. It was really good to see people getting involved and all climbing for those in need.” The event was organised by InTouch UK fundraising manager, Faisal Tariq, alongside his fundraising team. Funds raised from the event will help purchase meals for many of West Yorkshire’s most vulnerable with the food served up in Bradford, Keighley and Leeds via the mobile soup kitchens. Faisal explained: “We had over 40 people take part in the

TEAM: More than 40 climbers trekked up Mt Snowdon last week raising around £3,000 for charity

two years. “Despite these great numbers, we still need more people to get involved with the charity to help those who really need it.” He continued: “We have many exciting fundraisers lined up this year and next so what's stopping you from getting involved and helping those in need?” Last week’s fundraiser was attended by families and children as young as 14-years-old.

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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A new service from Diabetes UK designed to help Muslims donate to charity during the holy month of Ramadan has been announced. For Muslims with diabetes, Ramadan can pose many challenges. As fasting can be dangerous to those with health conditions like diabetes, deciding whether to fast or choosing an alternative to fasting, can often be a difficult and confusing process. Eating large meals at Suhoor and Iftar can also increase the risk of high blood glucose levels. People from a South Asian background are up to six times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Juliet O’Brien, Diverse Communities Officer at Diabetes UK said: “We are very excited to be launching Text Ramadan. By donating just £3 you could help us provide essential guidance to Muslims on fasting safely during Ramadan. “This year Ramadan falls in summer, meaning the length of fast could be 17 hours or more. For Muslims with diabetes this could lead to a much higher risk of hypoglycaemia and dehydration, as well as an increased chance of high glucose levels at Suhoor and Iftar. Donations made via Text Ramadan could help us spread the word and make Ramadan safer for everyone. “If you are considering fasting and have diabetes, then you should make sure to speak to both your Imam and your GP in advance before making your final decision”. Diabetes UK offers help, advice and tips for Muslims with diabetes during this time. For every text sent to the Text Ramadan number a minimum of £2.96 will be received by Diabetes UK.

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Diabetes UK launches

‘Text Ramadan’

For more information on how to manage your diabetes throughout Ramadan, please go to www.diabetes.org.uk/ramadan

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“Bury it down a very deep hole” Sheffield scientists advise on high-level nuclear waste disposal

Technologies that will enable nuclear waste to be sealed 5km below the Earth’s surface could provide a safer, cheaper and more viable alternative for disposing of the UK’s high-level nuclear waste. Scientists at the University of Sheffield calculate that all of the UK’s high level nuclear waste from spent fuel reprocessing could be disposed of in just six boreholes 5km deep, fitting within a site no larger than a football pitch. The concept – called deep borehole disposal – has been developed primarily in the UK but is likely to see its first field trials in the USA next year. If the trials are successful, the USA hopes to dispose of its ‘hottest’ and most radioactive waste – left over from plutonium production and currently stored at Hanford in Washington State – in a deep borehole. University of Sheffield researchers are presenting the latest findings relating to these trials and new

concepts for sealing the waste into the boreholes at the American Nuclear Society (ANS) conference in Charleston this week (April 13-16 2015). Professor Fergus Gibb, of the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Engineering, explained: “Deep borehole disposal is particularly suitable for high level nuclear waste, such as spent fuel, where high levels of radioactivity and heat make other alternatives very difficult. Much of the drilling expertise and equipment to create the boreholes already exists in the oil and gas and geothermal industries. A demonstration borehole – such as is planned in the US – is what is now needed to move this technology forward.” At the ANS conference, Professor Gibb, with co-researcher Dr Karl Travis, will be presenting modelling work carried out by the University of Sheffield team on the Hanford waste, which confirms that around 40 per cent

of the waste, in terms of radioactivity, currently stored at the US site could be disposed of in a single borehole. Fundamental to the success of deep borehole disposal is the ability to seal the hole completely to prevent radionuclides getting back up to the surface. Professor Gibb has designed a method to do this which he will be presenting at the conference next week: to melt a layer of granite over the waste, which will re-solidify to have the same properties as natural rock. Professor Gibb’s colleague at the University of Sheffield, Dr Nick Collier, will propose a method of fixing and surrounding the waste within the borehole using specialist cements able to handle the temperatures and pressures at that depth. Deep borehole disposal (DBD) has a number of advantages over the current solution envisaged for all UK nuclear waste, which is in a mined repository at 500m depth: DBD is

effectively ‘pay-as-you-go’ disposal. A mined repository can cost from hundreds of millions to tens of billions of dollars to construct before any waste can be disposed of; DBD costs a few tens of millions of dollars per borehole. There are more geological sites suitable for DBD as the granite layer that is required can be found at appropriate depths under most of the continental crust. A borehole could be drilled, filled and sealed in less than five years, compared to the current timescale for a UK mined repository, which is to open in 2040 and take its first waste by 2075 (although a site has not yet been agreed). As DBD disposes of nuclear waste at greater depths and with greater safety and because there are more potential sites available, it should be easier to obtain public and political acceptance of the technology. DBD has limited environmental

impact and does not require a huge site: the holes are a maximum 0.6m in diameter and can be positioned just a few tens of metres apart. Once a borehole is complete, all physical infrastructure on the surface can be removed. While seismic activity might damage the containers within the borehole, fracture the surrounding rock and disrupt some of the nearest barriers in the borehole, it would still not destroy the isolation of the waste or make it possible for radioactivity to reach the surface or any ground water. The demonstration borehole in the USA will be drilled just under half a metre in diameter and trials will be conducted to ensure waste packages can be inserted into the borehole and recovered if required. Initial results are expected in 2016. If these results are positive, disposal of the Hanford waste capsules would then take place in another borehole, just 0.22m in diameter.

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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STUDY: Students from the Institute of Hotel Management-Aurangabad in India will have the opportunity of studying in Huddersfield from August 2016

From India to Huddersfield Students from one of India’s top training institutions may be trading a year of education in their home country in favour of studying in West Yorkshire soon, as a local university expands its international reach. The University of Huddersfield is already renowned for its courses and research within industry, and is now sharing that knowledge with India’s Institute of Hotel ManagementAurangabad (IHM-A) after establishing exciting new links. IHM-A students studying Ba(Hons) Hotel Management will now have the option, in the final year of their degree, to come to the UK for a year-long programme of study in Huddersfield within the Business School. Students from the Ba(Hons) Culinary Arts course will have the option to come for six months. “This collaboration now provides students with the perfect

Students to study in Yorkshire as international relations grow

opportunity to combine academic study with global experience in hospitality,” said Professor Colin Bamford who has been leading negotiations with the Institute and has made regular visits to the IHM-A as a University ambassador. “These two unique degrees – the only ones of their kind – will give the advantage of an international honours degree along with the opportunity to widen their personal experience of what is a massive global business. “The domestic market also continues to exhibit year-by-year growth, consistent with India’s emergence as the third largest economy in the world by 2030. “Those who choose to come to

the UK will be in a unique position to benefit from study at the University of Huddersfield, which has been rated by QS stars as a ‘5-star university’ for internationalisation and teaching excellence. “They will also gain experience of a different culture in the process and invaluable knowledge for their hospitality careers,” he added. Initial links between the two institutions were created 18 years ago when the University of Huddersfield provided ongoing validation for the IHM-A’s designed and delivered courses. The first consort of students from the IHM-A will arrive in the autumn of 2016.

LINKS: Professor Colin Bamford has helped forge the relationship between the two educational institutions

GRADUATING: Hotel management and culinary course students can complete their final year in the UK, including a six-month placement at London’s 5-star ‘51 Buckingham Gate Hotel and Suites’

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A new kind of

RESPECT 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 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

Councillors rejoin Galloway’s Party ahead of elections

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’.

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

“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.” 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 u-turn which sees them rejoin the party after more than 18 months as independents. It read: “After much Faisal Khan (left)

Ishtiaq Ahmed (right)

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

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition Ruqqayah Collector (left)

Alyas Karmani (right)

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 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.

Respect’s new face Hopeful City candidate eyes greater protection for students

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 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

In January 2004, the Respect Party was set up as an alternative leftwing 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

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

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. When questioned why he opted for the Respect Party, he said the influence George Galloway has had 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

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.” 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: 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.

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Further arrests in Harehills murder inquiry

MURDERED: Shuel Ali Hussain died of a gunshot wound he suffered in his car in Leeds in March 2015

Following the murder of a Harehills man in March this year, another suspect has now been arrested, adding to the six others who have already been charged in connection to the case. Shuel Ali Hussain was shot while parked in his car on Pasture Road, Leeds on Monday 9th March and died in a nearby store on Markham Avenue. This week, following further enquiries in the Harehills and Chapeltown area, a 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in custody. Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Whilst we have charged a number of people in connection with this incident, I am still appealing for witnesses to the murder of Shuel Ali Hussain. “I am particularly interested in speaking to people in the Pasture Road, Airlie Avenue and Back Airlie Avenue area on Monday evening. I strongly believe that the answers I am looking for lay in the Harehills area of Leeds and I want this community to continue to support the police in our investigation. “The Hussain family desperately want answers as to why their son was shot and I am determined to get these for them.” Previously, Masum Ahmed, 19; Rajak Miah, 20; Mohammed Nadeem Ahmed, 42; Yakub Miah, 41; and a 16 and 17-yearold have been charged in connection to the murder case.

