Asian Standard issue 18

FEATURE Jeremy Corbyn: "Defending the NHS is defending a basic human value and a basic human right" Page 10

WOMEN ACHIEVERS

INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE:

Meet Sofia Buncy, this weeks woman achiever

Tapsee Pannu talks to us about her upcoming Naam Shabana

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AS Weekender

By the publishers of Asian Sunday

As Syrian conflict Issue 18 | 21 - 26 March 2017

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enters its seventh Dream come true year, Assad’s future is for trio as they meet ‘Starsky and Hutch’ and the sticking point get to showcase their tribute to the famous TV detectives show

Trio of former school friends, couldn’t believe their luck when they heard original stars of the popular American cop thriller television series, Starsky (played by Paul Michael Glaser) and Hutch (played by David Soul) were coming to the UK. It’s been almost 40 years since the TV cops Starsky and Hutch were last seen on our television screens, but the show is still admired by fans across the globe even today.

Amongst those ardent fans are former school friends, Nadeem Butt, Riaz Ahmed and Zafar Amin. Last May the Bradford based friends met following a school reunion and (as you do) over a curry reminisced about the old days.

It was then that Nadeem, came up with the concept of paying tribute to their favourite TV duo.

Read more on Pages 6 & 7

wishing every one a

With no film or acting experience the three friends got together and produced a two-minute montage trailer of the hit 70’s TV series.

Read more in this week’s Weekender supplement

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Issue 18

CONTACT US Asian Standard Newspaper 1st Floor, 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE National Enquiries: 0333 577 0046 London : 0207 164 6047 Bradford : 01274 735 657 ADVERTISING & SALES sales@asiansunday.co.uk NEWS newsdesk@asiansunday.co.uk EDITOR Editor@asiansunday.co.uk ADMINISTRATOR Shazia Ashraf PUBLISHER RF Publishing Ltd DESIGN & ARTWORK Sunil Panchal REPORTERS Mo Bhana Ayesha Babar Itrat Bashir Raheema Khan CONTRIBUTORS Luke Patel Shabab Gulfraz PHOTOGRAPHY Riaz Ahmed SOCIAL - MEDIA Kamran Hussain ACCOUNTS Barry Smith www.asian-standard.co.uk Join us on Facebook/AsianStandard Twitter @Asian_Standard Youtube @ AS TV

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Baroness Warsi reveals all in first ever Twitter serialisation of her upcoming book The Enemy Within: A Tale of Muslim Britain by Sayeeda Warsi will be published by Allen Lane on 30 March.

Sayeeda Warsi will be telling her story in her way, by running a series of extracts from the book on Twitter.

Starting on Monday 20 March, the serialisation will flow over five days.

Sayeeda Warsi will introduce the diverse community that is Britain’s Muslims before addressing four crucial questions. What makes a "Violent" Jihadi? Why has government implemented a policy of "disengagement" towards British Muslims for nearly a decade? Are Muslims "the enemy within” as she has been described and perceived? And how do we press the restart button to reboot community relations and rebuild a nation in which we are all at ease?

Sayeeda Warsi said "Despite the kind offer of a newspaper serialisation I have chosen Twitter to introduce my story in my way, available to all, free of charge, anywhere in the world.

I believe serializing in this way will engage a more diverse audience and promote an interactive debate online as

well as constructive conversations offline."

Follow the serial on @sayeedawarsi and @penguinUKbooks and share

your opinions using #nottheenemywithin

Man named Saddam Hussain struggles to get a job

It's been more than 10 years since former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was executed, however, his name is still having a huge impact in the life of one man.

A marine engineer in India sharing the former Iraqi leader’s name has been refused a job 40 times.

Even though their names are spelt slightly differently – the 25-year-old has an a instead of an e – he thinks it is enough to put employers off.

The young engineer has now gone to court to change his name to Sajid.

However, he’s still unable to secure a job.

People are scared to hire me,’ Saddam told

the Hindustan Times.

‘I inquired with the HR departments of the companies and some of them told me my name was the problem.’

He is now waiting on a new passport, driving licence and other ID so he can prove is background to prospective employers.

Another court hearing is due to take place on May 5 to force authorities to change his name on secondary school certificates as well, after which his graduation papers will need amending.

Saddam-now-Sajid is not alone in this unfortunate situation as there are many Saddam Husseins of Iraq who face a similar ordeal.

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NEWS

Skin creams containing paraffin are linked to house fire deaths According to investigations Eczema and psoriasis creams have been the root cause of several deaths across the country over the last 10 years.years.

A BBC Radio 5 investigation has found 37 deaths in England were linked to skin creams since 2010.

The creams, such as some made by E45, contain paraffin and have opened people to the possibility of setting themselves on fire.

Most people know that paraffin is highly flammable, but may not realise that it is a major component of these creams so they are putting themselves at risk. Not changing your sheets or washing your clothes while using the cream can create a serious fire risk as flammable material builds up on the fabric.

Medicine regulators are now calling for all creams to contain a warning.

Brand manufactures such as E45 will start to warn people from next month after 63-year-old

Christopher Holyoake died in 2015.

The Leicester-man’s bedding was covered in flammable residue and when his lighter came into contact he stood little chance of escaping the fire.

Other products like Cetraben have been linked to fire deaths.

John Hills, 84, died in a nursing home in Sussex after his pipe came into contact with clothes that had traces of the product in them.

In London 28 deaths were linked to paraffin creams.

John Smith, chief executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain told the BBC some manufacturers had already put a warning on all paraffin-based creams.

He also insisted that the creams were ‘appropriately safe’.

E45 said: ‘All our labelling is compliant with regulatory guidelines, approved by external

agencies as required and reviewed regularly.

‘We assessed the labelling across our E45 medicines portfolio in summer 2016 and we are updating the labelling on relevant E45 medicinal products, such as E45 cream, to include guidance on potential flammability.

‘We submitted updated labelling which included a flammability warning to the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for approval last year.

‘This labelling has been approved and we have begun producing products with the updated labelling. The first of these will begin to be on retailer shelves in the next month, with the updates fully implemented by summer 2017.

‘The updated labelling will include the following guidance: ‘“Regularly change your clothing, bedding or dressing when using large quantities (>100g) of this product, and keep away from naked flames.”

‘No similar incidents have been reported to E45.’

Goldfish weighing more than a bag of sugar may be Britain’s biggest

A man has revealed that he has what might be Britain’s biggest goldfish.

Rocky weighs 2lbs 10ozs – more than a bag of sugar – and is worth around £4,500.

The three-year-old red Oranda, is native to Japan and China, and is characterised by the prominent growth on its forehead, or ‘wen’.

This can cause problems for the breed, however, as it can reduce the fish’s visibility if it grows to cover the eyes.

Despite not appearing very hydrodynamic, they are powerful and strong swimmers.

Rocky’s owner, Andy Green, is owner of Star Fisheries in Sutton, London which imports and sells goldfish.

He said: ‘It’s the largest goldfish in the UK. It’s very wide, and really heavy.

Compared to a normal goldfish, Rocky is an absolute giant.

‘She is also certainly the largest of his type ever to be imported into the UK. She’s an incredibly strong and powerful fish. That’s where we got her name from.’

‘She came from China, and it took me six months to convince the breeder to sell her to me. If I were to sell her, I wouldn’t accept less than £4,500.’

Andy admits fancy goldfish are a weird

thing to sell, but there is a strong market for rare and prime examples of them.

He said: ‘Some people find them really ugly, especially the fish with bubble heads.

‘But others absolutely love them. The goldfish all have different characters and temperaments, which makes them really interesting.

‘Collectors will also pay big money to make sure they get prime examples of goldfish. The most expensive fish we sold was a panda oranda, which went for £6,500 two years ago.

‘We specialise in supplying the best of the breeds to make sure people are always happy with them.

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Teenager jailed for 14 years after shooting a motorist and leaving him disabled.

by STAFF REPORTER newsdesk@asian-standard.co.uk

A teenager has been jailed for 14 years after shooting a motorist in a horrifying road rage incident in Birmingham on August 8 last year.

Abbas Khan, 19, shot Abu Taher after the pair clashed in George Arthur Road, Alum Rock, after a minor traffic incident.

The 29-year-old victim needed emergency surgery to save his arm from being amputated and is now disabled.

Khan admitted causing grievous bodily hard with intent and possessing a firearm with intent.

Birmingham Crown Court heard the weapon that was used by Khan has never been found but CCTV footage of the incident was recovered after the shooting.

unarmed and such danger presented to you was clearly limited.

The court heard the shooting took place in the early hours of August 8 when a road rage incident between the men began with pushing and shoving.

“You caused serious physical and psychological harm. He was in immense pain, required operations and may require a further operation in the future.

“You could have run off but you didn’t.

“Tahir was about 10 to 15 feet away from you. When he tried to persuade you not to fire at him you ignored that. He tried to turn to get away and you shot him.

“Gun crime is substantially on the rise generally and in this city in particular and that is of grave concern for this court.

“It was a matter of luck rather than judgement you did not kill him. That was a calculated decision that you reached.”

The judge also extended the time Khan remains on licence after release by four years, saying he was dangerous and posed a risk to others.

Those involved left the scene but Mr Taher returned after recruiting another man to act as “muscle.” Khan also returned – with a loaded shotgun taken from a car.

Judge Simon Drew QC said: “Mr Tahir approached you, that was on the CCTV footage. He was clearly

Cost of TV licence to rise for first time in seven years .

The free concession for those aged over 75 remains while the cost of an annual black and white licence will rise

The free concession for those aged over 75 remains while the cost of an annual black and white licence will rise from £49 to £49.50.

The TV licence fee will increase for the first time since 2010, the Government has announced.

The annual fee for BBC programming will increase to £147 from £145.50 on April 1 this year, the Government has said.

The announcement comes as the broadcaster's director general said TV licence collectors had "fallen short", following reports they were deliberately targeting vulnerable people who have not paid.

Enforcement officers at Capita are ordered to catch 28 evaders every week and promised incentive bonuses of up to £15,000 a year, according to a Daily Mail investigation.

The announcement comes amid a period of change for the corporation.

The company is reportedly paid £58 million a year to collect licence fees for the broadcaster and its staff were said to have targetedvulnerable people, including a war veteran with dementia and a young mother in a women's refuge.

In a letter to Capita's chief executive Andy Parker, the BBC's Tony Hall expressed his "serious concern" about the reports and called for "urgent clarification and reassurance" that vulnerable people were not being "targeted".

Under the new charter, the corporation's Trust is being replaced by the BBC Board.

Last year, BBC Trust chairman Rona Fairhead announced she was stepping aside after two years in the role.

Sir David Clementi cleared the latest hurdle in his appointment as the new BBC chairman after he won the backing of MPs. Anyone watching or recording TV programmes as they are shown on TV, or watching or downloading BBC programmes, must have a licence.

The charge applies whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment.

Rules surrounding iPlayer, the BBC's online catch-up service, changed in September.

It was announced by the Government last year that the licence fee would rise in line with inflation for five years from April 1 this year.

The BBC is due to shoulder the £700 million-a-year cost of handing out free licences to the elderly from 2020 after reaching a funding deal with the Government.

The corporation has also been ordered to disclose pay packets of stars earning more that £150,000 a year, including the likes of chat show host Graham Norton and football presenter Gary Lineker.

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FEATURE

Where art thou: halal Romeo and Juliet?

by Mo Bhana mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Ishtiaq Dad is a 36 year old businessman from Batley.

He seemingly has it all; he is a graduate with his own mobile phone business, a respectable family and a thriving social life.

However, there is one thing that is seemingly eluding him for many years: a suitable life partner.

“My brothers have asked me to find a wife for years, but I’ve just been so busy with the business and I go to the gym after work. I have a decent life, so in the past I have been

complacent and not felt the need to find someone.”

Ish, who is nicknamed ‘Salman Khan’ by his peers, because of a love for

It was when she left our place one evening for no particular reason and she went to this cousin’s house to talk to his parents that I was attacked.

I had to lay on the floor for about half an hour whilst this Bollywood throwback had his foot on my neck, speaking in broken English, telling me how much of a loser I was, but the only reason I stayed quiet was because I wanted my wife to come back to me and not cause a scene.

Irfan Dawood

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FEATURE all things Khan and Bollywood is of the opinion that following in his hero’s footsteps will help him find his ‘Juliet’.

“Salman Khan gives a great deal to charity, water wells and much more in Ramadan. I decided to take his lead and give to charity.

“You just have to get on with it, so the best for people and treat them kindly and one day, you will meet that special someone, it’s just a case of waiting, well I hope anyway.”

Abdul Bham, 39 from Batley believes he has to be careful about whoever he picks, because “It is hard to find a decent person nowadays.”

He believes men find it harder to find ‘decent’ women as opposed to women finding ‘decent’ men.

“Asian Women tend to watch Bollywood films, and it’s always singing and dancing and then they think they are going to meet the love of their life and live happily ever after.

“They can drool over the hero all they want but life is not always like that and when you come from an Asian background it’s different - it’s all practical and serious.”

Bham always believed that his marriage would be arranged.

However, things did not work out that way, yet he still has hope.

“The Islamic view on finding a wife is that both parties make a choice should they want to marry each other,” he says. “There’s no long-term girlfriend for me but it’s important that I do find someone, that we are both comfortable with each other.

“Most of my friends are married with kids or just married and seem to be happy with their partners. I’m not interested in going online to find someone, I tried that once, and too many wierd women came out of the woodwork.”

Introductions are usually organised by a selected matchmaker or parents.

However, for 37 year old Memoona Tai, a conversation about what she wants in a partner has been discussed with her parents.

“They just look at my list and probably think that I am just so shallow!’” she laughs, “Because it’s ‘good-looking, tall, dark and handsome.”

“They tell me that I’m not exactly an oil painting, and although there is an alement of truth in that, granted, I’m

not an Angelina Jolie, but I’m no Dot Cotton either.”

Tai is conscious of the fact that certain non asians view arranged marriage and Muslim women in a negative manner.

She recalls a visit to the local library where all she could find were countless ‘miserable books’ about women being forced to get married.

“I like being a Muslim woman but the fact that all around you, you find negative perceptions or dodgy authors who want to make a quick buck so they write a crappy story about Halima or Sadia who fought off their oppressive families and found true love in the end, boring, boring, boring.

“I get really fed up when I watch the news or read newspapers about how us Muslim women are oppressed.

Regardless, even if you have a conversation with people and show them that you have a good job and that you are educated, people still think you are oppressed and at this stage you just laugh, as opposed to getting frustrated.”

It took Aisha Patel a number of

years to find the man she would marry, but she hesitates to explain the ‘painstaking’ process behind finding her husband, Sajid, 35 from Blackburn.

called love rival, none other than her first cousin started acting like a Bollywood hero and taking his top off in front of her, which made him seem like a total numpty.

“Over the years I have been introduced to more suitors than I can even remember, so within minutes you would be saying some really personal things,” says Patel.

“It was when she left our place one evening for no particular reason and she went to this cousin’s house to talk to his parents that I was attacked.

“How many children do you want to have? What do you want to do with the rest of your life?”

Sajida Patel, 39, decided to go try online dating, something which she regrets to this day: “Some men would just turn up late and not even offer an apology, said Patel.

“Some would not want to spend any money, and I thought, if you’re not even going to spend any money to impress me at this stage, you are a tight get who will be very stingy when we get married.

“Some even had the audacity to ask me not to wear a headscarf. I found that quite shocking. I made the choice to wear it and of all the people in the world who should respect that would be my husband.”

Irfan Dawood, 35, married his childhood sweetheart at the age of 25, against his parents’ wishes. He believes a combination of jealousy from his ex wife’s family along with a lack of maturity led to the breakup of his first marriage.

However, he insists he did not need to go online to look for love, instead, he found his ‘Juliet’ at a wedding.

“My first wife, she was great to begin with,” says Irfan.

“We went out for years and we’d work in the same shopping centre, and everything seemed great.

“It was when her cousin started stirring that things went a bit crazy. There was a time, when a so

“I had to lay on the floor for about half an hour whilst this Bollywood throwback had his foot on my neck, speaking in broken English, telling me how much of a loser I was, but the only reason I stayed quiet was because I wanted my wife to come back to me and not cause a scene.”

Irfan explains how he simply decided to bear it for the sake of his wife, who as it turned out, got a transfer from work to a store in London, without telling him. However, things worked out for him after he got a divorce.

