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France Returns Stolen Ancient Relics to Pakistan
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Deputy to the Inter-regional director of Paris airport customs Evelyne Sarti looks at some artefacts which are being returned by French authorities to Pakistan (Reuters)
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our hundred and fifty artefacts from 4,000 BC were seized by French customs over a decade ago. On Tuesday 3rd July, France handed over nearly 450 ancient relics back to Pakistan.
...continued on page 4
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July 2019
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two year entryway period is being left open for the cabbies to recover their driving permit, on the off chance that they are forced to give them up... Page 5
eeks of scorching heat have tallied up to form the largest period of high-rise temperatures the country has ever seen. Page 18
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Page 54
UK’s First Muslim Head Teacher: Follow her 50 Year Journey through Education
By Manisha Bhanot
Bushra Nasir began her formal education over five decades ago, seated on the hard floor of a classroom in Pakistan. Now, she leads a multi-academy trust and has been the award-winning head teacher of a secondary school in Britain, the first Asian female in the country to hold such a position. Born in Pakistan, Nasir was first taught to read and write in her home country’s language of Urdu with a wooden pen. She attended school from age 5 onwards and lived there until she was eight years old, before moving to the UK with her family, having little to no knowledge of English at all. Even though she failed her 11-plus examinations herself, Nasir did not lose hope. Her strong will and determination led her to sit her 13-plus exam at a grammar school local to her area, gain successful entry and thrive in Science and Medicinal subjects. After having studied Biology at Queen Mary University in London, she began to diagnose Tuberculosis in patients at the London Chest Hospital. However, a sudden change of heart prompted her to get into teaching, and it wasn’t long before she took on her first role as a science teacher at a school where she had been a pupil just nine years earlier. Nasir states that when she first moved to study in England, she faced much exclusion from society and felt like an outsider, as she recalls that she and her brother were treated as though they were
“something exotic”. She argues that: “It isn’t a level playing field for the students” when speaking of children from ethnic minority backgrounds, and that schools “have to do a lot more”. Since working in education, Nasir has
carried out numerous reforms in schools where she has been a member of staff. At her first teaching job at Connaught School for Girls, Leytonstone, she increased the pupils’ level of homework and round the clock support in order to
push up the standards of GCSE results. To accommodate the extra work-load, she began opening the library until 5:30 pm in the evenings. When parents were concerned about their daughters going out into the community for work
experience, she found them voluntary work within the school grounds. Since the school had a bad reputation locally, she gave her number to corner-shop and supermarket owners to report any trouble directly to her. Eventually, the school’s standards improved and Nasir left happy that it had become a school she would be overjoyed to send her grandchildren to. Nasir was voted a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Muslim Women Power List 2009. She became the UK’s first Muslims female headteacher at Plashet School for Girls, Newham in 1993. She has also previously won the award for Tesheadteacher of the year. Now, she has come out from retirement following heart surgery to continue to carry out important reforms in UK schools. Nasir currently works as the CEO of the drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust. She is using the organisation’s funds to roll out literacy programmes and speech/therapy courses to pupils who need them. Nasir has made the following comment on her career in education: “The learning for me is that we as teachers have a lot of influence over a kid’s future, and a decision we make and an opportunity we can give children alters their life chances,” she says. Now in her sixties, she is more focused on her role in teaching than ever before.
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Get in Touch: NEWS
Editor’s Note Hello to our readers and welcome to another edition of Asian World Newspaper! As we enter the month of July, schools and colleges are expected to shut for the summer, the sun is forecast to be shining, and many of us will be looking forward to spending more time with our family and loved ones! That’s why we’re here to bring you details of the freshest upcoming events in your local area, as well as news that is central to your city of Brum and its many diverse communities. So don’t waste another minute and dive into this next issue right away! In this edition, we will be telling you about the fantastic story of Bushra Nazir, the UK’s first female Asian head teacher! To read all about her 50-year journey through education, please look across onto page 2! In contrast to representations in the mainstream media, we will also be assessing how white extremists have had the largest contribution to UK terrors attacks in the last 15 years. For a full insight into this case study, please turn to page 12. In our Glam section, we have the latest gossip and tell-all from your favourite A-List celebs! For details on Hrithik Roshan’s new film Super 30, flick through to page 28. For the shocking news about
FOOD 48-49
a Turkish hacking spree of Bollywood’s biggest Twitter accounts, including that of Amitabh Bachchan and Adnam Sami Khan, don’t overlook page 31! Not to be missed, we also have our regular stories in Health and Sports news. Want to know the secrets behind combating heart disease and getting a good night’s sleep? Find out about the surprising health benefits of Pumpkin seeds on page 42. Want to exercise more, but you’ve got a hectic schedule as a fulltime parent? Read through the inspiring story of an empowering Mum on page 54 and find out how you can do just that! Whichever page you pick, there is a story for everyone. So, fold up a copy of your favourite paper, make yourself a chilling fruit smoothie and find yourself a warm patch of grass out in the sun. Take a look at the rest of this issue NOW! For latest and exciting advertisement offers for 2019 please don’t hesitate to Contact us: on 0121 771 4545 or email: sales@asianworldnews.co.uk Have a great read! Editor: Manisha Bhanot editor@asianworldnews.co.uk Visit us online at: www.asianworldnews.co.uk
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July 2019
France Returns Stolen Ancient Relics to Pakistan Front cover story cont’d... At Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport in 2006, customs agents intercepted a parcel from Pakistan which contained 17 terracotta pots, that were addressed to a museum in the city, claiming they were more than 100 years old. However, an expert who examined them stated that the artefacts were dating back to the second or third millennium BC, and were stolen from burial sites in Balochistan, a province in southwest Pakistan. An extensive investigation took place, lasting almost a year which involved a raid on the Paris gallery. Investigators found 445 items, some dating as far back as 4,000 BC. The estimated value of these items is 139,000 Euros (Dh576,130). Some of the items on display at the embassy to mark the handover were a range of beautifully decorated pots, jars, vases and stylised motifs of animals, plants and trees. There were also plates, bowls, 100 tiny ceramic figurines and goblets, all of which had been shipped out of Pakistan illegally. “This is very, very important for us,” said Abbas Sarwar Qureshi, head of Chancery at the Pakistani embassy, during the formal handover ceremony. “Some of the items are 6,000 years old from the Mehrgarh civilisation,” he told AFP. Aurore Didier, head of France’s archaeological mission in the Indus basin, said “the ceramics came from illegally excavated graveyards and
A cameraman films some artefacts that were seized by French customs between 2006 and 2007, before being returned by French authorities to Pakistan, during a ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris, France, July 2, 2019. (Reuters). were examples of two different cultures: the Nal (3100 – 2700 BC), and the Kulli (2600 -1900 BC”). “For this period, very few sites have been documented, and archaeologists
stopped their work in Balochistan in 2007 due to political issues in the area,” she told AFP. She also stated that ‘although not new or unique, they provided valuable evi-
dence of a period where most of the remained graves had been destroyed.” “For archaeologists, it’s very important because it’s the only evidence of funerary material from this period,”
she said. Qureshi said, “the 445 objects would be shipped back to Pakistan within a few weeks.” However, it was not clear where they would be exhibited.
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July 2019
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone: Cab Drivers Compelled to Quit Jobs and Project Delayed
A two-year entryway period is being left open for the cabbies to recover their driving permit, on the off chance that they are forced to give them up. There are around 1.1k legal Hackney carriage drivers in the city yet from next year when the contamination charge is presented; around half of them should update their cabs on the grounds that their vehicles will be more than 15 years old. With another diesel taxi costing an excess of £35,000 and a constrained second-hand market for them, it is normal that scores of drivers most likely won’t bear the expense on schedule and will have no alternative than to give up their licenses. Even though, some of these drivers may have the clean air zone enabling them to experience discovering different methods of work. The new legislations have created a scene among drivers who have organised various demonstrations through the city centre this year requesting more help and concessions from the city’s chambers. Since 2008 the authorities have enforced a ban denying the issuing of new licenses. This has purposely been done to limit the number of black cabs operating in Birmingham and reduce pollution as well as heavy traffic in high operating areas, for example, at New Street Station. In any case, the ban would likewise have avoided any driver who is being compelled to give up their permit because of the Clean Air Zone from getting another one down the line - maybe
when they could bear the cost of an eco-friendlier taxi. However, in recent weeks the Licensing and Public Protection Committee has amended this rule and conceded exclusion for as long as two years. Cllr Majid Mahmood (Lab, Bromford and Hodge Hill), on the advisory group, respected the move contending the Clean Air Zone, which he also acknowledged will be ‘unduly brutal’ on cab drivers. He stated: “We need to remember these
vehicles cost about £35,000 so to give up the moratorium is a good situation for ourselves and the drivers because we may have drivers who give their licence up because they can’t afford the vehicle, but over the next year or so they will be able to carry out another job or secure an investment in order to buy that.” He had pushed for a three-year exclusion from the ban yet the council cast a ballot to keep it at two, in accordance with the solicitation from the exchange. The Clean Air Zone will force an £8
every day charge on high-polluting vehicles going inside - however not on - the A4540 Middleway Ring Road. For ordinary drivers, the expense will apply to diesel vehicles that are older than EURO 6 (fabricated before 2015) and petrol cars older than EURO 4 (made before 2006). Anyway, for black cab taxi drivers, the pollution standard has been substituted by a 15-year age cut-off for vehicles while private contract drivers face a 12year age confinement.
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However, Clean Air Zone has been delayed according to Birmingham City Council. This is due to the fact a vehiclechecking tool which is being supplied by Whitehall will not be ready until December, which is two months later than planned. The council blamed the Government for this delay. There are also confusions on who will be responsible for collecting payments generated by the scheme as the council stated that the Government had vowed to provide a system for these payments; however, they now expect local authorities to deal with this. Birmingham’s transport and environment boss, Coun Waseem Zaffar, said that the delay to the project is “unacceptable”. “The council has been fully on track to implement the Clean Air Zone from January 2020 on the basis of assurances from the Government that the vehicle checker would be in place by October this year. However, the essential online tool has now been delayed to December 2019, which means we are unable to go ahead with our Clean Air Zone in January as planned,” he said.
AW Facts Did you know? The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter manufactures around 40% of all jewellery made in the UK.
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July 2019
This month in History
By Tauseef Asif
Battle of Marston Moor
Sri Lanka Abuse Enquiry
Panshet Dam Floods
Pakistan Floods trap thousands
On the 2nd of July 1644, the Battle of Marston Moor was the first significant Royalist defeat in the English Civil War. Two years after the beginning of the Civil War in England, King Charles I was on the defensive in the north. A Royalist army was overwhelmed in York by a Parliamentary army, supported by Scottish associates. The final battle was fought outside York at Marston Moor, which gave Parliament full control of the north. In spring of the same year, a Royalist army was led by the Marquis of Newcastle headed from south to York, where it was soon overwhelmed by a joint Parliamentary and Scottish force led by the Earl of Leven and Sir Thomas Fairfax. King Charles, I ordered his nephew, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, to take the troops and release the barrier. Rupert caused the Parliamentary army to break the barrier and head out to meet the Royalist army. The two sides met at Marston Moor. Both of them had around 7,000 cavalries, but 20,000 combined Parliamentary and Scottish infantry easily outnumbered the 11,000 Royalist infantry. The two sides marched in the middle of the battlefield with cavalry on either wing. A short weaponry exchange at around 2:00 pm took place, leading Prince Rupert to believe that the battle would not be re-commenced until the next day. However, Parliamentary forces attacked during a thunderstorm at 7:30pm. A cavalry troop led by Oliver Cromwell, who was later nicknamed as Ironside by Prince Rupert, a name which applied to his forces, attacked and defeated the Royalist cavalry on their right wing.
Protesters secured the United Nations offices in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on July 6th 2010, demanding that the international organisation end an investigation into the accusations of abuses. The protest which was led by the government minister followed on a day after the European Union stated it would temporarily suspend preferential treatment for Sri Lankan imports because the government had not committed to resolving the human rights complaints from the last stages of the country’s long civil war. Officials in Sri Lanka had resisted any outside examination of by government forces, which led to the breakdown of the Tamil Tiger insurgency the year before, discharging the efforts as empire-building. Human rights groups and the European Union investigation team had pointed out the evidence of indiscriminate killing and torture inside the country’s borders. On July 6 2010, hundreds of protesters led by a government minister, Wimal Weerawansa, burned down the statue of the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, and kept the workers from leaving the agency’s compound. They called Mr Ban to disband a three-member panel, which he had appointed a month prior to recommending him on suspected violations of “human rights and humanitarian law”. The European Commission said that the Sri Lankan imports would not enjoy “GSP-plus” treatment beginning on August 15, which meant higher tariffs would be applied to imports worth 1.56 billion. This would cause the most harm on Sri Lanka’s garment and fisheries industries, with some tariffs jumping from zero to as high as 18 percent.
On July 1961, the new Panshet dam had started to develop some problems, even before it was complete. Against some advisories, the dam was being filled up during the 1961 monsoon season. Cracks had started developing and yet there was a lot of debate on whether the dam was in real forthcoming danger. A determined last-ditch effort by the Army Jawans managed to delay the unavoidable by a few hours. During this incident, thousands of sandbags were organised, the dam would have cracked in the night, creating havoc for the residents of Pune. The few hours delay meant that the blast happened early morning and the wall of flood waters reached Pune later in the morning. The flood waters of Panshet also broke the smaller Khadakwasla dam. Residents started getting some warnings in the morning, and the residents had begun to move out who were living near the riverside. For many hours, the high water levels continued. More than 100,000 families needed to be relocated, and the death toll exceeded to 2,000, though no official numbers were made available. The floods completely cut off the electric and water supply. The clean-up and rebuilding took many months, and the old, riverside city landscape changed forever. Most of the bridges were ruined and needed to be fixed and, in some cases, they needed to be rebuilt.
On the 31st of July 2010, around 800 people died, and one million were affected as the country battled the worst flooding in its history. The city of Peshawar had been completely cut off from the rest of the country, and the Pakistani military had sent out boats and helicopters to the surrounding areas to rescue the stranded villagers. Meanwhile, the army engineers were working around the clock to avert the floodwaters away from major roads, so that the rescue teams could reach the wrecked areas. Officials had given warnings about the rising death toll, as many of the regions of the country were made unreachable. Sonia Cush, who is the Director of the Emergency Response at Save the Children charity in Washington DC, told Al Jazeera that they were able to help flood survivors because they were situated near the severely affected areas in Pakistan. She also stated. “Our doctors have treated over 600 people in the last two days, and they have seen a lot of cases of fever, skin affections and diarrhoea”.
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July 2019
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Restaurant fraudster caught by his own secret books
The owner of a Derbyshire restaurant has been jailed for three years for a £480,000 tax fraud that was discovered when investigators uncovered a hidden sales book dating back five years. Nazrul Islam, 52, from Birmingham, hid sales in a bid to evade nearly £480,000 of tax payments at his Repton-based restaurant, an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed. Islam was arrested in April 2017,
which led to searches of his Great Barr home and his Jaipur restaurant, in High Street. HMRC officers discovered meticulous records of daily takings between 2012 and 2017 at his house, which did not match up with sales he submitted in his VAT returns. They also discovered that Islam had registered a different card payment machine, which was sending payments into a separate account. The card sales, along with the hidden cash
sales, helped him hide up to half of his declared takings. Richard Paris, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was a determined, well planned and long running fraud, which even saw Islam buy and use separate card payment machines. “Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. Islam deprived vital UK public services of this money and he gained an unfair advantage over honest competitors who pay the tax they owe. “I would urge anybody who knows of anyone committing any type of tax fraud to report them to HMRC online, or call our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.” Islam admitted evading VAT payments and Income Tax and National Insurance payments at an earlier hearing at Birmingham Crown Court. He was sentenced to three years prison at the same court in Mid 2019. He was also disqualified from being a Director for seven years. HMRC seized £22,170 from Islam’s home in April 2017. The money was found hidden behind a large marble wardrobe and has since been forfeited. Action to recover the stolen money is now underway. Information about any type of tax fraud can be reported to HMRC online at www.gov.uk/report-an-unregistered-trader-or-business.
20mph Zone Crash Driver Jailed
Speeding driver who killed a woman has been jailed for 18 months Mohammed Shameel, 34, hit Noreen Akhtar, 38, as she was getting into her car. After the crash that took place on Stratford Road, Birmingham, the West Midlands Police force stated that he “drove away without thought”. Shameel pleaded guilty and admitted to causing death by careless driving and was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court. He was driving between a 33-36mph speed when the crash took place,
and his vehicle was found abandoned near his home in Penshaw, Mosely, a week after the accident, with a damaged windscreen, wing and headlight. Paul Hughes, a collision investigator, said “He drove away from the scene without a second thought for Mrs Akhtar who tragically died as a result of her injuries. “We can only hope the fact he must serve a prison sentence will provide a small sense of comfort to the victim’s family.”
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July 2019
Trio of fraudsters jailed following intrepid investigation
Ex-magistrate and scam leader Alia Arain who stole over 60K to pay off court fines
A magistrate, her boyfriend and his companion who paid off court fines with cash from crime have been jailed for their parts in a £61,500 fraud, following a tenacious investigation by Met Police detectives.
Alia Arain, 38 (16.04.81) - a magistrate - of Albert Embankment, SE1 was sentenced to 10 months in prison - suspended for 18 months - for conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. She pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on 29 November 2018. She must carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £140. Her boyfriend, Ashad Adams, 40 (17.03.79), of Ardoch Road, SE6 was sentenced to a total of three years’ and three months’ imprisonment years for conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, converting criminal property, possession of drugs (cannabis) and breaching a suspended sentence. He pleaded guilty on 14 September 2018 at Inner Crown Court on 17 August 2018. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £170. Adams’ friend Mohammed Shalim Ahmed, 40 (30.04.79), of Cherry Tree Close, Rainham, Essex was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment,
suspended for 12 months, for money laundering and converting criminal property. He was found guilty of at Inner Crown Court on 15 May 2019, following a trial. He must also carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work. When officers went to the bureau, police identified that Adams was wanted for having unpaid court fines. Adams asked Ahmed to pay the money off, which Ahmed did with money they had – unbeknown to police at the time - defrauded from Adams’ landlady. Ahmed, having not been linked to any offences at this point, was free to leave. However, police officers arrested Adams for fraud, for hiring a car which he drove to the airport, while disqualified. This was an offence for which he was later released with no further action, however, detectives searched the car, finding heroin and related paraphernalia inside. They further arrested Adams in relation to these items however he was not subsequently charged in relation to them. They also recovered the landlady’s chequebook and a bank statement of hers from inside the glovebox. Suspicions raised, officers executed a search warrant at Adam’s rented home, finding a second chequebook in the landlady’s name. They also seized just under £3,000 cash that Adams had on him at the time, under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Adams was released under investigation, pending further investigation. Ahmed, meanwhile, set about spending the remaining money from the fraud on a £10,450 Rolex watch. Acting Commander Boon continued: “Much to Ahmed’s chagrin, the bank did not clear the cheque, leaving Ahmed more than £40,000 overdrawn. Ahmed, realising he would have to pay off the overdraft, had the audacity to call the money crime hotline Action Fraud and claim he had been a victim of fraud.” Detectives continued their enquiries, downloading a series of audio files from Adams’ mobile phone, which turned out to be recordings of incriminating phone calls in which he, Arain and Ahmed discussed their illegal activities. In one such call, in the lead up to the fraud, Arain and Adams discussed whether she had sent him a “signature specimen” – which she confirmed she had - and where the cheque book was, to which Arain confirmed that she had moved it to his underwear drawer. In another call – just minutes before police stopped Adams at the money exchange bureau – a stressed sounding Adams tells Arain “find me some watches, find me some gold”, meaning, identify places to spend the laundered money. Arain confirms “I’ve already done that” and provides an itinerary of shops he should visit that morning, and specific items he should buy, including a second-hand watch that she advises holds its value “beautifully”. They also discussed their intention to get away and start a new life after completing their crime. On 29 April 2018 police interviewed Arain under caution. She initially tried to convince police that she was not involved in the fraud but that Ahmed had planted evidence at her flat. She also denied knowing the whereabouts of Adams who had failed to appear for an appointment at a police station and was not at his home address, but on 13 July, when police went to Arain’s address to search it, they found Adams inside. They recovered a small quantity of cannabis and another mobile phone from him, containing yet more recordings of incriminating phone calls between he and Arain, this time discussing the police investigation. Police arrested and charged Adams with conspiracy to commit fraud on the 15 July 2018. Ahmed and Arain were charged on 14 September 2018. Acting Commander Boon concluded: “This group wholeheartedly believed they would pull off their crime and end up with a third of the proceeds each, but they didn’t count on the diligence of money exchange bureau staff. “The victim has been reimbursed the money by her bank, meanwhile Ahmed continues to owe almost £50,000 to his bank.”
Black Country Traffickers The recent break up of a large drugs gang operating across the South East, North England and West Midlands has seen the police seize almost thirty-seven kilograms of Class A drugs and more than £1.4 million. Many of the organisation’s members were arrested, signifying the successful dissolvement of an avid criminal organisation within the UK. The threat of such associations continues to grow, as many more groups within the country become involved in the same criminal action. Therefore, the disbanding of each gang is significant in reducing such activity. The ringleader of this particular criminal group, drug lord Baljinder Kang, was living the high life: flying to and from Dubai, driving around in luxury cars, wearing only designer brands and owning watches worth up to £36,000. His lavish lifestyle, however, was fuelled by the wealth he accumulated through laundering money and supplying the country with kilograms and kilograms of heroin and cocaine. However, Kang was not alone in this operation, accompanied by his assistant, Sukhjinder Pooney, who also trafficked millions of pounds around the UK. However, what was significant in Pooney’s actions was the laundering of money into company bank accounts of UAE. Both Pooney and Kang were also in connection with Aaron Chandler, a drug dealer who aided in the handover of 7kg of cocaine, the transaction in which the high-level
By Grace Lea drug lords were caught. Chandler’s associate, Daljinder Bassi, was also stopped by investigators. This eventually lead to his imprisonment for 13 years for drugs and money laundering. Upon searching his house, the police recovered £750,000 in cash hidden within the wall cavity and accessible only through a pulley system. They also confiscated cocaine and heroin in large volumes. The four members mentioned above were only the tip of the iceberg, with numerous dealers and members constructing this closely interlinked and complex organisation. However, once each was investigated and detained, this tightly connected criminal group began to fall apart, and Kang himself eventually pleaded guilty to any charges against him. Overwhelming such a huge drug gang successfully was made possible with the use of encrypted and ‘unregistered’ burner phones, which directed the whole group activity. And, such actions taken by the police saw the drug lord and his network dissolved and many sent to prison. Efforts of the police to disband such organisations, as seen in this case, is of ever-increasing importance as the violence and exploitation characteristic to such groups worsens and the threat of criminal activity rises. The police are using all and any means to ‘identify and disrupt’ these groups and the positive results demonstrate their continued efforts are exemplified in cases such as these.
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July 2019
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July 2019
LGBT Protests Disbanded at Anderton Park School, ‘It’s a Glorious Day’ Says Head Teacher
By Tauseef Asif
A local headteacher welcomed the ruling which stated ‘keep the children and staff safe from the protests’. Birmingham City Council has declared to stop protests at Anderton Park School over LGBT equality teaching. The new provisional request came into power right away as it holds a ban around the primary school in Sparkhill, forbidding all the protests in the roads surrounding the school. The new request also bans chief protestors Shakeel Afsar, Rosina Afsar and Amir Ahmed from partaking in or organising challenges in the exclusion zone. Anderton Park headteacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson gave her response to the decision, which is delivered by Mr Justice Warby QC, who was sitting at Birmingham Civil Court. Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson said. “It’s a perfect day for us, for the youngsters, guardians and staff of Anderton Park. We are pleased a new order request has been allowed that keeps children and staff from the protests. “It also reinforces the assurance for us as it refers to all parts of educating, not just equalities. We are satisfied we can return to class and tell our staff we will be free from the protests outside the
school for the rest of the year” she said. The new request is just about a perfect representation of a temporary order allowed in an emergency; it was preceded at the High Court in London just a few weeks prior. There was a swell around the court when the judge, declaring his decision, first announced that he was releasing the first request. He said he was “not pleased” the council had exhibited all relevant proof at the first hearing, nor was he persuaded of its choice to apply for the order without advising other parties. On that premise, he stated, he was not going to extend it. On that point, he proceeded to say he was instead forcing another brief request that included a few, yet not all, highlights of the first order.
He stated: “I think that it’s conceivable that the inquirer (city council) will build up at trial a portion of the protesting that has gone past legitimate limit points and strayed into hassling, disturbing or upsetting behaviour, through its sincerity, timing and setting.” Labour MP Roger Godsiff whose constituency in Hall Green covers the school has previously said parents protesting against teachings about diverse relationships “have done nothing wrong” and agreed that the books were ‘age inappropriate’. Following this comment, he was given a warning by Labour’s chief on 14 June not to repeat his support for the protesters. A trial at the end of July will determine whether protests can continue.
