Asian Standard London

YOUR 8 PAGE PULL OUT LIFESTYLE SUPPLEMENT >>>

Badshah:

Full interview on pages 6 & 7

“Don’t do rap because you think it’s cool”

Unsung heroes of the World Wars: “For your tomorrow, we A group o gave our today” M1909 machineFull story on pages 26 & 27 guns in front.Image: IWM

AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER

Half of the attacking force in the Battle of Neuve Chapell Indian soldiers. They fought with extraordinary courage w first South Asian to receive the Victoria Cross.

War historian and author of “Sepoys in the trenches”, Go army hadn’t arrived when they did, the Germans might w history of the war might have been different”.

LONDON / 7 - 12 NOVEMBER 2023 / FREE

According to the figures of Commonwealth War Graves soldiers from undivided India won the Victoria Cross in W Some 13,000 won other military medals for gallantry in t

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But their sacrifices and valour were soon forgotten. In Br the narrative of military history and heroics while at hom the colonial masters.

EDITOR PENS OPEN LETTER TO PM FOR AN URGENT CEASEFIRE IN PALESTINE >>>See Pg 6

In 2014 the British Council prepared a report “Remembe also conducted a survey to see how much knowledge peo The survey revealed that the UK comes as one of the of t with the First World War while India was not mentioned association with the First World War among the 1,215 re

Report’s co-author Anne Bostanci says it is hardly surpri respondents in India compared to the UK feel that their c is often misrepresented and misunderstood in global histo respondents indicated this).

At the same time, around three quarters of respondents in their country is still affected by the consequences of the F

CELEBRATING TRIUMPHS OF INSPIRATIONAL INDIVIDUALS >>>Full story on pages 8 & 9

Wishing all our readers peace & light Happy Diwali

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2 LONDON

E ditors N ot e

MASHOOR KHABRE (TREND NEWS)

Controversial proposal puts women at risk: Government's plan to scrap shorter sentences raises concerns

l e t a P a Fatim

A DECADE ON DREAM BECOMES REALITY– ASIAN STANDARD LAUNCHES IN LONDON Welcome to the very first issue of Asian Standard London! Asian Standard London is a newspaper aimed at British South Asians living in London, aiming to bring you the stories that matter, straight from the heart of your communities.

For us Asian Standard is not just ink on paper; it’s the culmination of years of hard work, relentless determination, and a burning desire to make a difference. Behind every headline, there’s a tale of resilience, of families forging ahead in a new land, and of individuals chasing their dreams against all odds.

This newspaper isn’t just a publication; it’s a legacy, a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our parents and yours, who paved the way with grit and tenacity when they arrived in the UK. We're here to amplify your voices, to share your triumphs, challenges, and aspirations. We're here to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make our cities thrive.

While we have been producing news in the North of England for more than a decade, our journey here in London has just begun.

We're here to serve you, to be your voice, your storyteller, and your advocate. We want to be more than just a newspaper; we want to be a platform where your stories find a home, where your concerns are heard, and where your achievements are celebrated.

We can’t do it alone. We need your support, your enthusiasm, and your trust. Together, let’s embark on this exciting adventure. Follow our socials, share your stories, and be a part of the Asian Standard London family. Your support fuels our passion, and with your backing, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

We hope you like our first issue, which we know can only get better, especially as we get to know more about you, which we can only do when we hear from you. So DO drop us a line and spread the word, that there is a new voice and platform, ready to inspire, inform, and empower. Together, let’s make history.

Thousands of abusive men could walk free from court under the government’s plans to scrap some shorter sentences as it scrambles to tackle the overcrowding crisis gripping prisons – putting women’s safety at risk.

The government's move to eliminate shorter prison sentences for crimes like harassment, stalking, and revenge porn has sparked concerns.

Under Justice Secretary Alex Chalk's recent proposal, offenders sentenced to less than 12 months could avoid prison, contributing to prison overcrowding.

Last year, 11,040 men were imprisoned for these

offenses, with critics arguing that this change might disproportionately affect women's safety.

Despite Rishi Sunak's promises to protect victims, fears persist that domestic abusers and stalkers might evade justice.

The Ministry of Justice's 2022 data reveals that 8,996 men received sentences of under five months for harassment, 1,809 were imprisoned for around 12 months for stalking, and 235 were jailed for just over seven months for revenge porn.

Alarmingly, the number of men sentenced for stalking and revenge porn rose from 1,384 in 2021 to 2,044 in the following

Image: Shutterstock

year. Campaigners and politicians, including Labour, have criticized the rushed implementation of these plans, emphasizing the potential risks to victims as a result of these changes.

More than 100 people dead in Nepal earthquake The death toll from a strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Nepal has risen to 145 as the rescue operation is going on, government officials said on Saturday 4 November.

The shallow quake hit Jajarkot and Rukum West districts at 1147 p.m. on Friday night, which also injured 140 others, Nepal Police said.

Nepal's provincial governments have announced relief packages for the quakehit areas, while the Nepali Congress and the Rastriya Swatantra Party offered 5 million Nepali rupees ($37,800) and two teams of doctors in aid, respectively.

Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha told the

media that China and India had offered support in relief and rescue.

The Nepali government is focusing on the rescue and treatment of the injured after the earthquake.

"The rescue and treatment of the injured is the first priority," Home Ministry spokesman Narayan Prasad Bhattarai told Xinhua.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal went to the affected area on Saturday morning along with health workers, and helicopters were being mobilised for the rescue operation, he said.

"We have not yet taken details about houses and other infrastructure damaged as the focus is to rescue," said Bhattarai.

Defender 90 ‘Prototype X’ Chelsea Truck Company, part of the Kahn Group of companies, has just unveiled its latest take on the Defender 90, a 1 of 1 prototype showcasing its latest experimental designs for the current version of Land Rover’s iconic model.

Sporting Chelsea Truck Company wide-body arches, ‘Prototype X’ is based on a Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic, boasting close to 400 BHP. Complementing the abundant power and performance is a range of additional exterior enhancements which further accentuate its already muscular demeanour. These include a wide-vented carbon fibre bonnet, a large V-shaped roof spoiler, twin LED-lit roof shield, a grille mask which reduces the size of the vehicle’s headlamps for a focused, purposeful appearance, and an aggressive-looking, retro-styled front bumper valance. Kahn Type 57 22” RS-Forged wheels and Satin Black paint complete the picture while, behind privacy-tinted glass, the interior is clad in beautiful Tiffany-inspired blue leather.

“Chelsea Truck Company is known for the innovative styling we bring to Defenders past and present,” says CEO Afzal Kahn.

“With this vehicle, we are showing our more experimental side by including some of our newest works in progress. As a true 1 of 1 prototype, it will be of interest to collectors and enthusiasts and, at £105,000, represents superb value.”

‘Prototype X’ is now available for sale. For further information, visit https://www.kahnautomobiles.com/vehicles-for-sale/landrover-defender-90-560

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3 LONDON

Google AdSense to move from pay-perclick to pay-per-impression model Google AdSense, the popular advertising platform, has announced that it will transition from pay-per-click to a pay-per-impression model, meaning publishers will get paid every time an ad is displayed.

The company expects these updates to go into effect early next year, and these changes will not require any action from publishers.

"AdSense will soon transition from primarily paying publishers per click to the display industry standard of paying per impression," Google said in a blogpost.

"This update will provide a more uniform way for paying publishers for their ad space across Google’s products and third-party platforms, helping them compare with other technology providers they use," it added.

The tech giant also noted that this change will not influence the type or quantity of ads publishers can display on their websites.

Google also updated AdSense’s revenue-share structure to provide a consistent way for publishers to compare the differing fees across the various technologies they use to monetise.

Previously, the Google AdSense network processed fees within a single transaction. The company is now splitting the AdSense revenue share into separate rates for the buyside and sell-side.

"For displaying ads with AdSense for content, publishers will receive 80 per cent of the revenue after the advertiser platform takes its fee, whether that be Google’s buy-side or third-party platforms," according to the company.

For instance, when Google Ads purchases display ads on AdSense, Google Ads will retain on average 15 per cent of advertiser spend.

Musk takes on OpenAI with his own X chatbot which is 'better informed' Taking on Sam Altmanrun OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Elon Musk on has recently said that xAI’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok has current

information in comparison to traditional GPT models.

The xAI ‘Grok’ AI assistant will be provided to the users as part of X Premium Plus which costs $16 (around £13) per month via web.

“Grok is an AI modelled after the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, so intended to answer almost anything and, far harder, even suggest what questions to ask,” said the xAI team.

Grok is designed to answer questions with a bit of wit and has a rebellious streak.

“A unique and fundamental advantage of Grok is that it has real-time knowledge of the world via the X platform. It will also answer spicy questions that are rejected by most other AI systems,” the team posted.

The company said that ‘Grok’ is still a very early beta product -- “the best we could do with 2 months of training so expect it to improve rapidly with each passing week with your help”.

Musk replied that in Grok vs typical GPT, “Grok has current information, but other doesn’t”.

Musk’s posts came as OpenAI is set to organise its first developer conference on Monday.

Musk was a co-founder of OpenAI but left in 2018 over the company’s for-profit shift and has called ChatGPT “WokeGPT.” The billionaire launched xAI earlier this year. The team is headed up by Musk and includes team members that have worked at other big names in AI, including OpenAI, Google Research, Microsoft Research, and Google’s DeepMind.

“The goal of xAI is to understand the true nature of the universe,” according to the website.

There are variations because Google Ads does not take a fixed, per-impression fee, as many advertisers choose to pay based on user actions, like a click or conversion, the company explained.

Overall, publishers will continue to keep about 68 per cent of the revenue. When advertisers use a third-party platform to purchase display ads on AdSense, publishers will keep 80 per cent of the revenue after the third-party platform has taken its fee.

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4 LONDON

29 arrests made by Met for ‘inciting racial hatred’ and other crimes at demonstration More than 1,300 officers were on duty on Saturday 4 November as tens of thousands of people demonstrated in London demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

A total of 29 people were arrested for inciting racial hatred, other racially motivated crimes, violence and assaulting a police officer.

The use of Retrospective Facial Recognition achieved positive results. In one case, a man suspected of making anti-Semitic comments during a speech was arrested after being identified on social media.

Two further people were arrested on suspicion of breaching section 12 of the Terrorism Act after they were seen displaying a banner appearing to support a proscribed organisation.

Commander Karen Findlay, who is responsible for policing in London that week, said the arrests and overall policing posture reflected a sharpened, and proactive, intervention approach to the weekend’s events.

She said officers will continue to take positive action at every opportunity and particularly where allegations of hate crime are made.

She said: “The vast majority of people demonstrated peacefully during an extremely busy day in central London, with protests in a number of locations requiring a policing presence.

“It is disappointing that various splinter groups were again responsible for behaviour which has no place in London and we are determined to deal with this robustly.

Fireworks were directed towards

Protestors marching in London officers and four officers were injured.

“Today, we dealt with breakaway groups from the main protest quickly.

Officers intervened to prevent further disruption, using the full range of powers at their disposal.

This effective intervention ensured Londoners were able to go about their business.

“I would like to say thank you to all the officers on duty today, including the support we had from a number of

Image: Shutterstock

Met Police

colleagues on mutual aid from other forces, all of whom worked tirelessly throughout a long day.”

Breakdown of arrests Nine people for public order offences, including two that were racially aggravated.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of breaching section 12 of the Terrorism Act - this is in relation to the wording of a banner.

Three people were arrested for assaulting a police officer.

One person was arrested for inciting racial hatred.

One person was arrested for causing actual bodily harm and a public order offence.

One person was arrested for affray, a public order offence and possession of cannabis.

One person was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

One person was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon 10 people were arrested for breaching a dispersal order.

Before the rally last Saturday, hundreds of protesters staged a sit-in at Oxford Circus, bringing the busy shopping street to a standstill for a short time.

Pro-Palestinian sit-in also took place at Charing Cross station, where the British Transport Police in a post to X (formerly Twitter) said: “ the actions of protestors are preventing the station from being used or operated for its intended purposes. This is in breach of Section 7 Public Order Act 2023.

Officers are actively engaging with protestors to enforce this legislation.”

Hundreds of protesters also gathered outside the BBC’s London headquarters on Saturday morning, chanting: “BBC, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

The Trafalgar Square rally started at 2.30pm, with protesters arriving in central London from smaller local demonstrations organised across the capital.

The home secretary, Suella Braverman, has previously called the “from the river to the sea” slogan antisemitic and claimed that it is

“widely understood” to call for the destruction of Israel.

The Football Association has banned players from using the slogan on their private social media accounts.

However, Nimer Sultany, a lecturer in law at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, speaking to Aljazeera said the adjective expresses “ the need for equality for all inhabitants of historic Palestine”.

“Those who support apartheid and Jewish supremacy will find the egalitarian chant objectionable,” Sultany, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, told Al Jazeera.

Freedom here refers to the fact that Palestinians have been denied the realisation of their right to selfdetermination since Britain granted the Jews the right to establish a national homeland in Palestine through the Balfour Declaration of 1917.

“This continues to be the crux of the problem: the ongoing denial of Palestinians to live in equality, freedom and dignity like everyone else,” Sultany said.