“I asked her to come back, but she wouldn’t have any of it,” says Irfan.

“My mum and dad, instead of saying that we told you so, valiantly tried finding me someone else.

Asian Women tend to watch Bollywood films, and it’s always singing and dancing and then they think they are going to meet the love of their life and live happily ever after.

They can drool the hero all they want but life is not always like that and when you come from an Asian background it’s different - it’s all practical and serious.

Abdul Bham “But I met an old friend at a wedding and we talked and talked and the next thing I know, I was engaged again and to the right person this time.

“7 years later, two kids and a great wife, things couldn’t be better. My ex wanted me back after she realised she made a complete balls up of our marriage, but It was too late and I had moved on.

“Besides, the hairy Bollywood wannabe is still probably available, he’ll make a great Romeo for Cruella de Vil.”

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Bond-style USB cufflink used by Islamic State terrorist

An Islamic State member who used a James Bond-style USB cufflink to store extremist data has admitted five charges of terrorism.

Samata Ullah pleaded guilty to being a member of the terror group as well as preparing terrorist acts, terrorist training, and possessing articles for terrorist purposes.

He denied one charge of directing terrorism at the Old Bailey in London.

The court heard that when he was arrested in September last year, the 34-year-old from Cardiff had a USB cufflink with a Linux operating system hiding extremist data, including a blog.

Brian Altman QC, prosecuting, said a hitech report showed Mr Ullah was trying to post the blog onto a platform in a "format that meant it could not be closed down or deleted by the authorities."

Jurors were told that between December 2015 and his arrest, he had provided instructional videos on how to secure sensitive data and use encryption software to stay anonymous online.

Commander Dean Haydon of Met Office Counter Terrorism said Ullah was "dangerous" despite operating in the "virtual world".

"He sat in his bedroom in Wales and created online content with the sole intention of aiding people who wanted to actively support ISIS and avoid getting caught by the authorities," he said.

"This is just the sort of information that may have helped people involved in planning devastating, low technical level attacks on crowded

places as we have seen in other cities across the world.

Ullah, who has been diagnosed with autism since his arrest, also pleaded guilty to having a book entitled 'Guided Missiles Fundamentals AFM 52-31' and a PDF version of the book 'Advances In Missile Guidance, Control, and Estimation' for

terrorist purposes.

the remaining charge of directing terrorism to lie on file.

He admitted the charges earlier this month but his pleas could not be reported until after In lifting reporting restrictions, Judge the prosecution had decided whether to go to Gerald Gordon said the "issue of trial on the remaining charge. dangerousness" would have to be assessed before sentencing, which will take place on Mr Altman explained that the attorney 28 April. general had accepted the pleas but asked for

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FEATURE

"Defending the NHS is defending a basic human value and a basic human right "

NHS staff are said to be low in morale

by MO BHANA mo@asian-standard.co.uk

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, post-Brexit, austerity will be extended until the mid-2020s, with cuts to dayto-day public service spending due to accelerate over the next parliament.

The government’s austerity programme is squeezing funding to both social care and the NHS. The Care and Support Alliance this month has found that around 9 out of 10 GPs think cuts in social care are only exasperating problems for their surgeries.

An additional (93%) think that the lack of social care is leading to added pressure on A&Es and contributing to an increase in delayed hospital discharges.

The findings come as Labour Leader; Jeremy Corbyn urged protesters at a rally in London to “defend the NHS with all of your

might.”

mental health services.

“Defending the NHS is defending a basic human value and a basic human right,” he said.

He said: “The NHS is in crisis, in crisis because of the underfunding in social care and the people not getting the care and support they need.

“You don’t walk by on the other side when somebody is in difficulties or needing help.”

He called for next week’s Budget to properly fund the health service, social care and crucial

“There are those waiting on trolleys and those who are desperate to get into an A&E department waiting hours for treatment.

Defending the NHS is defending a basic human value and a basic human right.

You don’t walk by on the other side when somebody is in difficulties or needing help.

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Leader

“It is not the fault of the staff. It is the fault of a Government who have made a political choice.”

There is increasing anger and frustration as it seems NHS per capita spending will decrease in 2018/19, the head of the Commons Health Committee has said, as she accused the Government of giving a “false impression” about increasing funding.

Dr Sarah Wollaston has written to Chancellor - Philip Hammond criticising the Government’s ‘public stance’ that NHS England was “awash with cash”.

Wollaston warned a “false impression” was being given that the NHS was being boosted by £10 billion over the five years of its spending review, when the real figure was £4.5 billion.

“It’s only technically correct if you’re looking at spending on NHS England, and you add an extra year to the spending review, and you also take account of the switch from other budgets

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FEATURE that we would normally think of as health spending.

“You can only arrive at the £10 billion by shifting money from public health budgets, and health education and training, and also by changing the date at which you calculate real-terms increases.

“Yes, you can see how they arrived at the figure, but the real figure, we feel, should be quoted at £4.5 billion, which is considerably less,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Wollaston said NHS England head Simon Stevens did not get the funding levels he asked for when meeting with the government health committee.

“Certainly for 18/19 we’ll be seeing a per capita fall in funding for the NHS at a time when our demographics, the increase in older people, (will see) a 21% increase in the number of people over 65, for example,” she said.

She also warned the Chancellor that unless the Government was able to put capital investment in the NHS on a sustainable footing, the service would struggle to meet the long-term demands of caring for an ageing population.

Her warning was echoed by NHS Providers, which said there was now a “big risk” that trusts would be unable to maintain current levels of service.

A Government spokesman insisted the £10 billion figure was accurate and that it was “wrong to suggest otherwise”.

A Government spokesman said: “The Government has backed the NHS’s own plan for the future with a £10 billion real-terms increase in its funding a year by 2020/2021, helping to ease the pressures on hospitals, GPs and mental health services.

“We have also allowed local government to increase social care spending by the end of Parliament, with access to up to £3.5 billion of new support.”

The chairman of campaign group Vote Leave Watch, Labour MP, Chuka Umunna, said: “More than ever before, it is clear that the health service is in desperate need of the extra £350 million per week funding boost, promised

by Leave campaigners now in the Cabinet, during the EU referendum.

“The Autumn Statement later this month will give the Government the chance to commit to this vital funding. If they do not, it will be clear that Vote Leave ministers like Boris Johnson misled the public throughout the referendum campaign.”

Prime Minister Theresa May’s official spokeswoman said: “We have been clear from the outset that we wanted to make sure that we continue to invest in the NHS, that this would be an increase in real-terms funding of £10 billion by 2021.

“It’s the funding that NHS leaders told us they needed and we have delivered on it. If you look at the figures, in 2014 the budget was £98 billion and in 2021 it will be £119 billion.”

The spokeswoman added: “We recognise that the NHS is under pressure and that is why we need to focus on how we can continue to support the NHS to provide a great quality of service and care.

“That includes investing in the funding, it includes looking at things like how you can best prioritise GP access, cancer care and looking at what mental health treatment there is.”

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said: “The Health Select Committee are right to call out the Government

The public seem to have had enough of austerity cuts

on false claims about their investment in the NHS. Services are desperately in need of the money they were promised.

“But this also ignores the bigger question of how we ensure health and care are sustainable in the long term, as demand for services continues to rise.

“I have called for the establishment of an independent, cross-party commission to reform

Will NHS staff still have jobs in 5 years time?

the funding settlement across health and care and the Liberal Democrats have set up an expert panel who will advise on how the additional funding the NHS really

needs can be delivered, including whether a dedicated health and care tax should be introduced to help guarantee the future of the NHS and vital care services.”

“It’s only technically correct if you’re looking at spending on NHS England, and you add an extra year to the spending review, and you also take account of the switch from other budgets that we would normally think of as health spending.

“You can only arrive at the £10 billion by shifting money from public health budgets, and health education and training, and also by changing the date at which you calculate real-terms increases.

“Yes, you can see how they arrived at the figure, but the real figure, we feel, should be quoted at £4.5 billion, which is considerably less,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Sarah Wollaston, head of the Commons Health Committee

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Speeding fines are going up next month with fines being as much as £2500. Here’s what you need to know.

newsdesk@asian-standard.co.uk

If you get caught speeding behind the wheel you will face harsher punishment from next month.

Speeding motorists will be fined up to £2,500 under the stricter laws which have been introduced to send a tougher message to offenders.

It comes as the number of speeding offences has soared by 44% in the last five years, according to new research.

Harsher punishments have been

put in place to ensure the fine matches "the seriousness of offending".

But some band C offences can land people with a fine equating to 175% of your weekly wage.

Magistrates will be able to apply the maximum penalty of 150% of the offending driver’s weekly income – up from 100% – from April 24.

Band B breaches will hit motorists with a fine between 75 per cent

and 125 per cent of their weekly income.

Band A offenders will have to fork out between 25-75% of their earnings.

Motorists caught speeding on the motorway will potentially face the highest fine of £2,500, whereas those caught elsewhere could be fined £1,000.

For example, a driver caught doing 41mph in a 20mph zone or 101mph on a motorway could be fined 150% of their weekly income.

The Sentencing Council introduced the change because it felt the current punishments do not reflect the ‘potential harm’ that speeding can do.

The new system will see fines split into three groups.

Band A refers to offences where motorists are clocked travelling up to 10mph over the stated speed limit.

However even with the above guidelines magistrates will have the ability to adjust what punishment is dealt based on ‘aggravating factors’ including previous convictions and weather conditions.

In 2015, 166,695 people in England and Wales were sentenced for speeding with the average fine £188.

Band B hits drivers going 11mph to 21mph over the limit while band C refers to 21mph and over.

Speeding is amongst a number of crimes to see tougher or alternative sentencing guidelines introduced including animal cruelty and TV licence evasion.

Motorists can be charged variable amounts.

The changes will come into effect on April 24.

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HEALTH

Do you really need to eat ten portions of fruit and veg a day?

by GEOFF WEBB Senior Lecturer, University of East London

Only a quarter of UK adults manage to eat the officially recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. In fact, almost half eat less than three a day. It seems unlikely, then, that most people would be able to reach the ten a day suggested by several pieces of research published in the last few years.

Most recently, a paper in the International Journal of Epidemiology laid out evidence that upping your intake of fruit and veg to ten portions (800g) a day would further reduce your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature death. But how strong is this evidence, and how practical is this advice for most individuals or society as a whole?

A closer look suggests we need to be cautious about turning this complex research into simple and useful recommendations.

The five-a-day mantra goes back to recommendations from the World Health Organisation in 1990 and numerous developed countries have adopted it as official advice. Since then, further research has shown that each of the first five 80g portions of fruit and veg a person eats every day is associated with about a 5% decrease in overall and cardiovascular deaths. But the link between vegetables and disease prevention isn’t always that clear. For example, in 2010 the massive European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) found only a small decrease in cancer risk associated with eating fruit and veg.

Then came two studies that have put forward the case for eating even more than five a day. The first, in 2014, linked lifestyle information on 65,000 English adults from the Health Survey for England to mortality records. It reported that the more fruit and veg people ate, the less likely they

Studies confirm that increased fruit and veg consumption is associated with fewer deaths, less cardiovascular disease and maybe some decrease in cancer risk.

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HEALTH

were to die from cardiovascular disease or cancer. The death rate among those who ate on average under one portion a day was twice that among those who ate more than seven a day.

But fruit and veg intake wasn’t the only thing related to the death rate. The one-a-day group were also more likely to be very elderly, male, less well educated, smokers, physically inactive and heavy drinkers. So the researchers analysed the data in a way that took account of these other factors, although they couldn’t do this for unrecorded things such as saturated fat intake.

After this correction, the data showed that those who ate three to five portions of fruit and veg were still 25% less likely to die than those in the one-a-day category. Those who ate five to seven portions a day were a further 6% less likely to die and those who ate more than seven a day saw another 3% drop. This meant the biggest benefit was from increasing fruit and veg consumption to up to five a day.

The more recent study brought together the results from 95 cohort studies that each tracked a large group of people over a time. It found a strong association between eating up to ten portions of fruit and veg a day and reduced death – overall, and from cardiovascular disease in particular. But again, the study showed these benefits were biggest as consumption increased up to five a day and were markedly smaller after that.

There was also a decline in cancer deaths as people ate more fruit and veg but it was smaller and flattened out earlier.

These studies confirm that increased fruit and veg consumption is associated with

fewer deaths, less cardiovascular disease and maybe some decrease in cancer risk. The benefits are particularly seen as people increase their fruit and veg intake up to five portions a day. But the benefits related to eating more than this are much smaller and less certain.

We also don’t know for sure whether eating fruit and veg actually causes these apparent benefits. It’s possible that they are due to other linked factors or confounding variables, such as eating less saturated fat. Most researchers try to adjust their data to take this into account but there is no statistical magic wand that can do this faultlessly.

Some factors are hard to gauge accurately and others might be missed altogether.

However, the association between eating more fruit and veg and living longer is strong, consistent, graded according to how much is eaten and remains strong even after many other factors are taken into account. This means eating more fruit and veg probably does cause the associated health benefits. But we can’t say this for eating more than five portions a day. Further studies probably won’t change this and nor can they prove cause and effect.

Weak evidence The recent studies provide only weak evidence of a small extra benefit of eating more than five portions of fruit and veg a day. We then have to ask whether making this an official recommendation would be worthwhile. For one thing, almost all studies have used middle-aged or elderly adults. So we don’t know if ten-a-day would be appropriate for other groups such as rapidly growing children and adolescents.

What’s more, while getting people who eat very little fruit and veg to eat more will likely produce big benefits, raising the official target to ten-a-day might actually discourage some people. Most people would struggle to eat this much, so failing to hit the target would become expected, and then accepted and excusable.

To get most people in the UK to ten-a-day would mean the country would have to eat four times as much fruit and veg as it currently does. The environmental, economic and ecological impact of such a massive increase in demand for these bulky products would be enormous and probably

To get most people in the UK to ten-aday would mean the country would have to eat four times as much fruit and veg as it currently does.

The environmental, economic and ecological impact of such a massive increase in demand for these bulky products would be enormous and probably unsustainable. unsustainable. Fruit and veg are already expensive in terms of calories per penny and increased demand might make them completely unaffordable for many people. And they couldn’t just eat less of other foods because fruit and veg contain relatively low numbers of calories.

Ultimately, these concerns are

theoretical because no one expects the bulk of the population to get anywhere near ten-a-day. But we have to question whether it is responsible to make such recommendations – and on weak evidence – just because you know hardly anyone will implement them.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation.

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WOMEN ACHIEVERS

Sofia Buncy: “We can all turn our lives around” With a view to raising awareness around the issue of equality and empowerment of women, our Women Achievers feature in each edition will profile inspirational women whose achievements we can collectively celebrate. These may be women within specialist industries, community or homes.

This edition meet Sofia Buncy. A community development coordinator for a leading charity. Sofia has faced many challenges in her work, her biggest hurdle and most accomplished work being the Muslim Women in Prison project for which she was recently honoured with the coveted Butler Trust Award, which was presented to Sofia by HRH Princess Anne in person. Despite receiving accolades and awards for her work, Sofia remains grounded and committed as ever to make changes and impacting positively towards the lives of Muslim Women in Prison. Here’s what she shared with Asian Standard about her journey so far.

Tell us a little bit about the work you do?

I work for the UK based Charity Muslim Hands and am the Project Coordinator for the ‘Muslim Women in Prison’ project.

I combine this with my role as the Community Development Coordinator for the north of England for the charity. This focuses on areas such as interfaith work, women’s leadership programmes, poverty action and asylum seeker/refugee initiatives.

The prison work involves me carrying out research into the needs of Muslim

women in prison and post release culminating in my first report in 2014 titled ‘Muslim women in prison’. The job also entails managing a small pool of staff to provide practical support to women before they are released so this may be around housing, resettlement, and family mediation.

We also run several schemes in the prison such as ‘Muslim women in prison speaker’s scheme’ where mainstream women come into the prisons to inspire those in custody. We encourage speakers to talk about a difficult obstacle in their life and how they overcame this to get where they are today. It just shows we can all turn our lives around! A much-needed message in prisons.

What made you go into this work?

