Asian Express Yorkshire - June 4th Edition 2015

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Express JUNE 4TH EDITION 2015

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JUNE 4TH EDITION 2015

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Grandmother’s care is

un-CONTAINER-ble

By Ashley Grint Bradford resident prepares for aid mission to poverty-stricken Continued on page 8 Burkina Faso ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

See page 4

LEEDS TO MONACO

CHALLENGE Five days, five countries, one memorable adventure See page 70

INDIAN FUNDING FOR PAKISTAN’S MQM PARTY?

The appeal for donations is over and the time for action has arrived as a Bradford grandmother prepares to take on her latest aid mission in Africa.

EDUCATIONAL: As well as taking almost 100 sewing machines to Burkina Faso, Razia will help distribute 9,000 books to schools in the African nation after sending off her 40 foot container last week

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June 2015 - 4th Edition

Leeds couple granted right to STAY Protestors celebrate after successful campaign against deportation of ‘at risk’ husband and wife

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A Leeds couple, who faced the threat of deportation earlier this week, have said they are overwhelmed at the support they received after winning their ‘shortterm’ right to stay in the UK. Raja Khouja and Mahmoud Alhassan successfully appealed their deportation on Wednesday 24th June, after Qatar Airways refused to fly the couple on ‘medical grounds’.

They were due to be flown to Saudi Arabia on Thursday after the Home Office had initially denied them a right to stay in the country following the expiration of their visas.

Raja, initially from Syria, is a long time campaigner and activist for women’s rights, and had received threats of imprisonment, mutilation and death from the Saudi Mutawa if she was taken to the Arab country.

Although her’s and her husband’s deportation has been put on hold for the time being, it is still only viewed as the first step in the appeal process which is likely to continue in the coming weeks.

Speaking after the hearing, Raja praised the ‘democratic’ decision and the support of her campaigners.

“I am so happy and delighted at the way so many people have supported me,” she said.

“I thank everybody who has spoken out for me from the bottom of my heart. I run out of words to thank you enough.

“God bless you and God bless the people of Britain. Britain is a democratic country where there is justice and human rights and people can speak out for what they

APPEAL: Raja Khouja and Mahmoud Alhassan have been living in the UK since 2010 since war broke out in Syria. They are now in the process of appealing their deportation to Saudi Arabia

believe in as you have just shown by doing it for me.

“My dream is that one day we will be able to do the same across the Arab world.”

Last week, protests were held outside Leeds’ Immigration Centre at Waterside Court, Kirkstall Road, where more than 100 people gathered to voice their concerns over the potential deportation.

Campaigners held signs showing support for Raja and Mahmoud, with speeches made and songs for the couple sung over the one hour demonstration.

Meanwhile, an online petition, which was only set up one week ago, has gathered over 97,000 signatures, calling on Britain’s Home Secretary, Theresa May, to stop the deportation.

Sarah Fishwick, one of the key organisers of the Leeds protest and change.org petition, welcomed

Raja and Mahmoud into her home for one year when the couple where without accommodation.

She said during the protest that the turnout reflected their love in the community.

“Raja undertook activism whilst living in Syria for women’s rights issues in Saudi Arabia and she has had threats against her of imprisonment, mutilation and even execution,” she said.

“This turnout here just shows how much they are loved by the local community in Leeds.

“Raja and Mahmoud are two of the nicest people you will meet and all they have ever done is work for human rights. They should never have been put in the situation they find themselves in.”

Specialist immigration solicitor, Emma Brooksbank, of Simpson Millar, has been representing the pair since their initial arrest and

VOICE: Sarah Fishwick helped organise a demonstration in Leeds as well as an online petition for Raja and Mahmoud, gathering over 97,000 signatures

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DEMO: Signs, appealing for an end to the potential removal of Raja and Mahmoud from the UK, were held by supporters

detainment at Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre on 5th June.

Praising the decision of the airline and court, she said: “We are not at the finish line yet, but this is very good news.

“We thank the courts for hearing our case today and also Qatar Airways for listening to our calls and choosing in this instance not to transport Raja and Mahmoud.

Raja is in particular danger from the authorities in Saudi Arabia where religious police have made repeated death threats against her.

“Ironically, it appears that our repeated calls for Yarl’s Wood to

support Mahmoud’s diabetes medication regime during his incarceration has been helpful in this instance, given that Qatar Airways was able to refuse his transport on medical grounds.

Nevertheless we believe this gesture shows the power people can have if they co-ordinate their efforts for a just cause.”

She added: “Raja and Mahmoud were facing removal to Saudi Arabia, despite having lived in Syria together for over 13 years before the war broke out and Raja having never lived in Saudi before.

“They have been in the UK since

November 2010 having originally arrived on tourist visas and making several applications to remain.

“Raja has been hounded from afar by the Saudi-based ‘Mutawa’.

They are Islamic Religious police who enforce Sharia law under the guise of something called ‘the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice’.

“She received at least three threats on her life for actions such as observing International Women’s Day Festivals and writing articles promoting the rights of women to vote, show their faces in public, drive a car, and so on.”

SUPPORT: Young and old campaigners gathered during the Leeds protest on Tuesday

STAY: Treasurer and founder of the Syrian Community of Leeds, Fawaz Alghofari, said the couple were in extreme danger should they be forced to go to Saudi Arabia

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Leeds to Monaco Challenge Five days, five countries, one memorable adventure CHALLENGE: The Leeds to Monaco five day adventure will raise money for the Give a Gift initiative

JOURNEY: Jump in your car and join the challenging drive which will pass through five countries this August

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

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Ever dreamt of getting behind the wheel of your car to experience some of Europe’s most famous roads?

Well now, thanks to the first ever Give a Gift Leeds to Monaco Challenge, that dream can become a reality as car enthusiasts are given the chance to experience five days of adrenaline pumping driving.

Starting off in Leeds, drivers and their passengers will take on famous routes through the country before they cross over the border and experience what Europe’s roads have to offer.

Every morning, challenges will be presented to the groups in secret envelopes which will include their route for the day, taking them on a memorable adventure. With three unknown countries included in the tour, this is a challenge quite like no other.

Give a Gift ambassador, Habib Khan, will be completing the route in August and explained more about the challenge.

“We wanted to do something different this year to raise money for our two causes - the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary and Martin House Children’s Hospice,” he said.

“The Leeds to Monaco challenge is the perfect fundraiser for car fanatics who want to experience an adventure quite like no other.

“All you need is your passport, and fuel card, we will arrange the rest. Every morning you will wake up in your hotel room to a new

challenge which will include the country we will be travelling through.

“Finishing off the route in Monaco and a drive through the picturesque French Riviera, the experiences you have will stay with you forever.”

MAP: Every morning of the trip, drivers will be handed a secret challenge with their route for the day

Limited spaces are available on the challenge which will run from Thursday 27th August to Monday 31st.

If you would like to find out more about the challenge please contact the Give a Gift team on 07867 760 216.

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Remembering the ‘Bradford Pals’

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Joanne Dodds, is inviting people to attend an event to remember the sacrifices made by the Bradford Pals during the First World War. The commemoration is an annual event that ensures the sacrifice made by the Bradford Pals on 1st July 1916 - the first day of the Battle of the Somme, is never forgotten.

The event will take place on Wednesday 1st July at 11am at the Bradford Pals’ Memorial, in the Memorial Garden behind the Bradford Cenotaph.

A service will be conducted by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, with contributions from Lidget Green Primary School pupils and members of the Bradford World War One Group.

REMEMBER: Candles were lit by community groups in memory of the victims of the Nepal earthquake

GATHERING: Around 350 people attended the event on Sunday which raised thousands of pounds for charity

Bradford Hindu community raises £4,000 for earthquake victims

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As Father’s Day arrived last weekend, Dads across the UK were treated to a day dedicated to themselves, celebrating with a family meal or perhaps a trip away.

In Bradford, it was an infectious musical beat which helped a host of fathers celebrate the annual date as they took to the dance floor to help raise money for charity.

On Sunday 21st June, a spectacular cultural evening was seen at the Ukrainian Community Centre with more than 350 people gathering in aid of Sewa UK’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal.

From live music by Shakti Vrund, to traditional Raas Garba dancing, the event brought communities together for an evening of entertainment.

Amongst the many guests was Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin, of Bradford and Keighley, who even joined in with the traditional Hindu dance himself.

In total, £4,000 was raised for the appeal which will go towards funding the ongoing relief efforts in Nepal, carried out since two large earthquakes struck the nation around two months ago.

Event co-ordinator, Harkishan Mistry, said he was delighted with the success of the evening and hoped the event would inspire

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

DANCE: Guests took part in some traditional Raas Garba dancing

others to hold their own fundraisers in the near future.

“We had around 350 people come down on Sunday, which was a great turnout considering it was Father’s day,” he said, “so a big thank you goes out to all those who helped make the event a success.

“It was great to welcome the Chief Superintendent to the event and local councillors as well who got involved with every aspect of the night. In the end they didn’t even want to sit down.”

As well as the relaxed entertainment atmosphere, the serious matter of raising funds for the earthquake victims was at the centre of the night.

Retired Major Laxmi Bhakta Bantawa, of the British Army Brigade of Gurkhas, delivered a

speech charged with emotion about the devastation in his homeland before a short video was shown to those in attendance highlighting some of the devastation in the disaster-hit region.

Representatives from various organisations were then asked to light a candle in memory of those who lost their lives, followed shortly after by a minute’s silence.

“Major Laxmi Bhakta Bantawa spoke with such passion that it really touched home with the crowd,” Harkishan added.

“I know a lot of people were unable to make it out on the night which is understandable but I would urge others to build on this night’s success and hold events of their own.

“Together we can make a difference by helping to raise funds for those most in need.”

The Nepal earthquake has resulted in thousands of people losing their lives, leaving many more injured or homeless.

Sewa UK are currently working with a number of partner organisations in Nepal to provide much needed support and relief to the survivors.

If you would like to make a donation towards the appeal, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ bradfordnepalearthquake

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Grandmother’s care is

un-CONTAINER-ble FULL: The 40-foot container was ‘full to the brim’ with supplies when it was sent off on Wednesday

Bradford resident prepares for aid mission to poverty-stricken Burkina Faso

Cover story continued

55-year-old Razia Amini has spent the past year collecting all sorts of supplies from school uniforms to books, and sewing machines to computers, in anticipation of her trip to Burkina Faso in August.

Last week, on Wednesday 24th June, the Heaton resident was given a helping hand as she loaded the huge collection onto a 40-foot long container, ready to be distributed in some of the world’s most remote areas.

With the container expected to arrive in eight to ten weeks, Razia will join the cargo later this summer where she will help deliver and distribute the goods.

Having already completed similar missions to the Gambia in recent years alongside the Humanity First charity, this year’s trip will be her first time in Burkina Faso.

“To finally send off the container is a big achievement and I want to thank everybody who has donated or helped the appeal in some way,” Razia said.

“We have previously only taken 20-foot containers but this year we

have doubled the size of the donations which will hopefully help twice as many people. It is literally full to the brim.”

She added: “A special mention must go out to Queensbury School in Bradford and Huddersfield’s Almondbury Community School for their support.”

Upon arrival, Razia and two other fundraisers from Humanity First are hoping to set up self-operating ‘sewing centres’, taking with them 80 sewing machines and all basic equipment.

“Our initial plan is to hire one member of staff,” she explained.

“She will be trained in the field before she then shares her knowledge and skills to the group which will enable the site to run independently and self-sufficiently.

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

As well as utilising the many sewing machines, Razia has also collected enough books to open her own mini library with more than 9,000 donated of every genre.

These will be taken to schools alongside enough facilities to furnish at least four full classrooms and thousands of items of stationery.

With toys, clothes and even medical supplies also included in the unit, Razia says she is now ready to take on the mission.

“After all the hard work of collecting the goods, I am now looking forward to going out there in August,” she said.

“It will be a new experience for me in Burkina Faso but one I hope to take full advantage of.”

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“A personal target is to reach the 25,000 milestone which would be a huge achievement for the charity and would help raise so much money for families around the world during Ramadan.”

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GIFTS: 70,000 packs of dates were donated to the appeal and will be distributed to mosques during Ramadan

TASTY: Abdul Basit is one of the managers of this year’s Cake Appeal and says there has already been an ‘incredible’ response

Fundraising is a

‘piece of cake’ this Ramadan

The great cake campaign returns to the UK

By Ashley Grint

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

“Tubzee’s vision is to make Gelato Giovanni, the most prominent Italian ice cream brand in the UK”

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After raising more than £300,000 since 2013, the tastiest fundraising campaign of the year has returned this month with chocolate fudge cakes once again distributed across the country.

Islamic Relief’s #Cakes4Syria campaign raises funds for the charity’s work overseas in Syria, with the dessert concept introduced during a time of fasting for Muslims around the world.

What started out as a small project in Bradford only two years ago has now expanded into a national operation, with hundreds of volunteers helping to make it a success.

Last Wednesday alone, more than 1,500 cakes were distributed across the country with

Birmingham, Oldham, Bradford and London just some of the areas covered.

Abdul Basit, who is managing the campaign this year, said the response had already been incredible with people ordering up to 50 cakes at a time.

“Building on the success of last year, where we had around 21,000 orders, we are again operating across the country and hope to grow the Cake Campaign even more this year,” he said.

“A personal target is to reach the 25,000 milestone which would be a huge achievement for the charity and would help raise so much money for families around the world during Ramadan.

“A big thank you has to go out to all our volunteers because without them, this would not work. They give their time and effort whilst fasting to make the campaign a success and we cannot

repay them for their generosity.”

The #Cakes4Syria campaign began in 2013 with just four mobile phones taking orders across the North of England.

After realising the demand for the cakes was on a much larger scale, a new order system was developed to improve efficiency with call centres now operating across DELIVERY: Calligraphist Ismail the country, whilst online Hussayn helped take cakes out to orders will also hopefully be homes in Sheffield last weekend introduced in the near future.

Abdul explained how not every order is just for the one actions.”

As the cake campaign continues cake.

“We have all sorts of orders to build up interest ahead of Eid come in,” he said. “The other day next month, an extra treat will a man rang up and I answered the also soon be handed out during Ramadan. phone.

Earlier this month, 70,000 packs “He said he wanted to order two cakes – one for himself and of dates were donated to the one for a neighbour so I joked project and will be distributed ‘why not buy one for all your amongst mosques in the coming weeks. neighbours?’.

Keep an eye out for ‘The Cake “He followed this up with an order of around 50 cakes. Campaign’ on social media to Amazingly he is not the only keep up to date with the latest person to do such charitable news.

DISTRIBUTE: The London team gather after an exhausting delivery day last Wednesday

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A Bradford lawyer celebrated the summer in style last month as she was invited to attend a very royal garden party.

Ruby Bhatti, a highly successful consultant solicitor with 20 years experience in the legal field, was taken by surprise when an invitation arrived at her home from Buckingham Palace.

Being ever-humble about her community-cohesion work, Ruby, who holds an impressive 17 public sector and third sector appointments, said that she was taken aback when she realised what the envelope contained.

“I don’t why I got the invitation,” she said. “It was an incredible honour and I’m so proud that I could represent all the initiatives I support. It’s a day that I will treasure in my memory forever.”

The legal ace continues to astound friends and family with her ability to balance her professional work with her numerous voluntary roles and of course her own personal life, showing commitment in everything she does.

Over the past 18 years, she has gained experience in various non-executive directorships as well as being a chair of a number of primary schools and holding a position as a panel member for a number of organisations.