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6 LONDON

OPEN LETTER

A Plea for Humanity: An Urgent Call for Ceasefire in Gaza

By FATIMA PATEL DEAR PRIME MINISTER AND GLOBAL LEADERS

It is imperative to recognise that all lives are sacred, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

The killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians is a tragedy that must end.

My purpose in writing to you today is to echo the sentiments of millions around the world who share our deep concern for the escalating crisis in Gaza and Israel.

I am the Editor of one of the largest British Asian newspapers in the country, representing a community deeply rooted in humanitarian values and a commitment to peace. On behalf of our readers and my team, I implore you, as well as global leaders, to prioritise an immediate deescalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before more lives are tragically lost.

The recent events in Gaza and Israel have left us profoundly distressed. Witnessing the loss of lives and the unfolding horrors in the region has shattered our hearts. We have received numerous messages from our readers expressing their profound disappointment in the UK's decision to abstain from supporting a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian truce.

The situation has reached a critical point. The intensity of the Israeli forces' bombing in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, leaving northern Gaza in ruins and the entire Strip incessantly bombarded. Civilians, including

are struggling to find safe shelter.

Thousands have lost their lives, and many more are injured, overwhelming the already strained healthcare system.

Additionally, over two million men, women, and children are trapped in an inhumane siege, facing collective punishment—a situation expressly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Humanitarian aid, including essential supplies like fuel and medical assistance, is being obstructed, aggravating an already dire crisis.

It is imperative to recognise that all lives are sacred, regardless of faith or ethnicity. The killing of

Image: Freepik

Palestinian and Israeli civilians is a tragedy that must end.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom possesses the influence and responsibility to propose and support efforts toward a ceasefire.

We urge you and all world leaders to take immediate action, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

We urge you and all world leaders to honour the lives in the Holy Land and demand an urgent ceasefire in Gaza.

Currently, one child is being killed every 15 minutes in Gaza, a heartbreaking statistic that demands immediate action.

We implore you to stand for our

common humanity, freedom, justice, dignity, and peace for all people. We refuse to let history record our silence; we cannot stand by and do nothing. "History is watching," and we appeal to you to be on the right side of it.

We sincerely hope that you, as a leader of our nation, will heed this urgent call for peace and take decisive steps to bring an end to this devastating conflict.

Yours sincerely,

Editor, Asian Standard News

medical staff from organisations Image: Unsplash

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8 LONDON

Decade long dream ignited as Asian Standard London launches amidst Honours at UK Parliament

– celebrating triumphs of inspirational individuals

By RAHEEMA KHAN During a momentous occasion for the UK media industry, internationally renowned actress, Manisha Koirala, was among the inspiring South Asian figures honoured with a prestigious award, celebrating her remarkable achievements in the Indian film industry and overcoming adversity.

The award ceremony took place at the Houses of Parliament in London on Friday 27 October during the launch of the groundbreaking new publication, Asian Standard newspaper’s London edition. The launch was hosted by MP Wajid Khan, Baron Khan of Burnley.

Asian Standard London has been launched by RF Media & Publishing, guided by the indomitable and visionary mother-daughter team of Rokaiya Patel and Fatima Patel.

Bringing the latest regional edition of the newspaper to the capital has been the realisation of a decadelong dream that had its inception in the vibrant tapestry of London's South Asian community. The launch event not only unveiled the city's free, South Asian weekly newspaper but also served as a testament to the enduring power of determination and resilience.

In 2013, Fatima Patel conceived the idea of bringing the diversity of stories from the South Asian community to the heart of London.

However, fate intervened in the form of personal setback with a ruptured tendon and a benign tumour that momentarily disrupted her vision.

Despite these challenges, Fatima displayed unwavering determination and drew strength from the support of her loved ones. Ten years on, Asian Standard London marks the next milestone achievement in the newspaper series’ journey.

RF Media & Publishing’s approach is to regionalise their newspapers to amplify the often-unheard, grassroots voices of South Asian communities and to provide news that resonates with the specific interests and needs of each local community. Currently, the print newspaper is available in four editions: Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds and the North East. The publishing house has ambitious plans to launch six more titles by 2025, with the London edition being the next phase of UK-wide expansion, available on newsstands from 1st November.

As the Asian Standard begins to chronicle the stories, achievements and aspirations of London's South Asian community, it stands as a

Image: Eren Cebeci

Bollywood star Manisha Koirala with Fatima and Lord Wajid Khan testament to the tenacity of those who persevere through adversity and inspire the world. The London edition launch and the recognition of Manisha Koirala's achievements serve as a reminder that dreams are not confined by geographical boundaries or limitations.

Koirala, a celebrated actress from Nepal, who has enthralled audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent and dedication to the art of cinema, was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the India film industry. Her journey has transcended boundaries and has

been an inspiration to many aspiring actors. The prestigious award is a testament to her unparalleled achievements and relentless pursuit of excellence, while also overcoming major health issues in her life in beating cancer. Speaking about the award Manisha said, “I’m so deeply honoured to be here and to meet so many amazing people. Thank You for involving me today; this will always have a place in my heart. I have had a brilliant career but there have also been low’s. When I was diagnosed with cancer I had time to reflect. I started asking questions – have I

“I’m so deeply honoured to be here and to meet so many amazing people.

Thank You for involving me today; this will always have a place in my heart.

I have had a brilliant career but there have also been low’s. When I was diagnosed with cancer I had time to reflect. I started asking questions – have I lived well? Have I done justice to this life?

And I hadn’t. In hospital I had a lot of time to reflect and especially about what was important to me – my health, relationships, my career. I’m ten years cancer free now and when death comes knocking at my door again I want to die thinking that I didn’t waste my time on earth and l know that I have lived fully according to my heart.

Manisha Koirala

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9 LONDON

Gold medalist Dr Ayaz

and motivational speaker, Dr. Sulochana Segera, from Sri Lanka.

Acknowledging the award she said, “It’s an honour to be here and a bit emotional to receive the award. My work has been very silent; I normally talk about other women; but I’ve been told to stop hiding and to get on the platform. Fatima sent me a letter about the award and I was shocked as I normally send out letters to award other woman. Fatima’s award is not only for me but for all women and for my country.”

News presenter, former PR Advisor to the Mayor of London, Founder of faith-based jewellery brand, Soul Gems, and Deputy Director of Media, Campaigns and Public Engagement at global charity, ActionAid, Hasina Momtaz of Bangladeshi origin, was also honoured. She said, “Thank you

Bhuta MBE receiving a

to the Asian Standard and to Fatima; I’m deeply honoured to receive this award. Fatima, please continue to be a disrupter because disrupters are the instigators of change. With what’s happening in the world around us we need to see change.”

British Paralympic wheelchair rugby player and Paralympic Gold Medallist of Indian origin, Ayaz Bhuta MBE, was also honoured. Speaking about overcoming adversity at the event he said, “From a young age I tried to prove myself; I started playing cricket as a young boy and they couldn’t get me out. At school I wasn’t allowed to do much sport but I broke the barriers and began PE lessons in a wheelchair.” About winning Gold for Team GB at the Paralympics he added, “We played the USA Paralympic Final and beat them by five points to win the gold medal. My gold medal was my dream but, for many with disabilities, all they want is to be is respected as a fully able-bodied person. That would mean leaps and bounds for them.”

Sri Lanka’s Dr Sulochana Segera being presented a special honour in UK Parliament lived well? Have I done justice to this life? And I hadn’t. In hospital I had a lot of time to reflect and especially about what was important to me – my health, relationships, my career.

I’m ten years cancer free now and when death comes knocking at my door again I want to die thinking that I didn’t waste my time on earth and l know that I have lived fully according to my heart.”

Celebrating pan Subcontinent achievement and global personalities that have overcome great personal and professional challenges, also honoured at the launch event was Chairperson of global brand, Women In Management, social entrepreneur

Former Yorkshire Cricketer Azeem Rafiq who blew the whistle on racism honoured by Asian Standard in Parliament

Hasina Momtaz with Fatima and Lord Wajid Khan

English cricketer of Pakistani origin and champion against racism in cricket, Azeem Rafiq, was also honoured. While unable to attend in person, through a special video message he said, “I thank you for honouring me today, it means a lot and I hope it gives everyone hope in any adversity and confidence that, no matter how small or big our voice, there is power in our voice and we must use it whenever possible for

liament

special honour in UK par

standing up for what we believe in.”

Speaking about Asian Standard’s continuing journey and the London edition launch, Fatima Patel said, “As we launch the Asian Standard London, we embrace the vibrant tapestry of our community. In the ink that runs through these pages, we find the stories of resilience, the melody of cultures and the strength of unity. The Asian Standard doesn’t just represent my journey but the stories of resilience, hope and strength in adversity that we all carry within us. It is a testament to the power of never giving up, even when faced with the toughest challenges.

“The newspaper is not just a celebration of diversity; it's a testament to our shared dreams and collective aspirations. Let these words be a bridge that connects hearts, a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

As we empower voices, celebrate differences and honour the rich heritage that shapes our narratives, we ignite a spark that lights up the path toward a harmonious tomorrow. Together, we craft a story that echoes through generations, inspiring every reader to believe in the power of their own voice. In the pages of Asian Standard London, we don’t just find news – we find the soul of our diverse and united community.”

Fatima Patel

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10 LONDON

CELEBRATING MANISHA KOIRALA

A shining star of resilience

In a realm where dreams converge and stories unfold, emerges a luminary whose journey resonates as a tale of triumph and inspiration.

Manisha Koirala, with origins that intertwine Nepal and India, not only conquered the Indian film industry but carved an indelible niche for herself, proving that determination knows no boundaries.

An outsider to the grandeur of Indian cinema, Manisha shattered barriers and ascended to the zenith of her craft, adorning her journey with accolades and awards that bear testament to her undeniable talent. Born into the illustrious Koirala family—a lineage entwined with political eminence—she carried with her the legacy of a family that had shaped nations. Daughter of Prakash Koirala and granddaughter of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal, Manisha's narrative was already threaded with significance.

Her odyssey began with the Nepali film "Pheri Bhetaula" in 1989, a stepping stone to the grand tapestry she was destined to weave. Amidst a string of commercial challenges, Manisha's star soared with the romantic masterpieces "1942: A Love Story" and the evocative Tamil-language "Bombay". A series of

cinematic triumphs ensued, including "Agni Sakshi" , "Indian", "Gupt: The Hidden Truth", "Kachche Dhaage", "Mudhalvan", "Company", and "Ek Chhotisi Love Story" .

But it was not merely through roles that Manisha captivated hearts; it was through her transformative portrayals that defied convention.

She breathed life into characters across genres—an ambitious wife, a daughter of deaf-mute parents, a terrorist, a mistreated woman, and so much more. Her canvas expanded, illustrating her versatility and profound understanding of the human experience.

As her artistry flourished, life's capricious nature threw a new challenge her way. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2012 brought forth a battle that tested her spirit.

Undaunted, she faced this adversity with courage and grace. After a five-year hiatus, she triumphantly returned with "Dear Maya", reigniting the screens with her luminance.

Manisha's journey transcended the realm of cinema, extending to philanthropy and advocacy. She adorned the mantle of Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund, championing causes that resonate deeply— women's rights, the prevention

of violence against women, combatting human trafficking, and raising awareness about cancer. Her powerful presence in the aftermath of Nepal's earthquake and her role as an author of "Healed," a poignant account of her battle with

ovarian cancer, further underscore her dedication to uplifting lives.

In celebrating Manisha, we salute not just a cinematic luminary but a beacon of resilience, a symbol of indomitable willpower. Her journey, a saga of challenges conquered and barriers shattered, is an ode to the human spirit's boundless capacity to rise above adversity. Her return from the clutches of illness to illuminate screens with her brilliance is a living

testament to the power of courage and hope.

With every role she essays and every cause she champions, Manisha Koirala emerges as a paragon of grace, resilience, and unyielding strength. Her legacy is etched not only in the annals of cinema but in the hearts of those she inspires, a legacy that will continue to shine as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

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11 LONDON

CELEBRATING AZEEM RAFIQ

A champion against racism in cricket

By RAHEEMA KHAN Azeem Rafiq, a name etched in the annals of cricketing history, transcends the boundaries of the pitch. His story is one of remarkable resilience, unwavering courage, and an unyielding commitment to dismantling the deeply entrenched racism within professional cricket.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1991, Azeem's journey took him to the heart of England, where he pursued his passion for cricket, a passion that would ultimately propel him into the limelight.

From the tender age of 17, Rafiq showcased his talent as a right-

arm off-spin bowler, donning the prestigious white rose emblem of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. His skill and dedication earned him the honour of captaining both the England under-15 and under-19 sides, marking him as a rising star in the cricketing world. In 2012, he made history by becoming

the youngest man to captain a Yorkshire side, a groundbreaking moment that also highlighted his status as the first person of Asian origin to achieve this milestone.

Yet, beneath the surface of these accomplishments, Rafiq faced a harrowing reality. Racism, insidious and persistent, marred his cricketing journey. In September 2020, Rafiq summoned the courage to expose the deep-rooted racism and bullying he endured within Yorkshire. His accusations reverberated across the United Kingdom, sparking a seismic shift

within the cricketing community.

An independent report, a beacon of truth in a sea of denial, validated Rafiq's painful experiences. The revelations shook Yorkshire to its core, prompting resignations and investigations that reached the hallowed halls of the British parliament. Azeem's bravery, his

decision to stand tall against injustice, unleashed a torrent of change, compelling the world to confront the harsh realities of racism within the sport.