My present role with Muslim Hands was a natural progression from my development work with young Muslim women from deprived and disadvantaged backgrounds in Huddersfield. Muslim women generally but young Muslim women particularly, sometimes lack educational and career aspirations and positive role models. I helped to develop and implement a series of leadership programmes to support young Muslim women to raise their aspirations and breakout of their traditional gender assigned roles into education, meaningful and fulfilling career paths and community roles.

As a consequence of my women’s development work, I was approached to lead on the first phase research that looked at the issues and challenges facing Muslim women in prison and compile the report that

There is a reluctance to accept that Muslim women can be capable of criminality. The reasons why they offend are even more difficult to digest.

These are our sisters and daughters and in some cases grandmothers in prison and we have a responsibility towards them. As a community, we need to show maturity on issues and the challenges facing us.

WOMEN ACHIEVERS followed it.

It’s a very challenging role and perhaps some may be critical of the work, as your job has raised the profile of Muslim women in prison, which many prefer not be raised as it’s Muslim women in prison are often seen as embarrassing, or bringing shame to the community.

How do you deal with the challenges and criticism if any?

It is largely true that the issue is not on our community’s radar. There is a reluctance to accept that Muslim women can be capable of criminality.

The reasons why they offend are even more difficult to digest. There is also a view that we as a community already have too much to contend with therefore why add another issue to the list. After all there is only a small number of Muslim women in prison compared to Muslim men. By highlighting the plight of women prisoners, we are bringing shame on to the image of the community. The list of objections goes on.

The fact of the matter is that the number of Muslim women in UK prison is slowly growing. We were equally reluctant to acknowledge Muslim men in prison in the past and look where this has taken us. There are currently over 12,000 Muslim men in custody, a disproportionate reflection of the Muslim community outside of prison. I fear a similar situation repeating itself regarding Muslim women. We can’t be complacent and salient for the fear of bad image to the community.

These are our sisters and daughters and in some cases grandmothers in prison and we have a responsibility towards them. As a community, we need to show maturity on issues and the challenges facing us. These are real issues which will not be wished away just because we don’t have the courage to address them.

You have recently been recognised for your work with the Butler Trust Award, how does winning the award feel?

I am humbled by it, a real privilege to be acknowledged at this level. But more importantly the award will hopefully serve to lend credibility to the issues and place the plight of

Sofia at work.

Muslim women prisoners on the radar of the community and providers.

If it does that it will be greatly be worthwhile receiving. The award is less for me and more for Muslim women prisoners who had the courage to speak out in their hour of adversity.

What or who has been your greatest influence in your work and why?

My long-standing mentor and the Project Advisor for the Muslim Women in Prison Project, Ishtiaq Ahmed has been the greatest influence in my approach to my work. He has always encouraged me to champion on difficult issues against the odds even when others may not agree. He always pushed me to look beyond immediate

difficulties to the long-term vision.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

I have to be honest, my greatest achievement is the Muslim Women in Prison Project. This was a difficult and challenge area of work. There was no prior research, people were not even aware that Muslim female offenders existed or they were in denial about it.

Therefore, it was an enormous achievement to work through the negativities against the odds to successfully complete the research, produce a report, pioneer development support for the women

both in prisons but also outside in the community.

development and prison work is for you.

What one thing have you learned through your career that has served you well over the years?

However, people also need to understand there are personal costs to this field. It is not an easy ride. At times, you may be criticised and even vilified and therefore my advice is to have a strong support network around you and some experienced mentors. Needless to say, women are faced with this challenge more so.

If you have a real commitment to equality and justice and are willing to persevere with hard work, then god willing you will get there.

What advice would you offer anyone who wanted to work in community development, particularly in prisons?

If you have qualities such as patience, perseverance and creativity combined with heart and the ability to not take no for an answer then community

Finally, what’s the best advice you have received in your career that you wish to pass on to our readers.

Don’t be impatient. Don’t react.

Maintain your personal and professional dignity.

It was an enormous achievement to work through the negativities against the odds to successfully complete the research, produce a report, pioneer development support for the women both in prisons but also outside in the community.

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COVER STORY

As Syrian conflict enters its seventh year, Assad’s future is the sticking point

by ABDULLAH YUSUF

Abdullah Yusuf, University of Dundee

Six years ago, 15 teenagers from the southern Syrian city of Deraa graffitied a wall with antigovernment slogans, including the phrase synonymous with the popular uprisings taking place across the Arab world: “The people want the overthrow of the regime.”

When all 15 teenagers were arrested and tortured, the local community responded violently, and were met with gunfire. Four people died.

Coming at the very start of what became a major uprising, this unflinching response from Bashar al-Assad’s government set the tone for what was to come: a collapse of the national order, a state military prepared to use all means at its disposal against its own people, and one of the 21st-century’s worst humanitarian crises so far.

But as the Syrian conflict enters its seventh year, the battle lines are still fundamentally the same ones Assad used to frame the conflict at its start. According to him, this remains a conflict between the Damascus government on the one hand and Islamic extremists on the other. Over the six years of conflict so far, he has done a lot to make this somewhat arbitrary image of the situation into reality.

As peaceful, democratic Syrians were arrested, besieged and killed, their only true choice was between the barrel bombs and chemical weapons of Assad’s military or beheading at the hands of jihadists. Millions fled the country, while many others joined rebel groups, including ones officially espousing militant religious ideology, to become part of the rebellion against Assad.

A similar pattern plays out on

the international stage. Efforts to resolve the conflict from outside are frustrated by the proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the complicated interests of Turkey.

Then there’s the mutual suspicion between Russia and the US: Russia wants to see IS destroyed just as much as the US does, but like Iran, it stands to lose a key ally in Assad.

As these various major powers try to agree on what comes next for Syria, Assad’s future remains the central bone of contention.

Deadlock For years now, the US and its allies have stuck to the line that any solution to the conflict must be designed to pave the way towards a new, democratic Syria. In light of the severe humanitarian crisis for which Assad’s government is responsible, the US has so far been reluctant to back any political solution where that would allow him to stay in power.

Russia, by contrast, puts a premium on stability, and in its view, only the current government can provide enough security to give all Syrians a more peaceful future. Russia’s involvement is also more directly self-interested than the US’: an estimated 5,000 Russian jihadis have travelled to fight in Syria at various points, creating a long-term security issue that Moscow considers a legitimate cause for intervention.

The template for an inclusive democratic solution was created with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, which lays out the transition that all states (including the US and Russia) agree must take place to foster a peaceful, united Syria. At the core of it are free and fair elections to pave the way for a Syrian constitution – one to be created by the citizens themselves, not foisted upon them by foreign powers trying to impose their political will.

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However, all states agree that there can’t be an inclusive political process without a sustainable ceasefire. This is what makes the Saudi-Iranian proxy war such an obstacle; it puts the individual goals of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US above those of the very people who bear the brunt of this drawnout conflict – and in lieu of what looks like an impossible political consensus, all sides are pursuing a military solution.

Redrawing the lines The Obama administration’s central proposal, such as it was, meant providing support to “moderate” anti-Assad groups and accepting Assad as the only viable interim government that could maintain stability long enough to oversee the transition to a postconflict democracy. But now that Donald Trump is in the White House, the lines are being redrawn.

It’s not yet clear who Trump’s team will deal with to find a military solution. Most analysts agree that the troops best placed to tackle IS are among Syria’s Kurdish forces.

But thanks to a longstanding feud with its own Kurdish minority, Turkey will not co-operate with them for fear of empowering its own Kurdish secessionists.

Given Trump’s apparent openness towards Russia, Syria’s future looks set to follow the Iranian-Russian roadmap: full military force will be deployed against any Islamic

extremist opposition, including many rebel groups, with Assad accepted as the only hope of stability in what promises to be a dangerous security vacuum.

But under this plan, the question of future elections will be very tricky.

Iran and Russia are both relying on Assad’s Shia regime to govern an overwhelmingly Sunni country; should a stable Syria ever hold democratic elections, the Sunni majority might well elect a Sunni government. If that happened, it would turn Syria away from Russia and Iran towards Saudi Arabia and defeat the point

of keeping Assad in the first place.

Assad acting as an interim leader, then, is not a given. But should it happen, it would leave Syria almost back where it began. This conflict is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time, with nearly half a million killed, millions displaced internally, and millions more dispersed around the world as refugees – and yet the man most directly responsible is still in power, and may be for some time.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation.

Issue 18

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Sir Mo Farah and Kadeena Cox scoop top awards at the third Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSAs)

The complete list of winners at the 2017 Lycamobile BEDSAs were as follows: Youth Sport Trust Young Sports Person of the Year Alice Tai British Army Unsung Hero Inderpal Singh Cheema Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year Spring SLR England Athletics Coach of the Year Chris Hughton Spirit of 2012 Connecting Communities Al Madina Centre Mind Wellbeing Award Sonia Smith Tennis Foundation Special Achievement Shapla Sports FA Recognition Award Rashid Abba

Sir Mo Farah and Kadeena Cox were the big winners at this year's Lycamobile BEDSAs, staged at the Hilton Park Lane, London on Saturday 18 March..

Chris Hughton, the Brighton and Hove Albion Manager currently leading his team to promotion to the Premier League was named England Athletics Coach of the Year.

They were named Lycamobile Sportsman and Sporting Equals Sportswoman of the Year at a glittering awards show hosted by Sir Lenny Henry.

Ruqsana Begum, the English professional kickboxer received the UK Sport Inspirational Performance Award with ParaOlympian swimmer Alice Tai winning the Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year award.

Commenting on his first win at the Bedsas Sir Mo Farah said: “Thank-you to the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards and a very special thanks to everyone who’s voted for me. It really means a lot to be named as your Sportsman of the Year! And congratulations to my fellow nominees as well. It’s so great to see everyone come together this evening to celebrate the incredible achievements of our diverse sporting communities" Kadeena, expressing here delight in her win, said: "I’m very honoured to have won this award and would like to give a massive thanks to Sporting Equals for all the work they do in BAME communities" The night was also memorable for a Special Lifetime Achievement award given to rugby's most successful dual code rugby player and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson.

Arun Kang CEO Sporting Equals commenting on a wonderful evening said:"I would like to congratulate all the winners, they thoroughly deserved their accolades. Sporting Equals organise the BEDSAs as we want to celebrate diversity at both an elite and grassroots level. It was heartwarming to see the delighted faces of the community groups and volunteers who give so much of their time to get communities more active as well as the elite stars who will hopefully inspire the next generation to take the baton" Allirajah Subaskaran, Chairman of Lycamobile, which supports the BEDSAs said: “We are honoured to support the BEDSAs, recognising the impressive collection of sportsmen and women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds across the UK. Awards such as these are

crucial in driving change in the sport sector by increasing participation and diversity at both a national and grass-roots level. Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved honours.”

The Lycamobile BEDSAs are supported by Sport England , UK Sport, The Football Association, The Tennis Foundation, Youth Sport Trust, England Athletics, The British Army, Mind and Spirt of 2012

UK Sport Inspirational Performance Ruqsana Begum Sporting Equals Sportswoman of the Year Kadeena Cox Lycamobile Sportsman of the Year Mo Farah Lifetime Achievement Award Jason Robinson OBE

WEEKENDER Issue eighteen, Tuesday 21 – 26 March 2017

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TV E D I U G DE I urite INyoS vo ur fa els n All chan Asian

Taapsee Pannu at the top of Her Game

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INTERVIEW

It’s all about pushing female Asian artists!

by PEDRO CAVALHO pedro@asian-standard.co.uk

a microphone, singing Nazia Hassan and madonna songs.

What drew you towards religious music?

With many years of classical training and brimming with passion for music, Renee is the much-awaited breath of fresh air that the music industry has been waiting for.

Her new single Jahan is produced by the multi-talented 'Vee' with Renee providing the lyrics. Industry chiefs have been astounded with her vocal abilities and her versatility as a singer and those talents are clearly evident in this new song.

Born in Lucknow in India, Renee began singing at an early age. Throughout her schooling years she became a regular singing voice on All India radio. Later, she arrived in the UK to study fashion design and worked as a buyer in the fashion industry.

Soon after that came marriage and children which took her on an adventure to Dubai where she spent 7 years. But her passion never dwindled and she soon returned to British soil with the aim of one day pursuing her ultimate dream of creating music for the masses.

When did you first get connected to music?

During my schooling years, I was trained in classical music and learnt the harmonica, dholak as my music instruments. I had a passion for music since my childhood and my family still recalls me posing with a torch as

My family is very religious and growing up in that environment, I grew a strong affinity towards

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Alia is excited about her next, 'Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya', in which she plays a small-town girl.

"Vaidehi (her character) is lively and fiery. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is an ambitious girl. At the same time, she is sensitive towards her family. Certain experiences in life have made her bitter, so she isn't thrilled when she receives attention from Badri (Varun Dhawan's character). After having “a lot of fun working on the movie," Alia tells us why we should go watch her third outing with Varun Dhawan. anything spiritual, be it kirtan, bhajan or Sufi music. The fact that I lost my father at the age of 7, gave me a spiritual disposition towards life in general, poetry, ghazals, music I guess became a tool of self-expression and also self realisation.

Where did you get your name from?

My family gave me the nickname Renee.

Who have been your biggest musical influences?

Madonna, Whitney Houston, Nazia Hassan, Asha Bhonsle. In the modern times, Adele and Beyoncé.

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INTERVIEW When did you realise you were good?

When I started winning awards for music at school. And the look in my family's eyes when I recited my first kirtan at my uncles wedding, age 9.

How would you describe your musical style?

I sing from my soul, if it's a joyful song, I come from a space of energy and upliftment. And if it's a soft number, I feel I'm floating in the clouds, feeling the love within...my voice is my connection with others around me.

Can you tell us about your latest single?

It's a simple song about love. Based on Sufi poetry, I sing of universal love, i.e. Between a man and woman or between a soul and its creator... you take it the way you feel it works for you..I lost a very special person recently and her last words to me were "love is everything". I guess that summarises our life purpose so well!

This debut track is a reminder of our true purpose to life... love.

Who is your music aimed at?

I'm working on some fast beat dance tracks as well as some folk music which I'm known for, as I am a selfproclaimed wedding singer!

Have you made a master plan for the future?

I want to touch as many hearts as possible, create music that will last longer than me.

Where do you want to be in five years?

Creating Bollywood as well as independent Hindi and Punjabi music.

Who do you want to collaborate with?

It's been great working with a producer like Vee and I want that relationship to go further. I would also like to work with other great producers like Dr Zeus, and quite a few in Bollywood!

Can you sing in English and would you consider releasing an English track?

Yes, I can sing in English and if could collaborate with a genius like Naughty Boy, I'm sure it will be amazing.

What according to you makes for a good song?

Good lyrics as well as good production.

Adele is inspiring today because she's making good lyrics sell. We don't need to sing meaningless words in order to make commercial music. Let's break that mould!

Why should we pick up your latest single?

It's a track that grows on you, touches your heart and it's perhaps the best song you can dedicate to your loved one right now.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

Tell us something not many people know about you?

I'm an introvert but may look very sociable on the outside.

I'm a great believer in healthy eating, vegetarianism, yoga and meditation. Perhaps my secret to staying young.

Where do you get your lyrical inspirations from?

Instead of targeting a specific demographic, I'm letting my music be open to all. After all it's a work of love and connection, I don't believe in creating boundaries. My music is about breaking boundaries!

My own life experiences as well as great Urdu poetry. Rumi, Bulley shah, Mirza Ghalib - so very inspiring!

Jahan is released under the Moviebox Records label and is available now via iTunes and other good digital stores

How important is live performance for you?

Keep in touch with Renee:

Which of your forthcoming songs are you most excited about?

It's key to any performer and I actually love live unplugged performances. Coke studio here I come!

Twitter: @ReneeSaggar

Instagram: @ReneeSaggar

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Paneer Picatta Ingredients

Method

Serves 6 • 8 ounces paneer cheese • Salt to taste • Freshly ground black pepper to taste • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1/4 cup sherry or dry white wine • 1 small onion, minced • 1/4 cup drained capers • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced • 2 fresh green chilies, minced • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped

Season the paneer lightly with salt and black pepper.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and quickly sear the paneer cheese pieces until golden, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to a serving dish, cover and keep warm.

butter & cilantro then drizzle everything over the paneer pieces. Serve hot.

Recipe By: Hari Nayak/Vikas Khanna

Add the wine or sherry to deglaze the pan, and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.

