Asian Standard Edition 13

Government loses Brexit court case – so what happens now?

TRAVEL

INTERVIEW

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A passage to India - Kerala: the serene South

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Issue 13 | 1 - 5 Feburary 2017

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Trump sends the world into protest against his Executive Order banning seven Muslim countries and refugees.

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Four years in prison for boy racers who knocked down and killed young girl Two boy racers who mowed down and killed a little girl in front of her mother while driving at 64mph have been jailed for four years.

Mohsen Saddique, 22, and Adil Manir, 19, had been racing their Audi A5 and VW Golf cars through residential streets on September 15, 2015 when Manir’s Audi veered out of control and hit a nine-year-old girl.

Aleena Kausar, who walking to her local mosque with her mother and cousin, suffered multiple fatal injuries in the impact and died in hospital despite efforts to save her.

Saddique, 22, from Rossendale, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving whilst Manir, also from Rossendale, pleaded guilty to the

same charge at Burnley Crown Court The court heard CCTV footage showed Manir and Saddique accelerating at ‘considerable speed’ along the road before the collision.

Saddique, a private hire taxi driver, had driven Manir to collect his wife’s Audi A5 from a garage.

On their way back he began driving his VW closely behind the Audi and the pair began racing through Rawtenstall.

Witnesses claimed the pair were behaving like ‘boy racers driving in a silly way’ with Saddique apparently encouraging Manir to go faster as they hurtled through residential streets – and at one point their cars were ‘no

9 year old Aleena Kausar

EDITOR Editor@asiansunday.co.uk

more than two metres apart.’

Aleena, who attended St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, was due to attend prayers when her uncle saw her and offer them a lift.

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When they declined, he pulled out of a parking bay just as Manir was trying to overtake another car coming the other way.

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Adil Manir, left, and Mohsen Saddique, right, peladed guilty to causing death by dangerous driving (Picture: Lancashire Police/PA)

Manir slammed on his brakes and swerved to avoid Aleena’s uncle’s car but mounted the pavement and hit Aleena instead.

The nine-year-old suffered fatal injuries at the scene and was airlifted

to Royal Blackburn Hospital where she later died.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Gibson said: ‘Nothing that I can say or do can adequately reflect the pain of Aleena’s family.’

Manir was banned from driving for seven years and Saddique was disqualified for five years and both must take extended retests before being allowed back behind the wheel.

Speaking after the sentencing, Aleena’s family said in a statement: ‘The effect that she had on so many people’s lives made us proud – but it is like a knife through our hearts because it reminds us of what we have lost.’

Tributes pour in as hundreds attend funeral of girl, 11, killed in motorway crash Hundreds of people attended the funeral of an eleven-year-old girl who died in a car crash which has left her father fighting for his life.

Iman Zainab Javed a passenger in one of the cars died after two cars and a lorry were involved in a crash during “horrendous driving conditions” on January 23 The child’s funeral took place last Friday, where hundreds turned up to pay their respects.

The youngster was travelling with her father, Javed Iqbal, in a VW Sharan, which was involved in a crash on the M61 southbound, on Monday 23 January near to Bamber Bridge.

The car hit a Renault Clio travelling in

the same direction at around 10.30pm and a Volvo HGV also crashed into both vehicles.

Iman suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.

may have any dashcam footage of the incident, or anyone driving in that area at around the time of the collision.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 1454 of January 23.

Mr Iqbal remains at the Royal Preston Hospital in a critical condition.

Three other passengers in the Sharan were also injured in the crash on Monday, January 23.

Sgt Dave Hurst, from Lancashire Constabulary’s Road Policing Unit, said: “This was a horrendous collision in which a young girl has very sadly lost her life.

“I would appeal for any witnesses to contact us, especially anyone who

M61

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NEWS

Roof tile row pushes Teacher to sell £250k cottage for £2 A teacher sold her cottage worth £250,000 for just £2 to prevent it from being seized by a court following a row over roof tiles.

Rekha Patel has been locked in a feud with her neighbour over some building work dating back six years on the home. She spent £200,000 buying the dilapidated two-bedroom cottage in 2010 in Simmondley village in Glossop.

After spending thousands renovating the cottage, which was renamed Patel Cottage, and turning it into her dream home Rekha ended up in a dispute, last June with her neighbour over damage to antique roof tiles during the works.

Rekha Patel

The teacher at Glossopdale Community College, was taken to court where she

Saudi prince takes 80 birds of prey on a plane flight

A bizarre photo has emerged online of 80 birds of prey sitting in a plane after they were bought tickets by a Saudi prince.

The image which looks to be of falcons shows the birds amongst passengers on an economy flight secured down to seats, with members of the cabin crew looking on.

The source of the image is from Reddit user lensoo who posted it online, writing: “My captain friend sent me this photo. Saudi prince bought ticket for his 80 hawks.”

It is believed the feathered guests, (which we think are falcons rather than hawks) were booked on to a Qatar Airways flight.

Qatar Airways allows up to six falcons in Economy Class, while Etihad also permits the transportation of birds.

Falcons are the United Arab Emirates national bird and training them to hunt is a popular hobby in the country.

was served with a bill of £72,000 for the damage, which later followed with an eviction notice directing that the home be sold to recover legal fees and costs of around £76,000.

Rekha has now sold the house to two private firms for just £2 to stop it being taken to pay the debt.

However, she will continue to live in the property as a tenant after signing a ten-year tenancy with the private companies.

She has denied the private firms are run by family members.

“I realised I will have more rights as a tenant than the owner so I decided to sever all legal ties with the house in

order to live in peace in my own home,” Said Rekha.

The eviction, which Rekha claims is not valid, took place on June 10 when enforcement officers hacked through the door of the cottage, which was built in 1719.

Rekha applied for the order forcing her to pay the legal bill to be scrapped at Manchester County Court last week.

The court heard the sale of the cottage to two private firms had been officially recorded by the Land Registry.

The case has been adjourned to be heard in the Chancery Division of the High Court.

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NEWS

Tributes paid to Indian girl killed in 'hit-and-run' crash An IT expert, originally from a small town in India, on a placement at Tata Consultancy services was killed in an alleged hit-and-run crash on her morning commute to work.

The IT analyst named as Himanshi Gupta, was travelling from Hounslow to Kensington, where she has been on a placement for IT multi-national Tata Consultancy Services since July, until a black Range Rover mounted the pavement and slammed into her and a colleague as they waited at a bus stop, witnesses said.

The 26-year-old had been due to return in a matter of weeks, but friends said she had fallen in love with London which was evident from her photographs posing with landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s and the Eye - and also dreamed of exploring Europe.

She was flown to hospital by air ambulance where she was pronounced dead soon afterwards.

Her colleague, also in her 20s, had to undergo emergency spinal surgery at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington with chances of walking being slim.

Ms Gupta’s devastated relatives in Jabalpur, a province in central India, have arranged with authorities in Britain to have her body repatriated.

Tributes have been pouring in for the young talent, as well as support to have her body repatriated.

Aditi Mishra May you shine like a star in the other world Himanshi Gupta.

Jennifer Ali Himanshi Gupta a person who's name just tend to bring back the memories of an amazing school mate...

May Your Soul Rest in Peace

26 year old Himanshi Gupta

Still in shock

Brothers get life after family feud which led to death of cousin. in Cecil Avenue, Bradford.

Two more brothers, Amjid Ali and Amir Ali, were cleared of murder but convicted of Mr Khan’s manslaughter.

A fifth brother, Sajid Hussain, was found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter.

Victim Sarfraz Khan TWO brothers have been found guilty for the murder of their cousin after a long-running family feud. The feud culminated at the family business, Rossi’s Ices, on Richmond Road, near the University of Bradford, tragically over a mop and bucket.

Family member Basharat Khan thought his cousin, Amir Ali, had finished using a mop and bucket to clean out his ice cream van and so he began using it to clean out his van.

Amir Ali swore at Basharat Khan and he swore back.

Prosecutor, Alistair MacDonald QC, told the court it was a trivial incident on the face of it.

“However, as far as Nasar is concerned, this appears to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Nasar, 32, and Mahmood, 26, were also found guilty of wounding their cousins Aftab Khan and Asad Khan with intent to cause them grievous bodily harm. Nasar was convicted of wounding another cousin, Idris Khan, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

Amjid Ali, 39, and Amir Ali, 20, were cleared of wounding Aftab Khan and Asad Khan with intent but convicted

of the less serious offence of unlawful wounding.

Sajid Hussain, 33, was cleared of those offences and discharged from the dock, having been found not guilty of all the charges against him.

The trial judge, Mrs Justice CheemaGrubb, remanded the four guilty brothers in custody until she sentences them on Friday.

The jury heard there had been bad blood between two sides of the extended family for some time.

Three marriages between the cousins had broken down but all parties continued to live within yards of one another in neighbouring properties on Cecil Avenue.

The violence began soon afterwards when Nasar slashed Idris Khan’s throat on Cecil Avenue when their paths crossed on the way home that night.

Around 20 minutes later, the incident at the back of the houses took place in which Sarfraz Khan was fatally stabbed.

The incident took place on April 14 last year which lead to the conviction of brothers Mohammed Nasar and Tariq Mahmood on Monday by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of stabbing Sarfraz Khan to death in a largescale disturbance behind their homes

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COVER STORY

Trump sends the world into protest against his Executive Order banning seven Muslim countries and refugees.

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

It’s not often I put pen to paper on political issue these days, but when I do it’s because it is something that’s really got under my skin and yes you’ve guessed it the Trump Administration have definitely caught my attention with the latest antics.

As most have noted their ironically the US President Donald Trump signed his Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the US on January 27 which also happens to be Holocaust Memorial Day. The order’s instructions are harsh and shocking. Not only does it suspend the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days and all refugee arrivals from Syria indefinitely, it suspends all new arrivals from designated countries, which, apart from Syria and Iraq, are reportedly Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen – all predominantly Muslim.

So, on one hand you have the travel ban and the other a statement from Trump on International Holocaust Remembrance Day., which reads: “It is with a heavy heart and somber mind that we remember and honor the victims, survivors, heroes of the Holocaust. It is impossible to fully fathom the depravity and horror inflicted on innocent people by Nazi terror.

Maybe I need to remind the American President that it was an Iranian diplomat called Abdol Hossein Sardari famously known as the ‘Schindler of Iran’ who helped thousands of Jews escape Nazi Soldiers by issuing them passports. If he was alive today, he would be banned from America under Trumps Executive Order. So, is President Trump being a hypocrite when in his Holocaust statement he further states: ‘we are deeply grateful to those who risked their lives to save the innocent.’ But then also in the same breath President Trump wishes to ban Iranian’s by implying they are terrorists. What would you call Abdol Hossein Sardari? A hero or a terrorist?

‘Schindler of Iran’ Abdol Hossein Sardari

President Trump in his Holocaust remembrance statement states: ‘We are deeply grateful to those who risked their lives to save the innocent. Abdol Hossein Sardari, an Iranian diplomat is well documented for saving thousands of Jewish lives from Nazi terror. So, how would Mr Trump wish to label Abdol Hossein Sardari following his travel ban? A hero or a terrorist?

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COVER STORY @realDonaldTrump should not be welcomed to Britain while he abuses our shared values with shameful #MuslimBan & attacks on refugees & women.

Jeremy Corbyn Like I have been encouraged to write this article it’s heartening to see thousands (actually millions) across the globe call out the American president’s ban, with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration being the first of many. In their joint statement they expressed their concern and called on the US to honour its “longstanding policy of welcoming refugees”

reached over one million signatures.

Leader of Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn is one of millions backing the petition.

Corbyn tweeted: @realDonaldTrump should not be welcomed to Britain while he abuses our shared values with shameful #MuslimBan & attacks on refugees & women Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron wasn’t far behind. He tweeted: So the government

roll out the red carpet for this nasty misogynist all because they are desperate for a #Brexit trade deal.

to retract his Executive Order, whether he does or whether it can be contested legally is yet to be seen.

the powers of good. Together, we will make love and tolerance prevalent throughout the world.”

Downing Street, however has confirmed, according to the Huffington post, that Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK will not be cancelled, despite more than 1 million people calling for it to be axed.

In the meantime if Mr Donald Trump is reading this, I want him to reflect on his last paragraph of his Holocaust remembrance statement: “In the name of the perished, I pledge to do everything in my power throughout my Presidency, and my life, to ensure that the forces of evil never again defeat

I don’t know about you Mr Trump but for me making love and tolerance prevalent throughout the world doesn’t mean dividing us. It’s true what they say: ‘we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.’

Visit or no visit, millions want Trump

Our very own Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also issued a statement, calling the ban “shameful and cruel” Whilst political and human rights leaders expressed their concerns, the business community weren’t far behind.

Google’s Sundar Pichai, on Friday sent a memo to all employees raising his concerns and revealing that more than 100 Google staff were directly affected.

His words were quickly shared which also backed with Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin briefly joined protesters at the airport the following day.

Social media was alight with comments from the business world, from Netflix’s Reed Hastings who said the executive order was "so unAmerican it pains us all” to Twitter’s co-founder and chief executive Jack Dorsey who said the repercussions were “real and upsetting”.

Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick even set up a $3m (£2.4m) fund to support staff, including drivers, caught up by the orders, concerned that “this ban will impact many innocent people” However, whilst many called out Trump for his travel ban, Prime Minister Theresa May was somewhat laid-back in her response.

A spokesperson for Theresa May explained that although the ‘immigration policy in the United States is a matter for the government of the United States” the British government did “not agree with this kind of approach” and it is “not one we will be taking” Since then a petition has been set up to prevent Donald Trump from making a state visit to the UK, which has already

President Donald Trump signed his executive order suspending all new arrivals from 7 predominantly Muslim countries.

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NEWS

Millionaire businessman Peter Singh Virdee accused by German police of £100m tax scam British businessman known as “Batman” is facing extradition to Germany and a possible 15-year prison sentence for alleged fraud and evasion of €125m (£109m) in VAT. The Metropolitan police confirmed that Peter Singh Virdee was arrested at Heathrow airport early January on a European arrest warrant. It is alleged by prosecutors in Germany that Mr Virdee was one of the “central organisers” of a criminal enterprise to defraud the authorities of VAT on carbon credits under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

The 43-year-old businessman operated “in the background” and took pains to conceal his identity, prosecutors claim.

He was allegedly known to other members of the group behind the fraud only as “Batman”.

“Peter Singh Virdee, 43, a UK national, was arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Extradition Unit on Tuesday, 10 January at Heathrow Airport,” a Metropolitan Police spokesman said on Friday.

“He was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant on behalf of the authorities in Germany, where he is wanted in relation to tax evasion.”

Mr Virdee appeared before Westminster Magistrate’s Court a day after his arrest and was released on bail for which he had to pay a security of £150,000. An extradition hearing is set for March 31 and his bail has been extended.

The German authorities have formally

Peter Virdee - millionaire businessman accused by German Police of tax scam. Image Credit : Twitter requested his extradition. Mr Virdee is accused of operating a so-called “VAT carousel” scheme on EU carbon credits, under which traders export the credits from one member state to another in order to take advantage of EU VAT rules.