His interviews with media outlets painted a vivid picture of the discrimination he faced—a captain openly racist, senior players questioning the presence of Asian cricketers, and an atmosphere that relegated Muslim players to the fringes.

Despite initial attempts to assimilate, Rafiq found himself labelled an outsider, enduring racist slurs from spectators and colleagues alike. His cries for help, voiced as early as 2018, fell on deaf ears, dismissed as inconsequential by those in positions of power.

In the wake of these revelations, investigations were launched, shining a harsh spotlight on Yorkshire's flawed culture. Azeem's testimony, his detailed accounts of racist language and discriminatory practices, laid bare the club's institutional racism. The findings were damning instances of racist language used before 2010, a coach employing racist slurs before 2012, and a club culture that perpetuated exclusion.

Yorkshire's tepid response, branding racism as "inappropriate behaviour," only served to fuel Azeem's determination. His refusal to accept a settlement shrouded in silence demonstrated his unwavering commitment to genuine change. Despite Yorkshire's reluctance to hold individuals accountable, Azeem's resolve remained unbroken.

The repercussions of his

courageous stand were swift and impactful.

Sponsors withdrew their support, the club faced suspension from hosting international matches, and key figures within Yorkshire stepped down in disgrace. Azeem Rafiq, once a solitary voice, had become a catalyst for transformation, a living testament to the power of one individual's bravery.

Today, as we celebrate Azeem Rafiq, we honour not just a cricketer, but a beacon of hope. His journey from victim to victor, from silence to advocacy, inspires us all. In recognising his bravery, we reaffirm our collective commitment to a world where no one faces

discrimination, where equality and justice prevail. Azeem's story reminds us that change is possible, that the courage to speak out can reshape the very foundations of society. Let us stand with him, shoulder to shoulder, in the pursuit of a future where racism is but a distant memory, and acceptance and understanding reign supreme.

12 LONDON

CELEBRATING DR AYAZ BHUTA MBE

Triumphing over adversity in the world of sports

Dr. Ayaz Bhuta stands as a beacon of unwavering determination and unparalleled resilience, defying the constraints of physical challenges to carve a name for himself in the world of sports. Born with the rare genetic disorder, Roberts Syndrome, which impacts the growth of bones in the arms and legs, Ayaz's journey was marked by unique challenges. Hailing from a South Asian background, he faced not only physical limitations but also societal biases. However, these obstacles could not deter his spirit.

Ayaz's journey in the realm of sports began with wheelchair basketball, a testament to his passion for athletic excellence. In 2009, he made a pivotal decision, transitioning to wheelchair rugby, a sport demanding both skill and fortitude. His dedication saw him join a club rugby team that same year, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey.

In 2010, Ayaz's talent shone brightly as he earned a spot in the national team for a tri-nation series in Australia. Despite his impressive performance, he faced setbacks due to his size, leading to his removal from the team. Undeterred, he tirelessly worked on his fitness, demonstrating unparalleled commitment. His perseverance paid off, leading to his inclusion in the GBWR Development Squad in 2011.

Ayaz's triumphant return to the Great Britain team followed the 2012 Summer Paralympics. His comeback was nothing short of spectacular.

Representing Great Britain at the 2016

Summer Paralympics, he showcased his exceptional skills, contributing significantly to the team's fifth-place finish in the competition. His prowess extended to the European Wheelchair Championships, where he played a pivotal role in securing victories for the team in 2015 and 2017.

A watershed moment in Ayaz's career came at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, where he etched his name in history. As a key member of the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team, Ayaz's remarkable efforts resulted in the country's first-ever medal in the sport at the Paralympic Games—a gold, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to wheelchair rugby and his enduring spirit, Ayaz Bhuta was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment and resilience in the face of adversity.

Ayaz Bhuta's story transcends the boundaries of sports; it is a tale of courage, determination, and the power of the human spirit. He stands as a shining example of what can be achieved, inspiring individuals worldwide to overcome any obstacle and reach for greatness. His journey is not just one of personal triumph but also a reminder that with resilience and unwavering determination, the human spirit can conquer even the most formidable challenges.

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13 LONDON

CELEBRATING DR. SULOCHANA SEGERA

A trailblazer in empowering women and transforming lives In the vibrant tapestry of Sri Lanka's social entrepreneurs, trainers, and motivational speakers, Dr. Sulochana Segera stands as a luminary, casting a transformative light over the landscape of female empowerment. With a profound career spanning over 24 years, she has carved a remarkable legacy as the Chairperson of the esteemed global brand, Women in Management (WIM).

Dr. Segera's journey is intricately woven with the evolution of WIM, a brand that started as a humble female empowerment initiative and burgeoned into a global platform.

Under her visionary leadership, WIM became the nurturing ground for groundbreaking projects such as the 'Professional Career Woman Awards' and the 'WIM Single Mother,' initiatives that have fundamentally shifted the national mindset regarding female entrepreneurship.

Through her relentless dedication, Dr. Segera has championed the cause of recognising, celebrating, and motivating women

entrepreneurs, becoming a beacon of inspiration for countless others.

At the tender age of 19, Dr. Segera embarked on her professional odyssey, swiftly earning recognition in the corporate realm. However, her life took a turn at 21, when she embarked into an arranged marriage, which 5 years later proved unsuccessful and brought new responsibilities of raising two children as a single mother. Fuelled by an unyielding determination to provide for her family, she made the bold decision to leave her high-paying job in a multinational company.

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for work, Dr. Segera ventured into the entrepreneurial arena, establishing her own consultancy and training firm. In a landscape devoid of mentors or structured entrepreneurship programs, she braved the challenges of managing her business and family, navigating uncharted waters with sheer resilience and unwavering resolve.

Despite societal pressures and the weight of societal judgments of

being a divorcee and single mum, she persevered, ultimately founding Women in Management, a sanctuary for individuals like her to shape their destinies.

Today, Dr. Segera oversees a multitude of projects, including the prestigious annual global awards Top50, a testament to her commitment to recognising exceptional women from around the world. Her endeavours extend beyond recognition; she is also an 'investor of goodwill,' journeying to rural areas to unearth hidden talents, empowering communities, and fostering inclusive leadership in corporate boardrooms.

Dr. Segera's accolades are as diverse as they are impressive. She holds certifications in IFC-LPI Trainer Performance Monitoring & Assessment TPMA, Personality Development Training in Asia, and serves as a trainer for the World Bank entity IFC on 'Sustainable Private Sector Investment.'

Her association with the global multinational Coca-Cola as the official trainer for the brand '5 by 20' underscores her commitment to empowering women for economic development.

Her passion for social change is further demonstrated through her role as a trainer for the British Council's 'Active Citizen' project, her patronage of the T.E.A Project (a UK-based initiative empowering children in Sri Lanka), and her advisory position in the Ministry of Skill Development, Employment, and Labour Relations.

Dr. Segera's impact extends globally. She pioneered the first Sri Lankan Inspirational Women Calendar for 2022, featuring influential women across various fields. Recently appointed to

the Advisory Committee of the Global Equality Standard developed by GEA in the United Kingdom, she also leads the Sri Lankan project commemorating Her Majesty the Queen's seventy years of service and leadership.

In the realm of women's empowerment and social transformation, Dr. Sulochana Segera's name resonates as an embodiment of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Her unwavering dedication to empowering women and her relentless pursuit of a more equitable world make her a beacon of hope and inspiration, illuminating the path for future generations.

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

14 LONDON

CELEBRATING HASINA MOMTAZ

From speaking no English to advising Boris Johnson In the tapestry of life, Hasina Momtaz's story stands out as a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering courage.

A British news presenter, media and communications expert, and former press officer to the Mayor of London from 2003 to 2011, Hasina's journey from a young immigrant girl in South London, to a seasoned professional advising some of the most-high profile and well-known politicians of our time such as Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone, is nothing short of inspiring.

Born in Beanibazar, Sylhet, East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, Hasina arrived in London at the tender age of five. Because of her inability to speak English, Hasina stuck out amongst her peers and had to contend with daily abuse and bullying in school.

After overcoming language barriers and becoming fluent in English, Hasina realised that education was the key to success, and she became determined to succeed academically.

However, societal and family pressures to get married looked set to derail Hasina’s dreams of academic success. Her tenacity prevailed and she became the first in her family to attend university.

Having graduated, Hasina continued to excel despite cultural norms and expectations placed on her. Her professional journey led her to the Mayor of London’s Press Office where she provided strategic and operational media relations counsel to not one but two separate London Mayoral Administrations. In one of the most gruelling, fastmoving, and challenging political landscapes, she provided crisis communications expertise on some of the biggest international breaking news stories such as the London Bombings, the London riots, and the changeover of Administration from Livingstone to Johnson.

During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the London Mayor and the Muslim community, by providing expert advice and insight into London’s diverse Muslim communities as well as engagement with the wide spectrum of ethnic media.

All seemed well in life, until, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Hasina

lost her only child, Sami, in 2014 when he was killed by an uninsured driver in a road traffic collision. This is the news that no parent wants to receive and is something that is incomprehensible until it happens.

Sami had just turned 18 three days before his death and she and Sami had planned a small birthday dinner to celebrate at the weekend. That dinner never took place.

At this point, Hasina had been a single parent for many years and had faced numerous challenges in balancing a highly stressful and demanding career with being a single mother and, just as things were finally falling into place after her divorce, Hasina’s world came crashing down.

In the depths of grief, Hasina came across an Arabic proverb: ‘In paradise there is love without separation.’ It reminded Hasina that

she would, one day, be reunited again with her beloved Sami, in a better place, for eternity.

Sami had always encouraged Hasina to go into business, but she had no idea how to combine that with her passion for jewellery and her faith-based values until the idea for Soul Gems London, a motivational jewellery brand, was born in 2019.

Hasina set out to establish Soul Gems London, in her son’s memory, and launched her business right in the middle of the lockdown in 2020.

During the initial throes of the pandemic, when the world was shrouded in isolation, Hasina's jewellery became a beacon of connection, allowing people to send tokens of love and remembrance to their dear ones, many of whom had lost loved ones to the pandemic.

The brand not only encapsulates hope and healing but aims to bring solace and strength to others.

Her business, born out of adversity, became a source of joy and comfort for her and her customers, many of whom had faced similar challenges in life, uplifting spirits and creating meaningful connections during a time of profound anxiety and despair.

There is one particular piece in the Soul Gems London Collection called the ‘Paradise’ necklace and this piece is engraved with the very Arabic proverb which inspired Hasina.

Although the Collections have found resonance with Muslims, the universal messages about patience, hope and gratitude inscribed on the pieces, have also found resonance with non-Muslims too, and those of no faith, due to the uniqueness and beauty of the pieces. Hasina hopes that through the messages on her jewellery, barriers

between communities and faiths can be broken down.

At its heart, Soul Gems London reminds everyone that even in the face of heart-wrenching loss, hope can be forged, and love can transcend boundaries.

As well as setting up a successful business venture, Hasina continues with her other passion, media and communications. She made a conscious decision after her son’s death to use her experience and expertise to challenge some of the injustices in the world.

She is currently Deputy Director of Media, Campaigns and Public Engagement at ActionAid, one of the world’s foremost international humanitarian development

organisations with offices all over the globe.

Under her leadership, her communications teams have led on global campaigns to tackle colonisation and racism, placed the voices of women and girls facing humanitarian disasters across the world at the centre of stories in the UK media and petitioned the UK government on global injustices facing women and girls.

In this role, Hasina is on the senior leadership team and is the only British-Bangladeshi woman to be in such a senior leadership role in a mainstream international NGO. In her personal life, Hasina enjoys hiking and climbing and fundraising for charities close to her heart. She has combined these passions by taking part in various treks across the UK, a dragon boat race and by climbing the highest summit in the UK, Ben Nevis, for some of her chosen charities.

Everything that Hasina does is in remembrance of the spirit of Sami, an exceptional, compassionate, and loving son, grandson, and entrepreneur who set up a restaurant business and was also involved in charity fundraising, prior to his death.

In honouring Hasina Momtaz, we celebrate not only an extraordinary individual but also a symbol of resilience, triumph, and the indomitable human spirit.

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

16 LONDON

OPINION

Benefits of Eating Using Your Hands Sarah Saleem is a feature writer for Asian Standard and Asian Sunday newspaper. She is based in Pakistan and has a keen interest on human interest, culture and lifestyle from the sub-continent.

By SARAH SALEEM

South Asian culture is rife with many traditions and one of them is eating using one’s hands. This archaic practice dates back to early civilizations including Indus Valley, the Egyptians and the Greeks.

It is given the moniker Kamayan in some parts of the Middle East, which translates to “with hands.”

Even ancient medicine avoided using utensils and claimed that each finger on the hand has a spiritual significance and reigns over different “Vedic” elements. This practice extends through culture and is even promoted by religion.

South Asian culture is rife with many traditions and one of them is eating using one’s hands. This archaic practice dates back to early civilizations including Indus Valley, the Egyptians and the Greeks. It is given the moniker Kamayan in some parts of the Middle East, which translates to “with hands.”

Even ancient medicine avoided using utensils and claimed that each finger on the hand has a spiritual significance and reigns over different “Vedic” elements. This practice extends through culture and is even promoted by religion.

