ASIAN STANDARD NEWS (KIRKLEES) ISSUE 23 - 29 JAN 2021

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KIRKLEES / 23 - 29 JANUARY 2021 / FREE

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Inside

REMEMBERING

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT

Does anything sound better than a slice of Aloo Masala Toast?

CHECK RECIPE ON PAGE 28

WHITE WORKER WINS TRIBUNAL AGAINST RENOWNED YORKSHIRE CURRY SUPPLIER FOR RACE DISCRIMINATION

BY RAHEEMA KHAN

Read Inside from page 6

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NEWS IN BRIEF

The EQA Electric athlete in compact format

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CABINET RAISES COUNCIL HOUSE RENTS, AUTHORISES ALMOST £12M SPENDING ON ROADS, AND GIVES £7M LOAN TO CINEMA PLAN

BY TONY EARNSHAW

EQA is the name of the new entrylevel model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles.

The dynamic design of its SUV body is an indicator of the driving enjoyment to be found on board.

Offering an excellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market, the EQA is the first all-electric member of the compact car vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. A close relation of the GLA, it delivers all the thrilling characteristics of that vehicle, combined in this case with an efficient electric power train. Prices in Germany start at 47,540.50 euros [UK pricing and specification still to be confirmed].

Unilever pledges to work with more businesses run by women and minorities

Unilever has said it will tackle advertising stereotypes and work with more businesses run by women and other underrepresented groups as part of a wider inclusivity drive.

The FTSE 100 company, which is behind household names such as Dove soap, Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream and Marmite, said it planned to use the might of its brands, coupled with its advertising spending power as one of the world’s biggest to make a difference.

Dave Ingram, its chief procurement officer, said Unilever had set a target of spending €2bn (£1.8bn) a year with companies owned and managed by women, under-represented minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and the LGBTQI+ community by 2025.

Senior figures in Kirklees have approved a 1.5 per cent increase in council property rents from April 5.

The decision by Kirklees Council’s decisionmaking Cabinet (Jan 19) means tenants will see rents go up to £71.18 a week.

The annual uplift on extra care services (intensive housing management, which provides a manager presence in extra care schemes and the provision of a housing-related support service to tenants to help them maintain their tenancies) will be 2.75

per cent.

Extra care services (night-time security, which provides a staff presence in extra care schemes overnight and to respond to emergency calls made by tenants during the night) will go up by 2.2 per cent.

The Cabinet also agreed to spend £11.8m on repairing and improving more than 120 unclassified roads across the borough.

Work is set to begin in the spring with a hopedfor completion date of March 2023.

Among the most expensive projects on the list are Carr Hill Road, Upper Cumberworth in Denby Dale ward (costing £397,691); Halifax Old Road from C664 Willow Lane to C6107 Spaines Road in Greenhead ward (£342,219); and Bradley Boulevard from Ashbrow Road to New House Road in Ashbrow ward (£341,330).

Members also approved a £7m loan to create a multi-million-pound entertainment complex within Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Centre including a multiplex cinema.

MILLIONS EARMARKED FOR DEWSBURY REGENERATION

BY TONY EARNSHAW Council chiefs are poised to bid for millions of pounds in Government funding - and it is earmarked for the ongoing regeneration of Dewsbury.

If the bid - to be submitted by the end of the month - is successful around £25m will go towards nine projects in the so-called Dewsbury Blueprint.

The cash will be matched with a further £33.6m from Kirklees Council, the private sector and other government sources bumping up the total to nearly £60m.

Among the projects that will benefit are Dewsbury Market and the town’s Victorian arcade. The money will also deliver a new central park for the town.

Cllr Shabir Pandor

WHATSAPP SAYS ‘NO ONE WILL HAVE THEIR ACCOUNT SUSPENDED OR DELETED ON 8 FEB’ WhatsApp has announced it will be pushing back a compulsory update by three months to give it time to respond to users’ concerns. The messaging app has seen an exodus of users to rival platforms in recent days as it made clear plans to share more data with parent company Facebook. Crucially, this change won’t even affect users in the United Kingdom (or Europe) because of data protection laws. WhatsApp said there has been a lot of ‘confusion’ around its messaging. Although the app will start sharing more background data with Facebook, the core content of messages remains hidden due to the app’s end-to-end encryption.

‘With these updates, none of that is changing,’ the company insisted in a blog post. ‘Instead, the update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data.

While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we

The council bought the arcade, which connects Market Place to Corporation Street, last year for £900,000.

Work has already been completed on the refurbishment of Pioneer House, described as the “base” of the authority’s regeneration ambitions for Dewsbury.

Outlining the plans, Cllr Peter McBride (Lab, Dalton) called it “a huge programme”.

The bid was backed at a meeting of the council’s decision-making Cabinet (Jan 19). It will now go to Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for formal approval.

Cllr Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East) said the creation of the bid

think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it’s important people are aware of these services.

This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.’

WhatsApp received a lot of flak, for the nature of the update where users had to either agree to the change in policy or stop using the service altogether.

‘We’re now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms,’ WhatsApp continued.

‘No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8.

We’re also going to do a lot more to clear up the misinformation around how privacy and security works on WhatsApp. We’ll then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15.’ By clearing up the information around

represented good partnership working, vision and commitment.

“Day in and day out I hear from opposition members that there is no investment coming into Dewsbury.

This is proof that there is vision and commitment.”

Council Leader Cllr Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) said officers were working on a bid for another pot of government money that could benefit other towns in the borough such as Heckmondwike and Batley.

He added: “I hope that very, very soon we will have some plans in terms of what our commitment will be to places like Batley to make sure that we do level up locally. That can only be done if we get central government support and funds.”

the update, WhatsApp likely hopes to stem the flow of users opting for rival messaging services like Signal and Telegram. ‘We’ve heard from so many people how much confusion there is around our recent update.

There’s been a lot of misinformation causing concern and we want to help everyone understand our principles and the facts,’ WhatsApp said.

In an earlier post, WhatsApp clarified exactly what data it does share with Facebook. This includes: Phone number and other information provided on registration (such as name) Information about phone make, model, and mobile company IP address, which indicates location of a user’s internet connection Any payments and financial transactions made over WhatsApp Once again though, this does not apply in either the EU or post-Brexit UK where different privacy laws are in place.

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WATER TANK FROM MUGHAL ERA FOUND IN FATEHPUR SIKRI, INDIA

The proposed multiplex cinema to be built within Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Centre. (Image: Kirklees Council) The money will come from the council’s Property Investment Fund (PIF) - a £25m war chest to put towards regeneration in the borough Work is scheduled to start on the new scheme this summer and is due to be

complete by the end of 2022.

The Kingsgate development marks the latest stage of the so-called Huddersfield Blueprint - a £250m masterplan to regenerate and rejuvenate Huddersfield town centre.

PFIZER COVID VACCINE EFFECTIVE AGAINST NEW MUTANT STRAIN FROM UK

Pfizer’s Covid vaccine is likely to protect against the mutant strain of coronavirus sweeping the UK, latest lab tests have revealed. The encouraging results, using blood of participants in trials, are based on more extensive analysis than those released by the pharmaceutical giant last week. Last week, Pfizer said a similar laboratory study showed the vaccine was effective against one key mutation, called N501Y, found in both of the highly transmissible variants spreading in the UK and South Africa. The latest study, which has not yet been peer reviewed, was conducted on 10 mutations, which are characteristic of the variant

known as B117 identified in Britain.

With Britain recording biggest increase in Covid-19 deaths within 28 days of testing positive, (1,610 on Tuesday 19 January and 1,820 on Wednesday 20 January) it provides further hope as

the country reports record numbers of daily Covid deaths, which are believed to be driven by the more transmissible variant. It also means vaccine development would for now not have to start all over again.

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A water tank, with a fountain in the centre, dating back to the 16th century Mughal era, has been found by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Fatehpur Sikri.

During the conservation work of the Todarmal Baradari, an area around it was being excavated when the discovery took place. A baradari or Bara Dari is a building or pavilion with twelve doors designed to allow free flow of air.

Superintending archaeologist of ASI (Agra circle) Vasant Swarankar, said during excavation, a square tank, with arms measuring 8.7 m and depth of 1.1 m, was discovered. The floor of the fountain tank is lime plastered, containing embellished patterns in lime as well. It must have been constructed along with the Baradari at that time.

The ASI is now mulling further

excavations in the area.

Raja Todar Mal was the finance minister of the Mughal empire during Emperor Akbar’s reign. He was one of the ‘Navratnas’ in Akbar’s court and introduced a new system of taxation.

Fatehpur Sikri was known for its mansions, gardens, pavilions, stables and caravansaries. The Baradari has survived in a recognizable shape.

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COUNCIL CONTINUES TO CRACK DOWN ON FLYTIPPERS, TAKING EIGHT CASES TO COURT IN 2020

BY TONY EARNSHAW/LDRS Household waste and black bags are most commonly fly-tipped in Kirklees, according to a new report.

But the council is responding robustly to people that dump waste in the borough, regularly handing out community protection notices or taking people to court.

Last year the authority went to court eight times resulting in seven successful prosecutions.

One case was dismissed.

However one person got a 12-month community order, had to undertake 300 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay costs of £1,600, clearance of £425 and a victim surcharge of £85.

Kirklees Council categorises fly-tipping as dumping unwanted things - including grass cutting and other garden waste on land that isn’t yours, or out on the street.

However anything less than a bagful is generally treated as littering.

Hotspots have included rural Paul Lane near Kirkheaton and within Byram Court in

Fly-tipped waste in Kirklees Huddersfield town centre.

Officers say the majority of rubbish being dumped is

household waste and black bags (50%) followed by construction waste (10%),

MISSING TEENAGER: POLICE CONTINUE APPEAL FOR JOSHUA WAKEFIELD: COULD BE IN DEWSBURY OR BATLEY Police are continuing to appeal for information about a missing teenager from Blackpool who is thought to be in Dewsbury or Batley.

Joshua Wakefield, 16, is from Blackpool and was last seen 31st December 2020.

It is believed he is in either the Dewsbury or Batley areas of West Yorkshire.

Joshua is described as being white male, about 5ft 4ins tall and of slim build.

