AV 20th January 2024

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE Meet the railway hero who saved 29 individuals from ending their lives

World looks at India as trusted friend, pillar of stability & growth engine, says PM

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How South Asian children are choosing their career options

Spotlight: Shoaib Yousaf talks career, wins, and aspirations

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20 - 26 JANUARY 2024

Choose the vegan lifestyle!

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

“RETURN OUR LOST HONOUR”

VOL 52 - ISSUE 36

Countdown to historic Ram Janmbhoomi inauguration

Compensation for Horizon victims announced, while some hint at racism, insisting no money can compensate for the trauma caused by the Post Office scandal

All set to welcome Ram Lalla

Veganuary, an annual initiative led by a UK nonprofit organisation, advocates and educates about veganism by urging individuals to embrace a vegan lifestyle for the duration of January and beyond.

Since its inception in 2014, millions of participants have committed to the one-month vegan pledge.

In 2023 alone, over 1,610 new vegan products and menu choices were introduced across key campaign countries.

Beyond the January challenge, Veganuary actively promotes and supports individuals and businesses in transitioning to a plant-based diet throughout the year.

Continued on page 15

L-R: Former sub-postmasters - Ashok Sodha, Baljit Sethi, Hasmukh Shingadia, Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh

Shefali Saxena

Victims of almost two decades old Post Office scandal will now be offered compensation to redeem them of their lost years, reputation, health and for some, their lives. The biggest miscarriage of justice in the UK where over 700 sub-postmasters suffered due to a technical glitch has now reached its pinnacle. Asian Voice spoke to few victims from the community who welcome the monetary compensation offer but their emotional loss remains irreparable.

Continued on page 12

With just a few days left for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the temple town is undergoing extensive development to transform into a smart city. Decorated buildings, widened roads, luxury hotels, and the construction of an international airport are among the bustling preparations.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony, including the installation of Ram Lalla's idol in the temple's sanctum-sanctorum, is set for noon on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the historic event. PM Modi has announced an 11-day 'anushthan' (ritual) leading up to the ceremony.

The seven-day rituals commenced with the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra conducting the atonement ceremony. As mentioned earlier, the ‘Dashvidh’ bath will take place on the banks of Saryu river. Prayaschita and Karmakuti Poojan will be held.

Water from 155 rivers worldwide, including Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and China, has been gathered for the 'Jalabhishek' ceremony of Ram Lalla.

Continued on page 26

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20 - 26 January 2024

Sunak pledges £2.5bn package, assures Ukraine's support Rishi Sunak has pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, declaring that the country "will never be alone." The UK has announced a substantial £2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine over the coming year, marking the largest annual commitment since Russia's complete invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The announcement was made by the Prime Minister, who, during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, signed the

Rishi Sunak

new agreement. Sunak emphasised the critical nature of the support, asserting that if Vladimir Putin triumphs in Ukraine,

his ambitions will not cease there. The military aid package for the next financial year, starting in April, includes provisions for longrange missiles, air defence systems, artillery shells, and approximately £200 million allocated for drones.

Notably, the package represents the most significant delivery of drones—primarily UK-manufactured— to Ukraine by any country.

The prime minister has opted not to commit to a financial pledge extending over several years.

New platform launched for retired consultants to return to NHS The NHS is encouraging retired doctors to return to the health service to help reduce long waits for elective care, making it easier and more flexible for staff to return to the NHS as part of the Long Term Workforce Plan.

The NHS Emeritus pilot scheme, first announced by NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard in June, will initially run for a year across England and help to bring down waits for elective care, but if successful has the potential to be expanded to cover other work areas.

It is expected Emeritus consultants will be able to

start carrying out appointments from next month following the full registration process, which includes preemployment checks and face-to-face interviews with NHS Professionals.

A cloud-based platform has been developed that links recently retired consultants – who still hold a licence to practice – with secondary care providers who need additional help with their waiting lists.

More than four-fifths of people on the waiting list require an outpatient appointment rather than a surgical procedure, and the new platform means consul-

tants carrying out remote appointments could be based anywhere in England, which can help those hospitals in areas with workforce shortages.

The platform aims to provide trusts with an alternative to using agency staff while allowing experienced specialists who are nearing retirement but want to keep working in the NHS longer, or recently-retired consultants who want to re-join, with a route back in with more flexibility.

Workforce data shows about 1,000 consultants leave the NHS for retirement each year.

Tory leaders press Sunak to strengthen Rwanda bill Rishi Sunak is facing increasing pressure to strengthen the Rwanda bill, with threats of resignation from Lee Anderson, the Conservative Party's deputy chairman, and private warnings from Kemi Badenoch that the legislation doesn't go far enough.

Anderson has informed government whips that he intends to vote for a series of rebel amendments, along with nearly 60 fellow right-wing Tories, when the bill returns to the Commons.

Business

Akshata Murty is expected to receive a substantial reduction in the tax she owes after donating her shares in the childcare firm Koru Kids to charity. The decision to donate the shares was made to eliminate what was perceived as an "unfair distraction" for the charity.

Had Mrs Murty opted to sell the shares, she would have been liable for capital gains tax on any profits.

However, charity donations are exempt from capital gains tax, and the value of the donated shares is also deductible from income tax.

The precise value of the more than 27,000 shares Mrs Murty donated to ShareGift, a UK-registered charity, in December is undisclosed.

Lee Anderson

Kemi Badenoch

Secretary Kemi Badenoch has reportedly urged the prime minister to toughen the legislation by prevent-

ing migrants from filing individual appeals against deportation. In a meeting with Liam Booth-Smith, Sunak's chief of staff at No 10 last month, Badenoch warned about the political consequences of not blocking individual legal challenges. She argued in favour of restricting individual appeals to the most exceptional circumstances.

Booth-Smith reportedly expressed his desire for the legislation to be robust enough to prevent individual legal challenges in private discussions with ministers last month.

However, the prime minister rejected the pleas from Badenoch and opted for the current version of the bill.

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Akshata Murty

The move comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a standards probe for not declaring his wife's interest in Koru Kids, a firm set to benefit from government incentives.

In August 2023, Sunak issued a public apology for the oversight, acknowledging that he "inadvertently"

breached the MPs' code of conduct by not disclosing Mrs Murty's stake when questioned by MPs. Additionally, he failed to rectify the omission in a subsequent letter to a committee chairman.

Initially, Downing Street insisted that the Prime Minister had strictly adhered to therules. Koru Kids is among six private childcare providers identified to gainadvantages from a government pilot initiative introduced by Chancellor JeremyHunt to encourage the recruitment of childminders.

CEO Rachel Carrell expressed that the focus on media coverage surrounding this investmenthas overshadowed efforts to enhance access to care for families.

UK study finds girls outperform boys in education A recent study conducted by Cambridge University Press & Assessment has revealed that, across various educational stages in the UK, girls consistently outperform boys academically.

This extensive research, the largest of its kind in terms of the number of education stages covered, utilised open-access data on educational achievement.

From early years of education before the age of seven,

where progress is measured rather than strict attainment, more female students demonstrated meeting or exceeding expectations. This trend continues throughout the education system, with a higher percentage of female students achieving first-class undergraduate degrees.

However, the study noted an exception in the realm of mathematics, where male students consistently outperformed their

female counterparts, maintaining higher levels of achievement from early education to A-levels.

Furthermore, the study found that male students were more inclined to choose subjects such as sciences, classical disciplines, technology, and business from GCSE level onward, highlighting a gender disparity in subject preferences within the educational landscape.

Shadwell woman denies killing girl in substance case In an Old Bailey hearing on Friday (January 12), 33-yearold Jesmin Akter, residing in Shadwell, Tower Hamlets, East London, pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and importing a regulated substance.

The charges stem from an incident on November 26, 2021, when Akter allegedly imported aluminium phosphide from Italy without

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Akshata Murty set for significant tax reduction

proper licensing. It is alleged that she scattered pellets of this regulated poison around her Shadwell flat to address a bedbug issue prevalent in her building.

The court heard that the aluminium phosphide, when activated by moisture, produced a dangerous gas called phosphine. This gas reportedly travelled to the residence of an 11-year-old

girl within the same building. Tragically, the unnamed victim succumbed to the effects of the poisonous gas and passed away in the hospital on December 11 of that year.

Currently out on bail, Jesmin Akter is scheduled to undergo a three-week trial at the Old Bailey, commencing on July 1, with an additional hearing set for April 19.

Careless driver in West London kills woman The family of a woman tragically killed by a careless driver while walking her dog has issued a poignant road safety warning, emphasising the devastating impact on their lives.

Elaine Harper, 65, and her neighbour Gloria Spriggs, 85, were on their way to Hampton Common with their dogs when they were struck by a Fiat 500 driven by Mandeep Kaur Gahbri.

The incident occurred on June 28, 2022, in Green Lane, Feltham, when Gahbri momentarily lost concentration, causing the car to mount the pavement.

70, a mother to As a result of the son Anthony, 37, collision, Mrs. and daughter Harper sustained a Katie, 41, as well traumatic brain as a grandmothinjury and sucer-of-four, cumbed to her played vital roles injuries two days in her family's later in the hospital. life. The driver, Mrs. Spriggs surGloria Spriggs Gahbri, 56, from vived but suffered a Richmond-upon-Thames, brain injury, fractures, cuts, admitted to causing death and bleeding. Her recovery and serious injury by careless took over two weeks in the driving. hospital, and she now grapIn December, she ples with dizziness, longreceived a suspended tenterm damage to memory and month prison sentence for 18 attention span, along with months and was banned ongoing physical challenges. from driving as part of the Elaine Harper, a caregivcourt's judgment er for her husband Stephen,

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20 - 26 January 2024

The nation should hang its head in shame In a recent announcement, British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law, that came into effect from Tuesday 16 January 2024, removes the previous 15-year time limit.

The Electoral Commission is calling on voters in the UK to help spread the word and tell friends and family living abroad to check if they are eligible.

People who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK parliament elections.

They can register online at gov.uk/registertovote and will need to confirm their personal information every three years.

The change is part of the UK Government’s Election Act, passed in 2022. The government estimates that the abolishment of the 15-year rule could mean 3 million more British citizens could be eligible to vote.

British citizens living abroad will need to provide details of the address and time they were last registered or resident in the UK. Local authorities, which are responsible for the electoral roll in their area, must be able to verify an applicant’s identity and past connection to the area.

The latest YouGov poll, which is considered the most authoritative in five years, anticipates the Tories retaining a mere 169 seats. In contrast, Labour is poised to secure a commanding victory with 385 seats, resulting in a substantial 120-seat majority for Sir Keir Starmer (see page 4 for full story).

There are already 25 Asian candidates standing for the 2024 elections, from across parties, Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith have reportedly resigned as deputy chairs of the Conservative party after defying Rishi Sunak by backing right-wing challenges to the Rwanda deportation bill. The rebellion on Monday evening by two senior “red wall” MPs had been regarded as a direct threat to the prime minister's authority.

The turmoil over the Rwanda bill has been threatening Rishi Sunak’s position since Suella Braverman’s revolt. The Telegraph reported: MPs will spend Tuesday and Wednesday (as we went to press), debating Sunak’s bill to enact the Government’s plan to send some migrants to Rwanda. However, a group of rebels around the former home secretary, have put down amendments designed to toughen it up. Some have raised the prospect of voting against the entire Bill at its third reading on Wednesday night.

The Tory problem is not the lack of a mandate or a

vision. They lack unity, which puts the country’s future in the unfortunate doldrums.

But at the same time, PM Rishi Sunak has come forward to announce compensation for the Horizon Post Office scandal victims. Seven Post Office workers of Asian heritage have reportedly told the BBC they believe racism affected the way people were treated in the Horizon scandal.

One of the workers who spoke to BBC Newsnight said: "It felt like they thought that you were a foreigner and you'd robbed them."

At the same time, many others, who were natives, without any foreign connections, were left bankrupt, severely ill, pregnant in jail or dead, as the scandal unfolded. As we went to press Fujitsu bosses apologised and came forward to offer monetary compensation, but as one of the UK’s greatest injustices, this has seen over 700 lives destroyed.

Many of the Asian victims (see P1), spoke to Asian Voice. There were several regrets, the story of collective injustices and the tragic loss of lives. But with all the monetary compensations offered and now allegedly delayed, while their current lives can be perhaps sorted a bit, what they have lost is much more than just numbers.

They have years of family integrity, hard work, reputation, respect, and local and social standing wiped off to false claims and technical failures – something no amount of money can fix.

The Sky News reported that: Nick Read, chief executive of the Post Office, said the company has still "not got to the bottom of" what happened to the cash paid by sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses in a bid to cover the false financial black holes created by the faulty Horizon software. He said it has been investigated two or three times by external auditors, but it is something "we have struggled to uncover" due to various issues, including a low quality of data.

The world has never been fair. But what comes as an utter amazement is how 700 people were punished for the same crime, without anyone noticing a pattern emerging over 15 years. A reader asked us how did the judges not feel alarmed when they saw 700 separate crimes that were identical. Did no one think of whistleblowing?

Britain takes pride in being a first-world nation with an absolute sense of justice and equality. This scandal shows how we have failed as a society and all those who were responsible and in authority for destroying those 700+ lives, should hang their head in absolute and utter shame till their last day.

India ready for a future of opportunities All eyes are set on India as the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is all set to open its doors on January 22 after decades of effort and anticipation. However, this is not the only good news for India, as the country recently secured 35th position on the Future Possibilities Index (FPI), a global ranking of countries well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities, and rightly so.

It is positive to say that India has been growing tremendously across various developmental sectors and a testament to India's continuous growth is the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, where the nation exhibited its economic vitality. During the 10th edition of the Summit in January 2024, India signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for 41,299 projects, attracting investments totalling Rs 26.33 lakh crore, serving as a gateway for the world to invest in India.

Thirty-four partner countries and sixteen partner organisations actively participated in the three-day summit, bringing together a distinguished assembly of global leaders, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, and CEOs of multinational corporations from various nations, fostering networking opportunities and potential collaborations.

At the inaugural event of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The world looks at India as an important pillar of stability, a friend who can be trusted, a partner who believes in people-centric development and a voice that believes in global growth.” Evidently, the year 2023 saw the most confident and bold face of India, a side the world was yet to witness. India took centre stage at COP 28, aligning global goals under the theme “one world, one family, one future”. The country assumed the role of a global ally, guiding nations toward a shared vision of global prosperity and not hesitating to take decisive positions.

At the valedictory function of the business meet, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that India is the most “preferred destination for production and investment.” The success of the summit is proof of Shah’s statement.

When it comes to infrastructure, after the Diamond Bourse Narendra Modi recently unveiled the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), recognised as Atal Setu, establishing itself as the longest sea bridge in the country. The 21.8-kilometer bridge, crafted at a cost exceeding Rs 17,840 crore, serves as a remarkable showcase of Indian engineering expertise. With aspects of underwater construction techniques and earthquake-resistant features, Atal Setu is a sci-

entific marvel poised to bring transformative changes to the daily lives of Mumbai residents. By drastically cutting down travel time between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from two hours to a mere 20 minutes.

India is also home to the world's tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir. After decades of construction, the bridge is set to open to visitors in 2024.

The 1,315-meter-long (4,314 feet) bridge is part of a broader project to enhance accessibility to the Kashmir Valley through the Indian Railway network.

Alongside the bridge, the Udhampur-SrinagarBaramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project includes the country's longest transportation tunnel and Indian Railways' first cable bridge. These infrastructure investments help beyond social integration, showing the world, especially our neighbours, that Jammu and Kashmir and its well-being and development is India’s responsibility and no opinion or interference is welcomed.

Moreover, infrastructural growth will help enhance India's global standing by creating a conducive environment for economic activities, improving the quality of life for its citizens, attracting foreign investments, and positioning the country as a competitive and responsible player on the world stage.

Economically, India is currently the 5th largest economy in the world. Ten years ago it was 11th and today every prominent rating agency in the world is vouching for its entry into the top three economies of the world in the coming years. Morgan Stanley Report on India 2023 predicted an economic boom making it the third-largest country in the world by the year 2027. The report predicted that the GDP could double from the current $3.5 trillion to over $7.5 trillion by 2031.

All those decades ago, when India opened up its economy to free and international trade, it was a way to rescue the sinking economy and now, the world is eager to engage with India for free trade agreements (FTA) and to expand trade and diplomatic relations with India.

This shift in the country has been possible because of the strong leadership of not only Narendra Modi but also his predecessors. Looking towards the future, the country has the potential to grasp opportunities with open hands because we have a strong government, a strong opposition to hold the government responsible, a young population and the world’s interest and attention.

Thought for the week "It is better to travel well than to arrive."

— Buddha

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel

What Trump II means for India Trump's presidency was a period of highs and lows for U.S.-India relations. On one hand, his administration recognized India as a pivotal player in the Indo-Pacific strategy, as noted in a 2020 article by the Council on Foreign Relations.

This was part of a broader U.S. strategy to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region. Trump's visit to India in February 2020, famously marked by the 'Namaste Trump' event, underscored this growing partnership.

However, trade tensions also characterized this period. Trump's "America First" policy led to a recalibration of trade relations, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium, and India retaliating with tariffs on 28 U.S. products, as reported by BBC News.

Furthermore, Trump's stance on immigration, particularly the H-1B visa program, crucial for many Indian professionals, caused significant concern, as highlighted in a piece by Forbes.

Defence and Diplomatic Ties: A Strong Foundation One of the hallmarks of Trump's tenure was the strengthening of defence ties between the U.S. and India.

The signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), the last of four foundational defence agreements between the two nations, was a significant milestone, enhancing their military cooperation, as detailed in an article by The Diplomat. This agreement facilitated greater information sharing and furthered the strategic alignment of both countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Potential Implications of a Second Trump Term Should Trump return to office, it is plausible to expect a continuation of strong defence and strategic ties with India, given the mutual interest in countering China's regional assertiveness. However, trade policies may remain a contentious issue. Trump's protectionist tendencies could lead to renewed trade frictions, potentially impacting the growing economic partnership.

Moreover, Trump's unpredictable foreign policy approach might pose challenges. His transactional view of alliances, as discussed in an analysis by Foreign Affairs, could lead to fluctuations in the U.S.-India relationship, depending on the issues at stake and the perceived benefits to the U.S. In conclusion, a second Trump presidency could be a mixed blessing for India. While defence and strategic ties are likely to strengthen, mirroring the trajectory set during his first term, trade relations could face turbulence.

Trump's protectionist policies and his penchant for unpredictability in foreign affairs might lead to a cautious approach from India.

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shown a willingness to engage with Trump's America while navigating the complexities of this relationship. The Modi-Trump rapport (remember the Howdy Texas event), marked by mutual admiration, could be a stabilizing factor, as observed during Trump's first term. However, India would need to remain vigilant and adaptable to the shifts in U.S. policy that a Trump administration might bring.

The broader implications for India in a potential Trump-led U.S. also extend to issues like climate change, regional security dynamics involving Pakistan (Trump blased PM Khan with a New Year message accusing Khan of protecting terrorists) and China, and the global economic landscape. Trump's stance on these issues will significantly influence India's strategic choices and its role on the global stage.

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20 - 26 January 2024

Diverse parliament and renewed voting rights, a much needed positive for the UK The forthcoming UK Parliament is anticipated to achieve unprecedented diversity, as indicated by recent candidate selections made by major British political entities. In the upcoming 2024 UK elections, approximately 25 South Asian candidates, between the Conservatives and the Labour, have officially entered the race for power up until now.

According to the "Diversity in the next Parliament" report unveiled

by British Future on Sunday, the representation of ethnic minorities, including individuals of Indian heritage, is expected to increase from the current 10 percent to approximately 12 percent in the House of Commons following the next General Election. This is a positive trend indicating that a diverse group will be responsible for a diverse population of Britain. This diversity will help better represent many important

Rishi Sunak

Sir Keir Starmer

issues that affect the diaspora significantly.

Additionally, in another positive, over 3 million British citizens living abroad have regained their right to vote in British General Elections and referendums following the implementation of the Elections Act 2022. This represents the biggest increase in the British electoral franchise since the introduction of full female suffrage in 1928. As of January 16, 2024, the arbitrary 15-year limit on voting rights has been scrapped and British citizens world-

wide will be able to register to vote online regardless of how long they have been overseas.