PC’s Second Prosecution for Baton Attack
PC Sunil Narr, of West Midlands Police, was cleared from charges of assault following an incident in Hilfields, Coventry, but recently risks losing his job under new investigations. The incident involved a baton attack from the officer, which caused actual bodily harm and left a man “caked in blood” after the “excessive” assault. This occurred after a high-speed car chase, as Narr struck the driver, Mr Ward, over the head. A Hillfields court heard the incident details. The 32-year-old officer claimed to have been aiming for Mr Ward’s shoulder and missed; accidentally striking his head. The jury took only one hour twenty minutes to find PC Narr not guilty of the charge, after the conclusion of his trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
After the trial, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has released a statement claiming that PC Narr could still face a misconduct hearing. This was for having “breached standards of professional behaviour during the incident” and the IOPC has claimed that a “gross misconduct hearing will be organised by the force in due course”. West Midlands Police have released that no statement on this will be issued from the force. Further details from the IOPC’s statement include: “We carried out an investigation following a referral from the force and a file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The CPS made the decision to charge PC Narr with assault in September last year (2018).
By Jemma Tennison “Our investigation also concluded that an independent tribunal could find that PC Narr had breached standards of professional behaviour during the incident and the force agreed. “It is expected that a gross misconduct hearing will be organised by the force in due course.” Evidence from the initial trial has been used in the IOPC’s decision to charge Narr for another trial. The prosecutor Mr Harrington stated that PC Narr acted lawfully by striking Mr War across the legs, but the acted excessively by hitting the top of his head. Mr Ward was not insured to drive the vehicle that he claimed he was driving home from McDonald’s on the night of the incident. Upon seeing the police, he fled and a high-speed chase ensued, until Mr Ward claims to have “stopped and put my hands out of the window to surrender”. He continued that he “wasn’t going to run” and was “going to comply with them” but was “pinned to the floor” under “eight police officers”. The assault is alleged to have happened in Lower Ford Street and resulted in Mr Ward being taken to hospital by an ambulance. “My head got crushed to the floor. I felt a strike to the back of my legs and then obviously I was screaming. And then I felt a strike to the side of my head” he concluded. When cross-examined by Narr’s defence barrister, Mr Ward denied trying to get away from police, and said he could not recall driving at more than 90mph. The trial for PC Narr continues.
Shameless Ex-Building Society Worker Stole over 100K from Victims to Fund her Flashy Designer Lifestyle
By Manisha Bhanot
Nialah Afser, showed no remorse as she conned countless vulnerable victims out of large sums of money on a regular basis. She took full advantage of her position at Yorkshire Building Society where she was appointed as ‘deceased champion.’ Afser from Primely Avenue, Birmingham, used the stolen cash to splurge on a range of designer clothing and accessories, including Prada heels, a Chanel handbag, an All Saints Coat and shoes from Kurt Geiger. She even bought two luxury cars: an Audi A5 and Q7 Quattro S Line Suv with the money she robbed from her clients and booked herself a holiday to Dubai, hiding the money from her friends and family in her various bank accounts. She carried out the scams by tricking her clients into signing debit slips, illegally accessing their accounts and withdrawing large amounts of cash. This happened on several occasions between 2013 and 2016 – a period of 39 months. She was found out by investigators at her place of work and the case was transferred to the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) so a case against Afser could be set up. She was eventually arrested at her home and taken into Police custody. Among the people that she coned were cancer patients, the elderly, new parents and recently bereaved families. Those that she took payments from trusted her deeply, and even gave her thank you cards, flowers and chocolates in return for her alleged support. She spent over three years preying on the vulnerable before she was eventually exposed;
even then she took no responsibility for her actions and blamed her crimes on her faultless employers. It took a long period of time before Afser’s management could detect her criminal and predatory behaviour. She was described as a “polite, charming and attentive” individual by her peers. However, she would arrange for ‘potential subjects’ to be taken into a side room where she could con them out of their earnings. The prosecutor, Mr Graham Huston stated: “Afser stole £36,000 from one customer who had been made redundant after 23 years “When the defendant was arrested and interviewed she said all the allegations had been fabricated by Yorkshire Building Society to get rid of her and she was to say in her interviews in relation to each of the complainants that they were liars” said Mr Huston. When Asfer knew there was no doubt she had been discovered, she did not even show remorse to her own friends and family, allegedly stating she had made “one small mistake” and begging to them for their help in resolving the matter. The defendant, Ben Williams, witnessed Afser plead guilty to 19 counts of fraud, and said that she herself “struggles to understand her own behaviour”. All victims of the fraud were entirely refunded by Yorkshire Building Society with an extra £500 sum paid in compensation. Afser was fired from her position and sentenced to four years in jail.
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July 2019
Why Now is the Worst Time to Sell your House in Birmingham
Better Waste Disposal to Come at a Cost
By Will Rymer
Darren Share is to be paid upwards of £100k per year by the Birmingham City Council to rejuvenate Birmingham’s waste disposal, which has faltered for two years. Share has been appointed to the role of Assistant Director Street Scene. Previously Parks Chief, Share will reprise this role while taking on responsibility for waste management. The job pays a wage within the realm of £101,192 to £123,962, which indicates the importance of the task at hand. Share was appointed to this position by the newly appointed cabinet lead for the renamed Street Scene and Parks department, John O’Shea. O’Shea commended Share’s suitability for the job, drawing on his experience as Parks Chief and also mentioned his success in the Chelsea Flower Show. As O’Shea is the third man to be responsible for waste just this year, the hope will be that the appointment of Darren Share as a ‘safe pair of hands’ will provide the stability at the top that is needed to tackle what is a very pressing issue. Disputes with Unions have led to a surge in cases of missed bin collections and fly-tipping in Birmingham, with the handling of these situations leading to the resignation of former head of waste
Councillor Majid Mahmood, who was driven to quit by the council’s decision to pursue legal action against the bins unions. His successor, Brett O’Reilly, only lasted three months before O’Shea took on the waste portfolio. The council is set to make an important announcement in the push to resolve the city’s bin issues, with huge investment in new bin lorries. Through investment
in improvement, the council will hope to improve both the bin service in the city and the relationship between themselves and the bin unions. An amicable relationship will be needed to ensure future stability in a service that is required to sustain any community. In a time when climate change and pollution are being brought more to the forefront of the public conscious-
ness and the political landscape, it is important that the country’s cities blaze a trail for effective waste disposal. At the moment, waste is being left outside houses to rot and attract pests so it is of enormous importance that the council and waste management workers come to an understanding to avoid the damage that waste is doing to the city, both in terms of pollution and the city’s image.
Largest Proportion of Terror Arrests in 15 Years is White Extremists The average price of a home has risen by £5,992 since last year Since last year in April, the average cost of homes in Birmingham has only increased by 3.3%, which is the slowest rate in more than five years. The last time the rate was this slow was in the year August 2013 where there was only an increase of 2.7%. In the UK, the average house prices have increased by 1.4% in the year running up to April 2019. Due to a slowdown in the south and east of England, the price growth in UK houses has been slow over the past three years. London held the lowest annual growth, where prices fell by 1.2% over the year coming up to March 2019. While these prices fell, the capital still remains the most expensive area in the country to purchase a property.
According to figures released by the Home Office, 41% of terrorist suspects arrested last year were white, 11.9% were black and 36.2% were Asian. These facts contradict the stereotypical appearance of a terrorist as portrayed by the media. Whilst American media is often criticised here in the UK for its branding of terrorist or reporting on events. White terrorist suspects are described as a ‘lone wolf’ or an individual with complex mental health issues and people of colour as terrorists acting out a non-western ideological agenda. However, these statistics suggest we need to strongly interrogate our own media portrayals. The word ‘terrorism’ has been so strongly associated with groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda that it has been made almost synonymous with attacks on the west by the nonwest. This generates a hugely racist assumption that terrorists aren’t white and that white terrorists are rare deranged individuals. Whilst most of the white suspects arrested were not part of any group
or organisation the sheer volume of these ‘lone wolves’ shows that they are a huge threat to society. The absence of a unified body makes the individuals seem less significant than a unified terrorist group but with the huge rise of western white nationalism, it has formed a huge group with its own ideologies and
beliefs and with its own militant extremists. 14.8% of those arrested had extreme right-wing ideologies. Right-wing politicians have used terrorist activities to scare and divide the nation between as fictitious ‘them’ and ‘us’. Phrases such as ‘brain washing’ is used to make non-white terrorists seem non-
By Georgia Horsell human and beyond help compared to the more scientific diagnoses of mental health conditions given to white terrorist suspects. This non-human terminology has fed into the rhetoric surrounding Brexit and particularly immigration policy. Terms used to describe refugees such as ‘swarm’ used by David Cameron in July 2015, dehumanise migrants and makes no distinction between types of refugees, migrants or asylum seekers. Racism is not a political belief you can choose to subscribe to; it is the systematic discrimination of one group over another. The inaccurate portrayal of terrorism in the mass media brainwashes the public in the same way the media accuses religion as doing. A stereotype is an oversimplified idea of a group based on characteristics shared by the majority in that group. The fact that the largest proportion of terror arrests in the last year are white individuals shocks the stereotype, but that only shows that the stereotype is wrong.
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July 2019
‘Extraordinary’ Indians Featured on the Royal Honours List
By Huma Khan
The Royal Honours list has recently been released, revealing recipients of the UK’s most prestigious award for civilians. Past honours lists have featured members of the Indian community in fields ranging from medicine to the arts. Amongst this year’s recipients were a nurse, a boxing referee and professor from the University of Oxford. As a biannual tradition, the honours list is released on New Year’s Eve and also in early summer. The practice began in 1860 with then monarch, Queen Victoria, and has so far endured the test of time. The list revealed just a few weeks ago, like many previous ones, marked the contributions of the Indian community to medicine. University of Nottingham’s Harminder Singh, a professor of Ophthalmology, was amongst names on the list. Delna Ghandi, who has written extensively on combatting tropical diseases, was also named. Dean of Warwick Medical School, Sudesh Kumar, was amongst the doctors on the list as were Gulbash Singh Chandok and Rajesh Patel, from Hertfordshire and Greater Manchester respectfully. University of Oxford professor in Chinese modern history and politics, Rana Mitter, was also on the list. Other names on the OBE and MBE list include Essex boxing referee Amrik Singh Basi and specialist blood and transplant nurse, Shibu Chacko. The list recognised achievements from a
diverse range of professionals with varied skillsets. Arvinda Gohil was hailed for services to the community which included organising housing for disadvantaged members of the community. Similarly, Narinder Kaur Kooner was recognised for the provision of services for disadvantaged community members in the West Midlands. Hertfordshirebased Reena Ranger was recognised for commendable work with BAME (black and minority ethnic women). Samir Shah was noted for work in the heritage sector as well as television. When it came to visual arts, Birmingham based Skinder Singh Hundal was recognised for his contributions. Vallabh Kaviraj also made the list for contributions to Asian media. On a similar note, Cary Rajinder Sawhney was on the list for work in film. When it came for services for education, Amarjit Kaur Cheema gained recognition for work in the West Midlands. Navnit Singh Chana was noted for contributions in the field of clinical education. Other recipients included Arun Kumar Batra, whose work in the public sector in relation to faith and integration was commended. Manmeet Singh Panesar also made the list for his work on product safety. Overall, the names on the honours list shed light on a range of talent and inspiring achievements from the Indian community.
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Birmingham Driving Test Centre in Birmingham Named the Hardest to Pass at in the UK
New data from GoCompare revealed the hardest test centres in the UK It has been revealed that the South Yardley driving test centre is the hardest to pass at in the country. In this centre, there are more multiple test drivers than anywhere else in the UK. ‘Multiple testers’ are those who needed 5+ attempts to pass their test. South Yardley had the largest percentage of multiple testers by a large margin compared to others. The national average is a total of 1.82% and female, and male averages are roughly 1.46% and 2.17%.
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July 2019
The Not So Democratic Way of Choosing a Prime Minister
Democracy is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? You, the people, get to elect your parliamentary representatives and by proxy choose your Prime Minister who is usually the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons. Imagine if instead of the 46 million UK citizens entitled to vote, your next leader was chosen by no more than 160,000 people of a certain profile which bore no relationship to you or tens of millions of others. That’s exactly the scenario that is being played out in the battle between Messrs Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt to be the next Prime Minister. It’s not the country that’s going to choose but the Conservative Party membership which is estimated to number about 160,000. And who are these people? According to research commissioned by the BBC, they’re predominantly white (97%), male (70%), middle class (86% are in the ABC1 socioeconomic groups) and nearly 40% of them earn over £30k a year. Their average age is 57, nearly 60% live in the south and they’re unashamedly right-wing, supporting the death penalty (nearly 60%) and only 15% believing that the Government should redistribute wealth from the better-off to those who are not as well-off.
Resonate with you? Do you identify with this group and are happy for them to choose the next leader of this nation of 65 million people? Or do you feel a bit uneasy that your future prospects and opportunities are going to be governed by this elite? Talking of which, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the next Prime Minister knows little to nothing of ‘ordinary’ people (an argument that you could apply to all premiers). Neither of them was born into struggling households or had anxiety about meeting their weekly household bills. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is the son of a Royal Navy Admiral, was educated at one of the country’s leading boarding schools Charterhouse
(full boarding fees approx. £40k this year!) and went to Oxford. Boris Johnson also had the privilege of being raised in a wealthy family and went to Eton before (as with Hunt) going to Oxford. A journalist and politician, he’s rarely out of the news with a litany of controversies that are far too long to list here. Best known among the recent ones was his description of the burqa or niqab as making the wearer resemble a “letterbox” or “bank robber” (although to be fair to him he did argue against a ban on such clothing). Sometime in late July one of these two men will take up residence in 10 Downing Street and start deciding the future of this country. If it’s Boris, you suspect he won’t be complaining that the electorate has been treated with arrogance or contempt, or that the will of the British people has been trampled on, or that he has no public mandate to govern. Nope, that sort of criticism is only reserved for politicians like Gordon Brown who took over from Tony Blair as PM back in 2007. And the author of the criticism on that occasion - none other than Boris Johnson! Mohammed Ilyas is Communications Manager for the charity Islamic Help. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions.
Abed Ahmed from Birmingham named New Teacher of the Year in the Tes Schools Awards 2019
Abed Ahmed from Washwood Heath Academy in Birmingham has been crowned New Teacher of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2019. Mr Ahmed was presented with his award by comedian, Harry Hill, at the Friday evening gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. Mr Ahmed, known on Twitter as @ stammer_teacher, was told he could never be a teacher owing to the fact he has a stammer. Now he is in his third year of teaching, not only producing good results in his maths department
but also running stammer support groups where he helps pupils with their stammers and becoming confident and happy. He has done incredibly well to be named the best new teacher of the year, beating competition from teachers across the UK. Tes Editor Ann Mroz said: “We had a record number of entries this year and the standard was incredibly high so all our winners should be extremely proud of their achievement. The quality of entries was superb, and as always, our illustrious panel of judges deliberated
long and hard to reach its final selections. “We’ve had the privilege of hearing about so many creative and inspiring initiatives that are improving outcomes and life chances of young people. The spirit of great teaching really was at the heart of each and every entry and it’s been wonderful to see such amazing ideas and excellent practice emerging from our schools, especially considering the difficult circumstances that many schools operate under.” Judges described Mr Ahmed as “a phenomenal guy” who overcame the challenge of his stammer and a number of rejections for his ITT applications to go back and train as a teacher at the school he attended. People describe him as a “role model to young people” who is “going from strength to strength”. The Tes awards have been running for over 10 years to recognise the outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer. They were judged by a collection of the UK’s most illustrious education experts. Abed Ahmed said: “I’m shocked. I wasn’t expecting it at all. This award is a real credit to the children at the school. This is only my third year of teaching!” Comedian, Harry Hill, who presented the awards said: “I felt quite emotional tonight giving out these awards – thanks so much for inviting me. What a night!”
More Than Football
by Mohammed Zafran
More Than Football (MTF) is a youth sports club that specialises in football, based in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham, MTF has been running since January 2017. MTF was set up by a young man who lived and grew up within the Bordesley Green Area. After spending 10 years working at Saltley Wellbeing Centre, football coaching and running sports schemes over half term holidays Barrie Colder thought it was time to do more for the community that had made him into the person he was. In January of 2017 MTF, which was only a two-man coaching team, launched their first football session based at Bordesley Green Girls School. The sessions were a huge success and since then MTF has gone on to run multiple sessions for all ages throughout the week and even set up an inner-city league, the Central Birmingham Youth Development League that brings many different teams from the local area to compete against each other to half term holiday camps attracting over 50 children per day. MTF is a self-funded grassroots organisation that bases its ethos around developing the whole child not just developing their footballing ability. Sport is a fantastic way to engage with young people and a powerful tool to break down social and economic barriers between families and different communities living in the same area. Since its humble beginnings, the MTF coaching team has continued to grow. In our second year since establishment, 3 more volunteers came on board, which took MTF to another level and meant we could offer greater support for the children we raised. After a discussion with one of the MTF parents and a discussion between the coaches, we realised one of the biggest barriers facing the children that we worked with was their ability to travel across Birmingham. This meant that playing in the Central Warwickshire League was unrealistic, never the less this did not deter the passion and commitment of the MTF team bringing competitive football to the children of Bordesley Green. In September 2018, the Central Birmingham Youth Development League
(CBYDL) was launched and lead by a dedicated MTF coach Muhaned Saleh. The aim of the CBYDL is to encourage the development of football, ensure that youth are engaged throughout the year, inspire them to participate in competitive sport, help and promote enthusiasm for the game and most importantly, to have FUN! The league brought together several local teams like MTF to play each other on a regular basis from one central location, therefore removing all the travelling across Birmingham which was a major barrier to many of the children. The league was refereed by ex-MTF players to give them an experience of work and managing situations. The league was a huge success, and so, we decided to run a league for two age groups under 13s and under 10s. The league grew from 6 teams to 14 running 4 weekends a month. Alongside the league, the under 17’s team had a season that was even more successful than their first. With a new manager, the team went unbeaten and did not drop a single point all season. This surpassed any of the coaching staff’s expectations but was a credit to a team that had worked tirelessly in training for 2 years. The undefeated team who finished fourth the year before proved that nothing is impossible with the right attitude, desire and belief. Their season was topped off by a dominating performance in the cup final against a local rival where MTF ran out 5 -3 winners. Looking forward MTF is looking for more volunteers and sponsors to get involved and change the lives of the young people they work with. It is well understood that participation of youth in sport fosters the important life skills, such as leadership, goal setting, timemanagement skills, good sportsmanship, developing resilience, dealing with disappointment and growing from constructive criticism. This participation can offer a host of other advantages that can benefit the young players in all aspects of their lives, including better grades in school, greater family attachment and ward off depression, sedentary lifestyles and result in less participation in antisocial behaviour.
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July 2019
GLOBAL Bangladesh brings in New Prison Breakfast after 200 Years By Manisha Bhanot
After two centuries, Bangladesh has changed its breakfast menu for prisons up and down the country. The former regime was first enforced during the colonial era and has not been altered up until now. In the past, cell inmates have had to make do with a measly allowance of just 116 grams of bread and 14.5 grams of molasses to satisfy their starving stomachs. However, new legislation reports that prisoners will now be receiving a healthy and fulfilling diet containing
vegetables, bread, sweets and kichidi (a rice and lentil dish popular in South Asia). Deputy Head of Bangladesh’s Prison Directorate, Bazlur Rashid, recently affirmed that the changes would be rolled out for the nation’s growing number of over 81,000 convicts. Bangladesh currently has 60 prisons, which have been built to house only 35,000 inmates in total. As a result, the cells in each prison unit are infamously overcrowded and packed to the brim.
There are frequent criticisms of prison conduct in Bangladesh by human rights organisation as a result. Inmates also often complain about the quantity and quality of the food that is served to them in the jails and its nutritional content. Rashid claimed the diet change is part of a series of reforms to aid the inmates to get “motivated and rehabilitated”. “We are gradually trying to adapt... so the convicts can reform themselves during their stay in the facilities,” he commented. Several thousand prisoners applauded the new breakfast menu in Dhaka’s Keraniganj central prison, he said, adding: “Good food makes everyone happy.” The Directorate said the country’s government has also implemented cheap telephone calls for inmates in the prisons to their loved ones back home. “They would be able to talk to their family via screened phone calls whenever they want,” he said.
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Delhi Police Assault Elderly Sikh Father and Son
By Navkiran Bains
Tempo driver and son were thrashed with batons
Magician meets Mournful End:
the Stuntman Drowned after Being Chained up in the Ganges River The infamous Wizard Jadugar Mandrake has been reportedly found dead after one of his risky magic tricks went wrong at a crowded riverbank in India. Born in Chanchal Lahiri, Kalkoata, it was not the first time that Mandrake had put on a dare-devil performance in front of on looking spectators. The 40-year-old deceased had successfully completed an identical stunt 21 years prior in the same river. He had been shut inside a bullet-proof glass cube which was sealed off with a chain. During the routine, he was lowered from Howrah Bridge but according to onlookers, managed to re-emerge in seconds. Years later, Mandrake tried his luck again in 2013. He was lowered approximately 30 feet in a cage which was bound by six locks. However, he was afterwards assaulted by members of the crowd who argued his performance was a fluke. Those in attendance said they saw him swim out of an almost invisible trap door in less than a minute. When he attempted the trick for the third time, Mandrake sadly met his end. In front of a heavily anticipating audience of locals, his loved ones and even regional police, he was lowered into the water by a crane whilst being blindfolded and tightly shackled. However, he failed to re-emerge and was reported
AW Facts Did you know? Sri Lanka and the Maldives— both Island countries — have the highest literacy rates in Southern Asia.
By Manisha Bhanot
as missing for hours. Mr Jayant Shaw, a photographer who said he had witnessed some of Mandrake’s previous acts said: “I never thought he would not come out of the water this time.” After a lengthy 24-hour search, rescue workers found his body during the late hours of the evening. The news of the
magician’s death was affirmed by Syed Waquar, Deputy Commissioner of the Port Division, Kolkata Police. Before Mandrake was released into the river by a metal hook in a bid to create a Houdini-type trick, he allegedly said it would be “magic” if he freed himself, but “tragic” if he could not.
Delhi Police have been slammed for the assault of tempo driver, Sarabjeet Singh, and his son which took place in the national capital’s Mukherjee Nagar area. Video clips of the altercation have gone viral on social media and also caught the attention of opposition parties in Punjab. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) stated to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, that the accused policemen should be dismissed from the force. In the clips, which have spread internationally, the tempo driver is seen to be taking out a sword for his safety after police repeatedly beat him with batons, following a collision of their vehicles. Manjeet Singh, the father of the driver, stated that Sarabjeet’s intentions was not to hurt anyone but to save himself. He also said, “We just want strict action against the police officers involved in the incident. They have brutally beaten up Sarabjeet Singh and his minor son… I was more worried about my grandson as he is a minor and was attacked by them in broad daylight.” The family of Sarabjeet Singh stated they had given the police 24 hours to take action and penalise officers involved in the incident; otherwise, they had planned to set up protests outside
the police station. Despite this, various people from the public, especially from the Sikh community, had gathered outside the Mukherjee Nagar police station on the day after the incident and demanded the suspension of all officers involved in the attack. SAD president, Sukhbir Singh Badal, urged Shah to grant exemplary punishment to the policemen responsible for the “brutal attack” by dismissing them from the service. He felt that this was important to carry out as it sends a message to society that “atrocities by men in uniform” would not be condemned under any circumstances. “The Delhi police personnel behaved like animals yesterday by brutalising an old Sikh man and his son in front of the Mukherjee Nagar police station. The old man was beaten up and dragged on the streets despite pleas of his son to defuse the situation. Later the son was also attacked and beaten up mercilessly,” Badal stated. Following the clash with the tempo driver, a senior officer of the Delhi Police announced that three policemen have been suspended for ‘unprofessional conduct’ and further legal action will be carried out based on the enquiry.
