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JUNE 2016 ISSUE No.211

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JUNE 2016 DESI XPRESS 39

NAZZ See page 45 for more details

PROMOTING EDUCATION, DIVERSITY & INTEGRATION

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RANJIT BAWA

Panj Ltd, Nirbhau & Royal Cine Arts presents Punjabi singer and actor Ranjit Bawa with his UK & Europe Toofan Tour of 2016.

The tour kicks off on 4th June in Oslo, Norway and then comes to the UK on 10th June in West London at the Thistle Hotel, Heathrow, 11th June at CSN International, Birmingham, 18th June at the Leicester Ramgarhia Centre and 24th July in East London at the The Royal Regency. The tour will then move on to Italy hosting two shows in Rome and Mantova where Ranjit Bawa will perform for the first time and premier the trailer of his debut movie Toofan Singh.

The Toofan tour which is set to be one of the biggest tours of 2016 with an exclusive press tour, Movie premier, 7 shows and more dates to be confirmed the singer will be taking over UK in the next few months. The tour will See Ranjit Bawa who has had numerous number one hit songs from Jean, Roti Vs Dollar, Tankha, Chandigarh Waliyeh, Munda Sardara da and many more will be performing live with his live band & Bhangra All Stars.

The movie Toofan Singh which is set to release worldwide 15th July tells the life story of Shaheed Baba Jugraj Singh Toofan and his pursuit for justice and equality for all. The movie is written by Dilbag Singh, Dhiraj Rattan and Surmeet Maavi. It was directed by one of the youngest directors of the industry, Baghal Singh.

TOOFAN YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX! TOU

CITROËN VANS

INTERVIEW TURN TO PAGE: 42

VIDYA

BALAN

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fers apply to qualifying new models ordered & delivered 01/04-30/06/2016 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroën at its complete discretion for business users only, excluding National Fleet customers as defined by Citroën UK & exclude VAT. Contract dels respectively: Citroën Nemo HDi 75 manual Enterprise,New Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise,Citroën Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Enterprise Panel Van & Citroën Relay 33 L1H1 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise & an advance rental of ollowed by 23,23,23 & 23 monthly rentals on a 24,24,24 & 24 month agreement of 10,000,10,000,10,000 & 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise Duty & Government First Registration ROAD, WEST MIDLANDS, WS10 9SS Berlingo www.autobasewalsall.citroen.co.uk Model(s) shownWALSALL Citroën Nemo HDi DARLASTON, 75 manual 660 Enterprise from £190,New Citroën HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise from £204,Citroën Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Enterprise Panel Van from £220 & Citroën Relay 35 Heavy L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed a 2 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Contract Hire rental rates have been with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to the OTR price. All rentals are subject to VAT at 33 L1H1 HDi calculated 130 6-speed manual Enterprise right to amend any of the rentals quoted without notice. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën ss Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Contract Motoring is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Autobase (GB) Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To finance your lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers ss from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

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1/04-30/06/2016 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroën at its complete discretion for business users only, excluding National Fleet customers as defined by Citroën UK & exclude VAT. Contract e,New Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise,Citroën Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Enterprise Panel Van & Citroën Relay 33 L1H1 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise & an advance rental of & 24 month agreement of 10,000,10,000,10,000 & 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise Duty & Government First Registration prise from £190,New Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise from £204,Citroën Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Enterprise Panel Van from £220 & Citroën Relay 35 Heavy L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed ileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Contract Hire rental rates have been calculated with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to the OTR price. All rentals are subject to VAT at nance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Motoring is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Autobase (GB) Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To finance your lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers lease ask us for details. Subject to stock availability. ‡ Offers apply to qualifying new models ordered & delivered 01/04-30/06/2016 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroën at its complete discretion for business users only, excluding National Fleet customers as defined by Citroën UK & exclude VAT. Contract Hire rentals shown apply to the following models respectively: Citroën Nemo HDi 75 manual Enterprise,New Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise,Citroën Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Enterprise Panel Van & Citroën Relay 33 L1H1 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise & an advance rental of £570,£612,£660 & £882 will be required followed by 23,23,23 & 23 monthly rentals on a 24,24,24 & 24 month agreement of 10,000,10,000,10,000 & 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise Duty & Government First Registration Fee. Metallic paint optional at no extra cost. Model(s) shown Citroën Nemo HDi 75 manual 660 Enterprise from £190,New Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise from £204,Citroën Dispatch HDi 90 manual L1H1 1000 Enterprise Panel Van from £220 & Citroën Relay 35 Heavy L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual Panel Van from £338 per month on a 2 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Contract Hire rental rates have been calculated with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to the OTR price. All rentals are subject to VAT at 20%. Citroën Contract Motoring reserve the right to amend any of the rentals quoted without notice. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Contract Motoring, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Contract Motoring is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Autobase (GB) Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To finance your lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability. n.co.uk

"There is an almost universal opinion from Economists that leaving the European Union (EU) will hit our purses and wallets."

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"We have the opportunity to take back control of our trade policy, our borders and our law making."

AFTAB CHUGHTAI (MBE): LOCAL BUSINESSMAN, & CHAIR WM POLICE INDEPENDENT ADVISORY GROUP

YOU DECIDE

JAS SANSI: LOCAL FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

WALSALL ROAD, DARLASTON, WEST MIDLANDS, WS10 9SS www.autobasewalsall.citroen.co.uk

O

n Thursday 23rd June 2016, the UK will vote in a referendum on whether the UK should stay in the EU or not.

The referendum question will be:

Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?

Many people are undecided, due to the advantages and

disadvantages for both Remain and Leave campaigns.

Politicians have spread their views far and wide, reaching the minds of the masses, however, we also need to consider

the effects this referendum will have on the layman.

Members of our community have put their opinions forward on the EU referendum.

Continued Page 2

DOES IT BREAK THE FAST? SH.MOHAMMED YASEEN

TURN TO PAGE 14

VIDYA BALAN INTERVIEW

TURN TO PAGE 44

JUNE 2016

2

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THE TEAM

EDITORS

Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber

JOURNALISTS Nabiyah Saddique

SALES Anita Chumber Nadia Rasul

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ley

DISTRIBUTION Door Drop Solutions

CONTRIBUTORS Anita Champaneri Manish Gujjar Sunny Malik Mita Mistry Sara Khan Manish Patel Kam Chopra Mohammed Zafran Manish Patel Jas Sansi Dal Dhaliwal Vic Younis South & City College

GRAPHIC/WEB Joshua Fairburn Raz

Your vote can make a difference!

Continued from Front Page Aftab Chughtai (MBE), Chair WM Police Independent Advisory Group and Vice Chair of The Saltley Business Association said: "The EU is declining and it lurches from crisis to crisis.

On June 23rd we have the opportunity to take back control of our trade policy, our borders and our law making. We can step off the EU bus and still have good relations with our European partners but also build better relationships with thriving countries across the world.

The rise of far-right extremism across the European Union is a big concern.

“The EU doesn’t have our

best interests at heart. In the last few weeks, the ECJ ruled it ok to ban the hijab in the workplace as long as you ban other religious symbols like the turban too. The Slovakian PM has said he doesn’t want Muslims to settle in his country and Slovakia is going to take over the Presidency of the EU on July 1st 2016 setting the agenda for the whole European Union. Our immigration system is unfair because we have to make space for those within the EU who can walk into the country because of the colour of their passport and the EU stops us from making free trade deals with the countries we want.

“Vote leave on June 23rd

and take back control of our laws, our trade policy and our borders and stop far-right extremists from influencing our laws and our country.”

Renowned photographer, Jas Sansi said: “There is an almost universal opinion from Economists that leaving the European Union (EU) will hit our purses and wallets.

“I’ve always been a Remainer. The thought of an isolated UK having no decision making powers in Europe fills me with dread. The question of immigration will not be addressed by leaving the EU, we will have to accept free movement of people if we want to trade with our biggest

Speed Cameras Speed cameras in Birmingham and Soilhull are set to reappear on major roads next month.

It has been confirmed that the new high-tech speed enforcement devices will be switched on in the city and neighboring routes on July 18.

The proposal to reintroduce cameras was settled last year, three years since the old ‘wet film’ apparatus were used to catch speeding drivers.

The new cameras identify vehicles through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and calculate their average speed by calculating the time taken to travel between distinct points of a identified distance apart.

The new zones will be visibly signposted for drivers.

From July 18, the cameras

will activate at: 1.

A38 Bristol Road between Priory Road and Speedwell Road – 30mph 2.

A456 Hagley Road between Portland Road and Lordswood Road – 30mph 3.

A4540 New John Street between Lucas Circus and Hospital Street – 30mph 4.

A34 Newtown Row Northbound between New John Street West and Newbury Road – 30mph 5.

A45 Coventry Road between Berkley Road and Rowland Road/Steyning Road – 40mph 6.

B425 Lode Lane (between Henley Crescent and Moat Lane) – 30mph 7.

B4114 Bradford Road / Chester road (in the vicinity of the junction) – 30mph 8.

A3400 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath –

30mph Supt Kerry Blakeman, from West Midlands Police, said: “Our intention is for people to adhere to the speed limit.

“Those who exceed the limit will have to attend a speed awareness course where they will be educated about the dangers of speeding or face either an appearance at court or a fine and points on their licence.

“We hope that the presence of these highly visible cameras will ensure that road users comply with the set limits on roads in Birmingham and Solihull.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “Speed is one of the biggest causes of deaths on the road and one of the biggest issues that local people raise with me on a daily basis.

trading partners.

“If we leave the EU, we will ignite a recession. Why flirt with the notion of canceling a membership that has seen us become the fifth biggest economy in the world?

“Our key economic strength is our position as a gateway into Europe.

Let’s not surrender that position.”

After rejecting the idea that Britain has minimal influence in Europe, Gordon Brown said: "Britain has always led the way when things have been difficult in the EU and I think it's time we were a leader again.

"The Labour voters that I talk to don't like the status quo, they don't like where we

are at the moment, they want to see things change.

"They want to know that they are going to be better off, and that's the message I can put."

Michael Gove and Boris Johnson have challenged the Prime Minister to a face-toface debate and said: “The real risk for Britain in this referendum is voting to remain in the EU with a broken single currency and a rogue European Court. The safer choice is voting to leave, so we can take back control of our money, borders, security, trade and taxes.

“If we needed a reminder of just how risky it is to remain in the EU, the European Court has today issued extraordinary judgments that undermine our ability to deal effectively with asylum.

“We think that the public deserve the chance to hear these issues debated faceto-face between the Prime Minister and a spokesman for Vote Leave so they can judge for themselves which is the safer choice on 23 June. The Prime Minister was absolutely right to hold this vote and allow Ministers the chance to disagree with him. We hope that in the same spirit he will accept this invitation.”

Lots of opinions are floating however facts remain blurred. Its human nature for people to vote with what they assume will benefit their position, whether working class or business owner.

Whichever way the vote goes, change is inevitable and we will have to deal with it accordingly. Ultimately, the nation determines the future of the country.

Your vote can make a difference.

“Speed is one of the biggest causes of deaths on the road and one of the biggest issues that local people raise with me on a daily basis.

B LA C K C O U NT RY A S IA N BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SHORTLISTED FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE

EDITOR ANITA CHUMBER AWARDED WOMAN OF THE YEAR

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Najma Hafeez Bids For Metro-Mayor N

ajma Hafeez, the current chairwoman of the NHS trust, is amid five Labour politicians attempting to become the party’s candidate far along this summer.

Ms Hafeez has spent 12 years on the Birmingham City Council after being elected in 1983.

The management consultant is also the exwife of former leader Sir Albert Bore.

Her competitors are Euro MP and front runner Sion Simon, former city concillor Steve Bedser, Wolverhampton cabinet member Milikinder Jaspal and freelance bookseller Mary Simons-Jones.

All five candidates nominated themselves.

Voters in the West Midlands will go to the polls to elect the region’s first Metro Mayor next May. A Labour spokesman

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Library of Birmingham Lights Up

said: “Shortlisting will take place before selected candidates go through to an election among party members.”

Mr Simon, the former Erdingtom MP is the highest-profile and favourite candidate, having previously developed substantial momentum for his campaign.

The other established parties have yet to announce their selection processes but John Lewis Managing Director, Andy Street has been spoken of as a potential Conservative

candidate.

Former government trade minister, Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham, has also proposed that he may stand as an independent.

Birmingham’s first female Muslim councillor has propelled a bid to become the first West Midlands mayor.

In solidarity with the victims of the Orlando shooting, Library of Birmingham lights up in the Rainbow flag colours.

The lighting up took place as the sun set and was followed by a vigil in Hurst Street, at the heart of Birmingham’s Gay Quarter.

Almost 50 people were killed and another 53 were

enjured after a heavily-armed gunman released fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The rainbow flag is a symbol for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community).

The Library of Birmingham has previously lit up in light of the Brussels and Paris attacks.

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JUNE 2016

Tribute For Ali in Birmingham Central Mosque

OBON’s Call For National Unity •

• Birmingham Central Mosque held a special tribute to Muhammed Ali, at the same time his funeral was taking place.

Hundreds of people attended Birmingham Central Mosque for special prayers in honour of Muhammed Ali. A special tribute took place, with short messages by community leaders and other dignitaries, in loving memory of the world boxing legend,

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Muhammed Ali. Ali died Friday 3rd June, aged 74, and his funeral took place in his home city of Louisville, Kentucky on Friday 10th June.

A spokesperson for Birmingham Central Mosque said: “He is a legend for Muslims, and a legend of people from all faiths from all over the world.”

The special prayers took place at 2pm – an hour after his funeral commenced.

OBON elicits groundbreaking level of response from British and international Muslim faith leaders as it calls for the nation to stand together and create a shared sense of belonging on June 10 Muslim Scholars’ call is the latest victory in OBON’s attempts to turn Britain red, white and blue as it celebrates

S

ome of Britain’s most eminent and renowned Muslim scholars and speakers, along with imams from mosques across the country, gathered together in Birmingham to show the British Muslim community’s unswerving support for a campaign created by Britain’s most dynamic integration organisation, One Britain One Nation (OBON).

OBON’s ‘Count Me In’ campaign, wholly privately funded by OBON’s passionate CEO, Kash Singh, aims to create a symbolic display of national unity and cohesion that coincides with Her Majesty the Queen’s official 90th birthday celebrations and celebrates her role as the iconic head

• •

Her Majesty’s official 90th birthday 500+ mosques to include prayer to Her Majesty in their Jummah prayers British Muslims urged to invite friends and colleagues of other faiths into their homes, to share the start of the Ramadan fast

of a truly united nation.

The British Muslim community will be visibly and vocally throwing its weight behind this call when the country’s most influential imams unite, in unprecedented fashion, to add their voice to the call for people of all religions, backgrounds, races and age to demonstrate their adherence to British values, by celebrating the Queen’s birthday together.

OBON asked councils, communities, businesses and schools to come together to sing the national anthem, fly the Union Jack and say three cheers to Her Majesty. Its aim is to shape a nation that today’s children can be proud of in years to come, by creating a response to

changing demographics that is based upon inclusion, rather than exclusion, and understanding rather than fear and hatred.

The Muslim leaders swiftly responded to this call, by asking all British mosques to include a prayer to Her Majesty the Queen in their Jummah prayers on Friday June 10.

Five hundred mosques across the country signed up to do this ahead of Thursday’s event.

Additionally, the imams urged British Muslims to invite friends and colleagues of other faiths to their homes, to mark the start of the Ramadan fast together and foster understanding of each other’s beliefs and viewpoints.

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• St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School - Winners of the Mosaic Enterprise Challenge West Midlands Regional Final 2016 As I’ve written about in the past, my work with Mosaic, HRH The Prince of Wales’ mentoring charity, brings me a vast amount of joy and a deep personal satisfaction that we’re making a significant difference to young people’s lives in some of the UK’s most deprived areas. There’s great work going on across all of our programmes and this was demonstrated in the most uplifting manner possible recently at the Grand Final of Mosaic’s annual Enterprise Challenge competition.

The Enterprise Challenge sees teams of secondary school pupils from around the UK work with mentors from the business community

to develop original, ethical business ideas. The winning teams in each school take part in regional finals and then the winners of each of these are invited to London for the prestigious Grand Final.

Naturally, at the final I was rooting for Team Fruit Cycle from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School from Birmingham and their brilliant idea for sourcing cheap local fruit and then selling it to pupils in their school to raise money for extra sports and cooking classes. Their mentor had done a great job preparing the team and their presentation was full of confidence and personality.

They were a credit to their school and our region.

Sadly, the team did not win the competition but the standard of all the entries was very high and I don’t think anyone present would begrudge the victory of the girls from Eden Girls School in Waltham Forest. However, Team Fruit Cycle should hold their heads high: they were very impressive and reaching the final of a competition of this stature is a stunning achievement.

The Grand Final truly showed the very best of Mosaic: an event filled with pride, laughter and large amounts of talent from all of the young people. It was a privilege to be in the audience and I’m already looking forward to next year.

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LABOUR SAYS:

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Beauty Extravaganza With a Message 8

JUNE 2016

Birmingham will host the womens-only Style in the City beauty extravaganza to highlight the trauma of domestic abuse and honour-based violence.

A beauty extravaganza with a very thoughtful and somber message is being held in Birmingham to highlight the far reaching trauma of domestic abuse and honour-based violence.

The Style in the City women’s-only event is being held by Breaking the Silence, which is a leading organisation that raises awareness around issues of domestic abuse, human trafficking and forced marriages.

Raj Holness, founder and director of Breaking the Silence, who was recently named West Midlands Woman of the Year 2015, Most Inspirational Woman 2015, and the Asian Business Awards’ Community Champion 2016, will talk about her

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inspirational journey and her escape from abuse.

Event organiser Donna-Marie, said: “Shocking figures tell us that two women are killed every week as a result of domestic violence. The aim of our afternoon event is to get women talking, building each other up and supporting each other’s dreams and goals.”

Raj suffered years of domestic abuse at the hands of her family and ex-partners. After remaining silent for 20 years, she went on to tell her story in her autobiography ‘The Only Arranged Marriage’ by Raj Jarrett.

After her escape from abuse and regardless of the fact that her abusers declared to find her and kill her, Raj found the bravery to break

free and launch the social enterprise Breaking the Silence (www.btsuk. org) For the past nine years she has toured around the country raising awareness by speaking to more than 200 organisations in order to highlight the suffering of domestic abuse not only to the victim, but to those close to them.

Her continuing support, encouragement and contacts have assisted many to leave their instable life and get help.

The ‘Style in the City,’ event, which includes a champagne reception, is being held between 3pm and 7pm on Sunday June 26th at Sion Bar & Dining, Three Shires Oak Road, Bearwood.

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Cessation of Trading Standards National Project

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ouncillor Basharat Dad has been fighting to keep the funding going so that rogue traders can be clamped down upon and people are no longer losing out.

He sits on the Full Licensing and Public Protection Committee at Birmingham City Council and has been raising this issue, after much deliberation the concern has been taken to the top.

Rogue traveller agents have ripped off pilgrims, many who saved up all their lives to pay for a spiritual journey of a life time, only to lose all their money & have their dreams dashed.

It was due to the funds that in Birmingham the Trading Standards team were able to carry out some outstanding & innovative work to crackdown on culprits, the work was nationally recognised and funded too, the results were 81% being found to not comply fully with the provisions of the relevant legislation and dealt with accordingly.

The government has decided to scrap the continuation of funds, which will cause major issues again.

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‘We cannot lose the momentum now, the lack of funds will encourage rogue traders to carry on exploiting pilgrims and without a national dimension, the Muslim community will feel isolated, voices will not be heard and will suffer in silence.’ said Councillor Dad. The Committee has written

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to Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills raising these concerns with him and seek action on this matter.