Add the onions, capers, ginger and green chilies, and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice,

Roasted eggplant and spinach salad with crumbled paneer Ingredients • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint Salt to taste • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 large eggplant, diced • 1 pound baby spinach • 1 English cucumber, peeled seeded and diced • 1 tomato seeded and diced

• ½ red onion, diced • ½ red pepper, diced • 4 tablespoons crumbled paneer cheese Method Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.

prepared baking sheet. Spray the eggplant with olive oil cooking spray. Roast for 10 minutes. Turn the cubes and roast until softened and lightly golden, 8-10 minutes more. Set aside and let cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cucumber, tomato, onion, pepper and cooled In a small bowl, whisk eggplant. Pour the vinaigrette together the vinegar, lemon over the salad. Toss gently juice, mint, salt and pepper. to mix well and coat evenly.

While whisking slowly add the Divide the salad among olive oil in a thin stream until individual plates. Sprinkle emulsified. Set aside. with the paneer cheese. Serve immediately.

Spread the eggplant cubes in a single layer on the Recipe by: Hari Nayak/Vikas Khanna

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Mint pilaf with potatoes and cumin

Ingredients

Serves 6 • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 small onion, thinly sliced • 1 small potato, peeled and cut into ½ - inch dices • 1 ½ tablespoons ginger, minced • 2 tablespoons mint leaves,

Method

• •

• •

minced 1 fresh green chili, minced 1¼ cups basmati rice, soaked, rinsed and drained 2 ¼ cups water Salt to taste 3 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and crushed coarsely

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and sauté the onion until brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the potato, ginger, half the mint, and the green chili and cook, stir¬ring, about 2 minutes.

Add the rice and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the water and the salt. Bring to a boil over

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high heat. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan, and cook until the rice is done, 10 to 15 minutes. Do not stir the rice while it cooks. Remove from the heat and let the rice rest for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle the roasted cumin and the remaining mint leaves on top, and serve.

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Recipe By: Vikas Khanna

Born in Amritsar, Starting as a helper in his grandmother’s kitchen, he learnt most the secrets and correct use of spices from her. He worked as the Executive Chef of Salaam Bombay Restaurant in New York.

He is a consultant to many restaurants in the US and has his own line of packaged foods, Gourmetgurus.

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Your Weekend Tv Guide for all your favourite Asian TV channels SATURDAY 25th March 2017

Life OK 05:00 Har Mard Ka Dard 05:30 May I come in Madam?

06:00 May I come in Madam?

06:30 Prem Ya Paheli‌ Chandrakanta 07:30 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 08:00 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 08:30 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 09:00 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 09:30 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 10:00 Prem Ya Paheli Chandrakanta 11:00 Best of Savdhaan India 12:00 Best of Savdhaan India 13:00 Best of Savdhaan India 14:00 Best of Savdhaan India 15:00 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 15:30 Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh 16:00 Bluffmaster 19:00 Koffee with Karan

Priyanka Chopra shares adorable photo with 'Quantico' cast

Riding high on success with 'Quantico,' Priyanka Chopra is all smiles with all the love she has got in the West.

Now that Season Two of the hit TV-series is about to hit the small screens, it clearly looks like she feels blessed to be working with the whole cast.

The 'BajiraoMastani' star took to Twitter and shared an adorable photo from the sets, with the star cast of the drama-thriller.

She captioned the snap, "So blessed to work with such great actors... @ReallyMarcia @ BlairUnderwood @aunjanuejlt.

Don't miss #Quantico tomorrow night!"

PeeCee can be seen sporting a maroon sequined top with a cropped brown leather jacket and black leggings.

Recently, the 34-year-old confirmed the news of ending of season two's filming.

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Salman Khan to be shooting with a pack of wolves in YRF's Tiger Zinda Hai

Will not say she is my better half .. she completes me .. love u ginni .. please welcome her ..

I love her so much:) pic.twitter. com/IqB6VKauM5

20:00 Best of Savdhaan India 21:00 Prem Ya Paheli Chandrakanta Yash Raj Films is going more than the extra mile to ensure that their forthcoming spy drama, Tiger Zinda Hai, matches up to international standards of action.

And fans are in for a delight, as Salman Khan will be seen with a pack of Wolves in high octane action in YRFs Tiger Zinda Hai in the snow laden forests of Austria.

00:00 Best of Savdhaan India 01:00 Best of Savdhaan India

Salman is already working with a Hollywood stunt and action crew lead

by Tom Struthers, alongside director Ali Abbas Zafar and his team for the film.

02:00 Best of Savdhaan India 03:00 Best of Savdhaan India

The team began filming in Austria with a song and this will be followed by an action sequence.

04:00 Prem Ya Paheli Chandrakanta

Nawazuddin Siddiqui sues Filmfare Magazine over a defamatory article Looks like a recent article on Nawazuddin Siddiqui, by Filmfare magazine, did not go well with the actor.

The 'Manjhi' actor sent out a

legal notice to the magazine for a post that showed him with an unidentified woman, implying he is dating her.

He sued the magazine over a

Sharma took to social media to reveal the name of his girlfriend.

Kapil is an Indian stand-up comedian, television presenter, actor and producer.

The flick is slated to release on May 26.

23:00 Savdhaan India –Ek Awaaz

Comedian turned actor Kapil Sharma has revealed his girlfriend's photo.

Will not say she is my better half .. she completes me .. love u ginni .. please welcome her .. I love her so much:), Kapil tweeted.

Priyanka Chopra will be making her much-awaited Hollywood movie debut with 'Baywatch,' alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

22:00 Savdhaan India

Kapil Sharma reveals photo of his girlfriend

defamatory article, saying that he believes the post suggests all is not well between him and wife Anjali and asked the latter to respond within seven days.

The article related to his disputed relationship with wife was published in the magazine on March 8.

KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) March 18, 2017

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Bollywood: Akshay Kumar to star in and as Mogul

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Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar will star in and as Mogul, an upcoming movie.

The film is a biopic on T-Series founder and singer Gulshan Kumar.

The actor took to social media to break the news.

Sharing a poster from the film, Akshay tweeted, ‘My association with Him began with my very first film. He was The Emperor Of Music! Now know His story... #Mogul, The Gulshan Kumar story!’

Mogul is set to release in 2018.

Akshay, will also collaborate with his Jolly LLB 2 director Subhash Kapoor for the film.

Announcing the collaboration, the label tweeted, ‘We proudly present the story of the emperor of music, Gulshan Kumar in #Mogul st. @akshaykumar director @ subkapoor produced by Sudesh Kumari.’

Actor Arjun Kapoor has just signed up with a new brand and it's his cousin Rhea Kapoor's boyfriend with director Karan Boolani at the helm.

them. Also, he had to be very clear about what he wanted from the actor, as the latter was short on time.” Currently, the ad is being edited.

It’s an ad for a shoe brand that Arjun shot for, before leaving for his Mubarakan schedule in London.

He has assisted on Rheas movie Aisha and Karan Johar’s film Wake Up Sid.

Photographer Rohan Shreshtha has shot the pictures. The boys shot the ad in a warehouse in Andheri as they wanted a rustic, macho earthy feel for the ad.

He directed a short film The Audition, apart from a number of ads.

A source charts the ads progress, “They all had fun shooting together.

Arjun is very fond of Karan and the two have often partied together.

This is not the first time Karan has done an ad. He has done loads of

Karan is also said to be making his feature directorial debut with Anil and Rheas home production, a teen comedy about urban youth who meet as strangers during their freshman year at an American university, but leave as friends for life.

01:25 Joy Maa Durga 04:00 Koffee With Karan

Sridevi Bollywood: to star in Akshay Mom Kumar to star in and as Mogul

She’s back following her last successful stint in Gauri Shinde’s ‘English Vinglish’ as a housewife, SrideviBoney Kapoor is now ready to enthrall audiences in her upcoming film titled ‘Mom’ The film is Directed by Ravi Udyawar and producedsuperstar

by Boney Kapoor, Bollywood Akshayand will see Sridevi playinthe lead The Kumar will star and asrole.

Mogul, film also stars actors Akshaye Khanna, an upcoming movie.

Abhimanyu Singh, PitobashTripathi who are part of the supporting cast The film is a biopic on T-Series while Nawazuddin Siddiqui will make a founder and singer Gulshan cameo appearance in the film.

Kumar.

The film’s story line and the plot is being kept tightly under wraps andto we The actor took to social media can see the break themystery news. of the film clearly from the first look posters.

Sharing a poster from the film,

Whilst we’re loving the and Akshay tweeted, ‘Myintensity association first look of the first poster it’s not with Him began with my very been an easy for the makers of the film. first faced film. He was The Emperor ‘Mom’ a few hurdles during its Of Music! The Nowmakers know His production. werestory... forced Gulshan Kumar to#Mogul, call off aThe shoot when the ban on Pakistani story!’ artistes was imposed in the film industry. The film has two Pakistani Siddiqui Mogul isactors set toAdnan release in 2018. and Sajal Ali playing pivotal roles of Sridevi’s daughter in the Akshay,husband will alsoand collaborate with film.

his Jolly LLB 2 director Subhash

Kapoor forlet’s the hope film. there are no Irrespective, more hurdles leading to the release of Announcing the collaboration, the the film. label tweeted, ‘We proudly present

the story of the emperor of2017.

‘Mom’ hits theatres on July 14,

Big B gets nostalgic as he completes 'Raja got verified I'm in 48 yrs in Bollywood

seems to be accepting it with complete joy.

trouble,' says Prem Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, posted a photo of his starting as an also known as the Shahanshah of actor in Bollywood, when he signed his Bollywood, walked memory firstnetwork movie ‘Saat in 1969.

Varun Dhawan, whodown will soon be seen and Hindustani’ took it to another level. lane as he completed 48 years thehis playing Prem in 'Judwaa 2,' hasingot film industry. the from photo,handling “Today on twin brother from the flick Raja's accountHe captioned Varun, apart hisFeb verified on Twitter. account, will also keep fans 15th personal 1969 I officially joined the Film updated through thefilm new‘Saat handle- @ The ‘Piku’ star took to Twitter and Industry.. signed my 1st The actor is very active on the social varundhawan_02.

Hindustani’.”

In his illustrious career, the 74 year-old has played some of the most iconic characters in Bollywood such as Inspector Vijay Khanna in ‘Zanjeer’, VijaytoDeenanath He took his officialChauhan handle and posted, "Raja got verified in ‘Agneepath’ for which he wonI'm thein trouble."

National Award for Best Actor in 1990, and Vijay Verma in ‘Deewar’.

7

After Anil Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor's boyfriend Karan Boolani directs Arjun Kapoor

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'Judwaa 2,' produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and helmed by David Dhawan, will see Jacqueline Fernandez Taapsee and fourand National awards, as the 'ABCD 2' actor's love winning Pannu the honor maximum interests.

number of times.

Jacqueline will essay the role that

On the work front,Kapoor Big B will next Karisma did in the original film; be seen in Ram Gopal Varma’s Taapsee's character will be more mature directorial 3’, alongside and‘Sarkar vulnerable like Rambha's in the original.

To beBajpayee shot in Mumbai, London, Yami Gautam, Manoj Without any doubt, the double role comes andShroff.

Thailand, the film is slated for and Jackie its own share of challenges and Varun September 29, 2017 release.

He haswith a total of 16 Filmfare awards

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Spider-Man's arch-enemy 'Venom' to rock silver screen in 2018

Comedy flick centering Obama-era in White House coming soon

2018 will witness Spider-Man's nemesis Venom in all his evil glory, as the villain is set to appear in his own standalone film.

Universal Pictures is planning to get started on a motion picture based on the life of staffers in Obama's White House, which is set to be the focus of a new big-screen workplace comedy.

Marvel's web-slinging superhero, who is currently going through a reboot trial-and-error phase, will now face stiff competition from Venom, who will be brought to the big screen by Sony Pictures.

Venom has appeared in film before, as he was the primary antagonist in SpiderMan 3 and made a brief cameo in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Since the concept is still in its inception phase there is no word on who will play the sharp-fanged, long-tongued villain, but screenwriters Scott Rosenberg (High Fidelity) and Jeff Pinkner (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) will write the script.

The film will be released on 5 October, reports the Guardian citing Variety.

Venom, An alien symbiote which requires a human host to survive, first appeared in the Spider-Man comics in 1988. The character was initially conceived as a supervillain but has since become an antihero in the manner of Deadpool, who appeared in his own film adaptation in 2016.

A book proposal by White House stenographer Beck Dorey-Stein is being considered by Universal Pictures and Anonymous Content. Titled 'From the Corner of the Oval', the story is about a woman who goes from being a waitress to working in the White House, reports the Guardian citing the Hollywood Reporter.

The proposal was picked up by Random House imprint Spiegel and Grau as part of a seven-figure, two-book deal and the film will be produced by Michael Sugar, whose credits include Spotlight and The OA. The project comes in the wake of the two upcoming films focused on Obama's youth: Barry and Southside with You. The development also joins several politically themed small-screen dramas focused on the rivalry between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Sony, which now owns the film rights to the Spider-Man franchise, is said to be keen to expand the Spider-Man franchise in the same way that Marvel has with The Avengers.

FIRST LOOK POSTER: ‘THE BLACK PRINCE’ FILM BIOPIC DRAWING ON THE ESTRANGED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUEEN VICTORIA AND

create a wave of excitement, as it promises a spectacular storyline into the life and legacy of the Maharajah in exile in the UK.

THE LAST KING OF PUNJAB, MAHARAJAH DULEEP SINGH, SET FOR INTERNATIONAL RELEASE WITH ‘THE BLACK PRINCE’

Produced by Brillstein Entertainment (Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave), THE BLACK PRINCE, a period drama written and directed by Hollywood filmmaker Kavi Raz and filmed widely across the UK and India, carefully captures the tragic, yet fascinating true story and legacy of Maharajah Duleep

The first look poster of the historic film biopic on the poignant life story of the last King of Punjab – Maharajah Duleep Singh – also known as THE BLACK PRINCE, has

Singh, providing a visual narrative of one of India’s most noble kings, and his fragile relationship with, Queen Victoria, who was Godmother to his children.

Acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj marks his acting debut in THE BLACK PRINCE, essaying the character of Maharajah Duleep Singh. He is joined by an esteemed cast of acting stalwarts including Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) as Dr. Login,

the foster parent for the Maharajah, English stage, screen actress Amanda Root (The Iron Lady), who portrays the bold role of Queen Victoria; and veteran actress ShabanaAzmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother. The film also features Keith Duffy, David Essex OBE, Canadian actor Rup Magon in supporting roles.

The Black Prince releases worldwide in cinemas on 19 May 2017.

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Begum Priyanka Jaan Chopra trailer shares crosses adorable 20 million photo views with 'Quantico' cast

Deepika Padukone, who has made her presence felt globally, looked smashing as she recently attended the world renowned fashion designer Michael Kors Show at the ongoing New York Fashion Week.

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Begum Jaan starring the effervescent Vidya Balan is all set to hit theatres on April 14. The recently released trailer has been deeply appreciated by the audience and critics alike. It crossed 20 million views on all social media platforms.

The world of Indian cinema has undergone a sea change in the coming years. Audiences pine for content driven impactful films albeit with a realistic touch. Begum Jaan thrives to be one such film giving you not only the best of content but a powerhouse talent in the form of Vidya Balan and strong impactful dialogues that leave a lasting impression much after watching the trailer.

Boasting of a stellar ensemble cast from the likes of Vidya Balan, Gauahar Khan, Pallavi Sharda, Chunky Pandey and Naseeruddin Shah amongst others, Begum Jaan is truly the film to watch out for in 2017.

Vidya has absolutely stolen the show in her whistleblowing performance of the bold yet badass Begum Jaan. Seen hurling expletives, holding guns or smoking sheesha, the dauntless Vidya Balan is ready to give you the fight of your life accompanied by her gang of women including Gauahar Khan and Pallavi Sharda amongst others.

Begum Jaan is one of the first few movies to highlight a topic like the menstrual cycle which is considered an absolute taboo in India. Vidya mouths the dialogue with such ferocity leaving you with goosebumps.

The surprise package is Chunky Pandey whose bald look imbues freshness giving us a break from his usual comedy escapades. Showcasing great content, strong dialogue delivery and of course the supremely talented Vidya Balan, Begum Jaan has given us one of the most impressive trailers of 2017.