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Indian housewife wrongly jailed in UAE over a bounced cheque she never wrote
In the UAE, guilt by association is a crime. Evidence of wrongdoing is often less important Radha Stirling, than simply being available to CEO of Detained in Dubai, prosecute. Such is the case for who are representing Mary, says, 57 year old Indian national Mary Harold D’Souza, a middle-aged “An expert report on the case has housewife in detention since definitively established that Mary has no January 2018 for crimes about connection with the case; just as the other listed which she had no knowledge. partner has no connection with it; yet Mary The case is a somewhat comis in jail while the other partner was never even plicated shell game in which charged. The alleged culprit, Mike Baqi, has questionable middlemen made already been arrested, and there is no off with millions of dirhams evidence to justify Mary’s continued and left the company Rabahi detention. She is an elderly woman who International insolvent, and is as much a victim in this case as Mary D’Souza criminally liable the complainant, and the for a bounced company cheque Public Prosecutor she never wrote. Unfortunately, knows this. her name appears as a partner on Rabahi International’s business license, and though she held no
Saudi sisters seek asylum after a lifetime of abuse #SAVEDUAANDDALAL
Detained in Dubai has released a statement from Dua Khalid AlShweiki, one of the two sisters who have escaped alleged abuse in Saudi Arabia, fleeing from their family while in Turkey; for the first time providing details of their traumatic life under religiously strict parents and a harsh patriarchal system. CEO Radha Stirling commented, “I have been in continuous communication with Dua and Dalal since first learning of their plight. It is heartbreaking to hear what they have endured since childhood; constant bullying, intolerance, physical, verbal and psychological abuse from family members, peers, and the authorities. Their resilience is inspiring, and the courage in their bid for freedom is tremendous. We are doing all we can to ensure that these young women will find asylum in a welcoming country as soon as possible. It is urgent, and their lives are in danger every moment they remain in limbo.” Dua Al-Shweiki, 22, wrote the
statement with her sister Dalal, 21, explaining that the two suffered a lifetime of mistreatment and abuse. “My parents were rigid hardliners,” she wrote, “They forced us to wear hijab and full-face cover (niqab), when I was just 11 years old. I remember one day when I was a child I felt so hot, so I took off the hijab…and I was subjected to a harsh beating until they took me to the hospital since my mother beat me on the head with a wooden stick.” Dua said that she was expelled from school as a teenager, and the administration told her family that she was gay, “My mother beat me, threw all my clothes and broke everything in my room.” The issue of Dua’s sexuality became a frequent source of speculation and threats in later years, as her family tried to force her into marriages she did not want. She also wrote of her sister’s victimization at the hands of Saudi Arabia’s notorious reli-
gious police, “One day my sister Dalal left the university, and was stopped by a man working with the “prohibition of vice” as he claimed. He pulled her to the car and tried to rape her, but my sister resisted and pushed herself out of the car as it was moving. This event was the worst that has ever happened to my sister and me throughout our whole lives.” Finally, Dua and Dalal concluded that their only chance at freedom and a meaningful life was to escape. “We can never possibly live with our family, and I know that living with them will end up with us being killed. They have robbed us out of our dreams, our ambitions and our childhood, and now they want our youth” Dua wrote. The sisters ran away from their family while in Turkey, and began appealing for help via Twitter, but even these appeals were hindered when their Twitter account was abruptly suspended. “Dua and Dalal immediately set up a new account, and it too was almost instantly suspended,” Stirling says, “This happened several times, but fortunately we were able to establish contact before their latest suspension. Their family possess the sisters’ passports, and it may be that they are reporting Dua and Dalal’s Twitter accounts as fake in order to close them. We hope Twitter is not suspending the accounts in deference to Saudi investors who own a considerable share in the company; but even the account we set up for them has been locked for dubious reasons, so there is a fear that there may be an attempt to silence their story.” Stirling said that the sisters will be applying with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and that Detained in Dubai is assisting them in their pursuit of asylum in every way possible.
the company. Harold D’Souza was approached by Mike Baqi the director of Spielberger, which was in a joint venture with Qatari Investment firm QNAB. He said he required Rabahi to supply materials for a project. Al Zubair is a real estate company and wanted to supply these materials, but did not have trading license and therefore Mike Baqi and Al Zubair through one of its partners approached Harold D’Souza to supply the materials. Al Zubair would pay Rabahi their costs and Rabahi was supposed to pay Mike and Mike would arrange material and Rabahi was doing the documentation. Once the material was received by QNAB it would pay Rabahi through Mike Baqi and Rabahi in turn position at the company, and would pay back Al Zubair. It had no involvement in its acwas a fairly standard third-party tivities; in the UAE she can be arrangement, and over the course held accountable for the actions of time, Al Zubair received of anyone who worked there. approximately 45 million AED Mary’s husband, Harold from QNAB through Rabahi. D’Souza was managing Rabahi, Harold D’Souza gave Al Zubair but used his wife’s name to security cheques which were to register the company because be exchanged for the payments he was already employed once he received them from elsewhere and restricted from QNAB through Mike Baqi. establishing a new business. D’Souza depended upon Baqi to Rabahi was a limited liability deliver the funds from QNAB trading firm, in a 50-50 partner- to cover the security cheques he ship with an Emirati local, who, submitted to Al Zubair, however, like Mary, had no active role in when payment was due for the
last instalment, totalling 22 million AED, Baqi failed to deliver. D’Souza was travelling at the time, and had given Al Zubair a blank cheque for security to cover the final payment. When D’Souza did not receive the QNAB money from Baqi, and was unable to submit payment to Al Zubair, the real estate company wrote the blank cheque for over 70 million dirhams (almost 50 million dirhams more than owed), and attempted to cash it. Baqi had apparently absconded with the money, leaving D’Souza to suffer the consequences; and to make matters worse, Al Zubair took advantage of the blank cheque he had provided them, and used it to demand drastically more money than they were due. Harold D’Souza, however, was not the one held responsible for the bounced cheques; because his wife Mary was listed on the company license as an owner, she was deemed liable. Despite the fact that she had no role in the business throughout the course of its existence, and had no knowledge of the deal between Rabahi International, QNAB and Al Zubair, Mary was arrested in early 2018, and still remains in detention.
18
July 2019
Death Toll Rises as India Heat Wave Continues
Weeks of scorching heat have tallied up to form the largest period of high-rise temperatures the country has ever seen. With the heat rising up to 50 degrees Celsius in some areas, Asia’s third-big-
gest country has been made to recall its previous heat wave in 2015, which took the lives of over 3.5K of its citizens and those of its neighbouring country Pakistan.
Now, roughly 2/3 of the region is being affected with the same unbearable weather, and the fatalities only continue to rise. Nearly 50 people were recorded dead due to heat-related causes. In the
state of Bihar, 49 people died in just one day, whereas in Aurangabad roughly 40 people were taken into hospital due to sun-stroke. Those who have been hospitalized are mostly the elderly aged over
By Manisha Bhanot 50, who are struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures. Sufferers of sun-stroke are common to experience symptoms of high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, fainting spells and sunburns. Nitish Kumar, State Chief has declared a compensation of Rs 40,000 for the families of the deceased as a result of the heat-wave. Schools in some areas have remained closed and locals have been strongly advised not to venture outside of their homes between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. Thousands have even fled their villages as resources from wells and water pumps have become scarce, streams have dried up and living conditions have been made unbearable. Whilst the rich in society can afford to relocate, it is the poor from underprivileged areas of India that continue to struggle the most. In some parts, brief spells of rain have offered respite for the locals. However, in other places, there seems to be no hope of temperatures falling. Instead, inhabitants have chosen to flee their homes with no plans of return until the Monsoon season in August cools things down. Thermometers registered 48 degrees Celsius in the Indian capital of New Delhi in recent recordings. Comparatively, in the state of Rajasthan, temperatures peaked at 50 degrees Celsius as residents were forced to suffer through the sweltering heat. The Australian organisation Climate Council posted on Twitter that human actions and the global warming dilemma are fuelling the record-breaking extreme weather conditions worldwide. Additionally, Business Insider recorded Eliza Relman’s statement that such heat waves in India and other parts of the world may represent the new normal for our planet.
The Pakistani Brides Being Trafficked to China A recent scam marriage between a 19-year-old Pakistani girl and a Chinese man has sparked an investigation into sex trafficking between Pakistan and China. The marriage was paid for entirely by the Chinese man and followed the wedding customs of Pakistan, so was approved by the parents of the bride, who was immediately moved to a bungalow in the Lahore area. However, being trapped in this neighbourhood and subjected to extensive physical and sexual abuse, it took the bride only a week to realise her marriage to be a scam and her husband to be a trafficker. For this specific bride, her rescue allowed her to escape ‘sexual servitude’, but for many others, this has not been the case. This is the reality for 700 women a year, as they wed Chinese men with the promise of a good job on their arrival in China, but instead, get sold to the sex trade for twelve to twenty-five thousand dollars. The Chinese government have denied any allegation of Pakistani women
being trafficked for prostitution, but the surge in Pakistani brides applying for year-long visas, and the two dozen Chinese nationals and local Pakistani middlemen
being arrested in connection with sham marriages, seemingly suggests otherwise. It is obvious that these fake marriages are being used as a ‘garb’ for the sex trade. There is a
clear and prominent issue of trafficking that cannot be denied. This surging issue is a result of the easy movement between the two countries. Pakistan and China are
By Grace Lea close allies, and with a visa-onarrival policy for Chinese nationals, it accommodates a quick journey for Chinese men into Pakistan to find themselves a ‘bride’. Whilst this easy movement is innocently fuelled by a necessity of Chinese men to find a bride outside of their imbalanced society, the hundreds and thousands of Chinese nationals flocking to Pakistan simply hide a multitude of sins. There still remains a prominent sex trade. And this sex trade is only going to grow as China refuses to admit there is an issue, as Beijing continues to deny any allegations of prostitution or trafficking. Instead, the two nations, rather than addressing the surging problem, are placing their mutual friendship above eradicating the sex trade in a ‘trafficking hotspot’ of Asia. Prioritisation of a country’s relations above the human rights of its citizens, and complete denial of the issues is inhibiting any improvement.
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July 2019
19
Pakistan reaches out to Sikhs Regarding Guru Nanak’s Birth Anniversary By Navkiran Bains
Former Pakistan President Arrested President arrested over allegations over money laundering
By Navkiran Bains
Former President, Asif Ali Zardari, has been arrested by Pakistani police over suspicions of his involvement in a money laundering case in Islamabad. After the Islamabad High Court’s decision, officers from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had entered Zardari’s home and taken him into custody. Previously Zardari has spent 11 years in prison all together due to corruption charges and was nicknamed ‘Mr 10 percent’ in the result of his illegal commission that he was rewarded from government contracts. After the assassination of his wife, Benazir Bhutto, he served as President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013. Zardari is also the co-chairman of one of the
strongest parties in the country, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The NAB had arrested Zardari and his sister, Faryal Talpur, after nearly one million dollars had been transferred to their private account from their alleged fake bank accounts. Following further investigation, receipts of suspicious transactions amounting up to $29 million had been discovered and also transactions of Rs150 million from their alleged fake bank accounts. Following this investigation, over 170 people have been added onto a no-fly list. Similarly, the leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, had been arrested in the UK, according to his spokesman. After re-
questing asylum in the 1990s, Hussain, 65, had been granted UK citizenship. He was arrested “on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting offences contrary to Section 44 of the Serious Crime Act 2007”. Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shahbaz, has also been arrested by the NAB following cases in holding assets beyond means and even money laundering, as his assets had significantly increased over short amounts of time. Hamza’s lawyer, Atta Tarrar, commented on the case suggesting “All NAB cases are targeting members of the opposition parties”.
With the 550th birth anniversary approaching, Bukhari makes a series of commitments Sayed Zulfiqar, the Chairman of the Pakistan Tourism Board, conducted a meeting with the Sikh community representatives in London and stated, “The relationship between India and Pakistan has been up and down. I believe, even in the toughest of times recently, there has been no stoppage towards the building of Kartarpur and building on religious tourism.” The Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha) London had organised the meeting alongside businessman Prof Peter Virdee to discuss religious tourism projects in Pakistan, after the historic laying of foundation stones for the Kartarpur Corridor on both sides of the border back in November 2018. In conclusion, Virdee has revealed that over 500 million pounds will be donated to Pakistan by Sikh businessmen to develop religious tourism. Special Assistant to Pakistan’s Prime Minister. Bukhari added, “This is a very special year, the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Sahib and as Pakistanis, we want to celebrate in an elaborate fashion. We don’t just want it to be a national event, but we want it to be covered globally. I want you to be on board to organise seminars, exhibitions
and conferences around it to build up the hype that this occasion deserves.” Bukhari made various commitments regarding visas for religious reasons in raising the numbers from 500 to 5,000 within the next six months, from 15 days to 30 days. This will also lift travel restrictions to visit other parts of Pakistan and also creates the possibility of visas on arrival and visas online. The PMs assistant added, “Pakistan has not been so open to religious tourism in the past as it is today… Now, we are reaching out to the communities worldwide and asking them to come to Pakistan, to visit their places and see what they can do. We will stand shoulder to shoulder and facilitate you in every way. “A railway station is being built in the name of Baba Guru Nanak. We are building a special tunnel from Guru Nanak Sahib’s dargah to Gurdwara Janam Asthan and underground railway to another Gurdwara. We are building that connectivity so that you don’t face problems when you come for a pilgrimage. Free shuttle services will also be provided from all main Gurdwaras.” He also ensured that the Sikh community that there will be dedicated staff on newly set-up tourism desks for an easier visa process for Sikhs hoping to visit Pakistan.
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20
July 2019
Sudan Crisis:
Country’s Sever State Continues
By Manisha Bhanot
The African country of Sudan is currently in a state of political turmoil and heavy unrest as human rights violations and mass shootings continue to rise. The region first came into a period of civil distress when demonstrations began in December of 2018 in several Sudanese cities. These were partially due to the increasing living costs and deterioration of the economic climate within the country’s borders. Fundamental human rights such as clean water, food and shelter were not being provided to the population and the government had made it clear it did not value its people. The protests quickly escalated from seeking changes in legislation to requesting the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir, as much of the Sudanese population were against his dictatorial regime over Sudan. Although demonstrators had been acting in a peaceful and non-violent manner, it was the harsh and forceful response of the government that came as a shock to many. Omar al-Bashir was finally removed from power in April of 2019 via coup d’état after he had dissolved the country’s national governments and replaced them with military service officers that had gone on to open fire on unarmed civilians. Protests in Sudan continued thereafter, with the Sudanese professionals Association and other democratic association groups calling for the introduction of a civil-lead government and other reformatory laws. However, negotiations were cut short when security personnel tied up, killed tortured and raped over 100 Sudanese innocents on June the 3rd in the Khartoum massacre. At the forefront of the protests for civil rule were many powerful women and female leaders, such as Kandaka, aka “Nabian Queen.” The iconic woman in white has been photographed giving public speeches and posted over the internet numerous times. Numerous sources have declared that the visionary wishes to overthrow the country’s dictorial regime for good as conditions have become unbearable for Sudanese citizens.
Shortly after the massacre, Sudan experienced a media blackout and the country’s dire situation only worsened. Many individuals pointed out the press’s appalling lack of attention to the issue and the minimal amount of information which was being made available to the public regarding the uprising. Therefore, many social media users took it upon themselves to spread awareness of the crisis, turning their Instagram profile pictures Indigo with the hashtag #BlueforSudan. One such social media influencer was Shahd Khidir who posted a moving image of herself in tears on Instagram after being informed of the attacks in her home country. Shahd (@hadyouatsalaam) has Sudanese ethnic origins but lives in New York. Under the image caption, she wrote: “It’s really hard being an influencer and sharing information that is ‘offbrand’ and not worthy of the feed but I cannot hold this in anymore.” She went on to plea for wider media coverage surrounding the issue as there had been internet censorship in Sudan for days, and said that she had been “crying” and feeling “horrible” upon hearing the devastating news. Currently, the military and public protestors have both come to terms with a three-year transition period into civilian rule. This has been setup due to the fact a long wait would be needed to dismantle the damage of Bashir’s vigorous dictatorship and calm down the country’s current political tensions. Most African countries have chosen to support Sudan’s civil protestors, along with much of Europe, including the UK.
Modi’s Failed Attempt to Cover Up an Economy in Trouble
Claims that India is one of the fastest growing economies are false
By Navkiran Bains
The federal government in India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had desperately tried to hide the details into the struggling Indian economy. However, Modi’s former economic adviser, Arvind Subramanian, had been working at paper at Harvard and discovered that the country’s growth rate was not at a high 7 percent, but a meagre 4.5 percent. In conclusion to this, India’s claim to being the fastest growing economies in the world has been incorrect, and the nation has fallen 50 places down, than they initially thought, in the ranking. The government has denied these claims and stated that they will prove Subramanian’s claims wrong with their own figures. However, the
advisor’s revelations have attracted attention from various independent economic experts and observers who already suspected this claim. This new information is the latest in a long line of data fluctuating that Modi’s government have been accused of. This began in 2015 when the figures in which calculated their Gross Domestic Product (GPD) had been manipulated, as the government shifted the base of calculation to the market price paid by the consumer rather than the wholesale price of a product. This pushed up the GDP drastically, attracting the attention of economic experts. In reality for India, the real estate industry has been at a standstill since
demonetisation (the withdrawal of old notes). The automobile industry has experienced a 21 percent sales decline compared to figures in 2018, which is the biggest fall in sales in the last 18 years. However, the most significant change of all is the unemployment rates, which are at the highest they have been in the last 45 years. Quartz, a global business website, stated, “lower consumer spending, sluggish investments, and slower growth in agriculture and manufacturing are retarding growth.” The BJP (Indian Peoples’ Party) have covered up figures and manipulated them to hide the reality of India’s economic performance. Economist and the leading opposition party, Congress, Member of Parliament, Jairam Ramesh, stated in the Indian Express that the Modi government had claimed that an estimated $2 billion has been saved for the new system of moving subsidies directly to beneficiaries. However, when this had been examined by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the savings were in fact just under $254 million, as the remaining savings were required to salvage the fall in global oil prices. The government have assured that the National Statistics Office (NSO) would be monitored by parliament. However, it is safe to say that there will be suspicions in any economic data that the Indian government release in the future.
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July 2019
21
The Village that is Visible for Only One Month - Curdi
Curdi which is located in the Western part of Goa between two hills with a river Salulim running through it is visible only for a month. Yes, you heard that right! The village remains visible for a month and disappears under water for the remaining eleven months. After the water goes down, the residents of the village come back to live there. The rest of the eleven months, they live somewhere else. According to the villagers, Curdi was once a thriving place. However, in the year 1986, the village ceased to exist for the villagers. The first Dam of Goa was constructed and as a result of that, Curdi was completely sunk under water. But in the month of May, the water goes recedes and the village comes back again. After the water goes back, what
remains are cracks in the field, tree stumps, eroded houses, ruined water canals, barren land and so on. However, it must be noted that the land used to be very fertile before this incident happened. The population of about three thousand people lived by cultivating the lands which were surrounded by jackfruit, mango and cashew trees. Another important aspect of the village was that many people from different religious communities lived together. One can find a Temple, a few smaller shrines, a Muslim place of worship and also a Chapel in the village. After the water recedes, the Christian community comes together for an annual Chapel feast and the Hindus organise a Temple feast during that month. A perfect example of religious
harmony for sure! One will also be amazed to know that Curdi is the birthplace of eminent classical singer Mogubai Kurdikar. After Goa was liberated from the clutches of the Portuguese in the year 1961, several changes happened in the village. Dayanand Bandodkar, who was the first Chief Minister of Goa visited the village and spoke about the dam and how it would benefit the villagers. Six hundred families were forcibly relocated to other villages. However, they were given land and compensation for their sacrifice. The dam was built on the Salaulim River and was named as the Salaulim Irrigation Project. The main aim of the Dam was to give water for irrigation, industrial and drinking purposes
to people in South Goa. An estimated 400 million litres of water was to be provided to the people per day. However, the tragedy is that the water from the project never reached the villages where the residents of Curdi were relocated. The tap system did not go to all the villages as was promised. The people who went to other villages face water problems in the summer. They then have to depend on government tankers which provide them with water. Relocation is very common in recent times. But that is not so for the people of Curdi who come to visit their lost homeland when the water goes down. Curdi was a part of their identity and they were so closely knit. Hence, they go back to Curdi again and again.
UAE Disregard for Canadian Concerns over Gauthier Case
It increasingly appears that the United Arab Emirates is dismissing Canada’s concerns about the case of whistleblower Andre Gauthier. Though Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland reportedly reached out to UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, as well as Defence Minister Saif bin Zayed, a few weeks ago, there is little sign that the Emirates is taking the Canadian government seriously. “The Candian embassy receives contradictory and unreliable information about Andre’s status and court proceedings,” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, who represent Mr. Gauthier. . “Despite contacts between Canada and the UAE at the political level, what we are seeing are the same tactics of delay by the courts, evasion, and the lack of transparency which we have seen in this case for the last 4 years. Whatever Minister Freeland said to the UAE, it has not improved their approach to Andre’s case. If the Canadian government thought that Andre could be freed through the legal process, Dubai is making it very clear they have no intention of handling this issue fairly. Only government to government discussions will resolve Andre’s dilemma, and what has been done in this vein until now is seriously insufficient. Prime Minister Trudeau met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed last year to discuss furthering trade, investment, and political cooperation between the two countries, even while Andre’s case was ongoing; but he has not met with Andre’s family or with us to discuss securing his freedom”.
UAE Minster of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets Justin Trudeau Andre’s son Alexis said the Canadian government has been disappointingly inactive, “They know political intervention is the only way to save my father, but they only pay lip service to diplomatic efforts. I can’t even reach the officials who operate at that level; they only let me talk to people in consular affairs, and even their information is inaccurate because the UAE is not cooperating with Canada.” Alexis said years of his father’s life have been wasted and years more may be taken away from him if the Canadian government does not step up its efforts. “Gold AE clients have misdirected their complaints against my father, even though he is the one who exposed the fraud, so he is facing so many wrongful cases that he could stay in detention for years, if not decades, without
even a court judgment, just because of delays. After 4 years of investigation, and an expert report by the Ruler’s Court exonerating him, Dubai still keeps him in jail. With a legal process like that, Canada cannot just leave it to the UAE to sort it out. They have to do more to bring my father home.” Stirling notes that other governments have been more proactive on behalf of their citizens, “A Malaysian national was arbitrarily detained in the UAE and the Malaysian Foreign Minister flew to the country to meet with his counterpart and secured his release. British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt was extremely active in the case of Matthew Hedges, ultimately resulting in him receiving a royal pardon. The US and Australia have also gone the extra mile diplomati-
cally to bring their citizens home when they are wrongfully detained or prosecuted in the UAE. “Andre is not only innocent of any wrongdoing, he was instrumental in exposing a multimillion dollar fraud that would have continued had it not been for his diligence and integrity. Yet the UAE has been tormenting him for years, and Canada has stood by in silence, while simultaneously promoting the UAE to Canadian investors. After the contact with Minister Freeland, the UAE immediately demonstrated their disregard for Canada’s concerns, and have proceeded to deal with Andre as they always have been. How the UAE treats Andre reveals how the UAE views their relationship with the Trudeau government; and that appears to be quite poor.”
By Priyanka Dutta
HIV Outbreak in Pakistan:
How It Occurred and Why Over Half Have Not Been Treated By Charlie Murray
Since April of this year, reports of an extreme HIV outbreak in the Southern Sindh province of Pakistan, have been spreading. They first developed from Rato Dero in Larkana, and after testing 26,041 people, the World Health organisation have confirmed that 751 people, 604 of which are children between the ages of 2 and 15, in the Southern Sindh province have been diagnosed. Larkana Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nauman Siddique called these results “shocking” and revealed that the parents of the HIV-positive children were found to be HIV-negative when tested, which begs the question of how so many patients were infected. Approximately 427 of these patients, which amounts to just over half of them, have still not received the AntiRetroviral Treatment that they require. This statistic is a result of a lack of stocks in Pakistan, which also means that only 240 of the 604 children affected can be treated by the limited supplies that Pakistan has access to. Furthermore, the stocks that they do have will only last until July 15th. Even the recommended test kits that are needed for the World Health Organisation’s recommended “test-and-treat” strategy for HIV are in short supply, resulting in the WHO’s suggested testing standards not being used. Such a lack of supplies will especially affect the 75% of Sindhi people who live below the poverty line. Few of these families can afford the medical testing equipment and quality treatment available in Pakistan, most of which is only available in Karachi, the capital. In terms of how this worrying situation developed, many health officials agree that a combination of unsanitary equipment (such as the reusing of contaminated needles), otherwise unsafe procedures such as blood transfusions, and the frequent malpractice of fraudulent doctors, are responsible for the rapid spread of the disease. Officials in the area have referred to the numerous unqualified medical practitioners in the area that they blame for the outbreak as “quacks”. Namely, Muzaffar Ghangro is a doctor from Larkana who was confirmed by the Sindh police to be a major factor of the disease spreading due to using infected needles at his clinic, where he treated many of the children who later became diagnosed with HIV. Parents demanded he was tested for HIV, after which he was found to be HIVpositive and eventually found guilty of “criminal medical negligence”. The WHO and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that they will send teams of medical experts to the area to help to deal with this outbreak.
22
July 2019
BUSINESS
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£2m National Lottery funding for older workers
The National Lottery Community Fund is investing more than £2 million of National Lottery funding on a project to support older people to remain in or return to work in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Age NI, in partnership with Business in the Community Northern Ireland, have been awarded the £2,244,942 grant for the five-year Age at Work project which is raising awareness of an ageing workforce and supporting businesses to be more age inclusive. By supporting older people to remain in or return to work, the project is helping them to have enough income, stay connected, develop new skills, lead a fuller working life and reduce loneliness and isolation. Age NI and Business in the Community Northern Ireland’s counterparts in Scotland and Wales are also delivering the project in their countries. The project is encouraging businesses to recruit, retain and retrain older workers. It is offering resources, advice and support including training and work placements. The project is also working with employers to support age inclusive policies.