The enactment is the culmination of the ‘Votes for Life’ campaign, led by Conservatives Abroad - the British Conservative Party’s global network and has been a long-standing Conservative Manifesto commitment. This enactment, which ensures that all British citizens abroad can remain part of the UK’s democracy, comes despite attempts to thwart the plans by Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

However, despite various efforts, an electoral disaster looms for the Conservatives. The latest YouGov poll, considered the most authoritative in five years, anticipates the Tories retaining a mere 169 seats.

In contrast, Labour is poised to secure a commanding victory with 385 seats, resulting in a substantial 120-seat majority for Sir Keir Starmer.

The survey is based on the opinions of 14,000 individuals, being compared to the Conservatives' 1997 defeat by Labour. This potential electoral scenario represents the most substantial collapse in support for a governing party since 1906, marked by an 11.5 per cent swing towards Labour.

If the predictions materialise, it would virtually ensure Sir Keir’s party a decade or more in government, as no party with such a substantial majority has historically lost the subsequent election.

UK police warn Sikhs of potential life risks Surgeon to compensate schoolgirl for accident A surgeon, Dr Shanthi Chandran, has been ordered to pay £135,000 in damages after her car collided with a 12-year-old schoolgirl who stepped in front of her vehicle in Bicester in January 2018.

Dr Chandran, a consultant physician on her way to work at Milton Keynes hospital, struck the girl with her BMW i3 Range Extender at around 7:20 am. The impact caused the child's head to hit the car's windscreen, resulting in a serious head injury, a brain bleed, and a fractured left collarbone.

The collision propelled the child approximately 11 meters beyond the pedestrian crossing, almost reaching the entrance of a nearby petrol station. The girl, now

18, spent 10 days in the hospital, with three days spent intubated and ventilated.

She has been left with cognitive and psychiatric issues, experiencing nightmares and PTSD-type symptoms in the year following the accident. Dr Chandran asserted that she was driving at 28mph, below the 30mph speed limit, and that the incident occurred when the girl stepped into the road with green traffic lights. The girl's case argued negligence on Dr Chandran's part, contending that she was driving too fast for the conditions.

While Dr Chandran was not criminally charged by the police, she has been ordered to pay damages in the civil case.

Britain designates Hizb utTahrir as terrorist group On Monday, Britain officially designated the global Islamist group Hizb utTahrir as a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Membership in this group is now a criminal offence, with the proscription scheduled to take effect from January 19, pending parliamentary approval, according to the Home Office. Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that Hizb ut-Tahrir is considered an antisemitic organisation that actively promotes terrorism, including praising and celebrating the October

7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in southern Israel.

The proscription places Hizb ut-Tahrir on the same level as al-Qaeda or ISIS. Violating these rules, such as belonging to or promoting the group, organising its meetings, or displaying its logo in public, may result in up to 14 years of imprisonment. Cleverly, under British law, has the authority to proscribe an organisation if it is deemed "concerned in terrorism, and it is proportionate to do so," as stated on the government's website.

Sikhs living in Britain have reportedly been warned by police that their lives are in danger, particularly amid heightened tensions related to the separatist movement in India and allegations of intimidation by the Narendra Modi government.

Some individuals have received Osman notices from West Midlands police, indicating a "threat to life"

against them. There are concerns that they could be connected to alleged assassination plans in the United States and Canada by agents of the Indian regime. The warning follows calls for a more in-depth investigation into the sudden death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a 35year-old campaigner for a separate Sikh state who died in Birmingham in June.

Sikh leaders in Britain have expressed concerns about the Indian government suppressing dissent within the diaspora and attempting to silence separatists advocating for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan. However, there are counterclaims suggesting that some pro-Khalistan activists in the UK have been aggressive and sectarian.

The issuance of Osman notices, typically associated with warnings within warring organised crime groups, underscores the severity of these tensions. One Sikh who received an Osman warning initially believed the threat came from religious fundamentalists within the West Midlands community targeting him for speaking out.

Asda owners face scrutiny on debt, conditions TDR Capital, which acquired Asda in a £6.8 billion deal in 2020, faced questioning regarding the substantial debt employed for the acquisition during an appearance before the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee.

Gary Lindsay, TDR Managing Partner, downplayed concerns about Asda carrying £4.2 billion in debt in a potentially higher interest rate environment. TDR and the Issa brothers had

invested only £200 million to acquire the supermarket, opting to finance the deal by adding more debt to the EG Group petrol stations business owned by the billionaires.

Private equity firms, including TDR, took advantage of over a decade of ultra-low interest rates to engage in numerous debtfunded deals across various sectors. However, in a higher interest rate environment, companies that took on significant debt may face

Gary Lindsay

increased loan servicing costs, prompting the need for refinancing at higher expenses.

Under TDR's ownership,

Asda has pursued diversification, moving away from its core supermarket business into convenience stores, following a loss of market share to discounters Aldi and Lidl. As part of this strategy, Asda completed a £2.1 billion deal for 350 petrol stations and over 1,000 food-to-go locations from its EG Group sister company last year.

Additionally, in 2022, Asda agreed to acquire 132 retail sites from the Co-operative Group.

Ealing man with dementia neglected, left wetting himself An Ombudsman report has revealed that a man with dementia experienced six months without proper financial support, leading to instances of him regularly wetting himself.

The report attributes fault to Ealing Council for causing an injustice to the man, referred to as Mr C, as it took months to appropri-

ately respond to correspondence made on his behalf.

According to the report, the person overseeing Mr C, referred to as Mr B, raised concerns about the council's assessment of his finances in January 2023.

However, the council failed to address the issues until May. During this period, incontinence pads, crucial

for addressing Mr C's habit of wetting himself, were not provided.

The care home he resided in did not supply them, and he couldn't afford them personally due to the council's incorrect assessment.

The report emphasises that a mere £65 per month difference in the assessment would have spared Mr C

from months of humiliation. Administrative delays prevented a resolution for the severely ill man until June.

While the council eventually corrected the mistakes, the Ombudsman deemed the length of time taken as a fault of the council, labelling it as unacceptable.

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University lowers entry requirements for overseas students?

The University of York, a Russell Group university, has reportedly decided to reduce entry requirements for international students who pay higher fees compared to their UK counterparts.

According to information shared with academics and postgraduate researchers in an email from the deputy head of York's computer science department, the university will now admit some overseas candidates with the equivalent of BBC grades at A level to its undergraduate courses.

The email, dated December, stated that in response to current financial challenges, the university has opted to lower its tariff for all departments and pro-

grams for overseas applicants. The standard offer for undergraduate courses in disciplines like computer science, physics, history, and English, which was AAA, will now be adjusted for some international applicants.

Furthermore, the memo revealed that certain overseas applicants to postgraduate courses would be accepted with a 2:2, indicating a more lenient approach to entry requirements for international postgraduate students. This decision reflects a strategy to attract more international students, who often pay higher tuition fees, amid financial considerations faced by the university.

The University of York refuted any claims of reducing entry grades for interna-

tional students.

A spokesperson said: “The University has not lowered its entry grades for international students and they remain as advertised. The change in ‘tariff’ refers to a more flexible approach we are adopting to international offer holders who miss their grades. We already take a flexible approach for home students after we receive their results.

“This enables us to remain competitive in a global market. It also allows us to take context and individual circumstances into account. This is important for both UK and international students, as we recognise that inequalities of place and background limit opportunities to evidence ability and potential.”

Three Rivers District Council appoints new Chair and Vice-Chair Councillor Raj Khiroya, representing Chorleywood South and Maple Cross, is set to assume the position of Chair at Three Rivers District Council.

The official swearing-in took place during the Full Council meeting on December 12, with unanimous approval from members for his appointment as the district's leading figure

Councillor Raj Khiroya

for the remainder of the 2023/24 municipal year.

As Chair, Councillor

Khiroya's role will be apolitical, involving presiding over Full Council meetings and serving as the official representative of the council at various public engagements throughout the year.

He takes over the position from Phil Williams, who resigned as Chair and as a district councillor in October due to personal reasons.

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Doctor becomes UK’s first ever British Asian to win prestigious award in Orthodontics Dr Sunil Hirani makes history again as the first British Asian Orthodontist to win the prestigious Maurice Berman Prize in Orthodontics for clinical excellence!

Consultant-trained Specialist Orthodontist Dr Sunil Hirani is celebrating after recently being awarded the coveted Maurice Berman Award for Clinical Excellence from the British Orthodontic Society. This was awarded at the British Orthodontic Conference in Westminster, London.

This prize is regarded by many orthodontists as a once in a lifetime achievement award. It is the highest honour one can receive for their work in the field of clinical orthodontics from the British Orthodontic Society. Over the last 21 years, only 7 people have won it. A number have failed and Dr Hirani is now the 8th recipient of this prestigious prize.

The orthodontist can only enter for this award if they have been a specialist for at least 10 years. Three

cases are presented with full records including posttreatment records. The case complexity and variety must be difficult demonstrating clinical flair. Biomechanical skills are tested and treatment outcome and stability are also assessed.

Dr Hirani is the first British Asian to ever have achieved this accolade.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this prize by my peers as it is judged at the very highest level. It reflects a 20 year journey where I have utilised my skills obtained from around the world in order to help my patients and give them the best clinical outcome possible. I am especially grateful to the support I have received from my family.”

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Scan the e QR code or visit trin nityselt.co.uk to book your test

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20 - 26 January 2024

Meet the railway hero who saved 29 individuals from ending their lives Shefali Saxena A commendable rail worker, Rizwan Javed, has been honoured with an MBE for his heroic actions in preventing 29 individuals from ending their lives, making him one of the many unsung heroes acknowledged in the New Year Honours list. Working as a station assistant on the Elizabeth Line in London at the age of 33, Rizwan's lifesaving interventions earned him widespread praise.

Having received 29 suicide intervention commendations, Rizwan emphasized the significance of initiating conversations when someone is in crisis. His recognition highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges and providing support to those in need. The New Year Honours list, recognizing exceptional achievements, has awarded a total of 1,227 individuals this year, with a special focus on those who have demonstrated generosity and altruism towards others.

Here’s Rizwan’s exclusive interview with Asian Voice. lease tell us about yourself, your background, and your family.

I’m an East Londonborn, 33-year-old, Duty Customer Experience Manager on the Elizabeth line, based at Paddington Station in London. I’ve been working on the railways for almost a decade and I’m proud to say that I’ve had the opportunity to develop my career. I love the diversity that the railway environment offers, as well as the hustle and bustle of Great Britain’s second busiest station – we have 59.2m entries and exits into our station

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Rizwan Javed MBE

every year (according to an Office of Rail and Road report in December 2023).

My parents hail from Gujar Khan, a Pakistani village in the Potohar region. I have learned a lot from my parents, watching their selfless approach to life and community has left a lasting impression, and one I hope I champion. lease tell us about your role on the MTR Elizabeth line. How does it train you to save people?

My current role at Paddington Station is to ensure the safe operation of the railway, to hold a safety critical competency, manage colleagues and provide a world-class customer experience. It’s busy, it’s varied and you never know exactly what your next shift will entail, which is precisely what love about it!

When I joined the railway in 2015, part of my initial training was to attend a Samaritans’ course on how to identify, listen to and support vulnerable people on our railways. I am just one of many railway employees who have attended this course, and between us, we help hundreds of vul-

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Sikh woman returning from gurdwara killed The lead police officer overseeing the inquiry into the 2020 Reading terror attacks has informed the inquest that the assailant exhibited a "fairly indiscriminate" approach in selecting victims.

At the Old Bailey, Detective Chief Superintendent Oliver Wright from Thames Valley Police detailed Khairi Saadallah's actions leading up to the attacks, during which he fatally stabbed James Furlong, 36, Joseph RitchieBennett, 39, and David Wails, 49, friends who were enjoying a summer evening in Forbury Gardens on June 20, 2020, amid the initial national lockdown.

Witnesses reported hearing Saadallah shout "Allahu Akbar" as he carried out the attacks. Additionally, he wounded Stephen Young and two other nearby indi-

nerable people on our railway network every year.

The Samaritans’ course was incredibly useful, and gave me a real insight into the right way to approach a person I thought may need support. The course taught me how to identify vulnerable people, open conversation and take them to a point of safety. hat are some signs of danger that you spot early?

There are lots of signs that you can look out for and most of them are simple, if you take the time to pay attention to the individuals around you. For example look out for: - Facial expression - Body language - If that person is alone - If they are removing their clothing or discarding their belongings - If what they are wearing fits the weather conditions - If a person is on the platform but is continuously missing trains If you spot any of these concerns, you should gently engage the individual in a conversation. Start with small talk – work up from the weather. Show empathy and open a conversation that will enable you to express an interest in them, as well as ask specific questions to try and assess the intentions of the person.

Think, what you would want someone to do if it was your loved one in distress. ou’ve been awarded for saving 29 lives from suicide through your interventions. How will you describe your experience of saving those people?

Working to support vulnerable individuals has been

viduals, Patrick Edwards and Nishit Nisudan. After discarding a 20cm knife, Saadallah fled the park but was apprehended shortly afterward by an off-duty police officer.

CCTV footage from nearby cameras captured Saadallah preparing for and executing the attack from behind bushes, with the entire incident lasting approximately 30 seconds.

Wright concurred with inquest counsel Nicholas Moss KC, acknowledging that the victims had "no chance to react, let alone defend themselves."

Following the assault, 38 emergency calls were placed to 999. The court heard one of these distressing calls from a member of the public who believed that 10 or more people had been stabbed.

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an emotional, but very rewarding journey. Once I have supported any individual, I will ordinarily not see them again. However, a few weeks after one intervention I undertook, the person in question came back to the station and found me. She hugged me and told me that if it hadn’t been for me, she wouldn’t have been here.

Being told something like that, to have made that sort of difference, is incredible. I hope that all the people I have supported over the last decade are out in the world living fulfilling and happy lives, they are often in my thoughts. hat has danger and prevention taught you about the ultimate truth of life?

I have learnt to appreciate all the things that we may take for granted in life.

I also thank, and pray for, all the people that I have supported, because I am who I am today because of them. I may have changed the course of their lives, but they have shaped mine.

They have my gratitude for the impact that they have had on my life.

After my first intervention, I made a promise that I would do whatever it was, in my power to make a difference in someone’s life; and now I’m on a mission to remove the stigma attached to mental health, by inviting people to share their journey, because I believe it will inspire others, and that journey will one day be someone’s coping mechanism.

No one should suffer in silence - my aim is for people to be comfortable discussing their mental health, whatever their age or background.

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Inquest reveals 'indiscriminate' nature of 2020 Reading stabbings The lead police officer overseeing the inquiry into the 2020 Reading terror attacks has informed the inquest that the assailant exhibited a "fairly indiscriminate" approach in selecting victims.

At the Old Bailey, Detective Chief Superintendent Oliver Wright from Thames Valley Police detailed Khairi Saadallah's actions leading up to the attacks, during which he fatally stabbed James Furlong, 36, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, and David Wails, 49, friends who were enjoying a summer evening in Forbury Gardens on June 20, 2020, amid the initial national lockdown.

Witnesses reported hearing Saadallah shout "Allahu Akbar" as he carried

out the attacks.

Additionally, he wounded Stephen Young and two other nearby individuals, Patrick Edwards and Nishit Nisudan. After discarding a 20cm knife, Saadallah fled the park but was apprehended shortly afterward by an off-duty police officer.

CCTV footage from nearby cameras captured Saadallah preparing for and executing the attack from behind bushes, with the entire incident lasting approximately 30 seconds.

Wright concurred with inquest counsel Nicholas Moss KC, acknowledging that the victims had "no chance to react, let alone defend themselves."

Following the assault, 38 emergency calls were placed to 999.

Khalil Alam honoured for steadfast commitment to public services In recognition of his exceptional contributions and steadfast commitment to voluntary service, Khalil Alam, a respected community figure with over two decades of dedicated public service, has been honoured with a prestigious accolade.

The recognition took place at the Police Headquarters in Wakefield, where Khalil Alam was presented with the esteemed Police 'Long Service and Good Conduct Award Medal.' This award is reserved for individuals, like Khalil, who have devoted more than 20 years to the force, symbolising their enduring dedication and selfless contributions.

Established in 2003, the medal, featuring the crest of West Yorkshire Police, serves as a tangible acknowledgement of the

Helen Thompson, Khalil Alam and John Robins

commendable journey of public service undertaken by individuals like Khalil Alam. The reverse side of the medal bears inscriptions expressing gratitude for the recipients' unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of the communities they serve.

Vice Lord Lieutenant Helen Thompson and Chief Constable John Robins jointly presented the award to Khalil Alam, underscoring the significance of his role in safeguarding the well-being of West Yorkshire's communities.

UK deploys largest military force to NATO exercises Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced that Britain will deploy 20,000 armed forces personnel to one of NATO's largest exercises since the Cold War. The deployment is described as the UK's most significant contribution to NATO in four decades and is intended to provide reassurance in response to the perceived threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.

The personnel from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army will participate in NATO's "Exercise Steadfast Defender," alongside personnel from 31 other NATO member

countries and Sweden, a candidate for NATO membership. Shapps emphasised the challenges facing NATO in the current geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of the perceived threats to the international rules-based order.

The UK contingent will include fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, advanced warships, submarines, and a range of army capabilities, including special operations forces. A Carrier Strike Group, featuring the flagship aircraft carrier and F-35B fighter jets, will be sent to the North Atlantic, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea for the exercises.

Dr Amna Qureshi is tackling scams by outsmarting hackers Dr Amna Qureshi, Assistant Professor in Cybersecurity at the School of Computer Science, AI, and Electronics, is empowering students with the tools to outsmart hackers in a computer course at the University of Bradford.

In the backdrop of a challenging cybersecurity landscape where 39% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber-attack in 2022, and cybercrime incurred an average cost of £4,200 to UK firms in the same year, Dr Qureshi emphasises the importance of understanding and countering cyber threats.

She teaches the ethical hacking module, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that often lead companies to fall victim to hackers.

Dr Amna Qureshi

These vulnerabilities include misconfigured security settings, weak passwords, unpatched software, and unsecured network connections. Dr Qureshi's course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend against these evolving cyber threats.

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PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH HM GOVERNMENT

YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING TOOL KIT Small changes to our everyday routines that can brighten our mental wellbeing

Help in a crisis

Mariam Habib

Engaging in even a simple positive daily activity can have a profound impact on your mental health.

When Mariam Habib escaped an abusive marriage while pregnant with her second child, she faced barriers that inhibited her.

As a single parent Mariam faced many pressures and she recognised the toll this was taking on her mental wellbeing and the need to take action to help address her anxious feelings.

Mariam has found that creating a daily routine has helped her find her ‘happy place’ and supported her mental wellbeing.

She says: “Each day I make time to do some journaling for positive reinforcement – writing down how I’m feeling, for example, and what my thoughts are.

“I remind myself that I am beautiful, I am strong, and that I am in control of my life. During this time, I also listen to religious recitations – I find these

incredibly soothing and calming.

“At bedtime I do some breathing exercises to help me relax, clear my mind, and have a peaceful night’s sleep. My children are my biggest inspiration and through building relaxation routines I am able to be the best mum I can.”

Now, not only is Mariam raising her young children as a single parent, but she has also returned to her BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care degree studies and has been recognised and shortlisted for the prestigious YAYA Awards.

We explore the best practices from the NHS’s Every Mind Matters programme for doable actions you can incorporate into your everyday life to improve your mental health.

Find your little big thing with Every Mind Matters. Search nhs.uk/ every-mind-matters/

• If you are having thoughts of suicide, are harming yourself or have thought about selfharm it is important to tell someone.

• These thoughts and feelings can be complex, frightening, and confusing but you do not have to struggle alone.

• If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, contact one of the organisations below to get support right away: • Find your local 24/7 NHS crisis line at nhs. uk/urgentmentalhealth or visit 111.nhs.uk • If you are under 35 and experiencing thoughts of suicide, or for anyone that is concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide, visit papyrus-uk.org, call 0800 068 4141 (9 am – midnight, 365 days a year), text 07860 039967 or email pat@ papyrus-uk.org • If your life or someone else’s life is at risk call 999.