Celebrities and industry stalwarts all seem to be completely smitten with the trailer.

Parineeti Chopra joins the Golmaal bandwagon

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Ridley Scott confirms the sequel of 'Alien: Covenant'

Priyanka Chopra shares adorable photo with 'Quantico' cast

The whole world is still waiting for the release for Ridley Scott's 'Alien: Covenant' but this did not hold the director to reveal the expansion of 'Alien' universe.

The 79-year-old, in a recent interview with Fandango, seemed to confirm that he has already written the follow up to the 'Covenant,' reports The Independent.

Deepika Padukone, who has

Scott said, will befelt another one made her"There presence globally, before wesmashing kind of literally andrecently logically, looked as she clockwise, the renowned rear back head of attendedback the into world [the original] Alien."

fashion designer Michael Kors Show at the ongoing New York

The movie will be titled 'Alien: Fashion Week.

Awakening'.

He adds, "It will go Prometheus, Awakening, Covenant." Appearing to confirm that, it will be either a Prometheus sequel or Covenant prequel.

The director has plans to make a further three films which would see events meet up with those depicted in his 1979 classic 'Alien'.

On a related note, Ridley Scott's 'Alien: Covenant' is slated to release on May 18.

The flick stars Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterson in lead roles.

The shoot of Golmaal Again has begun in full swing and joining this laugh riot is actress Parineeti Chopra.

Speaking on the same, director Rohit Shetty said to a leading daily, She, plays a girl of today wholesome and earthy. You will never see the characters in my films in Armani suits or any designer outfits; Parineeti is no exception!

He further added, After, working with her for the last four days, I can say that she looks like she’s always been part of the gang as she blends in beautifully.

Parineeti on her reason for choosing the film said, “It really came to me at the perfect time. I was looking to do a big, fun, comedy film and Golmaal Again was the perfect combination of all these three things. The biggest deciding factor was obviously Rohit Shetty.

He is someone I’ve always wanted to work with. I love all his films, and the kind of reach he has. Working in such an environment is also educating me on who our audience really is, what kind of films they like watching. I am honoured and excited to be a part of it. I love working with the team. They are a mad, fun loving bunch always playing pranks and making fun of the crew but there’s so much of love and friendship between them. It’s such a fun set to be a part of and there’s never any stress!

“My character is as fun, crazy and cool as these boys are, so I was very excited when this role was offered to me,” she added Golmaal Again is directed by Rohit

Thisyou poetic side of Shah Khan will Did know this aboutRukh 'Sholay?' make you fall in love with him, again!

Behind the scene stories of the classic Ramesh Sippy film 'Sholay' have always excited the movie buffs.

sense of accuracy, the Shehenshah of Bollywood shared an experience from their shooting days, where they for three-long yearsKhan’s to get one The internet sensation and the youngestwaited of the Khans, Shah Rukh perfect companion. shot for a scene.

Amitabh played the little one,Bachchan, Abram iswho surely his father’s constant intense young man Jai, recently shed light on an unknown fact from the Big-B said, "I wonder Taking his companionship to yet anotherHere's level, what SRK took to his twitter handle film. if you remember a scene in Sholay, to post an insanely adorable poem aboutwhere their Jaya love! (Bachchan) is lighting a lamp in the corridor of her home At a recent event here, while SRK tweeted, late night walk along theonJuhu beach.hand the the first floor andinI hand.& am sitting speaking about“A Ramesh Sippy's

sand castle we made will last a life time.. we r sure.”

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in the outhouse playing my mouth and Ramesh Ji said, until we get the organ. There was a particular kind correct light, we are not going to film of lighting required for that shot. this. Hence we waited for three years with the of tweet, he posted a picture of the twoofhand inin hand.

OurAlong DoP (Director Photography) for one flash a shot the film." was very keen that the shot be done at the time when the sun is setting.

A 1975 film that also stars Isn’t that lovely?

You would not believe that we spent Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Hema three years before weand finally thathave Malini, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Shah Rukh Khan wifygot Gauri three kids – Aryan, Suhana and AbRam. shot because every time we would get Khan was ranked first in the British While the elder two are pursuing their studies abroad, AbRam is always by daddy’s to enact that sequence, something Film Institute's 2002 poll of 'Top 10 sidenot during his with various would be right the travels. lighting Indian Films' of all time.

Shetty and stars Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, ShreyasTalpade, Prakash Raj, Sanjay Mishra, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Parineeti Chopra and Tabu.

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INTERVIEW

Taapsee Pannu – at the top of Her Game

by AYESHA BABAR ayesha@asian-standard.co.uk

Taapsee Pannu has quickly become of the most recognizable faces of the South Indian film industry and is now making a mark in Bollywood. Her performance in last year’s hit, PINK, where she starred with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, has been a favourite with the critics. Known for her offbeat film choices as much as for her intense portrayals on screen, Taapsee Pannu is definitely here to stay. Ayesha Babar caught up with Taapsee to speak about her next, Naam Shabana, that sees her play a secret agent who can pack a punch or two.

Ayesha: Congratulations on the success of PINK and the wonderful feedback that you have been getting for it.

Tapsee: Thank you! It has been a special journey indeed.

Ayesha: Coming to Naam Shabana, you look phenomenal in the trailer and the promos – especially in terms of the action sequences and the physicality of the character that you play. It’s a first in some ways as we have not really seen a female lead doing these kinds of extensive sequences before.

How difficult was it to train for the role?

Tapsee: It was very challenging physically and even more so mentally

to play this character on the screen because I don’t relate to Shabana, one bit!

The film was actually quite a big gift for all the hard work that I had put into that sequence in Baby; I see this film as a bonus that I got as a reward for all that effort so I can definitely say that hard work pays off in a huge way. The love and response I got for that small role was what convinced the makers to

create an entire film about the backstory of the character.

Physically, yes, it was hard. My training didn’t really stop after Baby as I had to continue for Naam Shabana. The trainers kept on adding different Marshal Art techniques to my regimen and that made me really tough and stronger. My trainer used to say that we are training you up not only to kick but to get kicked as well! The real test is not

in hitting or punching someone, it is in how well you can take the blows. That is what really takes a lot more energy. The training has to be much more intensive than what one needs for the screen because you only rarely end up using about 40% of the training in a scene. The strength building really helped me carry on shooting the sequences. Sometimes we shoot for more than twelve hours to film an action sequence which might be only about one to two minutes on

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INTERVIEW

screen. It can get really taxing to do those movements for that long a period of time and the body needs to have the strength to pull that off.

There are lots of different types of action scenes in the film so that audiences don’t get bored of seeing the same kind of action again and again.

Mentally, it was even tougher because I could not relate to Shabana’s role.

When we were shooting Baby, the role was quite black and white – that this girl has to be extremely vulnerable from the outlook but inside she is a trained professional who can defend herself.

For Baby, that was the only instruction that I got. For Naam Shabana, I had to go through a lot of extensive research and training in terms of how she would react. I, as a person, am so different to Shabana’s character in the sense that I am much more expressive, Shabana is not at all; she is a woman of very few words. She has an amazing sixth sense!

There was a statement given out by one of the intelligence agencies recently that female spies make for the best spies because they always have an intuition and can multitask – so we were trying to incorporate that a little bit.

Shabana fits the bill really well that way as she can anticipate things, read between the lines and react very quickly.

I, on the other hand, have no sixth sense at all! I am gullible and take things at face value. She is very, very quick. That was one point that we constantly kept in mind in terms of the physicality for not just the action shots but even for other scenes. Since she has that presence of mind, her eyes are always looking around to see what is happening around her. Even if she is speaking on the phone on the balcony, her eyes will always be busy spotting if there is anyone who

might have followed her or if the person who she is speaking to is around her.

Because she is mentally very sharp and quick, her physical reactions also had to be very fast. These are all qualities based on which she has been chosen for the work she is doing in the film.

Ayesha: Could you tell us about the emotional side of the character and her backstory?

Tapsee: She has different break points in the film. She doesn’t express very much so her emotional reactions are also in line with that. We wanted to address a few different questions in terms of her character – how much can she breakdown? How helpless can we really show her to be? There were some tricky intricacies involved in the emotional scenes. I had to always look at Shivam or Neeraj (the makers) while I was doing such scenes so that I could get a sense of ‘is this much okay?’ or ‘should I hold back a bit more’? The boundaries that I had set for the character were both strict and vague in my head because we couldn’t go all out with her.

Ayesha: Naam Shabana comes after a very successful Baby and the makers have delivered a string of films with Akshay Kumar in the last few years that have done well at the box office and garnered critical acclaim. Does that put too much pressure on you, given that you are still fairly new to the Hindi industry and the film is riding on your shoulders?

Tapsee: I am actually not feeling even a tiny bit of nervousness or pressure because the kind of people involved in this film – from Neeraj Pandey to Akshay Kumar - make me feel like I am in the safest possible position. I couldn’t have asked for a better film to be the

protagonist in or to have the title role.

Both Neeraj Pandey and Akshay Kumar are not just the writer or actor in the film, they are both producing it too – so it is their money at stake and that means that they will give the film their all. I really could not have asked for a better project to be the central character!

Quick fire round One director you would want to work with?

Mani Ratnam is definitely at the top of my list!

who you think is doing quite well and is making good choices?

One actor you would like to be cast opposite?

There are quite a few of them – I think Deepika Padukone is very good with choosing the kind of films that she does.

Kangana and Alia too have been part of some very interesting films that I really admire.

I want to work with all of them (haha) but I think if I had to choose, it would be Ranbir Kapoor – I am so impressed with his versatility.

One actress out of your contemporaries

Thanks Tapsee – all the best for Naam Shabana!

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FEATURE

Dream come true for trio as they meet ‘Starsky and Hutch’ and get to showcase their tribute to the famous TV detectives

Thousands of fans attend MCM Comic Con for Starsky and Hutch in Liverpool

by RAHEEMA KHAN newsdesk@asian-standard.co.uk

Trio of former school friends, couldn’t believe their luck when they heard original stars of the popular American cop thriller television series, Starsky (played

by Paul Michael Glaser) and Hutch (played by David Soul) were coming to the UK It’s been almost 40 years since the TV cops Starsky and Hutch were last seen on our television screens, but the show is still admired by fans across the globe even today.

Amongst those ardent fans are former school friends, Nadeem

Actors Glaser, Soul and Fargas enjoy NRZ’s Starsky and Hutch tribute

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

The NRZ team L – R Zaffar Amin, Riaz Ahmed and Nadeem Butt

Butt, Riaz Ahmed and Zafar Amin. Last May the Bradford based friends met following a school reunion and (as you do) over a curry reminisced about the old days.

Using the expert mechanical skills of Amin,the friends even managed to turn their Sports Mitsubishi FTO into the famous two-door bright red and white stripedcop car

It was then that Nadeem, came up with the concept of paying tribute to their favourite TV duo.

Never did the trio imagine that what started out as a passion would now feature at the MCM Comic Con event where the main actors Paul Glaser, David Soul and Antonio Fargas, who played Huggy Bear were present.

With no film or acting experience the three friends got together and produced a two-minute montage trailerto the hit 70’s TV series.

The video was shot extensively in their home town of Bradford, with Riaz Ahmed playing Captain Harold Dubey and doing the camera work (his day time job is in IT at the local council), with 48-year-old Mr Butt who runs a gadget business playing Hutch and car mechanic Zaffar Amin playing Starsky.

The MCM Comic Con event in Liverpool attracted over 22,000 people where fans were given the opportunity to meet the popular 70’s TV actors.

The actors spoke of their delight

Zaffar and Nadeem meet Starsky and Hutch and pride that the show, known for its daring stunts and the streetwise cops' red-and-white Ford Torino, still holds a special place in fans' hearts.

"It's an honour to have been appreciated for so long in a show that's crossed generations," said 73-yearold Glaser, who played Detective David Starsky.

"The fact that people still admire the show after all the years is testament to its success.

People say 'we grew up with you guys' and we're proud of that," added Soul, 73, who played Detective Kenneth Zaffar (L) and Nadeem (R) 'Hutch' as Starsky and Hutch Hutchinson in the show.

On watching the tribute trailer made by Riaz, Nadeem and Zafar, Antonio Fargas, 70, who was famous for his role as Huggy Bear said: “Wish you guys were around when we were casting” “It’s an amazing feeling having our tribute acknowledged by the original actors of the coolest buddy cop show from the 70’s” Nadeem told Asian Standard.

Off the back of their experience with Glaser, Soul and Fargas, the Bradford men have formed their own production company called NRZ. They hope to continue making more tribute videos with a view to re-introducing and bringing back a taste of the exciting ‘Old is Gold TV’ for the younger generation.

Fans of Starsky and Hutch can watch the tribute video by visiting the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ starskyandhutchtribute.

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TRAVEL

City of Palma: Authentic, great value and tasty

City of Palma port

by RAHEEMA KHAN newsdesk@asian-standard.co.uk

Spain has long been a favourite for British holidaymakers. In particular, the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza are big favourites (not forgetting Menorca), along with Canary Islands such as Tenerife and La Palma.

Visitors will find old churches, palaces and noble mansions with charming courtyards (there are over 40 dotted around the centre of Palma).

The Museum of Majorca is a must

visit. This ancient palatial-residence houses a magnificent collection that includes prehistoric, Roman, Muslim and medieval artefacts.

Palma's pleasant year-round temperatures are an invitation to

enjoy a range of open-air sporting activities, and particularly golf and nautical sports. Golf lovers have at their disposal five courses (all with 18 holes) perfectly equipped and located in beautiful settings.

Northern Spain, more specifically the City of Palma, however is overlooked by most tourists, even though it combines magnificent empty beaches with rolling countryside, mountains, medieval towns and buzzing cities. It’s authentic, great value and the food is superb.

There’s a lot more to Spain than beaches and night life. There are great walking holidays in the north andcycling in Catalonia. The rise of low-cost airlines has benefited city breaks in places like Palma, a city rich in culture.

The city of Palma was once coveted

by Romans, Moors and Berber pirates. It was King Jaume I who put an end to the Moorish reign in the Mediterranean island (13th century), and who built the most important constructions in Palma.

The old quarter of the city stands inside the 18th-century walls which served to repel pirates and corsairs.

Cathedral City of Palma

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TRAVEL

Street Shopping Palma is also a veritable paradise for lovers of the seaside, thanks to its five beaches, eight bathing areas and nine yacht clubs andmarinas, which are ideal for those who want to explore the city from the coast and for activities such as sailing or sports fishing.

Then again, if you're looking for thrills you can try your hand at a whole range of activities - especially in summer – includingwindsurfing, kite-surfing, wakeboard, skate, and watch breakdance and capoeira displays right on the beach. There are also numerous sports facilities all around the city to enable everyone to experience Majorca in the most active possible way.

Another fun way to explore Palma de Mallorca is along its bike lanes.

Fans of cycle-touring and hiking will find these are the perfect means of getting around the island, thanks to the network of signposted routes. From Palma, a route round the island of Majorca provides the opportunity to see many different landscapes.

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you shopperholics....Yes Palma has some great shopping destinations too. That's because this Mediterranean city offers the charms of exclusive shopping areas in combination with traditional small establishments which are perfect for discovering the craftsmanship handed down over hundreds of years, or to pick up a few typical products. There is a guide translated into six languages (Catalan, Spanish, German, English, French and Italian) with suggestions for four shopping routes around the city.

If you are after top labels and treats from the ultimate in fashionable boutiques, the best idea is to take

a stroll around the Plaza Weyler square, Calle Unió, Plaza Joan Carles I and Avenida Jaume III, where shopping is a philosophy of life.

You will also find jewellers offering the quality of Majorca's pearls, numerous home décor shops, and art galleries where you can pick up a special souvenir of the city.

A more traditional atmosphere can be found in the streets around the old quarter like the Paseopor la Artesanía ("Artisans' Avenue"), and the Plaza Llorenç Bisbal and Plaza Mayor squares (with its typical open-air market). Here visitors can buy hand-made products in leather, glass, iron, wood... It's also a unique opportunity to see master craftsmen as they work. There are guided tours which offer an original glimpse of Palma's historic commercial activity.

Villages and streets in City of Palma

La Palma's cuisine is incredibly diverse. They eat all kinds of interesting and delicious food on the island and have been doing so for centuries. Fish is the most popular dish but they also eat a lot of meat (pork in particular), cheese, vegetables and a variety of tropical fruits.