He has black hair which is now believed to be shaved

as per the image.

Anyone who sees Joshua is asked to call police on 101 or use the contact us options at www.westyorkshire. police.uk/contactus quoting reference 13210005820.

white goods (9%) and other garbage (26%).

Between October 2019 and

September 2020, Kirklees saw around 7,500 flytipping incidents.

The council has also employed ward rangers to monitor the borough’s 23 wards. They tackle flytipping, remove fly-posting, cut back vegetation and clean up graffiti.

Speaking at a meeting of Economy and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel (Jan 21), the council’s head of operational services, Will Acornley, said the authority wants to achieve a three-day result on clearing fly-tipped waste.

He said the council will always prosecute anyone caught fly-tipping in the borough and that it is using mobile and static CCTV cameras to try and catch people red-handed.

He said there had been a peak in fly-tipping over the summer, often evidenced by black bags left near litter bins.

There was praise from Labour, the Lib Dems and Conservatives for the speed of staff response on reports of fly-tipping and a call for CCTV to be installed to cover rural areas where waste is repeatedly dumped.

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WHITE WORKER WINS TRIBUNAL AGAINST RENOWNED YORKSHIRE CURRY SUPPLIER FOR RACE DISCRIMINATION A white worker in an Asian food factory who was told that he didn’t understand recipes because of his colour and that he should ‘go and work for an English firm’ has won his claim of race discrimination.

disciplinary action was taken against him.

The tribunal said Mr Akhtar was an ‘unreliable witness’ who was vague and, at times, evasive.

The employment tribunal ruled the comments at Mumtaz Foods violated the production worker’s dignity.

Mr Akhtar said his offensive comment was a misunderstanding due to language difficulties, but the employment judge said he was clearly able express himself in English on everyday matters.

Mr Sorby, described as white British, was recruited by Bradford Management Services, a subsidiary of Mumtaz, in July last year on a zero hour contract.

His supervisor Azheem Akhtar thought only British Asians like himself should be allowed to work at the company that supplies meals to Indian restaurants and supermarkets, the hearing was told.

After Mr Akhtar made the comments, Mr Sorby was told he was being placed ‘on call’ – a euphemism for being dismissed. He was asked to clear his locker and hand in property.

When Colin Sorby complained about the ‘stereotypical’ comments at one of the UK’s leading food manufacturers, his shifts dried up and he was effectively fired.

Mr Akhtar claimed he apologised, but the tribunal did not accept this since no

Colin Sorby

He was also advised to look for another job because he was told he would not be offered

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Yunus-Lunat employment should, effectively, be terminated.

‘The tribunal is satisfied that the remark was made and it was used to justify what was effectively the Claimant’s termination of employment – albeit he was told he was placed ”on call”.’

any more work.

He was initially told by human resources manager, Paulo Silva, that this action was being taken because of his poor attendance and performance.

When he pressed where these allegations came from, he was told by Mr Silva that they emanated from Mr Akhtar.

The judge said: ‘The effect of the comment was that due to the fact the claimant was not English he could not cook Asian food properly.

‘This was a stereotypical assumption that was not predicated on any factual basis.

‘Again, the context is everything. Mr Akhtar was seeking to justify why the claimant’s

The judge said Mr Akhtar was a long serving employee who described himself as a friend of company director Bilal Akbar.

He believed a white person should not be working for an Asian company and a decision was taken to remove Mr Sorby, the employment judge concluded.

The tribunal upheld Mr Sorby’s claims for racial discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Compensation will be awarded at a remedy hearing on a date yet to be fixed.

Commenting on the case, Yunus Lunat, partner and Head of Employment at law firm Ison Harrison said: “The case is really sad because we have been at the forefront of enforcing equal rights, because we South Asians, have historically been subject to discrimination, so we should be more alert to the effect words can have.

“Just because we have been subject to discrimination, we are not immune or exempt from this.”

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NEW SCHEME TO LET PEOPLE TAKE OVER UNUSED COUNCILOWNED LAND AND BUILDINGS DISMISSED AS “ASSET-STRIPPING” Clr Graham Turner of Kirklees Council

BY TONY EARNSHAW A new government project aimed at giving people the right to take over unused council-owned land and “unloved” buildings has been dismissed as “a land grab” by Labour.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick wants to make it easier for the public to buy and regenerate vacant land in England so that people can “transform” sites into homes, businesses or community spaces.

Critics have dismissed it as “a policy to allow assetstripping of publicly-owned buildings and land” and said the government was “mucking about” at the edges of the planning system to create a vague project that was thin on detail.

In a video posted on the government’s website Mr Jenrick said the new scheme, dubbed Right to Regenerate, would make it much easier to challenge councils and other organisations to release public land for redevelopment and to give “a new lease of life to unloved buildings”.

The initiative goes hand-inhand with the government’s drive to build on brownfield sites and harks back to powers introduced 40 years ago.

Mr Jenrick said the government was revitalising and strengthening the current system “to encourage more individuals and more communities to develop sites and make them fit for the future.”

In Kirklees there were fears that decisions on the fate of iconic local buildings could be made by “unelected faceless Whitehall mandarins” and that civic treasures could be sold off at “bargain basement prices to satisfy the whim of a government minister”.

Senior Labour councillor Graham Turner, who is responsible for Kirklees Council’s corporate portfolio as a member of the decisionmaking Cabinet, said the Right to Regenerate scheme was a cynical exercise in assetgrabbing.

He declared himself “appalled” by the government’s proposals

and called it “a land grab”.

He added: “As with all government announcements the devil will be in the detail.

“But from the details we have seen so far this looks very much like a vehicle for private property speculators to get their hands on publicly-owned buildings and land.

“It would line the pockets of property speculators at the expense of local residents and could put at risk any number of buildings in Kirklees owned by the council.

“Who might determine if a building is surplus to the council’s requirements? Some unelected faceless Whitehall mandarin who has never set foot out of London and thinks we all walk round with flat hats and whippets?

“The people of Kirklees are the best judges of how we manage our buildings and land, and that is done by a democratically elected council, not by Whitehall.

“Will the council be able to

demand market rates for any land or buildings that it has to sell under these proposals? Or, as with the failed right to buy scheme, will we be expected to sell at below market value?

“I suspect that the latter will be the preferred option of the government. Do we want to see our historic buildings sold off at bargain basement prices to satisfy the whim of a government minister?”

Clr Turner (Lab, Denby Dale) urged the government to drop its proposals.

Andrew Pinnock, a veteran Liberal Democrat councillor in Kirklees and a member of the council’s seven-strong Strategic Planning Committee, said the government’s decision to announce its latest proposals via social media and on a Saturday was “typical” of its approach.

He added: “Doing it that way you don’t have to include any details of what it all means.

“In any event the very buildings and land that he might be talking about – who knows what they could be –

are not his to give away.

“In a lot of cases they will have been given as a gift to local communities, even if the original impetus for this has been forgotten in the course of time.”

Clr Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said it was the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that any buildings or land that fell under the government’s new spotlight found alternative uses in partnership with the local community.

“Instead of mucking around at the edges of the planning system the government should be putting more effort into supporting the current system to make sure that it does genuinely support vibrant and successful communities.

“This could mean relaxing some regulations, but more often making sure that those which exist can be enforced in a timely and appropriate manner.”

Green group leader and Green Party candidate for West Yorkshire Mayor, Clr

Andrew Cooper (Newsome) described the new project as “utter nonsense” as it failed to address “the root causes” of the need for afordable housing.

He said: “The real issue affecting the amount of house building in our country is land hoarding by private developers.

“There is land with planning permission already granted to build around a million homes in our country but private developers are hanging onto it speculating over land values to maximise their profits.

“Instead of trying to find elaborate ways to sell off publicly-owned green land for development to the private sector the government should instead focus on their friends and donors in the building industry.

“They need to get their house in order and get houses they have permission to build, built.”

A consultation on Right to Regenerate has opened and runs until March 13.

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SUPERMARKET GIANT TO PROVIDE TWO MILLION MEALS TO FAMILIES IN NEED WHILE ALSO REDUCING FOOD WASTE. Morrisons is extending its work with leading food redistribution charity The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT), to provide great quality food for thousands of families in the UK, while at the same time significantly reducing food waste in its food making operations and supply chain around the UK.

grow nationwide.”

Morrisons has pledged to reduce operational food waste by 50% by 2030. To date the supermarket has launched the biggest Wonky fruit and veg range, has donated surplus food from every store, and offers boxes of veg, bakery and deli items for just £3.09 via the Too Good to Go App. Since 2015 Morrisons stores have also given surplus food to local good causes - totalling 3.5 tonnes last year.

Food factories are the second highest source of food waste after households, according to the food waste charity WRAP. This typically happens because of overproduction, imperfections, mis-labelling, or because the food runs out of shelf life.

During 2021, Morrisons plans to redistribute surplus food to 30,000 families in need through TBBT. Morrisons partnership with TBBT was set up in 2016 and has so far provided 2m meals to its members.

The food – amounting to another 800 tonnes or 2 million meals a year[3] – will come from a range of Morrisons food-making sites, distribution centres, and UK suppliers. The range of products donated will include fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, prepared food and bread.

TBBT will redistribute it to families in need of healthy and nutritious meals. Its research found 80 per cent of adults who received food from TBBT are skipping meals themselves to

feed their families.

So far, the partnership has enabled TBBT to double its reach from its Greater Manchester origins. A second TBBT warehouse opened in County Durham in November 2020, new vans will take the fleet to 10, and over 50 hubs are expected to be operational across the North of England by mid-2021. Morrisons support will enable the charity to expand nationally to 100 locations by the start of 2022.

Steven Butts, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Morrisons, said: “Reducing food waste is important to our customers, colleagues and shareholders.

We’ve made very strong progress in reducing waste in

our supermarkets over many years. But there is still more to do behind the scenes and this extension of our partnership with TBBT will mean that they can do even more for families around the UK while at the same time helping us further reduce wasted food.”

Mark Game, CEO TBBT, said: “We’ve all faced enormous challenges this year and we could not have done it without Morrisons’ continued support and the heroic efforts of its team to keep its surplus food coming to us in addition to feeding the nation during this tumultuous time. I’m enormously grateful to Morrisons and all its staff for helping us to keep our members fed with quality, nutritious food which, for

a whole variety of reasons, couldn’t be sold.