Recent research also indicates that 82% of people aged in their 40s and 50s who are in work would like to have more flexibility in their job pattern in the future, 81% are interested in developing new skills and 47% are interested in being promoted. (Source: Mid-Career Review survey, Age NI, Business in the Community NI and Department for Communities, due to be published in 2019) Anne Wilmott, age campaign director, Business in the Community, said: “Age must not be a barrier to opportunity. Age at Work is a huge catalyst for change. At Business in the Community we’re really excited by this new chance to help transform the lives of thousands of people and inspiring companies to release the benefits of an ageing multigenerational workforce. BITC is delighted to be working in partnership with Age NI, Scotland and very grateful to the support of the National Lottery Community Fund”. Siobhan Casey, director of business development and marketing at Age NI, said: “We are all living for longer, which means that for many of us, we will
also be working for a greater length of time. This presents both challenges and opportunities for older workers and employers. “Our research has told us that older people want to continue in employment for a number of reasons. These might include wanting to stay connected with others (30%), or for some it might be for financial reasons – 47% are likely to work past the state pension age to be able to afford their desired lifestyle. However, as caring responsibilities, health issues and other interests emerge, the need for employers to adapt to these scenarios by offering more flexible options is critical to retaining and valuing the expertise and contribution of older workers. “As part of the Age at Work project, over the next five years, Age NI will support over one thousand people seeking a refresh of their current role, skills and prospects by providing a tailored Mid-Career Review. The aim of this initiative is to increase the confidence, skills and opportunities for those who wish to, as well as those who need to, stay in work for longer.”
Why financial wellbeing matters – and what can companies do to remove the barriers?
Jeremy Milton and John Heseltine of Mercer discuss the journey ahead many organisations face to alleviate employees’ cash concerns - and ultimately improve their own bottom-line figures It is often quoted that change is the only constant, and we have certainly seen a lot of changes over the past decade, from shifting economic landscape, to technological advancements, to the political deviations that have dominated the media. However, among the change, one other constant has emerged. Money remains at the centre of modern life, and an individual’s financial wellbeing remains an intrinsic factor of their overall wellbeing, stress levels, and ultimately their productivity at work. While the need for positive financial wellbeing remains fixed, recent micro and macro-economic conditions have led to more employees than ever to struggle with their finances; Mercer found that 60% of UK employees continue to be somewhat or very stressed by their financial situation1. In addition, research by Business in the Community (BITC) and Mercer shows the extent of the two-way causal relationship between financial stress and mental health issues, with a staggering 90% of younger employees saying their mental health is affected by the cost of living. Regrettably, the BITC report also shows that more than one-third of the workforce say their financial situation negatively impacts their mental health – but 56% of employees do not feel comfortable talking about money issues at work. Read the Mental Health at Work 2018 report in partnership with Mercer Is that them? Or is it the cultures or programmes we operate? Well, as only 17% of employees believe their employer supports those with financial difficulties, it appears that for all the directional progress made in recent years, for many organisations culture is still a major barrier. Overall the current programmes offered
appear to have generally done little to remove the taboo and stigma on the issue of finances and support in the workplace – not a glowing end-of-year report. Implementing financial wellbeing solutions is not just altruistic. Poor financial wellbeing among employees leads to numerous issues that effect productivity, and ultimately, the bottom line. So it’s no wonder an increasing number of organisations are now aiming to “build” and more directly link and promote their financial wellbeing programmes as a more holistic but key pillar within their broader wellbeing strategies. For those organisations that are starting to move ahead in this space, it has become evident that clearly identifying and actively socialising with stakeholders about where financial wellbeing needs to fit in with their integrated benefit strategies has been key. This creates a more relevant, inclusive, and valued benefit structure. As organisations continue to start – or actively continue – to develop their financial wellbeing strategies, they have increasingly taken steps to introduce better educational based programmes and tools, alongside data and needs-based interventions and financial solutions. But if the ultimate goal of effective financial wellbeing is to enable employees to not only become better equipped to help themselves through education, but also to create programmes that allow them to take positive actions on the path to improved financial wellbeing then, for all the talk, for improved financial wellbeing to truly become the next workplace change, it is clear that for many organisations there is still a long journey ahead. Jeremy Milton is the Financial Wellness Leader for Mercer’s UK DC & Financial Wellness business. References 1. Mercer. Healthy, Wealthy and Workwise: The New Imperatives for Financial Security. Available at Mercer.com
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GLOBAL 16-21
BUSINESS 22-26
GLAM 27-35
WEDDINGS 36-41
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July 2019
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Good Work For All: Five steps companies should take to provide good jobs Business in the Community is calling on businesses to offer good jobs that offer security, rights and a fair income, along with the opportunity for personal development and progression, and a supportive and inclusive environment. In practice, achieving this for all your employees is complex but our Employment Campaign Manager Charlotte Gibb, explains five steps your business can take to progress. 1. Get the basics right Before implementing good work interventions employers must ensure they are getting the basics right, such as payment of the correct wage or salary, on time; ensuring employees have the right physical environment, tools and training to do the job; clarity on contracts, including sickness and holiday pay; and being treated with respect and dignity at work. 2. Listen to your employees It can be difficult for decision makers to fully understand what interventions will make the biggest difference to low-paid employees. The answer lies with the employees themselves. Before making any changes to improve the working lives of your lowest paid employees, make sure to involve those affected at the earliest opportunity in an environment of openness and honesty. 3. Champion good work from the top The Good Work for All framework underlines the importance of senior leadership as an enabler. We have seen the greatest successes when businesses looking to implement changes in their business have the backing of a senior stakeholder from the outset. 4. Involve the experts The employers we worked with as part of the Good Work for All pilots benefited from having an independent organisation bringing an outside perspective, whether that was BITC or our expert partner on flexible work, Timewise. We recommend businesses seeking to implement workforce change engage with an independent partner who can act as a critical friend, offer subject expertise and provide an independent listening ear for employees or other busi-
AW Facts Did you know? The executive producer of Toy Story was Steve Jobs.
nesses in their supply chain. 5. Dedicate resource The pilot changes undertaken as part of the Good Work for All project would not have been possible without the support of operational staff within the businesses. Changes to improve the jobs you offer will only be implemented well with the investment of the right resources – particularly staff time. Looking forward As a core part of our work on employment and skills, Business in the Community are continuing to develop guidance for businesses on specific aspects of the Good Work for All model. We have recently established a Future Skills and Good Work Taskforce which, together with our Education campaign, will provide more opportunities for our members to address the skills challenge facing the UK. In the face of digital transformation, workers in lowpaid jobs are at particular risk of losing their roles due to automation. Accessible training and development opportunities – that ensure every employee has the opportunity to progress or move into a different role - are key for unlocking the skills and mobility needed to thrive in a new digital age.
Cash remains a vital back-up, say small firms, as seven million shoppers left in the lurch
Responding to new research from Which?, revealing that seven million consumers have been left unable to use payment cards due to system failures over the last year, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Policy and Advocacy Chairman Martin McTague said: “As we stand here today, cash remains a vital back-up for when payment card systems fail. “We have to avoid moments where shoppers are left in the lurch due to glitches: unable to use digital payment methods and lacking access to a cash point or bank branch. “Action is
needed on two fronts. First off, we have to improve the resilience and reach of our digital payments infrastructure in the UK – that includes country-wide access to reliable broadband. Second, we need to maintain our cash infrastructure for as long as people want and need it. “There’s also the cost factor to consider. Processing card payments can be expensive for small firms. We need to see regulators and terminal providers collaborating to bring these fees down for the good of our economy. “Two million consumers still rely entirely on cash for day-to-day purchases. It’s vital that no-one is left behind as we increasingly move to a digital-first
shopping environment. Currently, there’s a feeling that we’re cutting too far too fast when it comes to bank branches and ATMs. “We look forward to working with the new Treasury-led strategy group on how we can maintain a cash network that is relevant, adaptable and commercially viable.” Cash is also a vital source of business flow as it keeps SMEs running. From small needs such as office stationary, bill payments, rental and investments, the higher the cash flow the better your business will run. Cash held in an onsite safe or in a bank locker can also be extremely helpful in emergencies.
David Cameron Hired by Pakistani-owned Company By Navkiran Bains
Tech company Afiniti hires former Prime Minister David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has been employed by a Pakistani businessman, Zia Chishti, to now work for a Washington-based artificial intelligence company (AI), Afiniti. He has been hired to chair the company’s advisory board alongside a team of remarkable individuals including Elisabeth Murdoch, the daughter of media magnate Rupert Murdoch and the former chief executive of British Petroleum (BP), Lord Brownie. Cameron has stated that he has been following the developments in AI over the
years which has allowed him to understand how policymakers and the industry can liaise in solving any challenges and also making sure that AI helps people in their everyday lives. He said, “I was excited to see the rapid development in AI, and the huge potential AI has to address some of the challenges that societies face today.” The AI company, Afiniti, approached Cameron to work on its advisory board who meet for discussions regarding the company four times every year. The company was founded in 2005 by former Morgan Stanley banker, and since then it has developed an AI system to improve customer service experience. This development allows customers to contact the right agents to deal with their complaints. The system also integrates ‘behavioural pairing’ to study interactions and recognise patterns, therefore, allowing customer service calls to run more successfully. Zia Chishti stated, “Our advisory board has a diverse array of senior business and political leaders who provide invaluable guidance to the company as we expand around the world. “David’s deep personal commitment to this issue makes him perfectly-placed to lead our advisory board and support Afiniti in our next stage of growth.” The company’s takings amount up to $100 million (£79m) and are also considering becoming public.
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July 2019
Virgin price -guarantee app to cut £1bn from rail fares • Passengers guaranteed cheapest fare through revolutionary new app Rail passengers will save around a billion pounds in fares thanks to a price-guarantee app being developed by Virgin Trains. The new technology, which is due to go live by the end of this year, will cut through confusing and outdated ticketing systems to ensure that customers are automatically given the best ticket for their journey at the tap of a button. Customers across the whole UK rail network will benefit from an Oyster-style fares cap which will work out the cheapest fare for their journey retrospectively, ensuring they have the cheapest fare combination available. The app will also deliver a seamless split-ticketing function, automatically calculating if a cheaper combination of fares for one journey is available, without having to change train or purchase multiple paper tickets. The revolutionary new approach builds on Virgin Trains’ experience of innovation over the last two decades, having introduced the industry’s first automatic delay repay system, rolled out digital ticketing on all routes and recently abolished
• Oyster-style fare caps and split-ticketing function guarantee best walk-up fares peak restrictions on Friday afternoons. It also follows on from the fares reform consultation overseen by the Rail Delivery Group, which found that passengers were frustrated by arcane ticketing regulations which frequently led to them buying more expensive tickets than others available. Phil Whittingham, Managing Director of Virgin Trains, said, “We’ve been in the UK rail industry for more than twenty-two years, leading the industry in areas such as introducing automatic delay repay and digital tickets and scrapping the Friday evening peak. But we want to do more. The changes we’ve announced today, which align with the Rail Delivery Group’s Fares Reform agenda, could save UK rail passengers around a billion pounds a year, and ensure Virgin Trains continues to deliver for customers whatever happens with the West Coast franchise.” Customers are expected to save nearly 10% of the £11bn spent on fares every year by automatically finding the most appropriate ticket. The development will be of particular benefit to com-
• Savings of around £1bn expected when app goes live
muters who do not work regular 9-5, Monday to Friday shifts, travel on some peak and some off-peak journeys or want greater flexibility over when they travel. The ticket-management system developed by Virgin will automatically and retrospectively allow someone who has a peak-time return but who ends up travelling off-peak to pay the lower fare. Alternatively, if a customer ended up making multiple journeys where a weekly season ticket would have been cheaper, the system will cap their fares at the price of the weekly ticket. The system will now be subject to industry approval and is expected to go live by the end of the year across the UK, though roll-out on London Underground and Overground routes is due to take a year longer while necessary ticket-scanning technology is introduced.
West Midlands Mayor Starts Petition for Direct Flight between Birmingham and Mumbai
By Manisha Bhanot
Andy Street, Mayor of one of the largest counties in England, has been rigorously campaigning for a direct connecting air link between the cities of Birmingham and Mumbai. Representatives of Birmingham Airport, Solihull are soon to be visiting India in order to pitch future business proposals. Mr Street maintains the firm belief that a petition with signatures from the local community would heavily turn the odds in their favour. Birmingham runs flights that connect to Delhi via airport changes. However, Mr Street wishes to establish a new no-change link. This is so that families, business people
and other visitors will not have to make the 165km journey down to Heathrow first in order to fly to the Indian city. The Mayor oversees the running of all 18 authorities in the region and already met civil aviation organisations in India last year to discuss plans for the new link. As a means to gain motivation for the project, Mr Street has cited both a business and interpersonal cause. He has argued that his home city’s South Asian community would be benefitted by the new route, allowing them to visit their loved ones overseas more easily and that it would boost the city’s tourism industry as well. Mr Street has stated: “The Midlands serves a large Indian community of nearly 500,000, with significant populations in Birmingham, Leicester, Northampton, Nottingham, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. I am really pleased there is an Air India flight to Delhi from Birmingham but if people need to go to Mumbai they have to travel to Heathrow”. “Given the significant business (Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Rolls Royce, Bharat Forge, Pattonair and Bombardier to name a few) links between the Midlands and India, and the strength of the diaspora, there is strong demand for a direct flight between Birmingham and Mumbai.” As it stands, the petition currently has over 1.1K signatures. Recently, Indian investment has been increasing in the capital of London and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. County leaders have been looking for better networking opportunities with various cities in India. Moreover, community leaders have also joined trade organisations in India, offering incentives to potential Indian investors and companies that are eager to expand their horizons.
LOCAL 2-15
GLOBAL 16-21
BUSINESS 22-26
GLAM 27-35
WEDDINGS 36-41
HEALTH 42-43
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FOOD 48-49
MOTORING 50-53
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July 2019
Environment in Focus: Responsible Business in Action
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Read the headlines from the UPS Environmental Sustainability Award finalists
The world is waking up to our growing planetary emergency: from governments setting tighter targets, to extended producer responsibility across the whole lifecycle of products. And from investors controlling trillions of dollars of capital requiring business to tackle climate change, to millions of young people striking from school to demand a liveable future. The time for talking is over and business needs to be in the driving seat. We are delighted that Business in the Community (BITC) members are at the front of tackling these shared challenges. Our UPS Environmental Sustainability Awards finalists have amazing stories to tell about how they are tackling issues from plastic waste to logistics to enabling sustainable communities. They are turning impact into action across sectors and aspects of the environment. For instance, CitySprint is putting machine-learning algorithms at the heart of low-carbon delivery strategy. James Cropper is rescuing the valuable fibre in disposable paper cups on a commercial scale, while Midcounties Co-operative is focusing on energy saving and supporting their communities to live more sustainably. Morrisons and Sky are tackling singleuse plastic in their supply chains and operations, while The Pure Option is working in this area by manufacturing 100 per cent compostable, plant-based
packaging as a replacement. Our campaigns More than 100 companies have signed the Waste to Wealth Commitment. This brings together business, government, academia and civil society with the aim of doubling the nation’s resource productivity and eliminating avoidable waste by 2030. The Circular Economy Taskforce is helping every business drive change through the circular office programme, while the Water Taskforce is support-
ing food supply chains to help farmers with land stewardship, and making cities more resilient by creating green spaces. Headlines from the finalists for BITC’s Responsible Business Awards 2019: The UPS Environmental Sustainability Awards 1. Machine learning is driving efficiency The use of cloud-based, informationheavy technology is helping companies to boost efficiency and the environmental sustainability of their operations.
Payment Services and their Continued Expansion From Traditional Banking to Cryptocurrencies, E-Wallets and Blockchain What we consider to be traditional banking is slowly evolving, first with the introduction of credit cards in the 1950s, and today with the advent of contactless cards, mobile applications and e-wallets. The days of cash transactions as payment for services and goods has progressed to the exchange
of digital currencies through new platforms such as, amongst others, blockchain technology. These evolvements within the financial industry have seen physical contact with banking institution evolve into digital transactions and slowly shift away from a centralised financial system.
Payment Service Providers and Electronic Money Institutions The growth of Malta’s economy, especially in the areas of Fintech and iGaming, has seen an increase in Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) in Malta as a solution to companies within the industries that require fast and efficient payment and withdrawal solutions in the rest of the world. A PSP is digital software that can process payments, regulating the link between the client and
the merchant’s bank account. Such a solution means that the merchant will not need to set up such a link him/herself and will not be exposed to data and security risks. Meanwhile, an EMI is a financial institution which is licensed as a PSP which can also issue electronic money in an e-money exchange. PSPs and EMIs, are regulated by the Malta Financial Institutions Act, Chapter 376, and have been used to issue cards for payment accounts.
With the advent of blockchain technology, payment services have moved away from traditional banking to and towards the use of blockchain services. Cash is becoming less popular as blockchain technology moves payment services away from a central
authority. Smart contracts, through which payment systems are self-regulated, offer more transparency and control over payments. In fact, payments administered via blockchain technology only take a few seconds as opposed to a few days.
Blockchain and Payment Servicest
Delivery business CitySprint is using 15 years of historical delivery data to auto-allocate jobs, reduce delivery mileage, times and empty return journeys, helping to cut emissions and get traffic off of the roads. 2. Big investments in low-emissions vehicles CitySprint has doubled its plug-in electric vehicles in the past two years, launched the first hydrogen van for logistics in the UK and its zero-emission fleet now makes up more than 20 per
cent of its total London fleet. 3. Partnerships are key Many sustainability challenges will not be solved by any one company alone, and collaboration is key. James Cropper’s pioneering recycling process to tackle the great disposable-cup recycling challenge is possible thanks to partnerships with the likes of Costa, McDonald’s, and Starbucks which have installed 4,000 cup collection stations nationwide. 4. Community engagement is crucial Linking community interests to corporate sustainability programme is seen as crucial to sustaining long-term plans. Midcounties Cooperative’s Sustainable Communities scheme has enabled the business to engage with its members to help them tackle climate change issues. Its energy business now has 333,000 customers in total, all buying 100% renewably sourced energy. 5. Plastic is the new carbon The issue of plastic waste has captured the public imagination – and triggered plenty of corporate commitment to remove single-use plastic from products. Morrisons, encouraged by customer feedback, has set some big goals. By 2025, 100% of the company’s ownbrand plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable, and it will contain 30% recycled content on average.
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July 2019
All aboard the Virgin Trains Chat Carriage • Virgin Trains introduces ‘chat carriages’ on its Pendolino trains
Virgin Trains customers have been invited to strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller in its new ‘Chat Carriage’. Coach C on a number of Virgin Trains Pendolino services has been converted into the ‘Chat Carriage’ to support an initiative designed to get people to better engage with each other, especially when travelling on public transport. To help facilitate those conversations customers buying a hot drink on a select number of
• Customers encouraged to strike up conversations with fellow travellers
Virgin Trains services were given a second free of charge and encouraged to share it with a someone sitting close by as a means of sparking up a conversation, be it about the weather, their destination or where they have travelled from or what they are up to at the weekend. “All too often we tend to disappear into our own bubble when travelling by public transport,” explains Jo Buckley, Community Manager at Virgin Trains. “We think there’s still a
place for a smile and a chat. Research shows it can have a really positive impact on wellbeing and can brighten someone’s day.” By coming into contact with others, we may begin to understand other people’s worlds and help create a greater sense of belonging. Those who think there is nothing worse than talking to strangers and relish their ‘me time’ on their journey will be relieved to hear that any activity is entirely voluntary.”
If successful, Virgin Trains will explore rolling out a Chat Carriage as a permanent fixture onboard all of it services in the near future. They make a huge contrast to the railway company’s ‘quiet zones’, which are carriages where loud conversations and noise are prohibited to give tired travellers the chance to relax or read a good book to unwind on their journey.
ICT-enabled flexible working – All plain sailing? Imagine you’re at work and something happens: you have to leave to visit a client, you have to go home to let in the plumber, or you have to collect the kids from school as the football training has just been cancelled. If you’re lucky, your employer gives you the flexibility to do this. If you’re even luckier, it is YOU who decides upon your schedule and place of work. ICT-based flexibility in Europe Flexible working time and flexible places of work are nothing new. But advances in information and communications technology (ICT) have added a whole new dimension to flexibility, allowing workers to virtually connect with colleagues, clients and business partners anytime and anywhere. ICT has opened the door to new ways of organising work, resulting in much more flexibility around when and where tasks are performed. In short, we are shifting from a regular, bureaucratic and ‘factory-based’ working time pattern towards a more flexible model of work. In the EU, around one-fifth of workers telework from home or engage in what we call ICT-based mobile work,
meaning they work, either occasionally or regularly, from somewhere other than a main place of work, like a train or a coffee shop, heavily depending on mobile devices like a laptop or iPad. There is some diversity in the percentages by country – as the chart below illustrates, figures range from 8% in Italy to 33% in Denmark. The reason for this diversity across Europe is a combination of factors, such as a country’s affinity for technology; the availability and quality of its technological infrastructure; management culture and the drive for
higher productivity within companies; and employees’ needs for spatial and temporal flexibility to balance work demands with family commitments and other personal responsibilities. Happy flexibility? Increased flexibility is generally perceived as a positive feature of job quality. It gives workers more autonomy and control, allowing them to combine work with a variety of life situations and make choices according to their individual preferences. This potentially boosts productivity while enabling a better work–life balance.
From a labour market perspective, ICT-supported flexibility offers better employment opportunities for some groups of workers, like those with disabilities, illnesses or care responsibilities, whom a standard work schedule doesn’t suit, or those living in remote areas with few local employers. However, this type of working also has downsides. Paradoxically, the higher level of autonomy quite often results in people working longer hours or at higher intensity, because they use the flexibility to supplement rather than replace office time. Or they feel
pressured to do more work in exchange for the flexibility provided by the employer or because of excessive workload. Sometimes, this situation can be a result of work organisation, but it can also be due to the worker’s desire to prove their performance is unaffected or even enhanced by the location. As a result, teleworkers and ICT-based mobile workers who work more intensively are more likely to report high levels of stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, headaches and eye strain. A new phenomenon is now being observed among these workers: virtual presenteeism. Presenteeism is when employees go to work in spite of being sick. Again, it is nothing new and is often related to the employee’s fear of negative consequences if they miss work. But now ICT is facilitating people to work from home when they’re not feeling well, which is likely to impair their performance. What such behaviour means for the recovery process and long-term health has not been determined.
AW Facts Did you know? Bollywood produces almost double the amount of films Hollywood does per year.
Interview with
Sukh Ojla
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0 1 . o N s ’ i d i r f A Shahid e by Junaid Jamshed New Fragranc
Priyanka Chopra Jonas added to A-List in Madame TussaudPasge 32
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July 2019
TRENDING HRITHIK ROSHAN STARRER ‘SUPER 30’ TRAILER CHARTING MILESTONES OF SUCCESS!
The much awaited Hrithik Roshan starrer Super 30 film’s trailer has been widely appreciated and is being praised all across for Hrithik’s promising portrayal and the hard-hitting story line. Hailed as the ‘best trailer of the season’, the records are proof that the whole country is going gaga over Super 30’s recent outing and it definitely charting landmark success notes. The trailer of the film not only started trending on YouTube at #1 within six hours of its release but also garnered a record 20 million+ views within 24 hours of the launch. More so, the trailer which gives the best hints of the hard-hitting storyline was loved so much that it received the fastest 100k likes within one hour of its release and a total of 1 million likes just within a span of one and a half days of its posting on the internet. Directed by Vikas Bahl Super 30 trailer featuring Hrithik as the teacher to his students in Bihar was trending on #1 on IMDb. The trend #Super30Trailer also trended at number one on Twitter for more than six hours and sustained the trend at spot 3, post that. These trend figures only go on to prove that the trailer definitely was not just the most awaited trailer but also, the best of all times where it was ruling across
the social media, charting new records. Not just the audience, critics and the whole of industry is pouring in their love for the trailer, but it is also the alumni of Anand Kumar’s coaching centre in Bihar who have taken to their social media to express their appreciation for Hrithik, stunned at the portrayal of their real-life teacher by Hrithik. The appreciation from the students is a testimony that Hrithik has captured the soul of Anand’s character like no other. Superstar Hrithik Roshan has always surprised the audiences and critics, alike with his portrayal of challenging roles in his movies. The first look of the film, itself had created an immense buzz amongst the audience with Hrithik’s de-glam look winning appreciation from across and now the trailer is marking records like never. The film is all set to hit theatres on 12th July. Reliance Entertainment in association with HRX Films presents A Sajid Nadiadwala Film, A Phantom Production, directed by Vikas Bahl. Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Phantom Films & Reliance Entertainment. A Reliance Entertainment release. Super 30 releases worldwide on July 12th, 2019.
Ayushmann Khurrana on his role in Article 15
SOORYAVANSHI GETS AN EARLY RELEASE DATE
Youngsters excited to watch Kabir Singh
In a recent interview, Ayushmann Khurrana revealed how he trained for Article 15 by observing a friend who was an IPS officer in Delhi and also saw the local cops in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to perfect his role. He also mentioned how difficult it was for him to shoot for the film. “My director Anubhav Sinha is an evolved soul. He recommended a lot of books to read before the shoot because this kind of discrimination is unique to our country. What Mulk was for Hindu-Muslims, Article 15 is for casteism. And boy, was it a difficult shoot. We’d shoot around 5-6am and in the evening, between 4.30-6.30pm to catch the magical light. We filmed in muck, infested with leeches and water snakes, for three days”, the actor said in an interview. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Article 15 stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Isha Talwar, M Nassar, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Kumud Mishra and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as is out in cinemas NOW.