Find your ‘little big thing’ with these top tips GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Being active is not just good for your physical health, it’s good for your mind too. It can help you burn off nervous energy, and, while it might not make feelings of distress disappear completely, it can make them less intense. You might choose gentle online yoga classes, boogieing around the home or short walks in the fresh air.

MANAGE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS Sometimes we develop unhelpful patterns of thought, and these can lead to unhelpful behaviour, so recognising them and thinking about them differently can improve our mental wellbeing.

Try the free, practical self-help tips inspired by cognitive behavioural therapy at nhs.uk/everymind-matters.

TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST Talking to someone we trust about how we’re feeling can improve our mental health and wellbeing and help stop us from feeling lonely.

Sharing how you are feeling will help them understand what you’re going through

and together you can explore solutions.

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR SLEEP Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically.

Every Mind Matters has lots of tips for improving your sleep and an email programme to help you develop good bedtime habits.

GET CLOSER TO NATURE Spending time in nature – in green spaces like parks or gardens – can lift your mood and help you feel more relaxed. You can also bring nature into your life by tending to plants on a windowsill or balcony.

PLAN SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO It’s important to have

something to look forward to, especially when you’re finding things tough. It will help you counter boredom and lethargy and will boost your mood and energise you. It does not have to be anything complex to plan or costly; it could be fixing a time to meet with a friend or neighbour for a cuppa or a visit to a free local attraction.

TALKING THERAPIES If you are struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression, NHS Talking Therapies can help. These services offer practical psychological therapies that can assist with various common mental health disorders and they are free and effective.

Talking Therapies are delivered by trained NHS mental health professionals, in one to one sessions, in person or over the phone, and can also be accessed online via interactive websites.

You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies by visiting nhs.uk/talk to locate your local service and complete an online form, or contact them via email or phone. Eligibility only requires registration with a GP.

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Communities bid farewell to Sanjay Kumar, Second Secretary (Coordination) HCI A get-together of the Indian communities was organised at the India House to bid farewell to Sanjay Kumar, Second Secretary (Coordination). Mr Kumar was proceeding on transfer from the High Commission of India, London to Delhi. The farewell was an emotional and well-attended event, the attendees praising Mr Kumar for his service to the community.

Lord Rami Ranger said, “Sanjay Kumar is a gentleman who has always stood by us.

He is leaving a great legacy here. Each one who is working here in India House is the ambassador of Mother India.”

Dr MN Nanda Kumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan UK said, “I remember a verse from Mahabharata where, when Krishna was ready to leave, Yudhishthir and all the Pandavas were crying. Krishna says once the work is over one has to go back. When there is

Sanjay Kumar (in the centre) with High Commissioner H.E. Doraiswami, Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh, Lord Rami Ranger, Minister Coordination Deepak Chaudhary, HCI staff and community representatives.)

work one has to come back.”

Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh said, “The continued support from the Indian communities and association with the High Commission as a family will be a lasting tribute to the good work of Sanjay Kumar. The spirit of oneness should continue.”

High Commissioner H.E. Vikram Doraiswami said, “Sanjay Kumar was on the front where there was pressure from the office and the community. It isn't easy to be

a bridge. If he has won hearts here it is clear he has done it at a cost. Sanjay had an astonishing ability to take stress. To bind the community is the hardest job.”

In a farewell speech, Sanjay Kumar pledged to support the community and to always be available for the community in India. He said, “The support that I got from all of you was heartwarming for me. What I did was part of my work. The support from all of you is unforgettable.

Specifically, when there was

an attack on India House on 19 March 2023.”

Sardar Patel Memorial Society, Navnat Centre, NCGO, NAPS, The Bhavan UK, Maharashtra Mandal, Himachali Link UK, Rajasthan Malayali Association, Association, Indian Diaspora in UK, G 100, Women Economic Forum along with the representatives of various community and cultural organisations honoured and recalled the extraordinary support and service of Mr Sanjay Kumar.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh On January 10, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, at 10 Downing Street, London.

The encounter was marked by warmth and cordiality.

During the meeting, he emphasised the significant progress made by both nations in transforming historic ties into a modern, multifaceted, and mutually beneficial partnership, guided by the leaders of both countries. Rajnath Singh highlighted recent advancements in bilateral defence engagement, spanning joint exercises, training, capability building, increased interoperability, and military-tomilitary ties, especially in the maritime domain.

He also briefed Rishi Sunak on positive interactions with the UK defence industry, expressing optimism about the renewed energy in the bilateral defence relationship. He suggested that the UK and other like-minded countries collaborate with India to

Rajnath Singh with Rishi Sunak

in trade, defence, and technology domains.

He expressed hope for the successful conclusion of ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and emphasised the UK's Rajnath Singh along with Vikram Doraiswami commitment to and others at India House strengthening the strengthen a peaceful and defence and security aspects stable global rules-based of the bilateral relationship. order.

During the meeting, Rajnath Prime Minister Sunak Singh presented a Ram concurred with the Defence Darbar statue to the UK PM. Minister on the need for the The meeting was also UK and India to collaborate attended by UK NSA Sir Tim

Campaign for Dharmic inclusion of GCSE curriculum Parents from the British Indian diaspora in Greater Manchester have recently advocated for their GCSElevel children to be permitted to study Dharmic faiths and acquire GCSE qualifications in their chosen faiths.

This conflict arose as parents across the region discovered that most high schools do not offer Dharmic faiths, including Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, as

an option for GCSE Religious Education.

Despite these religions being present on several exam boards' syllabi, a lack of qualified teachers for GCSE-level instruction has been cited as the primary reason for their absence from the curriculum.

In response, the Hindu diaspora initiated a campaign involving engagement with their children's respective schools.

Barrow.

Later, the Raksha Mantri met with the UK’s Foreign Minister, Lord David Cameron, at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Both ministers acknowledged the momentum and direction of the India-UK partnership and discussed the integration of defence industries, supply chain collaboration, and the importance of bilateral startup-level interactions.

Foreign Secretary Cameron reiterated the UK government’s desire to collaborate with India in the defence areas, emphasising defence industrial collaboration as a means to strengthen support for a rule-based international order.

Subsequently, Rajnath Singh engaged with the Indian community at India House, London, where over 160 prominent persons of Indian origin attended the interaction, including Indian military ex-servicemen and family members of World War II veterans.

Don't be too harsh on yourself Rohit Vadhwana 'Oh, I missed the exercise today.', 'I couldn't complete all the work in the office.', or similar kinds of complaints against ourselves are often heard. We often judge ourselves harshly, and miss the real outcome. This strict self-assessment is because we categorise everything in YES and NO, positive and negative, success or failure. But there is no need to be so strict and so narrow in our assessment. Categorizing our actions strictly as 'YES' or 'NO', 'success' or 'failure', we often overlook the 'MAYBE'. This black-and-white thinking overlooks the different shades that color our daily experiences.

Things work differently in real life. There are different shades of success, achievement, which we fail to notice. Take as an example. You miss gym in the evening.

You count it as failure. But the reason is that you met a dear friend after almost a decade. Spending time with him is more important and the gym can wait a day. Each of these actions holds its unique value and shouldn't be dismissed as a failure.

Take the example of a work project. You might not complete it by the deadline, leading to self-criticism.

However, this perspective overlooks the learning and growth experienced during the project. Moreover, consider personal relationships. You might regret not spending enough time with loved ones, viewing it as a personal failing. However, the quality of the time spent can be more significant than the quantity. A single heartfelt conversation can be more meaningful than many hours of distracted interaction.

Whatever you do has its own benefits which can be calculated for the missed out actions. Of course, everytime missing on your schedule or targets is not a positive sign, but if you are meeting most of your deadlines, and maintaining your schedule mostly, perhaps a few misses should be accepted without remorse.

In conclusion, our harsh self-judgment often stems from a binary view of success and failure. However, real life is replete with shades of success and achievement.

When we start to see our actions in this light, we can appreciate the full spectrum of our experiences. As John Steinbeck aptly put it, "And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." This mindset allows us to grow and learn, transforming our perceived failures into steps toward personal growth and fulfillment.

(Expressed opinions are personal)

World Hindi Day honour

On the occasion of World Hindi Day, senior writer Shail Aggarwal, journalist Shivkant Sharma, Hindi teacher Shashi Walia and Dr MN Nandakumara MBE, Executive Director of The Bhavan UK were honoured with Hindi Samman by the High Commissioner H.E. Vikram Doraiswami at India House. On this occasion, the 5th issue of the quarterly Hindi magazine Bharat Bhavan was released.

Minister Coordination Deepak Chaudhary and Attaché Hindi and Culture Dr Nandita Sahu were also present at this moment.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Southall MP, Virendra Sharma joined the Thai Pongal celebrations at the Shri Kanaga Thurkkai Amman Temple in Ealing

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PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH UK GOVERNMENT

It all adds up Get set to save on your energy bills

Winter is fast approaching, resulting in increases in our energy usage and bills as we go back to heating our homes and using hot water more frequently. But if you are looking to save money this winter while staying warm and safe, some small changes to your daily habits can help. You can prepare your heating system by taking some efficient no and low-cost actions that can help save on your energy bills this winter.

The Government has launched the ‘It all adds up’ campaign featuring some simple suggestions (as outlined below) that households can take to get ready for this winter.

How to save energy and lower your bills this winter • Reduce your boiler flow temperature to 60°C to save up to £70 per year: If you have a Combi boiler, its efficiency can be improved by adjusting its ‘flow temperature’ dial setting to 60°C. Turning down the thermostat entirely is not the same as reducing the boiler flow temperature.

Reducing your boiler flow temperature means it will not reduce the temperature of your home per se, but it just takes longer to heat up.

However, if you are over 65, or may have a preexisting health condition, you may want your home to heat up more quickly. So, set the temperature flow to 65°C instead.

• Bleed your radiators for a warmer home and lower bills: Bleeding radiators helps remove air pockets and reduces pressure in your radiators, so that you don’t need to turn the heating up much. This can make your home warmer and keep the cost of energy bills under control.

• Get your boiler serviced to keep it running efficiently

Ensuring safety, warmth and a family’s well-being Ketan Dattani is an entrepreneur and environmental health expert with 25 years of environmental health recruitment experience.

A father of young children who is preparing for winter, ensuring safety and staying warm during the colder months is crucial for him and his family’s well-being.

But as a climate change expert, he is also particular about saving energy, not just for the cost factor but for environmental reasons as well.

Ketan told us, “The UK Government’s tips on saving energy and lowering winter bills can be valuable and practical, and they align with broader energy efficiency and environmental goals. Implementing these recommendations can lead to cost savings, improved comfort, and a reduced environmental impact.

“The effectiveness of the tips mentioned on the Government website may vary depending on an individual’s specific circumstances and the extent to which they can implement them. But it’s essential to consider factors like the type of heating system used, the condition of the property, and the budget for home improvements. Some tips may require an initial investment but can lead to longterm savings, while others may involve simple behavioural changes.

“Saving energy is a crucial step in mitigating the negative environmental impact associated with energy production and consumption, and it plays a significant role in addressing climate change and promoting the overall health and sustainability of our planet.”

Sharing some tips that he follows to keep his home energy efficient and bills low as winter approaches, Ketan said: • “Check your heating system: Replace filters and clean ducts if needed and consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system if your current one is outdated.

You can reduce your boiler flow temperature to 60 degrees Celsius to save up to £70 per year. Lowering the temperature of your boiler means that it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home. This reduces energy consumption and can result in lower energy bills.

• “Insulate your home and bleed your radiators: Proper insulation can make a significant and avoid repairs: Boilers, if faulty, can be quite dangerous. So, an annual service is important to keep it running safely. A Gas Safe registered engineer can also check for leaks, to save you money on sudden breakdowns and avoidable costs on emergency repairs.

• Heat the rooms you’re in and turn down the radiators in unused rooms to save up to £50 per year: When you are not using a room, you can turn the radiator valves down to a lower setting, but do not turn them off completely. If you do so, your boiler will need to work harder to maintain the temperature of a room that you are trying to heat, as the surrounding cold rooms will inadvertently lower its temperature. Moreover, it

difference in keeping your home energy efficient. Over time, air can accumulate in your radiator system, creating pockets of trapped air. This trapped air prevents hot water from fully circulating and heating the radiator, which leads to cold spots or uneven heating in your home.

“Install draught stoppers or use draught excluders at the bottom of doors and install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home more efficiently.”

He further added: • “Get your boiler serviced: Regular servicing can help maintain your boiler’s efficiency. When a boiler is not working efficiently, it may require more energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to higher energy bills. An efficient boiler uses fuel more effectively, reducing operating costs.

• “Lower the radiators in unused rooms: Heating the rooms you’re in and turning down the radiators in unused rooms is generally good practice and can lead to energy savings. This approach is often referred to as “zone heating” and has several benefits, including reduced environmental Impact. Using less energy for heating helps reduce your carbon footprint, which is beneficial for the environment, especially if your heating source is based on fossil fuels.

• “Use less water by using energy efficient showerheads: Energy-efficient showerheads are designed to reduce water flow while maintaining adequate water pressure. By using less water, you contribute to water conservation efforts and help preserve this precious resource.

• “Lower your washing machine temperature: Lowering washing machine temperatures not only saves money, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.”

“In addition to the above, preparing for winter for older relatives is particularly important to ensure their safety, health, and well-being during the colder months,” said Ketan. “For my parents, who are in their late 70’s, I have a daily routine for check-ins or visits to ensure their well-being.”

can also cause mould and damp issues.

If you have elderly people (over 65) or children under 5 living with you or anyone with pre-existing health conditions, then make sure you have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C (setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves), as they are more vulnerable in cold temperatures.

• Install an energy efficient showerhead and save up to £40 per year: Available at any home improvement shop and fixed independently, these shower heads reduce water quantity either by regulating the flow or aerating the water. They are sometimes available free through your water

supplier. However, they are not suitable for electric showers, as you can turn them to eco mode to save money.

• Reduce your washing machine temperature to save up to £20 per year: Modern technology allows washing machines to wash clothes effectively at lower temperatures without the use of hot water. For example, changing wash from 40°C to 30°C means you could get 3 cycles using the same energy spent otherwise for 2 cycles, depending on your machine.

For more energy saving tips, visit GOV.UK/SaveEnergy

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Another anti-Hindu movie

Should assisted dying be legalised?

“Annapoorni-the Goddess of Food”, a movie made in Tamil Nadu recently, has shamelessly denigrated the Hindu faith and hurt the feelings of Hindus all over the world.

For Hannah Ellis Petersen of the Guardian writing from Delhi, right-wing Hindus are targeting Netflix and other streaming platforms in protest. The Hindu groups she says are angry about the 'alleged' offensive claim made in the film that Lord Rama ate meat. She continues that the film is also being accused of, 'supposedly promoting Love Jihad'.

According to Hannah,right-wing Hindus believe inan 'unproven conspiracy' that Muslims are tricking Hindu women into marriage and conversion.

Hannah's article confirms her anti-Hindu legacy. She has written articles after articles in the Guardian demonising Hindus and the BJP. I happened to see this film on Netflix just before it was taken off and it is the most deviously made movie I have ever seen. Meticulous planning has gone into showing that Hindus are backward and their faith is outdated.

Almost three-quarters of the film concentrates on a devout Pujari at Rameswaram temple whose daughter who wants to become a famous chef. Having gained the trust of the audience that the film is about a positive take on one of India's holiest shrines, it suddenly changes direction. The daughter has a moral dilemma: how could she cook and eat meat being a vegetarian? At this point, her Muslim friend convinces her that since even Rama and Sita ate meat she should not letthis matter come in her way to becoming a celebrity chef.

Furthermore, he argued that as a Chef she had no right to question what people want to eat. Nayanthara the actress is convinced by her Muslim friend to not onlyprepare meat but even eat it. Meanwhile, her fatheris sacked from his job by the temple committee for his daughter's meat eating. The untold message here is that the temple committee is backward.

The producers of the film arrive at the last scene of the film whereby the budding Chef enters the final round of the competition for the best Chef. She is shown wearing a Hijab and before preparing her Biryani dish she does Namaz. She won the contest and observed that the Namaz helped her make the best Biryani.

The subtleness with which the movie is made and its treacherous tale is designed to humiliate Hindus and the Hindu faith.

Birth and death is the inevitable cycle that no one can avoid. Yet it is a taboo subject to talk about death; not a topic for discussion even under the most appropriate circumstances. But recently “Assisted Death” has been in the news for one reason or another.

With advances in medical science, that include vaccination, people are living longer but not necessarily a healthy life. So many illnesses and disabilities associated with old age, such as arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes, and few health problems among many make old age not a bonus for many. This is where assisted dying (AD) comes in prominence!

Both sides who support or oppose AD have some good points, and reasons to support or oppose AD. Some who oppose it fear that greedy relatives may end the life of an elderly family member, especially if the person is in a “Care Home” that costs in the region of some £60k annually that may drain one’s savings, may have to sell one’s home earmarked for their children.

The blame here lies fairly with the government where a destitute, a refugee or an illegal migrant does not have to pay while those who worked all their lives, accumulating, making provision for old age have to pay these exuberant charges, so often some £1500 a week.

This type of punishment for loyal, thrifty, responsible people could not be tolerated in any EU country. Our bleeding-heart politicians are out of touch with reality, living in isolation, in their “Ivory Tower” with the bridge drawn! No wonder people hide their assets, transfer their homes to their children, and even open non-resident accounts abroad! The government is turning these honest people into criminals rather than helping them live a happy retired life!

Surely our elderly people who may want to end their lives rather than suffer execrating pain; deserve better.

No matter what system, or laws we may put in place, someone will try to find a loophole, to exploit the system for their advantage. Surely it is up to the government to make sure such legislation is not abused rather than not put in place for fear of being abused!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi

Nitin Mehta

Festival of Makar Sankranti Makar Sankranti, apart from being a harvest festival, is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase, which according to the Hindu calendar, begins around midDecember.

Makar Sankranti (also known as the ‘kite festival’) is observed with great fanfare all over India. As it is the festival of the Sun God, and he is regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom, the festival holds an eternal meaning to it. The festival is regarded as one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the western part of India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path.

The day is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India. The tradition of kite flying is believed to have started among the kings and royalties, became a popular sport for the common masses, over the years.Kites flown are known to use a strong special string which is made by applying glass powder on it (known as manjha) to provide it a cutting edge. This practice of using an abrasive thread for kite fighting has posed a great threat to birds and even humans.

The impact on birds however is much larger.

Birds when in flight, fail to notice the fine glass-coated thread, get entangled in it and injure themselves causing fractures, mutilation of wings and nerve injuries. At times, the minute glass pieces used in the manjha get embedded in their bodies adding to the misery and eventual death.

Additionally, these strings unlike their cotton counterpart do not lose their strength even after getting wet and hence stay for a long time in the environment, creating a potential threat for the birds both local and migratory.

Jubel D'Cruz

Book fair in Chennai The 47th Chennai Book Fair welcomes all book lovers with open arms, ready to kindle the flames of passion and inspire us on our literary journeys. This annual event is not only a celebration of books but also an opportunity to ignite a fiery passion for reading and writing in the hearts of book lovers and writers alike. Engaging in conversations with established writers shows how the written word has the power to transform our lives. Let us come together, book lovers and writers, and embrace this enchanting experience and revel in the joy of words, savour the beauty of literature, and celebrate the art of storytelling.

TS Karthik

Girls left 'at mercy' of grooming gangs An independent review published on Monday revealed that failures by police and council authorities left girls vulnerable to paedophile grooming gangs in northern England for years. The report highlighted the abuse of youngsters in Rochdale from 2004 to 2013, mirroring similar scandals in towns like Rotherham, Oldham, and Oxford in recent years.