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

He could ‘Strike Again’ Police warning over wanted attacker

Detectives hunting for a man who left a woman for dead after sexually assaulting her in Beeston fear he could ‘strike again’ if he is not found soon. Police have been searching for the man since the incident occurred on Beeston Road, on 6th March, with efits and CCTV footage of the individual released. It has now emerged that three other women were followed by the attacker before he committed the terrifying assault. Det Supt Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police, said the other women had a ‘lucky escape’ and warned other to remain vigilant across the city. He said: “My fear is that potentially he could strike again. We need to get him off the streets as soon as possible. “I don't want to cause panic among the young women in Leeds but as rare as these incidents are, they do occur and you can do a lot to help yourselves and avoid becoming a victim.” He added: “They had a lucky escape. This is a mile-and-a-half of concerted walking by the offender, following three different women absolutely with the intention, in my view, of attacking somebody. “I would ask people to look at these images again. I think if you know him, you will know him from these images.”

SUSPECT: This e-fit was released by police in an attempt to trace the attacker

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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MONEY: Raising Explorers’ children enjoy running their own stall at the community fun day

Community fun day! By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Children in Bradford were at the forefront of putting the ‘fun’ in ‘fundraising’ last Friday as a community fun day helped raise over £1,000 for charity. Organised by the Ofstedregulated after-school learning and childcare club, Raising Explorers, the event proved a huge success as the first Spring Bazaar of the year drew in the crowds from across Bradford. A number of stalls were on show selling clothes, food, desserts and all sorts of items with something for every person, and every pocket, on offer. Children from Raising Explorers even staged their own popular stall as they tried their hands at fundraising, pulling in the shoppers with their home-made loom bands. Entertainment was provided on the day through face painting, a bouncy castle, football and of course no fun day would be complete without a couple of giant mascots with Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty coming down to meet the children. Aweis Asghar, speaking on behalf of Raising Explorers, said he was delighted with the success of the day. “The children have been fantastic in helping to organise today and even running their own successful stall alongside the other traders,” he said. “At Raising Explorers we are always encouraging children to be the best they can be and to see their involvement in this project, was a great credit to the whole team.” He added: “A big thank you

must go out to all those who came down, the stall holders, and of course the Carlisle Business Centre who have all helped us raise over £1,000 for charity. “Without the support of the local community we would not have been able to hold such a successful event as the presence of Raising Explorers continues to grow across the city.” Fifty per cent of all proceeds from the Community Fun Day were donated to the NSPCC.

Spring bazaar draws in customers for charity

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Dr Aneesha Advice Column Every few weeks we are asking readers to pose common questions or concerns regarding cosmetic treatments to our specialist Dr Aneesha, Medical Director at Skyn doctor. Today's question is: I feel that as I have gotten older I have lost volume in the lower half of my face and in particular my lips look less full. I have heard fillers may help -could you tell me more about this treatment and whether it would help? As we get older the levels of hyaluronic acid decrease in the skin, this is a naturally occurring substance which gives skin its volume, shape, hydration and elasticity. This loss of hyaluronic acid causes skin to lose its firmness and fullness. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid and are thus a quick and effective way of revolumising the face and reducing wrinkles, producing a more youthful appearance. At Skyn Doctor we use the Juvaderm range of fillers

and these can be used to help plump up lips, and fill in lines around the lines and coming down from the nasal folds (marionette and nasolabial lines). Small amounts of fillers are injected into the areas required superficially using

a fine needle. The fillers themselves contain a local anaesthetic and if required a topical anaesthetic may also be used for more sensitive areas such as lips to help

reduce any discomfort. Following treatment results are instant and the skin is left looking smoother and younger. Most patients only require 1 treatment and results typically last 9-12 months. At Skyn Doctor, our philosophy is "less is more" and we will strive to enhance you existing features to create a naturally beautiful look. All initial consultations are free of charge and our doctor will put you at ease, talk you through the procedure and make sure your involved every step of the way. In addition, we offer all our clients a follow-up consultation at 2 weeks to ensure desired results are achieved and if required, additional top-up treatments can be provided.

To ask Dr Aneesha a question, email her at DrAneesha@skyndoctor.co.uk or visit www.skyndoctor.co.uk

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Getting Family-ar with charity

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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

Siblings call on Yorkshire to get volunteering

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-yearold 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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Mini Money Makers Teen trio are Yorkshire champions

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

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.

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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

Yorkshire trophy unveiled Striking title awaits for tour victor

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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 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. 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 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.

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.

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

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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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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Kids putting other’s first Family foodbank to help underprivileged in Bradford 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

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

TREATS: Eight-year-old Zidaan Arshad prepares to hand over a mass of chocolate to the Salvation Army

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.

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Your National and Local Business Round-up

Business news The perfect setting for any occasion

Orchid Banqueting Suite N

ine months have passed since Dewsbury’s premier wedding venue officially opened its doors to the public, and in that time Orchid has truly blossomed in the heart of the town. With three floors of expansive and elegant banqueting space, the unique venue continues to stage the perfect scene for couple’s dreams to come true, echoing grandeur in every room. As well as hosting wedding days, banquets of all kinds have been held at the venue, from charities to birthday parties and all kinds of lifestyle fairs. Co-owners, Nazura Mutvalli and Yusuf Chothia, explained how it was always their ambition to bring a stunning venue able to cater for all occasions to their hometown, and believe Orchid has proved the ‘perfect fit’ for Dewsbury and Yorkshire. “We are only approaching our first year anniversary in August yet in so little time, we have already established ourselves in this fantastic community,” Nazura said. “Dozens of brides and grooms have shared their most magical moments inside this building and to know we played a little part in their big day is something everyone at

Orchid takes great pride in. “I want to thank every person who has stepped foot through our doors this year and hope to continue building our reputation across West Yorkshire for a long time to come.”

clients in mind, all the facilities you could ever want are provided onsite with services such as photography, food, car hire and of course magical staging available from Orchid. One standout event from the packed calendar

event and it was great to be a part of that important occasion.” She added: “Of course there have been many other fantastic events held here since we opened our doors. “From the town’s first wedding exhibition, with

When simply viewing the building, it is easy to see why Orchid has proved to be a major success in such a short time. Boasting all the basic amenities, with a special Orchid twist, the venue is as spacious as it is luxurious and can cater for business meetings of just a dozen people, up to weddings for one thousand guests - all this with the added benefit of ample free parking on site. Designed with the

was a fundraising evening for an Orphanage in Gaza, held in the premises with speeches by a number of renowned guests including Bradford West MP, George Galloway. Nazura said: “To host an event such as the Palestine charity gathering was yet again another example of our flexibility in being able to cater for your needs, regardless of what they entail. “Hundreds of people came down to support the

more than 50 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, to business meetings utilising the video streaming facilities and conferencing space, it has been a great start for Orchid.” With bookings filling up fast for 2015 and 2016 already, make sure you contact Orchid Banqueting Suite soon to ensure your event blossoms into the perfect occasion.

Bronte House, Wesley Place, Dewsbury, WF13 1HD Tel: 07999 433 934

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Business

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Mughal’s Sweet Centre and Restaurant

Without a Trace A

group of British consumers have won the right to sue Google in the UK over the megacorporation’s alleged misuse of privacy settings. In a landmark outcome Google have lost their appeal to the Court of Appeal in which they argued that the consumers’ case should be thrown out because, amongst other things, they had suffered no financial harm. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, finding in favour of the consumers and potentially opening the door to hundreds of other similar court actions in the UK against Google. The case centred on Google’s ability to bypass certain Safari users’ web browsers’ default privacy settings by using a ‘workaround’ system to place cookies on their computers. Cookies are small text files which are stored by browsers and can be used to gather data such as surfing habits, race, ethnicity and social class, without a user knowing. Safari is a web browser supported by Apple and is used on most Apple Computers, iPads and other devices. Safari can be configured to reject a website's cookies unless there is an interaction with a web page – for example, Safari will accept a login cookie if the user logs into a forum site using a username and password form. In order to get around this privacy control, it is alleged that Google faked a form submission when the browser visited a server run by Google, effectively tricking Safari into accepting tracking cookies that identified users.

Web browsing information was then stored and the user was subjected to targeted marketing based on their browsing history. This ‘workaround’ system was in place for nine months between summer 2011 and spring 2012 and had already been identified as an issue by US researchers, whereby the US Federal Trade Commission had considered it sufficiently serious to fine Google $22.5 million for the alleged privacy violation. Dismissing the appeal the Court of Appeal stated that “these claims raise serious issues which merit a trial”. In response to Google’s assertions that the claim ought to be dropped as no financial harm was suffered by the user, the Court of Appeal stated “the case relates to the anxiety and distress this intrusion upon autonomy has caused.” One of the three claimants welcomed the judgement describing it as a “David and Goliath victory.” “The Court of Appeal has ensured Google cannot use its vast resources to evade English justice,” stated Marc Bradshaw. “Ordinary computer users like me will now have the right to hold this giant to account before the courts for its unacceptable, immoral and unjust actions.” Despite Google asserting that the case was not serious enough to be heard and that it was “disappointed” with the outcome, the verdict has sent a powerful message to large corporations that the UK justice system will bring to justice any person or corporation, large or small, provided the facts and circumstances of the case merit it.