Well done Ruby – keep showing us how it’s all done.

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Woman of substance DEDICATED: Ruby Bhatti dedicates herself to 17 public and private sector appointments as well as working as a solicitor

Royal garden party invitation for Bradford legal eagle

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‘Inspirational’ midwife team, ‘Inspirational’ mother

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ team, whose care and compassion shone through when caring for a terminally ill patient, have spoken of their experience during a national conference aimed at raising awareness of cancer during pregnancy.

The group from the Bradford Royal Infirmary’s labour ward talked about the unique challenges they faced when working alongside the Trust’s palliative care team to support first-time mother, Nasreen Akhtar, 36, after she discovered she had terminal cancer.

The initial plan to discharge Nasreen from the maternity unit following her baby’s birth at just 28 weeks gestation never materialised as she became too ill to continue with planned treatment.

Nasreen continued to be nursed on the labour ward for more than a month until she passed away. The proximity of her room to the neonatal unit next door enabled Nasreen to spend more time with her baby at any time of the day or night.

Speaking at the conference at Salford University on Thursday 18th June during national Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week were labour ward matron, Sheila Nolan and midwives, Jodie Adams and Rachael Jones. Sheila told fellow health

professionals how a team came together with a single vision to develop a palliative care plan.

This plan maintained the very best of standards to support Nasreen and her family, with the support of the hospital’s chaplaincy team.

She added: “Nasreen deserved the time to bond with her baby like any other new mother. By facilitating palliative care on the labour ward, we were able to ensure that mother and baby were kept in close contact and able to spend precious time together.

“To be able to provide continuity of care many of us stepped outside our comfort zone as we deliver babies daily but had no or little experience of providing palliative care.

“Our midwifery team bonded together to provide a core service in delivering Nasreen’s care – many of whom volunteered to work extra shifts to ensure that Nasreen always had someone she knew with her at all times.

“This was an extraordinary case with exceptional circumstances. Nasreen was with us for just over four weeks before she passed, and for every day of that time she was a mother first and a cancer patient second.

Caring for such an inspirational, courageous and extraordinary individual was a privilege and has left a lasting impression on all of us.”

The conference was hosted by the Mummy’s Star Charity and also heard from speakers from across the UK and Europe.

EXEMPLARY: The maternity and labour ward at BRI were awarded the 2014 Team of the Year Award for their work caring for Nasreen Akhtar

PC Doctor scoops national award

West Yorkshire Police is celebrating this week after winning a prestigious National Award.

The competition, run by the British Medical Association (BMA), is for the ‘Doctors as Volunteers’ poster campaign and is now in its second year, recognising the BMA's commitment to recognising the benefits of medical volunteering.

The Force's winning entry, designed by the Corporate Communications Department, features Dr

Faraaz De Belder, who alongside his medical career, also volunteers as a Special Constable for the Kirklees District.

Mr De Belder said: “Being a Special Constable and serving my community is an honour and one that provides me with immeasurable life skills and experience that can be used in my day job as a doctor.

“I would strongly encourage anyone interested to look into becoming a Special Constable: it is something I have not regretted.”

Care of terminally ill Bradford patient commended on national stage

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RECOVERING: Mr Uzomah described the attack as the ‘most traumatic event of his life’

June 2015 - 4th Edition

Stabbed teacher ‘overwhelmed’ with support Teen charged with attempted murder as victim’s recovery continues A Bradford teacher, who was stabbed in the stomach by a pupil last week, says he ‘thanks God for sparing his life’ after recovering in hospital.

Mr Vincent Uzomah was teaching at Dixons Kings Academy, in Lidget Green, when he was attacked by a 14-year-old pupil.

He was taken to hospital where his injuries were described as not life threatening but has been recovering from the incident ever since.

Earlier this week, Mr Uzomah, from Leeds, issued a statement, thanking the public for their support as he continues on his road to recovery.

“I wish to express my heartfelt

gratitude to God and to everyone for all the support that myself and family have received during the course of the traumatic event of my life,” he said.

“It has been 12 days since this event occurred and I thank the Lord Jesus for sparing my life.

“I further wish to take this opportunity to thank all the doctors and nurses, in fact all the healthcare professionals that worked so hard to ensure that I am still here today. I have always heard and read that NHS is a first class service, and now I have experienced it. Thank God for the NHS. “I wish also to thank the headteacher and colleagues at Dixons Kings Academy, and

those of other schools across West and North Yorkshire for their support during these very trying times for me and my family. The same also go to The Vice-Chancellor, staff and students of University of Salford for their support.

“My heartfelt appreciation also goes to West Yorkshire Police in their hard work and support on this case.

“My family and I appreciate the overwhelming support, love and care that we have received from friends and well-wishers, as I continue on the path towards recovery. Thank you all.”

Meanwhile, the teenager has since been charged with attempted murder and possession of cannabis and is remanded to appear before Bradford Crown Court on Monday 29th June.

Your say on Bradford’s highways

Around 4,000 residents across Bradford will be invited to give their views on the way Bradford Council manages highways across the District.

The Council is one of 86 local authorities to sign up to a survey that will ask the same range of questions to all residents so the results can be compared nationally.

The residents will be picked randomly to receive the questionnaire in the post but they will also be given the option to fill it online. The surveys are being sent out this week and next week.

It should only take about 20 minutes to fill in with questions ranging from the condition of the roads and footways to the quality of local bus services.

Pupils ‘growing together’

More than 240 pupils from Headfield Junior School, Thornhill Junior and Infant School, Overthorpe C of E Academy and Thornhill Community Academy have joined forces to celebrate the achievements of a unique year-long project.

‘Growing Together’ has seen pupils from all four schools work together to look at gardening, plants and the food we eat.

They have forged new friendships by meeting up regularly to work together on different gardening related activities as well as to create their own ‘Growing Together’ song.

At their celebration event last week, pupils from all four schools enjoyed a performance of their song and, amongst other things, created giant pictures of their ideal garden and competed in ‘Vegetable Olympics’.

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Rajput Jewellers is not just a jewellery showroom, but it is also a home to some of the best craftsmen, who have mastered the art of jewellery making in varied styles. Our workshop is equipped with state-of-the infrastructure which delivers various creative styles of uniquely designed and handcrafted jewellery specializing in Bridal sets, Necklace sets, bracelets, Rani’s haars, bangles, earrings, crowns and pendant sets.

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Startup business bus tour to visit Leeds Following a high profile Downing Street launch, national enterprise campaign ‘StartUp Britain’ has hit the road and will arrive in Leeds next week on the way to helping the number of UK businesses started in 2015 to reach a record 600,000.

At the launch on Tuesday, surrounded by entrepreneurs, David Cameron announced that the target set for the governmentbacked Start Up Loans company three years ago of awarding 30,000 loans to entrepreneurs by 2015 has been achieved. 350 loans, worth £1.97 million have been made to individuals in Leeds and 2,319 loans, worth £12.23 million, to people across the Yorkshire and Humber region as a whole during this period.

For a fourth year, the campaign

is touring Britain with a bus full of startup experts and champions, to provide inspiration and support to tens of thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs. As one of 25 stops across the country, the bus will be parked in Briggate from 10am to 4pm on Thursday 2nd July.

Joining leading small business software company Sage as a headline sponsor of the tour, RBS is providing its iconic 1966 Routemaster bus, the NatWest Mobile Business School, wrapped with campaign branding to catch the eyes of passersby on the high street and on the open road.

Government backed Start Up Loans Company and Upwork, the world leader in online work, are also supporters. On board, the sponsors will be giving one-to-one advice and workshops to aspiring

and early stage entrepreneurs, while local business organisations will provide mentoring and local guidance.

The tour’s national partners include FSB, British Chambers of Commerce and UKTI, which recently launched the First Time Exporters Initiative to provide advice and support to help companies expand into international markets.

The bus will have made stops at Canary Wharf, in Newcastle town centre and Birmingham’s Centenary Square on its way to Leeds and will go on to visit Cardiff, Edinburgh, Inverness, Bristol, Brighton and Plymouth among many others.

StartUp Britain director, Matt Smith said: “Since StartUp Britain launched in 2011 we have seen record breaking numbers of people each year starting businesses, showing that the entrepreneurial spirit within Britain continues to grow.

“By parking the bus in town squares across the country, we want to give people the confidence and inspiration to turn their business ideas into reality.”

Start Up Loans is a £310 million government-funded initiative that provides startup support in the form of a repayable loan together with a business mentor for individuals hoping to start up a business across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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Bradford College –

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ADVERTORIAL

Transforming Futures Bradford College offers one of the widest choices of careerfocussed courses for school leavers and young people in West Yorkshire. We think we are a great alternative to school and offer vocational and academic courses that are packed full with the skills and knowledge required by today’s employers. So, whether you want to go straight into employment or move on to Higher Education we can help you to find the right pathway.

We’ve transformed our campus to help transform your future. Our clever, conceptual campus includes Wi-Fi access throughout the campus, innovative and flexible classroom spaces, various informal learning spaces, a roof-top garden, wellequipped learning resource centres; a gym, restaurant, hair and beauty salons, café bars, art exhibition gallery and a digital and creative media centre. Go to our website www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk to watch our video, which showcases our fantastic new campus.

All students will have the opportunity to join our active and successful Students’ Union which was winner of the NUS Awards 2013 ‘Further Education Students Union of the Year.’ Our Students’ Union provides support for clubs and societies, fun activities, volunteering opportunities and much more!

Our 2015/2016 Further Education Prospectus provides information about our huge range of careerfocussed courses for people aged between 16 and 18. We offer courses in a wide range of subjects including: Access to Higher Education, Apprenticeships, Arts and Media, Beauty Therapy, Business, Computing, Construction, Education, Early Years, Engineering, English, Entry Pathways, ESOL, Film, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Mathematics, Public Services, Science, Sport and Travel and Tourism.

Our priority is to give you the edge when it comes to employment by offering you courses which meet the needs of local, regional and national employers. That is why you will enjoy guest speakers from

industry, work p l a c e m e n t s, enrichment activities and support to plan your career.

The college encourages students to be independent and achieve their goals and our highly qualified teaching staff provide support throughout each course. Our professional careers advisers also offer guidance about progression, employment and further studies.

Our University Centre – of which our degrees are validated by Teesside University also provides

high quality university education that helps students to reach their potential and make a rewarding contribution to their community.

Dependant on your age and situation we have various sources of financial support to make studying that little bit easier, such as our Learner Support Fund Grants. If you are aged between 16 and 18, these grants provide a premium bursary and a standard bursary for those who need financial help

(subject to meeting eligibility criteria). For more information contact our Student Finance Team on 01274 433 246.

Visit our next open day on Saturday 4th July between 11am – 2pm to find out more about our courses, meet our tutors, talk to our students and try hands-on activities which will give you a flavour of what your chosen subject is really like.

You can also take a tour of our impressive new campus.

For more information about Bradford College or details about courses starting September 2015, please contact our friendly Course Enquiries Team on Tel: 01274 433 333, Email: information@bradfordcollege.ac.uk or visit: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk. You can also be part of the College community by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or Instagram.

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The fourth annual, SAA-uk Summer Solstice Festival finally arrived last weekend as Indian artists from across the world flew into Leeds for a long night of entertainment.

On Saturday 20th June, musicians and crowds gathered at Leeds’ Left Bank church building, where music was played throughout the evening and into the morning, running from 8pm until 6am.

People of all ethnicities and cultures turned out for musical treats from renowned tabla player, Sanju Sahai, traditional Indian ‘raag’ sounds from Deepa Nair, and further acts from the world’s stage.

Held every year to celebrate the longest day and shortest night, Keranjeet Kaur Virdee, chief executive of SAA-uk, said it was another night to remember.

“The festival proves to be a magical and captivating night every year and we were delighted to welcome international musicians back to Leeds this year.”

“The festival proves to be a magical and captivating night every year and we were delighted to welcome international musicians back to Leeds this year,” she said.

“Indian classical music relies on a system of ragas and melodic modes, each sound has its own unique personality, which can be mesmerising to the listener.

“We know that our concert is a firm favourite amongst those who practice and appreciate the art-form, but it is also great to see those who are unfamiliar with Indian music coming

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down to experience the magical sounds on offer.”

Amongst the many acts showcasing their talents on Saturday was international flute player and composer, Rakesh Chaurasia.

The award winning musician has played at prominent festivals across the world in recent years and wowed the Leeds crowd with his melodic tunes.

Meanwhile, the evening’s entertainment kicked off with one of the UK’s finest young violinists of Carnatic music, Dr Achuthan Sripathmanathan, and his fellow musicians.

He was followed by Deepa Nair before Pandit Sanju Sahai took on the midnight hour with his incredible finesse and dexterity through the language of Tabla.

Mehboob Nadeem played sitar in the very early hours of the morning, before the call for dawn was taken on by the amazing flute of Rakesh Chaurasia and formidable tabla of Bhupinder Singh Chaggar.

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Furniture, carpets, dozens of bricks, large pieces of wood and household waste were just some of the items abandoned along Halifax Road – the main road between Halifax and Bradford – on the track between Carr House Road and Carr House Lane, Shelf.

Members of the Council’s Safer, Cleaner, Greener team set to work removing the waste; there was so much that they had to use a tractor. The track is now clean again and the Council has put in a new barrier to try to prevent further fly-tipping.

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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 have constant dull tired looking skin. With a cousin's wedding coming up in the summer, is there anything you can do to help me?

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MP calls for ‘new measures’ in fight against extremism Husbands of missing Bradford family meet with Keith Vaz

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Britain’s chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, Keith Vaz, says the time for ‘finger pointing’ has passed and action must now be taken to deter British nationals from fleeing the country to join extremists abroad.

The prominent MP made the announcement following a meeting on

Monday with the husbands of two of the three Bradford sisters who are feared to have travelled to Syria with their children to join Islamic State.

It is believed that Khadija Dawood, 30, Sugra Dawood, 34, and Zohra Dawood, 33, boarded a plane with their children - aged between three and 15, to Istanbul, Turkey, on 9th June, where they are likely to have then travelled over the border into Syria to join IS forces.

URGENCY: Leicester MP Keith Vaz says a 24/7 hotline between the UK and Turkey must be established to have the best chance of stopping possible runaway Brits crossing into Syria

Mr Vaz met with Sugra’s husband, Akhtar Iqbal, and Mohammad Shoaib, husband of Khadija, to discuss the case and how the UK can do more to prevent such events happening again.

Following the meeting on Monday, the Leicester MP said in a statement: “I met today with the fathers and their legal representatives for one and a quarter hours. They were clearly heartbroken, and want to be reunited with their wives and children as soon as possible.

“They expressed serious concerns about how the police have dealt with their wives over a number of months. I will be meeting with the Counter Terror Unit from the region tomorrow.”

Mr Vaz says there are a number of new measures and legislation that must be implemented to deter others from crossing over to join jihadist groups.

“Firstly, we need a hotline between the UK and Istanbul,” he continued. “Isis work on a 24/7 basis and our Consulate in Istanbul must also work continuously.

“We cannot continue to rely on emails. Rather like the Bethnal Green case (which saw three teenage girls run away to Turkey to join IS) , the system needs to cope better with these urgent cases.

“Secondly, the police need to meet with the fathers at a senior level urgently to clear the lines of communication.

“Thirdly, the prime minister is right that we must bring an end to the ‘finger pointing’. This is a fight for hearts and minds of British citizens being groomed by Isis.