Muslims are advised to eat using their hands as it is a Sunnah or an act initiated by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that is worth following.

If the tradition is unanimously favoured by a melange of cultures and religions, then it must surely hold significance and some benefits.

According to various researches conducted, here are the condensed results of why eating using your hands is more favourable than using fancy cutlery.

• DIGESTION & ASSIMILATION: Our body is a host to myriads of bacterial colonies or microflora which reside externally on or fingers and mouth and the mucous membrane.

These prokaryotes are swallowed when you eat using your hands and protects the digestive system from external microbes. These microflorae maintain a complex equilibrium between the microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent exogenous pathogens or germs to contaminate or infect your gut.

The microflora also aids in the

digestion of substrates, stimulation of the immune system, vitamin production and cell maturation.

Eating using your hands will also facilitate digestion as the nerve endings in the fingertips send an electrical impulse to the brain as a cue which relays the signal to the stomach. A mixture of digestive enzymes, juices and gastric acid is secreted by the stomach which prematurely begins digestion and is beneficial for avoiding constipation.

• BLOOD CIRCULATION: If you are a couch potato who hates exercise, you should invest your energy in to eating using your hands. It may not be as effective for a double chin but will definitely prove to be a potent exercise by increasing blood circulation and stimulating your muscles.

A South Asian may benefit most from this given the fact that they have 25 condiments and 15 relishes to eat with their food, only the mixing part might just provide them with an

Image: Shutterstock

entire workout.

• REDUCES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE II DIABETES: Using utensils is a convenient method of eating however it correlates with speedier meals as it allows an individual to shovel up food faster than they can digest.

In context of a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition; eating food faster can lead to a blood sugar imbalance in the body. The blood sugar levels peak and in order to bring it down to a normal rate, the beta cells in the pancreas have to secrete a high quantity of insulin.

Eventually the beta cells become damaged and are unable to produce sufficient insulin to sustain the body’s requirements consequently leading to type II diabetes.

It is important to eat at a regular pace to allow adequate time for your body to digest, assimilate and absorb the nutrients in the food.

• WEIGHT LOSS:

Image: Shutterstock

In accordance with a published study in Journal Appetite, individuals who ate using their hands while simultaneously reading a newspaper were less hungry than other individuals. The research concluded that eating using your hands provides a sense of satiety in comparison with using utensils. This lack of hunger may prevent binge eating and gaining unnecessary weight.

The slow and mechanical process of picking apart your food using your hands also allows you to be attentive to what you are eating and may be beneficial in eradicating mindless eating and controlling food portions.

• SENSORS: The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has a variety of receptors to detect a stimulus which makes our hands an excellent tool to scoop up food with.

Not only are the nerve endings on the fingertips extremely sensitive and can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices in our stomach but are also effective sensors that ascertain the texture and temperature of your meal.

This allows you to easily consume hot food without burning your tongue and engaging all of your senses to enjoy a delectable meal.

It is comparatively easier to eat using your hands and it is completely natural and the best part about it is that you will have lesser dishes to wash. None of those pesky forks or spoons that wash you instead.

It is not only beneficial but it is also advised scientifically to utilize your hands while eating to ensure you get the most out of your meals; nutrients, energy and delicious bacteria included.

7 - 12 november 2023

BADSHAH:

“DON’T DO RAP BECAUSE YOU THINK IT’S COOL” TARA SUTARIA SHOT RUNNING SCENE IN 'APURVA' WITH AN INJURED LEG

SUSHMITA SEN CALLS ILA ARUN'S CHARACTER A 'PERFECT COUNTERPART' TO 'AARYA' IN NEW SEASON

MANOJ BAJPAYEE CALLS 'JORAM' HIS SPECIAL FILM

TWO Sushmita Sen calls Ila Arun's character a 'perfect counterpart' to 'Aarya' in new season

Actress Sushmita Sen, who is currently awaiting the release of the third season of her superhit streaming show ‘Aarya’, has said that the newly introduced character of Nalini, essayed by Ila Arun, is the perfect counterpart to the titular character of Aarya.

In Season 3 of ‘Aarya’, we see Nalini go head-to-head against Aarya and change the game altogether.

Talking about her experience working with Ila, Sushmita said: "Working with Ila Arun in the upcoming season of ‘Aarya’ has been an amazing experience for me.

She possesses a rare blend of talent and fierceness that not only adds depth to her character but also elevates the entire series to a new level of intensity. Ila ji is an exceptional actress, and her portrayal of

Nalini is nothing short of outstanding.”

“As Aarya, I've encountered various challenges on screen, but facing off against Ila ji’s character is on a different level. She's the perfect counterpart to ‘Aarya’, and the dynamic between our characters is a force to be reckoned with.

Among all the people that I have worked with, it’s safe to say she is one of the mostfierce actors I have worked with and seen on screen – male or female. Season 3 of Aarya will present Ila ji in a way like never seen before and I can’t wait to get back on sets with her again,” she added.

Created and co-directed by Ram Madhvani and co-produced by Amita Madhavni, Ram Madhvani Films and Endemol Shine India, ‘Aarya 3’ released on Disney+ Hotstar on 3 November.

Tara Sutaria shot running scene in 'Apurva' with an injured leg Actress Tara Sutaria, who is gearing up for her upcoming film 'Apurva’, shot for a running scene in the film with a twisted leg after an on-set injury. The incident of the injury and its nature was revealed by the director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat.

The film depicts a dramatically raw and fierce transformation of Tara, who also recently took to social media to share images of bruises and injuries she got while filming.

Commenting on the same director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat shared, “I can define Tara and Apurva in one word that is ‘fighter.’

She is a simple girl but she possesses tremendous strength, as I witnessed during the film's shooting. She faced numerous injuries on set, even once twisting her leg”.

‘Apurva’ is the story of an ordinary girl who faces extraordinary circumstances and will do anything to survive and live. The film is set in one of the most dangerous places in India – Chambal valley.

He further mentioned, “I thought we might not shoot that day, but half an hour later, she returned for a running scene, showcasing what I would call sheer determination. This strength is a shared attribute of both the character Apurva and Tara in real life.”

Presented by Star Studios, ‘Apurva’ is a Cine1 Studios and Star Studios Production, and has been produced by Murad Khetani and Star Studios.

The film will drop on 15 November on Disney+ Hotstar.

Vijay off to Bangkok for shoot of 'Thalapathy 68' After the success of his film 'Leo', Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay has left for Bangkok for the shooting of his film 'Thalapathy 68'.

Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the film also stars Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Sneha, Laila, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Mohan, Jayaram, Ajmal Ameer, Yogi Babu, VTV Ganesh, Vaibhav, Premgi Amaren, Aravind Akash and Ajay Raj. Vijay left early on the morning of Friday 3 November from Chennai International Airport to attend the second phase of the 'Thalapathy 68' shoot in Bangkok.

He has received a lot of positive responses for his film 'Leo'. Many places down South witnessed a sea of fans thronging cinema halls with full "band baaja".

Fans can be seen celebrating the release of Leo outside the Sree Padmanabha Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram.

Microblogging site X is flooded with netizens praising Leo. Many have already called it a "blockbuster" film.

"One of the best films of Vijay," a social media user tweeted. "@anirudhofficial what are you man ??? Seriously... The BGM and the music is extraordinary... @Dir_Lokesh Your film making style will be referred as a case study in future for sure... LEO is already a blockbuster the moment it announced and we are now witnessing it," another fan wrote on X. Helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, 'Leo' also features Sanjay Dutt, Trisha Krishnan and Arjun Sarja. 'Leo' marks a reunion between Vijay and Kanagaraj after the 2021 blockbuster 'Master'.

Recently, superstar Rajinikanth also talked about Thalapathi Vijay and Sanjay Dutt's film 'Leo' and said, "I pray to God, that movie should become a huge hit."

750 vehicles including tanks, jeeps, trucks used to mount action for Prabhas-starrer 'Salaar: Part 1' The film has been directed by Prashanth Neel, who is known for the ‘K.G.F.’ franchise, and the teaser of the film promised it to be a pretty violent venture.

The source close to production informed: “Over 750 different vehicles including jeeps, tanks, trucks, etc were

In order to make the release a grand affair, Seven Screen Studios Production had filed a petition before the Madras High Court requesting to allow the film to be screened as early as 4 am across cinema halls in Tamil Nadu on the day of its release.

However, the court refrained from passing orders regarding the request.

procured for the shoot of Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire as there is a lot of on-ground action in the movie. It was as big as any big war sequence of any Hollywood movie.”

One of the most iconic action sequences of the Indian film industry was Yash’s raid of a police station with a heavy machine gun.

Hence, the anticipation amongst the audience for ‘Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire’ is high.

Produced by Hombale Films, ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’ also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu.

The film will be released in theatres on 22 December 2023 clashing with SRK’s immigration drama ‘Dunki’.

THREE

Perry's 'Friends' cast mates hold a private funeral for their departed friend A private funeral was held for Matthew Perry on Friday 3 November (U.S. Pacific Time), with the actor's 'Friends' co-stars in attendance along with other loved ones and family.

This is reported by Variety and quoted People.

People reports that Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow all convened for the event, held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

It is also the final resting place of notable names such as Paul Walker, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds and Nipsey Hussle.

The funeral began around 3 p.m. before ending at 5 p.m.

Perry died on 28 October at the age of 54. Two days later, his 'Friends' co-stars released a joint statement mourning their fellow cast member.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew," the five said in the statement. "We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.

There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

"In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world," Perry's co-stars added.

Perry, notes Variety, was very forthcoming about his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse after rising to fame in the '90s. He became addicted to Vicodin and went to rehab after a jet ski accident in 1997.

He later turned his Malibu property into a sober living facility. A foundation in the actor’s name was established earlier on Friday morning, accepting donations to help those struggling with addiction.

"When I die, I don't want 'Friends' to be the first thing that's mentioned -- I want helping others to be the first thing that's mentioned," Perry said on the 'Q With Tom Power' podcast in 2022, promoting his memoir 'Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing'.

"I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that. Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down," Perry said, according to Variety.

SRK to fans: 'I live in a dream of your love' Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is celebrated his 58th birthday on Thursday 2 November, expressed gratitude to his millions of fans, who greeted the actor outside his residence Mannat, here, and said that he "lives in a dream of their love."

The video that went viral on the social media shows the sea of fans outside his residence at midnight, chanting his name, and expressing their love for the ‘DDLJ’ actor.

Now, taking to X (formerly Twitter), SRK penned a heartfelt note for his admirers: “It’s unbelievable that so many of u come & wish me late at night.

I am but a mere actor. Nothing makes me happier, than, the fact that I can entertain u a bit. I live in a dream of your love.”

“Thank u for allowing me to entertain you all. C u in the morning…on the screen & off it,” added SRK. The superstar, who is having a successful year after his films 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan'

created a storm at the box-office, got on to his balcony to greet fans.

He first greeted his fans with a namaste, showed them thumbs up, blew kisses at them and did his iconic pose.

On his birthday, his film 'Jawan' got a digital release and a teaser of his upcoming film 'Dunki' was unveiled.

Nicolas Cage says he 'didn't Manoj Bajpayee calls 'Joram' get into movies to be a meme' his special film In a recent interview with The Guardian, the Oscar-winning actor said that he initially “didn’t understand how to process what was happening” with all the memes and video mashups of him and the characters he had played for projects.

“I got into acting because I was moved by film performance more than any other art form. I didn’t get into movies to become a meme. That was new.

I made friends with it but it was an adjustment,” he said.

“I thought maybe they would compel someone to go back and look at the movies. But I had no control over it. The same thing happens with Paul in 'Dream Scenario' he has no control over this inexplicable phenomenon.”

The Kristoffer Borgli-directed film follows Paul Matthews, an unlucky family man who finds his life turned upside down when he starts to appear in millions of strangers’ dreams. But his newfound stardom gets complicated when the dreams become nightmares.

Earlier in the interview, Cage said that he believes he may “have been the first actor who went through a kind of meme-ification,” which was hard for him to wrap his head around.

‘Dream Scenario’ hits theatres 10 November.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee's film 'Joram' was screened at the ongoing Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

Joram, which is directed by Devashish Makhija, is a survival thriller. Manoj plays Dasru, a tribal migrant worker in Mumbai whose history catches up with him and forces him to flee with his infant daughter Joram. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub plays a weary Mumbai cop in pursuit of Dasru. Smita Tambe, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande are also a part of the film.

Speaking to ANI, Manoj expressed his excitement about the film's premiere at MAMI. "It's a very special film. I heard Joram's script in 2016 and I was really moved by it.

I had concerns about how to shoot with a three-month-old child but her mother and whole team managed the shooting so well and took proper care of the child. I also lost a lot of weight for my character in Joram...it's the best film," he shared.

Zee Studios has produced the film.

Meanwhile, in the coming months, Manoj will also be seen in other projects including 'Bhaiyya Ji'.

As per a statement, 'Bhaiyya Ji' is packed

with "intense action, gripping revenge drama and heartfelt emotions of family bonding.

Sharing details about the project, Manoj earlier said, "I am thrilled to step into the world of Bhaiyaaji. It will be a raw and intense character that I am excited to bring to life.

