AV 24th February 2024

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Gardening SPECIAL SEE PAGE - 15-17

Indian students in the US face hurdles SEE PAGE - 20

Deepika Padukone goes desi, wins hearts at BAFTA 2024

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24 FEB - 1 MAR 2024

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 52 - ISSUE 41

POLITICS OF HATE?

Historic inauguration of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Editorial credit: John Gomez / Shutterstock.com

Amid a steep rise in anti-semitism in the UK, reaching an all-time high, the religious and racial harmony of the nation grapples at the mercy of electoral politics.

Shefali Saxena Britain once believed that it had overcome racism and religious discrimination, trusting in its liberal institutions to prevent persecution of minorities. Yet, anti-semitism has reared its ugly head once again, with authorities and mainstream media often downplaying or normalising this alarming trend.

This anti-semitism raises serious doubts about Britain's future and underscores the urgent need for action to combat hatred and bigotry in all its forms. Will discrimination in Britain stop at anti-semitism, the answer we all know, is no. Elections are around the corner and amid hatred, brewing racism and an ongoing war where politicians stand divided in opinion, Continued on page 02

PM Narendra Modi's first visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

The iconic new BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on 14 February by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan.

The new Mandir, constructed on land generously gifted by the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was guided and inspired by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global Hindu fellowship.

Continued on page 26

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Secretary, branded the rise in anti-semitism “utterly deplorable” and said he would “do everything in my power” to ensure the Jewish community was safe.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Ameet Jogia MBE, Parliamentary Candidate for Hendon, said, “As the

losing Muslim support prompt scrutiny, with a significant drop in polls.

Labour's failure to combat anti-semitism could lead to tacit acceptance among new MPs, further destabilizing the party. Amidst criticism, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper calls for zero tolerance towards antisemitism, echoing Starmer's suspension of two candidates. Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledges the need to rebuild trust within communities, highlighting Starmer's awareness of the challenge.

Most challenging period for Britain's Jewish community Britain's once-admired virtues of individualism, independent thinking, tolerance, and openness are fading into obscurity. Many failed to recognise the scale of decline until it was too late, and those who sounded the alarm were often dismissed.

Even in 2024, as millions acknowledge Britain's misguided trajectory, meaningful change seems elusive.

London's Metropolitan Police have also pledged stronger action against hate crimes linked to the IsraelHamas conflict and have made over 400 related arrests as of last month.

Although 31% of the antisemitic incidents recorded last year were online, the CST said the figure was only indicative and the actual amount of anti-Jewish content on online platforms was much higher.

The CST documented 48 anti-Semitic incidents linked to political parties, with 35 attributed to Labour. These incidents targeted Labour figures but shouldn't reflect solely on the party, stated the report. Reported as the most challenging period for Britain's Jewish community since the pogroms that stained Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester in the summer of 1947, the persisting double standards, the incessant "pro-Palestine" rallies tainted by overt anti-semitism and hateful slogans, along with bullying, victim-blaming, and the propagation of false information, all underscore a troubling trend.

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POLITICS OF HATE? Continued from page 1 Years of subtle to harsh racist abuses in the UK have not been forgotten, along with communal riots and intolerance towards faiths.

From Hindus to Muslims, Sikhs to Jews, the nation is facing a colossal failure of maintaining harmony in a Britain that once was everything opposite to what’s happening now. The immigrants who built their lives from scratch and contributed to the fabric of Britain across politics, economics and social sectors are now vulnerable to more hate and crimes.

This overarching atmosphere heavily dictates the electoral outcomes ahead of the Prime Ministerial elections. The reality of the situation is that anti-semitism and its aftermath will rapidly trickle down to create menace, unrest, fear and hatred in the nation, especially in the ethnic minority communities that are most vulnerable to being victims of hate crimes. From Black Lives Matter to subtle institutional racism at the NHS or other sectors, just when Britons thought that had seen enough, it’s about to get worse. Three months ago, UK immigration minister, Robert Jenrick said that the process of revoking visas of foreign nationals who spread ‘hate and division’ has already begun, but the issue remains - how fairly are these foreign nationals, especially South Asians and ethnic minority people treated? Or much like victims of the Post office scandal, the yoke of hate crimes will also rest upon immigrants and people of colour?

Prince William has called for a "desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza" and for hostages to be released.

Nigel Farage hit out at Prince William saying he should "stick to the BAFTAs".

British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has said a ceasefire that lasts “must happen now” between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. While the Tories have performed poorly, there is little hope that Labour, under Keir

Starmer, will fare any better, as they are likely to double down on failed policies.

However, amidst all the challenges, one regression stands out as particularly terrifying: the resurgence of anti-semitism.

Anti-semitism all-time high Anti-semitism hit an alltime high last year in an “explosion of hatred” against the Jewish community following the Hamas terror attacks on Israel, official figures show. The Community Security Trust (CST) said the surge in anti-Jewish attacks, threats and abuse amounted to a “celebration” of Hamas’s October 7 massacre by antiSemites whose own hatred was fuelled by the brutality of the attacks. Last year, the UK witnessed a staggering surge in anti-Semitic incidents, with 4,103 recorded cases, nearly doubling the previous record. Violent assaults hit a peak at 266 incidents, half in areas with significant Jewish populations. Property damage rose by 146%, and threats by 196%, alarming trends also seen in abusive behaviour, reaching 3,328 incidents.

The CST received 2,185 reports related to anti-Israel activity. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak allocated an additional £3 million for CST security at Jewish institutions.

Jasvir Singh CBE of City Sikha told Asian Voice, “The

Jasvir Singh CBE

rise in anti-semitism is absolutely deplorable, as too is the increase in Islamophobia, and it is having a definite impact across the country. Discrimination and intolerance of this nature cause fractures within communities which can take years to rebuild. We've seen it in the past following 9/11 and 7/7 when specific groups ended up being tar-

geted simply for who they were. British society has changed massively over the last 50 years, and the diversity in this nation is one of its greatest strengths. However, as we have seen in places around the world, social cohesion can be fragile and easily break. In the tapestry of our shared existence, each thread of bigotry weakens the fabric of society. To prevent that, we need to be able to communicate with each other with dignity and respect, just as many interfaith organisations are attempting to do at present.

Otherwise, hatred will just breed even more hatred.”

Zaki Cooper, an interfaith activist and Chair of the British Indian Jewish Association told Asian Voice,

or how we would wish 2020’s Britain to be.

“Whilst there may be no such thing as zero antisemitism, we must adopt a zero-tolerance attitude to anti-semitism. That means continued support from the government and the police, and investment to protect Jewish buildings and events.

“We should step up training in anti-semitism and racism for large institutions and organisations, and urge more prosecutions from the courts and professional bodies, where prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour is found. We urge support from other communities. In these challenging times, I have been touched by messages of support and solidarity from Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh friends.

Jews should not be left to combat anti-semitism alone.”

ABPL Editor-in-Chief CB Patel who is on the Advisory Board of BIJA has always stood by and supported the Jews in Britain.

Baroness Shaista Gohir CBE of Muslim Women’s Network UK told the

Zaki Cooper

“Antisemitic incidents in Britain are at an all-time recorded high.

Contemporary antisemitism comes from the far right, the radical left and extreme Islamism. Much of it is fixated on Israel, particularly since the terrorist atrocities on 7th October and Israel’s ongoing military response in Gaza. But it also plays on Jewish tropes of money and influence and appalling stereotypes. It has infected different institutions and areas of public life from the Labour Party (where it persists despite the gallant efforts of the leadership) and trade unions to universities and media organisations.

“Behind the dry statistics lie human stories. One pupil at my daughter’s Jewish secondary school was beaten up on their way home. My son’s Jewish primary school has a security rota for parents to volunteer to protect the school at drop off and pick up time. This is not the hallmark of a civilised country

Baroness Shaista Gohir CBE

newsweekly, “Anti-semitism must be tackled robustly as should all forms of hate crime. There should be zero tolerance for all hate crimes.

Over the last decade hate crime has increased across all five strands and the government is failing to tackle these rising trends. For example, when it comes to faith, the most targeted group is Muslims followed

by Jewish communities.”

The resurgence of antisemitism poses not only an existential threat to Britain's modest Jewish population of 292,000 but also serves as a stark indictment of a nation descending into darkness.

James Cleverly, the Home

Ameet Jogia MBE

prospective MP for one of the largest Jewish communities in the UK in Hendon, I am very concerned about the figures released by the CST last week. Not only are the rising rates of antisemitism deeply worrying but communities are saddened that rates are at an all-time high. Diversity is what strengthens our communities and the government is committed to tackling anti-semitism. There is no room for anti-semitism in society and we all have a collective responsibility to call it out whenever we see it.”

Will Labour lose the Muslim vote?

The Labour Party faces internal strife as its proIsrael stance in the Gaza conflict triggers dissent among Muslim voters, traditionally a stronghold for the party. A by-election in Rochdale, where Muslims form a significant voting bloc, intensifies the challenge. Leaked recordings of the Labour candidate making antisemitic remarks worsen the situation, alongside the presence of George Galloway, a staunch critic of Israel. Despite leading the Conservatives in polls, recent victories are overshadowed by Labour's internal divisions. Leader Keir Starmer's handling of the Gaza war has caused rebellion among MPs, and revelations about the candidate's remarks led to campaign suspension. Concerns over

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London’s Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman, issued a stark warning on Tuesday, cautioning that the significant backlog of rape trials poses a threat to police efforts to hold offenders accountable.

Figures revealed that nearly 10,000 sex attack suspects are awaiting trial, putting immense strain on the justice system. While acknowledging the Metropolitan Police's ongoing efforts to enhance its approach to tackling rapists, Waxman stressed that the persistence of court delays

Claire Waxman

risks dissuading complainants from pursuing justice. She emphasised that urgent action from ministers is necessary to address the mounting backlog of cases awaiting a Crown Court hearing.

Waxman's concerns echo recent alerts from prominent figures such as Lady Chief Justice Lady Carr and Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales Baroness Newlove. According to data from the Criminal Bar Association, approximately one in seven of all backlogged cases are rape or serious sexual offence cases, with an average delay of 18 months between charging a suspect and trial.

During visits to organisations aiding rape survivors in London, Waxman emphasised the need for

increased funding for criminal barristers and measures to expedite trial proceedings. She underscored the importance of prioritising rape and sexual offences cases in court listings and establishing specialist courts to address delays and provide victims with swifter access to justice.

Waxman concluded that without comprehensive reforms and access to independent legal counsel for victims, the positive strides made by the Metropolitan Police in handling rape cases would be jeopardised.

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UAE's Cultural Renaissance The inception of the BAPS Hindu Mandir traces back to 1997, during Pramukh Swami Maharaj's visit to the UAE, where he envisioned a mandir in Abu Dhabi that would bring "countries, cultures, and religions closer together". True to his visionary spirit, his dream materialised with the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir, serving as a tangible testament to the cultural and religious harmony cultivated between India and the UAE throughout the years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the temple as a symbol of humanity's shared heritage and expressed gratitude to the UAE for ushering in a new era in human history. He extended appreciation to UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Zayed Al Nahyan for translating the vision of the grand temple in Abu Dhabi into reality, noting that this endeavour had endeared him not only to the Indian diaspora in the Gulf nation but also to all 1.4 billion Indians. Situated on a sprawling 27acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, the temple was constructed at a cost of more than £66 million. The generous donation of 13.5 acres of land by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2015, followed by an additional allocation of the same size by the UAE government in 2019, facilitated the temple's construction.

UAE underwent a significant shift from its strong Islamic stance towards a more inclusive and multicultural approach following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The involvement of two Emirati citizens among the 19 hijackers severely tarnished the country's reputation, prompting the government to take decisive action against violent extremism and radical ideologies. In a determined effort to promote moderation within Islam, the government initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its legal system, implemented various interfaith initiatives, and emerged as a model for other nations to follow. While some scholars argue that the UAE has always inherently embraced pluralism and tolerance, supported by the existence of over 50 places of worship representing diverse faiths, it is undeniable that true

multiculturalism has become more evident in the past two decades.

Embracing multiculturalism is also the reason why the UAE is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for Indians moving abroad. As of December 2023, the Indian population in UAE is 3.86 Million. The contributions of the diaspora have played a crucial role in driving this change, providing the UAE with a nation-building workforce and diversifying the economy away from being oil-dependent. These communities bring with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences from their respective countries, enriching the cultural fabric of the region and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. Now with the BAPS Hindu Temple attracting a whole sect of Hindus, the country has a huge potential to attract tourists and visitors and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The Swaminarayan Sampraday has a rich history that spans over 200 years and has established itself on a global platform. BAPS has a network of approximately 1,550 temples worldwide, including prominent locations such as London, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Nairobi.

Notably, during the Shatabdi Mahotsav of the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, London, in 2007, Pramukhswami Maharaj warmly reminisced about Pujya Manikaka and his son Pujya Babukaka, grandfather and father of CB Patel, the esteemed Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. He recalled Manikaka's presence at the consecration ceremony of the first temple in Bochasan and highlighted his grandson, CB Sir's attendance as a testament to the family's enduring legacy.

BAPS temples contribute positively to the global community and serve as beacons of harmony and understanding. The establishment of the BAPS Hindu Temple is a testament of UAE’s commitment towards a harmonious society and other Islamic countries across the Middle East can follow in these footsteps, fostering cultural exchange and spiritual enrichment.

Justice delayed is indeed justice denied Post Office boss Henry Staunton had only been in post since 2022. But when he was sacked, The Times reported that he said, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch allegedly had told him: ‘Someone’s got to take the rap’. He also alleged that a civil servant instructed him to stall the compensation payments to the victims so that the government could “limp into the election” without the lowest possible financial liability, according to the report.

Badenoch’s department reportedly said that Staunton’s characterisation of their conversation was “simply incorrect”.

Yet according to a former sub-postmaster’s interview to GB News, compensation payments to victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal have indeed slowed down!

The BBC reported, that David Cameron’s government was allegedly aware that the Post Office had ditched a secret investigation in 2016, that could have helped wrongly accused postmasters to prove their innocence.

Though there are no proofs of what the government actually missed, it is evident that were many parties responsible for these utter shameful consequences that the victims suffered and continue to suffer. Innocent people lost homes and livelihoods, some tragically died or took their own lives before their wrongful convictions were overturned.

Years of mental torture to find and source money they never lost, living a life of shame through hopelessness carrying the burden of losing family’s dignity, tore them apart.

Children born to these families were robbed of normalcy, basic respect, and social standing. They forever had to live through taboos, uncertainties, and general suspicions. And above all was the double-edged sword of racism.

In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice victim Seema Misra went on record to say that people hurled racially motivated abuses at her husband while she served a jail term for a crime she did not commit, heartbreakingly, during her pregnancy.

Statistics reveal 17% of the sub-postmasters in the UK are of South Asian heritage. In 2022, during a South Asian Heritage Month, an annual survey of independent postmasters revealed that there were over 7,000 independent postmasters, out of which 1300 completed a survey. According to the survey, almost one in three (29%) described their ethnic group as Indian, 6% described it as Pakistani, 1% Bangladeshi.

Immigrants are crucial to the fabric of Britain’s society.

Migrants arriving to the shores of Britain from the Commonwealth nations in the post-colonial world, built Britain up from the world war rubbles. In 2022, there was a huge celebration of the arrival of Ugandan Asians to the soil of Britain, commemorating 50-years. King Charles paid a homage in Buckingham Palace, in an event organised by the British Asian Trust under the leadership of Lord Jitesh Gadhia. Yet one stands shocked by the sheer brazenness and hypocrisy of the authorities, who refuse to regard people’s lost honour, let alone a compensation they are rightfully owed.

Echoes of power and peril The sudden death of Russian President Vladimir Putin's most formidable antagonist has left an open wound in Russia's political opposition. Alexei Navalny, 47, was the Kremlin's best-known critic at home and abroad, died at the Arctic Circle penal colony, the prison service announced on February 16, 2024. With Navalny's death, Putin solidified a new era of dictatorship in Russia. However, the extent to which this regime will persist remains uncertain; history has shown that such authoritarian rule is not eternal. Even as dictators eliminate their opponents, they cannot find lasting peace of mind.

Adolf Hitler, an infamous dictator, ascended to power in 1933 through democratic channels in Germany. His expansionist agenda and Nazi ideology precipitated World War II, resulting in immense loss of life and devastation. The Holocaust, orchestrated by Hitler's regime, led to the extermination of six million Jews and numerous other minority groups. However, modern democracies are now more attuned to safeguarding their rights and freedoms. Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation, showcases a unique democracy despite its authoritarian past under Suharto's rule. Similarly, countries like India, boasting the world's largest democracy, demonstrate rising soft power on the global stage. Pakistan experiences a delicate balance between democracy and dictatorship. However, a case from Rawalpindi sheds light on another aspect of democracy.

A senior bureaucrat admitted to involvement in rigging Pakistan's elections, following a contentious vote that failed to produce a clear winner amidst allegations of manipulation.

The world mourns the loss of Navalny, with anger palpable across the globe. Over 400 individuals were detained in Russia

while paying their respects to the late opposition leader.

Throughout Europe, informal memorials, vigils, and demonstrations have emerged in solidarity. European leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have issued statements condemning Navalny's death. Russian opposition activists have squarely blamed President Vladimir Putin and his government for Navalny's reported demise. Even before the complete invasion of Ukraine, observers noted striking parallels between Vladimir Putin's Russia and Nazi Germany. Both regimes were deeply revisionist, with Putin's resentment over Russia's perceived humiliation echoing Hitler's quest to avenge Germany's defeat in World War I. Despite the deployment of various economic sanctions and military interventions aimed at de-escalating the RussiaUkraine conflict, doubts linger regarding their effectiveness in providing a lasting resolution. It's evident that a permanent solution is imperative, as retaliation only perpetuates the cycle of violence. India emphasises the necessity of peaceful diplomacy for achieving long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond. The US and other Western nations are anticipated to rejuvenate the peace process through diplomatic means to alleviate tensions between Ukraine and Russia. While this endeavour may be time-consuming, it holds the potential to facilitate a peaceful resolution. Such efforts are crucial for ensuring stability and security for citizens residing in conflict-affected areas, ultimately fostering a peaceful environment for all.

Thought for the week "We will fail when we fail to try."

—Rosa Parks

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

Oh No, India, What’s Going On? In the realm of international journalism, the portrayal of India's political and societal landscape often oscillates between extremes, with some Western publications like the Channel 4, The Guardian, and The Economist casting the nation in a light that is both critical and contentious.

They frequently depict India as veering towards a Hindu nationalist state, marked by sectarian policies and a departure from its secular roots, hinting at an "impending implosion."

Yet, for someone who has traversed India's vast and diverse expanse eight times annually over many years and sat at the UK-India roundtable, such portrayals can seem not just exaggerated but fundamentally misinformed, serving more to amplify the agendas of a vocal minority than to present an accurate depiction of the country's complex realities.

One must ponder why these esteemed publications, with their rich history of nuanced reporting, often fall into the trap of painting India with broad, unyielding strokes. Is it a lack of understanding, a predisposition to favour sensational narratives, or simply an unwitting role in a larger geopolitical game?

Firstly, the narrative of India as a monolithic Hindu nationalist state ignores the country's intrinsic pluralism.

India, with its myriad languages, religions, and cultures, defies simple categorization. The electoral support for the current government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), indeed reflects a significant segment of the population's political will, not an authoritarian imposition.

To view it through a reductive lens of Hindu nationalism is to misunderstand the fabric of Indian democracy, which is as vibrant and varied as its festivals. It is the kind of oversight that turns nuanced observers into "willing idiots" for those who wish to propagate a singular, doomladen narrative.

The charge of non-secularism and fascism is another area where critics seem to miss the forest for the trees.

India's constitutional commitment to secularism remains intact, and while there are undoubtedly challenges and instances of communal strife, these are part of the complex process of negotiating identities in a democracy as large and as diverse as India's.

To equate the actions of fringe elements with the state's official policy is a leap of logic that only serves the interests of those who benefit from painting India in a chaotic light. It is the kind of leap that would make even Evel Knievel pause for thought.

Moreover, the notion of an "impending implosion" underestimates the resilience and dynamism of India's society and economy. Despite challenges, India continues to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with a young and entrepreneurial population driving innovation and change. This resilience in the face of adversity is not just the hallmark of India's economy but of its people's spirit. It's a narrative less appealing to those who prefer their stories served with a side of despair.

Critics outside the ballot box, as mentioned, often amplify their agendas through international media, attempting to compensate for their lack of electoral support within India. This approach, while not new in the annals of political strategy, reveals a profound misunderstanding of democratic processes. In a democracy, the ballot box is the ultimate arbiter of public sentiment, and attempts to circumvent it through international opinion pieces can come across as not just ironic but somewhat quixotic.

The the portrayal of India by some Western publications as a one-dimensional state teetering on the brink of authoritarianism does a disservice to the complexity and resilience of its democracy. The real story of India lies not in the sensational headlines but in the daily lives of its billion-plus inhabitants, navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century with a blend of tradition and modernity. As observers and commentators, the task is to understand this narrative in all its nuances, without becoming unwitting pawns in a larger game of geopolitical chess.

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Tory chairman defends disinformation claim The chairman of the Conservative Party has refuted claims that the party disseminated misinformation by sharing an online clip of Sadiq Khan misspeaking about antisemitism.

However, this correction was omitted from the posted video, a decision Holden argued was not intended to misinform but rather to clip relevant content.

When pressed on Times

Richard Holden

Sadiq Khan

Richard Holden, speaking on Times Radio, asserted that the distribution of a clipped video by the official Conservative Twitter account, which depicted Khan, the Labour mayor of London, seemingly suggesting that the Labour party was antisemitic, did not constitute spreading misinformation.

Khan, addressing recent allegations of antisemitism within the Labour party, stated, "As far as I’m concerned, that sort of language isn’t acceptable and it certainly shouldn’t be acceptable in a party like mine that is proud to be both antiracist and antisemitic."

Upon realising his mistake, he swiftly corrected himself, saying, "I beg your pardon, tackling antisemitism."

Radio about whether editing the video amounted to spreading misinformation, Holden reiterated, "I can tell you now it is not misinformation to talk about antisemitism in the Labour Party."

Holden further clarified, "It’s not been edited, it was clipped. I think we both know the difference between editing something to misconstrue or clipping something."

In a previous instance, Holden had retweeted criticism of Sky News for "clipping" footage of Rishi Sunak in a video, making it seem as though he had walked away from a woman expressing concerns about the NHS, even though the conversation had continued.

Long-serving MPs exiting Parliament signal change The upcoming election promises to usher in a significant transformation within the House of Commons.

Currently, 90 out of 650 sitting MPs have declared they won't seek re-election.

Among them, 14 are former secretaries of state, with 11 from the Conservative Party, and nine are select committee chairs. This marks the largest exodus of departing MPs since 2010, with more retirements anticipated.

Notably, the Tory benches are experiencing their most substantial wave of departures since the 1997 Labour landslide.

Renowned former cabinet ministers like Sajid Javid, Ben Wallace, and Dominic Raab, who might have otherwise advanced in their political careers, are

among those stepping down. The 11 departing Conservative former secretaries of state collectively boast nearly 40 years of cabinet experience. Concerns now arise among senior Figures like Nick Gibb, with over a decade of service as schools minister, and Tracey Crouch, the highly esteemed sports minister from 2015 to 2018, are also retiring.

On the Labour side, notable figures such as Harriet Harman, Margaret Beckett, and Margaret Hodge, all in their 70s and 80s, are departing.

Additionally, Nick Brown, a long-serving former Labour chief whip, is retiring following his resignation from the party over an ongoing investigation.

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International students launch legal battle against Home Office over English test scandal A group of international students, erroneously implicated in cheating on English language exams vital for visa extensions, have initiated legal action against the Home Office.

Seeking reparation for wrongful detention and financial losses, they allege unjust treatment following visa cancellations amid cheating accusations. While the government has settled a few cases, legal representatives decry the absence of a uniform compensation framework, which they believe could expedite justice for affected students.

Bindmans, representing 23 students who successfully challenged the Home Office's decisions, advocates for a collective approach to seeking damages. Their claims encompass wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, lost earnings during

visa limbo, and psychological harm.

This legal challenge arose a decade after the Home Office moved to revoke visas for thousands of international students due to cheating revelations in certain English language test centres. While acknowledging cheating in some approved centres, many students contest being unfairly targeted, with 97% labelled as potential cheats.

Bindmans highlights the harrowing experiences endured by their clients, including dawn raids without clarity on allegations, resulting in upheaval, destitution, and profound personal distress. Despite mounting legal pressure and individual settlements, the Home Office stands by its actions, citing evidence of systemic cheating uncovered in 2014 investigations.

Government denies delaying Post Office Horizon scandal payouts Ministers have refuternment's financial ed allegations made responsibility ahead of by the former Post the impending general Office chair, Henry election this year.

Staunton, claiming The government has that the government denied Staunton's accusought to delay comsations, emphasising pensation payouts to that he was assigned victims of the "clear objectives" to Horizon scandal in expedite settlements and order for the emphasising that comConservative Party pensation for victims has to gain political been accelerated, with Kemi Badenoch advantage in the postmasters consistently upcoming general election. encouraged to submit their claims.

The government asserted that any Staunton, who was dismissed by suggestions of actions or discussions the business secretary, Kemi to the contrary are inaccurate.

Badenoch, last month amidst outcry Badenoch vehemently denied over the Horizon scandal, asserted allegations on Sunday that she disthat the request to stall payouts was missed Staunton by implying that made shortly after he assumed the someone had to "take the fall" for role in December 2022. He also the Horizon scandal. She described alleged that Nick Read, the Post Staunton's account as "riddled with Office chief executive, attempted to falsehoods" and characterised it as a dissuade the government in January "shameful misrepresentation" of from pursuing blanket exonerations their conversation. Badenoch for operators. In an interview with announced her intention to consult the Sunday Times, Staunton, aged government legal advisors regarding 75, suggested that the request to the matter, indicating that she slow compensation payouts seemed would not allow it to be disregarded. to be an effort to mitigate the gov-

Sunak urged to block MPs with sexual convictions Rishi Sunak is under pressure to implement new regulations barring individuals convicted of sexual offences from running for MP positions before the upcoming election.

Since the 2019 general election, at least six MPs have lost their seats due to alleged sexual misconduct, with 10 MPs suspended from their parties pending investigations.

Although political parties have their own vetting procedures for MP candidates, there is a call from politicians and unions for formal rules to prevent relevant candidates from standing, simplifying the process of identifying unsuitable candidates The Prospect union has urged Sunak to enact these measures prior to the next election, along with expediting the implementation of risk-based exclusion measures. Mike Clancy, the union's general secretary, emphasised the urgency of this action, suggesting that if Sunak fails to act, Labour should prioritise it if

in brief ROYAL MAIL SLOWS MAIL FOR COSTSAVING Royal Mail is considering measures to slow down the delivery of a vast number of letters, including important documents like hospital appointments, fines, and court notifications, in a bid to save up to £650 million annually. The postal service is actively examining proposals to extend the delivery time for letters from public services such as the NHS and the Ministry of Justice. Talks have commenced with hospitals, government agencies, and large businesses regarding the feasibility of lengthening the delivery window for their post from the current two days to three days. This category of mail, known as "bulk mail," constitutes approximately seventy percent of all letters posted in the UK. These plans to delay deliveries represent an alternative strategy by Royal Mail executives, following the rejection of a proposal to reduce postal rounds from six days to just three days a week by Rishi Sunak. This adjustment aims to help the company balance its financial books.

UK SPECIAL FORCES HINDERED AFGHAN ELITE TROOPS, DOCUMENTS REVEAL According to BBC Panorama's findings, leaked documents reveal that UK Special Forces blocked Afghan troops they had fought alongside from relocating to the UK following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Despite some applications containing compelling evidence of service alongside the British military, special forces rejected them. Afghan commandos, who accompanied British special forces on perilous missions during the conflict, found their applications denied. Among these Afghan troops were members of Special Forces units CF 333 and ATF 444, commonly known as the "Triples." These individuals faced significant risks of reprisal from the Taliban due to their support for UK Special Forces. Although eligible to apply for resettlement under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme, many saw their applications rejected. Tragically, numerous individuals have since suffered beatings, torture, or even death at the hands of the Taliban In response to mounting concerns, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has announced a review of approximately 2,000 applications. He acknowledged flaws in the decision-making process, conceding that it was "not robust."

PARENTS CAUTIONED TO REPORT CHILD BENEFIT CHANGES

Rishi Sunak

they win the next general election.

This call for action coincides with the Scottish Parliament's anticipated approval of regulations preventing individuals convicted of sexual offences and subject to restriction orders from standing as MSPs or councillors.

Parents are being cautioned that they must promptly report specific changes in their circumstances to avoid potential loss of their Child Benefit payments.

Child Benefit is a vital financial support system for families in the UK, assisting with the costs associated with raising children, with approximately seven million people currently benefiting from it. Presently, those receiving Child Benefit receive £24 per week (£96 per month or £1,251.43 per year) for the first child, and £15.90 per week (£63.60 per month or £829.07 per year) for each additional child. Starting April 2024, the rate for the eldest or only child will increase to £25.60 per week, and the rate for additional children will rise to £16.95 per week.

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Asian man convicted for 30-year-old murder Media reports reveal the conviction of an individual of Asian descent for the brutal murder of a woman from Colombia nearly three decades after the heinous act.

Advances in forensic science played a pivotal role in unravelling the mystery behind the crime, which occurred in close proximity to the fictional residence of Sherlock Holmes on Baker Street. The Telegraph details that crucial evidence, including a bloody footprint and a hair strand adhered to the victim's ring, facilitated the resolution of the case.