One of the island's best seafood dishes is called 'Sancocho'. If you like fish, you'll love this. It's a traditional fish stew made from salted sea bream, stone bash and wreckfish. It's absolutely gorgeous. Don't leave the island without trying this!

For our Muslim readers, Halal food is far and few, but you who wants meat, when there is a huge variety of fresh fish and veg dishes to sample.

Nevertheless, if you’re still miss your traditional curry you can most certainly enjoy delicious Pakistani cuisine at Nawaab, located on Avingudade Joan Miró, Palma Disfrute de su comida!

Museo Mallorca ( Museum of Majorca)

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NEWS

Bradford to Lead on National Demo Against Government’s Housing Benefit cuts.

by STAFF REPORTER newsdesk@asian-standard.co.uk

A large-scale national demonstration in Bradford’s Centenary Square will take place on Saturday 8 April 2017, in reaction to the government’s catastrophic new benefit cuts for young people.

The #HouseTheFuture demonstration will see affected groups and highprofile speakers from all around the UK come together in Bradford to voice their frustration at thegovernment’s ideological cuts and demand action.

In addition, a petition has been started to urge Housing Minister Gavin Barwell to reverse the cuts, and avoid making young people homeless. The petition can be found here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/ petitions/stop-making-peoplehomeless The devastating cuts – which come into force on Saturday 1 April – will see the withdrawal of all housing benefits for 18 to 21-year-olds. In the

first year, it could lead to thousands of young people being forced into homelessness, with vulnerable individuals most at risk.

of intentions to young people by implementing this cut to housing benefit. We are concerned more young people will be left in abusive

situations and prone to sleeping rough. We would urge everyone to get behind this national demonstration and send a clear

message to this government that their unnecessary cuts are unjust and will be challenged every step of the way.”

This is in addition to the Local Housing Allowance cap, which is already fundamentally restricting the housing needs of under 35s in the UK. Bradford, which is has one of the largest young population in Europe will be at the epicentre of the government’s latest attack on young people, so will be leading a national day of action on Saturday 8 April to raise awareness of the draconian new bill; todemand that ministers scrap it; and to encourage all MPs to pursue this course of action inthe House of Commons.

Confirmed speakers for the #HouseTheFuture demonstration include NUS Vice President Shelly Asquith, and Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe. Other speakers will be confirmed soon.

The Bradford demonstration has been organised by Bradford Labourcouncillor and campaigner Richard Dunbar. Cllr Dunbar says: “Theresa May’s government has clearly displayed their cruellest

NUS Vice President Shelly Asquith

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POLITICS

According to research Islamophobia stops young Muslims playing bigger role in politics

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Young Muslims could play a much bigger role in politics in Scotland but many are put off engaging too visibly because of Islamophobia, according to a new research.

A study carried out by academics at Newcastle University and the University of St Andrews found that the majority of young Muslims in Scotland are actively engaged in politics and public life, driven by an interest in political issues at both a global and community level.

“Many show this interest in a variety of ways, including voting, activism, and volunteering and other charity work. For some, this was seen as a way to be positive role models for their communities, while others were motivated to respond to global issues that often incorporate negative, and often sensationalist, rhetoric against Muslims,” the study observed.

However, the research team found that everyday experiences of Islamophobia and racism made young Muslims anxious about participating in public life because they did not want to appear to be overly-politicised. They also felt that the positive contributions of Muslims to Scottish society were rarely reported by the media and that this added to the biased image of them.

Peter Hopkins, Professor of Social Geography at Newcastle University and one of the report authors, said: “The political participation of young Muslims in Scotland is largely shaped by global political issues and their experiences of Scottish politics, such as the independence referendum and debates about nationalism.

But Islamophobia and negative representation in the media is damaging their confidence to play a much more visible role in society.

“Political leaders should take the participation of young Muslims

A young Muslim Womenpraying. in faith seriously, as they are a politically engaged and interested group, whose resources could be drawn upon for the better of Scottish society.”

The research was carried out in response to the lack of in-depth research with young Muslims in Scotland about the different ways that they participate in politics, their political concerns and the barriers and challenges they encounter when engaging with political issues.

The study also found that the political participation of young Muslims in Scotland is significantly shaped by Scottish politics, with many showing an interest in the possibility of Scottish independence. “But for many

young people, there was a feeling that political parties did not communicate their policies to young people and as a result, they found it difficult to know what the different parties stood for,” it added.

Co-author of the report, Dr Robin Finlay, from the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University, added: “This research has brought up some interesting and important issues about ethnic minorities and forms of nationalism. Many young Muslims in Scotland perceive Scottish nationalism as a more inclusive and civic form of nationalism, as opposed to the type of nationalist movements we are seeing across Europe, which are partly based on a divisive rejection of multiculturalism. Scottish

nationalism is something that many young Muslims feel they can support as an ethnic minority as it offers a way to engage in mainstream politics.”

The findings of the study are presented to Tam Baillie, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, MSPs and representatives of young people’s groups with the aim of greater recognition being given to the impact of Islamophobia on young Muslims.

Commenting on the findings, Tam Baillie said: “We need to recognise the barriers of Islamophobia and tackle it head on to create an equal and vibrant political environment that is inclusive of all Scotland’s young people.”

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POLITICS

Corbyn fails to exploit U-turn on NIC

by ITRAT BASHIR

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

The government found itself on the back-foot after announcing to withdraw the increase in the rate of National Insurance Contributions for self-employed people, which was announced in the Budget last week.

This was one opportunity Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn could have availed to aggressively challenge Prime Minister Theresa May’s U-turn on NIC during the Prime Minister’s Question session in the House of Common. But he miserably failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

Many thought that the opposition leader would nail the Prime Minister after the government was forced to

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn misses an opportunity to grill Prime Minister Theresa May. take the U-turn, since the NIC did go well with the business community as well as the Conservative party members. Many within the ruling party felt that the government has backtracked on its pre-election pledge of no increase in taxes.

Twenty-minutes before the PMQ’s scheduled session, Chancellor of Exchequer Philip Hammond announced to scrap the of NIC hike, which should have mentally prepared Corbyn to carry out an onslaught. To dismay of many

Labour members, he threw soft questions at Theresa May.

government to account need to be asked.”

While referring to the U-turn, the only hard hitting line to be offered by the opposition leader was “it seems to me like a government in bit of chaos here”.

Labour MP Neil Coyle tweeted: “Another PMQs. Another day Tories get away with failing the economy, workers, police, NHS and schools.

Corbyn’s incompetence hurts us all.”

The Prime Minister summarised the opposition leader’s performance by saying that “I do not think the right honourable gentleman has quite got hang of this (PMQs)”.

Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former spin doctor, said: “Unless the Corbyn team actually planned for that to be a car crash the inquest should be long, hard and honest. He just can’t do it.”

Corbyn performance in the House invited many criticisms from within his party who were expecting to see their leader hurling punches at the Prime Minister.

Tom Blenkinsop, a Labour MP, said: “May was poor, as usual, but she has not suffered her worst PMQs. Serious questions about holding the

A better and sharp leader would have taunted the treasury benches, as did SNP MP Angus Robertson: “We once had a Prime Minister who said the lady is not for turning. My goodness. Isn’t it welcome the Prime Minister is for turning with her screeching, embarrassing U-turn on National Insurance Contributions?”

Mood of people not favouring second Scottish independence referendum

by ITRAT BASHIR

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Nicola Sturgeon is seeking the second referendum between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, but it is reported that Prime Minister Theresa May will resist her demand until after Brexit.

These days Scottish National Party (SNP) is showing adamant to hold a second Scottish independence referendum, but a petition, on the government official website, against the referendum could prove a hurdle for Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The results of the latest Times/ YouGov Scottish independence survey also do not go in the favour Nicola Sturgeon. According to the poll, 57 percent say no to the referendum; this is the highest ‘no’ lead since August 2014 when the referendum campaign was in full swing.

The petition stating that a second Scottish independence referendum ‘should not be allowed to happen’ has already reached 113,000 signatures and it has crossed the minimum signatures threshold of 1000,000. Now, the government must consider it for a debate in the House of Common. And interestingly, the petition is the most popular in Scotland.

It is worth noting, however, that 16 percent of Scots say they don’t know how they would vote - the highest proportion since October 2012.

This group do not count towards the headline voting intention figure.

The majority of Scots (53%) also do not want to see the Scottish government campaigning for independence over the next two

years. Moreover, were Theresa May to try and stymie a second referendum, it would not go down

with a plurality of voters in Scotland.

If Nicola Sturgeon did call another referendum 46% of Scots think the

ballot should be allowed to go ahead, compared to 42% percent who think it should be blocked.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

UK shows interest in Pakistani IT sector

by ITRAT BASHIR

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Pakistani Minister Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan held a meeting with Matt Hancock MP, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, to discuss possible collaboration between Pakistan and the UK in IT and telecom sectors.

On the occasion, the Pakistani Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister shared with her British counterpart the achievements made by Pakistan in the technology and telecom sector during the last three years.

developments and trends to bring about inclusive socio-economic development and provide digital access for all segments of society,” she added.

Rahman also shared with the British Minister the details of the National Incubation Centres and the National Innovation Centres, which are setup to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

She also briefed Hancock on public sector digitalisation to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in the public sector organisation.

She stated that Pakistan’s telecom sector is growing fast with annual turnover of US $4.5 billion, whereas growth of internet has gone from 3 million to 40 million users in the last three years.

British Minister Hancock appreciated the fast growth and latest developments in IT and Telecom sector of Pakistan. He expressed his keen interest for future collaboration between Pakistan’s Incubation Centres and the British Tech City. He also accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan.

“This has happened due to new integrated telecom policy of the government, which is in sync with the latest technological

The Pakistani Minister is on an official visit to the UK to attend a conference on ‘Digital Economy’ being held in London.

Pakistani Minister Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan in conversation with Matt Hancock MP.

Families’ income expected to squeeze for next 15 years

by ITRAT BASHIR

Torsten Bell, Director of the Resolution Foundation, said: “Spring Budget 2017 offered the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Chancellor the chance to respond to better than expected economic news in recent months, following grim forecasts about the outlook for Brexit Britain back in November’s Autumn Statement. Both have largely ignored it.

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Families in Britain should brace themselves for a squeeze in their income, as according to a thinkthank the UK is on course for an unprecedented 15 years of spending cuts and lost pay growth.

In its analysis of Budget 2017, the Resolution Foundation finds that despite the budget day focus on short term forecast improvements, the date for achieving an overall budget surplus has been pushed back until 2025. Hence, average earnings are now only set to return to their pre-crisis level by the middle of the next parliament.

On the family finances, the report finds that real average earnings are only set to return to their pre-crisis peak (2007) by the end of 2022. This is set to be the worst decade for pay growth for 210 years, with lost pay growth of £12,000 by 2020.

Moreover, following a brief mini

recovery, real average income growth is set to fall to 0.2 percent by 2020, lower than any pre-crisis period, the report observed.

“The combination of pay stagnation and rising inequality driven by benefit cuts means that this parliament is on course to be worse for the poorest third of households than the four years following the financial crisis,” the report added.

The analysis also looks at the deterioration in the OBR outlook for pay and prices since the March 2016 Budget and finds that a single person working full-time on the minimum wage, earning £13,150, will be £380 worse off by 2020. Moreover, a dualearning couple with two kids and combined earnings of £29,020 will be £360 a year worse off by 2020.

“The big picture from the budget is that the big squeezes on both the public and family finances have been prolonged well into the 2020s. And while the OBR at least delivered some good news on borrowing, the family finances picture has actually deteriorated since the autumn. Britain is set for a return to falling real pay later this year, with this decade now set to be the worst for pay growth since the Napoleonic wars.

“Some households will feel the pinch more than others. The combination of weak pay growth and over £12 billion of benefit cuts means that for the poorest third of households this parliament is actually set to be worse than the years following the financial crisis.”

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Toyota to invest £240 million in UK manufacturing operations

by ITRAT BASHIR

Continued tariff-and-barrier free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success.”

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Toyota Motor has announced to invest a further £240 million in its Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) car plant in Burnaston in Derbyshire, which makes the Auris and Avensis models.

Toyota’s investment will improve plant competitiveness and additionally it will promote UK supply chain efficiencies, sad a spokesperson of Toyota Motor.

Starting this year, the Burnaston facility will be progressively upgraded with new equipment, technologies and systems. This will enable production of vehicles on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.

research and development and further enhancements of the plant’s environmental performance.

The investment programme also includes up to £21.3 million support from the UK government for training,

Announcing the investment, Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: “We are focused on

Toyota plant in Burnaston securing the global competitiveness of our European plants. The roll-out of TNGA manufacturing capability is part of this plan. This upgrade of TMUK is a sign of confidence in our employees and suppliers and their focus on superior quality and greater efficiency. We

welcome the UK Government funding contribution for this activity.”

“Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.

Toyota has launched a global programme to upgrade its manufacturing sites to produce TNGAbased vehicles. By 2020, the majority of Toyota’s global models will be built using TNGA platforms. TNGA already underpins the new, fourth generation Prius and the all-new, Toyota C-HR crossover, which is built in Turkey, vehicles that epitomise Toyota’s commitment to build ever-better cars for our customers.

Commenting on the Toyota’s investment, Business Secretary Greg Clark said that this “underlines the company’s faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK”.

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BUSINESS IN FOCUS

London Bengali Wedding Fair gives under-one-roof solution for wedding shopping

by ITRAT BASHIR

the Bangladeshi girls, facing difficulty in finding a place in the fashion industry, by providing them a platform that allows them to present their skills, no matter their height, skin colour or weight.

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Over the years, South Asian weddings in Britain have become a lavish event and often people follow the trends set

by Bollywood. Not surprisingly, it is a little hectic for anyone to chase a dream wedding. Seeing this as a business opportunity in her community, a young British Bangladeshi female set-up ‘London Bengali Wedding Fair’ in 2016 and followed it up with holding two wedding fairs last year.

Born and bred in London, Suhana Ahmed, CEO of London Bengali Wedding Fair, used her educational background in marketing, fashion illustrations and travel to capitalise on the opportunity that was staring at her. The objective was to facilitate the shoppers by bringing various sectors involved in Bangladeshi wedding under one roof.

By the way, I was told by Suhana that “it is the world’s only Bengali wedding fair”. She first held her fair in May 2016 at Royal Regency, London, that was attended by 1200 people and later that year she hosted it in Birmingham with an attendance of over 3000 throughout the day.

Excited about her business, Suhana told Asian Standard: “The fair is an exciting and exquisite event, which takes place in London and Birmingham catering specifically for the Bangladeshi community who plan to do their wedding shopping in around Birmingham or London. With tremendous success,

However, a journey to success was not easy for Suhana; she took on two jobs to save money for the new venture and put in extra hours to plan it out. And in between, she attends to her family has well.

Suhana Ahmed is seen with her with her sponsorers.

London Bengali Wedding Fair is now about to host its third fair within a year. The next event will be taking place at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Canary Wharf, London, on May 14 followed by a partner event in December in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

“The future plans are to make it grow to a worldwide recognised platform for Bangladeshi owned businesses to be able to showcase their services to the community, and to continue to source and present new and upcoming Bangladeshi designers from all over the world.”

She pointed out that the designers and products used on the catwalk, must be linked to Bangladesh. “The aim of this event is to have all sectors of wedding services under one roof. This allows potential grooms, brides to be and wedding parties to gain some relief from the excess stress of wedding shopping and planning,” she added.

After completing her higher education and an internship with the Columbia University in New York, Suhana was looking for endeavours that would test her skills as well as prove beneficial to her community.

Suhana Ahmed, CEO of London Bengali Wedding Fair, dressed in traditional Bengali bridal dress.

“My background has always been in marketing, events, fashion and branding, and I have a great connection with the London Bangladeshi community and Bangladeshi media. So I wanted to put all my skills together and host an event that would benefit my community and bring forward hidden talents.

“I researched that after the catering industry the wedding industry is the second fastest growing industry. Last year the British Bangladeshi community was the second highest spenders after the British Indian community, spending over £76 million. The biggest reason for the increase in Bangladeshi wedding in the UK occurred after 2012 when the UK government introduced a new law where a spouse had to earn £18,600 to bring over their partner if they married abroad. So people stopped going back home to marry.”