A thorough mainstream entertainer that Bhaiyaaji is, made me decide to collaborate with Apoorv Singh Karki who directed Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai and become the producer for this one along with the lovely team."

Apoorv Singh Karki is directing the film.

RECIPE

FOUR

GUJIYA/GUGGRA/ MEETHA SAMOSA It’s customary to celebrate the Diwali the festival of lights with savoury snacks and treats So what better way than to celebrate with Supreme Ingredients moreish mawa (milk solids) gujiya (also referred to as guggra or meetha samosa)!

Deep fried flaky pastry stuffed with mawa, almonds, pistachios, cashews, golden sultanas, desiccated coconut, sugar & green cardamom.

Try it and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones over the festive period.

INGREDIENTS Mawa: 2x 600g double cream Filling: 1 cup mawa (milk solids) ½ cup Supreme Fine Desiccated Coconut ¹/₃ cup Supreme Cashews, finely chopped ¹/₃ cup Supreme Pistachios, finely chopped ¹/₃ cup Supreme Almonds, finely chopped ¹/₃ cup Supreme Golden Sultanas, finely chopped ½ cup icing sugar Pinch of salt 1 tsp Supreme Green Cardamom Powder Dough: 2 cups plain flour & extra for dusting Salt to taste 3 tbsp ghee ½ – ¹/₃ cup warm water

METHOD Mawa: Bring double cream to a boil in a deep pot then reduce heat. Stirring often, simmer on low until cream reduces and the ghee separates separates and you are left with deep golden mawa (swipe across to see). Keep a strainer with a bowl underneath ready and strain mawa from the ghee as soon as it turns deep golden. Strain until cool. The whole process will take a few hours.

Note: you can freeze extra mawa Dough: Add flour, ghee and salt into mixer and mix until you have crumbs. Then whilst the mixer is on low, gradually pour enough water to bind a soft dough. Knead well in the mixer then cover and set aside.

Filling: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Assembly: Divide dough into 3 parts and roll into 8 inch log. Cut each log into quarters then cut each quarter into 3’s.

Roll each part into balls and dust with flour.

Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a 3.5 inch circle. Add 1 tbsp of filling on one half and brush edges with water. Fold over and press the edges to seal. Pleat the edges by folding and twisting till the end. To cook; deep fry in hot oil turning carefully halfway until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and once they have cooled completely, store in an air-tight container.

Recipe in partnership with Supreme ingredients.

For more recipes visit www.supreme-ingredients.com

FIVE

"As women, we are always busy, worrying about other people before ourselves."

"It’s very important to go to the GP if you think something is not quite right" Nasim November is Lung Cancer awareness month. During this period, Nasim and Dipti want to share their personal stories with other women to make sure they get the medical advice they need, as early as possible.

As Nasim started to notice changes to her body and her energy levels, she knew she needed to find out what was going on. After diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, Nasim is now on the road to recovery.

Nasim is 65 years old. When she initially started losing weight she thought it was just due to stress because she had recently moved, but as time went on she had a feeling something could be wrong.

‘I lost weight gradually over a period of two years so it wasn’t always noticeable to me. However, when I would meet with friends and family who might not have seen me all the time, they all pointed out that I was looking thin and asked me if I was OK.’ Nasim started to feel much more tired than usual, and her clothes were getting looser. She’d had breast cancer over twenty years ago and thought it might be coming back, but never considered it could be lung cancer.

Nasim had a healthy lifestyle, didn’t smoke, and didn’t have any ‘classic’ lung cancer symptoms, like an ongoing cough. But her body was telling her that

she should get checked out. Nasim is aware that women often don’t put their own health first, which can be a problem in making sure cancer is detected early.

‘As women, we are always busy, worrying about other people before ourselves. It’s very important to go to the GP if you think something is different or not quite right.You know your body best, and if something feels unusual I urge you to get medical advice just for peace of mind. Your GP will never think you’re wasting their time, and getting a diagnosis as early as possible will give you the best chance of treatment and survival.’

A scan found a shadow on Nasim’s lung and she was diagnosed with lung cancer, leading to a lobectomy to remove part of her left lung. She hasn’t needed any ongoing treatment but does take medication. Nasim knows that there is still a way to go on her road to recovery, but she is grateful for how far she’s been able to come.

‘I feel so lucky that I don’t have to undergo any chemo or radiotherapy as I went through it the first time when I had breast cancer. It’s been a slow recovery but I am getting there with God’s help and the support of

LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS • Coughing for 3 weeks or more • Chest infection that keeps coming back

• Aches or pains when breathing and coughing

• Unexpected weight loss or tiredness

If something in your body doesn’t feel right, you should make an appointment to see your GP’

For more info visit www.nhs.uk/cancersymptoms

family and friends. I’ve made lots of adjustments to my life - I plan and take things slowly, prioritising what’s important to me and my family.’

Nasim is also clear that she wants to share her story with other women.

‘The best thing that could come from my diagnosis and treatment would be that other women read my story and go and see their GP as a result. Life can become fragile in an instant and so it is imperative to look after yourself and cherish your blessings.’

Dipti’s father passed away four years ago, having been diagnosed with lung cancer aged 53. Like Nasim, he had also been losing weight, but the family thought little of it as he was often careful with what he ate.

Like most people, Dipti had certain assumptions about

lung cancer, its symptoms and who it affects, but following her father’s death she is determined that her family’s experience helps others in the future.

‘Lung cancer has affected me and my family immensely, and we’ve learned that it can affect anyone of any age. If you have

lungs, you can get lung cancer.’

Dipti is keen to point out the importance of family and friends in getting an early diagnosis and in supporting mental health after a diagnosis.

‘Support that person by helping them book a GP appointment, go with them to support them.Help them to take each day as it comes and keep positive for them. Retaining a sense of normality in life can really help in getting through it all.’

Having a young family, Dipti also knows how vital it is for women to look after themselves too, and not take their health for granted.

‘You need to take care of yourself to take care of others, so if anything seems amiss, go and get it looked at. The earlier that cancer is detected and treated, the more positive the outcome. Most of the time it’s not serious – wouldn’t you rather know?’

SIX

Badshah: “Don’t do rap because you think it’s cool”

By MINREET KAUR

Badshah is one of the most influential and pioneering figures in the South Asian music landscape. He is currently the fourth most followed Indian artist on Spotify and is ranked #57 on the global list with over 16 million monthly listeners.

A multi-hyphenate music luminary on a mission to propel the global domination of Indian pop and hip hop, rapper, producer, mentor and entrepreneur - Badshah is a history maker!

From farmlands to stardom, Badshah embodies the quintessential rags-to-riches dream, becoming one of the most successful generational artists while building a culturally rich empire that has made him one of the most bankable names in the Indian music industry.

Today he is one the most sought-after creative powerhouses that every label owner or film producer turns to when they need a guaranteed hit, a festival hot seller who appeals to the multitudes and a trendsetter who has influenced and set a template for a whole new generation of aspiring rappers. He is soon to be performing live on 25 November to a UK audience. During a trip to prepare for his UK tour Badshah caught up with Minreet Kaur, to reveal all about his music choice and what fans can expect for his London and Leeds tour.

Minreet Kaur: On India’s got Talent (IGT) we got to see such a soft, emotional and sometimes vulnerable Badshah, but then the lyric of your music is certainly not soft or emotional. Can I ask are you introducing us to Aditya on IGT? Are Aditya (Badshah’s real name) and Badshah two different personas?

Badshah/Aditya: I think – yeah true. I think Badshah is like an alter ego. Badshah is probably what Aditya wants to be. And he is getting a chance of – being – you know - Aditya is Aditya.

He is organic who takes on this persona of Badshah. You can’t act all the time. You have to keep it real. And that’s who I am because I can’t act. If I could have act I would have been doing films – I don’t know. But yeah, that’s the whole point of doing television, because that’s where I get to be myself. And of course, Badshah is a brand that I am working on.

If I said to you, you’ve magnified the platform and

opportunity for rap artists in Bollywood, what would you say to that statement?

I would not like to take any credit – but if that’s what people think I am grateful. I am just doing my work. I am taking certain things at a time and that’s how I would like to stay.

What would be your advice to those, such as the younger generation, who want to become a rap artist?

Don’t do it because you think it’s cool. Don’t do it because it’s an option. Do it because you can’t do anything else. Do it because you can’t live without it. Do it because if someone stops you, you get hurt, but you get back to it – because it comes from your heart. You pursue your dream, you pursue your calling, you will automatically become cool.

When I was a kid, I used to draw a lot and my father used to scold me every time. He saw me drawing instead of studying – Yeh kya karta rehta hain (what do you

keep doing?) Of course, I would get hurt, but I would get back at drawing. You can’t stop me. I drew and I drew and papa rok te rahe (and papa kept stopping me) Then one day he came in and said: ‘Yeh to bohut sundar hain, inko dekhao unko dekhao’ (this is really beautiful. Show them and them). So that’s how it happens. When you keep doing it, you become so good at it that, the world wants to see. The only genius thing I did was not give up.

I’ve read that you enjoy music from Drake and Backstreet Boys, both two very different styles of music, R N B and pop and yet you’re a rapper – another different genre. Tell us what determines your music choices?

It’s simple – anything that sounds good. It can be the weirdest song, it can be a Hindi song, it can be a rock song, it can be drum and base – anything that sounds good to the ear. Mein personally bohut shaant se gaane sun ta hu (I personally listen to a lot of quiet music). I make enough

noise myself, so don’t do loud. So that’s the sort of music I would like to listen to.

Your concert is coming up next month, what can people expect at your London show?

Madness! I am going all in.

I am here because I wanted to go to the venue and check the production. I am putting everything that I have on the line.

I live for this moment when I come up on stage and there are people in front of me. Then I have to entertain them.

Do you ever get nervous?

I do. I am nervous right now. Because I am sure they must have expectations.

Because I am sure, they would look up to me to be a certain way. Here’s Badshah. You are going to do this. You are going to do

SEVEN

that. But you have to put all that to the side and get in sync with the energy and that’s what it’s all about.

You thrive off their energy and they thrive off your energy. It’s an exchange of energies.

Do you ever come away from a show and think – I wish I had done this differently?

Yes – all the time.

So, this is what happens, when I come off the stage I talk to my team. Ah that was f*** all. Sometimes I come off the stage and I am like the crowd was amazing. Sometimes I come off the stage and I am like – ah kamaal kardiya aaj to (you’ve done exceptional today). Those are the three basic emotions.

When I say F*** all – it was my fault. Maybe sound wasn’t right, maybe the VFX wasn’t right. It’s a conglomerate of so many things -like the VFX are supposed to go at a certain beat. So, it’s a sync of so many people. So, it’s almost impossible to make it perfect every time. But that’s what we are trying to achieve – perfection.

You’ve said one of your main aim’s is to advocate and amplify Indian music on global territories. How do you hope to do that?

Catch the full interview on the Asian Sunday & Style channel

Just by being true to my culture in my music. Because the stronger your foundations are the wider you spread.

What’s next for you?

I don’t know. There are of course plans. But I don’t know, I can’t say. More music for sure. But other than that I don’t want to plan anything. I just want to go with the flow.

Thank you so much for your time and wish you all the best with your concert.

My pleasure and a very Happy Diwali to all the readers and viewers of Asian Sunday.

ASIAN MIX

SU D O BSC O * W RIBE &H !

Y L E L E O N B R IND I ENT OW TO WATCH THE BEST OF H FOR F T ERTAINM ENT AND GET 1 MON

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18 LONDON

NEWHAM

Ex-office blocks where homeless families live could get £1.4m worth of repair works

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

Ex-office blocks where homeless families live in East London could soon be getting £1.4million worth of repair works if plans are approved next week.

The two blocks in Forest Gate were once used by BT as offices and were known as ‘Telephone House’ however, when the broadband giant left in 2000 it became vacant.

It then became known as Donald Hunter House when it was converted for residential purposes

and was let out by Theori Property Management Ltd as a form of temporary accommodation for homeless families.

In 2018 and 2019 it was reported that families living in the two blocks, which consist of 80 flats, were suffering from bad living conditions including mould, cockroaches and flea bites.

In January 2022, Newham Council decided to buy Donald Hunter House and use it “as an alternative to costly nightly paid accommodation”, which is still another form temporary accommodation.

The sale was completed in

January 2023 and after the council carried out in 2019 Donald Hunter House a number of surveys at the redevelop the site in the future, so site, it was established that around the repair works are not “intended £1.4m worth of repair works are as full refurbishment”. needed to fix issues on the roof They said: “The works will and the windows. respond to deficiencies in Since September, there has been compliance in the residential areas, a waking watch in place because improve the overall building and of an issue with the lifts but is not provide better accommodation for part of the £1.4m budget as work is the residents living there and users already being carried out. of the commercial units, including Council officers said in a cabinet the library. document that there is potential to

Image Google Street View

“They are not however intended as a full refurbishment due to potential redevelopment plans for the site.”

Newham Council’s cabinet members have been recommended to approve of the works at Donald Hunter House but will ultimately make a decision at a meeting on 9 November.

Dozens of residents blast university’s plans to host events on local campus

TOWER HAMLETS

An East London university that wants to host regular events for students and staff as well as art shows and exhibitions has been blasted by dozens of local residents as they "already suffer" from loud noise which keeps them up "all hours of the day and night".