As exports, the sales are exempt from VAT, but the traders charge their customers VAT which they never

declare to the authorities.

The scheme ran from 2008 to 2012.

Prosecutors in the German city of Frankfurt have been pursuing the case for several years, but this is the first time Mr Virdee has been named in connection with the case.

If found guilty, Mr Virdee could face up to 15 years in prison, Alexander Badle, a spokesman for the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office said.

“An international arrest warrant was issued against the accused on October 4,” Mr Badle said. “After intensive investigation by the Federal Criminal Police, the suspect was finally arrested on January 10 in Terminal 4 of London Heathrow airport after arriving on a flight from Abu Dhabi.”

Under German law, prosecutors are not allowed to identify suspects by name.

Peter Virdee Image Credit : YouTube

A spokesman from Carter-Ruck, the legal firm representing Virdee, however, said: “Our client categorically denies these allegations; he has never been involved in carbon trading let alone in any kind of fraud.

“While he is happy to co-operate with the authorities he intends to defend himself fully against these allegations and the attempts to extradite him to Germany.”

Born in Birmingham, Virdee runs a £4 billion Mayfair property empire, as well as an international renewable energy company, PV Energy.

In a recent posting on Twitter, Mr Virdee is seen posing with Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader. He claims to have unveiled the UK’s first Sikh Memorial to the First World War, and to be the first Sikh patron of the English National Opera.

According to his website, the businessman is a patron of the NSPCC and the English National Opera.

He has also been pictured meeting high profile figures such as the Queen, footballer Steven Gerrard, sprinter Usain Bolt and pop star Rihanna.

So far, 13 people have been convicted in Germany over the case and received sentences ranging from 2 years and 9 months to 8 years in prison.

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FEATURE

Government loses Brexit court case – so what happens now?

Fiona de Londras

Professor of Global Legal Studies, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the government does not have the right to trigger Article 50, formally beginning the Brexit process, without an act of parliament.

The court voted eight to three against the government, following an appeal from the High Court late last year.

In essence, the government argued that even though triggering Article 50 would lead to a change in domestic law and fundamentally alter the constitutional arrangements that EU membership had wrought, it should be allowed to trigger it without parliamentary consent. This was, it said, part of the prerogative power of the executive – the matter is merely about membership of an international treaty and organisation (the EU), and that is a prerogative matter.

However, that prerogative – the power that the government can exercise on its own, without

parliamentary authorisation – is limited. It cannot usually be used to vary acts of parliament. If it could be, then the whole principle of parliamentary sovereignty would be undermined. It also cannot usually be used to reduce the rights enjoyed by people in the UK – which withdrawal from the EU would almost certainly do. Even though triggering Article 50 does not bring those changes about on its own, it puts in train a process the inevitable end of which is these fundamental constitutional and legal changes. The court agreed on this point.

The court also ruled that the

government does not need the consent of devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, even though withdrawal has clear and serious consequences for those nations. In the Court’s unanimous judgment on this point, the relationship between Westminster and the devolved parliaments is constitutionally important but not appropriate for judicial oversight.

Instead, it is a politically governed matter.

The political battle begins Despite this ruling, the question remains whether the act now to be

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FEATURE

Gina Miller presented to parliament can amount to a few lines or if it needs to be something more detailed. The court made it clear that the form of the act is entirely for parliament (and thus politics) to decide.

The government will likely want to keep the Article 50 bill as short as possible to minimise the potential for delays. But it is conceivable that parliament might refuse to give consent until it has a clearer steer from the government on what its red line priorities will be in the Brexit negotiation. The prime minister has outlined the principles that underpin her approach to Brexit, but parliament may want more detail, and it may refuse to authorise Article 50 being triggered until it has received it.

More likely, it may try to insert substantive amendments into the bill. It could, for example, demand continued membership of the single market after Brexit, even though May has said she plans to leave, thus attempting to force a change of tack from the government in its strategy.

It may also attempt to insert a clause requiring the government to keep parliament informed of how negotiations are proceeding.

It is difficult to imagine such efforts succeeding, but this does not mean the process in the House of Commons will be a comfortable one for the government. Of course, the House

of Lords will also have to vote, and without a government majority there, delays and complications are readily imaginable.

Does this mean that parliament can block Brexit? Theoretically yes, but it is difficult to foresee a perpetual refusal to allow Article 50 to be triggered. There is a clear question of legitimacy here: parliament gave the people a vote, the people voted for Brexit, and one way or another that is likely to be the end result.

What the Supreme Court decision does, however, is to ensure that parliament is empowered to make the government accountable for how it gives effect to that vote.

After all, that is what constitutional law is about: dividing power, making government accountable, ensuring effective governance.

What the Supreme Court has done in this case is no different to what it does everyday: it decided on what it considers to be the legally appropriate way of exercising state power in a particular set of circumstances. The context may make this seem sensational, but such decisions are of the essence of a mature constitutional democracy.

The court has done its part, as have “the people’�. Now, it is over to parliament and the government.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

Prime Minister Theresa May

There is a clear question of legitimacy here: parliament gave the people a vote, the people voted for Brexit, and one way or another that is likely to be the end result

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NEWS

Suspect in Quebec Mosque Attack named as Alexandre Bissonnette – a terrorist?

A MASS SHOOTING at a Quebec City mosque on Sunday 29 January left six people dead and eight wounded. The targeted mosque, the Cultural Islamic Center of Quebec, was the same one at which a severed pig’s head was left during Ramadan last June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the episode a “terrorist attack on Muslims.”

Quebec provincial police have released the names of all six victims who were killed:

Alexandre Bissonnette has been identified as the attacker and faces six counts of first-degree murder and five of attempted murder.

Father-of-three, Abdelkrim Hassane, 41, an IT worker for the government

More than 50 people were at the mosque when the shooting erupted just before 20:00 on Sunday.

Nineteen people were wounded all men - and of five people still in hospital, two were in a critical condition.

The 27-year-old briefly appeared in a Quebec City court over Sunday evening's attack, during evening prayers at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre.

Vigils have been held across Canada to commemorate those killed and injured.

Father-of-three Azzeddine Soufiane, 57, a grocer and butcher Khaled Belkacemi, 60, a professor in the food science department at Laval University

Aboubaker Thabti, 44, and two Guinean nationals, Mamadou Tanou Barry, 42, and Ibrahima Barry, 39 Mr Bissonnette did not enter a plea as he appeared in court on Monday 30 January, wearing a white prisonissue jump suit, his hands and feet shackled.

The suspect was arrested in his car on a bridge leading from Quebec City to Ile d'Orleans, where he called police to say he wanted to co-operate with the authorities.

There has been much criticism again in identifying Bissonette as a terrorist, especially as initial reports from news outlets such as Fox News

Ibrahima Barry

Khaled Belkacemi

Abdelkrim Hassane

Alexandre Bissonnette the terrorist depicted the shooter as Muslim and of Morroccon heritage. When in fact the man of Moroccan heritage who was also arrested after the attack, Mohamed Khadir, is now being treated as a witness.

The actual shooting suspect is 27-year-old Alexandre Bissonnette, a white French Canadian whom the leader of a local immigration rights groups, François Deschamps, (as told to a local paper) recognises as an

anti-immigrant far-right “troll” who has been hostile to the group online.

Reports say that he “was known in the city’s activist circles as a rightwing troll who frequently took antiforeigner and anti-feminist positions and stood up for U.S. President Donald Trump.” And Bisonnette’s Facebook page – now taken down – lists among its “likes” the far-right French nationalist Marine Le Pen, Islam critics Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, the Israeli Defense Forces, and Donald J. Trump (he also “likes” the liberal Canadian Party NDP along with more neutral “likes” such as Tom Hanks, the Sopranos and Katy Perry).

Aboubaker Thabti

Such confusing reports and for many news outlets to refrain from calling Bissonnette a terrorist, probably due to the fact that the act of terrorism was aimed at Muslims, just reinforces why the likes of Donald Trump can get away with peddling an Executive Order to ban predominantly Muslim countries.

Azzeddine Soufiane

Mamadou Tanou Barry

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HEALTH

Is this really the final word on whether calorie-restricted diets make you live longer?

By Naveed Sattar

Professor of Metabolic Medicine, University of Glasgow

A new study claims to have settled the debate on calorie restriction and longevity, but it is a complex read and far from definitive.

We have known for many years that obesity is associated with many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease and arthritis. So it should come as no surprise that scientists have

wondered whether the opposite is also true – that is, whether calorie restriction confers health and survival benefits. It is, of course, impossible to conduct a randomised controlled trial in humans to test this calorie restriction-survival hypothesis. Who would agree to go on such a diet for years on end?

So, to find out if restricting calories does lead to better health and longer lives compared with a normal diet, we need to look to animal studies for evidence. Here there is plenty of evidence from rodent studies that show a survival benefit for calorie

restriction. Unfortunately, rodents are far from human and many findings in rodents do not replicate when tested in people. So calorie restriction studies in other animals, specifically monkeys, would be more powerful.

The problem with these types of studies is they are not easy to do, given the need for very long periods of intervention and follow-up.

Fortunately, groups in the US have performed two such studies that have been the subject of debate as one showed convincing evidence for survival benefits of calorie restriction and the other did not. To resolve

these apparently different findings, the authors of the two studies went back to their original data and reanalysed the findings taking into account differences in design of the studies. In doing so, they worked out that the study that showed no initial overall benefit of calorie restriction on survival included a proportion of much younger monkeys, a group in whom calorie restriction seemed to show harm.

The authors have concluded that their combined analysis has resolved the debate once and for all and that there is clear evidence of benefit of calorie

most people are fighting a daily battle against tempting calories thrust in their direction and are trying to cut calories from a baseline of being either overweight or obese.

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people know that losing weight will help lessen their risks of getting type 2 diabetes, lower their blood pressure, improve their mobility and, perhaps most importantly, make them feel happier and improve their self-esteem. restriction when applied to adult monkeys.

Interesting but not definitive Although this new paper is interesting, it has a couple of potential flaws. First, the number of monkeys in the studies was small so it’s difficult to draw firm conclusions from the analyses. Second, re-analysis of data is often biased, especially when scientists have firm pre-held beliefs about the true direction of the findings, as they appear to have done in this case.

Overall, though, it’s an interesting paper that provides a new hypothesis for why the two studies differed – calorie restriction being harmful in the young and beneficial in adults – but it is far from definitive. Sadly, further trials are required, but, as mentioned above, they are very hard to do.

So what does this study mean for human health? Are there many people trying to restrict calories to live longer? Not many people who are a healthy weight would be persuaded by the evidence to restrict their

calories to gain further survival or health benefits. By contrast, most people are fighting a daily battle against tempting calories thrust in their direction and are trying to cut calories from a baseline of being either overweight or obese.

In most wealthy countries, this represents more than 50% of the population. These people know that losing weight will help lessen their risks of getting type 2 diabetes, lower their blood pressure, improve their mobility and, perhaps most importantly, make them feel happier and improve their self-esteem.

To lose weight, calorie restriction is indeed needed for nearly all people, but there are many ways to achieve this, including the 5:2 diet which essentially calorie restricts on two days per week. So, for many, whether or not the primate data supports survival benefits of calorie restriction is a moot point. Most simply want to find ways to make sustainable changes to their lifestyles to stop or slow weight gain or, if possible, lose a few pounds.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

The monkey on the left was given a diet with fewer calories while the monkey on the right was allowed to eat as much as it liked.

a

The authors have concluded that their combined analysis has resolved the debate once and for all and that there is clear evidence of benefit of calorie restriction when applied to adult monkeys.

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Meet Bharulata Kamble, the fearless women who drove 32,000 miles in support of ‘Girl Education’ Determination, fearless, tough, strong will power- that's Ms. Bharulata for you. She dreamt big and achieved it. The story, full of struggles and challenges seems almost like a Bollywood plot – 32 countries, one woman, one car, driving over 32,000 kilo meters, to be the voice for millions of voiceless girls. The drive entails the trek of a lifetime, through the Arctic Circle, 2 continents, 6 territories, 9 time zones, 3 desserts, 9 mountain ranges and 32 countries and 12 states of India. And when she returns after successful completion, celebrations and felicitations just can't wait.

Her supporters and well-wishers assembled in huge numbers from various parts of United Kingdom and locally.

Ms Kamble was recently felicitated by the All parliamentary party group(APPG) together with Inspiring Indian Women Group (IIW) on 19

January 2017. The event was attended by many important dignitaries and high profile guests and was hosted by Mr Virendra Sharma MP for Ealing and Southall.

The date (19 January) was of significance as it also celebrates, the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir, the election of Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister, the call for battle for Independence by Rani Lakshmi Bai, maharaja of Gondel state in Gujarat making the education for girls compulsory and a death anniversary of Maharana Pratap.

Ms. Bharulata was praised at the event by peers for facing it fearlessly.

Of the many guests, Baroness Rena Amin also spoke about her remarkable feat and how difficult it must have been crossing the Arctic Circle where no human dared to tread. She further praised Bharulata

for the causes she has been connected with.

Not only did she overcome various obstacles to complete this personal goal but also raised funds for Macmillan cancer support and Keech Hospice, whilst raising awareness and funds to educate Indian Girls.

Ms. Bharulata's husband Dr Subodh, said he was proud and honoured to be her husband and be associated with the mission, 'To save girl child and educate her'. Honourable Mayor of Luton Mr Tahir Shah, said that he was proud of Ms. Bharulata's achievement and that she had brought Luton on the world map. He further said he was highly impressed with her as she was completely motivated and not only had a very clear planning in place but also had pledged to give full support to two of his charities.

Bhuralata’s journey began in July

2016, where she attempted to achieve a World Record driving from the UK to India.

The Luton based mother of two, is a passionate driver, explorer and ardent for long distance driving. She is inquisitive, adventurous and finds crossing land borders fascinating.

The quest to push boundaries in her is innate and it is with this passion that Bharulata chose to drive thousands of miles and raise awareness of issues, which greatly affect women in society, particularly in India as well as raise funds for charity. Bharulata’s core mission is to highlight the significance of women empowerment, by demonstrating that women too can take on challenging tasks and be successful in them and she certainly proved that with her grit and determination in accomplishing her drive from the UK to India drive to raise awareness of issues and funds for charities.

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Bharulata firmly believes that driving and being mobile is the first sign of empowerment. She strongly believes and wishes to advocate, especially in India where driving is considered mainly a man's domain, that mobility is key for women to integrate with the socio-economic fabric of the country. Bharulata is visionary, passionate and a determined lady, doing her best to help and support the underprivileged, the poor and deprived in the society.

She firmly believes in giving back to the society. The cause of girls’ education is very dear to her. Her passion for people is apparent in all she does and her compassion is a beautiful exhibit thereof.

Bharulata believes that every girl has right to life and should have right to education. Origin of girl child is an origin of mother of next generation.

Mothers are the first educator of their children and educator of next generation. Educated girls are the force to move forward the world.

Education is the way to change the world. Education sustains human values. It forms the foundation for learning and critical thinking.