The tragic event occurred on August 8, 1994, when 21-year-old Sandip Patel viciously stabbed Marina Koppel, a 39-yearold prostitute, over 140 times in her rented flat on Chiltern Street in London.

Despite collecting crucial evidence, such as Marina's ring and a plastic bag bear-

Sandip Patel

ing Patel's fingerprints, the case remained unsolved for years.

In 2022, advancements in forensic techniques enabled investigators to extract a DNA profile from a hair strand found on the ring, ultimately linking it to Patel. Subsequently, Patel was arrested and later identified by matching his footprints to bloodstained prints found at the crime scene. At the Old Bailey court, Sandip Patel, now 51, vehemently denied his involvement; however, the jury unanimously found him guilty after deliberating for over three hours.

Ethnic minority areas in England lack GP access A recent analysis by The Guardian revealed that access to General Practitioners (GPs) in England is notably worse in neighbourhoods with higher proportions of ethnic minorities compared to areas predominantly inhabited by white British residents.

According to the report, neighbourhoods with the highest concentrations of ethnic minorities have considerably fewer GPs per 100,000 patients than areas with predominantly white British populations. This discrepancy is largely attributed to an outdated funding model utilised for resource allocation to GP practices.

In October 2023, regions with a significant proportion of ethnic minorities reported only 34 fully quali-

fied full-time-equivalent GPs per 100,000 patients, while areas with predominantly white British demographics boasted 48 GPs per 100,000 people. Even after adjusting for variables such as age, sex, and health needs, ethnic minority areas continued to fall behind, with 37 GPs per 100,000 patients in contrast to 44 in predominantly white British areas, based on the Guardian's analysis of NHS Digital and census data.

The report also highlights socio-economic factors such as deprivation and population density as exacerbating this inequality.

Minority ethnic groups are more likely to reside in deprived and densely populated regions where socioeconomic poverty significantly affects health outcomes.

UK-India defence partnership advances Defence officials from India's Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC) engaged in a series of educational exchanges and Joint Staff talks with their senior UK counterparts this week.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the significance of such visits in strengthening ties between the two countries, emphasising the boost to the UK-India defence partnership. This visit follows the UK's recent announcement, during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit last month, of plans to deploy its Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Indian Ocean Region in 2025.

According to the MoD, Major General James Roddis, Director Strategy at

Strategic Command, briefed participants from the HDMC on the role of Strategic Command and the support provided by Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in operations, as part of an International Strategic Management Tour. The visit also included interactions at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, where they met with Commandant Major General Andrew Roe and toured the Tech Hub. Meetings with representatives from the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Navy, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) centred on recent developments in UK defence.

Family jailed for poisoning and corrosive attack A man and his parents have been imprisoned after his wife suffered severe harm, leaving her in a permanent vegetative state.

Ambreen Fatima Sheikh, described as intelligent and vibrant, was only 30 years old when she was brought to the UK from Pakistan for an arranged marriage. She was administered the anti-diabetes medication glimepiride, which caused catastrophic brain injuries. Additionally, she was subjected to a corrosive substance, possibly a cleaning fluid, and endured abuse in the days preceding her hospitalisation on August 1, 2015.

Now 39 years old, Ambreen Sheikh remains unaware of herself or her sur-

Asgar Sheikh

Shabnam Sheikh

Khalid Sheikh

roundings, devoid of motor or pain responses, with no hope of medical recovery.

Her husband, Asgar Sheikh, aged 31, along with his parents, Khalid Sheikh, 55, and Shabnam Sheikh, 53, have been sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison. Asgar's brother, Sakalayne Sheikh, aged 25,

received a suspended sixmonth sentence for two years, while his sister, Shagufa Sheikh, aged 29, received an 18-month suspended sentence for two years.

DCI Matthew Holdsworth of West Yorkshire police expressed the gravity of the situation,

highlighting how Ambreen was tragically robbed of her future by those expected to her.

Ambreen protect Sheikh's current existence is sustained through tube feeding, and although she may linger for years, her prognosis remains dire due to the irreversible damage inflicted upon her.

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in brief Braverman dismisses countryside racism claims Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has criticised assertions that the British countryside is racist, labelling such claims as "wrong, dangerous, and disempowering."

In an article published in The Telegraph on Monday (12), Braverman argued against making white individuals feel guilty for their race. Her remarks come in response to recent statements by wildlife charities, including the National Trust and RSPCA, suggesting that ethnic minorities may feel unwelcome in the countryside due to its predominantly white demographic (see story on page 15).

According to a report submitted to parliament by the Wildlife and Countryside Link, an umbrella group representing various charities, green spaces in the UK are often perceived as "dominated by white people," potentially discouraging ethnic minorities from accessing them.

Suella Braverman

Braverman expressed disagreement with this viewpoint, stating, "We need to stop making white people feel guilty for being white." She argued that assessing individuals based on their skin colour rather than their character is "wholly disempowering for ethnic minorities."

Braverman also cautioned against the dangers of instilling guilt in white individuals for their race, criticising concepts like critical race theory and white privilege as "left-wing militancy."

Labour wins both Kingswood and Wellingborough Rishi Sunak faced a significant setback with losses in both the Kingswood and Wellingborough by-elections on Friday.

The prime minister attributed the by-election outcomes to "particularly challenging" circumstances, as Labour secured victories, overturning two substantial majorities. Sir Keir Starmer emphasised that these results reflect a strong desire for change among the electorate.

Labour managed to reverse majorities of 11,220 and 18,540, marking the government's ninth and tenth by-election defeats in the current Parliament and achieving its second-largest swing from the Conservatives ever.

Gen Kitchen secured Wellingborough with 45.8% of the vote, while Damien Egan won Kingswood with 44.9%. In Wellingborough, the swing of 28.5% represented the secondlargest shift from the Tories to Labour in any by-election since

the Second World War. These results provided Labour with a morale boost following recent controversies, including a U-turn on green spending pledges and an antisemitism row leading to the withdrawal of a candidate in another upcoming by-election in Rochdale.

The prime minister faces increased pressure as the UK entered a recession at the end of 2023. Reform UK achieved its best by-election results by appealing to dissatisfied voters on the right, garnering over 10% of the vote for the first time.

Reform deputy leader Ben Habib secured 13% of the vote in Wellingborough, while Rupert Lowe won 10% in Kingswood.

The government now holds the record for the most by-election defeats since the 1960s, surpassing the eight losses during John Major's tenure leading up to Tony Blair's landslide victory in 1997.

Man extradited from Pakistan for 2005 Bradford robbery According to media reports, the mastermind behind an armed robbery that occurred in Bradford in 2005 has been apprehended and brought back to the UK from Pakistan.

The incident, which occurred on November 18, 2005, involved a robbery at the Universal Express travel agency in Bradford, West Yorkshire, during which a police officer was killed and another was seriously injured. PC Sharon Beshenivsky tragically lost her life after being shot, while PC Teresa Milburn sustained severe injuries but survived, as reported by The Guardian.

Currently, at Leeds Crown Court, the trial is underway, with Robert Smith KC prosecuting.

Smith informed the jury that seven individuals were implicated in the robbery, with all but Piran Ditta Khan having been convicted.

Khan managed to evade arrest for two months after the crime by fleeing to Islamabad, Pakistan. However, he was eventually located by the authorities and extradited to the UK in April of last year, the court heard. Now 75 years old, Khan followed the court proceedings with the assistance of an interpreter and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and four firearm offences. Smith clarified that although Khan did not personally fire at the officers and was not among the three individuals who executed the robbery, he was the orchestrator behind the operation.

Khan was the sole member of the group familiar with Bradford and was aware of the significant cash transactions handled by Universal Express, having previously used their services to transfer money to Pakistan, the court was informed.

NHS issues apology after Dr Vaish Kumar's suicide NHS England's top medical training official has issued a heartfelt apology to the relatives of Dr Vaish Kumar, 35, who tragically took her own life. Dr Kumar faced undue stress after receiving incorrect information that she needed an additional six months of training before starting a new position.

This misinformation led to her continued presence at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE) in Birmingham, where, according to an inquest, she experienced demeaning treatment from fellow staff members, as reported by the BBC. In communications with Dr Kumar's grieving family, NHS leadership acknowledged the error regarding the training requirement.

Dr Navina Evans, chief workforce and training education officer for England, expressed deep regret over the oversight, stating in a letter to the Kumar family, "I wish to unreservedly apologise for these mistakes and for the impact they would have had."

Dr Vaish Kumar

She emphasised the organisation's commitment to learning from this incident to prevent similar failures in the future, promising action not just in the Midlands but nationwide.

The loss of Dr Kumar, who had assumed the role of chief registrar at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis, has deeply affected her family and colleagues. They revealed this year that she left behind a note attributing her despair and subsequent death entirely to the hospital where she worked.

UK university overseas student applications surge Media reports indicate that despite the UK government's tightening of immigration norms, the influx of international students seeking undergraduate courses at British universities has surged for the second consecutive year.

Recent data reveals a rise in applications, with 115,730 students from abroad aiming to commence studies in September, compared to 114,910 last year. This increase contrasts with the recent policy by the Sunak Government, which restricted the ability of foreign students to bring their families along, aimed at curbing the misuse of student visas for employment in the UK. Furthermore, there have been allegations that universities have compromised standards to attract overseas students, who are often charged significantly higher fees than UK students. However, the current number of international applicants remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 116,110, as restrictions on international travel impacted enrolment in the following years.

Dr Jo Saxton, the Chief Executive of Universities and

Colleges Admissions Services (Ucas), reassured prospective domestic students that the upsurge in international applications should not raise concerns, noting that UK applications have also been on the rise in recent years, according to BBC reports. It's worth noting that the majority of international students in the UK opt for postgraduate courses, a demographic not captured in the latest Ucas data.

Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, representing 142 higher education institutions, expressed concerns to the BBC that overall international student numbers might still decline, indicating apprehension within the university sector. Stern emphasised that UK universities are contending with fierce competition from institutions in the United States and Australia.

In the UK, undergraduate students typically pay up to £9,250 annually for tuition fees, whereas international students face significantly higher costs, averaging around £38,000 per year for undergraduate programs and £30,000 per year for postgraduate studies.

POLLING SUGGESTS A GENERATIONAL SPLIT ON BRITAIN'S THREATS New polling indicates a marked generation gap in perceptions of various threats and their necessary responses. However, the majority across age groups concur that the world has become less secure over the past five years.

Younger demographics prioritise addressing the conflict in Gaza as the foremost foreign policy concern, while older segments view Russia's invasion of Ukraine as paramount.

According to a recent poll by Savanta, 29% of individuals aged 18 to 34 identify the Gaza conflict as the most pressing foreign policy issue, while 21% prioritise the Ukraine-Russia situation. Among the rest of the population, 27% see the war in Ukraine as the primary issue, with 23% highlighting the Israel-Gaza conflict.

NEW UK-WIDE BIN RULES TO COMBAT "BLIGHT” New regulations regarding waste management could soon be introduced in response to the increasing presence of garbage on streets, as revealed recently. A significant revision of bin rules may be forthcoming due to the overflow of waste, as indicated in a consultation initiated by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities. Under consideration by the government are proposals to permit homeowners in conservation areas and national parks to construct storage facilities in their gardens for wheelie bins without requiring planning permission. This initiative aims to reduce the number of bins cluttering the streets. The consultation document highlights the current limitations faced by houses with only front gardens or restricted access to their rear gardens, preventing them from installing bin or bike storage units in their front gardens under existing permitted development rights.

SURVEY REVEALS SHARP RISE IN HOME SCHOOLING A survey conducted among councils in the southern region of England reveals a significant uptick in the number of children receiving education at home. Some parents cited the inability of schools to adequately meet their children's needs as a driving factor behind this trend. Data collected from 15 councils across Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire spanning the years 2013 to 2023 shed light on this phenomenon.

Hampshire County Council reported the highest increase in home-schooled children, soaring from 623 to 3,593. Similarly, Dorset Council noted a rise from 15 to 285 children, while Oxfordshire County Council's figures climbed from 177 to 522, and Wiltshire Council observed an increase from 228 to 952. Mac Heath, co-chair of the Association of Directors of Children's Services South East region, acknowledged the upward trajectory of home education.

Nursing regulator seeks review to combat racism The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has initiated a culture review conducted by an external agency in response to reports of racism, sexism, and a stifling atmosphere inhibiting open discourse among its members.

Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal and Rise Associates have been tasked with leading the review and proposing measures to rectify

the aforementioned issues. Expected to conclude within four months, the review will culminate in the NMC publishing its findings and outlining actionable steps to address inequalities and foster greater diversity and inclusivity within the organisation.

Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Executive and Registrar of the NMC, stressed the importance of cultivating an environment conducive to

openness, inclusivity, and high performance, wherein all members feel empowered to excel in their regulatory roles, ensuring public safety through equitable decision-making.

Expressing optimism about collaborating with Nazir and Rise Associates, renowned for their expertise in facilitating organisational improvement and nurturing supportive cultures, Sutcliffe high-

lighted the shared goal of enhancing the NMC's working environment.

David Warren, Chair of the NMC Council, voiced anticipation that the thorough and impartial investigation would instil a culture aligned with the organisation's values of fairness, kindness, ambition, and collaboration, consistently reflected in the experiences of its members and stakeholders.

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Take charge of your health with the NHS App Over 33 million people, three quarters of adults in England, are already signed up to the NHS App. With its new features and functionality at your fingertips, the App makes it easier to manage your own health, and a new NHS England campaign is encouraging more people to use it.

With options such as viewing prescribed medications, booking vaccine ordering appointments, repeat prescriptions and accessing NHS 111 online, the NHS App is changing the way that people can access and manage their health records for themselves.

You can use the App to: - View your prescribed medication and request repeat prescriptions, to pick up at your chosen local pharmacy – without needing a paper prescription.

- View your GP records, which can include information about appointments you’ve had, immunisations and your

specific health conditions.

- Find your NHS number You can also check symptoms using NHS 111 online via the App, find local NHS services – such as urgent care, pharmacies and urgent treatment centres – and even browse through more general information about medication or medical conditions. Over the last five years, a total of 66.1 million repeat prescriptions have been ordered through the App, saving valuable time for patients and clinicians.

Almost half of people signed up to the NHS App already use it regularly, with 25.8 million logins in November 2023 – the equivalent of 10 every second.

According to Dr Farzana Hussein, GP, "I would encourage everyone to try the NHS App again. I know for many of my patients it’s something they simply don’t think of using, or don’t know about the new functions it has, but when I’ve shown people what it

can do and when I used it myself I realised how easy it is to use. People have been very positive about it after using it. Especially during the winter when we might need more frequent repeat prescriptions or want to find out about symptoms we’re experiencing, it can be so useful. We’re on our phones all the time in our daily lives, and we’re busy – so it’s a great time saver, helping people to feel on top of their health and in control."

For more information, including how to download the NHS App, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhsapp or scan the QR code

tional scale to Ukrainian orphans. Milan is spending his half-term holidays travelling to various locations with a busy fun-packed itinerary to support Ukraine’s disadvantaged children.

"I arrived in Krakow ready to begin my long jour-

'SONERI SANGAT' Dear Readers, Continuing its tradition of conducting unique initiatives to serve its readers, Gujarat Samachar is introducing a distinctive zoom program series ‘Soneri Sangat’, beginning from 29 February 2024.

In the past, the 'CB LIVE' program achieved considerable popularity on television screens. Similarly, during the golden jubilee year of Gujarat Samachar, various programmes presented through Zoom also garnered significant acclaim.

This one-hour program is crafted to strengthen our bond with you while also delivering informative and entertaining content keeping in mind the interest of our readers.

This event will be compered by Kokilaben Patel. Followed by an initial prayer, it will cover weekly news bulletin by Nilesh Parmar. The first zoom event will include Guest Speaker Minaxiben Champaneri who will share an insight about the Gujaratis/Indians in Glasgow, Scotland. Kantibhai Nagda will share information about the ‘Asian Business Live' event with Yogeshbhai Mehta. Magistrate for 20 years Sonal Dave and others will also participate.

Please note, the medium of the language will be Gujarati. If you wish to join below are the zoom details:

Thursday Feb 29, 2024 3:00pm (BST) Meeting ID: 889 5868 9540 Passcode: soneri For more details Tel.: 020 7749 4080 | Email: cb.patel@abplgroup.com

British humanitarian brings hope to Ukrainian orphans in Poland Award-winning humanitarian, Milan Paul Kumar, aged 11, from Greater Manchester, Bolton has been invited to Poland again by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Krakow to mark the second-year anniversary since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Kumar who met the Prime Minister and wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street last year, recognised in England for his work to help disadvantaged children is extending his support on an interna-

Announcing Gujarat Samachar's exclusive Zoom series,

ney closer to the Polish/Ukrainian border."

Having already been honoured by the now Queen Camilla for reading 50 books during lockdown, Milan was invited to hand out 50 books to Ukrainian children living in each of the orphanages in Poland.

Milan, a saxophone beginner, wanted to do something extra special for the children, so in a matter of days learned to play the Ukrainian National Anthem, "this was a really special moment."

Teen with 28 A-levels challenging school system Mahnoor Cheema, a 17tion system is failing to year-old with an IQ of recognise and support 161, equivalent to Albert gifted children like herEinstein's, is challenging self. She advocates for a the UK education system system that provides taiafter facing obstacles in lored support and opporher academic journey. tunities for gifted pupils, similar to the assistance Despite her excepprovided to students tional abilities, her expewith special educational riences in British schools Mahnoor Cheema honoured by needs. Cheema emphahave been marked by Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, sises the importance of frustration and a lack of Dr Mohammad Faisal nurturing talent and prosupport for gifted pupils. viding appropriate chalUpon arriving in the UK tive and belittling. lenges to prevent the waste from Pakistan at the age of Transitioning to a grammar of potential. nine, Cheema encountered school for secondary educaDespite her parents' resistance from her Church tion did not significantly efforts to advocate for her, of England primary school, improve her situation. they were often dismissed as which refused to allow her Despite her advanced capa"pushy" by school staff. to advance a year academibilities, teachers discourCheema's experiences highcally. aged her from pursuing light the need for a more Instead of receiving numerous GCSEs, dismissinclusive and supportive appropriate challenges, she ing her ambition as exceseducational environment was given repetitive tasks sive. that recognises and celeand placed in a "nurture" Feeling isolated and misbrates the diversity of stugroup for socialisation, understood, Cheema dent abilities. which she found unproducbelieves that the UK educa-

British veteran aids Afghan comrade's relocation to UK A British army veteran is urging Rishi Sunak’s government to provide refuge for his Afghan former comrade, who was compelled to flee Kabul in fear of his life and denied assistance by Britain, despite his courageous service alongside UK forces against the Taliban.

Alex Isaac, a former paratrooper who served alongside special forces in Afghanistan, is calling on officials to reverse their decision denying sanctuary to his former colleague, Abdul. Abdul, who served alongside UK troops, now faces the grim prospect of being returned to the Taliban's control, from

which he managed to escape.

This soldier's plea comes in the wake of ministerial commitments to reassess the situations of numerous former Afghan special forces personnel who fought alongside and were trained

by British forces but were refused relocation to the UK following the fall of Kabul in 2021.

In a direct appeal to ministers, Alex stated, “Here is a clear example of a Triple who served with us. It’s evident that he is eligible—and he's stranded. What action will you take?” Alex and Abdul, whose name has been changed to safeguard his

family, served and fought together during two tours in 2011 and 2012—Alex with the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment, and Abdul with the Afghan Territorial Force 444.

Abdul managed to escape Afghanistan following the withdrawal of coalition troops in 2015 but had his application to relocate to the UK rejected last year— despite risking his life while working alongside British troops. Currently residing in a Nordic country, Abdul lives in constant fear of expulsion and is fervently hoping to begin anew in Britain, a place he believes he rightfully belongs.

Slough Hindu group seeks local collaboration for Hindu Centre transformation The new owners of a beloved pub, soon to be transformed into a place of worship, are eager to collaborate with the local community.

GB Shri Raghavendra Swami Brundavan, a Sloughbased charity, purchased the Jolly Woodman site in January after the pub announced closure due to declining trade. Since 2009, this volunteer-led organisation has served as a Hindu cultural centre, hosting religious worship, events, and artistic celebrations.

Trustees Srihari Gubbi and Prahlad Purohit expressed their joy at secur-

Once operational, the Hindu hub aims to welcome locals for activities such as yoga, meditation, and prayers. "We are a small community, but our hub can benefit everyone in the neighbourhood," they remarked, highlighting their commitment to inclusivity and community engageing a permanent space for the community, emphasising the necessity of a fixed location. In 2022, the charity embarked on the challenging journey of identifying and acquiring the Jolly Woodman site, raising £700,000 with the support of devotees.

ment.

While primarily serving followers of Guru Raghavendra Swami, GB Shri Raghavendra Swami Brundavan maintains an open-door policy, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds to participate in its activities.

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GHS Preston celebrates India's Republic Day and Ayodhya’s Ramlalla Pranpratishta Gujarat Hindu Society (GHS) Preston celebrated India’s Republic Day. A flag hoisting ceremony was organised at GHS Temple on the 26 January at 6:30pm.

Over 100 people came together to salute the tricolour and pay tribute to the freedom fighters of India.

GHS President Ishwerbhai and Vice President Dashrathbhai addressed the gathering.

India.

Guests included Mayor of Preston, Cllr Yakub Patel, Brigadier Peter Rafferty representing the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and Andy Pratt, Deputy Police Commissioner of Lancashire. Over 400 people came together to celebrate India's Republic Day. GHS devotees witness Ramlalla Pranpratishta through live screening at Preston Mandir

Cultural performance at Republic Day celebration

Guests and organisers enjoying the programme Yajman Chandrakantbhai Dholakia and family carrying the Ramlalla Palkhi

On Saturday 27 January 2023, variety of cultural shows were organised to engage the young generation in efforts to teach them about the rich heritage of

Gujarat Hindu Society devotees witnessed Ramlalla Pranpratishta in Ayodhya, India through live screening at the Preston Temple. To mark the cele-

Lord Mayor Chaman Lal continues to champion Birmingham Dhiren Katwa

B

irmingham’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Chaman Lal, the first-ever of British Indian descent in the city’s history, and the Lady Mayoress Vidya Wati, pictured, were presented with a bouquet of flowers as part of a vibrant and colourful Chinese New Year celebration.

Tony Vuong, Steven Pun of Ohana 8, representatives from local casinos and Bank of China, Cllr Yvonne Mosquito, Dorian Chan and Jeffrey Yap. Punjab-born Cllr Lal came to British shores with his mother Sardarni Jai Kaur in 1964. His father Harnam Singh Banga and uncle Ram Singh Banga were BritishIndian army officers during

bration, a procession was also organised with Yajman Chandrakantbhai Dholakia and family carrying the Ramlalla Palkhi accompanied by dhol and chanting.

President Ishwerbhai and Vice President Dashrathbhai addressed the

devotees and explained why the day was so special for Hindus around the world. A live screening was arranged of the Pranpratishta ceremony at Ayodhya with PM Modi’s speech. Over 300 devotees joined this historic celebration.

Asian Business Live launched with a fireside chat between Yogesh Mehta and Kanti Nagda MBE Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar launched a new networking and conversa-

Nagda MBE as the moderator.

In this series, Asian

High Commission hosts tourism session on Incredible India Yogesh Mehta (left) and Kanti Nagda MBE in conversation

Chinese new year celebration with Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress

Heritage Bengal Global was among many other organisations in the UK who organised a successful Saraswati Puja on the weekend. The event on 18 February included pushpanjali, cultural programmes, sit and draw competition for children etc. It was attended by the Mayor of Harrow and other local councillors.

Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, music, wisdom and learning. Vasant Panchami is dedicated and celebrated in her honour.

tion platform viz. Asian Business Live with its first guest speaker Yogesh Mehta, Chairman of Pickfords Move Management Limited.

It took place on Monday 19 February 2024 at Sangat Centre Harrow with Kanti

entrepreneurs will be sharing their success stories and insights, which aims to create a supportive and inspiring network for Asian business owners and start-ups.

A detailed report and photos of the event will be published in the next issue.

The High Commission of India hosted a tourism session at India House about 'how to fall in love with the incredible India' on Thursday 15 February. It was attended by guests, the High Commissioner of India HE Vikram Doraiswami and Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh.

conversation with Wanderlust Magazine Editor-in-Chief George Kipouros, about their exciting trip to north India, including cities of Agra and Jaipur, going through the journey, list of must visits and to-dos, accompanied with delightful photos.

The event concluded

International Mother Language Day 2024 Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Chaman Lal and Lady Mayoress Vidya Wati with Dhiren Katwa

The round-table, redcarpeted annual event, organised by Ken Tong and Irene Chu of Birmingham Chinese Society, featured traditional dances, karaoke, a sumptuous dinner, raffle and an auction. Guests included Lord Mike Whitby, comedy brothers Andy and

the second world war. His uncle sadly lost his life in the Burma Campaign.

A qualified electronics engineer, he married Vidya in 1971. The couple have three daughters and two sons. In his spare time, Cllr Lal enjoys cricket, live music and performing arts.

International Mother Language Day, established

by Bangladesh and recognised by UNESCO in 1999, is observed annually by the UN. Bengali, Bangladesh's language, is also spoken widely in the West Midlands, notably in Birmingham with 32,880 Bangladeshis.

Celebrations in Birmingham and London emphasised multilingual education's

importance, with events attended by dignitaries including Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and HE Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to the UK. The occasion commemorates language diversity and the sacrifices made for linguistic rights, underscoring the foundation of learning embedded in multilingualism.

Indian High Commissioner HE Vikram Doraiswami addressing the guests at Gandhi Hall, as George Kipouros and Amrit Singh (seated) and Jaspreet Singh Sukhja, First Secretary, Trade and Economic, High Commission of India (standing) look on

At the event (that was held in India House, Aldwych), TransIndus Managing Director and travel expert Amrit Singh was in

with a selection of Indian street food served to guests, prepared by Chef Jomon from Baluchi restaurant (The Lalit London).

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

Body found in Thames, suspected to be Ezedi’s In the pursuit of the Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi, a body has been discovered. Marine police teams had been scouring the River Thames in London for Ezedi, who stood accused of dousing his ex-partner with a potent alkali, causing injuries to her three- and eight-year-old daughters.

According to police reports, the crew of a passing boat spotted a body in the water at Tower Pier EC3 around 4 pm on Monday promptly alerted and authorities. The Met's Marine Policing Unit recovered the body, which has

Abdul Ezedi

since been examined by detectives investigating the chemical attack.

It's believed that the individual entered the water a few hours following the attack on January 31st.

Commander Jon Savell stated, "Based on the distinctive attire he wore during the assault and items found on his person, we strongly suspect the recovered body to be that of Ezedi. We've notified his family of this development."

Savell added, "Due to the significant time spent in the Thames's robust currents, visual or fingerprint identification isn't feasible. We'll collaborate with the coroner to explore alternative methods like DNA testing and dental records for formal identification, although this process may take some time."

Woman imprisoned for female genital mutilation A 40-year-old Somali refugee has been sentenced to seven years in prison for taking a three-year-old British girl to Kenya for female genital mutilation (FGM) in 2006, despite the victim's plea for mercy.

Amina Noor, the convicted individual, explained that she felt pressured by her own family to allow the procedure. She is the first person to be found guilty of taking a child abroad for FGM. The victim kept the mutilation a secret for 13 years until confiding in her English teacher at a London secondary school. A medical examination in 2018 revealed that the girl's cli-

Amina Noor

toris had been completely removed.

The victim, whose identity is protected, appeared in court at the Old Bailey to ask for leniency for Noor.

She expressed that Noor "is not wicked," and added, "I

know if I had been in her position with the lack of education and pressure from people she trusted, I would have done the same."

In sentencing Noor, Justice Bryan acknowledged the profound impact of her actions on the young woman's life.

Noor, who was 22 at the time of the incident, claimed that her mother had warned her of being "cursed" if she didn't participate in the ritual. Noor, originally from Somalia, moved to Kenya with her family at the age of eight due to civil war. She later relocated to the UK at 16 and acquired citizenship.

UK-based Indian-origin doctors receive new investment plans PolicyGhar, an India-based insurance aggregator, has collaborated with the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) to introduce Investment Plans for NRI Doctors in the UK, offering new investment opportunities for Indian professionals residing abroad.

The launch event, held at Trafford Centre in

Manchester, garnered praise from BAPIO's executive director, Prof. Parag Singhal, who lauded the investment plans as a valuable opportunity for UK-based doctors, providing them with diverse investment avenues.

PolicyGhar's investment plans are designed to provide doctors of Indian origin in the UK with more attractive and accessible invest-

ment options. With India's economy experiencing rapid growth, expanding from 4 trillion to 5 trillion, NRI professionals stand to benefit significantly from these investment opportunities.

The event provided attendees with the opportunity to engage with leading physicians of Indian origin in the UK.

Part-time immigration judge convicted of defrauding agency A barrister and part-time immigration tribunal judge, Rasib Ghaffar, along with other legal professionals have been convicted in a £1.8 million scam involving the defrauding of the Legal Aid Agency.

Ghaffar, aged 54, was found guilty alongside Gazi Khan, aged 55, a legal clerk; Azar Khan, aged 52, a solicitor advocate; and Joseph Kyeremeh, aged 73, a solicitor, for falsely claiming defence legal costs.

Allegations of fraudulent claims for Defendants' Costs Orders (DCOs) to the Legal Aid Agency led to an investigation. Defendants privately hired legal representation,

securing DCOs upon acquittal, enabling their solicitors to claim costs, including counsel fees, from government funds.

The focus of the case was on four claims totalling £1,856,584, of which £469,477 was disbursed.

Ghaffar, in particular, submitted a fee note for £184,000, purportedly for over 350 hours of work, despite being instructed just seven days before the case's conclusion. Gazi Khan, the mastermind behind the conspiracy, served as a clerk to Shadid Rashid, providing legal costs services to various solicitor firms, and was convicted of fraud offences

Rasib Ghaffar

related to fraudulent defence cost orders.