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

An East London university that wants to host regular events for students and staff as well as art shows and exhibitions has been blasted by dozens of local residents as they “already suffer” from loud noise in the neighbourhood which keeps them up “all hours of the day and night”.

London Metropolitan University has applied for a premises licence with Tower Hamlets Council so it can permanently host events at its Aldgate campus which is close to the city and is home to the school of art, architecture and design.

According to council documents, the university wants to host a range of events for students as well as art shows, exhibitions and commercial events.

As part of the application, the university wants to be able to sell booze from 10am to 11pm (Monday to Thursday), 10am to midnight (Friday to Saturday) and 10am to 10pm (Sundays).

The university also wants to play live or recorded music from 8am to 11pm (Monday to Thursday), 8am to midnight (Friday to Saturday) and from 8am to 10pm (Sundays).

London Met said in its application: “The primary reason for applying for this licence is for the university to hold private, corporate events, to promote the work of the

Image Google Street View

The Aldgate campus (pictured) of London Metropolitan University university and the students.

“We will also hold events for current students which will be managed through the university events team, taking into account the university’s safe guarding policy.”

However more than 40 residents who live near the campus have blasted the plans as they “already suffer” from loud noise and antisocial behaviour (ASB) “at all hours of the day and night”.

Resident, Akmal Hussain said in documents: “Granting this application will only add to the ever-increasing issues of drunken behaviour, alcohol related ASB and crime.”

Another resident called Yameen Karim said: “There are a lot of elderly people living here as well as a number of children here alongside night-shift workers who all will be negatively impacted if this proposal goes through.”

Ashfaque Miah said their neighbourhood is already “overloaded with establishments” that serve and sell alcohol.

They said: “We have seen in the past that by having these businesses so close to the local community leads to vandalism in the area such as vomiting and urinating at the gates near the flats.

“We would like a community where the residents and

especially children are able to feel comfortable and safe.”

The licensing authority has also objected to the plans because it believes the university “has not demonstrated how the premises will not have a negative effect on the already saturated area”.

Licensing officer, Lavine MillerJohnson said: “The outdoor area during summer months, being used for amplified activities until as late as 12am hours, is likely to impact on the local residents and other businesses within close proximity by causing a noise nuisance.

“Therefore, this responsible authority has great concerns as to how this will be managed

effectively.”

The council’s Environmental Health team said in documents that the campus exists in Brick Lane’s Cumulative Impact Zone, meaning licences are already strictly controlled to limit any problems such as ASB arising.

Environmental Protection Officer, Tim Hung said: “[The university] has not provided sufficient information to show how they will promote the licensing objective for the prevention of public nuisance.”

Mr Hung added: “There is great likelihood of disturbance to residential premises.”

A spokesperson for the university said: “London Met’s application for a permanent license for oncampus events builds on a long history of well-managed events under temporary licenses that have caused minimal disturbance locally.

“As a long-time resident in the area, the University is proud to have built strong links with community groups, charities, and businesses and this application will allow us to create more opportunities for engagement.

“Any event will be housed within our buildings and will always be organised with careful consideration of noise and disruption.”

The application will ultimately be heard during a Tower Hamlets Council licensing meeting on Tuesday, 7 November.

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

19 LONDON

HOUNSLOW

Council approves £7.25m for regeneration project

By RORY BENNETT Local Democracy Reporter

Hounslow Council has taken a big step in a major regeneration project to build 209 new homes on an estate, doubling the number of dwellings.

The project aims to deliver the new homes at Charlton House, Albany House, and Osier Court in Brentford.

It promises that the plan is for all the homes to be affordable and sustainable. The regenerated neighbourhood will also see a number of other improvements including private and communal landscaped amenities for residents, 393 long-stay and 73 short-stay cycle spaces and public realm improvements such as tree planting.

The cabinet voted unanimously

to approve £7.25 million in funds this week. The money will be for a PreConstruction Service Agreement to appoint a contractor, consultants and demolition contractor.

The new homes – 20 of which will be wheelchair accessible – will consist of a mixture of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedrooms.

The council says a focus of the housing’s design will be on energy efficiency helping to reduce energy bills and limit the environmental impact, with a target of net zero operational carbon.

During the cabinet meeting this week, Cllr Sue Sampson said: “Residents are extremely happy they have been kept fully informed and they are very excited about this new development coming out of Charlton House which is no longer fit for

SLOUGH Council leader

welcomes fresh cost-of-living payments

By JAMES MOULES Local Democracy Reporter

Slough’s council leader has welcomed the fresh round of cost-of-living support payments, which are expected to help nearly 20,000 households in the town.

People receiving eligible meanstested benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit are set to receive the £300 payment to assist with the pervasive cost-of-living crisis.

Eight million households across the UK are expected to benefit from this second of three support payments, with 18,900 Slough households set to be among the recipients.

Slough council leader Dexter Smith said: “The Conservative government is continuing to do everything it can to cushion households across Slough from the impact of rising prices driven

by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The record financial support has already supported thousands of families across Slough, and this latest £300 Cost of Living payment for 18,900 eligible households will make a huge difference

to the most vulnerable households and those on the lowest incomes as we move into the colder months.”

These cost-of-living payments will be paid automatically into the recipient’s bank account and do not count towards the benefit cap or impact on existing benefits.

An additional support payment is expected to be distributed next spring.

Separate support is also due to reach vulnerable people during the winter months, with Winter Fuel Payments to be boosted again as well as rebates for low-income households.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “Tackling inflation is the best way to boost people’s incomes, but as we work to halve it, we are protecting the most vulnerable households from high prices with this latest cost-of-living payment.

“Thousands of Work Coaches based in Jobcentres across the country are on hand to help people find work or enhance their skills, and I encourage anyone wanting to strengthen their finances and unleash the benefits of work to contact their local Jobcentre to see what help is available.”

purpose.”

To keep the disruption to a minimum and the community together for as long as possible, the council says it aims to move residents out as close to the start of the building works.

Many residents have been given the opportunity to move into the council’s new development on the High Street in Brentford; Sonnet House, Hamlet House and Tintern House.

While others have chosen to move elsewhere in the borough and have the right to return to a new home on the regenerated estate. The council says that the pre-construction agreement will help it ensure it gets the best value for money when orchestrating the preliminary stages of the development including the demolition of the old estate.

Image: Wikipedia

Hounslow Council

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, said: “The regeneration of this estate is a top priority for Hounslow Council, residents overwhelming back the scheme and we have a robust strategy to make the regeneration of this estate a reality.

“Despite rising inflation and construction costs we have put in place concise plans to ensure we remain committed to making this happen and ensuring we deliver high

quality affordable homes for Hounslow residents.

“It will be another fantastic addition to Brentford where the wider regeneration of the town centre is finally coming to life. It’s exciting to see a host of new businesses coming to the borough for the first time which every resident can enjoy.

“It’s important that every new development across the borough helps towards our ambitions for creating a thriving, greener, safer and healthier place to live, play, work and study for the whole community.”

BARKING AND DAGENHAM/ NEWHAM

Barking Birth Centre Update A local maternity centre in East London could reopen for births as early as January 2024 after it had to close earlier in the summer and send pregnant women elsewhere due to a midwife shortage

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

A local maternity centre in East London could reopen for births as early as January 2024 after it had to close earlier in the summer and send pregnant women elsewhere due to a midwife shortage.

Barking Birth Centre in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham has been closed for giving birth since June 1, 2023 due to “concerns” around safety and workforce issues which included staff shortages.

The centre, which is part of Barking Community Hospital, has remained open for all antenatal and postnatal appointments.

Barts Health NHS Trust is looking to hire staff from other countries and bring in a new wave of recently qualified midwives who are heading into their first job.

A spokesperson for the trust told the LDRS last month (October) that pregnant women have been encouraged to give birth at the Birth Centre at Newham Hospital which is in the borough next door.

Barking and Dagenham Labour councillor, Maureen Worby said she was “really disappointed” by the closure because it’s the borough’s only birthing facility.

The spokesperson did not reveal

Image: Google Street View

Barking Birth Centre is a maternity service at Barking Community Hospital

when Barking Birth Centre was likely to reopen, however during a meeting with Newham Council’s health and adult social care, equalities and air quality scrutiny commission on Tuesday evening (October 31), the CEO of Newham Hospital provided a fresh update.

Touching on the Barking Birth Centre, Labour councillor and chair of the commission, Susan Masters asked: “I noticed in the local press that the midwifery unit has faced fresh staffing challenges, I’m just wondering what conversations are underway about the future of the centre?”

Simon Ashton, who is the CEO of Newham Hospital responded and said the centre is hoping to reopen for births in the New Year.

Mr Ashton said: “What we’ve been doing is we’ve been working to improve our workforce numbers through the recruitment of international and domestic midwives.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure that we’ve got enough suitably skilled staff available on every shift so that we can run intrapartum care which is essentially births at Barking Birth Centre.”

He added: “We currently provide antenatal and postnatal care, consultant-led appointments and ultrasonography and we’re hoping to be able to restart intrapartum activity or intrapartum births at Barking Birth Centre early in the New Year so potentially by January or February.”

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

20 LONDON

HARROW

Mum gets pay out after EHCP blunder caused daughters 'mental health and school attendance' to suffer A North London mum claims her daughter had mental health issues and her school attendance dropped after a council failed to deliver on her education, health, and care plan (EHCP). Harrow Council was found to have caused them ‘distress and frustration’, according to a Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) report.

The daughter, referred to in the report as ‘D’, has special educational needs that require an EHCP – a plan which sets out what is required to ensure their needs are met. The council has a legal duty to make sure this is provided within the school setting.

The girl’s mum, referred to as Mrs X, complained that her EHCP wasn’t being properly provided, which has impacted her mental health and school attendance. She told the investigator that she “had to take unnecessary time off work to look after her distraught child”, as well as attend meetings and chase the council.

An EHCP was issued by the council in August last year. However, Mrs X contacted the council in September to express concerns that the school was not providing all of the provisions it should have been.

Mrs X complained that ‘D’ wasn’t being provided with: handouts in a

EALING Two Southall businesses discovered to be displaying false hygiene ratings

don

Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga - MyLon

g

Ealin Bulsho Friends Cuisine, Southall,

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

Two Ealing businesses were discovered by Local Democracy Reporting Services to be using false hygiene rating stickers in their front windows. Wild West Grill on King Street and Bulsho Friends Cuisine on The Green both in Southall are both zero-rated meaning that “urgent improvement is necessary”.

When visited by LDRS, it was found that both businesses have a sign showing a 3 rating in their shop window.

Ealing Council confirmed that the businesses, which are only 300 metres apart, were given a rating of zero on 27 July.

Both were also previously rated a 3, raising the possibility that the restaurants used their old stickers.

LDRS flagged this with Ealing Council, which said it would send enforcement officers to get the business to remove the stickers.

When the businesses were revisited, there were no signs of the stickers.

Although in some parts of the UK, businesses are legally compelled to display their hygiene ratings – in England,

they are treated as guidelines for the consumer meaning that restaurants, shops and takeaways can choose to reveal their scores or not.

Restaurants misleading the public are also hard to punish with Ealing Council being unable to issue fines to restaurants providing false information.

In both cases, LDRS reached out to the businesses for comment.

While there has not been a response from Bulsho Friends Cuisine, Wild West Grill did answer the phone. The chef of the restaurant explained that a reason for its 0 rating could be because of planned renovations which have seen the restaurant temporarily close.

However, he was unable to comment on why the Wild West Grill, which had been open to the public a few weeks before its closure was displaying the wrong hygiene rating in its window. Ealing Council says the borough has one of the highest numbers of food establishments in London and that zero-rated places only make up a very small percentage (less than 1%) of food businesses.

Last year, Ealing Council issued the second-highest number of enforcement notices in London, with enforcement of food standards being a key focus for the borough.

larger font size and on coloured paper; pre-teaching material for Mrs X to go through with her daughter; a small group educational setting; and ‘messy’ or sensory play.

Harrow Council promised Mrs X that it would follow up with the school to make sure these happened, however, it came back to say the school wasn’t able to provide the small group educational setting or the ‘messy play’ as these are not things a mainstream setting could offer.

Following an investigation, the LGO inspector found that there had been a “service failure”

Image Google Maps

Former Harrow Civic Centre. Mum receives £800 after council fail to deliver daughter's EHCP that had caused Mrs X and her daughter “unnecessary distress and frustration”. It concluded that the council had failed to provide the ECHP in full and ‘D’ had missed out on provisions she was entitled to.

The report required the council to apologise to both Mrs X and her daughter and provide a financial pay out to “remedy the injustice caused”.

A total of £800 was decided on, £200

for each of the three terms that the plan should have been in place and a further £200 to compensate Mrs X. A spokesperson for Harrow Council said: “We are sorry for the distress caused to the individual and her family and accept the decision of the LGO. We are committed to work closely with the family to ensure the needs of our young resident are met.”

Labour councillors sign open letter calling for Gaza ceasefire SLOUGH

A group of Slough councillors have penned an open letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Labour members of Slough Borough Council, including group leader Pavitar Kaur Mann and deputy Christine Hulme, all signed the statement calling on the UK government and international partners to push for a cessation of the violence.

It comes alongside growing calls for a ceasefire from several key figures in the Labour Party – although party leader Sir Keir Starmer has declined to support this, instead pushing for a “humanitarian pause.”

