Asian Standard Edition 11

FEATURE

TRAVEL

Page 10

AS Weekender

2016: the good, the bad and the ugly!

INTERVIEW Ranveer Singh: I can’t articulate why, but I feel extremely protective about her

Starry eyed Budapest

By the publishers of Asian Sunday

Muslims ‘unlike’ us

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Indian businessman spends daughter's marriage budget on 90 houses for the homeless

by MO BHANA

He reportedly set three criteria to distinguish who was eligible: they needed to be poor, live in a slum and not suffer from an addiction.

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A rich businessman in India has donated 90 houses to homeless people instead of splashing out on his daughter’s wedding.

Each home is 12 by 20 square foot, has two windows and two doors and is fitted with lights.

Mr Munot's newly-wedded daughter, Shreya, said she fully supported her father’s decision, and after her wedding, she and her new husband reportedly handed over the keys to the homeless people.

Ajay Munot, a wealthy wholesale trader of cloth and wheat in the Aurangabad district of eastern India, had planned to spend Rs 70-80 lakh — the equivalent of more than £93,000 — on a lavish wedding for his daughter.

Shreya told ANI News she considered her father’s decision the "biggest gift for her wedding".

But instead, Mr Munot decided to instead spend the money on helping the region's poor.

The businessman constructed 90 houses on two acres of land and carefully selected who would reside in them, according to the Free Press Journal.

Ajay Munot with his daughter and son in law

The beneficiaries of the new homes are already said to be benefiting, with one woman reported to have said she is happy now that she and her family do not have to deal with the problems of accessing basic needs such as water and electricity.

All new police officers in England and Wales to have degrees

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

All new police officers in England and Wales will have to be educated to degree level from 2020, the College of Policing has announced.

It said the training would help address changes in crime-fighting.

Prospective officers can either complete a three-year "degree apprenticeship", a postgraduate conversion course or a degree.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said the changes would "help modernise the service".

The college's Chief Constable Alex Marshall said the nature of police work has changed significantly.

"Cyber-enabled crime has increased," he said, "So has the need for officers and staff to investigate and gather intelligence online and via information technology."

He also said protecting vulnerable people has become a "high priority", with officers now spending more of their time working to prevent domestic abuse, monitor high-risk sex offenders and protect at-risk children.

Mr Marshall said: "The nature of police work is getting quite complex and it is quite contentious, and the public expectation is that you'll be patrolling in my street and, by the way, you'll be patrolling online."

Even investigating a pub fight - which used to mean interviewing the victim, perpetrator and the bar staff - now also extends to researching videos, pictures and comments published online.

But retired police officer Norman Brennan, who served 31 years in London and now campaigns for police protection, said degrees came "at the bottom of the priority list" for police.

He said: "The only degree a police officer needs is a degree of common sense - they'll learn on the job.

"The public don't care about police having degrees. They want someone competent, caring and capable."

The College of Policing, which is responsible for setting standards of ethics and training for the police service, is in talks with 12 universities about running the degree courses.

The syllabus is likely to cover the law, safeguarding the vulnerable, understanding how an officer behaves on the street and how to build trust by interacting well with communities.

The college plans to publish a directory of education qualifications for officers and staff next summer, with guidance as to how their on-the-job experience counts and what funding might be available to support them.

There are currently no standard recruitment requirements for officers across the 43 forces in England and Wales.

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NEWS

KKK: Don’t call us white supremacists

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Members of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan don't want to be called white supremacists, or so some of them claimed at a rally this month in honour of President-elect Donald Trump.

"We're not white supremacists. We believe in our race," one unnamed, hooded man told the Associated Press before a pro-Trump parade in North Carolina earlier this month..

The Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, a North Carolina branch of the organisation, planned a celebration for the president-elect.

The chapter's website has a section aimed at "debunking" the idea that the KKK is a hate group. Rather, it claims, the KKK merely hates "some things that certain groups are doing to our race and our nation," including " race-mixing."

An investigation by the AP's Jay Reeves found that members of farright groups like the KKK do not like to be called white supremacists, despite the fact that the basis of these groups are based on and celebrate white supremacy.

"KKK groups today typically renounce the term," Reeves noted. "The same goes for extremists including members of the self-proclaimed 'alt-right,' an extreme branch of conservatism mixing racism, white nationalism and populism."

The KKK is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as one of the oldest hate groups in the U.S., and the group has a long history of violent attacks against blacks, Jews, Catholics, and many others, especially immigrants, stretching back to the 19th century.

David Cunningham, a professor of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, said the Klan is trying to

infiltrate the mainstream.

"This just the latest incarnation of an old argument by the KKK and other like-minded groups," he said.

"Throughout the civil rights era, Klan leaders would regularly complain that 'everyone's organized except the white Protestant,' and claim that the KKK was a sort of advocacy group just like the NAACP or B'nai B'rith."

influential as it was in the 1920s, but a recent report from George Washington University also found that white nationalists are now more

active on Twitter than the Daesh, their numbers growing by more than 600 percent since 2012.

However Cunningham said that the Klan's history and consistent rhetoric clearly show that it is a white supremacist organisation.

"As then, one would be hard-pressed to argue that the claim that the Klan is merely supporting and valuing white identity has any merit when placed alongside the group's history of racial terror and the bulk of its racist rhetoric, which clearly places whites above other racial groups," he said.

The KKK is nowhere near as

Former Britain First leader to spend Christmas in jail

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

Paul Golding, the former leader of

hate group Britain First, has been jailed for eight weeks for his role in an attempted 'mosque invasion'.

The former leader of Britain First was jailed for breaching a court order

telling him not to enter a mosque or encourage others to do so.

Golding, who has stepped down as head of the group, admitted contempt of court.

Golding and his deputy Jayda Fransen were banned from entering all mosques in England and Wales by the High Court in August.

However, nine days later he drove four Britain First members to Cardiff's Al-Manar Centre for a "mosque invasion".

Golding, 34, stayed outside and there was no violence but there was a verbal confrontation between his four colleagues and a mosque trustee.

James Weston, counsel for the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police who brought the committal application, said mosque members found the conduct provocative and unnerving and were concerned it could have escalated if prayers had not been over.

Sentencing Golding, Judge Moloney said the breach was a "deliberate and cynical defiance" of the court's order as well as an affront to the Muslim community, not merely in Cardiff but throughout the country where Britain First might circulate its propaganda.

The judge said: "There can be no doubt that he thereby broke the injunction by instructing or encouraging those men to enter the mosque.

Paul Golding

"Such an injunction is granted to prevent serious anti-social

behaviour. This particular injunction was granted not merely to protect certain individuals but to preserve public order in the widest sense and throughout the country.

"The conduct restrained was by its nature of an extreme kind, calculated to increase tensions between different members of the community of this country, particularly to affront the Muslim community in relation to their religion.

"Such conduct was plainly calculated to give rise to the risk of provocation and violence and further extremism and tension on all sides of the community.

"These are most serious matters at the present time."

Golding, was a former BNP councillor in Swanley, south-east London, who ran as Britain First's candidate in this year's mayoral elections.

He made an unreserved apology for breaking the injunction but claimed he did not understand the terms of the order.

Golding will serve four weeks of the sentence, meaning he will spend Christmas behind bars.

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Young man shot dead in Kilburn while walking 'with relatives'

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

A young man has died after being shot dead in front of horror-struck shoppers in Kilburn as he was crossing a busy high street.

The victim of a fatal shooting has been named by police as Yasir Beshira. The incident took place close to Brondesbury tube station.

Witnesses described how the Yasir, who was in early 20s, staggered towards a pavement and collapsed outside a cafe after being shot in the stomach.

Police sealed off a 200-yard stretch of Kilburn High Road as paramedics battled to save his life for 20 minutes, while scores of armed officers swarmed surrounding streets as they hunted the gunmen who were seen to flee down a side road into a housing estate.

Yasir, was said to have been accompanied by an older woman and a younger boy - thought to be relatives - when he was struck by a single shot.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, 10 December on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

One witness, takeaway worker Yosif, 27, said there was a single “loud bang”.

He said: “I assumed he’d been hit by a car because he looked disorientated and was wobbling.

“He was with an older woman and a younger boy. They were crying around his body, utterly distraught.”

A friend of the victim said he had been trying to turn his life around after being stabbed in a separate violent incident in Kilburn last year.

Bruno Tampo, 22, who runs a charity mentoring young people into work, said: “He got stabbed last year. He’d just recovered from that and I think he’d just moved in to a new place.

“When I found out he’d been shot I crumbled. Yasir had such a good heart. It’s crazy what happened to him. He was a good friend.”

The killing came just days after

trainee gas engineer Salim Coulter, 24, was shot dead as he climbed into the passenger seat of a friend’s car in Fulham, four miles away.

Police said the gunman was “lying in wait” for Mr Coulter outside Jerky’s Jamaican restaurant in Walham Grove before shooting him in the head at close range.

A spokesman for the Metropolitian Police said detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are continuing their investigation.

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8358 030, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

White Supremacist group 'to be banned under anti terror legislation’

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

A British white supremacist group has been banned after it was labelled a terror organisation in a landmark first for the UK. An order proscribing fascist group National Action has laid before Parliament. It is the first time membership of a far-right group has been outlawed in the UK. The self-proclaimed "nationalist youth movement" praised and glorified Thomas Mair, the white supremacist who killed Batley and Spen’s Labour MP Jo Cox, in what a court described as a terrorism offence.

The group is also said to employ anti-Semitic language lifted direct from Nazi propaganda material.

showed a picture of Mair with the message: “VoteLeave, don’t let this man’s sacrifice go in vain. Jo Cox would have filled Yorkshire with more subhumans!”

Whilst another tweet read: “only 649 MPs to go.”

The group has also altered its listing on Google to read: “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain!”, a slogan which Mair said in court when asked to give his name soon after being charged with Ms Cox’s murder.

Mair received a life sentence for the killing when he was convicted. The 53-year-old was revealed to have a Third Reich eagle monument, adorned with a swastika, along with a plethora of other Nazi paraphernalia in his bedroom, along with information on white

supremacist neo-Nazi movements in the UK and abroad.

The Yorkshire branch of National Action has been accused of seeking to incite the murder, tweeting a derogatory term used by the Nazis to describe Jews during the holocaust: “Tykes gassin K#kes is our motto, #Yorkshire needs you #AntiCommunism #ProNationalSocialism #DefendBritain."

However, the groups Twitter account has now been suspended.

National Action is not unique in the UK. The North West Infidels said on social media the group believes Ms Cox “got what she deserved” because of her liberal views and pro-EU stance and urged supporters to “fight extremism with extremism”.

People at risk from far-right indoctrination now account for 25 per cent of all cases receiving help from Channel, the official scheme for those deemed likely to engage in violent extremism..

National Action’s monthly update for November, posted on the group’s website, dismissed reports it could be proscribed as “below discussion on grounds of extreme ignorance”.

MPs and Peers, however, have approved the order banning the group by the end of the week.

Anyone joining or drumming up support for proscribed organisations faces criminal prosecution. Groups can also have their assets frozen.

Proscribing organisations is difficult because groups "often skirt around the law", a senior government source is quoted to have said.

One tweet by the group reportedly

Speaking after Mair’s conviction, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “I am determined that we challenge extremism in all its forms, including the evil of far right extremism.”

“We neither sanction or endorse terrorism,” it said.

The group's Yorkshire branch, which is believed to consist of about 100 fascists, is said to encourage 'lone wolf activism' on its website, allegedly encouraging terrorism.

National Action, however, has been deemed to have "crossed the line and glorified terrorism".

The British government appears to be taking the threat posed by the far-right more seriously than in the past, leading to speculation other groups could be banned in the near future.

National Action march

The Home Office said: “As a matter of routine, we do not comment on whether an organisation is or is not under consideration for proscription.”

Wishing all our coustomers a very happy new year.

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COVER STORY

Muslims ‘unlike’ us

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

A two part BBC show featuring 10 British Muslims with a plethora of opinions, all living together has received a varied reception from critics and viewers alike.

Muslims Like Us, which ended on Tuesday December 13, put ten British Muslims with contrasting world views in a house in York and filmed their debates and disagreements.

The BBC described it as a “unique and bold social experiment”. Others drew parallels with Channel 4’s Big Brother.

The documentary was subjected to criticism even before the first episode aired because of the inclusion of Abdul Haqq, a former boxer who told filmmakers that if his passport - which had been confiscated by the British authorities - was returned to him, he would want to go to Syria.

The aim of the show was to chart the variation in beliefs between Muslims women and men from a range of backgrounds.

Among the participants were Saba, a 76-year-old, schoolteacher Mehreena, and stand-up comedian Nabil.

The Times gave the programme four stars, noting that "including Abdul Haqq was a risky move for the BBC, but what's the point of showcasing a conversation if you don't hear all sides of it?".

However, the Daily Mail gave the programme zero stars and described the programme as "an exercise in stoking up rows and controversy... the BBC launched this calculated attempt to set 10 Muslims at each other's throats".

Yet the man behind the project, Huddersfield-born broadcaster and former AWAAZ News journalist, Mobeen Azhar, 37, said he wanted to illustrate the idea that the Muslim community is not monolithic.

“It’s a range of communities within one single community,” said Azhar.

The reaction, he added, has been overwhelmingly positive with the exception of the right-wing press.

“Whereas people may not like a programme like this, it’s important. We deal with some of the really big issues of our time and that is valuable. A lot of the issues are human issues.

“None of it was scripted. It’s not a rigged show. Everything is entirely real and authentic. I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t have a handle on what we thought would unfold.”

However, not everyone agrees.

Zahid Mirza of Bury believes the show was full of ‘wannabe celebrities’ who were cherry picked by “over-zealous” producers who created an environment of antagonism and confusion.

He insists the negatives outweighed any positive elements to the documentary.

“A TV show is essentially a business, if it doesn’t work out you move onto the next thing. If you have a show where all the people are peaceful, you don’t really have a show do you?

“I have never met an extremist, and if people actually believe that people like that are in our midst, then they will most likely believe whatever they see on Eastenders.

“By putting an extremist in the documentary, you have a hook to get people to watch it, if he wasn’t in it, it

Abdul Haq in ‘Muslims Like Us’

Was convinced #MuslimsLikeUs was going to be a car crash but I’m loving the diversity of Muslim opinions.

Well done @BBCTwo #notallthesame would have been boring as Abdul was the central talking point. He must be very gullible to have agreed to take part, what did they give him in return?

A couple of virgins?

“He is a cinematic sort of character, and everyone knows that if you take such a cinematic character out of the way, you no longer have a show, the producers just wanted to stir it up.

“Unless you have a mental illness, you will find that Islam is not a new thing, it has been around for over a thousand years, and if you don’t know about Islam, time to crawl back under your rock or get reading.

“These paindoo (backward) contestants are nothing but attention seeking people. They randomly go into a bar and sing karaoke, is there anything remotely Islamic about that?”

There was a varied reaction to the documentary on social media.

Khalad Hussein wrote that he had mixed feelings on the participants and there were not enough "characters" in the show.

Syrian student Barra in ‘Muslims Like Us’

Sarah tweeted it "just seems they

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COVER STORY

Glaswegian Fehran in ‘Muslims Like Us’

By putting an extremist in the documentary, you have a hook to get people to watch it, if he wasn’t in it, it would have been boring as Abdul was the central talking point. He must be very gullible to have agreed to take part.

wanted to add more confusion and conflict, they never make a show like this about any other religion."

and their religion and to encounter Muslims whose views contradict their own.

However, Suhail Jaan of Batley is of the opinion that the show peddled negative stereotypes.