32 countries, one woman, one car, driving over 32,000 kilo meters, to be the voice for millions of voiceless girls

Education also provides skills for girls to become more self-reliant and provides them with more opportunities. Bharulata hopes to make the Indian Diaspora around the globe proud, by completing this courageous task. So far, Bharulata has completed 3 ‘test drive’ trips across Europe in February to March 2016 to prepare for Bharulata also aims to start a hospital in her home town in India, reminiscing the days of how her grandfather lost his life, thirty years back because of the lack of good hospitals.

Spokesperson for the Inspiring Indian Women, Rashmi Mishra also spoke on behalf of the thousands of women from her group, She paid her respects to the courage and spirit of Bharulata which has inspired the members to believe in themselves and never say no to any dream but go ahead and realise it, as nothing is impossible. She further said that, Ms. Bharulata has motivated them to come out of the shell and explore the various options available. Definitely a woman of influence.

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NEWS

Boxer Amir Khan given ultimatum by wife to choose between her and his family.

Amir Khan and, Faryal with their daught

After months of infighting and rows, Amir Khan’s wife Faryal Makhdoom has threatened the boxer to choose between her and his family.

Matters became worse after a sex tape of Amir Khan was released to a US porn site recently.

The indecent video released earlier January was believed to have been made just weeks after the boxing hero Khan’s marriage with Faryal Makhdoom in 2013.

Defending the tape and their relationship Faryal and the 30-yearold boxer appeared on ITV’s This Morning together. The 25-year-old beauty blogger in a live video call on

the show said: 'I feel like someone’s done it out of revenge, someone close to us. It's not necessarily a family member. Amir has fired a lot of people who worked for the company so it could be a worker'.

The British boxing star, 30, admitted that the sex tape had 'upset' him and also believes that he was betrayed by someone close to him who wanted to inflict maximum pain on him and his wife.

The Daily Mail has since reported that Faryal fears that more such explicit videos may be leaked further on the internet and has therefore, given her boxing husband an ultimatum.

Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdoom on This Morning

I feel like someone’s done it out of revenge, someone close to us. It's not necessarily a family member.

Faryal Makhdoom

Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdoom with their daughter Lamaisah. Image Credit : Instagram A source close to the couple told the Daily Mail that Faryal is tracking Amir Khan’s mobile phone and social networking sites.

Furthermore, the couple didn’t even attend Amir’s brother Haroon’s wedding in Bolton, which according to ‘a family source’ was because Amir’s wife hasn’t got over Haroon’s ‘Michael Jackson’ taunt aimed at her.

However, Faryal claims that no one bothered to invite the couple to Haroon’s wedding.

Boxer Amir Khan before a fight.

Image Credit : Instagram

Haroon in response had mentioned how the vicious feud between his family and Faryal had taken its toll.

He added that Faryal was “a law unto herself’ [and] we, family, friends, are all shocked and saddened by what [she] has been saying.”

l Makhdoom ter Lamaisah

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NEWS

70 years of Pakistan’s style evolution hits London

The exclusive event will showcase Pakistani bridal and luxury prêt collections, to an audience of London and South Asia’s elite, from the industries of fashion, media, business and finance.

Some of Pakistan’s leading designers will be feature collections on the catwalk, including Nilofer Shahid, Nomi Ansari, Tena Durrani, Shamaeel Ansari, Maria B, Faiza Samee, Saira Rizwan, Rani Emaan, Seher Tareen and Sherzad Rahimtoola.

Hair and makeup by the dynamic duo, Aamir and Ambreen will complete each bridal look with a flawless finish.

Jewellery for Tena Durrani’s collection will be provided by Jadau

and Red Dot Jewels will be providing their exquisite jewellery for Rani Emaan.

For the first time in the history of Fashion Parade, consumers can purchase the showcasing designers’ collections via Studio by TCS, the headline sponsor of Fashion Parade Bride, and an exciting new fashion portal.

Fashion Parade (FP) is the brainchild of entrepreneur Sadia Siddiqui, who launched her first fashion event five years ago, presenting luxury South Asian couture to a British audience.

Fashion Parade Bride is the newest addition to the FP platform. "I created FP four years ago with the view of promoting Asian designers on a quality platform targeted to an international audience,” explains Sadia.

“Pakistan's fashion industry has come a long way in the last 70 years, with

Pakistani designers at par with some of the world’s best. The design philosophy and ethics in Pakistan today reflect its culture and heritage, and combining an international appeal. It is an honour and privilege for me to showcase Pakistan's leading and emerging designers to an international audience on the FP platform, with an aim to get Asian and in particular, Pakistani fashion recognised and appreciated on an international level."

Im ag e: Na s Din

Mustang Productions will celebrate Pakistan’s 70 years of Independence on Monday 6th February 2017 with the inaugural Fashion Parade Bride & Luxury Prêt, powered by Studio by TCS, at London’s historic former church, One Marylebone.

WEEKENDER Issue thirteen, Tuesday31 January 2017

TRAVEL

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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

A Passage to India PAGE 14

Meet Arjun Kanungo

singer, entrepreneur, composer and heartthrob.

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LIFESTYLE

Five reasons why you might be driving electric sooner than you think Stephen Hall Research Fellow in energy economics and policy, University of Leeds

There is huge potential for using electric vehicles to tackle climate change, give us cleaner air and grow the green economy. The question is, when it will make sense for most of us to ditch diesel and petrol, and go electric? Given the pace of innovation in the sector, it might be sooner than you think.

New research from the University of Leeds has investigated innovations in electric mobility that could take the electric car from a niche to the mass market. From new big data applications to smart infrastructure solutions, there are a host of developments that could make 2017 the year of the electric car.

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LIFESTYLE

1. Electric fuel costs could go down It is already much cheaper per mile to drive electric than diesel or petrol – it costs about 12p per mile for liquid fuel versus 2p-4p per mile for electric. Most people will also do the majority of their charging at night, when the price of electricity is much lower than during the day.

As more and more of us get smart electricity meters in our homes, our energy providers will be able to charge us more accurately for when we use electricity as well as how much we use.

This means we will be able to access electricity tariffs which offer very low prices during the night. So long as consumers set the car to charge after 9pm, they could hit prices under 2p per mile. Watch out for electricity suppliers offering special deals to electric vehicle customers.

2. Electric cars can 3. Mobility for the be clean and green price of a coffee

4. No driveway, no problem.

Low-price electricity is often the greenest electricity. As we build more wind and solar power into our electricity systems, the cost of electricity on the wholesale market falls. This is because when it’s windy or sunny those technologies have to sell into the market, so the more of them there are having to sell, the more it becomes a buyer’s market.

Until now, having a driveway or garage was the only realistic option for everyday charging. Public charge provision has been patchy – drivers are often forced to use slow chargers in inconvenient locations to top up.

This leaves anyone with no off-street parking with no reliable everyday option for charging their vehicles. But throughout 2017, UK cities from Bristol to Nottingham have been investigating new rapid charger provision that can fully charge a normal electric vehicle in the time it takes to drink a coffee and check emails.

Some electric cars can already be switched on and off charge remotely – and there is no reason they cannot be programmed to charge when electricity is cheapest or greenest. Look out for new apps and programs to link car charging with renewable energy by remote scheduling charge cycles.

For 97% of the time, we are not behind the wheel of our cars. This has led to a host of non-ownership models where people take short-term rental of cars, buying “mobility as a service”. This research shows that innovative ideas around mobility as a service could be linked with the energy system to offer low-carbon vehicle access to everyone – whether they want to actually own a car or not. Anyone who already uses car clubs, or thinks they might ditch fuel in the near future, might find themselves riding electric sooner than they thought.

These rapid charger points are available in motorway service stations, but they are set to appear in cities, too – so not having a driveway won’t stop you buying an electric vehicle if you live anywhere close to one of these “filling stations of the future”. Look out for them at a forecourt near you.

5. Buy one for the price of a used Ford Linking up your brand new electric car with your home sounds great, but in the past would have set you back at least £35,000 for the price of a car, some solar panels and some smart conversion kit. But now as the first generation of electric cars are arriving on the secondhand market, anyone can get a bargain. AutoTrader has led the way by allowing users to search exclusively for fully electric-powered cars.

Anyone who takes a look will see a good quality used example can cost about the same as a conventionally powered car in the same class. Expect to see a growing market for used electric cars and extended warranties on batteries and charging kit.

Overall, this research showed us that new partnerships between car makers, energy utilities and cities will offer many more options for us to take our first ride in a purely electric car. We need smart ways of charging so we don’t overload our existing electricity grids – and we might need to get used to seeing a lot more electric vehicleonly parking – but 2017 is looking like a critical year for electric mobility.

It makes a lot of sense to link all these innovations so that new electric cars can get the cheapest, greenest power possible – and we can finally feel less guilty about driving when we could have walked.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation.

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Recipes from Dhaka Chicken Masala

Although it's named after a city in Bangladesh, it's a dish that truly has the Lahoris asking for more!

Ingredients • Chicken Drumsticks : 12 • Oil : 5 tablespoons • National Ginger & Garlic Paste : 1 teaspoon • National Chicken Jalfrezi Masala : 3 tablespoons • Yogurt : 1 cup • Tomato (chopped) : 5 medium • Chili Sauce : 2 tablespoons • National Chili Garlic Sauce : 1 tablespoon

Facebook/ The Desi Kitchen

• National Chinese Soya Sauce : 1 tablespoon • Iodized Salt : to taste • Sesame Seeds for garnish Method Make small insertions on the chicken drumsticks.

Heat the oil in a pan and cook the drumsticks till they are light-golden.

Add National Ginger Paste,

Twitter/ @thedesikitched

National Garlic Paste, National Chicken Jalfrezi Masala, and yogurt. Cook till chicken is tender.

Once tender, add tomatoes, National Chili Sauce, National Chili Garlic Sauce, National Chinese Soy Sauce, and National Iodized Salt; do a quick bhunai till tomatoes soften.

Serve hot, garnish with sesame seeds.

Youtube/ The Desi Kitchen

1st Floor, The Bazaar, Simes Street, Bradford, BD1 3SQ

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Dhuwan Raisha Beef Ingredients for Raisha Gosht • Beef Fillet : 500 gm (boneless beef medallions or Pasande) • National Turmeric Powder : quarter teaspoon • National Ginger & Garlic Paste : 1 teaspoon each • Iodized Salt : half teaspoon • Charcoal for koyle-ka-dum : 1 inch piece • Oil for koyle-ka-dum For Masala • Oil : half cup • Dried Red Chili (whole) : 5-6 round pods • Peanuts (chopped) : 1 tablespoon • Curry Patta (fresh curry leaves) : 4 leaves • Tomatoes (chopped) : 2

• National Seekh Kabab Masala : 2 tablespoons • Yogurt : half cup • National Chinese Chili Sauce : 2 tablespoons • National Chili Garlic Sauce : 2 tablespoons • Iodized Salt : to taste

Method For the Masala In a deighchi put the beef, National Turmeric powder, National Ginger Paste, National Garlic Paste, National Iodized Salt and 1.5 cups of water. Bring to a full rapid-boil.

Turn the heat low and cook with the lid covered till meat is tender ( breaks at touch).

Give it koyle-ka-dum and keep aside.

Method For Cooking Heat oil in a sauce pan and add whole dried red chilies, peanuts and fresh curry patta.

Once they start to crackle, add the tomatoes, National Seekh Kabab Masala, and yogurt. Cook until the tomatoes soften.

To this add National Chinese Chili Sauce, National Chili Garlic Sauce, the shredded beef you had kept aside, and National Iodized Salt if required. Do bhunai.

Serve as it is, or spread on a paratha to make a roll.

Strain the meat and shred finely.

Shahi Tuti Fruiti Kulfi

Ingredients • Bread Slices : 2 medium • Glazed Cherries canned (chopped) : 6-7 cherries • Milk : 500 ml • Sugar : 10 tablespoons • National Vanilla Custard : 1 tablespoon • Cardamom Powder : a pinch • Kewara Essence (Pandan / Screw-Pine Essence) : 1/2 teaspoon • Almonds/Pistachios (chopped) : 2 tablespoons

Facebook/ The Desi Kitchen

Method Cut the edges off bread slices. Using a food processor, make fine crumbs; keep aside.

Quarter the glazed cherries and keep aside.

In a sauce pan bring milk to a full boil.

Add sugar and cook on low heat till the time it dissolves.

Mix National Vanilla Custard with 3 tablespoons of water; add this to the milk, stir/hand-whisk continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring it to a full boil.

Twitter/ @thedesikitched

Turn the heat off; add cardamom powder and kewara essence.

Transfer the milk mixture into a bowl and allow it to cool down.

Add bread crumbs, chopped cherries and nuts to the mixture and mix.

Fill it in ice-lolly molds (or any deep square/ rectangular container) and freeze it for 24 hours or until set solid.

Enjoy great homemade Shahi Tuti-Fruti Kulfi as it is or serve with falooda noodles.

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Your Weekend tv Guide for all your favourite Asian TV channels Saturday 4th Feburary 2017

SONY TV

03:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

22:30 Special Teleplay (Religious)

06:00 Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (Drama)

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

04:30 CID (Drama)

00:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

06:30 Bani - Ishq Da Kalma (Drama)

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

01:00 Viewers Choice (Entertainment)

07:00 Vatsalya Tech (Magazine Programme)

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

02:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

07:30 Ek Shringaar Swabhiman (Drama)

11:00 Yeh Raaste Hai Pyar Ke (Film)

02:30 Begunah (Drama)

10:00 Dil Se Dil Tak (Drama)

03:30 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy)

13:00 IFA Awards (Entertainment)

14:15 Badmaash Company (Film)

04:00 Mere Humnawa (Drama)

16:00 Sansui Colors Stardust Awards 2017 (Entertainment)

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

ARY TV

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 Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (Drama) 09:30 Beyhadh (Drama) 10:00 Spice Up- Cooking Show (Cookery)

06:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show) 08:00 Viewers Choice (Entertainment) 09:00 Inteqam (Film) 10:00 Dilli Walay Dulahray Babu (Drama)

12:30 Begunah (Drama)

01:00 Special Programme (Documentary)

13:30 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

02:30 Dil Se Dil Tak (Drama)

16:00 Mein Mehroo (Drama)

14:00 Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani (Film)

16:30 Rishta Anjana Sa (Drama)

17:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

17:00 Special Teleplay (Religious) 18:30 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

21:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

19:00 Begunah (Drama)

22:30 CID (Drama)

20:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

00:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy) 02:00 Crime Patrol (Drama)

21:00 Special Programme (Documentary)

00:00 Naagin (Drama)

15:30 Dilli Walay Dulahray Babu (Drama)

23:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

20:00 Naagin (Drama)

12:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

12:00 Indian Idol (Game Show)

20:00 Indian Idol (Game Show)

B4U Movies

19:30 Sasural Simar Ka (Drama)

22:30 Special Programme (Documentary)

14:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

19:00 Indian Idol (Game Show)

05:30 Hamd O Naat (Music)

19:00 Devanshi (Drama)

10:30 Special Teleplay (Religious)

10:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

13:00 Asian Variety Show (Entertainment)

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

06:00 Khal Nayak (Film) 09:30 Laadla (Film) 13:00 Baaghi: Rebels in Love (Film)

05:00 Naagin (Drama)

SAB TV

17:10 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (Film) 20:30 Hate Story (Film) 23:10 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 00:05 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 01:00 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 02:00 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 02:55 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 03:50 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 04:35 Deewana (Film)

SONY MAX

16:30 Army (Film) 20:00 The Shaukeens (Film) 23:30 Aatma - Feel it Around You (Film) 03:00 Fareb (Film)

Colours TV

06:00 Pyar Ka Mandir (Film) 05:00 Aa Gale Lag Jaa (Film) 08:00 Sadguru Enlightens (Religious)

21:00 Mere Humnawa (Drama)

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

22:00 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy)

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

08:30 Heera (Film) 11:00 Krrish (Film) 14:30 Rowdy Rathore (Film) 17:30 Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Film)

Katrina Kaif looks content on sets of 'Jagga Jasoos' Katrina Kaif is all geared up for her upcoming flick 'Jagga Jasoos' and to make her fans even more excited, the beautiful actress recently posted a snap from the film's sets with a surreal background.