“We work in some of the UK’s most deprived communities.

The financial savings for people using our service are significant, people eat better

quality and a bigger variety of food, and we save tonnes of surplus edible food from going to waste. It’s a win/win solution for everyone. Morrisons have been a major supporter since our launch in 2016, and I’m excited that this new, extended partnership will enable us to

Morrisons has 18 of its own food making sites - preparing meat, fruit, veg, fish, bakery, and fresh food products, plus six distribution centres. The supermarket is the largest fresh food manufacturer in the UK and makes more than half of the fresh food sold in its stores.

For more information, visit: www.morrisons.co.uk .

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DEALING WITH STOMACH ACHES Stomach-ache or abdominal pain can be cramps, achy, dull, sharp, or intermittent. The common causes of stomach-ache include constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux, lactose intolerance, stress, gas, and bloating.

Nutritionist and Lifestyle Educator Karishma Chawla based in Mumbai India shares tips on how to deal with different stomach aches and home remedies for it.

CONSTIPATION Constipation is caused by lack of dietary fibre, indulging in too many processed foods, dehydration, too much dairy, medication, lack of exercise or movement, lack of routine or a hurried morning, ignoring the urge to defecate, and stress play a big role. Chronic constipation can lead to gas production, stomach bloating and ache. Dietary interventions include consuming whole grains such as dalia, red rice poha, rajgira and legumes, fruits and veggies rich in fibre like dark green leafy veggies, pear, and papaya, drinking plenty of water and other fluids like starting the day with lemon water and consuming vegetable smoothies.

Lifestyle measures include,

slowing down the morning ritual, having a routine, set wake up and sleep times along with some yoga and stretches. Avoid refined foods, deep fried foods, and high sugar foods. Can experiment with black salt, this may help to relieve gas and bloating and aid digestion and garlic help to relieve gas, constipation and treat infection.

DIARRHOEA This can be caused by a viral infection, drugs, food allergies and food sensitivities to name a few. Management of diarrhoea includes fluid balance with coconut water, buttermilk, salted rice kanji, lemon sugar salt beverage or weak tea.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Individuals with lactose intolerance usually lack the enzyme lactase to digest the lactose in milk leading to stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

Avoiding milk is beneficial and you can substitute milk with almond and coconut milk GAS AND BLOATING This can be a result of food

sensitivities, constipation or indigestion leading to abdominal pain. Manage this by dropping food irritants that cause gas, eating a diet high in fibre, adequate water and chewing food properly. One can also experiment with adding herbs such as turmeric that help to break down food and absorb nutrients and garlic that helps to relieve gas.

ACID REFLUX It is caused by low stomach acid, magnesium deficiency, certain foods, haitas hernia and eating food too quickly. Relief is found by avoiding foods such as citrus foods, alcohol, spicy foods and peppermint. Practice mindful eating, chew every mouthful 20-30 times and experiment with aloe juice in the morning and

sauf and kala jeera water before meals to secrete stomach acid.

STRESS Stress can cause low stomach acid. People with low stomach acid typically experience frequent heartburn, acid reflux, burping, bloating, gas, and even nausea after eating. Home

remedies include a glass of warm water and fresh lemon or lime. Squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice into the water and drink before consuming anything else. You can also try adding 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to an 8-ounce glass of warm water and drink it about 15-30 minutes before a meal.

Drink this after meals if you experience heartburn.

23 -29 january 2021 WWW.ASIANSTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

REMEMBERING

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT

TWO

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

PRIYANKA CHOPRA ANNOUNCES GUEST STARS NICK JONAS, LILLY SINGH AND MORE, FOR HER VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

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INDIAN-AMERICAN RAPPER RAJA KUMARI FEELS 'BEYOND HONOURED AND GRATEFUL' TO REPRESENT INDIAN COMMUNITY AT BIDEN'S INAUGURAL AAPI BALL Grammy-nominated IndianAmerican rapper Raja Kumari feels proud to have represented India at the the AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers, and says she is looking forward to a less divided, more united America.

The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Ball is one of the traditional galas held around the presidential inauguration ceremony in the US, and this year's events were held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ball gala was held on Tuesday.

The Ball celebrates and honours the contribution of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities ahead of the presidential swearing-in ceremony.

"I am beyond honoured and grateful to be representing the Indian-American community at the AAPI inaugural ball. This election was personal for so many of us and watching Kamala Harris become the first South Asian and African American to hold the office of Vice President will be the most awe inspiring moment...something we tell our children about," Raja Kumari said.

She continued "The Biden administration has already set the tone by celebrating diversity and cultural exchange, not only on the campaign but also on their choices for the cabinet. A lot of people want to focus on the division in the US, but I'm more inspired than ever to focus on our mutual goals for a better America. I feel proud and can resonate with this administration and am looking forward to a less divided, more united America."

Reflecting on her performance, she shared "Performing 'NRI' for the AAPI ball is absolutely surreal. The song was written out of a desire to claim space that was never meant for us...and performing this song for such a momentous occasion shows just how far we have come as a culture...that a little Indian girl born in Los Angeles could grow up and pursue her dream to represent her culture and be a part of such a historic day."

The AAPI Inaugural Ball Breaking Barriers includes names like Ari Afsar, Kal Penn, John Cho, Kumail Nanjiani, and Chloe Bennet. President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in on January 20.

KANGANA RANAUT REACTS TO CALLS FOR HER TWITTER ACCOUNT TO BE SUSPENDED FOLLOWING CONTROVERSIAL TWEETS Kangana Ranaut has reacted to the hashtag that has been trending throughout Wednesday on Twitter, demanding the suspension of her verified account on the microblogging site.

made their lives even more miserable, now if they suspend me will exit virtual world and in real world will show you real Kangana Ranaut- the mother of all fathers #babbarsherni."

Even as tweeters felt Kangana's account should be suspended owing to her tendency for alleged hate speech on Twitter, the actress reacted saying that if her account were suspended, she would exit the virtual world and show the real Kangana Ranaut to the world.

People are apparently disturbed by Kangana's now-deleted tweet where she wrote, "Time to take their heads off."

Responding to the hashtag #SuspendKanganaRanaut, the actress tweeted "Anti nationals are trending #SuspendKanganaRanaut .... please do, when they suspended Rangs I came and

Allegedly, the tweet was aimed at the makers of the web series "Tandav". The recently released web series has courted controversy because sections of viewers felt it had allegedly insulted Hindu gods.

Earlier in the day, Kangana tweeted that her account was temporarily restricted.

The actress slammed the "liberal

community" for allegedly reporting her account to Twitter and referred to the microblogging platform CEO Jack Dorsey as "chacha".

Kangana had written "Librus cried to their chacha @jack and got my account temporarily restricted. They are threatening me mera account/virtual identity kabhi bhi desh keliye shaheed ho sakti hai, magar my reloaded desh bhakt version will reappear through my movies. “Tumhara jeena dushwar karke rahungi.

(They are threatening me with the fact that my account and my virtual identity might get martyred for the country anytime. But my reloaded patriotic spirit will reappear through my movies. I will make your life miserable)."

Ahead of the release of her book , 'Unfinished,' actor-singer Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Tuesday announced the first four dates of the virtual tour that will take place to celebrate the release of her memoir.

The former Miss World shared that the four-day-long tour will begin on February 9 on Instagram . She also announced the four special guests for each day of the virtual tour.

The guests include her singer husb and Nick Jonas, comedianYouTuber Lilly Singh, American auth or Glennon Doyle, and the editor-in-chief of British Vogue Edw ard Enninful.

The 'Baywatch' actor went on to pen down a long note about the virtual tour of her long-awaited mem oir 'Unfinished.'

"It's a dream and truly humbling to announce the first four dates of the virtual book tour for my mem oir, #Unfinished, available around the world February 9th," she wrote in the caption. "@glennondoyle, @lilly, @nickjonas and @edward_enninful help me kick off the tour, and I can't think of a better, or more inspiring, group of people to help me introduce this labour of love to the world," she added.

The 38-year-old actor also shared that all those who sign up for the US events will receive a signed copy of the book.

"AND when you sign up for any of the US events, you'll also receive a signed copy of the book (while supplies last and US shipping only)! Head to the link in bio to get your tickets now, and stay tuned for additional date s and events outside of the US and UK," Chopra-Jonas wrote in her caption.

It was in June 2018 that the star first announced her memoir, and had said that "It gives you an indescribable sense of accomplishment when you tick off something from your bucket list".

The book 'Unfinished' traces a colle ction of personal essays, stories and observations written by Priyanka as an actor, producer, singer and UNICEF Goo dwill Ambassador.

Priyanka has become a multifaceted personality with many different forays into the various diver gences of the entertainment industry.

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BOLLYWOOD STARS TAKE TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO PRAISE INDIA’S HISTORIC CRICKET VICTORY OVER AUSTRALIA Several Bollywood celebrities including mega stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday hailed the Indian cricket team's 2-1 series win on Australian soil and expressed their excitement about the match.

Commenting on harassment at work, Divyanka told: "Many men think it is a man's world, but it is not. Women are ruling in all the ways possible.

"INDIAAAAA .. INDIA!!

INDIAAAA.. INDIA.. THOK DIYA..

Australia ko.. INCREDIBLE VICTORY.. badhai badhai badhai.. !! Body blows! Injury! Racist abuse! gale te hath na rakhhi, thok deaaengey!!!! INCREDIBLE INDIA!! Don't ever underestimate INDIA," tweeted Bachchan.

"What an absolutely marvellous victory for our team!!! Stayed up all night to watch it unfold ball by ball. Now will sleep peacefully for a bit and savour this historic moment," tweeted Khan.

"Love to all our boys and greatly admire their resilience to power us through to this win. Chak De India," his tweet further read.

'Mission Mangal' actor Akshay Kumar also took to Twitter and expressed his excitement towards the match.

"Congratulations Team India for an exemplary performance, winning against all odds and creating history...truly Champions #INDvsAUS," Kumar tweeted.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana also took to Instagram stories and shared a picture of the Indian cricket team.