Our efforts need to be led by the families and communities.”

In a letter sent to Mr Vaz last week, lawyers from Khan Solicitors – representing the

MISSING: The three Bradford sisters and their nine children, aged between three and 15, have been missing since Tuesday 9th June

husbands, slammed the police’s handling of the case, alleging they were ‘complicit’ in the ‘grooming and radicalisation’ of the three sisters.

By ‘actively promoting’ contact from the sisters to a brother who was known to be fighting with Islamic State in Syria, the lawyers claim there was a disregard of the possible consequences.

“It would appear that there has been a reckless disregard as to the consequences of any such contact on the families of those whom we represent,” the lawyers wrote.

“Plainly, by the NECTU [North East Counter Terrorism Unit] allowing this contact they have been complicit in the grooming and radicalising of the women.

“If this contact between them had been prevented our clients would not now be facing such circumstances.”

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A generous ‘gift’ this Ramadan

Restaurant manager takes food to those most in need Serving up meals to customers in Leeds is what Tauseef Malik has loved doing all his working life.

In his role as manager at Leeds’ Mumtaz Restaurant, he has seen thousands of diners walk through his doors hungry and leave satisfied following the consumption of a trademark dish.

However, following a visit to Pakistan in May, the 25-year-old from Bradford says his eyes were opened to a ‘different kind of hunger’, motivating him to take action overseas.

He explained: “Whilst on my visit to Pakistan, a lady approached me in my village. She told me how she had TB and did not have enough money for treatment as her husband was blind.

“She said that she had to clean people’s houses to support her three

GIFTS: As part of Tauseef Malik’s mission to take ‘Ramadan food parcels’ to those less fortunate in Pakistan, he also purchased special Eid outfits for all the children at a local orphanage

children and her husband. Some days they didn’t even have enough food, so all her family would go to sleep on an empty stomach.

“This made me realise just how these people were living in Pakistan.

With Ramadan coming closer I thought how difficult it must be for these families to fast, with very little or no food.”

Having also visited an orphanage in the South Asian country, Tauseef says he made it his goal to do something for these people to ‘look forward to and enjoy’.

Tauseef returned to the UK the following week and instantly began his own project which looked at creating ‘Ramadan food packages’

for people in Pakistan.

Raising funds through friends and family, plus contributing a large sum himself, he was able to create food parcels to feed over 200 houses with all types of ingredients such as flour, rice, chickpeas and dates all included.

“In England we wake up in the morning with the thought of how we should spend our day, whether that’s shopping, buying the latest phones and following the latest fashion trends, whilst these people wake up wondering whether they will be able to feed their families, whether they will have enough food to eat for that day,” Tauseef added.

“I thought to myself, ‘these people

not only fast but have to work in the month of Ramadan’ and I saw it with my own eyes how hard it was for them. This is when I thought I want to help them, and make it easier for them especially in the month of Ramadan.”

At the start of June, Tauseef returned to Pakistan with his truck load of food and was able to distribute the goods out to families in some of the poorest areas.

As part of the trip, the charitable Yorkshireman also invited all the children from the nearby orphanage to his accomodation for a special dinner before presenting them with a year supply of food.

There was even a surprise gift for

each child.

Tauseef explained: “I took all the children from the orphanage shopping one day, and they all chose their own Eid outfit, it was the best feeling to see the smile on their faces.

“Inshallah i hope to do this every year for Ramadan for more people and more poor houses, and I would just like to thank my family and friends for all their help and support.

“Without them i would not have been able to help so many people and a special thank you to the Rossis Ice Cream Company.

“I would like to take this opportunity to please ask people to help the poor families that live in Pakistan and many other countries, many of these people do not ask for help but really need it.”

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West Yorkshire town in shock after death of local boy KILLED: Talha Asmal fled to Iraq with fellow Dewsbury teen, Hasan Munshi in March

‘Caring’ teen is UK’s youngest suicide bomber A Dewsbury family say they are ‘devastated’ and “Whilst there it appears that Talha fell under the ‘heartbroken’ after news broke on Monday morning spell of individuals who continued to prey on his that their son has been killed whilst carrying out a innocence and vulnerability to the point where if the suicide bombing. press reports are accurate he was ordered to his 17-year-old Talha Asmal flew out to the war-torn death by so called ISIS handlers and leaders too nation of Iraq in March to join Islamic State cowardly to do their own ‘dirty’ work. insurgents alongside fellow local teen Hassan “We are all naturally utterly devastated and Munshi. heartbroken by the unspeakable tragedy that now Their disappearances were labelled ‘out of appears to have befallen us. character’ at the time and prompted community “We need time and understanding to come to leaders in the West Yorkshire town to question terms with our unimaginable and painful loss. whether more could have been done to avoid their “As a family we would like to take this departure. opportunity to unequivocally state that ‘ISIS’ are On Monday 15th June, an IS-affiliated Twitter not Islam. They do not represent in any way, shape account confirmed that a young male named Abu or form Islam and Muslims and we are no longer Yusuf al-Britani - believed to be Talha, detonated a prepared to allow a barbaric group like ‘ISIS’ to vehicle fitted with explosives at an oil refinery attack hijack our faith. ‘ISIS’ Not and Never in our name. in the northern Iraqi town of Baiji.

“As a family we would urge anyone who has any At least 11 people were killed in the attack, which concerns about their own family members being included a further three suicide bombers as well as exploited in a similar way to seek the help and Talha. advice of the police as soon as ever In a statement released earlier this week, possible.”

Talha’s parents said: “Talha comes from a close Farook Yunus, from Dewsbury, runs an knit, hardworking, peace loving and law abiding award winning youth group –Kumon Y’all, British Muslim family. The entire family in the town which works on promoting unreservedly condemns and abhors all acts of interfaith relations between all generations. violence wherever perpetrated.

He said the dangers of online “Talha himself was a loving, kind, caring and grooming were very real and urged affable teenager. He never harboured any more parents to get informed ill will against anybody nor did he ever about the threat social media can exhibit any violent, extreme or radical play. views of any kind.

“Engaging with the youth, “Talha’s tender years and naivety through projects such as were it seems however exploited by Kumon Y’all, is key to ensuring persons unknown who hiding these incidents do not happen behind the anonymity of the world again,” he continued. wide web targeted and befriended “In that same sense, as much Talha and engaged in a process of as an adult can teach a child deliberate and calculated grooming about online safety, the children of him. also play a role in teaching us.

“As a result of this and “Online grooming from WARNING: Farook Yunus, local community champion, completely unbeknown to us, his extremists is a thing which did not says parents must become family and entirely against our wishes necessarily effect the previous educated on the dangers of he ended up travelling it seems to generation so we are all learning online grooming Iraq. about this new threat all the time.”

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Bringing aid to those most in need An aid volunteer who returned from the borders of Syria last week, says the humanitarian situation on the ground is only ‘getting worse’ and urged others to consider the refugees’ struggles this Ramadan.

27-year-old, Nazim Ali, returned from his seven-day expedition on Wednesday 10th June, having spent time delivering over 2,000 food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

As part of a 12-man convoy, made up of US and UK volunteers, the Bradford man travelled to the Turkish province of Hatay as a representative of the SKT Welfare Charity’s ‘Ramadan Deployment Team’.

Despite completing a similar aid trip less than one year ago, Nazim said that this latest venture still produced some ‘shocking’ and ‘horrifying’ truths.

“This visit was most certainly life changing, enriching and emotionally challenging as we provided much needed aid to the externally displaced Syrian refugees,” he said.

“We visited countless families living in partially built homes with no doors or windows and in tents.

They were in need of food and water – basic commodities we take for granted.

“Just as many of us will be fasting in Ramadan, so will they. The only difference is that we will be doing Ramadan in our homes with our loved ones and in the presence of an abundance of food. They, however, will be struggling to afford basic

AID: As well as donating food parcels to Syrian refugees, Nazim Ali helped bring sweets and gifts to orphaned children at a local school

Ramadan Deployment Team target ‘forgotten’ refugees items such as dates and water.”

Since violence broke out in Syria almost five years ago, millions have fled the war-torn country, with over 1.7million people currently seeking refuge in Turkey.

Men, women and children are currently without food and

permanent shelter, with the need for aid growing every day.

During Nazim’s most recent visit, he covered his own travel costs to ensure 100 per cent of his received donations went directly to the charity, even turning down an all expenses paid trip to Istanbul with

work in favour of the aid mission.

Having raised over £15,000 prior to departure, the local secretary of Bradford’s Naqshbandia Active Development Association (NADA), completed 12-hour days, delivering aid where it was needed most.

Adding about the experiences he

witnessed, he said: “The abject poverty I witnessed was truly shocking with mothers struggling to feed their offspring and offering their children for adoption so that they will be in a better position to be looked after.

“We heard horrifying accounts of the killing of parents with many children witnessing the gruesome murders and visibly looking traumatised.

“I have to be honest, on several occasions I came close to tears after witnessing the aforementioned.”

Nazim’s highlight of the trip came in the small town of Kilis, where volunteers visited a school to distribute special treats for the orphaned children.

“The toys, sweets and chocolates we provided put a smile on the faces of these innocent children which was enriching for us knowing we were the reason for those smiles and the very reason we worked tirelessly in raising vital funds,” he said.

“I am most grateful to the British public for their generous donations.

“It is important we do not forget about the externally displaced Syrian refugees who are suffering from the conflict in their country.

The humanitarian situation on the ground is getting worse with almost two-million externally displaced Syrian refugees in Turkey alone.”

The SKT Ramadan Deployment Team targets those outside refugee camps who receive little or no support, including Syrian widows and orphaned children.

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‘We need answers’ Family demands closure following son’s death QUESTIONS: Mohammed Aslam says his requests for information have been ignored following the sudden death of his son, Arslan, earlier this year

A Ravensthorpe family say they are still waiting for answers as to why their 14-yearold relative died just days after surgery at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Arslan Aslam passed away earlier this year after undergoing a complex operation to insert a rod into his back which would allow him to sit up straight.

As a sufferer of muscular dystrophy, the surgery was also seen as a chance to ‘improve the quality of life’ for Arslan who had to convince his parents to allow him to undergo the treatment.

Initially, it appeared the Newsome High student was recovering well yet five days later, he took a sudden turn for the worse, suffering a cardiac arrest whilst still on the hospital’s ward.

As a result, Arslan suffered major brain damage and sadly died just over three weeks after the initial surgery at Huddersfield’s Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice on 25th March.

Now his father, Mohammed Aslam, says his whole family have been left without closure and wants answers as to why his son died, just hours after appearing ‘lively and well’.

“When we first heard about the surgery, we didn’t want him to have it because of the risk involved,” he said.

“But because he wanted a chance to improve his quality of life, I think he wore us down and eventually we agreed to let him undergo the operation.”

Arslan was taken into surgery on Tuesday 3rd March where underwent the 10-hour procedure which involved putting a pole in his back.

In the next couple of days that followed, he was cared for on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as he recovered and by the Saturday, had been taken to a ward where he was ‘eating well and talking’.

The following day, Mohammed, who had been at his son’s bedside for the majority of his care, was invited by a friend to an elections hustings event in Savile Town, Dewsbury.

Despite turning down the offer in favour of staying at the hospital, Arslan told him it was fine to go.

“I wish I had never gone now,” Mohammed added.

“I went to the meeting and after that we went back to my house to have a meal with some friends and discuss what had been happening.

“The plan then was to drive up to see Arslan again in the morning so I phoned the hospital that night to check up on him. They said he was asleep and doing fine.

“It was at around 2.30am that I then got another call from the hospital saying I had better get down there as Arslan had taken a turn for the worse.”

Mohammed and his wife, Nasreen, immediately got in their van to make the journey over the Pennines and upon arrival were taken back to the ICU. “When we got there, Arslan had a tube in his mouth,” Mohammed said. “I asked the doctors what happened. They explained that his airways had been blocked by mucus and that had stopped his heart from beating and he went into cardiac arrest.

“His heart had stopped beating for 24 minutes, meaning he was brain damaged and would never be able to breathe on his own again.”

The Aslam family are now demanding answers from the hospital after their initial requests were ignored.

“We have written a letter to the hospital asking them to explain how Arslan so suddenly fell ill again,” he said.

“I just want it in black and white. I am in no frame of mind to speak face-to-face with them about my son so all I ask for is it in writing.

“As a family we have a right to know. We have had no closure and are entitled to the truth.”

In a statement provided by Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, they confirmed there will be no inquest into Arslan’s death.

“Our sympathies are with Mr Aslam and his family during this time,” it read.

“We are more than happy to meet with the family to discuss any questions they have in relation to the sad death of their son, and ask them to contact us to arrange this meeting.”

Meanwhile, in the weeks following Arslan’s death, tributes were paid for the boxing enthusiast with pro-fighter, Mohammed Din wearing a special tribute top for the teen in his fight.

Arslan’s school also released blue balloons into the sky as well as writing a book of condolence for the family.

Mohammed said: “He was an incredible boy and you can see how much he meant to so many people.

“We are still coming to terms with his death.”

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SUCCESS: GSAL pupils celebrate earning the Gene Hero Award, pictured (l-r) Sam Hutton, Hannah Talbot, Ben Wheatcroft, Julie Ringrose, Sophia Wakefield and Louisa Newton

Gene heroes scoop top award for fundraising efforts

Denim donors are national champs

A school in Leeds is just one of eight nationally to have received a prestigious award for doing so much more than just putting on a pair of jeans.

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) was presented with the Gene Hero Award for its impressive fundraising efforts in support of the charity ‘Jeans for Genes Day’.

Over the past 20 years, the school has taken part in the charity day raising an impressive £16,800 to date.

The charity has now recognised the achievement by presenting the school with the Gene Hero Award, a new award

acknowledging outstanding fundraising efforts.

Caroline Harding, chief executive of Jeans for Genes Day, said: “School fundraising is vital to our charity.

“I want to thank each and every child at GSAL who took part in Jeans for Genes Day over the past 20 years.

“They have made it possible for us to provide extraordinary help and support to so many children and families.”

Jeans for Genes Day raises money for the charity Genetic Disorders UK, which aims to transform the lives of children with genetic

disorders by using funds raised to provide vital care and support.

Julie Ringrose, charities coordinator at GSAL, said: “The Jeans for Genes charity is one that is close to our hearts, and we’re thrilled to have the generosity of our pupils recognised.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Jeans for Genes Day this year.”

The next Jeans for Genes Day will take place on Friday 18th September. Visit www.jeansforgenesday.org to sign up for a free fundraising pack or for more information.

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The number of people living with diabetes has reached an all-time high - with tens of thousands of people in our region diagnosed with both type one and type two last year.

The new figures announced at the start of Diabetes Week, have been extracted from official NHS data and shows an increase of more than 125,000 adults nationally compared to the previous year, bringing the total figure of diabetics in the UK to 3.9 million.

Bradford has been identified as a hotspot for the disease with rates of diabetics higher than the national average.

Health bosses in Bradford have said that diabetes is the city’s “biggest health problem” as the sharp rise in diabetes cases in recent years continues.

Many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented – but there is no way of preventing Type 1.

Diabetes education has come under criticism as health officials say not enough is being done to make people aware of the devastating health complications, including amputation, blindness and stroke that diabetes carries.

Beyond the human suffering, diabetes costs the NHS nearly £10 billion, 80 per cent of which is spent on managing avoidable complications.