Councillor Basharat Dad commented; ‘We hope that the Rt Hon.Sajid Javid MP can see the significance of the issue and the devastating impact it is having on the Muslim community. He also needs to understand that the funds helped with national level work and supported our Trading Standards team in Birmingham with additional resources to deploy across the department.

We respectfully request this issue is looked in to, given priority & any means of providing funding are explored which are necessary to re-instigate the national project.’

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r Bhai Mohinder Singh, chairman of the Birmingham-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and a trustee of the World Conference of Religions for Peace is a person who is committed to work for peace among people of all faiths and world religions.

He has recently been awarded a plaque by a Roman Catholic church in acknowledgement for his exceptional efforts, in particular for strengthening Roman Catholic and Sikh relations.

A rare moment took place in the Birmingham church as the Kirtan was done to highlight that the world needs co-existence of all religions.

The ceremony, held at Saint Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham, was led by The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham.

Bhai Sahib has been renowned as an ‘Interfaith Visionary’, holding the Juliet Hollister Award from the Temple of Understanding.

No14 Bus Stabbing A 16-year-old stabbed another teenager on the top deck of a Birmingham bus because he would not shake hands.

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Teenager, aged 16 knifed another teenager on the top deck of a bus in Birmingham City Centre because he would not shake hands.

The victim was stabbed in the arm and back during the repulsive attack on the Number 14 bus as it travelled towards Alum Rock.

The wounded youngster bolted and flagged down a Good Samaritan who drove the boy to Heartlands Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.

The victim was hauled down the walkway of the bus before being stabbed.

The defendant, who is studying for his GCSE’s, was sentences to a two-year youth rehabilitation order which includes six months’ strict supervision with intense surveillance and an electronic tag and curfew.

He previously pleaded guilty to the stabbing and for carrying an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing.

Watching CCTV of the event, Judge Goodchild told the teen he was fortunate to have evaded a prison sentence.

He said: “I’m dealing with you as a juvenile, you have been saved by your age. If you had been 17 you would be going off to detention for two years.

“Before the knife appears it appears that this is a straight forward fight between two youngsters.

“The problem with carrying knives - if you’ve got a knife then it gets used.

“You’re lucky, and he is to an extent... these are serious injuries.

“A few inches one way or another and you could be standing up here for murder.

“A passing Good Samaritan gave a lift to the boy and as a result had treatment very quickly.

“Though I wonder whether he will ever get go on the top deck of a bus ever again.”

The defendant was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.

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Black Tie Ball NEWS

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Vic's Column

RAMADAN CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS

Birmingham Law Firm Sponsored

Black Tie Ball to Raise Awareness and Money for Women’s Groups First of all I would like to wish all the Readers of The Asian today Ramadan Mubarak.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan individuals’ energy levels, concentration, productivity and performance are likely to be affected given that no food or water will have been consumed since dawn.

Employers should ensure that Employees stay safe but also take into account Ramadan in relation to management of an employee. If an Employee’s performance is unfairly criticised as a result of fasting this may lead to complaints of discrimination based religion or in more severe cases constructive dismissal.

Flexible working arrangements should be considered such as flexible working hours or allowing appropriate breaks especially if an employee is working unsociable hours. .

In relation to annual leave it is likely there will be a high demand from Muslim Employees to request annual leave to celebrate Eid al-Fitir (the day on which Eid falls is not decided until sighting of the moon) and such requests should be dealt with in accordance with the Employers standard annual leave procedure.

Employers should act reasonably and ensure that anyone observing the month of Ramadan is not put at disadvantage for himself.

For more in depth Employment Law advice then please do not hesitate to contact Vic Younis on 01562 822295 or at VY@paiters-solicitors.co.uk

at Irwin Mitchell, to help support women with gynaecological issues. Neelam is also a member of the Young Professional Women’s Group.

The support group provides a confidential forum for women to talk about these issues and aims to raise awareness of gynaecological issues as well as reducing the stigma of these problems within the black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities in the West Midlands.

Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer was set up 16 years ago and has already raised more than £1 million for the Cancer Unit at the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham, which has helped to fund new equipment to aid the fight against breast cancer.

The black tie event included live entertainment from Bhangra All Stars and singers Seetal Kaur and Sarika Gill, as well as an auction and raffle, with the funds helping

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their work and we are delighted to have sponsored this event with the Young Professional Women’s Group, which helps women with career development, to ensure their work continues.”

Neelam who is also a member of the Young Professional Women’s Group and the Founder of Cysters said: “It was great to put on this event with the support of Irwin Mitchell and to help raise money for a fantastic organisation that has done so much for women dealing with breast cancer since its launch.

“We know the money raised on the night will be put to good use and continue to support women in the West Midlands dealing with this terrible disease.”

“The black tie event was a fantastic way showcase the work we do within Cysters and raise awareness of women’s health issues among minority groups in our area.

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the two groups to continue their work in the local area.

Simon O’Loughlin an associate Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell outbid the audience for the grand prize, two tickets to the sold out Royal Variety show in December.

Suki Chhokar, a Partner in the international personal injury team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “It was great to be able to come together for a night of fun and entertainment and to support these two groups, which are doing amazing work in the area of women’s health in or region.

“Organisations like these rely on donations to continue

“We know the money raised on the night will be put to good use and continue to support women in the West Midlands dealing with this terrible disease.”

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irmingham law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Young Professional Women’s Group sponsored a black tie ball to help raise funds for local charity, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer. The event also showcased the support group Cysters, which is a new initiative that has been set up in Birmingham.

The event, which was held at the McDonald Burlington Hotel, raised more than £3,000 for the charity, which helps women who suffer with Breast Cancer.

Cysters was set up by Neelam Heera a paralegal

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DOES IT BREAK THE

FAST?

Written by Shaykh Mohammed Yaseen Education Coordinator, Ghamkol Sharif Education Centre

F

asting is performed during the month of Ramadhan to please Allah. Legally, fasting is to abstain during the day (dawn to sunset) from fulfilling the desire of the stomach and carnal desires, whilst intending it for Allah Almighty.

Certain actions that we perform may have an effect on our fasts. Some will nullify our fasts whilst other actions will not yet some with nullify the fast and require expiation. Below are some actions and their effects:

Actions that BREAK the fast and REQUIRE expiation*

• •

Intentionally eats or drinks something of a nutritional value (commonly eaten) or that which is used for medicinal purposes, without an acceptable reason Intentionally has sexual intercourse

Actions that BREAK the fast and DO NOT expiation

• • • • • • • • • • •

Start of menstruation/postnatal bleeding (regardless of the time discharge started) Accidentally swallowing water whilst rinsing the mouth Consuming anything that is not nutritious (e.g. sand, wood) i.e. not commonly eaten nor used for medicinal purposes Coerced to break a fast Ejaculation due to touching or kissing Using a suppository Self-induced vomiting of a mouthful or more Swallowing of vomit which was a mouthful or more, Accidentally swallowing rain Eating the leftover food that is in one’s mouth (after the suhur meal) which is the size of a chickpea or more Asthma inhalers **

Actions that DO NOT BREAK the fast

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Eating or drinking forgetfully Night emission (wet dream) or ejaculation without touching/kissing Applying oil to the body or Kohl (antimony) to the eyes Using miswak Cupping (hijama) If one intends to break his fast but does not do so Swallowing left over food between the teeth that was smaller than the size of a chickpea Smoke entering the throat unintentionally If dust, dust of flour or a fly enters the throat If one awakens in a state of ritual impurity (janaba) or starts the fast whilst requiring a bath (ghusl) Bathing Placing cool wet cloth on the body Giving blood Vomiting unintentionally, even if it is a mouthful and even if some of it goes back down the throat Vomiting intentionally less than a mouthful (even if some goes back down the throat, it does not nullify the fast) Injections ***

It is also NECESSARY to REFRAIN from eating and drinking during the day if:

• •

A person breaks their fast A women becomes free from menstrual or post-natal bleeding

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Ancient Well Discovery

Plastic Factory T

Inferno

Severe blaze rips through a plastic factory in the Black Country, of which the cause is still unidentified.

A plastic factory in the Black Country went up in flames which caused a huge ruckus. Main roads were closed and local residents were warned to keep their doors and windows shut, in case the fire spread.

Over 50 firefighters reached the suspicious fire, located at the industrial unit in Jonah Drive, Great Bridge, minutes before 11.30pm on Thursday.

A number of pumps and an aerial platform were sent to the scene at the Aeroplas factory by West Midlands Fire Service as fire crews fought against the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to local homes and neighbouring properties.

However, more than £40,000 of stock was destroyed in the blaze of the fire.

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he bottled water industry is set to be flooded by water from a well which was discovered on a Victorian Property.

Shakeel Afsar, an Entrepreneur from Acocks Green discovered an ancient well at the Victorian property that he is

extending.

Mr Afsar runs a property development business with his brother Akeel, and plans to flood the water industry with a Brummie brand of water.

Severn Trent have commended Mr. Afsar on uncovering his own private water source, which could

The A461 Great Western Way and New Road, near to Great Bridge island on the Black Country Route were closed while firefighters battled the blaze.

The flames of the fire could be seen igniting the night sky from several miles away.

After several hours of emphatic firefighting, the blaze was eventually brought under control.

A woman and a child were trapped in the bedroom of a semidetached home in Chapel House Lane in Cradley Heath.

Officers managed to pull the two from the second floor window of their property, as a fire raged on the ground floor.

The mother and child were treated at the scene by medics before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.

West Midlands police are investigating the cause of the fire.

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The 28-year-old said, whilst laughing: “You know what? We might even try to get Acocks Green recognised as a spa town.”

However, it is still too early to say what the future holds.

Water that has been pulled from the well, in the garden of the Victorian house, is currently being tested to confirm it’s drinkable.

Local historians are excited by this new prospect that was discovered last weekend.

They believe the brickwork insinuates that the well pre-dates the Victorian era.

The discovery was made whilst in the middle of groundwork being carried out for a large extension to the 100-year-old property.

The builders on site originally believed they had cut through sewerage pipes.

On closer inspection they found the 25-foot deep well.

Shakeel, from Moseley, said: “The clarity of the water is just crazy. It is absolutely crystal clear; it’s like tap water. The council has confirmed it’s my well.

I could just fill it in, but I want to create a feature for the community.

“It will cost money, but this is something that should be preserved. One worker at the site is aged 76 and he’s been in the industry since he was 21. He’s never seen anything like this.”

Shakeel, who acquired the house two years ago, plans to make the most of

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He said: “Bottled Acocks Green water, why not? Or how about a health spa?

“At the moment, historians are trying to find out more about the well, but I intend to make the most of the discovery.

"It’s very exciting and just imagine how it will help residents during droughts.”

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JUNE 2016

Bloc Grand Central NEWS

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new 270f, 26-storey hotel is being planned by boutique hotel group Bloc which will open by New Street Station.

Birmingham is widening its horizon and renovating its skyline by the 270ft, 26-storey hotel that will sit opposite the city’s new John Lewis store.

The remarkable development is being planned by boutique hotel group Bloc and designed by Birmingham practice Glenn Howells Architects.

The company, at present, have a 73-bedroom hotel in the Jewellery Quarter and they want to demolish Gallan House in Hill Street. In its place, they want to build a new tower comprising of 238 rooms, which will be called “Bloc Grand Central”.

Bloc hotel rooms are designed with a ‘pod’ or compact perception in mind, which means that all additional fittings

• CGI of how Bloc's new hotel could look

and fixtures are eradicated, creating more space and maximising the number of bedroom.

However, the slender triangular design is not for everyone.

It was reported last year that the boutique hotel group were eyeing a mysterious site for their second hotel, in Birmingham City Centre, after the hotel they run at Gatwick Airport.

The hotel was proposing an additional 31 apartments to its existing complex in the quarters of Caroline Street quarter’s, which was opened in 2011.

They have now put in a formal planning application for the new building which is rumoured to become one of the tallest hotels in Birmingham, surpassing the Hyatt Regency on Broad Street.

It will neighbour the 241-bedroom Holiday Inn and it is also one of the first things that people will see in their line of vision when departing from this side of New Street Station.

The innovative hotel will generate approximately 40 jobs and will also feature a ground floor coffee shop which will be run by an external operator.

Bloc Grand Central, much like its associated site in Jewellery Quarter, will have a diverse contribution, with 194 standard hotel rooms and 44 apart-hotel rooms.

There will be no parking however the group, Bloc have said that it has planned a partnership arrangement for guests with a local car park operator.

6

A new 270f, 26-storey hotel is being planned by boutique hotel group Bloc which will open by New Street Station.

Hoax Police Calls

A policeman has been jailed for seven years after a claim that terrorists were going to kidnap a fellow officer.

Amar Tasadiq Hussain made a hoax 999 call in which he claimed a West Midlands office

• Amar Tasadiq Hussain

would be kidnapped by a radical Muslim with relations to the supposed Islamic State.

The 29-year-old made this false call because of a personal grudge, as perceived by Stafford Crown Court.

West Midlands Police said: "the call sparked an unprecedented police response and subsequent investigation which led to a suspect being arrested within 24 hours by counterterrorism detectives.

"The call came at a time when the national terrorism threat level was

severe."

As a consequence of this call, all officers were required to call in to report they had got home safely.

The former office, from Yardley in Birmingham was heavily criticised by Judge Michel Chambers QC for displaying no remorse and pleading not guilty even though he was faced with overwhelming evidence.

He is now facing seven years in prison alongside two additional Birmingham men who were also implicated in the same charges of debauching the course of justice, jobless Adil Bashir, 26, and 31-year-old tutor Muhammed Ali Sheikh, both sentenced for three years in prison.

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JUNE 2016

HEALTH COLUMN Heartlands Hospital’s Georgina O’ Regan on how to keep your heart healthy.

Every year over 17 million people worldwide die from heart disease and stroke. It is predicted that by 2030, 23 million people annually will lose their lives from heart disease.

Scary is it not?

It is important to realise that heart disease can affect anyone. In Britain and in particular amongst the South Asian community, we are though to be more likely to suffer from heart disease and worryingly at a much earlier age. This is partly down to diet and lifestyle.

So what can you do to keep your heart healthy?

Making small lifestyle changes, eating healthy and being active can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle changes: • Quitting smoking can make a massive difference. It is tough to give up but the benefits of not smoking are huge.

• Watching TV and spending hours in front of a computer screen encourages large periods of inactivity rather than taking part in more active pursuits.

If you are going to be in front of a computer screen for hours, take regular breaks.

Eating healthy: • Try to cut down on using ghee (butter) in Asian cuisines.

Consuming excessive amounts of ghee can increase the risk of heart disease. Having too much ghee can

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also result in your cholesterol levels going up.

• Eating fried foods (such as samosas and spring rolls) and Asian sweets (jalebis, barfis and gulab jamun) regularly, can do serious harm to your heart and increase your chances of getting diabetes.

• Reduce processed foods and salt intake.

• Always aim to have ‘five a day’ (fruit and vegetables). Also go for healthy swaps. Rather than have an ice cream, have some yoghurt. Or have fruit instead of chocolate.

Be active: • Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly will reduce your chances of developing heart disease.

• Exercising often will make your heart and circulatory system more efficient, reduce your cholesterol levels and also keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

• Playing a variety of sports, going to the gym or even having a walk in your local park really can make a difference.

If you have a family history of diabetes or heart attacks, make sure you see your GP for an early screening.

For more information on preventing heart disease, visit http:// www.nhs.uk/Conditions/ cardiovascular- disease/ Pages/Introduction.aspx

Are you on Twitter? To find out what is going on around our hospitals, and for latest news and updates follow us @heartofengland. Join our conversation today!

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust staff provides general and specialist hospital care across Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospitals, Good Hope Hospital and Birmingham Chest Clinic.

The Trust also provides community health services across the borough of Solihull.

The Trust employs more than 10,000 members of staff, making it one of the top five employers in the Midlands.

Argos owner Home Retail Group is setting aside at least £30m in compensation after admitting to thousands of store cards being overcharged.

£30million Bill

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rgos is facing a bill of £30million in compensation after admitting that thousands of store card customers were overcharged.

The company launched a thorough review into the matter, which relates to “buy now, pay later” plans for some of the retailer’s 1.5 million store card holders who were charged additional fees for late payments.

Chief Executive, John Walden said it affected up to 10% of Argos card customers.

Each customer is expected to receive a compensation of up to £100 and Home Retailer will be writing to affected

customers in the following weeks.

The group said: “we found that a more extensive customer redress programme would be required than first thought when the issue was discovered earlier this year, increasing the likely cost by about £30m.”

The groups financial services division had learned it “had erroneously collected excess fees in relation to the late payment of amounts due from certain customers”.

Mr Walden said: “It's not a material number of customers and not a material amount of money per customer.

“But for each customer it matters. We will address it and treat customers fairly.”

HOW TO ESCAPE THE DRUG & ALCOHOL ADDICTION TRAP

SEX ATTACKER ON BIRMINGHAM TRAIN

A woman has been exposed to an upsetting sex attack by a fellow passenger as she travelled through Birmingham on a train.

The 21-year-old, from Worcester, boarded on Shirley railway station in Solihull when a man, who was described as Asian and in his 40s, sat beside her and started a conversation.

He then began touching the disturbed woman improperly and attempted to kiss her, before he left the train at Smethwick Galton Bridge.

She was not hurt; however, she was deeply upset by the shocking episode.

PC Martin Fenly from British Transport Police in Birmingham, said: “We take all reports of unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway extremely seriously and we do all we can to support victims and find those responsible.

“We have carried out numerous enquiries to establish who may be behind this assault, including speaking to people who were on the train at the time and examining any available CCTV footage.

“We have now uncovered an image of a man who we would like to speak to and I would urge anyone who knows his identity to contact us.”

DAMAGED LUGGAGE

The life of a person suffering from drug or alcohol addiction can be one of misery, anxiety and frustration, not just for themselves but for those closest to them.

There is a way someone can be helped to regain sanity, normality and control of one’s life through the Narconon Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programme.

The Narconon detox programme does not use drugs to get a person off drugs but instead uses nutritional supplements and sauna to help cleanse the body of toxic substances. The life skills courses seek to get to the root cause of addiction.

Narconon is a secular program and accommodates people from all different countries, nationalities, cultures and backgrounds.

The aim of Narconon is drug free lives. For good.

A huge number of irate travellers have complained about damaged luggage in Birmingham Airport, bringing the Airport’s complaint levels sky high.

A total of 96 complaints have been made to the Civil Aviation Authority about the airport over the past five years, which works out at one in 484,918.

A Freedom of Information request has found passengers are more than 10 times as likely to have their baggage lost or damaged in Birmingham than Bristol Airport.

The Emirates airline was the most complained about, followed closely by British Airways.

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “All airports have different profiles of passengers, destinations and airlines. Those with more low cost airlines or business passengers won’t handle as many hold bags as those with more long-haul flights and charter services.”

It is not only the damaged baggage that seems to be the problem; rather it is a number of things, including time wasting.

When people are naturally tired after a long flight, they want to move quickly past the airport to get home and relax, but Birmingham Airport does not provide this solace.

JUNE 2016

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DJ NOREEN KHAN OPENS BIRMINGHAM ST MARY'S HOSPICE'S

Highgate welcomes newest Hospice charity shop

O

n Thursday 2nd June, popular radio DJ and fashion designer Noreen Khan officially opened Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s newest charity shop.

BBC Asian Network presenter, Noreen cut the ribbon and welcomed the first shoppers through the doors of the new shop on Gooch Street, Highgate. She was joined by staff, local residents and Hospice supporters who celebrated the opening of the charity’s 15th shop to be opened in Birmingham.

Following the grand opening, shoppers enjoyed food and drink as they browsed for a bargain or two. To kick-start the Ramadan celebrations, samosas were kindly donated

by Birmingham fast food chain Big John’s, who have a takeaway next door. The Highgate shop will also be supporting Big John’s official charity the ‘Anzal Begum Foundation’ by setting up a food bank instore.