The review, spanning 173 pages, detailed numerous shortcomings in the investigations conducted by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) into the Rochdale abuse. Lead author Malcolm Newsam emphasised that successive police operations were launched during this period but were inadequately resourced to address the widespread organised exploitation in the area. This inadequacy left children at risk, and many abusers remain at large, according to Newsam. The report supported the claims of two whistleblowers, Sara Rowbotham, the coordinator of a crisis intervention team, and Detective Maggie Oliver, who resigned in protest.

Climate change tops children's word choices Over 3,000 children aged six to 14 were surveyed for their word of the year, and the three most prevalent themes were climate change, war, and coronation. In a subsequent poll conducted by market research agency Opinium with 1,000 children, the term representing global warming and ecological change secured the top spot with 33% of the vote.

War was in second place, with 31%, while coronation landed 24% of the votes - with young voters remembering King Charles's big day in May. Helen Freeman, director of Oxford Children's, said: "The choice of climate change not only demonstrates how attuned children are to the news and their environment, but the research also reveals their willingness to engage with meaningful change.

"Whether it's understanding how children use slang phrases or what word reflects the past year, it's imperative we continue to support children's language development so they have the means and vocabulary to express themselves."

Children chose "climate change" as their word of the year, expressing feelings of sadness, fear, or worry about the future. Some children who voted for "war" cited news events, with 13% influenced by the news and 23% referencing conflicts like the Israel-Hamas conflict or Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

KAPIL’S

Kapil Dudakia

KHICHADI

Islamophobia A Red Herring?

Islamists in this country, and frankly around the world, have strategically been working hard for the past few decades to get western nations to embrace various aspects of Sharia, but under disguise. Their first foundation stone in achieving this has been to systematically promote the idea of ‘Islamophobia’, and to that extent, in the UK with appeasement by politicians they have engineered acorrupt definition of ‘Islamophobia’.

Readers may wonder how on earth has this come about.

And to what extent they need to worry about the consequences of living with such a definition of Islamophobia should it ever become law?

I encourage you all to read and understand the definition as set out by the APPG British Muslims that is broadly led by Labour MPs. In my opinion it is a corrupt piece of work that is designed solely to protect Islamists from any inquiry, or challenge,and in stopping anyone wishing to express their opinions. In effect, they want it in law so they can stifle citizens from ever raising any issue related to Islam, Islamists or anything that is done in its name.

Did you know that some 52 councils have already adopted this definition of Islamophobia? You will not be too surprised when I tell you that 34 of these are Labour run councils. 9 where there is no overall control (NOC). There are 5 more that are run by the Liberal Democrats (LD), and 4 that are Tory led councils.

Basically, 65% of the councils that have adopted this definition of Islamophobia are Labour. If you add to that the NOC and LD councils, then this percentage rises to 92%.

Yes folks, 92% of the councils adopting this very controversial definition are on the left of British politics.

So far, the saving grace for the nation has been the Conservative Government that rejected it outright. Stating that the definition in its current form is unfit for purpose.

So why should we all be worried? We should be worried because the Labour Party and its politicians are in tune with the Islamists who wish this definition to become universally adopted, and to also make it part of the law. Keir Starmer has NOT ruled it out. Maybe because his party has already adopted the definition since 2019.

Charles Moore,the former editor of the Daily Telegraph and The Spectatorin his forward to the Cavitasreport titled, ‘Islamophobia’ revisited, says: ‘To argue that criticism of Muslim ideas is a form of racism is, in most cases, a profound mistake. If the APPG definition of Islamophobia were to prevail, our society would cease to put all religions on the same footing and would empower those unrepresentative Muslim leaders who are keenest to silence critics. Britain should not admit a blasphemy law by the back door (or by the front!)’.

The writer of the report, Hardeep Singh who is a freelance journalist, Deputy-Director for the Network of Sikh Organisations and AssistantEditor of The Sikh Messenger, asks a very basic question, who gets to qualify and decide on the ‘Muslimness’ of any individual?

He cites evidence from Hansard: ‘The use of the term ‘Muslimness’ begs the question: who will be the arbiter of this? What about those Muslims who, to echo Baroness Falkner and Counter Extremism Commissioner Sara Khan,are thought by other Muslims to be ‘insufficiently Muslim’?

I would urge you all to read this report. It provides a good starting point in understanding some of the issues emerging, and the nature of this corrupt definition and how it can potentially undermine the very fabric of this nation.

Today we are facing an enemy that has infiltrated the Labour Party and through them, the corridors of power.

They have managed to get intelligent politicians to agree to a definition that would in any other sphere be thrown out as a scam. Increasingly this same definition is being adopted by some of our educational institutions. I am sure you can all see where this is going.

The definition relies on the term ‘Muslimness’. It’s an attempt to connect ethnicity with religion. A concept that defies the very construct of race relations law in this country.

I have spoken to many people from various faiths and backgrounds. Interestingly many said to me: ‘But I have a legitimate rational fear of Islamists – so how can they then label me as Islamophobic?’

Just when we thought blasphemy laws were confined to the dustbin of history, it seems there are some who have found a backdoor way to bring them back. I have asked Keir Starmer to confirm if it is the intent of a possible Labour government to introduce this definition of Islamophobia into law. So far, he and the Labour Party have shied away from being open and honest. At our peril we allow this attack on British values. Think long and hard before you put that cross on that ballot paper.

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How South Asian children are choosing their career options Shivani Shah, the Director at Big Fish Tutors speaks exclusively to Asian Voice about the connection between tutoring and learning to choosing career paths.

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Shefali Saxena

. Please tell us about your venture and how it helps students, especially South Asian kids who sign up.

My tutoring journey began in Wembley with a mission to support children from South Asian backgrounds and also their parents, who likely would have not studied here. I realised the importance for parents to be thoroughly and consciously involved in their child’s learning so that they can confidently support them at home. This meant bringing them in for detailed weekly feedback on what their child covered in class but sometimes this even involved teaching them the National Curriculum itself!

Over time, I have understood that these principles of empowerment apply to all parents - not just South Asian parents. . What is your observation while tutoring South Asian children in the UK about their interests in future career options?

I am pleased to say I have heard of a variety of interests in future career options from children across our centres. For instance, some children are more

2

. Which subjects are the most popular?

At Big Fish Tutors, we provide English, Maths and Science tuition. The most popular option is our English and Maths group class which ranges from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. . In your understanding as a team member of BFT, what are the possible career choices the current generation of youngsters must make in order to have a lucrative career?

My advice on this would centre around the idea that you’ll prosper doing a job you love. But how do we steer children towards this?

We encourage them to iden-

5

Shivani Shah

empathetic and want to become doctors and vets to save lives while others who like to solve riddles may express interest in the computing industry. There is also a wealth of exciting new career options popping up, which were not widely available in our youth - such as coding and social media marketing. I can think of a few children at the centres who have shown a keen interest in these disciplines. . Do you sense any pressure or choices that their parents want to make for them regarding their career choices?

We did actually notice this in the past. But we’ve been running for 11 years now and there’s been a veritable shift in parents’ approach to supporting their children’s career choices.

tify their interests and consider career options that allow them to be immersed in these interests. For instance, a child who’s passionate about aeroplanes could pursue being a pilot, cabin crew or an aeronautical engineer, based on their personality and skill set. . What is the importance of tutoring at an early stage without making the child feel that extra help outside regular school is a dilemma (like it used to be in South Asian households)?

It’s the opposite now!

Parents in our community feel proud that their children are attending tuition and getting them the support

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Are you a

candidate who portrays himself as a visionary leader dedicated to transforming the city into a vibrant and inclusive metropolis for all.

“I am deeply troubled by the current state of the city. It saddens me to witness resi-

font-er?

Shyam Batra

announcement of candidates on April 2, Shyam Batra has entered the mayoral race as independent candidate to challenge the incumbent. He aims to directly compete with Khan and candidates from other parties, such as Susan Hall for the Conservatives, Rob Blackie for the Liberal Democrats, Howard Cox for Reform UK, and Zoe Garbett for the Green Party.

A UK-born property expert, Batra is a mayoral

Stage 1 level as many have realised the benefits of children starting early. . Do you feel any changes (positive) in the performance and behaviour of students who actually benefit from tutoring?

Absolutely! What thrills me the most is when I hear from parents how well the Big Fish Tutors scheme has filled in gaps in their child’s school studies, resulting in boosted confidence and better grades. Something else that parents have highlighted to me is that children’s focus at school has grown tremendously, as we’ve helped grow their love for learning.

3

British Indian entrepreneur join the London Mayor election race Londoners are set to cast their votes on May 2, when Labour’s Sadiq Khan goes to the electorate with the hope of winning a third four-year term as Mayor of London.

Before the official

they need. In particular, at Big Fish Tutors, it’s not just about excelling academically - children can enhance their personal and social skills through group discussions and classroom activities. It’s clear to me that getting all of this support at an early stage builds the foundation for children to become confident and independent learners. Specifically, I can think of children who have been with us for eight or nine years who are far ahead of their peers in terms of the curriculum but more importantly, they are mature and confident in navigating their studies. Over the years, I have seen a rise in parents starting tuition at the Key

dents being taken advantage of and victimised by a defunct policy system. I am fully committed to devoting my energy and passion to this cause,” reads Batra’s vision statement.

“I understand that the road ahead will be challenging, with days and nights filled with overwhelming obstacles. It is precisely these difficulties that we must overcome to regain and restore our city to its rightful place,” he says.

Maybe it’s time for an eye test Book online at specsavers.co.uk

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“Return our lost honour” Continued from page 1

‘It is a true tragedy that for so long, many innocent postmasters have suffered greatly at the fault of Horizon. I am pleased that the Government are taking swift and decisive action to ensure all those who have suffered receive appropriate compensation and have any convictions quashed. However, it should not take an ITV drama to spur on this action. I hope that this will make people realise that never again can we let such an injustice occur and for so long.’

“The scale of the corporate greed, lying, and sheer inhumanity of the Post Office is shocking. We have known for some time that corruption was there, but it has been blown wide open now. I am delighted some of those are now able to clear their names, but we must learn the lesson of listening and not allowing powerful institutions to silence the bullied and the innocent.”

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West

Sandip Patel KC, Barrister at 33 Bedford Row

“The government’s unprecedented legislation to exonerate over 900 sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted offers swift redress but raises issues about how they and other eligible victims (some 4,000) are compensated. Most of the problems stem from the fact that there isn't a single compensation scheme for subpostmasters to apply to, and the amount an individual sub-postmaster receives can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of their case. The Horizon Compensation Advisory Board recently said compensation so far ranged from £10,000 to "well over £1m". As of 1 December 2023, £138m has been paid to 2,700 claimants across the three- the Group Litigation Order (GLO); Overturned Convictions and Horizon Shortfall schemes.

The present situation is scandalous and perpetuates the misery inflicted on the sub-postmasters.

The government has finally woken up to this and promises a facttrack compensation scheme. But in reality, the legislation will take some months to implement and have some positive effects.

Compensation payment of £600,000 will be made only after a sub-postmaster signs a declaration of innocence. The government has also confirmed it will introduce a one-off £75,000 payment for the 555 GLO sub-postmasters.

Undoubtedly, all this is encouraging but the sub-postmasters have been betrayed by lofty promises before and will be forgiven for wanting to see the legislation’s fine print before prematurely jumping for joy.”

“The ITV drama, “Mr Bates v the Post Office” has done a great job at raising awareness of the shameful treatment SubPostmasters faced, and the continued suffering they have to endure.

This scandal robbed people of their lives, their livelihoods and their liberty. I have raised this issue several times in Parliament over the years and will continue to do so to ensure that the Government delivers the long-awaited justice for Sub-Postmasters including the overturning of convictions and, crucially, swift action on compensation.”

Pravin Amin, President, National Association of Patidar Samaj

The Post Office's behaviour in falsely accusing many respected Sub Post Office operators has proved scandalous. Such a powerful organisation with vast resources has failed to live up to its responsibilities.a Dragging on false accusations has ruined the lives of so many who have lost financially and their health has taken a toll.

Some had to live in shame as even their family members looked at them suspiciously. I hope the Post Office, in addition to compensating financial loss to those accused, will also generously compensate them for the physical and mental stress they have suffered.

A substantial number of those who endured this suffering were from the Patel Community.

Branded as the UK’s worst-ever miscarriage of justice, the government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to clear the names of the sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted. But tragically this news has come too late.

While some of these sub-postmasters are now battling chronic illnesses, or are old and frail at 70, 4 have committed suicide and 33 have unfortunately passed away.

On many occasions, the life of their families has also been robbed of them. Children of these victims had to declare the criminal record of their parents at school, jobs and everywhere they went. For some, they couldn’t enjoy being a part of the formative years of their children - The trauma of being imprisoned without committing a crime, living in a cell in uncomfortable conditions, being tagged everywhere they went out of the bars, and now, waiting to receive compensation for a crime they never committed, but lost half their lives in baseless allegations which they are too tired to fight.

A very unfortunate story of Seema Misra is heart-wrenching where she told us in an initial interview that she was released with a tag after four months with a warning. She went into labour with that tag. “It was such a good moment, but such a shameful moment,” Seema told the newsweekly.

Unfortunately, this scandal reportedly unfolded under the watch of some members of the ethnic minority community like senior prosecutor Jarnail Singh who was responsible for preparing the evidence against subpostmasters accused of stealing from the Post Office.

Amid growing public outcry fuelled by the ITV drama "Mr Bates vs The Post Office," PM Sunak revealed that the 555 postmasters who approached the High Court in 2019 will receive an upfront compensation of £75,000, with eligibility for approximately £600,000 upon exoneration.

Responding to mounting pressure, the government plans to expedite the exoneration and compensation process through an upcoming act of Parliament. The extensive legislation, addressing the scandal between 1999 and 2015, ensnaring hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly convicted due to the faulty Horizon software, is set to be introduced soon. This pivotal step signifies a significant move toward rectifying the profound injustices suffered by the victims, offering hope for exoneration and just compensation in the aftermath of this prolonged and impactful miscarriage of justice.

Meanwhile, Fujitsu's Europe director, Paul Patterson, issued a formal apology to over 700 subpostmasters who faced criminal convictions due to faulty software.

Patterson acknowledged Fujitsu's role in the "appalling miscarriage of justice," expressing regret for system bugs and errors. He asserted a "moral obligation" for Fujitsu to contribute to compensation, though specific provisions haven't

been made yet. Patterson testified before MPs, addressing the company's involvement in Post Office prosecutions and emphasising the need to rectify the injustice suffered by sub-postmasters and their families.

Lofty promises Speaking to the newsweekly, Sandip Patel KC, Barrister at 33 Bedford Row who was a public prosecutor during the scandal said, “...all this is encouraging but the sub-post-masters have been betrayed by lofty promises before and will be forgiven for wanting to see the legislation’s fine print before prematurely jumping for joy.”

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West told Asian Voice, that he has raised this issue several times in Parliament over the years and will continue to do so to ensure that the Government delivers the long-awaited justice for Sub-Postmasters including the

announced compensation is a positive step, additional support services are necessary for postmasters to heal. Justice should extend beyond financial considerations.”

“Real culprits should be behind bars” Sharing her opinion on the compensation, ex sub-postmistress Seema Misra told Asian Voice, “The recent government announcement is indeed a positive step, finally acknowledging the need for intervention. However, it's crucial to emphasise that making an announcement is just the first step, and the subsequent action is equally vital. I strongly urge the government to not only make announcements but also act promptly on them. Accountability is imperative, and those responsible for the scandal, whether it be Royal Mail, Fujitsu, Post Office, or any member of the parliament or government involved, need to be held behind bars.

Varchasanraj Patel with his parents (his father is an ex-subpostmaster)

“Rather than rewarding them with awards or new contracts, a cautious approach is necessary.

Clearing their names from the scandal should be a prerequisite before any further consideration. Justice is essential for every individual affected, recognising that it's not just the direct victims but their families as well who undergo immense suffering. The gravity of the scandal's impact on individuals and families should be acknowledged, and accountability for those responsible should be established as swiftly as possible.”

“15 years lost” Ex sub-postmaster Vijay Parekh told the newsweekly, “I’ve lost 15 years of my life. An apology isn’t going to get you those 15 years back. They need to be prosecuted.

We will get justice but it will take time,” he asserted, reflecting on the profound impact of the Horizon scandal on his life. “The support from my family and extended family has kept me in a stable situation. Without it I don’t think I would have been able to pull through,” he said.

Wrongful prosecution led to abuse of reputation Varchasanraj Patel's father managed a Post Office in Oxfordshire until he faced wrongful prosecution in 2011. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Patel shared that his father's health has been severely impacted, and compensation has not been received yet. He recounted how 'wanted dead or alive' posters, featuring his father's photo, circulated within the local community after the conviction.

Patel described instances of intimidation, highlighting that, at one Photo credit: X.com

Bob Blackman MP Virendra Sharma MP for Ealing Southall for Harrow East

Former subpostmaster Balvinder Gill

overturning of convictions and, crucially, swift action on compensation.

“Government must offer support services to help postmasters cope with the trauma” Speaking to Asian Voice, former sub-postmaster, Ashok Sodha said, “The post office scandal has profoundly impacted numerous postmasters, resulting in financial hardship, reputational damage, and emotional distress. While the government's compensation is a positive step towards acknowledging the injustices, it's essential to recognise that the trauma endured by postmasters surpasses mere financial compensation. Prolonged legal battles, stress, and the loss of businesses and livelihoods have taken a toll that cannot be easily quantified.

“Beyond financial compensation, the government must offer support services to help postmasters cope with the trauma, including counselling, mental health support, and legal assistance.

Preventive measures and reforms within the post office system are crucial to ensure similar injustices don't occur in the future. Holding those responsible accountable and learning from mistakes is vital to prevent further harm.

“Although the Prime Minister's

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point, locals constructed a fourfoot cross with a wreath, inscribed with 'RIP Vipin,' right outside the shop on the village green. "They essentially viewed my father as a 'Post Office robber'," he emphasised.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Varchasanraj Patel said, “At the age of 23, my father faced wrongful prosecution by the Post Office.

Now at 36, it has been 13 years since.

The compensation announced by the Prime Minister will not sufficiently aid the numerous sub-postmasters affected. No sum of money can adequately compensate for the emotional trauma, but it is essential to ensure proper compensation for this aspect of the claim, including family members. In a world where technology is omnipresent, there should be a comprehensive understanding of utilising digital evidence when considering any prosecution involving it.”

A long wait Speaking to Asian Voice, ex sub-postmaster Hasmukh Shingadia, 63, who runs a shop in Upper Bucklebury, Berks, said, “In no way can the government com-

pensate for the years lost with this amount they’re offering.” When asked how soon he expects to be compensated, he said, “I’ve been working on this for over a year now to collate all the information.

So I suppose in six months something should be finalised.” “At the moment, I’m just hoping that the committee hearing from the post office will do justice. Hopefully, this should give some sort of hope for some resources. We have waited for a long time,” he added.

A racist undertone in the scandal?

South Asian Post Office workers allege racial bias during the Horizon scandal, feeling unfairly treated, claiming theft assumptions due to ethnicity. One of the workers who spoke to BBC Newsnight said: "It felt like they thought that you were a foreigner and you'd robbed them."

One man from an Indian background said a member of Post Office staff told him: "All the Indians are doing it. They have relatives so they take the money and send it to them abroad".

Another person of South Asian descent said: "It was like we were dumb because English wasn't our

first language, that we struggled to make sense of basic accounting".

Another said of the Post Office staff he dealt with: "It felt like they thought that you were a foreigner and you'd robbed them".

Balvinder Gill shared with Newsnight how false accusations of stealing £108,000 in 2004 led to his mental breakdown and three hospitalisations. In 2009, a second blow hit the family when his mother Kashmir, a postmistress, was wrongly convicted of stealing £57,000. Her innocence was confirmed in 2021 by the Court of Appeal. Mr Gill lamented that his parents, not being white, were treated condescendingly, depicting their ordeal as an "indirect, oppressive kind of racism." The unfair treatment highlighted the deeper societal issue within the Post Office scandal.

Vipin Patel, a former sub-postmaster aged 72, faced wrongful fraud accusations in 2011, and his conviction was overturned in 2020. Patel expressed feeling demeaned by the Post Office helpline due to his race and accent.