The 'Baar Baar Dekho' star shared a candid photo of herself sitting in front of a vintage car with a gorgeous sunset in the background which is actually a cut-out.

The 33 year-old-actress uploaded the photo on Facebook with the caption, "Never waste any amount of time doing anything important when there is a sunset you should be sitting under .... (even if it's a cutout) #JaggaJasoos UTV Motion Pictures."

The actress is seen wearing a t-shirt and dungarees, along with specs and sneakers. In

the photo she uploaded, we could not help but notice her fractured hand.

Directed by Anurag Basu, 'Jagga Jasoos' will hit the big screens on April 7.

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21:00 Baghbaan (Film) 00:00 Fanaa (Film) 03:00 Sohni Mahiwal (Film)

STAR GOLD

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@Asian_Standard

08:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

03:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

06:30 Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (Entertainment)

23:00 Neeli Chatri Waale (Documentary)

09:00 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

04:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

07:00 Zee News (News)

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

09:30 Naamkarann (Drama)

04:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

10:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 10:30 Saathiya (Drama) 11:00 Dil Hai Hindustani (Entertainment) 12:00 Ishqbaaaz (Drama) 12:30 Meri Durga (Documentary)

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

ZEE CINEMA

09:30 Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (Film)

17:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

13:15 Mohenjo Daro (Film)

17:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

16:35 Hum (Film) 20:00 Heyy Babyy (Film)

18:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

22:45 Dabangg (Film)

18:30 Meri Durga (Documentary)

01:15 Mitti Aur Sona (Entertainment)

19:00 Saathiya (Drama)

04:15 Mr. Mobile (Film)

19:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

STAR PLUS

20:00 Dil Hai Hindustani (Entertainment) 21:00 Naamkarann (Drama) 21:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama) 22:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama) 22:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama) 23:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 23:30 Dil Hai Hindustani (Entertainment)

06:00 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

00:30 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

06:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

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

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

13:30 Chandra Nandni (Drama) 14:00 I Hate Love Storys (Film)

08:00 Nirankari Baba Mission (Entertainment)

10:00 Food Tripping (Cookery)

13:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

06:00 Shaan (Film)

07:30 Yoga for You (Entertainment)

11:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama) 11:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama) 04:00 Sansar (Film) 06:45 Chandan Ka Palna (Film) 09:15 Kaala Sona (Film) 11:30 Bollywood Business (Magazine Programme)

14:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

15:00 Himmatwala (Film)

15:00 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

01:00 Geraftaar (Film) 03:45 Pure Bollywood (Music) 04:30 Kaala Sona (Film)

ZEE TV

02:30 Big Story, Big Debate (Chat Show) 03:30 The Art Room (Entertainment) 04:30 Fear Files (Documentary) 05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

HUM TV

13:00 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

14:45 Fanography (Entertainment)

22:45 Commando: A One Man Army (Film)

02:00 Bollywood Business (Magazine Programme)

12:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

13:30 Kumkum Bhagya-One Hour Spl (Drama)

20:00 A Flying Jatt (Film)

01:00 Dr. Subhash Chandra Show (Drama)

12:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

12:00 Geraftaar (Film)

17:30 Khubsoorat (Film)

7

15:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama) 16:00 The Big Idea (Entertainment) 16:30 Big Story, Big Debate (Chat Show)

09:00 Jago Pakistan Jago 10:30 Joru Ka Ghulam(Rpt) 11:00 Hatheli 12:00 Dil Banjaara 13:00 Saya e Deewaar bhi Nahi 14:00 Sila

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

15:00 Bin Roye

18:00 Out and About (Entertainment)

17:00 Natak

18:30 Bollywood Business (Magazine Programme)

19:00 Fun Khana

16:00 Bunty I love u

18:00 Sange Mar Mar

19:00 Zee News (News)

19:30 Joru Ka Ghulam

01:00 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

19:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery)

20:00 Laaj

07:00 Meri Durga (Documentary)

01:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

20:00 Dr. Subhash Chandra Show (Drama)

22:00 Saturday Night Special

07:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

02:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

08:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

02:00 Ishqbaaaz (Drama)

03:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

21:00 25 Years Bonanza - II (Entertainment) 22:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama)

Coming soon! Badri Varun and Dulhania Alia on Koffee With Karan The fifth season of 'Koffee With Karan' has seen B-town celebs making use of KJo's couch to promote their upcoming films.

Be it Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt for 'Dear Zindagi', Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor

for 'Veere Di Wedding', Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez for 'Reload' or Aamir Khan with 'Dangal girls' Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra.

And now Alia and Varun too are set to join the

bandwagon to promote 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania'.

The 'Dishoom' star recently confirmed the news by uploading a picture on Instagram and captioned it as, "Badri @karanjohar and the dulhania #koffeewithkaran special episode. Coming soon"

21:00 Bunty I love u

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 5 Feburary 2017

SONY TV

00:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

23:00 Special Teleplay (Religious)

09:30 Devanshi (Drama)

02:00 Crime Patrol (Drama)

00:30 Bulbulay (Comedy)

03:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

01:00 Viewers Choice (Entertainment)

14:00 Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (Drama)

04:31 CID (Drama)

02:00 Begunah (Drama)

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

03:00 Inteqam (Film)

ARY TV

04:00 Ghayal (Drama)

07:00 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama) 07:30 Bhakti Sagar (Religious) 07:59 Peshwa Bajirao (Drama) 08:44 Peshwa Bajirao (Drama) 09:30 Asian Variety Show (Entertainment) 10:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy) 12:00 Indian Idol (Game Show) 13:00 Beyhadh (Drama) 13:30 Beyhadh (Drama) 14:00 Yeh Dillagi (Film) 17:00 Spice Up- Cooking Show (Cookery)

15:30 Bigg Boss - India Isse Apna Hi Gha (Reality Show)

19:00 Devanshi (Drama)

18:00 Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (Film)

05:30 Hamd O Naat (Music)

20:00 Naagin (Drama) 21:00 Special Programme (Documentary) 22:30 Special Programme (Documentary)

06:00 Begunah (Drama)

00:00 Naagin (Drama)

07:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary)

01:00 Special Programme (Documentary)

08:00 Viewers Choice (Entertainment)

02:30 Ek Shringaar Swabhiman (Drama)

09:00 Good Morning Pakistan (Chat Show)

05:00 Naagin (Drama)

10:30 Special Teleplay (Religious) 12:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama) 12:30 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy) 13:00 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (Documentary) 14:00 Mere Humnawa (Drama)

06:00 Mahabharat (Film) 09:30 Army (Film) 13:00 Fugly (Film)

11:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show) 11:30 Amar Prem (Film)

19:30 Sasural Simar Ka (Drama)

B4U Movies

10:30 Khatmal-E-Isqh (Drama)

18:30 Desi Beat (Magazine Programme)

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

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama) 06:30 Jeevan Prabhat (Religious)

12:00 Naagin (Drama)

10:00 Khatmal-E-Isqh (Drama)

SAB TV

14:45 Aarakshan (Film)

21:15 Big Brother (Film) 00:05 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 01:00 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 02:00 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 02:55 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 03:50 Crime Patrol Dial 100 (Drama) 04:35 Ahista Ahista (Film)

SONY MAX

16:30 Chaalbaaz (Film) 20:00 Lingaa (Film) 23:30 The Shaukeens (Film) 03:00 Rakht (Film)

Colours TV

15:00 Muqaabil (Drama)

17:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

16:00 Yehi Ishq (Drama)

19:00 Indian Idol (Game Show)

17:00 Special Teleplay (Religious)

20:00 Indian Idol (Game Show)

18:30 Bulbulay (Comedy) 19:00 Begunah (Drama)

06:00 Udaan (Film)

21:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

20:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

07:00 Vatsalya Tech (Magazine Programme)

22:30 CID (Drama)

22:00 Inteqam (Film)

07:30 Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (Drama)

23:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

04:35 Deewana (Film)

06:00 Ram Aur Shyam (Film)

07:30 Khatmal-E-Isqh (Drama)

09:00 Faltu (Film)

08:00 Sadguru Enlightens (Religious)

15:00 Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (Film)

08:30 Khatmal-E-Isqh (Drama)

18:00 Hum Tum (Film)

09:00 Khatmal-E-Isqh (Drama)

00:00 Baseraa (Film)

09:30 Khatmal-E-Isqh (Drama)

Vishal Bharadwaj adds live orchestra in 'Rangoon' to bring realism Vishal Bharadwaj is leaving no stone unturned in making 'Rangoon' look as realistic a film as possible.

The song 'Bloody Hell,' featuring the feisty Kangana Ranaut riding a horse and vivaciously dancing, is creating waves already.

It is interesting to note that Bhardwaj has taken realism a notch higher.

Instead of getting junior artists to perform in the song as musicians, he has got the actual live orchestra to feature in not just 'Bloody Hell,' but throughout the film. This gives much more precision to the look and feel of the songs.

In fact, 'Bloody Hell' features Sunidhi Chauhan, singing the song, and Kangana lip syncing to it.

'Rangoon,' a Casablanca-like love story, set against

the backdrop of World War II, highlights the equation of the protagonists Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor.

The trailer has generated a lot of curiosity among the audience, crossing 13 million views on YouTube.

This period drama is all set to hit theatres on February 24, 2017.

12:00 Satte Pe Satta (Film)

21:00 Sultan (Film)

03:00 Shreemaan Aashique (Film)

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STAR GOLD

08:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama) 09:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 09:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

06:00 Kaal (Film) 08:30 I, Me Aur Main (Film) 10:40 Bol Bachchan (Film) 13:35 Patiala House (Film) 16:30 Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Film) 20:00 Singham Returns (Film) 22:45 Talvar (Film) 01:20 Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Film) 04:35 The Front Row with Anupama Chopra (Entertainment) 05:00 Koffee with Karan (Chat Show)

STAR PLUS

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@Asian_Standard

05:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

ZEE CINEMA

08:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

08:30 Narayan Seva Sansthan (Documentary)

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

09:30 The Art Room (Entertainment)

05:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama)

11:00 Dil Hai Hindustani (Entertainment)

10:00 Out and About (Entertainment)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

12:00 Koffee with Karan (Chat Show) 13:00 M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (Film)

04:30 Kaala Sona (Film) 07:00 Pappu Can't Dance Saala (Film)

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

09:15 Karz (Film)

11:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

17:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

11:45 Fanography (Entertainment)

11:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

17:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

12:00 Padosan (Film)

12:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

18:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama) 18:30 Meri Durga (Documentary) 19:00 Saathiya (Drama) 19:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 20:00 Dil Hai Hindustani (Entertainment)

14:45 Shaitaan (Film) 16:45 Pyaar Ka Punchnama (Film)

13:00 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

22:00 Ankur Arora Murder Case (Documentary)

13:30 Nil Battey Sannata (Film)

00:15 Pizza (Film)

16:30 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment)

02:10 Padosan (Film) 05:00 Pure Bollywood (Music)

ZEE TV

17:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery) 18:00 Food Tripping (Cookery) 18:30 Ganga - The Soul of India (Cookery) 19:00 Umang (Event) (Entertainment) 22:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama)

02:30 Ishqbaaaz (Drama) 03:00 Saathiya (Drama)

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

03:30 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

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

04:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

04:30 Naamkarann (Drama)

06:30 Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (Entertainment)

05:00 Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil (Drama)

07:00 Zee News (News)

01:00 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment) 02:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama)

‘Hanging’ out with Shahid Shahid Kapoor's social media updates make all girls go gaga over him.

Keeping up with the tradition, Shahid recently took to Instagram and posted a shirtless photo of him and captioned it "Hanging in the backyard".

The 'Haider' star shows off his rugged look with his toned body and those abs that are worth dying for in this monochrome pic.

04:30 Jamai Raja (Drama)

HUM TV

12:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

19:15 Players (Film)

02:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

07:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

03:00 Sanyukt (Drama)

10:30 Dil Hai Hindustani Unplugged (Documentary)

01:00 Dil Hai Hindustani (Entertainment)

07:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

08:00 Bhakti Bhav (Entertainment)

09:00 Money Guru (Business and Finance)

22:00 Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (Film)

06:30 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

02:30 Zindagi Ki Mehek (Drama)

10:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

21:00 Koffee with Karan (Chat Show)

06:00 Chandra Nandni (Drama)

07:30 Yoga for You (Entertainment)

9

With this body, we might just be a little more excited to see him on the big screen.

On a related note, the 35 year-old will next be seen in Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Rangoon' alongside Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut and is also gearing up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.

09:00 Jago Pakistan Jago 10:30 Fun Khana (Rpt) 11:00 Saya e Dewaar bhi Nahin 12:00 Natak 13:00 Bin Roye 14:00 Hatheli 15:00 Hatheli 16:00 Bunty I love u 17:00 Hsy (Season 3) 18:00 Sila 19:30 Mr Shamim 20:00 Bin Roye 21:00 Bunty I love u 22:00 Kitni Girhein Baqi Hain Disclaimer : Please note listings correct at the time of printing and can vary.

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INTERVIEW

Meet Arjun Kanungo

singer, composer, entrepreneur and heartthrob.

Heartthrob and pop sensation, Arjun Kanungo,begins the New Year with a bang as he releases a fun, groovy song Ek Dafaa. The song features a sample used from legendary artist A.R.Rahman’s iconic Chinnamma that makes it fun and adds an extremely trendy vibe to the song.

Arjun Kanungo is best known for his debut single Baaki Baatein Peene Baad and for his work in Go Goa Gone (2013) and Pizza 3D (2014) along with his rising popularity on YouTube.

The new talent is piped to be the next biggest music artist. We caught up with the singer, composer and producer over friendly ghap shap on career and challenges.

Your latest song ‘Ek Dafaa’ has just released how has the response to the song been so far.

The response to the song has been amazing. We’ve had around 3 million views collectively on all social media platforms already, which is amazing. So, we are quite thrilled with the response and people have been saying nice things about it, which I am quite surprised actually.

Not because I don’t believe in the song but because you know people always have this thing when you take anything with some influence (like we did A R Rehman’s Chinnamma) so people

are always critical. So far no one has said anything negative and I am stunned. I expected a bit of back lash, because you always have that when you use someone like Rahman’s work but there was nothing, nothing at all.