Bridget Turner, Diabetes UK Director of Policy, said: “Over the last decade we have seen the number of people with diabetes rising at an alarming rate, and these latest figures are

a stark call to action – we must act now or face the very real danger of diabetes devastating the lives of even more people, and threatening to wreck the already over-burdened NHS. “There is a gaping hole when it comes to diabetes education because we know that most people newly diagnosed with diabetes are not offered a group education course. This is despite strong evidence that giving people the knowledge and skills to manage their diabetes effectively can reduce their long-term risk of complications.

“We must get better at offering education to people who are living with diabetes and help them to manage this serious, complex and often overwhelming condition. It is crucial that education is made available both at the point of diagnosis and beyond, as the education needs of people already living with the condition can change over time.

“Along with providing better and more flexible education options, local health systems need to focus on increasing the proportion of people getting the 15 healthcare essentials that everyone with diabetes should be receiving.

Until we achieve these steps, we will continue to deny people living with diabetes of the best possible chance of living long and healthy lives.

“This Diabetes Week, we are urging everyone with diabetes to seek out the support and education they need.”

June 2015 - 4th Edition

Diabetes at all-time high in Yorkshire Find out more at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek, or search #DiabetesandMe on Twitter

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C A K E S • D E S S E R T S • I C E C R E A M • M I L K S H A K E S • H OT D R I N K S • M O C K TA I L S

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‘Mosque committees should be more inclusive’ As dialogue continues into the prospective development of the UK’s first women-led mosque, a Leeds Imam has called on more managing committees to work harder to promote inclusivity.

Qari Asim, of the Makkah Masjid, was one of the invited speakers at the Muslim Women’s Council’s (MWC) consultation evening last weekend, held to discuss the pioneering concept for a place of worship.

Accepting that there is a ‘lack of women’ currently involved in the running of mosques, he said the idea for a women-led, all-inclusive model could be one that works.

“There is a misconception regarding what the women-led place of worship will be like in Bradford,” he said.

“It will not be an inclusive place just for women but will instead just be run and managed by women.

“The imam will be a man and it will be open to all men and women.

There is absolutely no issue regarding this type of committee, in fact we need to do more to promote women in our committees.

“They are a vital part of our society and institutions must reflect this.”

The women-led mosque was first mentioned during the MWC’s Daughters of Eve event last month, with plans and further consultations carried out since.

Qari Asim added that he did not view the ‘model’ as the only possible concept but accepted it could be one which paved the way for future discussions.

“I am not saying this is the correct way to do it but it is one model and we should see how it works,” he said.

“I hope that last weekend’s consultation will result in more inclusive spaces in the city and in Britain rather than men-only and women-only spaces.

“It will not happen overnight but we do need to work on making our mosques more inclusive.”

Describing the current representation on governing bodies as ‘non-existent’ CEO of the MWC, Bana Gora added that the place would also create ‘a safe place for all women’. “[We] found that the services offered by mosques were not always adequate for women,” POSITIVE: Imam at Leeds Makkah Masjid, Qari Asim, she said. “Rather than just complain, we says he would rather see more inclusive places in decided to do something about it.”

Britain, rather than men-only and women-only spaces

Discussions continue into concept of women-led mosque

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OPEN: Children at Wibsey Primary School got to see their new library facilities for the first time earlier this week (pictured, l-r) Suleiman Faisal, Laura Heaton and Afraha Ahmed

READ-Y to learn

STUDY: The new learning space brings more than 2,000 books to the school

New library brings thousands of books to primary school

A new chapter in the history of a Bradford Primary School has begun this week with the official launch of their new interactive learning environment.

Wibsey Primary School officially opened its new state-ofthe-art library on Thursday 18th June, with special guest, Danny Mylo – of Pulse Radio, on hand to cut the ribbon.

Joined by Headteacher Nigel Cooper, staff, students, trustees and even Blue Bookstart Bear, the event gave everyone a chance to explore the new facilities.

The library sits alongside a new computer suite on a newlycreated floor reached by an open stairway and completes an extensive re-modelling

READING: The library was officially opened on Thursday 18th June

programme at the school over the past few years.

Two-thousand new books have been bought to add to those already in use in the library. In addition, a computerised lending system, which allows each pupil to have their own electronic library card, has been installed.

There is also new shelving and seating, including book cases shaped like VW Campervans, and an impressive learning area featuring images of some of Bradford’s most iconic landmarks.

Headteacher, Nigel Cooper, explained how proud he was to see the school continue to offer up a 21st century environment for pupils.

“We are really excited about the new library and are very pleased that Danny Mylo came down to officially open it. The library, with the wider choice of books, along with the computer suite, provides a colourful and exciting learning environment for the children.

“The whole school, both inside and out, has changed beyond recognition in the past few years.

“The building itself is over 100 years old, but inside it looks and feels colourful, bright and welcoming – very 21st century. We are all very proud of our school.”

Christine Thwaite, resource and event manager at Wibsey Primary, added that it was great to finally open up the newest addition to the school.

“We have over 700 pupils here so a library such as this is brilliant to ensure every child has access to these books,” she said.

“Rather than just looking at this space as ‘books on a shelf’ we have made the area into an interactive library where pupils can come and learn in a way that they may not have been able to do so before.”

Parents also got their chance to see the new learning space later in the afternoon on Thursday as they pick their children up from school.

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Connecting this

Ramadan

By Shaukat Warraich info@asianexpress.co.uk

MEMORY: Editor-in-chief of ImamsOnline, Shaukat Warraich, shares his memories of his past Ramadan experiences

What’s your Ramadan Memory?

It’s interesting to see the reactions from various people when the holy month of Ramadan comes around.

There’s the enthusiastic/excited group, the ‘oh no it’s going to be so long’ group, and the nonchalant group who take it in their stride. Whichever group you may fall into, the reality for many Muslims young and old is that the memories collected over years of observing Ramadan are some of the most special.

When people reflect and talk about previous Ramadans there’s always common themes, such as the zombie effect which takes control of most blurry eyed families as they wander down to the kitchen together before the sun has risen to have suhoor - the meal before the daily fast begins.

As pots and pans go into operation and the smell of fresh bread and traditional suhoor dishes waft into the air, the silent zombie effect caves in as a hive of conversation and discussion ensues.

The radio is playing with that all so familiar voice urging everyone to make the most of this holy month, to pray more, to visit your neighbours, to help someone across the road – reminding us constantly that every good act this month is multiplied many times over in

God’s infinite mercy.

One of my own fondest memories of Ramadan was of fasting as an eightyear-old, it was my first ever fast and I had made it through the day.

Then as I stood there in the kitchen full of pride and accomplishment helping my mum who was busy preparing the iftar meal, completely subconsciously a fresh, cool cucumber had made its way into my mouth.

Oh the horror as I desperately spat it out feeling like I had fallen at the final hurdle, my mother looking on in amusement.

It is these memorable incidents and those animated conversations as the family huddles around the table to break fast that set this month apart from any other for Muslims. Whether nowadays you open the fast at home or join the Mosque in a community Iftar a feeling of renewal and spiritual refreshment is undeniable.

This year ImamsOnline, an online resource showcasing good practices, and offering advice and education about the Islamic faith through a network of multidenominational Imams and Mosques, is running the ‘Ramadan Reminders’ campaign.

Through imamsonline.com each day

we will be featuring a different Imam or scholar with a short video reflection to talk about their memories, what Ramadan means to them, with gentle reminders, and the things that they do to make the most out of the holy month.

As well as the series of videos, Imamsonline.com will also be issuing a digital booklet capturing each participating Imam and scholars’ reflection message, the free to download booklet will serve as a reminder of the importance of the holy month.

So as a parting message, let’s all, regardless of our faith make a special pact this Ramadan. If each one of us wakes up with the conscious decision to do just one special good deed, whether it be to help someone across the road, to check in on an elderly relative, or simply buy a bunch a flowers for an old friend, think about how much better a place the world would be.

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Your National and Local Business Round-up

Business news

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Chiltern Mills Helping turn houses into homes for over 25 years Cross Gates Road, Cross Gates, Leeds, LS15 7PE Opening times: Mon-Wed: 9.30am-5.30pm Thur: 9.30am-8pm Fri-Sat: 9.30am-5.30pm Sun: 10.15am-4.30pm Tel: 0113 2840 668 Web: www.chilternmills.co.uk FREE CAR PARK No parking ticket needed for the first two hours whilst shopping at Chiltern Mills

hat started out as a small family store in a corner of Barnsley is now a much-loved nationwide business as Chiltern Mills continues to bring incredible savings to customers across England.

The homeware and soft furnishings specialists have just about everything you need to turn your house into a home in their expansive stores, spread out across the Midlands and North East of England.

Locally, in Leeds’ flagship Crossgates store, customers will find products at prices to suit every pocket, with a customer service like no other.

Founded by the trio of Merlin Treymaine, his wife Jennifer Treymaine and brother-in-law Paul Jones, the close-knit family continue to run the stores today with ‘family values’ still very much at the heart of the operations.

Managing director, Paul Jones, explained how it was always their aim to bring the best products to customers at the lowest prices around.

“You never know what you are going to find at Chiltern Mills and that is what customers love about shopping here – we bring the ‘wow’ factor to products and prices,” he said.

“Chiltern Mills is the kind of store that you could call into for a new curtain rail and walk away with some new made-to-measure curtains, three-piece sofa and light fittings. The offers are just too good to ignore.

“If you are moving into a new house, we have everything you need to turn your accommodation into a home, with every type of furnishing on offer.”

As well as being industry leaders in providing bespoke curtains, blinds, bedding and all sorts of furniture, Chiltern Mills is continuously raising the benchmark for other businesses.

Unique to the Leeds store is their newly refurbished in-house alteration service for readymade curtains, blinds, net and voiles. There is simply no easier way to get your home’s newest feature fitted to bespoke dimensions in a quicker and more efficient manner.

Of course, there are many more surprises in store as Paul adds: “We are always looking at ways to move the business one step forward for our customers.

“Recently we have branched out into home furniture, supplying every fixture for every room in your house. From wardrobes, dressing tables, bed frames and mattresses for the bedroom to sofas, dining tables and chairs in the living room, there is something for you.

“All this has proven very popular whilst our commitment to introducing new products, sourced locally and internationally, continues to grow every week.”

If you would like more personalised help in choosing your curtains and blinds then why not try Chiltern Mills’ free design consultancy service?

Customers within a 25 mile radius of Leeds can make an appointment with an experienced consultant who will arrange to visit you in the comfort of your home, as the customer is once again rightfully ‘put first’.

Call into your local Chiltern Mills store today where friendly staff are waiting to help you begin transforming your house into your dream personalised home.

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Business

June 2015 - 4th Edition

Loonat Catering Picture this

he UK Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) has considered a complaint made by an individual against a newspaper whereby an image showing the complainant was widely publicised without the complainant’s consent.

The image of the woman, which was taken from social media, was used by the newspaper because the photograph also contained the image of a man who had been arrested for murder. The woman was described in the article as a “friend” of the man.

Further, the article’s headline commented on the accused’s relationship with a “glamour model“ and it was the complainant’s position that both the size and prominence of the photograph suggested that she was the glamour model referred to in the headline. The complainant argued that, although she had not been named, the newspaper had clearly identified her to friends, relatives and colleagues which was intrusive and distressing.

Complaining to IPSO, the woman argued that the way in which the newspaper had used the image had breached Clause 9 (Reporting of crime) and Clause 3 (Privacy) of the Editor’s Code of Practice, which is enforced by IPSO. Specifically, Clause 9 states that relatives or friends of those convicted or accused of crime should not be identified without their consent “unless they are genuinely relevant to the story.”

The complainant argued that the photograph was taken in circumstances where she had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The photograph was taken in 2006 at a private event at university and

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since that time she had had no contact with the accused. She also argued that the image appeared to have been taken from a friend’s Facebook page, who was unaware that privacy settings were not in place to stop the image being copied, and that she had not consented to its circulation.

Finding for the complainant in respect of breach of Clause 9 the IPSO committee stated that “no public interest could reasonably be regarded as justifying the intrusion into the complainant’s privacy caused by so prominently and publicly associating her with the accused”.

The complainant’s breach of Clause 3 argument was not upheld by the committee. Despite the photograph being taken from a Facebook page, the image depicted her association with the accused around eight years ago and this in itself was not private.

With the rise of social media platforms, images and other media which are deemed inherently private can often be seen as readily available for use in the social domain. This case provides useful guidance on the Editor’s Code of Practice and is an important reminder as to media privacy rules.

Further, it is important to bear in mind that while photographs and other social media content may be readily accessible "in the public domain" for unrestricted re-use, the legal reality and regulatory policy of such material may be very different.

We at Blacks have expert knowledge in media and privacy law and can advise on any copyright or Intellectual Property infringements or disputes.

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

Always in safe hands H

aving confidence in the food you are eating is something many people take for granted, with an estimated 500,000 cases of food poisoning in the UK reported every year – almost half of which is related to poultry.

Thankfully, there is one catering team that not only prides themselves on sumptuous dishes but also the hygiene of every meal, as West Yorkshire based Loonat Catering continue to lead the way in the industry.

Currently, there are dozens of unscrupulous caterers and food manufacturers out there attempting to make savings by using adulterated ingredients, dubious suppliers, purchasing products unfit for human consumption, short dated, poor quality ingredients and adopting unhygienic practices.

Many a time the premises that these businesses are operating from are either unsuitable, unlicensed or have a lack of suitable equipment along with poorly trained staff.

More recently cross contamination, which has been rife in the industry, has now come into the mainstream media. Many instances of poor working practices or carelessness have lead to serious consequences on the food chain and on people’s lives which have subsequently lead to prosecutions.

All staff at Loonat Catering are trained to Level 2 Food Safety as a

minimum so as to ensure they have a sound understanding of good working practices, avoid cross contamination and understand the distinct difference between cleaning and disinfecting.

Manager, Ebrahim, explains: “What many people don’t realise is what looks clean to the eye in the kitchen is actually unsafe due to lack of disinfecting and sanitising, and this is where many of the food safety issues arise.

“At Loonat Catering Services, to ensure good working practices, we have come a long way from the small unit that we had in Dewsbury. To further enable food safety and hygiene practices we invested in a new customised site which meets the long term needs of our growing business.

“We treat the safety of our customers as the utmost priority, with our new site achieving a Local Authority Five-Star hygiene rating in its first inspection.

“We have invested heavily in food grade hygienic flooring, all the work surfaces and equipment is stainless steel, we have a full Food Safety Quality

Management system in place, we are independently audited and we are working towards various accreditations.”

He added: “Whilst there are some reputable suppliers out there, unfortunately many companies have a complete disregard for food safety, have no importance for quality and are just in it for a quick buck and fail to deliver the service they promise you.”

All Loonat suppliers are reputable, audited and inspected by the catering specialists, who have full traceability of every ingredient.

This ensures your meal always coincides with dietary requirements, such as the use of Halal certified meat; gluten, nut or dairy free products; and vegetarian meals.

Every food item is stored separately and at correct temperatures, whilst preparation areas and utensils are segregated to ensure no risk of contamination.

Loonat Catering are also part of the ‘deliciouslyorkshire’ scheme and to taste some delicious dishes yourself contact the company today.

Email: info@loonatcs.co.uk Tel: 0800 505 3229 / 07835666367 Web: www.loonatcs.co.uk

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June 2015 - 4th Edition

Supa Sofa

Yorkshire’s fastest growing furniture outlet

or the past two years, one furniture company has experienced growth like no other as it aims to ‘bring simplicity back to the process of purchasing a sofa’.