The Slough Labour Group statement reads: “Israel suffered a terrorist attack at the hands of Hamas – Israel has a right to defend its citizens in line with international law and we are united in our call for the immediate release of all hostages.

“However, the Palestinian people are not Hamas.

There must be unimpeded, unconditional humanitarian access to Gaza, to enable vital food, water, fuel and medical supplies to meet the urgent needs of innocent civilians.

“Human rights and adherence to international law must prevail.”

The councillors called for the UK government to “step up and do more” in work towards a twostate solution – which would see a Palestinian state exist alongside the State of Israel.

Hamas, which is recognised as a terrorist organisation in

Slough Council Leader Pavitar Kaur Mann

Labour Councillor Christine Hulme - Slough Council

the UK, attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing hundreds of civilians as well as taking hostages.

Israel has responded with airstrikes and an ongoing ground offensive into the Gaza Strip.

The councillors’ statement continues: “Slough Labour Group also notes the worrying rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobic crimes in the UK. “Human rights are not a Muslim or Jewish issue – it is a strand which unites us all. We stand by all our communities in Slough.

“Our diversity is our strength, and we will continue to provide a safe and welcoming space for all, with no room for prejudice.”

Sir Keir Starmer said in an October 31 speech that while he understood calls for a one, he does not support a ceasefire.

He said: “As we speak, that would leave Hamas with the infrastructure and the capability to carry out the sort of attack we saw on 7 October.”

The Labour leader added: “This is an old conflict, but it is not and never has been an issue that will be solved by the black and white simplicity of unbending conviction.

“Rather, the colour of peace – always in conflict resolution is grey. And in the coming days and months we must do everything we can to fight for it.”

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

22 LONDON

Energy bills:

how households could feel the cold this winter

By MICHAEL BRADSHAW As winter starts to bite, you may be starting to worry again about how much you will have to pay for your gas and electricity over the coming months. Of course, energy isn’t the only rising cost in the current inflation-led economy, which has caused most households to see a decline in disposable income since last winter.

Compounding this, even if energy prices are lower this winter than last, some households will struggle to pay their energy bills because they are still carrying significant energy debts.

The current price cap, set by Great Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem, is £1,834 per year until December 31 for a typical household paying by direct debit.

This is well below the peak of £4,279 in January to April last year, but it’s still nearly £800 more than three years ago. And a cap doesn’t mean your bill won’t fluctuate.

The price cap sets the amount you pay for each unit of gas and electricity that you consume. The key variables for your bill are then how much energy you consume and the wholesale price of natural gas, which also sets the electricity price. Natural gas heats most homes in the UK and is used by many for cooking. It generated nearly 40% of UK electricity in 2022. This explains why many households are so exposed to changes in global gas prices.

What’s in your bill?

Look at your latest bill and you

Image Shutterstock

will see a daily standing charge, which is also regulated by Ofgem.

This charge differs depending on the type of fuel you use, where you live and how you pay for your energy. The standing charge covers the costs to the energy companies of supplying your gas and electricity and supporting various government initiatives.

Last winter, the government helped all households with a universal £400 payment under the Energy Support Bill.

That support package, along with other measures, launched in response to the rise in energy prices, cost the government £78 billion in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

So, it’s unsurprising that another payment hasn’t been promised this year.

As the think tank Resolution Foundation recently pointed out, this winter’s typical energy bill will be driven by three factors: the unit price for gas and electricity, the standing charge and the lower level of government support.

We know what to expect from latter two factors, so the unit charge is the only unknown. The

way this will affect your energy bill this winter will come down to changes in supply and demand that will influence where Ofgem sets the cap from January 1 next year.

“ tight” (that is, there is not much to spare). This means the market could be easily spooked by any interruption in gas supply, causing a short-term price spike. We have seen this three times recently:

An easily spooked market

• when there was labour unrest in the Australian LNG industry

UK households are at the centre of a complex web of factors that influence the global energy supply and demand balance. This winter, supply remains a concern amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and more recently, the threat of a wider Middle East conflict following fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Russian pipeline gas continues to flow into southern Europe via Ukraine and Turkey, and Russia continues to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. But any reductions there could cause prices to spike.

Europe has record levels of gas in storage this year, but the supply of global LNG is still relatively

• after unexplained damage to a gas pipeline linking Finland and Estonia • and, most recently, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has so far caused the closure of one gas field.

Although these events had a minimal real impact on global supply, price spikes at the time show just how easily “spooked” the gas market is. The continued threat of the conflict in Gaza spreading to other parts of the Middle East echoes the oil crisis of 50 years ago, when prices spiked for countries like the UK and US. The UK produces about half the gas it consumes, with another

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

third coming by pipeline from Norway and the balance arriving as LNG or via two interconnector pipelines from Europe. So, for the moment at least, a physical supply crisis in the UK looks unlikely, but as network operator National Gas Transmission said in its winter 2023/2024 outlook report: “Disruptions to other markets could impact the GB market.”

So, what is the status of other markets? The main issue is whether or not Asian, and particularly Chinese, demand for LNG will be higher than last year, reducing gas availability for Europe. China is still struggling economically post-COVID, which could push down energy demand from the world’s second-largest economy.

The weather will also drive demand – both in Northeast Asia and Europe. A prolonged cold spell could tighten LNG markets further, amplifying any supply scares.

In Europe, weather also impacts the availability of renewable energy. In the winter months, long spells of cold, gloomy weather with no wind drive up gas demand to compensate for the lack of renewable generation.

The Germans call this time Dunkelflaute (dark wind lull or dark doldrums).

We also have to hope that France’s nuclear power stations stay online after a record number of outages last year. If not, heightened gas demand in continental Europe would mean the UK has to pay more to buy gas

23 LONDON

from Europe’s stores. Countries such as Germany have also been busy building LNG import terminals, boosting competition for LNG shipments.

Households should follow the same advice as last winter: the most affordable molecule of gas or electron of electricity is the one you don’t consume. Heed

the responsible advice available on how to save energy and cut your bills because. Although the price cap is much lower than last winter, energy could be even less

affordable for many people this year.

This article was originally contributed to The Conversation by Michael Bradshaw who is a Professor of Global Energy at Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

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24 LONDON

Diwali:

A promise of love, light and hope

By AYESHA BABAR Diwali has arrived and this time too, like every year, it brings with it a promise of bringing hope and light into our lives. Diwali, the main festival of the Hindu calendar and in many ways the ‘Christmas Day’ for Hindus around the world is a festival that has its roots in goodness and the victory of light over darkness. It spans over five days, starting from Dhanteras, followed by ‘Choti Diwali’, and then the main day of festivities, Diwali itself. For many families, the festival is much longer, with card parties and pujas (special prayers) starting a week in advance. New clothes are bought for adults and children alike, for Diwali calls for a no holds barred celebration of all that is precious in life.

Houses are cleaned the day before, with piles of homemade mithai (sweets) all set for guests in anticipation of Diwali. The day starts early as the morning is spent doing up the house with flowers and for the girls, especially, making rangoli designs – intricate, colourful patterns that are made at the entrance of the house to welcome guests and good vibes alike. Presents are exchanged and the younger ones also receive a token amount of cash as ‘kharchee’, much like the Muslims get ‘Eidi’ on the festival of Eid. Focus is then shifted to the puja, for which a special thaal (prayer tray) is decorated with flowers, fruits and sweets. One of my friends often recalls how her father looks

Image Shutterstock

Young child eagerly awaiting the festival of light - Diwali forward to this part of the day the most as he likes to take the responsibility of decorating the thaal.

For him, it is the one thing about Diwali that has remained consistent since he as a child used to help his mother with the thaal.

The havan puja is one of the highlights of the day, as the Panditji leads the whole family to thank God for all that it has been blessed with and pray for continued blessings on the family and the household. The

puja is followed by aarti to share the blessings with each individual in the family and spread the sweet smell in all corners of the house. Once the puja is complete, the main diya (oil-lamp) is lit up. One by one, all the diyas in the house are lit and placed around the house, in the gardens and on the balconies. Driving around on Diwali, the sight of thousands of little diyas lighting up the evening is one of the most beautiful sights you will see, almost as if the city has been

sprinkled with sparkling star dust.

As the afternoon turns into evening, men and women dress up in all their finery and get ready to either visit their loved ones or receive them into their homes.

Elaborate dinners are prepared and then possibly the crescendo of the evening arrives (for the younger ones at least!) as crackers are burst.

There are phuljharis and anaars and little chakris – all signifying the celebratory mood of the festival.

Sumptuous tables are laid out and once the feasting is over, the card games begin, mostly rounds of teen patti (an Indian version of poker) that continue into the night.

Diwali falls on the night of the ‘amawasya’ or ‘no moon’ which is the darkest night of the lunar month. This year Diwali comes at a time of great political strain in the subcontinent.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are at a high with rhetoric being exchanged. It is in times like this, more than ever, that we need to understand the universality of love and goodness. Festivals like Diwali, which in essence, are an opportunity for all of us to look inwards for our own inner light, are beautiful reminders that there is still hope beyond the despair. May the darkness of these times be lit up with thoughtfulness and restraint from both sides too. The image of Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanging sweets on Diwali has been one of the most endearing moments for me and I hope that this year, it is no different.

Festivals like Diwali, Eid and many others are an opportunity for the whole family to be together, laugh, show each other that they are valued through prayers and presents and even be competitive with card games. These are the moments that stay with us wherever we go to look back upon and cherish. Here’s wishing you and your loved one’s love, light and a celebration of a lifetime – Happy Diwali from all of us at Asian Standard

4 BRADFORD

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26 LONDON

Unsung heroes of the World Wars: “For your tomorrow, we gave our today”

By NADEEM SAEED "Teja Singh and Sundar Singh have been killed by bullets. Ladda Singh has been wounded by a bullet in the leg,” wrote a wounded Indian soldier from a hospital in Milford, England, on 22 January 1915.

In the letter written in Gurmukhi to his father in Punjab, the anonymous soldier who had experienced the horrors of war first hand pleaded “My advice to you is that you must not allow any of our people to enlist, or think over this ... some of the balls weigh 10 maunds (300 pounds), with one shot we kill 20 or 25 of them and they do the same to us. The big guns fire a ball 20 miles. There are several other matters about which I cannot write. Now I have learnt what kind of thing (military) service is.”

We do not know whether his people listened to his advice but in weeks, months and years to come more than 1.3 million Muslim, Sikh and Hindu men from the regions such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar travelled overseas to join the Indian Expeditionary Force for “King and the Empire”.

It was believed to be the largest voluntary army ever raised in the known history of warfare. They fought on almost all the war theatres including Western Front, East Africa, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Gallipoli.

Later, more than 2.5 million soldiers from undivided India (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka) took part in the Second World War. The Indian soldiers shed blood and sweat wherever they were posted on the call of their professional duty. As many as 74,000 of them lost their lives in WW1 while in the WW2 their death toll had been recorded as more than 87,000. Thousands other were wounded and reported missing in action.

Britain and allies received heavy battering from Germans in the first month of the WW1 on the Western Front. Reinforcement was urgently needed to halt the German advance while the fresh recruitment was yet underway. In

Image: IWM

M1909 machine guns in front.Image: IWM A group of soldiers with two Hotchkiss M1909 machine guns in front.

the World as well as the War” and also conducted a survey to see how much knowledge people have about the First World War. The survey revealed that the UK comes as one of the of the top ten unprompted associations with the First World War while India was not mentioned a single time as a top-of-mind association with the First World War among the 1,215 respondents from the UK. Report’s co-author Anne Bostanci says it is hardly surprising, therefore, that twice as many respondents in India compared to the UK feel that their country’s role in the First World War is often misrepresented and misunderstood in global history (almost one quarter of Indian respondents indicated this).

At the same time, around three quarters of respondents in India as well as in the UK felt that their country is still affected by the consequences of the First World War. When the WW1 broke out the Indian subcontinent was politically simmering. Congress and other mainstream political parties were paddling the idea of more autonomy in self-rule like the ‘white’ dominions of the Empire had been exercising. So, when the Empire demanded show of allegiance the mainstream

Indian political leadership openly supported the British cause and encouraged people to prove their worth to the master after having ‘tasted the salt”.

Gandhi is quoted to have said “if we desire of its privileges, we should desire the responsibilities of the membership of this great empire”.

Britain already had a sizeable regular army in India commanded

by British officers but populated by Indian soldiers. But that army was also needed to remain deployed in India in the face of growing unrest against colonialism. Hence, an extensive recruitment campaign was launched in the areas the British authorities thought to have martial races like Punjab and the North West Frontier.

People thronged the recruitment centres and those who did not turn up were coerced to do so. Compelling propaganda material was rolled out to capture imagination of the people especially those who came from humble backgrounds. One of the posters reads:

A group of soldiers with two Hotchkiss

in the WW1 and 4000 in a surprise move it was decided to Half theimperial attacking forcegallantry the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 was made up of thein WW2. cashof in the human capital But their sacrifices and valour from the colonies.

Indian soldiers.

They with extraordinary courage with Khudadad Khan becoming the were soon forgotten.