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

special celebration needs a special venue, and for that birthday, anniversary or party to remember, there is no better place to visit than Bradford’s famous Mughal’s Sweet Centre and Restaurant. With an upstairs banqueting room catering for dozens of guests at any one time, the premises are ideal for all special occasions, no matter how big or small. Newly refurbished earlier this year, visitors are able to sample the renowned Mughals delights in their relaxed environment, tucking in to some of the flavoursome sweets or traditional dishes. A newly extended private terrace has also been constructed to the second floor, allowing an intimate outdoor area to be used for those who wish to enjoy the sunshine on the warmer days.

Mughals Sweet Centre and Restaurant 790-792 Leeds Rd, Bradford, BD3 9TY Opening Times: 8am-12pm Tel: 01274 733 324

Every person is catered for at Mughals with disabled access available via a newly installed lift, and a private prayer room located onsite. Owner, Barber Rashid, says the refurbishment has been warmly welcomed by guests, new and old, who are delighted to see Bradford’s favourite sweet centre back up and running. “The overall response since we reopened our doors has been fantastic,” he said. “Our upstairs dining area has already drawn a lot of attention and we have had all types of bookings. “Our in-house catering team have been providing all guests with some amazing food and treats and it really is great to be back.” For more than 25 years Mughals has served up some of the finest sweets and tastiest dishes out of its Leeds Road premises.

After its major refurbishment, which took four months to complete, the restaurant finally achieved the setting to perfectly complement its famous menu. The modern decor may be eye-catching but rest assured, the same traditional tastes, that helped Mughal’s garner its fantastic reputation over the past three decades, still remain today. All dishes, from curries to breakfasts, and of course the sweets, are prepared onsite with specific attention to detail given to every order. Sweets are even baked up at the new preparation stand allowing customers to see how some of the scrumptious treats are made firsthand. So, if you are planning a reception or celebration, there is only one place you need to look to ensure everybody has the perfect party experience – Mughals.

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National

London diamond-district heist gang video released HEIST: Detective Chief Inspector Paul Johnson from the Metropolitan police Flying Squad speaks outside the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Ltd entrance

response was deemed to be required. It said the police were investigating why this grade was applied to the call. Dixie also said an underground fire in nearby central Britain’s largest robbery. VIDEO: “Media speculation is that this could be used to break into the London's Holborn, been has ment equip g cuttin heavy say London police which started in 1st Garden jewellery district” vault containing safety deposit boxes in the Hatton April and burned for 36 hours, could have helped the thieves as it affected London’s Metropolitan Police The force has acknowledged electric circuits in central has released CCTV images of that a burglar alarm at the Hatton London. He said: “I'm not saying the three gang members, dressed in Garden Safe Deposit facility was fluorescent vests and hard hats, triggered just after midnight on suspects had anything to do with calmly carrying bags and 3rd April, the start of the holiday it but it must have been a godsend wheeling garbage bins into a weekend, but no one was sent to to them because it clearly high-security storage facility in check on it. The crime was not disrupted the electrics and maybe London's diamond district. discovered until businesses the alarm systems in the area.” John O'Connor, former head of After two nights of work, they reopened on Tuesday. left with the contents of dozens of safe-deposit boxes, in a methodical heist that has fascinated Britain - and put police on the defensive. The footage shows several men, their faces covered with dust masks, entering and leaving the building repeatedly over the Easter weekend. It’s also been suggested that an Scotland Yard's armed-robbery Detective chief inspector Paul ‘inside agent’ may have been squad, said that the thieves Johnson said the burglars entered involved in the audacious jewel appeared professional and wellthe building late on Thursday, 2nd and cash heist at a safety deposit prepared, but police had been April and left the next morning. vault in central London, a former ‘utterly incompetent’ in not answering the alarm call. They returned on Saturday night armed robbery detective said. Hatton Garden, the center of and left Easter Sunday morning. Jim Dixie, a former detective They climbed down an elevator for the Metropolitan Police's Britain's diamond trade, has been shaft and drilled through concrete armed robbery and other armed hit by several audacious robberies walls two meters (six feet) thick crime unit, known as the Flying in the past. In 1987, two armed robbers into the vault. They stole the Squad, said he believed the contents of 72 safety deposit criminals received help to break made off with an estimated 60 million pounds ($90 million at the boxes, which are used by many into the vault. local dealers to store jewellery. The call was recorded and time) worth of jewels. In 1993, Police have not disclosed the transferred to the police's robbers handcuffed shop workers, actual value of the stolen goods, Computer Aided Despatch broke through high-security but has been estimated to be system. A grade was applied to doors and cracked a safe to steal worth at around £200 million. the call that meant no police millions worth of diamonds.

They climbed down an elevator shaft and drilled through concrete walls two meters (six feet) thick into the vault. They stole the contents of 72 safety deposit boxes, which are used by many local dealers to store jewellery

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Three found guilty over poker players death

HONEY TRAP: Leonie Granger, 25, was seen 'kissing passionately' with poker ace Mehmet Hassan, 56, at an exclusive West End casino in the hours before he was found dead

Care assistant Leonie Granger, 25, wept as she was found guilty of setting a honey trap for a professional gambler who was kicked to death for the sake of his winnings. Following a trial at the Old Bailey, she was found guilty of Mr Hassan's manslaughter by a majority but not guilty of murder. Her co-defendants Kyrron Jackson, 28, and Nicholas Chandler, 29, were convicted of murder. Granger began to cry in the dock after the guilty verdicts were delivered while Chandler lashed out angrily, shouting and swearing, and had to be grappled to the floor and removed by six dock officers. Judge William Kennedy then warned the remaining pair they faced "significant and immediate" jail when they are all sentenced on Tuesday, April 28. The court heard how Mr Hassan was oblivious to the sting as he wined and dined the woman he knew as Rachel, even bragging to his friends that he was not paying her to be with him. After their first date, Granger, of Gillingham, Kent, was overheard by a taxi driver reporting back that Hassan was "flashy" and saying: "This guy is a professional gambler. He has never worked a day in his life." On the night of the murder, Mr Hassan had taken Granger to the top Mayfair restaurant Nobu before going on to the Palm Beach Casino nearby where he gave her £1,000 in cash to gamble with. Dressed in a strapless top, tightfitting black trousers, high heels and a large gold necklace, Granger was spotted by a poker

supervisor kissing Hassan "passionately" and she told the pair to "get a room". Later, he took her back to his Islington flat where she made her excuses and left in a taxi - but not before letting in her boyfriend Jackson and his friend Chandler, who were poised to strike outside. Using parcel tape, the two men tied up Mr Hassan in his bedroom then kicked him to death and ransacked his home as they searched for his stash of cash. While Mr Hassan's beaten and bloody body lay undiscovered, the killers were filmed on Granger's mobile phone throwing wads of £50 notes around. Granger's "soft target" was known to have two favourite casinos in Mayfair - the Playboy Casino on Old Park Lane and the Palm Beach Casino in Berkeley Street. He sometimes won as much as £15,000 at a time and rather than using bank accounts, he would keep his winnings around his flat, even keeping thousands of pounds in his microwave. The fact the divorced father-ofthree "enjoyed the company of women" made him particularly "vulnerable to the unscrupulous", prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC told jurors. He said Mr Hassan's death was the "culmination of the ruthless greed" of Jackson and Chandler who had been involved in two armed robberies at the same casino in South Kensington in January and February last year but with limited success. In each case, guns were used and the victims were tied up and subjected to violence.

The jury was shown CCTV film of the dramatic raids as well as clips of Granger and Mr Hassan together in the casino hours before the killing. They were also played a short clip of the three defendants literally throwing the victim's money around hours after the murder, with Jackson wearing a gas mask and stuffing a fist full of notes into his underpants. In her defence, Granger admitted she had been involved in a plan to rob Mr Hassan, but denied being party to the murder. She told jurors that on the night of the killing she saw Chandler waiting outside Mr Hassan's flat with another man she did not know. While Jackson denied involvement in the murder, Chandler told the court they had both gone to an address in Islington. He said while his friend went inside the flat, he had stayed in the car outside playing Flappy Bird and Candy Crush. All the defendants were convicted of robbing Mr Hassan and conspiracy to falsely imprison him. Jackson, of Romborough Way, Lewisham, south east London, and Chandler, of Lee High Road, south east London, were further found guilty of two counts of plotting to rob employees of Grosvenor Casinos, two counts of conspiracy to have a shotgun and imitation firearm in January last year, and two counts of conspiracy to falsely imprison. Following the verdicts, victim impact statements were read out on behalf of the family of Mr Hassan, who had sat in court throughout the trial. His sister Meyrem Musa described her brother as a "very special and unique man", a "witty and professional poker player" and a "devoted and committed father" whose violent death would "haunt" the family forever. His daughter Stephanie Hassan told how her father had been cheated of a future and the chance to meet his grandchildren and see his own three children grow up. She wrote that he was always there to support his family financially when they needed help, adding: "Every day we miss him and we love him." Their statements were interrupted by an angry scuffle in the dock, as Chandler stood up and swore loudly while Granger cowered in a corner protected by a female dock officer. After the case was adjourned for sentence, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge said: "Mehmet Hassan was lured into a 'honey trap' by Leonie Granger, having been targeted for his affable nature and success at the casino tables. "People who knew Mehmet Hassan - his family, friends and associates - described him as a likeable and generous man. His death was senseless, motivated by the greed of three people who exploited his generosity in the most callous manner imaginable." Mr Hassan's nephew Hassan Gunay added: "Although nothing will ever replace Mehmet this just verdict provides an element of closure and relief that the callous perpetrators have been brought to justice and removed from our streets."