Birmingham St Mary's Hospice Head of Trading Ian

• BSMH: Hospice Staff with DJ and Fashion Designer Noreen Khan

• BSMH: Noreen Khan officially opening the hospice Miller said: “Opening our 15th charity shop is a great achievement. Our charity shops play an important part in raising funds for the Hospice and we hope our

Highgate shop is a welcome addition to area. I would like to say a big thank you to Noreen Khan, Big John’s, Anzal Begum Foundation and to everyone else who turned

out to support the grand opening. We look forward to your continued support and to build more relationships with the local community.”

It costs around £8 million each year to run Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice which offers free care for over 1,200 terminally ill patients and their families in Birmingham and Sandwell. The shop welcomes donations of good quality items including clothing, shoes, toys, books, CDs and DVDs and household goods. All profits made from sales go to the Hospice.

On opening the new Highgate shop, Noreen Khan said: “It was a pleasure opening the Highgate charity shop and it was great to see so many locals popping in to support. I’d encourage everyone to donate their clothes, shoes and bags to their local charity shops.”

The Highgate shop, located at 291 Gooch Street will be open 9-5pm, Monday to Saturday.

As part of Volunteers Week (1-12 June), the Hospice is also looking for local people to volunteer at its shops to help raise much-needed funds. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.birminghamhospice.org. uk or call 0121 472 1191.

Birmingham Uber Drivers Strike The Midland Uber Driver Forum claim that the appbooking taxi firm has been reducing passenger fares without referring to them which has triggered their profits to decrease.

They also made claims that self-employed members have encountered suspensions and are penalised if they declined a job, which can be approximately ten miles away.

Up to 1,000 drivers,

“Uber imposing more and more restrictions upon drivers who are supposedly self-employed places us in a situation where we feel constantly insecure and fearful of deactivation.”

The Forum protests that drivers can lose money if they are taken off the booking system for a short period, if they decline jobs.

The spokesman added: “The fare deductions have forced us to do more fares for

including some from Sandwell and Solihull are preparating to strike for 24 hours from 6am on Monday, with a protest presented outside Uber’s Newhall Street offices from midday.

A Forum Spokesman said: “This action is to highlight the problems drivers are facing.

“Uber started off in Birmingham promising a safe and secure place to work.

But with fares dropped and borders opened to all drivers, it has become a free-for-all.

less money.

“Uber continue to insist drivers are earning more, but only states gross takings without even basic deductions for insurance, fuel and other running costs.”

Uber was launched in Birmingham over a year ago.

It is a ride-booking app that permits customers to order a private hire vehicle via smartphone, getting exact details of how long they will have to wait and estimated journey prices.

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JUNE 2016

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Birmingham Labour’s Cabinet Rearrangement Four new faces, four sacked councillors, after Birmingham City Council leader, John Clancy completes his first cabinet reshuffle.

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• New cabinet colleagues, Councillors Majid Mahmood, Ian Ward and Waseem Zaffar on election night 1

he alleged Butcher of Broad Street, Councillor Stewart Stacey is back.

The Former train driver who once closed Birmingham Golden Mile has found himself back in charge of the city’s transport services after more than a decade.

He is taking charge for transport following the reshuffle of cabinet posts on the Labour run council.

On the way out of the council were Councillors Penny Holbrook and John Cotton, following former Lord Mayor Shafique Shah and transport and jobs chief, Tahir Ali. In replacement were Hodge Hill Councillor, Majid Mahmood who is in charge of a new jobs and skills portfolio. While Clancy will be responsible for transparency, openness and equalities.

Hall Green Councillor and youth champion Kerry Jenkins takes on responsibility for contracts under a new value for money and efficiency portfolio. Lastly, Kings Norton Councillor and former athlete Peter Griffiths will be the new cabinet member for housing.

Car Accident On Stratford Road

A crash occurred on Stratford Road in Sparkbrook, Birmingham that involved a number of men.

Stratford Road is a major commuter rou te into the city centre of Birmingham, which was blocked following a two-vehicle pile-up at a busy junction.

Two men were seriously hurt and a third man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

The crash transpired on the A34 at the Kyotts Lake Road junction and the Sratford Road in Sparkbrook at 6.49am today.

A man was stuck inside one

of the vehicles which meant that fire crews had to use expert cutting equipment to free him from the wreckage.

Another man was also hurt.

Both men, aged 49 and 32, were taken to hospital for treatment.

The main Stratford Road was closed between Henley Street and Farm Road.

Emergency services operated at the scene to treat the crash victims and ensure that the vehicles were safe.

The police have announced that the road will remain sealed off throughout the morning.

Motorists and bus services are being diverted.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “We were alerted to the crash by the ambulance service.

“One man was trapped by his injuries and crews used cutting equipment to free him from his car."

“When he was out of the car he was given first aid by paramedics and taken to hospital. The extent of his injuries is not known.”

Police have said that a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

Some have remained from the previous cabinet, such as Brigid Jones who will be in charge of education and children’s services for the fifth year running. Mosely and Kings Heath Councillor Lisa Trickett will also be staying on the clean streets and environment role two years running.

Mike Sharpe and Barbara Dring will continue to chair the planning and licensing committees individually.

Additional roles are to be appointed in the days ahead including a set of six to eight deputy cabinet members that will be groomed as the next generation of cabinet members.

“One man was trapped by his injuries and crews used cutting equipment to free him from his car."

HIP HOP LEGEND KRS-ONE SET TO LAUNCH BASS 2016 WITH PERFORMANCE AND EXCLUSIVE Q&A

BASS FESTIVAL 2016 presents the internationally acclaimed Hip Hop legend KRSONE (“Sound of da Police”, “South Bronx”, “The Gospel of Hip Hop”)for one night only at the 02 Institute in Birmingham.

This exclusive performance on the 14th July 2016 acts as a chaser for our annual weeklong festival of Black music, art and creativity which returns to the city later in the year.

KRSONE’s performance

will follow an exclusive twohour Q&A session, where he explores Hip Hop’s history, myths and take questions from a small intimate audience. This will be a unique opportunity for music fans to learn the inside story of Hip Hop from an artist with a thirty year career at the top of the industry.

PUNCH CEO Ammo Talwar MBE says: “BASS BIRMINGHAM 2016 is on the way, and our theme for this year is HIP HOP 360. KRSONE is an authentic musical pioneer and the natural choice to launch the 2016 festival for us. I have been a massive fan of this true pioneer for many years”

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BHF’s MyMarathon NEWS

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woman battling heart disease is taking on the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) new MyMarathon challenge with her husband just two months after having major heart surgery, helping raise funds for the charity’s vital research.

Kuljeet Jagdev from Birmingham was devastated after being diagnosed with coronary heart disease – the UK’s single biggest killer – at just 45 years old when doctors discovered three of the arteries in her heart were blocked.

The news meant Kuljeet had to have a triple heart bypass, to help restore blood flow to her heart. Tragically, just days after undergoing

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make sure my operation went well and that I was okay.

“Heart disease is devastating; it’s completely changed my life. But I’m determined not to let it beat me that’s why I decided to take on the BHF’s MyMarathon challenge.

Every pound raised from MyMarathon will help the BHF fulfil its ambition to fund half a billion pounds of new research in the next five years, to revolutionise and accelerate the fight against heart disease.

Birmingham woman takes on challenge two months after major heart surgery

Local Leaders Awards 2016 are taking place in Birmingham.

WHEN: ST

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major open heart surgery, Kuljeet’s mum passed away after losing her fight with terminal breast cancer.

After spending five days in hospital, undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, and mourning the loss of her mother, Kuljeet spent a year getting back on her feet and went on to marry her beloved husband Narinder.

Then in March this year Kuljeet had to undergo major heart surgery again to have three stents, after one of the bypass grafts became blocked.

Now, just two months on, she is taking on the BHF’s brand new MyMarathon challenge with her husband, to help raise money for life saving heart research.

The BHF’s MyMarathon fundraiser challenges the nation to run or walk 26.2miles over the month of May to help beat heart disease.

People from either an Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani background like Kuljeet are at greater risk of heart disease.

Kuljeet, who is now 49, said: “I was absolutely flabbergasted when the doctor told me I needed a triple heart bypass. I just couldn’t believe it was happening to me. All I cared about was being near to my mum, and I am convinced she held on just long enough to

RAISIN MONEY FOR:

Nomination have closed and our fantastic panel of judges, including CEO at Birmingham City Council Mark Rogers, CEO at Acivico Ltd Trevor Haynes, Cllr Preet Kaur Gill, Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Cllr Sharon Thompson and assistant Principal at South & City College Birmingham Jacqui Maher, are now deliberating through the hopefuls.

At the awards night at The Auditorium, South & City College, Digbeth on Thursday 21st July 2016 Birmingham will honour leaders and managers from its Third Sector for their contribution to society.

This prestigious event will celebrate outstanding contribution to Birmingham made by leaders from Birmingham charities, not-for-profit organisations, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises.

The Future Leaders Club, a social enterprise established in 2013, is dedicated to developing effective and compassionate leaders in Birmingham through their leadership training and development network, events and programmes During the awards night money will be raised for the Aspire@BCH programme (www.AspireAtBCH.com), which is an enterprise run by Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This initiative offers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with greater life opportunities such as work experience, apprenticeships and development. In addition to the awards ceremony, guests will be entertained by live musical performances and served fantastic food.

Every day all of our lives are shaped by individuals doing great things – often behind the scenes, or away from the glare of publicity. Birmingham’s Third Sector leaders and managers are the key to making our society and communities the special places that they are. So what could be better than to highlight their contribution with a Local Leaders Award 2016?

There is only one category, ‘Outstanding Contribution to Birmingham’. The award is underpinned by the overarching qualities of transparency, integrity, determination and achievement.

Tickets can be purchased by via www.eventbrite.com. Simply search for Local Leaders Awards 2016.

For further information about Local Leaders Awards 2016 and for sponsorship opportunities, contact us on 0330 100 5272 or 07984678543 alternatively email: TEAM@FUTURELEADERSCLUB.COM Follow us on Twitter: @Leaders_Awards and @_Future_Leaders Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact us for further enquiries.

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Woman Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder • MURDER: Saima Khan was found dead in her house

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26-year-old woman from Luton is in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murdering 34-yearold, mother-of-four, Saima Khan.

Officers are working to investigate the horrific murder of Saima Khan, who was found dead

in her house in Overstone Road, in Luton on Monday 23rd May. Her family discovered her slumped on the floor when they returned home from a late-night funeral. She underwent a stab wound to the neck, which became the cause of her death.

Medics and police officers dashed to the crime scene but they were incapable of saving her, with the mother-of-four being professed dead at her home at around 11.30pm.

Detectives are open to ideas of the motive of the murder and have not ruled out the likelihood that it could have been an honour killing.

Mrs Khan moved to England from Holland and lived with her parents, sister and taxi-driver husband, Hafeez Rehman.

She was described by her neighbours as a “quiet but friendly lady”.

Mrs Khan’s husband, Mr Rehman appealed with the local community to remain unified as he made an emotive tribute to his wife.

He said: “She was a loving mother to four beautiful children,

a devoted wife, a beloved daughter and the most caring of sisters.

“She has been taken from us at the age of 34 and my children have been deprived of their mother.

“This was a junction in our lives where we intended to watch our children grow, to love them and spend quality time as a family and make memories.

“As everyone can appreciate and understand that the circumstances have torn our hearts apart. My family and I would like to thank you all for the condolences messages, and support that we have received from family, friends and the local community.”

Officers from Bedfordshire Police said they were continuing to appeal for witnesses who could provide them with information to get in contact with them.

5,000 Asylum Seekers Arrive In West Midlands In the first three months of the year, more than 5,000 asylum seekers receiving financial support reached the West Midlands.

Only the north-west established more asylum seekers out of the UK total of 35,683 candidates and their dependent relatives who registered for help by the end of March.

The applicants are being placed across the country under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act,1999, through which

asylum seekers are able to apply for accommodation and/or monetary help for necessary living costs while their application is decided.

Analysis of official data presented wide regional disparities in the dispersal of asylum seekers receiving Section 95 support as at the end of the first quarter of 2016.

The North West received 8,680 applicants followed by the West Midlands, then Yorkshire and the Humber (4,492), Scotland (3,214) and

the North East (3,201).

London had 2,657, whilst the South East had the lowest number, with 504.

There were 184 local authority regions with not one within their boundaries.

Earlier this year the Commons Home Affairs Committee said: “ministers must call on more areas to house asylum seekers as the West Midlands faces unprecedented demand for accommodation.”

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Bolton Schools Celebrate the Queen’s Birthday The children of Bolton wish Her Majesty a pompous and traditional happy birthday.

Bolton school’s celebrated Her Majesty’s birthday with much creativity and enthusiasm. Flags flew high in the air, whilst afternoon tea was sipped and the National Anthem sung beautifully by pupils.

A special party was thrown at Clarendon Primary School in Great Lever while children listened and learned attentively about the Queen’s reign.

Children designed an outfit for the Queen Elizabeth II, adorning themselves with the diverse fashions throughout the decades of her reign.

Vicky Chatterjee, Head Teacher, said: “The day started with an assembly in which all the children sang the National Anthem.

“They were breath-taking. I told the children I got goosebumps listening to them, they were amazing.”

She added: “The children were served sandwiches and traditional afternoon tea.

“They have been making cards for the Queen, which they want to send to her.

“There has been so much going on and it has been a nice way to celebration British heritage and British values.

"It was an opportunity to reinforce the importance of everything that the Queen does for our country and the commonwealth.

"The children have been extremely excited and really enjoyed learning the National Anthem as well as taking part in other royal activities."

Zainab Batool, aged 11, said: "I have really enjoyed today because we had to design and make our very own dress for the Queen to wear."

Uwais Muhammad, aged 11, said: "Today all the class dressed up as people would have done years ago.

"During one of the lessons we designed costumes for the Queen’s birthday and we had afternoon tea in school.

"I really enjoyed it because it was really fun and different."

JUNE 2016

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Cyber SmartJAS SANSI The Thinking Man's Mouthpiece phone Safety Breach Photographer and LoveBrum trustee, Jas Sansi brings a dose of all things Birmingham.

With an unprecedented love of the city and its unique diverseness, he brings his 6-foot passion to The Asian Today.

THE ECONOMICS OF AIRLINES

S

ecurity experts caution smart-phone users against viruses that could breach personal data.

Police and security experts are warning that smartphones could potentially become the number one target for cyber criminals, within the next 5 years.

Hackers are in the process of creating new viruses to bypass smart-phone security, including current biometric

People who carry a mobile phone are actually carrying a mobile computer.

JUNE 2016

B AT O O L ' S C O L U M N

The Ramadan

Diet Hack

Devices and operating systems which were considered not an issue to be worried about in the past have now become a target for the malware writers."

One example of a virus monitored by F5 Networks, imbeds in an online advert, infiltrates the device when clicked and monitors every key stroke.

He adds: "The way this

R

Four sets of wheels make up the landing gear of an Emirates Airbus A380. They ensure the world’s largest passenger jet touches ground safely. It was a feature I noted as I was escorted around this monster of a plane.

It’s truly epic.

Birmingham Airport installed a £1 Million footbridge to accommodate the A380. It’s an investment they will extract greater returns on should other airlines add the Airbus to their fleets. You are sheltered from the enormity of the A380 walking across the footbridge. It’s only when boarding, you realise, this is no ordinary plane.

Lets start with economy. The layout is 3 seats, 4 seats and 3 seats. Each row holding a total of 10 seats. The seats are comfortable and take advantage of the extra dimensions available on board. The toilets are well designed, functional and arranged to serve the extra number of passengers an A380 holds.

There are roped off staircases

to the high life in business class at the front and rear of the A380. I climbed the stairs in anticipation. The first thing you see if you take the rear staircase is a bar. A bar on a plane. How James Bond is that? Vodka Martini at 650 mph or a non alcoholic cocktail if you abstain.

It’s an impressive space. One of the guides informed me the bar was made in Birmingham. This made me smile. Party central exporting its good time culture 35,000 feet high.

Airline economics are strange.

There is zero profit in economy seats. Your journey in economy costs what it costs, and nothing more. The Government do well with aviation taxes but the airlines make their money from cargo, business and first class. Most of us passengers in economy, getting drinks from the trolley as it passes down the aisle are being subsidised by that which is below and those that are above. It’s rare for the masses to have the last laugh.

Enjoy your flight.

Jas Sansi Twitter: @jassansi Facebook: fb.com/jassansi

A Butler Well Served

systems.

The virus, dubbed “Trojan Horse” allows cyber-criminals undetected access to a phone’s internals systems.

This has serious ramifications for those who utilise their smart-phones for online banking and apps that require personal information.

Keiron Shepherd, senior security engineer at the world leading cyber security company, F5 Networks, has been analysing the movements of hackers targeting mobile-devices.

He says: "If you just consider the amount of smartphones and the number of people, it's a great surface area for attackers to go for.

"Windows was the predominate system, it was the path of least resistance for the malware writers.

29

virus can insert itself between the applications you're using before it accesses the internet gives it a chance to extract critical data such as credit card numbers, bank accounts; anything that's of high value.

"It really is a numbers game. They'll throw enough malware out there and hope it returns a good investment."

Police are monitoring an influx of fraud committed against smartphone users.

City of London Police Commander Chris Greany, the national police lead for cyber protection, said: "People who carry a mobile phone are actually carrying a mobile computer.

"It's not a phone with a computer attached.

It's a computer with a phone attached and it is as risky using this as it is using the desktop at home."

amadan, the month of physical and moral cleanse, is upon us. Going long stretches of day without food or water in hot days with no reprieve from work or house chores can indeed rob you of the last sliver of energy for preparing a healthy post-fast or predawn meal. However, the key to healthy eating lies in moderation. Here are four tips for keeping your weight and health in check during Ramadan; • Consume lots of water.

impart a feeling of fullness, they also cause excessive water loss from the body in form of urine as the nitrogen in the proteins is neutralized in the body.

There goes the fountain you drank!

• Consume more vegetables and fruits.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are a good source of water and keep you hydrated for mountainous days ahead. Try adding more vegetables to your soups, pastas, and curries. Make an effort of consuming some salads even if you

We can survive up to 3 weeks without food but perish in as little as 3 hours without water. That being said, knocking back three tall glasses of water will do you more harm than good because it will fill you up and leave no room for food, only to make you parched soon after. Aim to consume around 8 medium sized glasses intermittently from iftar until dawn.

• Watch the oil. No matter how tired we are, we hold our traditions dear and Ramadan marks the season we break out a year’s worth of fritters to bask in their deep fried oily richness. However, oily foods needs lots of water for the proteins in them to be digested. Not only do oily foods mask hunger and

bail on them throughout the year. Similarly, serve more fruits at your iftar table, just hold the sugar.

Not only do fruits replenish your water stores, they endow fibers, minerals, and vitamins important for maintaining normal homeostasis of the body.

• Shun the sugar.

Sugary foods are a rich source of caffeine, the god father of brain stimulants.

Consumed in form of coffee, tea, sodas, or baked sugary treats, it acts as a diuretic that makes you lose more water from body. However, if you crave a sugar hit, go for fruits like mangoes, dates, and berries, rather than settling for refined white sugar and do not consume more than 4 cups of tea or coffee.

RAMADAN MUBARAK

TO YOU ALL THE READERS WRITTEN BY: BATOOL ZEHRA Twitter: @Zee_Raza89

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JUNE 2016

The thoughts of:

Desi

Dave

Birmingham Firm Air’s Complaint Against the Council

Unexpect The Expected

I have known for a few weeks now that I wanted to write down my thoughts on the remarkable and quite frankly bizarre turn of events which led to Leicester City winning the Premier League 20152016.

I came to the football family quite late in years, my father being welsh I grew up watching Rugby, so never picked an allegiance to either of the local Birmingham sides, most of my friends at school were either Villains or Zulu Warriors. For this reason I consider myself to be a fan of football rather than a football fan and in general do not experience the magnificent highs or indeed the wretched lows which go hand in hand with aligning oneself to their local team: I say in general because I did become a fan of the Mighty F.C.Twente 17 years ago, but that’s a whole different story.