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Fujitsu boss Takahito Tokita apologised for the Horizon scandal, emphasising the seriousness with which Fujitsu views the matter. A Fujitsu executive had earlier described the company's involvement in the scandal as an "appalling miscarriage of justice" during testimony to MPs. In parallel developments, Alan Bates voiced criticism against the perceived "madness" of the compensation scheme related to the Post Office scandal.

The one guarded by God cannot be harmed Ex-Sub Postmistress not be harmed.

Seema Misra observed Sharing her her son's cricket game opinion on the from a distance in her compensation, Excar. For eight years, she Sub Postmistress refrained from celeSeema Misra told brating her younger Asian Voice, “The son's birthday to avoid recent government judgment. In an excluannouncement is sive interview with indeed a positive Seema Misra Asian Voice in the year step, finally 2021, Seema revisited the monuacknowledging the need for intermental miscarriage of justice – the vention. However, it's crucial to Post Office Scandal. emphasise that making an announcement is just the first Joining as a sub-postmistress at step, and the subsequent action is 30 in 2005, she faced discrepancies equally vital. I strongly urge the in balance records due to the faulty government to not only make Horizon IT system. Despite her announcements but also act plea for resolution, an audit promptly on them. Accountability ensued, and Seema received a is imperative, and those responsiwarning as the glitch-induced ble for the scandal, whether it be money shortfall increased. Her Royal Mail, Fujitsu, Post Office, or court case, titled 'Queen v Seema any member of the parliament or Misra,' marked a harrowing jourgovernment involved, need to be ney, further intensified by her held behind bars. pregnancy.

“Rather than rewarding them During imprisonment, conwith awards or new contracts, a cerns about food hygiene led her to cautious approach is necessary. a vegetarian diet. Released after Clearing their names from the four months with a tag, Seema scandal should be a prerequisite went into labour, an emotional yet before any further consideration. shameful moment.

Justice is essential for every indiDespite her silent struggles, vidual affected, recognising that Seema called for a full public it's not just the direct victims but inquiry into the IT glitch, advocattheir families as well who undergo ing for a trust to aid victims. Her immense suffering. The gravity of unwavering spirit shines through the scandal's impact on individuals as she encourages those wrongly and families should be acknowlaccused not to give up, concluding edged, and accountability for those with the profound Indian saying, responsible should be established "Jako rakhe saiyan maar sake na as swiftly as possible.” koi" – the one guarded by God can-

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15 years lost In 2006, Vijay Parekh assumed control of Willesden Post Office in north-west London, envisioning a peaceful retirement with his wife.

Unforeseen, the faulty Horizon computer system of the Post Office wrongly accused him of embezzling £78,000 from his own business three years later.

Convicted in 2010, Parekh spent six months in prison, following legal advice to plead guilty to false accounting.

"The next thing I knew, he ordered, 'Take him down.' My entire family was present," he recounted.

They escorted me to a cell; I couldn't see my family. It was truly devastating; I never anticipated a custodial sentence. My first thought was: How do I explain this to my father, who was 75 at the time?” he said, tears welling up. I had to tell my Dad what happened. He was in tears,” he said.

Parekh spent the initial three months of his sentence at Wormwood Scrubs and then was transferred to Ford Open prison in West Sussex for an additional three months.

“I was granted early release and was out within six months,” he told us.

In 2021, alongside 39 other former subpostmasters, Parekh was exonerated as the Horizon accounting system's unreliability came to light. The Horizon scandal, spotlighted by the recent ITV drama "Mr Bates vs the Post Office," has brought public attention back to the issue.

Now 65, Parekh continues to fight for the prosecution of those responsible for

Vijay Parekh

the scandal, which unjustly implicated numerous subpostmasters. He vividly recalls the day of the audit in 2009 when auditors claimed shortfalls of £75,000-78,000, initiating a tumultuous legal journey.

Suspended in 2009, Parekh faced prosecution and repaid £83,000 through family sacrifices, only to be stunned by an 18-month prison sentence. Postrelease, he struggled for work due to his criminal record and faced bankruptcy.

The Horizon IT scandal has left enduring scars— health complications, relocation from a home of 55 years, and a challenging employment history.

Despite the government's recent announcement of legislation to acquit those convicted, Parekh emphasises that no amount of money can compensate for the 15 years lost.

“I’ve lost 15 years of my life. An apology isn’t going to get you those 15 years back. They need to be prosecuted. We will get justice but it will take time,” he asserts, reflecting on the profound impact of the Horizon scandal on his life.

“The support from my family and extended family has kept me in a stable situation. Without it I don’t think I would have been able to pull through,” he said.

Ex sub-postmaster wants compensation while he’s alive The Sethis, a Post Office family, faced a drastic turn from business success to financial ruin two decades ago.

Operating two branches in Essex, Anjana and Baljit Sethi, both raised in Post Office environments, ventured into buying a second branch in 2001.

Despite initial success, the flawed Horizon computer system began displaying losses, leading to accusations and the closure of their store. The Sethis, victims of a system later deemed "not remotely robust" by a 2019 High Court judgment, lost their business, and jobs, faced bankruptcy, and feared losing their home.

The Post Office's Historic Settlement Scheme has yet to provide redress,

Former sub-postmaster Ashok Sodha extends empathy to 800 Postmasters who underwent countless harassment In the early 1980s, both the Post offices owned by Ashok Sodha faced closure orders during the years 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985. Fortunately, one received compensation under compulsory closure, while the other was successfully sold. However, this did not shield him from the sudden and unannounced audits conducted by inspectors, leading to a challenging experience.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Mr Sodha said, “My challenges aside, my empathy extends to the 800 Postmasters who underwent countless harassments. As a former sub-postmaster in the United Kingdom, the Post Office scandal deeply disappoints me. The Post Office, instrumental in establishing the foundation of my business career, provided crucial opportunities for my family, enabling the creation of a multi-generational and international business.

“Having operated a Post Office, I recognise the commitment and hard work invested by sub-postmasters.

Witnessing their mistreatment by the Post Office, suc-

Ashok Sodha

cessive governments, and the legal system is disheartening. The injustices faced by these dedicated individuals have resulted in severe consequences, with many losing everything they worked for.”

According to him, the government, entrusted with ensuring fair treatment, has failed in its responsibility.

The lack of accountability and support has left subpostmasters to suffer from a flawed system. “Speaking out, I aim to draw focused attention to the plight of these individuals who deserve justice, compensation, and a genuine commitment from the government to address the wrongs. My disappointment and concern are shared with the hope of raising awareness and prompting action to resolve

frustrating the Sethi family.

Their sons, Adeep and Amit, emphasise the urgent need for justice and compensation, advocating for timely resolutions to alleviate their parents' struggles as they approach 70.

The compensation, for the Sethis, isn't about luxury but securing a better future for the next generation. "I want to see them giving this compensation when I'm alive, so I can give something to my grandchildren that I couldn't give to my children,” Baljit told the BBC.

ings has led to caution among investors, who fear becoming victims of unfair treatment or being held accountable for uncontrollable issues. The lack of trust in the system deters potential postmasters, as they are hesitant to assume responsibilities and risks.

Additionally, the post office scandal has exposed deficiencies in the current system, diminishing transparency and support while raising concerns about unjust treatment. The uncertainty surrounding the system's future and the necessity for substantial reforms create instability, further deterring potential investors.

“To attract investors and revive interest in becoming postmasters, addressing underlying issues and rebuilding confidence is imperative. The government must incorporate this into post office reforms, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment. Failure to do so may set a precedent for similar challenges in other professions, such as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and care homes.”

When Princess of Wales supported a sub-postmaster A postmaster, backed by Princess Kate and her family, is urging justice for all victims of the Horizon IT scandal.

Hasmukh Shingadia, 63, received support from the Middletons when falsely accused of stealing £16,000 from the Post Office due to the faulty Horizon computer system.

Shingadia, convicted of false accounting, insists on overturning every wrongful conviction, highlighting the plight of 700 sub-postmasters. The Middletons, regular customers at Shingadia's shop, remained

Hasmukh Shingadia

supportive, even attending his shop after Kate's engagement. Shingadia attended Kate and Prince William's royal wedding in 2011, appreciating their ongoing kindness.

in brief Baljit Sethi

the issues faced by postmasters. The government must fulfil its duty to these hardworking individuals and their families. The Post Office should serve as a trustworthy pillar of support for its sub-postmasters, necessitating government intervention to rectify the prevailing wrongs. Together, we must work towards preventing further suffering for sub-postmasters and ensuring that those affected receive the justice and support they rightfully deserve,” he told the newsweekly.

Sodha believes that the government has a crucial role to play in ensuring the fair treatment and support of postmasters. Speaking to the newsweekly, he said, “The post office scandal has also significantly impacted potential investors' willingness to engage as postmasters. As a former postmaster Ashok Sodha of BTC, I've observed reluctance among investors due to the revealed injustices and the resulting apprehension about the fairness of the post office system.

“The widespread perception of flaws and shortcom-

Father's plea for justice over daughter's stabbing A father, mourning the loss of his daughter, insists that the manipulative and abusive man responsible for killing and nearly beheading her must "never be released" as he poses a danger to other women.

Maher Maaroufe, a 24year-old Tunisian asylum seeker with no fixed abode, received an indefinite hospital order after fatally stabbing 19-year-old Sabita Thanwani.

Neighbors reported hearing her plea

for her life, saying, "I can't breathe. You're going to kill me."

Police discovered the psychology undergraduate at City, University of London, lying on the floor with severe neck injuries at her halls of residence in Clerkenwell, central London, in March 2022.

The post-mortem examination revealed 18 cuts to her face, neck, and chest, with fatal wounds slashing her jugular vein.

Now, he urges Rishi Sunak to clear accusations against all 736 wrongly convicted subpostmasters from 2000 to 2015. Paula Vennels, ex-Post Office boss, returned her CBE amidst the scandal, and victims faced financial ruin, imprisonment, and death. Shingadia asserted the irreversible impact on those wrongly convicted, demanding justice and acknowledging the Middleton family's unwavering support.

Speaking to Asian Voice, ex-subpostmaster Hasmukh Shingadia, 63, who now runs

a shop in Upper Bucklebury, Berks, said, “In no way can the government compensate for the years lost with this amount they’re offering.”

When asked how soon does he expect to be compensated, he said, “I’ve been working on this for over a year now to collate all the information. So I suppose in six months something should be finalised.” “At the moment, I’m just hoping that the committee hearing from the post office will do justice. Hopefully, this should give some sort of hope for some resources.

We have waited for a long time,” he added.

NHS doctor awarded £100k damages A doctor, who faced anxiety about driving on busy roads, has secured £100,000 in compensation after an NHS Trust attempted to assign her a job requiring a 17-mile commute from home.

Madhvi Verma communicated her discomfort with driving on unfamiliar routes after a "near miss" experience as a passenger and also dealt with lower back pain and sciatica, leading experts to advise against night shifts due to her condition. Despite these concerns, upon her return to

work from sick leave, she was presented with a work plan involving car travel and evening shifts.

The employment tribunal revealed that Verma, a sexual health specialist, successfully sued the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for disability discrimination, receiving nearly £99,000 in compensation.

Having worked for the trust since 2006, the genito-urinary clinic has been conveniently located a tenminute walk from her home since 2011.

AsianVoiceNews

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Choose the vegan lifestyle!

This shift is advocated as a means of safeguarding the environment, alleviating animal suffering, and enhancing the overall health of numerous individuals. Aligning with the initiative, Asian Voice has come up with a Veganuary feature. In this feature, we cover what veganism is about, the benefits of adapting to the lifestyle, what it entails

vegan food choices hold environmental benefits, the commercialisation of vegan products, along with packaging and other embellishments, may counteract these positive impacts.

Whether perceived as a passing trend or a culinary revolution, the prevalence of veganism has surged. While precise statistics may be elusive, the UK saw a staggering 300% rise in vegans,

and the downside of it as well.

We also talk about how various organisations, including the NHS, are contributing to this initiative.

A recent study about the impact of a vegan diet on individuals with or prone to type 2 diabetes observed that adopting a plant-based diet could contribute to the management of blood glucose levels. However, it also highlighted that embracing veganism does not inherently ensure overall good health. Nutritionist Sarika Shah, discussing the pros and cons of turning vegan, said that people should get a consultation from an expert before switching to a vegan lifestyle, especially for those who are type 2 diabetic and on medication.

The feature also includes insight on how veganism can promote weight loss, precautions while adapting a vegan lifestyle and some go-to sources of protein.

When it comes to environmental impact, the UN reports that meat and dairy production, originating from farmed livestock, contribute to 11.2% of human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists propose that transitioning to a vegan diet on a global scale could potentially lead to a remarkable 68% reduction in food-related emissions within 15 years, thereby curbing global warming.

Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that while

totalling 600,000 individuals in 2019—a notable escalation since 2014.

Given the popularity of veganism, many restaurants across the UK include vegan additions to their menu and given the fact that traditional Indian food inherently aligns with the concept of veganism, Indian restaurants are quite popular among vegans. This feature highlights one such restaurant called Chatori.

The restaurant celebrates the vegan lifestyle with its culinary offerings including flavourful curries, Indian street food, savoury snacks and even plant-based Chicken Tikka Masala.

A complimentary of the vegan lifestyle is the satvik lifestyle. This ageold way of living finds its roots in India and helps humans live in better harmony with nature. In the words of the founder of Satvik Vegan Society, Shankar Narayan, the lifestyle advocates for “a compassionate and understanding approach, emphasising that veganism is not about anger or agitation, but about embracing a lifestyle aligned with principles of peace and non-violence.”

He also talks about the physical and psychological benefits of adapting this way of living.

With this feature, we aim to help our readers make better and more informed choices, especially when it comes to their personal health and well-being.

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NHS staff offered free meals to promote veganism NHS employees are being offered complimentary meals and cooking classes as an incentive to participate in "Veganuary," a month-long annual pledge to abstain from animal products.

Launched in 2014 by a UK non-profit organisation, Veganuary aims to promote plant-based lifestyles.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will provide 1,325 free meals throughout January, funded through an employee lottery. Additionally, participants can attend a cooking

session and access a local vegetable stall. Rosie Martin, health and wellness dietician at the Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust, said: “Veganuary is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to give plant-based nutrition a go, not only to improve their health but also to reduce our impact on the planet.”

Joining the initiative are the Croydon Health Service NHS Trust, NHS North Devon District Hospital, and the South Molton Medical Centre. Veganuary activists advocate for a

"vegan world" to combat climate change exacerbated by animal farming.

In 2023, over 700,000 individuals committed to Veganuary, leading to the launch of 820 new plantbased products. Several councils, including Suffolk, North Herts, and Tameside, are supporting the cause through drop-in sessions, Microsoft Teams spaces, and vegan-themed blogs.

Councillor Denise Ward from Tameside Council emphasises the importance of consumer-driven environmental protection. She

said: “It’s said that it is the single most effective contribution an individual can make to protect the planet.

So, we are encouraging everyone to make the switch for the month or to try and make greener choices where they can.”

Corporations like Salesforce, Just Eat, and Claire’s Accessories are also encouraging their employees to adopt a plant-based diet. However, caution is urged, as experts warn that relying on ultra-processed vegan foods may pose health risks.

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20 - 26 January 2024

A vegan Indian restaurant in London embracing the plant kingdom Kaustubh Khare, Country Head- UK, Rebel Foods speaks to Asian Voice about running an Indian vegan restaurant in London.

Shefali Saxena

inquiries about the nutritional aspects of our dishes, feel free to explore our menu or reach out to us directly. We're here to share the goodness of plantbased, authentic Indian cuisine with everyone in the UK!

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hat is the concept of Chatori?

At Chatori, we believe in celebrating veganism, and it is also the core of our brand identity. The Indian vegan food that we offer is delicious because (not despite) it is vegan. Our brand emphasises the benefits of plant-based food while incorporating the rich culinary heritage of India through delicious food.

Chatori is here to provide plant-based, authentic Indian curries and street food, which is 100% Vegan for everyone in the UK.

Kaustubh Khare

choose to be Vegan for their reasons, which could be ethical, environmental, or health-related. o you also take into account the nutritional aspect of veganism while preparing dishes?

At Chatori, we take

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hat goes into carefully putting together vegan food with an Indian taste in the UK? We believe that Indian cuisine is one of the best to bring Vegan food to life.

The Indian vegan menu offers a variety of food with delicious curries, savoury snacks, Indian street foods, and breads. While putting together the menu for Chatori we have considered different food missionslunch options, starters, DIY chaats for snacks, rice meal boxes and more. The menu looks beyond usual vegan recipes like sandwiches or salads and makes it interesting with curries that are seasoned with spices or snacks that are savoury. hat kind of customers usually prefer Vegan food?

As per a YouGov survey, 5-7% of the population is vegan and vegetarian with 2/3rd being new converts to this diet. This indicates the significant room for growth which veganism has in the market. The survey also suggests that out of the vegan pool, almost 81% have been following a vegetarian diet suggesting that they have been avoiding meat for a longer time.

We see a lot of repeat customers for our food.

Our signature dishes such as DIY chaat and plantbased chicken tikka masala are favourites. From our customer pool, people who prefer vegan food come from diverse backgrounds.

Most are on the lookout to try different vegan dishes so their diet does not feel restrictive. Customers do

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pride in crafting vegan dishes that not only celebrate the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine but also prioritise nutritional excellence. Our commitment to veganism aligns with our dedication to providing wholesome and nourishing meals. Be it a Vada Pav or an Aubergine Bagara, each dish is thoughtfully prepared to ensure a wellrounded nutritional profile.

We believe that vegan food can be both delicious and nutritionally satisfying, contributing to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. If you have any specific

hat do you think is the prime cause of the rise in popularity of veganism?

Many people want to reduce their meat intake for health and environmental reasons. In addition, several emerging Vegan brands are offering interesting menu options and replacements for meats. People have started being aware that the plant kingdom has so much to offer to their diet. Also, the endorsement of veganism by celebrities and social media influencers could be playing a role in popularising the vegan lifestyle. hat are some of your most popular delicacies?

Our savoury street foods like samosa, vada pav, kachoris and DIY chaats are popular. Our vegan dal makhani, chole-rice meal box, and plant-based chicken tikka also receive a great response from our customers. We also serve meals in a convenient single-bowl format, a popular lunch option with consumers.

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The Satvik lifestyle and its benefits: Founder of Satvik Vegan Society shares his insights Satvik Indian Society, originally established in 2004, as the Indian Vegan Society, emerged with the primary goal of uniting like-minded individuals in an era when vegans were a scarce community.

The mission was to promote veganism without imposing a rigid lifestyle or dietary restrictions.

Emphasising the principle of non-harming animals as ideal for human well-being, the society welcomes anyone, irrespective of their dietary habits, be it a regular meat-eater, non-meat eater, or vegetarian, to join.

This inclusive approach focuses on the willingness to adopt these principles rather than enforcing a strict diet or lifestyle. The organisation is affiliated with the International Vegetarian Union (IVU), based in the UK, and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), headquartered in New Delhi.

The founder of the Vegan Society, Satvik Shankar Narayan spoke to Asian Voice about the lifestyle.

Can you provide a brief overview of what a Satvik lifestyle entails and how it aligns with traditional Indian philosophies?

First and foremost, the satvik lifestyle is not just about avoiding onion and garlic. The lifestyle embodies good behaviour, a manifestation of human conduct that can be easily integrated into our culture. In our society, someone who embodies non-aggressiveness, nonabusiveness, non-anger, peacefulness, and helpfulness is deemed an exem-

Shankar Narayan

plary individual – a satvik person.

With a vegan diet, the desire is to instil such behaviour in us and we believe our diet plays a crucial role in shaping a person's nature. It should contribute to cultivating a peaceful demeanour rather than fostering aggression, dullness, dominance, or aggressiveness. Thus, our approach is to consume food that aligns closely with nature, favouring simplicity over complexity.

Approaching a vegan lifestyle, one encounters preconceived notions and negative perceptions. Many associate vegans with restlessness, anger, and an unwelcoming attitude. With a satvik lifestyle, we advocate for a compassionate and understanding approach, emphasising that veganism is not about anger or agitation, but about embracing a lifestyle aligned with principles of peace and non-violence.