Megastar Akshay Kumar who was last seen in the critically and commercially acclaimed Kesari is gearing up for his next venture Sooryavanshi. Directed by Rohit Shetty, superstar Akshay Kumar will be seen playing a police officer in the film. The cop thriller which was earlier scheduled for an Eid 2020 release will now be releasing on March 27, 2020. As for Sooryavanshi, Rohit Shetty and Akshay Kumar are shooting for the film in Bangkok. It is the fourth instalment in Rohit’s cop universe with first three films being Singham, Singham Returns and Simmba. Sooryavanshi also features Katrina Kaif as the leading lady in the film. Akshay Kumar wrote online: “Casually hanging, off a helicopter...just another day on the sets of #Sooryavanshi P.S. Do NOT try this on your own, all stunts are performed under expert supervision”.
With the new release of Kabir Singh, starring Shahid Kapoor & Kiara Advani the curiosity level amongst the youth is getting higher. The trailer has given the audience a glimpse of the story, which many youngsters are relating to. They are also eager to see the fresh pairing of Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani on the silver screen. Not only the trailer, but all the songs from the music album too have received unconditional love and appreciation from the audience. Kabir Singh revolves around a doctor who falls in love with a medical student. The trailers and songs of the film that have been released so far also promise a love story to remember. The film shows Shahid and Kiara in a different look from any of the films they have done so far. Kabir Singh, a T-Series and Cine1Studios presentation, is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Murad Khetani, Krishan Kumar and Ashwin Varde. The film is out in cinemas NOW.
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July 2019
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AMIT KUMAR HONOURED AT HOUSE OF COMMONS FOR 50 YEARS OF CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN MUSIC
Amit Kumar is the first Indian artist across the globe to be awarded an esteemed accolade for “50 Years of Contribution to Indian Music” by the House of Commons Iconic Bollywood singer Amit Kumar was felicitated with a trophy for his contribution to music for the last 50 years at the historic Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London. The award was given to Amit Kumar by Member of Parliament Bob Blackman, on behalf of The Rt Hon Theresa May Prime Minister. Other political dignitaries who attended the event were Lord Navnit Dholaakia, Keith Vaz MP, Chief Superindentant Carl Lindley MPS, Suresh Kumar CEO Make My Event - Promoter of The Amit Kumar UK Legacy Tour 2019 and key business figures and members from community groups. Amit Kumar addressed the audiences by singing iconic songs and also shared some of the fond memories of his legendary father Kishore Kumar. In December 2016 Amit Kumar celebrated his 50 years in Bollywood and stars and celebrities attended his gala celebration in Mumbai. 2019 continues and promised to be a rampant success path with the introduction of ‘The Amit Kumar UK Legacy Tour’ in which he pays homage to his father Kishore Kumar. The sensational UK wide tour with multiple dates will be an unforgettable
experience with enthralling performances by Amit Kumar. Amit Kumar has collaborated with Bollywood legends, such as superstar Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and with popular music producers like Kalyanji–Anandji, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Salim-Javed, Gulzar, Bappi Lahiri and many more. Amit Kumar is a true artist and is dedicated to the art of original music. He formed a production company, KBM -
Kumar Brothers Music with his brother Sumit Kumar, which continues to offer new material to online music lovers. After 50 years of musical contribution to the Indian film industry, Amit continues to stay loyal to his fans and offers melody, rhythm and lyrical value to each one of his listeners. With his versatile recordings from KBM, Amit continues to diversify himself and stay current with a new generation of Bollywood music fans.
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July 2019
w e i v r e t n I
with
Sukh Ojla
By Navkiran Bains
Sukh Ojla is known to be one of the UK’s hottest new comics. With her naturally likeable stage presence and bullet-proof-timing, she won her dedicated fan base at her recent slot on BBC2’s The Big Asian Stand Up and is set to head up to the Fringe with her first ever hour. 1. Your feature at The BBC Asian Network Comedy Night was very entertaining and hilarious! Can you describe how you feel before you’re about to go on stage? I think doing comedy for TV is a different ball game. So when I go on stage on a live comedy night, it’s exciting and nerve-wracking. I don’t do any extreme sports, but the adrenaline that goes through your body I can imagine you feel before you jump out of a plane, I cannot verify that because it’s not the kind of thing I would do, my mum would kill me! But yeah, adrenaline to the point that before I go on stage, my mind goes blank because I’m not thinking about anything but the fact that I need to go up on that stage right now. I used to get a lot of stage fright, but I’m a lot better now at going ‘just breathe, it’s all part of the process’. I just think of it as my job, to go out there and be the best I can be, and when you’re on stage, it’s a two-way thing like even though your entertaining the audience, you also react to what you’re getting back from them, I’d like to think of it as a shared experience. It’s a tough emotion to sum up in one word because it’s just a mixture of terror and excitement. 2. What inspired you to pursue a career in comedy? So my background is in acting, and I went to drama school at 18, and then I did it for a few years after I graduated and I wasn’t seeing anybody on TV that looked like me, I’m Punjabi, I’m working class, I’m a big girl. But I started to think about where I fit in, and I got a bit disillusioned with the industry and just stopped and began to work at a school helping special needs students. Then I turned 30 and thought ‘I’m going to give acting one more shot’ and if it doesn’t work out I’ll do something else. I then did a workshop at the
South Bank Centre in London with Hardeep Singh Kohli. However, it was a mistake because I didn’t realise it was a comedy workshop, and it turned out to be a stand-up workshop. I didn’t really know or watch any standups, so I fell into it by accident. From that, I started doing a gig here and there and here we are! I never thought it was something I would do, but so many people thought it was a natural thing for me and weren’t surprised I was doing it; I feel like I was the most surprised person! It’s funny how life works out. 3. You are also a very accomplished actress, is this
something you would be interested in returning to? Yeah absolutely! So I’ve not left it, I’m still acting while I do stand-up. I’ve filmed on a few different TV series, and I’m a regular on a CBBC show called ‘Class Dismissed’. So it’s not something that I’ve left, it’s more something that I juggle around doing stand-up. It’s very much one of my passions and I one thing I would love to do more is theatre. 4. How do you feel to be heading up to the Fringe for your first ever hour? It’s quite surreal really; I can’t quite believe that it’s happening because I’ve planned to go up after last year Edinburgh as I went up for a short time last year, but you think about these things in your head and plan them, but it relies so much on other things. So there was a part of me that though something else might come up meaning I can’t do it. But I’m excited; I feel honoured to be going up and performing at such a big venue. I feel really lucky really that I’ve got such a great team behind me, I was really careful and keen to have an all-female team (except my director but he’s working class, so he gets a pass!). But I’m so lucky to be so supported by my team and also lucky that people are already buying tickets, it genuinely lifts my spirits and makes the hard times a lot easier that people are keen to see and support me! 5. What can audiences expect
from ‘For Sukh’s Sake’? It’s 100% new material, so it’s not something that you would have seen me do on TV or at any gigs. I wanted to go in more in-depth with this show and talk about the real me; I want to make people laugh but also be true to myself. So I discuss things like my history with mental health issues, I talk about moving home in my 30’s and really go into it and the double life that a lot of British Asians lead and marrying this with how they are at home. I don’t want to give too much away, but there’s also a twist, and it’s also about what I did to find happiness and the extreme length I went to cure myself of my depression and anxiety. The message of it is that there is hope if you are struggling with mental health issues. I do promise it’s a comedy! 6. What are the biggest difficulties you have faced in your career so far? I think in terms of acting; it is harder to I get them bigger roles. I feel like you are still side casted if you are a woman of colour. America is way ahead of where we are in terms of colour casting, and I feel like this has personally been a bit of a challenge for me. Like when I watch EastEnders for example, majority of the people are white, but the East of London is the other way around! I would love to see the day when we turn on our screens, and it’s a drama, and a lead role is a person of colour, but there’s nothing to do with their background, just about a person of colour having a life, a relationship and going out with friends! I feel like when people see an Asian actor, they put you in a box and tie you down to specific roles. Where’re all the Indian superheroes! 7. What can your fans look forward to seeing from you next? So, after Edinburgh, I’m on several tours going nationally, like Desi Central tour and Indians are Coming tour. All the details are on my social media and website. But I’m so excited about that, as it’s the biggest tour I’ve done and I’ll be working alongside amazing comedians. I’m also doing some other things I can’t talk about! But you’ll see me on TV, popping up in a couple of series. And there are other things I’m hoping to do like more radio and podcasts and things. That should keep me busy!
Shahid Kapoor Comments on New Movie Criticism
Alongside movie Kabir Singh’s success, it has also received much criticism from viewers The movie, Kabir Singh, is a remake of the Telugu film. The film stars Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani has achieved huge numbers across box offices, and they have been celebrating its success. However, following the success of the movie, there has been a backlash of criticism who have commented on the film for the violence shown on screen and saying that it is deeply misogynistic. Shahid Kapoor has opened up on these criticisms and stated that he is unaffected by the comments made about the film and focuses on the bigger picture and the message behind the movie. He said, “I don’t get affected by comments; that is not important. Everything will find its meaning once people see it in totality. At the start of your career, you are bothered about what people will think about your performances. I have been doing this for 15/16 years now. I have done about 30 films. For me, now it is about putting a body of work behind so that when people see that, they see a variety of work. The larger picture is important.” Kabir Singh has however received positive feedback from various celebrities such as Neha Dhupia, Janhvi Kapoor, Karan Johar and many more. Vijay Deverakonda who starred in Telegu, the original film also praised the remake stating that he loved the movie. Shahid Kapoor’s mother even commented on the backlash the movie received and said, “What we need to understand is Kabir Singh is a film which is an A certificate film. All the great films down the ages be it Scar Face, God Father or the recent Wolf of Wall Street would have been scrapped, great films with breathtaking performances. Our adult audiences are intelligent enough to understand the difference between reel and real life. Appreciate the film, the narrative and the powerhouse performance.” Regardless of the mixed response on the movie, it has reached up to £1bn and has become the fourth biggest Bollywood movie opener in the box office this year.
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Shahid Afridi Teams up with J. to Release a New Fragrance
Afridi to launch fragrance in partnership with Junaid Jamshed Fragrances Former cricketer Afridi, aka ‘Boom Boom’ has created this fragrance to represent his life-story in a bottle. Hence its name, ‘The Era’ because it symbolises ‘the era of Shahid Afridi, Lala and Boom Boom.’ As the fragrance is supposed to tell a story of the struggle of a hardworking man, it consists of a fresh woody fragrance. The woody base with sandalwood, amber and musk create an intense aroma. The top notes are the scents you immediately smell when using the fragrance. ‘The Era’ starts with bergamot and deep sweet coconut, which are both citrusy scents, symbolising the best of both worlds. The middle notes of the fragrance are solid woody vetiver with soft cashmere and fresh pink pepper. These scents represent freedom of the soul, strength and determination. The base note is the scent that is left and can smell throughout the day, which is a sweet vanilla scent to soften the woody base. Customers in Pakistan can purchase ‘The Era’ for Rs. 4,950. By Navkiran Bains
Turkish Nationals on Hacking Spree of Bollywood Actors’ Twitter Accounts
Hit singer and actor Adnan Sami Khan has recently had his Twitter account hacked. The perpetrators are allegedly Turkish origin cybercriminals who are patriotic to Pakistan. Adnan Sami was born in London, England, but is of Pakistani heritage, where he has also lived out a large proportion of his life. However, the Bollywood artist is now a national resident of India and has been given the nick-name ‘Major Adnan Sami’ by his social media following due to his major contributions towards the Pakistani cause in India. As a result of the hacking, Adnami’s Twitter profile picture was changed to one of Pakistani PM Imran Khan. The infiltrating group also posted a tweet with an image of their symbolism and a caption announcing they had taken over the star’s profile. “Your account has been hacked by the Turkish Cyber Army Ayyildiz Tim. Your DM correspondence and important data have been captured!” the post read. The group then began to send out various other tweets at five-
minute intervals, declaring the hacking party’s love for their ‘brother country Pakistan’ and wishing to have ‘a cup of tea’ with their esteemed Prime Minister. Sami’s Twitter bio was also changed to read ‘Ayyildiz Tim Love Pakistan’ along with emojis of a red heart and both the Pakistani and Turkish flags. The hacking came a day after the infiltration of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s Twitter by the same group, as similar imagery and wording were posted on his profile before the account was deleted.
Bachchan’s profile picture was changed to a different picture of ex-cricketer Imran Khan. His bio was changed to read: “Actor ... well at least some are STILL saying so !! Love Pakistan”. The hackers also patronised India in one of their posts, which read: “The Indian State, who mercilessly attacks the Muslims fasting in the month of Ramadan, is attacking the Ummah Muhammad in this age! Indian Muslims are entrusted to us by Abdulhamid.” In the following tweet, the hackers asked the mega-star’s followers for their international support. Whether they plan on continuing to target other Indian national super-stars still remains to be seen. By Manisha Bhanot
July 2019
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July 2019
Neeru Bajwa PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS JOINS THE AT MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON Reveals Why A-LIST Superstar now immortalised across four continents, with figures in London, New York, Sydney and Asia She Left TV Roles By Navkiran Bains
Punjabi actress states it was a conscious decision to leave TV shows Neeru Bajwa featured on a range of popular TV shows however revealed that it was a conscious decision to leave this part of the industry as the roles she was being offered became very repetitive. The actress states she was offered a generous salary on TV; however, began to lose a connection with the characters she was asked to play. “There was a lot of money, but I couldn’t connect really. You know, I just didn’t want to do something that I had to repeat all the time; a character, which is not good. I don’t look down upon it. I mean, it gave me so much popularity, and because of TV, I got my first breakthrough. But I enjoy doing films more,” Neeru told PTI. Following her success over the years, the 38-year-old actress is now one of the most famous names in Punjabi films, and she says she is content with the space she has created for herself in the industry. Neeru reveals that she is open to expanding her career and starring in Bollywood films, however only on the basis that the scripts she receives are worth her effort and have something to offer. “If I get good films, I would definitely do them. But most of the stuff that I get is not good at all. They were not good scripts. It’s just that if I’m going to do something, I want to do something of great quality, which I’m getting in the Punjabi industry. So why would I do something stupid for the sake of it?” Neeru says. The actress is currently starring in “Shadaa” alongside her frequent collaborator, Diljit Dosanjh. This movie is based on a man and a woman who are looking for love, even though they have crossed the so-called suitable age for marriage. “We are playing two people who are past the ‘suitable age’ of marriage. I think this is pretty much prevalent in our society. I mean, I’ve met so many women and girls during the film’s promotions, and they’re like, it’s so annoying when you pass a certain age, and people start to nudge you about getting married.
“I’m a believer in arranged marriages. I mean, mine was kind of an arranged marriage. My sister introduced me to my husband. You know, kind of set it up. She was not like ‘you have to marry him’, but she introduced me to him because I don’t get to meet too many people. So I knew right when I saw him, that ‘this is it’.” As Neeru’s career continues to grow, she admits that she never had any doubts that things would not work out for her in movies, she states “It’s been two decades. I feel blessed that I’m still working, and people want to see me.”
team has been so much fun. It’s incredible to think that my fans can now meet my figure in one of my favourite cities in the world.” Priyanka’s figure is sure to make an impression in the Baker Street attraction’s Party area. Styled to match the actress’ appearance at the 2017 Golden Globes, Priyanka’s figure will stand out in its exquisite gold sequin gown by Ralph Lauren. The only update to the look is the addition of replica diamond wedding and engagement rings in a nod to her newlywed status. Steve Davies, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said, “Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an obvious
Madame Tussauds London has revealed its first ever figure of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, ending months of fan speculation and completing the global superstar’s arrival at sites across four of the world’s continents. The Vogue cover star has been working closely with Madame Tussauds’ team on the epic four-figure project since 2018, beginning with a private sitting at Priyanka’s New York City apartment. Fans have been waiting to see the hotly-anticipated London arrival since the first figure was revealed earlier this year in Priyanka’s adopted hometown of New York. Today, Madame Tussauds London joins its sister sites in Sydney and Asia in unveiling their figures to long-awaiting fans. A star of over 50 films whose acting prowess has taken Hollywood by storm, Priyanka is a passionate advocate for women’s issues and equality and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Priyanka Chopra Jonas said of her initiation to Madame Tussauds London, “I love London, it has such an energy and spirit to it. Working with Madame Tussauds London’s
choice as the latest addition to our star-studded line-up. We welcome guests from around the globe each year and we’ve seen Priyanka’s fan base continue to grow worldwide. It’s been an honour to work with Priyanka and we’re sure fans will be excited to meet her new figure at Madame Tussauds London.” Visitors to Madame Tussauds London can join Priyanka in the attraction’s Party area from today, where they can sip their tipple of choice alongside Priyanka and her fellow A-Listers at the fully licensed Tussauds Bar. Fans can also meet Priyanka’s figure at Madame Tussauds sites in New York, Sydney and touring Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
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Cookie! Konnie Huq
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Younger readers will be able to relate to Cookie and be amused at the scenarios she gets herself in. Konnie said, “Writing these books is very close to my heart. It’s so important to get kids enthused at a young age not only with reading but also a good sense of humour and even a touch of the anarchic. The Cookie books do all this while telling a real, relatable story about growing up, friendship and staying true to yourself. Plus, I’ve thrown in a bit of STEM learning – geeky habits die hard…” Bubbling with energy and fun, the Cookie books are essential reading for anyone in the 8-12-year-old age group and is set the release on 8th August 2019.
July 2019
Lions of Windsor 2019 Sculpture Trail
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This summer a giant pride of lions will be transformed by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists and designers to create a magnificent public art sculpture trail across Windsor to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria The life-size fibreglass lions will be transformed by leading artists and designers from around the world in a wide range of styles, from fine art to mosaics, street art and illustrations to abstract designs. The high-profile designers include iconic fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, Kaffe Fassett MBE, Lyora Pissarro, Andrew Logan, Anna Kompaniets, Craig Wheatley and Martin Brown, as well as less well known and amateur artists who have had the opportunity to submit their lion designs. Lisa Todd, the event’s Creative Director says, “We are over the moon that the Lions of Windsor 2019 sculpture trail has attracted some of the most famous names in art and design from around the world and encouraged new and amateur artists to send us their submissions. Windsor is already a tourist hot spot and we are confident that the beautifully decorated lion sculptures will make Windsor and the surrounding area the destination event of the summer for residents, visitors and tourists.” The eye-catching lion sculptures are available for sponsorship by businesses and organisations and lion cubs are available for schools to decorate. For further details visit www.lionsofwindsor.org.
Cookie and the most annoying boy in the world Former ‘Blue Peter’ presenter, Konnie Huq, is set to publish a series of children’s books, starting with Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World. According to Bonnier Books, the book “marks the start of a brand new hilarious series for young readers and introduces the world to Cookie Haque – nine years old, obsessed with science and ready to take on the world… Or at least she thinks she is.” Konnie Huq bases her novel around Cookie, who is from a Bangladeshi family and gets herself into constant scrapes. The cast within the story are incredibly entertaining, from tedious teachers to irritating classmates, the Cookie books relate to anyone who has been through school. Konnie Huq states, “When I was growing up, I always felt a bit like I didn’t quite fit in, a feeling that perhaps still lingers in the background to this very day! I was the small brown girl in the big white suburb. I liked science and maths but liked drama too, and, boy… does Cookie like a bit of drama?!” Not only does the book contain humour that will have readers laughing out loud, but also consists of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning, which is valuable to young readers.
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About Mr A Singh Joining the fabulous list of artists is Mr Amrit Singh, who was recently in Windsor, painting his lion in the Ice Gallery there. Mr Amrit Singh is a multi-talented and much accredited artist, director, content creater and public speaker. He possesses over a decade of graphic design experience and has collaborated with the biggest industry brands around the globe. His design work is truly top notch, and he embeds the best social media solutions to his clients in order to lead successful campaigns. His recent work has included working alongside big names such as Amazon, BBC, Google Digital Garage, n power, various educational facilities and much more. One of the modern day’s most inspirational artists, Amrit creates detailed ink art under his brand InkANIMA brand and has showcased his art many times across London, Birmingham and overseas in San Francisco. He has Published two books and given speeches and Ted Talks on platforms across around the U.K, the rest of Europe and in the United States. Amrit founded NowHumanity, a social initiative that uses social media to highlight humanitarian issues around the world. In 2016, he was one of the first to live stream the European refugee crisis and broadcast unedited, first person footage from the ground in 5 cities to over a million people around the world. Mr a Singh’s self-titled brand has grown in influence since its humble beginnings and has a dedicated audience that follow the creator on his various social networks. As a result, he has sold his work across the world and collaborates with top brands creating content in his unique style. His live streams have totalled over 6 million viewers worldwide, with 17 million likes and he has been featured numerous times by Periscope, Twitter, Mashable, ITV, BBC, Huffington Post, Adweek, International Business Times, and Sky News.
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July 2019
Eastern Eye ACTA 2019 award winners announced • Eastern Eye Arts Culture & Theatre Awards celebrate the best of British Asian talent • Big winners include Paul Chowdhry, Naughty Boy, Nitin Ganatra, Shobna Gulati, Mandip Gill to name a fetw • Categories cover excellence in Music, TV, Film, Theatre, Comedy, Literature, Dance, Photography and Visual Arts
Play Review: The Chef Show a Brilliant Blend of Things you would never expect to Mix!
The fourth Eastern Eye Arts, Culture & Theatre Awards (ACTAs) winners were revealed at the glittering gala awards night at the end of June, in the May Fair Hotel, London. The evening was hosted by award-winning broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake. The ACTAs celebrate diverse talent in the arts and entertainment, with categories spanning a wide range of disciplines and showcasing a world of talent. The list of winners for 2019 were another eclectic mix of popular household names and critically acclaimed emerging talents who excel in their respective fields. Leading the charge of 2019’s winners, the Theatre categories saw some notable triumphs for EastEnders favourite Nitin Ganatra, crowned Best Actor for theatre production ‘End of the Pier’ and Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati who picked up Best Actress for her role in ‘Richard II’. Acclaimed theatre director Indhu Rubasingham won Best Director for her adaptation of ‘White Teeth’, the best-selling novel by Zadie Smith, whilst ‘Tartuffe’ by the Royal Shakespeare Company picked up the Best Production. The hotly contested categories for Comedy and Contemporary Music were won by popular comedian Paul Chowdhry and chart-topping producer Naughty Boy respectively whilst the TV and Film acting categories were awarded to Ash Tandon
(‘Bodyguard’) and Priyanga Burford (‘Press’). Star of hit BBC TV show ‘Dr Who’, Mandip Gill won the People’s Choice Award, as voted for by the public, with the Emerging Artist Award going to Antonio Aakeel, star of independent British comedy film ‘Eaten by Lions’. In his welcoming speech, Amit Roy, Editor-at-Large, Eastern Eye and Chairman of the ACTA judging panel said: “I would urge Asian parents to encourage a love of theatre, movies, dance, drama, painting, photography and, above all, books in their children for another reason. It is spiritually nourishing – and will add to the sum total of happiness in Britain.” Nihal Arthanayake said: “The need to support the arts is vital and Asian Media Group is honoured to be saluting the very best artists this evening.” Stars who have attended the ACTAs in previous years have included Anita Rani, Meera Syal, Anoushka Shankar, Sacha Dhawan, Dr Ranj Singh, George Alagiah and this year’s event proved another memorable occasion with several stars from screen and stage attending the evening to celebrate the success of well-known stars and emerging talents from the British Asian community. For the first time, the ACTAs were live-streamed. Visit www.actas.co.uk/Live.php to watch.
To tap into the comedic potential of a curry house whilst confronting the racial abuse endured by South Asian restaurant owners is a blend that many would call a recipe for disaster. But writer Nick Ahad and a talented two-man cast, who played both father and son as well as all the customers, served these contrasting themes with a panache that had the audience roaring with laughter one minute and sobered up the next. Ragged Edge Productions went to town when it came to audienceengagement, doing away with the traditional theatre layout and inviting the audience to sit at restaurant tables. But they did not stop there; at the centre of the stage was an actual chef, namely award-winning Sudha Shaha from Entouraj Restaurant in Droitwich Spa who cooked treats that were sampled by the audience during the interval. As the audience took their seats, the chef prepped away, and the actors made conversation with people. One of the snippets of conversation I
picked up was the revelation that the actors had met the chef not long before the performance. This made the parts of the play where the actors stepped out of character to ask the chef questions about cooking more impressive considering they had probably not been rehearsed many times if at all. Whilst there were many laughable moments, the ones that stayed with me were from the interactions between the ‘first date couple’; the excessive coyness of Sarah and the haplessness of Bob whose attempts to make a good impression result in deeper holes for him but more laughs for the audience. Another couple we are introduced to are Rodney, a controlling husband and Janet who is determined to order what she wants. The outcome is one that is enjoyed by both the audience and the ‘first date couple’ who eye the drama from their table. At the heart of the play is the relationship between the father and son who run the restaurant on contrast-
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By Huma Khan ing beliefs. Ben, who the restaurant owner refers to as ‘Ben beta’, is a customer that draws attention to these contrasts. Ben comes to the restaurant alone on a particular night every year but orders for two. Whilst the son considers Ben a threat to customer retention, his aba knows better. The most important aspect of the play was its addressing of the racial violence faced by South Asian restaurant owners. Early in the play, the son reminds his aba of the night in his childhood when he came home from work with a sauce-stained shirt. As the play unfolds, the father reveals the truth about that night which leaves the audience both horrified but hopeful about the worst and best of humanity. The Chef Show was a unique experience, a blend of both live cooking show and play that featured larger than life characters but also delivered insight into a topic that is the concern of all.