It’s not easy breaking into the India music industry, yet you have had a successful set of songs and have been signed up

by Sony Music, tell us a little bit about the journey so far. Has it been an easy ride?

Yes, it’s been an interesting journey. Because I never thought I was going to be a singer I

started off doing stuff which was not related to music at all. At around the age of 17, music kind of just fell into my lap. I dumped everything I was doing at the time (this was 10 years ago) and I kind of decided one day to do music.

I called my folks and told them that I wanted to jump into music and do whatever I can so I started composing music for Television and advertisements and stuff like.

So, I started this recording studio at the age of 18 and was doing college side by side and through the recording studio I met some amazing people like Pritam, Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan and all these amazing people, so I kind of

learnt on the job and it was the best education I got in terms of music. So, while I was learning classical music on the side I was able to see what the real music world was like. It is difficult to know where to start or where to jump in from and so through the recording studio I met all these people I got my ‘in’.

I was singing at a café once and someone came up to me and said do you want to come and audition for a band that I represent. I asked which band was that and he said I am Asha Bhonsle’s manager, and we’re looking for a guitar player and a singer so would you

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INTERVIEW like to audition, so I said I would love to, but I had never sung a Bollywood song before or in Hindi for that matter because I used to sing in English. So, I went in and spent some time with Ashaji and she said to me that you should definitely sing more than you play guitar, so I started to train my voice and started touring with her on this world tour and it was awesome because learning from a legend like that was one of the best things that could have happened to me at the time.

She mentored me into Bollywood music and that was my first year introduction for Bollywood music so I started singing for films and eventually I signed for a film called Go Goa Gone, which was my most successful film song at the time, but after that I just decided I needed a break from that because my voice was different and at that time I don’t think the Bollywood film industry was looking for a voice like that so I decided to take a break and do acting for a while.

So, I went to Europe and then Lee Strasberg which is in New York city. Then someone approached me and told me we know your songs, but don’t know who you are, so I thought, that’s a problem and that’s when I decided to get on to YouTube and that’s where Sony Music found me and after that I’ve got the success that I got recently.

So, it’s happened in an unusual way, you went into business first then pursued your creative talent later. Whilst most young people would’ve pursued their creative career first, you chose to start off as an entrepreneur and then broke into creative talent, what made you chose business as a teenager?

I had an experience where I met these kids from an arts school and I was in New York City at the time and was deciding what to do at the time, you know how every 17-year-old doesn’t really know what they want to do. So, I didn’t know I was lost, and was doing business school at the time.

So, I met these kids who were so sure about what they wanted to do in life. They had so much of a purpose and focus and that’s something I felt that I knew was missing from my life. When you don’t know what to do with the next 10 – 20 years of your life, it’s kind of like you don’t really need to wake up in the morning and do something specific, you don’t have any discipline, you lack focus that you need. So, I decided that this is the kind of passion that I need in my life so I decided if they can do music why can’t I do music. It was really kind of unplanned because I didn’t have any experience of music in my life. I suppose it was whimsical at the time but also in retrospect my conviction was a lot

I had a singing class teacher who told me that if this is not something you plan to do with your whole life, don’t do it. Because it takes you that long to really find out what your potential is

stronger so it kind of worked out.

So, you’re a singer, composer, entrepreneur and done some acting. What do you find most challenging of them?

I think singing is definitely the most challenging because there are so many levels to it. The more you get into it the challenges get harder the longer you do it. So, if you want to improve after a certain point it’s very easy to go from 0% to say 90% but the last 10% say where you really want to become a master it kind of takes your life I suppose.

I had a singing class teacher who told me that if this is not something you plan to do with your whole life, don’t do it.

Because it takes you that long to really find out what your potential is. So, definitely singing.

India has a sea of talented musicians how do you plan to stand out and leave your mark within this massive industry?

It is a massive industry and there is so much talent out there. I wouldn’t even say I am the top ten percent talent out there because there are so many hard-working musicians, so I definitely think there are more talented people than me, but the only thing that is required in this industry is

So I definitely think there are more talented people than me, but the only thing that is required in this industry is an understanding of how the industry works an understanding of how the industry works. That is something that only comes with experience and the thing with me is that because I live and breathe music, that is something I do every minute of my life, I feel that that’s the kind of dedication that you need to succeed in this industry, because of the competition and because of the talent you have to put in every single moment of your time. It is because of the experience I have from the last decade. Your priority isn’t to stand out but to do good work and that

eventually that work has its own destiny. You’re just along for the ride actually (laughs) So you put in your time and put in good work and hope for the best in this industry. If your work is good enough it will carry you through.

Well Arjun is certainly doing good work and we would like to wish him well with his new release ‘Ek Dafaa’ which is out now and can be found on https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WIn5oMHtho_Ir0Z5GQwQ

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TECHNOLO technology TECHNOLOGY 12

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Accidentally sent a Whatsapp Sony introduces message and wish you could delete XAV-AX100 in-car it? Well that just might be possible

audio system at $499 Are you a regular Whatsapp user?

Have you ever had a moment where you haveby sent a message and wish RAHUL RAUT you never pressed the sent button? rahul@asian-standard.co.uk

Often the mistake can be small, but in someElectronics cases they can be traumatic.

Sony introduced a new car brings ofas it Wellreceiver we havethat some good lots news, smartphone your to seems there connectivity may now be atosolution car. thisXAV-AX100 problem. supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it Sony’s first to smart carWhatsapp audio system According reports will to come with both support.

The biggest be testing a feature that will enable selling point of this new in-dash you to delete messages that have receiver is its price tag of $499 (£380 been sent but not read.

British Pound) which is much cheaper and comfortable for all compared to its big rivals.

The feature will mean that users can delete a message on to theberecipients XAV-AX100 appears a double DIN system and comes with a 6.4-inch clear and responsive touchscreen with a resolution of 800*480. Though the screen resolution of the screen panel is not up to par with the quality new Android smartphones and iPhones are providing, it’s still considered decent for an in-car display. It’s display is resistive and has physical buttons

phone before it is read.

It will also come with an edit feature which driver adjust audio that willlets be athe good solution forthe those system without taking his eyes off autocorrect nightmares. the road. It has four straightforward physical buttons: is the The function will beone tested in Home the beta button,ofathe knob forupdate, volumewith control version next no and two other smaller buttons for skip prospective launch date suggested. forward and back.

Another new feature being tested will allow users to send friends their moving location over one, two or five minute periods.

Apple CarPlay functionally allows you to use your smartphone in a safe and smart way letting you access apps like Apple Music and Maps. You can also make phone calls, and send messages via touchscreen on the audio system or vocally using Siri. Android Auto, on

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If you were concerned about privacy, it is thought it will come with the option to turn it on and off in settings.

the other hand, lets you always stay in control of music, maps and more all through the touchscreen.

As far as sound is concerned, AX100 delivers powerful sound, thanks to its four 55-watt Dynamic Reality Amp 2, Extra BASS technology and a 10-band graphic equalizer which produce clear sound at any volume level overcoming /AsianStandard or noise.

Twitter @Asian_Standard engine The device also comes with Bluetooth technology and an input for a rearview camera. It also has a 3 pre-out connectivity ports that can be connected to external amplifiers and other accessories.

For its downsiders, AX100 doesn’t come with AUX input, video output or NFC pairing unlike its competitors. Also it has only one USB located at the back of the unit, which could make charging your phone difficult if you don’t have other means.

Sony introduces SNAPCHAT QR Codes: Snapchat XAV-AX100 in-car now lets you link to websites Twitter rolls out audio system at $499 using custom Snapcodes XAV-AX100 will be available across North America from later part of November 2016.

Quality Filter to all users to reduce harassment

by RAHUL RAUT

rahul@asian-standard.co.uk

Sony Electronics introduced a new car receiver that brings lots of smartphone connectivity to your car. XAV-AX100 supports both Apple byAndroid RAHULAuto, RAUT CarPlay and making it Sony’s first smart car audio system to rahul@asian-standard.co.uk come with both support. The biggest selling point of this new in-dash The micro-blogging website, receiver is its price tag of $499Twitter (£380 is taking another stepisforward to British Pound) which much cheaper make it more welcoming place forto its and comfortable for all compared discussion big rivals. and interaction. The company has announced to roll out “Quality Filter” - which filter low XAV-AX100 appears to belets a double quality notifications and DIN system and comesfrom withbots a 6.4-inch spammers - to all users to reducewith clear and responsive touchscreen harassment.

ThisThough featurethe is a aonline resolution of 800*480. new move to reduce molestation and screen resolution of the screen panel filters “lower content” isitnot up out to par withquality the quality new such as smartphones duplicate tweets contents Android andoriPhones are that appear be considered automated.decent providing, it’stostill for an in-car display. It’s display is “Qualityand Filter” helpful for blocking resistive hasisphysical buttons targeted harassment. It automatically screens out tweets from suspicious accounts and minimize abuse from taking place on the platform. This feature restricts what kinds of tweets appear in a user’s notification tab.

“When turned on, the filter can improve the quality of Tweets you see by using a variety of signals, such as

which lets the driver adjust the audio system without taking his eyes off the road. It has four straightforward physical buttons: one is the Home button, a knob for volume control and two other smaller buttons for skip forward and back.

appears to be automated, from your notifications and other parts of your Twitter experience,” the company said announcing the feature in its blog post.

heels of itslets redesign from last Apple CarPlay functionally allows you Hot on thethe other hand, you always stay in Snapchat is backmaps with another to use your smartphone in a safe and week,control of music, and more all to its app, adding the ability to smart way letting you access apps like update through the touchscreen.

Apple Music and Maps. You can also make custom Snapcodes for websites.

As far as sound is concerned, make phone calls, and send messages Like the original Snapcodes, which AX100 add a powerful to its via touchscreen on the audio system user delivers on Snapchat whensound, viewedthanks in the app, fourSnapcodes 55-watt Dynamic Reality Amp or vocally using Siri. Android Auto, on the new will prompt users to 2, Extra BASS technology and the a 10-band open a website when people snap graphic equalizer which produce clear image. at any volume However, this feature does not work yoursound preferences, you canlevel turnovercoming it on engine noise.

The device also comes in the case of the people you follow. or off in your notifications settings.”

To usewith the Bluetooth feature, open “Settings”, and technology and an “It does not filter content from people “Snapcodes”, then “Create “Quality Filter” isn’t exactly a newIt also input for a rearview camera. you follow or accounts you’ve recently select Snapcode”. the URL, addrolled an image feature It was first out has though. a 3Enter pre-out connectivity ports interacted with – and depending on from the or your phone, resize it last that yearwebsite but be was available only can connected totoexternal soverified it fits inside the Snapchat ghostonly logo, accounts.

Up until now, amplifiers and other accessories. and then you canblue save it for use wherever. accounts with checkmark had For its downsiders, AX100 doesn’t Snapchat introduced the QRtweets. codes for come the option of filtering out with AUX input, video output profiles in January 2015, based on or NFC Twitter has made notification pairing unlike its along competitors.

Also it technology it also acquired with startup settings widely available and easier has They only one USB located at the back Scan.me. made it easy for people to to find across both mobile thecharging of the unit,on which couldand make add each other Snapchat without web.your Everyone will have if the ability phone difficult you don’ttohave typing in user names. limitother notifications means. to only people they follow.

It’s a subtle but powerful move on XAV-AX100 will be available across Snapchat’s part that will doubt help Filtering is Twitter’s another Northfeature America fromnolater part of further attract brands to use theof popular attempt to stem the allegation its November 2016. ephemeral sharing network.

Or, in other lack of concern toward harassment, words, to into startaseeing whichget hasready grown major a whole lot more Snapcodes in advertisements in problem for the company.

Last the near Twitter future. made applications month for verification open for all users and recently it announced that it has suspended 360,000 accounts for promoting terrorism. In all way,

Twitter rolls out

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technology

LG’s smartwatches first look leaked Sony introduces XAV-AX100 in-car audio system at $499

which lets the driver adjust the audio system without taking his eyes off rahul@asian-standard.co.uk the road. It has four straightforward physical buttons: one is the Home button, a knob for volume control and Sony Electronics introduced a new LG's new Android Wear flagship smartwatches two other smaller buttons for skip car receiver that brings lots of first look have been leaked online. LEvan Blass forward and back. smartphone connectivity to your tweeted an image of the LG Watch Style in silver car. XAV-AX100 supports both Apple and rose and gold.Android The bands andmaking watch it face are very CarPlay Auto, neutral, giving the car watches very casual Sony’s first smart audioasystem to look. come both support.

The The LGwith Watch Style models arebiggest rumoured to selling of this new in-dash includepoint a 1.2-inch, 360 x 360 screen, 240mAh receiver is its512MB price tag of $499 (£380 battery, and of RAM. Both are also British Pound) whichresistant is much cheaper expected to be water and to include 4GB and comfortable for all compared to its of onboard storage big rivals.

by RAHUL RAUT

XAV-AX100 appears to be a double DIN system and comes with a 6.4-inch clear and responsive with The pricingtouchscreen for LG Watch a resolution of 800*480. Though the Style, which lacks some screen resolution of the screen panel is not up to par with the quality new of the key features Android smartphones and iPhones from are providing, it’s still considered decent Watch Sport, has been for an in-car display. It’s display is suggested to buttons start from resistive and has physical

Apple CarPlay functionally allows you to use your smartphone in a safe and smart way letting you access apps like Apple Music and Maps. You can also make phone calls, and send messages via touchscreen on the audio system or vocally using Siri. Android Auto, on

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the other hand, lets you always stay in control of music, maps and more all through the touchscreen.

As far as sound is concerned, AX100 delivers powerful sound, thanks to its four 55-watt Dynamic Reality Amp 2, Extra BASS technology and a 10-band graphic equalizer which produce clear sound at any volume level overcoming engine noise. The device also comes with Bluetooth technology and an input for a rearview camera. It also has a 3 pre-out connectivity ports that can be connected to external amplifiers and other accessories.

For its downsiders, AX100 doesn’t come with AUX input, video output or NFC /AsianStandard or unlike Twitter @Asian_Standard pairing its competitors.

Also it has only one USB located at the back of the unit, which could make charging your phone difficult if you don’t have other means.

XAV-AX100 will be available across North America from later part of November 2016.

Sony Twitterintroduces rolls out XAV-AX100 in-car Quality Filter to all users to reduce harassment audio system at $499 $249 (roughly £200)

It is also believed that the technology giant is planning a larger sports version. It might have a 1.38-inch, 480x480 OLED display, a rubber wrist

band, built-in cellular LTE connectivity, GPS, a heart rate sensor, 430mAh battery, and 768MB of RAM.

The pricing for LG Watch Style, which lacks some of the key features from Watch Sport, has been suggested to start from $249 (roughly £200), Android Police said citing an unnamed person in its report. It is currently unclear whether the pricing of the smartwatch will change on the basis of band or its colour.

by RAHUL RAUT

To recall, both the smartwatches from LG haveappears been lets to be from which theautomated, driver adjust theyour audio by RAHUL RAUT rahul@asian-standard.co.uk tipped to feature circular, plastic OLED displays but without notifications and taking other parts of your system his eyes off rahul@asian-standard.co.uk Twitter experience,” company said the Watch Sport is said to come with a 1.38-inch the road.