"Whatta match! Whatta win!

‘YOU DESERVE RESPECT’: DIVYANKA TRIPATHI REVEALS HER EXPERIENCE WITH HARASSMENT Today, Divyanka Tripathi is a star in the television space thanks to her work in fiction as well as reality shows such as "Banoo Main Teri Dulhann", "Ye Hai Mohabbatein", "Nach Baliye" and "The Voice". But there was a time when she was desperately looking for work.

Both Bachchan and Khan heaped praises on the Indian cricket team and wished them great victory.

Khan also shared how he stayed up all night to watch the match and will now go in for a peaceful sleep.

THREE

"They are at par with men. But some men feel they can get a free pass. They think they can tease someone or pass lewd remarks and get away with it.

They evolved from being boys to men of collective mission and character in this series #gavaskarbordertrophy," Khurrana wrote along with the picture.

Senior actor Anil Kapoor also congratulated the team on their win on Twitter.

"What a historic win for India!!

Congrats to @ajinkyarahane88for captaining such a young side to an amazing win! Great innings by @RealShubmanGill, @cheteshwar1, and @ RishabhPant17," Kapoor tweeted.

"Historic win!!! What an effort!!!

So proud!!! @indiancricketteam," tweeted actor Ranveer Singh.

On Tuesday, Australia's fortress -- The Gabba -- was finally breached. It took 32 years and two months, but the unthinkable was achieved as an injuryravaged young Indian team beat Australia by three wickets against all odds in the final Test to take

"It used to happen, it also happens now. It's just that I always knew where to set a boundary.

Since the time I started working, I knew what I didn't want.

the series 2-1.

In the first Test against Australia, India was bundled out for 36 and there were many pundits who said the visiting team will face a 4-0 drubbing. But proving every critic wrong, the Ajinkya Rahaneled side registered famous victories at Melbourne and Brisbane. The side also recorded a famous draw at Sydney and at every step of the way, this line-up has overcome adversity.

The last time a visiting team came out triumphant from the Brisbane Cricket Ground was back in November 1988 when the mighty West Indian outfit under the leadership of Viv Richards thrashed Allan Border's team by 9 wickets.

What makes the feat even more commendable is how the Indians fought multiple injuries and mental fatigue -- due to the biobubble restrictions -- to register a historic win.

"I knew that I wanted to do good work, but not at the cost of my dignity. In fact, I left a show. I won't name the person, producer or the channel.

I had signed a show, and the maker made a pass at me.

"He was very indecent. I left the show because of that. I knew that it would be a traumatic experience for me because any daily soap continues for a certain number of months or years, and I couldn't see myself in that kind of a situation," she shared.

Even though she didn't have any other offer at that time and was "desperately" looking for work, she refused to continue working on that show.

"I was not so desperate to still continue, so I left the show. Saying no at the right time is extremely important. You deserve respect. Your position doesn't matter. If you'll respect yourself then others will respect you," said Divyanka, who made her acting debut in the 2006 show "Viraasat" with a small role.

"This happened a year or two before I got 'Yeh Hai Mohabbatein'. At that time I was in need of work. I bagged the show, but I backed off. I was told by the makers and channel that I'll have to do the show, but I told them that I have enough

‘TANDAV’ CAST AND CREW SHARE OFFICIAL APOLOGY FOLLOWING RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSY Taking cognisance of the concerns expressed by viewers against his Amazon Prime Video-based show 'Tandav,' filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar on Monday extended apologies through an official statement.

fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental," the statement read.

"The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead," the statement further read.

Earlier in the day, an FIR was registered at Lucknow's Hazratganj Kotwali against Amazon Prime's India head of original content Aparna Purohit, Zafar, producer of the show Himanshu Krishna Mehra, writer Gaurav Solanki and others for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Zafar's debut web-series 'Tandav' had been mired in controversy since its release as several viewers said the content hurt religious sentiments.

The 'Sultan' filmmaker shared the official statement from the "cast and crew of Tandav" on Twitter and wrote "Our sincere apologies" along with it.

Through the statement, Zafar shared that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had informed him about a large number of viewers filing petitions against the show.

"Official statement from the Cast and Crew of Tandav. We have been closely monitoring viewer reactions to the web series 'Tandav' and today during a

Zafar ended the statement by taking cognizance of the concerns expressed by people and apologizing if the show "unintentionally" caused any hurt to the viewers. discussion," the statement read.

"The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed us regarding a large number of grievances and petitions received on various facets of the web series with serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people," the statement further read.

He also clarified that the web series is a "work of fiction" and that the cast and crew of 'Tandav' did not have any intentions of hurting sentiments of any community, caste, or religion.

"The web series 'Tandav' is a work of

"The cast and crew of 'Tandav' take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments," the statement read.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has summoned Amazon Prime Video officials in India in connection with the controversy around the web series 'Tandav', sources had said on Sunday.

This comes after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Saif Ali Khan-starrer web series 'Tandav' hurts Hindu religious sentiments.

proof on my phone so, don't push me.

"I was allowed to walk away. The channel didn't go against me after this incident, after seeing the stupid conversation. They didn't say anything because they knew I was right. One should never shy away from taking a stand," she added.

After her debut, she played the lead role in "Banoo Main Teri Dulhann", which ran from 2006 to 2009.

Later, she appeared as a guest or contestant in several shows, including "Comedy Circus".

Then, Divyanka took up the lead role of Dr. Ishita Bhalla in the long-running show "Yeh Hai Mohabbatein", which aired from 2013 to 2019.

She also starred in the 2019 web show "Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala". She recently hosted a special series, "Crime Patrol Satark Women Against Crime".

In the year ahead, she looks forward to lots of work. "I want to do different kinds of roles. Doing 'Crime Patrol', for instance, was so refreshing.

"I always wanted to spread awareness about women and give a message to the entire society, not just women. I would like to do films and web series, too," said Divyanka.

FANS PRAISE KATRINA KAIF’S FITNESS REGIME AS SHE SHARES HER NEW LOVE OF PILATES ON HER INSTAGRAM On Wednesday, actress Katrina Kaif shared the benefits of pilates over gymming. She feels pilates can be better for the muscles.

Katrina shared a video on Instagram in which she can be seen practising pilates under the guidance of her trainer, focusing specifically on her left leg.

"I usually prefer gym, but I’ve realized u can get a lot of muscle work though Pilates as well -- @yasminkarachiwala has been taking me through focusing on one body part in our Pilates sessions," the actress wrote on Instagram.

Commenting on her post, fans showered the actress with their love and appreciation calling her "fitness queen" and a "fitness icon".

"The trendsetter of fitness among women in Bollywood," commented a user.

"India's number one female fitness icon and inspiration," wrote another user.

Katrina will next be seen alongside Akshay Kumar in Rohit Shetty's cop action-drama ‘Sooryavanshi’.

The actress will also feature in the forthcoming horror-comedy film ‘Phone Bhoot’ co-starring Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi.

Check out the full post and video at https://www.instagram.com/p/ CKTHcUuhS38/

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

'HOW YOU WANT TO AGE IS A CHOICE': SHILPA SHET TY SHARES HER THREE TOP TIPS TO STAYING YOUNG Actress Shilpa Shet

JANHVI KAPOOR SHOWCASES HER DANCE SKILLS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH LATEST STUDIO RECITAL Actress Janhvi Kapoor has delighted her fans on social media once again with a graceful, dance throwback to the contemporary classic, ‘San Sanana’ from Asoka, having already generated close to three million views.

As well as her understated acting, Janhvi is passionate about dance and has been arduously honing her craft throughout lockdown. g waves in The rising star of Indian cinema has been makin n Saxena: The the film world with her starring roles in Gunja a number Kargil Girl and her earlier debut in Dhadak, with and media of projects currently in the pipeline. Audiences skills but her have taken a liking not only to her on-screen charming personality off camera as well. excels at It comes as no surprise that Janhvi enjoys and of her clips posts rly regula the art form of dance as she video, latest her In . media social on es routin and rehearsals ing “Miss clip, the ning captio by lf she even pokes fun at herse try and indus fellow Her . ns” sessio dance belly post burrito ents section media friends and fans praised her in the comm s. emoji eye heartand fire of ance abund with an uding her skillful If you haven’t yet, join the rest of us in appla moves in the her with talent and watch Janhvi Kapoor kill it .com/tv/ agram w.inst //ww https: at ram full video on Instag CJ8JxrTFJmr/?hl=en Join the conversation: #JanhviKapoor @JanhviKapoor | Instagram

KANGANA RANAUT AND ARJUN RAMPAL DROP FIRST LOOK POSTERS OF ‘DHAAKAD’ AND CONFIRM RELEASE DATE Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut dropped the first look poster of her upcoming action-thriller 'Dhaakad' featuring herself as 'Agent Agni' on Monday.

Ranaut, talking about 'Dhaakad', revealed that she will be portraying the role of an officer in the film, which portrays the issues of child trafficking and crimes against women.

The actor also announced that the movie will be released in theatres on October 1, 2021.

Arjun Rampal, who will star as the antagonist of the film, also revealed the first look of his character, ‘Rudraveer’ on his Instagram on Tuesday.

The 'Queen' star took to Instagram and unveiled the dark poster featuring herself in a ferocious avatar.

The 'Gangster' star also shared the traits of her character 'Agent Agni' in the film.

"She is fearless and Fiery! She is Agent Agni, India's first female-led action thriller, #Dhaakad, releasing in theatres on 1st October 2021!" she wrote.

Earlier, in an interview with ANI,

"Boom! Evil has a new nameRudraveer! Super excited to essay an antagonist who is dangerous, deadly and cool at the same time! Here's my look for @sohamrockstrent's #Dhaakad. Arriving in cinemas on 1st October 2021!" Rampal wrote.

'Dhaakad' is being helmed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Sohail Maklai.

KABIR BEDI SAYS HIS UPCOMING AUTOBIOGRAPHY IS ‘NOT A KISS AND TELL BOOK’.