Matt Tassel tweeted it was "brilliant television programming. Essential viewing that pulls no punches and opens new doors."

“I think Muslims like Us succeeds in showing that British Muslims can be just as intelligent, compassionate, mean, rude, polite and dysfunctional as any other community in Britain.

In that sense, the programme is humanising. And it’s a project I’m proud to have helped bring to the screen. I wanted it to be ambitious, provocative even. What I hadn’t dared hope is that it would be so warm, surprising and, yes, entertaining, and I hope people of all faiths, and none, will come to it.

“Instead of making a documentary about ensuring people don’t join the white flight, why not make a show about people who stay in Asian populated areas like Blackburn or Leicester or even Bolton”, said Jaan.

Defending the show, the BBC’s commissioning editor, Fatima Salaria said the aim of the programme was to force Muslims to ‘look into the mirror and see ourselves, warts and all’.

Upon commissioning a YouGov survey of more than 1,700 people about how Muslims are perceived by the general population, Salaria came to the conclusion that there is a lot of suspicion and a great lack of knowledge out there; therefore she set out to commission the show.

“Our contributors have chosen to take part in this social experiment precisely because they want to challenge the way the rest of the UK views them

Baroness Warsi, the Dewsbury-born peer and former co-chair of the Conservative Party, agreed with Salaria. She tweeted: “Was convinced #MuslimsLikeUs was going to be a car crash but I’m loving the diversity of Muslim opinions. Well done @BBCTwo #notallthesame”

“It’s left a real bad taste in my mouth because there was nothing classy about it, my biggest regret is wasting two hours of my time watching it.

“I should have just gone onto Twitter and searched Faryal Makhdoom, her shenanigans are real drama, like Bollywood. This was more like Lollywood meets the Walton’s.

“They should have done something with spiritual and practising Muslims, not this bunch of people, and to think the show was commissioned by apnay (our people) too, we should all hang our heads in shame.”

Mehreen in ‘Muslims Like Us’

Housemates of the BBC documentry ‘Muslims Like Us’

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NEWS

Khan family fued Thriller: They called me Michael Jackson says Faryal Makhdoom

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

A feud between the boxer Amir Khan’s wife and his family has turned nasty after Faryal Makhdoom shared a compromising picture of Amir’s brother Haroon Kahn and accused him of calling her Michael Jackson.

Amir Khan and his wife and his family, who have been rowing since Faryal went public with the claim that the Khans were trying to destroy her marriage .

Makhdoom used the caption: “My dressing is an issue? Double standards? Like harry lying at a girls house, sisters wearing no “dupatta” I guess that’s ok bc that’s there blood and I’m just a daughter in law [sic]” Explaining herself on ITV’s This Morning, she told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: “It’s not in my nature to ever go public about personal matters, but being so young and getting married so publicly and having to deal with so much abuse…

Faryal claimed that she was slapped and had a remote control thrown at her in explosive fights at the family home, and was bullied by the family.

her not to adopt such a dress code.

And even if she had to wear such dresses, please don’t post it on social media,” he said.

“I never felt I could do anything right.

I was bullied physically and mentally,” she told The Sun on Sunday . “One day I said, ‘Enough of this s***, I’m going to speak up. I’ve had it for three years and that’s enough’.’”

Amir Khan’s mother, Falak, also spoke during the interview and said that she had asked Makhdoom a number of times to take a dupatta (scarf), but she never listened.

Khan's parents rubbished Makhdoom’s allegations, claiming they never so much as laid a hand on her and treated her like their own daughter.

Sajjad Khan rejected the claim and said they have treated her “like our own daughter", but they admitted to rowing over the catwalk model’s clothing.

“Faryal was adopting a dress code which in the Islamic faith was not acceptable. I am a father to two daughters whom I have treated exactly the same way as I have treated Faryal,” said Sajjad Khan.

“Over the years, his brother went on Twitter rants, called me fake, called me Michael Jackson, it’s really not very nice.

He said he never said anything to Faryal, but did express his concerns to his son over her pictures in such dressing which she shared on social media.

“I used to take it in and be silent and thought they’d stop, but it’s just started to build up and up.”

“All this started with the issue of dressing. We kept asking Amir to tell

"I asked her not to wear such dresses and to take the dupatta (scarf), but she never listened. After that, we asked Amir but he told us to convey this to Faryal's mother because she does not listen to him either," she said.

Amir has since tried to diffuse the situation by urging both sides to stop being so childish. “I apologise on the silly picture and message my wife Faryal put up. Here is me working my a** off helping the less fortunate with charity dinners and my family and wife are just destroying my name,” Amir tweeted.

“I didn’t want to get involved in this mess. There is NO reality television show. My parents are my parents and my wife is my wife. Whatever misunderstanding has happened they should keep it private.

“This is getting to the point where they will lose a son and a husband.

Childish behaviour. Both parties need to stop this.”

Faryal Makhdoom

Asylum seeker suspected of Sikh terrorist activities wins fight to live in the UK

by MO BHANA

movements.

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

The judge said the question of whether MS was entitled to any damages because of the restraint condition placed on him should be decided by a court in the High Court's Queen Bench division.

An asylum seeker who was alleged to have been involved in Sikh terrorist activities has won a High Court battle to become a permanent resident in the UK after living here for 20 years.

Lawyers for the Home Secretary argued against the move, insisting that the UK should never accept terrorists.

However, the man who is simply known as MS, from Leicester, cannot be removed from the UK because it would breach his human rights, according to the judge, Mr Justice Collins.

And despite Justice Collins admitting that the man had been involved in historic terrorist activities in India and is of interest to the Indian authorities, it was "not only unreasonable" but contrary to Government policy in such cases to deport the man because he is facing a real risk of torture or being killed were he to be returned to India.

Furthermore, the judge also ruled that MS, now in his 40’s, could be entitled to damages because of a number of restraints which had been placed on his

He added: "Even if there is a valid claim, any damages will be small since at most the claimant's peace of mind was disturbed since he felt that he was at risk of overstaying if he wanted, for example, to visit friends out of Leicester for a weekend."

The case was triggered by a new

UK Border Agency (UKBA) policy introduced in 2011 granting only "restricted leave to remain"(RLR) to individuals like MS not entitled to actual asylum under the UN Refugee Convention because of their terrorism links.

The policy states individuals with links to terrorism should usually only be granted permission to remain in the UK for a maximum of six months at a time.

The judge said MS had been regarded as one whose presence in the UK was "not conducive to the public good" but could not be removed because his "right to life" and not to be subjected

I am determined that we challenge extremism in all its forms, including the evil of far right extremism. Home Secretary, Amber Rudd

to inhuman and degrading treatment were protected under Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights."

But he now had a wife and children and had lived in the UK for at least 10 years without being any risk to security, and there was only "the very remote possibility of return to India within the foreseeable future", said the judge.

Overturning the decision to refuse MS permanent residence, the judge said he had put to Julie Anderson, counsel representing the Home Secretary, "that, if the evidence showed that there could never be any chance of return within a person's lifetime, it would mean that to maintain limited leave was unreasonable.

"She was not willing to accept even that on the basis that it would run contrary to the need to show the world that the UK would not accept terrorists. Such an approach is not only unreasonable but contrary to the RLR policy itself."

He said: "In my judgment, if this case is not one in which the time has come to grant indefinite leave to remain, it is difficult to see what circumstances would qualify for ILR."

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FEATURE

2016: the good, the bad and the ugly!

by AYESHA BABAR

ayesha@asian-standard.co.uk

December is almost over and Christmas is here. Usually, at this time of the year, there is a bittersweet feeling, that of the year having ended too soon. 2016, however, in some ways has been a year that many in the world would like to see the back of. To say that 2016 has been an interesting year would be an understatement.

The events that have unfolded this year will have wide ranging consequences in the coming years.

Here’s a look at 2016 – the good, the bad and the ugly!

Early on in the year, the Panama Papers rocked the financial circles.

The leaked documents showed billions of pounds that had been hidden away via offshore accounts by some of the most powerful figures in politics, sport, and entertainment. From Prime Minister David Cameron to arguably the world’s best football player, Lionel Messi, some of the biggest names in the public domain had to clarify their positions. The Prime Minister of Iceland, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson stepped down and a massive political movement was started in Pakistan, where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was accused of stashing away a vast amount of laundered funds to buy properties in the UK.

with the Panama leaks was just one of the game-changing political events of the year. As the New York Times editors put it: ‘…In the end, 2016 will enter history as a pivot that revealed the depth of the fears, alienation and frustration of our times, abruptly upending many of our assumptions about the future.’

that will materialise over the next few years. In the short term, the economy was hit the hardest, as the markets plunged and the British Pound fell to a 31 year low. The referendum results also claimed the political career of former Prime Minister David Cameron as he stepped aside to make way for Theresa May to take charge.

The first of these shock results was seen in June, at home in the UK, when the country voted for the ‘Brexit’.

After years of being part of a very successful union of countries with the Right to Travel and Work freely within the member states, the public was convinced by the ‘Leave’ campaign that the independent decision making at the highest level that would come from the Brexit was worth more than these common goals and freedoms.

The unexpected choice of the British people to give up its membership of the European Union sent shockwaves through the country with geopolitical, economic and cultural consequences

Across the pond, other shock developments were taking place. As one after the other, Republican leaders failed to secure the desired number of delegates to become the party’s main candidate for the November elections, Donald J. Trump emerged as the frontrunner. While media pundits wrote him off and predicted an almost certain win for the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump rode through one of the nastiest election campaigns of recent times to beat Clinton and become the President-elect of the United States.

The world reacted with shock and sometimes confusion, but perhaps this

election result was something that we should have seen coming. The flipside of globalisation showed its face as nationalism and populism once again became the guiding principles that united different groups of people.

There is still hope though, as Sadiq Khan, became the first person of

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

The political turmoil that started

Hillary Clinton

Former Prime Minister David Cameron

Lionel Messi

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz sharif

Donald Trump rode through one of the nastiest election campaigns of recent times to beat Clinton and become the President-elect of the United States

President elect Donald Trump

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FEATURE South Asian descent to be elected as the Mayor of London. Khan, the son of an immigrant bus driver, fought a valiant campaign rejecting the fear mongering that the Conservative Party candidate, Zac Goldsmith had been seen to indulge in.

After mart of Hurrican Matthews

2016 will also be remembered as a deeply traumatic year due to the terrorist attacks and natural disasters and the resulting deaths that rocked

The blasts in Brussels, close to the heart of the European Union’s headquarters, and the Turkish airport bombings once again lay bare the ugly side of global terrorism.

Hurricane Matthews

President Obama observes a moment of silence for the victims of terrorist attack in Brussels

all corners of the world. The blasts in Brussels, close to the heart of the European Union’s headquarters, and the Turkish airport bombings once again lay bare the ugly side of global terrorism. While the world was still reeling from Brussels, terrorism struck again – this time at a children’s park in Lahore. The park blast claimed 72 lives, mostly young children who were at the park with their families to celebrate a religious festival. Just a couple of months later, in July, another attack happened along the beach in Nice, France, as a lorry ploughed through large crowds that had gathered to watch the Bastille Day fireworks display. In Haiti, a country often facing the worst of nature’s wrath, Hurricane Matthews ripped through the country, claiming almost 1000 lives in its wake.

This year, the world lost some remarkable people, from singing stars like David Bowie, Prince and Junaid Jamshed to beloved actor Alan Rickman. We also lost humanitarians like Abdul Sattar Edhi, the Pakistani humanitarian who set up the world’s biggest private network of ambulances and emergency response teams to boxer Muhammad Ali, who gave a voice and hope to an entire generation.

The happier moments in the year were perhaps few and far in between but one of the highlights was the Olympic Summer Games that successfully took place in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. The games might not have been as well-organised as the London 2012 games, but passion made up for resources lacked. The world got together as one to cheer for the spirit of sportsmanship, and to celebrate the athletic genius of

The late boxer Muhammad Ali

The late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi athletes like Usain Bolt, who achieved the unprecedented ‘triple triple’ to dominate the track events at Rio 2016 and American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won a record-breaking 23rd Olympic gold medal ensuring that his legacy remains untouched for decades to come.

Rio Olympics 2016

Olympic record holder Usain Bolt

The late musician Prince

The late artist Junaid Jamshed

The late artist David Bowie

2016 might feel like the roughest year the world has seen in a very long time and as much as we would all like to press the ‘reset’ button on the year, as the famous saying goes, ‘the show must go on!’. Here’s hoping that as the sun starts to set on 2016, things start looking up with the year ending on a positive note followed by a much kinder 2017. We at Asian Standard, would like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season and a wonderful year ahead!

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NEWS

Are the Rohingya some of the most persecuted people on earth?

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

The sight of hundreds of emaciated men, women and children packed into rusty old boats owned by people traffickers’ has caught the world’s attention.

Yet it seems extremely heartbreaking that very few people are trying to prevent the genocide of the Rohingya, as vigilante Buddhist mobs continue to slaughter men, women and children and burned down entire villages with people trapped in their homes.

However, the Burmese government and people of influence have either gone silent or joined in anti-Muslim and anti-ethnic rhetoric, in effect, endorsing the genocide. The lack of clear condemnation and decisive preventive actions by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi - who is now Burma's de-facto leader, has been of most significance.

However, Massoud Shadjareh, a member of the Islamic Human Rights Commission in London, believes the suffering of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar is now coming to such a state that it has been identified by almost everyone an “all-out ethnic cleansing”.

“Undoubtedly it is a fact that Myanmar Muslims are actually the most persecuted group and that has

been identified by the United Nations and indeed their plight has been almost forgotten by the rest of the nation states and indeed the West,” the activist said.

However, he said, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) along with a host of Western countries have failed to take a stand against Myanmar.

The activist also pointed the finger of blame at Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who he says is becoming “instrumental” in the process of ethnic cleansing of the Muslims in their own land.

Shadjareh further criticised the international community’s “deafening” silence on the frightening reports and evidence coming out of Myanmar.

“We are getting condemnation from all around the world when a bomb goes off in Paris or anywhere else in the European or Western hemisphere and here we are seeing systematic slaughtering, killing and raping and ethnic cleansing of fellow human beings and fellow Muslims and not a whisper coming out of the OIC and not a whisper coming out of the Western governments,” he said.

“This actually shows the politics of the West when it comes to Muslims and in reality we see this is actually also as a result of the level of Islamophobia

and hatred which has been created against Muslims that their lives and their being, even the lives of their children, it seems to be not moving anyone and it is not important, whatsoever, when it comes to the international community,” he added.

According to the activist, it is up to the people to raise the plight of Rohingya Muslims and stand up for their justice and their well-being because the international community, the politicians and the governments

seem to be “incapable” of doing anything.

Shadjareh’s words seem to be backed up by the New York-based Human Rights Watch, who have accused Myanmar's officials of committing ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity on the Rohingya population.

The organisation has released satellite imagery showcasing around 1,250 houses and other structures that have been burned and razed to the ground.

We we are seeing systematic slaughtering, killing and raping and ethnic cleansing of fellow human beings. This actually shows the politics of the West when it comes to Muslims and in reality we see this is actually also as a result of the level of Islamophobia and hatred which has been created against Muslims that their lives and their being, even the lives of their children. Massoud Shadjareh, Islamic Human Rights Commission in London

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HEALTH

Water intoxication: are we drowning in advice to drink more fluids?