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Tax cheat ‘King’ told to pay back £2m… or face 10 years behind bars

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National A Birmingham man who built a Buckingham Palace style mansion by dodging taxes has been told to pay back more than £2-million − or face a decade behind bars. Mohammed Suleman Khan was jailed last year after West Midlands Police discovered he’d cheated the taxman to the tune of around £450,000. The 41-year-old claimed to run a debt-collecting firm and had an annual income of £40,000 − but detectives found he’d funded a luxury life-style by evading tax and national insurance over a nine-year period. He even spent more than £1million building a mansion in Pakistan boasting its own cinema, library, servant’s quarters and guard-house for a security team. Last April Khan, who lived in a gated property in Edgbaston, was jailed for four years but West Midlands Police pushed for a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) case to strip the conman of assets accrued through his dodgy dealings. At Liverpool Crown Court last week he was ordered to pay £2,209,090 back into the public purse, or face have an additional 10 years added to his prison sentence. The money will go back into government coffers with some put back into community crime fighting initiatives in the West Midlands. Detective Inspector Andy Bannister, from Force CID, said: "Mohammed Suleman Khan at no point in the investigation cooperated or provided credible evidence of his income. "In making this order his honour Judge Menary QC concluded that Mohammed Suleman Khan had benefitted from a criminal lifestyle

to the amount of £2,209,090. "This verdict further confirms that those convicted of a criminal offence are liable in certain circumstances for the confiscation of all their assets when no serious injustice is found." Detectives from Force CID worked with HM Revenue and Customs officials to probe the finances of the Birmingham-born ‘businessman’. They found 13 paper wraps used by banks to secure £1,000 bundles − all bearing the same date stamp − but after analysing phone and computer records they found limited information on his financial dealings. Investigators suspected Khan only used cash in a bid to stay below the taxman’s radar and had few assets. But working with social policy research charity The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, police established Khan would have needed earnings in excess of £1million to fund his lifestyle over the nine-year period he claimed to be earning £40,000 per annum. The probe also uncovered plans for a house the size of Buckingham Palace in Ghorghusti in the Attock region of Pakistan. Experts estimated that construction would have cost £2.3 million although there was no official record of ownership. The POCA hearing also imposed a 10-year financial reporting order on Khan, which means he must make a report to police every six months identifying his assets. Failure to provide details of his dealings could lead to more prison time.

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Home is where the hard cash is… Not that they seem to know it, but hardworking home dwellers living in the country’s 10 biggest cities outside of the capital are currently sitting on an untapped goldmine worth a colossal £50 million – all locked away in unoccupied, but potentially lucrative spare bedrooms. The figure is part of a new report released by a leading online marketplace for hosted accommodations, and has been calculated by multiplying the average cost of a night in each city by the number of un-used spare rooms available. With the average charge for a room ranging from £44.00 in Leeds to £33.00 in Plymouth, and the average length of stay being 16 nights, a spare room can be a very valuable asset for those willing to open their homes to welcome visitors to their city. However, there’s plenty of room for flexibility, as different types of guests tend to stay for differing amounts of time. The report shows that the average holidaymaker books for six nights, people relocating to new cities for work book for 15 nights, while interns typically check in for 30 nights. Commenting on the

research, Alan Clarke, CEO for Homestay.com who carried out the research said: “There’s lots of talk at the moment about strong economic recovery and how the good times are just around the corner. “Outside of the capital though, which in many respects is a country within a country, millions are still feeling the pinch, so making money out of un-used spare bedrooms is a great way for people to bolster their incomes. “Welcoming visitors in to your home for short stays might not be something people have considered, but it’s not an unusual thing to do nowadays – the growth and wide-scale acceptance of the shared economy and shared experience economy has put paid to that. “We encourage interactions between hosts and guests, and have a number of tools on our website that help match people together and allow them to get to know one another before any stays. “So, not only can people make money by adding their un-used spare rooms to our inventory, who knows, they might make a few new friends while they’re doing it.”

• £50 million locked up unused spare bedrooms in Britain • In difficult economic times people are renting out their spare bedrooms

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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

www.asianexpress.co.uk norms. He was known to say: “I would have been 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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Dr. Amar Bose to be honoured with Prestigious Founders Award at The Asian Awards

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Border control Home Office announces all passports to be checked on UK exit

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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."

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Saudi Arabia:

No evidence its agents helped in 9/11 attacks Attorneys for Saudi Arabia say a judge should reject claims by families of victims of the September 11 attacks that new evidence - including an interview with the man who became known as the ‘20th hijacker’ - shows agents of the kingdom ‘directly and knowingly’ helped the hijackers. In papers filed in Manhattan federal court on Friday 10th April, the lawyers said there was no evidence Saudi Arabia supported or caused the attacks. They urged a judge to dismiss the claims against Saudi Arabia, saying the lawyers ‘have had enough chances to make their case’. Saudi Arabia was among the countries, companies and organisations sued in 2002 and afterward by families who claimed they aided al-Qaida, Osama bin Laden and other terrorist groups. The lawsuits sought billions of dollars in damages. Lawyers for Saudi Arabia also urged the judge considering the merits of the civil litigation to disregard claims by al-Qaida member Zacarias Moussaoui, who is serving a life prison sentence after pleading guilty in April 2005 to conspiring with the hijackers to kill Americans. They called his comments to plaintiffs' lawyers last year ‘colorful but immaterial hearsay statements’ from a Pakistani troops have killed 13 members of a militant group that claimed responsibility for a weekend attack on a dam project in the southwestern Baluchistan province that left 20 construction workers dead, an army spokesman said on Monday 13th April. The soldiers conducted an operation in the Gobdan area of the Turbat district in the province, about 250 miles south of the provincial capital of Quetta, searching for "terrorists who massacred" the workers, said Abdul Wasay, spokesman for the paramilitary Frontier Corps. The operation followed the attack on Saturday 11th April, when militants stormed a labour camp near the dam construction site, overpowering eight security guards who then took off and ran for their lives, and shooting dead sleeping labourers before fleeing the scene.

AL-QAIDA: Lawyers for Saudi Arabia urged a judge to disregard ‘false’ claims by al-Qaida member Zacarias Moussaoui, who is serving a life prison sentence after 9/11

convicted, mentally ill terrorist. Before jurors spared Moussaoui's life, a psychologist testified for the defense at death penalty proceedings that he had paranoid schizophrenia. Moussaoui says it was a lie that Saudi Arabia cut ties with al-Qaida and bin Laden in 1994.

Lawyers for 9/11 families cited Moussaoui's claims in saying they've unearthed ‘compelling’ evidence that the Saudi government assisted the hijackers. In the papers, filed by claimants, lawyers said the efforts by Saudi Arabia to be dismissed from the litigation ‘rest on grave distortions of

the record, implausible interpretations of the allegations, facts and evidence, and a refusal to afford plaintiffs the obvious inferences to which they are entitled’. Saudi Arabia was dismissed as a defendant in the case once before by a judge who said it was protected by sovereign immunity, but a federal appeals court in December 2013 reinstated it, saying a legal exception existed and the circumstances were extraordinary. Lawyers for the claimants say they have developed substantial new evidence against Saudi Arabia since the September 11 Commission said in a report a decade ago that it found no evidence that the Saudi government or senior Saudi officials individually funded al-Qaida. Lawyers for Saudi Arabia say the families are relying on the submission of ‘thousands of pages of inadmissible and irrelevant materials’. They wrote: “If they had a single piece of evidence that would stand up in court, they would highlight it in their papers. Instead, they focus heavily on witnesses manifestly lacking personal knowledge, and on newspaper articles, blog posts, and similar multiple hearsay. They thus reveal that they have nothing better.”

13 suspects behind deadly dam attack killed by Pakistani troops The Baluch Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the attack shortly afterward. It is one among several nationalist and separatist groups behind a low-level insurgency in Baluchistan demanding a greater share of gas and mineral revenue for the Baluch minority and complete autonomy from Islamabad. The Baluch separatists have

fought against the Islamabadbased government for years in the region, where also other Islamic extremist groups are active. Baluchistan home minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the eight security guards have been arrested for negligence. Most of the workers were from Pakistan's largest, most populous and the most

developed Punjab province. Previous attacks by Baluch separatists have also targeted people from Punjab, who the militants claim are exploiting their region. A senior BLF commander was among those killed in the operation by the Frontier Corps while another wanted commander was arrested, the army spokesman also said.

Anti-Semitic attacks on the rise

Anti-Semitic attacks surged worldwide in 2014, with the highest number of incidents occurring in France, according to an annual study published in Israel on Wednesday. The report, by Tel Aviv University's Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry, said 766 violent anti-Semitic acts, with or without weapons, were carried out around the world last year -- a 38 percent increase over 2013. Arson, vandalism and direct threats against Jews, synagogues and other Jewish institutions were included in the figure, making 2014 the worst year for such

attacks since 2009. “The overall feeling among many Jewish people is one of living in an intensifying anti-Jewish environment that has become not only insulting and threatening, but outright dangerous,” the study said, citing ‘alarming reports especially from Western Europe and North America’. Anger in Western Europe over Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip last July and August, as well as antiJewish caricatures in the media and social networks had helped to turn antiSemitism into an ‘almost daily phenomena seen and felt in every sphere of life’, the report said.