Veteran actor Kabir Bedi says his upcoming autobiography is not a kiss and tell book, but one that will reveal a lot of things new to readers with raw emotional intensity. He adds that he plans to release the book in summer this year.

as our perspective towards it. Bedi reflected on the pandemic: "I feel very sorry for those people who suffered in this pandemic.

"For me, it has been a brilliantly great year because I spent the time writing my book and fulfilling a long-held desire. In fact, I worked harder during the pandemic than I normally work.

The actor of international repute chose the Covid-induced lockdown last year to devote time and pen the book narrating his journey, ups and downs, achievements and tragedies.

"Even though acting stopped, I did a lot of writing as well as recording for documentaries, commercials etc. So it has been a very productive year for me in many ways," the 75-year-old actor informed.

"I have been wanting to write a book for a number of years and got the time to think about it during lockdown. I figured out how I wanted to tell my story, which is very important. It took me four months to write the book and then I revised it for the next two months," Bedi said.

Throwing light on the contents of his book, the actor added, "It is the story of my life told through a number of stories. I think people will get a good sense of me as a person, my triumphs and tragedies, milestones, mistakes -- everything after reading it."

He continued "It is a very honest book. I have friends, family and fans in various parts of the world.

"So, I feel a lot of people would be interested to know my story, what I've learnt from life and the many things that happened on the way. It is a very fulfilling book for me and should be out before summer."

The year 2020 was also special for the veteran actor as it marked the Bollywood debut of his granddaughter Alaya F.

However, Bedi noted that there were certain parts of his life that would not be revealed in the autobiography.

"This is not a kiss and tell book but I have talked with raw emotional intensity about the relationships that are known," he said.

"It's honest and vulnerable and there will be a lot of things that will be new to the readers. I will be able to talk far more in depth about the book once it is announced."

Last year has been different, as the pandemic has changed lives as well

"I am delighted by Alaya's success in the industry. I think she is the most talented girl of the new generation. I don't give her any unneeded advice.

She has a mind of her own and knows what she wants to do. She has done it all on her own merit," he said.

On the acting front, Kabir Bedi says he is open to working in web series as long as the content is good or the role that he is offered is interesting, which will allow him to utilise his acting skills and abilities.

The 70-plus actor revealed that he keeps getting offers for the web, but is waiting for the "right story".

ty says she does not believe in the stereotyping people face once they cross a certain age and offered up some advice about how to stay forever young.

"Ageing is a process we have absolutely no control over. But, stereotyping what you can and cannot do just because you have crossed a certain age is something I don't believe in," she wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

She added "The years add a lot of wear; tear to the bones, nerves; muscles; but, consistently takin g care of ourselves is important. Follow just three simple rules 1. Eat right 2. Exercise regularly 3. Smile and laugh more often

The body may have reached a certa in age, but if you are young at heart then the world is your oyster."

The actress also shared a video that captures her jumping on a trampoline with son Viaan.

The video has a message that reads "Aging is inevitable, but how you want to age is a choice."

She shared the post with hashtags #ShilpaKaMantra, #SwasthRahoMastRaho, #Exercise Well, #EatClean, #SmileMore, #StayHappy, #YoungAtHeart and #Age IsJustANumber.

You can check out the full Instagram post at https://www.instagram. com/p/CKNwNTaKQ_q/?hl=en On the work front, Shilpa is all set to return to the screen after 13 years with two releases, "Hungama 2" and "Nikamma".

Directed by Sabbir Khan, the action-pa cked romantic comedy film "Nikamma" also features Abhimanyu Dasani and Shirley Setia.

"Hungama 2" also stars Paresh Raw al, Pranitha Subhash and Meezan. The film is a follow-up of Priya darshan's 2003 slapstick hit, "Hungama".

ACTRESS SHERLYN CHOPRA HAS BROUGHT CHARGES OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AGAINST SAJID KHAN, ALLEGING THAT, IN 2005, THE FILMMAKER FLASHED HER AND ASKED HER TO TOUCH HIS GENITALS. In a series of tweets posted on Tuesday, Sherlyn wrote "It's not an accusation but the disclosure of a fact. Our phone records of the past may be checked regarding the same.

"After flashing his penis, he had not only asked me to touch it and feel it but also asked me if I had ever seen a penis as well endowed as his."

"When I had met him in April 2005, a few days after my father's demise, he had taken his penis out of his pants and had asked me to feel it.

I remember having told him that I know how a penis feels like; that the purpose of my meeting with him was not to feel or rate his penis," Sherlyn wrote in an earlier tweet.

She has also spoken out against the alleged "Bollywood mafia" which she claimed has been backing Sajid.

"He has the 'superstars' of Bollywood to vouch for his 'character'. It's my word against theirs. The Bollywood mafia is a strong syndicate," she tweeted.

Sherlyn's tweet came in reaction to the news portal OpIndia that tweeted "BBC 'Death in Bollywood' documentary Jiah Khan's sister narrates how Sajid Khan harassed

the actor, says he asked her to take off her top."

In the last couple of years, Sajid Khan has been accused by multiple women including assistant director Sonali Chopra, actress Rachel White and a journalist who brought allegations of sexual misconduct against him in 2018. He has denied the allegations.

Last year, the filmmaker faced fresh charges of sexual misconduct. A model named Dimple Paul claimed on Instagram that Khan had tried to touch her inappropriately and also asked her to strip before him.

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BOLLYWOOD 2021 SPORTS DRAMA ROSTER: IT’S NOT JUST CRICKET MAIDAAN

The Ranveer Singh starrer '83', based on India's first-ever cricket World Cup victory in 1983, is being billed as one of the biggest releases of this year, and not surprisingly so.

The anticipated period sports drama starring Ajay Devgn is inspired by the true story of Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim. He was the coach and manager of the Indian national team from 1950 till his death in 1963.

Major portions of the film have been shot across Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai. Shooting is expected to wrap

by April 2021 and 'Maidaan' is slated to hit theatres on October 15. The film is directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and also features Priyamani, Gajraj Rao and Rudranil Ghosh.

India is a cricket-crazy nation, and when one of Bollywood's reigning superstars plays Kapil Dev in a film about the country's first great moment of honour in the sport, it is bound to trigger passion. However, what is also notable is that Bollywood films based on non-cricket sports also continue to rise in numbers. Over the next months, Bollywood stars will engage in football, badminton, athletics, boxing, snooker and chess, too, as Hindi films tackle subjects around these sports, to cater to varying tastes.

RASHMI ROCKET Taapsee Pannu will play a runner in this sports drama. The actress, who has just commenced shooting for the final schedule of the film, has shared on social media how she had to undergo rigorous athletic training for the role which even led to pain and inflammation in her muscles.

Priyanshu Painyuli plays Taapsee's husband in the Akarsh Khurana directorial.

Here's a look at the Bollywood sports roster that we can expect to see on our screens this year:

83 The big ticket, '83', is one of the most talked-about films of the year, and is slated to hit theatres in the first quarter of this year. The Kabir Khan directorial narrates the historical journey of India's first-ever cricket World Cup win under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. In the film, Ranveer takes on the role of Kapil Dev while Deepika Padukone plays Kapil's wife Romi Dev. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Saqib Saleem, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Harrdy Sandhu, Ammy Virk, Jiiva, Sahil Khattar, Chirag Patil and Adinath Kothare in key roles.

SHABAASH MITHU Taapsee Pannu steps into the shoes of the former captain of the Indian women's cricket team, Mithali Raj, in this biopic. Shabaash Mithu is helmed

SAINA

by 'Raees' director Rahul Dholakia.

Taapsee will reportedly undergo three months of cricket training for the film, which is scheduled to go on floors soon.

JERSEY Shahid Kapoor has been tempting his fans for quite some time now by sharing photos on social media of his

preparation for his role as a cricketer in this upcoming sports drama. The film, which is the Hindi remake of a Telugu hit film of the same name, narrates the tale of a talented but failed cricketer, who decides to try and make a comeback in his late thirties for the sake of his son, and play for India. The Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial also stars Mrunal Thakur.

Parineeti Chopra reprises the role of badminton star Saina Nehwal in this biopic helmed by Amol Gupte. Manav Kaul takes on the role of Nehwal's coach Pullela Gopichand in this sports drama, which also features Paresh Rawal. The film originally cast Shraddha Kapoor as Saina, before Parineeti took over as the champion shuttler.

TOOFAN Farhan Akhtar collaborates with director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

for a new sports drama, and has bulked up to take on the role of a boxer. Paresh Rawal, Mrunal Thakur and Isha Talwar are also a part of the cast. This is Akhtar's second turn towards sports drama, following the 2013 hit film, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', which saw him play Indian sprinter Milkha Singh.

JHUND Amitabh Bachchan will play a character based on Slum Soccer founder, Vijay Barse, in this upcoming sports drama. The film narrates the story of a professor who encourages street children to build a football team, in order to help them find a purpose in life. The film is being shot by 'Sairat' director, Nagraj Manjule.

TOOLSIDAS JUNIOR Sanjay Dutt will feature in this recently announced film that showcases the journey of a snooker champion. Written and directed by Mridul, Toolsidas Junior stars child actor Varun Buddhadev and Rajiv Kapoor alongside Dutt. The poster for the film describes it as an "exciting and inspiring sports drama" with the curious tagline "Bachcha hai, phaad dega".

VISWANATHAN ANAND BIOPIC This yet-untitled Aanand L. Rai film was announced just a month ago, and will narrate the journey of Indian chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand.

Speculative reports suggest that Tamil star Dhanush might play the chess grandmaster in this biopic, but no official announcement has been made as of yet.

'I LIKE DRY CHARACTERS A LOT': NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI LOOKS BACK ON HIS SURPRISING FAVOURITE ROLES Critically acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he loves playing dry characters that do not go overboard with emotions, even though the audience rarely roots for such roles.

I am not saying that the audience is wrong.

of effort that becomes close to their hearts," he said.

The actor has been in business for over two decades, and has his favourites when it comes to his characters. Surprisingly, they are not the ones that brought him fame.

"It's just that my likes and dislikes are different. The audience likes a little bit of drama and emotion. Frankly speaking, I like dry characters a lot.

"The ones that don't have too much of emotions. There should be some dryness. The way people are in real life. Like not crying in the middle of the road.