Matthew Haines Senior Lecturer in Health and Wellbeing, University of Huddersfield

A recent BMJ Case Report outlined the story of a 59-year-old woman who went to A&E after experiencing pain when urinating and abdominal pain. Her symptoms were consistent with urinary tract infection (UTI, commonly referred to by some as cystitis) for which she was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. During her visit to the hospital, she vomited, became shaky, muddled and had difficulty talking. It transpired that she had consumed several litres of water throughout the day based on medical advice to drink lots of fluids that she recalled from previous experience of UTIs. Unwittingly, the patient brought about a dangerous condition known as acute hyponatremia which can progress to

seizures, coma and even death, which is related to drinking too much fluid.

Hyponatremia is a clinical condition in which altered brain function is associated with very low sodium concentrations in blood serum (usually below 135 mmol/L) and brain swelling. The severity depends on the overall sodium level and the rate of decline, but the condition is a medical emergency. People at the highest risk of hyponatremia can include those with kidney, liver and endocrine diseases, although specific causes are often divided into those that occur with high, normal or low fluid volume.

When we consider that water is the medium in which chemistry plays out, it is not surprising that our bodies have evolved tightly controlled processes to regulate fluid balance and plasma concentrations of sodium within a normal range. Total body water and sodium are regulated independently. The extent to which

The European Food Safety Agency recommends a daily total fluid intake of 2.5 litres for men and a couple of litres for women.

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hyponatremia can be brought about via excessive drinking with normal kidney function is not clear.

But during infective illness, peeing less combined with consciously drinking more fluids – because that’s the received wisdom – could be dangerous.

Healthcare practitioners often encourage patients to “drink plenty of fluids” when they are unwell. Even the well are encouraged to drink lots

Issue 10 ASIAN STANDARD 15

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of water to stay hydrated and keep healthy. Yet the rationale and evidence for these recommendations are equivocal. Timothy Noakes has spoken about the dangers of over-drinking in endurance athletes for some time, where the recommendation has been to drink as much as tolerable, and to drink before thirst.

Several deaths have been caused by exercise induced hyponatremia and excessive fluid intake, and similar

Unwittingly, the patient brought about a dangerous condition known as acute hyponatremia which can progress to seizures, coma and even death, which is related to drinking too much fluid.

concerns have been raised in sports where athletes undergo rapid weightloss to “make weight”. In relation to UTIs, drinking plenty of water is thought to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract via diuresis (the excessive production of urine).

Other potential mechanisms include maintenance of optimal urine pH and reducing the available surface area on which bacteria can thrive due to a shrinking effect on the bladder brought about by more frequent urination. However, evidence for these associations are conflicting.

The European Food Safety Agency recommends a daily total fluid intake of 2.5 litres for men and a couple of litres for women. It is worth noting that this includes water from all beverages and moisture content of foods (so not simply plain water) and will vary widely between different countries, depending on climate. A person’s fluid needs also depend on how physically active they are.

Water is clearly essential and we tend to think that more is better.

Physiologically, though, this is not always the case and it is quite reasonable to consider that excessive fluid intake could have no effect at all, or could in fact be harmful.

Drinking more than the body needs is not necessarily wise and, although rare, given the potential catastrophic results of hyponatremia there is a need for further research to identify

risks and benefits of frequent drinking so that we can have more precise drinking guidelines.

Using exercise as an example, and to echo Noakes, it is not clear why drinking guidelines for the most intellectual of mammals should be so different. We have a feedback mechanism that has been shaped by evolution: thirst. Whether it is beneficial to drink beyond thirst when you have an infection remains speculative. As others have pointed out, even a simple pragmatic study design comparing antibiotics and high water intake with antibiotics

alone, could provide evidence of an effect over a short time-frame.

Fortunately, in the instance outlined in the BMJ Case Report the patient’s hyponatremia was rapidly identified and successfully treated with simple fluid restriction. But given the scarcity and inconsistency of the available experimental and clinical data on drinking guidelines, attempts to address this dearth of information should be embraced.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Harleen Kaur:

podium position

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

Harleen Kaur has trained in martial arts for nearly 10 years, and enjoyed both national and international tournament success.

The award-winning 17-year-old, is also a 2nd Dan black belt in karate and is currently training in various fight disciplines including Taekwondo. She has represented England and is an ambassador for a number of organisations including the Asian Sports Foundation.

Harleen is currently balancing a fight career with completing her A-Levels at her high school Appleton Academy, where she is head girl and leader of the student council. During school time she uses her free periods to volunteer and raise money for different charities.

We spoke with Harleen about her career thus far, how martial arts has helped her to develop confidence, her future plans and more.

What is it about Martial arts that you are so passionate about?

“Karate has made me a mentally stronger person, as well as physically, as I have learnt a lot through this journey which is still ongoing.

“Self defence and discipline have been two of the most significant things I have learnt which can be applied to almost any situation.

“I have built my confidence through the years and have the courage and ability to tackle almost any type of challenge in my life.”

How did it feel to have won the NatWest Asian Women of Achievement Awards?

To tell you the truth, I didn't expect to be nominated.

“I was the only one who hadn’t prepared a speech. It was a very glitzy occasion and I didn't expect to win. My speech was made up on the spot.

It was unbelievable when my name was announced as the winner, because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I attended the ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Mayfair, London, and a few friends came to show their support too.

When did you start competing?

I started competing in tournaments about four years ago fighting against athletes from different backgrounds

including kickboxing, taekwondo and karate. I train with Jason Murray’s martial arts facility in Queensbury.

Currently, I am a 2nd Dan black belt

in karate and have been competing in martial arts tournaments (karate and kickboxing) including the WMKF British Championships 2015 where I won a gold and a bronze medal, and the WMKF World Championships 2015 where I won a silver medal.

I recently started training in taekwondo with the Horizon Taekwondo Academy, based in Bradford, and have a few competitions coming up across the country, which I am very excited about.

How does your family feel about your involvement in Martial Arts?

My parents have been really supportive. They push me the most and encourage me to carry on. They make sure I don’t miss training.

I believe that everything I have achieved today is due to my parents always pushing me to do my best and taking me to training and competitions.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement so far is winning the silver medal at the World Championships last year. It was my first international stage and I never imagined I would get a podium position.

It’s always been a dream to represent

My greatest achievement so far is winning the silver medal at the World Championships last year.

It was my first international stage and I never imagined I would get a podium position.

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE the nation and compete at the World Championships. It eventually kicked in when we got to the sports stadium on the first day of the competition, when I was selected to be a flag carrier at the opening ceremony. It felt amazing to carry the St Georges flag out along with so many athletes from across the world, even from India too.

What did it feel like to be selected to represent England?

I was the first British Asian female to represent WMKF England at the World Championships last year, which took place in Malta. As I said, I came second in the open age under 65kg category.

What is the biggest thing martial arts has taught you?

I believe the biggest thing I have learned from martial arts is my confidence. Many would describe me as being quite shy as a kid, but now I am far from it now.

How have you incorporated what you have learned into your life?

I am able to apply this to everyday life because I am now able to handle situations a lot better. More importantly, I am able to express myself without having to worry about what others are going to think

Self defence and discipline have been two of the most significant things I have learnt which can be applied to almost any situation. I have built my confidence through the years and have the courage and ability to tackle almost any type of challenge in my life.

My long-term dream is to have my own martial arts academy, hopefully in India too, so I can pass on my skill to others and get more south Asians, involved with martial arts. about me, which a lot of girls my age are bothered about. Not only have I learned how to defend myself, but I also feel I have significantly developed my self-discipline, which is probably why many would describe me as always trying to be positive.

What your future plans for the future?

My long-term dream is to have my own martial arts academy, hopefully in India too, so I can pass on my skill to others and get more south Asians, involved with martial arts.

18

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NEWS

Man arrested in stabbing incident heard screaming 'Muslims f****** hate them, kill them all'

by MO BHANA

"One person has been arrested following the incident and is currently in police custody.

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

A man who was allegedly involved in a stabbing incident at a south east London railway station shouted "death to Muslims" and "go back to Syria", eyewitness have said.

"One man was treated by ambulance staff at the scene and is currently en route to hospital.

"We are still investigating the circumstances of this incident but at this time, we are not treating it as terrorism-related."

Miguel Oliveira, 36, from Forest Hill, said he was met with a "wave of people" when he arrived at the station following the incident.

However, he came "face-to-face" with the knifeman, who was "shouting uncontrollably" after he allegedly stabbed a man at Forest Hill station.

He said: "The first few were shouting 'he's got a knife, he's got a knife' and then all of a sudden the next ones said 'Oh he's been stabbed call the police'."

He added that some members of the crowd were shouting: "He wants to kill Muslims".

Mr Oliveira says left the station but returned a few minutes later amid confusion over the whereabouts of the attacker.

He said: "I doubled back and I went back to the station and actually came face-to-face with him.

"He had just come out - not the way they were saying.

"He was walking towards me and he was shouting stuff like 'Death to Muslims' and 'Go back to Syria'."

The attacker

Shellby Curry, 24, from Forest Hill, was with her one-year old child when she saw a man "waving what looked to be a knife in his hand" near the station and screaming words like "Muslims f****** hate them, kill them all".

She described the attacker as a black

We are investigating the circumstances of the Forest Hill incident, but at this time we are not treating it as terrorism-related. British Transport Police spokesman A British Transport Police spokesman said: "We are investigating the circumstances of the Forest Hill incident, but at this time we are not treating it as terrorism-related."

British Transport Police (BTP) said.

Mr Oliveira said he then retreated from the station.

A BTP spokeswoman said: "We are currently at Forest Hill railway station, after being called to a serious assault at 1.18pm.

A man has been arrested following the "serious assault" at the station,

One man, who was injured in the attack, was treated at the scene and then taken to hospital.

man with short hair, who she thought appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s.

Several people phoned the police, who arrived around ten minutes later and restrained him, Miss Curry said.

"I was walking along and someone stopped and said 'be careful, he's got a knife'. As I looked around there he was. I just grabbed my baby and ran.�

Forest Hills Train Station

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NEWS

Oath of allegiance to 'British values' won't make any difference

by MO BHANA

democracy and equality.

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

However Labour's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said the move was doomed to failure.

Moves to make all public office holders swear an oath of allegiance to British values will not combat radicalisation, opposition parties have warned.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid sparked controversy by saying he was "drawn" to the idea of a loyalty pledge, which elected officials, civil servants, council workers, and BBC and NHS employees may be expected to swear.

Mr Javid's proposal to counter extremism came in response to a report on social cohesion by Dame Louise Casey, which warned some sections of society did not accept British values such as tolerance.

He said he was "drawn" to Dame Louise's recommendation to bring in an oath of allegiance because it was impossible for people to play a "positive role" in public life unless they accepted basic values like

"I have nothing against it in principle, but it will not make a difference to the problems of radicalisation, or integration.

"I don't think the oath will make any verifiable difference," she said.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, and former senior Metropolitan Police commander, Lord Brian Paddick also condemned the idea.

"Forcing public servants to swear an oath to British values would be both superficial and divisive.

"We should be talking about the universal values that unite us, not using nationalistic terms that exclude people.

"Instead they are creating hostility towards all minority communities, the vast majority of whom want to

Sajid Javed be an integrated part of the United Kingdom."

Writing in The Sunday Times, Mr Javid said: "If we are going to challenge such attitudes, civic and political leaders have to lead by example.

"We can't expect new arrivals to

embrace British values if those of us who are already here don't do so ourselves, and such an oath would go a long way to making that happen.

"Such values are not unique to this country. But if you don't accept that they're the building blocks of our society, you'll struggle to play a positive role in British life."

Making a charitable difference

by MO BHANA

whilst their parents moved away and did not want to look after them, whilst some of them, their parents have passed away and they have no one.

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

One woman’s mission to raise money for a special rehabilitation school and centre for children with disabilities is set to go down a treat.

“The event is for orphans who are really in need and we would love for people to bring their family and friends and join us as we light up the night with love for orphans.”

Robina Amin has organised a special event on 24 December at the Fairweather centre in aid of the Pakistan based, Al-Shifa Trust.

Robina who has visited the AlShifa Trust in Pakistan, says the organisation was established with the aim of prevention and control of blindness by providing standard and sustainable eye care services which are accessible and affordable to all regardless of gender, race, colour or religion.

“The centre provides hospitalbased tertiary eye care services for orphans,” said Robina.

“When I went out to Pakistan to visit the Al-Shifa Trust, I was astounded

The event is for orphans who are really in need and we would love for people to bring their family and friends and join us as we light up the night with love for orphans

by the affection and love that was given to the orphans, most need daily care and apart from the carers, they have nobody.

“Some of them were just left at home,

The event will take place at the Fairweather Centre on Thornton Road in Bradford, doors open at 6:30 pm and the programme begins at 7:00pm. A 3 course meal, entertainment along with an auction and a raffle will are set to be the highlights of the evening.

Tickets for the event are priced at £15.00 each.

WEEKENDER FREE Issue ten, Wednesday 11th November 2016

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TV E D I GU DE I S N I rite avou ls f r u o All y n channe s A ia

Ranveer Singh: I can’t articulate why, but I feel extremely protective about her

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BEAUTY

How to look after yourself this winter

Eating mangoes, avoiding hot showers and wearing sun cream are just some of the best ways to looking and feeling healthy this winter.

vitamins to making sure you lock in moisture efficiently, our tips will have you set to take care of your skin and hair right through to Spring.”

to ten minutes and keep the water mid to lukewarm.

Online hair and beauty retailer Hairtrade.com have come up with 15 ways to tame your tresses and banish skincare dryness this winter.

Here are the site’s top winter skin and hair care tips:

Hydration is key so they recommend drinking plenty of water, moisturising your skin and hair and investing in a humidifier.

It can be tempting to whack your shower temperature up full blast but this will damage your scalp and leave it flaky and can also strip your skin of moisture. Keep showers and baths

Cold conditions can take your skins natural moisture away, so make sure not to skip your skincare routine in the morning and at night. It’s also great to moisturise your hair too. Try to use a hydrating mask to restore natural oils that might have been stripped away in the cold.

Staying healthy by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and exercising regularly are also important.

Using the right products for the time of year also feature as well as DIY remedies like green tea bags on your eyelids and exfoliating lips with a toothbrush.

Joanne Dodds from Hairtrade.com said: “Winter conditions can be tough on your skin and hair and it’s easy to get lethargic with your routines in the colder months.

“But you need to take care of yourself throughout all the seasons, and especially this season if you want to look fresh and healthy for Christmas party month.

“From keeping your diet rich in

Avoid hot showers .

Moisturise.

Wear SPF This may sound ridiculous in the colder months but UV damage can affect your skin all year round, especially if it snows and the sunlight glares back onto you. Try investing in a tinted moisturiser with SPF to use as your foundation.

Invest in a humidifier Chances are you’ll have the heating on full blast at home, which will suck out any remaining moisture in the

Winter conditions can be tough on your skin and hair and it’s easy to get lethargic with your routines in the colder months. But you need to take care of yourself throughout all the seasons, and especially this season if you want to look fresh and healthy for Christmas party month. Joanne Dodds

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BEAUTY air. Invest in a humidifier and have it on at night to stop your hair and skin drying out.

Use a good facial oil In the summer you want to avoid oilbased products but in the winter your skin will lap them up. Use a radiance boosting facial oil three times a week to banish dullness and replenish the top layers of your skin.

Drink plenty of water Don’t replace your eight glasses of water a day with hot chocolate and lattes. Make sure you stay hydrated in the winter months and your skin will thank you.

Use vitamin E Harsh winds can cause your hair to have split ends, so try rubbing vitamin E on the ends of your hair to replenish them. Some say massaging this miracle oil onto your scalp can make hair grow fast too.