Azar Khan, as the principal partner in City Law Solicitors Ltd, falsely claimed to have carried out over 500 hours of work costing £162,000, despite commencing work on the case 10 weeks before its conclusion.

Almost two-thirds of Londoners receiving Universal Credit were unable to afford enough food last month The Trussell Trust has published new research that reveals the devastating consequences of the inadequacy of Universal Credit across London.

The anti-poverty charity is urging the Chancellor to take urgent action to increase long-term support for people struggling to get by on Universal Credit and commit to extending the Household Support Fund as soon as possible.

The research, conducted

by YouGov on behalf of the Trussell Trust, revealed that 146,000 people (14%) claiming Universal Credit have been forced to use a food bank in the last month (Dec 23/Jan 24), and almost twothirds (64%) ran out of food in the last month and couldn’t afford more. Also, in the last three months, 10% of people claiming Universal Credit were unable to cook hot food as they couldn’t afford to use their oven or other utilities.

The survey found that 377,000 people claiming Universal Credit (37%) have either fallen behind on bills and credit commitments or are finding it a constant

struggle to keep up with them. Half of people (50%) are behind on one or more household bills.

The impact of inadequate Universal Credit stretches even further, with three in ten (30%) people missing an essential appointment, such as visiting the doctor or going to work, because they couldn’t afford the cost of transport in the last three months. In the same period, approximately 384,000 people (38%) had to skip meals to keep up with other essential costs like utilities or rent. Three in ten (31%) people were unable to keep their homes warm this winter.

The Trussell Trust says that the new data further demonstrates the need for stronger, lasting support for people on the lowest

incomes and that the Chancellor must prioritise support for those on the lowest incomes in the Spring Budget, including an extension to the Household Support Fund which has provided a lifeline for millions of people hit by high or unexpected costs.

Temporary measures such as the cost of living payments have helped people on the lowest incomes in the short term, but they have only provided short-term respite. A more permanent solution urgently needs to be put in place. The Trussell Trust is calling on the UK government to introduce an Essentials Guarantee so the basic rate of Universal Credit is always enough to cover life’s essentials and support can never be pulled below that level.

The proposal is backed by 100+ organisations across the charity and business sectors, as well as dozens of celebrities and faith leaders who last month signed an open letter demanding politicians address the growing levels of poverty in the UK.

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

Dithering, indecisive Labour

Thank you All India Radio

Conservative has been in power for some 14 years. No wonder most voters think it is time to give Labour an opportunity to provide an alternative choice, someone with fresh ideas and zeal to govern with dignity and honesty.

This is the strong point of having a democracy, to remove, to change the government in a peaceful and legal manner, with voters having the final say. Unfortunately, Labour is not inspiring much faith, although it is some 20 points ahead in the opinion poll!

Voters may put their crosses, and select Labour but that is due to a lack of decent choices rather than a firm belief in Labour policies. This is a two-party state, either Labour or Conservative! But at least our democracy is open, fair and free of corruption, a rare achievement in African and South American countries.

Cracks are already appearing in Labour’s armour, over selecting candidates who may not be objective when it comes to Israel Gaza dispute, a brutal war without end where the innocent bear the most casualties.

But a week in politics is a long time. No one can feel sure that Labour will retain this lead on the polling day! It seems Labour do not have a firm, popular leadership in the mould of Tony Blair and George Brown who were a great team and knew how to manipulate, exploit and seize any opportunity that may come their way. Blair can turn a defeat into victory with his oratory, his persuasion power and his personality.

Sir Kier Starmer is a decent, honest politician who would do his best under the most difficult circumstances. But he will be pitched against PM Rishi Sunak and his dedicated team who will fight tooth and nail to retain power to govern this mighty nation as long as possible.

In Rishi Sunak, Conservatives have a great PM material; unfortunately, he is on board a sinking ship, not an ideal choice when he is laboured with non-political issues out of his control. Being the richest PM in history is a burden rather than a blessing, nothing to do with his political beliefs.

The year 2024 is going to be an interesting year, with the presidential election in the US where controversial but popular Donald Trump is expected to unseat Jo Bidden. BJP is destined to retain power in India, under ultra-efficient, most popular PM Narendra Modi while here Labour may sweep the board, bringing on fresh talent, overjoyed that their 14 years Vanvas (banishment) is over. Who says life is dull?

World Radio Day (February 13), reminds us of All India Radio with its signature tune in Raga Sivaranjani, composed by Walter Kaufmann in 1936. It has been serving the nation’s masses in the fields of education, information and entertainment; and also living up to moto 'Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya’ - Welfare & Happiness for all. Also, PM Modi's Mann ki Baat through radio has shown India to Indians.

All India Radio Chennai conducted a quiz on World Radio Day February 13. Quiz educates engages and entertains the common man. In Mann ki Baat too PM urged citizens to keep quizzingwhich reminds us of Rudyard Kipling's poem "I Keep Six Honest Serving Men" which are - Who, What, When, Where Why and How, (5W&H), which talks about curiosity, and the willingness to continuously learn.

Quizzes keep the nation young!

TSKarthik

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are adept at exploring hidden gems The announcement of Govindbhai Dholakia, a renowned diamond industry magnate from Saurashtra/Surat, Gujarat, being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, fills me with joy and pride. Govindbhai, like me, is not only from Gujarat, India but we both hail from the same hometown!

Chosen by the BJP for the Gujarat Rajya Sabha seat, Govindbhai is set to enter the Parliament unopposed.Credit goes to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for recognising Govindbhai on UK soil, thereby bringing his name and achievements to the international spotlight. His prominence has risen significantly since ABPL Group honoured him at its golden jubilee celebration at the House of Lords.

Govindbhai who reached Surat from Saurashtra is now heading towards Delhi Rajya Sabha. I am sure ABPL Group will continue nurturing and supporting such exemplary individuals from the community worldwide.

Ramesh Patel

Supporting Indian farmers It is time to pay attention to the farmers protesting in the northern parts of India for their various demands, including fair crop prices. Upon observation, there have been many interesting points. First off, several media houses worldwide have been writing about and televising the farmer protests in Delhi.

Through my various observations and studies, it is evident that farmers from the Punjab region have been hardworking and innovative, contributing significantly to the farm produce. In fact, our family and others have been involved in various rigorous agricultural activities in Korkai, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari and Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu.

If all those protesting farmers are genuinely serious about their needs, they should not allow vested interests to take advantage of the situation.Having an agricultural background, I have been aware of the complexities involved in farming. Since my schooldays during the 1990s, I have been watching many peaceful farmer protests for their needs in my native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

Given the gravity of farmers’ demands, the state governments and the Centre must prevent the protests from spiralling into a riot through the implementation of appropriate and immediate farming solutions.

P Senthil Saravana Durai

Sweet idea Diabetes is a topic frequently featured in this newspaperand rightly so. Once the dreadful condition invades our bodiesthere is no cure and it leads to much suffering.

Asian sweet manufacturers should take heed of the warningsand reduce the amount of sugar theyuse in their jalebis, ladoos, gulab jamuns, doodh pedas, halva and all their other sweet productsby an enormous 80 per cent. If they cut sugar drastically they will surely be amazed to see their products fly off the shelves and boost their profits to eye-popping levels.

Rudy Otter

Government should listen to the woes of farmers The Government of India should, on priority, listen to the woes of farmers in all sincerity and seriousness. Let the ‘feeders of the nation’ be heard. There have been many unfortunate instances of farmers' suicides in the recent past.

The Government should not hide under the pretext of saying that the agitation is politically motivated.

Jubel D' Cruz

KAPIL’S

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

The Benevolent British Raj? I have heard many people describe the British Empire as benevolent. Especially the British Raj in relation to India. Readers may recall I had written an article in November 2021 titled, ‘The Truth Commission’ in which I explore the damage done to India and Indians by the British. Thereafter I wrote an open letter to His Majesty, in June 2023 titled, ‘Letter for the King’ in which I champion the idea of a ‘Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission’. It is of course a regret that Her Majesty failed in the time she had as our monarch to proactively take steps to remedy the wrongs of British history. I am hopeful that maybe His Majesty might read my letter again and appreciate, that for each day that goes by the genuineness of any future reparation and reconciliation will be undermined.

It is my contention that the British Raj was the very opposite of being benevolent. This notion, a narrative to over egg the contribution of an occupying brutal force to hide the truth from history is now coming apart at the seams. In the 21st Century, with the advent of modern technology and the capacity of social media platforms, the descendants of the enslavedarerising upto correct history.

Did you know that some 24 million Indians died during the time of the British Raj due to famine alone?

Yes, 24 million Indians literally died due to starvation whilst the British elite in India enjoyed their gratuitous lifestyle of wealth and splendour.

Information from 1860 to 1943 (broadly the period of the British Raj in India) shows there were at least nine famines resulting in millions of deaths.

Table 1: Deaths due to Famine in India (1860 to 1943)

Immigration chief inspector sacked after border security criticism The Home Office has dismissed the independent chief inspector for borders and immigration following his criticism of alleged security deficiencies within the UK Border Force.

A Home Office spokesperson stated that David Neal, the indeDavid Neal pendent chief inspector, had "breached the terms of appointment and lost the confidence of the home secretary." They added that the process to recruit his replacement was already underway.

Neal raised concerns on Tuesday regarding purported failings by the border force, which he claimed allowed "high-risk" aircraft to land in Britain without undergoing security checks. According to him, hundreds of private jets arriving at London City airport were not subjected to checks, posing a risk of organised criminals smuggling gang members and contraband into the country, along with the possibility of unauthorised foreign nationals entering the UK. He emphasised the urgency for an independent inspection of general aviation across the country. However, the Home Office refuted his claims, alleging that Neal had misrepresented data. Following this, he was promptly informed on Tuesday of the immediate termination of his appointment, which was originally scheduled to end on March 21, 2024.

Greenpeace protest at Rishi Sunak’s residence Three individuals have been charged with criminal damage following a Greenpeace demonstration at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's residence in North Yorkshire.

The protest, which occurred in Kirby Sigston on 3 August, resulted in the arrest of five individuals. Mathieu Soete, 38, Amy Rugg-Easey, 33, and Alexandra Wilson, 32, are scheduled to appear at York Magistrates' Court on 21 March.

North Yorkshire Police stated that a fourth individual is expected to answer bail at a later date. During the protest, neither the prime minister nor his family were present at their home, as they were vacationing in the US. Rosemary Ainslie, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), emphasised the importance of fair trial rights for the defendants. She urged against any reporting, commentary, or online sharing of information that could potentially prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.

Note, even as the Britishwere in the last few years of their ‘Raj’, millions died due to starvation.

I have always had trouble accepting terms like the benevolent British Raj, or the benevolent Christian God. It has never made sense since their actions showcase only death and brutality.

One wonders how many history books in the UK (or for that matter even in India) talk about and discuss why millions died in India during the Raj? Please do remember, this number represents deaths by way of hunger and starvation. To know the real figure of how many Indians lost their lives during the raj of the British, I looked at research conducted by Dylan Sullivan and Jason Hickel titled ‘Capitalism and extreme poverty: A global analysis of real wages, human height, and Mortality since the long 16th century’ in the journal 'World Development'. In which they state, “If we measure excess mortality over England’s 16th- and 17th-century average death rate, we find 165 million excess deaths in India between 1880 and 1920.

This figure is larger than the combined number of deaths from both World Wars, including the Nazi holocaust."

To put this in some context, this is among the largest policy-induced mortality crises in human history. It is larger than the combined number of deaths that occurred during all famines in the Soviet Union, Maoist China, North Korea, Pol Pot’s Cambodia, and Mengistu’s Ethiopia.

The benevolent British Raj is anything but that once you delve into the truth of the atrocities committed in the name of their Kings and Queens.

We the living descendants of India that is Bharat today, seek that His Majesty and his Government establish a ‘Royal Truth Commission’ to document one of the most horrendous periodsin human history, and the role of Great Britian.

I shall never cease in raising this as an issue time and again. One day, the truth will come out and I hope that not only India, but nations around the world who have suffered a similar historical wrong, may one day get justice.

Was the British Raj benevolent? I dare you to answer that truthfully now.

AsianVoiceNews

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

MEET THE ‘BRAIN TRAINER’ WHO CHAMPIONED AUTISM, ADHD AND DEPRESSION Shefali Saxena

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hammi Kapoor was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Depression, and struggled until age 20. Through brain training programs in Dubai, he conquered challenges, actively engaging in home and social life.

Inspired, he interned at the centre, becoming a professional brain trainer.

In 2015, he founded 'Brain Abilitiez', earning recognition as a Student Entrepreneur Champion.

Here’s his exclusive interview with Asian Voice: utism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Depression - being diagnosed with all these conditions, how much did you understand them as a young person - and what was your first plan of action once you discovered you needed assistance?

I did not know anything about it when I was younger. I knew from my first day of school that I was different. I just lived a life where I was unable to participate in society, attacked because of my disabilities (whether verbally or physically beaten at school, by extended family members or when unable to follow certain protocols in public transport). On top of this, I was unable to communicate and was misunderstood by my family, and my powerlessness became helplessness.

I only found out about my diagnosis when I asked my mum what my doctor was saying about me in a meeting when I was 18 or 19. (This is because I was unable to process or follow anything they were saying to each other in our regular meetings.) hat magically changed at the brain training centre for you? Please tell our readers, emphasising how and why help should be sought for conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Depression - and that there’s a way to manage them.

After a particular concept of brain training for 6 months, my attention skills improved, and I was able to read, I was able to speak better and communicate with my family. My short-term memory also improved. I was able to remember up to 20 things at a time. I also improved in sports, being able to see things faster. At the time I got my first ever A's in formal education. Before I was a W or an F student.

This boost in self-esteem

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is what helped my depression. I was able to come off the ADHD medication and other medications for sleep and depression.

Years ago, solutions were not available for all these diagnoses that could help neurodiverse individuals gain tools to navigate life better. There were only pieces of paper that gave a label which was not understood by society.

Now there are solutions, and brain training actually changes how your brain functions. If you improve brain ability, then learning becomes easier. For example, you can grasp information more efficiently if you have better attention and memory skills. And if your attention improves, you may not need to rely on medication for focus, resulting in fewer side effects. hat is the role of a ‘brain trainer’?

Almost the same role as a Personal Trainer.

Based on what you need to improve, a brain trainer is someone who gives you exercises that target different areas of your intelligence. For example, if you have strong Attention, but weak Working Memory (WM), they will target your WM. If you have strong Auditory Processing, but weak Visual Processing (VP), they will target and improve your VP. ow game-changing can cognitive development centres like Brain Abilitiez be?

It is the best concept in the world for targeting and improving the brain's core ability to function and perform. This is not a sales pitch, it is a fact. For example, in 5416 clients that came with a diagnosis of ADHD between the years of 2010-2015, the average pre-test IQ score was 96, and the average post-test IQ score was 110.

Out of 2112 clients that came with a diagnosis of Dyslexia, the average ageequivalent skill gain in cognitive ability was 3.6 years in one program. If you can improve an individual's mental performance by 20%, that is life-changing. hat kind of help is available for children and others with these conditions, especially in the South Asian context where most families do not understand the terms properly?

We keep our concept and values in alignment with empowering the general population with what can be done. Many do not want to be labelled with a 'disorder', especially in

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Shammi Kapoor

South Asian communities.

We fully understand that.

Labels don't solve anything.

Rather than focusing on which box to throw someone in, we focus on what can be done in order to succeed. Therefore, many people love that we do not even need a diagnosis to help someone. We assess, and then work out a personalised brain training plan for each individual.

You don't have to have studied neuroscience for 15 years to know how to empower yourself. All you need to know is that we have enough proof and over 35 years of research to showcase that brain performance and ability can be improved. ould you share one or two more case studies from BA? Because we are Brain Abilitiez, and deal with the A to Z of abilities, we have trained people from all backgrounds. We have had entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, bankers and so on coming in to improve their focus, memory, and productivity. This includes a pharmacist who was forced to retire because of his cognitive decline. However, after our training, he was able to get sharper, perform better, pass his exams, and go back to work. (He did not want to retire.) We have many testimonials on our website. We help adults and children. Here is a testimonial from the parent of a 9-year-old who completed our personalised brain training programme: "We would like to thank the team at Brain Abilitiez. Our daughter has struggled with school exams, in particular maths.

The team have worked with her to equip her with the skills that will help her not in just maths but in all aspects of her life. We noticed several weeks into the course our daughter's attention and focus had greatly improved. She bonded really well with the team and looked forward to her lessons, in particular the ones with Sanita.

Would recommend this course. Thanks to all the team at Brain Abilitiez." Maya

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NHS doctor suspended for illegal private practice Dr Enson Thomas, a British Indian physician entrusted with managing numerous coronavirus admissions, has been suspended for clandestinely attending to private patients during NHS hours amid the peak of the pandemic, as reported by the MailOnline.

Originally designated as the 'Covid-19 Lead' by an NHS trust, Dr Thomas was tasked with working extended hours across two bustling hospitals during the crisis. However, it came to light that he had left his NHS shifts to tend to 38 private patients at a chest clinic. During the misconduct hearing, it was revealed that over a span of 19 months, from 2019 to 2021, Dr Thomas inappropriately

Dr Enson Thomas

utilised NHS resources for his private practice, including stationery and postage stamps.

His secretary disclosed that he had pressured her into prioritising his private practice over NHS duties.

While Dr Thomas's contract allowed for private work, he was found to have treated

patients privately during NHS shifts, particularly afflicted with those asbestos-related illnesses.

Despite being acquitted of pressuring his secretary into assisting his private practice, he faces a review later this year, with the possibility of returning to work after the suspension period.

Residing in Bromham, near Bedford, and serving as a church elder, Dr Thomas played a pivotal role as the Covid-19 Lead at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust during the pandemic.

Acknowledging his regret for his actions, Dr Thomas admitted to treating private patients during lunch breaks but conceded the impropriety of doing so during contracted NHS hours.

SCPOs on nine Indian offenders A nine-member gang of Indian-origin criminals has been found guilty of smuggling goods and migrants and has now been placed under Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs)

by UK authorities.

Swander Dhal, 38, Jasbir Kapoor, 36, Diljan Malhotra, 48, Charan Singh, 46, Valjeet Singh, 35, Jasbir Dhal Singh, 33, Jaginder Kapoor, 48, Jacdar Kapour, 51, and Amarjeet Alabadis, 32, are subject to these orders

imposed by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which are designed to limit their involvement in serious and organised crime.

Having been convicted as members of an organised crime group, they were recently found guilty of smuggling £15.5 million from the UK to Dubai concealed in suitcases, as well as attempting to smuggle 17 migrants into the country.

Consequently, they received lengthy prison sentences for

these crimes. The terms of their SCPOs will come into effect once they have completed their jail sentences and include restrictions on their finances, assets, bank accounts, and the purchase of international travel tickets.

These orders were made public this week as part of the NCA’s list of "active" Ancillary Orders, which are used to support the lifetime management of serious criminals.

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

Challenging cultural norms through music Anusha Singh

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ritish Asian folk singer Satnam Galsian has been announced as one of Opera North's Resonance artists for 2024, joining a lineup that includes Balraj Samrai, Ellen Beth Abdi, Rory A Green, and Jonas Jones. During her weeklong Resonance residency in Leeds, Satnam will delve into researching and creating a feminist retelling of Mirza-Sahiban through song. She aims to challenge preconceived notions and cultural expectations about women's roles in Punjabi folklore and South Asian culture.

particularly North Indian classical. During my time at university, I developed an interest in Punjabi folk songs and older Punjabi songs, influenced by renowned singers like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Surinder Kaur. This exposure expanded my repertoire, and I began learning and performing folk songs alongside classical Indian music. hat motivated you to apply for the North Opera residency? What are your goals or intentions for your work during this residency?

I applied for the

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Satnam Galsian

In an interview with Asian Voice, Satnam reflects on her creative journey, discusses the significance of her residency, and outlines her aspirations for the project. She also shares insights into the challenges she has faced along the way. hat is your understanding of folk?

In the Indian music tradition, folk music is primarily an oral tradition and has been passed down through generations, with knowledge being transmitted from teacher to student. These folk songs have existed for a long time, and what defines them as folk is the fact that their origins are often unclear.

Unlike other forms of music where specific individuals are credited with composition, folk songs are ancient and have been passed down with variations in lyrics depending on the region where they are sung. hat has your journey with folk music been like?

I began my journey in music at a very young age, around four years old, when my Nanni ji introduced me to Sikh hymns. As I grew older, I started learning from a teacher at the Gurdwara, which led me to explore different genres of music. Initially, I delved into hymns and then progressed to studying classical Indian singing. At the age of 16, I pursued further education, obtaining a degree in the field. My musical foundation lies in religious and classical Indian music,

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residency because it presents a valuable opportunity for me. As a freelance artist, I often find myself juggling multiple projects to sustain myself financially, leaving little time to fully explore and develop my creative ideas.

This residency offers me the space and time to do just that, providing me with a dedicated environment to focus on my artistic pursuits. Additionally, the funding provided will enable me to collaborate with other creatives and compensate them for their contributions. This aspect is crucial, as it acknowledges the importance of valuing the time and expertise of fellow freelance professionals. The residency will allow me to immerse myself in my creative work for an entire week, providing the opportunity to fully realise my ideas and ambitions. ould you share a bit more about your interpretation of Mirza-Sahiban? What message are you aiming to convey with it?

I'm currently in the initial research phase of my project, which is scheduled to take place at the end of March. I've just begun delving into various accounts of Mirza-Sahiban's story, immersing myself in the diverse narratives surrounding it. When I initially conceptualised this idea, I noticed a distinctive pattern among the five stories of star-crossed lovers from the Indian subcontinent: in the other four tales, the woman's name precedes the man's.

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Mirza-Sahiban, however, stands as an exception due to Sahiban's perceived betrayal of Mirza. This deviation prompted me to explore a feminist perspective on the narrative. In many Punjabi folk songs, which I often sing, patriarchal viewpoints prevail. I saw this project as an opportunity to challenge these norms, amplify Sahiba's voice, and delve into the societal roles and expectations imposed on women, not only within South Asian culture but more broadly as well. s a South Asian woman, what are some challenges that you have faced that have shaped up your career and character?

Essentially, I was in a complicated marriage and am now a single parent to my child, and that has been a challenging aspect of my life. During my marriage, I wasn't allowed to pursue my passion for music. It wasn't considered respectable, so I had to set it aside. During those years, I felt like I lost a part of myself. Music had always been integral to my identity, and not being able to pursue it was souldestroying. After leaving the marriage, I made a conscious decision to reclaim my passion for music. Within a year, I started my band, marking the beginning of my journey back into the world of music. I've felt voiceless for many years and now that I have my voice back, I strive to share my stories, particularly through music, to raise awareness about certain issues and offer support to others if possible. Even if I can assist just one person, it's meaningful to me. As a South Asian woman, it's often difficult to defy societal expectations.

Despite the challenges, I've managed to navigate through and emerge on the other side. hat advice do you have for individuals trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry?

My advice would be to persevere and stay committed to your passion.

Seek out organisations that can provide support and assistance, similar to what you might find in India.

Additionally, building a strong support network is essential. Surround yourself with like-minded musicians and individuals who understand your journey.

Networking plays a crucial role in opening up opportunities and connecting you with the right people. So, keep networking and don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed.

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Bankim Chandra ChatterjeeThe Great Feminist

Abhiroop Sengupta Abhiroop Sengupta is a Kolkata based entrepreneur, fencer, amateur historian and writer. Also a devoted Freemason and Rotarian, he spends most of his free time researching about varied subjects, especially those which he feels did not get their deserved due in the course of history.

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eminism is not a new movement. The usage of the concerned words which define this ideology may have changed from time to time but the true essence of the concept has probably not.

In today's world, it is also a widely accepted notion that one need not be a woman to harbour such ideologies.

This article is about one such man and partly or mostly about his fictional creations which oozed every essence of superwomen who supposedly lived in India in the bygone centuries. This article is about the great Bengali novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and his everlasting creations, the strong females like Shanti, Bimala, Ayesha and Debi Chaudhurani who in a very subtle manner highlighted the capabilities of Indian women of various ages and their immense contribution despite their sacrifices in the male-dominated society of its times.

The Man Himself ----------------------------Rai Bahadur Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, CIE was a nineteenth-century Indian writer, novelist, poet, civil servant, and visionary whose creative creations in Bengali earned him the epithet of 'Sahitya Samrat' which can be translated as 'Emperor of Literature'. He lived between 1838 and 1894 and was a social critic who directly and indirectly pointed towards the malice in British administrative practices at the same time his works highlighted a

sense of patriotism and nationalism amongst his readers. It should not be forgotten that this was way before the Indian Independence Movement had found its real momentum. His poetic creation 'Vande Mataram' went hand in hand with the intended revolution and fight of the freedom fighters.

The Characters -------------------------Who was Shanti? She could be understood as in Bankim's creation a polymath.

She could ride a horse, and sing variations of classical music which included 'Toppa' as well, alongside playing a classical instrument. She is also a philosopher, a spy, and a devout and religious person, and also one devoid of greed and temptation, an aspect we understand after the legendary novel.

She is a true and respected advisor to her partner who respects and listens to her words and also pays heed to them. She is capable of war and can handle a bow and arrow better than many men of her age. In all Shanti or 'Peace' is none but partially the personification of the capability of a nation which is revered as 'Mother' in the book.

The Others ------------------Was Shanti the only one? Well, the creations of the legend prove to us she was not. We have Bimala, the self-sacrificing and hyperintelligent woman from "Durgesh Nandini" who could also show her capability as an assassin when life wanted her to act in that capacity and also Ayesha, whose essence of sacrifice and respect is also well presented in Bankim's creation. At the end of the day, one can not forget the legends of Debi Choudhurani as well, who on a lighter note could be well realised as a female answer to the legendary Robin Hood.

The Inspiration?

-------------------------To many of his millions of admirers, the question surely arises, what made Bankim Chandra develop such legendary female characters? Did the Rani of Jhansi leave an impression on the mind of one of the earliest graduates of the country who was already an adult scholar around the same time of the rebellion? Well on that aspect, I guess one can only speculate.

Capturing the essence of devotion In a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, Shivram Parmar and SM Records have once again captured the essence of devotion with their latest release, "Jago Jago Ram Lakhan." Following the success of their previous hit single, "Jagiye Raghunath Kunwar," the duo has embarked on a spiritual odyssey, aiming to release a total of nine soul-stirring devotional tracks.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind their musical creations, composer and singer Shivram Parmar shared insights into the genesis of their latest offering.

Shivram Parmar

"On the auspicious occasion of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, we unveiled a heartfelt tribute to Lord Ram with 'Jagiye Raghunath Kunwar,' featuring the enchanting vocals of Raghunandan Panshikar," Parmar expressed. "Now,

with 'Jago Jago Ram Lakhan,' we delve deeper into the realm of devotion, infusing traditional lyrics with the voice of Lopita Mishra, and my music.

It's a humble offering to the resurgence of devotion sweeping our nation."

The forthcoming releases feature a lineup of esteemed vocalists, including Lopita Mishra, Ashwari Patwardhan, and the talented Raghunandan Panshikar, alongside Shivram Parmar himself.

Each track promises to evoke a sense of reverence and spirituality, inviting listeners on a transcendent musical journey.

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

“The vaccine, hopefully, will show an improvement in survival rates”- Dr Tony Dhillon on bowel cancer vaccine trial

Ketan Dattani

Environmental factors affecting South Asians in the UK

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ollaboration between governmental bodies, community organisations, and cultural leaders is crucial to implement environmental practices that resonate with South Asians in the UK. Environmental factors affecting South Asians in the UK encompasses a range of issues that intersect with our cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.

Some key environmental factors include: Community Engagement: Engaging our communities in sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens, recycling programs, or educational workshops, can foster a sense of ownership and commitment towards sustainable practices.

Energy Efficiency: Addressing energy consumption patterns within households, considering factors like heating methods, lighting, and appliances, can contribute to sustainable living practices.

Transportation: Enco-uraging the use of public transport, carpooling, or promoting electric vehicles within our communities can contribute to reducing carbon footprints and addressing transportationrelated environmental concerns.

Environmental Awareness: We have strong cultural connections to environmental values. Promoting environmental awareness within our communities can lead to positive sustainable practices, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable lifestyles.

Cultural Practices: Some of our cultural practices, such as cooking methods, religious rituals, or traditional attire, might have environmental implications. For instance, promoting energy-efficient cooking methods or sustainable fabrics can align with environmental goals.

Food and Agriculture: Dietary preferences and traditional food choices can impact the environment. Encouraging locally sourced produce, reducing food waste, and adopting sustainable farming practices within South Asian communities can contribute to a more sustainable food systems.

Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to resources promoting sustainability, such as information in community languages on green initiatives, subsidies for ecofriendly technologies, or community programs, is vital for wider adoption within South Asian communities.

By considering cultural nuances and engaging with our communities in meaningful ways, sustainability efforts can be more inclusive and effective.