But he wasn't always the first choice for leading roles. In the beginning of his career, he portrayed small characters in big films like "Sarfarosh" and "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.".

"The characters that are my favourite, are not liked by people much. My favourite character was the one that I played in 'Photograph' (street photographer Rafi).

"I had done a film called 'Patang'. I like that character (wedding band-singer Chakku) too because there wasn't much acting involved.

"While doing these roles, the intention was to show an ordinary man with no special qualities, and less drama," he told.

"But these kind of characters are generally not liked by the audience.

When asked if he regrets doing those films, he replied "Who would have given me a role in the beginning of my career?

"I had done most of these films for theatres only. But during lockdown, we couldn't release the films in theatres. OTT is also good due to its wide reach.

"Also, I feel that since people get to watch world cinema on such platforms, they will get educated and go beyond formula films," said the actor.

The "Sacred Games" star is against OTT censorship. "There shouldn't be censorship, but if you are making a project just for sensationalism, to get viewership, that's absolutely wrong.

"But in movies, two emotions work a lot -- being happy and sad," added the actor, who has starred in hits like "The Lunchbox", "Kick" and "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".

"I didn't have good looks or an extraordinary personality or a good voice. I was not handsome. I knew that I had to begin my career with small roles.

Among his popular roles, he considers playing late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray in "Thackeray", close to his heart.

"I had thought that even if I get to do only small roles, I would be okay with them. I just wanted to stay busy. I am mad about acting so, I was satisfied with small roles too. But thanks to all the filmmakers who gave me opportunities."

"Certification is fine. If you start censoring content, then real characters will stop being shown in films. At the same time, as a creative person, it's your responsibility too.

Don't unnecessarily sensationalise things," said Nawazuddin.

Last year, his films "Raat Akeli Hai", "Ghoomketu" and "Serious Men" had released on digital platforms.

"Now, I will work only. I had enough

"I really liked playing Thackeray. I had prepared for it a lot. There were many challenges. I had to ensure not to completely copy him, but at the same time look like Thackeray.

"And for actors, when you put in a lot

The actor is now in London for the shoot of his upcoming film "Sangeen".

of rest at home due to the lockdown.

I have a line-up up to 2022. I will continuously work for one or one and half years, then will think of taking a break," said the actor, who has the films "Bole Chudiyan", "Jogira Sara Ra Ra" and "No Land's Man" planned.

SIX

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

Remembering

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT On January 21, Sushant Singh Rajput would have turned 35 years old. Ever since we learned of the rising star’s death on 14 June, the Indian film industry has never been the same. It has been marred with controversy, from attacks on nepotism, to drug abuse scandals to exposing a ‘Movie Mafia’.

The ongoing Mumbai Police investigation came under scrutiny, with the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate and Narcotics control Bureau getting involved, the chaos and noise overtook rest in peace and somewhere we lost the many inspiring, successful and remarkable achievements of the shy boy from Patna, who quit his engineering course to become and actor.

Sushant got his big TV break in 2008 when he was spotted by a television casting agency, leading to his television debut in the drama series “Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil,” playing the stepbrother of the protagonist. His character was killed early in the series.

Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for Rajput to secure his next major role as car mechanic Manav Deshmukh, in “Pavitra Rishta,” a television drama that debuted in 2009.

Sushant won hearts as Manav and viewers loved his on-screen chemistry with Ankita Lokhande, who played Archana on the show. Manav was the ideal son, brother, and husband in the show.

Sushant’s TV career flourished as he also managed to participate in a couple of dance reality shows. He participated in Zara Nachke Dikha 2 in 2010, where he was a part of Mast Kalandar Boys team. At that time, Sushant was shooting for both ‘Pavitra Rishta’ and ‘Zara Nachke Dikha.’

Later, Sushant participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 4 in 2010. He was paired with choreographer Shampa Sonthalia on the show. They were first runners up of the dance reality show.

Sushant may not have won the show, but he stole fans with his painstaking performances particularly the ode to his mum. Even superstar judge Madhuri Dixit was emotionally moved, such was the impact and character of Sushant.

While Sushant was riding high with TV work, he eventually quit his hit TV drama Pavitra Rishta in

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

October 2011, to pursue his Bollywood dream, where he bagged his debut, the highly acclaimed film ‘Kai Po Che.’ The film was based on Chetan Bhagat bestseller ‘The 3 Mistakes of My Life’ and went on to become a sleeper hit at the box office. From here on Sushant went on to prove his worth with every role he did.

SEVEN

Sushant had nine big screen releases (discounting the Netflix movie “Drive”). Of these four – ‘Kai Po Che’, ‘PK’, ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’ and ‘Chhichhore’ - are outright hits, which means he had a success rate of 50 per cent, which is more than many contemporary male stars.

The boy who arrived from Bihar forsaking a promising career in engineering, may have had his brief struggle as a back-up dancer and on TV, but his talent helped him to be counted among an

exciting new generation of Bollywood stars. His brief Bollywood career of six years, starting from the urban multiplex hit “Kai Po Che” in 2013, to his final release, last year’s bumper hit ‘Chhichhore’, had a healthy flow of box office successes, which also established him as a credible actor.

Even films that fared below box office expectations, such as ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshi’, ‘Shudh Desi Romance’, ‘Sonchiriya’ and ‘Raabta’ still saw film critics praise his faultless performances.

Aside from acting no one can deny Sushant’s endearing smile. There was something about his smile that had many falling in love with him.

Watching back some of his interviews you can see his smile light up on his face every time he spoke about his work and life in general. The biggest tragedy now is to never see that smile again.

Fans across the globe have been impacted by Sushant’s death, but his memory lives on through them and also now with the launch of Sushant Singh Rajput Memorial Fund.

Sushant’s sister, Shweta Singh Kirti announced the Sushant Singh Rajput Memorial Fund for those

aspiring to study Astrophysics.

Sharing her statement on Instagram, Shweta said, “I am happy to announce that on 35th Birthday of Bhai, a step has been taken towards fulfilling one of his dreams. The Sushant Singh Rajput Memorial Fund of $35,000 has been set up in UC Berkeley.

Anyone who is interested in pursuing Astrophysics at UC Berkeley can apply for this fund. Grateful to the Angels who made it possible. Happy Birthday my little Brother, I hope you always stay happy wherever you are! Love You #SushantDay.” Sushant’s sisters have also encouraged his fans to honour his memory and they have also planned a virtual event for the late actor.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) are currently investigating Sushant’s death case.

Important reminder: If you are suffering from depression or mental health, don’t think you are alone, or no one will understand. There are many organisations that can help. Please talk to someone and reach out.

OPPORTUNITIES HUB BEEN MADE REDUNDANT? LOST YOUR JOB? LOOKING FOR WORK? NEED HELP WITH YOUR CAREER? We can help Get FREE help and support at our Opportunities Hub Contact us now and let us help you

T: 01274 735657 Inspirationsl Women Foundation CIC @Inspirationslwomenfoundation CIC @weare_IWF hello@insapirationalwomanfoundation.org.uk

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LEGAL

Luke Patel

PARTNER AT BLACKS SOLICITORS LLP Luke Patel is a Partner at Lee ds law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP specialising in commer dispute resolution and hea cial ds up that team.

Luke was the winner of the Best Professional in Busines s award at the Asian English Business Awards 2013. Des cribed in the Legal 500 as “exceptional” he primarily acts individuals, owner manage for d businesses and SME ’s in a wide range of sectors.

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&

PUZZLES Crosswords CROSSWORD Across 1 Later on (10) 7 Toxic element (7) 8 Measure of medicine (4) 10 Ballet dancer's skirt (4) 11 Brown sugar (8) 13 Foliage (6) 15 Frightened (6) 17 Flag (8) 18 Flightless New Zealand bird (4) 21 Observed (4) 22 Put in order (70 23 Brains (4, 6)

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE – FCA CASE UPDATE – SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT On Friday, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the Financial Conduct Authority (‘the FCA’) Business Interruption Insurance (‘BII’) case. The case was brought by the FCA on behalf of affected policy holders, the vast majority of whom were small and medium size businesses/ enterprises. The key point of the case was to establish if policy holders were entitled to payments to cover losses suffered as a result of Covid-19. It was defended by eight insurers, who were several of the main providers of BII. The court realised the importance of this case at the outset and stated that their aim was to give as much clarity as it could to as many policy holders/insurers as quickly as possible. It was agreed between the parties that the best way of doing this was to have the court consider a sample of 21 ‘standard form’ BII policies from 8 different providers. It is estimated that, in addition to the 21 policies considered, that there are likely up to 700 different types of policies, across 60 different insurers and 370,000 policy holders, which are likely affected by the judgment given.

Spot the

5

Down 1 Something worth having (5) 2 Melody (4) 3 Wealthier (6) 4 Assemblage of listeners (8) 5 Be without hope (7) 6 Insipid (9) 9 Inclination (8) 14 Non-professional (7) 16 Fleet of ships (6) 19 Interior (5) 20 Unpleasant child (4)

differences

Each of the policies considered contained a clause which afforded protection for business interruption, whether as a result of a notifiable disease outbreak (named ‘disease clauses’), the forced closure of premises/business activities (named ‘prevention of access clauses’) or hybrid clauses of the two.

In short, the Supreme Court when considering the policies largely agreed with the previous decision of the High Court and found in favour of the FCA and BII policy holders.

The Supreme Court carefully considered each category of clauses. A brief summary of the key findings for each are outlined below.

Disease clauses were those which typically covered business interruption losses incurred as a result of an occurrence of a Covid-19 within a specified radius of the business premises. The Supreme Court found that each case of Covid-19 was a separate occurrence and that the clauses would cover losses if there had been a case of the disease within the specified radius.

Prevention of access and hybrid clauses were those which specified a series of requirements before cover is provided (for instance, where restrictions are imposed by a public authority denying/ preventing access to a business and this could have been as a result of a notifiable disease within a certain radius). The Supreme Court allowed that a mere instruction from a public authority (as well as compulsory rules/laws) could be considered an adequate restriction for the purpose of these clauses.