Eyes The thin skin around your eyes is particularly vulnerable in the winter months so use a good eye cream. For a natural remedy, place some cooled green tea bags on your lids for five minutes before you go to bed.

Keep washing your hair to a minimum If you can, try and limit yourself to only washing your hair two or three times a week to prevent it from drying out in the cold. This will minimise the amount of heat styling you do as well, which can have double its effect in the cold.

Harsh winds can cause your hair to have split ends, so try rubbing vitamin E on the ends of your hair to replenish them. Some say massaging this miracle oil onto your scalp can make hair grow fast too Eat your way to healthy skin You may be craving comfort food at this time of the year but make sure to get a good dose of vitamin A and C in your diet. Stock up on mangoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli, which are all linked to keeping skin glowing.

Exfoliate your lips Having lip balm handy is great for chapped lips but sometimes it might not do the job. To exfoliate a flaky pout, use a clean toothbrush and gently exfoliate to remove dead skin. Slather on nourishing lip balm afterwards to lock in moisture.

Have regular trips to the hairdresser Keep your hair in good condition in these harsh months by visiting your salon regularly. Aim to go every six weeks to keep your ends tided up.

Use a hand cream regularly Your hands have to battle the elements too so use a hand cream daily if your skin is regularly dry.

Invest in a silicone-based one that won’t leave you with slippery fingers.

Don’t replace your eight glasses of water a day with hot chocolate and lattes.

Make sure you stay hydrated in the winter months and your skin will thank you.

Keep wrapped up Your mum was right about layering up in wintertime. Wear a scarf that gives good coverage over your face and neck to avoid windburn.

Exercise Working up the motivation to work out in winter can be difficult but it’s important to do it. Exercising regularly will improve circulation and give your skin colour. If you decide to brave the cold for a jog outside, make sure to wrap up.

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Vegetarian

Recipes from

Madrasi Daal Sabzi

Ingredients For Madrasi Daal Powder • Oil : half teaspoon • Whole Red Chili : 10 • Fenugreek Seeds : quarter teaspoon • Mustard Seeds : a pinch • Coriander Seeds : 1 tablespoon • Poppy Seeds : half teaspoon • Curry Leaves : 3-4 • Garam Masala : half teaspoon • Turmeric Powder : quarter teaspoon • Iodized Salt : 1 teaspoon

Ingredients For Madrasi Daal • Red Lentil (lal masoor) : half cup • Yellow Lentil (moong dal) : half cup • Oil : 4 tablespoons • Garlic Paste : 1 teaspoon • Tomatoes (chopped) : 3 • Madrasi Powder : 2 teaspoon (above) • Iodized Salt : to taste • Mixed Vegetables : 1.5 cup (Bottle Gourd, Eggplant, String Beans, Potato (cubes),Green Peas & Lady fingers)

Method For Madrasi Daal Powder In a dry frying pan, roast the whole red chillies till they darken. Add fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, poppy seeds and curry leaves; toast for 1 minute.

Using a spice/coffee grinder, grind to a grainy powder. To the ground mixture, add National Garam Masala, National Turmeric Powder, and National Iodized Salt. This can be stored in an airtight jar.

Facebook/ The Desi Kitchen

Method For Madrasi Daal Wash and soak the lentils for about 30 minutes.

In a large sauce pan cook the tomatoes with National Garlic Paste till they soften.

Add both the red and yellow lentils to 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat low and cook with the lid on for 30-40 minutes or till they get mushy. Blend in a food processor to a fine thin consistency, or if desired mash using the back of a wooden spoon for a slightly chunkier texture.

Twitter/ @thedesikitched

Now add 2 teaspoons of the explained madras dal masala, National Iodized Salt, and vegetables; cook till vegetables are soft.

Add more water if it starts to dry out; bring to a boil.

It should have a soup-like consistency.

Give tarka by crackling National Cumin Seeds, whole red chilies, chopped garlic and curry leaves in heated oil. Pour over the daal and enjoy the aromatic Madrasi Daal Sabzi with rice!

Youtube/ The Desi Kitchen

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Sarson Ka Saag Ingredients • Mustard Oil : 1/2 cup • Onion (sliced) : 1 medium • Mustard Greens : 1 kg • Spinach : 1/2 kg • Methi Ka Saag : 250 gm • Green Chili : 4-6 pods • National Cumin Seeds : 1 teaspoon • Chili Powder : 1 teaspoon • Iodized Salt : to taste • Atta (whole wheat flour) : 1 tablespoon Ingredients For Bhagar • Desi Ghee : 2 tablespoons • Garlic : 3 cloves • National Cumin Seeds : 1/2 teaspoon

Method Separate the greens leaves from the stem and finely chop the stems, except the methi greens. Thoroughly wash the greens in water and keep aside.

In a large sauce pan heat the mustard oil and cook the onions till translucent.

Now add National Cumin Seeds and National Chili Powder; cook for 1 minute.

To this add all the greens, spinach, methi ka saag and green chili with about 4 cups water; bring to a boil and let it simmer on a low heat for 2-3 hours or until all the stems are tender.

Either with the back of a

spoon or a food processor blend the greens to the desired consistency.

Turn up the heat to medium and do bhuani. Once when very little moisture remains add National Iodized Salt.

Sprinkle the Atta and do bhunai for a further 5 minutes.

For Bhagar: In a frying pan add desi ghee and garlic together and fry till light golden in color.Add National Cumin Seeds and cook for 30 seconds; pour over the cooked saag and serve!

Tip By simmering the greens on low heat for a long time allows the hardy stems to get desirably tender.

Peshawari Daal Bukhara

Ingredients

Method

• Black Lentils (Kali Masoor Daal) : 250 gms • Oil : 2 tablespoons • Ginger & Garlic Paste : 1 teaspoon • Cumin Seeds : 1 teaspoon • Turmeric Powder : 1/4 teaspoon • Coriander Powder : 1 tablespoon • Chili Powder : 1 teaspoon • Tomato Puree : 1 & 1/2 cup • Iodized Salt : to taste • Kasturi Methi : 1/2 teaspoon • Ketchup : 1 tablespoon • Fresh Cream : 1/2 cup • Butter : 4 tablespoons

Facebook/ The Desi Kitchen

Soak the Black Lentils for 30 minutes; boil in about 4 cups of water till soft and tender.

Save the boiling liquid and keep aside.

In a sauce pan add oil, Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Chili Powder, and tomato puree. Cook on medium heat till it thickens.

To the thickened mixture, add the boiled black lentils with all their cooking liquid and cook on a low heat for 40-50 minutes with the lid on; stirring every few minutes to avoid burning.

Twitter/ @thedesikitched

Now add Iodized Salt, Kasturi Methi, fresh cream, Tomato Ketchup, and butter; mix well and cook for a few minutes.

From your regular kaaley masur ki daal to a creamy, buttery concoction that has supreme sublime flavour, Daal Bukhara is a gift that comes straight from Peshawar. National’s Kasuri Methi adds just a unique depth of flavour to this rich but simple dish and will have you smacking your lips in satisfaction!

Youtube/ The Desi Kitchen

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Your Weekend tv Guide for all your favourite Asian TV channels Saturday 24 December 2016

SONY TV

03:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

20:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

06:00 Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (Drama)

08:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

04:30 CID (Drama)

21:00 Mere Humnawa (Drama)

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

22:00 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy)

06:30 Bani - Ishq Da Kalma (Drama)

09:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

22:30 Aashiq Colony (Drama)

07:00 Vatsalya Tech (Magazine Programme)

09:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

00:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

07:30 Karmafal Daata Shani (Drama)

ARY TV

01:00 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer) 02:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama) 02:30 Begunah (Drama) 05:59 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama) 06:30 Jeevan Prabhat (Religious) 07:00 Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (Drama) 07:30 Bhakti Sagar (Religious) 07:59 Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (Drama) 08:29 Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (Drama) 08:59 Crime Patrol (Documentary) 10:30 Super Dancer (Reality Show) 11:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

06:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show) 06:22 Azan-E-Fajr (Religious) 06:31 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show) 08:00 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer) 09:00 Inteqam (Film) 10:00 Dilli Walay Dulahray Babu (Drama)

09:00 Ek Shringaar Swabhiman (Drama) 11:30 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Reality Show)

04:00 Mere Humnawa (Drama)

14:30 Jannat 2 (Film)

05:00 Tadabbur-E-Qur'an (Religious)

16:30 Daringbaaz Aashique 2 (Film)

20:00 Jeet (Film)

05:30 Hamd O Naat (Music)

19:00 Devanshi (Drama)

B4U Movies

19:30 Sasural Simar Ka (Drama) 20:00 Naagin (Drama) 21:00 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

12:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama) 12:05 Azan-E-Zuhr (Religious)

22:30 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Reality Show)

12:11 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

00:00 Naagin (Drama)

12:30 Begunah (Drama)

01:00 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

06:00 Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai (Film)

14:00 Hum Tum (Film)

13:40 Azan-E-Asr (Religious)

09:30 Chalo Dilli (Film)

02:30 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Reality Show)

16:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

13:45 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

13:00 Yuva (Film)

04:00 Devanshi (Drama)

20:00 Super Dancer (Reality Show) 21:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy) 22:30 CID (Drama) 23:30 Crime Patrol (Drama) 00:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy) 02:00 Super Dancer (Reality Show)

16:30 Dil Ne Jise Apna K (Film) 20:00 Mausam (Film)

15:58 Azan-E-Maghrib (Religious)

23:30 Damadamm! (Film)

16:05 Mein Mehroo (Drama)

03:00 The Train (Film)

16:30 Rishta Anjana Sa (Drama) 17:00 Meer Aur Maya (Drama)

11:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

15:00 Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza (Comedy)

13:30 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

19:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

11:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

03:30 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy)

10:30 Meer Aur Maya (Drama)

15:30 Dilli Walay Dulahray Babu (Drama)

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

13:00 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

13:00 Asian Variety Show (Entertainment)

17:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

SAB TV

12:00 Ijaazat (Film)

17:05 Jawani Diwani (Film)

23:05 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 00:05 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 01:00 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 01:50 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 02:45 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 03:30 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 04:20 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 05:00 Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (Film)

SONY MAX

Colours TV

17:35 Azan-E-Isha (Religious) 17:42 Meer Aur Maya (Drama) 18:30 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

05:10 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (Film)

06:00 Dedh Ishqiya (Film)

19:00 Begunah (Drama)

08:00 Gupp Chupp (Drama)

08:00 Dhund (Film)

Aamir Khan praises Hrithik Roshan's Kaabil Actor Aamir Khan was all praise for the trailer of Hrithik Roshan's Kaabil at a recent event in India. "I have been a big fan of Rakeshji from his first film and infact his first film Madhosh was for my father. I have seen him in action since my childhood. I feel happy that he liked the trailer of Dangal. He

is a very lovely and warm person. In fact, I also saw the trailer of Kaabil and liked it very much. I also called Hrithik and told him the same,"said Aamir.

Talking about the importance of releasing trailers in today's times, Aamir further

added, "I think a trailer is important for every film. It offers the audience the first insight into a film. It gives the audience a chance to know how the film could be and they can make up their mind whether to watch the film or not. So to cut a trailer of a film is a very important step in the marketing of the film."

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10:30 Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Film)

07:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

03:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

06:30 Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (Entertainment)

03:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

14:00 Mohabbatein (Film)

08:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

03:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

07:00 Zee News (News)

04:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

08:30 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

04:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

09:00 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

04:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

18:00 Salaam Namaste (Film) 21:00 Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani (Film) 00:00 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (Film) 03:00 Ittefaq (Film)

STAR GOLD

09:30 Naamkarann (Drama) 10:00 Masterchef India 5 Master Class (Cookery) 11:00 Masterchef India 5 (Cookery) 12:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama) 12:30 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

05:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama) 05:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

ZEE CINEMA

11:55 Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (Film) 14:35 Cheeni Kum (Film) 17:20 Golmaal 3 (Film) 20:00 Kick (Film) 22:55 Neerja (Film) 01:20 Keertiman (Film) 04:00 Woh Lamhe (Film)

STAR PLUS

05:15 Pure Bollywood (Music) 06:15 Joggers' Park (Film)

18:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

08:35 Bollywood Business (Magazine Programme)

18:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

09:05 Dharam Karam (Film)

19:00 Saathiya (Drama)

11:35 Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (Film)

HUM TV

09:30 The Art Room (Entertainment) 10:00 Out and About (Entertainment)

12:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama) 13:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

09:00 Jago Pakistan Jago 10:30 Joru Ka Ghulam(Rpt)

13:30 Rustom (Film)

11:00 Hatheli

16:30 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment)

12:00 Dil Banjaara

17:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery)

13:00 Saya e Deewaar bhi Nahi 14:00 Sila

18:00 Food Tripping (Cookery)

15:00 Bin Roye

16:45 Desi Boyz (Film)

18:30 Zee News (News)

16:00 Bunty I love u

20:00 Masterchef India 5 (Cookery)

19:00 Baar Baar Dekho (Film) 21:55 Pardes (Film)

19:00 The Golden Years with Javed Aktar (Documentary)

21:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

01:10 Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (Film)

20:00 Yaaron Ki Baraat (Game Show)

19:00 Fun Khana

22:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

03:50 Dharam Karam (Film)

21:00 Amma (Drama)

20:00 Laaj

22:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama)

21:00 Bunty I love u

21:00 Naamkarann (Drama)

ZEE TV

23:30 Masterchef India 5 (Cookery)

07:00 Saathiya (Drama)

09:00 Money Guru (Business and Finance)

14:20 Yahaan (Film)

23:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

06:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

19:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

22:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

06:00 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

08:30 Narayan Seva Sansthan (Documentary)

12:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

14:30 Naamkarann (Drama)

17:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

05:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama)

11:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

14:00 Naamkarann (Drama)

08:40 Swarg (Film)

08:00 Bhakti Bhav (Entertainment)

11:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

13:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

15:00 Bobby Jasoos (Film)

04:30 Jamai Raja (Drama)

10:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery)

13:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

06:00 Dhoom Dhadaka (Film)

07:30 Yoga for You (Entertainment)

00:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama)

00:30 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

01:00 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment)

01:00 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama) 01:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama) 02:00 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

23:00 The Golden Years with Javed Aktar (Documentary)

02:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama) 05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

02:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama) 03:00 Sanyukt (Drama)

02:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

Eros International & Soham Rockstar’s Sanam Teri Kasam screened at the Bollywood Film Festival in Russia Eros International’s 2016 musical love story, Sanam Teri Kasam was one of the 8 chosen films that was screened across 21 cities at the Bollywood Film Festival in Russia. The weeklong Film Festival flagged off on November 30.

The romantic film starring debutantes, Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru was released earlier this year.

Harshvardhan Rane who was also invited for the film’s screening was overwhelmed with the love and appreciation the movie received.

17:00 Laaj 18:00 Sange Mar Mar

19:30 Joru Ka Ghulam

22:00 Saturday Night Special

Disclaimer : Please note listings correct at the time of printing and can vary.