The major bookmakers as we know had the chances of Leicester City winning the title as high as 5000-1 slightly higher than finding Elvis alive and well (and running a bed & breakfast in Clacton on Sea). It has to be said even at 5000-1 I was not interested and I have placed a bet or two.

So how did it happen, how did the Foxes from Leicester who 13 months previously had looked more likely to be playing in the second tier of football end up on the pinnacle of the first.

Expectation: At the start of the season Chelsea would have had the expectation of being in a position where they could

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retain their title and very few football pundits would have predicted the spectacular way in which they fell off the pace in the first half of the season, my feeling is Jose Mouhrino had himself so wound up with wanting to start the season well the expectation got the better of him and through his treatment of the physio Eva Carnerio and subsequent baffling excuses for his behavior he lost the trust of a core of his players, he lost the dressing room. In that time period up until Jose lost his job the story around Chelsea was as big if not bigger than the story surrounding the great start to the season for Leicester.

Here I believe is the crux of the matter, because Leicester had a great start to the season they were always ahead of their probable expectation (avoiding relegation) they were in general able to play in an uninhibited way, with a smile on their face.

I am in no way belittling the footballing achievement involved, you do not win the premier league, have two players involved in the England setup, have your main striker in Jamie Vardy nearly win the golden boot and the manager Claudio Ranieri become everyone’s favorite uncle all in one season without getting a lot of the fundamentals right however this was all done without expectation.

Wherever in the world of football you watched the events unfold whether you consider yourselves football fans of as myself a fan of football, I believe in our own way we all became fans of Leicester City.

ZAF'S COLUMN

@All4YouthCIC

Volunteer It Yourself

Local authorities threaten Birmingham Firm with legal action over claims made on a digital sign broadcast that is viewed by thousands every day.

B

irmingham City Council leaders are threatening legal action against a digital sign that is falsely accusing official members of the council of criminal activities connected to land and property deals.

The sign is being aired on the side of the former fire station building in Bordesley Green which is seen by thousands of commuters and pedestrians each day.

The owners of the building are the developer firm Edward and John Brown which has been entangled in legal disputes with the council over property deals which they have said cost them over one million pounds.

Their complaint was made back in 2008 which also concerned a development in Small Heath where the firm built and sold houses. A fraction of this development was on council owned land which meant that the home owners had no right of access to their properties.

Due to this, a huge legal dispute began between the homeowners, the council and the developer which left the firm in loss.

The firm still believe that the council has exploited them and also that they were the rightful owners of the land. They have also argued that the authority

declined a meet with them for a full enquiry.

Company Director, Tom Joyce said: “I have been forced to resort to a situation where actions speak louder than words.”

He made a chain of allegations against the council over the council’s conduct of the land sale and disagreement and added that they had ‘treated him with contempt’.

The City Council has strongly dismissed the claims and warned that it may perhaps take action to remove the sign.

A city council spokesman said: “The council is aware that an electronic sign is being displayed by a member of the public, which accuses the Local Authority of ‘condoning’ criminal actions by council officers.”

“This sign is false and its accusations are entirely denied. No council officer has been charged or convicted of any criminal act. The council would most certainly not condone any such activity, if it were to occur.”

“This false accusation is being presented on a sign, which is displayed on privately owned land.

By doing so, the owner or occupier of that land may be committing an offence and the council is currently taking legal advice in relation to the same.”

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX! GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGE 39

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IY is a social initiative that c o m b i n e s volunteering and DIY by challenging young people aged 14-24 to learn trade and building skills, on the job, by fixing local youth club and community centre buildings in need of essential repairs.

VIY participants are mentored by professional tradespeople, who also volunteer their time, and gain vocational

accreditations as well as access to further training, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities with local employers beyond the project.

Since VIY's launch in 2011 almost 100 youth club buildings across England and Wales have been refurbished, involving more than 2200 young people and more than 400 trade skills mentors.

VIY Schools Programme W

ith support from the Careers & Enterprise Company VIY is now taking their work into schools across Birmingham.

The aim is to open up the eyes of year 10/11 students to the idea that pursuing a career as a tradesperson is a worthy and rewarding choice. This programme will enable young people to get hands on with learning vocational trade skills on real jobs, whilst also helping develop their wider employability skills.

Participants

will also earn a City & Guilds employability skills qualification and the opportunity to access followon work experience, work placement and employment opportunities.

They are very flexible and can work with the needs and timetables of schools. There are a range of options, all free of charge, including school assemblies, classroom sessions and hands on VIY trade workshops that can be delivered either on school premises or offsite at a VIY project.

For more information please call 07584 083 807, visit www.volunteerityourself.org or e-mail info@teamviy.com.

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JUNE 2016

& WISH EVERYONE

Ramadan Mubarak

We are very fortunate that we have been granted another month of Ramadan.

Let’s take advantage of this favourable month to make this life easy and to make our heaven.Please remember us and the Muslim Ummah in your duas.

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32

NHS Drug Unhappy JUNE 2016

Scandal •

Millionaire brothers Vijay & Bhikhu Patel

T

wo millionaire brothers nicknamed Britain’s ‘Bollygarchs’ have been accused of putting the prices up of common drugs needed by the NHS. Bhiku and Vijay Patel, who began with a solitary Essex pharmacy and are now worth £675million, have supposedly misused a NHS pricing loophole, amongst other businesses.

Four companies, including two with past and present links to the siblings, have allegedly increased the price of common drugs by up to 12,500 per cent, raking £262million a year.

The businesses have been permitted to charge ‘extortionate’ prices by changing the brand

name to a generic name instead, allowing them to legitimately bypass the NHS pricing cap guidelines.

In one particular case, a packet of steroid tablets sold for 75p in 2008 is now priced at £85.

The Patel brothers’ rag to riches story has been extensively celebrated across the country, however these accusations have opened them up to major criticism.

Vijay and Bhiku Patel, who live in two of Essex’s finest mansions, have been amongst Britain’s richest Asians for several years, having accumulated hundreds of millions from their pharmaceutical businesses.

15th July 2016 Athena, Leicester

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University Lecturers

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nhappy with the 1.1% pay rise, University lecturers are set to begin a two-day strike.

Staff at Birmingham Universities are committed to a strike running for two-days due to a pay dispute.

The University and College Union have said: “The 1.1% rise offered by the universities is “an insult”.

However, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association said: “The walkout was disappointing given the very good pay offer”.

The unions that represent University support staff are contemplating on the offer with a possible strike taking place in Autumn.

Staff will also initiate a campaign of “working under contract”, declining to work overtime or doing any unpaid duties such as covering classes for absent colleagues.

Members of the union have also threatened additional strike action, targeting open days and graduation ceremonies in June and July, if a deal is not reached quickly.

Superior Union members have warned Universities that staff could potentially boycott the setting and marking of student’s work, if an acceptable offer isn’t

made.

Sally Hunt, the General Secretary said: "A 1.1% pay offer is an insult to hardworking staff, especially in light of the 5%

“The 1.1% rise offered by the universities is “an insult”. pay rise vice-chancellors have enjoyed while holding down staff pay," She added: "Industrial action which impacts on students is never taken lightly, but members feel that they have been left with no alternative.

"If the employers wish to see a swift end to this dispute, and avoid further disruption, they need to come back to the table with a much-improved offer."

Summer exams are due to finish at the end, although many have already finished.

A spokesperson for the employers predicted only "minor impact and minimal student disruption".

He said: "Even for examinations which are still taking place at some higher education institutions, more than nine out of 10 report that a no to low impact is anticipated," "We would like to see the UCU consulting its members on the final offer."

The employers have said the proposal is "at, and, for some, beyond, a limit of affordability for higher education institutions and the very best offer that will be available this year".

They uphold the increment of the offer which means the worst paid university staff will acquire an increase of more than 5%.

They have also said they have offered discussions on zero-hours contracts and on improving lower pay for female academics.

UCU are preparing strike rallies in: • Belfast • Birmingham • Brighton • Cambridge • Glasgow • Leeds • Liverpool • London • Manchester • Newcastle • Sheffield

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EDUCATION

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THE ASIAN TODAY

Islamic Secondary School in Birmingham T

T

psychological distress and mistake it for simple bad behaviour, as found by a new report.

Researchers at the Centre for Mental Health also said that in their state-of-thenation study on mental health establishment in schools that an untreated, poorly behaved child will cost £3,000 a year on average in a school.

South & City College Open Day Open Day: June 8th, 4pm – 7pm

T

hinking about going to college?

Interested in university level courses?

Considering earning whilst you learn on an apprenticeship?

Whatever your next step, South and City College Birmingham can help.

We have a dedicated Open Day on Wednesday June 8th, 4pm – 7pm.

Come along and see for yourself what the college is all about; you can visit our great facilities, meet the tutors who teach the courses and have a go at activities that will give you a taste of what you might do on a course.

South and City College Birmingham offers students and adult learners full-time, parttime and apprenticeship courses from level 1 through to university level in a wide range of subjects; from diplomas in construction to degrees in fashion, from NVQs in childcare to an apprenticeship in hospitality and much, much more.

We currently provide courses and training

33

EDUCATION

Missing the Signs

eachers in schools are punishing children with mental health issues, completely missing the signs.

Researchers have cautioned that teachers are missing all hints of poor mental health among pupils by handling behavioural issues with discipline and punishment.

A lack of suitable mental health training means that teachers repeatedly fail to spot

JUNE 2016

to over 13,000 students and have multiple campuses across Birmingham, all within easy access.

Committed to ensuring students have the relevant skills, qualifications and experience required for their future - whether that is to find a job or continue in education at college or university - the college has excellent facilities which we continue to invest in.

This includes a purpose built construction centre, hair and beauty salons which are open to the public, a fine dining restaurant run by students, music and sound recording rooms and an industry standard auditorium.

South and City College Birmingham can help you get the skills you need to get ahead!

For further information about our Open Day and to check which campus you should visit, go to: www.southandcity.com/open Alternatively, get in touch with us at hello@ southandcity.com For any information about applying for or enrolling with the college please contact our admissions team on 0800 111 6311

he Pioneers Academy is now accepting applications for the academic year, starting in September 2016, for years

7 and 8.

With a holistic approach to education, the school is not only focusing on Academic excellence, but also on life skills, as our mission states: ‘The Pioneers Academy aims to provide an outstanding education in an engaging and cohesive environment for each student to excel; embedded within a safe and secure Islamic ethos which promotes human values, model citizens and future leaders of our community.’

We achieve this by: • Setting standards of excellence in teaching by implementing a broad curriculum that specializes in English, Maths, Arabic and Islamic studies.

• Creating an inspiring Islamic environment and promoting God Consciousness, Good Character and Behavioural Excellence.

• A commitment to ensure that high aspirations and expectations are set for all our children.

• Leadership Programme, personal development and life skills sessions.

• Student led community work.

• Separate female and male facilities.

• Recreational activities.

• Enrichment classes to build upon the students’ subject knowledge, Public Speaking, and overall confidence building.

• Smaller class sizes.

• Emphasis on Physical health through regular sports sessions and promoting healthy diets.

• New facilities including an ICT suite and Science laboratory.

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Schools Need

JUNE 2016

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atural population growth and increase in Immigration is set to put pressure on West Midlands schools.

West Midlands schools will need to accommodate an extra 82,000 pupils by 2039.

The increase in numbers is a consequence of population growth and immigration.

Only Birmingham alone is set to need an additional 30,700 places.

The prediction was published by the Office for National Statistics, the official government agency which is based on current life-expectancy statistics, birth rates and death rates as well as the net effect of migration.

The figures refer to people

Coventry, +19,900 (31.6%) Solihull, 5,800 (15.6%) Wolverhampton, 7,200 (14.9%) Sandwell, 9,300 (14.2%) Birmingham +30,700 (12.9%) Walsall, 6,400 (11.9%) Dudley, 3,200 (5.7%)

aged 14 or under.

At present, the whole population of Dudley, counting people of all ages, is around 80,000.

In the West Midlands the most recent population figures show that there were 561,900 children aged 0-14 living in the area in 2014.

However, by 2039 this number is anticipated to increase by 82,400 to 644,300 placing pressure on schools and nurseries to draw up plans in order to accommodate even more children.

This is an increase of 14.7%, ahead of the rise of 9.8% for the country as a whole.

Across England as a whole, the Office for National Statistics has predicted that

there will be an additional 951,200 children aged 14 or under in the country by 2039.

Schools and nurseries will have to propose ideas to accommodate 10.6 million children in this age group by 2039 in comparison to the 9.7 million in 2014.

Previously, teaching unions have cautioned that Birmingham schools face a teacher shortage.

Figures presented 63 per cent of school frontrunners in the region which was measured by the union National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) found it problematic to recruit teachers, with more than a quarter (27 per cent) saying they were unsuccessful in filling a vacancy.

Cash Shortage A report shows that schools in England are struggling to provide support for the 1.1. million pupils with special needs or disabilities (SEND) in conventional classrooms.

A survey of 1,100 school leaders found interruptions in assessments, inadequate budgets and cuts to local authorities were hindering the ability to cope.

The study by The Key, which delivers leadership and management support to schools, demands an increase in funding.

The government says it has increased funding for those with "high needs".

Schools in England are struggling to provide support for pupils with special needs or disabilities.

JUNE 2016

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JUNE 2016

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Washwood Heath Academy

“Continuously Good with Outstanding Features” Ofsted 2012, 2016 Effectiveness of leadership and management  Quality of teaching, learning and assessment

 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outcomes for pupils 

“Leaders ensure that there are high expectations about achievement, behaviour, respect and tolerance for others.”

Tel: 0121 675 7272 www.washwoodheath.com Twitter#washwoodheath.com

Respect  Responsibility  Excellence 

A Great School for Every Child

U15 Cricket Team

The Washwood Heath Academy U15 Cricket Team have just become one of the most successful teams the school has ever had and they can’t stop smiling about their historic victory.

The Washwood Heath Academy Under 15 cricket team won the Warwickshire County Indoor Cricket Championships for a fourth year in a row. This is a colossal triumph for the students and

their coach Mr Antell.

As well as winning the Indoor title four years in a row they have smashed every Birmingham league record and in 2013 our team won the Willis Trophy which is the Warwickshire County Cricket Outdoor competition!

Winning that is a huge victory.

The Washwood Heath Academy Under15 team beat every top school in Birmingham

Mentors in Violence Prevention - (MVP)

raising standards improving lives

Transportation & Logistics Enterprise Challenge Final

Dr Ghani KS4 Maths Coordinator Outstanding Contribution to Maths D

r Razia Ghani, teacher of mathematics at Washwood Heath Academy was invited by the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) to lead a session where members have an invaluable opportunity to explore and be inspired by new creative and innovative ideas. The Easter Conference is an annual highlight of ATM’s programme of professional development.

Razia boldly accepted the invitation and ran a session similar to one that she had already delivered for colleagues in the mathematics department at Washwood Heath Academy with her

colleague. Razia wanted to share ideas with other teachers to help develop independent students. The presented activities were originally created in collaboration with a Washwood Heath colleague as part of the “Developing Outstanding Teaching” programme at the Academy.

Razia encountered an amazing experience and teachers were enthusiastically involved in the activities.

Feedback was phenomenal, teachers remarked “thoroughly enjoyable and imaginative”, “can’t wait to use these activities in my classroom”.

The project was to raise students awareness of different roles in the transportation and aviation sector throughout the challenge, which included visiting Birmingham Airport and meeting staff occupying various roles.

The process was to develop students’ key skills such as: Teamwork – students will work in groups to develop their products Communication – a team from each school will pitch their final product to the Birmingham Airport ‘Dragons’ Financial, brand and marketing awareness – students were required to apply key business

Dr Mashuq Ally visits the Academy

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Visit to Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club

The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Model is a conflict and violence prevention approach that encourages young people from backgrounds to take on leadership roles in their schools. It helps prevent bullying before it occurs.

The model empowers each student to take an active role

in promoting a positive school climate.

Young people learn that there is not simply "one way" to tackle conflict, but that each individual can learn valuable skills to build their personal competences to manage conflict resolution when faced with difficult or threatening life situations.

A group of sixteen year nine and ten students visited the impressive new business suite at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club. Our pupils were in groups with five other schools and were involved in high quality discussions with Graham Goulden the Chief Inspector at the Violence Prevention Unit in Scotland, Kevin Maggs ex Ireland rugby international (capped 78 times) and numerous representatives from West Midlands Police.

Our pupils discussed and presented their opinions on how there effectiveness of the inner-city peer-mentoring program can contribute in modifying the attitudes and behaviors involving violence of preadolescent mentees. They will grow to

be excellent members of their community whilst investigating further ways in which they could teach their peers about key issues “to keep them safe”.

Dr Mashuq Ally, Assistant Director, Equalities, Community Safety & Cohesion took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Academy and discussed plans to further promote community diversity and partnerships with Head of Academy Heather McLachlan. Don Lee, educated in one of the top schools in China, praised Washwood Heath students for their drive, enthusiasm and academic excellence. Students impressed Dr Mashuq Ally by confidently articulating their views with their debating skills of some of the best schools in the country.

Five Habits of Ineffective Communicators

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EDUCATION

1. “Not Today Thank You. I'm Very Busy.”

Bad habit number one is constantly telling people you are in a rush and don't have long to speak to them. Obviously, sometimes it can't be helped if you have a train to catch or workshop to run but if you find yourself saying it all the time consider the effect on those around you. You are telling them that they are not as important as x, y and z.

If you say it to the same people enough, they will start to believe they are less important. If they are your employees, this could have consequences such as reduced productivity, reduced motivation and eventually they may choose to move on. If it is customers or suppliers, they may look to cultivate relationships with a business they feel they matter to instead of yours.

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4. Feedback failure Are you always the one giving information or instructions rather than receiving? Do you stop to really listen to what other people think? Do you welcome feedback? When you are given feedback, do you take it on board? If not, you embody bad habit number four.

If people think you aren't really paying attention to their views, they won't bother giving them or will give them on the wrong forums. Make sure your customers/clients/employees know you are open to ideas and suggestions and perhaps give a specific forum for this where necessary. The most crucial thing is that you must then show you are really listening.

2. Re.Re.Re. Bad habit number two is not putting a subject on an email or forwarding an email without checking the subject is relevant.

I'm sure we've all done it at some point, but, again, if you make a habit of this it is less likely people will be able to find your email in a search or may be confused by it and not answer.

3. Can we reschedule?

Are you one of those people who is always cancelling a meeting, contacting people to reschedule or not phoning when you say you will? Then you are guilty of bad habit number three.

We all have to reschedule occasionally but beware of it becoming a habit. You don't want to get a reputation for being unreliable. You are also sending a message to people that there was something more important than them. As above, if the same people are being told this regularly they will start to believe it.

Lyn Calver is Managing Director of LC Education & Training Ltd - specialist trainers in workplace skills. The company tailors training and development to suit the needs of your company and employees to help increase confidence, efficiency and effectiveness. There are a range of courses available to improve core skills including: Improve Your Communication Skills, Sending Professional Email, Equality & Diversity, Time Management, Leadership Skills and bespoke English and maths packages.

Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Photo credit: Celestine Chua via Foter.com / CC BY

5. Constant complainers Are you always the one giving information or instructions rather than receiving? Do you stop to really listen to what other people think? Do you welcome feedback? When you are given feedback, do you take it on board? If not, you embody bad habit number four.

If people think you aren't really paying attention to their views, they won't bother giving them or will give them on the wrong forums. Make sure your customers/clients/employees know you are open to ideas and suggestions and perhaps give a specific forum for this where necessary. The most crucial thing is that you must then show you are really listening.