Can you explain the dietary principles of a Satvik lifestyle? What are the main types of foods encouraged in a Satvik diet?

Fruits are the best satvik option anyone has on hand.

It's all nature's gift to us, and we can easily consume it.

The second thing is, given the fact that fruit might

sometimes not be available and can be expensive, cooked food, sourced entirely from plants and without having any animal sourced ingredients, similar to what forefathers used to eat is also good for a satvik diet. The simple cooked food includes non-complex recipes with fewer spices and oil and no reliance on packaged food from commercial establishments. It is simple and good for your body.

In what ways does a Satvik lifestyle promote physical, mental and emotional balance?

Satvik lifestyle, once you adapt it, becomes a way of life and beautifully complements your physical and mental health and when you consume good foods, you become peaceful and content. You are not driven to accumulate material wealth or fame, as is common among people. By withdrawing and simplifying, life becomes more meaningful and beneficial, not just for yourself but also for those around you—your family, society members, other people, animals, and the environment. It is beneficial for everyone, promoting peace.

As you become more peaceful, you also become more mature. This, of course, provides mental and emotional stability. You gain clarity about the meaning of life, and what you should or shouldn't do, without the need to search elsewhere.

You naturally become clearheaded, and your thoughts become focused. This clarity is liberating, allowing you to enjoy life without issues, and fostering positive interactions with people.

Brighton recognised as Celebrities participate in Veganuary special documentary top destination for vegan restaurants and takeaways in the UK Brighton has earned the title of the most veganfriendly city in the UK, according to a recent study.

The research, commissioned by train company LNER, revealed that Brighton has the highest number of vegan restaurants and takeaways per 100,000 people in the country, surpassing Manchester, Bristol, and London.

The study highlighted the increasing popularity of Veganuary, with more people adopting a plant-based diet. Searches for vegan restaurants in Brighton alone have risen by 50% in

the last three years. The city boasts approximately eight vegan restaurants and takeaways for every 100,000 residents, with notable establishments such as Terre a Terre and What the Pitta in East Street being recognised as top plantbased eateries.

Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, noted the growing interest in veganism in the UK, with searches for vegan terms increasing by over 80% since 2021. The study aims to guide those exploring vegan options, providing recommendations for vegan-friendly hotspots and local restaurants.

Celebrating a decade since the inception of Veganuary, a documentary "It’ll Never Catch On: The Veganuary Story" delves into the journey of founders Jane Land and Matthew Glover. This 22-minute film, available on YouTube, explores the challenges, unexpected triumphs, and the transformative impact of Veganuary on individuals and the British food industry.

Notable figures like Chris Packham, Jasmine Harman, Kellie Bright, and Jane Fallon share personal stories of how participating in Veganuary influenced their lives. Representatives from major food industry players such as ASDA, Burger King, and BOSH! discuss the revolutionary changes brought about by the movement.

Originating on a

Jane Land and Matthew Glover

kitchen table in York, Veganuary has garnered global attention, making headlines in prestigious publications like The Times, Washington Post, New York Times, New Scientist, and the South China Morning Post. The campaign has been featured on prominent news outlets such as CNN, Sky News, and BBC

Breakfast.

Renowned personalities like Joaquin Phoenix, Joanna Lumley, Paul McCartney, and Brian May have endorsed Veganuary, which has established official chapters in eight countries and engaged participants from every corner of the world, with the notable exception of North Korea.

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20 - 26 January 2024

A step-wise guide to going Vegan Asian Voice spoke to nutritionist Sarika Shah on the pros and cons of turning vegan.

There’s something for everyone here to learn.

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. What is the key benefit of turning vegan? How long does it take to help show positive changes in the body?

Key Benefits of turning vegan: reducing risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. A vegan diet can also aid in weight loss. But the key to becoming vegan is a having diet predominate in foods filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grains, and nuts/seeds. The diet mustn't be largely made of vegan convenience/processed foods. Positive changes can happen immediately such as in blood sugar management. Weight loss varies from person to person. And bloodwork (lab work) can show results in improvement as quickly as 6 weeks. However, diet is just one part of having positive change- sleep, movement/exercise and self-care are important factors to help with positive changes in the body. . Is veganism helpful in losing weight or can it also increase weight if proportions are bigger than usual?

Veganism can help in weight loss, especially in

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those who have a diet predominately of fast foods, and limited vegetable and fruit intake. Veganism can support weight loss if the plate is balanced with 1/2 plate of non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 plant protein and 1/4 whole grain. Of course, inclusive of healthy fats (avocado, nuts and seeds) but limit the portions. Weight gain on a vegan diet can occur when the diet is dominated by refined carbohydrates, added sugars and high fat.

One can be vegan and eat a meal of white bread sandwich with potato chips and soda. The key is to be balanced. . What precautions should one take before completely turning vegan?

What are the first few days like?

When starting off to be vegan, often going 100% from the beginning is difficult. When a goal is difficult to achieve, success is hard. I like to start with small, simple and achievable goals. I encourage you to start with one meal daily to be vegan. As that one meal becomes a habit, start with a second meal and snack.

And slowly make the transition to being 100%

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vegan. When making a slow transition, one will not feel like ‘missing out’ on foods and also adapting to larger portions of plant-based foods. Learning to listen to your body on satiety, thirst and movement. If one goes 100% right away to being vegan. Adjusting to larger portions of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains may cause gas and distention. I encourage you to start with cooked vegetables, legumes/beans, and then reheat and most importantly drink plenty of water. Water is key to aid in digestion with a higher fibre diet. . Should people get a consultation from an expert before switching to a vegan lifestyle?

Yes, especially for those who are type 2 diabetic and on medication. Also, supplementing a vegan diet with vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 is encouraged but dosing is dependent on each person. . Are there exceptions to veganism? Or is it healthy for everyone?

Eating a diet filled with a variety of vegetables and fruits is beneficial for almost all. Some medical conditions could be

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Sarika Shah

contraindicated with veganism if not under medical supervision. Those with Crohn’s or celiac and/or diabetes should seek professional help if starting to follow a vegan diet. . Which lifestyle diseases can be managed better via a vegan diet?

As mentioned earlier, blood sugar can be better managed on a vegan diet.

And can reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. . What are some key go-to sources of vegan protein for those who want to switch to it?

My favourite vegan proteins are legumes, beans, tofu, edamame, tempeh, seitan, seeds and nuts. Of course, quinoa and amaranth are good sources of protein and whole grains.

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Major UK retailer introduces 'game-changing' vegan ham La Vie has secured a contract with one of the UK's largest supermarkets to introduce its cold-cut vegan ham just in time for Veganuary. The French-born, award-winning brand asserts that its plant-based cold cut rivals animal-based ham in taste, smell, and texture, all while avoiding cruelty.

The vegan ham by La Vie offers an impressive 19.5g of protein per 100g, is nitratefree, and contains five times

less saturated fat than traditional pork ham. The product, along with the brand's plant-based bacon and bacon lardons, is set to be available on the shelves of a major UK supermarket starting January 1.

This development is seen by La Vie as a positive sign for the plant-based counteracting industry, reports suggesting a decline in the popularity of vegan food.

Whole food mains gaining popularity on UK menus As we approach the midway point of Veganuary 2024, a prominent trend is emerging on UK restaurant menus: a notable emphasis on whole-food, plant-based dishes.

This shift is occurring against the backdrop of consumers grappling with steep price increases and expressing concerns about the processed nature of meat alternatives. During Veganuary, restaurants and food service providers consistently strive to meet the heightened demand for vegan offerings, introducing a plethora of new menu items to satisfy

people's appetites. This year is no exception, as food chains and eateries unveil innovative options and reintroduce popular veganfriendly classics.

While plant-based meat continues to be a focal point, the spotlight is particularly bright on whole foods. Many establishments are introducing dishes where vegetables and legumes take centre stage.

This trend reflects a growing emphasis on nutrition among consumers, with an increasing number of people seeking healthful food choices.

IF YOU NEED URGENT MEDICAL HELP THIS WINTER BUT YOU’RE NOT SURE WHERE TO GO,

HS 111 can assess and direct you to the most appropriate local service, including your GP practice, pharmacy or nearest urgent treatment centre. And if needed, it can arrange a call back from a nurse doctor or paramedic.

USE NHS 111

NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems from the comfort of your own home.

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It’s a free service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can call 111, go online or use the NHS App. If you need help in another language, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.

Vinay cut his finger while cooking at home, so he called 111 for advice.

‘It was quick and easy, and the person I spoke to at NHS 111 made sure first that it wasn’t something more serious. After answering some questions about what had happened, I was advised to go to a local urgent treatment centre, which is close to my house. A nurse bandaged my finger and advised me on how to keep the wound clean at home.’

When Sonia tripped on her front path and sprained her knee, she used the NHS App as she wasn’t sure whether to go to hospital.

‘I’m pleased I used 111 on the NHS App because it saved me a lot of time by stopping me from going to A&E when it really wasn’t an emergency. A doctor called me back and advised me to rest my leg for a day - it was fine after that. I think next time I might try the NHS 111 website as it seems easy to use as well.’

Whether you choose to call, go online at 111.nhs.uk or use the NHS App, 111 will get you to the help you need. And no matter how you choose to use NHS 111, your information will always be kept confidential.

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20 - 26 January 2024

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

Why Your Pension Stagnates and Stinks In the realm of personal finance and investment, the performance of pension funds remains a topic of paramount importance, especially in light of recent market dynamics. The disparity between the potential of market indices like the Nasdaq, which soared by 55% last year, and the stagnation of many individuals' pension funds over the past 3 to 10 years, raises critical questions about investment strategies and the role of Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs).

The Spray and Pray Approach of IFAs: A common issue I have encountered is the tendency of IFAs to diversify investments across an excessive number of funds, a strategy akin to 'spraying and praying'. This approach often dilutes the potential impact of high-performing investments, leading to mediocre overall portfolio performance.

The rationale behind this strategy is typically risk aversion, but it can also stem from a lack of in-depth market knowledge or a one-size-fits-all approach to client portfolios.

Mislabeling of Investment Funds: Another concern is the misrepresentation of fund characteristics. For instance, funds labeled as 'International' are often predominantly US-centric, thereby limiting exposure to global market opportunities. Similarly, funds branded as 'UK' may be overly concentrated in a few large UK companies, lacking the diversification necessary for robust growth. This mislabeling not only misleads investors but also hinders the potential for a truly diversified and resilient portfolio.

The FTSE Benchmark and Its Limitations: The FTSE 100, often used as a benchmark for UK pension funds, has shown a concerning trend of stagnation, remaining at levels similar to those seen five years ago. This stagnation contrasts sharply with the growth seen in other global indices, suggesting a missed opportunity for pension fund growth.

The reliance on the FTSE as a benchmark may be misplaced, especially considering the evolving global economic landscape and the emergence of more dynamic sectors and markets.

The Challenge of Disengaging from IFAs: Many individuals remain with underperforming IFAs due to a lack of knowledge on how to effectively terminate these relationships or a fear of stepping into the unknown territory of self-managing their investments. This inertia is often compounded by a lack of transparency in the financial advisory sector and a general apprehension about making significant financial decisions independently.

The Hurdle of Self-Managing Pensions: The process of opening and managing an online Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) account can be daunting for many. The challenge lies not only in the technical aspects of setting up and managing the account but also in making informed decisions about which shares or funds to invest in. This gap in knowledge and confidence is a significant barrier to taking control of one's pension investments. However, it’s as easy as opening an online bank account. Indeed banks like Barclays offer SIPP accounts online.

In response to these challenges, I have developed a solution: an online free portfolio review tool, accessible at www.alpeshpatel.com/links. This tool is designed to empower individuals by providing them with a clear, concise analysis of their current pension portfolios and offering guidance on potential improvements. By leveraging my expertise in finance and investment, gained through years of experience in organizations like Bloomberg, US Congress, and the Financial Times, I aim to demystify the process of pension fund investment and management.

The tool is a step towards addressing the knowledge gap in pension investment and providing individuals with the confidence to either challenge their IFAs with informed questions or take the leap into self-managing their pensions. It is designed to be user-friendly, catering to both seasoned investors and those new to the world of finance.

In conclusion, the stagnation of pension funds in contrast to the dynamic growth of global markets like the Nasdaq is a wake-up call for investors. The issues range from the 'spray and pray' approach of IFAs, mislabeling of funds, over-reliance on benchmarks like the FTSE, to the challenges of disengaging from IFAs and the complexities of self-managing pensions. These challenges necessitate a shift in how individuals approach their pension investments.

My initiative to offer a free online portfolio review tool is a step towards empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. It is crucial for investors to become more informed and proactive. Understanding the composition of their portfolios, the rationale behind each investment, and the broader market dynamics is essential. This knowledge enables investors to make informed decisions, whether it's holding their IFAs to account or taking the reins of their investment strategies into their own hands.

In an era where financial literacy is more important than ever, taking charge of one's pension investments is not just a choice but a necessity. It's time for investors to move beyond the stagnation and unlock the true potential of their pension funds.

Major lenders slash mortgage rates below 4% Several major mortgage lenders in Britain have recently reduced mortgage rates to below 4 per cent, bringing positive news for homeowners as competition intensifies. Barclays and Santander are the latest to join this trend, lowering the cost of fixed-rate deals by up to 0.82 percentage points.

Santander, in particular, reduced some of its most affordable five-year fixed-rate deals to below 4 per cent, while Barclays decreased its two-year fixed rates by as much as half a percentage point, reaching 4.17 per cent.

The current average mortgage rates are now at their lowest levels since June of the previous year. Moneyfacts, a data analysis firm, reports that the average two-year fixed rate has dropped from 5.93 per cent on January 2 to 5.71 per cent recently. Similarly, the average rate on a five-year fixed deal has seen a

decrease from 5.54 per cent to 5.31 per cent.

Despite these reductions, there remains uncertainty regarding the potential further decline in mortgage rates. The Bank of England's base rate stands at 5.25 per cent, with financial markets anticipating a decrease later this year. However, if inflation, currently at 3.9 per cent, continues to surpass the Bank of England's 2 per cent target, it may lead to a more cautious approach.

Top UK fund managers face £2.2bn outflows Terry Smith's Fundsmith Equity Fund and Nick Train's WS Lindsell Train UK Equity Fund experienced monthly redemptions throughout 2023, resulting in annual net outflows of £1.4 billion and £800 million, respectively, as indicated by data from Fundsmith and Morningstar.

These redemptions are indicative of a challenging environment for active fund managers, who levy fees for stock portfolio selection. The performance of both funds has been affected by volatile markets, while investors have been drawn to low-cost trackers and cash products offering the highest rates in a decade. UK investors withdrew £12 billion in 2022 and £11.9 billion in the first ten months of October 2023, according to the Investment Association.

Factors such as cost of living pressures, higher mortgage rates, and the underperformance of UK equity markets compared to US equity and global fixed-income markets have been cited

by brokers and analysts as contributors to the trend.

Terry Smith, Fundsmith's founder and CEO, acknowledged the challenges, stating, "The entire equity fund management sector saw large outflows in 2023, and it is impossible for us to avoid that trend." The Fundsmith fund has not outperformed the MSCI World index since 2020, registering a 12.4 per cent return last year compared to the index's 16.8 per cent. Despite this, the Fundsmith fund has outperformed the MSCI World index on an annualised basis since its inception in 2010, returning 15.3 per cent compared to the index's 11.5 per cent.

Nick Train's £3.9 billion WS Lindsell Train UK Equity fund primarily invests in UK equities, which have faced challenges in recent years.

Outflows and investment losses led to a £1.8 billion decline in the fund's assets under management between January 2022 and November of the same year.

New Report shows value of Scotland’s national drink in driving economic growth The contribution of the Scotch Whisky industry to the UK economy reached £7.1bn in 2022.

A new report by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) also reveals the industry supports 66,000 jobs across the UK, of which 41,000 are in Scotland. The Scotch Whisky industry is now responsible for generating £3 in every £100 of Scotland’s total Gross Value Added (GVA), and is the second most productive sector in Scotland, ranked just behind energy including renewables.

Scotch whisky companies have continued to invest to drive growth,

employment and productivity despite domestic and international challenges.

However, the sector is now warning that while there is room for further growth, Scotch whisky continues to face multiple barriers, including the highest spirits duty rate in the G7, key infrastructure in Scotland in need of investment, and trade deals - including with India – still to be finalised. These challenges combined with rapidly increasing competition from premium spirits in global markets put future investment, growth and jobs at risk without government support.

£37,000 needed to be financially stable in London According to the latest figures, a single person living in London in a studio or a flatshare would need a gross salary of £37,000 to cover their everyday expenses and save a bit, according to personal finance website finder.com.

The budget considers rent, utilities and much more, and, unsurprisingly, the cost of accommodation is nearly 40% of take-home pay, with a single person living in a studio or flatshare in London spending an average of £921 on rent.

To live comfortably alone in a one or two-bedroom flat, the average rent is expected to be at least double the current estimate in central area.

The average Londoner spends around £133 on gas, electricity and water per month and an estimated £63 per month on council tax. A transport allowance of £200 per month combined with around £102 in online subscriptions brings total bills to around 21% of monthly take-home pay.

Gym membership, holidays and clothes shopping amount to 11% of the monthly budget. The average Brit spends around £2,115 on holidays per year, meaning a monthly contribution of around £176. Meanwhile, the average gym membership in the capital comes to £51, whilst the average estimated monthly expenditure on clothing is £32.

Bank's inflation target may be hit

by April A senior economist predicts that inflation is likely to fall below the Bank of England's target as early as April. Sanjay Raja, a senior economist at Deutsche Bank, attributes this potential decline to a significant cut in energy bills.

Inflation, presently at 3.9 percent and peaking at 11.1 percent in October 2022, is expected to move below the 2 percent target.

Raja, however, advises caution, noting that upside risks to inflation remain, particularly concerning services inflation. The uncertainty in wage growth, especially with a substantial minimum wage increase scheduled for April, could result in services inflation being slightly higher than anticipated.

If these forecasts materialise, it would mark the end of a period where inflation has consistently remained above the Bank's 2 percent goal since July 2021. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey expressed optimism about the economy's current state, stating that an unexpected improvement in living standards in 2023 had strengthened the economy, despite the challenges posed by rapidly rising prices.

Sainsbury's shares dip as non-food sales decline

Shares in the UK's second-largest supermarket chain, which had surged nearly a fifth in the lead-up to the crucial Christmas trading period, experienced a 6.3 percent decline.

While grocery sales witnessed a robust 9.3 percent increase in the 16 weeks leading to January 6, driven by premium ranges and promotions, general merchandise sales, encompassing Argos, disappointed with a 0.6 percent decrease. Clothing sales also saw a decline of 1.7 percent.

Sainsbury's CEO, Simon Roberts, has concentrated on refining the chain's food offerings over the past three years to compete with upscale rivals like Waitrose and discounters such as Lidl and Aldi. This strategy proved successful during Christmas, with grocery sales surpassing the anticipated 6.5 percent projected by analysts. However, the lackluster performance in general merchandise, notably a 4.2 percent decline in Argos sales in the six weeks to January 6, raised concerns about potential neglect, as suggested by Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

Sainsbury's also reported that general merchandise sales, excluding the closure of Argos stores in Ireland, increased by 1.5 percent during the quarter, offering some positive insights amid the overall mixed performance.

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SAP’s Bawa gets global role as Chief Revenue Officer SAP has promoted Kulmeet Bawa, previously the Managing Director for the Indian Subcontinent, to the position of Chief Revenue Officer for SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) on a global scale.

In this new role, Mr Bawa will play a key role in advancing the expansion and acceptance of SAP BTP overseeing worldwide, areas such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics, automation, and integration, according to a statement from the German technology

Kulmeet Bawa

company.

“Kulmeet has extensive experience helping businesses create new opportunities through transformation, cloud optimising their data, and

innovating with Business AI,’‘ said Claudio Muruzabal, Chief Business Officer, SAP Commenting on the appointment, Mr Bawa noted, “SAP and our customers are going through a critical transformation and have a unique opportunity to redefine how successful businesses run. I am incredibly excited to apply everything I’ve learned in our Indian business in a global field, and to continue to contribute to customer transformation journeys around the world.”