Nuclear ‘deal’ close

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday he was confident Barack Obama would be able to get Congress to approve a nuclear deal with Iran after the U.S. president acknowledged lawmakers would have the power to review an accord with Tehran. “Looming large is the challenge of finishing the negotiation with Iran over the course of the next two and a half months,” Kerry said after arriving in Germany for a Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in the northern

city of Luebeck. “Yesterday there was a compromise reached in Washington regarding congressional input. We are confident about our ability for the president to negotiate an agreement and to do so with the ability to make the world safer,” he added. In what was seen as a setback for Obama, the U.S. president agreed on Tuesday that Congress should have the power to review any deal with Iran, giving in to pressure from Republicans and some in his own party over the barbed issue.

Malala writes to kidnapped girls

Pakistani teenager and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on Tuesday told Nigerian schoolgirls who were kidnapped a year ago by Boko Haram militants they will never be forgotten and to never lose hope. “Please know this: we will never forget you. We will always stand with you,” 17-year-old Yousafzai wrote in an open letter to the missing girls. “We will not rest until you have been reunited with your families.” Yousafzai was shot in the head on a school bus in Pakistan by the Taliban in 2012 for refusing to quit school and won global acclaim for her passionate advocacy of women's

right to education. Last year, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi. In her letter, Yousafzai called on Nigerian authorities and the international community ‘to do more’ to free the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram Islamist militants a year ago. Their abduction from a secondary school in Chibok in the country's Northeast last April drew international attention to the humanitarian crisis caused by attempts by the militants to establish a medieval-style caliphate in religiously mixed Nigeria.

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Small restaurant in Qatar lets poor eat for free In a dusty corner of Qatar's booming capital, a sign outside a modest restaurant popular with migrant labourers reads: "If you are hungry and have no money, eat for free!!!" Sixteen kilometres (10 miles) from the gleaming glass towers of Doha, one of the richest places on the planet, sits the "Industrial Area" of small-scale workshops, factories and low-cost accommodation. It is only a 40-minute drive south of the centre of the Qatari capital and its luxury shops, upmarket brands and expensive restaurants. But the "Industrial Area", rarely seen by outsiders, is a different Qatar one which provides essential labour and materials for the country's massive and relentless expansion. It is at the margin of Doha

life, both geographically and metaphorically, but home to a restaurant called Zaiqa doing something apparently unique for the oil-rich Gulf state. About three weeks ago the Indian brothers who own Zaiqa decided to put up a small makeshift sign offering free food to customers who cannot afford to pay. "When I saw the board I had tears in my eyes," said one of the owners, Shadab Khan, 47, originally from New Delhi, who has lived in Qatar for 13 years. "Even now when I talk about it, I get a lump in my throat." He said the idea came from his younger brother, Nishab. The 16-seater eatery stands on the prosaically named Street 23, sandwiched between another restaurant and a steel workshop.

GENEROUS: Shadab, who is a filmmaker as well as a restaurant owner, said those asking for food are mostly construction workers from countries such as India, Nepal and Bangladesh

It is a busy area - opposite is a mosque and then a road where large trucks hurtle past. Inside, on brightly coloured tablecloths, "authentic Indian cuisine from the heart of Delhi" is served 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A fish curry costs six Qatari riyals (£1.10), an egg roast is three riyals and a spinach dish of Palak Paneer is 10 riyals - for those who choose to pay. The need for free food in Qatar is particularly acute among labourers and those working in heavy industry. It is estimated that there are anywhere between 700,000 and one million migrant workers in the tiny Gulf kingdom, out of a total population of 2.3 million. Rights groups have criticised companies in Qatar for not paying workers on time or, in some cases, not at all. The Qatari government, under pressure to introduce salary reform in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup, vowed earlier this year to force companies to pay wages through direct bank transfers. Even those who do get paid will be intent on sending most of their money back home, said one of Zaiqa's diners, Nepalese mechanic Ghufran Ahmed. "Many labourers earn 8001,000 riyals £150-£188) per month. They have to send money back to home. It's expensive here so there are people who need free food," he said. Shadab, who is a filmmaker as well as a restaurant owner, said those asking for food are mostly construction workers from countries such as India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

"We realise a lot of people out here do not get paid on time and do not have money, not even money to eat," he said. "So there were people who would come here and just buy a packet of bread. And they would eat the bread with water.

but left in case their complimentary lunch should become public knowledge. In another sign of how people fuelling the Qatari boom are struggling to live, it was recently revealed that some Doha market workers were forced to live in

COMPASSIONATE: The staff of Zaiqa restaurant in southern suburbs of the Qatari capital Doha welcome the poor to eat for free

"So, we realised those people don't have money for anything else. They just buy a packet of bread, which comes to about one riyal. So, we would try to offer them food." But it is not easy, added Shadab. "Self-respect", he said, means many refuse to take something for nothing. As a result, in the three weeks since the free food experiment started, "the number of people coming here to get free food is like two or three people a day at the most". As if to emphasise Shadab's point, two workers entered the restaurant while AFP was there

their stalls as they cannot afford rents. For Zaiqa too, there is a black cloud on the horizon. The restaurant's future is threatened by a dispute over rent with the property owner and may have to close down. Shadab and his brother have a different plan for their next restaurant. "We are putting a refrigerator outside, so this refrigerator won't have a lock. It will be facing the road and it will have packets of food with dates on them," he said. "So anybody who wants to take it, he doesn't have to come inside."

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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Boston marks 2nd anniversary of deadly marathon bombing Boston faced a sombre day on Wednesday 15th April as it marked the second anniversary of the bombing attack on its marathon that killed three people and injured 264. Mayor Martin Walsh plans to mark the day with a low-key ceremony at the site where twin pressure-cooker bombs went off on April 15, 2013, ripping through a crowd of some of the thousands of spectators, volunteers and athletes at the Boston Marathon. "15th April is a day that has come to stand for our deepest values," Walsh said. "I hope everyone can mark this day in a way that is appropriate and inclusive." The anniversary comes amid a break in the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who was convicted last week of carrying out the bombing attack, before the same jury that found him guilty decides whether to sentence him to death or life in prison without possibility of parole. Tsarnaev, 21, was the younger of two brothers who carried out the attack and three days later shot dead a police officer as they prepared to flee the city. His older brother, 26year-old Tamerlan, died following a gunfight with police after that shooting.

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS STATEMENT: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley denies religious reasons behind attacks

“Church attacks not political” India's Hindu nationalist government has denied that ‘communal’ politics were behind a series of attacks on churches and the rape of a nun in recent months, as it seeks to quell rising

concerns among religious minorities. "We have found that all these incidents were law and order problems. Not a single case was carried out by the majority community... nor was it of political nature or communal," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday 14th April. Since December, half a dozen churches have been vandalised, during a period when hardline Hindu groups have campaigned to convert members of "foreign religions" such as Islam and Christianity to Hinduism. Four Bangladeshi

citizens were arrested by local police in the eastern state of West Bengal in connection with the rape of the nun and robbery at a convent last month. Jaitley's comments come after Christian leaders accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Modi's government of not doing enough to protect their religion. Several Christians and Muslim organisations have launched protests against what they see as a growing climate of hatred and distrust against Indians who are not Hindu. In France last week, Modi reiterated his commitment

to religious tolerance. Some of his political allies are less open-minded. Last week, members of a regional political party that is part of Modi's coalition government demanded that voting rights of Muslims should be scrapped. Jaitley rejected the divisive idea floated by the regional ally, Shiv Sena. "Such statements are extremely offensive and these irresponsible remarks hurt the government's real agenda," of economic development, he said. Muslims make up India's largest minority, about 14 percent of the 1.27 billion population.

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS 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 standardsetters, 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. The industry is also based on

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 International Monetary Fund says key challenges must be addressed

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 underserved Muslim populations. Its emphasis on asset-backed financing and risk-sharing mean it could support small and mediumsized 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.

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Entertainment THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRITY NEWS FROM BOLLYWOOD & HOLLYWOOD

Rishi Kapoor disapproving of

Katrina Kaif? While dad Rishi Kapoor has always been proud of Ranbir Kapoor's various achievements, he doesn't seem to be happy with his son's latest decision of being in relationship with Katrina Kaif. Though Rishi hasn't said anything obvious about Ranbir moving out with Katrina, he doesn't really seem to be approving of Katrina as his would be daughter-in-law. And this was quite evident when Rishi recently skipped the family dinner with RanbirKatrina, where the entire Kapoor family was present. While the real reason

behind his dislike for Katrina is not known, we guess there are few reasons that are stopping Rishi from accepting Katrina. Most of the star couples have had unsuccessful marriages and that might be one of the reasons why Rishi is averse to Ranbir-Katrina's relationship. Or it might just be the fact that since Rishi shares a cordial relation with Salman Khan and the fact that Katrina dated Sallu in a complicated relationship, perhaps dads thinks Ranbir is better off without her. Who knowsâ&#x20AC;Ś

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After news of Mika Singh slapping a doctor at an event which he was booked to perform at in Delhi, the singer released an official statement about what happened. Mika says in a statement: "I had made a humble request whilst being on stage, as I always do that the ladies and children should be given space to dance and enjoy the show. I asked the gentleman in the audience several times politely to move over to the side slightly and most complied straight away. “However, there was a small group of men, who constantly ignored my requests. “The ladies meanwhile were consistently asking me to ask them to move slightly. “Again, I kept very calm and upon the ladies persistence I again requested the gentleman to give them some space. It was then that the particular doctor