8

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Your Weekend tv Guide for all your favourite Asian TV channels Sunday 25 December 2016

SONY TV

Show (Comedy)

17:43 Aashiq Colony (Drama)

06:00 Udaan (Film)

09:00 Khidki (Reality Show)

02:00 Super Dancer (Reality Show)

18:30 Bulbulay (Comedy)

09:30 Khidki (Reality Show)

19:00 Begunah (Drama)

07:00 Vatsalya Tech (Magazine Programme)

03:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

20:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

07:30 Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (Drama)

04:31 CID (Drama)

22:00 Inteqam (Film)

09:00 Devanshi (Entertainment)

11:00 Spice Up (Cookery)

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

23:00 Meray Shohar Ki Dulhan (Drama)

10:30 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

00:30 Bulbulay (Comedy)

12:30 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

11:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

ARY TV

01:00 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer) 02:00 Begunah (Drama) 03:00 Inteqam (Film)

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

04:00 Ghayal (Film)

06:30 Jeevan Prabhat (Religious) 07:00 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama) 07:30 Bhakti Sagar (Religious) 07:59 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama)

05:00 Tadabbur-E-Qur'an (Religious) 06:00 Begunah (Drama) 06:22 Azan-E-Fajr (Religious) 06:31 Begunah (Drama) 07:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

08:29 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama)

08:00 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer)

08:59 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama)

09:00 Good Morning Pakistan (Chat Show)

09:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

10:30 Aashiq Colony (Drama)

10:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

12:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

12:00 Super Dancer (Reality Show) 13:00 CID (Drama) 14:00 Dhoom (Film) 17:00 Beyhadh (Drama) 17:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy) 19:00 Crime Patrol (Drama) 20:00 Super Dancer (Reality Show)

12:06 Azan-E-Zuhr (Religious) 12:13 Khushhaal Susral (Drama) 12:30 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy)

05:30 Hamd O Naat (Music)

B4U Movies

06:00 Dhamaal (Comedy) 09:30 Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (Film) 13:00 Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap (Film)

23:30 Happy Ending (Entertainment)

10:30 Khidki (Reality Show)

12:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show) 12:30 Jamai Raja (Film) 16:00 Joru Ka Ghulam (Film) 20:00 Kaamchor (Film)

19:30 Sasural Simar Ka (Drama)

23:30 Kambhakt Ishq (Film)

20:00 Naagin (Drama)

03:05 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary)

21:00 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

01:00 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

13:41 Azan-E-Asr (Religious)

15:00 Muqaabil (Drama)

19:00 Devanshi (Drama)

00:00 Naagin (Drama)

16:30 Grand Masti (Film)

14:00 Mere Humnawa (Drama)

15:30 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Reality Show)

22:30 Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza (Comedy)

13:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

13:48 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

14:00 Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza (Comedy)

10:00 Khidki (Reality Show)

03:45 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 04:35 Kareeb (Film)

SONY MAX

02:30 Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza (Comedy) 04:00 Udaan (Film)

SAB TV

20:00 Main Tera Hero (Film) 06:00 Don No. 1 (Film) 09:00 Dynamic Josh (Film)

03:00 The Shaukeens (Film)

11:30 Love Aaj Kal (Film)

Colours TV

14:30 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (Film) 18:00 Student of the Year (Film)

21:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

15:59 Azan-E-Maghrib (Religious)

22:30 CID (Drama)

16:06 Yehi Ishq (Drama)

05:00 Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (Film)

23:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

17:00 Aashiq Colony (Drama)

08:00 Gupp Chupp (Drama)

00:00 Salaam Namaste (Film)

17:36 Azan-E-Isha (Religious)

08:30 Khidki (Reality Show)

03:00 Jyoti (Film)

00:30 The Kapil Sharma

OK Jaanu First Look: Shraddha Kapoor & Aditya Roy Kapoor Karan Johar has revealed the first look of OK Jaanu starring Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor in lead roles. The first poster has both Aditya and Shraddha together, with Mumbai’s Marine Drive forming the backdrop.

Directed by Shaad Ali, OK Jaanu is produced

by Mani Ratnam and Karan Johar. Music director A.R. Rahman has composed the music for the film while lyrics are penned by Gulzar. The film will release in cinemas on 13 January 2017.

Karan tweeted the first look and shared, “You have a date with unabashed and unapologetic LOVE on the 13th of Jan!! ADITYA ROY KAPUR and SHRADDHA KAPOOR IN #OkJaanu.”

21:00 Fan (Film)

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08:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

05:00 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

07:30 Yoga for You (Entertainment)

02:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

08:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

05:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

08:00 Bhakti Bhav (Entertainment)

03:00 Sanyukt (Drama)

ZEE CINEMA

09:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 09:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

08:30 Narayan Seva Sansthan (Documentary) 09:00 Money Guru (Business and Finance)

9

03:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama) 04:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama) 04:30 Jamai Raja (Drama)

10:00 Masterchef India 5 Master Class (Cookery)

09:30 The Art Room (Entertainment)

05:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama)

11:00 Masterchef India 5 (Cookery)

10:00 Out and About (Entertainment)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

07:55 Mann (Film)

12:00 Koffee with Karan (Chat Show)

10:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery)

11:35 Seeta Aur Geeta (Film)

13:00 Naamkarann (Drama)

11:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

06:00 Pangaa Gang (Film)

14:40 Jodi Breakers (Film)

13:30 Naamkarann (Drama)

17:20 Son of Sardaar (Film)

14:00 Kal Ho Naa Ho (Entertainment)

20:00 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Film)

17:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

23:10 Sssshhh... (Film)

18:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

02:20 Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Film) 05:35 The Front Row with Anupama Chopra (Entertainment)

STAR PLUS

03:50 Dharam Karam (Film) 06:20 Pure Bollywood (Music) 06:40 Yahaan (Film) 09:00 Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (Film) 12:35 Vivah (Film) 15:30 Ramaiya Vastavaiya (Film)

18:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama) 19:00 Saathiya (Drama)

21:00 Koffee with Karan (Chat Show)

00:30 Masterchef India 5 (Cookery)

13:30 Tamasha (Film)

09:00 Jago Pakistan Jago

16:30 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment)

10:30 Fun Khana (Rpt)

03:35 Tanu Weds Manu (Film)

17:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery)

05:40 Pure Bollywood (Music)

18:00 Food Tripping (Cookery)

06:30 Chandra Nandni (Drama) 07:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama) 07:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

03:00 Saathiya (Drama)

13:00 Bin Roye

19:00 The Golden Years with Javed Aktar (Documentary)

15:00 Hatheli

22:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama)

02:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

12:00 Laaj

14:00 Hatheli

21:00 Amma (Drama)

02:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

11:00 Saya e Dewaar bhi Nahin

18:30 Zee News (News)

20:00 Yaaron Ki Baraat (Game Show)

01:30 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

06:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

12:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

20:20 Tanu Weds Manu Returns (Film)

ZEE TV

22:00 Dabangg (Film)

12:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

13:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

00:40 Vivah (Film)

20:00 Masterchef India 5 (Cookery)

11:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

18:00 Tanu Weds Manu (Film)

22:50 Darna Zaroori Hai (Film)

19:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

HUM TV

16:00 Bunty I love u 17:00 SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL 19:00 Joru Ka Ghulam 19:30 Mr Shamim

23:00 The Golden Years with Javed Aktar (Documentary)

20:00 Bin Roye 21:00 Bunty I love u

03:30 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

00:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama)

22:00 Kitni Girhein Baqi Hain

04:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

06:30 Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (Entertainment)

01:00 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment)

Disclaimer : Please note listings correct at the time of printing and can vary.

04:30 Naamkarann (Drama)

07:00 Zee News (News)

02:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama)

“I’m French, My Parents are Indian!” Aditya Chopra spills the beans on his leading lady Shyra Director Aditya Chopra has penned down his third letter, wherein he opened up about the surprise casting of Vaani Kapoor.

The casting came as a surprise because Aditya was placing the burden of a big budget project on the shoulders of an actress who

was just one film old. Vaani had debuted with Yash Raj Films‘ Shuddh Desi Romance and had done a Southern film in between.

In Befikre, she plays Shyra, an outgoing Parisian of Indian origin.

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INTERVIEW

Ranveer Singh: I can’t articulate why, but I feel extremely protective about her

by FATIMA PATEL fatima@asian-standard.co.uk

2015 was a great year for him, as he bagged all the best actor awards for his role as Bajirao in Bajirao Mastani. Ace director Aditya Chopra has called him the next Shahrukh Khan, whilst Sanjay Leela Bhansali has continued showing his faith in him by signing him up for his next mega film. He is most definitely the current favourite of the Bollywood film industry and we were fortunate to catch up with

him during his visit to Bradford, UK. We met up with the infectiously happy and dashingly handsome Ranveer Singh, to talk films, kissing scenes and how does he feel about being Anil Kapoor’s love interest.

How did it feel when ace Director Aditya Chopra, came to you with Befikre and chose to direct you himself ?

It was actually such a big piece of news for me that I didn’t actually embrace it, accept it, or think that it was going to happen, except that this was actually going to happen, until it was actually officialised because there are many instances in my life where many big things

happen and then somehow the other day they fall apart and they don’t happen and you face a great deal of disappointment and that doesn’t feel good at all. So, I wasn’t going to immediately celebrate or anything till such time that I knew it was absolutely official. But it happened almost in the exact same fashion as the time he (Aditya Chopra) told me I was going to do Baand Baaja Baraat. He calls me up to his office. The great big Yash Raj Studio facility and he sits on the great big fourth floor. If you are called to the fourth floor to meet Mr Aditya Chopra. It’s something super important. So, when I got selected for Baand Baaja Baraat he called me to his office and I was sat across the couch and he told me (I showed no emotion even as a rank newcomer, picked up from nowhere) you’re going to be Yash Raj’s first solo hero ever about to be launched. It was a

massive massive deal for me.

You have a very unique and quirky style statement. Do you ever influence this into any of your characters you play in the movies?

Not at all, actually. There are two directors who have actually had a great influence on me. Two cinematic minds, one is Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the other is Aditya Chopra. What I have learnt from them is that everybody has a job to do on a film. It’s team work, it’s a collaborative effort. I am the emotions guy. I am the guy who brings emotions and infuses them into characters, brings characters to life with mannerisms and with all the human nuances and stuff like that. So, the director is the captain of the ship. Every department has the work that they do and they

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INTERVIEW do it better than anyone else and that’s why they are doing it. So, I give the costume designer their space. I am one of those actors who doesn’t really get involved on the look. I trust that they’ve been brought in for a reason. They are the experts of that department and so I give them their space. I allow myself to be more led entirely (look wise) by whoever’s responsibility it is to design that look. Of course, if my input is asked for then I will definitely offer it. But I am the kind of guy who gives the costume designer a lot of space.

So, from all the films you have done, which characters’ style have you loved the most?

None!

None?

Yes, I don’t like any of them (laughter) I really don’t, but if I had to answer your question I would say, Ram from Ram Leela. I like the beard and I like the long hair.

This is Vaani’s first lead film.

a great part, with a really great director in a really great film. So, I think her gamble paid off to begin with, but of course the nerves were kind of getting to her. She was extremely nervous on the first day.

On the day before it was going to be the first day as well, she was hyperventilating I’ll never forget, we were at headquarters in Paris and she was a bag of nerves. But Adi sir’s master stroke was to begin with the songs. He was supposed to start with the talky scene and he said at the very last minute no I want to start with the song because he knew that Vaani was well rehearsed for the song and that she would absolutely kill it.

And that song was ‘nashe si chad gayi’. Once we did the song, she gained so much confidence from that. So, it’s amazing how a director can improvise on a schedule on a scene and give the actor what they need to be able to perform. After she did that song, which took us three days to do, but after she had done it, she was just flowing. When you’re so nervous and new, you need that, and this was me back in the day, that you rely on the validation from the people around you and that gives you self-confidence and

because he is very guarded about his material. However, he showed it to us and that’s when she realised that ok this is working and that gave her another boost of selfconfidence and she has absolutely nailed the part. The way she went about her physicality, her dance, her accent and her French, she was so immersed in the character that she has absolutely nailed it.

She tells us you played a lot of pranks on her. Is that true?

Yes, I did. Not really pranks but I would trash talk and bully her and make her miserable, rile her up because I could you know. I used to be a bully in school and so here’s my opportunity many years later. I can’t articulate why, but I feel extremely protective about her and I am the only one who I will allow to bully her. Anyone else says anything to her, I will take them down.

Tell us something ‘Befikre’ that you’ve done?

I have done a lot of stuff. (laughs). I used to be quite the nutter back in the day before growing up, I’ve been a pretty pretty Befikre kind of guy.

So, the film is definitely very apt to you?

Yes We interviewed Mr Anil Kapoor around a month ago, and we asked him the question…

(Ranveer at this point makes Anil Kapoor impersonations) We asked Anil that if you got the opportunity to play a gay character who would you like as your love interest. Anil chose you. What are your thoughts on that?

Ranveer and Vaani in Befikre How do you think she has done in the film?

She was extremely nervous to begin with and with good reason she has waited a long time to do another film and it paid off because it’s

then you’re able to do what you can do, but are probably just too nervous. So, once we did that song after the first week of whatever we shot, Adi sir showed us the material and he said: ‘I want you to see this’ which is very unexpected of him,

Wow, that’s amazing. That’s testament to his love and affection for me and his comfort level with me. As a co-actor, we had a brilliant time with each other. I would rate him as one of the best co-actor experiences I have ever had. The kind of passion that the man has for the craft is matchless. He puts even the young and new actors to shame.

The kind of vigour and passion with which he goes about his work is

Ranveer Singh with Fatima Patel stunning. He and I got along like a house on fire from the get go. I am so happy that I got a chance to work with him because he is one of my screen idols.

The Befikre trailer shows a lot of kissing in the film. Here in the UK it is felt that British Asians watch Bollywood films mainly due to their family centric content. Now with kissing scenes, intimate scenes do you think a certain section of the British Asian audience might shy away from coming to watch Befikre?

I would like to tell all the British Asian audiences that we have actually got a UA from the censor board, which is testament in itself.

It’s a family film. It really is. It is very simple hearted love story.

Genuine romantic comedy, one that you don’t get to see too often.

Usually in Hindi romantic films, by the third act you know they are going to get a bit emotional, which then it’s not a romantic comedy no more. It becomes a love story, but

here you have a genuine romantic comedy after a long time. Adi sir wanted to shake up the genre. He said nobody is doing anything within this genre, which is my favourite genre. I love ‘When Harry met Sally’. I love ‘Love Actually’ and he wanted to make something in this genre because nobody else was. He was like I have to do it.

Well, we are in Bradford, so if you were to give a message to all the Bradford audience about Befikre, what would it be?

To all the Bradfordians, we’ve come a long way to give this message to you, about our dear film Befikre. It’s a happy film so please bring all your loved ones your friends, your family and come watch our film December 9th. I promise you entertainment and endearment. And this guy Aditya Chopra is an ace director, he doesn’t direct too often but he is a fabulous director and I think he has made a film that our team is very very proud of and we would love for you all to come and watch it.

I used to be quite the nutter back in the day before growing up, I’ve been a pretty pretty Befikre kind of guy.

Ranveer Singh in Bradford

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TECHNOLOGY

Nokia is returning to the phone market Nokia is making a return to the world of mobile phones under new owners HMD Global Oy, a Finnish firm led by numerous original Nokia staffers (Ars Technica). The company will be making both feature phones

and Android smartphones, and says that it plans to "deliver on the quality and designs that the Nokia brand has been always known for". Sadly, unlike its illustrious predecessor, the new Nokia has no fabrication plants of its

own, so has partnered with Foxconn subsidiary FIH Mobile for manufacturing. It remains to be seen whether the new feature phones will be able to match the indestructibility of the legendary Nokia 3310.

Facebook has listed the most popular discussion topics of 2016 Facebook has published its Year in Review, a summary of the most-talked-about stories on the social network (Digital Trends).