Anusha Singh

vaccines out there, but they are not at this stage of developA groundbreaking vaccine for ment. early-stage bowel cancer is set hat are the eligibility to undergo clinical trials criteria for patients to through a collaborative effort participate in the trial? between medical professionals The eligibility criteria in Surrey, Hampshire, and would be a stage two or stage Australia. three colon cancer and they Dr Tony Dhillon, the chief have to have this special subinvestigator of the trial and a type, which is called defective consultant oncologist at the mismatch repair. This is tested Royal Surrey NHS Foundation when the patients have their Trust, anticipates that the vaccolonoscopy. Apart from that, cine could receive licensing they have to have had no approval within two years. surgery yet but their cancer Dr Tony Dhillon This development offers should be possible to remove patients a ray of hope in their battle against the via surgery, which is the case for about 15% of disease. Bowel cancer ranks as the third most patients. Lastly, the participant should be an prevalent cancer type globally. adult. The unique aspect of this special subtype The trial will be conducted by the Cancer is personalised medicine, where we tailor treatResearch UK Southampton clinical trials unit at ments to match the specific biology of each the University of Southampton, in conjunction patient. It's crucial to recognise that there's no with the Royal Surrey and the Queen Elizabeth one-size-fits-all approach because bowel cancer Hospital in Adelaide, spanning four sites in the varies significantly among individuals. While UK and an additional six sites in Australia.

15% may seem like a relatively small proportion, Here, the chief investigator Dr Dhillon, a considering that bowel cancer is one of the most cancer specialist, particularly focusing on prevalent cancers globally, that 15% still reprebowel, liver, and pancreatic cancer, spoke to sents a substantial number, especially on an Asian Voice, sharing his insight about the trial. international scale. n layman's terms, can you like give an overview ow do you anticipate this vaccine will impact of what this vaccine trial is all about? How does the current landscape of bowel cancer it differ from all the existing treatments? treatment?

This cancer vaccine is designed to treat canI believe this study is just one of many in this cer, not to prevent it and that's quite unique in field, suggesting a potential shift away from itself. The vaccine is specifically for patients immediate surgery towards drug-based treatwith bowel cancer. About 15% of the bowel canments or vaccines. This would represent a sigcer population has a unique subtype, having a nificant change in the management of this type high concentration of immune cells surroundof cancer, considering that the current standard ing the cancer. However, these immune cells, of care typically involves surgery as the first-line although recognising the cancer as a foreign treatment. Traditionally, upon diagnosis of body, are unable to act because the cancer probowel cancer through colonoscopy and confirduces chemicals to suppress the immune mation via CT scan, the standard protocol response. involves proceeding directly to surgery, a pracWhat this vaccine does is, it activates the tice that has been in place for approximately 60immune system to attack the cancer. Normally, 70 years. However, for this 15% subset of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer would patients, we are challenging this standard undergo surgery. Here, we administer three approach by recommending drug-based treatdoses of the vaccine two weeks apart before the ment or a vaccine before surgery. The rationale surgery hoping that it will shrink the tumours behind this approach is twofold: first, to potenor, in some cases, completely eradicate them tially shrink the cancer before surgery, and secand that's what makes it unique. We believe it ond, to improve the chances of a successful will make surgery easier and, in some cases, may cure. Even with surgery, the cure rate for bowel even eliminate the need for surgery altogether. cancer is approximately 70%, meaning that 30% We are among the first to conduct trials for this of patients experience recurrence. Therefore, type of treatment. I know there are other cancer we hope that administering the vaccine before

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surgery and conducting long-term follow-up studies will show an improvement in survival/cure rates. While reducing the size of the cancer prior to surgery is promising, it's essential to determine whether this translates into a higher likelihood of cure over time, which we aim to ascertain through long-term patient follow-up, extending up to three years posttreatment. ow can individuals who are interested in learning more about the trial or potentially participating in it get involved or find more information?

Participants would need to reside primarily in southern Australia or in the UK. We’ll likely to engage participants from the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation in Guildford, Manchester, where I work, and potentially another site. In Australia, trial centres will be established in some of the southern cities, so they would need to connect with these trial centres. Once we begin recruiting, a trial website will be set up, which will happen quite soon. ow can individuals become more aware of conditions like prostate cancer and bowel cancer?

Regarding cancer screening, there are specific protocols in place, such as bowel cancer screening starting at the age of 55, where individuals receive a home testing kit to check for blood in their stool. It's crucial that if you receive this kit, you use it and send it back for analysis.

While certain cancers have routine screening programs, many do not. Symptoms to watch out for include unexplained weight loss and persistent pain that doesn't subside after a few days. However, the challenge often lies in getting a timely diagnosis. Many patients I see have visited their GP multiple times over several months before undergoing necessary scans.

Patients need to advocate for themselves and express concerns to their GP, especially if they suspect cancer.

Once a suspicion of cancer arises, there are pathways in place to expedite investigations.

However, the issue with current screening methods, particularly for cancers like pancreatic cancer, is that they often detect cancer at advanced stages. While advancements in blood tests for detecting cancer DNA show promise, they present a dilemma when a positive result doesn't correlate with findings on a scan. This highlights the need for further refinement in cancer screening methods to ensure early detection and appropriate intervention.

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Tuberculosis cases rise in the UK amid stigma against the disease Shefali Saxena Figures published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in its TB annual report, show that tuberculosis cases in England in 2022 were stable compared to 2021 (4,380 in 2022 compared to 4,411 in 2021).

However, additional provisional data indicate that cases of tuberculosis (TB) in England rose by 10.7% in 2023 compared to 2022 (4,850 compared to 4,380). The rise signals a rebound of TB cases to above the pre-Covid-19-pandemic numbers.

While England remains a low-incidence country for TB, the current trajectory takes the UK further from the pathway to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) 2035 elimination targets. UKHSA is working with partners to investigate the reasons behind the increase in TB. TB is a bacterial infection that most frequently affects the lungs, which is when it is infectious. Symptoms include a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, high temperatures, drenching night sweats, loss of appetite and weight loss. It can be treated with a prolonged course of antibiotics but can be serious, particularly if not treated.

The proportion of TB notifications

accounted for by people born outside the UK has been steadily rising for a number of years.

However, the increase in TB in 2023 has now been seen in both UK-born and non-UK-born populations in England. The largest rises in cases have been in the urban centres of London, the North West and West Midlands.

However, there have also been increases in the South West and North East regions where TB incidence is low.

Tuberculosis continues to be associated with deprivation and is more common in large urban areas. People born outside the UK, especially in countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), Africa (Eritrea, Nigeria) and Eastern Europe (Romania) experience the highest number of cases. For those born in the UK, TB is more common among those who experience homelessness, and drug and alcohol dependence and have had contact with the criminal justice system. TB rates are much higher in UK-born individuals from ethnic groups other than white.

Professor Dr Koottalai Srinivasan, Consultant Respiratory Physician told Asian Voice, “Tuberculosis incidence and prevalence remains high amongst South Asian population in the United Kingdom. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to controlling the condition.

An increase in cases after the pandemic might reflect the opening up of society and interaction among people. UK has a perfect national system for TB treatment, contact tracing and control. However, success depends on patients reporting symptoms early and getting checked out. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma in our community. Symptoms to watch out for are persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats.

Seek medical help promptly would be our plea .”

Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said: “We need collective action to tackle TB and we are working with partners across the health system to understand how we can best refocus efforts to stamp out this preventable and treatable infection.

“Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or Covid-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.”

UKHSA continues to work with NHSE and other partners on the TB action plan, which sets out steps to improve the prevention and detection of TB, along with increasing capacity in the TB workforce."

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How a senior manager in the NHS became a magistrate Ravinder (Ravy), a senior manager in the NHS in Solihull, became a magistrate due to a desire to serve the community based on her lived experience. She exclusively speaks to Asian Voice about her career.

Shefali Saxena

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ell us about your background, family and education.

My Sikh parents emigrated from Punjab, India to Smethwick, West Midlands in the 70s. My parents are working class with my dad working in a Black Country foundry and my mum in a corner grocery shop. I have very fond memories of my childhood as my parents provided a loving and nurturing home; they taught me the values of hard work, kindness and honesty, for which I am eternally grateful. I attended the local comprehensive school and Sixth Form College where I excelled in the arts. s a South Asian woman in the UK, what does being a part of the judiciary mean? What amount of hard work and perseverance took you there?

When I was 21, as was the custom, I had an arranged marriage and lived with my husband and his extended family.

Unfortunately, I had an unhappy experience as I was in a coercive relationship and my self-esteem was constantly undermined. Due to the restrictions of the culture, it was difficult to seek support and get my voice heard. After three years, my mental and physical health had deteriorated and I searched deep into my soul to decide what felt right to do. I finally found the inner courage to flee and escape.

At 24 years old I was homeless, and I had no money.

However, I had a priceless gift – my freedom – and I vowed to myself that I would rebuild my life and look to the future with a heart filled with hope and optimism.

The second time around I married on my terms, for love. I feel truly blessed that I am in a happy marriage with my soulmate and we have a beloved son.

Through my work as a

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magistrate, I have supported many people with similar challenges that I have faced.

It’s my lived experience of surviving domestic abuse and rebuilding my life, that means I can do so with empathy and support to help people strive for a better life. hat motivated you to pursue becoming a magistrate alongside your role as a senior manager in the NHS? I have carved a successful career in the NHS which I sincerely value and I am proud to belong to the NHS family. After my son graduated, I felt the time was right to follow my aspiration to become a magistrate as I wanted to be able to give my time to serve communities and to draw upon my lived experience to benefit others.

Following a recruitment process I was appointed as a family magistrate in 2020.

My NHS employers are supportive of my voluntary role as a magistrate and we have agreed on a pragmatic work plan that allows me to take paid leave to undertake my magistrate role, as well as retain my full annual leave entitlement. hat advice would you give to women who want to pursue becoming a magistrate alongside their career like you?

Being a full-time working female and magistrate is fulfilling and rewarding.

Many female role models in the judiciary are inspiring and advocates for develop-

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ing new female magistrates.

You are not alone. The support from fellow peers and the local Chair is invaluable.

You can manage the dates and times you sit to suit your personal and professional commitments through a well-organised rota that is planned for six months. In addition, you can progress into other roles; I was recently appointed as a Presiding Justice, meaning that I chair the hearings that I preside over. There are regular updates, training and senior leads to talk through any issues that you want to discuss. hat is your biggest takeaway as a magistrate in the UK? As a family magistrate, you need to be diligent and well organised as you will receive electronic bundles that you will need to read in preparation for your assigned hearings. However, you learn techniques to be able to review and understand the key points quickly.

You are supported by your fellow magistrates and a legal advisor, who ensures you always follow the correct guidelines and procedures. Being a family magistrate enables you, with the support of the panel, to make decisions to support the welfare of children and safeguard the vulnerable.

Where the opportunity arises, you will encourage and facilitate parents to reach amicable arrangements for caring for their children without the court requiring intervention.

Being a magistrate has enabled me to grow, learn and be part of a judicial community. This is a voluntary, lay-person role and the judiciary needs to reflect the communities it serves.

There is no hierarchy and support is abundant, so if you are interested, you can find out more and apply by visiting https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/

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School uniforms hinder physical activity for young girls Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that restrictive uniforms in primary schools, particularly for girls, may hinder physical activity levels among students.

In countries where uniforms are prevalent, fewer young people meet the World Health Organisation's recommended minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

This trend is especially pronounced among primary-

school-age girls compared to boys, with no significant difference among secondary-school-age children.

The study attributes this difference to the incidental exercise younger children typically engage in during the school day, such as running and active play during breaks. It also highlights how certain types of clothing, like skirts or dresses, may discourage girls from participating in active play.

Published in the Journal of

Sport and Health Science, the research analysed data from over 1 million five- to 17-year-olds worldwide, along with information on school uniform prevalence.

While the study does not conclusively prove that uniforms directly limit children's physical activity, it echoes findings from previous smaller studies. The researchers emphasise the need for further investigation to determine causation.

UK charities caution against 'devastating' women's service cuts Domestic violence and sexual violence support organisations are sounding the alarm about the impact of council budget cuts, warning that essential services for women are at risk of closure due to funding reductions.

Mary-Ann Stephenson from the Women’s Budget Group emphasised that violence against women services are particularly vulnerable amid severe budget cuts, with non-statutory aspects of these services facing the chopping block as councils strive to balance their budgets.

Lucy Hadley, head of policy at Women’s Aid, highlighted the dire situation in areas where councils have declared bankruptcy, indicating that entire ser-

Andrea Simon

vices may shutter and staff may face redundancy. These cuts come at a time when domestic abuse is exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, preventing many women from leaving abusive situations.

Hadley also expressed concerns that funding for essential services like refuge and accommodation is

being diverted elsewhere due to councils' financial constraints, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention to ensure councils meet their duties.

Andrea Simon from the End Violence Against Women coalition echoed these sentiments, emphasising that local authority budget cuts not only impact funding for women's services but also leave these services to cope with increased demand and costs.

In Coventry, the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Crasac) has already been hit hard, losing significant council funding and closing its waiting list as a result, a devastating consequence of budget cuts on vital support services for women.

Debut longlist released for UK's £30,000 Women's Prize for non-fiction The Women’s Prize Trust, known for its prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction, expanded its recognition to nonfiction by women authors last year.

The program has now unveiled its inaugural longlist for the Women’s Prize for Nonfiction, featuring 16 titles published between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

Spanning the globe, the longlisted works hail from authors in the UK, US, Canada, India, Jamaica, and the Philippines. Notably, nine of these titles mark the authors' debut for a general readership, while five journalists are also represented on the list.

The winner of this new accolade will be awarded £30,000 (US$37,742) and The Charlotte, a sculptural

figure by Ann Christopher.

FindMyPast, a UK-based genealogy program, and an anonymous donation also contribute to this year's sponsorship. Eligible books for the prize must be authored by a single individual and published in the UK within the specified timeframe. Jurors will announce a six-title shortlist on March

27, with the winner to be revealed on June 13.

Among the longlisted authors are Joya Chatterji, the author of ‘Shadows at Noon: The South Asian Twentieth Century’; Madhumita Murgia, the author of ‘Code-Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI’ and Noreen Masud, the author of ‘A Flat Place’.

UK's self-employed women face grim retirement prospects Self-employed women in the UK are confronting a looming financial crisis in retirement, as a significant portion lack adequate pension savings amid an enduring gender pay gap. Recent statistics paint a troubling picture, particularly for selfemployed women who undergo divorce.

Research by Boring Money reveals that 34% of self-employed individuals have no pension savings whatsoever. This disparity likely impacts women disproportionately, given their 47% representation in the selfemployed workforce alongside a median gender pay gap of 14.9% compared to men.

The lower earnings of

self-employed women result in limited disposable income for pension contributions, exacerbated by the irregular income patterns inherent in self-employment. Consequently, many experts caution that these women risk facing poverty in retirement, relying solely on the State Pension, which currently stands at a modest £203.85 per week. To qualify for the full State Pension, individuals need at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions.

Financial advisers express concerns that the gender pay gap exacerbates the problem, leading to fewer National Insurance contributions and conse-

quently reduced State Pension entitlements. This, coupled with the high cost of living in the UK, leaves little room for contributing to private pensions. The situation is further complicated by several factors like the lack of automatic enrolment, misconceptions and financial illiteracy and caregiving responsibilities Proposed government measures include autoenrolment for the selfemployed, targeted financial education programs, and childcare support to facilitate better retirement planning for women. However, many self-employed individuals prefer a more handsoff approach.

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

Exploring the heart and soil of gardening Gardening is not just a hobby; it's a therapeutic activity that offers numerous health benefits.

Beyond being a pastime, gardening serves as a pathway to improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Engaging in gardening is an excellent form of physical exercise.

Tasks such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering require physical exertion, which helps to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular health. Regular gardening activities contribute to better overall fitness and can even help to lower the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, gardens played a crucial role in supporting both mental and physical health. As people adhered to stayat-home orders and faced the challenges of isolation and uncertainty, spending time outdoors among greenery provided a much-needed escape and sense of tranquillity.

Engaging in garden walks offered a respite from the confines of indoor spaces, allowing individuals to reconnect with nature and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. These gardens also provided opportunities for reflection and mindfulness, enabling individuals to find solace amidst the chaos of the pandemic.

Moreover, spending

time outdoors in a garden environment has been shown to have significant mental health benefits. The fresh air, sunlight, and connection with nature can reduce stress levels, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Gardening also provides opportunities for mindfulness and meditation, as individuals focus their attention on the present moment while tending to plants and nurturing their growth.

Beyond the physical and mental health

benefits, gardening fosters a sense of connection and community. It provides opportunities for individuals to connect with neighbours, share knowledge and resources, and contribute to local food systems.

Community gardens, in particular, serve as hubs for social interaction, education, and food security, bringing people together to cultivate shared green spaces and grow fresh produce.

Foreseeing the growing trend of gardening, this feature sheds light on common South Asian plants in the UK, curating and caring for a garden, basics of landscaping and community stories. We also share insight into growing plants in limited spaces, basic gardening tools available for personal use and, especially with Sharpex, for gifting family and loved ones all the way back in India. Discover all this and much more in this feature.

Sharpex, your first-choice for gardening tools in India In 1975 visionary Karsanbhai Patel had a dream. That dream, under his determination and hard work blossomed into ‘Sharpex’.

Today, the company Sharpex is a household name in India. For over four decades, it has been the first choice for over 2,000 Indian corporates - including industry giants like Tata, Reliance, Adani, and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.

It offers a comprehensive range of gardening hand and power tools catering to professional landscapers and home gardening enthusiasts. The diverse product portfolio, encompasses pruners, loppers, lawnmowers, chainsaws etc, and is recognised for dura-

Arun Patel, Managing Director

bility, efficiency, and userfriendliness. Under Arun Patel's current leadership, Sharpex remains steadfast in their core value and efforts to achieve new heights, along with their unwavering commitment to quality and performance.

Driven by a deep passion

for nurturing green spaces, Sharpex continuously innovates and expands its offerings, catering to ever evolving gardening needs. The company’s dedication to excellence has earned them generations of trust, confirming their position as India's largest manufacturer of gardening tools.

Romit Patel, Marketing Head of Sharpex, told Asian Voice, “Sharpex remains dedicated to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We look forward to cultivating a greener future for the world, one garden at a time. Join us on this journey and experience the difference that Sharpex can make in your green haven.”

Expansion of community garden club supports Bangladeshi women St Peter’s Community Wellbeing Projects, in Bethnal Green, is hoping to expand its community gardening club after receiving a £35,760 grant from the City Bridge Foundation.

Run by trained volunteers, the club is aimed primarily at older Bangladeshi women, offering them a space in which they can be themselves, according to the charity’s projects co-ordinator, Khondoker KamalUddin.

He said, “A lot of the women who come to the club left Bangladesh 20 or 30 years ago and since they’ve been here, they’ve never had access to a garden because they live in flats.

“The community here has changed a lot in recent years and for many of these women, their children have left home and even left London, leaving them feeling lonely and isolated.

“When they come here they can relax, be themselves, laugh and sing songs something together, Bangladeshi women of their generation find hard to do around men due to cultural and religious reasons.”

Club members, including 66-year-old Nahar Begum, grow crops commonly used in Bangladeshi

Giles Shilson

time of harvest.”

The charity also runs an outreach service visiting housebound older people and inviting them to attend sessions, or delivering plant pots and seeds so they can grow vegetables on their balcony at home.

Giles Shilson, City Bridge Foundation said, “For Chairman, almost a decade, this chari-

Women of the gardening club with their produce

cuisine such as bottle gourd, coriander and green chillis.

She said, “I really enjoy attending the St Peters Community and Wellbeing Projects Gardening Club.

This is what makes and keeps me physically and mentally active and healthy. It is a place of socialisation and recreation, caring for and looking after plants and vegetables from seedling to its

ty has done a fantastic job of creating a safe space where older women from Bangladeshi communities can feel at home.

“Coming to the sessions means they not only learn more about growing food and staying healthy, they also develop a feeling of freedom and independence which is hugely beneficial to their mental and physical wellbeing.”

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

The basic fundamentals of landscaping explained Anusha Singh

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andscaping encompasses a broad spectrum of practices and techniques aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and ecological sustainability of outdoor spaces. It involves an arrangement of natural elements such as plants, trees, water features, and terrain, as well as constructed elements like pathways, fences, and outdoor structures.

Here, Manoj Malde, an award-winning garden designer writer and public speaker, shares his insight into the basics of landscape design, how landscaping works for different homes and its importance. hat are some key considerations for designing a garden?

The fundamental principles of garden design are composition, proportion, order, repetition, and unity, an organised creating arrangement that is aesthetically pleasing. Nature has a calming influence on our senses which is fundamental to our health and well-being and the garden must be made part of the home.

Extend the styling and colours of your interiors into your outdoor space. This will create a harmonious link between the indoor and outdoor spaces. In all cases of garden design, you must consider your soil type. Is it neutral, acidic, or alkaline?

Which aspect does your garden face? Where are the sunny and shady spots in the garden? How does the sun travel around the garden during the day? All these questions and more will impact both the design of your garden and the plants you choose for it. ow does landscaping vary for different types of homes, such as urban apartments, suburban houses, and rural properties?

When designing your garden, it is important to think about the style of your home, its location, the space you have and how you want to use it. This will influence not only the overall design but also the choice of materials. An urban apartment that has a contemporary feel will require slick modern lines and materials. In a limited space, think about utilising the vertical space for planting. This frees up the ground space for seating. Suburban houses can vary in style.

Suppose the property is of a historical period, in that case, it is worth staying true to its style. For instance, if you have a Victorian house then look at elements of that period such as rope edging and Victorian tiles for pathways. With rural properties, look at the surrounding

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Manoj Malde

landscape and local materials. Incorporate these into the design so that your home and garden blend rather than jar with the environment around it. an you discuss the importance of incorporating elements like plants, hardscapes, and outdoor amenities into a cohesive landscape design?

When it comes to choices of plants, hardscape materials and other elements of the garden such as furniture, we are spoilt for choice these days. Try and work to a colour palette and do not make this very extensive.

Limit your materials to a maximum of three i.e. gravel, clay pavers and timber.

Extending your interior flooring outdoors can help create a seamless look. This can be done through material type or colour.

Before designing, consider what activities you would like to use your garden for.

This will help to decide where you create your social spaces and what materials you would like to use. When choosing materials, it is important to consider how they fare in the weather outside. For example, timber decking will not last long if it is installed in a damp shady place. Maybe a composite deck is a better consideration in this situation.

When choosing plants, it is important to know your soil type and the aspect of your garden. Some plants perform better in the sun and others need shade.

Maybe consider bringing some of the colours of the flowers into the selection of soft furnishings outside. ow does the surrounding environment, climate, and topography influence landscape design decisions?

The surrounding environment can have quite an impact on your garden. City and suburban gardens can be overlooked by neighbours so you may want to try and create privacy by planting trees and hedges or covering it with climbers.

On the other hand, if you have a beautiful view, consider making it a part of your garden. Your garden may back into woodland and by planting a few more trees and shrubs you blur the boundaries and suddenly your garden feels bigger.

The topography can also

influence your design. If you have a steep slope, think about creating terraces which can be used for different purposes. Doing this not only provides a practical solution but it can help to create a dynamic design and you create a journey through your garden.

The climatic conditions that your garden experiences will dictate what sort of plants you can plant in your

Creating vibrant gardens: Expert advice on South Asian plants Whether tending to a small backyard garden or managing a vast landscape, especially a diverse one.

Gardeners invest time, effort, and care into creating these vibrant and flourishing outdoor spaces.

However, the success of a garden can be significantly impacted by the presence of pests and diseases.

Pests, ranging from

Guy Barter

C

H

borders. If you have a very hot sunny garden, then you do not want to be planting anything that requires damp shade. If you have a windy garden, then you want to choose plants that can cope with these conditions. hat common mistakes do homeowners make when landscaping their properties, and how can they avoid them?

One of the biggest mistakes that I see all the time is homeowners having no garden design plan in place, and then the result is disappointing. Apart from that, homeowners often have no idea of the soil type and then issues arise when plants do not establish and often die. It is really important to understand what type of soil your garden has and plant accordingly.

Another common thing is that homeowners often try to emulate the gardens they see in magazines without understanding the hierarchy of plants. To create that level of impact, plants need to be planted in groups of 3s, 5s and 7s. Only specimen plants should be planted as a singular plant. Plants should also be repeated through the garden to create repetition and rhythm, making the eye travel through the garden. It is important to put structure in your garden through trees, hedges, and shrubs. When the perennials go dormant in winter, these are elements that you will be able to appreciate.

Using the right skill sets is a must. My advice would be to use a landscape contractor who will know how to construct the appropriate foundations and who will know about creating correct haunching.

Manoj’s book ‘Your Outdoor Room’ is due to launch on 21st March 2024 and offers a detailed insight into landscaping and much more. Find more about it at https://geni.us/YourOutdoo rRoom and www.manojmaldegardendesign.co.uk.

W

Coriander is one of the plants that grows well in the UKSource: RHS

insects and mites to rodents and birds, can wreak havoc on plants by feeding on foliage, stems, roots, or fruits, causing damage, stunted growth, and even plant death. In addition to pests, diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens pose significant threats to plant health and vitality. These diseases manifest in various forms, including leaf spots, wilting, rot, blight, and cankers, leading to weakened plants, reduced yields, and crop failures.

However, by adopting proactive and holistic approaches to pest and disease control, gardeners can minimise risks, protect plant health, and sustainably maintain beautiful and productive gardens for years to come.

In that accord, Royal Horticulture Society(RHS) Chief Horticulturist, Guy Barter shares his expert insight into common South Asian plants found in UK gardens and the pests and

diseases that affect these plants.

Favourable South Asian plants in the UK According to Guy, the best climate for South Asian plants is in the Southeast region, especially in London. Northern regions and Scotland usually lack warmth and a greenhouse, even if only a polytunnel is very valuable. “Cauliflowers, onions, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes of course grow well in the UK and in the Subcontinent.

However, ones that require more warmth and light can be challenging. By starting seeds and young plants indoors and growing in sheltered spots or greenhouses, good results can be obtained in late summer and early autumn”, he said.

Some of the summer greenhouse vegetables common in the UK include bitter gourd, brinjal, aubergines, green chillies and okra. Other summer vegetables include elephant foot yam and pointed

gourd, French beans, cowpeas, cluster beans, radish and taro, growing favourably in the UK. Herbs like basil, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, poppy and saffron are also widely sown and easily grown in the country.

“Warmth and light are crucial for fruiting crops such as bitter gourd and cowpeas, but leafy crops such as fenugreek can get by in less bright conditions”, Guy added.

Common diseases affecting these plants In Guy’s opinion, no special pests afflict South Asian vegetables in the UK but the usual problems of greenflies and slugs must be anticipated. “Ideally, avoid growing crops from supermarket stems and leaves and aim to grow from seed as this poses less risk of unwanted introducing organisms. Above all do not bring plant material back from abroad - this is prohibited by law”, he advices.

He further adds, “Often problems resolve themselves so do not be in too much of a rushed treatment. Where problems cannot be controlled by picking off infected leaves and unwanted insects, as a last resort use an approved pesticide sold for garden use on plants that are to be eaten.

These are very effective and safe if used as directed.

“Herbs are probably the easiest cropscumin, coriander and basil for example. Radishes are reliable if sown in mid-summer and various climbing beans, including hyacinth bean and cowpeas, are interesting and straightforward and succeed outdoors in the south.”

Additionally, Guy advices, “A heated propagator is invaluable for starting the warmth-loving seeds of South Asian vegetables.”

Gardening leave is apparently not about gardening Newcastle United recently released a statement confirming that Sporting Director Dan Ashworth had notified the Premier League club of his intention to leave, and as a result, he would be placed on gardening leave.

However, the term “gardening leave” is symbolic in its essence. Gardening leave is a customary practice in the employment domain wherein an employee who is departing their position—whether due to resignation or termination—is directed to refrain from reporting to work for the duration of their notice period. Despite being exempt from workplace attendance and regular job

Dan Ashworth

responsibilities, the employee continues to receive their salary from the company during this period.

Why is it that it is called gardening leave you ask?

Well, it is assumed that an

employee on leave typically utilises their time engaging in personal interests and activities, with gardening being a common pursuit, hence the term "garden leave." The term "garden leave" gained widespread public attention in 1986 when it was featured in the BBC sitcom Yes, Prime Minister episode "One of Us." It was also mentioned in Silent Witness season 18, concerning Officer Carl Parry.

While this concept is notably widespread in the UK, it is also acknowledged and utilised in diverse formats worldwide, including nations like Australia and Singapore, particularly for senior-level positions.

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Enhance gardens with ornaments and décor

Sneak peek: What's in store at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious and iconic events in the world of horticulture and gardening. Held annually by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the show attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, including gardening enthusiasts, horticultural experts, celebrities, and members of the royal family.

The Chelsea Flower Show showcases the very best in garden design, plant cultivation, and floral artistry. It features stunning show gardens created by some of the most talented garden designers and landscapers from around the world.

What to expect?

The annual event is set to return from 21-25 May 2024 and attendees can expect to see a vast array of show-stopping gardens from RHS Chelsea veterans and new designers alike.

Award-winning garden designer Ann-Marie Powell returns to RHS Chelsea with a judged garden for the first time since 2011. Her ‘The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond’ with The National Trust is a plantfilled wildlife garden that aims to increase urban biodiversity and encourages nature connection through its design as an open-air sitting room.

For smaller spaces, visitors can take inspiration

from the balcony and container gardens with designs based around no-waste gardening, water conservation, and the UK’s shingle beaches.

Stepping into the Great Pavilion, attendees can see a wealth of colourful and vibrant floral displays by the UK’s best growers and nurseries.

The growing trend for edible food forests is also represented at RHS Chelsea with many of the gardens using the planting scheme.

The result is a low-maintenance garden where all the plants are edible and work together to protect and support each other through soil improvement and shelter from strong wind and other weather extremes.

Diversity showcases at the flower show RHS Chelsea Flower Show always hosts a spectacular range of designs, themes, and plants and this year is no exception with a broad array of horticultural ideas being showcased across the show.

Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden by Helen Olney tells the story of an extraordinary skincare partnership. Its experts support Burmese healthcare workers treating adults and children with terrible skin conditions and include a full planting scheme that will grow happily in the UK. Burma (Myanmar) has one of the world's poorest healthcare systems. By engaging people with this story, the

Burma Skincare Initiative hopes people will want to support, fund and work with them.