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Mika Singh clarifies slapping a doctor in mention starting swearing at me from the audience and showing his middle finger in front of all the doctors present. I realised at this point he was drunk which everyone witnessed. “I called him up on stage, and asked him whether he would feel just as comfortable doing the same actions on stage or in front of his family. He continued his tirade of swearing after which I lost my cool, which I probably shouldn't have, and slapped him. “Now what I want to ask is why is it that I am always perceived in a negative way even when I am doing things for the protection of our own women? “Would people have rather preferred if I hadn't taken a step to help others? Either I

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Though Nora Fatehi will be seen grooving in an item song in Telugu actioncomedy ‘Kick 2’, it is way different from Nargis Fakhri's sizzling number in Salman Khan starrer Hindi flick ‘Kick’. “It is nothing like that (Nargis Fakhri's item number) at all. “It is an extremely energetic and fast-paced dance number with a signature step that would make everyone dance to it

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Nora Fatehi: My item number in ‘Kick 2’

right from a toddler to an old man. The song from Salman's ‘Kick’ that featured Nargis was almost like a club track. My song is a peppy number, set in a the backdrop of a village. It's very hot and rustic. The shoot is already done,” says Nora. Though she didn't divulge much, Nora reveals that her item song is on the lines of ‘Munni Badnam' from ‘Dabangg’. Nora says, “Yes, it is almost like ‘Munni Badnam', but a couple of notches higher. This song is all about expressions and hard core dance moves. It should release in few weeks.” She adds,

Neha Dhupia: ‘Welcome To Karachi’ to release in Pakistan

‘Welcome To Karachi’ producer Vashu Bhagnani says his movie will be promoted in Pakistan, where they are trying for a commercial release as well. Asked if the political satire will be promoted in cities like Lahore and Karachi on the other side of the border, Bhagnani said: "We have been invited, and we are planning to go. In the next 45 days, we will plan." Asked if the film will be releasing in Pakistan, he said: "Hundred percent." Directed by Ashish R. Mohan, ‘Welcome To Karachi’ features Arshad Warsi, Jackky Bhagnani and Lauren Gottlieb. The film will release on 21st May.

should ignore people like this and let these type of things carry on in our country or forget who I am and stand up for the vulnerable.” I have been like this for the last 18 years and I will never change myself. I would like to tell you of an incident last year where I helped two men on the road who had suffered a hitand-run accident. The next day the news reported that I had hit them with my car and I was the target of the media. The question is why is help first perceived in the wrong way? Finally, I just want to conclude by saying the people can decide whether I was right or wrong. I did what I felt was for the betterment of our ladies and children and I will always continue to stand up against what is wrong."

I will never participate/appear in a show like ‘Bigg Boss’ Quite a few actresses have made their presence felt in Bollywood after a successful stint in the popular reality show, ‘Bigg Boss’, and therefore it came as a big surprise when Neha Dhupia flatly refused to join the show. When we caught up with her at a business conclave at the Taj city Agra, the beauty with brains, who has made a mark in both commercial and offbeat films. Says Neha: “Since cinema is a popular media and actors/actresses are household names, it is evident that many flock shows to boost their popularity here. One really has to work hard to stay at the top and perseverance pays - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir are prime examples.” Reacting to a question about her return to the television Neha said, “I had earlier worked in a TV serial ‘Rajdhani’ and I will surely work in television if there is a good enough offer, but I will never participate/appear in a show like ‘Bigg Boss as it’s not my thing.”

“Master Johnny, who is known for the hit song ‘Cinema Choopistha Mama' featuring Shruti Haasan, has choreographed the song.” Moroccan-based model and actress Nora is very much fond of Bollywood songs and dance. “I am obsessed with Bollywood songs and dance and now Tollywood. It is almost second nature to me,” says Nora. She will be also seen in a special appearance song 'Alif Se' along with Emraan Hashmi and Gurmeet Choudhary in the film ‘Mr. X’ directed by Vikram Bhatt and produced by Mahesh Bhatt.

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Zayn in the midst of rumours

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Former 1D pop star continues to face wrath of fans and random media speculation

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

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

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 globallysuccessful 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.”

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 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 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.

Singer and songwriter Kee continues to challenge the maledominated music industry with new track

Breaking the mould

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Stars of Brit-flick ‘Amar Akbar & Tony’ shine at premiere The much anticipated British independent comedy – Amar Akbar & Tony premiered in London to a star-studded audience at Cineworld Haymarket, in London’s West End. The evening was hosted by legends of radio and the premiere saw stars of stage and screen join the

impressive cast line up which included; Rez Kempton (Amar), Martin Delaney (Tony), Karen David (Meera), Laura Aikman (Samantha), Amrita Acharia (Richa) and Goldy Notay (Sonia) and Meera Syal (Honey). Celebrity guests included: Kevin Bishop, Michelle Collins, Rebecca Grant, Sunny and Shay Grewall, Mathew Lewis, Gemma Oaten, Seema Pathan, Nikesh Patel, Rishi Rich and Fiona Wade amongst

director Atul Malhotra. A Sikh, Muslim and Irish Catholic take stock of their lives in contemporary London as the film explores the predicaments that face its lead trio. Amar is a whole a host of other stars Sikh whose promising legal who had turned out to support career gets derailed; Akbar is the film and its cast. an ambitious charmer with the Amar Akbar & Tony, which gift of the gab and some acute releases nationwide on Friday observations on life, while 17th April, is a romantic Tony constantly finds himself comedy drama depicting the in love with the wrong woman. lives of three childhood friends The 93-minute movie is a in the unique and vibrant serio-comic exploration of landscape of multicultural ambition and friendship being London. The title is inspired by thwarted by external factors. the 1970’s Bollywood hit The film identifiably belongs ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ and to the multicultural Britain of also ‘takes in a spiritual the present, and the problems influence from the film.’ says faced by the trio transcend time and place. Speaking after the screening director Atul Malhotra thanked the cast and crew for their support and efforts in bringing the film to life commenting: “Making independent films is an inevitably challenging process particularly with limited budgets and without industry backing but sometimes this adversity can be constructive. “This film couldn't have been made without the support of our unbelievably talented cast, crew and composer all of whom have really stood behind the film from the long hours of filming through to the challenges we've faced getting Amar Akbar & Tony into the cinemas. Hopefully the audience will get behind it too.”

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SAEPPRT 2015 15

CERT

JOHN WICK

STARRING: KEANU REEVES, MICHAEL NYQVIST, ALFIE ALLEN, WILLEM DAFOEGUEZ DIRECTOR: DAVID LEITCH, CHAD STAHELSKI GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER When a retired hit man 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. John’s search for his stolen vehicle takes him to a side of New York City that UK RELEA SE D tourists never see, a hyper-real, super0 7/04/201ATE: secret criminal community, where John 5 Wick was once the baddest guy of all.

12A

CERT

FURIOUS 7

STARRING: VIN DIESEL, LUDACRIS, JASON STATHAM, DWAYNE JOHNSON, PAUL WALKER, MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ DIRECTOR: JAMES WAN GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER 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

CHILD 44

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.

WOMAN IN GOLD STARRING: HELEN MIRREN, RYAN REYNOLDS, DANIEL BRÜHL, CHARLES DANCE, MAX IRONS DIRECTOR: SIMON CURTIS GENRE: DRAMA 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:

UK RELEA SE

17/04/20DATE: 15

THE LAST FIVE YEARS STARRING: ANNA KENDRICK, JEREMY JORDAN DIRECTOR: RICHARD LAGRAVANESE 12A GENRE: DRAMA, COMEDY, MUSICAL

10/04/20 15

CERT Filled with the lively energy of New York City's cultural milieu, the film tells the story of the five-year relationship between rising novelist Jamie Wellerstein (Jeremy Jordan) and struggling actress Cathy Hyatt (Anna Kendrick). As Jamie's new novel vaults him to the top of the literary scene, Cathy is still doing summer stock in Ohio, and their diverging levels of success pose pressing and dire challenges to their love. The film tells Cathy's side of the story in reverse order, starting from the end of their marriage, while Jamie's version of events begins when the couple first meets.

CERT

STARRING: TOM HARDY, NOOMI RAPACE, JOEL KINNAMAN, GARY OLDMAN, VINCENT CASSEL DIRECTOR: DANIEL ESPINOSA GENRE: DRAMA, THRILLER

UNFRIENDED 12A

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON SE DATE: UK RELEA

Child 44 15 17/04/20 stars Tom Hardy as secret police agent Leo Demidov in a gripping thriller set in a Soviet Russia ruled by paranoia and fear. When he uncovers evidence of a serial killer, Leo must work against the all-powerful Soviet government – who deny the existence of any crime in their twisted idea of ‘paradise’ – to track him down before he strikes again. But how do you find a killer when crime does not exist?

CERT

STARRING: ROBERT DOWNEY JR, MARK RUFFALO, CHRIS EVANS, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, JEREMY RENNER, SAMUEL L. JACKSON, ELIZABETH OLSEN DIRECTOR: JOSS WHEDON GENRE: ACTION, DRAMA, SCI-FI UK RELEA SE

DATE:

23/04/20 The Marvel superheroes reunite to take on 15 an insane sentient robot bent on destroying mankind! With SHIELD gone and the Avengers needing a rest from saving the world, ace inventor Tony Stark designs a peacekeeping robot, Ultron. But when Ultron decides that humans are the enemy, he begins planning to wipe them off the face of the Earth. To stop Ultron, Tony Stark must reconvene the Avengers, as they face their greatest foe. Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Thor return for Joss Whedon's thrilling, action-packed follow-up to mega-hit Avengers Assemble.