Degree Value

A survey published by The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) found that two-thirds of students in England feel that their degree does not represent good value for money, with general satisfaction levels predominantly low among students from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

Since the introduction of £9,000 tuition fees, the satisfaction levels among undergraduates in relation to value for money have decreased severely.

Only 33% of students in England who took part in the 2016 survey felt they were receiving “good” or “very good” value for money, compared with more than half of students (52%) that were surveyed in 2012.

35% believed they were getting “poor” or “very poor” value for money, whilst 32% thought it was neither good nor poor.

Students of Asian, Chinese, African and African-Caribbean ethnicities were the least satisfied with their academic experience.

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NAZZ See page 45 for more details

RANJIT BAWA

Panj Ltd, Nirbhau & Royal Cine Arts presents Punjabi singer and actor Ranjit Bawa with his UK & Europe Toofan Tour of 2016.

The tour kicks off on 4th June in Oslo, Norway and then comes to the UK on 10th June in West London at the Thistle Hotel, Heathrow, 11th June at CSN International, Birmingham, 18th June at the Leicester Ramgarhia Centre and 24th July in East London at the The Royal Regency. The tour will then move on to Italy hosting two shows in Rome and Mantova where Ranjit Bawa will perform for the first time and premier the trailer of his debut movie Toofan Singh.

The Toofan tour which is set to be one of the biggest tours of 2016 with an exclusive press tour, Movie premier, 7 shows and more dates to be confirmed the singer will be taking over UK in the next few months. The tour will See Ranjit Bawa who has had numerous number one hit songs from Jean, Roti Vs Dollar, Tankha, Chandigarh Waliyeh, Munda Sardara da and many more will be performing live with his live band & Bhangra All Stars.

The movie Toofan Singh which is set to release worldwide 15th July tells the life story of Shaheed Baba Jugraj Singh Toofan and his pursuit for justice and equality for all. The movie is written by Dilbag Singh, Dhiraj Rattan and Surmeet Maavi. It was directed by one of the youngest directors of the industry, Baghal Singh.

TOOFAN TOUR 2016

INTERVIEW TURN TO PAGE: 42

VIDYA

BALAN INTERVIEW TURN TO PAGE: 44

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Calvin Harris and Taylor Swift Go Separate Ways The break-up has come out of thin air, after talk of marriage of pop’s hottest new couple was circulating.

From potential marriage partners to break-up? How did that happen?

Last month, Taylor Swift babbled about the pair’s “magical relationship”, while Calvin Harris also professed his adoration for the star, publically and regularly.

However, sources have confirmed that the couple have gone their separate ways, with one saying: “There was no drama. Things just don’t work out sometimes.”

The pair kept their relationship low-key in the

honeymoon period, with Calvin sometimes popping up in pictures snapped by attentive fans on her tour.

They seemed to be serious, with reports claiming they were heading down the aisle and the sharing of numerous PDA-overload selfies and pictures of the sweet gifts on social media.

Last month Taylor Swift said: "I'm just taking things as they come. I'm in a magical relationship right now.

And of course I want it to be ours, and low key... This is the one thing that's been mine about my personal life."

Two weeks later, they announce that they’re not together anymore, which brings to mind a burning question, what went wrong between then and now?

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Fawad Khan Replaces Saif Ali Khan Lollywood actor, Fawad Khan entered Bollywood like a storm, and he isn’t leaving just yet.

The talented actor has recently starred in The Kapoor & Sons and has now replaced Phantom actor Saif Ali Khan in Salman Khan’s home production, Jugalbandi.

Saif Ali Khan was set to play a young musician based in London alongside Anil Kapoor who has the role of a senior music teacher. The relationship between the two becomes sour due to male ego.

This role is ideal for the Pakistani actor, who is a musician himself.

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Amrita Rao has joined the long line of married actresses by tying the knot with RJ Anmol.

S GUEST

Y A D S THURLY 2016 ITUTE T S N I O2 H ST,

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Amrita Rao Ties the Knot

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After the news of several actresses from Bollywood tying the knot, such as Bipasha Basu and Preity Zinta it is not surprising that many others are joining the league of married ladies.

Amrita, who is currently busy with her TV series, ‘Meri Awaaz

Hi Pehchan Hai’ has married her boyfriend of seven years, RJ Anmol.

The wedding was a private affair that took place in Mumbai. It has been learnt that the ceremony only had close family and friends in attendance, details have been strictly hidden.

....we have Deepika and Priyanka, who have already broken this notion that models cannot act.

For me, it has been a great transition.”

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Cheryl Cole With Ex-1D Singer Liam?

The former girl group member is well known for her tumultuous love affairs as well as her music.

Cheryl is 32 whilst Liam is 22, putting a decade between them.

Although this troubles many individuals, a

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?

heavier concern is that Cheryl is still married.

While neither Liam nor Cheryl have determined how long they have been an item, sources in Cole’s faction insist that Multiple sources have confirmed that Cheryl and her choice to close her Liam are dating. With a decade between them and marriage had nothing Cheryl’s marriage, will they make it? to do with Payne.

Dinner With

SRK Models Can Act Waluscha De Sousa honours leading stars Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

Model-turned-actress, Waluscha De Sousa praises leading stars Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, saying that the Bollywood stars have expelled the notions that “models can’t act.”

After modelling from the age of 16, receiving the ‘Miss Body Beautiful’ title in 2000 and then putting her professional life on hold for the sake of her family, Waluscha recently decided to leap into Hindi filmdom, starting her career as an actress opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan with the film “Fan”.

Waluscha declares: “A lot of young girls use modelling as a stepping stone into Bollywood…we have Deepika and Priyanka, who have already broken this notion that models cannot act. For me, it has been a great transition.”

Shah Rukh Khan is a global phenomenon, loved by everyone. Proof of this has recently been confirmed with Hollywood director, Paul Feigs wife, Laurie Feig sends SRK a tweet after he hosted a dinner for Apple CEO Tim Cook.

After a successful dinner, SRK tweeted: “Thk u all for coming & making @tim_cook & his wonderful team feel the warmth & love of India. Mr.Cook u r a rockstar!.”

Laurie retweeted SRK’s tweet with the quote: “Some day I hope @paulfeig can be welcome at Mannat! #dream @iamsrk.”

To which SRK replied via tweet: “lauriefeig @ paulfeig and all your friends are most welcome whenever you are in India. Tell Paul will keep french fries ready for him…”

Paul personally accepted the invitation by tweeting: “You’re on, @iamsrk! I’ll bring the ketchup. It would be an honor to meet you.

Many thanks, my friend.”

And so begins a relationship between SRK and Hollywood Director, Paul Feig, which everyone is hoping will bring a new movie.

PRISON BREAK IS BACK! Fox will be reviving the much-loved series “Prison Break” in early 2017. The question that plagues the minds is: How can Prison Break continue without the main character, Micheal Scofield?

Well, the breaking news is that Micheal Scofield is ALIVE! Sarah has moved on with her life, bringing up their child with her new husband when Lincoln finds a letter stating that Micheal is alive and in prison.

This obviously calls for another prison break, which evidently calls for another series of episodes.

Not Together Jacqueline Fernandez speaks of the rumours surrounding her relationship with Arjun Kapoor, saying that single people are repeatedly linked together, even if they just laugh publically together, completely dismissing all rumours.

The actress has also said: “I would never lie about dating anyone because I know the truth never hides. Arjun and I have spoken about this. It’s

gone beyond jokes now.”

“I and Arjun are very good friends and that’s it. I understand it all comes with the territory where people will link us up because we are seen together a couple of times. But there’s nothing more to it.”

For all those who really wanted to see Jacqueline Fernandez and Arjun Kapoor together, it is sad news.

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BY: NABZ

BOLLYWOOD

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

Soch Na Sake Airlift

Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar Sanam Re

Kar Gayi Chull Kapoor & Sons

Sanam Re Sanam Re

Bol Do Na Zara Azhar

Salamat Sarabjit

High Heels Ki & Ka

Deewani Mastani Bajirao Mastani

Nachange Saari Raat Junooniya

Dil Cheez Tujhe Dedi Airlift

BHANGRA

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

Taare Taare Taare

Razbir Zaildar ft Gitaz Bindarakhia

Drive

Aman Sandhu, Rupinder Handa & PBN

Pasand Jatt Di Gitaz Bindrakhia

5 Taara

Diljit Dosanjh

Bad Company Ranjit Bawa

Kaali Camaro

Amrit Maan & Deep Jandu

Dynamite

Roach Killa & Jazzy B ft. Dr Zeus

Pappleen

Diljit Dosanjh

Picha Ni Chad De Diljit Dosanjh

Afsos

Sonu Bhullar & DJ Raj

UK ARTISTS

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

Enemy

Zack Knight

Lovers Medley

Asif Khan ft. Naseebo Lal

Dum Dee Dum

Zack Knight ft. Jasmin Walia

Dil Jaaniye Nafees

Befour Zayn

Jaan Atki

Mumzy Stranger

Dance Till They Drop Shizzio, MC DT & Kami K

Bombae

Fuse ODG, Zack Knight & Badshah

Main Aur Tum Zack Knight

Ya Baba

Zack Knight

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BOII NAZZ

Boii Nazz explodes onto the scene with a new track!

Our Journalist, Nabiyah speaks to Boii Nazz who has released a new single "Waiting For You" after his previous classic "Eh Theva" which was originally sung by the legendary Attaullah Khan Niazi Esakhelvi.

Boii Nazz has lived in the Midlands and South London, preferring London over the Midlands. His career goal is to enter Bollywood, working alongside huge music stars such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

His passion for music has brought him this far.

why Boii Nazz? What what do you do for 5. So, inspired the name? fun when you’re not 1. So, being Boii Nazz?

When I first started working at a radio station, that’s the name I was given. I thought it would be catchy and so I carried on using it. interested you 2. What about the radio?

I’ve been in the media for over 10 years, I started off as a DJ in clubs, and then I moved on to the radio whilst I was working in a wedding where a radio station manager was present, he said to me “I like your voice, I want you to work for us.”

3.

Boii Nazz is well established in the music industry, venturing into RnB, hip hop and Dance, the music sensation is back with his new hit single ‘Waiting 4 you.’ The artist tells us: “It’s a love song for all the people who are in love and have lost there love...”

Download it now: Available on iTunes or Google Play

Out of all the things you have done, which was your favourite?

I’ve done a lot of different things, from teaching and running businesses. I like to be on a rollercoaster and I’ve always enjoyed what I’ve done. In the music world, its completely different, you can work 9-5 or you can work all day. It’s a completely different ballgame.

4.

I’ve heard you’ve lived in both the midlands and South London, what did you prefer?

London. I prefer London, definitely.

That’s my hometown. Music-wise, Birmingham is fine but in places up north, like Manchester and Bradford, that’s where music is music and people want to listen to you.

I go out with my mates and spend time with family. I play football, watch movies and go on holiday. you ever have to 6. Do distress from work?

No, music is peaceful. Even when you are doing your vocal training, it’s peaceful.

7.

If you weren’t in the music industry what would you do?

I’d probably have a business in the property market. Buying and selling properties, investing in properties in the Middle East. would be your 8. Who dream collaboration?

At the moment, I would love to work with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, definitely a big one. Somewhere down the line, I would like to get a chance in Bollywood, that’s where I’m headed. you have any advice 9. Do for people who want to go into the music industry?

I would tell them to never give up and keep on trying, that’s the way I done it. No matter what people say, you have to believe that you are the best. There were a lot of people putting me down

in the beginning of my career but I followed my heart and I done it.

High Tech gave me a chance and that’s where I started from and now I’ve released this song after a year and before you know it, within 3 days, it’s been released in six different countries and has received over 120,000 views. I’ve had a big response and I’ve also had people who I’ve never thought would contact me, tell me that they want to work with me.

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UPCOMING

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THRILLER

FILMS DHANAK

Releasing on 10th June 2016

Releasing on 3rd June 2016

Starring: Hetal Gadda, Krrish Chhabria, Gulfam Khan, Vipin Sharma.

The story revolves around Pari (Hetal Gadda) who has promised her little blind brother Chotu (Krrish Chhabria) that she will find a way to get his eyesight back before he turns 10. She notices her favourite star SRK on a poster for an eye-donation drive, and so she starts her quest to find her hero who she is convinced will assist her on her mission.

Releasing on 10th June 2016

DO LAFZON KI KAHANI

Starring: Randeep Hooda, Kajal Aggarwal, Yuri Suri.

The film is centred on ex-mixed martial arts artist Sooraj (Randeep Hooda) and sculptor artist Jenny (Kajal Aggarwal).

Their destiny entwines when their pasts are revealed in their developing relationship.

Releasing 15th January 2016

SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOW Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

HORROR

ROMANCE

JUNOONIYAT

Starring: Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam, Gulshan Devaiah, Hrishita Bhatt.

Junooniyat is a Romantic Bollywood movie, bringing Pulkit and Yami back together again after Sanam Re. It is said to be an passionate yet lifting love story that is centred around Pulkit who is an army officer and Yami who is a carefree girl.

ME BEFORE YOU Starring: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, Charles Dance, Brenda Coyle, Jenna Coleman, Matthew Lewis.

Me Before You is based on the best-selling novel by Jojo Moyes. The story is about quirky Louisa (Emilia Clarke) who moves from job to job to help her family. Her chirpy personality is put to test when she becomes caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a paralyzed cynical young banker. As their bond intensifies, their lives and hearts start to change in ways that neither of them could ever have imagined.

Releasing on 3rd June 2016

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS Starring: Megan Fox, Stephen Amell, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Brian Tee. g The turtles reappear in this sequel Releasin of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to 3rd June 2016 prevent another dangerous threat in the city. The return of The Shredder and their conflict with T. C. R. I scientist Dr. Baxter Stockman following an extra-terrestrial invasion above New York City leads to a fight between the Turtles and their Master Splinter.

THE CONJURING 2 Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O’Connor, Madison Wolfe, Simon McBurney.

Releasing 17th June 2016

In this sequel to The Conjuring, Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) continue their roles as paranormal investigators and travel to England to explore poltergeist interest at a council house in Enfield.

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

TE3N

HOLLYWOOD MOVIES

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Abishek Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Jaqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri.

The romantic comedy revolves around a father who doesn’t want his three daughters to get married. Three men (Akshay, Abishekh and Ritesh) have a long journey ahead of them trying to convince the father that they’re suitable for his daughters.

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COMEDY

BOLLYWOOD MOVIES

HOUSEFULL 3

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Director: Ribhu Dasgupta Cast: Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vidya Balan in a pivotal guest appearance.

It’s been 8 years since John Biswas lost his granddaughter, Angela, in a tragic kidnapping incident that scarred him and his wife Nancy forever.

But eight years later, while the world has moved on, John hasn’t given up his relentless quest for justice.

He continues to visit the police station where he’s shunned upon and ignored by officers who have given up on the search.

The only person whose help he continues to seek is Martin Das an ex-police officer turned priest who has one thing in common with John – the death of Angela which has had a life altering impact on him.

But then 8 years after that tragic incident, there’s another kidnapping and everything about it echoes of similarity with Angela's case. Father Martin is once again dragged into the investigation by police officer Sarita Sarkar who swings into action when she realises an identical crime has repeated itself after eight years.

While Father Martin and Sarita tackle the new kidnapping case, John doggedly pieces together the identity of Angela’s kidnapper from little bits of information he gathered through his own investigations over the years.

TE3N is an emotional edgeof-the-seat crime thriller set in Kolkata based on these three characters who find their fates intertwined in their quest for justice and redemption.

Only a year ago we saw Amitabh Bachchan cycling away on the roads of Kolkota for the film Piku.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON OUR WEBSITE

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TE3N (stands for three spelt with a 3 instead of an E) centers around John Biswas (Amitabh Bachchan) who lost his granddaughter, Angela, in a tragic kidnapping incident that scarred him and his wife Nancy forever. But eight years later, while the world has moved on, John

hasn’t given up his relentless quest for justice. He continues to visit the police station where he’s shunned and ignored daily. He continues to revisit the spot where Angela breathed her last, hopelessly looking for clues. The only person whose help he seeks is Martin Das (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an ex-cop turned priest, who has one thing in common with John – the death of Angela had a life altering impact on him.

When John stumbles upon a clue in a busy market, his hopes of justice and revenge are rekindled and he turns to a reluctant Father Martin. But the clue leads them nowhere, leaving John heartbroken and Martin disillusioned.

Herein lies a case that might never be solved and the culprit never caught. Then one day, eight years after the tragic incident, another kidnapping echoes that of Angela’s and Father Martin is once again dragged into the investigation by police officer, Sarita Sarkar (Vidya Balan).

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Powerhouse actress Vidya Balan talks about her new film TE3N, also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The National Award-winning actress portrays a police officer in this Ribhu Dasgupta directorial, which releases in UK cinemas nationwide on 10th June 2016.

Balan is the champion of the female-centric genre in Bollywood and broke the trend that only movies with male actors can set the cash registers jingling at the Box Office with her movies The Dirty Picture and Kahaani.

Having won numerous awards worldwide for her acting skills, the actress also completed the duties of a jury member at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. The 38-yearold actress is currently married to the MD & CEO of Disney India, Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Written By: Sunny Malik

Entertainment Correspondent Twitter: @sunnymalik

01

How are you feeling that you'll be seen on the silver screen again now after a bit of a gap?

It's a special feeling as my last film released a year ago.

This is a special film, although just a special appearance on my part, and it releases on the day I am completing eleven years in the Indian Film industry. Parineeta, my first Hindi film, also released on the 10th June in 2005.

02 While the priest and the police officer tackle the new kidnapping, John doggedly pieces together the identity of Angela’s kidnapper from little pieces of information he collects through his own investigations. The new kidnapping that brings Father Martin and Sarita Sarkar together as a team also threatens to drive a wedge between them when the kidnapper is caught and they find themselves with conflicting views about the case. But little do they know that John is also closing in on Angela’s kidnapper.

T3EN is a gripping thriller that unites these two, parallel investigations into the two kidnappings, culminating in an explosive, emotionallycharged climax.

Vidya Balan

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You mentioned you only have a special appearance in TE3N, yet you feature extensively in the trailer...

(Laughs) Everyone has been asking me this. There are three pivotal characters in the film played by Mr. Bachchan, Nawaz and myself. All of these characters have different approaches to solving this case, which is why the trailer needed to show different perspectives from different characters about the unsolved case.

That's why you see quite a lot of me in the trailer and perhaps you won't see so much of me in the film. I would say it's an extended special appearance and not one with just a scene.

03

Even though it's just a special appearance, what was it about the character or the story that made you want to be a part of it?

I read the story and really liked it. As an actor sometimes you just want to enjoy playing a role without any of the added pressures. I am not carrying the film on my shoulders. I have two giants (Amitabh Bachchan & Nawazuddin Siddiqui) carrying it anyway (laughs). I liked the idea of playing a no-nonsense, tough, investigative cop. There is a backstory to the character, which is revealed in the film. So, I'll leave that for you to watch later. Thriller is my favourite genre and I am always looking forward to a film, where the director is trying to tell a story differently within that space.

04

The genre of thriller movies does well in India usually based on word-mouth. Can this theory be applied to TE3N too, that it will most likely do well at the Box Office, based on good word of mouth?

I don't really worry about the perception and expectations of the film. I feel that we have tried our best to tell the story in a way that it should be told. One always hopes that audiences will flock to the theatres to watch their movies, if not on the first day then through word of mouth. However, I don't think about it beyond that, else it becomes the primary focus of why the film is being made. As an actor, it takes away your joy.

05

What else can we expect from you on the big screen?

I have another special appearance in a Marathi film (Regional Indian film) called Ek Albela, where I play the role of yesteryear actress Geeta Bali. The film releases later this month. Later in the year, Kahaani 2, the sequel of my movie will release, which is very exciting. I will start filming for Begum Jaan soon, which is a partition tale focusing on a brothel which gets split into two - half belonging to Pakistan and half belonging to India.