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July 2019
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Asian Wedding Section Welcome to the renewed version of the AsianWorld wedding directory – inclusive in your monthly copy of our newspaper. This section will include a handful of all your favourite and well established brands, as well as some new and upcoming featured businesses. Either way, we aim to make planning your perfect wedding
so much easier! The lay-out and design of the next few pages is set to put you at ease – either side of the bridal party will find it simple to dip into our list of useful clientele, services and products, and tick off all their wedding needs! On average, the Asian wedding costs a huge
sum of £50,000 upwards, which is more than twice the price of a traditional British ceremony. Whether it be a Sikh, Muslim or Hindu marriage, Asians are known to invite all of their friends and members of their extended family from near and far. With an invitation list that normally exceeds 100 guests, hosts are eager to please. Hence, the
average Asian couple will spend around one fifth of their entire lives’ earnings on this single most prestigious event! If you would like your business advertised in our wedding directory, and promoted across the West Midlands in various ways, you can get in touch with us using the contact details on page 3.
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July 2019
10 Tips on How to get More Sleep Before your Wedding Every bride wants to look radiant and healthy on her wedding day, and getting regular good, high quality sleep is a major contributor to achieving this. Unfortunately, the inevitable nerves and stress related to the event will often lead to restless nights. Bed specialist, Dreams, offers some advice on how to keep calm and relax in the run-up to the big day. 1) Say no to the champers Although many people claim alcohol helps them to fall asleep more quickly, it actually reduces REM sleep. This is the phase of sleep associated with deep dreaming. Losing out on REM sleep can cause drowsiness when awake, so it’s best to avoid it altogether during the run-up to the wedding. Swap alcohol for herbal teas and non-caffeinated soft drinks, which will also help with hydration. 2) Avoid coffee and other stimulants Caffeine is obviously well known for keeping people awake, but many other snacks and drinks also contain caffeine, such as chocolate, tea and cola drinks. It is best to steer clear of food and drinks containing stimulants, or make sure they are consumed early in the day, as even in moderate doses, they can block sleep neurotransmitters, causing insomnia. The Dreams 7 Sleep Mistakes infographic has more advice. 3) Light exercise Although time is always tight in the weeks building up to the wedding, the bride should allow herself some light exercise every day. She should avoid too much strenuous activity late in the day, however, as this is more likely to cause her to wake in the night. 4) Eat foods that contain tryptophan If the bride feels she needs an energy boost, it is best to snack on foods that contain tryptophan. This is an amino acid, which is required for the production of serotonin in the body, which in turn produces melatonin – a hormone that helps with sleep. Yoghurt, bananas, milk and eggs are all high in tryptophan. 5) Put that phone away Although the days before a wedding can be frantic with so much to do and people to contact, brides should try to avoid using their smartphone, tablet or laptop late at night. Gadgets like this emit blue light, which is said to delay the production of melatonin, so keeping the body awake. 6) Turn off the TV 38% of people watch television to wind down before they sleep. However, this can actually harm the sleep cycle, as watching TV before bedtime encourages you to stay up later than you would naturally. 7) Listen to sounds that aid sleep If the bride is anxious and is finding it particularly difficult to get to sleep at night, she could try one of several devices and apps available that generate white noise, such as White Noise Ambience Lite. White noise devices work two ways: by blocking distracting noises, and by producing soothing sounds that are relaxing and help to induce sleep. 8) Consider sleeping naked It’s always tempting to wrap up in cosy pyjamas on cooler nights, but going to bed naked can have several benefits when it comes to getting our beauty sleep. Studies have shown that having the wrong body temperature at night can stop the dozing off process; while not allowing the body to regulate its temperature (by wearing clothes, for example) can prevent people from reaching the deeper stages of sleep. 9) Turn the bed into a sleep haven Don’t compromise on comfort. The bride should ensure her bed is as comfortable as possible – even if it is just to change the bed linen for something luxurious, or swap a thick duvet for clean, cotton sheets to ensure she has a cool and calm night’s sleep before the wedding. 10) Try an alternative sleeping cycle If planning the wedding several months in advance, there is time for the bride to consider changing her sleeping cycle altogether. The Dreams Sleep Matters Club offers four alternative sleeping cycles as an alternative to the common Monophasic cycle that most people practice: Biphasic, Everyman, Dymaxion and Uberman. Beauty tip: It is also good to know that during sleep, the body goes into ‘repair’ mode. It does this by producing growth hormones, which help to rebuild damaged cells, including those of the skin, hair and nails. So the more sleep we get, the longer our bodies can continue with this repairing, restoring and rebalancing process... which all means that beauty sleep isn’t a myth, it’s a fact!
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Beware: Is Fortnite becoming a relationship wrecker? Fortnite is all over the news right now as one of the most addictive digital games every played. It’s not only teenagers that are being affected by its drug like qualities. It is affecting relationships and marriages according to research by online divorce website www.divorceonline.co.uk. The company has done some data mining after seeing an increase in enquiries where Fortnite has been mentioned as part of the reason
someone wanted to file a divorce. It has received 200 divorce petitions since January 1st where addiction to Fortnite and other online gaming has been cited as one of the reasons for divorce. A spokesperson for the company said: “Addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling are have often been cited as reasons for relationship breakdown but the dawn of the digital revolution has introduced new addictions.”
“These now include online pornography, online gaming, and social media, so it is no surprise to us that more and more people are having relationship problems because of our digital addictions.” “This equates to roughly 5% of the 4,665 petitions we have handled since the beginning of the year and as one of the largest filers of divorce petitions in the UK, is a pretty good indicator.”
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Are Women Shifting Away from Wedding Day Traditions?
You’re twice as likely to marry the First Partner you live with Than to Leave Them
Nine out of 10 people living together with their first or second partner either get married or separate within five years after moving in, according to a new study from The University of Cologne. It is now considered normal to live with multiple partners during a lifetime, however the researchers suggest that living with your first or second partner creates a make or break situation. While 90% get married or break up, you’re actually twice as likely to tie the knot than finish the relationship. “Our study suggests that despite the increasing popularity of unmarried
cohabitation and the rise in partnership instability, there is not a loss in the importance of marriage,” says Dr Nicole Hiekel from the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS). The researchers also found that serial cohabitation is a relatively rare phenomenon, with only three out of 100 people reporting to have experienced more than two cohabitation episodes. The study analysed the relationship biographies of around 2,500 women and men aged 35-45 using data from the German Family Panel Pairfam. It is published in the journal Demographic Research.
Typically, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘bridesmaids’ might be a group of women, chosen by the bride, wearing matches dresses. Hen Heaven Survey Reveals…. A recent survey conducted by Hen Heaven has shown that women are opting to flaunt tradition. 54% of women said that they would consider having their bridesmaids wear something other than dresses. In addition to this, 76% of women said they would consider having men in their bridal party (e.g. as ‘bridesmen’ or ‘man of honour’). In a similar way, 73% of women said they would consider inviting friends
of the opposite sex on their hen weekend. Interestingly, despite these opinions indicating that there has been a shift away from tradition, 75% said they did not think bridesmaids wearing the same dresses was outdated. 62% of women said that they think it is stressful choosing bridesmaids. Despite this, only 39% of women said that they would feel obliged to ask family members to be a bridesmaid even if they did not want to. The three most important qualities when choosing a bridesmaid were… 1. Reliable 2. Trustworthy 3. Organised
The quality ‘Party animal’ was ranked as the least important. Other key findings in the survey include: Out of all the women surveyed, only 0.85% had been a bridesmaid more than four times. Most women who opted to take part in the survey had only been a bridesmaid once. 40% of women surveyed said they would be offended if the bride had asked them to pay for a bridesmaid dress that she had chosen for them to wear. 85% of women said they would not ask their bridesmaids to pay for address that they chose for them to wear.
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Website Helps Those Affected by Growing Challenge of Online Affairs
“
Online Affairs, Information for people in relationships, features explanations on key topics for concerned browsers such as, ‘What is online infidelity exactly?’, ‘How do I recognise the signs?’ and ‘Where can I get support?’
Recent British research suggests that many people who have experienced infidelity think that the internet, social media and digital technologies, all make infidelity more likely. Due to the uncertain age that we live in, a website has been launched which offers the public research-informed advice as well as signposting help for anyone concerned that their relationship may be at risk due to online affairs. The website is the result of a collaboration between researchers from the Open University, Oxford University’s Internet Institute and five UK couple counselling organizations: Tavistock Relationships, Relate, One Plus One, Asian Family Counselling and Marriage Care. Dr Vossler, of the OU explains why the ESRC-funded website was created: “There is a lack of up-to-date, research-based information online – information that is from credible sources and which is not couched in emotional terms or which does not condemn those who engage in Internet infidelity.” Dr David Hewison, Head of Research and Ethics at Tavistock Relationships said: “We know that the rapid changes in digital communications technologies are having an impact on relationships – sometimes in a good way and other times in a way that is more difficult for couples. One particular issue is couples being uncertain about the limits of ‘faithfulness’ when interacting with others online via mobile phone or laptop and it is because of this that we decided to take part in this project” As well as providing information and support for the public, the new website also provides resources for professionals such as counsellors and psychotherapists on how to work with online affairs.
Women’s Pressures to Pregnancy after Marriage Pressures to have children that come from family, friends and culture For most Asians, there is the expectation from family to get married in good time. But even after this, women are then pressured to conceive and fall pregnant before they reach a certain age. However, what impact does this actually have on women? Psychologist, Katayune Kaeni, who specialises in women’s mental health, says, “There’s this intrusiveness on women and women’s reproductive everything.” In some cases, the stress from the pressure women receive to have children can lead to depression and anxiety. Women have opened up about these pressures and how they have affected them personally. Many state that the pressures they get from family, particularly the older generation, make them feel like “human incubator boxes”. One woman who has experienced these pressures first-hand stated, “I would be the one carrying the child. I would be the main caretaker. If the person in charge of all of that and responsible for all that isn’t feeling good about it, or they’re feeling pressured, it takes away from the life-altering, wonderful experience that motherhood is supposed to be.” For many, the question of pregnancy lingers in almost every social situation and results in women beginning to feel internal shame if they simply do not wish to have children, or whether they can’t. This feeling eventually begins to lead to isolation as women
By Navkiran Bains
start to feel unsupported in their decisions to hold off pregnancy. These reasons may be personal to the couple conceiving as it may be down to medical or financial challenges.
An aspiring social worker, Genice Brown, works mainly in the child development field commented, “I want to have them [kids] when I have them, not to feel pressure to have a kid. The
older you get, the more the question comes… it’s constant.” She urges women to remember that there is no timeline with such matters, and life does not always
go as planned. “You’re not less of a woman,” she said, “you bearing children does not identify you as a woman. That’s not your passage into womanhood.”
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HEALTH Inhibition of ribosome biogen- The Health Benefits esis as a novel approach for of Pumpkin Seeds multi-stage cancer treatment T: 0121 771 4545
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By Manisha Bhanot
Nearly ninety per cent of all cancer patient deaths are due to metastasis. A study from Uppsala University shows that a process that allows the cells to metastasise is aided by the synthesis of new ribosomes, the cell components in which proteins are produced. The results open the possibility for new treatment strategies for advanced cancers. The study is published in Nature Communications. As tumours progress towards advanced stages they dedifferentiate, become more aggressive and lose the characteristics of the origin tissue. They also acquire the migratory capacity that allows the tumour to spread or metastasize to distant sites in the body, eventually causing patient death. For epithelial tumours to metastasis the tumour cells undergo a process known as the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which allows the cells to develop migratory ability. During EMT, cells also lose their proliferative capacity and become more stem-like. This remarkable transition leads to both increased invasiveness and an ability to evade numerous cancer treatments including hormonal therapies. In the present study the researchers found that EMT is aided by the synthesis of new ribosomes, which serve to synthesize the proteins required for cell functions. Their study therefore argues that ribosome biogenesis may be more than just a pro-proliferative process. “Until recently, ribosomes have been considered to play only passive roles during the production of proteins. Our study shows that ribosomes potentially have complex, active roles and suggests that more attention should be given to understanding how ribosomes contribute to cell physiology in health and disease states,” says Theresa Vincent, group leader at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology
at Uppsala University, who has led the study together with Scott C. Blanchard at Weill Cornell Medicine, USA. The researchers also demonstrated that by inhibiting the formation of new ribosomes, aggressive and hormone insensitive tumours could be partially reverted to a benign and non-metastatic type. “We used a small molecule called CX5461 to inhibit ribosome biogenesis in mouse models of human tumours. We found that primary tumours reverted from an invasive type to a non-invasive type as well as potentially regaining sensitivity to hormonal therapy. Importantly, CX-5461 treatment also
resulted in a marked reduction of number lung metastases. This suggests that treatment with CX-5461 may enhance hormone therapy responsiveness in patients where this kind of treatment doesn’t work any more. We find this to be a remarkable breakthrough and we are currently pursuing a number of additional validation studies,” says Theresa Vincent. The study was by performed by a multi-institutional group of scientists from Uppsala University, Karolinska Institutet and Lund University in Sweden, together with researchers in USA, Austria, Spain and United Arab Emirates.
The yellow cells, indicated by arrows, are the first evidence of increased ribosome biogenesis in cells during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Ancient Wisdom Fused with Modern Science Shifa Herbs are a Naturopathic Health Consultancy based in Edgbaston, Birmingham. We aim to use completely natural methods such as homoeopathic medicines and herbs to ease our patients’ ailments and improve overall bodily health. The clinic was established by Shafaqat Khan ND, who is a practitioner member of the Association of Master Herbalists. He has trained in a range of disciplines, including auricular acupuncture, basic homoeopathy, iridology and naturopathic nutrition. He has also studied herbal medicine from a variety of different cultures, including China, South Asia and the West. We use a range of diagnostic methods to analyse our patients, such as
Chinese pulse reading to determine cardiovascular health, tongue examination and Iris analysis. The key aim of our diagnosis is for you to achieve a balanced state of both mind and body. Our consultations involve a private and confidential questioning session followed by diagnosis by our fully trained and expert healthcare professionals. We give medication and advice for a range of common conditions such as diabetes, anxiety and distress, eczema, asthma, joint problems, sleep disorders, digestive problems, fertility issues, blood pressure and much more. Nutritional recommendations and supplements are always provided to aid the internal healing process. Bach
flower remedies may also be produced to address any psychological and emotional element of illness. All of our patients can rest assured that our medicines do not have the usual side-effects of clinical medicines that are commonly used today. We believe it is essential to educate our patients and give full explanations as to how our treatments work. This assists with compliance and hence achieves better health. Therefore, your doctor will guide you through the healing process. Extra dietary advice is given and our medical staff are available on call should you have any queries or concerns as you begin your treatment.
Pumpkin seeds, otherwise known as Pepitas, are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals that promote good overall health. After being rinsed, they can be consumed either raw or roasted, mixed with oils or organic spices such as capsicum and turmeric as part of a delicious curry, or on top of a salad as a yummy snack. Pepitas are great for you because they are a valuable source of protein and omega-3. They also contain all 9 essential amino acids and nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, Iron and Selenium. However, they have many other benefits which help regulate the body’s overall function, reduce the symptoms of various illnesses and help fend off harmful pathogens and diseases. Pepitas are Anti-Inflammatory Tired of feeling bloated or waking up with a puffy face in the morning? Well, pumpkin seeds can help! Minor inflammation in the body is vital to fend off infections; however, prolonged inflammation can lead to serious health problems. A mixture of pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds especially has been found to reduce inflammation in individuals who suffer from liver disease. The seeds are easy enough to consume, and can even be grinded down and added to your favourite flavoured smoothie. Pepitas are beneficial for Heart Health As mentioned before, pumpkins seeds contain a range of benefiting amino acids; one of these includes alpha-linolenic acid (ACA). ACA is especially useful for the heart and aids in the
prevention of cardiovascular disease, reduce blood pressure and the chance of having a heart attack. Thus, your heart can continue to work properly and remain in good form. Pepitas help you to Sleep If you’re suffering from insomnia, crunching on some cooked or naked pumpkin seeds before bed is a good idea. Pepitas contain a substance called tryptophan which is associated with a good night’s rest. They also contain magnesium, which is an essential compound for sleep regulation and improving your pattern of sleep. Are There Side-Affects to the seeds? Although it’s a rare condition, certain people can be allergic to pumpkin seeds, some of the allergy symptoms can be itchiness around the mouth or even asthma. However, they are not an overly allergenic food source such as sesame seeds. Nonetheless, you should be aware of this, and when eating pumpkin seeds, monitor the amount of salt you add to them as they can increase sodium levels in your body.
AW Facts Did you know? Smelling the herb Rosemary can improve your memory and alertness.
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Bleed control kits pilot launched in city centre A new pilot scheme, equipping city centre businesses and late night venues with specialist first aid kits, was launched by in Birmingham recently. Birmingham Community Safety Partnership (BCSP) has been working with campaigner Lynne Baird, of The Daniel Baird Foundation, to develop and deliver this initiative to a variety of locations across the city centre. The Daniel Baird Foundation was set up by the family after he was fatally stabbed while out with friends in Birmingham on 8 July 2017. There was no first aid or bleed control kit available, and Daniel died shortly after arriving at hospital due to catastrophic bleeding. On average it takes a priority ambu-
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Hurst St where the launch took place – and endorsed by West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS). While there are many different kits on the market, BCSP worked with WMAS and the West Midlands Trauma Networks to develop a kit that would work effectively in a bleed control situation. Staff at venues will receive training on these kits, and people who call 999 will be directed to the nearest
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kit and talked through how to use it by WMAS’s call centre Lynne Baird, Trauma Team. The kits were developed Daniel’s mother and and produced by Profounder of The Daniel Baird metheus Medical, Foundation, added: who have provided ambulance services across the “I am delighted that Birmingham, his UK and worldhome, is taking this step to become wide with a range of kits, including the first Control the Bleed city in the this bleed control UK and that Birmingham kit.
lance seven minutes to reach a Cotton, Cabinet Member patient, but bleeding from serifor Social Inclusion, ous injuries - such as those Community Safety and Equalities at suffered in a stabbing, shooting, car or industrial Birmingham City Council, said: accident - can prove fatal in as little as three to five “The launch of these kits in our city shows minutes. These bleed control kits can help what we can all achieve when everyone save vital minutes until works together, we can really make a paramedics arrive at the difference. Being able to put something scene. The BCSP received in place that can save vital minutes £4,000 from the West in such situations and hopefully Midlands Police and Crime help save lives is a great Commissioner to purchase 50 kits, which will be distributed to example of that.” a various businesses and late night venues - including The Village in
Community Safety Partnership are helping achieve this. I think he would have been very proud of this initiative.”
65% of people age 60 and over in the UK admit to feelings of Loneliness
Loneliness is a reality for many of the UK’s elderly. Research from Contact the Elderly and Cera Care shows the extent of this issue. 35% of the UK elderly population see a friend or relative once a week. This and more is included in the story. The survey asked about the experiences and feelings of 978 people from across the UK aged 60 and over regarding loneliness. 1 in 6 people reported feeling lonely half to all of the time. Given the low levels of contact with friends and family experienced by many people over the age of 60, it is no surprise that 65% of older people in the UK admit to feelings of loneliness. 82% agree that loneliness is alleviated when they see family and friends. More than half of those taking the survey, 54%, said that they would like more contact with friends and
family. As well as feelings of isolation, loneliness can have a damaging effect on the mental and physical health of sufferers. 22% of those surveyed felt that loneliness had affected their mental health whilst 19% said that it had had a damaging effect on their physical health. Loneliness affects people across the UK. In Sheffield, 67% of elderly residents see friends or family members less than once a week, with 14% having no contact with friends, relatives or loved ones. In Bristol, 44% have contact once a week or less, while this is the case for 43% of residents in Norwich and 41% in Cardiff. Across Wales as a whole, 17% of elderly people are left with no contact from family and friends throughout the year. Meryl Davies, Chief Executive
of Contact the Elderly said: “Loneliness is the reality for many of the two million people aged 75 and over who live alone in the UK. At Contact the Elderly we provide social gatherings for more than 6,000 isolated people across the UK each year and for many of them, we are the only people they see all month. Since 1965, we have brought friendship and laughter to the lives of over 100,000 older people. We are committed to creating opportunities for real, long-term connections and we will continue to develop across the UK by recruiting new volunteers and setting up new groups. If you know an older person living alone who could benefit from joining one of our local monthly social events, please get in touch.” Plenty of positivity exists within the elderly population however, with 73% feeling that now they’re older it is just as easy to communicate and stay in touch with people. Again, 73% feel that poor mobility doesn’t necessarily impact their ability to get to social events and 74% feel just as confident talking to new people. Cera has produced a guide detailing the steps that can be taken to help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. For more information, visit the Cera website https://ceracare.co.uk/blog/ how-to-help-a-loved-one-who-
is-lonely/. Anyone wishing to get in
touch with Contact the Elderly can do so on their free phone
number 0800 716 543.
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Aviation Accessories
a part of Life
Accessories are part of life; they give style to a person. They are an addition to the outfit which makes you look different from others. Today they have various different sectors in commerce; the automobile industry, culinary industry, entertainment industry and now in the aviation industry also, where accessories have become a style statement. Explor-
ers who love to travel by aeroplanes or have a passion to fly in the sky love to buy the aviation accessories which make them appear more attractive to themselves and become more so attached to aviation. The type of aviation accessories trending today are t-shirts, caps, cups, watches, bracelets , pendants, passport holders,
mobile case covers, pillows, cushions, key rings, luggage tags, airpod cover cases, pendants, earrings etc. in which different aviation logos are engraved or you may find aeroplanes or airline names on. When people carry these types of accessories with them they feel special because it gives them a feeling of love for aviation.
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People are so enthusiastic towards these accessories that they keep an eye on what is updated in shops or on online websites. There are so many aviation accessories accounts on social media that it becomes easy to choose from a variety of products sitting at home. Online shopping websites, Instagram, Facebook pages etc. you will find huge
lists of products designed by the designers. Like – 1.) Aviationphone (Instagram A/c - aviationphone) Here you will find mobile case covers with 3D logos of different airlines, dxb airport charts, Boeing and Airbus vehicles flying in the sky, etc. There are also items such as Airpod case covers with colourful glittering gems on them which make people more attracted and convinced to buy them. People who are working in the aviation industry are addicted to these designs that they perceive to make their mobiles more appealing. The designer of the products is named Ahmed Balfaqih sir (Instagram A/c - a_ balfaqih ) from UAE, and he has given a uniqueness to his designs which you will not find anywhere but on his account. 2.) Aviatorskymall (Instagram A/c - aviatorskymall ) Another rising aviation design outlet. This brand is situated in Kuwait which famous for aviation clothing, this brand is launched by Captain Feras Malallah ( Instagram A/c - capt_feras). When aviation lovers think to buy T-shirts or caps or jackets in which the Aviator logo reflects the world of aviation, they visit or buy products from Aviatorskymall. The designs are made according to people’s taste and preferences. Their products are quite popular among all age groups. You can also make online bookings to get your choice of clothes to wear. These are some accounts which are popular on Instagram, which if you browse you will find many other many interesting and different accessories related to aviation. So, fashion is now everywhere, society has changed, times have changed. If you have to walk in this modern world then you have to keep yourself updated with the things which make your personality impeccable.
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Princess Cruises Announces Summer of Shark Activities Onboard Caribbean Princess Sailings
Coming to life again this summer and in celebration of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, Princess Cruises will once again “sharkify” Caribbean Princess with its Summer of Shark showcased on eight summer sailings, from now until July 27, 2019. As part of the cruise line’s Discovery at SEA program, Caribbean Princess will be celebrating sharks all summer with a variety of activities and games that will challenge adults and kids alike on the myths and interesting facts about sharks. Shark Week programming will be available on stateroom televisions, as well as a special premier party with exclusive content. Premier content will also be available on 12 other ships sailing in Alaska and Europe.
“Our guests have been captivated by our Summer of Shark programming taking them on a journey to the depths of the sea to uncover the secrets of the ocean’s top creature,” said Denise Saviss, Princess Cruises vice president entertainment experiences. “With special Shark Week touches found throughout Caribbean Princess from décor to food and beverage, we’re thrilled it’s become a popular celebration through our exclusive partnership with Discovery.” Children and teens will enjoy sharkthemed fun in Camp Discovery youth and teen centers. Kids can turn into their favorite type of shark with glitter tattoos and shark face painting, or create arts and crafts to take home, including shark teeth jewelry and shark
clay models. There is even a Family Fun Fair with special activities. Adults and kids alike can get into the spirit with specialty cocktails and mocktails that have been creatively crafted including a Shark Attack Margarita, tropical Great Blue Shark and mocktails including a Shark Bite or Super Strawberry Shark Chum. In addition, themed food items will also be served, including shark cookies and even shark-themed food carvings on display. Guests of all ages can enjoy custom branded, photo step and repeat backdrops and green screens. Caribbean Princess was the first ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to deliver Princess MedallionClass vacations. Enabled by OceanMedallion, a complimentary wearable device
that elevates the guest experience by delivering enhanced experiences and personalized service resulting in high guest satisfaction scores. Caribbean Princess sets sail on alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale now through July 20, 2019. More information can be found at www.princess.com/caribbean. Beyond these Summer of Shark themed cruises onboard Caribbean Princess, those looking to have their very shark adventure can book the ultimate adrenaline rush with Animal Planet Exclusive and Recommended excursions such as the Princess Exclusive Great White Shark Diving Encounter in Honolulu or Whale Shark Encounter in La Paz, Mexico.