STARRING: SHELLEY HENNIG, RENEE OLSTEAD, JACOB WYSOCKI, WILLIAM PELTZ, COURTNEY TBC CERT HALVERSON DIRECTOR: LEVAN GABRIADZE UK RELEA GENRE: DRAMA, HORROR SE DATE:

/05/2015 The 'found-footage' genre gets a chilling update for the instant messaging generation. While chatting online one night, six high school friends receive a Skype message purportedly from a girl who committed suicide one year ago after a shaming video was shared on the internet. At first they think it's a hoax, until the girl begins to reveal the friends' darkest secrets. The mysterious messenger threatens the girls, telling them that if any of them log out and stop talking, one of them will die. This novel 'found-footage' horror from director Levan Gabriadze (and producer Timur Bekmambetov) has been attracting rave reviews and won the Most Innovative Film prize at the Fantasia Film Festival. Told entirely from the perspective of a computer desktop, Unfriended focuses on the mistrust that builds up among a group of high school students as the truth spills out about them.

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Motors

Packing a

punch! Outstanding driving dynamics by the most powerful Boxster

Porsche is beginning the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder - which made its debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The new top model in the open twoseater series retains the independent character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic fabric roof is still opened and closed by hand, and the sports car is only available with a manual transmission.

Continued on page 84

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Motors

Brake, the road safety charity, has congratulated the government on delivering desperately needed improvements to justice for bereaved and injured victims of disqualified drivers, as part of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act coming into force on Monday 13th April. The new rules mean anyone convicted of causing death by driving while disqualified will face a maximum of 10 years in prison, up

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Tougher sentences for disqualified drivers from only two years previously. Drivers convicted of the new offence of causing serious injury by driving while disqualified will face up to four years in prison. A wider review of all driving offences and charges by the Ministry of Justice is ongoing.

Ed Morrow, campaigns officer for Brake, the road safety charity, said: “This is an important day for everybody involved in campaigning for better justice for victims of criminal driving. “Getting behind the wheel when a court has already found you to be a

danger on the road, and has disqualified you from doing so, is one of the most selfish decision you can make as a driver. It is entirely right that maximum sentences are being increased, and we hope that judges will make use of them where appropriate.

Rocking! Opel debuts its canvas roofed sporty-looking car

Anything but cute and definitely not slow - the brand new Opel Adam Rocks S will celebrate its world premiere at the 2015 International Amsterdam Motorshow. With its sturdy, masculine appearance, the swing top canvas roof and powerful 1.4liter turbo engine the 3.75 meters long Adam Rocks S will appeal to customers who want to combine dynamic driving outside of the city with thirst for adventure, open air feeling and stylish design. The powerful 110 kW/150 hp ECOTEC engine with

Start/Stop makes do with a mere 5.9 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle, which is equivalent to 139 g/km of CO2. It is fitted with a short ratio 6-speed gearbox. Accelerations are those of a small sporty car - 100 km/h are reached in 8.5 seconds - but the Adam Rocks S mainly impresses with great elasticity: it makes the transition for 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in just 7.9 seconds. Top speed is 210 km/h. Equipped for fast and sporty excursions, it has a specially tuned sport chassis, lowered by 15 mm compared to the Adam

Rocks, and a direct sporty steering increases driving pleasure especially on winding country roads. A high performance braking system and an ESP system that can be deactivated offer ambitious drivers the possibility of safely pushing the rock and roll athlete to its limits. Adam Rocks S combines its rugged individuality with open air fun. The standard swing top electrically operated canvas roof gives access to the sky above in just 5 seconds. Parking in the city becomes

child's play when the Adam Rocks is fitted with the optional Advanced Park Assist. At speeds below 30 km/h, the system identifies suitable parking spaces and automatically parks the car. Advanced Park Assist always comes with Side Blind Spot Alert. It uses the ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver of an imminent collision when changing lanes. Side Blind Spot Alert works in speeds ranging from 11 km/h to 140 km/h. And even the most dynamic driver will not have to miss out on all-round connectivity in the Adam Rocks S with Opel's IntelliLink infotainment systems bringing the world of smartphones, both Android and Apple iOS, into the cabin.

“This is a good first step to securing better justice for victims and families, many of whom have been left feeling betrayed by inappropriate charges and paltry sentences. There are a number of other urgent issues with how the justice system handles cases of criminal driving, and Brake will be pressuring whoever forms the next government to follow the current Ministry of Justice review through to a satisfactory conclusion.”

BMW i8

clinches global award For the second time in succession BMW i clinched victory at the World Car Awards in the category World Green Car. Following the success of the purely electrically driven BMW i3 the previous year, the BMW i8 was awarded this prestigious award at the New York International Auto Show. The sports car's combination of groundbreaking plug-in hybrid drive technology and innovative lightweight construction together with its avant-garde design was honoured by the international jury at the World Car Awards. The BMW i8 was also one of the finalists in the category World Luxury Car at the World Car Awards 2015, thereby underlining its special position. The BMW i8 is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle manufactured by the BMW Group. It combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel consumption and emission figures of a subcompact vehicle. The BMW i8 can be driven up to 37 kilometres under electric power alone, accelerate in the style of a purebred sports car and yet its average consumption is that of a subcompact car. Its 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, is combined with an electric motor. The battery can be charged at a conventional power outlet, at a charging station or simply while driving. The system performance of the BMW i8 is 266 kW/362 hp and it accelerates in just 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h from a standing start (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 49 g/km). The extensive use of innovative materials, as well as the i8's energy-efficient production processes also underline the overall, future-oriented concept. The optional laser headlights and the services developed specifically for electro mobility by the BMW ConnectedDrive team are further proof of the progressive direction taken by the BMW i8. The BMW i8 is the BMW Group's third model to be honoured with the World Green Car Award at the World Car Awards, following the BMW 118d in 2008, which represented the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, and the BMW i3 the previous year.

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Continued from page 81 As a true original roadster, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience but with contemporary performance. This means a firm sports suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp (276 kW). Drivers and passengers can thus look forward to a genuine sports-car experience with outstanding driving dynamics in the lightest yet most powerful Boxster there is. It only takes around 4.5 seconds for the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h; the model's top speed is

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Packing a punch! Outstanding driving dynamics by the most powerful Boxster 290 km/h. NEDC overall fuel consumption amounts to 9.9 l/100 km. The distinctive design of the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic elements that recall the legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. For example, as a tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s, the new Boxster Spyder has two prominent

streamlined bulges that extend down along the long rear lid behind the headrests. The partially manually operated, lightweight top is suitable for everyday use and brings to mind roadsters from the past, while the fins that stretch back to the rear lend the vehicle's silhouette its characteristic design. The front and rear end of the model

were taken from the Cayman GT4. More so than in any other Boxster, the interior of the new top model creates an atmosphere that elicits a feeling of pure driving pleasure. The driver and passenger sit in light sports bucket seats with large side supports, while the new steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm helps ensure the mid-

engine roadster can be driven precisely and with great agility. In line with the model's purist design neither a radio nor an air conditioner is included as standard equipment in order to reduce weight. However, both can be ordered ex-factory as optional equipment at no extra cost. In addition, the entire range of Boxster audio systems is available for customers to choose from as an option. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with all of its special features can also be ordered as optional equipment, for example. The new Boxster Spyder will be launched on the market in July 2015.

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New Toyota Avensis 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 6compliant 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 D-4D 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, rain-sensing 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 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.

The all-new McLaren Sports Series brings McLaren race-derived 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 stopstart 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 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

Highest power and lightest car in the sports car segment by almost 150kg means a classleading power-toweight ratio

Setting a new benchmark

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 Pirelli P Zero™ available as a no-cost 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 20inch 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 flat-plane 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.

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April 2015 - 2nd 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.

Akhtar is top performer Jubodhol still top whilst league opens up season, Akhtar’s goals will Borussia Teeth 1-0 Al-Aqsa undoubtedly prove crucial for any A Waleed Akhtar super strike sealed all three points for Borussia say Borussia have on the title. Teeth in this week’s game of the night against AlOld Bacca Boys Aqsa, as his side continue to close in on top spot. Borussia are just three points off the summit after eight games, and despite not averaging the incredible goals per game ratio of last season, they are once again in the winning groove. Instead it is the defensive stability which has enabled the side to climb the table, conceding just three all season, with their latest clean sheet coming courtesy of Al-Aqsa. Victory for Aqsa would have seen them remain just two points off the top yet were eventually leapfrogged by their opponents. Akhtar proved his class in the SLUK Leeds top division last season and his solo effort was enough for all the points this week. With six teams still looking to clinch the top spot come the end of the

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Hyde Park’s Tyler Bussue won the ‘Player of the Year’ accolade last season and showed his best form on Thursday, bagging two against the old rivals, NFA

Man of the Match - Waleed Akhtar

Sport

... rest of the action OBB 3-2 Super Six

A double from Sultan Khan was added to by Shafran Ali as Old Bacca Boys edged past Super Six 3-2. The OBB have only suffered the single defeat this term yet the league’s bottom side looked more than capable of springing an upset throughout with Razza Raffique and Wasim Rashid both netting. Super Six were coming into the game with the most defeats of any team this season and made a lively start in this encounter. Testing the keeper on a number of occasions, either side could have walked away with all the spoils yet the cutting edge of OBB secured them the win. Man of the Match - Sultan Khan