Other showcases included are Panathlon Joy Garden by Penelope Walker, National Autistic Society Garden by Sophie Parmenter and Dido Milne, Size of Wales Garden by Daniel Bristow, Terrence Higgins Trust Bridge to 2030 Garden by Matthew Childs and the Pulp Friction - Growing Skills Garden by Will Dutch & Tin-Tin Azure-Marxen.

Additionally, this year, the RHS has commissioned a new feature garden, the RHS ‘No Adults Allowed’ Garden. This is a garden designed by children, for children (with assistance from the designer Harry Holding).

A joyful journey through a fantastical landscape, it enables children to explore the magic of lush woodland, bountiful meadows and a wetland with heightened colour and oversized bog plants. The garden has been designed by pupils from Sulivan Primary School in Fulham, close to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show ground.

Almost half of the children at the school are eligible for free school meals.

Digging into wellness: Gardening's impact on mental health and radiant skin In an increasingly fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety often take center stage, individuals are seeking holistic approaches to wellness that nurture both the mind and body. Gardening, once considered a simple hobby, has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting mental health and radiant skin.

Beyond the physical act of tending to plants, gardening provides a sanctuary of tranquility, offering a respite from the chaos of daily life.

As individuals immerse themselves in the rhythm of planting, watering, and nurturing their green companions, they find solace in the simple yet profound connection with nature.

Dr Dinesh Bhugra CBE, Psychologist said, “Lack of access to green spaces has been seen as a contributing factor to mental illnesses. In many parts of the UK social prescribing by primary care physicians includes working on vegetable plots or flowerbeds. Not only does it

Dr Dinesh Bhugra CBE

Dr Natasha Verma

keep the individual occupied it allows them and indeed encourages them to work together in groups thus reducing anxiety. Recent research indicates that such activities help improve social and mental functioning for people with anxiety and mild depression. For others this can act as occupational therapy.”

Moreover, the therapeutic benefits of gardening extend far beyond emotional well-being. Exposure to sunlight while gardening stimulates the production of vitamin D, essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Additionally, the fresh air and physical activity inherent in gardening promote

circulation, flushing toxins from the body and imparting a natural glow to the skin. Dr Natasha Verma, a dermatologist, emphasises the importance of precautions while gardening, stating, "Use sunscreen with high SPF to prevent sunburn and skin cancer due to sunlight exposure. Wear protective gloves to avoid contact dermatitis from plants or soil. Be careful with sharp tools to minimize the risk of cuts and infections. Maintain hand hygiene and wear long sleeves to protect against soil-borne pathogens.

Additionally, use insect repellent to prevent irritation from insect bites."

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a therapeutic journey that allows individuals to connect with nature and create vibrant, living spaces. Whether cultivating a lush backyard oasis or tending to a small urban garden, gardeners infuse their personality and creativity into every corner.

One way to add charm and character to these outdoor sanctuaries is through the use of garden ornaments. From whimsical statues and colorful wind chimes to elegant birdbaths and intricately designed stepping stones, garden ornaments serve as delightful accents that enhance the beauty and ambiance of any garden. Here are list of garden ornaments ideas that can incorporate.

Bird bath: A bird bath is a must-have for any garden, regardless of its style. It provides a refreshing oasis for wild birds and other animals to drink from and bathe in. With various designs and materials available, you're sure to find one that complements your garden's aesthetic. By keeping it clean and filled, you can attract a diverse array of stunning birds, turning your garden into a bustling sanctuary.

Fountains: Water features, like fountains, offer versatile options for backyard decor beyond bird baths. Originally serving a functional role, fountains

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now add beauty to gardens of all kinds. With various types available, such as tiered, self-contained, wallmounted, and disappearing, you can easily find one to enhance your outdoor space.

Furniture: Garden furniture, with its origins tracing back to Ancient Rome, has been enhancing outdoor comfort for centuries. Crafted from durable materials like metal and hardwoods, it withstands the elements. Common pieces include chairs, swings, tables, and benches, all designed to elevate your outdoor experience.

Statutes: Statues, a type of sculpture, often depict animals or individuals, typically life-sized or larger. Dating back over 30,000 years, they are integral to traditional gardens.

Some opt for elegant depictions of women or woodland creatures, while others prefer whimsical garden gnomes or small animals to

3)

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adorn their yards and patios.

Pedestals: Consider investing in pedestals for your garden statues.

Pedestals, or plinths, provide a sturdy base to showcase meaningful or decorative statues. They can also elevate elegant vases and planters, though indoor use is more common for this purpose. Raised pedestals, known as acropodiums, offer additional height and prominence for your garden displays.

Planters: If you want to grow plants in places other than the ground in your garden, you may want to consider using planters in your landscape design. From basic terracotta pots to ornate jardinières, planters offer versatility in landscape design. Available in various shapes and sizes at gardening supply stores, they accommodate different plant types. Most planters have drainage holes to prevent root rot by allowing excess water to escape.

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Creative ideas for small-space gardening As urban living continues to rise and outdoor spaces shrink, the challenge of gardening in limited areas becomes increasingly prevalent. However, with a little creativity and strategic planning, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into vibrant, green sanctuaries. In this article, we'll explore some innovative ideas for small-space gardening and recommend plants perfectly suited to thrive in compact areas, tailored to the UK's everchanging weather conditions.

Vertical gardens: Vertical gardening is a space-saving solution that utilises vertical surfaces to grow plants upwards, maximising available space.

Options include wallmounted planters, trellises, and hanging baskets. Perfect for small balconies or patios, vertical gardens can accommodate a variety of plants, including climbing flowers like clematis and trailing foliage like ivy.

Container gardening: Container gardening is ideal for those with limited outdoor space, allowing gar-

deners to grow plants in pots, planters, or even repurposed containers.

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and mint thrive in containers and are perfect for culinary use. Additionally, compact vegetables like cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers can be grown in pots or raised beds, providing a bountiful harvest in small spaces.

Window boxes: Window boxes are a charming way to add greenery to small urban spaces, particularly for those without access to a garden.

Suitable for a variety of plants, including flowers, herbs, and trailing vines, window boxes can transform windowsills and bal-

conies into lush, inviting spaces. Consider planting colorful annuals like petunias, pansies, and marigolds for a burst of color throughout the year.

Hanging gardens: Hanging gardens offer a unique way to showcase plants in limited outdoor areas. Suspended from hooks or overhead structures, hanging baskets filled with cascading flowers like fuchsias, lobelia, and bacopa add vertical interest and visual appeal to balconies or small patios. Additionally, hanging pots or macramé plant hangers can be used to display trailing plants like spider plants and pothos indoors.

Terrariums: Terrariums are self-contained ecosystems enclosed in glass containers, making them perfect for small indoor spaces like apartments or offices.

These miniature gardens require minimal maintenance and can include a variety of plants like ferns, mosses, and succulents.

Place terrariums on tabletops or shelves to add a touch of greenery and natural beauty to any room.

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Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

As the S&P500 reaches another all time high and the FTSE 100 remains at the same levels of 7 years ago, I am reminded that so little changes in finance, even though everything changes too.

In the world of finance, the traditional wisdom has often been to leave the complexities of investing to the professionals. However, when I worked at Bloomberg TV, doing my investing TV show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and then wrote "Investing Unplugged" I knew to challenge this notion by advocating for a more hands-on approach to personal finance and investment.

You know it’s also the time I was writing for Asian Voice too!

The book is a treasure trove of insights, debunking myths surrounding professional fund management and highlighting the potential for individual investors to not only manage their own portfolios but also to outperform the experts. Here’s an exploration of the key principles and strategies discussed in "Investing Unplugged."

Emphasizing Investor Empowerment At its core, "Investing Unplugged" centres on the empowerment of the individual investor. It posits that with the right knowledge and tools, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance. The book systematically breaks down the barriers of financial jargon and complex market theories, making the world of investing accessible to all.

The Myth of Professional Superiority One of the most striking arguments in "Investing Unplugged" is the challenge to the perceived superiority of professional fund managers. Through a rigorous analysis of performance data, the book reveals that a significant number of fund managers consistently underperform the market. This underperformance is not a mere anomaly but a systemic issue, influenced by high fees, frequent trading, and the inherent difficulty of market prediction.

The Case for Index Investing As an alternative to relying on fund managers, "Investing Unplugged" champions the cause of index investing. By investing in index funds, individuals can achieve diversification and market exposure without the need to outguess the market. This strategy is supported by historical data showing that index funds often outperform actively managed funds over the long term, primarily due to lower costs and the market's efficiency. That’s of course unless you are in the 10% who want to follow my approach for beating the index, also identified in the book and now on www.alpeshpatel.com/shares Psychological Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them "Investing Unplugged" also delves into the psychological aspects of investing, identifying common behavioural biases that can lead to poor investment decisions. By understanding and recognizing these biases, investors can develop strategies to mitigate their impact. The book provides practical advice on maintaining discipline, avoiding the pitfalls of market timing, and focusing on long-term financial goals.

The Importance of Financial Education Ultimately, "Investing Unplugged" is a call to action for financial education. It argues that the first step towards successful self-investment is understanding the principles of finance and investment. The book provides a roadmap for this educational journey, covering topics from the basics of stock market investing to the nuances of portfolio management.

"Investing Unplugged" is more than just a critique of the traditional investment management industry; it is a guidebook for anyone looking to take control of their financial future. By demystifying the process of investing and highlighting the potential for individual success, the book offers a compelling case for the power of self-investment. Whether you are a seasoned investor or new to the world of finance, "Investing Unplugged" provides valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of the investment landscape.

Here’s the good news. You can download a free copy at www.investing-champions.com

UK recession coming to an end, suggests BoE The Bank of England's governor, Andrew Bailey, has indicated that the UK recession may be coming to an end, with "distinct signs of an upturn" now apparent.

He noted that compared to historical standards, this recession is notably mild. Official figures revealed last week that the UK economy contracted by 0.3% between October and December, marking a continuation of the downturn that began in the preceding quarter. However, the Bank of England suggested that an immediate

Andrew Bailey

interest rate cut is unlikely.

Deputy governor Ben Broadbent emphasized that the traditional definition of a recession, based on consecutive quarters of eco-

nomic contraction, may not be entirely applicable. He highlighted differences in calculation methods used by other countries like the US. While some MPs urged for immediate action, Bailey explained that the Bank is awaiting further evidence, particularly regarding wage growth and job vacancies, to gauge the trajectory of inflation. He mentioned the potential impact of falling energy prices, expected due to adjustments by Ofgem, the energy regulator.

Bailey noted that

although lower energy prices might temporarily reduce overall inflation, it could rise again over time.

He stressed the importance of observing more evidence of economic improvement before making significant policy decisions.

Broadbent expressed the possibility of interest rate cuts later in the year, contingent upon the actual economic data and its evolution. He emphasized the need to carefully assess the timing of any adjustments based on ongoing economic trends.

Asda owners channel $7mn from petrol stations The billionaire British coowners of Asda supermarket utilised additional funds from their petrol station enterprise to settle debts accrued from the purchase of two private jets.

EG Group extended a loan of $7 million to Mohsin and Zuber Issa's personal jet companies in 2022, as revealed in filings.

This sum supplements the €39 million in unsecured loans previously granted by EG Group for the acquisition of the aircraft in 2018.

Specifically, $5 million was allocated to the company overseeing the ownership

of a Bombardier Global 6000, while the remaining $2 million was directed to the company managing a smaller Bombardier Challenger 350.

Starting from scratch, the Issas, alongside private equity group TDR Capital, have established a retail empire, comprising EG and Asda. Leveraging debtfuelled acquisitions, EG expanded to encompass over 6,000 petrol stations across the US, Europe, and Australia. In 2020, the Issas and TDR executed the acquisition of Asda in a £6.8 billion deal, marking the

UK's largest leveraged buyout in a decade.

Despite injecting a mere £100 million in cash to secure Asda, the brothers have encountered heightened scrutiny regarding their acquisitions and corporate finances. Mohsin's appearance before the parliamentary business and trade committee in July prompted criticism from Chair Darren Jones, who questioned the integrity of their business practices.

Notably, the £7 million loan extended in 2022 near-

ly covered the interest repayments received by EG from the Issas' jet companies, registered in the Isle of Man. However, EG clarified that these funds were utilised to service debt obligations to third parties, as previously disclosed in their accounts.

Banks, insurers mandated Investor backlash at to report sexism, bullying Virgin Money CEO's pay Britain's financial regulator has mandated over 1,000 banks, insurers, and brokerages to disclose their records of sexual harassment, discrimination, and other nonfinancial misconduct cases since 2021, as well as their corresponding resolutions.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pledged to lawmakers in January to investigate how financial institutions address such misconduct, responding to complaints from victims who often feel silenced or compelled to resign.

Concerns over London's financial sector perpetuating an "old boys club" culture, where perpetrators of abuse operate with impunity, intensified following sexual assault and misconduct allegations against hedge fund founder Crispin Odey and Confederation of British Industry (CBI) officials last year.

While Odey denies wrongdoing, his hedge fund closed, and the CBI disclosed the dismissal of staff for failing to uphold conduct standards. The FCA has issued Section 165 notices, granting it the authority to compel firms to furnish information, to 184 investment banks, 217 commercial insurers, 349 insurance intermediaries, and 288 wholesale brokers.

Failure to comply could result in public censure, fines, or premises searches.

In its quest for comprehensive data, the FCA seeks information on the frequency, detection methods, and outcomes of non-financial misconduct incidents, including details on NDAs and employment tribunal proceedings. Additionally, the regulator is interested in cases involving senior managers and the settings in which incidents occurred, such as office premises etc.

Virgin Money executives could face a significant investor backlash following criticism from an influential adviser regarding CEO David Duffy's £2.6 million package, which Pensions and Investment Research Consultants (Pirc) deemed "not appropriate" compared to the bank's average employee earnings.

Pirc, advising shareholders including UK local authority pension funds, expressed concerns about the lack of board-level accountability for sustainability issues at the sixth largest UK lender. They are urging investors to vote against two resolutions at Virgin Money's upcoming AGM on March 1st, specifically the annual report and pay report. The pay report outlines the final payouts for executives based on their performance over the past financial year. Pirc cited worries over Duffy's

package, which includes a £331,000 bonus, noting it is 37 times higher than the average Virgin Money worker's salary of £71,804 annually.

Highlighting the disproportionate CEO-to-employee pay ratio, Pirc stressed that it exceeds the recommended limit of 20:1, deeming it inappropriate. Median pay figures, indicating the midpoint of the salary range at the bank, reveal an even wider gap, with Duffy's total payout being 66 times that of the median employee's £40,254 earnings. A potential shareholder rebellion would mark a setback for the FTSE 250 bank, which previously garnered 98% approval for its pay policy last year.

Pirc's critique follows Virgin Money's revelation of a 42% decline in annual pretax profits in November, attributing it to a £309 million provision to guard against potential defaults.

UK retail sales bounce back post-Christmas slump NatWest reveals highest annual profit in 26 years Retail sales in Great Britain experienced a lower inflation and robust wage growth,

NatWest Group has disclosed its highest annual profit since the period just before the 2007 financial crisis. The banking conglomerate reported a pre-tax profit of £6.2 billion for the year 2023, surpassing expectations.

Additionally, it appointed Paul Thwaite as its permanent chief executive, succeeding Dame Alison Rose, who resigned last year following revelations of discussing the closure of Nigel Farage's bank account. The board expressed confidence in Thwaite's ability to steer the group's future, particularly as it prepares for a potential public share offering, potentially as early as June.

Despite the government's 35% ownership stake, stemming from a £46 billion bailout during the financial crisis, UK Government Investments (UKGI) has been exploring a share sale since 2023, in line with the Chancellor's plans. NatWest, formerly known as the Royal Bank of Scotland, has seen gradual divestment of government shares since the bailout, primarily to institutional investors and back to NatWest itself. The group announced a 20% increase in pre-tax profits for 2023, alongside a £300 million share buyback. However, it cautioned about the impact of a challenging economic environment on future earnings.

notable rebound in January, marking a significant turnaround from the slump witnessed in December 2023.

According to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), sales volumes surged by 3.4 per cent in January, following a revised decline of 3.3 per cent in the previous month. This increase, the largest since April 2021, brought sales volumes back to November 2023 levels. The data suggests that the economy is beginning to recover from the weakness seen at the end of 2023, when the UK entered a technical recession.

Economists attribute this rebound to

which are expected to support household spending in the coming months. While the increase in retail sales indicates a positive trend, the overall state of the economy remains sluggish. Sales volumes are still 1.3 per cent below their pre-pandemic levels in February 2020. As Chancellor Jeremy Hunt prepares to announce the upcoming Budget, the Conservative government is under pressure to stimulate economic growth through tax cuts. Economists remain cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of retail sales, with projections suggesting a gradual recovery throughout the year.

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India's trade deficit narrows to 9-month low in January India's trade deficit reached a nine-month low of $17.5 billion in January, with exports rising by 3% to $36.9 billion and imports also increasing to $54.4 billion, according to data from the commerce department.

“Despite the Red Sea crisis, recession in developed countries and a fall in commodity prices, we have been able to achieve a growth… the objective is to see how we can navigate the difficult situation in Red Sea,” commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said.

In recent weeks, the

government has sought to ensure that there is adequate credit available to exporters and insurance premium through Export Credit

Guarantee Corporation does not rise despite the tension.

Israr Ahmed, the Fieo chief, highlighted the urgency of addressing the

Red Sea crisis by ensuring the availability of marine insurance, maintaining a regular supply of containers, and managing reasonable freight charge increases.

With services experiencing a robust resurgence, the government is optimistic about matching last year's combined figures. Barthwal added that the government is prioritising new markets and products to expand the footprint of Indian exports and collaborating with businesses to navigate nontariff barriers in other markets.

RIL becomes first Indian firm to touch £200 bn in market value Reliance Industries achieved a market capitalisation of £200 billion, becoming the first Indian company to do so, with its stock price rising by nearly 30% in three months. Founded in 1966 as a textile manufacturer by Dhirubhai Ambani, RIL pioneered India's equity culture with its IPO in 1977.

It has since evolved into a conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, oil & gas, retail, telecom, and financial services, creating wealth for shareholders.

RIL crossed the £10

billion market cap mark on August 2, 2005, coinciding with BSE's market cap surpassing £200 billion for the first time. Today, RIL's market value equals the collective worth of all Indian companies 19 years ago.

Despite its rapid growth and diversification, RIL's share in India's market cap has remained steady at 5% since 2005.

RIL, which has been the most valued company in India for over a decade, is now ranked (44th) among the world’s top 50 companies in terms of market cap. RIL was also the first Indian company to reach the £100 billion market cap mark on Nov 28, 2019. While it took 14 years

to go from a market cap of £10 billion to 100 billion, the 100 billion to 200 billion journey needed just over four years.

In India, RIL leads as the country's most valued company, surpassing TCS by £50 billion. Globally, RIL's market cap of $239 billion trails behind Aramco ($2 trillion), Exxon Mobil ($410 billion), and Chevron ($287 billion), but exceeds Shell ($205 billion) and PetroChina ($202 billion), according to Bloomberg data.

Govt ties up with industry for youth skill development Education and skill development minister Dharmendra Pradhan initiated an effort to empower India's youth, aiming to enhance skill development. The government has forged several industry partnerships with organisations such as Google, Microsoft, Flipkart, Teamlease, Upgrad, Reliance Foundation and Infosys to achieve this goal.

These collaborations aim to enhance accessibility, innovation, and

flexibility in the skilling ecosystem, emphasising a comprehensive and results-oriented strategy. They are expected to usher in a transformative era in the relationship between education and industry-academia.

Pradhan stated, "The partnerships established today will propel the Skill India Mission forward, creating a capable, productive, and efficient workforce prepared to seize global opportunities."

RBI, Nepal’s central bank ink deal for UPI link The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed an agreement with Nepal's central bank to integrate UPI with the National Payment Interface of Nepal. The agreement was signed in the presence of RBI governor Shaktikanta Das and Nepali counterpart Maha Prasad Adhikari. This follows an agreement made two years ago by the National Payment Corporation of India's international arm to enable the deployment of UPI in Nepal.

The agreement's terms include establishing systems for integrating fast payment systems between India and Nepal. This integration aims to facilitate cross-border remittances by allowing users of both systems to make instant, low-cost fund

transfers.

“The collaboration between India and Nepal in linking their fast payment systems through the UPINPI linkage will further deepen financial connectivity and reinforce the enduring historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries,” RBI said in a statement. The necessary systems will be put in place for interlinking of UPI and NPI soon. The formal launch of crossborder UPI operations will be done at a later date.

He added: “India will become unstoppable by embracing mantra of skilling, reskilling, and upskilling. We have launched many digital initiatives in skilling ecosystem which are ensuring skills anywhere, anytime and skills for all. As India marches towards a developed nation, by leveraging technology, scale and sustainability, Indian workforce will meet not only domestic demand but also global demand, setting new benchmarks.”

SpiceJet’s Singh, EaseMyTrip founder bid for GoFirst EaseMyTrip founder Nishant Pitti and SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh have submitted a joint bid to revive GoFirst, giving the budget carrier, grounded since last May, another chance of a restart. While Pitti, who has bid through his company Busy Bee Airways, will bring in about £ 50 million for the revival process, Singh, who has bid in his personal capacity, brings experience of running an airline to the table.

Another bid for GoFirst has come from Sharjahbased Sky One. A third company, Safrik Investments, has also shown interest in the airline.

Thanks to these three entities, National Company Law Tribunal had on Feb 13

extended the deadline by another 60 days to complete GoFirst’s resolution process.

The first attempt did not see Go getting any bids. Safrik Investments has presence in New York, Abidjan and Dubai. It contributes to development of the African continent through strategic investments.

The Pitti-Singh joint bid could, however, make GoFirst the first airline to revive under India’s bankruptcy law as revival of Jet Airways is all but stalled.

“This combination has both funds (from Pitti) and airline experience (Singh).

EaseMyTrip, like all travel agencies, has significant amount stuck as unrefunded GoFirst tickets sold.

Akasa set to start international flights from next month India's youngest airline Akasa, which started flying in August 2022, will start international flights from next month. The low cost airline, which has got bilaterals for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, will have a four times weekly flight between Mumbai and Doha from March 28, 2024. Since the bilaterals for Dubai are fully used, Akasa does not have the clearance to fly there as of now.

“Akasa Air becomes the first Indian airline to fly overseas in a record period of 19 months since its inception,” the airline says. Akasa founder & CEO Vinay Dube said: “We are delighted to announce international operations with the launch of our first destination Doha to our growing network.

The introduction of four flights a week, connecting directly with Mumbai, will cater to a diverse set of travellers from the two countries, facilitating tourism, commerce and strengthening bilateral ties.”

Electric car prices nearly on par with petrol and diesel Despite the widespread belief that electric cars are expensive, recent price cuts by manufacturers like Tata Motors and MG Motor suggest otherwise. With these reductions, the additional cost of purchasing an EV could be recouped in less than a year, particularly considering their low running costs per kilometer and subsidised registration charges.

Tata Motors, India's top electric car seller, announced significant price cuts for the electric versions of Nexon SUV and Tiago mini. The Nexon EV's entry variant sees the steepest reduction of Rs 120,000, now priced at Rs 14,50,000 ex-showroom, while the Tiago's base model is reduced by up to Rs 70,000, now priced at Rs 800,000.

Tata attributes these reductions to passing on "battery price reduction

benefits" to customers.

“Battery costs constitute a substantial part of the overall cost of an EV. With battery cell prices having softened in the recent past and considering their potential reduction in the foreseeable future, we have chosen to proactively pass on the resulting benefits directly to customers,” said Vivek Srivatsa, chief commercial officer of Tata’s passenger car electric mobility division.

The annual running cost of an electric Nexon, covering approximately 15,000 km, amounts to Rs 15,000. In comparison, the diesel variant costs Rs 96,021 annually, and the petrol variant costs Rs 120,000. These figures are calculated for Delhi, where diesel is around Rs 90 per liter, petrol at Rs 97 per liter, and electric vehicle charging costs Rs 10 per unit.

India seeks reform in WTO dispute settlement system In anticipation of an upcoming meeting of WTO trade ministers in two weeks, India has sought a comprehensive reform of the dispute settlement system. It emphasises the necessity of a comprehensive package rather than a piecemeal approach favored by some members.

The WTO's dispute settlement body remains inactive due to the US's repeated stalling of appointments to the appellate body, spanning multiple presidential administrations, starting with Barack Obama's tenure.

While almost all countries are seeking to revive the system as it gave all member nations a chance to challenge rules that were seen to be against global norms, the US has blocked any attempts to revive it.

Following the mandate from the last meeting of ministers, WTO members are striving to find a solution before the next ministerial

conference in Abu Dhabi.

However, the current proposals are viewed as inequitable by countries like India. Consequently, India has allied with Indonesia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Egypt, and others to submit a joint proposal.

They have argued that the central interest of reviving the appellate body has not been addressed during the deliberations so far. Instead, the attempt has been to undermine the fundamental nature of the “rules-based, two-tier” system, with a standing appeal mechanism and decisions that are binding, the paper said. The existing system includes a dispute settlement panel whose rulings can be appealed. The discussed proposal suggests changes to the panel's composition, which India and other countries involved in the submission argue will negatively affect the interests of developing and least developed nations

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CROSSING CONTINENTS Indian students in the US face hurdles Subhasini Naicker In recent years, the dream of pursuing higher education abroad has become increasingly prevalent among Indian students and their quest for knowledge and skill enhancement has led many to consider various destinations. One destination, however, shines brighter than the rest on the radar of Indian study-abroad aspirants: the United States.

However, when students reach the US to fulfil their dreams, it becomes a different story altogether. From navigating cultural differences to grappling with visa regulations, Indian students pursuing education in the United States often encounter significant challenges and hurdles along their academic journey.

High tuition fees and US dollar conversion rate Yash Halani, a student at Purdue University, USA, said, “In the US, high tuition fees, especially in private universities, place immense pressure on students to secure jobs post-graduation to justify their investment. Many resort to working extra hours during studies, sacrificing mental health and sharing living spaces with multiple roommates due to high living expenses.

This dynamic often leads to tensions and misunderstandings. Ironically, while students await favourable exchange rates to send money to their families in India, parents wait for rates to drop to send money to the US." Nikhil Balwani from Columbia University, another expat in the US said, "Tuition fees vary based on your school, programme, and scholarships. PhD programmes are typically fully funded with a monthly stipend, but scholarships for master's programs are rare. Living expenses are high in cities like NYC and LA, while suburban areas may offer cheaper options. Managing expenses is crucial for international students, and the decision to study in the US should be carefully considered given currency conversion costs and potential benefits."

Shivangee studies at the City University of Settle. Sharing her experience, she said, “Financial challenges have greatly impacted me, especially as I come from a single-parent household with only my mother supporting

Yash Halani

Himanshu Kriplani

us in Ranchi. Last year, our university unexpectedly raised tuition fees without prior notice, adding to our financial burden. This increase, along with additional expenses like insurance, has made it even more difficult for my mother to send money for my education. Unfortunately, this fee hike affected several colleges in Washington state, including ours.”

Mental health and well being among Indian students Himanshu Kriplani from the University of Southern California, said, "In recent times, mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, affecting many profoundly. Adapting to new environments can be challenging, but recognizing that others share similar struggles is key. Engaging in open conversations and seeking support from university services and NGOs can be transformative."

“Depression is unfortunately common here. My university offers counselling sessions at a very affordable rate, which has been helpful for many students, including myself. Despite my initial reluctance, I was diagnosed with depression and ADHD and being alone in a new environment has been challenging, but I strive to be independent.

Many students leave their families to study abroad and support them, but they often face unsupportive attitudes. This lack of support is disheartening, especially when students are struggling with housing and parttime work,” said Shivangee.

Experiences of discrimination and job opportunities Yash Halani emphasised her discrimina-

World’s tallest man and shortest woman reunite after six years CALIFORNIA: The world’s tallest and shortest people had breakfast together in California on Monday, reuniting six years after they first met for a photo shoot in Egypt. There’s more than six feet in height difference between Sultan Kosen from Turkey and India’s Jyoti Amge, who posed for a new set of photos after their meeting.

Kosen, 41, who holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest living man at 8ft 2in, can be seen towering over Amge, 30, the shortest living female measuring just 2ft 0.7in.

In one of the images, Amge is just a little taller than Kosen’s shoe, as she stands alongside it smiling ear to ear. In another she can be seen barely reaching his shoulder - despite

him being seated, and her standing on a chair near him.

Kose officially became the world’s tallest man living in 2009, and was at the time the first man to grow over 8ft tall in over 20 years. He also holds the record for the world’s largest hand. His super size is the result of a medical condition called pituitary gigantism that causes his bones and body parts to grow at a much faster rate than in most people. Amge, 30, received the title of world’s shortest woman in 2011 after earlier holding the record of being the world’s shortest teenager. Her diminuitive height is the result of a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia.

Chaos in Pakistan over poll rigging claims and power tussles ISLAMABAD: Jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s party demanded a judicial probe into allegations of vote rigging even as two major political parties failed to reach a powersharing formula to form a coalition govt.

Though independent candidates backed

by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the maximum number of seats in Parliament, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have announced they will form a coalition govt after the Feb 8 elections resulted in a hung Parliament.

The post-poll alliance by PML-N and PPP could mean that PTI will not be able to form the next federal govt, prompting Khan’s party to allege that the two rival parties were trying to steal the people’s mandate with the help of the powerful establishment.

Khan’s beleaguered party received a major boost when a senior govt official in charge of the election process in the garrison city of Rawalpindi alleged that rigging took place and dragged the chief election commissioner and chief justice into it.