So, if a policy holder is afforded protection under one of the above types of clauses and if they can show that there was at least one case within the geographical area covered by the clause when the restrictions were imposed, they will likely be covered. The courts went into a great deal of detail as to what is likely to be considered adequate evidence of an occurrence of the disease for the sake of each claim. Details of these can be seen in the full judgments given by both the High Court and Supreme Court.

In respect of the losses suffered, the Supreme Court also stated that any trends or circumstances (such as a reduction in footfall for retail businesses) which arose out of the same underlying cause (the Covid-19 pandemic), should not be considered as a reason to reduce the losses when calculating what should be paid out.

The wording of each policy will still need to be carefully considered to establish that cover is provided but in the event it is, it is hoped that the judgment will compel insurers to make payments as a matter of urgency to avoid the need for litigation from policy holders.

If you believe you may have a claim under a Business Interruption Insurance policy, or require guidance, please contact Luke Patel or Andrew Morgan on 0113 2279 270 or 0113 227 9355, or by email on LPatel@LawBlacks.com or AMorgan@LawBlacks.com

ANSWERS SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES 1. The ring on her finger.

2. The button on his shirt.

3. The color of her nails.

4. The ornament in the background.

5. The buttons on the sofa.

The judgment has provided much needed clarity on an area which had already caused countless disputes between policy holders and insurers.

CROSSWORD ANSWER

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TECHNOLOGY NEW WEARABLE DEVICE DETECTS HAND GESTURE YOU INTEND TO MAKE.

Breakthrough wearable which combines biosensors with ai software to help recognise what hand gestures a person intends to make based on electrical signal Imagine typing on a computer without a keyboard, playing a video game without a controller or driving a car without a wheel. A team of scientists has developed a new device that can recognise hand gestures based on electrical signals detected in the forearm.

The system, which couples wearable biosensors with artificial intelligence (AI), could one day be used to control prosthetics or to interact with almost any type of electronic device, said engineers from University of California, Berkeley.

"Prosthetics are one important application of this technology, but besides that, it also offers a very intuitive way of communicating with computers." said Ali Moin, who helped design the device as a doctoral student in UC Berkeley's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences.

Reading hand gestures is one way of improving human-computer interaction.

"And, while there are other ways of doing that, by, for instance, using cameras and computer vision, this is a good solution that also maintains an individual's privacy," Moin said in a new paper appeared in the journal Nature Electronics.

To create the hand gesture recognition system, the team collaborated with Ana Arias, a professor of electrical engineering at UC Berkeley, to design a flexible armband that can read the electrical signals at 64 different points on the forearm.

The electrical signals are then fed into an electrical chip, which is programmed with an AI algorithm capable of associating these signal patterns in the forearm with specific hand gestures.

The team succeeded in teaching the algorithm to recognise 21 individual hand gestures, including a thumbs-up, a fist, a flat hand, holding up individual fingers and counting numbers.

Like other AI software, the algorithm has to first "learn" how electrical signals in the arm correspond with individual hand gestures.

To do this, each user has to wear the cuff while making the hand gestures one by one.

"In gesture recognition, your signals are going to change over time, and that can affect the performance of your model," Moin said.

"We were able to greatly improve the classification accuracy by updating the model on the device."

Another advantage of the new device is that all of the computing occurs locally on the chip No personal data are transmitted to a nearby computer or device.

Not only does this speed up the computing time, but it also ensures that personal biological data remain private.

While the device is not ready to be a commercial product yet, it could likely get there with a few tweaks, said Jan Rabaey, senior author of the paper.

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REVIEW DEATH IN BOLLYWOOD

BY RAHEEMA KHAN Fans of Bollywood, but also those of celebrity crime will enjoy this well documented BBC documentary – Death in Bollywood.

This three-part series probes the tragic death of Bollywood’s young ambitious actor Jiah Khan (real name Nafisa Rizvi Khan).

Bollywood is no stranger to controversies and 2020 perhaps saw the industry hit hard with one of the most discussed and high profile investigations for the unexpected suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The actor who was found dead in his Mumbai apartment in June last year opened up a can of worms for the largest film industry in the world, with the investigation into his death still ongoing. Therefore it is perhaps apt that the Jiah’s death got a second look and an in-depth investigation.

Episode one of the BBC Two documentary get’s straight to the point and doesn’t beat around the bush in asking the question: ‘How did Jiah Khan die?‘ The chilling and tragic scene is instantly set in the audience’s mind as the makers

begin the BBC Two documentary with a clip of the late actress saying: “What is this fame? It is the devil's game. You run to succeed and then you let the vultures feed”.

This instantly gives us a sense that despite, Mumbai police concluding that 25-year-old died by suicide, there is much more to the story and that is exactly what unfolds in this well-made series.

Jiah started her acting career at the age of 18, with Ram Gopal Verma’s controversial romantic drama Nishabd. She acted opposite none other than Amitabh Bachchan playing a romantic angle with the much older superstar.

While the film didn’t do well, Jiah was appreciated for her role and to stand as an equal in her scenes with Mr Bachchan was no small feat. She later followed up with a blockbuster hit in the movie Ghajni, which also featured Amir Khan.

Sadly, Housefull was her last film as the Nishabd actress was found dead in June 2013.

The documentary shares many facts about her personal and

professional life and we get to hear personal accounts from Jiah’s sisters and mother.

Jiah’s family help expose some shocking truths about her suicide case and the many police inaccuracies, which leaves us gobsmacked at the sheer incompetency of the whole investigation.

Photo Credit: Clay Enos/ ™ & © DC Comics

Jiah's Mum

The viewer is left with so many questions particularly as external investigators kick in doubt when they make it clear that Jiah’s case

was mishandled from the word go. The case was treated as a closed suicide instead of being investigated deeper. So many flaws of how the crime scene was handled, Jiah’s missing tracksuit which she wore a mere 25 minutes before her death has never been found, her phone was wiped with no trace of fingerprints. To add to this the show also exposes how when the postmortem returned, marks in Jiah’s body suggested external force which wouldn’t be

typical of a self-inflicted death.

These are only a few of the many details which manage to escape the Mumbai Police who are in charge of her case.

The show goes on to reveal more of these unanswered questions which make the viewer agree that her death should not have been an open and shut case.

The series is still available to watch on BBC Iplayer BBC Two

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JOE BIDEN SENDS A CLEAR MESSAGE TO THE WATCHING WORLD – AMERICA’S BACK!

BY PROFESSOR SCOTT LUCAS According to Professor Scott Lucas of International Politics at the University of Birmingham ‘politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path. Here, he writes about the highlights from Joe Biden the 46th President of America’s inauguration.

Two weeks after the storming of the US Capitol by the followers of his predecessor, in the middle of an out-ofcontrol pandemic that has killed more than 400,000 Americans, Joe Biden — the 46th president of the US — tried to contain the blaze in

his inaugural address.

As aspiration, the speech was pitch perfect. Biden rightly took on the present of America’s most serious domestic crisis since the Civil War. Coronavirus, the Capitol attack, economic loss, immigration, climate change and social injustice were confronted: “We’ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility.

Much to do, much to heal, much to restore, much to build and much to gain.”

But what distinguished the speech beyond the essential was the sincerity with which it was delivered. Since the election, there has been a commingling of Biden’s

personal narrative of loss with the damage that America has suffered. When he spoke of the “empty chair ” and relatives who have died, it was from the heart and not just the script.

So, as he said in front of the Capitol: “My whole soul is in this”, there was no doubt — in contrast to the statements of his predecessor — that it is.

Complementing Biden’s rhetoric are the executive orders and legislation set out in the days before the inauguration. Immigration reform will be accompanied by protection of almost 800,000 young Dreamers from deportation. There is a mandate to reunite children separated from parents and a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants.

We’ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility. Much to do, much to heal, much to restore, much to build and much to gain.

The US has rejoined the Paris Accords on climate change.

The “Muslim Ban” is rescinded, Donald Trump’s wall with Mexico suspended. And coronavirus will finally be confronted with coordination between the federal, state and local governments and a US$1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan”.

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bind up the nation’s wounds.”

Beyond the inaugural, there are clues in Biden’s appointment of Obama-era pragmatists: Antony Blinken as secretary of state, Jake Sullivan as national security advisor, John Kerry in a special post for climate change. There will be no sweeping “Biden Doctrine”, nor a grand speech such as Barack

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.

Words to a waiting world But where is America in the world in all this? In Biden’s attention to domestic crises, there was little beyond his intention to re-engage with the world on climate and reverse the previous administration’s myopic immigration measures. Even the invocations of American greatness, with one exception, stayed within its borders: “ Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.”

Obama’s in Cairo or Ankara in 2009.

Instead, the pragmatists will try to restore alliances, reestablish the “rules of the game” with countries such as

Donald Trump: Farewell China, Russia and North Korea — and work case-by-case on immediate issues such as the Iran nuclear deal.

But for this day, and for the weeks and months to come, the foreign challenges will primarily be an extension of the domestic issues that Biden set out on “America’s day … democracy ’s day ”.

There is historical precedent for the exclusive focus on home. In 1933, as the Great Depression raged, Franklin Delano Roosevelt also made no reference to the world as he said at his first inauguration:

Recovery of America’s damaged standing will come from success in putting out the fires that are not

“ The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

just in the US: saving lives and vanquishing a virus, committing to a secure environment, tackling the inequities and divisions in the way of justice for all.

For as the world watched, Biden’s exceptional reference to an aspiration beyond the US came in his penultimate paragraph about the “American story ” to be written: “ That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forebears, one another, and generations to follow.”

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

BIDEN’S CABINET Biden’s cabinet choices have clearly been made with the aim of fulfilling his campaign promise of restoring competence and stability to Washington. He has prioritised individuals who have solid experience and credentials, as well as those with whom he has strong working relationships. Some of the key domestic and foreign policy positions are as follows.

Perhaps even more pertinently, in 1865, Abraham Lincoln said in his second inaugural address, a month before his assassination and two months before the end of the Civil War:

Attorney General: Merrick Garland Treasury: Janet Yellen

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to

State department: Antony Blinken Defense: Lloyd Austin Vice President Kamala Harris: Inspiring a generation of women to make history in their own right.