SHO

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JUNE 2016

THE ASIAN TODAY Grand Gay Indian Wedding

INTERNATIONAL

Drought In India As the climate becomes warmer, India’s drought forecasts immense struggles, including a series of deaths.

A large amount of India is in the grasp of a

A gay couple had a delightful gay Hindi wedding which has inspired Indian families around the world and given hope to many individuals.

Despite the taboo of being gay in traditional Indian families and homosexuality being illegal in India, Rishi Agarwal and Daniel Langdon tied the knot in a very traditional ceremony.

Mr Agarwal was brought up in a very traditional Hindu household and his parents had dreamed of throwing a huge wedding for their son, alongside Rishi himself sharing his parents vision.

After he told his parents about his sexuality, Vijay and Sushma Agarwal were both stunned, but eventually accepted him with open arms and an open mind, after spending three days learning about LGBT issues.

So Rishi finally married Dan, after they met in 2011, performing all of the cultural traditions of a Hindu wedding, surrounded by loved ones, making all of their dreams come true.

Rishi said: “In order to run a lot of those ceremonies, you really need everyone, the community’s involvement, otherwise it doesn’t really work.”

He added: “Unfortunately, others have not had that support in their lives.”

Jas Sansi's Scribbles

Twitter: @Jassansi

INTERNATIONAL

ruthless drought, after two successive weak monsoons and a searing heatwave. The drought has killed at least 300 people already.

The drought in India has

dried up river beds across India.

Resorvours have dipped to less than a fifth of their total capacity and a quarter of the country’s 1.1 billion people are estimated to be affected in some way.

Some of these effects have already started with three men dying after inhaling toxic gases that had collected in a well in Haryana state.

Local reports enclose that the men, from the Jind district of Haryana decided to get the well functioning again to alleviate a severe scarcity of drinking water in the region.

However, local deputy police chief, Virender Singh denied this, stating that the

Climate becomes warmer in India

men were hoping to use the well for bathing purposes. He also said: "The well had not been in use for about five to six years and a poisonous gas had formed in its depths. The five men inhaled that and died".

This years monsoon, due to appear in the first week of June, is being desperately awaited. People are hoping that this will turn things around but many see the drought as a wake-up call for India. It is also seen as a foretelling of what is yet to come as global warming takes hold.

Missing Egypt Air Plane T

he signals from the black box of missing EgyptAir plane have increased the chances of finding out what caused the disaster.

A French ship searching the Mediterranean has discovered black box signals from a missing EgyptAir plane.

The discovery will aid search teams to find the wreckage and the flight’s data as well as cockpit voice recorders. If these items are recovered intact, they could potentially reveal whether the cause of the disaster was a mechanical fault, a bomb or a hijacking.

The plane was going to Cairo from Paris, carrying 56 passengers, including a Brit, a child and two babies alongside many others.

There were also three security staff and seven crew members.

The scheduled flight left Charles de Gaulle at 11.09pm on Wednesday. The last signal was picked up by Greek air traffic control at 2.27am, but the country’s civil aviation ministry said that the pilot didn’t answer as the plane headed in the direction of Egyptian

“The plane suddenly started veering to the right and left just before it disappeared from radar.”

airspace.

Egyptian authorities lost contact with the flight at 2.30am, 45 minutes prior to its predicted landing time at Cairo International Airport.

The Greek defence minister has said: “The plane suddenly started veering to the right and left just before it disappeared from radar.”

The aircraft dropped by 22,000ft to 15,000ft before contact was lost at around 10,000ft.

Many countries, including Britain have offered assistance with the continuing search for the plane’s debris in the Mediterranean Sea. Human remains were retrieved from the EgyptAir crash site which insinuate that there was an explosion on board, according to a senior Egyptian forensics official.

He said: “the logical explanation is that it was an explosion. There isn’t even a

whole body part, like an arm or a head.”

Another senior forensics official said that it was too early to specify whether the cause of the crash was an explosion due to the tiny number of remains that have been retrieved.

Parts of debris and personal possessions were also found 180 miles north of the coastal city of Alexandria, 10 miles from the last known point of the flight.

HEALTH

THE ASIAN TODAY

HEALTH

New EU Tobacco Law A

new EU law has been introduced that will change the way people buy cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Tobacco companies have been ordered to sell cigarettes with the labeling on the packaging constrained to an average size, font and colour.

All cigarette packs must contain at least 20 cigarettes to certify their size as well as health warnings to cover 65 per cent of the front and back of the packs.

The influence of the law goes further in the UK as all packs must also be a dull green with large images that underline the detrimental effects of smoking.

Additionally, menthol cigarettes will now discontinue gradually ahead of a total ban in 2020 following promotional statements such as, “this product is free of additives” or “is less harmful than other brands.”

Dr Penny Woods, British Lung Foundation chief executive said: "For too long glitzy, cleverly designed packaging has lured young people into smoking, a habit that takes the lives of half of all long-term smokers.

"Australia introduced plain packaging in 2012 and has already seen a decline in smoking rates. If just a fraction of the 200,000

JUNE 2016

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children in the UK who start smoking a year are discouraged, thousands of lives will be saved."

The widespread hope is that this law will decrease the number of smokers across the EU by 2.4 million.

Smoking in the UK causes around 100,000 premature deaths with a further 600,000 across Europe.

It also costs the NHS £2.7 billion and the broader British economy an extra £2.5 billion in sick leave and lost productivity, according to the British Medical Association.

In May 2015, leading tobacco companies such as Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco propelled a legal appeal describing the new rules as “disproportionate”.

The corporations subsequently lost the lastminute encounter in the High Court against the UK Government’s packaging rules.

Simon Clark, the director of the smokers' group “Forest” said: “the new packaging rules treat adults like children and teenagers like idiots.”

He added: "Everyone knows the health risks of smoking and no-one starts because of the packaging.”

"Australia was the first country to introduce standardised packaging and it hasn't worked. There is no evidence to suggest that smoking rates have fallen among children or adults as a result of the policy.

"Plain packaging is a declaration of war on consumers because the aim is to de-normalise not just the product but also the millions of adults who enjoy smoking and don't want to quit."

In Australia, where the measure was initiated in 2012, smoking rates decreased by more than 12 per cent between December 2013 and 2014.

Irresponsible Health Advice Advice to eat more fat in a report by the National Obesity Forum has been declared careless and potentially deadly.

Dr Alison Tedstone, Public Health England’s Chief Nutritionist said: “Advice to eat more fat is irresponsible and potentially deadly” in response to a report by the National Obesity F o r u m w h i c h advocates that eating fat may perhaps help in decreasing obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

The charity said endorsing low-fat food has "disastrous health consequences" and

should be retreated.

Other experts have likewise condemned the report saying it cherrypicked and misreported data.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, a senior adviser to the National Obesity Forum, said: "The change in dietary advice to promote low fat foods is perhaps the biggest mistake in modern medical history.

"We must urgently change the message to the public to reverse obesity and type 2 diabetes. Eat fat to get slim, don't fear fat, fat is your friend."

endorsing lowfat food has "disastrous health consequences"

Blood Tests for Depression

UK scientists have developed a blood test to help doctors select the best drug for patients with depression.

Presently, Medics have to trust trial and error to select drugs for patients with depression, meaning that almost half of the time the first type of antidepressant that is given to the patient fails to work.

The researchers from King’s College

London say that checking a patient’s blood may help to find accurate treatment.

Researchers have tried out their blood test on a minute number of volunteers, altogether 140 people that have depression.

To see how well the blood test will work in the real world, the test would have to be done on a larger scale.

The blood test, described in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, is the result of years of investigation.

It identifies two precise markers of inflammation, a compound called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and another named interleukin1beta.

47

The Healing Thrill of Dancing By: Mita Mistry www.mitamistry.co.uk

@mitamistry "Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.”

Rumi Our body is an extraordinary powerful creation that is designed to move and flow to the dance of life. Research has shown that dancing has the potential to heal stress by releasing negative emotions and helps to promote better physical wellbeing like balance, co-ordination and flexibility.

Dance is a universal language, a form of communication that allows you to express your feelings and emotions that don’t need to be explained. We only have to take a look at ancient cultures around the world to see that dancing remains the most expressive way of communicating.

The rituals of ancient cultures often appease nature like the Native American rain dance or they can symbolise spiritual service or invoke emotions of strength and prowess in preparation for battle, the infamous war dance the Haka shows this perfectly.

In Egypt priests perform movements that signify events in the story of a God. Similarly the classical Indian dance Bharat Natyam that originated in temples is a dance of the Fire Element. It’s grace, elegance and tenderness expresses the celebration of the eternal Universal energy through the beauty of the body.

Dancing releases endorphins into the body, these feel good natural chemicals create positive energy and the euphoric enjoyment that dancing brings.

Whether you use your body for carrying out daily tasks or to achieve athleticism, your whole body, mind, and spirit are connected and moving, which is why dancing can transform negative energy into positive energy.

To read the full article please log onto our website:

www.theasiantoday.com Body Perfect Personal Training ensures you get the optimum workout experience and we are dedicated in helping you achieve your results.

Your individualised plan will include strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude which will gear you towards achieving your health and fitness goals.

WEBSITE: WWW.BODYPERFECTPT.COM TWITTER: DALDHALIWALPT FACEBOOK: /DAL DHALIWAL

Our Personal Training service is available at our prestigious studio situated in the heart of Warwickshire or alternatively try our excellent Online Training service.

“Our mission is to help busy women to feel good, gain confidence, build on their self-esteem and to be the best possible version of themselves.” - Dal Dhaliwal

Body Perfect Personal Training delivers an experience that is unique, personalised and we are 100% committed in helping you reach your goals!

48

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JUNE 2016

THE ASIAN TODAY Fashion & Beauty Correspondent: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog

FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHIO Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com Photography Credit: Shahid Malik

The Future of Fashion:

Luton Fashion Week

The Prominence of

Pakistan Fashion Week London J

ust when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Riwayat’s 9th edition of Pakistan Fashion Week (PFW9) silenced critiques with an outstanding array of prominent Pakistani fashion in London’s worldclass shopping distract, Covent Garden.

Best Avant-Garde Collection at PFW9

L

uton Fashion Week was alight with Bloggers, Vloggers, Instagrammers, Media, Designers and Celebs such as Bambi, Char Avell and comedian, Salman Malik to mention only a few.

As the VIP guests sipped on their mocktails, snapping selfies on the red carpet and photographers captured the moments as they were all warming up for the main event, Luton Fashion Week.

Founded by Aneesa Kiani, Luton Fashion Week showcases undiscovered talent of the next generation’s fashion designers. And every year the event brought promise to the fashion world as it showcases upcoming talent, although looking at the collections you would have mistaken it for London Fashion Week.

Hassan Riaz was truly in a league of his own. The Alexander McQueen of Pakistani fashion, he continues to push the boundaries and break the barriers in South Asian fashion to highlight it’s not only about bridal or embellished garments but there’s more to South Asian fashion than meets the eye.

Each of his sublime collections tells a story, a truly hard-hitting meaning and he doesn’t just create for the sake of creating or financial gain.

The collection showcased at PFW9, Addiction was truly an extraordinary work of art and a true reflection of what you usually would expect from world’s best Fashion Weeks. The crowd were blown away by his artful techniques, innovative fashion and humble personality as he met fans.

He’s definitely one to watch out for internationally!

Best Contemporary Collection SS16 at PFW9 I genuinely loved Sapphire’s latest SS16 collection showcased at PFW9, not only because I’ve been a huge fan of the label for quite some time but also because the clothing is ideal for everyday wear in Britain. For instance,

you could rock their kameez pair with jeans, waist belt or waistcoat.

With the combination of beautifully printed kameezes and suits from 50 - 65 GBP you could put an outfit together at high street prices. Although with this label your not compromising on the fashion print or designs as they are beautiful and once styled well you could look amazing every day. Plus it’s not every day you find a current South Asian label like Sapphire in the UK.

Best Party Wear Collection at PFW9 Diva by Sana Rashid brought a new and welcomed dimension to PFW9.

It was the first time the designer showcased at PFW but she certainly didn’t let us down. Quite the opposite actually! Instead, her collection owned the runway in its full graceful glory and set the trends. You could not compare her collection to any other designer is emphasised a rare individual style injecting exuberance into PFW9. Sana Rashid added a new layer of uniqueness and her talents were prominent through her carefully crafted collection as if to say her collections belong on the runway.

The collection echoed the new South Asian gladiator woman willing to take on the world, which hasn’t been showcased in Karachi or Lahore.

Sana Rashid created an outstanding collection through her vision of the modern vivacious woman.

Thanks to Riwayat as PFW London is one of the only events to bring a combination of runway shows and huge shoppers area with current party

wear, affordable everyday trends and extraordinary Pakistani fashion to Britain. The prominence of Pakistan Fashion Week London is immense and long may it live on.

FASHION & BEAUTY

DAL

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ON & BEAUTY Grooming Gifts for 3.

Father’s Day YSL L’Homme Ultime

If you’re stuck on what to get your dad for Father’s Day, a grooming gift is always the best choice. Here, we’ve listed all the presents which will keep your dad looking dashing, from luxury beard care sets to top-of-the range colognes.

A dramatic scent, made with both a soft and hard side. It smells like a combination of grapefruit, ginger and cardamom with a hint of damask rose, geranium and sensory clary sage.

Great British Grooming 1. The Company Beard Oil This gift is perfect for those who don’t want to create a dent in the bank but also want to give a decent gift. This beard oil is great for smoothing out the spikes and softening the prickles.

2. Moustache Care Gift Set Men Rock Beard and

This extravagant kit includes a beard soap, beard balm and comb, moustache wax and a little packet of Love Hearts. It provides everything you need for the perfect whisker formation.

Luna 2 4. Forea for Men Dads who suffer from razor burns and breakouts will definitely appreciate this exfoliating, conditioning and cleansing tool. Taking just mere minutes, the results are spectacular, leaving the skin blemishfree.

Kors 5. Micheal Extreme Blue

An impeccable gift for Father’s Day with the best of a lot of worlds. Made from crispy bergamot, fiery pink pepper, revitalising cardamom, herbal juniper and cypress with charming velvety woods and earthy patchouli.

Happy Father’s Day! 19th June

2016

JUNE 2016

49

GET FIT WITH

D H A L I W A L

Dal Dhaliwal is UK’s first Indian Female Health and Fitness Coach to launch a private fitness gym. She is also a Health and Fitness TV Presenter. Dal has been working in the wellness Industry since 1998.

She will teach you strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude, and will share with you methods on how you too can follow a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, correct nutrition and wellbeing.

Staying Healthy During Ramadan

R

amadan is a festive time of the year but it can have potential negative impact on one’s health and weight.

Many practising Muslims find it difficult to keep healthy and energised during Ramadan. This is mainly due the change of eating habits during this time of the year. Eating at night rather than during the day can affect the body’s metabolism and therefore lead to weight gain. Fasting can lead to food cravings in particular for fatty and sugary foods - which are high in calories and can lead to an increase in ones waist line.

Here are some of my recommendations to ensure you stay healthy and energised during the religious fasting period.

Consume meals with protein and fibre The two main meals during Ramadan are Suhoor and Iftar. These meals are consumed before dawn and after dusk. It is important that your pre-meal, Suhoor , contains sufficient protein and fibre foods. This is the last meal before starting the day, so keep it wholesome and have moderate potions.

Food sources that are recommended should be light and easy to digest such as oats, toast, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese and nuts.

Complex carbohydrates, foods that help release energy slowly during the long hours of fasting are good to consume. Good fibre sources are whole grains, vegetables and fruits. These food sources will keep you energised, fuller longer and help to fight off cravings and hunger. It is also important to have some fluid that contains vitamins such as; smoothies or fresh juices for energy.

Avoid Overeating: After a day of going without food it is common to overindulge at Iftar. To avoid the temptation to reach for unhealthy calorie –

rich foods try having a soup or a glass of freshly squeezed juice. This will help to curb the hunger pangs and temptation for those ‘bad’ foods which often contain sugar, fat and empty calories.

Foods to avoid are; junk food, deep-fried or oily foods – such as pakoras, samosas , high-sugar and high-fat foods.

Ensure each meal at Ramadan contains healthy portions of protein, vegetables, fruit, fibre, whole grains and dairy products.

Healthy Options There are many healthy alternatives to eat. Instead of greasy deep -fried foods try a healthy way of cooking; baked samosas, chapattis made without oil, baked or grilled meat and chicken. Include lots of complex carbohydrates e.g. oats, semolina, beans, lentils, basmati rice. Try alternative foods such as few dates or almonds instead of the extremely calorierich pastries served during Ramadan. Almonds and a little rich dark chocolate (small portion) are a good alternative to rich desserts.

Avoid the sun and stay hydrated It can be difficult to stay in shape during Ramadan.

It is recommended to avoid the sun and keep yourself in cool places.

Also avoid strenuous exercise during the fasting time. When eating before sunrise it is recommended to avoid drinks such as coffee and tea. These can make you more thirsty and dehydrated.

Drink smoothies or fresh fruit juice diluted with water.

This will help to keep you more energised.

Before commencing a fast and if you are concerned about your health talk to your doctor, in particular if you are senior, taking medication to control your insulin levels or are an expectant mum. If you have any symptoms of ill health, it is important to stop fasting.

YOU CAN TWEET DAL YOUR QUESTIONS TWITTER: @DALDHALIWALPT FIND HER ON FACEBOOK: /DAL DHALIWAL WWW.BODYPERFECTPT.COM

50

FOOD

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JUNE 2016

THE ASIAN TODAY PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today, bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between.

www.msdeliciouspr. blogspot.com

Sunshine Dining is Coming Your Way This Summer Whilst we are currently basking away in Brum’s glorious sunshine we’re hyper excited that city has opened up a fabulous line-up of themed restaurants for us all to enjoy.

Turtle Bay:

If you enjoy all the colours, flavours and rhythm of the Caribbean, then Turtle Bay is just for you. The Jamaican favourite has opened up another venue but this time in the well heeled town of Solihull.

We loved the look of the place - reclaimed wooden furniture, vibrant mosaics, colourful and eclectic murals, quirky feature

lighting, and an open kitchen ‘jerk shack’ which transports you back to the blissful atmosphere of the Caribbean.

It’s a pretty large venue on Station Road just a stone’s throw from Touchwood Shopping Centre bringing you rum, reggae and jerk! Evoking the best of the beach and bringing a huge ray of sunshine to town, diners can enjoy 50 authentic Caribbean dishes and a multitude of top quality rums.

The legendary, Turtle Bay Happy Hour is a must and definitely the happiest hour in the city for cocktail lovers and rum enthusiasts.

Viva Brazil:

Fancy a meat feast? Then head over to Viva Brazil Churrascaria, an award winning and authentic Brazilian style steakhouse. With offerings of over fifteen select cuts of mouthwatering Beef, Lamb, Pork, Chicken and Sausages that are all slowly roasted over a charcoal barbeque and expertly carved.

Viva Brazil means ‘Live like Brazil’ and the restaurant has taken traditional Brazilian cooking and has put an artistic twist on it to create an innovative carnival dining

experience. Discs are provided for each diner, one side green and the other red. Green side is used to signal for more food and the red is used once you are finished. The food literally doesn’t stop until you want it to.

The Salad Island boasts over 20 variations of freshly prepared salads to accompany those meaty treats on your plate.

The Brazilian inspired cocktail menu looks pretty innovative too. With exciting creations of the infamous Caipirinha cocktails – Cachaca rum, freshly squeezed lemons, sugar and using a variety of flavours mixed together. I love Caipirinha cocktails so it was great to try a variety of flavours mixed together works.

The Smoke Haus The Smoke Haus has arrived in Brindleyplace a big ol’ American bar diner with graffiti on the wall and motorbikes in the foyer! It is certainly very manly and the menu reads like a meat-lovers paradise – with deep, hearty flavours and big portions. All meats are literally smoked specifically to create and preserve flavours using different forms of wood.