Shivangee

tion experiences, "Indian students often experience subtle forms of discrimination, such as being excluded from social groups based on nationality. While overt discrimination is rare, there's a sense of disinterest and distance from locals, especially in areas with lower education levels. Tragically, recent events have highlighted safety concerns, with four Indian students murdered within two weeks. Despite the willingness to socialise, cultural differences often hinder meaningful connections with locals."

Talking about the positive side of job opportunities in the US, Himanshu said, "Success often means leaving your comfort zone, especially when moving to a new country. It's a challenging journey marked by unfamiliar faces and unexpected hardships.

Despite the obstacles, building a career abroad is rewarding. Job hunting during Covid-19 was tough, but connecting with others helped me navigate challenges and find opportunities."

“When applying for jobs, the very first question asked by companies like Amazon often revolves around citizenship status. As someone in healthcare, I had a professor who recommend me for a NASA internship.

However, my application was rejected as I am not a US citizen. While I understand the laws, it can be disheartening when qualifications are overlooked solely based on citizenship. Some individuals resort to contract marriages to obtain citizenship, highlighting the challenges faced by non-citizens in accessing certain opportunities,” said Shivangee about the negative side of job hunting in the US.

24-year-old Indian American running for Georgia senate WASHINGTON: Ashwin Ramaswami has become the first Indian-American from Gen Z - those born between 1997 and 2012 - to run for a state or federal legislature in the US, indicative of a new breed of young politicians emerging from the community.

Ramaswami’s parents immigrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in 1990. “I’m running for (Georgia) state senate in order to give back to my community. I want to make sure that everyone has the same opportunities that I had growing up,” Ramaswami, 24, said in a recent interview. “I want to make sure we have a new voice, people who are young, who come from unconventional backgrounds in politics because it’s really important that we have people who represent us, not just people who can afford to do it,” he said.

A second-generation Indian-American who has built a career in software engineering, election security, and technology law and policy research, is running in the Democratic party for state senate in district 48 of Georgia.

Ramaswami is a Democrat and he is hoping to replace incumbent Republican Shawn Still, who was indicted with former President Trump for the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.

If elected, he would be the first Gen Z state senator in Georgia and the only Georgia state legislator with both a computer science and a law degree. By doing so, he would also break barriers as the first Indian American in the Georgia state legislature.

in brief ELDERLY MOTEL OWNER SHOT DEAD OVER ROOM RENTAL Pravin Raojibhai Patel, 76, owner of Hillcrest Motel, was fatally shot on February 8 after a dispute over room rental. William Jeremy Moore, 34, was arrested shortly after the incident while attempting to break into an abandoned house on 13th Avenue, according to Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry.

Investigators stated that Moore shot Patel during the altercation when he tried to rent a room at the motel. “When searching for Moore, the murder weapon was found in his possession,” Terry said. The police chief added that Moore is currently being held in the Sheffield City Jail until a warrant is issued after which he will be transported to the Colbert County Jail. Jemeriz Owens, who works as a barber across the street from Patel’s motel, said that he heard three gunshots go off back-to-back. “He (Patel) was outside. He was just trying to get somebody to leave, and they didn’t want to leave, and they shot him,” Owens said. Patel's body was sent to the Alabama Forensics Lab for autopsy, and a funeral service was held at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia on February 12, as per his obituary. Describing the incident as a "senseless act of violence," the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) expressed deep sorrow, shock, and outrage on February 14, stating that hotel owners nationwide were profoundly saddened.

INDIAN-AMERICAN NOMINATED TO NY TRANSPORT BOARD Indian-American attorney Meera Joshi has been nominated to serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Joshi, the deputy mayor for operations, overseeing New York City’s infrastructure, public realm, and climate portfolio, was nominated alongside NYC Department of City Planning Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick. Joshi, who currently oversees the transportation and infrastructure portfolio, spearheads the administration’s “street safety work.” Joshi is credited with creating “vibrant public spaces” in all five boroughs and preparing the city for “congestion pricing”.

INDIAN NATIONAL FOUND DEAD IN QUEENSLAND FLOOD An Indian national in Australia was found dead in the floodwaters near Mount Isa in Queensland amid inclement weather in the region, the Indian High Commission in Canberra said. The Indian mission expressed condolence to the family of the victim and said that it is in touch with them for all necessary assistance. The Indian mission has not revealed the name of the victim.

Meanwhile, the situation in Queensland remains tense amid severe alerts for rain and thunderstorms. In another incident, the police said that a woman was found dead in her car which was found submerged in floodwaters near Mount Isa.

11 US-BOUND INDIANS RESCUED IN NEPAL Nepal Police recently rescued 11 US-bound Indians who were held hostage by a gang in Kathmandu. The police raided a house in Ratopul area where the hostages were kept for about a month. The gang had taken large sums of money from each person, promising to help them reach the US. However, they were brought to Nepal instead. Seven people involved in human trafficking were arrested by the police. Each person had paid around Rs 45,00,000 to the traffickers. The traffickers planned to send the victims to the US via Nepal. Most of the hostages were from Delhi and Haryana, according to officials.

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in brief PUTIN SAYS HE PREFERS BIDEN TO TRUMP President Vladimir Putin said Russia would prefer to see President Joe Biden win a second term, calling him more experienced than Donald Trump. In an interview with Russian state television, Putin declared he will work with any US leader who is elected, but noted that he would prefer Biden’s victory when asked who would be better from the point of view of Russia. “Biden, he’s more experienced, more predictable, he’s a politician of the old formation. But we will work with any US leader whom the American people trust,” he said. Putin’s comments were his first about the upcoming US presidential election, likely to pit Biden against Trump, and come as tensions between Republicans and Democrats are high over Biden’s attempts to send more aid to Kyi.

MAN GUNS DOWN 12 RELATIVES IN IRAN A 30-year-old man killed 12 relatives, including his father and brother in Iran, official media reported, in a rare mass shooting in the country. They said the man, who was not identified, used a Kalashnikov assault rifle and was later shot and killed by security forces in the south-central province of Kerman. They said the cause of the shooting, in a remote rural village, was a family dispute. They did not elaborate. Mass killings are rare in Iran, where hunting rifles are the only weapons people are allowed to possess.

S KOREA OPENS DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH NORTH’S PAL CUBA South Korea’s presidential office claimed that country’s move to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba would deal a “political and psychological blow” to North Korea, whose diplomatic footing is largely dependent on a small number of Cold War allies. South Korea said it has agreed to open ambassador-level ties with Cuba following a meeting between their UN representatives in New York. Seoul and Havana first established diplomatic ties in 1949, but they were ruptured a decade later when Fidel Castro seized power during the Cuban Revolution. Cuba then turned to fellow communist nation North Korea. Cuba has maintained ties with North Korea since 1960s and has an embassy in Pyongyang.

BULK CARRIER TARGETED

BY PROJECTILE OFF YEMEN A bulk carrier suffered minor damage after being targeted by an explosive projectile some 100 nautical miles east of Yemen's port city of Aden, British maritime security firm Ambrey said. The damage was caused by shrapnel that caused a diesel leak, Ambrey said in its advisory note, making clear the explosion occurred some 100 miles away and did not directly impact the carrier. The crew members were unharmed, it added.

Separately the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said it had received a report of an explosion near a vessel some 85 nautical miles east of Aden.

US SEIZES IRAN ARMS MEANT FOR HOUTHIS The US military said that a Coast Guard cutter had recently seized advanced weapons and other lethal aid from a vessel in the Arabian Sea that had originated in Iran and were bound for Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

A Coast Guard boarding team intercepted the vessel on Jan. 28 and found more than 200 packages that contained medium-range ballistic missile components, explosives, naval drone components, anti-tank guided missile launcher parts and communications gear, the military’s Central Command said in a statement.

Tulsi Gabbard open to being Trump’s running mate TAMPA: Tulsi Gabbard, the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, has spoken to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump and his advisors about the country’s foreign policy, keeping her options as the former President’s 2024 running mate ‘open’, media reports suggested.

The first Hindu in the US Congress left the Democratic Party in 2022, calling it an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and accusing its leadership of “cow-

Tulsi Gabbard

ardly wokeness”.

Now, with the country like-

ly set for a Trump-Joe Biden rematch in 2024, the talks with Gabbard focused on how the Defense Department should be run in case of a second Trump term, The Washington Post reported.

Also, with Trump telling his advisors and donors time and again that his personnel choices at the Pentagon cost him, there were broader conversations on how Trump 2.0 would manage things differently.

A military veteran, who

Indian-origin techie identified as suspect in US family's murder-suicide CALIFORNIA: An Indian-origin techie is suspected of killing his wife and four-yearold twins before turning the gun on himself in a gruesome murder-suicide in California, police said. The statement comes days after Anand Sujith Henry, 42, his wife Alice Priyanka, 40, and their twin sons Noah and Neithan were found dead at their $2.1 million home in California's San Mateo.

The couple was found dead with gunshot wounds inside a bathroom when cops visited the house for a welfare check. The children were discovered dead in a bedroom.

"At this time, next of kin have been notified and we can now confirm the identities as Anand Henry (father), Alice Priyanka (mother), and their minor twin boys. A 9mm handgun legally registered to Anand was located on the bathroom floor where both adults' bodies were located," the San Mateo Police Department said in a statement.

Police allege that Anand, a former Meta

employee, was responsible for all four deaths. "Both Anand and Alice succumbed to gunshot wounds and based on the investigation, Anand has been identified as the suspect," the police department said.

"Our investigation shows Alice succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Anand suffered from a single shot. The cause of death for the minor boys is still pending pathology, but we can confirm they did not die from gunfire or show signs of bodily trauma," officials added.

The family, originally from Kerala, had been living in the US for the past nine years.

While Anand was a software engineer, Alice was a senior analyst. According to court records, Anand had filed for divorce in 2016 but did not go through with it.

Authorities said there was no history of violence at the home and the one instance when cops had been called in the past was when the family spotted a mountain lion in their backyard.

Over 400 detained in Russia for paying tribute to Navalny MOSCOW: Over 400 people were detained in Russia while paying tribute to opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died at a remote Arctic penal colony, a prominent rights group reported.

The sudden death of Navalny, 47, was a crushing blow to many Russians, who had pinned their

hopes for the future on President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest foe.

Navalny remained vocal in his unrelenting criticism of Kremlin even after surviving a nerve agent poisoning and receiving multiple prison terms.

The news reverberated across the globe, and hundreds of people in dozens of Russian cities streamed to

adhoc memorials and monuments to victims of political repressions with flowers and candles to pay a tribute to the politician. In over a dozen cities, police detained 401 people by Saturday night, according to the OVD-Info rights group that tracks political arrests and provides legal aid.

served in the Iraq war between 2004 and 2005 for the Hawaii Army National Guard before entering Congress, Gabbard has long been critical of US intervention overseas and has also blamed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Biden’s failed foreign policy.

“She appeals to Republicans who are skeptical of intervention overseas, which is now a majority of Republican voters,” GOP strategist Andrew Surabian told Newsweek.

Shehbaz Sharif set to become Pakistan PM

Kamala Harris

ISLAMABAD: Following extensive negotiations, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reached a consensus to form a new coalition in Pakistan. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of the PPP, announced that Shehbaz Sharif, President of the PML-N, is poised to resume the position of Prime Minister, with Asif Zardari, co-chairman of the PPP, designated to assume the presidency of the nation.

The announcement was made by party leaders in a joint news conference late on Tuesday night. Bhutto-Zardari said, "The PPP and PML-N have achieved the required number, and [now] we are in a position to form the government," Geo news reported.

After the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed candidates and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) failed to secure a simple majority in the elections, the coalition agreement between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged. Shehbaz Sharif, expressing appreciation for the leadership of both parties, highlighted their unity and capacity to form a government.

Biden working hard to stop attacks against Indian students: US

Kamala ‘ready to serve’ amid Biden age row

Trump’s hushmoney trial will start on March 25

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden and his administration are working very hard to thwart and disrupt attacks on Indian and Indian American students, the White House has said. The announcement by John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House comes amid a slew of attacks on Indian and Indian American students in various parts of the country.

"There is no excuse for violence, certainly based on race or gender or religion or any other factor. That's just unacceptable here in the United States," Kirby told reporters when asked about the series of attacks on students from India and also those from the Indian American community. "The president and this administration have been working very, very hard to make sure we're doing everything we can to work with state and local authorities to try to thwart and disrupt those kinds of attacks and make it clear to anybody who might consider them that they'll be held properly accountable," Kirby said.

Vivek Saini, a student working part-time in a department store, died following an attack by a drug addict in Lithonia, Georgia in January. Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student at Indiana Wesleyan University was assaulted in February.

Deaths of at least four Indian American students have been reported in the last several weeks. Akul Dhawan of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Neel Acharya of Purdue University died apparently due to heavy drinking followed by long exposure to low temperatures at night in January.

WASHINGTON: In a media interview, US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed readiness to assume leadership responsibilities amid increasing voter concerns about President Joe Biden's age in an election year. Kamala, aged 59, has encountered heightened scrutiny regarding her abilities as the first in line to the presidency should 81year-old Democrat Biden become incapacitated or step down.“I am ready to serve. There’s no question about that,” Kamala said when asked whether voters’ concerns about Biden’s age meant she must convince them of her credentials.

Everyone who sees her on the job “walks away fully aware of my capacity to lead,” said Harris, the first Black, South Asian and female vice president in US history. The interview was carried out two days before a stinging special counsel report portrayed Biden as elderly and forgetful.

NEW YORK: Donald Trump will become the first former US president to stand trial on criminal charges after a New York judge denied his request to dismiss an indictment stemming from hush money paid to a porn star and set a March 25 trial date.

The upcoming trial marks a significant development in a case revolving around long standing allegations that Trump attempted to suppress reports of extramarital affairs that emerged during his 2016 presidential bid. This trial represents the initial progression among the four criminal prosecutions facing Trump. Additional charges include accusations of conspiring to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election and unlawfully retaining classified documents at his Florida residence.

In leaving the trial date intact, Judge Juan Manuel Merchan took advantage of a delay in the separate prosecution in Washington related to efforts to undo the election.

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SC junks electoral bonds; terms it ED summons Mahua Moitra in ‘unconstitutional and arbitrary’ FEMA case The Supreme Court has ruled the electoral bond scheme, introduced by the BJP government in 2018, as unconstitutional.

This scheme permitted large anonymous corporate contributions to political parties. As a result of the ruling, the State Bank of India has been directed to cease issuing bonds immediately. Additionally, the bank must provide updated details of such contributions from April 2019, which will be published on the Election Commission's website by March 13th.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra,

unanimously rejected the central rationale of the electoral bond scheme. They ruled that the need to protect donors' identities did not outweigh voters' right to information about significant political donations. The bench held that secret corporate funding could compromise the integrity of elections, disrupt political equality, and undermine democracy.

Additionally, they deemed the amendments aimed at ensuring anonymity and non-disclosure arbitrary.

Though unanimous in their rejection of the bond scheme, the bench put across its stand through two separate but concurring verdicts - one written by the CJI and the other by Justice

Khanna.

The Supreme Court's order does not impact the existing allowance for anonymous donations to political parties up to Rs 20,000 by individuals or companies.

However, unlimited anonymous contributions by companies are no longer permitted. The court reinstated the 2013 cap of 7.5% of the average net profit of a company in the last three years on corporate donations, which was previously 5% from 1985 to 2013. Contributions made through cheques, drafts, and bank transfers by corporate entities, duly reflected in the party's statement to the Election Commission, remain unaffected by the ruling.

Even foreign governments know Modi will be back: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that not only the BJP but also the international community is "entirely confident" about his government's return after the Lok Sabha polls. He further emphasised that a third term for the saffron regime is crucial for India to take the leap towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Addressing BJP national council meeting’s valedictory session, Modi cited invitations he’s got from several foreign countries for “July, August and September”, adding: “What does this imply? They also know: Aayega Toh Modi Hi.” “In today's scenario, political parties in different countries openly acknowledge that India's strength is beneficial for the entire world. The respect for India and its influence is growing in every continent. Countries around the globe are emphasising the establishment of deeper connections with India,” he further said.

In his keenly-awaited speech, Modi coined a new slogan “Bhajapa Jaruri Hai” as he exhorted BJP workers to give it their all in the 100 days leading up to polls to help NDA achieve the “Abki Baar 400 Paar” target, stressing that a third term for the BJP was the essential condition for India to become a developed country.

Significantly, he talked about a divide in the Congress between those who target him because of their “hatred for Modi'' and those

who believe that this tactic could be counterproductive. “One group thinks that Modi’s image should be distorted while the old school group considers that Modi should be spared as it might boomerang on them. It shows that they don’t have any issue against the government and their fight is not ideology driven,” the PM said and added, “Congress is so demoralised that it has lost the courage for ideological and intellectual opposition. Therefore, resorting to insults, and false accusations against Modi has become their sole agenda.”

Addressing a gathering of more than 12,000 party workers, the Prime Minister expressed his dedication to serving the people, emphasizing that his involvement in politics is driven by a commitment to "Rashtraniti" rooted in the values of Chhatrapati Shivaji, rather than the complexities of "Rajniti."

Former Lok Sabha MP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning regarding certain transactions involving foreign currencies.

Moitra faced disqualification from the Lok Sabha last year following a recommendation from the Ethics Committee, which was based on an affidavit from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Hiranandani claimed that Moitra had raised questions in the lower House targeting his business rival Gautam Adani.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Mahua Moitra's former partner, Jai Dehadrai, have accused her of receiving cash or gifts from Hiranandani to pose questions in Parliament. TMC leader was not available for comments when reached out to her reaction on ED summons. She, however, has maintained that allegations against her are not true.

CBI questions Hiranandani The Central Bureau of Investigation

Mahua Moitra

(CBI) reportedly questioned Hiranandani as part of its investigation into allegations of corruption related to raising questions in the House, which resulted in the disqualification of Moitra from the Lok Sabha.

According to sources, in addition to Hiranandani, around a dozen others have also been interrogated in connection with the case. The agency provided Hiranandani with a questionnaire containing over 50 questions. However, the CBI did not confirm whether the questioning took place in Delhi, Dubai, or was conducted online.

Farm unions reject govt offer, to resume march to Delhi Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (NonPolitical) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, spearheading “Delhi Chalo” farm protests, rejected a proposal by the Centre for a five-year contract with farmers to procure maize, cotton, and pulses at minimum support price (MSP) through cooperatives and promote crop diversification.

SKM’s Jagjit Singh Dallewal and KMM’s Sarvan Singh Pandher reiterated their demand for a legal guarantee of MSP on 23 crops, following a C2+50% formula of profit over input cost.

After consultations with protesters at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, the two announced plans for farmers to resume their march towards Delhi at 11am on Wednesday. Over 20,000 protesters have been camping at these locations for past seven days.

BKU (Ekta Sidhupur)

general secretary Kaka Singh Kotda urged farmers from every village in Punjab to converge at Khanauri and Shambhu. Three farm unions - Punjab Kisan Union (Baghi), Sada Eka Jindabad Morcha Punjab, and Kisan Mazdur Naujwan Ekta Punjab - also pledged their support to protests, announcing their intention to join gatherings at Khanauri and Shambhu in large numbers.

During fourth round of negotiations in Chandigarh on Sunday night, Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai presented the five-crop MSP proposal, involving National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed), and Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) in the procurement process.

While Goyal praised the proposal as “out of the box” and emphasised its potential

encourage crop to diversification and improve groundwater levels in Punjab, Dallewal and criticised it, Pandher likening it to contract farming.

Agri leaders highlighted potential savings govt could achieve by providing MSP on all crops, estimated at £17.5 billion. They argued that such savings align with govt’s expenditure on importing pulses and could be significantly reduced by promoting domestic production.

They asserted that extensive consultations with stakeholders preceded their decision “so that the Centre did not have a chance to claim that farmers immediately rejected its proposal without any debate”.

Also, they highlighted unaddressed issues such as farm debt waivers. Centre’s offer was also dismissed by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).

Book on 'Charotar Na Patidaro ni Gauravgatha' released A book on “Charotar Na Patidaro ni Gauravgatha” was released at Bhikhabhai Auditorium, Charutar Arogya Mandal, Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad, on February 18.

The book was released by Param Pujya Sant Bhagwant Shaheb, Anupam Mission, Mogri, in the presence of Atul Patel, Chairman, Charutar Arogya Mandal, Dr Amrita Patel, Trustee, Charutar Arogya Mandal, Bhikhubhai Patel, Chairman, Charutar Vidya Mandal, Naginbhai Patel, Ex- President, Charusat, Bhagyesh Jha, retd IAS officer and writer of the book and Kanubhai Patel, artist.

The book is authored by Bhagyesh Jha and designed by Kanubhai Patel. The book is collectively sponsored by Jagrut Bhatt (Hon secretary - Charutar

Arogya Mandal), Surendra Patel (UK), Barindra Patel (UK), N. C Patel (USA), Yogendra Patel (USA), Dr. Barindra Desai (USA), Paresh Thakar, Vinodbhai Patel (UK), Kiran V.C. Patel (UK), Kiran I Patel, Udhyam Amin (UK), Ravi

Patel (USA), Nagin Patel (Chaklasi), Vishnu Patel (Mehlav), Pushyant S Patel (UK), Kaushik Patel, Mafatbhai Patel and Rikesh Patel.

The book was released in the memory of V. C. Patel.

Atul Patel said that Patidars migrated from central Gujarat to other parts of the state and India; thousands also travelled to the USA, UK, and Kenya seeking better fortunes. He added that the third generation has roots in six, eight or 27 villages of the Charotar region, known as Chha Gaam, sat gam, and satyavish gam in Gujarati. But they don’t know much about the history of their ancestors. This book will inspire them.

Patel said that the funds collected through this book will be utilized for the treatment of underprivileged patients as Charutar Arogya Mandal provides free or concessional treatment to the underprivileged and for that, Mandal bears a deficit in millions.

He said, “We have been able to generate £100,000 from this book

till date. We will distribute this book to Patidars who live in other parts of India and abroad”.

Bhagyesh Jha elaborated that the book describes the main contribution of Patidars in the seven fields, including Health, Education, Animal Husbandry, Cooperative, Technology and Industrialization, and Philanthropic activities through various organizations and spiritual activities.

Pujay Dada Saheb recalled some of the illustrious members of the community including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I G Patel, former RBI governor; Bhaikaka Patel, founder of Vallabh Vidyanagar; Dr H. M. Patel, Former Finance and Home Minister, Dr Dinesh Patel, a professor at Harvard Medical School.

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In Qatar, PM Modi thanks Emir for release of 8 Navy veterans During a bilateral meeting, PM Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the release of eight former Indian Navy personnel, stating that India was pleased to witness their return home.

Although no formal agreements were signed during the visit, government officials highlighted that Modi's engagements in Qatar would contribute to strengthening cooperation between India and Qatar in various fields such as trade, investment, energy, and regional security.

In his meetings in Doha, Modi also discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasising the need to uphold peace and stability in the region and beyond.

PM Modi with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Doha

“We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet,” said Modi in a post on X

after the meeting, adding his visit had added new vigour to the India-Qatar friendship.

“India looks forward to scaling up cooperation in key sectors relating to trade, investment, technology and culture,” he said.

PM Narendra Modi and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed regional and global issues, including the situation in Gaza.

Eight Indian nationals initially sentenced to death by a Qatar court had their sentences later commuted to imprisonment. Just before Modi's departure for his Gulf tour, the Indian government announced Qatar's release of all the men, expressing gratitude to the Emir for facilitating their return home. It's speculated that the matter was discussed during Modi's meeting with the Emir on the sidelines of COP28 last year. The individuals, accused of spying for Israel, were detained by Qatari authorities in August 2022

Jain seer Vidyasagar Maharaj attains samadhi through ‘sallekhna’ Renowned Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passed away at Chandragiri Teerth of Dongargarh in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon.

He attained Samadhi through the practice of ‘Sallekhna’, a voluntary fast unto death for spiritual purification. PM Narendra Modi met the seer often.

The Teerth released a statement confirming Maharaj attained Samadhi at 2.35am. “Maharaj was staying at the Teerth in Dongargarh for the last six months and was unwell for the last few days. For the last three days, he was

observing Sallekhna,” the statement said.

PM Modi expressed condolences. “My thoughts and prayers are with the countless devotees of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji. He will be

remembered by the coming generations for his invaluable contributions to society, especially his efforts towards spiritual awakening among people, his work towards poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and more,” Modi wrote on X. “I can never forget my visit to Dongargarh late last year.

That time, I had spent time with Maharaj Ji and received his blessings,” Modi wrote.

Maharaj was the most renowned saint in the

Digambar Jain community.

Born on Oct10, 1946, in Karnataka’s Sadalga, the seer embraced spirituality at 22 and was initiated as a Digambar monk by Acharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj. In 1972, he was elevated to Acharya status.

Throughout life, Maharaj remained engaged in the study and application of Jain scriptures and philosophy. He was known for his command over Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other languages. He authored several insightful commentaries, poems, and spiritual treatises.

Cong alleges bank a/cs frozen, govt says £11.5 mn attached by I-T Congress alleged that the income tax department had frozen all its bank accounts, crippling its activities ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, a charge that was rejected by official sources as “misleading and misrepresentation of facts”.

Official sources said the IT department had attached £11.5 million in various accounts of Congress in pursuance of a tax demand pending since 2018-19 and following a process which applies to all taxpayers. The tribunal will hear the matter on Feb 21 before a final decision is taken.

At a hurriedly convened press conference in the morning, Congress treasurer Ajay Maken said the I-T dept had frozen the party’s main bank accounts on the “flimsy” ground of delay in filing returns years ago. He said the action had left the party with no money to meet daily expenses and was part of Modi govt’s agenda to “kill democracy” and turn the country into a one-party state.

Later, party MP and lawyer Vivek Tankha said on X that the IT appellate tribunal had allowed the party to operate its accounts with the lien (legal claim) of the IT dept.

With party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi also attacking the Modi govt, official sources debunked the charge as deliberate misrepresentation of IT proceedings which apply to all taxpayers - individuals and entities.

The sources confirmed that the department attached £11.5 million, following an interim order of the tax tribunal, and that the department’s action is linked to proceedings which dating back to 2018-19, arising from Congress’ failure to file returns on time. Even while appealing against the IT department’s action, the party did not deposit the required 20% of the initial amount of £10.3 million in dispute.

The sources also emphasised that it is normal for the I-T department to secure funds against the tax demand until the matter is disposed of. “The attachment followed proceedings in tax tribunal where Congress’ lawyers were present. It will be in force until the next hearing on February 21,” a source said.

Daanbhaskar Award conferred on Dr Ashwin Kumar Patel

Jaishankar, his Canadian counterpart hold ‘frank’ talk Amid little indication of any improvement in IndiaCanada ties, which have been upended by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist, foreign minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Melanie Joly had a “frank” discussion on the present state of bilateral ties.

This was only the first officially confirmed meeting between the two leaders since Trudeau’s allegations in Canadian Parliament last Sept of India’s role in the assassination of Khalistan leader Hardeep Nijjar. They

Khalistan separatists in Canada and threat from terrorism and extremism which, as Indian authorities have repeatedly stated, Ottawa has allowed to go unchecked. While there was no readout by either side of the meet, Joly said in a post on X they had frank talks.

S Jaishankar and Melanie Joly India hasn’t joined were said to have met in the Canadian probe into the Washington the same killing of Nijjar because of month to discuss the issue Ottawa’s reluctance or but that meeting was never inability to share any eviconfirmed by Indian side. dence with Indian authoriJaishankar reiterated ties. Joly also said she disNew Delhi’s concerns about cussed “Russia’s illegal invaanti-India activities of sion of Ukraine”.

While outgoing Canadian NSA Jody Thomas had recently claimed that India’s position had evolved and New Delhi was now cooperating with the probe, this was contradicted by Indian high commissioner Sanjay Verma who said for India to cooperate, Canadian authorities needed to first share “specific and relevant” evidence.

Interestingly, a Canadian minister seemed to admit as much when he told a Parliamentary hearing on the case last week that the concerns Canada has raised with India are allegations, as the probe is ongoing.

CHANGA: Renowned cardiologist Dr Ashwin Kumar Ishwarbhai Patel, originally from Changa and currently based in USA, who donated £300,000 for Charusat campus was conferred with the Daanbhaskar Award at the Charusat Campus on 15th February. On this occasion, Shri Ishwarbhai Vallavbhai Patel and Shrimati Maniben Ishwarbhai Patel (Changa) Cardiac Care Center was inaugurated and attached to Charusat Hospital by the donor family. The ceremony was presided over by Surendrabhai Patel, President of Kelavani Mandal-Charusat, Naginbhai Patel, President of Matrusanstha and CHRF, Dr M C Patel, secretary, Matrusanstha –Kelavani Mandal-CHRF, Dr R. V. Upadhyaya, Provost, Charusat were present. On this occasion, Dr Ashwin Kumar Patel's family, Dr Yashwantbhai Patel, Mrs Surekhaben Patel etc. were present.

In photo from left Dr Ashwin Kumar, Dr R. V. Upadhyaya, Surendrabhai Patel, Dr Yashwantbhai Patel, Mrs Surekhaben Patel, Naginbhai Pate and Dr M C Patel.

PM Modi launches projects worth £100 bn in Uttar Pradesh Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while launching 14,000 projects worth approximately £100 billion, praised Uttar Pradesh's progress under the BJP's governance in the past seven years.

He credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for transforming the state's business environment from "red tape" to "red carpet," attracting global investors. Modi highlighted UP's journey towards becoming a trillion-dollar economy, emphasizing the significant strides made in development despite past challenges of crime and unrest.