Now, with three stores running across West Yorkshire, and a fourth set to open in the coming weeks, Supa Sofa is taking the industry by storm to the delight of thousands of happy customers.

Boasting one of the largest collections of sofas in the county, the ‘new kids on the block’ have been bringing value and service back to the market.

Over a thousand designs are currently stocked in the massive 40,000sqft Leedsbased warehouse with bespoke designs developed to customer’s specifications when requested.

Furniture is imported

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from around the world to ensure you always get the best products, at the best prices, with all types of materials available. From quality solid oak, imported all the way from Vietnam, to real leather, the options are all there for you to see for yourself.

Managing Director, David Moon, says furniture shopping should not be something which takes weeks to do and therefore established Supa Sofa as a way of providing a ‘simpler service’ to homeowners.

“When we say free delivery, we don’t just mean dropping it off at your doorstep. We will literally bring the sofa directly into your living room even if it means having to take windows or doors out, we will do it,” he said.

“We are trying to basically provide a service like no other company out there. Why should you purchase a sofa from a high street retailer and then have to wait up to 16 weeks for it to be delivered?

“Our team can arrange

Business

for next day delivery and will even dispose of your old furniture, donating them to local charities when possible, or recycling them.”

Over the past 24 months, Supa Sofa have also become leading suppliers of furniture to landlords across West Yorkshire, with budget sofas, beds and mattresses, all supplied at the most competitive rates.

Leeds: 2 Clarence Road, Leeds, LS10 1ND Telephone: 0113 246 0500 Wakefield: 2 Dewsbury Road, Wakefield, WF2 9BS Telephone: 01924 368188 Huddersfield: Phoenix Retail Park, Grove Road, Huddersfield, HD1 6NE Telephone: 01484 766282 Web: www.supasofa.co.uk

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The growing business even manufactures and supplies bespoke benches, from budget to luxury designs, all of which could be just the finish your garden needs.

To view the growing collection of sofas available today, head down to one of the three showrooms or visit the website to see how you can put the comfort back into your home.

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Asian dentist attacked with machete

WHITE SUPREMACIST: Zack Davies allegedly tried to behead an Asian man to avenge the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in a supermarket aisle in North Wales

‘White supremacist’ hacked 24-year-old victim with weapons because he was ‘ethnic-looking’

A 24-year-old Asian dentist, who had popped out to buy his lunch at his local supermarket, almost lost his life as a white supremacist brandished a machete and started hacking him.

The unprovoked attack on terrified Dr Sarandev Bhambra resulted in him running through the aisles of a supermarket, as he tried to escape crazed Zack Davies, 26, who allegedly wanted to avenge the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

Davies told police he had singled out Dr Sarandev Bhambra because of his skin colour, yelling ‘white supremacy’ and ‘this is revenge’ as he attempted to sever his victim's left hand.

Only the brave intervention of a former soldier ended the horrific ordeal and saved the life of the trainee dentist, a court heard.

Jurors heard that Davies followed Dr Bhambra into a branch of Tesco on 14th January because he ‘looked Asian’.

He attacked him with a claw hammer and 12in machete in Mold, north Wales. He almost severed Dr Bhambra’s hand and slashed his head and back.

As Dr Bhambra tried to escape the 26-year-old chased him.

Davies was allegedly laughing

and shouting ‘white power’ and ‘this is for Lee Rigby’. But Mold Crown Court was told ‘one individual in particular acted with true bravery’.

That person was former soldier Peter Fuller.

As Dr Bhambra passed him he stepped into Davies’ path, put up his hands and shouted: “Stop, this is madness, I am ex forces.” Mr Fuller told the court: “His demeanour slightly changed, he had to stop or go through me.

“The fact I said I was an ex soldier, that I stood in his way, took the wind out of his sails.”

Davies acknowledged in court

Mr Fuller stopped him, and Dr Bhambra said he owed him his life.

The court heard that material on white supremacy and Nazism was found at Davies’ home. Items included swastika badges, Combat 18 stickers, a copy of Mein Kampf and a Far Right pamphlet dealing with the death of Drummer Rigby, the soldier hacked to death by Islamic extremists near Woolwich barracks in 2013.

Davies denies attempted murder but admits wounding with intent.

The trial continues.

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June 2015 - 4th Edition

READY: Hasan Younis begins his slim down for Barnardo’s with help from TV celebrity Vicki Michelle

Slimming challenge

Weighing in at 27st 6lbs - east London man pledges to lose the excess pounds

An east London man who has battled weight gain for decades has begun a monthlong slimming challenge for the children’s charity Barnardo’s – with a little support from ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of here’ survivor Vicki Michelle.

The ‘Allo ‘Allo star dropped in to witness Hasan Younis weigh in at 27st 6lbs, much of which he hopes to shed in the coming weeks.

Hasan, 42, of Newbury Park in London, is raising cash for

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Barnardo’s by asking colleagues, family, friends, clients and members of the public to donate £1 for every 1lb he loses between now and 31st July.

The father of four is observing Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from dawn till dusk, and hopes to lose as much weight as possible before the fasting month ends with the festival of Eid-al-Fitr on 18th July. His challenge will then continue until the end of the month.

Hasan’s brother Kamran commented: “Hasan needs to do this for his kids so that he’s fit and healthy and can enjoy life with them.

“For as long as I can remember he has been troubled by his weight, which has gone up and down like a yo-yo. You name a miracle diet, he’s done it.

“We all noticed that his weight needed tackling and our colleague Les had the idea of doing something for charity. It’s a great initiative and hopefully we can raise quite a bit of money for

Barnardo’s.

“If we can combine fasting for Ramadan with healthy eating and a bit of moderate exercise, at the end of the month we might see some significant loss, which will be spiritually and physically rewarding.”

for Hasan at the weigh-in.

She said: “It’s fantastic that Hasan has taken on this challenge so he can make sure he is in good shape for his own children while also raising money for Barnardo’s.

“The encouragement that he has had from his

“If we can combine fasting for Ramadan with healthy eating and a bit of moderate exercise, at the end of the month we might see some significant loss, which will be spiritually and physically rewarding.”

Hasan and Kamran have pledged to match however much is raised for Barnardo’s in sponsorship.

Vicki, who endured three weeks of hunger and discomfort in the jungle during last year’s series of I’m a Celebrity…, was on hand with a few words of support

colleagues and his brother shows how important it is to have support from family and friends, whatever your age.

“I’d encourage anyone who admires what Hasan is doing to sign up as a sponsor and help change the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.”

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Muslim scholar releases ‘counter-terrorism’ curriculum

Four out of 10 parents say they won’t let their children walk or cycle to school because of concerns about road safety. Worries about fast-moving vehicles has led 42 per cent of parents to prevent their kids from walking or cycling on the usual route to school.

The survey by road safety charity Brake also found that 40 per cent of parents have serious concerns about the lack of safe crossing points on busy roads. Only 25 per cent of those parents questioned said they believed the route from home to school was safe for their

40% of parents won’t let their kids walk to school children to walk or cycle along.

As a result of these worries, 46 per cent of children are now driven to school. Parents also cite the distance from home and practicality as other reasons for taking their kids to school in the car.

The survey found that more than half of those parents driving their

children to school would be prepared to let them walk or cycle if additional safe routes were introduced.

Brake also points out the health benefits of children walking or cycling to school as approximately 30 per cent of two-to-15-year-old children are classified as overweight or obese.

A new ‘counter-terrorism curriculum’ which is aimed to condemn terrorist ideology to UK school children has been.

Pakistani politician and Islamic scholar Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri hopes the ‘Islamic Curriculum on Peace & Counter Terrorism’ will dissuade young British people from joining terror organisations such as Isis, and has claimed his work is a ‘Jihad against Isis’.

He now hopes the government will implement a mandatory ‘anti-radicalisation’ sector to the national curriculum.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has said: “This problem of radicalisation has not been properly tackled.

“It should be on the curriculum. Peace should be taken as peace studies as a subject. De-radicalization should be taken as a subject. Counter-terrorism should be taken as a subject.”

He claims his curriculum draws on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ‘based on love and tolerance and coexistence and togetherness’, in order to dismantles what he considers the flawed ideology of terror groups.

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June 2015 - 4th Edition

Prime Minister urges British Muslims to do more to tackle IS ideology British prime minister has warned that Muslim communities and Internet service providers are to stop giving credence to Islamic extremist ideologies that claim the West is evil, democracy is wrong and women are inferior, if Takfiri group, ISIL is to be defeated.

Speaking at a security conference in Slovakia, Cameron urged communities to step up their attempts to prevent young Muslims from being lured from their homes and into war-torn Syria.

“Too often we hear the argument that radicalisation is the fault of someone else.

That blame game is wrong – and it is dangerous. By accepting the finger-pointing – whether it’s at agencies or authorities – we are ignoring the fact that the radicalisation starts with the individual,” he noted.

David Cameron said everyone has a personal responsibility to stand against such values, and to stop blaming state institutions for not doing enough to tackle the posed threat from ISIL. “The eagerness to pass the buck is not just wrongheaded and hypocritical, it also allows extremism to flourish. Instead of endlessly pointing the finger at others, Muslim communities should face up to their own responsibilities,” he added.

The British government has been under fire from Muslim communities for fueling anti-Muslim sentiments in the UK. UK Muslim leaders once again warned that the British government is contributing to the spread of Islamophobia in the country.

PRESENTATION: Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Chris Sims, presents his Young Person’s Award to Muhammed Ali

Police award for young hero Youngster stops criminals during robbery at family home

A seven-year-old boy who stood up to robbers at his Birmingham home has been honoured by West Midlands Police - becoming one of the force’s youngest bravery heroes.

Muhammed Ali showed courage beyond his years when he put himself between a group of seven raiders − who burst into the family home in Balsall Heath − and his mother from whom they were demanding Asian gold jewellery.

The youngster was jolted from his bed on 2nd October last year when he heard the front door being kicked open.

After heading downstairs

he was faced with the sight of his mother being rounded on by masked men before one of the raiders grabbed hold of his baby brother and threatened to hurt him unless she handed over valuables.

Little Muhammed ran to his mum’s aid and shouted at the men to leave her alone − and detectives believe his actions threw the attackers on the back foot and moments later they fled empty handed.

Birmingham East Police Chief Inspector Phil Radbourne, said: “It must have been scary but Muhammed’s first instinct was to run towards the men and to protect his mum…his

actions were extremely brave and undoubtedly left the burglars stunned.

“Moments later they left empty handed and Muhammed, his mum and his baby brother all escaped unhurt, though they were understandably very shaken by the ordeal.

“I’m delighted we’ve recognised Muhammed’s bravery with a Chief Constable’s Young Persons Award; he can be rightly proud of himself.”

Muhammed received his award at a special West Midlands Police presentation ceremony on Tuesday 16th June.

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Liar Liar!

Children with good memories are better at telling lies

Children who benefit from a good memory are much better at covering up lies, researchers from the University of Sheffield have discovered.

Experts found a link between verbal memory and covering up lies following a study, which investigated the role of working memory in verbal deception amongst children.

The study saw six to seven-year-old children presented with the opportunity to do something they were instructed not to –peek at the final answers on the back of a card during a trivia game.

A hidden camera and correct answers to the question, which was based on the name of a fictitious cartoon character, enabled the researchers to identify who had peeked, despite denials.

Further questioning, including about the colour of the answer on the cards, allowed researchers to identify who was a good liar, by lying to both entrapment questions; or a bad liar, by lying about one or none of the entrapment questions.

During the experiment, researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and North Florida then measured two elements: verbal and visuo-spatial working memory in the children.

Verbal working memory is the number of words a person can remember all at the same time. Visuo-spatial working memory is the number of images a person can remember all at the same time.

Results showed that the good liars performed better in the verbal working memory test in both processing and recall, compared to the bad liars.

The link between lying and verbal memory is thought to stem from the fact that covering lies involves keeping track of lots of verbal information. As a result, kids who possessed better memories and could keep track of lots of information were able to successfully make and maintain a cover story for their lie.

In contrast, there was no difference in visuo-spatial working scores between good and bad liars. The researchers suspect this is because lying usually doesn’t involve keeping track of images, so visuo-spatial information is less important.

The results have been published this week in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology and are the first time it has been shown that verbal working memory in particular has strong links to lying, not just any working memory.

Dr Elena Hoicka, from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology, said: “While parents are usually not too proud when their kids lie, they can at least be pleased to discover that when their children are lying well, it means their

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children are becoming better at thinking and have good memory skills.

“We already know that adults lie in approximately a fifth of their social exchanges lasting 10 or more minutes, so it’s interesting to know why some children are able to tell more porkies than others.

We’ll now be looking to move the research forward to discover more about how children first learn to lie.”

Dr Tracy Alloway, project lead from the University of North Florida, said: “This research shows that thought processes, specifically verbal working memory, are important to complex social interactions like lying because the children needed to juggle multiple pieces of information while keeping the researcher’s perspective in mind.”

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‘We are fast losing patience’ Delay in Britain’s Iraq war investigation angers Prime Minister Prime Minister David Cameron said on Wednesday he was becoming increasingly concerned with Britain's heavily delayed investigation into the country's role in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and called for the conclusions to urgently be published.

The report, expected to shed light on how then Prime Minister Tony Blair decided to get involved in a war which many Britons opposed as well as how it was conducted, was announced in 2009 and was initially expected to take just a year.

Nearly six years later, John Chilcot, the head of the inquiry, says he can't say when it will be completed because of its complexity and the need to obtain responses from people criticised in the report.

Cameron, in a letter to Chilcot, said he was disappointed.

“Since the establishment of the Inquiry nearly six years ago, the British public, in particular those who served in Iraq or lost loved ones in the conflict, have been awaiting the results,” he wrote.

“We are fast losing patience.”

Finance minister George Osborne also weighed in, using a question and answer session in parliament to urge those conducting the inquiry to ‘get on with it’.

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Give blood, save a life Calls made for more BME donors A cancer survivor is calling on more members of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) communities to come forward and give blood after having his own life ‘saved’ by donors.

Pradeep Thakkar was diagnosed with the rare disease, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, in 2005 resulting in him losing many of his own red blood cells during chemotherapy and requiring blood transfusions to counteract the condition.

Unfortunately for the now 62-year-old, the disease spread and came back after 15 months. Despite undergoing further chemotherapy and blood transfusions - his only hope for long-term survival was a stem cell transplant.

During the first round of treatment the doctors had not found a donor across Europe but this time they did – a young mixed race man from here in the UK in Bristol.

Pradeep said: “They found the leukaemia while they were investigating a blocked artery. I’d had symptoms like shortness of breath but I ignored them because I thought it was because I was a smoker and I wasn’t fit.

“It was shocking – you hear it happens to

other people but you don’t think it will happen to you. During the chemotherapy I had six blood transfusions of two units each.

It was fantastic to get the transplant because when you relapse there was no other treatment.

“The cancer would have kept coming back.

I wouldn’t be here – I would have died.

When you have the stem cell transplant it’s like you have alien bodies going into your body, and your body is fighting back, it completely takes it out for you for three or four months.”

He added: “I am all for blood donations and stem cell transplant – they saved my life.

The more people that do it the better.”

Currently, people from BME communities make up less than five per cent of those who have donated blood within the last 12 months, despite representing around 14 per cent of the population.

NHS Blood and Transplant now requires a further 6,500 more donations from Black, Asian and mixed race donors this year compared to last year to keep up with the demand.