Airing around the globe, Shark Week is a pop culture phenomenon that thrills fans of all ages with dynamic programming around these oftenmisunderstood sea creatures.
AW Facts Did you know? The world’s second oldest tree is in Iran, it’s existed for over 4 millennia.
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High-powered Indian Electric Delegation Seeks Birmingham Expertise
Government officials from India visited the University of Birmingham to discover how research experts might work with policymakers to help introduce electric vehicles into the state of Kerala. Led by Kerala’s Transport Minister Shri A K Saseendran, a delegation of senior officials who formulated the state’s policy on electric vehicles met Costas
Constantinou, Professor of Communication Electrodynamics and a number of Birmingham scientists. Hosted by the University’s India Institute, the Transport Minister and his delegates were welcomed by Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), before taking part in a roundtable discussion with academics.
Chennai and the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT). Delegates are engage with UK experts in charging and storage infrastructure, battery manufacture, technology and recycling,
electric motors and vehicle technology. They have plans to establish a centre of excellence for Electric Vehicles in the state.
War of the Future:
China vs. America By Muhammad Nadeem Jahangir - Technology Correspondent
It has been a very fair rule in human history that if you want to conquer, you must win a war, the war can be physical, economic, diplomatic or technological. We are living in an age where artificial intelligence will make decisions for us and robots will Professor Mason help us to complete tasks. In this commented: world where one’s position “We’re delighted to welcome our in technology defines their distinguished guests to the University of power and worthiness, Birmingham, as part of our long-standing en- it can be a standard gagement with India. We hope their visit marks solution to have a battle and the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. tech-based decide who will lead the world as a tech “The University of Birmingham has deep expertise in a superpower in the number of scientific and engineering specialisms relating to future. electric vehicles. We hope to work closely with the state Continuing from government in helping the people of Kerala adopt this the past, we have seen the world’s environment-friendly form of transport. first race to achieve “As a civic university with a global outlook, our University tech power and industry influence of Birmingham India Institute affirms the University’s was the space race to deep and continued commitment to the country, the Moon some decades and our aim to contribute to Indian society, as ago. The USA vs Russia; our researchers forge links with the first person to step foot counterparts to change millions on the surface of the Moon time the internet will play an did, in fact, turn out to be Ameriincreasingly important role in all of lives for the better.” aspects of broadcasting – from procan. NASA’s Apollo 11 sent Mr Neil duction scenarios like this, to the way Armstrong to make history for the content is distributed and ultimately bandwidth entire human race. The winner of that enjoyed by people wherever they are. and speed, as well as massively war was declared the United States of To make the trial possible, specialised reduced latency, it has the technical America, who become prominent in 5G modems were connected to the capabilities needed to carry the data the world of technology, which it has news cameras to take advantage of loads that broadcast relies on. This been ruling ever since. EE’s new 5G network. The trial also will allow production processes to be A controversy has begun boiling allowed the teams to explore different streamlined, with footage transmittoday in the 21st Century, 50 years encoding options to compress the ted directly from location to a central later. With the advanced technologivideo, allowing it to be sent back for hub. cal era, we are heading into the field live play-out. Footage can be sent back to producof artificial intelligence and robotics. With 5G boasting superior tion studios in a variety of ways, A new race has begun to launch 5G including existing 4G networks. first to determine the world’s tech 4G network links require multiple leader for the future. Other than Euroconnections to provide the capacity pean counties, there are two signifito carry the live video feeds. Over cant countries against each other, the 5G only one connection was needed, US and China who are determined reducing both the complexity and the to beat the other and cross the finish cost of the production for the BBC. line first. Alex Tempest, Managing DirecThe controversy aforementioned tor, Wholesale at BT said “We are first began at the start of 2019. The delighted to demonstrate the power primary source of the matter is the and innovation that 5G can bring to long-held belief of lawmakers and the media and broadcasting industry through this trial. Whether on the US intelligence organisations that street, in a stadium or on location, Huawei acts on instructions from 5G provides a new dimension that the Chinese government, undermincan deliver the speed, efficiency and ing US national security and posing reliability that outside broadcasting cybersecurity and privacy risks for requires.” American and UK customers. The situation worsenend when Google cut
BT Trials the UK’s First Live TV Production with 5G
In recent weeks, on BBC Breakfast, viewers will have seen BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones cover the launch of the UK’s first 5G network from Covent Garden. But what they won’t have seen is that the segment was also beamed back to the BBC’s New Broadcasting House over the very same 5G network to be played out live in the show. This is the first time a public 5G network has been used by a production team for a live TV programme, and demonstrates the potential that 5G has in broadcast production. Over
Kerala leads the way among Indian states in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals and has declared an ambitious e-mobility vision and implementation policy. The State Government is piloting 10 electric buses on inter-city routes and intends to tender for another 1,500 electric buses going forward. The State Government has set targets of having one million electric vehicles by 2022, complete switch to electric buses in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram by March 2021 and 100% electric vehicles by 2030. Kerala has also set-up a £1.5 million e-mobility fund. The visit to the University of Birmingham is part of a ‘Knowledge Mission’ organised for the State Government by the British Deputy High Commission in
off Huawei’s Android license. This is not all; many other companies refuse to trade with Huawei (China). The result was that even the iPhone got banned from China, even though the country is the buyer of 80% of the world’s iPhones. The situation became even tenser as the US and China refused to continue trade with each other. However, the end motive is something else entirely and only adds to the buildup in stopping one another form launching 5G technology first. According to statistics, we have seen China handling the situation easily. As the world’s largest (united) population they have banned American products in their country and hence there has been a major drop in market shares of some of the significant US-based companies following the 30 day period. The US has attempted to make Huwaei lose their customers by not providing Google services to their users, on which they have announced to launch their own OS which they claim to be faster than the Android OS. Huawei became the world’s number one brand in 2018 with their sales of over 54 million. With this situation in hand, this may lead the end user to a tech diversion over the market. Now the problem is for the users, customers, and buyers. The ripple effect of this war to become a World leader in the field of AI and modern technology is misguiding the whole world. End users may not understand what this non-trading policy means, but they do feel inconvenienced if they do not have access to a market from where they can download mobile applications (Google play services). The world is changing as is technology, but the change has always been for the benefit of end user, but, right now the change seems to be going in quite the opposite direction.
AW Facts Did you know? Putting /4 to the end of Facebook’s URL will open Mark Zuckerberg’s profile.
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July 2019
99.6% of WiFi users don’t give a jot about their data
Public wifi users don’t care about how their data is used. Analysis of 30m public wifi users found 99.6% of people ignore the small print around data use. Interested to see if the high-profile coverage of the GDPR’s enactment last year was influencing behaviours, Purple analysed how many of their users visited the ‘Terms of Business and Privacy’ page of their WiFi login process. It was found that, in the last 12 months, almost 30 million users across Europe had logged into their platform, but only around 125,000 then went on to log into their ‘Personal Privacy Profile’. As a percentage, it amounted to 0.43% of users. Purple went further by looking at how long users spent looking at their ‘Terms Overview’ and whether they would then click through to read the full ‘Terms of Business and Privacy Policy’ documents. Tests showed that the ‘Terms Overview’ took around 19 seconds to read at an
average pace and the ‘Full Terms of Business’, 77 seconds. However, analytics revealed that users begin to drop off considerably after around 15 seconds. The results came as a frustrating revelation for Purple given the lengths they had gone to to shorten their ‘Terms of Business and Privacy Policy’ documents. They had also converted their Overview section into plain English to ease the process for users and provide them with more control over their data. Neither endeavour, it seems, had much impact. Gavin Wheeldon, CEO at Purple, said, “How users behave in relation to their own data has intrigued us for some time. Just last year, we enjoyed significant coverage with a mischievous little prank we pulled when we inserted a clause into our terms and conditions committing those who signed up to our public WiFi service to 1,000 hours of community service. Of course, it wasn’t enforced but it proved that people just
The Latest Twitter NewS Twitter updates its Retweet function
By Khalid Karim - Technology Correspondent I have been waiting for this feature for a long time, definitely long overdue in my humble opinion. Twitter is now making it easier for your retweets to be more imaginative by giving you additional options. They will now let you add a gif, video, photo to your shared content similarly when you re-share Facebook posts. It will definitely add more colour to Twitter feeds with the many multimedia options available. This as a highly requested feature according to Twitter, I bet. Only other feature people are waiting for is that controversial “edit” button. I feel that would be a step too far, Twitter would not be Twitter if you were suddenly be able to Edit your posts but hey ho, that may change in the not so distant future.
weren’t reading the small print.” An interesting set of results to also emerge from the Purple WiFi study, was the discrepancy in time spent reading T&Cs between countries. Topping the table for nations too busy to read the small print was Croatia, with the average Croat spending only 4 seconds on the page. The Welsh are almost as hasty to move on spending only 6 seconds on a page whilst their English counterparts spend a comparatively lengthy 9 seconds. The most risk averse nationalities are the Portuguese, Danish, Basques, Finnish and Czechs who all spend a full 13 seconds reading the legal stuff. Gavin added, “Organisations have taken significant steps in the last 12 months to protect their data, it seems the issue now lies with end-users. Something needs to shift to get people to really look at what they’re signing up for because what’s been implemented so far, isn’t working.”
Twitter lowers the number of accounts you can follow per day From 1000 to 400, Twitter has made a move to cut the number of accounts you can follow per day. This has been part of Twitters ongoing efforts to clean up API users to eliminate bot spammers, this will definitely slow the bots down. You might be wondering why they have chosen 400 instead of 300 or 500? The company have recently been quoted as saying: “We looked at follow behavior at various thresholds, and selected 400 as a reasonable limit…”.
Twitter continues to focus on updating its spam reporting tools and, more recently it has introduced a new security measures for signing up with verifying your identity. The new prototype app “Twttr” has just gone live for the first batch of testers. It’s a “work in progress” project that aims to test out new ideas outside of Twitter’s public network. As a natural first step, Twitter will be testing new conversation thread designs and its updated status structure. None of the testers were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements, so any thoughts/feedback will be out in the open and accessible to everybody to generate even more buzz. To sign up as a tester, you’ll only need to use the right hashtag: #LetsHaveAConvo. Twitter rolling a new mini platform version of itself in form of Twttr Beta testers are putting the new prototype app “Twttr” through its paces. Almost like a not so secret focus group, it’s aim to test out new ideas outside of Twitter’s public network. One of the first steps Twitter is planning to test are new conversation thread designs and an a revised status structure. Surprisingly none of the of the testers were asked to sign NDA, so people can openly discuss, give feedback about the testing journey which will no doubt create a lot more buzz and interest. If you want to sign up as a test, you can put your interest out there by using the right hashtag: #LetsHaveAConvo.
Huawei claims their OS will soon run Android Apps CEO claims they have been working on the operating system since 2012
By Navkiran Bains
Huawei’ CEO, Richard Yu, has confirmed that the company are currently creating their own operating system, which will also support Android apps, in result, decreasing the US’ effect on the Chinese company. Reports from Chinese websites Caijing and Phoenix Network, Yu told a WeChat group that the upcoming operating system is due to be completed by this winter or spring 2020. The CEO expanded on this in stating that the operating system will not only be compatible with Android phones; however, also improve their performance. Huawei recently overtook Apple and became the world’s second largest smartphone manufacturer. However, the company had recently faced claims that their devices are spying for the Chinese
government, and in result, Donald Trump has issued an order banning US firms from supplying parts or technology from Huawei. The order also means that the company will lose their access to Google maps and services, alongside forbidding it from featuring Qualcomm chips and Intel on their devices. The company’s founder and overall CEO, Ren Zhengfei, admitted that the company had been preparing for such claims. The restriction on Huawei stemmed from a two-year trade war between Beijing and Washington following a panic in the US over the security dangers of Chinese technology. The US Department of Homeland Security warned the tech industry that the drones manufactured in China might be reporting data to Chinese intelligence agencies.
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FOOD
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AW’S
Kitchen
COSTA COFFEE PREPARES FOR A HOT SUMMER WITH LAUNCH OF ITS COOLEST MENU YET • Enjoy Costa Coffee’s new range of iced and cold coffees including the new limited edition Strawberry Cold Brew • Top pick for foodies includes the limited-edition Pink Swirl Meringue • New summer lunchtime meal deal available from £4.95
Eric Tavoukdjian, Commercial Marketing Director atCostaCoffeesaid: “This season we have created a menu that combines fantastic new innovations, while not forgetting fan favourites including the Iced Latte and the Strawberry & Cream Frostino. Whatever the weather, we’re confident we have created the perfect mix of refreshment, indulgence and healthier options that makes Costa Coffee the ideal place to enjoy those long summer days.”
As we prepare for another long, hot summer, the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop1, Costa Coffee, has announced a new limited-edition summer menu. The range features fresh new thirst-quenching drinks and delicious tasty sweet and savoury options, perfect for those lazy summer days. Menu offerings including refreshing Strawberry Cold Brew, hearty British Harissa Chicken & Grain Salad and sumptuous Raspberry & Blackcurrant Ripple Cake. Iced & Cold Coffee Classics This season, we’re celebrating the epitome of a British summer; strawberries and cream, with an innovative twist. This seasonal tradition has inspired Costa Coffee to launch a Strawberry Cold Brew Coffee, the newest addition to its popular Cold Coffee Brews. This limited-edition flavour combines expertly crafted coffee with a sprinkle of strawberry-sweetness to finish. Brewed in store for 20 hours, this Cold Brew is beautifully refreshing and smooth, but with the delicate sweetness of strawberry to finish. From cooling delights such as the Iced Flat White and Iced Latte, to something a little sweeter with the new Salted Caramel Iced Latte, it’s a coffee-lover’s dream at Costa Coffee this season. The new summer menu features all your hot coffee favourites, including the new Salted Caramel Latte, ensuring you can get your coffee fix come rain or shine. Frostinos & Fruit Coolers Back by popular demand is Costa Coffee’s famous Frostinos, an ice-based blended drink with layers of toppings which are a perfect summer treat. Why not cool down with the Mint Choc Chip and Strawberry & Cream Frostino or try the Salted Caramel Crunch or Belgian Chocolate, which can be ordered with or without coffee. Returning are the ever-popular fruit coolers in Mango & Passion Fruit, Red Summer Berriesand Watermelon & Coconut. Sweet & Savoury Treat With its layers of Victoria sponge, creamy frosting and tangy raspberry & blackcurrant compote, the Raspberry & Blackcurrant Ripple Cake looks set to stay for the season. For those looking for a true taste of summer, look no further than the new Pink Swirl Meringue, based on a classic Eton Mess. New products include the Mozzarella & Tomato Panini, Roast Chicken Salad Sandwich, and Pole & Line Tuna Nicoise Salad bowl. Costa Coffee is expanding its lunchtime meal deal in preparation for one of Britain’s favourite occasions - picnic season! Running every day from 11am-2pm, customers can pair their favourite savoury item such as a sandwich, panini or salad, with a snack and a drink for just £4.95.
Costa Coffee’s summer menu will be available in stores nationwide now and can be viewed online at www.costa.co.uk
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July 2019
Become a Foodie Traveller
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By Rida Khan ( Instagram A/c aviationauthor.ridakhan)
pilotamireh ) on this topic, he said that food for some people provides a kind of immense joy and happiness. Taste is one of our 5 senses and for some people satisfying this sense is enjoyment, giving them some positive vibes, feelings of happiness, and so on. At the same time, every place has a different cuisine, different dishes and these dishes represent and reflect their culture, the environment, ideas and ingredients people have in that place. If you go to India you will eat Indian food where one links the spiciness of food to the Indians, when you go to Japan you eat Sushi, here you can link seafood with the Japanese. Personally speaking when I travel I focus on the highlighted dishes of the country which are famous for their flavours and taste. Thanks, Captain Anas Amireh for giving me your inputs.
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Food and travel are interconnected to each other, without food, travelling would be incomplete! You can take any route of travel through aeroplane, train, bus or by going for a long drive by car, with great dishes to accompany you along the way. When we travel to different countries we get to know about their roots, way of living, traditions etc. through meeting people, reading books, searching on the internet. But one of the most important things which will take you to the origin of the country’s culture is the “Food”. Every food speaks a different language in terms of flavours, which are passed on from generation to generation. Each country has a specific food through which it is known for and local people make it famous for their country. There are so many food dishes which we don’t get in our country but when we travel to other countries we get an opportunity to taste those delectable dishes which we didn’t even know existed. When any traveller consumes food in a different country, they get eager to know about its history; how that dish was created and why it is the most wanted dish among the people. Food gives you a new story about its origin and tells about the country’s culture. There are food dishes which are made particularly for some specific occasions and the reason they are made, are only known by the region’s locals. Having a conversation with my pilot friend Captain Anas Amireh ( Instagram A/c –
I would like to say that if you are travelling then travel for food too, become a foodie traveller because food defines culture and gives you an opportunity to know a country in more depth.
AW Facts Did you know? Cherries are categorised under the Rose family.
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Drivers who suffer glare from headlights say the problem is getting worse
Half of regular drivers say they are suffering more from the effect of dazzling headlights than they were just 12 months ago, research conducted by the RAC has found. The problem of glare – caused a headlight’s beam having a dazzling effect for oncoming traffic – is experienced by an estimated 16.1m UK drivers, based on 91% of drivers responding saying ‘some’ or ‘most’ car headlights are too bright and 54% of these saying they are dazzled more regularly now than a year ago. When asked how they are affected by glare, six-in-10 of those affected said they regularly get dazzled by oncoming headlights even though they are dipped, with a similar proportion (60%) being unable to tell if headlights are either dipped or on full beam. Forty-five per cent complained they get dazzled by headlights in their rear-view mirror, while a huge 70% believe some lights are so bright they represent an accident risk. In fact official government data
shows there are around 300 collisions every year where dazzling headlights are a factor. The research also found that in some cases drivers themselves might be inadvertently causing glare – either by not adjusting their lights correctly, or by having badly-aligned lights. Forty-seven per cent of drivers either never adjust their car headlights up or down when carrying different loads, or don’t do it regularly enough – something that is important in avoiding causing other people to suffer from glare as the aim of the headlight beam is affected by the load in the vehicle. A quarter of drivers (26%) meanwhile have suspected problems with a misaligned headlight, with 9% of this group either trying to sort the problem out themselves or ignoring it altogether – all
• When changing your car, look for one with a self-dimming rear-view mirror and even darkened glass (sometimes called ‘sunset glass’) when you next change your car. Both can be effective at reducing the bright light that reaches you Am I actually causing glare myself? • Check to see if your car automatically levels its headlights depending on the load you are carrying –the vast majority of cars on the road don’t • If you don’t have automatically level-
MOTORISTS CALL FOR TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR DRIVERS CAUGHT USING THEIR PHONES BEHIND THE WHEEL
of these scenarios are likely to lead to a dazzling effect that could cause other road users discomfort. Headlamp aim forms part of a vehicle’s MOT, and the requirements on garages to conduct this part of the test thoroughly were strengthened in 2016. Nonetheless, figures obtained by the RAC from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that of the 26.5m MOT tests completed in 2018 for Class 4 vehicles (which includes cars) over three years of age, 6% still failed as result of problems with headlamp aim, the equivalent of nearly 1.6m vehicles. In 2016, the agency also stated that ‘headlamp aim consistently tops the MOT compliance survey as one of the most likely items to be assessed incorrectly by testers.’
I find I get dazzled regularly – what can I do? • Talk to your optician. If you wear glasses, a coating can be added that can go some way towards making it easier to see when you are faced with car headlights. A quarter (25%) of respondents to the RAC survey wear such glasses • Adjust your rear-view mirror more often. Unless your car has a self-dimming rear-view mirror, you can reduce glare from vehicles behind you by doing this – more than half (56%) of drivers who responded to the survey say they do this
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ling headlights, always manually adjust them depending on the load you are carrying and according to the car’s manual. A single person driving with an empty boot needs a different setting compared to a single person plus a boot-load of luggage, or all five seats occupied and a fully-loaded boot • Ask to have the angle of your car’s headlights checked next time you have it serviced to ensure the beam is being directed properly
Almost 90 per cent of motorists would like to see tougher penalties handed out to other drivers using their phones behind the wheel. Figures based on recent webbased poll by Motorpoint – the UK’s leading independent car retailer. Backlash comes in wake of high profile case in which former footballer David Beckham received a six month driving ban for using his mobile phone in traffic. Almost 90 per cent of motorists would like to see tougher penalties handed out to other drivers caught using their phone while behind the wheel according to a new survey by Motorpoint. A new poll on the UK’s leading car supermarket website found 86.4 per cent of people would like to see the Police be given greater powers to penalise anyone caught holding their phone while driving. The current punishment for offenders is currently six penalty points and a £200 fine, although depending on the seriousness of the offence, offenders can also be taken to court to face stiffer penalties. This includes former footballer David Beckham who was banned from driving for six months and fined £750 for using his phone in the West End of London. Over 8,000 drivers are
convicted every year of this offence in England and Wales. Mark Carpenter, Managing Director of Motorpoint, said: “The dangers of using your mobile phone while driving are welldocumented but even though the penalties for doing so have been toughened up in recent years they don’t seem to be proving a sufficient deterrent based on recent statistics – even with the widespread availability of integrated hands free technology in most cars. “It’s clear from the results of our new poll that other road users would like to see more powers given to the authorities to ensure the message gets through to drivers that holding your mobile phone while behind the wheel is simply no longer acceptable in 2019 and anyone who continues to do so can expect to receive even harsher punishments.” Over 2,180 people participated in the survey on the company’s website – www.motorpoint.co.uk.
AW Facts Did you know? About 60 million cars are produced annually.
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THE POLLUTION-BUSTING PAVEMENTS THAT HELP SEAT CUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY 34% SEAT has reduced the environmental impact of its Martorell factory by 34% since 2010, including cutting 2,400 tonnes in CO2 emissions and installing pollution-killing pavements. On World Environment Day, just some of the major initiatives taken by the company include innovations on pavements, in chimneys and through water. Among a raft of environmentally friendly developments, even the pavements at the SEAT Technical Centre reduce pollution. The photocatalytic walkway is made with cement slabs applied with titanium dioxide. When it comes into contact with pollutants, light and oxygen at the same time, it triggers a chemical reaction that decomposes the pollutants in the air, turning them into nitrates that dissolve with water. So, it decontaminates, cleans itself and kills bacteria. SEAT currently has 4,000 square metres of photocatalytic pavement, which reduces air pollution by 40%. The company is considering its installation on a further 26,000 square metres of walkways within the entire business complex in Martorell. “This project is framed in the Ecomotive Factory initiative and aims to improve air quality and reduce pollution by 40%. There is an extremely high potential for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, as the first phase alone at the Technical Centre enables reducing 0.8 tonnes annually. If it were implemented in the rest of the factory the potential would amount to 5.2 tonnes per year,” explains SEAT Engineering Processes Manager Dr. Joan Carles Casas. SEAT has achieved an annual saving of
11.7 GWh (gigawatt hours) in natural gas consumption, equivalent to the needs of about 2,400 Spanish households every year. This is due to a new installation that recovers the energy emitted by the bodywork drying ovens in one of the workshops. The hot air rising up the chimneys heats a water circuit, which is later used in the car body paint processes. Through this initiative, 2,400 tonnes of CO2 are prevented from entering the atmosphere annually, the equivalent of 2,200 flights from Madrid to New York. SEAT al Sol is the biggest solar plant in the automotive industry in Europe: it features a total of 53,000 panels on the roofs of the factory workshops and covered car parks for export vehicles, covering an area of 276,000 m2, the equivalent of 40 football fields, and generates more than 17 million kWh annually with no polluting emissions. “This prevents the emission of 4,250 tonnes of CO2 annually, the same amount which is absorbed by around 700,000 trees,” explains Dr. Casas. Company employees contributed to creating a botanical garden in Martorell’s Can Casas park by planting 80 trees of different native species, as well a space for the protection of the Hyla Meridionalis frog. Each tree is tagged with a QR code which can be scanned by a mobile phone to obtain information about each species. On a related topic, SEAT has also replaced conventional light bulbs with high efficiency LED bulbs in the interior and exterior of its production centres. This is an annual energy reduction equivalent to the consumption of 1,000 households.