The PM said the state’s progress was in line with how the world now sees India as “a

guaranteed destination for better returns”. He held up welfare measures rolled out by his government for all sections of society as “real social justice” and “real secularism”.

“Our aim is to ensure nobody is left behind in the welfare stakes,” he said, declaring the arrival of “Modi-ki guarantee wali gaadi” in every village, town and city.

“Modi aaj unko bhi pooch raha hai jinko pehle kisi bhi sarkar ne nahi poocha (Modi is also taking care of those left uncared

by all previous govts),” he said.

PM Modi encouraged tourists to allocate 10% of their travel budget to purchasing local products, emphasising its transformative impact on local economies. He criticised extravagant foreign Indian weddings, highlighting the missed opportunities for employment and business back home. Modi promoted "wed-in-India" as a means of contributing to the economy, stating that serving the country extends beyond sacrificing one's life, like Bhagat Singh, to include working for its betterment.

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SOUTH INDIA

SC stays proceedings against Siddaramaiah, others NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has stayed proceedings in a criminal case in which Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah is named as an accused.

The 2022 case pertains to a protest march held by Siddaramaih and other Congress leaders demanding the resignation of K.S. Eshwarappa, the then minister in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state.

A division Bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice P.K. Mishra, however, refused to quash the criminal case against Siddaramaiah and Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, state ministers M.B. Patil and Ramalinga Reddy.

The apex court, however, stayed a Karnataka high court order, which had imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on the accused and had directed them to appear before a special court on March 6. The top court, however, issued notices to the Karnataka government and the complainant in the case.

Siddaramaiah

The case dates back to February 2022, when Siddaramaiah and others were detained for holding a protest to demand the resignation and arrest of Eshwarappa, following the death by suicide of contractor Santosh.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Devadatt Kamat, and Siddharth Luthra appeared for Siddaramaiah and others.

According to Singhvi, the criminal case was registered for exercising the right to protest and is totally against the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (1) of the constitution.

in brief

Four-month-old baby from STALIN GOVT PRESENTS Andhra sets a world record BUDGET WITH FOCUS ON AMARAVATI: A ' GRAND TAMIL DREAM' four-month-old baby from Andhra Pradesh's Nadigama town has captured hearts by achieving a remarkable feat and setting a record that has everyone talking. The infant, named Kaivalya, can identify 120 different things, from birds and vegetables to animals and even photographs.

Kaivalya's mother, Hema, noticed her baby's special talent and decided to share it with the world.

The family recorded a video showcasing Kaivalya's abilities and sent it to Noble World Records.

The team at Noble World Records, just like everyone else, was amazed. After carefully reviewing the video and testing Kaivalya's talents, they concluded that she deserved a special certificate, making her a world record holder at just four months.

The child's parents expressed their immense joy and thanked everyone for the support. They hoped that Kaivalya's story inspired other parents to discover and celebrate the unique talents their little ones may possess.

PUNJAB

SC declares AAP candidate as ‘validly Shubman Gill designated as Punjab ‘state icon’ for elected’ mayor of Chandigarh NEW DELHI: In a major Monday, the On victory for the Aam Aadmi Supreme Court had Party, the Supreme Court on expressed concern at the Tuesday declared party possibility of horse trading candidate Kuldeep Kumar as against the background of ‘validly elected’ Mayor of the Chandigarh mayoral Chandigarh, after directing polls.

Kuldeep Kumar 8 ‘invalid’ votes to be treated “What we propose to do as valid. The Court also directed issuance is to direct the Deputy Commissioner, of a show cause notice to returning officer who is the prescribed authority, to appoint Anil Masih. a fresh Returning Officer. We will ensure that the Returning Officer…may be an These 8 votes were cast in favour of officer of the state who is not aligned to the AAP, and were defaced by Masih. any political party. The process shall be During the hearing, Chief Justice of India taken to its logical conclusion from the (CJI) D Y Chandrachud orally observed stage, which was reached immediately that the votes cast during the polls be before the declaration of the result. We counted again, treating the ballots defaced will ask the Registrar General of the High

by Masih as valid.

Chandrachud also said that the ballot Court to nominate a judicial officer to papers on which Masih had out markings oversee the process of the counting of the were those which were cast in favour of ballots. And let the results be declared on AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar. that, disregarding the defusement, which The Supreme Court said, “It is evident has been made by the returning officer that presiding officer made deliberate either in the form of putting any mark or attempt to deface 8 ballot papers.” whatever on the ballot papers. Let that be Reacting to the court’s order, AAP carried out,” a bench presided by national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Chandrachud said orally before directing Arvind Kejriwal said, “Thank you SC for that the ballot papers be produced before saving democracy in these difficult times!” the court.

Lok Sabha polls CHANDIGARH: Given his rising status in international cricket, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer’s office has designated Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as a “state icon” for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

In a statement, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said that Gill will engage in various campaigns aimed at voter awareness to ensure a voting percentage of 70 per cent. The poll panel has set the target of “Is Vaar 70 Paar”.

Punjab had recorded a voter turnout of 65.96 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls for the 13 seats.

The CEO said Gill, popular among sports enthusiasts, especially the youth, has been appointed as a “state icon” for the polls. He said that in a meeting with all deputy commissioners of Punjab, they were asked to identify such areas where the voting percentage was low during the last elections.

The officer said that awareness campaigns and appeals made by Shubman Gill in such areas would motivate the voters and help increase the turnout. Earlier, popular Punjabi singer Tarsem Jassar had been selected as a ‘state icon’ and he too would conduct similar campaigns, he said.

WEST BENGAL

SC rejects Sandeshkhali violence PIL, says ‘don’t compare it with Manipur’ NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a court-monitored CBI or SIT probe into recent violence in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali village. It said Calcutta high court has already taken suo motu cognisance of the incident, and asked petitioner to approach HC. “Local high court will be best to assess situation. Let there be no dual forums,” SC said.

Petitioner-lawyer Alakh Alok Srivastava said SC had earlier formed a committee of three former women high court judges to oversee probe, relief and remedial measures in violence-hit Manipur. Srivastava alleged disturbing incidents, too, have come to light in Sandeshkhali where a number of women claimed they had been raped.

“Please do not compare with what happened in Manipur to what happened here,” a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih said.

TMC leader held for rape, murder bid Trinamool Congress functionary Shibaprasad (Shibu) Hazra was arrested in Sandeshkhali after a court allowed Bengal police to add gang rape and attempt-tomurder charges against him and fellow party functionary Uttam Sardar, who is already in custody. Hazra, the Sandeshkhali II block president, and Sardar, a zilla parishad member, are close aides of fugitive TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan.

The developments unfolded swiftly after a woman, who had earlier lodged a complaint of molestation against the duo, alleged gang rape and attempt to murder in an in-camera statement before a judicial magistrate. The developments came amid scrutiny by multiple agencies in Sandeshkhali Block II, where women have been protesting against Hazra and Sardar, keeping the area in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district tense for the past few days.

Sandeshkhali has been witnessing protests

since Feb 7 against the associates of Shahjahan, who has evaded authorities since Jan 5 when villagers attacked and wounded three ED officers during a search operation at his home as part of an investigation into an alleged ration scam.

Governor seeks SIT probe Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose called for a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the alleged sexual assault of women. The Governor's remarks came days after he visited the trouble-torn area and met the protesting women. Bose assured the "tortured" women, who tied rakhis on his wrist, all possible help to get justice.

Several workers and supporters of the BJP clashed with police personnel in another part of North 24 Parganas district.

Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar was injured during a protest programme in Taki area. Majumdar suffered minor injuries after he fell on a car's bonnet after being "pushed" by an unidentified woman.

The Tamil Nadu government presented its budget for the year 2024-25, premising the exercise on the "7 grand Tamil dream," that included social justice and women's welfare at the core. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the budget and made a slew of announcements. This included the "Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam," a housing scheme named after the late DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. As per the scheme, 800,000 concrete houses will be constructed in rural areas across the state to make it 'hut-free' by 2030, he said. Social justice, welfare of the marginalised, making Tamil youth global achievers were among the 7 goals, Thennarasu said in his budget speech.

Among others, he announced allocating £30 million in budget for civic amenities including roads for areas nearby city corporations.

TELANGANA CM ASSURES STUDENTS LIVING ABROAD Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his distress over the recent attacks on Indian students in the US and urged the External Affairs Minister to address the issue.

He also announced the launch of a help desk for students living abroad. This announcement comes after the attack on Syed Mazhar Ali, a student from Hyderabad, by four robbers in Chicago recently. This follows a fatal attack on B Shreyas Reddy, who was killed in Ohio. “I request Hon'ble External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kindly convey our concerns over the safety of our students and citizens living there. My government will set up a dedicated help desk for all youth living in the USA and other countries, especially students, to ensure all their needs are met. It is my assurance to all citizens of Telangana," the chief minister said.

ANOTHER PROTESTING FARMER DIES OF HEART ATTACK One of the farmers who, along with other farmers, was protesting outside the house of former chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh in Patiala, died of suspected heart attack.

According to information, Narinderpal had reached the Patiala dharna with his colleagues on February 17. On Sunday night, when his health suddenly started to deteriorate, he asked his fellow farmers to take him back to the village. On way to the village, his condition deteriorated. Narindrapal was rushed to Government Rajindra Hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead. A resident of Bathoi Kalan village in Patiala, the deceased farmer has two daughters and a son. This is the third such death during the recent farmers' protests. The first death was reported from the Shambhu border, the second from Khanauri.

TMC NETA MIMI PUTS IN PAPERS AS JADAVPUR MP Bengali actor-parliamentarian Mimi Chakraborty handed her resignation as a Trinamool MP to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, explaining that “politics is not my cup of tea”. Following a 15-minute meet with Banerjee, Mimi conveyed her reluctance to stand as a candidate in upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Although the CM had not accepted her resignation, Mimi expressed her wish to remain as a “worker and not a leader”. The MP for Jadavpur constituency had faced criticism from local leaders regarding the progress of development work in the area. “I had to often hear that I failed to deliver since I am an actor. But I am number one in spending MPLADS funds. If you check the official website, you will find it. I do not brag,” she said. Mimi said her decision to resign was not to pressure the party into nominating her for the LS polls.

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Need international cooperation to deal Jnanpith award for Gulzar, Rambhadracharya with AI, crypto challenge: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global cooperation on AI and crypto currency, advocating for inclusive, smart, transparent and green governance. Speaking at the World Govt Summit in Dubai, he emphasised prioritising ease of living, justice, mobility, innovation, and business in public service approaches. “People should neither feel the absence of govt, nor should there be pressure from govt.

Govts have to ensure that there is minimum government interference in people’s lives,” the PM said.

Modi emphasised the need for global cooperation amidst interconnected challenges. Governments must

Narendra Modi

balance national sovereignty with adherence to international laws, addressing issues like food security, health, and education. He highlighted concerns such as terrorism and climate change, noting technology's role as a significant disruptor, for better or worse. “On

Jaishankar meets Cameron, discusses India-UK relation During the Munich Security Conference in Germany, India's foreign minister S Jaishankar held discussions with his British counterpart David Cameron regarding bilateral cooperation, as well as David Cameron & S Jaishankar global and regional issues.

Jaishankar was attending the 60th edition of the conference, renowned as the world's leading forum for international security debates. Scheduled to participate in a panel discussion titled 'Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities,' alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Jaishankar also held discussions with Peru's Foreign Minister Javier GonzalezOlaechea, focusing on UN reform and economic cooperation, before his meeting with Cameron.

"Started my engagements at #MunichSecurity Conference by meeting UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron. A good discussion on our bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues," Jaishankar posted on his official X handle along with a photo of the meeting.

"Also exchanged views on the cricket match," the minister said referring to the India-England test match at Rajkot, given the love both the countries share for what is known as the 'gentleman's game'.

Additionally, Jaishankar joined a ministerial lunch discussion titled 'Vishwa Mitra: Bridging Divides' at the Munich conference. This session, co-hosted by the Indian Embassy and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), saw participation of various dignitaries.

Ahmedabad office of ABPL enters its 19th year of working

The Ahmedabad office of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar has entered the 19th year of working after completing 18 years on 16th February. The Director of AB Publication (India) Pvt, Dr. Urviben B Parekh attended the special prayers and lighted the lamp on the occasion. Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, C.B. Patel joined via video call from London and reminisced the memories of late Bhupatrai Parekh, a senior journalist, and his wife Sarlaben who had made valuable contributions in setting up the Ahmedabad office. He said that his decades-old relationship with Bhupatbhai and Sarlaben has been maintained with the same passion and warmth to his son Dr. Bhavesh (Senior Oncologist) and his Daughter-in-Law, Dr. Urvi Parekh.

the one hand, there are domestic concerns, on the other hand, the international system seems in disarray,” Modi said He said that in his 23 years in govt, at the Centre and in Gujarat, he had worked on the philosophy of “minimum govt, maximum governance” and laid emphasis on creating an environment that generated a spirit of enterprise and energy among citizens.

“Along with a top-down and bottoms up approach, we also move with a whole of society approach,” he said.

The Prime Minister

said, looking at the future, govts have to strike a balance between national sovereignty and international interdependence and retain commitment towards international rule of law while working in national interest. “How do we expand national progress and increase our contribution towards global good? How do we take advantage of digital technology and stay away from its negative influence? How do we put our effort towards global peace and still work towards combating terror. Keeping in mind all these factors we have to do our planning for the future,” Modi said.

Greece PM Mitsotakis arrives in India for crucial talks Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a state visit to India, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The visit highlights the growing economic, cultural, and defence cooperation between India and Greece. It underscores the shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties and addressing common challenges. The visit is expected to yield significant outcomes in trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and defence cooperation.

Both countries are poised to explore new avenues for collaboration and reinforce their commitment to a future of mutual prosperity and cooperation.

Mitsotakis was accompanied by senior officials and a highpowered business delegation. Mitsotakis will be the

chief guest and keynote speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue, 2024 in New Delhi.

He will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens.

"PM Mitsotakis will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Prime Minister Modi and Mitsotakis will hold bilateral discussions and PM Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary," a release added.

The India-Greece relations have been elevated to 'Strategic Partnership' during PM Modi's visit to Greece in August 2023. They are based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, and collaboration in the fields of security and defence, shipping, maritime and are marked by convergence on regional and global issues.

Kejriwal skips ED summons for 6th time Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s refusal on Monday to appear before Enforcement Directorate for taking questions about the liquor scam did not surprise the agency where sources maintained that the AAP chief has been trying to push the matter closer to Lok Sabha polls so that he can cite his campaign commitments to avoid meeting the probe team.

“He is seeking to run out the clock,” said a source, adding that repeated refusals to face ED team has not helped accused in courts. “This is straight off the playbook of many other accused and it does not work,” said the source. “He is going the same way as

Arvind Kejriwal

Hemant Soren who did the same with little success,” said the source in reference to the former Jharkhand CM who was arrested after missing multiple summons from ED. Soren was arrested recently and has failed to get bail so far.

Another source emphasised that defiance of summons by probe agencies is an offence for which the person concerned is liable to be prosecuted.

Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Gulzar

Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been named the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award, the Jnanpith selection committee said.

Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is celebrated for his works in Hindi cinema and is considered one of the finest Urdu poets of this era.

Rambhadracharya, the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of more than 240 books and texts, including four epics.

Gulzar received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, Padma Bhushan in 2004, and at least five National Film awards for his works.

Some of his finest works include the song "Jai Ho" for the film "Slumdog Millionaire", which received an Oscar award in 2009 and a Grammy Award in 2010, and songs for critically acclaimed films such as "Maachhis" (1996), "Omkara" (2006), "Dil Se..." (1998), and "Guru" (2007), among others.

Gulzar also directed some timeless award-winning classics, including "Koshish" (1972), "Parichay" (1972), "Mausam" (1975), "Ijaazat" (1977), and the television serial "Mirza Ghalib" (1988). Rambhadracharya is one of the four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect and has been holding this position since 1982.

A polyglot who speaks 22 languages, Rambhadracharya is a poet and writer in several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili. In 2015, he received the Padma Vibhushan award. Jnanpith Award is given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. This is the second time the award is being given for Sanskrit language and the fifth time for Urdu language.

Party chief Nadda among 4 BJP nominees file papers for Rajya Sabha poll

All four BJP nominees, including party president J P Nadda, filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha poll from Gujarat. Besides Nadda, the party has nominated Jashvantsinh Parmar, Govind Dholakia and Mayank Nayak for the February 27 election.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state BJP chief C R Paatil joined Nadda at the state assembly complex to submit nomination papers. Rita Mehta, the returning officer, accepted the nominations of the four BJP candidates. Another individual, Paresh Mulani, filed his nomination but lacks MLA support, rendering it invalid as per the rules, Mehta clarified.

With no opposition candidates and the deadline for nominations passed last week, the four BJP nominees are poised to win uncontested. With a vast majority of 156 MLAs in the 182member Gujarat assembly belonging to the BJP, the party is expected to secure all four seats. Currently, two seats held by the BJP and two by the Congress will become vacant soon, with the Congress having sent two candidates, Amee Yagnik and Naran Rathwa, to the Rajya Sabha in 2018.

Union ministers Parshottam Rupala and Mansukh Mandaviya had won the 2018 Rajya Sabha elections from the state. Rupala and Mandaviya, who have not renominated for the Rajya Sabha this time, are likely to be fielded for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Nayak, an Other Backward Class (OBC) leader, currently leads the party's OBC morcha. Dholakia, the founder and chairman of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Private Limited, a diamond manufacturing and exporting company in Surat, is renowned for his philanthropic endeavors. The Rajya Sabha elections for 56 seats across 15 states, scheduled for February 27, were announced by the Election Commission last month.

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

Historic inauguration of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi Continued from page 1 The BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, embodying the spirit of cultural inclusivity, interfaith harmony, and community collaboration.

When Prime Minister Modi arrived at the mandir, was warmly welcomed by community members from across India and the UAE as well as religious leaders from diverse faith communities.

During an extensive interactive tour of the temple campus, PM Modi was briefed about some of the inspiring features of the Mandir that promote universal compassion, respect, charity, and learning.

Inside the Mandir, upon seeing His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, PM Modi bowed respectfully to the global Hindu leader, before participating in a short Vedic ceremony paying homage to the seven Hindu deities enshrined under the seven spires of the Mandir, themselves reflecting the unity of the seven emirates of the UAE. His Holiness and Modi then conducted the first grand arti (ceremony of light) of the deities – which was simultaneously performed by thousands at BAPS temples and homes across the world, with millions more watching online through the live webcast.

In his keynote address, PM Modi said: “Today, the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through this Mandir.”

“The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for all of humanity. So I have every faith that the Mandir will usher in a new age of faith and hope, bringing the whole world together in harmony and collaboration.”

“The magnificent Mandir that we see today in Abu Dhabi is because it was first envisioned years ago [in 1997] by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s heart will be glowing with joy at its fruition.”

“We must also thank my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi], because it is his generosity that has made possible a mandir so beautiful and magnificent. On behalf of all Indians, I thank Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the UAE Government.”

The Prime Minister then requested a standing ovation from the audience as an expression of heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasised the importance of the new Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony.” He then explained, “Harmony can be achieved when we do not expect harmony from others, but instead when we strive for harmony ourselves. For that, we must ask ourselves: ‘What can I do, what can I say, and what can I think to nourish harmony?’”

PM Narendra Modi joins Ishwacharandas Swami and Brahmaviharidas Swami in Holy Relic Ceremony, Scattering Rose Petals

His Holiness then added, “Harmony is the power of God, and humility is the way of God. With this understanding, we can serve humanity.”

He went on to pray for the prosperity, progress, and peace of the UAE, India, and the world. Sharing his sentiments on this momentous occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan first thanked Prime Minister Modi for visiting the UAE. “We are proud to welcome a great friend from a great and friendly country.”

The Tolerance and Coexistence Minister also thanked His Holiness for building the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He said, “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will be a place of worship and also a community centre.” He concluded, “I share in your optimism. I share in your pride.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

In his address earlier in the assembly, Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been leading the Mandir project from conception to completion, also thanked the generosity of the

Assistant Minister of Cultural Affairs for the UAE, and Religious Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Interfaith gathering at the wall of Harmony

UAE leadership and the leadership of Modi, and applauded the friendship between the two that helped make the Mandir possible.

Abu Dhabi celebrates ‘Day of Harmony’ with world religious leaders The BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi witnessed an inspiring celebration of interfaith harmony as part of the ‘Festival of Harmony’ commemorating the opening of the first traditional Hindu temple in the region. The ‘Day of Harmony’ assembly brought together spiritual leaders from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the richness of global faiths and emphasise the importance of dialogue, understanding and collaboration.

The event was graced by leading representatives from the major religions of the world: His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; Rabbi David Rosen, Special Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi; His Eminence Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of the Catholic Vicariate of Southern Arabia; His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Alzaid, Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the Muslim World League; Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, President of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha; Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, Spiritual Leader of the Namdhari Community; and Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President & Spiritual Director of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre. They were joined by Bawa Jain, Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders. Compèring the proceedings was His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to the Holy See,

Visitors in festive wear to greet PM Narendra Modi

All participants voiced their admiration for how His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a spiritual sanctuary where people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds are welcome to learn, benefit and contribute.

Bawa Jain, Secretary General for the World Council of Religious Leaders, expressed his profound joy, stating, “Firstly, I was overwhelmed by the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival in Ahmedabad, then New Jersey Akshardham – a wonder of the world – was opened, and now a lotus has blossomed in the desert – the Abu Dhabi mandir.” He praised the dedication of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, emphasising, “The great thing about BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is that once the Guru has made a

Mahant Swami Maharaj presents a miniture model of the BAPS Hindu Mandir to PM Narendra Modi

resolution, it is bound to come true; it is just a matter of seeing when!”

Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has led the creation of the BAPS Hindu Mandir under the guidance and wisdom of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, reflected on the significance of the Mandir, stating, “Mahant Swami Maharaj has written that this Mandir is more than just bricks and stones; it is an abode of love, peace, and harmony.” He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and BAPS by the UAE, describing it as a gesture of shared love and friendship.

The inauguration of the Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi signifies a landmark moment in fostering interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and global harmony. As the world celebrates this historic event, Abu Dhabi stands as a beacon of unity, tolerance, and understanding.

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Navigating the guilt of setting boundaries: Embracing strength and self-care Psychologist Mamta Saha

S

etting healthy boundaries is a commendable step towards self-care, but it's not uncommon to be met with a wave of guilt afterward. Many of my clients express this struggle, ruminating on the impact on others and the relationship. If you've experienced this, know that you're not alone.

Unlearning ingrained behaviours is challenging, often triggering negative thoughts and fears. The good news is, with a few simple actions, you can reinforce the idea that boundaries are not only positive but essential for cultivating healthy relationships with yourself and others.

Our society often glorifies self-sacrifice, portraying self-care as selfish rather than recognizing it as a crucial aspect of well-being. In certain families, especially in collective societies like South Asia, boundaries might be seen as disconnecting, disrespectful, or unloving, influenced by cultural norms. Here are three strategies to alleviate the guilt associated with setting boundaries.

Avoid Immediate Self-Judgment: When guilt surfaces, counter it with positive affirmations like, “It’s okay to set boundaries” or “You did well, even if it feels uncomfortable.” Resist the urge to self-punish; instead, use it as an opportunity for self-inquiry.

Consider the sequence: Feelings – Needs – Boundaries. Acknowledge your feelings, identify the needs they represent, and recognize the boundary set to honour those feelings and needs. Self-validation is vital in resisting blame, shame, and gaslighting.

Your feelings are valid. Your needs matter.

Clarify Personal Reasons for Boundaries: Connect with your values by identifying personal reasons for setting boundaries. Share these reasons with a friend or jot them down. When guilt surfaces, re-establish a connection with your values, such as increasing selfworth, reducing stress, and fortifying relationships.

Remember, boundaries are for your well-being, not to control others. Combat shame questioning your character by recognizing the legitimacy of your feelings and the importance of your needs.

Embrace Infinite Possibilities: Setting boundaries is a skill that improves with practice. The fear of losing something important, be it a relationship or opportunity, can be paralyzing. Counter this fear with the acknowledgment that infinite possibilities exist, and some can be truly fantastic.

If a relationship is at risk post-boundary-setting, consider that relationships demanding self-betrayal may not be conducive to your mental health. Lower the stakes by remaining open to positive outcomes. Embrace the positive potential of the unknown, acknowledging that setting boundaries involves risk and potential rewards.

Would you enjoy a deeper diver into these topis?My monthly newsletter is a subtle reminder that you're not alone in this journey. If you find solace in meaningful content, feel free to be a part of it. Download your free e-book at www.mamtasaha.com, connect on LinkedIn: Mamta Saha and IG: Saha_Mamta.

Wishing you the peace you truly deserve.

Avoid ingrown toenails Podiatrists encounter approximately 10,000 cases of ingrown toenails annually. This condition arises when the toenail's edges penetrate the adjacent skin, leading to redness, swelling, and potential infection. To prevent this discomfort, opt for nail clippers over scissors. Trim the nails straight across and refrain from cutting them excessively short.

Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Yoga poses for PCOS and thyroid management Yoga practices are thought to aid hormonal balance, potentially benefiting conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders. PCOS, a hormonal disorder, features irregular menstrual cycles, high androgen levels, and ovarian cysts.

Specific yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation can help manage hormonal imbalances and offer relief. Here are are a list of yoga asanas and pranayama: Supta Baddha Konasana: Also referred to as reclining bound angle pose or supine butterfly pose, this yoga posture stretches the inner thighs, groin, and hips, fostering

relaxation and tranquility.

Sarvangasana: This particular type of shoulder stand stimulates the thyroid gland and improves circulation to the neck area.

Halasana: Like Sarvangasana, this pose stimulates the thyroid gland and stretches the

spine and shoulders.

Savasana: Doing the corpse pose at the end of a yoga session allows the body to relax, fostering hormonal balance.

Balasana: The child's pose is a restorative posture that soothes the nervous system, indirectly influenc-

ing hormone levels.

Matsyasana: The fish pose opens the throat and chest, stimulating the thyroid gland and improving respiration.

Marjaryasana-Bitilasana: cat-cow stretch The improves the flexibility of the spine and promotes hormonal balance.

Pranayama: Breathing like Nadi exercises Shodhana promote hormonal balance and stress reduction.

Kapalbhati pranayama enhances metabolism and supports thyroid function, while Ujjayi Pranayama aids in balancing the endocrine system, assisting with thyroid regulation.

Stress affects brain, psyche Does makeup harm your through immune system skin? It’s more complex than you think

A global research team has identified a novel mechanism connecting stressrelated psychiatric disorders to immune system irregularities.

First author Flurin Cathomas said, “We were able to show that stress increases the amount of the matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), an enzyme in the blood of mice. The same changes were found in patients with depression.”

MMP-8 migrates from the bloodstream to the brain, causing changes in the functioning of specific neurons. In mice affected by this, it results in behavioral alterations such as withdrawal and social avoidance.

Cathodes said the findings are novel in two respects, “Firstly, they indicate a new ‘body-mind mechanism,’ which might be relevant not only for stress-related mental illness, but also for other diseases that affect both the immune and nervous systems.”

Secondly, identification of the specific MMP-8 protein could be a potential starting

point to develop new treatments for depression.

“If MMP-8 penetrates the brain tissue from the blood, it changes the matrix structure and thus disrupts the functioning of the neurons. Mice who are affected by this process display changes in behavior that are similar to those seen in humans with depression,” says Cathomas.

More studies are needed before the results can be implemented in clinical practice. Cathomas said, “Our work once again once again demonstrates the importance of the interaction between the immune system and the brain in the development of psychiatric disorders. These insights are already being incorporated into psychiatric treatment today.”

There's ongoing debate regarding makeup's impact on skin. Some argue daily use can clog pores, cause breakouts, and accelerate ageing, while others tout modern formulations as safe and beneficial. It's crucial to distinguish fact from fiction on this contentious issue.

Celebrity dermatologist Dr Rashmi Shetty shared makeup dos and don'ts on a talk show. When asked about makeup's impact on skin, Dr Shetty emphasised that it's the applicator that can be harmful.

“Most people don’t clean their sponges well. And then they say, ‘Oh, I cleaned it,’ which means that they have washed it with a little soap.

The bacteria will be sitting inside the sponge. And that wet sponge, you will be using it the next morning.

This is again bad. So, using disposable sponges is better,” she said.

Dr Shetty added that “Brushes are an absolute no,” too. “I always tell my

artists that for ₹300 you get a whole box of disposable triangle sponges. For blending makeup on your face, please don’t use a brush because the bristles can harm your skin quite a lot.

Even if it is soft, it can transfer the infection quite badly.”

She further advised caution. “I am assuming everybody is using great makeup.

Tubes have to be clean.

Close it well. Keep it clean.

Cake makeup should not be kept open. Now and then, you check the expiry date and throw the makeup away, no matter how favourite the makeup is. So, these are generally cautious things. Use a good brand.

Don’t leave makeup on your face for a long time. Wash it off. If you do all of this well, makeup is enjoyable.”

Simple and nutritious foods to boost productivity Maintaining peak productivity at work necessitates adhering to a well-structured and nutritious diet that optimally fuels the body, sustaining energy levels throughout extended periods. Overlooking the importance of dietary choices can deplete vitality and compromise productivity.

In a recent Instagram post, nutritionist Lovneet Batra wrote, “Balancing a busy 9-to-5 lifestyle can often lead to neglected meals and compromised health. Don’t let a packed schedule drain your energy.

Kickstart your day with the right fuel for maximum productivity. From buttermilk’s hydration to the energy boost of bananas, discover how these simple, nutritious choices can

transform your workday.”

She also shared a list of healthy foods you can consume when hunger strikes.

Buttermilk: A natural probiotic abundant in whey protein, sustains energy levels, curbs hunger, and aids hydration, particularly beneficial during busy work hours. It's best consumed

around mid-morning (10 to 11 am) for optimal effect.