Visit www.blood.co.uk for more information on how you can save a life.

APPEAL: Pradeep Thakkar survived his battle with cancer after successfully finding a stem cell donor and is now appealing for more people to give blood

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

Pakistan morgues struggle as heat wave kills more than 1,000 Temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) in Karachi, Pakistan last weekend - the hottest since 1981, has killed over 1,000 people.

This being the worst heat wave to hit Pakistan in nearly 35 years has morgues running out of space and residents rushing to supply overstretched public hospitals, says a charity.

Tents offering iced water and rehydration salts have mushroomed on street corners, run by rival political parties and the military. Residents in one neighbourhood hacked into a main water pipe and then danced delightedly in the spray.

The heat wave in the city of 20 million people coincided with severe electricity cuts, leaving many without fans, water or light, and the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, when many Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours.

Some shops have refused to sell ice or water during the day, citing religious laws that mean they can be fined. It is also illegal to eat or drink in public from dawn to dusk.

Forecasters have been predicting rain for days, but there has been no significant fall.

An influx of dead means body bags have stacked up on the floor of the morgues, said Anwar Kazmi, a senior official of the charitable organisation the Edhi Foundation.

doctors and staff of the government hospitals who are working tirelessly treating an endless number of patients,” he said.

Hospitals called in student doctors to work extra shifts and appealed for basic items like sheets and stretchers. Decades of chronic neglect by successive

“We pay tributes to the doctors and staff of the government hospitals who are working tirelessly treating an endless number of patients.”

“The refrigeration unit was not working properly because there were too many bodies,” he said.

Kazmi said more than 1,000 people had died of heat-related causes so far. The provincial government had done little except try to blame others, he said.

“We pay tributes to the

civilian governments or military regimes have gutted social services like health and education.

Many public hospitals said citizens dropped off carloads of iced water and other supplies.

The number of patients was slowly declining as the temperature goes down, doctors said.

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Bollywood director accused of raping American tourist A Bollywood director has been arrested for allegedly raping an American tourist at his home in New Delhi, India.

Mahmood Farooqui, best known for a satirical film about farmers' suicides, was taken into custody on Saturday 20th June.

The 30-year-old woman said she was raped by Farooqui at his New Delhi home in March, but only made the complaint to investigators on Friday 19th June.

It is belived that the victim is a USA PhD student who was visiting India for research purposes.

Farooqui's wife, Anusha Rizwi, has

dismissed the allegations as ‘manipulated and false’ in a statement.

She added: “We are determined to fight this till the reality is presented before the people.”

Farooqui is also an artist and writer. The Oxford University graduate worked as a researcher on British author William Dalrymple's book ‘White Mughals’.

Tougher laws against sex offenders were introduced across India in December 2012, after the fatal gang-rape of a student in the country's capital caused mass street protests.

Despite this, high levels of sexual violence against women are still reported.

Rain pours down ahead of schedule

India's monsoon season has already covered the entire country, the weather office said on Friday, more than two weeks ahead of the normal schedule in a year that is forecast to see below average rains.

The revival of monsoon rains in the grain bowl of northwest and central regions should help speed up the sowing of main summer crops such as rice, corn,

soybeans and cotton.

Over a quarter higher rainfall since the start of the June-September season has eased concerns of a first drought in six years.

Rains are vital to India's farm sector, which accounts for about 15 per cent of the country's nearly $2trillion economy.

Last year, monsoon rains covered the country two days behind the schedule, hitting crop output.

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS An authoritative Pakistani source has told UK authorities that officials in Pakistan's MQM party received Indian government funds.

Allegedly the source has said that India has trained hundreds of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) militants in explosives, weapons and sabotage over the last 10 years in camps in north and north-east India over the last 10 years.

British authorities held formal recorded interviews with senior MQM officials who told them the party was receiving Indian funding.

Before 2005-2006 the training was given to a small number of mid-ranking members of the MQM, the official said.

More recently greater numbers of more junior party members have been trained.

The claims follow the statement of a senior Karachi police officer that two arrested MQM militants said they had been trained in India.

In April Rao Anwar gave details of how the two men went to India via Thailand to be trained by the Indian intelligence agency RAW. In response MQM leader Altaf Hussain issued a tirade of abuse at Mr Anwar.

Asked about the claims of Indian funding and training of the MQM, the Indian High Commission in London said: “Shortcomings of governance cannot be rationalised by blaming neighbours.”

The UK authorities started investigating the MQM in 2010 when a senior party leader, Imran Farooq, was stabbed to death outside his home in north London.

With 24 members in the National Assembly, the MQM has long been a dominant force in the politics of Pakistan's largest city, Karachi.

UK authorities investigating the MQM for alleged money laundering also found a list of weapons in an MQM property.

In the course of the inquiries the UK

authorities found a list itemising weapons, including mortars, grenades and bombmaking equipment in an MQM property. The list included prices for the weapons. Asked about the list, the MQM made no response.

As the UK police investigations have progressed, the British judiciary has been taking an increasingly tough line on the MQM. Back in 2011 a British judge adjudicating an asylum appeal case found that ‘the MQM has killed over 200 police officers who have stood up against them in Karachi’.

Last year another British judge hearing another such case found: “There is overwhelming objective evidence that the MQM for decades had been using violence.”

The MQM is also under pressure in Pakistan. In March the country's security forces raided the party's Karachi headquarters. They claimed to have found a significant number of weapons there. The MQM said they were planted.

Altaf Husain has lived in self-imposed exile in the UK for more than 20 years. He was given a British passport in 2002. For many years the party has been accused of using violence to impose its will in Karachi.

To date a number of MQM officials, including Altaf Hussain, have been arrested in relation to the money-laundering case but noone has been charged. The party insists that all its funds are legitimate and that most of them come from donors in the business community in Karachi.

India has long accused Pakistani officials of involvement in sponsoring militant attacks in India. Delhi, for example, has demanded that Pakistan take firmer action against those suspected of plotting and managing the Mumbai attacks of 2008.

The latest developments in the MQM case suggest that Pakistan will now counter such complaints with demands that India stop sponsoring violent forces in Karachi.

ALLEGATIONS: India has denied working with MQM party leader Altaf Hussain and states that the allegations are completely baseless

Indian funding for Pakistan’s MQM party?

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

Bachchans invest $71 million in Singapore firm Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his family have invested around $71 million in Singaporebased file sharing portal, sources have confirmed.

The Bachchans, one of Bollywood's leading families, were making their first significant equity investment in an overseas company. As part of their personal investment, the Bachchans have picked up a minority stake in Meridian Tech Pte Ltd. of Singapore, which owns Ziddu.com, empowering free cloud storage, global wallet, social commerce and social gaming platform startup.

The firm, which also offers a micro payment platform, was founded five years ago by Venkata Srinivas Meenavalli. "Mr Amitabh Bachchan and his family have invested in Ziddu.com at a valuation of around $71 million," said Meenavalli.

He added, "I'm very happy and excited that they have reposed confidence and trust in Ziddu.com." He also said

(quoting Google Analytics) that Ziddu was among the top five file-sharing sites across the world, generating 1.2 billion page views with visitors from more than 225 countries. The company logged revenues of $20 million in calendar year 2014. The deal was executed on Monday 15th June.

Based on Google Analytics data, the company says it has generated more than 300 million visitors per month last year.

FAMILY: Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan with daughter Shweta Nanda, son-in-law Nikhil Nanda, grandson Agastye along with son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan

China warns Glastonbury over Dalai Lama The above may be a headline which has to be read twice to be believed, but news of the Dalai Lama heading to England’s renowned Glastonbury Festival has been confirmed by his personal office.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader will of course

not be amongst the crowds for the music but has been invited to speak on stage during his visit to the UK. Meanwhile, China has warned the festival’s organisers that allowing the Dalai Lama to attend was the equivalent of giving him a platform to engage in antiChina activities.

Beijing denounces the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist who wants an independent Tibet. He denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.

Keep an eye out for the Dalai Lama as the festival plays out this weekend.

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

INDIA: Very high rate of elder abuse Minoti (name changed), is a widow who lives on her own in Birubari, India. She found herself alone when she refused to hand over her assets and ornaments to her son and daughter-in-law.

Like her, many others are facing abuse in the city as it witnesses a sharp rise in incidents of abuse of elderly persons in recent years.

A latest report from Help Age India, a leading NGO working to secure senior citizens' rights, has reported that elders here are facing a huge ‘crisis’.

The report said that Guwahati has one of the highest rates of elders' abuse among 12 Tier II cities in the country that were part of the survey last year. The elders here faced abuse ‘almost daily’.

“Almost 71 per cent of elderly people have faced abuse on a daily basis here.

Another 21 per cent reported to have faced it weekly and only six per cent on a monthly basis in 2014,” the report said.

It said that the city had even outplayed the national average in the category. On a national basis, of the elderly who faced abuse, 35 per cent said they were abused at

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least ‘once a week’, 20 per cent have faced abuse ‘once a month’ and only 17 per cent said they were abused daily last year.

What came as another shocking finding was that the biggest perpetrators of such elderly abuse acts were their own children.

“Among the perpetrators, around 74 per cent were reported to be the sons in the family. The daughters-in-law were also active in abusing the elders with some 62 per cent involved in such abusive acts,” an official of the NGO said.

Most of them, some 68 per cent of this abuse, was ‘verbal’.

A survey carried out by several agencies pointed to the lack of adjustment and change in ethos as the prime reasons behind the trouble among the family members.

In the city, around 58 per cent of elders face abuse for at least three to five years.

However, the report also mentioned that 59 per cent among them chose not to report the incidents to either police or any government agencies saying it was a ‘family matter’.

The United Nations has designated 15th June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS UNSTABLE FUTURE: A Pakistani police officer stands guard outside a sealed office of international aid group Save the Children - officials have previously accused Save the Children of involvement in ‘antistate activities’

Pakistan reverses decision to shut down Save the Children Pakistan's government has announced that international aid groups can operate for another six months provided they register with officials in three months' time, a relief for humanitarian groups worried since authorities suddenly shut the offices of Save the Children.

Though Pakistan's Interior Ministry later reversed the order closing the charity, also without explanation, other groups feared being targeted.

On Tuesday 16th June, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with senior government officials to discuss how Pakistan will interact with aid groups in the future. The meeting ended with officials announcing that such groups now must register with the government and receive official approval to operate in Pakistan.

Authorities did not elaborate on why the government suddenly wants such groups to register, nor did it lay out those procedures.

Saeed Ahmed, a spokesman for Save the Children in Pakistan, welcomed the government announcement, though he noted officials have not officially said the group can reopen its offices.

“We will complete the paperwork to fulfill the government requirements to keep functioning [in Pakistan],” he said.

Save the Children has been under intense scrutiny in Pakistan due to local suspicions that the organisation was connected to the May 2011 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. It was linked to the CIA, which used a vaccination campaign run by Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi to obtain DNA samples in Abbottabad, where bin Laden had been hiding.

Ahmed denied any link to the doctor involved in the CIA operation. Earlier, the group acknowledged the doctor had twice attended training workshops attended by more than a thousand others organised by the group in 2009 and 2010 on the health care needs of children and mothers.

"We want to make it clear that Save the Children is against the use of humanitarian organizations for espionage or any illegal activity," Ahmed said. "We are against the use of (aid groups) against the interests of Pakistan."

About 1,200 Pakistanis work for Save the Children, but no foreign staff have been in the country for the past 18 months.

Donors pledge more than £2.8bn to Nepal

Following the two major earthquakes which hit Nepal two months ago, the Himalayan nation has received pledges of aid worth £2.8bn – equating to two-thirds of the total needed for five years of reconstruction.

Half of the money pledged at an international conference in Kathmandu is in the form of grants and the rest is in the form of concessional loans, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said.

“Nepal and concerned donors will have to negotiate the details of the projects, time frame and modalities of aid. Only after that the money will come and project implementation will begin,” Mahat told reporters at the end of the conference attended by delegates from 60 countries and aid agencies.

Two quakes, on 25th April and 12th May, killed 8,832 people, injured more than 22,000 and forced tens of thousands into temporary shelters.

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Punjabi Born Challe Foreign!

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THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRITY NEWS FROM BOLLYWOOD & HOLLYWOOD

COMEDY: Harpal Singh will star in ‘Punjabi Born Challe Foreign’ when it launches in UK theatres

Much loved Harpal Singh brings a new genre of comedy to the UK stage Continued on page 80

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Punjabi HMaurpcahlloSinvegdh b ri n g s a new Born genre of comedy to Challe the UK stage Foreign! www.asianexpress.co.uk

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VISIT: Harman Singh met with Asian Express Managing Director, Nadim Hanif, last week to discuss Punjabi Born Challe Foreign

As the Indian movie scene continues to grow in popularity every year, the UK is now preparing for its first taste of a new type of comedy as ‘Punjabi Born Challe Foreign’ debuts in British theatres.

Developed by production house ‘Friday Film Factory’, the play will be staged in three British cities in conjunction with Rajpal Artist Productions UK. Guaranteed to bring a smile to lovers of Punjabi film and theatre, it is certainly a performance you do not want to miss.

Harpal Singh is the founder of the Friday Film factory and will showcase his comical skills alongside some household names when the play is staged in Leeds, Birmingham and London.

Speaking to the Asian Express during his visit to Leeds earlier this week, Harpal said he cannot wait to showcase the unique and exciting genre to a new audience.

“I am very excited to be producing a Punjabi comedy show here in the UK for the very first time,” he said.

“I look forward to entertaining audiences all over the country.”

Harpal, who has performed in more than 2,000 stage shows worldwide and starred in films such as Jee Aayan Nu, Yaar Anmulle (role of Prof Kakker), Carry on Jatta, Power Cut and Mogge Wali, will be joined in the production by a host of stars.

From the king of comedy, Bhotu Shah (Joginder Singh) to senior actor, Sukhbir Singh; this is a play that is long overdue for UK audiences.

Dates for Punjabi Born Challe Foreign shows will be announced later this year. To keep up to date with all the latest news regarding the performances visit the official Facebook page.

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Irrfan Khan beats all previous box-office Khan records

Top of the

Khans!

There has always been a rage of the three Khans in Bollywood – Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir. From romancing heroines to doing action roles to breaking records with the 200 crore club, they have done it all.

However, the entrant in the Khan club has left the audience flabbergasted.

Irrfan Khan's Jurassic World has broken all records by giving a humongous opening of $511 million worldwide. This is the biggest opening ever to date.

He plays the role of Simon Masrani, the owner of the dinosaur park in Jurassic World and it’s being speculated that Irrfan has had the maximum screen time any Bollywood actor has ever had in a mainstream Hollywood film.

“The success of 'Jurrasic World' has come out as a blessing for all of us. I am

overjoyed with the response that the film has received in India and abroad. I thank everyone who has contributed to this film and made it such a large success,” Irrfan said in a statement.

The story unfolds 22 years after the events of Jurassic Park in a fully functional resort on Isla Nublar that sees more than 20,000 visitors a day. The new park includes a biological preserve, a safari, a zoo, and a theme park type setting and of course unprecedented close access to real, living dinosaurs.

Jurassic World, which also stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, is set at the same location as Jurassic Park. It is a direct sequel to the runaway 1993 hit.

Irrfan’s impeccable performance in the film has been appreciated worldwide and now he’s prepping up for Dan Brown's ‘Inferno in Budapest’.