Unsurprisingly, the US presidential election comes out on top, followed

by Brazillian politics - reflecting recent government upheaval and corruption scandals - and PokĂŠmon Go. Brexit came in a few spots below Pikachu at number seven, while David Bowie at number nine was the highest-ranking celebrity death.

For the first time, Facebook has also listed its top Live videos, with Chewbacca Mom taking the top spot.

Users will be able to create their own Year in Reviewvideos, assuming they actually want to relive 2016

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TECHNOLOGY

Londoners can now get their takeaway delivered by robot

Just Eat has brought a fleet of autonomous delivery robots to Greenwich in London, and it claims it's the first to bring ground-based delivery bots into regular service

(Engadget). Customers can't specify robot delivery as an option, but the company says that Greenwich "will increasingly be serviced" by robots handling the last stage of delivery

from restaurant to customer. The six-wheeled bots are streamlined, tamper-proof boxes on wheels, which use GPS and sensors to navigate and can carry up to 9kg.

Pokémon Go's Nearby tracking feature is now live in the UK Pokémon Go finally has a working tracker, as the long-awaited Nearby feature launches in the UK. Like the original version of the feature, you tap at the bottom right to bring up a list of nearby Pokémon. The nine nearest ones will be displayed.

Tap one of the visible Pokémon, and it will show the picture disc of the PokéStop it will be nearest to.

Touch the footprints icon, and that creature will be marked to track, with the Pokéstop you need to head to pointed out on the world map.

Niantic has confirmed the repaired tracking feature is available in "the rest of the continental United States and large parts of Europe".

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TRAVEL

Starry eyed Budapest

by FATIMA PATEL fatima@asian-standard.co.uk

Budapest seems to be a celebrity hot spot lately. Our B-Town celebrities from Shahrukh to Ranbir seem to be flocking to the Hungarian capital. It seems our Bollywood stars aren’t the only ones who have raved about their visit to Budapest so have Hollywood movie stars, musicians and sports stars.

Movie star Keanu Reeves came to Budapest for the filming of 47 Ronin in 2011. He told local press: "I'm simply amazed, it's a beautiful city!

After the filming's finished, if I have time, I would love to get to know the city better."

Deranged husband and wife, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have both spent time in Budapest on acting and directing jobs. It seems Angelina Jolie particularly loved Budapest because she chose to make her directorial

debut here with her first film In the Land of Blood and Honey. Her soft spot for the place was even reported in the Daily Mail.

So, what’s the fascination? Let’s explore Budapest.

There are numerous historic and cultural sights, which your travel guides will tell you all about.

The Hungarian capital’s charm lies in the many cultural influences that affected the city during its long history.

The mixture of western capitalism that has been advancing relentlessly since the change of political systems, and the after effects of the more than 40 years of communist era give Budapest a strange appeal.

The city has undergone several changes in recent years and it is most certainly for the better.

If you like relaxation and spa

treatments, then you are in for a treatment as there are plenty of baths and treatment retreats in Budapest.

You can bathe in Turkish baths (the Király Bath, the Rudas, and the Veli Bej Spa) enjoying the centuries old architecture but you also have the option to splurge in upscale spas (the Gellért, and the Széchenyi Baths, or in the wide range of spa and wellness hotels (Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Royal Spa in the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal etc.)

contemporary boutique/fashion hotel.

Thermal springs with medicinal qualities abound in the capital and the other parts of Hungary. The city is ideal for a relaxing holiday in a spa and wellness hotel combined with refreshing massage treatments.

For those who enjoy the nightlife Budapest has a buzzing scene. The city is alive with great parties in good pubs, bars, open-air clubs. No wander the city became a hot-spot for stag and hen parties.

Accommodation facilities are wide ranging. There are many hotels and other types of accommodation in Budapest offering lodging to every taste and budget. You can sleep in a lavish palace hotel like the New York Palace Boscolo Hotel, the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, or in a

There are of course places that must be avoided since they target tourists for ripping them off.

Travellers on a tight budget can choose from a wide range of quality hostels both in the city centre or in the green belt.

A good accommodation option over a hotel is staying in a fullyserviced apartment. There are many apartment rental agencies in Budapest specialising in renting out quality apartments.

Most of these infamous clubs have been shut down recently by local authorities.

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TRAVEL The ruin bars (romkocsma in Hungarian) are all the rage these days: quaint, neglected buildings, located usually in the historic Jewish quarter (district VII., parts of distr. VIII.) converted to bars and clubs with distinct, retro interior, several bars and dance areas and a peculiar atmosphere.

Szimpla in Kazinczy utca 14 is the most famous (it also has a Sunday market), but there are at least a dozen other if you wish to have a terrific night with lots of drinking, dancing, making friends.

For a special party experience join one of the cruise parties on the Danube or drop by a crazy sparty on Saturday nights in Széchenyi Bath (April-November) or Lukács bath in the winter season.

For those who prefer to take in a bit of culture or prefer festivals to parties, don’tworry as here’s always something going on in Budapest, no matter which season you come.

There are great festivals all year round (Budapest Spring Festival, the Summer Festival and the CAFE Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival in Autumn are the three biggest cultural events).

Families with kids will also find attractions, things to do that’ll entertain the whole family.

The City park is highly recommended for children because of the Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Holnemvolt Park, an entertainment park with animal petting area, a historic merry-go-round and other fun rides, that opened at the end of April in

2014. at the place of the former Amusement Park.

In summer, you can row on the park’s lake that functions as an ice rink during winter months. The vast park is an ideal place for a leisurely walk with the kids.

The Grand Circus next to the Zoo is a great option should you experience a rainy day.

But our favourite recreational area is Margitsziget with a musical fountain, bringo carts, lots of green, medieval ruins, several playgrounds and the outdoor pools of the Palatinus.

Although it is not in the city centre the Hungarian Railway Museum is also a fun place to visit.

Gellert Baths, Budapest

Night market in Budapest Shops, boutiques, markets abound in Budapest. The several shopping centres (Corvin Plaza, Allee, Arena Plaza, West End City Center, MOM Park, Campona) are great places to shop for designer clothes, electronics, books, jewelry, toiletries, small gifts, food stuff etc.

For buying authentic Hungarian gifts and food stuff(paprika powder, honey, Tokaji aszú wine, embroidery) visit the Central Market Hall at the Pest end of the Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge).

Hungarian parliment, Budapest

The inner city (Váci utca and its neighbourhood in V. district, Andrássy út in VI. district) gives home to several stores selling world-famous designer brands: Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Escada, Furla etc.

Széchenyi thermal baths, Budapest Talented Hungarian designers have pop-up shops or permanent shops at several places in the city. For those fashionistas you might want to drop by Nanushka’s flagship store in Deák Ferenc utca/Fashion Street in downtown.

The clothes designed by the talented young lady, Sandra Sándor have become very sought after in recent years (Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie have also worn her clothes).

Coming on to food there are countless restaurants, bistros, taverns, fast food places, as well as international eateries.

Although the quality varies widely, the city has many restaurants where you can enjoy a pleasant meal at a fair price

Restaurants, cafes, pubs stand next to each other with outdoor terraces in the summer season.

These aren’t necessarily the best places to have a great restaurant experience since they target mostly tourists with overpriced menus (although there are some inexpensive self-service eateries too.)

If you want to have a first-class meal you’ll find around a dozen of fine dining restaurants in Budapest where Hungarian star chefs prepare exciting menus from fresh, highestquality ingredients.

With so much choice and beauty it’s now wonder Budapest has become a little starry eyed.

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NEWS

The key to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

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

In occupied Jerusalem there is one key that plays a very special role at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christendom’s holiest site.

However, little is known about a Muslim family that, as the designated custodian of the church, has been safeguarding this particular key since 1187.

The present custodian, Adeeb Jawad Joudeh Al Hussaini, proudly shows the cast-iron key. “My family came from Makkah more than a thousand years ago. We trace our roots to the Prophet [PBUH] as well as to his cousin Ali Ibn Abu Taleb.

this family because various Christian denominations were fighting among themselves. Al Hussaini says that’s not true. “Salahuddin gave the key to our family to protect the church from any sultan after him who might think of destroying it.

To protect the church, Caliph Omar gave the key to the Al Hussaini family who were the Shaikhs of Al Aqsa Mosque, who were highly respected by the Muslims of Jerusalem. So no sultan could even think of destroying the church.”

The first Royal Decree was issued by Sultan Salim Al Awal in 1517 and the

possession of the key of the church.

My grandfather told him about the history and the protection given to the church, especially the reason why Salahuddin gave my family the key. Allenby told him that he won’t be more generous than Salahuddin and gave him full responsibility to continue.”

As for financial compensation, Al Hussaini says, “It was written in the Royal Decrees that a payment of three and a half gold coins monthly was to be given for the service. After 1967 when Israel took over, that stopped and a payment of 25 Israeli shekels

During the period of the Crusades in Jerusalem’s history, the Crusaders controlled the church, but when Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem he handed the key to the Shaikh of the Al Haram Al Sharif on which stands the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The Sultan then decreed that the key has to move from father to son, and today I am the custodian of the key,” he says.

“I first touched the key at the age of 8, I had the privilege of placing the stamp on the tomb inside the church.

I have two jobs — the custodian of the key and of the Holy Tomb seal holder.”

Al Hussaini began doing this job 25 years ago. Now, at 53, he is still very passionate about it. He wakes up at 3am every day and drives from his apartment in the east Occupied Jerusalem suburb of Beit Hanina to the Old City, parks his car in the Armenian Quarter to be in time for the 4am opening of the door to the church.

A notion that has gained currency is that Salahuddin handed the key to

Custodian of the key to the Holy Sepulchre, Adeeb Jawad Joudeh Al Hussaini last by Sultan Mohammad Rashid Al Khamis in 1908.

was offered, which we have not received since.”

When the British occupied Jerusalem, the Shaikh of Al Aqsa Mosque was summoned by General Allenby. Al Hussaini still has the letter dated July 11, 1921. “Allenby asked the Shaikh why a Muslim family was in

Talking about the present situation, Al Hussaini says, “The occupation of Jerusalem with regular closures by Israelis creates many difficulties for Christian pilgrims during Easter and Christmas seasons.”

It was written in the Royal Decrees that a payment of three and a half gold coins monthly was to be given for the service.

After 1967 when Israel took over, that stopped and a payment of 25 Israeli shekels was offered, which we have not received since. Adeeb Jawad Joudeh Al Hussaini

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POLITICS

Police drop investigation against Kaith Vaz

by ITRAT BASHIR

Crown Prosecution Service, the MPS started an investigation in November.

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

“During the investigation new information was received and additional advice obtained from the CPS, following which the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) has made the decision to close the investigation with no person being charged.”

Police have closed investigation against Labour MP Kaith Vaz, who was being probed for drug allegation.

The police had opened an investigation against him after Sunday Mirror published an news item in which it claimed that the parliamentarian met with an escort and offered to pay for cocaine.

While speaking to Evening Standar, a spokesman of Mr Vaz said“The Metropolitan Police Service has informed us that they have decided 'not to proceed any further' with their investigation arising from reports in the Sunday Mirror and The Mirror and that the investigation is 'now closed'.

After the surface of the scandal, Vaz resigned from chairman of the Home Affairs Select committee in September. The police received a letter that asked them investigate the allegations, to determine whether any criminal offences was committed.

On Friday, a spokesman of the police force said, “Following that assessment, which included obtaining early investigative advice from the

Labour MP Kaith Vaz

“This investigation followed the complaint made to them by Andrew Bridgen, the Conservative Member of Parliament for North West Leicestershire."

45th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence

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

Marking the 45th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence on December 16th, Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali paid her respects to those who sacrificed their lives to secure the freedom and independence of Bangladesh.

Rushanara Ali said that on Bangladesh Victory Day, we remember the 3 million people who lost their lives for the freedom of their nation. “On this important day, we pay our respect to their memory and recognise the great sacrifice they made,” she added.

According to her, earlier this year I was delighted to be appointed as the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh. She was pleased to be in a role that she believed that will help to promote even stronger links between the UK and Bangladesh.

“As we mark the anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence and look to the future, I look forward to the United Kingdom and Bangladesh working closely together to tackle the threat of climate change, promote economic prosperity in both countries and boost development in Bangladesh.”

Rushanara Ali

As we mark the anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence and look to the future, I look forward to the United Kingdom and Bangladesh working closely together to tackle the threat of climate change, promote economic prosperity in both countries and boost development in Bangladesh

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POLITICS

Brexit plan will not be published before February, says Tory MP David Davis

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

Britain will not have a Brexit plan until February at the earliest but should be able to negotiate its departure from the EU and a new trade deal within 18 months of triggering article 50, David Davis has said.

The Brexit secretary said the plan would be published as soon as possible but there were “quite a few decisions

still to be made” about the way Downing Street wants to leave the EU, including on the impact on business sectors, justice and home affairs.

“It certainly won’t be next month,” he told MPs at the House of Commons committee on exiting the EU. Despite the lack of a firm plan, Davis gave a series of hints about the direction of travel and argued that “everything is negotiable” within a year and a half of the formal article 50 notification in March.

Rolling coverage of all the day’s political developments as they happen, including Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs and David Davis giving evidence to the Brexit committee.

He said the UK was not opposed to a Brexit “implementation phase” to soften the impact of leaving, which is a key demand of business groups, but would only go for that option if it was really necessary.

“Whatever the transitional

Whatever the transitional arrangement is, we need to know where we’re going before we decide on the transition, It seems to me that it will be perfectly possible to know what the end game will be in two years arrangement is, we need to know where we’re going before we decide on the transition,” he said. “It seems to me that it will be perfectly possible to know what the end game will be in two years.”

It comes after Philip Hammond, the chancellor, made clear that “thoughtful politicians” were in favour of striking a transitional deal with the EU to cushion companies from the possible consequences of Brexit.

Speaking at the Commons committee on exiting the EU, Davis went on to run through four possibilities on the UK’s membership of the customs union: being fully in, fully out, a partially inside Turkish model of being inside the customs union but outside the single market, and a Swiss model of being outside the customs union but with customs arrangements.

In a further development, Davis also revealed the government is looking at the Norway-Sweden border as a possible model for how the border could work between Ireland and Northern Ireland, the minister confirmed.

Pressed by MPs about whether the UK could really pay for access to the single market after the end of transitional arrangements, the cabinet minister said he wanted to keep his options open.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Brick Lane curry house wins restaurant of the year in London

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

City Spice restaurant cooked up an impressive victory last week after being named restaurant of the year in London at the prestigious Bangladesh Caterers Association Awards.

The awards, hosted at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, are considered to be the 'Oscars' of the curry house awards as the award is decided by a vote from the 12,000 member restaurants of the Bangladesh Caterers Association.

City Spice, which is known as 'The King of Brick Lane' and has recently welcomed celebrities, such as James Nesbitt, Michael Bisping and Jeff Banks, was praised for its 'worldclass food, jubilant atmosphere and unique recipes'. The restaurant takes inspiration from the food of the north Indian Mughal Empire, but fuses with a Bangladeshi twist to create a point of difference.

The award was the latest in a series of accolades for the East End restaurant, which also picked up the best restaurant award at the Curry Life Awards in October and received a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor earlier in the year.

Owner of City Spice Abdul Ahad

There is a lot of competition on Brick Lane alone, so to stand out is a great challenge and one we work very hard to meet. We are constantly reinventing our recipes to keep them fresh, whilst also ensuring that we do the basics brilliantly. Family and food are the two most important things in the world, so we are very grateful that the love we put into our food and business has been rewarded. Abdul Ahad The family run business, headed up by owner Abdul Ahad and son Abdul Muhaimen, are now looking forward to a packed out Christmas period and New Year as their reputation continues to grow.