Mint tea: Helps with digestion which counters acidity from excessive tea or coffee intake, and boosts refreshment while supporting gut health. Ideal postlunch to stave off the afternoon slump.

Banana: It fuels both

mental alertness and physical energy with their potassium and natural sugars.

They provide a quick, crashfree energy boost, promoting sustained concentration and performance. Ideal as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.

Roasted chana: A nutritious and crunchy snack which stabilises blood sugar, prevents overeating, and provides high fiber and protein for sustained energy and satiety. Perfect for mid-afternoon or prelunch.

Pistachios: It is rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, promotes heart health and stabilises blood sugar. A guilt-free snack that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients. Perfect for a later-afternoon snack.

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24 Feb - 1 Mar 2024

Mom-to-be Yami Gautam opens Actor Rituraj Singh dies up about feeling 'so special' of cardiac arrest at 59 A R ctor Yami Gautam is expecting her first child with filmmaker husband Aditya Dhar. The couple announced the big news during the trailer launch event of their upcoming film ‘Article 370.’ In a recent interview, Yami opened up about her pregnancy journey. She said she prefers to “excuse” herself if “someone is making her uncomfortable.” The actor said “life is complicated but pregnancy is a blessed time.”

“It feels really good and so empowering. Motherhood gives you a different kind of confidence and power. I’ve been working and have been independent all my life and all those things are there. But I suddenly feel so special. Something has changed in me and that change is for good. I feel like I’ve developed a different perspective towards things,” Yami said.

She added, “Being over-emotional during pregnancy is real. So, I’m not endorsing curbing one’s feelings but it’s also about getting control over them and knowing what’s good for me and my baby. My emotions might always be at the surface but is that good for me and my baby? I don’t know.”

“I prefer to be happy, eating well and having my family and people I love and am comfortable with around me. If someone is making me uncomfortable, I’ve all the right to excuse myself. It’s a very special time and it should be enjoyed in the best possible way. Life is anyway complicated but pregnancy is a blessed time and I don’t want to over-think anything…”

Yami and Aditya married in June 2021. Their film ‘Article 370’ will be released on February 23.

ituraj Singh, known for his remarkable performances in the film industry, tragically passed away following a cardiac arrest. At the age of 59, he had been battling pancreatic issues. His sudden demise has left his loved ones and fans in profound shock.

The actor, who had been hospitalised for his pancreatic ailment, succumbed to a cardiac arrest.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma blessed with baby boy I

n a statement, cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma announced the arrival of their newborn son, born on February 15. The couple joyfully revealed his name as "Akaay."

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma shared the news on their Instagram handles.

They said, “With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay and Vamika's little brother into this world!"

“We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this live," Virat and Anushka said.

Speculations about Anushka Sharma's second pregnancy began circulating online

in November 2023, particularly after her appearance at a Diwali celebration in Bengaluru before Team India's World Cup match against the Netherlands. Despite the couple's silence on the matter, keen-eyed fans noticed Sharma's baby bump during the

event, sparking a flurry of speculation and theories on the internet.

While Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma remained tight-lipped, former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers confirmed in early February that the couple was indeed expecting their second child.

"Yes, his second child is on the way. Yes, it's family time and things are important to him. If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for. I think most people's priority is family. You can't judge Virat for that. Yes, we miss him.

But he has made absolutely the right decision," AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Netizens and close ones has mourned his sudden demise and sent condolences to his family. Amit Behl, who was good friends with him confirmed the news and expressed his grief over the same. He said, "Yes he passed away due to cardiac arrest. He was admitted to a hospital some time back for treatment of pancreas returned home had some cardiac complications and passed away."

In his last appearance on television, the actor portrayed the character of Yashpal Singh, a cafe owner, in the popular TV show "Anupamaa." Rupali Ganguly, in the titular role of Anupamaa, frequently shared the screen space with him, as her character worked at the cafe. Fans appreciated his performance in the show, expressing admiration for his work. He has played different roles in a number of Indian TV shows like 'Banegi Apni Baat' aired on Zee TV in 1993, Jyoti, Hitler Didi, Shapath, Warrior High, Aahat, Adaalat, and Diya Aur Baati Hum.

Varun Dhawan, Natasha Dalai expecting first child A

ctor Varun Dhawan announced his wife Natasha Dalal’s pregnancy in a cute post on Instagram.

This is the couple’s first child. Dhawan shared a monochrome photo featuring the two posing and their pet dog, Joey, inside their Mumbai house.

In the photo, Varun is seen planting a sweet kiss on Natasha Dalal’s baby bump while she adorably cradles her belly. The actor captioned the post, “We are pregnant Need all your blessings and love #myfamilymystrength.” Meanwhile, congratulatory messages are pouring in from their fans, friends and loved ones on social media. Karan Johar commented, “Love you both!!!!!!! So so happy for you and the family!!!! welcome to best feeling in the world.” “Congratulations,” said Bhumi Pednekar. Arjun Kapoor added, “Daddy & Mommy number 1.”

Varun and Natasha dated for a long time before they tied the knot on January 24, 2021. In an earlier

interview, Natasha revealed that “Varun and I were in school together.

We stayed friends until we were in our mid-20s and then, I remember, we started dating just before I moved away. It was around then that, I think, we realized we were more than just good friends.”

On the work front, Varun was last seen in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Bawaal,’ opposite Janhvi Kapoor. He was also seen in a special song, ‘Heart Throb’ for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.’

He will be next seen in ‘Baby John.’ He also has the India leg of the Russo Brother’s web series, ‘Citadel,’ alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He is also reportedly set to star in ‘Dulhania 3.’

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Ranveer Singh likely to play ‘Shaktimaan’ in Basil Josephdirectorial

A

'Dangal' actor Suhani Alia reveals how she chooses Bhatnagar films to produce, star dies at 19 L S uhani Bhatnagar, known for her role in the blockbuster film 'Dangal', has died. She was 19. Suhani was seen as Aamir Khan's daughter in the film. Confirming the news, Aamir's company Aamir Khan Productions took to X to mourn the loss.

aunched in 2021, Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions has since produced three projects, ‘Darlings,’ ‘Jigra,’ and the recent 'Poachers.’ While the first two featured her, she’s only part of the third project as a producer.

When asked how she decides which project to star in and which ones to produce, the actress said she needs to know whether or not she even fits the part.

“Do you fit the part? That’s the most important question. I don’t think I fit every part, you know, so sometimes… and I’m working on a lot of stuff right now, which I’m not acting in. In fact, I see other mainstream actresses as well while we are creating them. I’m like, ‘Oh, this will be great for this one’… or actors.”

She added, “So, (it is) something that very

naturally happens. Even when I am in a film, I don't look at it only from my character's point of view. So how is everybody sitting in this? So yeah, are you right for the part?”

‘Poachers’ is directed by Emmy-winner Richie Mehta. It is also produced by Oscarwinning production company QC Entertainment, with Alia Bhatt as Executive Producer. Mehta, of ‘Delhi Crime’ Season one fame, said the series “fell into his lap,” when he asked for videos from across the country for a special project, and someone sent him a video on an ivory trade raid. He decided not to include the video in his project then but came back to it, hoping to make a full series.

The recently-launched trailer provides a glimpse into the heartbreaking reality of the merciless and incessant killing of elephants.

Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani arrive in Goa for their wedding

A

While the cause of Suhani's death remains unclear, a close relative of the actor said, “She died at AIIMS yesterday (Friday).

She was 19.” He did not elaborate on what led to the Faridabad-born actor's death but media reports suggested she suffered medical complications after a leg fracture.

"She was admitted on February 7 and passed away on February 16," a source at the hospital said.

Aamir Khan Productions tweet read, 'We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Poojaji, and the entire family. Such a talented young girl, such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani. Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace."

Suhani garnered fame after her role in Dangal (2016), where she worked alongside Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, and Zaira Wasim. Following her stint in the film, she appeared in a few ads. As per some reports, the cause of her death is fluid accumulation throughout her body after she reacted to medicines following an accident.

ctor Rakul Preet Singh and producer Jackky Bhagnani arrived in Goa over the weekend, a few days ahead of their wedding.

Multiple pictures and videos of the couple at the Mumbai airport and then in Goa emerged on social media platforms. Their families also accompanied them.

For the travel, Rakul was dressed in a vibrant orange pantsuit that she paired with a pink top. She kept her hair tied in a ponytail and opted for white sneakers. Meanwhile, Jackky dressed casually in a printed grey shirt, black pants and sneakers.

The grand wedding will take place in Goa in the presence of family and close friends on February 21.

Last week, the actress arrived with her family at Jackky’s house for the pre-wedding festivities.

They are reportedly going all out to ensure they have an ecofriendly wedding. The “green”

preparations include digital invites to save paper waste, a prohibition on fireworks, and a pledge to plant trees to offset their event’s carbon footprint. Beginning on February 19, the wedding ceremonies will last three days.

Rakul and Jackky have been together for quite a while, and confirmed their relationship in October 2021.

On the work front, Rakul will be seen in ‘Indian 2’ alongside Kamal Haasan. The movie also stars Bobby Simha and Priya Bhavani Shankar in key roles.

The first part was released in 1996 and starred Haasan in the role of an aged freedom fighter who decides to wage a war against corruption.

Meanwhile, Jackky currently awaits the release of his next production, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’ Helmed by Ali Abbas Afar, the movie stars Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Sonakshi Sinha, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles. It will hit theatres on Eid 2024.

ctor Ranveer Singh has a lot on his plate with two major upcoming releases, ‘Don 3,’ and ‘Singham Again.’ A Pinkvilla report has suggested that he may just have another big project in the pipeline. The report has said that he is gearing up for ‘Shaktimaan,’ another big film reportedly set to be directed

by Basil Joseph.

As per the report, ‘Don 3’ will be shot in India and abroad over a period of seven months and is expected to wrap up by March 2025, after which Singh will get busy with ‘Shaktimaan’ in May 2025. An unnamed source was quoted as saying, “Right after ‘Don 3,’ it’s time for ‘Shaktimaan.’ The film has been in the writing stage for over three years, and the team has finally cracked a script worthy of doing justice to the legacy of ‘Shaktimaan.’

The film will be directed by Basil Joseph, with Sony Pictures India and Sajid Nadiadwala as the producers.”

Last year, actor Torino Thomas hinted at a possible collaboration with Ranveer and Basil during an Instagram live session. He was live on the photo-blogging app, when Ranveer dropped in the comments writing, “Love from Mumbai.” Tovino saw his moment and started sharing he was talking to Basil about how Ranveer is going to have a good time working with him.

SRK goes shirtless in new campaign for son Aryan’s clothing brand

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uch to his fans’ delight, actor Shah Rukh Khan has gone shirtless in a new campaign for D’Yavol X. It is the luxury streetwear brand co-founded by his son Aryan Khan.

The label’s first collection was exclusively launched online in early 2023, and since then, Shah has not only been promoting it but has also featured in a handful of photoshoots. Aryan even directed Shah in the first promotional ad campaign.

SRK shared the new ad campaign on his social media account, wherein we can see his ripped look from the 2023 action thriller ‘Pathaan.’ The video features him with long hair and a beard, flaunting his toned biceps and abs. He is sporting black sunglasses and holding a glass in his hand.

Shah Rukh wrote, “Excited to see this now at the Mumbai airport… new lifestyle stuff coming out soon. I like the new cargos.” The clip sent the internet into a frenzy with fans showering their love. A fan wrote, “No one can replace Shah Rukh Khan.” Another wrote, “woooowww pathaan look.”

Shah Rukh had a fantastic year on the work front with three consecutive hits, ‘Pathaan,’ ‘Jawan,’ and ‘Dunki.’ He recently revealed plans to start shooting his next project in March-April 2024. Meanwhile, Aryan is currently filming a series titled ‘Stardom’, for which he is the showrunner, writer, and director.

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Bollywood actress Mithila Palkar to make Tamil debut A

ctor Vishnu Vishal announced that he is set to introduce his brother Rudra as a hero in a new movie under his banner Vishnu Vishal Studioz, co-produced by Romeo Pictures. The upcoming film is titled 'Oho Enthan Baby' and is directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar.

Now, the hot news is that sensational Bollywood actress Mithila Palkar is all set to make her Tamil debut in this film. She rose to prominence with the Netflix series 'Little Things' and has worked in popular

Hindi and Telugu flicks. Mithila is paired with Vishnu Vishal's brother Rudra in 'Oho Enthan Baby' which is said to be a fun-filled rom-com.

The project's shooting began with a puja ceremony. Director Sussenthiran inaugurated 'Oho Enthan Baby' by tapping the clapboard. The technical team comprises Darbuka Siva as the music composer, Dani Raymond as the cinematographer, Pranav R as the editor and Rajesh as the art director. The photos from the film launch are going viral now.

Allu Arjun reveals plans to turn Director Shankar’s daughter ‘Pushpa’ into a Aishwarya gets engaged franchise A Aishwarya had tied the knot with cricketer Rohit in a luxurious yet cozy ceremony during the pandemic. The guest list featured several important people, including Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin.

The wedding did not last long after Rohit, the son of a businessman, found himself in a controversy when a 16year-old girl filed a sexual harassment case against cricket coach Thamarai Kannan. Rohit was also allegedly involved in the incident. Shankar, who

ctor Allu Arjun will make a comeback as his famous character Pushpa this year with the movie sequel, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule,’ which is set to release on August 15 this year.

Amid the excitement of the film release, Allu has spilled the beans on planning a franchise on his character, with one more film on the cards.

was planning a huge reception in May 2022, suddenly called it off without any statements.

There was no information about the reason, but it was speculated that it was because of the POSCO case and Rohit’s alleged involvement.

F

ilmmaker Shankar’s elder daughter, Aishwarya Shankar, recently got engaged to Tarun Karthik, his assistant director. His younger daughter, Aditi Shankar, shared a handful of photos from the celebrations. Aishwarya wore heavy gold jewellery with her saree, while Tarun was seen dressed in white. On Saturday, Aditi took to her Instagram Stories and wrote, “And they are engaged.”

Speaking to Variety at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival, Allu Arjun said about ‘Pushpa,’ “we do want to make it a franchise.” He said, “You can definitely expect part three. We do want to make it a franchise and we have exciting ideas for the lineup. I just want to see how people abroad are going to see this film, and try to understand how they view Indian cinema, just understand how film festivals are and what kind of films are watched and what is the mindset of the people that come there.”

He further addressed the feedback he received about the film from audiences in India and abroad. “I didn’t find much of a difference [between] the way the urban Indians have watched the film and the people overseas. And I think urban Indians are similar to global audiences. So, all the things that they have liked in terms of the candidness of the film or the performances, I’ve got similar feedback from urban audiences in India and overseas,” he said.

Released in 2021, ‘Pushpa 1: The Rise’ became a huge blockbuster across India, making Allu one of the newer pan-India stars. The movie saw him play a daily wage worker turned red sanders smuggler who rises in ranks and wants to build an empire of his own. Allu won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role.

Rashmika Mandanna 'escaped death' as flight makes emergency landing A ctress Rashmika Mandanna recently shared a picture of herself after her flight reportedly made an emergency landing. She took to Instagram Stories to share a picture of herself with actor Shraddha Das, writing, “Just FYI, this is how we escaped death today.” A media report said the flight was forced to land due to “a technical glitch and extreme turbulence.”

The Air Vistara flight, which was carrying passengers including Rashmika and Shraddha, had a scary experience after a technical glitch came

up, and the “passengers had to sit through extreme turbulence.”

The flight was on course from Mumbai to Hyderabad during the turbulence, and it returned to Mumbai again after 30 minutes due to an “unforeseen technical issue.”

Reportedly no one was injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, Vistara issued a statement saying, “Shortly after take-off, a technical snag was detected on Vistara flight UK531 operating from Mumbai to Hyderabad on 17 February 2024.

As a precautionary step, in accordance with the standard operating procedures,

the pilots decided to turn back and land the flight safely at the international airport at Mumbai. The aircraft is undergoing necessary checks before resuming operations. An alternate aircraft was arranged, which departed shortly thereafter to complete the journey. All efforts were made to minimise inconvenience to the customers including offering them refreshments. We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers. At Vistara, the safety of our customers and crew is of utmost importance to us.”

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‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Poor Things’ witness major wins at BAFTA 2024 Presenter Deepika Padukone goes desi, wins hearts of international fans

B

ollywood actress Deepika Deepika presented an award in the Film Not In the English Padukone graced the stage as Language Category, which was one of the esteemed presenters at won by Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The the latest edition of the British Zone of Interest.’ The historical Academy of Film and Television drama is loosely based on the Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony.

2014 novel by Martin Amis. It The prestigious event unfolded follows German Nazi amidst the grandeur of London’s commandant Rudolf Höss, who Royal Festival Hall, where strives to build a dream life with Padukone, known for her his wife, Hedwig, in a new house exceptional talent and captivating which is right next to the German Auschwitz presence, added a touch of glamour concentration and international flair to the camp. She evening's proceedings. joined a lineShe walked the red up of carpet in a glittering white presenters, saree with a matching including backless blouse created by Hugh Sabyasachi, her go-to person for a great saree look. The ‘Fighter’ actor posted a series of her look on Instagram. Her stylist, Shaleena Nathani also posted a back view of the actress' look.

“Tonight at the Cillian Murphy Emma Stone BAFTAs," she wrote.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Colman Domingo

Emma Corrin

Best Film. "Poor Things" received five awards, with Emma Stone winning Best Actress. Da'Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress for "The Holdovers.

Oppenheimer and the acting winners could well repeat their successes at the Oscars in three weeks - although Oscar and Bafta voters rarely totally agree.

Meanwhile, 'The Boy and the Heron', made by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, became the first Japanese production to win best animated film. The two awards for best screenplay went to suspenseful French courtroom drama 'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'American Fiction', a satire about a US novelist who is dismayed when his spoof of the "black genre" of books becomes a runaway hit.

Best documentary went to "20 Days in Mariupol", journalist Mstyslav Chernov's personal account of the siege of the Ukrainian city Christopher Nolan in 2022.

Prince William attends function Prince William attended the function alone as Princess Kate recuperated from surgery. The Duke of Cambridge was spotted chatting with David Beckham and sitting Prince William next to Cate Blanchett

Grant, Dua Lipa, Idris Elba and Andrew Scott.

Oppenheimer dominates BAFTA’s with seven trophies Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, and director Christopher Nolan were honored at the BAFTA Awards for their work on "Oppenheimer," which dominated the ceremony.

Murphy won Best Actor for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, while Downey Jr took home Best Supporting Actor. The film secured seven BAFTAs, including

Florence Pugh

during the event.

As president of the BAFTA, Prince William returned to the function after missing the 2021 event due to his grandfather's passing. His attendance came after news of his father, King Charles III's, cancer diagnosis.

Deepika Padukone

Shah Rukh 'fan' John Cena sings G-Eazy mesmerised by song from ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’ India on his maiden visit A A merican rapper G-Eazy was left awestruck by India as he visited the country recently for a performance in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

In an interview, he said, “I was so excited not only to perform but also to explore the country for the first time. It’s a place I’ve wanted to travel to my whole life and I’m just grateful I get to finally go - it’s an added bonus that I got to perform there and do what I love. People used to tell me you have the biggest fanbase here and now I know why. I’ve been fascinated about the culture, the music, the fans, the cuisine.”

The ‘No Limit’ hitmaker

adds that considering it was his first time here, he wanted to also gorge on the lip-smacking cuisine, “I love the spicy green chutney, the biryani, chicken curry and the dals. I’ve explored local markets and the streets, interacted with some amazing people and it’s been incredible.”

In the interview, he also opened up about his toughest work. When asked which one of his raps he believes has been the toughest to pen down? He said, “Not the most difficult but I’d say some of the most vulnerable songs I’ve written - ‘Himself,’ ‘Running Through The Night.’

It was an emotional rollercoaster writing and recording some of these songs, but it felt important to share. It was about balancing vulnerability with staying true to my artistic vision. It was hard to revisit those dark places and tough opening up like that, but it felt therapeutic.”

merican wrestler and actor John Cena surprised a lot of his Indian fans lately as he sang actor Shah Rukh Khan’s song ‘Bholi Si Surat’ from his film ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai.’ Indian wrestler Gurv Sihra shared a video of Cena singing in Hindi during their gym session.

The video started with Gurv introducing John Cena as a ‘pretty big Shah Rukh Khan fan’. John said, "You never know what you can learn when you choose the path of growth. Here we are in the gym, so we are trying to grow, but there’s tons of paths of growth, and I’m gonna try my best to learn a song.”

Gurv added, "This is for you, Mr Shah Rukh Khan. It goes like this, it's a big hit song." As he sang the lines, John repeated them, “Bholi Si Surat…

Aankhon mein masti… Dur khadi sharmaaye, aaye haaye. Gurv shared the video and wrote, “Lifting weights and singing Shah Rukh Khan songs @johncena @wweindia @iamsrk.”

Reacting to the video, a fan wrote, "Imagine John Cena and

SRK in a movie together." Another person said, "Bollywood bound!

What a surprise. This is awesome." An Instagram user commented, "This is fire. Cena is singing Hindi song perfectly."

Another fan tweaked the wrestler's name to "John Saxena".

"Imagine him and SRK in a blockbuster or TV Series together!

Manifesting it," read a comment.

It’s no surprise that Cena is a fan of the Indian actor. Over the years, he dedicated several posts to him. In 2017, John shared an article about Shah on X. He replied, “Thanks for taking the time to ‘See’ it. Wish I can ‘See u’ someday. Love & health to u my man.” In 2018, John tweeted, "Neither power nor poverty can make your life more magical or less torturous-Shah Rukh Khan."

The actor had responded, "Thanks my friend for spreading the goodness. It’s important to inspire so many kids who look up to u as their hero."

On the work front, Shah was last seen in ‘Dunki.’ It also features Boman Irani, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. ‘Dunki’ focuses on the issue of immigration. The film was released last year on December 21. It's currently streaming on Netflix

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India thrash England for their biggest win in Test cricket Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a sparkling double century, and Ravindra Jadeja finished with 5/41 as India steamrolled England by 434 runs – their biggest ever in history to win the Rajkot Test in four days. Having to chase 557, England were bowled out for 114 – their sixth-lowest Test total against India – with Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav running through their batting order.

Jaiswal set the tone for India's second-innings total of 430/4 declared with a consecutive Test double.

Forced to retire hurt on 104 on Saturday, Jaiswal walked out on Sunday at the fall of Shubman Gill's wicket after he was run out for 91. And by the time Jaiswal and the Indian innings finished, the

only question on everyone’s mind was: "Retired hurt, who?" That's how good Jaiswal was. He went on a rampage, inflicting carnage during a quickfire 172-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his 2nd fifty of the match. The debutant went on a hitting spree himself, finishing unbeaten on 68 off 72 balls with six fours and three

sixes, but the day obviously belonged to Jaiswal, who remained not out on 214 off 236 balls.

Their collective beating of England was enough to set the visitors a monumental target, in pursuit of which they crashed and burned. From the moment, Ben Duckett, their centurion in the last innings, was run out, the

writing was on the wall.

Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow were all over the place, while Zak Crawley continued to struggle against Jasprit Bumrah. At 24/5, England sensed a semblance of hope when Ben Stokes and Joe Root tried to resist but all it did was delay the inevitable.

In pursuit of a formidable target, England encountered a staggering collapse, with only two of their top six batters – Zak Crawley (7) and Stokes (15) – managing to reach double figures. India asserted dominance over the English team right from the start, with England adopting an unusually cautious approach at the beginning of their innings.

Team India shines in Asian Indoor Athletics Championships After the end of the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024, Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur congratulated Team India's performance.

He praised Team India for bagging three golds, one silver and two new national indoor records. Anurag hailed Jyothi Yarraji for making two new national records in the 60m hurdles

event.

Reliance Foundation athlete Jyothi Yarraji won India's first medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tehran (Iran), winning gold in the 60m hurdles event with a new national record timing of 8.12s on Saturday.

He also praised Tajinder Singh for breaking the 19year-old record in the men's

shotput and sealing a gold medal with his 19.72m throw.

Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured a gold medal at the men's shot put event on Saturday.

Thakur also congratulated Harmilan Bains for bagging a gold medal in the women's 1500m event. He also praised Ankita Dhyani for

winning a silver medal in the women's 3000m.

Ankita Dhyani secured a women's 3000 m event silver with timings of 9:26.22 minutes.

"A fantastic kick-off to the #IndianAthletics season with our #TOPScheme & KI athletes achieving milestones on their road to #Paris2024," the Sports Minister concluded.

Dhoni to lead IPL’s all-time ‘greatest’ team Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was selected as the leader of IPL’s alltime greatest team which was picked to celebrate the success of the popular T20 league which was launched in 2008.

The selection panel consisted of former cricketers Wasim Akram, Matthew Hayden, Tom Moody and Dale Steyn.

About 70 journalists were also part of the selection process.

Australia's fiery David Warner and India’s batting main stay Virat Kohli were

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

chosen as openers while Chris Gayle was given the no. 3 spot in batting order.

The middle-order consisted of Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav and Dhoni, while

Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Kieron Pollard were the three all-rounders in the 15-member squad.

Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine and Yuzvendra Chahal formed the spin attack while Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah were the unanimous choice for the fast bowlers’ slots.

The marquee tournament will complete 16 years of the first-ever IPL auction on February 20, 2024. Speaking on the 'Star Sports Incredible 16 of IPL' show, former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn

echoed sentiments shared by many when he hailed Dhoni as the epitome of leadership excellence. “It has to be MS Dhoni. He has won everything - World Cup, IPL, ICC Champions Trophy,” said Steyn.

Squad: MS Dhoni (c), Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, David Warner, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.

Five in fray to partner Bopanna at Olympics India has five players in the top-100 of the ATP doubles ranking outside of world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna. The question then is who among Yuki Bhambri (60), Sriram Balaji (80), Vijay Sundar Prashanth (81), Saketh Myneni (89) and Anirudh Chandrasekar (94) will partner the 43-year-old in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The race is so keen and tight that another five ranked inside the top-150 Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (120), Arjun Kadhe (121), Niki Poonacha (138), Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli

(143) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (145) - could also count themselves in the running.

To just give it a sum, there’s about 700-plus points separating Bhambri from Ramkumar. “If all goes well, we will have representation in men’s doubles. Whoever I pick, we’ll be lucky if we get a tournament before the Olympics,” Bopanna said of the July 27 to August 4 event to be played at Roland Garros. “Of course, I’m hoping that they improve their rankings and

we can have a chance to play before the Olympics.”

Bhambri, playing alongside veteran Dutch Robin Haase, has a tricky opener in the Qatar Open, an ATP 250 Series event, where they’ve drawn Kazakh Alexander Bublik and Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in their opener.

“I want to get my ranking up to give myself an opportunity, give Rohan something to think about.

That’s the goal at the back of my head,” said Bhambri, who has teamed with Bopanna a few times.

Bopanna, who kickstarted the ‘Doubles Dream of India’ project, with the aim of helping the country’s top doubles pros with coaching assistance wherever they are playing, has fostered a sense of community between the players.

With the 43-year-old firmly logged inside the top-10, India is assured of a spot in men’s doubles draw at the Olympics, provided the 6’4’’ Kodava stays in the top-10 after the conclusion of the French Open (June 10, 2024).

Indian women clinch historic gold in Asian badminton

Teen shuttler Anmol Kharb delivered the killer punch once again as Indian women scaled another peak by emerging triumphant at the Badminton Asia Team Champiosnhips with a 3-2 victory in the final against Thailand in Shah Alam, Malaysia, on Sunday. China trounced Malaysia 3-0 to win the men’s final.

With both teams tied at 2-2, it was left to Anmol. And for the third time this week, the 17-year-old from Faridabad clinched the decider for India. Playing her first international tournament, the world No.472 displayed nerves of steel and looked like a seasoned campaigner as she took on world No.45 Pornpicha Choeikeewong. The contest was over in 43 minutes and there was no doubt about the result as Anmol reduced her rival into submission with a 21-14, 21-9 victory. Earlier, she had done same against China and Japan.

PV Sindhu gave a winning start to her team. Despite moving slowly on the court, Sindhu was never in trouble against Supanida Katethong 21-12, 21-12, an opponent who troubled the Indian quite a few times in the past. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand clinched a crucial victory for India. Up against world No.10 pair of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai, the world No.23 Indians worked hard in the one hour 13-minute contest. Treesa-Gayatri won the first game but the Thais came up strongly to take the second game to push the contest into the decider. At one stage in the third game, the Indians were trailing 6-10. But after the mandatory change of courts, the girls wiped out the margin and broke free from 15-15 with a five-point burst at this crucial stage. The victory was quite significant as this was the only top-10 pair Thailand had fielded in the tournament.

Rohit will captain in 2024 T20 WC: Jay Shah

Rohit Sharma & Jay Shah

The suspense over who will captain India in the T20 World Cup in June is over. India will be playing the tournament under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said.

“In the 2023 (final) in Ahmedabad, even though we did not win the World Cup after 10 straight wins, we won hearts. I want to promise you that in 2024 (T20 World Cup) in Barbados (venue for the final), we will lift the trophy under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. We will hoist India’s flag,” Jay Shah said at a function to rename the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Khanderi after veteran cricket administrator Niranjan Shah.

Significantly, Shah made this statement in front of a gathering which included Rohit, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, a few other members of the Indian team, and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble were also among the audience.

“The selectors are also on the same page on this matter,” Shah told reporters later, adding: “This call was taken by the selectors.” Interestingly, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is currently out of action due to an ankle injury, has led India full time in T20Is since January 2023. Rohit played for India’s T20I side for the first time since the T20 World Cup semifinal in 2022 when he turned out for the home T20I series against Afghanistan recently.