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FILM: Tanu Weds Manu Returns OU T NOW DIRECTED BY: Aanand Rai GENRE: Comedy STAR CAST: Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal

FILM: Dil Dhadakne Do OUT NOW DIRECTED BY: Zoya Akhtar GENRE: Drama STAR CAST: Ranveer Singh, Shefali Shah, Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Rahul Bose

The sequel to the hit 2011 comedy brings the main actors and director back together for another slice of comedy gold.

Four years after Manu met and wed Tanu in the hit original film (titled, unsurprisingly, Tanu Weds Manu), the lovable couple are back.

Not only are the original stars back, with Kangana Ranaut as Tanuja 'Tanu' Trivedi and Madhavan as Manoj 'Manu' Sharma, but the original film's director, Aanand Rai, is back too.

Although the pair are now settled in London, Manu is busy working hard and Tanu is bored.

Horribly homesick, Tanu decides to fly back to India, but is closely followed by her beloved husband.

The only problem is though, when Manu returns to India, it's Tanu's doppelganger - a Haryanvi athlete! - that he meets and falls in love with.

Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan are reprising their quirky-sweet roles in this romantic drama which, the actress says, will show the tricky grounds of a marriage.

“I hear so many love stories every year but no one wants to go to the tricky grounds of a marriage. What we all see is happy ending and not what happens after marriage and what it takes to fall in love again,” says Kangana.

“This film will convey that. It’s an urban, relatable issue and a beautiful love story. It can easily be a real life story.”

A dysfunctional Punjabi family embark on a cruise holiday around the Mediterranean in this new romantic drama by director Zoya Akhtar.

Family differences are exposed on the high seas as businessman Kamal Mehra (Anil Kapoor) and wife Neelam (Shefali Shah) take their son Kabir (Ranveer Singh) and daughter Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra) on a cruise holiday.

After Kabir reveals his plans to become a pilot rather than taking over the family business, salvation comes in the form of Farah (Anushka Sharma), who has left home to pursue her dream of becoming a dancer.

Also featuring in the all-star ensemble cast are Farhan Akhtar, who plays entrepreneur Ayesha's ex-lover, and Rahul Bose, who makes a special appearance as her estranged husband.

FILM: ABCD 2 OUT NOW DIRECTED BY: Remo D Souza GENRE: Drama STAR CAST: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Allu Arjun, Prabhu Deva, Lauren Gottlieb, Raghav Juyal, Dharmesh Yelande, Remo D Souza ABCD 2 is a grand 3D Dance Film, which travels to the vibrant city of Las Vegas and is a bittersweet journey of love, friendship, betrayal, honour and redemption.

The story traces the journey of an Indian dance troupe, a motley assortment of boys and girls who come from the backstreets of a Mumbai suburb; their rise to fame, sudden downfall and then their heroic attempt to seek vindication by regaining their lost glory and pride.

The sequel to one of India's biggest dance movies of all time takes the troupe to the international stage. After the enormous success of India's first 3D dance film, ‘ABCD’ (Any Body Can Dance), Disney India and world-renowned choreographer turned director Remo D'Souza are promising bigger thrills and spills for the sequel.

Reuniting the two lead stars (Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor) with their mentor Vishnu (Prabhu Deva), the story follows the Indian dance troupe to Las Vegas for an international dance competition.

But with the stakes higher and much tougher competition, can the boys and girls from the Mumbai suburbs go back to India as champions?

Will they be able to achieve success at the biggest International platform? Will they make their beloved Vishnu Sir proud, who is himself struggling with his not so perfect past?

FILM: Bajrangi Bhaijaan DIRECTED BY: Kabir Khan GENRE: Romance/Action STAR CAST: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ali Quli Mirza, Adnan Sami (special appearance)

RELEASE DATE: All set to release in time 16/7/2015 for Eid, the Salman Khan starrer ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is very much anticipated.

A 5-year-old girl from Pakistan, who is unable to speak, gets separated from her mother at an Indian railway station.

Lost and hungry she finds shelter at the home of Pavan, an ardent Hindu devotee and hailing from a robust wrestling family.

‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is the moving story of Pavan's quest to unite the child with her parents against all odds – he’s ready to move the heaven and earth.

Set against the backdrop of colourful Chandni Chowk, the film travels from the heartland of Punjab, through the deserts of Rajasthan, over the snowcapped mountains of Kashmir Bajrangi Bhaijaan tells the story of how Pavan, who will move heaven and earth to fulfil the promise he made to the girl from across the border.

With the songs from the film already a big hit, Adnan Sami who’s done a qawaali for the film, will cactaully feature in the flick. The song ‘Bhar do jholi meri" written by Kausar Munir has primarily been shot at a dargah with Sami.

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jSuEnPTe 2015

SPY STARRING: MELISSA MCCARTHY, JASON STATHAM, ROSE BYRNE, MIRANDA HART, BOBBY CANNAVALE DIRECTOR: PAUL FEIG GENRE: COMEDY UK RELEA Melissa McCarthy SE D goes undercover in 5/6/2015ATE: this hilarious espionage comedy.

Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is a middle-aged desk-bound CIA analyst, who is the agency's unsung hero behind their most dangerous missions.

However, when one of her colleagues, the James Bond-like Bradley Fine (Jude Law) is killed by lethal enemy agent Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), she decides to go out into the field to avenge his death.

Sent out undercover, Cooper must infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster.

ENTOURAGE

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STARRING: KEVIN CONNOLLY, ADRIAN GRENIER, KEVIN DILLON, JERRY FERRARA, PLUS CAMEOS DIRECTOR: DOUG ELLIN GENRE: DRAMA, COMEDY UK R

ELEASE D ATE:

8/6/2015 Four years on from the final episode of the award-winning HBO series, the boys are back with their own celebrity entourage in tow.

Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) is about to direct his first film, with the help of agentturned-movie head, Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven).

Gold secures the $100 million budget from Texas billionaire Larsen McCredle (Billy Bob Thornton) and his son Travis (Haley Joel Osment). But Chase's film soon goes over-budget and Gold realises his studio is in trouble with only its first movie.

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JURASSIC WORLD STARRING: IRRFAN KHAN, BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, TY SIMPKINS, CHRIS PRATT, VINCENT D'ONOFRIO DIRECTOR: COLIN TREVORROW UK RELEA 12A GENRE: ACTION, SCI-FI SE DATE

CERT

22 years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond.

This new park is owned

by the Patel Corporation.

Owen, a member of Jurassic World’s on-site staff, conducts behavioural research on the Velociraptors.

After many years, Jurassic World’s

12/6/201 : 5

attendance rates begin to decline and a new attraction, created to re-spark visitor interest, gravely backfires.

U

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MR HOLMES STARRING: IAN MCKELLEN, COLIN STARKEY, LAURA LINNEY, HATTIE MORAHAN, HIROYUKI SANADA DIRECTOR: BILL CONDON GENRE: DRAMA TBC

CERT

Sir Ian McKellen takes UK RELEA on the role of the SE iconic Baker 19/6/20D1ATE: 5 Street detective in this acclaimed drama.

It's 1947 and the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is long retired and living in relative anonymity in Sussex with only his housekeeper Mrs Munro (Laura Linney) and her young son Roger (Milo Parker) for company.

Angry due to his former partner Dr John Watson's misrepresentation of him in the series of bestselling novels, his mind turns to his final case, one that has remained frustratingly unsolved in the years since.

THE LONGEST RIDE STARRING: SCOTT EASTWOOD, BRITT ROBERTSON, ALAN ALDA, JACK HUSTON, MELISSA BENOIST DIRECTOR: GEORGE TILMAN JR GENRE: DRAMA

UK RELEA SE DATE:

26/6/201 5

12A

CERT

MINIONS UK RELEA SE DATE:

19/6/201 A former rodeo rider falls 5 in love with an artist in this passionate romantic drama.

Luke (Scott Eastwood) made his name as a championship rodeo rider but is now coasting on former glories.

While planning to make a comeback, he meets and falls in love with aspiring artist Sophia (Britt Robertson).

When their paths cross with elderly car crash victim Ira (Alan Alda), his memories of the past have a major emotional impact on Luke and Sophia's relationship.

Past and present collide in the latest romance from The Notebook author Nicholas Sparks, providing a passionate tale of two lovers from very different backgrounds.

STARRING: SANDRA BULLOCK, JOHN HAMM DIRECTOR: KYLE BALDA, PIERRE COFFIN GENRE: COMEDY, FAMILY Those lovable little yellow minions from 'Despicable Me' team up with a female villain voiced by Sandra Bullock.

Back in the 1960s, long before they met despicable Gru, the minions find themselves living in Antarctica without a master.

So two of the bravest henchmen venture forth to a villain convention, where they find Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock) scheming to become the world's first female supervillain.

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Bombshell beauty!

Ford GT: The 600-plushorsepower hypercar unveiled

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Bombshell beauty!

At an event held in New Delhi at the largest Ducati Store in the world, the iconic Italian motorcycle brand made its first official press conference since entering India and Ducati India Pvt. Ltd. took the occasion to announce the arrival of two new variants of the Scrambler.

Ducati India Pvt. Ltd is the youngest of 11 official subsidiaries owned worldwide by Ducati and since opening its first dealerships in Delhi NCR and Mumbai, has received a tremendous response from the motorcycling community.

Their wide range of motorcycles appeal to many different types of enthusiast, such as the latest edition to the Monster family: the

Ducati officially marks its arrival in India Monster 821, alongside the Monster S2R and 795. Ducati India also presents the Hypermotard and Hyperstrada, all models of the Diavel family and the 899, 1299, 1299 S and Panigale R. During the conference, Mr. Pierfrancesco Scalzo (Asia General Manager of Ducati) spoke about the brand’s history, its Italian heritage and current range, while Mr. Ravi Avalur (Ducati India Pvt. Ltd Managing Director) presented plans for India’s network, confirmed the opening of a new dealership in UB City, Bangalore in October 2015 and unveiled the the two new Scrambler variants.

Remarking on Ducati’s official entry to India, Pierfrancesco

Scalzo said: “In 2013 we began our groundwork in India and our belief in the market has been reaffirmed. This has been possible with great partners such as AMP, Infinity and VST. I have travelled extensively across the length and breadth of India, met Ducatisti, felt their passion and know that we will be successful in this country.

Ducati will provide the same high standards of service in India as we do everywhere else in the world.

“We introduced the Scrambler Icon in June and were overwhelmed with the positive response from our customers,” said Ravi Avalur. "Now, we’re proud to unveil the Scrambler Classic and Full Throttle and are confident that motorcyclists will

love these versatile machines also. Of the two new Scrambler variants introduced, the Classic is aimed at those who appreciate attention to detail and 1970s style, but who don’t want to compromise on riding pleasure and functionality. The Full Throttle version, inspired by the flat track world, is destined for those who want a motorcycle perfect for every-day use and with a distinctive racing style.”

Mr. Pierfrancesco Scalzo concluded the event announcing new openings in the rest of the country, including Pune and Hyderabad and he remarked that the main target for Ducati is to provide unlimited satisfaction to the customers in India.

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Ford GT: The 600-plus-horsepower hypercar unveiled After the recent astonishing highperformance and supercar launches that included the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Chevy Camaro Z/28, Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Ford’s own Shelby Mustang GT350, our jaws were dropped.

Now Ford’s unveiling of the all-new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that has a host of stats, has our jaws opening wider by the second.

The GT packs more than 600 horsepower with an EcoBoost engine, and is combined with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

It’s one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020 and it utilises full carbon-fiber construction and body panels, it has active aerodynamics and a plethora of technology.

It joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance lineup.

Beginning production in late 2016, the Ford GT hits the road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a 3.5 litre mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell.

It is propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever - a next-generation twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.

The bombshell beauty makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber

and aluminum - enabling outstanding acceleration and handling with improved efficiency.

Ford's commitment to and capability in delivering technologies typically offered only in elite vehicles is evident in the GT. These include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and a host of material and technology innovations to help better serve the driver, such as SYNC 3 - the latest version of Ford's advanced connectivity system.

Few innovations provide a more wideranging performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors of a vehicle's capabilities - acceleration, handling, braking, safety, efficiency - can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials.

The all-new Ford GT features advanced lightweight composites, which will help serve Ford's entire product lineup moving forward.

With the broad application of structural carbon fiber elements, the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.

Anchored by a carbon fiber passenger cell, the GT features aluminum front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels. Carbon fiber is one of the world's strongest materials for its mass enabling an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis components, while creating a lighter overall package for increased dynamic performance and efficiency.

EcoBoost engines power a growing number

of Ford performance models, including the new Mustang, just-announced F-150 Raptor, as well as Fiesta ST and Focus ST. Based on the same race-proven engine architecture serving Ford's IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts, the nextgeneration twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the GT features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics.

The engine demonstrates remarkable efficiency - a key attribute of its endurance racing-derived powertrain, where exceptional performance combined with efficiency is a critical competitive advantage.

The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for near-instantaneous gear changes and exceptional driver control.

While it shares a legacy with classic Ford racing and performance cars, GT is a fully contemporary and functional shape that communicates modernity and pure beauty.

"The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

"GT includes innovations and technologies that can be applied broadly across Ford's future product portfolio - another proof point that Ford continues raising the performance bar while ultimately improving vehicles for all of our customers."

The dramatic supercar will be delivered to the first customers at the end of 2016 and is expected to be priced at around £250,000.

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Tesla Model S does one billion electric miles Tesla, manufacturer of the award-winning Model S allelectric saloon, announced its total vehicle fleet worldwide have driven over a billion miles.

In just the three years since Model S hit the road, owners across the world have travelled the equivalent of over 4,000 trips to the moon, or almost 40,000 times around the Earth.

By driving electric miles, Tesla owners have saved more than half a million tons of CO2.

A billion miles on a fleet of just under 75,000 Model S is a testament to the safety and durability of Model S and the ease of charging and driving

A car manufacturer is testing high-tech systems used by a space agency to monitor a car driver's stress, fatigue and concentration levels.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) wants to see if a car can effectively read the brainwaves that indicate if a driver is beginning to daydream or feeling sleepy.

JLR is also developing a seat in a Jaguar XJ, which analyses the driver's heart rate and breathing to indicate their health and stress levels.

On the brainwave reading, JLR

electric vehicles. Tesla customers rely on Model S as their daily driver and for long distance road trips by charging at home or along Tesla’s worldwide Supercharger network.

Since the launch of Model S in 2012, Tesla has created a charging network spanning North America, Europe and Asia that now consists of 445 Supercharger stations and thousands of Destination Charging locations, enabling fast and free long distance charging.

Most importantly, Model S owners can be confident that they are driving the safest car on

Space-age tech said it was investigating a method already used by American space agency NASA to develop a pilot's concentration skills and also by the US bobsleigh team to enhance concentration and focus.

This detects brainwaves through the hands via sensors embedded in

the steering wheel. JLR is currently conducting user trials to collect more information on the different brainwaves identified through the steering wheel sensors and will involve leading neuroscientists in the project to verify the results.

The seat sensor, for monitoring a

driver's well-being, was originally developed for use in hospitals and has been adapted for in-car use and detects vibrations from the driver's heartbeat and breathing.

Monitoring the physical health of the driver could not only detect the onset of sudden and serious illness

the road thanks to Tesla’s Autopilot capabilities, a low centre of gravity and a maximum possible 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Tesla will kick off this fleet milestone with the launch of the ‘Next Billion Miles Tour’, which will travel around North America, Europe and Asia offering customers the opportunity to experience the exhilarating performance and handling of Model S. The Next Billion Miles Tour will visit a number of locations in the UK. To sign up for a test drive on the tour, visit http://www.teslamotors.com/ en_GB/billionmiles

that may incapacitate the driver, but also allow the car to monitor driver stress levels.