Commenting on the win, Ahad said that they are delighted with the win; it is a great way to finish what has been a really special year for the restaurant. “Nothing beats getting praise from your customers, but to get the recognition of your peers is a great honour,” he added.

Owner of City Spice Abdul Ahad and his Abdul Muhaimen receiving the award

“There is a lot of competition on Brick Lane alone, so to stand out is a great challenge and one we work very hard to meet. We are constantly reinventing our recipes to keep them fresh, whilst also ensuring that we do the basics brilliantly. Family and food are the two most important things in the world, so we are very grateful that the love we put into our food and business has been rewarded.”

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Twenty-First Century Fox and Sky agree £18.5 billion takeover deal

by ITRAT BASHIR

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Twenty-First Century Fox has reached an agreement with Sky on takeover deal worth £18.5 billion.

A Fox’s spokesperson announced that Fox has reached agreement with Sky on the terms of a recommended pre-conditional cash offer. Under the terms of the Acquisition, Sky shareholders will be entitled to receive for each Sky share £10.75 in cash.

Fox currently anticipates that the Acquisition will complete before the end of 2017.

Commenting on the acquisition, 21st Century Fox said, “As the founding shareholder of Sky, we are proud to have participated in its growth and

development. The strategic rationale for this combination is clear. It creates a global leader in content creation and distribution, enhances our sports and entertainment scale, and gives us unique and leading direct-to-consumer capabilities and technologies. It adds the strength of the Sky brand to our portfolio, including the Fox, National Geographic and Star brands.”

would look at questions around unlawful or improper conduct within the Murdoch empire, at exactly the moment when Rupert Murdoch is attempting once again to strengthen his hold over the UK media.

“Fox is attempting to finalise this deal as the Christmas break approaches, but there is still time for the government to intervene. They must express their view to Parliament before Christmas.

Meanwhile, Tom Watson, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, urged Culture Secretary Karen Bradley to refer the bid to Ofcom.

He said, “This bid was abandoned in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal, and now it’s back. The Secretary of State must refer the bid to Ofcom, to assess whether it would result in too much media power being

concentrated in too few hands, and whether Rupert and James Murdoch are ‘fit and proper persons’ to run a broadcaster.

“Labour’s position has been consistent throughout; the government cannot be allowed to ditch the vital second part of the Leveson Inquiry, which

“When she stood on the steps of Downing Street this summer, the Prime Minister said to the people of this country that 'when we take the big calls, we’ll think not of the powerful, but you’. This is a big call.

The government needs to decide whose side it’s on.”

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BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Meet the young millionaire who founded the world's most popular car web site - in his bedroom

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

I met Adnan Ebrahim for the first time, a few years ago.

I knew that he had started a website in his bedroom in 2011, whilst studying an economics degree at University College in London.

For me however, the appeal was clear – the site appealed to the younger generation, as vehicle manufacturers began to drip feed news and test drives to Adnan and his team.

I called it back in 2012, everyone knew it – Car Throttle would be big, simply because they did things differently, as opposed to their competitors who did not make the jump to grab the online generation of young petrol heads as opposed to Adnan and his team who catered for the future generation of C.E.O's, doctors and designers.

Fast forward almost 5 years and CarThrottle.com is now without a doubt, one of the world's most popular car websites, raking in millions of views on a daily basis with over 5 million likes on Facebook and over a million subscribers on YouTube.

Adnan has also raised over 1.6 million pounds in investment from the visionaries’ behind the likes of Facebook, AOL and Skype, not to mention opening a new office in the United States.

His journey has not gone unnoticed by the world of politics – he was invited to 10 Downing Street by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, where he also met Alibaba's CEO, Jack Ma. Adnan even told him about the time he purchased some dodgy MP3 players he had bought from Alibaba as a youngster.

Car Throttle is well and truly on its way to global domination.

"The most exciting thing is we're doing something new," he says.

"I have always had lofty ambitions and against all odds, we have created a brand that resonates with young people.

"I regularly receive messages from fans who love our content - who actually call themselves CTzens - and ask us to keep on creating engaging stories and videos because fundamentally we make them feel part of a global family of car enthusiasts.

Adnan has recognised that with a new business, one has to break away from the norm, challenge conventions and be a bit radical. "Don't be afraid to keep testing," says Adnan.

The most exciting thing is we're doing something new, I have always had lofty ambitions and against all odds, we have created a brand that resonates with young people. Adnan Ebrahim

"You've got to keep viewers engaged and entertained, just never stop. At Car Throttle, we are constantly testing new methods, and hopefully that's how we'll stay ahead of the game," he said.

"My dad came to the UK from Zambia and he worked his way up to run his own dental practice and my mum owns her own jewellery boutique, they have been an amazing influence on me, more than I can thank them for.

perspectives and views and this has helped me get ahead. Being from a minority background allows me to be different and stand out, so I use it as an advantage rather than looking at it negatively."

Ebrahim may still be 26 years old, however he believes his parents have taught him the value of hard work and to 'do a lot with a little'.

"They simply do not believe in failure, and being from Gujarati origin, this has certainly helped as culturally it helps one to understand other

Adnan tells me about his plans to expand, despite Car Throttle reaching an audience of over 300 million people a month: "We want to reach every single shade of car enthusiast who is online right now, and we are constantly finding new ways to do so.

There's no-one doing what we do at our scale right now.

"Our strength is that we know what the Facebook generation want and how they want it, so we will continue to deliver, rest assured."

The man who works 16-hour shifts, but has still found time to chill with Formula 1's Lewis Hamilton, and skater Tony Hawk at the Gumball rally, which followed a transatlantic route from Stockholm to Las Vegas not withstanding securing an exclusive with American talk show host, Jay Leno, and Fast & Furious star Sung Kang, the world is Adnan's Oyster – but don't be surprised to see the young millionaire in all the big newspapers and TV shows worldwide – very soon!

I've called it.

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Issue 10 ASIAN STANDARD 27

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Money Talk

with our finance expert

Shabab Gulfraz Is there a right or wrong time to invest funds?

I was talking to one of my close friends who likes to dabble on the markets. In my view he does this because he gets bored, has too much cash and just likes the idea of playing Mr stockbroker. Anyhow one thing he said recently, which mad me laugh was that he always invests in the markets, when the funds are about to take a turn for the worse.

I asked him what he looks for, when he invests in funds/shares, and he said he usually looks at past performance as a good indicator of if something is worth investing in. I asked him why, and he said it shows how a fund is going to do in the future due to it has strong growth potential. I then said to him, do you

not think a very strong fund may have just experienced high growth, and now is more or less going to remain the same, or is over priced due to demand. His answer was yes it could be.

I would always recommend not to just look at past performance as this could lead to a false sense of security. This is because the fund may be over priced, and when in real terms growth is not there in the future, then the price will most inevitably fall. This could be due to many factor such as change in the price of underlying assets, the managers attitude to investing changing.

A better way would be to look at the annul performance of a fund, and work out if its actually performing in the latter years on not. There is a danger by looking at five years performance, the fund could have done really well at one time after its values had fallen and this is not distorting the actual performance figures.

So how should my friend go about picking a fund, well this is a tricky question to answer as there are so many ways to do this. I would avoid looking at poor performing funds from outset, as put simply they could actually be performing poorly due to poor investments decisions by the

managers, and they may fall further.

I would actually look at the fund, research what it is invested in, and then look to see if the risk tolerance is within your own tolerance level.

If the fund is too risky chances are that the falls might be beyond your comfort level; however on the other hand a riskier fund could give greater returns.

The other thing I would say is use fund related information freely available on the internet to find out more about different funds, as well as look at fund based information such as alpha factors, and beta factors etc. If you ask guru google,

I am sure google will tell you what these factors are, and how they can help you research funds.

The other thing I would say to my friend is, when you invest take the gains and the falls. What I mean by this is that investments are for a minimum of 5 years. He is not a professional investment manager; therefore he will not be able to time it correctly, nor can most investment managers and the world of investing is very complicated, more so due to uncertainty. Funds go up and funds go down; however if you indeed are a long term investor then taking a long term view is the best option.

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LEGAL TALK

LUKE PATEL

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

It’s Never Too Late In the case of Pineport Limited v Grangeglen Limited which was heard earlier this year by the High Court, the Court was asked to consider whether a commercial tenant whose lease had been forfeited by peaceful re-entry by the landlord on the grounds of non payment of rent was entitled to relief from forfeiture despite the tenant applying for relief some 14 months later.

In commercial leases, there is usually

applications for relief must be made within six months. However, this is not a strict time limit but simply a guide which is followed by the courts.

would have received a substantial windfall if relief was not granted as the property was valued between £275,000 to £300,000.

In above case the tenant had a lease for 125 years in relation to an industrial unit which he operated as a garage. The tenant had paid a £90,000 initial premium and had covenanted to pay the ground rent of £100 per annum, the service charge and the cost of insuring the premises.

• As the landlord had not taken any steps to re-let the property after the forfeiture, there was no prejudice to the landlord or to any third parties.

The tenant had a lease for 125 years in relation to an industrial unit which he operated as a garage. The tenant had paid a £90,000 initial premium and had covenanted to pay the ground rent of £100 per annum, the service charge and the cost of insuring the premises. a provision within the lease which allows the landlord to forfeit the lease and regain possession of the property if there are any arrears of rent. Where a lease has been forfeited in such a way, a tenant can apply to the Court for relief from forfeiture. If the application is successful the tenant will be placed back into the property and the lease will be reinstated as if the forfeiture had never occurred. However, relief from forfeiture is a discretionary remedy and a tenant who seeks relief must do so with “reasonable promptitude”. The general rule is

The landlord forfeited the lease by peaceable re-entry for non payment of the service charge totalling £2,155.

The tenant applied for relief from forfeiture.

Although there had been a significant delay by the tenant in applying for relief from forfeiture, the Court decided to grant relief because of the following reasons: • The tenant had paid a substantial initial premium for the premises and the ground rent was only £100 per annum - the landlord

• The tenant was able to pay the arrears, interest and costs in full.

• There was a reasonable explanation by the tenant for the delay in making the application (the Director of the tenant company had been serving a prison sentence for MOT fraud carried out at the premises and he was also suffering from depression).

Whilst this case was decided on its own facts, it does highlight the very wide discretion which the Court has in considering applications for

relief from forfeiture. Although it is usually the case that applications for relief from forfeiture will fail if the tenant has not made an application within six months this case does illustrate that the Court will take into account all circumstances when exercising its discretion and that delay in applying for relief may not necessarily be a bar to relief being granted. Having said that, tenants who are seeking relief would be wise to apply without delay and, if at all possible, within six months from when the lease was forfeited.

If you have any issues relating to leases then the Property Litigation Team at Blacks Solicitors are happy to help. Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or email him at “LPatel@LawBlacks.com”.

You can also follow Luke Patel on Twitter @LukeLawBlacks

It’s the way forward Yaar

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OPINION

by ALISON BELLAMY alison@asian-standard.co.uk

Peppa Pig still rules the world, or does she?

The latest headline grabbing news story linked to Muslims, involves one of my favourite children’s TV characters.

As a non-Muslim person, even I am getting a bit sick of the media using

any opportunity to bash Muslims for their beliefs, way of life or even what they wear, especially on their heads.

Maybe it’s the blaring music, maybe it’s the colourful cartoon characters, which are instantly recognisable, but

overall, most kids LOVE Peppa Pig. And providing you are any sort of sane parent who quickly finds that television helps ease the tensions or gives both parent and child a break, then a five minute respite of Peppa, is

the perfect solution for teary toddlers and weary adults.

It starts when kids are around 18 months old or even earlier. When my two were little, it was often the highlight of the day. We would sing and dance round when the title track came on and it was definitely educational. We bought the toys, the magazines, the car and even the boat, driven by Grandpa Pig. Plus by the time they start school, they lose interest anyway. Their world expands and they become involved in clubs and exciting real life activities. I still miss Peppa. In fact, I became quite hooked on the exploits of the little pink pig. It is after all one of the world’s favourite kids’ shows and is a hit in 180 countries.

I texted my friend, who is Muslim, to ask what she thought. ‘No big deal, we love Peppa. Just more Muslim slamming,’ she said.

The thing with Peppa Pig is that kids simply love her. It is probably nothing to do with her being a pig.

She could easily be a badger. Or maybe a goat. She offers something that all kids, whatever their race, religion or colour, can identify with: the perils of growing up.

Peppa Pig toys - Photo by Walt Jabsco

There is often a tiny bit of naughtiness or mischief that takes place in each episode, but by the end, there is always a moral, and the moral is usually about trying to be kind; trying your best; learning from your mistakes and not sulking.

Usually, all is forgiven and Peppa and her brother become much better people because of their experiences.

And at the end of the day everyone makes friends again. Perfect. It is just how you want life to be.

So the reason Peppa Pig was trending on social media was that it appears Islamic leaders in Australia have backed a campaign to produce an alternative to Peppa, set in a ‘predominantly Muslim town’.

On reading how this story was reported you would think that Muslims everywhere were holding mass demonstrations against Peppa Pig and her cartoon family.

It was in fact just the Australian National Imams Council which is encouraging parents to raise funds for TV shows that support Islamic values.

Barakah Hills, a ‘halal cartoon series’, has been pitched as a Muslim alternative to the UK pre-school show. It is one small company in the competitive world of animation and cartoon making.

On twitter an Asian woman called Menissa, described as a Punjabi Scot living in London, tweeted: ‘As a Muslim I love Peppa Pig. And she loves me because I won’t eat her.’

Quite right, good on you Menissa. I love how humour can conquer all, however serious the subject matter.

It still gets the point across without the need for malicious or offensive language.

So does Peppa Pig still get your vote?

She certainly gets mine and I am a vegetarian.

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MOTORING DB4 G.T. Continuation: history in the making 09 December 2016, Newport Pagnell: One of Aston Martin’s most iconic models – the DB4 G.T. - is to be celebrated with a special series of 25 track-only continuation cars built to lightweight specification by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell.

Launched in 1959, the DB4 G.T. was immediately celebrated as one of the rarest and most revered of all Aston Martins. Evolved from the production DB4 and introduced in the same year Aston Martin scored its historic outright win in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the DB4 G.T. was a true supercar of its day. Shorter, lighter, sleeker and with a more powerful version of the legendary 3.7-litre straight-six engine, not only was the DB4 G.T. Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, it was a born winner, scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss. A total of 75 DB4 G.T.s were built between 1959 and 1963.

Of these only eight were lightweight models, most of which survive today, and values now comfortably exceed £3m.

Remaining faithful to the design of those original eight factory lightweights, each DB4 G.T.

Continuation will be built with Aston Martin Works’ unrivalled experience and exemplary attention. Employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques, continuation cars benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, with great care taken to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s exceptional qualities while retaining its feel and character.

Underlining that authenticity are the continuation car VIN numbers, which carry on from the last original DB4 G.T. ordered - Chassis 0202R - for an unbroken bloodline and impeccable Newport Pagnell-built pedigree spanning half a century.

At its heart is a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 340bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, just as in the original DB4 G.T. Thanks to its shortened wheelbase the DB4 G.T. is a strict two-seater blessed with greater agility than the regular four-seater DB4. Its body follows the original construction, with thin-gauge

aluminum panels fitted over a tubular frame. To improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels, the continuation car’s bodywork uses state-of-the-art digital technology, before being hand-finished in timehonoured tradition.