It has fourthe straightforward announcing the feature itsHome blog 480x480 pixels resolutionwebsite, displayTwitter while the Watch physical buttons: one isin the The micro-blogging post.

Style will come with a smaller 1.2-inch 360x360 pixels button, a knob for volume control and is taking another step forward to Sony Electronics introduced a new two other smaller buttons for skip make itdisplay. morethat welcoming place resolution car receiver brings lots of for forward and back. discussion and interaction. smartphone connectivity to The your company has announced to roll out to be a digital Thecar. highlight of these wearables isApple said XAV-AX100 supports both “Quality Filter” - which letsApple filter has lowitprovided on crown button, similar to what CarPlay and Android Auto, making quality notifications bots and to its Apple Watch.

The button will be used help navigate Sony’s first smart carfrom audio system spammers - to LG all users reduce withand both support.

The biggest thecome interface, is also to tipped to include touch onlinedisplays harassment.

This in-dash feature is a recognition selling point ofthat thishave new sensitive handwriting new move to reduce molestation and receiver is its price tag of $499 (£380 features. it filtersPound) out “lower quality content” British which is much cheaper suchcomfortable as duplicatefor tweets or contents and all compared to its Even though both that appear tosmartwatches be automated.are expected to big rivals. sport 4GB of inbuilt storage, the Watch Sport is supposed to Filter” featureis768MB of RAM compared with “Quality helpful blocking XAV-AX100 appears to be for a double 512MB of RAM on Watch Style.

The LG Watch Sport targeted harassment. automatically DIN system and comesItwith a 6.4-inch further houses atweets largerfrom 430mAh battery against the screens out suspicious clear and responsive touchscreen with 240mAh battery on the Watch Style. accounts and minimize abuse from a resolution of 800*480. Though the taking resolution place on the screen of platform. the screenThis panel feature what kinds of be tweets Theis smartwatches expected to launched not uprestricts to par are with the quality new appearAndroid in a user’s notification tab. are alongside Wear 2.0 on iPhones February 9.

Android smartphones and “When turned on, the filter candecent providing, it’s still considered improve the quality Tweets you for an in-car display.ofIt’s display is see by using and a variety of signals, such as resistive has physical buttons account origin and behavior. Turning it on filters lower-quality content,

However, this feature does notallows work you Apple CarPlay functionally in the case of the people youinfollow. to use your smartphone a safe and “It smart does not filter content from people way letting you access apps like youApple follow or accounts you’ve Music and Maps.

You recently can also interacted withcalls, – andand depending on make phone send messages via touchscreen on the audio system or vocally using Siri. Android Auto, on

yourthe preferences, you can turn it onstay in other hand, lets you always or off in your control ofnotifications music, mapssettings.” and more all through the touchscreen.

“Quality Filter” isn’t exactly a new feature though.

It was first rolled AX100 out As far as sound is concerned, last delivers year butpowerful was available only to its sound,tothanks verified Up untilReality now, only fouraccounts.

55-watt Dynamic Amp 2, accounts blue checkmark Extrawith BASS technology andhad a 10-band the option of equalizer filtering out tweets. graphic which produce clear sound at any volume level overcoming Twitter has also made notification engine noise.

The device also comes settings available and easier withwidely Bluetooth technology and an to find across both mobilecamera. and theIt also input for a rearview web.has Everyone will have the ability to a 3 pre-out connectivity ports limitthat notifications to only people they can be connected to external follow. amplifiers and other accessories.

Filtering feature is Twitter’s another For its downsiders, AX100 doesn’t come attempt stem the allegation of its withtoAUX input, video output or NFC lack pairing of concern toward harassment,Also it unlike its competitors. which has grown into a major at the back has only one USB located problem forunit, the which company.

Last of the could make charging month Twitter made applications your phone difficult if you don’t have for verification open for all users other means.

Then, simply sit back and enjoy. and recently it announced thatmonitor. it has suspended accounts across XAV-AX100360,000 will be available for promoting terrorism. all part way, of North America from In later Twitter is ensuring that its service is a November 2016. safe place to be.

14

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TRAVEL

Series 1 : A passage to India

Kerala: the serene South

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

India spans a geographical area of 3.287 million km² and a population of over 1.2 billion people. I have visited India more than 7 times, but each time my exploration of this supposed third world country has been a new one.

In a three part series of exploration I will over the next few weeks give you my travelling insights from the South of India, to the very metropolitan city of dreams Mumbai to the very rural, traditional and rustic yet richly cultural state of Gujarat.

So let’s begin with Kerala, one of South India’s most serenely beautiful state. Kerala is termed as ‘God’s Own Country’ by locals and once you visit you will begin to realise exactly why.

The place has it all, from beaches to glistening backwaters with elegant houseboats, to lushes spice and tea-covered hills bringing you

into a world of serene and laid back surroundings, with ayurvedic treatments, exotic wildlife and not to forget delicious cuisine. Kerala is definitely a world away from the hustle bustle and poverty you normally see across other parts of India.

Vibrant traditions, such as Kathakali plays, festivals and Kalaripayattu the local martial arts bring this close knit place to life. Mosques, churches and temples all sit closely side by side as happy and peaceful neighbours as locals stay busy with their everyday business, but every so accommodating and friendly towards tourist when required.

Our first stop was a place called Munnar, probably one of the most scenic and picturesque places I have ever visited in India. Munnar is South India's largest tea-growing region, carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges.

The windy roads and low mountain scenery is magnificent – you’re

Varkala Beach, Kerala

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TRAVEL often up above the clouds with mist touching the mountain tops looking down into heavenly green tea or spice plantations.

Our stay at the Silver Tips hotel in Munnar was a pleasureable stay. The hotel is themed around movies, so if you’re a movie buff, you would love the Bollywood and Hollywood film named rooms.

Munnar is also the same place where I learnt to make a ‘proper’ cup of tea.

Apparently we’ve all been brewing our tea incorrectly and that the correct way to make a brew is a much more healthier recipe, but that is for another conversation.

Munnar is a great place to explore tea estates and the many beautiful waterfalls. If you like scenery this is a great one night stop over for some eye candy and relaxation.

Kerala also boasts of some amazing wildlife, with many sanctuaries to visit, from Elephant sanctuary’s to birds of prey to wild cats. You won’t be disappointed with any of the wildlife excursions as they are full of excitement.

For those who are looking for relaxation having an ayurvedic massage is a must when in Kerala.

Prices for treatments can vary from 500 rupees (around £6) to 3000 rupees (around £38) you just need to haggle for the best deal.

For me the highlight of the whole trip was the Houseboat in Thekkady.

Your day begins early morning where immediately after breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the magical backwater of Kerala. We were a family of 7 and took board a beautiful houseboat which was fully accommodated with bedrooms that included en-suite bathrooms for us all, a dining room, a living room, and a on boat chef as well as the captain.

The ride is mesmerizing as the boat glide over the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. During the trip you stop over at a fish market, where you can buy fresh sea food, which the chef of the houseboat prepares for your evening meal on the houseboat, which I must say was delicious. After an eventful cruising of the backwaters, and a deliciously prepared meal the night was spent in the comforts of the houseboat itself watching the sun set and rise with breakfast ready upon awakening.

The only disappointment was the journey had to come to an end.

Kalaripayattu Display in Kerala

Inside a House Boat

Munnar is South India's largest tea-growing region, carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges.

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NEWS

Boxer Amir Khan and screen icon Shilpa Shetty Kundra join hands for charity concert.

Bollywood actress, who has associated with British boxer Amir Iqbal Khan to host a charity concert to raise funds for orphans, is proud of the initiative and has urged people to donate.

Professional boxer Amir Khan and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra have teamed up to help orphans in South East Asia. The Amir Khan Foundation and the Shilpa Shetty Foundation have come together for the first time, to bring leading South Asian celebrities on one platform in the UK to raise awareness regarding the "forgotten children" as Khan calls them.

Called the South East Asian Charity Concert, the event is set to take place on 29 April at the Troxy, London. "My success has been a result of the love and support of my fans and giving back has always been fundamental to me. I strive to dedicate time and resources to charitable causes and launched the Amir Khan Foundation to allow me to take a hands-on approach supporting young people in the UK and to manage international projects, such as establishing an orphanage within Gambia and clean water wells in Pakistan," said Amir. "To know there are millions of precious children in the world living with no hope, in unimaginable conditions is heart breaking."

Shetty has for years rendered her support towards several philanthropic causes. Her ‘The Shilpa Shetty Foundation’, will personally ensure orphan children are protected and provided with the resources necessitated to help them. "The issue is vast and turning a blind eye or shifting responsibility is not a solution for these vulnerable children. They are an easy target for sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Most people don't really understand the extent of the problem. There is no shocking news story behind their existence, no political, or natural disaster. These children are real, all 40 million of them with- no shelter, no food, no hope," she said.

She also added that she is "thrilled to be able to host the #OrphanAid concert here in the UK." On collaborating with Khan for the charity event, Shetty tweeted: "Proud to announce my first international fundraiser for Shilpa Shetty Foundation in association with Amir Iqbal Khan. Orphan Aid London.

April 29, 2017. Donate."

For more information about the event or for sponsorship enquiries call 07845 616 922 or 0845 467 1994.

Amir Khan and Shilpa Shetty Kundra join hands for charity concert

There is no shocking news story behind their existence, no political, or natural disaster. These children are real, all 40 million of them with- no shelter, no food, no hope Screen icon Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

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Politics

Tulip Siddiq quits as shadow minister over article 50.

Tulip Siddiq the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn and Shadow early years minister felt forced to walk away from Labour's shadow front bench over her stance on Brexit.

She says she quit her role as shadow minister ‘over article 50 to follow the true will of my people’ In an opinion piece in The Guardian, Ms Siddiq says: “I did not want to choose between my frontbench responsibilities and the upcoming vote, but the enforcement of a threeline whip by the Labour leadership meant the decision was taken out of my hands.”

She further continues: “It is not a role I want to give up. But I simply will not trigger article 50 when the government “plan” defies both the stated preferences of those who elected me to my seat in parliament, and my best understanding of their interests. As I made clear in my resignation letter, I do not represent Westminster in Hampstead and Kilburn, I represent Hampstead and Kilburn in Westminster. And in doing so, I cannot escape the fact that leaving the European Union presents

enormous uncertainty for my constituents.

Ms Siddiq said her position did not put her in conflict with other Labour MPs who will be voting in favour of triggering Article 50.

She told the Camden New Journal: "We have MPs in areas where people voted clearly to Leave. It would be hypocritical if I said to those colleagues: I'm voting against Article 50 because my constituents want me to, but you should ignore your constituents and vote against too. I understand it is very complex. I've been unashamedly inward looking into my constituency, and the leadership has to look at it outwardly.

What we have to do now is make sure we get as many Labour amendments agreed as possible, but a red line for me was membership of the single market and Theresa May was absolutely clear that she wasn't going to go with that."

Around 30 Labour MPs are said to be preparing to vote against triggering Article 50, with Catherine West in neighbouring Hornsey and Wood Green among them.

Ms Siddiq was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2015 but will be a Tory election target due to holding majority of just 1,138 votes and boundary changes potentially falling against her.

The BREXIT debate is perhaps one of the most divisive debates in British political

history, which has not only had the public divided but even politically parties within have been divided.

The MP for Hampstead and Kilburn is not the first MP to have stepped down over a debate on Brexit, with the most noted of politicians being former Prime Minister David Cameron.

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politics

Tory MP 'woofs' at female MP from SNP A Tory MP has apologised to an SNP colleague for making a "woof" noise at her in the House of Commons.

Sir Nicholas Soames made the outburst at Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh during a statement by the Foreign Secretary on US immigration policy.

Sir Nicholas said he offered the "friendly canine salute" because he felt she "snapped" at Boris Johnson.

But he apologised after she complained the noises were "extremely disrespectful".

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh, the SNP Westminster spokeswoman for trade and investment, raised a point of order with House of Commons Speaker John Bercow after the comment.

She said: "I understand that Sir Nicholas, who has always afforded me courtesy and respect, was making sort of 'woof woof'sounding noises to what I was saying, which I find of course extremely disrespectful."

Asked to set the record straight, Sir Nicholas, a grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, said: "I thought that in her question to the Foreign Secretary she snapped at him a bit at the end, so I offered her a friendly canine salute in return.

"No offence was intended and I apologise to the Honourable Lady if she was offended."

Conservative MP bids to ban term 'honour killing' An MP is attempting to ban authorities from describing murders as "honour killings".

Conservative Nusrat Ghani said the term was used by abusers as a "pathetic self-justification" for their violence.

She proposed a bill in the House of Commons that would ban the use of the description in official publications.

The move would make it clear that "cultural and religious sensitivities are not a barrier to justice", she told MPs. There is no specific offence of "honour-based" violence.

The Crown Prosecution Service describes it as a "collection of practices, which are used to

control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour".

Ms Ghani said police had been put off investigating such crimes because they fear being branded "racist".

"Language matters," she told the Commons.

"The use of the term 'honour' to describe a violent criminal act sometimes committed against a man, but more often against a woman - can be explained only as a means of selfjustification for the perpetrator.

"It diminishes the victim and provides a convenient excuse for what in our society we should accurately and simply call murder, rape, abuse or enslavement.

"I want us in this House to send a

clear message that the excuses end here."

Her Crime (Aggravated Murder of and Violence against Women) Bill would also require the UK authorities to fund assistance for British women attacked in other countries and for the bodies of those murdered to be repatriated.

UK nationals guilty of such offences towards other UK nationals overseas would also face prosecution in British courts, her bill states.

MPs agreed the bill should be able to proceed, although Conservative MP Philip Davies who said it was too focused on women and did not mention honour crime towards men objected.

Mr Davies said he would continue to oppose legislation "unjustifiably aimed at dealing with just one gender", adding: "Yes, of course women are far more likely to be the victims of honour-based crimes than men, but they are not exclusively the victims of these crimes.

"As far as I am concerned, all these things are just as bad as each other."

The bill will be heard again on 24 March, although it is unlikely to become law without the government's support.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Unilever boss predicts more ‘price rises’ after slump of pound sterling Unilever recently revealed lower than expected results sending shares more than 4 per cent lower. This has prompted warnings from the chief executive of Unilever, that Britain should “get used to” price rises triggered by a slump in the pound after the Brexit vote.

The company made headlines last year after it increased prices on its UK products by 10 per cent. That resulted

in a 24-hour stand-off with Tesco later dubbed 'marmitegate' - after the supermarket pulled Unilever's products from its online store in protest. Shortages were also reported on store shelves.

Despite the two sides coming to an agreement the price of Marmite still increased later in October.

Chief Executive for Unilever Paul

Polman told media that the tough market conditions Unilever had endured towards the end of 2016 would not improve until at least the second half of this year.

an economic crisis in Brazil, hyperinflation in Argentina, deflation across Europe and the devaluation of currencies in other markets, including the UK.