Jubodhol 2-0 Tetley’s Tino

Another week and another victory for league leader’s Jubodhol as they overcame Tetley’s Tino 20. Abdul Kareem and Shanur Ali with the goals for the pre-season favourites who have been living up to their label, and more, this season. With only three goals conceded, no defeats and just four points dropped this term, it is clear to see that Jubodhol will be one of the title challengers come the close of the season. Kareem’s wonder strike started off the scoring before a cool finish from Ali all but wrapped up the game in a contest which the high-flyers deserved to win. Tino’s meanwhile slip to sixth in the table following the loss. Man of the Match - Shanur Ali

NFA 3-3 Hyde Park

A six goal thriller rounded off this week’ SLUK action as last season’s top two were made to share the spoils, in an action-packed 3-3 draw. Shaber Hussain, Mohibur Rahman and Ripon Ali found the net for NFA whilst a double strike for Hyde Park’s Tyler Bussue and one for Muhammed Solomon levelled the encounter. Both sides broke away from the chasing pack last term with the latter edging the closing stages to claim the prestigious Division One title. This year it has been a completely different story with the reining champions currently in third spot, dropping points in four games already this season compared to just five games throughout the whole of the last season. NFA meanwhile are already nine points off top and have earned themselves the unwanted tag of ‘drawspecialists’ with their fifth tie of the season in eight games coming courtesy of Hyde Park.

THURSDAY 6'S DIVISION 1 POS TEAM

PTS

1 Jubodhol

2 Borussia Teeth

3 Hyde Park

4 Old Bacca Boys

5 Al-Aqsa FC

6 Tetleyǯs Tino

7 NFA

8 JackHammer FC

-3

8 8

1 1

2 1

5 6

4 6

8 15

-4 -9

5 4

9 NewBees 10 Super Six

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Sport

PAR-ticularly pleasing

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

FINISHED: Lahiri made the cut after two days at the Masters and finished his final round, parring every hole

Lahiri completes Masters venture ARE BOXING REMATCHES WORTH IT By Khalil Alam info@asianexpress.co.uk

There are rematches in boxing that result from an unfair decision and the fans outrage about the wrong result forces the winning opponent to have a rematch as to prove the first result was no fluke like the Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley fight. The top boxers likes the Klitschko brothers and Floyd Mayweather always ensure that they have a rematch clause in their boxing contract prior to taking on their boxing opponent and this gives them the automatic right to a rematch fight should they happen to lose the first one. There have been some great rematches over the years and they can be very entertaining because as viewers we know what happened the last time the fight happened and there is always going to be the speculation about what is expected. It also gives the losing boxer of the first fight a chance to redeem himself and have his revenge. However as a boxing viewer myself, what I have noticed is that boxing rematches seldom produce a different result and the clear winner of the first fight (if that was the case) will always win the rematch. One of the other problems with boxing rematches in my view is that they often disappoint and it is hard to recapture the magic of the first fight that may

Khalil Alam

have been a fight of the year like the Mike Alvarado vs Brandon Rios rematch fight earlier this year that was a disappointment to say the least. Then there is some boxing rematches that managed to live up to the hype of the first fight and produce an equally entertaining fight the second and even the third time like Anturo Gatti vs Mickey Ward, Marco Antonio Barrera vs Erik Morales and of course Muhammed Ali vs Joe Frazier, even though such great classic rematches are very selective. Last month with my views about rematch fights in mind, I was still looking forward to the second boxing bout between The General Aji Sharif vs “The Giant” Imantas Davidaitis who happened to knockout Sharif in their first fight. Sharif’s boxing career had got off to a flying start and he had looked very good against the more experienced and established opponents until he took on the rangy 6ft 9inch tall, “beast of a man” Imantas Davidaitis.. Sharif was caught by a good punch by Davidaitis and was stopped in the second round. The rematch this weekend ended with the same result for the brave Sharif as Davidatis dominated the fight and secured a fourth round stoppage with the referee Kevin McCann deciding Sharif was not fit to continue. In boxing it is sometimes wise for the losing opponent to accept his defeat and move on to the next opponent especially during the early years of a boxer’s career like Sharif. The pride of a boxer sometimes can let him down in the ring and the rematch itself can be the worst move of their career because boxing history has proved the end result is usually the same.

It may not have been the Masters tournament Anirban Lahiri had dreamt of but his credible T49 position finish firmly established his name amongst the world’s best. Making the cut after two days, standing at just two over par, the number one ranked Indian, and only representative of the giant south Asian nation, went above many expectations. His first round was shot in one-under par, landing just one bogey alongside a pair of birdies for a dream start and the best round of his four-day experience. Day two followed with a three-over 75, before a two-over 74 in the third. The final round 72 was incredible in itself, parring every hole on the day. Ending on four-over 292, the current Asian Tour number one will certainly remember his first Masters appearance. Elsewhere on the course, Jordan Spieth clinched the Masters Title and put his name in the record book as the 21-year-old Texan led from Day One. Hitting the most birdies in the tournament’s history (27) surpassing Phil Mickelson’s 25, and tying the course record with Tiger Woods, it was a great four days for the American. Hotly tipper Rory McIlroy was just further down the pecking order in fourth spot 12-under, whilst Woods finished five-under, in 17th.

No points again for stuttering constructors

For the first time in the Hulkenberg-Perez era, Force India have recorded back-to-back blanks on the scoreboard as the constructors left the Shanghai Grand Prix empty handed once again. Coming into the race off a disappointing ‘nopoints’ in Malaysia, both drivers looked determined to change their fortunes around last weekend, racing out of the blocks and quickly moving up the grid. However, nightmare struck for German Hulkenberg when an engine failure forced him to retire the course after just ten laps. With no teammate on the track, the pressure was on Perez to pick up the points, and despite looking likely to clinch that elusive solitary mark, he missed the cut by one place. Speaking after the latest race, Deputy Team Principal, Robert Fernley remained upbeat about the side’s future. He said: “We leave China with mixed feelings after a busy race. Sergio performed really well and was unlucky not to see his performance rewarded with a point. “He was in a number of battles and was able to compete on more or less an equal footing with some of our direct rivals, which offers an encouraging view for the coming races. “It was a shame to lose Nico due to a technical issue, especially as he had made very good progress in the first part of the race. Like Sergio, he was showing some really good pace and it would have been interesting to see where he would have finished had he continued. “ Elsewhere on the track, handbags were once again seen between the Merecedes’ duo, Hamilton and Rosberg, as the prior took pole in a one-two finish. Drivers will have little time to prepare for their next race as the Bahrain Grand Prix arrives this weekend as another fascinating Formula One campaign continues to unfold.

Not such a FORCE

UNLUCKY: Despite showing good pace around the track and in later stages, Sergio Perez was only able to clinch an 11th placed finish

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April 2015 - 2nd Edition

Sport

Kickboxing Kings heading Stateside

Bradford trio prepare for World Championships

Back page story continued

“It is absolutely fantastic to see what these three have achieved and just goes to show that if you work hard enough and put enough effort into it, then you can achieve what you want. “Ahsaan, Robbie and Harris have been winning everything in this country so I look forward to seeing how they do against the world’s best.” Robbie is the oldest representative from the club to be competing in the prestigious contest and only took up the sport of kickboxing around three years ago. A telecoms engineer by day, the keen fan of mixed martial arts began training at Physical Impact through a friend’s recommendation and has never looked back. Like clubmates, Harris and Ahsaan, he qualified for the finals thanks to success in a national tournament and is hopeful for success in America. “To have this opportunity in front of me, to go to another country and represent England is a massive achievement and one I hope will be a regular thing,” he said. “It is going to be a completely different challenge for all three of us and I will be going into it open minded because I do not know what the quality of the opposition

will be like. “We will give it our all and I just keep working as hard as possible to achieve the best result.” Physical Impact has been running out of its current base on Harris Street, Bradford, for around two-and-a-half years, training young and old members in kickboxing and helping as a fitness club. All abilities, ages and genders are welcomed with classes run for different groups every week by qualified instructors. Whether you want to be the

TRAINING: Mohammed Shaban and Jessica Midgley are trainers at Physical Impact and oversee all ages and abilities

next world champion, or just shred some pounds before the summer, Physical Impact provides the premises and motivation you need to achieve all your goals.

“It is absolutely fantastic to see what these three have achieved and just goes to show that if you work hard enough and put enough effort into it, then you can achieve what you want.”

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Sport

SPORT By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Three sporting champions from Bradford are preparing to fly half way around the world later this year as they represent England in an international martial arts contest. Local trio, Harris Qurban, 15, Ahsaan Haq, 17, and Robbie Kennedy, 27, are hoping to clinch gold in the Sunshine State of Florida as they compete in the WKC World Championships in October. Representing their country will be a new experience for all three competitors but one which club trainer, Mohammed Shaban, believes they are all prepared for. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All three of them deserve their place in the championships and they will be the first members of this club to represent England so I am very proud of them,â&#x20AC;? he said.

April 2015 - 2nd Edition

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SKILLED: (l-r) Robbie Kennedy, Harris Qurban and Ahsaan Haq will be flying off to the WKC World Championships in Florida in October as they represent England

Continued on page 91

Kickboxing Kings heading Stateside

Bradford trio prepare for World Championships

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