Bringing two decades of technology leadership experience in Asia, Mr Bawa became part of SAP India in 2020. During his tenure, SAP India emerged as one of the company's rapidly growing global markets, with a particular emphasis on partnering with some of the subcontinent's most influential organizations.

Notably, this includes the 50 Indian unicorns currently utilising SAP, marking a significant achievement under his guidance, as mentioned in the release.

Hitachi's Indian business expects to have $20 bln revenue by 2030

Quess Corp inks pact with Gujarat Technical University

Hitachi India aims to generate $20 billion in revenue for its Japanese parent by 2030, with a focus on being a global hub in components and capital goods businesses, according to Bharat Kaushal, Hitachi India's managing director.

The rail and power sectors are anticipated to be the primary contributors to revenue growth over the next decade.

Hitachi, with annual revenue of 7.64 trillion yen ($52.44 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2023, sees significant potential in expanding its rail and energy transmission equipment business in North America. The ASEAN-India region contributed 9.4% to Hitachi's revenue in fiscal 2023.

The group does not give India's contribution. India experienced a record rise in power demand last year, leading to the government ramping up electricity generation capacity, including in renewable energy. India's green energy push extends from proposals to cut taxes on electric vehicles and solar panels to injecting billions of dollars of equity into big state oil refiners to fund energy transition projects.

Business solutions provider Quess Corp has entered into an agreement with Gujarat Technical University (GTU) to facilitate skill development and employment generation in the state.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is designed to contribute to the forecasting, development, and identification of programs that address the skill requirements of the state, aligning with increased investments and Gujarat's Sustainable Vision for 2030, as stated by Quess Corp.

As part of the MoU, Quess Corp will manage the Center of Excellence (COE) across multiple locations, establishing a framework for predicting demands in technology and industry sectors based on input from formal education and similar ecosystems. The emphasis will be on providing services related to skill assessment, employment enablement, entrepreneurship development programs, and technology integration to bridge the skill gap among employees in accordance with industry requirements.

Maruti to invest Rs 35,000 crore to set up second plant in Gujarat Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is planning a significant investment of Rs 35,000 crore to establish its second manufacturing facility in Gujarat. This move is part of the company's strategy to boost annual production capacity to over 4 million units by the fiscal year 2030-31, according to Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Addressing the audience at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS), Suzuki stated that the new plant is designed to have an installed production capacity of 1 million units per year.

"We will invest Rs 35,000 crore for the construction of a second car plant in Gujarat which would produce another one million units per year," Suzuki said. The new plant is expected to start operation in FY2028-29. Details of location and the models to be produced will be shared in due course.

As a result, result, the annual production production capacity capacity in Gujarat Gujarat will be 2 million million (20 lakh) units -- 10 lakh units at Suzuki Motor Gujarat and 10 lakh units at the second new plant, he added.

Marriott’s Moxy debutes in Bengaluru After revealing plans to launch its youthful hotel brand, Moxy, in India two years ago, Marriott International Inc is on the verge of inaugurating its first property.

Situated at Bengaluru Airport, the 128room hotel will be owned by real estate developer Prestige Group.

Marriott International Inc, known for operating hotel chains such as JW Marriott and W Hotels, shared this development.

Marriott’s vice president for South Asia, Ranju Alex, said the firm will open three

more mid-market, economy lifestyle hotels, including one each in Mumbai and Chennai, and a second property in Bengaluru.

“It is a very successful brand around the world, and we are very confident it will do well in India because of the country’s large young demographic and the pace at which they travel. To begin with, the segmentation will be to focus on the big cities because that’s where the travellers go most. Currently, there are 125 Moxy hotels in 24 countries," she said.

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Mumbai-Born Democrat Minita Sanghvi set to run for New York senate Minita Sanghvi, a Mumbai-born, presently serving her second term as Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner, has initiated a campaign to vie for a seat in the New York State Senate.

The 46-year-old Democrat shared her aspirations to challenge the current Republican incumbent for the 44th Senate district seat in the upcoming November elections during an interview with WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

Minita Sanghvi, a marketing professor at Skidmore College, is seeking the 44th District seat presently occupied by

Republican Jim Tedisco, a member of the upper chamber since 2017. Sanghvi contends that Tedisco is out of touch with the everyday concerns of citizens, alleging that the 73-year-old has prioritized exacerbating political divisions over addressing fundamental issues.

"I want to put the community first and not play politics," she said. "I have worked with the county and the state when issues come up and solutions need to happen. I'm solution-driven and a problem-solver. Mr. Tedisco is not." "We have infrastructure money coming down the pipe

and we have to make sure it is coming to our district," Ms Sanghvi said.

"The district is also growing.

We need an innovation corridor, something that connects Saratoga Springs and Schenectady and allows for our academic facilities as well as maker spaces, venture capitalists and incubators to talk to each other. We need new ideas for our district and we don't have them."

She also said as a mother, gun safety is one of her priorities, adding that people who own guns are concerned about that, too. Before her tenure in

Minita Sanghvi

Saratoga Springs, she also taught at the University of North Carolina, having moved to Saratoga Springs in 2014.

15 million Asian Americans will be eligible Israel accuses South Africa of ‘profound to vote in US presidential elections A recent report from the Pew Research Center reveals a substantial increase in the number of eligible Asian American voters in the past two decades, with a remarkable surge since 2020.

The report titled 'Key about Asian Facts American Eligible Voters in 2024,' released last week, highlights a significant 15% growth in the Asian American eligible voter population over the last four years. This growth rate far exceeds the overall eligible voter growth of 3%, establishing them as the fastest-growing electorate

in the US. The study projects that around 15 million Asian Americans will be eligible to vote in November.

Although constituting just over 6% of eligible voters, their growth surpasses that of Hispanic eligible voters, who increased by 12%. The research notes that Asian Americans generally lean Democratic. In the 2020 elections, a Pew Research Center analysis of validated voters indicated that 72% of English-speaking, single-race, non-Hispanic Asian voters voted for Democrat Joe Biden, while 28% voted for Republican

Donald Trump.

The state is home to nearly a third (31 per cent) of the entire US Asian electorate. The states with the next-most Asian American eligible voters are New York (1.2 million), Texas (1.1 million), Hawaii (580,000) and New Jersey (575,000).

Hawaii, where Asian Americans constitute 55 per cent of the overall electorate, remains the only state in which a nonwhite group makes up the majority. The state also has the highest share of Asians who are registered to vote, at 7 in 10 Asians.

Unexplained demise of two Indian students in the United States Under suspicious circumstances, a student from Telangana and another from Andhra Pradesh passed away in Connecticut, just 16 days after arriving in the US for higher studies.

Connecticut police notified the parents of Gattu Dinesh (22) and Nikesh, both in their early twenties that the roommates had "died in their sleep." Hailing from Wanaparthy in Telangana and Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, respectively, the exact cause of their deaths remains undisclosed. In the absence of

official information, Gattu Venkanna, Dinesh's father, suspects "carbon monoxide poisoning."

"When local friends visited their place and tried to wake up the duo, they could not. They then informed the police and called an ambulance. The two were rushed to hospital, where they were declared dead. The cause is still unknown," Dinesh's uncle Sainath told media.

Venkanna, Dinesh's father, works as a realtor, while information about Nikesh's family remains unclear. Dinesh, had a B

Tech degree in computer science from a private university in Chennai last year, secured admission to Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. He had completed his schooling in Alampur of Mahboobnagar district in undivided AP and intermediate from Hyderabad.

According to Sainath, the family is shattered after learning about the death of Dinesh weeks after they had seen him off at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on his way to the US.

Pakistan's Imran Khan's party loses cricket bat electoral symbol In a recent setback for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected their attempt to maintain the traditional electoral symbol of a cricket bat.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), facing tensions with influential army generals, contends with a military-supported crackdown intensifying ahead of the February 8 general election. The PTI accuses the military of trying to sideline them in the election, a claim that the army denies.

In the South Asian nation of 241 million people, where many constituencies are situated in rural areas with low literacy, the electoral symbol on ballot papers holds significance for voters to recognise a party's candidates.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa made the ruling in a live late-night broadcast of the proceedings on the top court's website. Without the cricket bat symbol, PTI candidates will now have to run using individual symbols, potentially causing confusion among their supporters.

"This, by far, is the worst decision impacting million of voters," the party said in a statement, with its chairman Barrister Gohar Khan announcing that its candidates will contest the election as independents. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had stripped the PTI of the symbol on the technical grounds that it had not held intra-party elections, a prerequisite for any political party to take part in the national election.

distortion’ at ICJ genocide hearing

Israel has refuted South Africa's allegations of genocide in Gaza, describing the portrayal of hostilities as "profoundly distorted" and comparable to Hamas' perspective. Israel, presenting its defense at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, countered that South Africa's depiction was "partial and deeply flawed."

Israel attributed the majority of Palestinian civilian casualties, numbering over 23,000 individuals (about 1% of Gaza's population) since October 7, and the destruction of numerous buildings—cited

by South Africa—to be the responsibility of Hamas, either directly or indirectly.

Lawyers for Israel said civilians had been killed by Hamas booby-trapping homes, mining alleyways and misfiring rockets, and that the militant group’s use of schools and hospitals for military purposes had caused their structures to collapse.

In his opening statement, Tal Becker, the Israeli foreign ministry’s legal adviser, said: “The applicant has regrettably put before the court a profoundly distorted factual and legal picture. The entirety of this case hinges on a deliberately curated decontextualised and manipulative description of the reality of current hostilities.”

He said South Africa’s application for the court to issue provisional measures ordering a ceasefire represented an “unconscionable request” that “seeks to thwart Israel’s inherent right to defend itself”.

Recently, Namibia criticises Germany's rejection of the UN case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Lashkar founder and Hafiz Saeed's deputy Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, confirmed dead Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, a founding member of the terrorist group Lashkar-eTayyiba (LeT) and deputy to Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, passed away due to cardiac arrest while in Pakistani government custody, as confirmed by the United Nations. According to the UN Security Council's Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, Bhuttavi died on May 29 last year in Muridke, Punjab province, Pakistan.

Bhuttavi played a significant role in LeT, serving as the acting emir on two occasions when Hafiz Saeed was detained. He managed the group's daily operations and made independent decisions during Saeed's incarceration until June 2009. Bhuttavi provided instructions and issued fatwas for LeT's operations, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks that resulted in over 150 casualties.

FORMER KENYAN MINISTER DETAINED IN UGANDA Ugandan authorities are currently holding Stephen Tarus, Kenya's former Assistant Minister for Internal Security, under allegations of smuggling gold into Uganda using counterfeit documents. Arrested last week, Mr Tarus appeared before a Ugandan anti-corruption court, facing charges of falsifying export documents, as disclosed by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). The URA stated that the use of fraudulent trade documentation resulted in substantial financial losses for the Ugandan government.

The charges against Mr Tarus specifically revolve around the forgery of export documents for 13 kilograms of gold with an estimated value of $30,000 (£24,000). The URA suspects that the gold was destined for Dubai as part of an illicit smuggling operation.

Pending further investigations into the incident, Mr Tarus has been remanded at Luzira prison until January 18. As of now, he has not provided any statements regarding the allegations.

BRUNEI'S PRINCE ABDUL MATEEN WEDS IN LAVISH CEREMONY Brunei's Prince Abdul Mateen, renowned as one of Asia's most popular royal figures, recently concluded an elaborate 10-day wedding ceremony with his fiancee, Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic. The 32-year-old prince, formerly recognised as one of Asia's most eligible bachelors, entered matrimony with the 29-year-old Anisha in a series of celebrations commencing on January 7 and concluding on Tuesday. The marriage proceedings included a solemnisation ceremony held at a mosque. As the fourth son and 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's wealthiest individuals, Prince Mateen holds the position of the sixth in line to the throne. Despite his succession ranking, the prince has gained prominence in recent years by accompanying his father on various diplomatic engagements. The engagement between Prince Mateen and Anisha, who happens to be the granddaughter of the ruler's special adviser, was officially announced by the sultan in October.

UGANDAN MOM, 70, GIVES BIRTH TO 'MIRACLE' TWINS A Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, who made headlines as one of the world's oldest new mothers after giving birth to a boy and a girl at the age of 70, has returned home six weeks later. The remarkable birth took place via C-section on November 29 at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, where Namukwaya had been undergoing in-vitro fertilisation treatment.

The hospital celebrated the "miracle at 70," sharing pictures of the joyful mother and her newborns as they left the hospital on Saturday, marking the introduction of the babies to the world.

TALIBAN DETAINS AND LASHES AFGHAN GIRLS OVER HIJAB In the past week, girls as young as 16 in Kabul, Afghanistan, have been arrested for violating the Taliban's hijab rules. The arrests occurred in various locations, including shopping centres, classrooms, and street markets. The charges against them included "spreading and encouraging others to wear a bad hijab" and wearing makeup. Since assuming power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban has implemented increasingly restrictive measures on women, limiting their access to education, employment, and public spaces. In May 2022, a decree was issued requiring women to cover themselves from head to toe, allowing only their eyes to be visible.

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in brief

Nine-year-old Indian-American girl Vivek Ramaswamy IMRAN KHAN AND WIFE among "world's brightest" students quits presidential

INDICTED IN CORRUPTION CASE

A Pakistani court has indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife on charges of retaining state gifts from his time in power, including jewellery from the government of Saudi Arabia. The charges were read out at a court in the prison in Rawalpindi, where Khan is currently imprisoned. Both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, pleaded not guilty to the charges. This latest indictment poses a challenge to Khan and his political party ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for February 8. The case was filed by the National Accountability Bureau.

IOWA SCHOOL SHOOTING: PRINCIPAL DAN MARBURGER DIES Perry High School principal Dan Marburger, who was shot during a school shooting on January 4, has succumbed to his injuries ten days after the tragic incident. The shooting, carried out by Iowa school student Dylan Butler, resulted in the death of 11-year-old student Ahmir Jolliff and injuries to several others. After the attack, Butler turned the gun on himself. Marburger, who was shot while attempting to protect students, initially remained stable after the shooting, according to NBC News. His daughter claimed that he had tried to "distract" the shooter to facilitate the students' escape.

The school shooting has left the community in mourning and raised concerns about the ongoing issue of school violence.

CHINA WARNS OF POSSIBLE COVID REBOUND THIS MONTH The number of patients attending fever clinics in medical institutions in China has shown a decline since New Year's Day, but there is a possibility of a rebound in the COVID-19 infection epidemic in January, according to Chinese health authorities.

The National Health Commission spokesperson, Mi Feng, mentioned at a press briefing that there has been a fluctuating downward trend in the number of patients attending fever clinics across China. Presently, respiratory diseases are primarily influenza, and the infection rate of COVID-19 is relatively low. The situation is being closely monitored as authorities work to manage and control the ongoing health challenges.

KOGI MAN IRONS FOR 200 HOURS, HITS 100-HOUR MILESTONE IN WORLD RECORD BID In an ambitious endeavor to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest marathon ironing, 27-year-old fashion designer Dauda Abdulfatai from Kogi state has dedicated 100 hours, reaching the existing record set by Gareth Sander of the United Kingdom in 2015.

Abdulfatai commenced his 200-hour ironing marathon in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state, January 2024. Notably, Gareth, the current record holder, took more than two weeks to fully recover from his recordsetting attempt. Abdulfatai shared his achievement of the 100-hour mark on X (formerly Twitter), posting a video of himself ironing while being cheered on by friends and well-wishers. “Thrills to announce to my fellow Nigerians as I completes a 100-hour Ironing Marathon, matching the current award holder, Gareth Sanders from UK.

Nine-year-old Indiansociety.

American schoolgirl, Preesha At the age of six, Preesha Chakraborty, has earned a accomplished this feat by scorspot on the "world's brightest" ing in the 99th percentile in students list, according to the the national-level NNAT prestigious Johns Hopkins (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Centre for Talented Youth.

Test), an assessment designed for K-12 students applying to Preesha, a Grade 3 student gifted and talented programs. at Warm Spring Elementary Outside of her academic purSchool in Fremont, California, suits, Preesha enjoys activities took the above-grade-level such as traveling, hiking, and test in Summer 2023, competPreesha Chakraborty participating in mixed martial ing with over 16,000 students arts. from 90 countries. Her outstanding perforAccording to her parents, Preesha has mance on assessments like SAT, ACT, and always been passionate about learning and School and College Ability Test granted her has consistently displayed exceptional acaGrand Honors, placing her in the top 30 perdemic abilities. cent globally.

"This is not just recognition of students' Preesha's achievement qualifies her for performance on one test, but a testament to over 250 advanced programs offered by their curiosity and capacity for learning," Johns Hopkins CTY in various subjects.

Amy Shelton, Executive Director of the CTY, Additionally, she is a lifetime member of the said.

Mensa Foundation, an esteemed high-IQ

Czech girl becomes youngest to reach base camp Achieving a historic milestone, four-year-old Zara from the Czech Republic has set a new record as the youngest person to reach the base camp of Mount Everest. Zara, joined by her father David Sifra and seven-year-old brother, successfully accomplished the demanding 274km journey to the Everest base camp, situated at an elevation of 17,598 feet.

The previous record was set by Prisha Lokesh Nikajoo in 2023, accomplishing this remarkable feat at the age of five. Zara, at four years and five months old, has now broken this record.

The challenging journey to Mount Everest's base camp posed various obstacles, including sub-zero temperatures dropping to -25 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh conditions, Zara's father stressed on the significance of careful acclimatization, continuous monitoring of blood oxygen saturation, and a gradual progression to ensure the safety and well-being of the young adventurer, in an interview with media.

Zara's father credits her success to her distinctive upbringing in Malaysia. From a young age, Zara participated in daily walks spanning 5-10 kilometers, accumulating elevation gains ranging from 300 to 600 meters. In 2023 alone, she covered an impressive total distance of over 2,200 kilometers in the jungle, effectively preparing herself both physically and mentally for the demanding expedition. Sifra marvels at his daughter's ability to outpace numerous trekkers, raising the question of how a four-year-old could physically and mentally manage such a demanding endeavour.

AI expected to affect 40% of jobs and worsen inequality, IMF warns The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that Artificial Intelligence will impact 40 percent of jobs worldwide, potentially exacerbating global and societal inequality. The IMF predicts a "technological revolution" driven by AI, which will have a more pronounced effect on advanced economies, leading to the replacement and complementing of highskilled jobs.

“In this evolving landscape, advanced economies and more developed emerging markets need to focus on upgrading regulatory frameworks and supporting labour reallocation, while safeguarding those adversely affected,” stated a report from the financial organisation, which was published.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that emerging market and developing economies should focus on building digital infrastructure and enhancing digital skills. In advanced economies, approximately 60 percent of roles will be influenced by AI, with about half of the workforce benefiting from AI integration, potentially leading to increased productivity. However, the remaining workers might experience lower salaries, reduced hiring, and, in extreme cases, job disappearance.

Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF’s managing director, said the impact of AI is unusual in that it can also impact well-paid jobs.

“Historically, automation and information technology have tended to affect routine tasks, but one of the things that sets AI apart is its ability to impact high-skilled jobs,” she said.

The IMF is concerned that advanced economies can adopt AI more quickly and harness its benefits more than developing nations, and also warned about the impact within societies and communities.

race, backs Trump after his Iowa win Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has withdrawn from the 2024 US presidential race, declaring his support for Former president Donald Trump. This decision follows a less-than-remarkable performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses.

Despite initially being a relative newcomer to political circles when he entered the race in February 2023, Ramaswamy gained attention and support from Republican voters due to his strong stance on immigration and an America-first approach.

His campaign strategy closely mirrored that of Trump, both in tone and policy, as he aimed to appeal to the conservative base that had previously propelled Trump to success in elections. On the same night, Trump secured victory in Iowa, further solidifying his position as the leading candidate for the Republican nomination.

Mr Ramaswamy, an Ohio native, born to immigrant parents from Kerala, emerged as one of the unexpected contenders in a Republican field still dominated by Trump's reputation.

However, the tables turned for Mr. Ramaswamy in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, as Trump publicly condemned him. Labelling him a "fraud" on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump asserted that a vote for the Indian-American was equivalent to supporting the "other side."