He said factors which contributed to lower global GDP growth and “country specific” shocks, included demonetisation in India - where the government has removed 500 and 1,000 rupee notes from circulation,

Earlier last week, Unilever unveiled lower than expected results, sending shares to a closing loss of over 4.5 per cent.

Underlying revenue growth was 2.2 per cent in the three months ending in December compared with the 2.8 per cent expected by analysts in a Thomson Reuters poll.

For the full year, sales growth was 3.7 per cent, again missing analysts’ forecasts of a 3.9 per cent advance.

Paul Polman said Unilever’s decision last October to increase prices on some of its UK brands, including Marmite, Domestos bleach and Persil, after the pound tumbled in value following the EU referendum, was “definitely the right one, otherwise you end up being unsustainable”.

“Others in the industry have done the same thing as we have done in the last few months and where the pound is, many more will look at increasing prices,” said Polman

Tesco to buy wholesaler Booker in £3.7 billion deal The UK's biggest supermarket group, Tesco, has agreed to buy the UK’s biggest food wholesaler, Booker Group, in a £3.7bn deal.

Tesco's planned takeover of Booker shows the supermarket chain's renewed confidence after two years of gradual recovery under Chief Executive Dave Lewis following an accounting scandal.

The firms said the deal would create the "UK's leading food business" and would restart paying dividends for the 2017-18 financial year, having not paid one to investors since the second half of its 2014-15 year when it was mired in crisis.

Booker Group is the UK's largest cash and carry operator, and is a leading supply of food and general store items to around 700,000 convenience stores, grocers, pubs and restaurants.

Booker also owns the Premier, Budgens and Londis conveniencestore brands.

By combining with Booker Group, Tesco is expanding beyond its traditional food retailing business and making strides into the restaurant and takeaway food sectors.

"Wherever food is prepared and eaten - 'in home' or 'out of home' - we will meet this opportunity with the widest choice and best service available," said Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis.

Mr Lewis said rising prices from suppliers had played no part in the decision to sign the deal.

In a joint statement, Tesco and Booker said that together the pair would be able to address more of Britain's growing food market. Some analysts said the deal would face hurdles from Britain's competition regulators.

Lewis also said that non-executive director Richard Cousins, who resigned on Jan. 3, did not support the deal.

supermarkets but in tens of thousands of independent retailers, some of them Tesco's rivals, and in hundreds of thousands of cafes and restaurants.

The tie-up between Tesco and Booker Group will create a food giant that not only sells products in

The deal is likely to attract the attention of the competition authorities.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Immigration Minister hint at £1,000 skill levy on EU citizen

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

Leading business chambers of the country have rejected the idea of introducing a levy on European Union workers after Brexit.

Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill told the House of Lords’ EU Home Affairs committee that the government was considering introducing a £1,000 ‘immigration skills levy’ for every EU citizen employed by a British business.

From April, a similar charge is already coming in to force for non-EU workers intending to work in the UK. The idea invited a backlash from the

business community, which compelled the government to distance itself from the proposal. A Prime Minister’s spokesperson said that it was not on the agenda and the Minister has been ‘misinterpreted’.

Commenting on the remarks by the Minister, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said, “Business will be very concerned that the government is considering introducing a levy on future EU workers. Implementing this measure would be harmful to individual firms and overall growth, as it would make the UK less attractive to both investment and talent.

“Businesses already report recruitment difficulties, and are

struggling to find all the skills they need here at home. A levy on EU hires would add unnecessary expense and bureaucratic obstacles to hiring the people that companies require to fill the gaps, on top of the unwelcome Immigration Skills Charge coming into effect later this year for nonEU workers. Small businesses in particular would be hit by such a cost.

“Companies in the UK already face a plethora of upfront costs, and can not afford any more. Imposing what is effectively a further tax on UK firms may simply mean that they choose not to recruit or expand as planned.”

Chief Executive of London Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Colin Stanbridge said, “It has become increasingly clear since the

referendum how much the London economy relies on immigrant workers.

“Therefore we renew calls on the government to future-proof our

economy by ensuring the status of EU nationals currently working in the capital and looking at options for those coming to work here in the future.”

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BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Kricket comes to Soho with ‘revolutionary Indian food’

by ITRAT BASHIR

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Kricket, a restaurant specialises in Indian dishes made with the best British seasonal ingredients available, has opened in Soho in January.

Founders Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell

Chef Will Bowlby and front of house Rik Campbell, the team behind the original Kricket in Brixton have opened the doors to their first permanent restaurant space. Located on Denman Street, the new restaurant specialises in modern Indian plates, continuing their offering of simple and accessible Indian dishes made with the best British seasonal ingredients available.

Influenced by regular trips to India, Kricket Soho features a new and more extensive menu. With new sections devoted to dishes made on a robata grill and breads, meats and fish baked to order in a clay ‘tandoor’.

The opening menu includes: ‘Delica pumpkin’, ‘makhani sauce’, ‘fresh paneer’, ‘hazelnut crumble’, ‘puffed wild rice and Cornish crab meen moilee’, ‘castlefranco’, ‘peanuts’, with dishes such as ‘bone marrow and cep kulcha’ being a hit with late night diners stopping by for a snack and a drink. Whilst the majority of dishes are new, Kricket’s much-loved signature plates, such a ‘samphire pakoras’, ‘bhel puri’ and ‘keralan fried chicken’ also appear on the menu at Soho.

New to the Soho restaurant is a dedicated bar, a cosy space set in the basement which allows guests to enjoy an even wider range of Kricket’s punchy, Indian-inspired drinks. In a similar spirit to the food menu, this

Founders Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell list features six seasonally changing cocktails, imbued with the flavours and aromas of India; from long and refreshing concoctions of Gin, black pepper, apricot and jasmine, through to short blends of Rose and cardamom with tequila, pomegranate and orange.

Award-winning interior design firm ‘Run For The Hills’ were appointed to

oversee the design and fit-out. Taking inspiration from the vibrant scenes which characterise life in India, the space has a playful but intimate feel to it. From an ornate Haveli front door, to lighting made from antique Indian clock boxes and a feature wall layered with hand glazed Indian scallop tiles, the Soho restaurant brings Kricket’s personality to life. The space also showcases a mix of original artworks by the graphics design team, Kricket’s signature hand-drawn illustrations, as well as a mural with the motifs of established British Indian artist Natasha Kumar.

Speaking on their new venture to Asian Standard, the young cofounders of Kricket say, “They are thrilled to have opened our second restaurant in Soho and couldn't have hoped for a better spot. Much like Brixton, Soho is a unique and creative London hub that has great energy, vibrancy, a brilliant mix of people and ever-evolving food scene. We’re so excited to be a part of it and to bring our version of modern Indian cuisine to a wider audience."

When asked what inspired them to open an Indian restaurant, Will Bowlby said that he lived in Mumbai for the best part of two years, where he was head chef of a European restaurant in Kala Ghoda.

Kricket Soho

“Very quickly into my time there, I became fascinated with Indian food.

The history and sheer variety of

it all made me think that so much more could be done with it in this country. I then began writing menus and that’s where the idea of Kricket was born. On returning to London, I met with Rik, who wanted to add a cocktail aspect to the idea, and from there we started looking for sites together to find the perfect platform to launch Kricket. Part of the reason Kricket was set up because we knew a revolution of Indian food would happen. There had been progression with other cuisines in London and the rise of contemporary Indian food was inevitable, especially considering how popular Indian food in this country is.”

According to him, their menu brings the best of seasonal British ingredients together with authentic flavours from India. The food at Kricket is inspired by the street food and restaurants that he experienced in Mumbai, but there is also a lot of southern India flavours found on the menu too. Kricket brings all these things together and we like to think of it as our modern memoir of Mumbai.

“We have been extremely humbled by the reaction towards our food so far.

Critics, famous chefs and our valuable regulars have given us praise we never thought imaginable. This month we’ve just opened our second site in Soho so right now that’s our focus.

Thinking ahead, we would eventually love to take Kricket abroad and the ultimate dream would be to eventually take Kricket back to India,” he said.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Money Talk

with our finance expert

Shabab Gulfraz

What might 2017 bring to us 2016 was a year of many surprises both in the UK and abroad. We say Britain voting to leave the not so almighty EU, we also saw many other notably factors including Donald Trump being voted in as the next president of America. Now that we are in 2017, for me atleast the year looks just as uncertain as 2016 was.

The effects of 2016 still will have a significant impact and a large bearing on what happens in 2017.

Needless to say from a financial and macro perspective there will be a large number of market corrections as well as changes that will take place.

Now many of you might disagree with me, but whatever is thought about Article 50 and Trump, these

are two factors that have broken the conventional political status quo whereby the people of these two nations simply followed what they were told. From a business perspective this makes other issues in 2017 far more difficult, and in my view it will bring a fair amount of uncertainty, volatility and market corrections during 2017.

I guess from a financial point of my view I feel things will get more complicated during 2017, and this really should not be the case. I guess like many of our loyal readers it is difficult to see why the trade deals with the EU and the rest of the world are taking so long, and why the EU is dragging its feet when it comes to making a deal with us. One

interesting fact is that the French have their elections early 2017 and it will be interesting to see what affect a negative result will have on the EU, and whether this will help Brexit negotiations.

I have read some interesting articles this week about what we can expect in 2017. One such article allured to a simpler and fairer tax system where basic rate tax payers actually pay 20% tax and not the 32% effective rate, when adding on national insurance contributions. I personally cannot see this happening, as past governments have now made the system of tax very complicated, and it would be difficult to untangle years of complicatedness to get a system

which most people would actually understand.

In terms of tax fairness though, I think 2017 will see more tax investigations on larger companies, and those that tend to pay significantly lower levels of tax than the rest of the tax paying population.

A further point to highlight is are we going to get a base rate rise in 2017.

Savers are currently being hammered by banks, who have reduced rates to record low levels. Dare I say this, but it seems like sometime in the future we might have to pay banks to hold our deposits. I personally would like to see rates slowly go up sensibly.

I still do not fully understand why

the base rate was moved from 0.5% to 0.25%. The only people that have seemed to have benefited is some mortgage payers on tracker rates, but I think the banks and building societies have benefited significantly by using the rate reduction as an excuse to significantly chop interest rates.

I guess as a financial planner and someone who follows the markets regularly my view is that this year it’s going to be interesting. We are going to see some big changes in the UK, and overall I think these changes might be for the betterment of the UK people so long as they are handled well. What worries is me is just the constant uncertainty, as this makes it harder to predict things.

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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.

Can You Terminate?

Commercial contracts commonly provide that if a party wishes to terminate the contract then it first needs to take certain steps before it is able to do so, for example, by giving notice or allowing the other party the opportunity to remedy any breach. But what if one party wishes to terminate the contract due to the unlawful actions of the other party?

This was the scenario which occurred in the case of Vinergy International (PVT) Limited v Richmond Mercantile Limited which was heard by the High Court.

Vinergy was an Indian company who entered into an agreement (“the Agreement”) with Richmond, an UEA company, under which it agreed to purchase bitumen from Richmond for a period of 10 years. However, part way through the Agreement Richmond terminated the Agreement and commenced arbitration proceedings seeking damages on the grounds of Vinergy’s breach of its obligations to buy bitumen exclusively from Richmond and its failure to discharge an outstanding invoice.

Vinergy claimed that Richmond had terminated the Agreement unlawfully because it had failed to give it notice in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and, as such, it contended that the termination was unlawful and a wrongful repudiation of the Agreement.

At arbitration, the Tribunal ruled that Richmond had lawfully terminated the Agreement. Vinergy appealed.

The issue which the Court had to decide was whether Richmond could ignore the contractual provisions in the Agreement and instead rely on its common law right to terminate the contract. At common law, where a party to a contract commits a breach that is sufficiently serious,

the innocent party may choose to accept that breach by giving notice to the other party. The contract is then terminated and the innocent party can claim damages. This is known as a repudiatory breach. The issue was therefore whether Richmond could rely on its common law right to terminate the Agreement by reason of a repudiatory breach by Vinergy so as to circumvent the notice requirement within the termination clause of the Agreement.

The Court upheld the Arbitrator’s decision and dismissed the appeal.

It held that there was no general rule that the contract termination

requirements should override the common law right to terminate. The Judge found that the termination provision in the Agreement did not apply to repudiatory breaches and even if it did, the breach in question was incapable of remedy and therefore was not within the scope of the termination clause.

This case illustrates that where one party to a contract informs the other party that it no longer has any intention of being bound by the contract, the innocent party would not reasonably be expected to give notice before being able to terminate the contract.

Where a party is considering whether to terminate a contract, it will need to consider carefully whether or not it has to follow the contractual termination provisions or whether the facts are such that it can terminate on the grounds of repudiatory breach.

If you are involved in any contractual dispute then Blacks Solicitors can assist. Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or email him on “LPatel@LawBlacks.com”.

You can also follow Luke Patel on Twitter @LukeLawBlacks

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OPINION

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

Pyjama gate makes a change from slating the hijab

It makes a change from the humble hijab being caught up in a social media storm.

The media has been full of the ‘pyjama gate’ story, with the usual trolls and commentators spouting their outrage, simply because of the kind of clothing somebody chooses to wear.

It prompted me to think that every so often there is a news story about female scarf wearers; be it the hijab, niqab or the burka. Someone is usually complaining about their how and why they find the scarf offensive with little regard for why someone wears one.

But this time it was sleepwear that was the target of a sensational news story.

my cosy PJs, and with a long coat on – and who would even notice or care? Saying that, I’m sure someone would spot them. And I would hate to embarrass my kids any more than they already are.

It really does not bother me what people wear. It is surely a personal choice. And we are all different, which is what makes our world so fascinating. If I saw them I would probably look twice in their direction and have a giggle, but each to their own. It really is up to individuals what they leave the house in.

‘It only takes a minute to get dressed,’ shouted one of the social media critics. ‘It is disgusting,’ said the man who had snapped them during his 7pm shopping trip.

They were labelled ‘lazy’ and ‘slobbish’ by others. People were actually irate because of the image.

I’m referring to the two women who were caught on a camera phone shopping in a Tesco in Salford, in their pyjamas and dressing gowns.

The image was shared thousands of times on social media.

They were labelled ‘lazy’ and ‘slobbish’ by others. People were actually irate because of the image.

Are there really not enough problems - like wars going on – without the need for this?

Admittedly, I could easily go on the school run some mornings in

Others called for Tesco to ban nightwear altogether, but the

supermarket giant has stated it does not have a dress code and leaves it up to the store management and the use of common sense to decide.

The pair of pyjama fans were of course eventually tracked down by journalists and the women issued their own statement about how they had gone for milk for a five month old baby. As well as the pop and crisps in their basket, I assume.

claimed they were being victimised for their race and culture.

I’m not really sure anyone realised what race they were from and I don’t recall seeing anywhere that wearing sleepwear was a race thing, or even a culture choice come to that.

Good on them. I am glad they had their say.

They branded the man who took the photograph as ‘sexist and racist’.

They said that they may have been overheard speaking in their own Romany language and that is why they were targeted.

It turns out they are from the traveller community and they

So the ‘women wear pyjamas in a shop’ story has all been a bit of a

storm in a tea cup. A few hours of drama played out on social media and then, as fast as it appeared, it is over with.