This would then allow the car to help reduce stress, for example by changing mood lighting, audio settings and climate control.

In addition, the company is working on technology which will provide touchscreens that predict which in-car entertainment button drivers want to press even as their fingers are in mid-air - thus minimising the time spent with eyes off the road.

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Transcendence Adding to the Alfa Romeo brand's legendary racing history and the exciting experience of open-air motoring, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider debuts with panoramic views complemented with a signature Alfa exhaust note, plus the essential sportiness of the award-winning 4C Coupe.

Handcrafted in Modena, Italy the new 4C Spider oozes groundbreaking and seductive Italian style, state-of-the-art Formula 1 inspired carbon fibre chassis, advanced technologies, and an all-aluminum 1750 cc turbocharged engine that enables supercar-level performance.

Continuing the groundbreaking theme of technology, performance and Italian style, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider builds upon the brand's journey, which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione (2008), 8C Spider (2009), 4C Coupe (2015), and most recently, the 4C Spider Concept, which debuted at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show.

Inspired by the 33 Stradale, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider transcends this legendary racecar's mid-engine body forms and follows its purposeful and lightweight

performance tradition with sheetmoulded compound (SMC) composite panels forming its seductive Italian design, and "clothing" its state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque chassis and all-aluminum 1750 cc turbocharged, direct-injected engine.

With seating for two, panoramic views and the soundtrack of an Italian performance-tuned engine and exhaust, Spiders are among the most exhilarating experiences in motoring - and represent the very core of Alfa Romeo's DNA and heritage.

Thanks to its mid-engine layout, advanced technology and compact

size, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with a top speed of 160 miles per hour (mph), 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in an estimated 4.1-seconds, 1.1 g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration delivering 237 horsepower.

To ensure exceptional performance and drivability on the racetrack or city streets, the 1750 cc turbocharged engine features cutting-edge technologies. High pressure direct-injection (2,900 psi / 200 bar) with multi-hole fuel injectors provide a more even spray. To increase performance,

while reducing oil consumption and emissions, the cylinder head inlet ducts have an optimized design, while cylinder liners are made from thin cast-iron. The addition of an electric thermostat helps the 1750 cc turbo engine reduce warm-up times and tailpipe emissions. Minimizing vibration at higher engine speeds, the engine's crankshaft features eight counter weights. Last, intake and exhaust systems are optimized for Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's mid-engine layout.

A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine

speeds. A waste gate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the engine's efficiency. Advanced turbo technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 ft.-lb. (350 N•m); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm.

Instantaneously optimising the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's level of performance is the brand's innovative Alfa DNA selector.

With four modes, including "Race" mode, the Alfa DNA selector can optimize the engine, transmission, Alfa Electronic Q2 differential and electronic stability control (ESC) calibrations to the levels needed by the driver. With a touch of the Alfa DNA selector, the driving dynamics of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider can be changed to (in order of increasing capability) ‘Allweather ‘, ‘Natural’, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Race’.

In ‘Race’ mode, launch control can be activated, allowing the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to deliver 0-to60 mph acceleration blasts as low as 4.1-seconds.

New 4C Spider represents the core of Alfa Romeo’s DNA

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Quaid-e-Azam Sunday cricket League The Quaid-e-Azam Sunday Cricket League is the oldest and largest all Asian league in the country, boasting 30 teams across three leagues.

Set up in 1985, the setup is currently

celebrating its 30th year anniversary and continues to draw in talent from across Bradford, Leeds, Kirklees, Calderdale and even Sheffield.

Keighley RZM are the current Premier

Division champions and have retained the trophy for the past three years whilst upcoming talents continue to arise every season.

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 action every issue.

Team of the Week: Whiterose

Magic of the Cup

chased down their target with five wickets remaining to claim victory at Raja. A lively wicket resulted in challenging conditions for the batsmen yet it was the visitors who managed to handle the environment best, and advance in the cup.

With league fixtures on hold for a A repeat of last year’s Yasmin & were guided by Ismail Dawood’s 95 runs weekend to allow for the cup to take centre stage, Shaheen and Friends both Shahid Cup final is still very much as they built an unassailable lead in the took advantage of the spotlight to possible after an action packed weekend sunshine. register impressive wins in the 1 Stop of cup cricket saw Keighley RZM and Last year’s cup winners Keighley Tyres Shield semi-finals.

OnQ qualify for the final four.

RZM will make up the other semi-final Game of the week came at Friends They will be joined by Whiterose and tie with Heaton Park after both sides (253) who, after setting Bhalot (241) a Heaton Park in the semi-finals as the easily advanced into the next round. huge target of runs, narrowly made it competition comes to a close, with all Keighley (278-7) hosted Shimla’s four team registering convincing (148) and scored the highest total of the through to the final with their opponents falling just 12 runs short. victories over their respected opponents. day thanks to a Waleed Akhtar century Qaiser Hameed’s 77 was not enough Whiterose (274-6) won the toss in (105) and Ali half century (50). their encounter against the final Section In reply, Shimla managed just 148 runs to guide the visitors to victory in a game where almost 500 runs were seen in a A side in the competition, Kashmir before they were all bowled out - Jamal tense affair.

Bradford (76) and registered a huge taking best figures of 4-24.

The other semi-final match between score as they turned on the style.

Meanwhile, Heaton Park (182-5) Aslam top scored with 69 runs and despite an impressive bowling performance from Bradford’s Iqbal (427) they were unable to match the power with the bat.

All out for just 76 runs, the underdogs were pulled apart by a masterclass game from Mubeen Mirza who took five wickets for just 35 runs.

The Premier outfit will meet last year’s losing finalists, OnQ (277-6) in the semis after they also made light work of their opponents, Flix (136).

Electing to bat first, the high flyers

Akhtar century fires Keighley into semis

Player of the week:

Waleed Akhtar registered the highest individual score of the weekend, smashing 105 runs in Keighley RZM’s (278-7) victory over Shimla’s (148)

Shaheen (134-8) and Al-Minarah (130) in Heckmondwike was a low scoring game but again another result which could have gone either way.

A ninth wicket stand of 22 runs eventually sealed the triumph for Shaheen who will meet Friends in the 1 Stop Tyres Shield final on Sunday 12th July.

... rest of the action

Yasmin & Shahid Cup Results - Quarter-Finals

Keighley RZM 278-7 (W Akhtar 105, Y Ali 50) v Shimla’s 148 all out (N Jamal 4-24)

OnQ 277-6 (I Dawood 95*, F Rehman 80, M Jamal 40) v Flix 136 all out

Raja 178 all out (W Anjum 67) v Heaton Park 182-5 (M Waqas 61)

Whiterose 274-6 (S Aslam 69, A Iqbal 4-27) v Kashmir Bfd 76 all out (M Mirza 5-35)

Semi-final ties will be played on Sunday 12th July

1 Stop Tyres Shield Results - Semi-Finals

Al- Minarah 130 all out v Shaheen 134-8

Friends 253 all out v Bhalot 241 all out (Q Hameed 77)

Final to be played on Sunday 12th July (venue to be confirmed this week)

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June 2015 - 4th 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.

ANOTHER BOXING DISAPPOINTMENT – ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER

By Khalil Alam info@asianexpress.co.uk

This past weekend two of boxing’s brightest stars were matched against each other in a highly anticipated boxing bout as Shawn Porter (26-1-1 16KO) managed to get a unanimous decision in Las Vegas against Adrian Broner (30-2-0 22KO).

Broner a three weight world champion had insisted that Porter fight him at a 144 pound catch weight, despite Porter usually fighting at the heavier welterweight limit, but Porter still managed to beat up and embarrass Broner on the way to a huge victory.

Broner produced a very disappointing boxing performance as he grabbed during the clinch and held onto Porter for the majority of the fight even though he managed to produce some last minute drama by dropping Porter with a decent left hook but Porter managed to get to his feet and continue fighting.

Broner prior to the fight had been the main attraction and the “A side fighter” in boxing terms.

He has earned a reported 1.35 million dollars compared to Porter’s lesser amount in this bout.

Despite the second unanimous beating Broner has taken he has still failed to realise the

Khalil Alam

magnitude of this loss as he continued to down play the occasion and tell the interviewers he was financially stable.

It is hard to believe that earlier in Broner’s career he had been considered as one of the undefeated rising stars of boxing and successor to the best boxer on the planet Floyd Mayweather.

The loss to Porter will have a detrimental impact on Broner and I expect Broner’s earning power to be severely dented. It is time he stopped playing the entertaining rich clown and concentrated more on his boxing potential.

I still feel that Broner has great boxing ability and had he fought with the same urgency throughout the fight as he did in the last round when he managed to knock down Porter he could have potentially won this fight.

Broner known as the “problem” is just that with his crazy antics inside and outside of the ring and continued disturbing, offensive comments during post fight interviews and his recent rant on social media where he has posted a picture of himself with a fake gun is just part of his bizarre world. As a fighter Broner has recently looked unprepared for his opponents and one has to question his maturity to listen to his coach and trainers during a boxing bout when he is losing the fight.

I strongly feel that Broner is not capable of winning fights at welterweight and he should move back down to his natural weight where he had his earlier boxing successes and great wins. The fact that he nearly lost a decision to an almost retired Paulie Malignaggi, was then beaten up by Marcos Maidana and now lost convincingly against Porter proves my point.

TEAM OF WEEK: - Tetleys Tino

Then there was three Dropped points at the top heats up title race PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The SLUK Premier Division top scorer, Sultan Khan, hit a double to guide Old Bacca Boys to a comfortable 2-0 win against NFA, keeping his side’s title hopes alive

The race for the Premier Division title in this year’s SLUK competition is hotting up as just three points now separate the top three.

Jubodhol’s shock goalless draw with bottom side Super Six gave the chasing pack a chance to make up ground and that is exactly what Old Bacca Boys and Al-Aqsa were able to do on Thursday.

The table toppers were unable to find the exciting form that earned them a 2-0 win over JackHammer last week, with a resolute Super Six keeping their slim hopes of survival alive.

Al Aqsa are now joint on points at the top after registering a classic 1-0 victory over strugglers Team Newbees, with only goal difference keeping them off the summit.

With two games to go, the high flyers will be hoping for another slip up from the current leaders in their final games as they hope to take the title race to the end.

Elsewhere, Old Bacca

Boys are still in with a shot of the Premier Division crown this year, after the ever reliant Sultan Khan bagged a brace to gift his team a 20 win against NFA. Khan is the division’s top scorer, hitting 14 of OBB’s impressive 31 goals this term, and was in lethal form once again in front of goal.

The three points lifts his side to third spot, whilst NFA’s nightmare league campaign continued with them slipping to second bottom of the table.

Elsewhere, a victory for JackHammer would have seen them move to within two points of the

champions yet they were thumped 3-1 by Tetley’s Tino.

Tinos celebrated their first win in four games to leapfrog up into seventh spot, whilst back-to-back defeats for JackHammer all but ends their title challenge.

The final action of the day was seen in another close encounter as two of the pre-season favourites, Borussia Teeth and Hyde Park played out a 1-1 draw.

Neither team were able to find a winner in a closely fought contest and both will now be looking forward to next season as they hope to mount more serious title challenges.

This week’s scores

Old Bacca Boys 2 - 0 NFA Jubodhol FC 0 - 0 Super Six Tetley's Tino 3 - 1 Jackhammer FC Borussia Teeth 1 - 1 Hyde Park FC Newbies 0 - 1 Al-Aqsa FC

June 2015 - 4th Edition

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Sport

The Hulk’s return Force India take ten points from Austrian GP SUCCESS: After a difficult season to date, Nico Hulkenberg earned his best finish of the Formula One campaign in Austria, taking home eight points in sixth position

Ashfaq clinches Euros medal and sets sights on Olympics

Bronze in Baku Speaking after the bout, he said: “I wasn’t feeling my best today. I tried to put that to one side and I thought it was a good fight. A close fight as well.

“It was exactly what I expected but like I said, I wasn’t feeling myself today. Even warming up I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent but that’s part of the experience and I’ll come back stronger and by the time the Olympics comes round I’ll win that gold medal.”

The 22-year-old had overcome Georgia’s Giorgi Gogatishvili in his opening bout on 17th June, before victories against Turkey’s Selcuk Eker and Omar El-Hag of Germany, secured him his spot in the final four.

The contest with Asanau was anything but one-sided with both boxers hitting heavy blows to each other throughout.

Ashfaq continued: “This is really my first major senior tournament apart from the Commonwealth Games, which isn’t that major.

The more experience I’m getting the better I’ll become.

“A couple of things didn’t go my way this week but it’s good to have the experience and I’m getting experience all the time. I wasn’t very well this week and another day I probably would have beaten him.

“Three good performances this week and I’ll come back better and stronger. Hopefully he’ll win that gold and I’ll go to the World Championships – I wish him all the best.”

With Bronze in the Europeans and Silver in the Commonwealths already secured, Gold at Rio 2016 seems the perfect way for Ashfaq to finish his collection.

Living up to last season’s record points total was always going to be difficult for Formula One constructors Force India yet there was certainly a familiar feel to last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Nico Hulkenberg sealed his best finish of the season in sixth spot, taking home eight points, whilst teammate Sergio Perez chipped in with two more thanks to his ninth placed finish.

It was roles reversal this time around for the two drivers who last season also ended in sixth and ninth, with Perez taking the higher tally of points that time around.

Last Sunday, on a tricky track in Spielberg, which saw four cars retire as well as Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso crash out without even finishing a lap, Force India looked back to their best throughout the race.

Brazilian Hulkenberg was even unfortunate not to take fifth place, following an enthralling two-way contest for the position throughout with Williams’ Valtteri Bottas.

Speaking after the race, the upbeat driver said it was important to have taken another ‘step forward’ in this year’s campaign.

“I’m very satisfied with sixth place today,” he said. “Going into the race we always knew it would be difficult to keep the Williams of Bottas behind me, so bringing the car home in sixth was probably the maximum we could achieve.

“I had some good wheel-to-wheel battles with him and we swapped places a few times, but it was hard to match their absolute pace.

“Overall it’s been a great weekend: I found a nice rhythm and I have been very happy with the performance of the car.

“With Checo in the points as well, it’s been an excellent weekend for us and we can be proud of what we’ve achieved.

It’s an important boost ahead of Silverstone where we hope to make another step forward.”

Nico Rosberg eventually came home in first spot, followed inevitably by Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton whilst Williams’ Felipe Massa completed the podium line-up.

Next up for the drivers is a trip to England for the Silverstone Grand Prix where Hamilton will be hoping to make it back-to-back victories on his home track.

WALK & TALK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 2013/14 AWARDS

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Bronze in Baku BOXING: Qais Ashfaq picked up a Bronze medal in the European Championships, defeating Georgian, Turkish and German opponents on his way to the podium finish

Ashfaq clinches By Ashley Grint Euros medal and sets sights on Olympics

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Continued on page 99

Leeds’ boxing ace, Qais Ashfaq, says he is ready to clinch Gold next year in Rio, after picking up a Bronze medal at the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, earlier this week.

The bantamweight competitor was unfortunate to lose out on points to Belarus’ Dzmitry Asanau in the semi-finals yet remains upbeat about his chances in the Olympics.

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