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BLANKET BAN ON PAVEMENT PARKING COULD LEAVE THOUSANDS WITHOUT A PARKING SPACE, WARNS IAM ROADSMART
A blanket ban on pavement parking could lead to a need for thousands of new car parking spaces that towns and cities are simply not equipped to provide, warns IAM RoadSmart. The warning has come after the House of Commons Transport Committee launched an enquiry into pavement parking and invited comments from interested parties in April, to which IAM RoadSmart has delivered its conclusions. All submissions have now been released for public viewing. One suggestion that has emerged from the enquiry is a blanket ban on all vehicles parking on any part of a pavement – but IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s biggest independent road safety charity, said this could cause a major parking headache for drivers across the country. In its submission to the committee, IAM RoadSmart said: “Where data has been collated, the problems appear to be localised. “Where pedestrians are being put in danger or denied access by inconsiderate pavement parking, or if costly longterm damage is being done, then we have no problem with local solutions being implemented for local problems. “Local councils should be encouraged to use their existing powers to sign, define, review and enforce local bans as required.” IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research Neil Greig noted that, with increasing numbers of cars on the road, local councils do not have the funding or the road capacity to provide the extra spaces people need to park. Nor do hard pressed local councils have the resources required to effectively implement a blanket ban. “New traffic orders, new signposting, new road markings and new enforcement administration will all be required at extra cost if a blanket ban is introduced. Councils are already struggling to implement low emission zones, cycling and walking policies, active travel policies, 20mph zones and a host for other transport measures against a background of budget cuts and dwindling resources.” IAM RoadSmart added that a blanket
ban risked creating conflict between residents as they attempt to find a place to park, often in areas where there has never been a road safety problem. In addition, while many would like to see stricter penalties for pavement parking, IAM RoadSmart said enforcement must always be seen to be fair and well targeted. Penalties should only be used to encourage behaviour change and the take-up of alternatives if they can be provided. “If enforcement is going to be applied rigorously then councils should be forced to provide safe and secure alternative parking arrangements in those areas where pavement parking
has been banned but worked perfectly well before. “If a blanket ban is to go ahead, despite our and other organisations’ recommendations, the income from fines should be ringfenced to improve parking facilities in the worst affected areas.” IAM RoadSmart want to see much more research and pilot schemes before a decision is made to ban all pavement parking. In many urban areas, pavement parking is actively encouraged and the road marked up to allow it. IAM RoadSmart does not support a blanket ban that effectively removes this option at a stroke.
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Is Hay fever Pollen You Down?
FERRARI MUSEUM CELEBRATES SCUDERIA FERRARI’S LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY WITH THE “90 YEARS EXHIBITION” “Hypercars”: the story of Ferrari’s technological evolution told through milestone cars One of the great iconic names in motorsport with the power to unite an entire country and millions of fans from all over the world: the Scuderia Ferrari - the most successful team in the history of Formula 1 - turns 90 in 2019. An anniversary that the Ferrari Museum in Maranello has decided to mark with a major celebratory exhibition. Founded in Modena on 16 November 1929 by Enzo Ferrari who understood the potential of gentlemen drivers to deliver great racing performances, Scuderia Ferrari has written many of the most unforgettable chapters in motorsport. The team which began using Alfa Romeo cars was first known as Società Anonima Scuderia Ferrari. It quickly sped to prominence on both the Italian and world stages, rapidly entrusting its cars to the leading drivers of the day in categories of all kinds. These included the Mille Miglia, the very first event for Scuderia Ferrari in 1930, followed by the Targa Florio, the Trieste-Opicina hillclimb where Tazio Nuvolari gave the marque its first ever win and classic endurance races like the 24 Hour races at Le Mans, Daytona, Spa and the Sebring 12 Hours, and, of course, Formula 1.
The cars featured in the “90 Years” exhibition are a testament to that glorious history, beginning with the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider, which became the very first car to sport the Prancing Horse as part of its livery at Le Mans in 1932. The final car of the exhibition is the SF71H: the singleseater in which Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen raced in only last season. In the exhibition, the timeframe separating these two cars is filled with a string of unforgettable singleseaters, the stars of hard-fought races, crushing defeats and historic victories alike. The Ferrari 500 F2, in which Alberto Ascari won two world titles in a row in 1952 and 1953, and the Ferrari D50 that Juan Manuel Fangio drove to take the fourth of his five world titles. Also featured is the Ferrari Dino 246 F1 that helped Mike Hawthorn beat Stirling Moss to the World Champion crown by a single point. The series continues with the Ferrari 156 F1 which gave John Surtees in 1963, the only man to be world champion on two and four wheels, his first win. Also on show are the 1975 312 T with its revolutionary transverse gearbox which helped a young Niki Lauda to win his first World Championship, and the 312 T4 in which Jody Scheckter took the Drivers’ title in 1979. Not to be
missed is the Ferrari F2004, the car in which Michael Schumacher delivered 13 wins – including six consecutive ones - to take his final World Champion title in 2004. Scrolling down the long list a little further, is the F2007, in which Kimi Räikkönen brought the Drivers’ title back down to Maranello, after an epic race to win in Brazil, snatching the title by a single point. All of these cars brilliantly encapsulate and epitomise Enzo Ferrari’s dream, and the commitment, determination and passion for innovation of the most successful team in the history of Formula 1. Its tally of 31 World titles (15 Drivers’ and 16 Constructors’) is an unequalled record that the Maranello team continues to defend and honour each season with the same passion of 90 years ago. The exhibition pays homage also to Ferrari victories in enclosed wheel racing. The 166 MM in the exhibition, for example, gave Ferrari its first win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 70 years ago, followed by triumph in the 24 Hours of Spa and the Mille Miglia. The 275 P, on the other hand, dominated the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1964 before going on to win the Nürburgring 1000km and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The “90 Years” and “Hypercars” exhibitions are both running until May 2020.
A runny nose, headache and constant sneezing – these are just a few of the symptoms hay fever sufferers deal with during the summer. These symptoms can affect motorists in a number of ways. Here’s some advice from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, about what you can do to better cope with it before taking to the road. Ensure your car is clean and dust free and that you operate the air conditioning or ventilation to your advantage, making use of air recirculation where possible. It’s also important that you change your pollen filter regularly For anyone who hasn’t been diagnosed with hay fever and is feeling under the weather, avoid driving or riding and arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. What you might think is just a slight cold can become a major distraction – so get it checked before it gets worse While over-the-counter medicines will help with a runny nose and sneezing symptoms, they can also blur vision and make you feel
drowsy – check with your GP to decide what the best course of action is Your GP may advise you to take anti-histamines to control the symptoms, but make sure you take the non-drowsy ones. If you’re unsure, read the leaflet or speak to your pharmacy for more advice. If you need to get somewhere but don’t feel well enough to drive or ride then see if someone you know can take you and bring you home again. Whatever you do, don’t take yourself - you may just end up sneezing and travelling up to 50ft with your eyes closed and losing control of your vehicle. Richard said: “If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug driving regulations. “Be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery so you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.”
LOCAL 2-15
GLOBAL 16-21
BUSINESS 22-26
GLAM 27-35
WEDDINGS 36-41
HEALTH 42-43
TRAVEL 44-45
TECH 46-47
HONDA’S MEAN MOWER SETS A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® TITLE #MEANMOWER Honda’s Mean Mower has re-entered the record books after setting a brand new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the ‘Fastest Acceleration 0-100 mph for a Lawnmower’. The new record was set at the Dekra Lausitzring, near Dresden, Germany, recently. This was done under the watchful eye of a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® adjudicator Honda’s all new Mean Mower V2 averaged 0-100 mph in just 6.29 seconds; driven by Jess Hawkins experienced stunt driver, kart and car racer. As well as hitting such a blistering straight-line speed to set the new record, Mean Mower V2 also had to demonstrate that it could still do what it is actually designed for – to cut grass – which it does. The ability to still cut grass is thanks to slight revisions to the cutter deck to house the chain driv-
ing the rear tyres and the two batteries required to power electric motors which spin carbon fibre blades to mow. Under the regulations of Guinness World Records, the mower must also ‘intrinsically look like a lawnmower’ - in this case the Honda HF 2622 lawn tractor– which it does by carrying over its front cowl, grass box and body panels. Unveiled in summer 2018, Mean Mower V2 set out to build on the incredible success of the original Mean Mower, which became the world’s fastest lawnmower on 8th March 2014 when it hit 116.87mph. But this time Honda and its British Touring Car Championship partner, Team Dynamics, took the development to a whole new level, using computer aided design, bespoke parts, advanced materials and even 3D printing. At the heart of Mean Mower V2 lies its
FOOD 48-49
MOTORING 50-53
SPORTS 54-56
July 2019
MOTORPOINT PARTNERS WITH SUE RYDER TO HOST DRIVE IN CINEMA IN PETERBOROUGH
Motorpoint has teamed up with Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall to put on a special screening of ‘The Greatest Showman’ in Peterborough this summer. The UK’s largest independent car retailer, which is based on Edgerley Drain Road in the city, will be organising a one-off themed Drive In Cinema at Serpentine Green in aid of the local hospice. Motorpoint has been a charitable partner with Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall for the last two years during which time it has raised thousands for the popular hospice. The screening will take place on Saturday, July 6. Motorpoint has teamed up with outdoor cinema specialists Urban Entertainment to show the Golden Globe and Grammy award-winning musical starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Rebecca Ferguson in the grounds of
engine. This time a 999cc four-cylinder unit taken from Honda’s high-performing CBR1000RR Fireblade SP motorcycle - producing 200bhp at 13,000rpm. It packs almost double the power of the original Mean Mower, with a superlight frame and engine dry weight of just 69.1kg, which overall results in a power-to-weight ratio in excess of that of a Bugatti Chiron. The official acceleration figure was measured using a VBOX on-board recording device, which was fitted, set-up and verified by independent and accredited timers, Timing Solutions Limited.
the out of town shopping centre in Hampton. Gates for the event will open at 7pm and the film is scheduled to start at 9pm. Entry is £10 per car in advance and £15 per car on the night. Food and drink will be available on the night while guests will be entertained by circus artists from local theatre companies prior to the screening. All ticket sale proceeds from the evening will go to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, the only specialist palliative inpatient unit in Peterborough and the surrounding area, providing expert palliative care and support for people who are living with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families. Tom Stanton, General Manager of Motorpoint in Peterborough, said: “We’re really looking forward to hosting our first-ever Drive In
To meet the requirements of Guinness World Records, the mower had to record the same run, in both directions, within an hour – with the average acceleration of these two runs taken as the official time. With an average of 6.29 seconds, Honda set the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for ‘The fastest acceleration 0-100 mph for a lawnmower (prototype)’. Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK) comments: “The original Mean Mower was an incredible machine; but this time we’ve taken it to a whole new level with version two. After
Cinema in July and welcoming film goers from across the city to a very special screening of the brilliant ‘The Greatest Showman’ – all in aid of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.” Nilesh Patel, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, added: “We are extremely grateful to Tom and the team at Motorpoint for organising the Drive In Cinema. It’s a brilliant concept and one which I am sure everyone in the city will get behind to raise funds so our Sue Ryder nurses, care and support teams continue to be there for local families when it matters at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. We look forward to joining everyone at Serpentine Green this summer for what promises to be a night to remember.” Tickets for the event are available via the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice website.
taking the top speed record in 2014, we wanted to do something a little different by setting an all-new record for acceleration, and the result is fantastic. Team Dynamics have gone above and beyond in developing and building this real feat of engineering, and hats off to Jess for being brave enough to get behind the wheel!” Visit the Honda Engine Room www. hondaengineroom.co.uk/meanmower and follow @HondaUK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for further Mean Mower updates.
NEW MERCEDES-AMG FOUR-CYLINDER TURBO ENGINE FROM ULTRA-MODERN PRODUCTION
The world’s most powerful fourcylinder engine in series production, made in Affalterbach Affalterbach. Four wins: with an output of up to 310 kW (421 hp), the completely newly developed Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre M 139 engine is the world’s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production. With this engine, Mercedes-AMG has even exceeded the previously most powerful M 133 by 30 kW (41 hp). Maximum torque has also increased from 475 to up to 500 newton metres. With an output per litre of up to 155 kW (211 hp), the new Mercedes-AMG high-performance turbo engine even ranks ahead of many well-known super-sports car engines. The new, highly efficient powerpack is produced on an innovative production line in Affalterbach, on the “One Man, One
Engine” principle. The four-cylinder available in two output versions will ensure agile
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performance for the compact models of Mercedes-AMG: with 310 kW (421 hp) as the S-model and
with 285 kW (387 hp) in the basic version. This product policy logic has already proved successful in the V8-powered AMG Performance models, and more closely meets customer wishes. Apart from its performance figures, the new engine impresses with its immediate response. To this end the torque curve was carefully balanced (“torque shaping”): The peak torque of 500 newton metres (480 newton metres for the basic version) is available in a range of 5000-5250 rpm (4750-5000 rpm in the basic version). With this configuration, the AMG engineers have achieved a power delivery similar to that of a naturally aspirated engine for an even more emotive driving experience. The engine developers were also able to realise a dynamically increasing torque curve in the lower engine speed range, thereby
improving agility. The increasing torque at higher rpm makes the engine more free-revving. Moreover, the high maximum engine speed (up to 7200 rpm) confirms the M 139 as a sports engine. “We already set the benchmark in the segment with the preceding engine. This fundamentally new four-cylinder presented us with the challenge of doing even better. And we succeeded with a number of sometimes revolutionary solutions. With the M 139, we have once again impressively demonstrated the engine expertise of MercedesAMG. Not only is the output per litre unrivalled for a turbocharged engine, the high level of efficiency also demonstrates that the internal combustion engine still has further potential,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
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July 2019
SPORTS
Sport England This Girl Can
Sport England has released new data revealing the widespread impact of mum guilt and the consequence this is having on the health of families across England. The new research suggests that six in ten (61%) of mums would feel guilty taking time to exercise, rather than spending time with their family. However, mothers who are active shouldn’t worry as they can play a key role in encouraging children to develop healthy attitudes towards physical activity. Sport England’s insight confirms that mothers have a greater influencer on children’s activity levels compared to fathers. By simply normalising exercise as part of everyday life,
parents, particularly mothers, help children develop positive attitudes towards physical activity. So by taking time to keep active, mothers are benefitting the health of their whole family. Whilst over three quarters of mums (77%) want to do more exercise, lack of time was cited as the top reason why mothers are not more physically active, with almost a third (30%) reporting having less than an hour of free time to themselves a day. The research marks the latest phase of the This Girl Can campaign which is designed to encourage women to engage in physical activity regardless of shape, size, age or ability. A case-study of one of these iconic women, Shazia Noor follows.
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SHAZIA NOOR Location: Middlesborough Occupation: Fitness instructor who aims to make classes child-friendly BIOGRAPHY Shazia is a fitness instructor and director of Nur fitness. Many women in her classes are mothers and her aim is to make her classes as child-friendly as possible because, as a mother, she used to find it challenging to find adequate childcare for her three children as it wasn’t provided at her local gym. She is a big advocate of outdoor walking as it is free and accessible for those who struggle to find the time or money to go to exercise classes; mothers with young children can also easily go and take their children in a pram. She feels that outdoor walking with friends and the women in her classes has helped improve her mental health, general wellbeing and productivity and impacts everyone else positively too. Shazia also focuses particularly on working with women in the BAME community, who she believes face huge barriers that often prevents them from exercising: often due to religious reasons or due to the fact that exercise is often not ingrained in certain communities. She also aims to make her classes, such as Zumba and Metafit, as fun as possible for everyone involved and further promotes the idea that many have a religious duty to look after their bodies. She would tell women that their body is a gift to them and they have a responsibility to themselves and to future generations to take care of this gift.
Neeraj Goyat Set to Face Two-Time World Champion Amir Khan The boxers are set to face off at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia As a tradition in boxing, there has been a war of words between both boxers. Following Pakistan’s defeat to India at the cricket World Cup, Amir Khan tweeted, “Pakistan lost to India today #ICCWorldCup2019 come July 12th I will avenge the loss and knock out Neeraj Goyat on our upcoming fight in #SaudiArabia.” Goyat responded to this when talking to IANS and stated: “Keep dreaming, you will be standing there to witness my victory.” Amir (33) is the favourite to win this match. He has previously won the IBF title in 2011 and held the light-welterweight WBA title from 2009-2012. He’s stated that he needs to be his best when going against Goyat, referring to the former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, which has been described as one of the ultimate upsets in boxing history. Goyat’s recent matches have shown that he is on good form, of his 16 fights in the pro circuit, he has won 11, lost 3 and drawn 2. He has requested for a sparring partner who has a similar style to Amir. When discussing his preparations for the match and going against a boxer with Amir’s stature, Goyat stated, “I am looking for someone who fights the way he does but apart from that there is not much difference (in his training). I am going through the same routine that I would for any other 12-round
bout. “It is not necessary that he will be performing on the same level that he was when he was young. He has achieved a lot in his career, but he is also ageing. I have fought with Olympians and world champions before, so this isn’t exactly new to me. So yes, I am fighting a big name, but I am not overawed by it.” The match will receive attention internationally, which is good for the boxing scene in both nations. Goyat commented on this level of exposure in saying, “It is good for both professional and amateur boxing in the country that bouts like these happen. It gives Indian boxing, especially pro-boxing, more exposure on an international level. In the amateur circuit, the likes of Mary Kom have raised India’s standing in the world, but we have not had that kind of success in the pro circuit. India used to be known as a country
filled only with amateur boxers and not pros. “That is not the case anymore, and getting big bouts like these will raise our name on the international stage. For example, the Philippines as a country is so much smaller than India, but it is known throughout the world because of Manny Pacquiao and because of that their pro boxers are getting good bouts with big prize money.
Tape-ball Cricket: Journey to Leyton from Lahore Adnan Choudhry part of the movement to bring this version of cricket to Europe From playing in Lahore to joining a game in Leyton to coaching at Lord’s – Adnan Choudhry has broken boundaries and describes his sporting journey as a ‘remarkable thing’. The sport, tape-ball, is a type of street cricket which has been developed in Pakistan and is expanding in its country and potentially internationally. In this sport, there is an electrical tape which is used to cover a tennis ball; which enables the players to experience hard-ball cricket with reduced risk
AW Facts Did you know? Sheffield FC is recognised by FIFA as the world’s oldest football club!
and expense. There is no need for costly gloves, helmets and pads as the taped ball poses less risk than the traditional wooden ball. Choudhry says, “Cricket is an expensive sport to play, but tape-ball makes it much easier. You just need a bat, ball and tape. You can play in a car park, a normal park, any place where you can run around a little. You don’t need gear or even 11 players – just a few friends. But you use the same type of skills that are used in hard-ball cricket.” When he was a child, Choudhry was fascinated by tape-ball as he used to watch his uncle play for his work team in Pakistan. Fascinated by what he saw; the 10-year-old began to play on the neighbourhood streets with his uncle. People began to play the sport more mainly for fun and has started to grow in popularity over the past decade. In result, tape-ball has become a fully professional sport in Pakistan. “I played mostly with my friends when I was younger,” Choudhry said. “It was popular then, but now it’s grown all over
south Asia and is expanding beyond the continent. “Players who are good enough are now able to play it professionally and choose it as a career. There are lots of tournaments and events, the players get paid, and there are coaches specifically for tape-ball.” At the age of 19, Choudhry came to England to begin his studies at college, leaving his family and country behind for the first time. He knew that hard-ball cricket was competitively played in the UK however realised that tape-ball had not yet been introduced in his new home. Soon after, Choudhry became aware of a tape-ball game which was taking place in a car park in Leyton, London. “Playing cricket – tape-ball in particular – is how I made friends and connections. It opened up new doors for me,” Choudhry stated as the games in the carpark became more frequent and popular. “We created a team, and through tapeball, we were able to connect with some local clubs.”
By Navkiran Bains
In 2016, Ace Avengers Lions was formed with the help of Choudhry and had grown from two to over 200 members in four years, playing T20 and T10 cricket. The formation of the team was driven mostly on the idea that local children did not know about the pathways in playing cricket and were also unable to find a club to join. Choudhry also is a cricket coach and engagement officer for Capital Kids Cricket which delivers
cricket-related projects in London. “A few years ago, the kids here did not have easy access to sports. We are trying to bring tape-ball to a school level and introduce it to kids at a young age,” says Choudhry. “Now I do coaching sessions at Lord’s, and I’ve played at the Oval too. It’s a big leap from that car-park. I can’t quite put it into words how amazing that journey has been.”
LOCAL 2-15
GLOBAL 16-21
BUSINESS 22-26
GLAM 27-35
WEDDINGS 36-41
HEALTH 42-43
TRAVEL 44-45
TECH 46-47
FOOD 48-49
MOTORING 50-53
SPORTS 54-56
July 2019
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BT backs England in widest ever lead partnership with The FA to support national and grassroots teams • BT signs multi-year partnership with The FA to become the exclusive lead partner of all 28 England football teams
BT has signed a five-year deal with The FA to become the exclusive lead partner for all England representative teams and home of the national game, Wembley Stadium. The ground-breaking partnership will see the BT logo appear on all training kit worn by the England senior men’s and women’s squads and all development, futsal and disability teams. As part of the deal, EE will continue to be the main sponsor for the iconic Wembley Stadium, with the home of foot-
• The deal will also see EE renew its sponsorship of the iconic Wembley Stadium and role as lead connectivity partner
ball remaining Wembley, connected by EE. As part of the agreement it will see Wembley and EE continue its ambition to keep the stadium the best connected in the world, for fans to enjoy an enhanced 4G and 5G mobile experience and superfast Wi-Fi available for all. BT’s sponsorship will also be brought to life across the national football centre St. George’s Park and Wembley and will enable BT to work with football clubs in communities across the country. More details about the broader ambitions of the partnership will be revealed in the coming months and is part of a wider new BT brand and sponsorship strategy, to champion the UK. Marc Allera, chief executive of BT’s consumer division, said: “Announcing
our partnership with England and The FA is such a proud moment for all of us at BT. We have worked with the FA for six-years as part of our partnership with Wembley Stadium to connect even more fans with the national game, and this ground-breaking deal sees us extend that from grassroots football all the way to the pinnacle of the women’s and men’s teams. “We’re committed to making BT a national champion, and what better way than backing the national game and the national teams. This partnership will reach all areas of football, including grassroots football and communities up and down the country. We look forward to revealing our plans in the coming months and we can’t wait to get started.”
Best Female Footballer in the South Asian Region By Navkiran Bains Sabitra Bhandari has begun to enjoy success and popularity as she’s regarded one of the best female footballers, not only in Nepal but in the whole South Asia region. Following the Indian Women’s League with Sethu FC where Bhandari (popularly known as Samba) impressed many with her performance, she also reached number two on the all-time highest scorers list. Hari Khadka, the head coach of the women’s national team, described Samba as the backbone of the squad. At the Women’s SAFF Championship in Biratnagar, Khadka stated,
Footballer proved her credentials in the Indian Women’s League
“She is definitely the best footballer in the region, and she has every potential to go beyond South Asia.” Although Nepal finished as runners up to five-time champions India in the tournament, Samba has still scored in every match of the tournament including the final. Samba proved herself in becoming a successful footballer through her dedication for the sport. However, this wasn’t something that came naturally for her as she grew up in a remote village of Lamjung, where sports were only open for boys and men, however,
• BT to focus investment and partnership on connecting the nation with every level of the game, particularly supporting grassroots
she managed to beat all the odds, and in 2014 she made her first national team debut. In the Women’s SAFF Championship, Samba had scored 30 goals in 28 matches and has won almost all tournament titles with the Nepal APF Club. Due to her popularity on and off the pitch, she has also been nominated for the People’s Choice category of the NSJF Pulsar Sports Award. For this, she will be going up against volleyball star, Rashmi Bhandari, Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane and bodybuilder Maheshwor Maharjan.
Mark Bullingham, FA chief commercial & football development officer, said: “We are delighted BT will be our new Lead England Partner, encompassing our 28 England men’s and women’s senior teams, development teams, futsal and disability teams. Furthermore, I’m thrilled we have also extended our longstanding partnership with EE who will continue as principle partner of Wembley Stadium. We look forward to working with BT and EE over the coming five years, continuing our commitment to developing the game and bringing our fans and teams closer together BT and EE customers will also benefit from exclusive England Team match offers and tickets to FA events.
WWE and BT Sport Announce New Partnership ®
WWE® and BT Sport have announced a new multi-year exclusive pay TV agreement that will make WWE’s weekly flagship programming available live in the U.K. and Ireland on BT Sport beginning January 2020. The exciting news is sure to be welcomed by hard-core fans of wrestling up and down the country. BT Sport will air both Raw and SmackDown exclusively live every week, delivering edge-of-your-seat action and showcasing the world-class athleticism from global Super-
stars including Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston and Charlotte Flair. WWE and BT Sport will also partner across digital and social media platforms to create new content for fans that will increase reach for WWE and drive engagement across the UK and Ireland. “We are incredibly excited by our new partnership with WWE. It is the most successful sports entertainment brand in the world, with a rich, fun and colourful history, loved by fans across the UK and Ireland. This is
a brilliant addition for our customers and we can’t wait to get going in January,” said Andy Haworth, Managing Director Content and Strategy, BT Consumer. “We are pleased to begin an exciting new chapter for WWE in the region as we join BT Sport’s innovative offering and impressive portfolio of premium sports content,” said Stefan Kastenmüller, WWE Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, EMEA. WWE’s monthly pay-per-view events,
including WrestleMania®, will be available on BT Sport Box Office. BT Sport will also carry same day primetime re-airs of Raw on Tuesdays andSmackDown on Saturdays, a two-hour version of Raw, one-hour version of Raw and one-hour version of SmackDown across its portfolio of channels. BT Sport is home to the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, MotoGP and also UFC.