In Britain Within six weeks of the war’s fought they could not become part of inception Indian soldiers were Those who were already serving firstfighting South to receive the Victoria Cross. the narrative of military history on theAsian Western Front. in Army under British control joined They had no previous experience of the trench warfare while freezing European winter was around the corner. But they took part in fiercely fought battles of Ypres, Givenchy, Neuve Chapelle, Festubert and Loos with valour.

They guarded one third of the British line in France.

Half of the attacking force in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 was made up of Indian soldiers. They fought with extraordinary courage with Khudadad Khan becoming the first South Asian to receive the Victoria Cross.

War historian and author of “Sepoys in the trenches”, Gordon Corrigan says “If the Indian army hadn’t arrived when they did, the Germans might well have broken through. The whole history of the war might have been different”.

According to the figures of Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), some 11 soldiers from undivided India won the Victoria Cross in WW1 while 31 got it in the WW2. Some 13,000 won other military medals for

and heroics while at home they were riled as collaborators of the colonial masters.

In 2014 the British Council prepared a report “Remember

the war out of their regimental pride and career advancement prospects while others for the promised financial benefits. Within few weeks of the war soldiers from undivided India were landing Marseilles in France through ships after setting off from Bombay and Karachi ports. Majority of them had never travelled that far before.

They came to a world unknown to them.

First there was a cultural shock as is depicted in this letter of a Maharatta clerk, posted at Bournemouth, which he wrote to his friend in India: “The men and women of this country go about boldly hand in hand. We feel ashamed, but such is the custom of the country. It suffices if one has a very slight acquaintance.

They even come with us for walks thus."

They were even shocked to see “sahib (white man) is fighting against white man”. Trenches were full of mud and water while winter was setting in. But these men and women played incredible role in the war in completely unfamiliar

War historian and author of “Sepoys in the trenches”, Gordon Corrigan says “If the Indian army hadn’t arrived when they did, the Germans might well have broken through. The whole history of the war might have been different”.

According to the figures of Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), some 11 soldiers from undivided India won the Victoria Cross in WW1 while 31 got it in the WW2.

Some 13,000 won other military medals for gallantry in the WW1 and 4000 in the WW2.

But their sacrifices and valour were soon forgotten. In Britain they could not become part of the narrative of military history and heroics while at home they were riled as collaborators of the colonial masters.

In 2014 the British Council prepared a report “Remember the World as well as the War” and Indianhow meal linemuch at the Marine Lines Convalescent people Camp. also conducted a survey toAnsee knowledge have about the First World War. An Indian meal line at the The survey revealed that the UK comes as one of the of the top ten unprompted associations Convalescent Image:IWM with the First World War while IndiaCamp. was not mentioned a single time as a top-of-mind Image: IWM

They were even shocked to see “sahib (white man) is fighting against white man”. Trenches were full of mud and water while winter was setting in. But these men and women played @ASIANSTANDARD incredible role in the war in completely unfamiliar circumstances and land.

WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK LONDON

to the boiling point with Gandhi calling for civil disobedience and opposing the Allied cause in the Second World War. But yet more than 2.5 million joined the British military campaign.

Indian soldiers were again filling the gaps in the ranks of Allied forces to fight against Axis powers

Image: IWM

A Group of British and Indian soldiers.

Image:IWM

circumstances and land.

Throwing light on inequalities the Indian soldiers suffered compared to their white comrades, historian and academician Prof Peter Stanley of Australia’s University of New South Wales says Indian soldiers were given only Rs 12 to 15 per month while their Australian counterparts got 5 shillings per day; roughly an Indian soldier was being paid £1 per month against £8 monthly salary of an Australian soldier.

Gandhi and other leaders

supported the Empire’s cause under the false hope of getting more autonomy but soon it became evident that that was not going to happen. The “Jallianwala Bagh Massacre” that took place in Amritsar on 13 April 1919 and claimed lives of more than 1000 unarmed protestors further widen the trust deficit between rulers and the subjects.

Demand for complete independence from the British rule started gaining more support from the masses. By the start of WW2 political situation had reached

Japanese army. The battle was voted in 2013 as the winner of a contest by Britain’s National Army Museum, beating out Waterloo and D-Day as Britain’s greatest battle.

While giving an interview to BBC for the broadcaster’s documentary ‘The forgotten volunteers’, Capt John Tucker who served in the

27

largely remained unappreciated because of British colonial arrogance and political expediency of the leadership who took the helms after independence in Indian, Pakistan and other countries of the sub-continent.

Those who were allies of the Axis were admitted as ‘freedom

A Group of British and Indian soldiers.

Throwing light on inequalities the Indian soldiers suffered compared to their white comrades, historian and academician Prof Peter Stanley ofA group Australia’s University of New South Wales of British soldiers bidding farewell to Indian officers in a dock. says Indian soldiers were given only Rs 12 to Indian 15 per month while in theira Australian officers dock. Image:IWM Indian Regiment to 1945 fighters’ while those who fought

by Germany,soldier Italy and Japan. counterparts got 5 shillings per day; roughly anledIndian was being paidfrom£11940per month for the British cause were loathed said, “Without the Indian Army They fought bravely in almost all as traitors. But for them who acted the war theatres; the most famous Japan would have overrun India, against £8 monthly salary of an Australian soldier. on the call of duty that was not a of them were the ‘Battles of they would have linked up with Image: IWM

A

While giving an interview to BBC for the broadca Gandhi and other leaders supported the Empire’s cause under the falseJohn hope of getting more volunteers’, Capt Tucker who served in the I autonomy but soon it became evident that that was not going to happen. The “Jallianwala “Without the Indian Army Japan would have over Bagh Massacre” that took place in Amritsar on 13 April 1919 and claimed lives of more than Germany in Iran. whole world would have co 1000 unarmed protestors further widen the trust deficit between rulersThe and the subjects.

Kohima and Imphal’ in British India near the Burmese border.

It is considered to be the heaviest defeat in the history of

Germany in Iran. The whole world would have come under the Axis”.

But the historical role of Indian soldiers in both the great wars has

lost cause. The epitaph at Kohima reads: “When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today”.

Are you a read-thisat-armstheranks sub-continent.

Indian soldiers were again filling the gaps in the of Allied forces to fight against Axis powers led by Germany, Italy and Japan.length-er?

They fought bravely in almost all the war theatres; the most famous of them were the ‘Battles of Kohima and Imphal’ in British India near the

Demand for complete independence from the British rule started gaining more support from But the historical role of Indian soldiers in both th the masses. By the start of WW2 political situation had reached to the boiling point with unappreciated because of British Gandhi calling for civil disobedience and opposing the Allied cause in the Second World colonial arroganc War. But yet more than 2.5 million joined theleadership British military campaign. who took the helms after independence

Those who were allies of the Axis were admitted a fought for the British cause were loathed as traitor that was not a lost It is considered to be thetime heaviest defeat in theduty history of Japanese army.

The cause. battle wasThe votedepitaph at Kohi Maybe it’s for an eye test in 2013 asBook the winner of a contest

by Britain’sThem NationalofArmy Waterloo Us Museum, and Say,beating For out Your Tomorrow, We Ga online at specsavers.co.uk Burmese border.

and D-Day as Britain’s greatest battle.

28

CROSSWORDS AND PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Across 1 Means of approach (6) 4 Inequitable (6) 8 Stanza (5) 9 Bike rider (7) 10 Austere (7) 11 Tool for trimm ing lawn boundaries (5) 12 Sparkling Italian wine (9) 17 Demise (5) 19 Beneficiary of a will (7) 21 One of the Marx Brothers (7) 22 Trnst (5) 23 Large seas (6) 24 Bray (6)

Spot the

5 differences

CODEWORD

ANSWERS CODEWORD ANSWERS

Down 1 Counsel, reconunend (6) 2 Cut short (7) 3 Fragrance (5) 5 US coins (7) 6 Growing old (5) 7 Go to bed (6) 9 Female singing voice (9) 13 Native American style haircut (7) 14 The largest living bird (7) 15 Musical piece or movement in slow time (6) 16 Male relative (6) 18 Unacco mpanied (5) 20 Blunder (5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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Men's ODI World Cup: Kohli overtakes Tendulkar's record of most 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year Virat Kohli surpassed batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's record of scoring more than 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year.

The stylish Indian batter completed this milestone during the 2023 World Cup match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Kohli has now scored more than 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year eight times, overtaking the legendary Tendulkar’s erstwhile record of seven.

Kohli’s brilliance in ODI cricket came back in 2017 when he scored 1460 runs in 26 innings. With 1000+ runs in four consecutive years 2011, 20212, 2013, and

Image: Pinterest

2014, Kohli managed to equal Tendulkar's record after 2017, 2018, and 2019 phenomenal performance with the bat.

After struggling with the bat in the year 2020, 2021, and 2022 Kohli with 82 runs inning against Sri Lanka now becomes the record holder of scoring the most 1000+ ODI runs in a calendar year.

Kohli scored a well-compiled 94-ball 88 with 11 fours and no sixes. Kohli now awaits another Tendulkar’s record of most ODI Hundreds with 48 under his belt.

Tendulkar who has scored 49 ODI Hundreds heads the record of most ODI Hundreds.

All-rounder Ben Stokes to undergo knee surgery after World Cup, hopeful to return for India series England’s Ben Stokes will undergo surgery on his left knee after the World Cup and hopes to return for the tour of India at the beginning of the next year.

On the eve of England's clash against Australia, Stokes revealed that he will undergo knee surgery to cure a problem that has regularly hindered his

performance on the field of cricket.

Stokes didn't go into detail about his knee injury but is expected to miss England's tour in early December and is likely to return to action for the India series.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Stokes will miss five to seven weeks of on-field action and Doctor Andy Williams who is a leading knee surgeon in London, will perform the surgery.

"I will hopefully be fine for the Test series [against India]. I am having surgery after the World Cup. There was a lot of time put into deciding when to get it done. The India Test series, which we start at the end of January, I should be fine to go by then," Stokes said ahead

of Australia clash as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"When we go to those meetings, we generally take a physio and doctor and they start talking. I just turn up, go to sleep, wake up and hope it is better. They use language that I've never heard before. There's obviously something that needs to be operated on," Stokes added.

The 32-year-old has been unable to bowl in the World Cup as well as the Indian Premier League for his franchise Chennai Super Kings. He spoke about how the knee issue has been affecting his performance and he is looking forward to playing the role of a bowler.

"It's been a big hindrance on me, and affected what I can do for the team. Obviously that [being an allrounder] is what I want to be doing. You'd hope that it means that I can get back to doing what I've been known for, which is playing a role as a batter, and playing a role as a bowler as well," Stokes said.

Image: Shutterstock

SPORTS

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirms talks with Ngannou’s team for epic Joshua showdown!

Promoter Eddie Hearn has set his sights on MMA star Francis Ngannou as a potential opponent for Anthony Joshua in the boxing ring. Ngannou, the CameroonianFrench professional mixed martial artist, recently made his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.

In a nail-biting heavyweight showdown, the 'Gypsy King' narrowly escaped a significant

upset, securing a split decision win over the 37-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion.

Hearn revealed to the BBC that he had been in contact with Ngannou's representatives, expressing his interest in arranging a bout between the two colossal fighters.

According to Hearn, the prospect of a match between Ngannou and Joshua, both powerful and formidable athletes, has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Despite Ngannou's close call against Fury, Hearn emphasised the MMA world's confidence in Ngannou's abilities, with some suggesting he could easily defeat Joshua. However, Hearn dismissed these claims, stating that he firmly believes Joshua would emerge victorious in such a contest.

Hearn contemplated potential venues for the bout, mentioning the possibility of hosting the fight

in Saudi Arabia or another Middle Eastern country. Additionally, he pondered the feasibility of organising the match in Africa, as Ngannou had initially proposed during their discussions. Financial considerations played a crucial role in the decisionmaking process, with Hearn questioning the economic viability of staging the fight in Africa.

While planning Joshua's upcoming matches for the next six to 12 months, Hearn revealed the boxer's eagerness

to step into the ring again before Christmas. The prospect of an allBritish showdown between Joshua and Fury became even more intriguing for Hearn after witnessing Fury's clash with Ngannou. Despite his previous confidence in Joshua's abilities, Hearn admitted that the fight between

Ngannou and Fury had given him a newfound assurance in Joshua's potential victory.

Men's ODI World Cup: Fakhar Zaman slams fastest ODI World Cup century for Pakistan Fakhar Zaman last Saturday slammed the fastest ODI World Cup Century for Pakistan chasing 402 runs against New Zealand in the 35th match of ICC World Cup 2023 at M. Chinnaswamy stadium.

The left-hander reached his hundred off 63 balls in the 20th over of Pakistan’s chase against the Kiwis.

Fakhar Zaman surpassed the previous record held by Imran Nazir, who had achieved a century in 95 balls against Zimbabwe in the 2007 Kingston World Cup, marking it as the fastest by a Pakistani batter in World Cup history.

Additionally, Fakhar surpassed

Nazir's record for the most sixes in a World Cup innings by a Pakistani player, as Nazir had hit eight sixes during his 160-run innings off 121 balls against Zimbabwe.

Fakhar Zaman's 63-ball century ranks joint-ninth on the list of fastest World Cup centuries, with India's skipper Rohit Sharma also having scored a century in 63 balls against Afghanistan during this edition of the World Cup. The fastest century in World Cup history belongs to Glenn Maxwell, who scored a century in just 40 balls against the Netherlands

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