Suhana also has the honour of hosting a masquerade fashion ball for the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and she loved every aspect of it with a thought that she was promoting the Bangladeshi fashion. She wants to help

“I did not just wake up one morning and decide to host a wedding fair for Bengalis to attend. I spent years researching different Bengali cultures and religions rituals relating to weddings whilst balancing family life and a full time job. But, my husband kept me motivated by supporting me when I needed back up,” said Suhana.

Right now, she feels fantastic and energising to be a business lady. “It is very cultivating and when things are going to plan its very satisfying. This year I was the only female sponsor of the East Wood Music and Media Awards, and going up on stage with international superstar Bappi Lahiri and all the other top male business directors was a sensational feeling.”

Suhana had a message for young aspiring entrepreneurs: “If you have an idea, do not wait for the right moment. The moment is now. Only by trying you will know if it will be a success. Make sure your foundation is steady and start in a prestigious way, but most of all, wear beautiful shoes, as that is how most people judge us on first sight.”

“If you have an idea, do not wait for the right moment. The moment is now. Only by trying you will know if it will be a success. Make sure your foundation is steady and start in a prestigious way, but most of all, wear beautiful shoes, as that is how most people judge us on first sight.”

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Money Talk

with our finance expert

Shabab Gulfraz

Everything you need to know about Budget 2017 Last week, the budget in my view made sense. There are always certain things people like, and certain things people dislike. I thought the budget was quite sombre, and did not really affect many people adversely.

Indeed the government did make some changes to national insurance contributions, which if honest were not major changes.

The chancellor has done an awkward u turn and reversed his decision to go ahead with an increase in national insurance for the self employed. This will leave a circa £2 billion pound blackhole in his planning forecasts over the next 5 years. I remember late last week a self employed person ringing me and moaning about the change. I said to them its minor because its only 2% increase in National Insurance, which realistically you do not pay that much of as you take your income as dividends.

The change also would not have brought about a huge amount of tax for the taxman anyhow, yet I am not sure why the u turn, when other decisions were made by the government, which have not created an uproor, such as the reduction in the amount of dividends that can be taken tax free.

There was talk of the conservatives breaking a manifesto pledge; however in my view this is not a big deal because they have undertaken so many positive steps such as increasing the basic and higher rate bands. The chancellor was also trying to make matters fairer because the self employed pay far less National Insurance than employed individuals; therefore his rationale and arguments for undertaking the increase actually were robust.

His arguements for increasing

National Insurance was further enhanced by the fact that the self employed will get the same benefits next year as employed, with the same access to a state funded pension; therefore why should the self employed not pay their fair share of contributions.

I read a quote by our chancellor where he said, “The government continues to believe that addressing this unfairness is the right approach,” he said. “However, since the budget, parliamentary colleagues

and others have questioned whether the increase in class 4 contributions is compatible with the tax lock commitments made in our 2015 manifesto...” I look at previous manifesto’s and sure manifestos are there to be reviewed depending on the state of the economy, rather than strictly followed to the word.

Personally, when I look at pensions I think god when am I going to retire because the government keeps increasing the age of retirement. If it carries on like this, perhaps dare

I say how many of us will actually get a pension, and if we do how long will we cash it for. The cynic in me believes that all individuals with access to the benefit should pay their fair share into the pot, and hopefully this will mean that we retire earlier rather than later.

In other news that is interesting, which more than likely will be debated upon during this coming week, our Queen has signed the EU bill paving way for Britain to formally trigger article 50. It will be

interesting to see what affect this news has on business during the course of this week, and what impact this will have on the EU. I personally think that since the government is committed to triggering article 50 due to the referendum, then it should be done sooner rather than later. This is because the sooner this is done the sooner our country can move towards stabilising the situation and dealing with both the negative and positive outcomes of leaving the EU.

28

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LEGAL TALK

LUKE PATEL

Luke Patel is a Partner at Leeds law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP specialising in commercial dispute resolution and heads up that team. Luke was the winner of the Best Professional in Business award at the Asian English Business Awards 2013. Described in the Legal 500 as “exceptional” he primarily acts for individuals, owner managed businesses and SME’s in a wide range of sectors including financial, insurance, property and construction.

Has There Been A Surrender?

When is a commercial lease surrendered? The question may appear straight forward but as the tenant found out in the High Court case of Padwick Properties Limited v Punj Lloyd Limited the answer is not always as straight forward as it appears.

The landlord granted a 21 year lease of an office block to the tenant company. The lease was guaranteed by the tenant’s parent company.

Subsequently, the tenant ceased trading and went into administration.

The solicitors acting for the administrators wrote to landlord’s solicitors to inform them that the tenant had vacated the property and declared that “the security and safety of the Property will therefore revert to your client”. Notwithstanding this the landlord reminded the administrators that the tenant and the guarantor remained liable under the lease and that they should make arrangements to secure the property.

The landlord eventually had to secure the property itself after the tenant failed to do so and upon the insistence of its insurers.

A few months later the administrators returned the keys of the property to landlord’s solicitors and confirmed their intention to surrender the lease. The landlord only accepted the keys because it was told by the administrators that the keys would otherwise be thrown away.

However, the landlord made it clear to the administrators that it was not accepting a surrender of the lease and demanded that the guarantor comply with its obligations.

The tenant company subsequently entered into liquidation and the liquidators disclaimed the lease.

However, the landlord asserted that the lease had not been surrendered and called upon the parent company to honour its guarantee and required it to pay the rent arrears and to enter into a new lease. The arrears of rent totalled over £4million as the property had remained empty for over four years following unsuccessful attempts by the landlord to re-let it. The parent company refused to enter into a new lease on the basis that it had already been surrendered.

However, the Court ruled in favour of the landlord and held that the lease

had not been surrendered because: • The acceptance of the keys to the property by the landlord was not, in itself, inconsistent with the continuation of the lease and in any event the landlord had made it expressly clear that it had only accepted the keys for the purposes of maintaining security to the property.

• The attempt to re-let the premises did not give rise to the surrender although the position would have been different if the property had been successfully re-let.

This case highlights the need for

unequivocal conduct on the part of both parties for the surrender of a lease to be effective. A tenant cannot terminate a lease by simply walking away from the premises.

The decision also emphasises the importance of stating your position clearly. In this case the landlord expressly stated that the return of the keys was only accepted to protect its interest and not because it had accepted that there had been a surrender of the lease.

If you are involved in any disputes concerning a lease then Blacks Solicitors can assist. Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or email him at “LPatel@lawblacks.com”.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LEEDSFULL-TIME ASIAN COMMUNITY STATION BROADCASTING 24/7

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NUMEROLOGY

by

Swetta Jumaani

Swetta Jumaani is one of India’s leading Numerologists. Her journey into numerology has been interesting. She is often asked, “What’s in a name?” and says that as far as we, the Jumaanies are concerned there is a lot (Read: everything). The number game now has a new meaning, to be Number 1 you have to now get the numbers in your Name right. Swetta tells us that each alphabet of your name has a certain value, and the sum total of this should be in harmony with your date of birth to have a smoother sailing in life.

This necessitates one to know more about the study of numbers. Study of numbers is best known as numerology. It is an ancient science, which was practiced by Hindus, Chaldeans, Hebrews, Egyptians etc.

In those days this science was handed down from generation to generation and kept as a secret from the general people.

Slowly it lost its significance and came to be regarded as a superstition. It was only in the last century that this science came to be documented in a scientific manner and it was only in the last few years that the general interest in numerology has been re-kindled thanks to Swetta’s father Bansilal M Jumaani.

It was in the late sixties and early seventies that Swetta’s father started dabbling in numerology as a hobby, soon this hobby turned into a passion, the turning point in his career came when he managed to get a message across to a famous filmstar who had been jailed “I told them if they brought up the case for hearing on a particular day, he would be able to walk free.

They heeded my advice and the rest is history.

Swetta now writes exclusively for Asian Standard,giving you an insight into the world of numerology each week. You can always follow her on Twitter to learn more. @swetta_jumaani

Financially Fortunate People born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th in any month are termed as Number 3 people, ruled by the planet Jupiter, which also influences Pisceans and Sagittarians.

Jupiter {Guru} is the biggest planet, and also said to be the planet of wealth.

COMMENTS: Number 3 people {Jupiter}: Jupiter, one of the most powerful and potent planets, influences number 3 persons. Number 3 people are like Number 1 persons, particularly ambitious.

They are never satisfied with ‘ordinary’ or ‘subordinate’ positions but their aim is to rise in the world, to have control and authority over others.

They excel in the execution of commands, being orderly and disciplined, and can gracefully obey orders, but they also insist on having their own orders obeyed!

quite independent and selfsufficient.

Number 3 people can often rise to the very highest positions in any business or profession, especially in positions of trust and responsibilities over others, and are good team leaders, influencing their subordinates and superiors with equal passion!

One of the richest man in the universe, Warren Buffet {30/08} used to throw newspapers from house to house. Govinda {21/12} and Rajnikanth, {12/12} {earlier a bus conductor} South Indian Super star, are 2 examples of people who have reached from rags to riches. Mike Tyson, now a billionaire, too was born in the slums.

Their weakness is that they are stubborn and dictatorial in carrying out their ideas, and for this reason, although not quarrelsome by nature, they succeed in making enemies.

Number 3 persons are mostly proud; they dislike being under obligation to others, as they are

They usually rise in life above the conditions that they were born in.

Rajnikanth is in fact triply governed by Jupiter as not only is he born on 12th. But also a Saggiatarian governed by Jupiter, also 12/12/1950= 3! In his 57th {57=3} year he gave world wide blockbuster Sivaji.

Shankar {03/03/1967}, Ehsaan {12/10/1963}, Loy {30/01/1956}, Tom Cruise, Yuvraj Singh and Sharad Pawar {both 12/12} {Yuvraj, a believer, also sports jersey Number 12} and Rani Mukerji {21/03}.

Therefore when women who have to deliver caesarian, we strongly recommend them to go for dates such as the 3rd, 12th, 21st or 30th, as the Number 3 person would not only be lucky for themselves, but also for the family.

The 3 leading ‘Khans’ from bollywood have one more thing in common, apart from success and their last name, ‘Khan’: their year of birth, 1965 also totals to Number 21. In fact, even Allah seems to be with them, as even their holy Number, 786 adds to 21!

One should in fact try to take a number 3 people as a partner in business, as his luck could rub off on other partners also.

Number 3 people are never cash strapped, and if they do have difficulty with cash sometimes, there is some or the other source always available to fulfill their demands!

Numerology helps but Hard Work is must.

Success is a blend of good fortune and hard work.

GOD BLESS WITH REGARDS, SWETTA JUMAANI swettajumaani@rediffmail.com www.jumaani.com

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MOTORING

Jaguar I-Pace - The Future of Electric Motoring Hits the Streets Jaguar I-Pace – Jaguar’s first electric vehicle

Jaguar has unleashed its first electric vehicle – the Jaguar I-PACE – onto the streets for the first time. Driving on the streets of London’s famous Olympic Park, the electric performance SUV concept previews Jaguar’s first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be revealed in late 2017 and will be on the road in the second half of 2018.

Ian Callum, Director of Design for Jaguar said: “The feedback on the I-PACE Concept has been fantastic. With the I-PACE Concept we’ve torn up the rule

book to create a vehicle with supercar inspired aesthetics, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package.

It has surprised people and the enthusiasm for our first electric vehicle has been beyond all my expectations.

“Driving the concept on the streets is really important for the design team. It’s very special to put the car outside and in the real-world. You can see the true value of the I-PACE’s dramatic silhouette and powerful proportions when you see it on

the road, against other cars.

The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. For me, the future of motoring has arrived.”

The I-PACE will be a longdistance sprinter that accelerates to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, with a range of more than 500km (NEDC cycle) from the 90kWh lithium-ion battery.

Charging is easy and quick, with 80 per cent charge achieved in just 90 minutes using 50kW DC charging.

Compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles generate a combined output of 400PS and 700Nm of torque, with the all-weather benefits of all-wheel drive.

The I-PACE will also deliver the agility, ride comfort and refinement that will set it apart from all other electric vehicles: it will be a true Jaguar and a true drivers’ car.

If you can’t wait to get your hands on the stunning machine, then go to jaguar.co.uk and click the ‘I want one’ button.

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MOTORING

Everything you need to know about the new McLAREN 720S Supercar buyers and enthusiasts worldwide can now view and explore the new McLaren 720S, which made its public debut last week at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, in full detail online on a new microsite dedicated to McLaren’s second-generation Super Series. The website also features a new digital configurator that allows users to design a car to a specification of their choice.

The standard 720S specification and the Performance and Luxury levels above are detailed in the new 2D online configurator, which showcases interior colour choices and a palette of 34 exterior paint colours, as well as option packs and individual options.

This is the starting point for customers interested in the new

commission McLaren Special Operations to create a truly bespoke car.

Online visitors will also learn about the Monocage II carbon fibre structure, Proactive Chassis Control

II active chassis system and active aerodynamics of the new McLaren 720S, as well as getting an inside look at the new 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that gives McLaren’s new

supercar acceleration from 0-200km/h (124mph) in just 7.8 seconds.

Visit https://720s.mclaren.com/ and select ‘Configurator’ under the Links menu to choose the new McLaren 720S that could be in your garage…

McLaren 720S, ahead of visiting a McLaren retailer to place an order or deciding instead to

New Nissan Leaf Black Edition Launched Nissan’s stylish LEAF Black Edition is now on sale in the UK, priced from £26,890 including the £4,500 government plug-in vehicle grant.

styling, with Nissan’s innovative zero-emission technology to offer customers a city-savvy intelligent mobility solution. Its sleek design compliments an exciting drive, delivered through high-class engineering, demonstrating that you don’t have to compromise on style or performance when purchasing an electric car.”

The world’s best-selling electric vehicle is now even more attractive with 0% APR representative finance from £207 per month with no minimum deposit, free insurance in the first year, free servicing in the first two years and a £1,000 Nissan deposit contribution.

The limited edition model is on sale in the UK from March for a restricted production run up until August 2017, with the first 200 customers receiving a free Wi-Fi hotspot – capable of pairing with up to eight devices.

Based on the Acenta grade, the Nissan LEAF Black Edition offers cutting-edge design to enhance the LEAF’s smooth and near silent ride with an exclusive new look.

Nissan pioneered the electric vehicle movement with the launch of the original Nissan LEAF - the world’s first mass-market electric car - in 2010. Since then, Nissan LEAF owners across the globe have travelled more than two billion electric miles, saving nearly 500 million kilograms of CO2 emissions*.

Stylish exterior features include 16” black alloy wheels, LED headlamps, black door mirror caps and black rear roof spoiler.

In addition, the Black Edition is completed with blue-stitched mats to give the interior a premium finish.

The Nissan LEAF Black Edition is equipped with Nissan’s latest innovative technology as standard with each model, including the Nissan Connect EV telematics system and Intelligent Around View Monitor.

With instantaneous torque, optimised ride and handling and

Now available the new Nissan Leaf Black

a chassis engineered specifically for UK drivers, the Nissan LEAF delivers a fun and exciting drive every time, but the Black Edition takes it one step further with a

stylish new look.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles at Nissan Europe, said: “The new LEAF

Black Edition perfectly showcases Nissan’s commitment to making smart, premium quality products accessible for all. This stylish black number combines dynamic

Today, there are more than 250,000 Nissan LEAFs on the road, making it the best-selling electric vehicle globally. With the LEAF’s 30 kWh battery now offering 155 miles in driving range** driving an electric car is more practical and enjoyable than ever before, providing an easy gateway to a zero-emission future.

Issue 18

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CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

Crossword Wordsearch

Answers

Sudoko

Spot the difference

The Object of the puzzle is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition : each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once

Answers

1. Antenna . 2. Shadow 3. Fuel tank 4. Number plate 5. Logo on Bonnet

Answers

34

The Consequences Of Having A Foreign Name In Modern Britain

Businessmen get proactive in helping the homeless.

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INTERVIEW

ASHNI & CO WEDDING SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

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segregated, Britain stand’s divided on the topic.

Sharukh Khan :

More on page 6

"I am a believer cinema must entertain and I want to entertain everyone across the globe, in the UK, America and India"

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France and Germany jealous of BREXIT?

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Theresa May promised that Britain was on course to become fully sovereign ‘global nation’that is outward-looking and internationally-minded, forging a new global role for the UK as a country with the self-confidence and the freedom to look beyond Europe.