The last time PJs made the headlines was when someone went to collect their kids from school wearing them and the head teacher complained. It went viral.

I bet you one thing; the two women from Salford will be more careful in future what they wear to nip to Tesco.

And it won’t be pyjamas.

They would probably be better opting for a headscarf to wear as a cover up.

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MOTORING BAC returns to autosport international to showcase one-of-a-kind mono supercar Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) made a show-stopping return to this year’s Autosport International at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 12-15 January.

The British brand showcased its Oneof-a-Kind, road-legal, single-seater Mono supercar at the NEC, as well as a whole host of innovative technology and bespoke fitments that are central to the DNA of the Mono.

Designed to provide the most authentic driving experience in the world, BAC’s creation has been exported to over 30 territories around the globe, with thousands of purists taken aback by the supercar’s accessibility on and off the track.

The Mono hit headlines back in 2016 when it outgunned a trackfocused and slick-shod McLaren P1 GTR hypercar to become the fastest car ever tested by evo Magazine at the Anglesey Coastal Circuit, and Autosport International give admirers the chance to see the pace icon in the flesh.

With a made-to-measure steering wheel and seat, together with a

personalised colour scheme, the show stand Mono is sure to turn endless heads at the NEC and capture more and more imaginations.

The Liverpool-based company enjoyed ample success across the Atlantic at the recent LA Auto Show,

and Autosport International gives BAC a chance to wow visitors on home soil.

Design Director Ian said: “We’re very excited to set up our stand at Autosport International this year and give people the chance to experience the Mono first hand. This is the

ultimate head-turner wherever it goes, and the feedback we received at the LA Auto Show summed up how much enthusiasts have taken to the Mono. We were so grateful for all the attention we received in California, and we can’t wait to showcase everything to our ‘home’ crowd.”

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MOTORING

See the bigger picture: the new mini countryman.

The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model to be launched in the brand’s 57-year history. With its larger external dimensions, and increases in space throughout the cabin and luggage area, it offers occupants even greater comfort and a genuinely premium ambience. Useful new features such as electric tailgate control with touch-free opening and unique options, including a fold down picnic bench at the rear, add to the ownership experience The Countryman’s on- and offroad ability is readily apparent throughout its design, which fuses

familiar MINI styling with the tough look of a crossover thanks to the extended ground clearance, large wheel arches and short overhangs.

For the first time MINI is offering a plug-in hybrid model with the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

Drawing from expertise gleaned from across the BMW Group, this new hybrid features a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, reducing fuel consumption to 134.5 mpg yet also enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds.

The rest of the new MINI Countryman line-up is powered by

an all-new range of engines sourced from the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo generation, offering outstanding performance and efficiency. With between 136 – 192 hp and 220 -400 Nm of torque, the new MINI Countryman can sprint from 0-62 mph in as little as 7.2 seconds, while fuel consumption reaches 64.2 mpg and C02 emissions drop as low as 113 g/km.

The new MINI Countryman is available with both manual and Steptronic gearboxes and with front- and all-wheel drive. The latter, MINI’s ALL4 system, has been further refined for increased driving

All-new Audi Q5 is ready to go ‘on air’ in the UK More comfortable, more agile, more efficient, more protective and better connected - the allnew Audi Q5 is about to build on the consistent sales success of its predecessor with an even stronger skill set, firmly securing it once more as a cornerstone of the Q range and a standard bearer for the brand’s uncompromising pursuit of progress.

Orders can now be placed in the UK ahead of first deliveries during April for Q5 models in either SE, Sport or S line specification, and pricing starts

from £37,170 OTR for the 2.0 TDI quattro 190PS, rising to £41,040 OTR for the 2.0 TFSI quattro S line.

Standard equipment is now even more comprehensive than before, with features such as the Audi Smartphone Interface, the Audi parking system plus and powered tailgate operation present right from the SE entry point. Other notable standard features include Audi drive select, heated front seats, an acoustic windscreen, deluxe three-zone electronic climate control and pre-sense city collision prevention assistance.

Strong specification is just one of the factors contributing to a residual value that is not only the highest in its segment, but of any Audi model ever at launch – over three years/30,000 miles, the Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic with 190PS is predicted to retain an exceptional 58.3* per cent of its original value, while every other Q5 model in the range achieves an RV over the same term of at least 55 per cent. Independent automotive valuation experts, CAP Monitor also rate the RV of the Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic at an impressive 57 per cent over the same three year/30,000-mile term.

agility and efficiency.

Reflecting customer demand for high-end features, equipment levels on the new MINI Countryman have been bolstered versus the outgoing model. Additions to the standard equipment list include MINI’s acclaimed Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among others. Naturally, being a MINI, there is broad scope for owners to personalise their new Countryman, with extensive colour and trim options, advanced technology features and a range of option packs that offer carefully

selected items with significant cost savings for the customer.

One such option is a new 8.8” inch touchscreen display as part of the MINI Navigation System XL, offering touchscreen multimedia and navigation control for the first time in a MINI. The new MINI Countryman is available to order at MINI retailers nationwide, with prices starting at £22,465 for the Cooper Countryman.

First UK deliveries will be in February. Prices for the plug-in hybrid model will be announced in due course.

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PUZZLES & CROSSWORD

Crossword

Wordsearch

Answers

Sudoko

Brain Teaser What do the following names have in common?

: Answers: Each begins with the name of a European river (Don, Arno, Neva, Tiber, Tweed)

Answers

Donald Arnold Nevada Tiberius Tweedledum

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SPORTS

Huddersfield Town Appoints Mohammed Bhana as Club Ambassador

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Huddersfield Town in a bid to enticing more Asians to matches has signed up their first Asian club Ambassador Dewsbury man and sports writer for Asian Standard, Mohammed Bhana has been appointed as an Ambassador of the Club to help its presence grow in the Asian community.

The Asian football fan market has been one which, Mohammed says, most football clubs have not paid much attention to.

However, Huddersfield Town Commercial Director Sean Jarvis has made it clear that Huddersfield Town is committed to enticing more Asians living in West Yorkshire to come to matches as part of the long-term strategy to grow the Club.

Speaking to the Asian Standard in November, Jarvis said: “I don’t care if you are from Mars or whether you are Polish or Asian. The Club will listen to fans, regardless of their background; everyone is welcome here.”

Mohammed first came into

Huddersfield Town’s Commercial Director Sean Jarvis

contact with the Terriers through Huddersfield Town’s Schools Focus initiative.

He cites the initiative, offering young supporters across the region cheap tickets to come and experience a live game first-hand, as a great chance for families to enjoy a great atmosphere and some football masterminded by the club’s

I think this is good, not just for the football club, but for Kirklees as a whole because it helps to bring people together.

Mohammed Bhana

German manager, who is a good friend of Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.

Town’s Ambassador admitted that if it wasn’t for his son’s persistence then he wouldn’t have been offered the role or even have come to the John Smith’s Stadium.

“My eight year-old son kept on nagging me, asking me to take him to a Town game,” explained Bhana.

Huddersfield Town has made it clear that it doesn’t matter what ethnicity you are, the only colours that matter are the ones on the Club’s shirt.

“I said I’d take him if he learned his times-tables, which he did – all the way to 12. That’s how much he wanted to go and experience a match.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect and my wife was also a bit apprehensive about going; we had a few misconceptions because we had never been before.

John Smith’s Stadium “For a start we didn’t realise how passionate and loud the fans would be, and the high quality of the football was also something we didn’t expect. We thought that Huddersfield was a small club, but we now know that’s not the case!”

Since being offered the role as an Ambassador for the Club, Mohammed has been working with the advertising team at Huddersfield Town to create match day posters and adverts in both Hindu and Urdu to attract a more diverse group of fans.

“I don’t know any other Club that has actively reached out to the Asian community in such a way; most teams do nothing at all from what I can see.

“Even though it’s only been a few months, I think Town posters don’t need to be translated into Hindi or Urdu anymore – just in English, because people have now seen that Huddersfield has made an effort to reach out to them.

“A number of initiatives that have been set up recently, with the aim of engaging Asian community, have been very well attended.

“Huddersfield Town has made it clear that it doesn’t matter what ethnicity you are, the only colours that matter are the ones on the Club’s shirt.

“I think this is good, not just for the football club, but for Kirklees as a whole because it helps to bring people together.”

Huddersfield Town currently sits fifth in the Sky Bet Championship table and Mohammed believes now

the Club has reached out to the Asian community it is beginning to attract in a larger following; especially due to the teams exciting brand of football.

“More people are starting to realise that they don’t have to travel to Liverpool or Manchester to watch first class football; they could just go a few miles down the road and watch football just as good, if not better, at Town for much less.

“There’s no need to support a club from another part of the country when you have one on your doorstep that you can get involved with.”

Not even Liverpool FC or Manchester United have done anything remotely similar to that of Huddersfield, by appointing Bhana as Club Ambassador.

Is this because Huddersfield is a family club, a club with a soul, devoid of the paraphernalia and excess that is often associated with football?

Can the team who won claimed consecutive titles in the 1920s, the club where Bill Shankly himself cut his teeth, where Denis Law spent the first four years of his career before leaving for Manchester City in a British transfer record fee at the time of £55,000, attract more Asian fans and women to the stadium?

Bhana certainly thinks so – and judging by the turnout, when Huddersfield attracted almost 20,000 fans to a home match against Ipswich Town, with many more fans from Asian and BME backgrounds in attendance, it seems the move to appoint Bhana is rather shrewd.

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SPORTS

Haseeb Hameed: I still have a great deal to prove in the world of Cricket

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Fellow England players, fans, commentators and some of the game’s biggest legends were full of praise for the Haseeb Hameed following his swashbuckling debut in India.

seem the case for others, that I’ve achieved something very high.

But I don’t want that to hit home to myself because I want to stay focused.

But with Keaton Jennings hitting a century on his debut when replacing the former Bolton School pupil after his finger injury, Hameed knows he needs to impress while playing for Lancashire in the early part of the season if he is to win back his Test place.

“This is what I’ve wanted to do, and all I’m doing is achieving my goals.

I’m not doing something I’ve not expected of myself.

After just three Tests, Hameed has been hailed as the future of the England side.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted, to play for England at a young age.

That’s what I’m doing.

He has already won the Lancashire Player of the Year trophy, and his latest accolade has seen him shortlisted for Young Sportsperson of the Year Award at the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Awards.

“But I see it as very much the start.

However, Hameed, who has just turned 20, says he is not getting carried away with all the praise – despite his lauded England debut.

“I have been asked whether I’ve now achieved everything I wanted to achieve, and I found it quite an interesting question because I’ve only played three Test matches!

“I genuinely don’t think it’s sunk in yet, and I don’t want it to sink in,” he said.

first Test of the summer starts in July.

“Cricket can take you to a high place one moment and then you can be straight back down the next,” said Hameed, still sporting a badly swollen finger.

“There are a lot of people saying very good things about me, but I hope they save a bit of praise for the future.

“It’s important to have that levelheaded nature within yourself. If you don’t remind yourself about that, cricket will! It’s important to make sure you don’t get too far ahead of yourself and to have that balance of appreciating what you’ve done and not letting it get to you.

Haseeb Hameed

“It’s been unbelievable.

“I’m hoping to play for a long, long time, and I’m only in the team for one of the three formats that I want to play for England in.

look forward to.”

“But I don’t want to feel like it’s something I’ve achieved. It might

“So, it’s very much the start.

Hopefully I’ve got a long career to

Most have Haseeb nailed on to return to the England side when the

“There’s always pressure regardless of whether there’s a series in July and you’re playing for Lancashire beforehand or whether you’re just playing for Lancashire. There’s always pressure from within, setting yourself a certain standard you want to reach.”

There are a lot of people saying very good things about me, but I hope they save a bit of praise for the future.

Arsene Wenger: India will overtake China as football’s transfer kings

by MO BHANA

mo@asian-standard.co.uk

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger believes that India will emerge as a serious threat to the European football currently holds over the game.

With Chinese Super League has attracted some of Europe’s leading players by offering gigantic pay deals, with Diego Costa the latest to be tempted by a £30million-a-year deal to leave Chelsea, Wenger has warned that Europe’s top stars will not only be targeted by the Chinese, but also the emerging Indian Super League.

Former Premier League stars Luis Garcia, John Arne Riise, Diego

Forlan, Florent Malouda and Aaron Hughes have all been lured to India.

Similarly, Steve Coppell, Zico, Gianluca Zambrotta and Marco Materrazzi have managed in the Indian Super League.

The longest serving Manager in the Premier League said: “What will it take for the Chinese Super League to become competitive?

“It demands years of culture and work. You do not create a top league just like that, but personally I am very happy and I expect India to come to the game, and hope it will happen.

“But when you want to be a player your first aspiration is to play in the best league, against the best

players. After that, when you are a professional you want to combine the fact you can play in the best league, against the best players, for the maximum amount of money.

“That combination is the best in England at the moment, so I don’t see why the players should leave the Premier League.

“But China has moved forward, tries to promote football and I’m happy that football is becoming very popular in China. But I still think most of the big players will stay in Europe at the moment.2 Wenger warned the Chinese and Indian leagues not to expect instant success.

“Professional football was created

in England 150 years ago and we still struggle,’ said Wenger. ‘It’s a slow process of creating a football culture. In China it’s new.

“When I went to Japan it was 1995 and

their professional league had been created in 1993. You expect reflexes that are not there because players don’t have the culture of professional football. It will take time.”

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SPORTS

Kabaddi match in Pakistan turns into an ugly brawl between players

Credit: Faisalabad Arts Council

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

Tempers and emotions can rise really high during sporting contests in Pakistan when it comes to Cricket.

However, when it comes to Kabaddi - things can get really ugly.

In a shocking piece video broadcast by the Pakistani channel 24 News channel, a Kabaddi match being played in Faisalabad turned into an ugly brawl, which saw players fighting each other and the crowd getting involved as well.

According to the report presented by the news channel, initially, there was a brief scuffle between the

Shahzad Hanif and Ghulam Abbas camps.

However, as the game went on, a flurry of punches were thrown by players from both sides. Things got even worse when crowds got involved in the act and then the fight turned into a mass brawl, which forced organisers to abandon the match just a few minutes from its end.

Notably, Pakistan is a kabaddi powerhouse and both styles of kabaddi, including circle and professional, are played with great fervour in India’s neighbouring country. This particular match was being played in circle style, which recently saw its World

Championships being held in India.

The 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, organised by International Kabaddi Federation, meanwhile, did not feature Pakistan and it caused a huge uproar there.

In 2016, the Pakistani Kabaddi Federation announced that a new professional kabaddi league will be formed in 2017. Speaking to APP, Muhammad Sarwar, Secretary of the PKF, said: “We are in the process holding the league in a trendsetting manner besides introducing a new culture of professionalism in the game of Kabaddi in Pakistan, Strawberry Sports Management are the Owners of the private sector led League. PKF is delighted to be their exclusive technical collaborator for the ten years of the League.”

Notably, Pakistan is a kabaddi powerhouse and both styles of kabaddi, including circle and professional, are played with great fervour in India’s neighbouring country.