Climate and environment: John Kerry

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Veganuary

ALOO MASALA TOAST Does anything sound better than a slice of aloo masala toast?! This recipe is so easy to put together and I bet you have all the ingredients already!

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp oil 1 cup mashed potato 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper 1 tsp grated garlic 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup finely chopped red cabbage 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot 1 tsp chaat masala 1/4 tsp chilli powder 1/8 tsp ground turmeric 1/4 tsp pink salt black pepper 1-2 tbsp chopped coriander vegan butter 4 slices bread (I used seeded bread)

METHOD Heat oil over low-medium heat.

Add garlic and sauté for 40 seconds.

Mix in onions and sauté for a few seconds.

Add bell pepper, carrot and purple cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes.

Combine mashed potato and cook for 3 minutes.

Mix in chopped coriander and transfer mixture into a bowl.

Spread both sides of bread with vegan butter and in the same pan toast both sides until golden (or crispy as you like!)

Add 1/4 of the mixture on each slice of bread and top with whatever you like!

Topping options Tangy green chutney + sweet tamarind chutney, onions, tomatoes, sev, pomegranate seeds, coriander leaves, ketchup, chillies

Cost = Less than £2

This week’s recipe has come from Veganuary. Veganuary is a charity that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond. For more information visit www.veganuary.com

Have a tantalising recipe? Want to share? We would love to feature your recipes. If you would like to have your recipe featured on this page then email us at: recipes@asianstandard.co.uk

Asian Sunday Online is a digital platform, where you can watch new content every Sunday only on our YouTube channel Asian Sunday TV. Join the discussion with Let’s Talk or perhaps join in with some cooking with Simmering Sundays.

If you want to be on the show then email letstalk@asiansunday.co.uk

TUNE IN EVERY SUNDAY

SPORTS

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MESSI BANNED FOR TWO MATCHES AFTER FIRST RED CARD IN BARCELONA CAREER Argentine striker Lionel Messi on Tuesday 19 January was handed a two-match ban following his first red card as a Barcelona player.

The RFEF, who control disciplinary matters in Spain, have said that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner will not have to serve a lengthy suspension for lashing out at Asier Villalibre and as a result, just a two-match ban has been handed, reported

Goal.com.

Earlier, it was being said that Messi could face up to a 12 games ban as a result of his reckless actions. But a lesser sentence has been handed to the Argentine.

The match officials and RFEF have also said that there was no aggression on the part of Messi.

Messi was sent off for the first time in his Barcelona career during the match against Athletic Club on

Sunday. The red card was shown to Messi for violent conduct on Asier Villalibre, an incident that was spotted by the VAR, near the end of the clash.

Antoine Griezmann scored the opening goal of the match against Athletic Club, putting Barcelona ahead in the 40th minute.

However, the lead lasted for just two minutes as Oscar de Marcos netted

an equaliser.

Griezmann then found the back of the net in the 70th minute with Barcelona again taking the lead.

Athletic Club's Asier Villalibre levelled the scores in the 90th minute before Inaki Williams scored the winning goal three minutes later.

CAVANI, POGBA TAKE MAN UTD BACK TO THE TOP OF PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League table after they came from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 on Thursday 21 January.

With this victory, Manchester United now sit at the top with 40 points, two clear of Manchester City, who have a match in hand.

Edinson Cavani

Paul Pogba

Also, the win ensured Manchester United equal their record unbeaten away run in the Premier League. This was their 17th top-flight away match without defeat, meaning the club has now drawn level with Alex Ferguson's Treble-winning vintage, who didn't lose on the road between December

1998 and September 1999.

During the match, Fulham went ahead in the fifth minute with the strike of Ademola Lookman. However, the lead did not last too long as Edinson Cavani scored an equaliser in the 21st minute.

Paul Pogba then netted a brilliant goal in the 65th minute, sealing the 2-1 win for Manchester United.

While Manchester United are now back at the top, the struggling Fulham side remains in the 18th position with 12 points.

SPORTS HOMECOMING OF CRICKET HAS ATTRACTED LEADING SPORT BROADCAST PARTNERS, SAYS PCB CHIEF EXECUTIVE WASIM KHAN The resumption of cricket in Pakistan has attracted household sports broadcasters across the globe to partner with the PCB and secure media rights for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and all home bilateral international matches till 2023.

After premier sports networks PTV Sports and SuperSport had acquired Pakistan and Africa region's media rights for Pakistan cricket, respectively last year, the PCB has now signed partnerships in North America, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

As such, fans and supporters of Pakistan cricket will now be able to follow Babar Azam and his side as well as the PSL in North America through Willow TV, in the Caribbean through Flow Sports, in the United Kingdom through Sky Sports, and in New Zealand through Sky NZ. "Despite the challenging Covid-19 times, these remain incredibly exciting times for Pakistan cricket. The

homecoming of all cricket has attracted leading sport broadcast partners to place Pakistan cricket on their networks which, in turn, will provide enhanced access to our fans and supporters across the world to follow and stay connected with us," said PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan in an official statement.

"Till the Pakistan Super League 2023, the world's most attractive and leading international cricketers will be playing cricket in Pakistan and this is too tempting an opportunity for any top broadcaster to miss out on," he added.

Sky Sports Director of Cricket, Bryan Henderson said "We're delighted to add Pakistan cricket to our portfolio starting with the visit of South Africa later this month, followed by the excellent Pakistan Super League T20 tournament. Later in the year England's men and women's teams will play in Karachi -- we can't wait."

Sky NZ chief executive Sophie Moloney said "We are delighted to add international PCB matches to our fantastic cricket line-up on Sky Sport. Our

customers value the very best sporting content, and it's our pleasure to be able to secure this for 2021 and beyond."

INDIA'S PRODUCTS PLAY INTERNATIONAL CRICKET AND IN PAKISTAN'S CASE, ONLY THE TALENT DOES: HAFEEZ Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has lavished praise on the young Indian side after the boys managed to beat Australia 2-1 in the just concluded series Down Under.

In the first Test against Australia, India was bundled out for 36 which saw many pundits predicting a 4-0 win for the home team. But the Ajinkya Rahane-led side staged a thrilling comeback to register famous victories in Melbourne and Brisbane.

"The (Indian) team was down in morale but the way they came back and won the series after an amazing recovery is great. As a fan of cricket, we really enjoyed that," Hafeez said in a media interaction, as posted by statistician Mazher Arshad on social media.

On the other hand, Pakistan was outplayed by New Zealand in the Test series last month. The Babar Azam-led side has struggled to find its feet in the longest format in the past years.

Highlighting the difference between India and Pakistan, Hafeez pointed how both teams are not short of talented players, but his side lacks a system that can groom the young guns.

"The reason why India came back from being bowled out for 36 and went on to win the series despite their captain not being available or so many players injured is because their new and young players are groomed properly into finished products. India's products play international

cricket and in Pakistan's case, only the talent does," said Hafeez.

"Unfortunately we don't have a system which can make finished products which is now essential in modern-day cricket. That is why so many of our young players fail to succeed at the international level," he added.

Hafeez also highlighted the importance of playing a considerable amount of cricket before featuring for the national side and praised India for their domestic system which ensures players' skills are honed properly.

"We have to polish the talented youngsters and make them world-class

players. In India, their domestic system ensures the talented players are groomed properly.

But in Pakistan we don't go through that process," he said.

Earlier, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram said he hadn't seen a bold, brave, and boisterous Asian side on a tougher tour of Australia before this achievement.

Meanwhile, India's memorable win has also ensured they toppled Australia in the ICC Test Team Rankings to claim the second spot.

Pakistan will lock horns with South Africa in a two-match Test series slated to begin from January 26. In PSL, Karachi Kings will begin from where they

finished their successful 2020 campaign as they take on 2019 champions Quetta Gladiators in the opening fixture of the 2021 edition on February 20.

23 - 29 JANUARY 2021

SPORTS

MESSI BANNED FOR TWO MATCHES AFTER FIRST RED CARD IN BARCELONA CAREER Page 30

INDIA'S PRODUCTS PLAY INTERNATIONAL CRICKET AND IN PAKISTAN'S CASE, ONLY THE TALENT DOES: HAFEEZ Page 31

SUPER FIGHT JOSHUA V FURY EDGES CLOSER

All belts will now be on the line for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury If reports are to be believed, then boxing fans are going to be mighty happy. The WBO have reportedly decided to conditionally approve the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The governing body initially ruled that they may not sanction the super-fight, after allowing AJ to prioritise two voluntary defences against Andy Ruiz Jr and Kubrat Pulev.

After Joshua's ninth-round

stoppage of the Bulgarian, WBO president Paco Valcarcel confirmed on Twitter that Oleksandr Usyk was next in line for a world title shot following his victory over Dereck Chisora on Halloween.

V? to allow Joshua versus Fury to take place next.

Joe Joyce within 180 days of their interim clash.

The Ukrainian cleared out the cruiserweight division before making the step up to heavyweight in 2019.

Joshua has already made it clear that he will fight Fury next, even if it means vacating the WBO strap.

Yet despite U-turning their initial decision to order Joshua's defence against Usyk immediately, there is one key condition to their change of heart.

The two heavyweights, who fought in the World Series of Boxing back in 2013, are set to square off following Joyce's impressive stoppage of Daniel Dubois.

Eddie Hearn was forced to begin talks with his entourage about stepping aside, in order

Whoever prevails in the undisputed clash must then fight the winner of Usyk and

Warren told iFL TV, after recently recovering from coronavirus.

see where we go from there.

I hope [it will happen]. It’s a good fight.

“I think the WBO will order that as an ‘interim’ title fight so we’re working hard to make that happen…

“And I think whoever wins it – based on his last performance, Joe’s looking really good.

“If he comes through it, it puts the winner in a tremendous position.

His promoter Frank Warren has now confirmed that talks with Usyk are underway to finalise the fight.

“The situation is that the WBO have said they’d like to do that fight as an eliminator.

We have no objection to that and I don’t think Usyk has.

"We’re working on, at the moment, Usyk and Joe Joyce,"

“There’s been some preliminary talks and we’ll

“The eventual winner of the two fights between Tyson and AJ will have to defend against Joyce or Usyk, or vacate the belt.”