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JANUARY 2017

By the publishers

JANUARY 2017 of Asian Sunday

TRAVEL

TRUMP BATTLES CLINTON

Vaani Kapoor: I feel special and it’s a big thing for me. Befikre is a huge thing that has happened to me.

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JOBS JOBS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Are you a self-starter, ambitious, self-motivator, have the hunger to achieve and increase earning potential?

Hours of Work: Negotiable Salary: Basic+Commission+ Expenses+Pension

JOURNALIST Salary: £15,000 - 19,000per annum dpoe Post Type: Full Time

Hours of Work: Flexible Salary: £15k - £18k dpoe Are you Type: a professional?

Contract Permanent

Do you want to share your Closing Date: Monday 03 April 2017

you specialise in?be confirmed Interview Date: To

Then our Managers at Asian Standard want to hear from you A position has become available for Business Development Manager to help sell our services to Business clients.

You must have a minimum of one year’s experience selling to B2B customers. You must possess excellent communication skills and be educated to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above and have a can do attitude. You will be required to travel nationally and will be required to meet targets.

For the right candidate full training will be given.

To apply or for more information email a covering letter with your CV to jobs@asian-standard.co.uk with BDM in the subject field or post to: RF Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor,18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE T. 0333 577 0046

We are expanding and therefore are looking for a qualified journalist to join the team.

Some of your main tasks will include •interviewing people in a range of different circumstances; •building contacts to maintain a flow of news, such as police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc; •attending press conferences and asking questions; •attending a variety of events, such as council meetings, community events, sports matches, talent contests, etc; •answering the phones on the news desk and reacting to breaking news stories; •working closely with the news team, photographers and editors; •recording interviews and meetings using shorthand or technical equipment; •producing concise and accurate copy according to the newspaper's house style and to strict deadlines; •writing short 'fillers' to entertain, and researching and writing longer feature articles •creating and uploading news content for the newspaper website and our supplements; •'live' online reporting or real-time blogging when covering important events

BD1 5EE

oWe want enthusiastic reporters to cover our news patch. We want reporters who will get out and about bringing in exclusive stories and getting into the heart of our communities. Ideally we are looking for someone with preliminary qualifications, including 100 wpm shorthand, however this is not necessary as training will be given but a desire and passion for journalism is a must.

We are an equal opportunities employer and therefore accept applications from all backgrounds.

To apply send your CV to editor@asianstandard.co.uk or post to: Asian Standard, 1st Floor, 18 East Parade,Bradford BD1 5EE

VIDEOGRAPHER WITH VIDEO EDITING EXPERIENCE WANTED and content. Hence an opportunity has arisen for a videographer with video editing experience to join our team.

Hours: 30 hours per week Pay: Based on experience Pension plus other perks Media is a very fast paced industry, and with more and more people having smartphones video content is becoming a very popular way of sharing news

We are looking for someone who has experience in creating content for our new online TV social media and our websites as well as experience in social media strategy and campaign delivery.

Main responsibilities will include: Using portable digital video (DV) cameras and other equipment to record material and appropriate editing software to produce

produce complete packages for broadcast; Preparing and presenting material for both pre-recorded and live social media pieces;

software such as Adobe after effects and Premiere Pro. Experience managing social media platforms, particularly YouTube Minimum of 1 year photography & video experience

Working with the news teams to turn around content fast and according to company standards and branding;

Self-starter attitude

Coming up with creative ideas for client campaigns.

To apply simply send in your CV plus samples of work to editor@ asian-standard.co.uk or post to RF Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE

Key Skills required: Proficient knowledge of editing

Ability to work within a team and to very tight deadlines/

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4-year appointment, approximately 12 days per year Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses Number of positions: 6 RF Publishing Ltd, is the publisher of Asian Sunday, Asian Style magazine and a new weekly title Asian Standard. Asian Sunday was launched in 2011 as Britain’s leading and first FREE Sunday newspaper, with a particular focus on British Asian news, for British born South Asians, with a view to reaching out to the wider community. We then relaunched the successful Asian Style Magazine in January 2016 and then added Asian Standard as the

After five successful years, we want to ensure we continue leading as Britain’s to go to Asian media when it comes to British Asian news.

As leading ethnic media publishers, we want to ensure our media teams are always reporting responsibly and accurately as well as being at the forefront of breaking news. Therefore, we are now looking to recruit a non-executive team to help steer our media team in the right direction.

We are looking for individuals who have a passion for community and want to help make a difference by guiding and steering our media relations and media reporting in the right direction.

We are looking for individuals who have a passion for news and are committed to developing responsible relationships with our partners, key

stakeholders, as well as Directors and to help us build trust with our readership with factual, responsible and independent reporting

analytical ability; and the capacity and temperament to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative environment.

The appointed candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and direction of our publications oversee the development and review of key performance targets, ensure the publication complies with its statutory requirements and ensure that a high standard of corporate governance is observed at all times. Candidates who are able to offer advice to senior management on a range of general management issues, such as HR matters and management best practice would be advantageous.

Previous experience as a NonExecutive Director is not essential but an aptitude for strategic thinking, the ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to our publications objectives are.

We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: integrity and a commitment to transparency of decision-making; effective communication, influencing and inter-personal skills; high level of

Applications are welcome from individuals of any background, gender and disabled people who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation.

Members are expected to attend quarterly board meeting and to participate in additional meetings, conference calls and sit on ad hoc committees from time to time. Most meetings take place in the evening.

Interested candidates should submit a CV to board@asian-standard.co.uk with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role.

CARE ASSISTANT

Join one of the fasted growing Home Care companies in the country. We offer a competitive hourly pay rate, time and a half on bank holidays, paid mileage (20p per mile), company uniform, company training.

We provide what we believe to be a fresh, modern and compassionate approach to home care, domiciliary care, healthcare and assisted living. Our caring, friendly

and understanding team of staff are highly trained and passionate about their jobs, hereby delivering exceptional home care services to all our clients. We are also very proud to offer a financial support service that is not readily available with many other care providers.

The Care Assistant’s role will involve:

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The successful Care Assistant will have:

The Care Assistant will be responsible for supporting Service Users in their daily routines.

• Being flexible to cover weekends, early mornings and evenings

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The pay rate starts at £7.50 per hour.

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SPORTS

Chelsea Football Club’s innovative 60,000-seater stadium given green light by London Mayor Sadiq Khan arenas in the capital ,” commented Khan.

“I’m confident this new stadium will be a jewel in London’s sporting crown and will attract visitors and football fans from around the world.’

“I’m satisfied this is a high-quality and spectacular design which will significantly increase capacity within the existing site, as well as ensuring fans can have easy access from nearby transport connections.”

Planning permission was given by Hammersmith and Fulham councilin January; however, the final decision was subject to the mayor’s stamp of approval.

The Premier League leaders were understandably delighted with Chelsea stating that Khan’s decision was a significant step towards the new stadium, that will boost capacity at the ground by 18,500. which currently has a capacity of 41,600, However, the club insist some hurdles remained.

Chelsea Football Club’s plans for an audacious and innovative 60,000-capacity stadium at the site of their historic Stamford Bridge home have been approved by the Mayor of London -Sadiq Khan.

The announcement marks an immense moment in the history of the Premier League club -ultimately it will significantly boost their revenue. It is envisaged, there will be 13,374 extra general admission tickets for each game while hospitality will be doubled to a

capacity of 9,200.

2003.

The new stadium design was undertaken by the renowned Swiss-based architects Herzog and de Meuron, who were famously commissioned to build Bayern Munich’s 75,000-seat Allianz Arena and Beijing’s “Birds Nest” Olympic Stadium.

The Mayor of London said in a statement on Monday that he was confident the 500 million-pound ($615 million) redevelopment would produce “a jewel in London’s sporting crown” and attract visitors and fans from around the world.

Chelsea’s current home dates back to 1877 and has been home to the club, owned by Russian multi billionaire and oligarch since June

“London is one of the world’s greatest sporting cities and I’m delighted that we will soon add Chelsea’s new stadium to the already fantastic array of sporting

The club still needs permission from Chelsea Pitch Owners, a fan group that owns the freehold to the current stadium’s pitch and stands, to temporarily leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are expected to play at Wembley during the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. Twickenham has also been mooted, however RFU chief Ian Ritchie said ‘there is no intention’ to hold matches there amid fears from local residents of anti-social behaviour and increased traffic.

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SPORTS

Leicester dump Sevilla out of the Champions League as the Foxes reach the Quarter Finals

Leicester caretaker manager, Craig Shakespeare inspired Leicester to victory over Seville as the champions sparked in to life with the Premier League Champions making beating the Spanish team 2-0 on the night, 3-2 on aggregate.

and looked much more compact and disciplined than they did in Seville.

At one point Mahrez, chasing back towards his own goal, beat N’Zonzi to a far-post header, which was symptomatic of the way Leicester were working for one another.

Seville were wholly abysmal against a rejuvenated Leicester, who demonstrated more effort and energy than they had for months in the league.

Counterattacks provided a chance to relieve the pressure towards the end of a breathless first half. Vardy continued to scurry around up front and there were a couple of moments when Leicester could have made more of promising situations, with the England international failing to catch hold of a volley that drifted wide of Sergio Rico’s near post.

Shakespeare trusted the team which virtually picked itself to win the league last season, apart from Wilfred Ndidi replacing the departed N’Golo Kante.

It was a sad indictment of the Foxes’ summer transfer business, with just two of their pre-season signings in the squad and £16million Ahmed Musa dropped completely.

But the old guard responded, which surely would have left Ranieri wondering where that commitment had been following just five previous league wins this term, under his tenure.

Captain, Wes Morgan and Marc Albrighton scored the crucial goals that ensure Leicester join Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, with German sides Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Italy’s Juventus in the quarter finals.

The bottom line was that it was an incredible win in every sense and, once again, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel gaining many plaudits with his sublime goalkeeping as he saved a penalty, just as he did in the first leg.

The Dane stopper denied former Blackburn Rovers player Steven N’Zonzi late on with one of those saves that makes you realise that everything is falling into place for Leicester.

With thousands of blue and white flags

waved by the home fans along with a huge image of Shakespeare holding a rottweiler straining at the leash, the stage was set for Leicester what was the biggest game in their 133-year history.

Shakespeare also goes into the history books as only the third Englishman to manage to get his side into the knockout stage of the Champions League. The 53-year-old has now overseen three straight victories since replacing Claudio Ranieri and his latest will live long in the memory for every Leicester support.

Playing with ruthless aggression and intensity, Leicester snapped into tackles and chased lost causes.

Vardy sprinted 30 yards to close down Nicolas Pareja, with the Leicester striker sliding across the turf to make a challenge that was met with huge roars.

As for the Spanish side, this was a night to forget, especially by the sight of Jorge Sampaoli, their manager, being sent to the stands not long after Samir Nasri received a red card following an altercation with Vardy. Nasri took an age to leave the pitch and so did the Leicester players after the final whistle. They were in dreamland.

Leicester could easily have fallen behind before anyone had chance to catch their breath. Nasri, who was so influential in the first leg, flashed a low shot from 10 yards that Schmeichel, diving low to his left, did well to keep out at the near post.

The pace of the game never let up throughout the first half. Sevilla looked much more accomplished in possession, yet Leicester were making life uncomfortable for Sampaoli’s team, and there were signs of frustration among the visitors as Nasri

Captain, Wes Morgan and Marc Albrighton scored the crucial goals that ensures Leicester join Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, with German sides Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Italy’s Juventus in the quarter finals.The bottom line was that it was an incredible win in every sense and, once again, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel gaining many plaudits with his sublime goalkeeping as he saved a penalty, just as he did in the first leg.

wildly hacked at Wilfred Ndidi’s heels, earning a booking in the process.

The most significant blow, however, was landed in the Sevilla penalty area just before the half-hour mark. Vardy, twisting and turning on the edge of the 18-yard box, was clumsily brought down by Vicente Iborra, wide on the Leicester left. Riyad Mahrez flighted the free-kick that followed to the far post and Wes Morgan, with not much finesse but plenty of desire, bundled the ball over the line with his right thigh. Cue pandemonium.

The touchpaper was lit and it was always going to be fascinating to see how Sevilla, who had not conceded a goal in their previous three Champions League away games this season, would respond. Leicester would have guessed what was coming as Sevilla started to crank up the pressure, forcing Shakespeare’s side deeper and deeper. Yet Leicester remained resilient

Sampaoli reacted by making two changes and thought his team had equalised when Sergio Escudero unleashed a tremendous 30-yard shot that beat Schmeichel, struck the underside of the bar and bounced out. Wissam Ben Yedder profligately volleyed over the rebound and the significance of that passage of play soon become clear.

Leicester, in their next attack, went straight up the other end and doubled their lead. Mahrez’s cross from the right failed to pick anyone out but Adil Rami could only head the ball towards the centre of the penalty area, where Albrighton was unmarked. The winger took a couple of touches to steady himself before drilling a low left-footed shot beyond Rico.Now the onus was firmly on Sevilla, yet it was Leicester who came closest to scoring again when Vardy failed to cleanly connect.

Then came the flashpoint involving Nasri and Vardy as the two players squared up to one another, forehead to forehead. Both were booked, with Nasri’s caution his second of the game.

This incredible tie still had another twist as Schmeichel brought down Vitolo, only to redeem himself with a penalty save to his left from N’Zonzi’s low kick.

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Issue 18

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SPORTS

Pacquiao v Khan India put Australia to could take place the sword in November 2017

Within just two wickets and two balls and Ajinkya Rahane was gone, Karun Nair was gone, and a Test match that had tossed and turned like an disturbed megalomaniac had, after a phase of silence, was once again in full flow.

Then soon after - Cheteshwar Pujara was gone, R Ashwin was gone, and India had plunged from 238 for 4 to 246 for 8.

Given the state of the surface, given Australia’s 87-run firstinnings lead, Starc and Hazlewood were set to be Australia’s matchwinners.

However, India had other ideas - they simply expunged their firstinnings deficit and stretched their lead past 150.

Hazlewood, Starc and Mitchell Marsh took nine wickets in Bengaluru, conceding 228 runs at 3.21 per over. India’s two fast bowlers, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav, took five wickets and conceded 163 runs at 2.47 per

over.

Australia’s seamers bowled 71 overs across two innings. Had they been as economical as Ishant and Umesh, they would have conceded 175 runs, approximately. That’s 53 less than they actually did.

Australia lost by 75 runs.

This was different. The square and outfield were so lush as to rule out reverse, and the new ball barely swung either.

The bounce was low, and while that meant a greater opportunity for bowled and lbw chances, it also meant edges wouldn’t carry too often.

They had to bowl with discipline, over extended spells - Ishant and Umesh both bowled more overs than Ravindra Jadeja in Australia’s first innings - and provide a wicket threat by attacking the stumps.

In Lehman’s terms, India outperformed Australia’s by a significant margin.

Amir Khan’s proposed fight against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao has been called off, according to promoter Bob Arum.

A venue in the United Arab Emirates was expected to be confirmed but Arum says the April 23 showdown is now “dead”.

Pacquiao’s proposed return to the ring against the British boxer was cancelled after a financial group in the UAE reneged on an agreement to pay 38 million to bring the fight to the United Arab Emirates.

However, the fight could yet take place in November 2017.

The two former sparring partners simultaneously announced the “super fight” on Twitter at the end of February, with only the location to be determined.

[The Khan] fight can’t happen in April because the people who were putting on the money were not able to. Hopefully, that fight can happen in November.

Bob Arum

Arum, who was sceptical of the UAE deal from the outset, updated the media in relation to his client.

Speaking to ABS-CBN, Arum said “[The Khan] fight can’t happen in April because the people who were putting on the money were not able to. Hopefully, that fight can happen in November.”

Pacquiao, 38, who defeated Jessie Vargas by a unanimous decision last November to once again win the WBO welterweight title he lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, is expected to return to the boxing ring in June.

However, an opponent is still to be named.

Before talk of the the Khan fight set tounges wagging - Arum is said to have been close to finalising an April title defence for Pacquiao in Australia against Jeff Horn, only for Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz to turned the offer down.

“I don’t know yet where [Pacquiao’s return] will be,” said Arum. “We are discussing various places, but obviously the fight finances is always there as part of making the fight, so that’s not a problem.”