Or party of four enjoyed succulent ribs and very spicy chicken wings for starters followed by chicken burgers, steak and a foot long hot dog.

All the dishes were ready briskly and full of flavour. You certainly won’t go hungry here.

This place has all the ingredients for success - a mouthwatering menu, friendly service team and a relaxed vibe. Check it out.

Get more food news on twitter @deliciouspr & on the web : www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

FOOD & TRA

Curry House Owner Jailed The owner of a curry house in North Yorkshire has been detained after killing someone with nuts.

Mohammed Zaman was found guilty of homicide by uncultured disregard of nut allergies and many other food regulations.

The owner of a curry house has been sentenced to six years in jail after he was found guilty of Paul Wilson’s death, who had a severe peanut allergy.

Mr. Wilson was found dead by a flat buddy in their home, after which a police investigation was carried out.

The police found that “no nuts” had been written on the lid of his curry, as well as on the order slip.

The 38-year-old suffered a severe anaphylactic shock after he consumed the meal from the Indian Garden restaurant in North Yorkshire, of which Mr. Zaman is the owner.

Increase of

Vegans

In Britain The number of vegans in Britain has increased by more than 360 per cent over the past decade as people begin to see the benefits of plantbased diets.

"It's an extraordinary case, this - believed to be the first of its kind. Never before, we think, has a restaurant owner been jailed for killing someone by putting the wrong ingredients in."

A

ccording to a new survey that displays record numbers of people that are avoiding food originated from animals, the number of vegans in Britain has increased by more than 360 per cent over the past decade.

Around 542,000 people aged 15 or over, over one per cent of the population, have implemented a plantbased diet. According to the Vegan Society, the survey demonstrates that veganism is now one of Britain’s fastest growing lifestyle programs.

The apparent health benefits of a vegan diet appear to be driving the movement.

Promoters of plant-based diets say: “Vegans typically have lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, a lower body mass index, and reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer.”

In addition to this health benefits, environmental and welfare concerns are also contributing to the growing numbers of people turning away from food derived from

animals.

Jasmijn de Boo, Chief Executive Officer of The Vegan Society said: “To have over half a million vegans in Britain is fantastic. More people than ever are now acting upon the health and environmental benefits of veganism, and finding out what really goes on in the meat and dairy industries and deciding they do not want to contribute to the pain and suffering of animals.”

Celebrity vegans like Ellie Goulding, Jennifer Lopez and Liam Hemsworth also seem to be having an influence, with the survey showing that young people in particular are giving these plant-based diets a go.

“To have over half a million vegans in Britain is fantastic."

Keith Coomber, founder of Vegan Life magazine has said: “It is no longer an extreme lifestyle, its easy and accessible. You can walk into any supermarket and be confronted by a huge range of dairy-free milks and other vegan-friendly products.”

"As consumers become more savvy about the reality of the farming industry, and the health implications of meat and dairy products, this boom will only continue.”

According to the poll, approximately half of all vegans are aged 15-34 (42 per cent), in comparison with 14 per cent aged over 65. A huge majority of vegans live in urban areas (88 per cent), with nearly a quarter (22 per cent) in London. The poll also displays that there are now 1.14 million vegetarians aged 15 and over in Britain.

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AVEL EasyJet Turn Away Late Passengers

EasyJet have revealed that they will be turning away passengers who arrive at security less than 20 minutes before take-off.

The budget airline will allegedly prevent anyone trying to pass through the security barriers in an effort to stop passengers from arriving late and delaying the flight.

This new rule also means that passengers could end up paying more, up to £80, to switch to another flight.

As the holiday season commences, the airline has instructed Gatwick to reprogram its security barriers, so that passengers with a boarding time of less than half an hour are turned away mechanically.

Previously, passengers that only had hand-luggage were

able to pass through security at the very last instant as they dashed to the departure gate in the hopefulness of getting to their flight before it took off.

However, now passengers have been overtly told about the new rules on their boarding passes.

The small print reportedly reads: “Gatwick security control gates are automatically being timed to close 30 minutes before departure.”

The passengers who miss the cut-off point will be told to go back to the EasyJet desk and reschedule their flights.

The airline, at present, sell a missed flight cover for £7.50 that is available to purchase before travel so passengers are able to get a complete refund or get the next flight if they’re late.

A UK airline in the making with Indian DNA, POP aims to be the only airline to operate non-stop flights from the UK to Amritsar and Ahmedabad and has been founded on a ‘caring capitalism’ business model. The company will donate a minimum of 51% of its profits to charities in both countries. So, in addition to providing an enhanced-value flying experience, POP - together with its customers - will be improving the lives of the most disadvantaged in the UK and in the Punjabi and Gujarati communities it will be serving.

The commercial has been made in two versions, one for each Indian state, and they can be viewed via the following links: Amritsar Region Commercial and Ahmedabad Region Commercial. The

51

Midland metro trams in Birmingham T

he Midland Metro has finally touched New Street, paving the way for new connections.

People are questioning why the Midland Metro 1,300-yard extension to New Street is so important and many are asking what will come next.

Despite the fact that the newest £128 million extension covers a journey that can be walked in five minutes, its importance is much grander.

It fits into an extensive plan to connect from Wolverhampton and Brierley Hill in the Black Country to Birmingham Airport and the HS2 station in Solihull, which wouldn’t be likely without transit through Birmingham City Centre.

City MP Gisela Suart said: “connectivity throughout the city core must be improved to encourage investment and give commuters an alternative to cars.”

Mrs Stuart said: “At long last it’s here! They need to keep linking the city up – this is only the start. The whole of Birmingha m needs much better inter-connectivity.”

The newest link unlocks the doors to these extensions following preliminary work which has already

POP airs its first TV commercials POP, and its new airline business concept, has just launched its first ever TV commercials on two of India’s leading TV stations: Sikh Channel and GTPL Television.

JUNE 2016

commercials will be screened seven times a day, seven days a week, for four weeks.

The commercials portray POP's vision to deliver enhanced value to the growing 'visiting friends and relatives' (VFR) market as well as the expanding tourist and business sectors. In addition, they outline the airline’s current rewards-based crowdfunding campaign which involves the sale of POP Gold Passes, each priced at £500, to move the airline a step closer to becoming a reality. If POP is successful in raising the £5m crowdfunding total and then in obtaining the necessary permissions, the first 10,000 Gold Pass holders will win one free off-peak return seat to any POP destination and will, for the following five years, be entitled to a range of VIP benefits both on the ground and in the air, including an extra baggage allowance.

commenced on taking the Midland Metro further along New Street.

A scheme to open a new stop at Centenary Square by 2017 has been proposed following the completion of Broad Street, Digbeth will become the next focus.

The Midland Metro substructure feed into wider plans for HS2. By 2026, the Curzon Street Station and Adderley Street Park and Ride is foretold to be functional.

However, the stops in Eastside will be functional before then, by 2021 –

Adderley Street, Fazeley Street, Curzon Street HS2 Station and Moor Street Railway Station.

Funds are still pending and the dates have been penciled, but there are major plans being made to take the trams to service a greater part of the seven metropolitan districts of the West Midlands.

The trams will also go on to Brierley Hill, near the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Birmingham Airport, Interchange HS2 station and Coventry Railway Station in time.

The Midland Metro has finally touched New Street, paving the way for new connections.

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JUNE 2016

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TECHNOLOGY

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THE ASIAN TODAY

CRM APPS

JUNE 2016

TECHNOLOGY

Managing your customers is essential no matter who you are or what you do. Whether you are a micro business or a growing small to medium sized business (SMe), finding the right CRM package which allows you operate whilst on the go is a must. It is also essential for anyone who spends on Sales and Marketing especially small businesses. Alternatively, it is also vital for those who spend significant time out of the office.

Tan is the Managing Director for DMV Communications with extensive ICT experience spanning over 20 years. DMV is a growing independent UK supplier of cost-effective telecommunication, bespoke unified business communications solutions to SME, mid-market and corporate businesses.

DMV deliver a hassle-free reliable service and will listen to all your business requirements before recommending the most appropriate solutions from DMV’s unified, extensive, flexible and fully-customisable product portfolio.

HubSpot CRM This app is free and fully featured, a rare find in the CRM market! The HubSpot let`s your team track your contracts, companies, leads and deals. For an extra cost you can track contact interactions, emails and even monitor phone calls. It also has a Chrome extension to let you see your contact information inside Gmail for extra flexibility. This app is being updated all the time and you can expect many more paid features to come.

Agile

Google Contact

If you want flexibility then agile may be for you, it’s a CRM that’ll track everything about your contacts, and then let you automatically market to them. With the included automation flowchart you can really hone your marketing strategy which can send drip emails, in-app notifications and more. It also has a built-in social suite to help you monitor your networks; schedule updates, and sees what your contacts are up to online. Two users can track 1000 contacts for free.

Some business owners might not need a full blown CRM package to get started. If you already use Gmail, you are likely to have a whole swathe of contacts saved over the years in Google contacts. The app can track things like company names, nicknames, and anything else you want with customer fields. You can add notes to contacts to track your interactions with them, and see any info they`ve added to their Google+ profiles.

Base Base CRM and sales tracking allows users to manage contacts, track sales and create tasks with ease. All changes can be synced in the cloud which is fully secure. Base is all about keeping things simple to gather information efficiently. The app enables users to assign task reminders so things get done on time, it also has a handy geo-location feature which lets you visualise customers on a map. It also does the usual things like call logging and enables you to view updates for colleagues.

Zoho Zoho has been around for a little while now and is certainly packing a lot of features. It has got an online office suite, accounting tools, emails, and then there is the CRM. The CRM includes the leads and deals management tools you’d expect in a professional CRM, and is closely integrated with the rest of Zoho’s apps, along with Google Apps and Outlook. The best bit? Three of your team members can track up to 5000 contacts for free, using all of Zoho CRM’s features.

Contacts journal CRM This powerful CRM can create private contacts and private groups in order to keep business information separate from personal contacts. You can call, SMS or even email your contacts straight from the app. The app makes it easy to attach documents to contacts, create customer fields for customers, and it will even keep you informed of upcoming tasks with alerts.

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54

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ADVERTORIAL

Specialist finance from Together Together is a specialist lender which delivers fast and effective short-term funding solutions to professional service firms and their property sector clients.

Together believes in taking an individual approach to each lending decision and offers the professional sector the opportunity to enhance their offering and to receive reciprocal business, whilst ensuring that their clients get the highest levels of service.

By giving them access to funds on a short-term basis, Together is able to put property purchasers in a position to act quickly, lending across a variety of property types.

Together’s regional development manager for the Midlands, Mark Finucane, has over 20 years’

experience in the industry and says, “I work with clients across the Midlands to help them grow their portfolios.

“Together boasts strong relationships with the professional sector, with solicitors, accountants, banks and financial advisors acting as introducers for us where their clients are in need of funding, but perhaps have extremely tight timescales or other complications that may make it difficult to source with a mainstream lender.

“We take a common-sense approach to lending, with all our loans secured on residential, commercial or semi-commercial property, and we’ve seen phenomenal growth in recent years, with a current loan book in excess of £1.7 billion.”

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Property Finance Example Steve purchased a commercial development site with planning. Together provided funding using the equity in his existing residential property as additional security to approve the funding.

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Together is a trading style of each of the undernoted companies, which have their registered office address at Lake View, Lakeside, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3GW. Auction Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration Number 04949929. Blemain Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration Number 01185052. Blemain Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of second charge loans secured on residential property. In respect of regulated mortgage contracts, Blemain Finance Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Bridging Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration Number 03166982. In respect of regulated mortgage contracts, Bridging Finance Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration Number 02613335. Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - Firm Reference No 305253. Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration Number 02058813. In respect of regulated mortgage contracts, Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

BUSINESS

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

THE ASIAN TODAY

JUNE 2016

BUSINESS

Government Warned Over Pension Cut Plans S

teve Webb, the expensions minister advised against hasty changes that could implicate workers outside the steel industry.

A £485m pension shortfall has been daunting potential buyers of Tata Steel’s UK business.

A proposal on the pension scheme’s future has been propelled forward by ministers.

The Department for Work and Pensions said: "it includes a full range of options that consider whether and how the scheme could be separated from the existing sponsoring employer and whether it will be necessary to reduce the benefits within the scheme."

One possibility is to base the scheme’s annual upsurge on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation measure, which is typically below the

55

Outcomes of UK’s EU Referendum

£485m pension shortfall has been daunting potential buyers of Tata Steel’s UK business

Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure that is presently used.

Former Lib Dem pensions minister Steve Webb said: "The government is going down a very dangerous path.

"Everyone has huge sympathy for steel workers and for efforts to protect jobs, but rushed changes to pension rules risk driving a

coach and horses through the pension security of hundreds of thousands of workers well beyond the steel industry.

"Once there's a loophole that says you can walk away from promises you've made.

Other [companies] could walk away."

He also added that he thought there could also be legal challenges.

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The government has been cautioned of plans to cut pension benefits to help save Tata Steel’s UK operation that could take ministers down a precarious path.

However, the plan has been supported by a number of union leaders and the British Steel Pension scheme.

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The “volatility index” which is a measure of investors’ uncertainty has reached levels that were previously seen in the 2008 financial calamity.

Investors are startled by data that displays the odds of a Remain vote have fallen, while markets have likewise been distressed by global economic

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However, the Leave campaign contends that the pound has just withdrawn to levels that were last seen in March.

Investors are choosing to put their money into the dollar instead, with the pound falling to a three-year low.

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JUNE 2016

1,000 Jobs Lost After weeks of uncertainty due to administrators striving to find a buyer for the troubled high street retailer, the shops will close down by the end of June, including the Birmingham City Centre shop in Temple Row as well as the concession outlet in nearby House of Fraser.

Financial services firm AlixPartners Servicers were selected as administrator of Austin Reed and Country Casuals in April as the company was battling cash flow hitches from the recent challenging circumstances inside the retail sector.

Subsequent to the selection, they dealt with the group and shops whilst simultaneously exploring all possible future options.

AlixPartners succeeded in securing a sale of five concessions functioning within Boundary Mills outlets to AR Operations, one of which is in Walsall, however the Austin Reed and Country Casuals

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brands were traded to Border IP. A statement issued today said: "Regrettably and despite a sales process supported by creditors over approximately five weeks, no viable offers were received for the sale of the rest of the business including the store estate.

"This therefore means administrators have been left with no alternative but to implement a managed winddown process of the estate with all stores anticipated to close by the end of June, affecting approximately 1,000 staff in approximately 120 locations."

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all employees for their support and efforts during this unsettling period and wish them well for the future."

Austin Reed was initiated in 1900 and has 100 standalone stores and 50 concessions throughout the UK and Ireland including in Wolverhampton, Lichfield and two in Stratford.

A

ccording to the insurance company Aviva, millions of young people are expected to find themselves living with their parents over the next decade.

The core reason for this is the affordability of housing, which is increasing more and more.

The study predicts that 3.8 million people aged between 21 and 34 will be living at home by 2025, which is a third more than they are at present.

The amount of houses holding two or more families is also estimated to increase, from 1.5 million to 2.2 million.

The figures are based on the presumption that house prices will carry on increasing at the same level that they have done over the last ten years.

Charlotte Nisbet and her boyfriend Jay Arkell - both 24-year-olds - moved back in with her boyfriend’s parents in East London, as they could not manage to pay the rent by themselves.

BUSINESS

Both of them work, but alas they could not afford the £650 a month to rent a one-bedroom flat. As an alternative, they pay £100 each to Jay's parents.

Charlotte Nisbet says: "it would be nice to have our own space, and not to worry about treading on his parents' toes."

She doesn’t foresee being able to get a place of their own in the near future.

"I'm pessimistic. On our current salaries, no way. If we did, we wouldn't be able to eat out or go on holiday."

However not everyone is pessimistic about the prospect of sharing their living space with other couples.

Aviva said, “the benefits include having company, cheaper living costs, and more hands to do the chores.”

Managing Director of Personal Lines at Aviva UK, Lindsey Rix said: "Multigenerational living is often seen as a necessity rather than a choice, particularly when adults are

forced to move back in with family to help save for longterm goals like buying their own house.”

"But rather than being an inconvenience, our report shows it is often a positive experience, with shared living costs reducing financial strain and the added benefit of constant company."

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ABCC

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Chamber www.aston.ac.uk

of Commerce

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C o n n e c t i nConnect g y o u/ Grow t o o/ pSupport p o r t u n i t y. . .

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ABCC Annual Dinner & Awards Patrons top strip new theme.indd 1

Award Categories Outstanding Start-up Business of the Year: This award is open to businesses with up to two years trading.

The Start-up Business Award will recognise businesses that have shown the desire to succeed with their own ideas and have had the ambition to turn those ideas into a successful business. Entrants must clearly demonstrate their business idea and start-up process, showing evidence of a well-researched business plan and forecasts for business performance.

Outstanding Small Business of the Year:

This award is open to the small (10-50 Employees), businesses.

The Small Business Award will recognise the contribution of SMEs to the Greater Birmingham economy . This Award recognises those who have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, understands their customers, has an engaged workforce with effective leadership, and is continually innovating to support future growth.

Outstanding Large Business of the Year: This award is open to highlight the large (50+ Employees) businesses.

The Large Business of the Year will recognise an outstanding business whose growth, ambition and quality of management has enabled it to deliver on a compelling business strategy. A business that can demonstrate growth as well as future growth potential and a positive impact on the Greater Birmingham economy.

Outstanding Business Woman of the Year: This award is open to business owners and employees.

The award will recognise the contribution made to the Greater Birmingham economy by female business owners, those in senior management, innovators and entrepreneurs. It recognises the most dynamic and dedicated businesswoman who the judges

believe has made an outstanding contribution to business. This successful woman will have a proven track record demonstrating leadership at the highest standards of business practice and will be an inspirational role model for young women.

Outstanding Customer Service of the Year: This award is open to any business that can demonstrate Outstanding Customer Service.

The award will recognise the organisation that has provided the best service to its customers.

This organisation will be seen to be regularly going ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty to ensure their customers receive excellent service.

This award will be presented to the company who demonstrates excellent business acumen and high level of achievement.

Outstanding Contribution to Society: This award is open to all companies This Community Award will celebrate organisations that make a committed and proactive contribution to the enhancement and benefit of the community.

Closing date for receipt of entries is 4pm Friday, 9 September 2016.

For further information: www. greaterbirminghamchambers.com/ abcc

Edgbaston Cricket Discount Prices Cricket, lovely cricket…..

Chamber members are being urged to take advantage of special discount prices for two mouth-watering international clashes on the way to Edgbaston.

Special offers are available to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members ahead of the forthcoming England-Pakistan Third Investec Test Match at the historic venue from Wednesday

57

Patrons

Asian Business

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Awards celebrates the achievement and success of individuals and companies. These are individual organisations whose skill, ambition, enthusiasm, and sheer hard work have enabled them to excel in their business pursuits.

Award entry is open to all businesses. Local subsidiaries of national and multinational companies may also enter, but achievements must relate to local activity.

Award winners will be announced and presented with an award at the dinner. It is strongly recommended that all finalists attend the dinner.

JUNE 2016

August 3 to Sunday August 7.

And lovers of the sub-continent game can also get in early for the India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy fixture in June 2017, which is sure to attract a huge crowd

to Edgbaston for one of cricket’s hardest fought confrontations.

The August Investec Test Match and the ICC Champions Trophy fixtures are among the highlights of a star-studded programme

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The Road to ABCC

22/07/2015 15:36:01

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its new 13-strong committee – with Saqib Bhatti elected president for the third consecutive year. Saqib, who is director at Younis Bhatti and Co Ltd chartered accountants, retains the presidency again following the latest annual ABCC elections.A director of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP with responsibilities for promoting diversity and business support, he is the youngest president in the ABCC’s 28-year history.