Fittingly for a car created to celebrate one of Aston Martin’s most illustrious competition models, the DB4 G.T. Continuation is built to be enjoyed on track. Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track driving programme held at a number of the world’s finest race tracks, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit

in Abu Dhabi. The ultimate arriveand-drive experience, customers may also take advantage of Aston Martin’s dedicated driver training team.

Comprised of expert instructors, including Aston Martin Racing’s multiple Le Mans class winner (and Goodwood Revival regular) Darren Turner, they will help customers master driving techniques from an era when track driving was more art than science.

First deliveries of DB4 G.T. Continuation will commence in QTR 3 2017.

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MOTORING

Uber launches self-driving pilot in san francisco with volvo cars Uber, the ride-sharing technology company, is expanding its self-driving pilot to San Francisco, California, using specially converted self-driving Volvo XC90 premium SUVs.

The move marks the next phase in a deepening alliance between Volvo and Uber after the two companies signed an agreement in August 2016 to establish a jointly owned project to build base vehicles that can be used to develop fully autonomous driverless cars. These cars were initially tested in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The latest cars to be used in San Francisco have been built by Volvo and sold to Uber, after which Uber’s

own self-driving hardware and software package has been added, most visibly in the roof-mounted control apparatus.

These cars will drive around the streets of San Francisco autonomously, but as part of the pilot programme they will at all times have an Uber technician on board to supervise the car’s operation.

“The promise of self-driving ride sharing is becoming a reality,” said Mårten Levenstam, vice president product planning at Volvo Cars. “Volvo is proud to be at the forefront of the latest developments in the automotive world alongside our partners at Uber.”

World Premiere Of The Ferrari J50 Tokyo, 13 December 2016 – During a special celebration held at the National Art Center in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ferrari in Japan, Ferrari revealed a new strictly limited series of bespoke cars, the J50.

The Ferrari J50 is a two-seater, mid-rear-engined roadster that marks a return to the targa body style evocative of several well-loved Ferrari road cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Created by Ferrari’s Special Projects department and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello, just 10 examples of the J50 will be built and, in the spirit of Ferrari’s fuori serie tradition, each one will be tailored specifically to the customer’s requirements.

Based on the 488 Spider, the J50 is powered by a specific 690 cv version

of the 3.9-litre V8 that won the overall International Engine of the Year Award this year.

The bodywork is all new and heralds a radically futuristic design language, with a highly distinctive personality that suits the tastes of a clientele that seeks the utmost in innovative styling. The design approach was led by the desire to create a very lowslung roadster, encapsulating intrinsic Ferrari values of nimbleness and agility.

To achieve this, a strong dynamic was imprinted on the flank of the car by the converging interplay between two main guiding lines: the slanted top edge of the side window, continuous with the windscreen, and the raked black swage line which dramatically rises from the low-set nose until it vanishes in the air intake aft of the doors.

While the “helmet visor” effect, which

spawns from the window graphic, is reminiscent of Ferrari’s open competition barchettas going as far back as the 1950s, the black dividing line is a novel interpretation of a recurring Ferrari styling cue seen on iconic models such as the GTO, F40 and F50. Circling around the front of the car below knee height, it is a key element which alters the perception of the beltline, setting it at a much lower height than usual, transforming the J50 into a barchetta.

The bonnet section is lower at the centre with raised wheelarch crests giving the emphasized muscularity typical of Ferrari mid-engined sports cars. Two carbon-fibre air channels in the front bonnet create an even more diminutive and sharper looking front mass underlined by the full LED headlights that feature a specific and very dynamic profile.

The J50 benefits from detailed aerodynamic development with a number of significant functional solutions. Firstly, the radiators have been positioned closer together, and the front bumper has been completely redesigned. The windscreen header rail has been lowered allowing more airflow over the aero foil and thus over the rear spoiler.

The rear is decidedly aggressive in nature, with the quad taillight design widening the car visually under a high-downforce wing profile. The rear diffuser features an extractor shape inspired by jet engine afterburners, giving the car a powerful stance. 20” forged rims of unique design were crafted specifically for this limitededition model.

The sophisticated tail section is dominated by the artful interplay of graphic design themes and threedimensional elements. The engine is framed by a transparent polycarbonate cover which is intricately shaped to provide a visual extension of the two separate roll hoops protecting the heads of driver and passenger. A transverse aero foil projects as a bridge between the hoops, effectively revisiting one of the most distinctive features of Ferrari sports prototypes of the 1960s.

Inside the cabin, specific trim adorns the sports seats, echoing the design of the rear bonnet contour to provide a unmistakable signature feature. The carbon-fibre hard targa top is divided into two pieces which stow conveniently behind the seats.

The J50 presented at the launch in Tokyo is finished in a special shade of three-layer red with a red-over-black interior trimmed in fine leather and Alcantara.

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CROSSWORDS & PUZZLES

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PUZZLES & CROSSWORD

Crossword

Answers

Sudoko

Wordsearch

A Priori Ad hoc Ad lib Ad rem Alter ego Bona fide Circa Cui bono

De facto Et cetera In camera In situ In toto Mea culpa Peccavi

Sine die Sub rosa Versus Vice Versa Vox populi Per diem Pro tem

Brain Teasers Rearrange the following letters to give the name of a famous singer.

Answers

WESTERN VIDEO : Answers:Stevie Wonder

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JOBS JOBS

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

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

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

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

For the right candidate full training will be given.

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

COLUMNISTS

Are you a professional?

Do you want to share your views and opinions of the field you specialise in?

Do you enjoy writing?

Can you commit one weekly column a week? Then we might

be looking for you. Asian Standard is a new weekly newspaper from the same publishers of Asian Sunday and Asian Style. With a brand new look and feel, we are currently looking for columnists from a range of different fields to write for our exciting title - Asian Standard With a growing readership and distribution of over 7,000 newspapers nationally, you can expect some great exposure plus

additional income, without having to give up your day job.

If you are interest in writing for one of the most talked about Asian media titles in the country, then send in your CV along with a sample 500 word article to editor@asian-standard.co.uk or post to: RF Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor. 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE

This could be your opportunity to tap into the creative you and become a household name with our readers.

Good Luck!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Self-starter attitude

Coming up with creative ideas for client campaigns.

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

Key Skills required: Proficient knowledge of editing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CARE ASSISTANT

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

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

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

The Care Assistant’s role will involve:

• Following care plans and Service User needs

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The successful Care Assistant will have:

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

• Being flexible to cover weekends, early mornings and evenings

• Meal Preparation • Supporting an open, positive and inclusive working culture

• Health and Social Care training or be willing to work towards Level 2 • Home Care experience • Full driving licence and own car

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SPORTS

Britain’s Khalid Yafai wins WBA super-flyweight title

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

Khalid became the first world champion from Birmingham and Britain's 13th by beating Panamanian, Luis Concepcion, to win the WBA World super flyweight title.

The belt was only on the line for Yafai after Concepcion failed to make weight, and 27-year-Yafai grasped the opportunity and in doing so became his home city's first ever world champion as well as Britain's first ever super-flyweight title holder.

The judges all gave the fight to Yafai 120-108, 119-108, 117-110 - who remains unbeaten with a 21-0 record thus far.

The precision of Yafai's left hook was admirable from the first bell as he looked to achieve what he described in the build-up as his destiny.

As good as Yafai was, former champion Concepcion was desperately disappointing after failing to make weight and could not adjust after the Brit's quick start, leaving his right too low throughout the fight.

Khalid insists he has meticulously studied his opponent prior to the fight. He said: “I have been watching his previous fights (he is) very aggressive, will try and put me in my place, throw a lot of wild punches and try to keep a high work-rate.

“His main attributes are his strength and power. He likes to wing in right hands and uppercuts but I am too technically good, cute and fast. All round too good for him.”

Khalid does have a dream however – fighting at St Andrew’s, home to his beloved Birmingham City.

“Then my next steps would be to defend the belt in Birmingham, which is a no-brainer. It has to happen and

Khalid Yafai after winning the super-flyweight title I think it will early next year. Then I’d look to unify the titles.”

There are no shortage of monstrous fights down the road for Yafai now, with the 115-pound division one of the strongest in the sport, including the world class Naoya Inoue and poundfor-pound king Roman Gonzalez.

Khalid Yafai

I have been watching his previous fights (he is) very aggressive, will try and put me in my place, throw a lot of wild punches and try to keep a high work-rate. His main attributes are his strength and power. He likes to wing in right hands and uppercuts but I am too technically good, cute and fast. All round too good for him. Khalid Yafai

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Issue 10 ASIAN STANDARD 39

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SPORTS

Afghan boy meets Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in Qatar

by MO BHANA

picture with the youngster.

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

"The image the world wanted to see," tweeted Qatar's World Cup organising committee. "The six-yearold boy who dreamed of meeting his hero, #Messi, finally comes true."

An six-year old Afghan boy who became an online hit capturing hearts all over the world by wearing a homemade ‘bag shirt’ bearing the number 10 and Lionel Messi has met his hero.

A photograph of Murtaza Ahmadi wearing the shirt made from a striped blue plastic bag went viral in January and ended with the boy receiving a signed shirt from the Barcelona striker.

However, the pair came face to face in Doha, according to Qatar's 2022 World Cup organising committee.

Barcelona were in Qatar to play a friendly against Al Ahli and Ahmadi got an opportunity to walk out on to the pitch with Messi.

Ahmadi was forced to flee the eastern Ghazni province of Afghanistan in May, travelling to Pakistan.

Messi was denied a sixth Ballon d'Or title when great rival Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned with his fourth title.

Messi has met with children in special circumstances in the past.

In 2011, he met and kicked around a ball with a 10-year-old boy who had had both legs amputated because of Laurin-Sandrow syndrome.

He did the same a year later with a Brazilian boy who was born without feet.

The Barca midfielder also posed for a

Yaya Toure apologises for not intentionally consuming alcohol

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has apologised to supporters he admitted drink-driving, whilst insisting he had “not intentionally consumed alcohol”.

The Ivory Coast international confirmed he had admitted the charge at a court hearing, after being arrested in Dagenham, east London, on November 28.

In a statement released on his website - www.officialyayatoure.com - Toure said he wanted to explain why, as a

Muslim who does not drink, he had not contested the charge.

limit when tested on the night, I decided not to challenge the charge.

However, the circumstances in which Toure “unintentionally” consumed alcohol came to light when the 33 year old told Barkingside Magistrates’ Court he thought he was drinking diet cola from a jug at a party, without realising it had brandy in it.

“However, it was important to me that I told the court that I had not intentionally consumed alcohol. The judge in his sentencing remarks accepted that I had not been intentionally drinking.

He said: “I have always refused alcohol. Anyone who knows me or follows football will have seen me refuse champagne for man-of-thematch performances because of my commitment to my religion.

“The matter has now been resolved in court. As I was above the permitted

“Drink driving is a serious crime and even though I was not intentionally consuming alcohol I accept the ban and fine and I would like to apologise for this situation.”

Toure was fined £54,000 and banned from driving for 18 months when he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, court officials confirmed.

Anyone who knows me or follows football will have seen me refuse champagne for man-of-the-match performances because of my commitment to my religion.

40

ASIAN STANDARD Issue 10

SPORTS

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

Imagine the scene - Nasir Ali wearing his Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart sunglasses whilst it was raining (yes this did really happen) to Jaz Qadri doing his best impression of Brian Christopher, (King Jerry Lawler’s son) who would team up with Scotty ‘too hotty’ to form the tag team - Too Cool.

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Pay your respects to Prince Ameen of Gujarat

This set the ball rolling for the ‘Fresh Prince Of Gujarat’ to set off on an intriguing journey, wrestling across the country and crossing paths with renowned WWE and TNA wrestlers such as Daniel Bryan, Neville, Matt Hardy and D-Lo Brown.

“Daniel Bryan was in Liverpool one summer and wrestled on the same show, so we chilled out and I drove him around and looked after him,” says Ameen.

“We watched a boring movie at the cinema called Herbie or something, but I didn’t know I’d be hanging out with the future WWE champion at the time. He was a cool guy and we still keep in touch.”

Ameen is close to current WWE superstar, Neville as the pair have holidayed together on numerous occasions: “It’s great to see someone you know do so well and really make a name for themselves; I’m very pleased

for him,” says Ameen.

my passion for wrestling.

“Obviously I know him well, and you may see us square off in a ring at some point, you never know.”

“I can remember going to a show in Newcastle, I was by myself and had to catch a train first and then a number of buses, just to get there.

“Matt Hardy says hi every time I see him, and I also spent some time with DLo Brown, and we was great to hang around with.”

In relation to his character, Ameen insists he is a bit like Marmite, you either love him or hate him, but everyone knows of him. One memorable moment is when Ameen riled the crowd at a Huddersfild Giants game by saying: “If you want to support a real team, support the Leeds Rhynos,” as one can imagine, his comments were greeted by reception of boo’s all around the stadium.

“My character is essentially royalty from India, back in Gujarat,” says Ameen.

“He is arrogant and wants to be a champion, and he knows how to get the best out of a crowd. I love it when people boo me because essentially, I am a character that they are responding to, and as long as the crowd sees you as a face or a heel, you are doing something right.”

As you can imagine, the streets of Batley, namely Woodsome, Park Croft and Snowdon were awash with Stone Cold stunners and talk of the Monday night war between WCW and WWE. These overgrown kids, including the one who is writing this article are your current batch of teachers, tech experts and dare I say, journalists and PR men.

However, one man took his love for wrestling to the next level and actually became a grappler, churning out promos and clotheslines: Prince Ameen.

I remember taking my seat alongside The Prince’s brother, to watch WWE live in Sheffield arena, a few years back; we noticed the prince was sat adjacent to ringside where he was dressed up, just like his hero – John Cena.

Naturally, the prince was acknowledged by Cena, and the rest as they say, is history.

@Asian_Standard

My character is essentially royalty from India, back in Gujarat. He is arrogant and wants to be a champion, and he knows how to get the best out of a crowd. I love it when people boo me because essentially, I am a character that they are responding to, and as long as the crowd sees you as a face or a heel, you are doing something right

Ameen’s work has been lauded by observers and wrestlers alike, with his silky style which is deemed by some to be a cross between Triple H and Kevin Owens – thanks to some spine busters, pedigrees’ and his trash talking promo’s that have resonated with crowds across the independent circuit.

“Nowadays it is very easy because there are wrestling schools all over the country.”

When asked why the WWE have not snapped up the Prince of Gujarat, Ameen recalls how they came calling when he was younger: “I was called to a try out when I was about 24, but then I got injured and although we kept in touch, it took me some time to recover, but you can never say never.”

The prince of Gujarat is a regular for WCPW and a host of independent wrestling organisations throughout the UK. Entertaining through and through, don’t be surprised to see the man himself in a ring taking on the best of what the WWE or NXT can offer very soon – just make sure you stand up, and give the Prince of Gujarat some respect!

No doubt, the ageing wannabe wrestlers of Park Croft, Snowdon and Woodsome will be rooting for him.

Fron his own admission, he is willing to learn and try new things, he recounts his journeys all the way from Batley to Portsmouth, as a University student, all for the love of wrestling.

“In those days, if you wanted to learn how to wrestle, you had to literally travel the length of the country. I looked around and the only place where they taught you how to do it was Portsmouth,” says Ameen.

He made the journey towards the south coast and spent a week learning the craft, much to his parents’ annoyance: “I got a number of A’s at A level and was at University in Manchester, so you can imagine the look on my mum and dad’s faces when I told them that I had dropped out of Uni, all to pursue

Prince Ameen