Meanwhile, the two vicepresidents are Dr Haseena Lockhat, managing partner of Londonbased Vista Apartments and Omer Simjee, partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell. Dr Lockhat also works as a consultant clinical psychologist for the NHS and is regarded as a leading figure both in the UK and internationally on healthcare issues relating to Female Genital Mutilation.

Omer Simjee is a Partner in the Birmingham Employment Team of national, full-service law firm, Irwin Mitchell, typically involved in training, tribunal litigation and advising on strategic HR issues such as redundancies, reorganisations and outsourcing.

Three new committee members have been elected, Ruzwan Boota, Siamha Butt and Qasim Majid.

Ruzwan is tax assistant manager at Birmingham-based professional and finance firm Mazars LLP. Siamha is employer engagement director with the MOD based in Harborne while Qasim is CEO of Jewellery Quarter-based IT/marketing firm Wow Zone.

Other members elected to the 13-strong committee include Anita Champaneri, managing director of Birmingham firm Delicious PR, Nasir Awan, CEO of Awan Marketing PLC of Hockley and Kadeer Arif, managing director of KA Consulting in Birmingham.

Also elected were Aftab Chughtai, managing partner of clothes, toys and luggage retailer Aftabs of Alum Rock Road, Manjit Kang, diversity ambassador/real estate finance Manager at NatWest Bank in Colmore Row, Dee Kundi, partner at Brindley Place law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards and Lakhbir Singh, regional manager of Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans.

Anjum Khan, ABCC director, said: “We were inundated with applications and electing the committee is always a highly vigorous process. All the members who were elected are ambassadors for the ABCC, ensuring they are all speaking on behalf of Asian business and raising the profile of the sector.”

of international and domestic cricket coming up at Edgbaston over the next two years.

Members of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce were treated to a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes at Birmingham’s Investec Test Match venue when they were addressed by Chief Executive Neil Snowball during a recent visit.

A total of 90 Chamber members attended and heard Neil’s views on Edgbaston’s £32 million redevelopment programme, future international cricket

schedules, next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, the Investec Test Match and the club’s community work.

Anjum Khan, ABCC Director, said: “We were delighted to go along to Edgbaston to hear at first hand Neil’s vision for the future for this worldclass venue. Birmingham is fortunate to have such a fantastic facility on its doorstep and we look forward to enjoying a close partnership with Edgbaston for many years to come.”

For further Edgbaston ticket details contact ArnesPobric@edgbaston.com

JUNE 2016

58

PROPERTY

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

THE ASIAN TODAY PROPERTY

Birmingham Property Value Rises A

standard home in Birmingham has leaped £10,000 in value in the past year, according to new

data.

Experts called the price increases “eyewatering”, completely overwhelmed by the regions rise of 7.9 per cent in the past year. Birmingham has outdone any other West Midlands region.

According to Rightmove, the average price tag on a property coming to market in the city was £136,429, despite qualms of change in regulation that can affect property prices.

The increase of property value is good news for homeowners, whose asset rise is more than £1 every hour, but it is bad news for new buyers who are trying to get on the property ladder.

The price rise comes despite a 3 per

cent stamp duty hike for buy-to-let investors, enacted on April 1, which was believed to have a negative effect on the market.

Rightmove Director, Miles Shipside, said: “a rush of buy-to-let investors snapping up properties before the April 1 stamp duty deadline had resulted in “a famine of suitable property and higher prices.”

He continued: “Estate agents have perhaps been focused on getting investor sales through to completion before the tax hike, and some may have been surprised by the continuing momentum and scarcity of stock to meet ongoing demand.”

“The net effect is eye-watering increases in asking prices in some towns, and is further stretching first-time

Property values in the city have risen 7.9 per cent in the past year, outperforming any other West Midlands region.

buyers’ affordability even though they are competing against fewer buy-to-let investors in the market.”

While properties in Birmingham are rising faster than anywhere else in the West Midlands, the average price in Hereford declined 1.7 per cent to £158,250.

Cities are leading the price rise charts with Manchester the best-performing in the North West, rising by 8.2 per cent to an average of £124,888 in the past year.

There was also a 13 per cent rise in Bristol and 3.4 per cent growth in Newcastle.

Croydon saw the largest overall increase, at 18.6 per cent, while in Llandudno, in North Wales, the average asking price for a first-time buyer home has fallen by 7.5 per cent over the last year, to £145,703.

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Research reveals that Brits from the South West take just 23 hours to decide on offers on a house purchase.

Research commissioned

by HSBC reveals Brits from the South West take just 23 hours to make a decision on making an offer on a house purchase which is six hours fewer than when they are organising what to wear and where to go for a date.

One in seven (14 per cent) choose to put an offer on a house in less than two minutes when inspecting a

property, whereas only one per cent could select what to wear on a date in this time frame.

Tracie Pearce, head of mortgages at HSBC, commented: “You’d expect UK house hunters to spend more time to make an offer on a house than deciding on a pair of shoes or what to make at a dinner party but it’s a sign of the times that people

are making house decisions quickly to buy their dream home.

She continued: “Getting a mortgage approved in less than 24 hours with our Mortgage in a Day service can make all the difference in helping house hunters achieve their goals more quickly, leaving more time for them to get on with the rest of their lives.”

MOTORING MOTORING

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JUNE 2016

59

IN THE FAST LANE WITH THE ASIAN TODAY

Ford GT

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TO SERVICE OR NOT TO SERVICE Years ago, before the advent of sensors and electronic display boards, the decision to service your car was not so straight forward. Today, you are prompted by flashing lights and neon symbols. But how important is servicing your car? Is it just another ploy to have motorist doling out hard-earned money?

WHAT IS IN A SERVICE?

A sleek, innovative model boasting top technology and flaunting a lustrous body.

Checks: Most reputable garages have an outlined set of actions that comprise a service. Some garages do a 40-point service, others 50-point and some full service will comprise 120-point checks.

A comprehensive break check alone can carry as many as 40 different things to do. Mind you, some of these are visual checks that your experienced technician may do without you realising. Checks must include pre-engine, under the bonnet, with the vehicle raised as well as lowered. This time of the year, it is almost a basic human right (whether we Remain or Leave) to have pollen filter checked.

From its 3.5 litre EcoBoost technology to its robust aerodynamics, the Ford GT is at the summit of all the calibre that Ford offers. It exudes the lust for innovation that is seen throughout Ford’s entire vehicle line up.

Ford GT oozes originality with its sensually enhanced shape; its multifunctional buttresses and eminently powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine strapping a bow around its glistening body, intended to command a smooth performance.

This Ford GT thwarts the concept, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Not only does the supercar have the curves and edges to entice the eyes, it also assists as a technological

vehicle, with a horsepower of more than 600 (608PS).

The supercar projects a fundamental illustration of innovation, driven from the vision: “Innovation through Performance”. The sports cars performance celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ford GT racing cars showcasing a union between stupendous acceleration, effortless handling and efficiency.

This innovative Ford GT is offering a hefty competition to Ferrari that has been a dominant force in supercars since the racing heydays in the 50s and 60s. This new model has undoubtedly become part of the elite lineup, becoming one of the finest supercars in history.

TOP GEAR VIEWING DROPS There was a 1.6 million drop from the first episode of Top Gear which had an average of 4.4 million viewers. In comparison, the second episode only had 2.8 million viewers.

Viewing was at its peak at 3.3 million just before the BBC Two show ended, as presented by overnight figures.

Chris Evans, presenter of Top Gear said that viewing figures would change substantially if ondemand services were also taken into account.

He tweeted: "The way Top Gear is being viewed is repositioning the way television is consumed. Last week 9 million viewers. This week

we shall see."

Evans advocates that the over-all number was more than double when audiences viewing the show on catch-up services such as iPlayer were included.

The overnight figures only take into account viewers who watched the broadcasting of the show, and do not include those watching on catch-up services.

BBC One's Antiques Roadshow enticed more viewers than the motoring show, with a higher number of 4.2 million people tuning in.

The guest appearances for Sunday evening’s Top Gear were Damian Lewis, Sharleen Spiteri,

Seasick Steve and Tinie Tempah.

This series is the first since the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The trio left the show last summer after Clarkson's quarrel with a producer.

They have signed up to present a new upcoming Amazon Prime show called “The Grand Tour” which will debut later this year.

Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc have taken over presenting responsibilities for the newest series, together with co-presenters Sabine Schmitz and Eddie Jordan.

Rory Reid and Chris Harris also present an extra show, BBC Three's Extra Gear.

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JUNE 2016

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TOGETHER AGAIN

Andy Murray and Ivan Lendl are together again. For many of Murray’s fans, this is a very good news, coming two weeks before Wimbledon. Murray has had 10 coaches in 11 years on the Tour and Lendl, by far, has been the finest.

Their reunion comes after two years since their split, in March 2014, which was not the mutual farewell and handshake that it was depicted as.

It took Murray a number of months to get over their split more than two years ago, however Lendl didn’t take as long. When they started working together, just before the Australian Open in 2012, Murray said that he hoped Lendl would be his coach for the rest of his career.

He has to be sure of his mentor’s commitment this time.

At Queen’s, whilst preparing to defend the title he has won four times, Murray said: “Hopefully it will be for a long time, from my side. He’s coming over, he’ll be here for the tournament and it’s good for him to spend a bit of time with the rest of the team as well to see how things work out. But, provided everything’s good, it will hopefully go on for a long time.

“The most successful period of my career was while I was working with Ivan. He’s single-minded and knows what it takes to win the big events. I know what he can offer. The experiences he had psychologically helped me in the major competitions and they’re obviously the events I’m trying to win and am competing for. I hope he can bring that same experience and those same benefits that he did last time.”

SPORTS

Goalkeeper David de Gea claims that Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Manchester United will put the 20-times English champions back where they belong.

Jose Mourinho Transfer T

he Portuguese coach replaced Louis van Gaal last month after United finished fifth in the Premier League to miss out on Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.

De Gea said: “I think United needed a coach like him - a winning coach with personality.

“United's decision to sign Mourinho is the right move.”

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He added: “I arrived at United to win titles; it's true that in the past two years we haven't been at the level that this club deserves, but we hope that with the coaching change, we can return United to the top.”

Mourinho won three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea and also won league titles at Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid as well as the Champions League with Inter.

De Gea came close to joining Real Madrid last summer, but the Spaniard says he is happy at Old Trafford now.

“I have three years left at Manchester, a club that has given me everything,” the 25-year-old said.

“This is a very big club, that gives me a lot of affection each day. I'm very grateful to United, I'm very happy there.”

Amir Khan Spends Thousands On Daughters Birthday • Amir Khan with his daughter Lamaisah

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Boxer Amir Khan admits that his wife Faryal Makhdoom Khan spent £100,000 on their beloved daughter Lamaisah’s second birthday party.

The celebration consisted of 250 guests which took Mrs Khan three months to organise and featured Disney princesses, Peppa Pig and a real-life ballerina.

The party took place in the home of Khan’s adored Bolton Wanderers football club, and also featured a huge cake and a carousel.

Khan spoke about his daughter’s big day: “When I walked in, the first thing I said was, 'Wow!' My wife did an amazing job.

"I was busy training when she was planning this, but every day I was getting crazy bills and

thinking, what's this for?

"Every penny spent on my daughter is worth it, though.

After all, all this hard work I do is for her, for my kid."

Mrs Khan said: "I wanted it to be something really grand. Now I'm not doing anything until she's 16."

The 24-year-old also said that she is happier after some adjustment to the UK after the couple's wedding in 2013.

She said: "I had a rough patch at the beginning when I got married to Amir.

"But as I've lived with him, he's showed me a lot of things I didn't know about him.

"He is such a good guy, such a kind-hearted person. He's the type of guy that would give up things for his own happiness to

make his wife and child happy."

She added: "Now we're at a stage in our marriage where we're the happiest ever.

"I've never seen this side of him.

He comes home early - before he used to be out with his friends.

But now he's just like, 'My wife, my child and home'.

"I have to say to him, 'Can you please go out!' It's great for him and for us. He's changed, being a father, and I've changed being a mother. My life is all about my kid."

Khan has involved himself in various aid ventures, including giving his time in aid of refugees.

The Bolton-born boxer plans to become a full-time charity worker with the Amir Khan Foundation, when he retires from sport in a few years.

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he Birmingham Youth Sports Academy projects are on the high for 2016. Recently the BYSA has participated in 3 play on the pitch tournaments with West Brom Albion FC, Chelsea FC and Wolves FC. As part of the leagues teams that have done pretty well this season at league level football the BYSA, under 11's and under 12's have grown and come a long way to make things happen. Therefore, the end of season play on the pitch have given a treat and experience to those that want to progress into professional mature footballers.

The BYSA is hoping to work with a number of clubs especially with West Bromwich Albion FC Foundation who have accommodated BYSA children for some training sessions and for playing neon football which is a must try and enjoyable game. The BYSA have done amazing this year in the league and all tournaments that we have entered under 11's finished joint second in their league and under 12's won the league with flying colours at Sandwell minor league.

The BYSA held an awards at the end of season dinner. Coach Shakeel Hussain BYSA under 11's awarded his team and Riaz Ul-Haq Khan BYSA under 12's coach awarded his players and the team lifting the league trophy. Many people attended the dinner especially parents, friends, family, sponsors and BYSA ambassadors.

The evening consisted of awards, 3 course

JUNE 2016

meal, gifts and much more. This is something the BYSA does every year but the turn out this year was huge.

The BYSA will be doing a project with Arsenal FC this year where we will be taking 100 kids from the BYSA to participate in a training session and a stadium tour hopefully by the end of the year and look forward to going abroad next year in Easter Time to play tournaments abroad.

On behalf of all at BYSA staff of volunteers we would like anyone and everyone to be involved in BYSA kids welcome to join and adults to become volunteers, we would also would like sponsors and celebrities to get involved with BYSA to become the face of it for the BYSA to be recognised not locally but nationally.

Mohammad Amir Receives UK Visa The condemned cricketer, Muhammad Amir has been granted a UK visa for the team’s forthcoming tour of England.

T

he new Pakistan coach, Mickey Arthur has pledged to do everything in his power to help the condemned paceman Mohammad Amir grasp his full potential after the bowler was granted a visa for the

team’s forthcoming tour of England.

Amir will return to England six years after a spot-fixing scandal in a Lord’s Test caused bans and jail sentences for the then teenage bowler and his former team-mates, Salman Butt and Mohammad

Asif.

Arthur, who coached Amir at the Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League said: “He served his time, he’s done it. I had Amir in the PSL, he was a fantastic professional.

“Other stuff is not relevant to me. The stuff that’s relevant to me is making Mohammad Amir the best he can possibly be as a cricketer.”

Amir’s return after serving a five-year ban was originally begrudged by some of his team-mates but the 24-yearold has appreciated the solid backing from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“People can say what they like, it’s got nothing to do with me,” Arthur said. “If Mohammad Amir is picked in the Pakistan cricket team, which he has been for the England tour, it’s my role as head coach to make him the best player he can possibly be.”

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The Story of a Legend 62

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SPORTS

Where it all began…

Ali’s legendary tale began at the age of 12, when he discovered his talent for boxing by an unusual twist of fate. His bike was stolen and in his fury, Ali told a police officer, Joe Martin that he wanted to beat up the thief.

At the time, Joe Martin

allegedly told him, “Well, you better learn how to fight before you start challenging people.”

Joe Martin was not only a police officer, but he also trained young boxers at a local gym.

Thus, commenced Ali’s training with Martin and soon enough, he began his boxing career.

Victories of the Champ After a win in his first amateur fight in 1954, Ali went on to win the 1956 Golden Gloves tournament for beginners in the light heavyweight class.

Only three years later, he won the National Golden Glovers Tournament of Champions, in addition to the Amateur Athletic Union’s national title for the light heavyweight division.

In 1960, Ali won a spot on the U.S Olympic boxing team and travelled to Rome and Italy to compete.

After winning his first three bouts, Ali defeated Zbigniew Pietrzkowski from Poland to win the light heavyweight gold medal.

With his Olympic victory, Ali was prefigured as an American hero. Very soon after this, he turned professional with the support of the Louisville Sponsoring Group, continuing to

overwhelm all his opponents in the ring.

At 6’3, Ali was a commanding figure in the ring, but he also became renowned for his lightning speed and elegant footwork.

In 1963, Ali crushed British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper and then knocked out Sonny Liston a year later to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

Ali was not afraid to sing his own praises, often referring to himself as “the greatest”. He boasted about his skills before fights, and was known for his colourful descriptions and expressions.

A famous quote by Ali was created when he told reporters that he could ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’ in the boxing ring.

His Other Fight Ali was not only known as a boxing champ, but also for his fight against inequality. He became Muslim in 1964, after some spiritual searching. His outspoken views caused much disruption in his career.

After enrolling into the military in 1967, he refused to serve on the grounds that he was a practising Muslim with

religious beliefs that prohibited him from fighting.

He was arrested for committing a felony and was immediately stripped of his world title and boxing license.

Ali missed more than three prime years of his athletic career due to the ongoing dispute with the U.S Department of Justice.

Ali’s Losses and Victories Ali returned to the ring in 1970 with a win over Jerry Quarry. In the succeeding year, Ali took on Joe Frazier in what is called the “Fight of the Century.”

He suffered his first professional loss after 31 wins following a second loss to Ken Norton.

In a 1974 rematch, he beat Frazier, facing victory once again.

Another legendary fight took place against undefeated

heavyweight champion, George Foreman, in 1974 which Ali won, a hard-fought victory.

After losing his title to Leon Spinks, in 1978, Ali defeated him a few months later, becoming the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times.

Ali retired for a brief time, and when he returned to the ring, he faced two losses after which he retired from the sport, for good.

'Don't count the days, make the days count.'

Muhammad Ali

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SPORTS

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Muhammed Ali’s death causes many to fall into grief as they recall his greatness, several people paying tribute to him.

T

he three-time heavyweight champion, Muhammed Ali, who is also known as “The Greatest”, died on Friday 3rd June, at night, aged 74 after a long hard battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Millions of people across the world were deeply saddened by his death, paying tribute through social media. His pictures and quotes covered the face of social media as people tried to recover from the loss of the legend.

Amir Khan issued a statement following Muhammed Ali’s death, "It is extremely sad to witness the passing of boxing's greatest fighter and icon Muhammad Ali. I would like to send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his family at this time. No fighter or sportsman will ever reach the level of Muhammad Ali, whose name will continue to echo through the ages.

Inspiring, charismatic, a true legend - Ali will never be forgotten. Having the chance to meet the great man will be a memory and privilege I will always hold dear to me - an incredible human being, fighter and role model. Thank you Muhammad for inspiring us all."

Bernie Sanders, who is fighting Hillary Clinton for the right to face Trump in November, said on Saturday that Ali was not only a leading athlete but also a champion of civil rights, and a true believer in Islam.

She said: "To all of Donald Trump's

supporters who think it is appropriate to tell us that they love Muhammad Ali but they hate Muslims, understand that Muhammad Ali was a devout Muslim who took his religion very seriously.”

Louisville grieves the loss of its beloved champion. Since the news of Ali’s death, people across the city have united to reminisce one of the city’s best-loved sons and to boast of his victories.

During a two-hour service at King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, Assistan Pastor, Charles Elliot III asked the congregation to stand in honor of Muhammed Ali. In his tribute, Elliot said: “there is no great man that has done more for this city than Muhammed Ali.” Ali arose from a tiny pink house in Louisville’s west side to develop into the most renowned man in the world. By the time he was done, he had altered the Louisville of his youth, from a segregated, provincial city to a city that now boasts unity.

His childhood neighbor, Lawrence Montgomery says: “Not just Louisville but the whole world.”

Mr Montgomery spoke on his front porch saying: “I remember him telling me: ‘I’m gonna be the heavyweight champion of the world. You watch.’ And I just laughed because he was a skinny kid.”

He added: “I guess that skinny kid showed me.”

He showed the whole world, through his mannerisms, charisma and dedication.

Greatest A Tribute To The

Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016)

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