In Iowa, Mr. Ramaswamy finished fourth, securing approximately 7.7% of the votes.

The Harvard-educated millionaire gained prominence in right-wing circles with his 2021 bestseller, "Woke, Inc.," a sharp critique of corporate decisions influenced by social justice and climate change concerns.

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WAAH Science Laureate Awards 2023 celebrate Gujarat's innovators in science education Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), Ahmedabad and We Are All Humans (WAAH) Foundation have collaborated to popularise science and to promote innovative research in science and technology for societal benefits.

Under this partnership, two major initiatives have been undertaken: Setting up school-level WAAH Community Science Centres (STEM Labs) and WAAH Science Laureate Awards - To encourage people doing innovative research in the field of science and technology that can benefit society & improve quality of life.

WAAH Science Laureate Awards were first launched in 2022. The second edition of the WAAH Science Laureate Awards 2023 received entries from scientists, educators, research scholars, teachers, college and school students from different parts of Gujarat. Best 3 entries from Senior Category and best 4 entries from Junior Category were selected through a rigorous evaluation process.

Dr. Pankaj S Joshi, Distinguished Professor and Founding Director, International Centre for Space & Cosmology,

Dignitaries with the awardees

Ahmedabad University; Shri Kartikeya V Sarabhai, Padma Shri, Eminent Educationist and Environmentalist; Shri C B Patel, Publisher and Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar; and Shri Prafulbhai Amin, President, WAAAH Foundation graced the occasion as honourable guests at the Award Ceremony.

Dilip Surkar, Executive Director of VASCSC and CB Patel handing out scholarship

Indore, Surat voted cleanest cities For the seventh consecutive year, Indore clinched the title of the cleanest city in India, sharing the top honor with Surat in the Central government's annual cleanliness survey. Navi Mumbai secured the third position in the 'Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023'.

In the 'best-performing states' category, Maharashtra emerged as the cleanest state in the country, with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh following suit.

In the previous annual survey, Madhya Pradesh held the cleanest state title.

Three cities from West Bengal—Madhyamgram (444th rank), Kalyani (445th rank), and Haora (446th rank)—occupied the bottom positions.

Among the lowest-ranking states are Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

As per the survey results, Sasvad in Maharashtra secured the cleanest city award among 3,970 cities

with a population of less than one lakh. Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavala in Maharashtra claimed the second and third positions, respectively, while Nagaland's Pungro city ranked last in this category.

Varanasi was recognised as the cleanest 'Ganga town,' followed by Prayagraj, Bijnor, Haridwar, Kannauj, Patna, Rishikesh, Kanpur, Rajmahal, and Sahiganj.

Chhapra ranked last among the 88 Ganga towns.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge named INDIA bloc chief, Nitish rejects convenor post Following a virtual meeting of INDIA bloc leaders, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has been appointed as the chairperson of the bloc.

Additionally, sources indicate that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, a JD(U) leader, declined the role of convenor for the INDIA bloc, suggesting that someone from the Congress party assume the responsibility.

The INDIA bloc, short for 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance,' consists of opposition parties, Mallikarjun Kharge with the leaders convening to discuss attended from Chennai. The leaders of the various coalition issues, including Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress met participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, earlier to discuss seat-sharing. The leaders of seat-sharing agreements, and other both parties called the meeting at Mukul pertinent concerns.

Wasnik's home a "positive move".

While Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In order to stop the Bharatiya Janata chose not to participate in the meeting, Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance Sharad Pawar, the leader of the NCP, joined (NDA) from obtaining a third consecutive the INDIA bloc leaders' meeting from term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha Mumbai over video conference. Kanimozhi elections, INDIA bloc parties have COME Karunanidhi, the leader of the DMK, and together.

MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu,

Dr. Pankaj Joshi, Chief Guest for the event, in his speech, highlighted the work of scientists and the impact it has created on world currently. He gave a motivating message to the innovative researchers, “A small step taken towards any work leads to a progressive state.”

While, Shri Kartikeya

Sarabhai emphasised on the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his passion towards reaching out to children for science popularisation. He also added, “Always think out of the box. This shall help you build a different perspective and ability to progress.”

Shri C B Patel, our honourable guest on dais also appreciated the work of the Science Laureate Award winners. He added, “It is an honour and a moment of pride to see that maximum awardees are females.”

Shri Prafulbhai Amin, President of WAAH Foundation highlighted the achievements of eminent scientists and researchers in past in addition to how vision of the visionaries has brought a difference globally. He rightly added, “WAAH aims at promoting the importance of Research & Development for making India prosperous. Quite apart from, a need to provide scientific facilities at all levels, WAAH Awards also aim to appreciate and give public recognition to the innovative ideas of the researchers. Who knows, in the future a poor but bright village student would be noticed by the Nobel Committee!”

DRDO successfully tests India's Next-Gen Akash missile India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a successful flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASHNG) missile. The test, conducted in the morning at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, targeted a high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude. The AKASH-NG missile system is cuttingedge, equipped to intercept high-speed and agile aerial threats, with an operational range of approximately 80 km.

The official account of DRDO on X (formerly Twitter) shared a video of the missile test and captioned it as: "Next Generation Akash missile successfully flight tested from ITR , Chandipur off the coast of Odisha today at 10:30hrs against a high speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude."

The Ministry of Defence announced the successful functioning of the complete weapon system."It has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of the missile with an

indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar and command, control and communication system," said the Ministry of Defence as quoted by news agency.

During the flight test, senior officers from DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were present.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the flight test and highlighted its significance in boosting India's defence.

"The successful development of the system will further enhance the air defence capabilities of the country, he said.

PM inaugurates Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, India's longest sea bridge Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, a 21.8-km infrastructure milestone connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Raigad district.

Dubbed the Atal Setu, it stands as India's longest sea bridge, promising to reduce travel time between the two points from an hour and a half to approximately 20 minutes.

With a construction cost of ₹17,840 crore, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) boasts six lanes, and a significant 16.5 km of the bridge spans over the sea.

Officials highlight that, beyond narrowing the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the Atal Setu—honouring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—will alleviate traffic congestion, enhance

transportation, and act as a catalyst for economic growth.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is set to enhance connectivity to both the Mumbai International Airport and the Navi Mumbai International Airport, along with reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune, Goa, and South India.

Additionally, it will strengthen the link between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Distinguished as India's inaugural sea bridge to incorporate an open-road tolling system, the Atal Setu enables vehicles to seamlessly pass through toll booths at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour without the need to come to a complete stop.

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World looks at India as trusted friend, pillar of stability & growth engine, says PM I

n an appeal for India as the premier investment destination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the country's extraordinary resilience amid global uncertainties. He asserted that India has emerged as a beacon of hope, gaining trust worldwide as a steadfast ally, a symbol of stability, and a powerhouse for global economic growth.

PM addressing at the inauguration of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Gandhinagar

The inauguration of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024 by Modi marked a pivotal moment in the biennial investment and business networking event held at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir. During the summit, prominent business conglomerates disclosed ambitious investment plans in the state, with a significant focus on projects related to green energy and semi-conductors.

The event themed ‘Gateway to Future’, which has earned the moniker of ‘Davos of the East,’ was graced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest. “The UAE firmly believes in the power of building bridges of cooperation to promote economic growth, and fostering international collaboration to address global challenges and help achieve stability and prosperity for all,” he said.

Modi attributed the rapid advancement of India-UAE relations to his efforts and expressed gratitude for the encouraging remarks. Highlighting his government's achievements that have bolstered India's global economic influence, the Prime Minister also pledged to ensure that the country ascends to the top three economies worldwide in the coming years.

“Several rating agencies have predicted that India will be among the top three economies of the world. Those who want to analyse can do so, but it's my guarantee (that we will achieve this),” he said, amid a roar of applause from 15,000-capacity convention hall. Harping on India’s demographic dividend, Modi assured the business fraternity that they will reap “unimaginable” results by partnering with the aspirational young generation.

Global leaders pledge major investments During the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS), numerous

prominent global business and industry leaders pledged substantial investments in the state. Notably, domestic giants such as the Adani Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Tata Group, and ArcelorMittal Group disclosed significant investment and expansion initiatives across existing and emerging sectors in Gujarat. The event also garnered attention from international investors.Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani committed to investing Rs 2 lakh crore in Gujarat over the next five years to create about 1 lakh jobs. “Today, I commit to further investments. We are constructing the world’s largest green energy park at Khavda in Kutch, generating 30 GW of renewable energy over 725 sq km, visible from space. We are expanding the green supply chain for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and creating the largest integrated renewable energy ecosystem,” he said.On the other hand, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani praised the PM’s vision and made five commitments, including enabling Gujarat to meet half of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2030 by setting up the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex in Jamnagar.

ArcelorMittal executive chairman Lakshmi Mittal said the company will build the world’s single biggest steel manufacturing facility with a capacity of 24 million tonnes per annum at Hazira by 2029. In a major boost to the automobile sector, Toshihiro Suzuki, president, Suzuki Motor Corporation said that Maruti Suzuki India Limited will invest Rs 35,000 crore to set up a new car manufacturing plant with a 10 lakh units per annum capacity in Gujarat, which will start operations in FY 2028-29.

“We will also expand the existing plant capacity to 10 lakh units per annum,” Suzuki said.

Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology, thanked state and central governments for their support in helping establish a world class memory assembly and test facility in Gujarat.“The first phase covering an area of 5,00,000 sq ft will be operational by early 2025, thereby creating 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 additional community jobs. The combined investment by Micron and government over both phases could reach $2.75 billion.”Even Tata Group hinted at a possible investment in the semiconductor sector. “Tata Group is on the verge of announcing a huge semiconductor fab in Dholera. We are about to complete these negotiations and start in 2024,” said N Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Sons Limited. He also elaborated on the group’s expansion plan in Gujarat in

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and PM Modi

the area of EV, battery production, C295 defence aircraft and semiconductor fab, and advance manufacturing skill building.Jeffery Chun, CEO, Simmtech, from South Korea, said the company is ready to make a co-location investment in India to support Micron Technology’s operations in Gujarat. “This will make India’s presence in the semiconductor supply chain network much stronger and enable India’s local player to be part of the global supply chain ecosystem,” Chun said.

VGGS 2024 attracts MoUs worth 26.3L crore The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024 culminated at Gandhinagar with one of the highest single event memorandum of understanding (MoU) value of Rs 26.3 lakh crore. However, the state govern-

ment said that from VGGS 2019 to VGGS 2024, the state has attracted investment promise or intent for Rs 45.2 lakh crore, the highest ever for an event.

Expressing confidence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that Gujarat serves as the gateway to a developed India.

He delivered this statement during the concluding session of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024, attended by a diverse group of union and state ministers, as well as industry leaders.“Vibrant Gujarat has given a platform to ideas and innovations and worked to bring in investments.

This has helped Gujarat and the economy of the entire country,” he said. “Today, the country has become confident that the gateway to Viksit Bharat (developed India) is passing through our Gujarat. And it is our duty to maintain this trust.”

In Loving Memory of

Jay Shrinathji

DOB: 13th March 1939 (Nairobi - Africa)

Shree Yamunaji

Demise: 13th January 2024 (London - UK)

Bhanuprasad Manilal Pandya

(A well-known comedian, an on-stage talent who brought joy and laughter to all)

A precious soul who lived to serve

Our beloved father, doting grandfather and loving husband, sadly passed at 7.50pm on Saturday, 13th January 2024. Having been a source of laughter and joy for countless individuals, he suddenly departed from this world, leaving his family and friends profoundly shocked and saddened by his unexpected departure. We are grateful for the touching condolences and warm wishes extended to us during this challenging time.

OM SHANTI... SHANTI... SHANTI...

The funeral will take place on Saturday 27th January 2024, 11.15 am, at Milton Chapel Chilterns Crematorium, Whielden Lane, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0ND

Bhadraben (Wife) Dhanraj (Son) Shital (Daughter) Graham Evans (Son-in-Law)

Gathering at the inauguration of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024

Prathna Sabha and Bhajans will be held on Tuesday 23rd January 2024, between 7 pm – 9.30 pm at Kadwa Patidar Centre Kenmore Avenue, Harrow, Middx, HA3 8LU

Contact for Webcast Details: Dhanraj Pandya: +44 7826912266 / Shital Pandya: +44 7721550205

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Centre probes firm linked to Kerala CM's daughter The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has initiated an investigation into Exalogic Solutions, owned by T Veena, the daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The probe is in response to allegations that Exalogic Solutions received significant monthly payments from Cochin Minerals and Ltd (CMRL) Rutile T Veena and CM Pinarayi Vijayan without rendering any Previously, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs services. The central government issued this had issued show cause notices to CMRL and directive on Friday night. A three-member KSIDC following revelations by the Income investigative team, comprising Karnataka Tax Interim Settlement Board, which Deputy Registrar of Companies Varun BS, uncovered unauthorised payments Chennai Deputy Director K M Shanker amounting to Rs 133 crore to trade union Narayan, and Pondicherry Registrar of leaders, officials, and politicians.

Companies A Gokulnath, has been The decision to launch a formal appointed to conduct the inquiry. The panel investigation was made after the Registrar has been instructed to submit its report of Companies in Bengaluru conducted an within four months. inquiry, revealing various violations and The ministry's investigation will focus offences under the provisions of the on the financial transactions of the Companies Act 2013. Acting on this inquiry company in response to complaints and report, the central government has taken concerns raised. Additionally, the probe will steps to investigate the allegations against extend to the Kerala State Industrial Veena's Exalogic Solutions.

Development Corporation (KSIDC).

PM Modi is set for a two-day visit to Kerala Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for a two-day visit to Kerala, arriving just two weeks after his previous state visit. Modi is scheduled to land in Kochi and lead a 1.3 km roadshow from Maharaja’s College ground to the Guest House at 5 pm. During his visit, the prime minister plans to tour two significant temples in the Thrissur district, namely Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple and Triprayar Sree Rama Swami Temple, as stated by State BJP President K Surendran. To accommodate the PM's visit, a regional holiday has been declared for educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Thrissur.

He is scheduled to travel to Guruvayur, where he will participate in a party meeting with approximately 6,000 in-charges of 'shakti kendras,' each encompassing two to three booth-level areas. Modi will also engage in programs related to central government projects before returning to Delhi in the evening.

According to Surendran, Modi's second visit to Kerala in two weeks has sparked enthusiasm among the people. Earlier this month, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation for various projects worth Rs 1,150 and attended a women’s convention organized by the BJP in Thrissur.

PUNJAB

Punjab man caught impersonating Pathankot youth bound for the US, missing in Panama girlfriend in exam In a rather comedic turn of events, a young man's attempt to cleverly impersonate his girlfriend during a multipurpose health workers exam at DAV Public School in Kotkapura, Punjab, ended in an unexpected spectacle.

Angrez Singh, hailing from Fazilka, decided to take the exam disguised as his girlfriend, Paramjit Kaur, on January 7, conducted by the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences.

Donning the attire of his girlfriend, complete with red bangles, a bindi, lipstick, and a ladies' suit, Angrez Singh's attempt at outsmarting officials took an unexpected twist.

University officials quickly caught wind of the ruse and promptly filed a complaint with the police.

To execute his plan, Angrez Singh had even gone so far as to use fake voter and Aadhar cards to substantiate his identity as Paramjit Kaur.

However, the well-thought-out scheme hit a snag when his fingerprints failed to match those of the genuine candidate on the biometric device.

Regrettably, Paramjit Kaur, the actual candidate, had her application rejected by the administration due to this incident.

Legal action has been initiated against Angrez Singh for his attempt to impersonate his girlfriend during the examination. The incident adds a humorous twist to what was initially a routine exam day in Punjab.

Twenty-six-year-old Jagmeet Singh from Pathankot has found himself in a dire situation after being promised the "great American dream" by travel agents who charged him Rs 45 lakh. Instead of a direct flight to the US, as promised to Jagmeet's parents by Kahnuwanbased agents Parminder Singh and Balwinder Kaur, he was compelled to take the perilous 'Donkey route' through Panama.

The Pathankot police have registered a criminal case against the travel agents under various sections, including cheating, wrongful confinement, and violations of the Emigration Act. SSP Daljinder Singh Dhillon is leading the investigations, considering a potential link to a Nicaragua-bound 'Donkey route' flight intercepted in France on December 26.

Jagmeet's last communication with his parents was on December 19 when he was located in the jungles of Panama. Expressing a desire to work in the US, Jagmeet's father, Joginder Singh, contacted the agents who were known for facilitating travel abroad through the perilous 'Donkey route' for a hefty sum. Allegedly, a deal was struck for Rs 45 lakh, with Rs 15 lakh paid in advance. The 'Donkey route' is notorious for forcing individuals to trek through steep mountains and vast swamps, presenting considerable dangers along the way. The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals who are misled by unscrupulous agents promising a better life abroad.

WEST BENGAL

12 arrested for assaulting and disrobing 3 sadhus Twelve individuals were arrested in West Bengal's Purulia district for allegedly assaulting and stripping three sadhus who were en route to Gangasagar.

The incident occurred on Thursday and was reportedly sparked by a misunderstanding between the sadhus and three village girls, arising from a language barrier. According to Avijit Banerjee, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Purulia district, the sadhus, along with two others, stopped at a village named Gourangdih. There, they encountered three village girls on their way to a local Kali temple and engaged in conversation.

However, due to a language

barrier, a misunderstanding ensued, leading the girls to believe that the sadhus had malicious intentions, prompting them to raise an alarm.

The commotion attracted villagers who proceeded to assault the sadhus, damaging their vehicle in the process.

Madhur Goswami, one of the sadhus, recounted the incident, stating, "We were going to Gangasagar. On the way, some people stopped the vehicle.

We were heckled and beaten up. The vehicle was also damaged. We would return to our ashram. We can’t go to Ganga Sagar as the vehicle has been damaged."

The sadhus expressed their intention to return to their ashram due to the ordeal they faced.

Indian Coast Guard swiftly rescues 182 pilgrims near Kakdwip In a prompt operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 182 pilgrims from the stranded vessel "Swasthya Sathi" near Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The vessel, carrying around 400 pilgrims returning from the Ganga Sagar Mela at Sagar Island to Kakdwip, ran aground in the Muriganga river due to extremely poor visibility, as reported by an ICG official.

Upon receiving a message from the District Magistrate (South 24 Parganas), the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) promptly deployed two Air Cushion Vehicles (Hovercrafts) from Haldia in East Midnapore and Sagar Island to offer assistance. The hovercrafts efficiently evacuated 182 pilgrims and guided the remaining individuals on the boat to a secure destination. Later chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, “A problem surfaced in a vessel. We sorted it out quickly.” She added, “So far, the footfall of pilgrims has crossed 1.10 crores. Still, there are around 27,000 pilgrims who want to visit the area. We will help them in return. We do not know magic. But hard work and monitoring have no alternative.”

KERALA TOPS STATES' STARTUP RANKING AS BEST PERFORMER Kerala has earned the distinction of being the top performer in the fourth edition of the States’ Startup Ranking (2022) by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as announced in New Delhi. Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission, highlighted that while the state had consistently performed well in the previous three editions, this year's recognition as the best performer underscores its dedicated efforts in fostering a robust startup ecosystem.

Along with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat, has been designated as the best performer in the fourth edition of the States’ Startup Ranking (2022). Additionally, nine states have been identified as emerging ecosystems. Kerala's top ranking is attributed to factors such as providing institutional support to startups, students, and women entrepreneurs through knowledge dissemination. During 2022, the period under consideration for the rankings, more than 1,700 start-ups were registered in the State. Out of these, 40 were working in the fields of renewable energy, sustainability and climate change.

BENGALURU OVERTAKES DELHI IN PRIVATE VEHICLE OWNERSHIP Bengaluru has now outpaced New Delhi as the Indian city with the highest number of private vehicles, boasting approximately 23 lakh private cars, according to the Delhi Statistical Handbook 2023. In contrast, Delhi, the national capital, has a total of 79.5 lakh vehicles, with 20.7 lakh being private cars, as reported on the same date. The Delhi Statistical Handbook 2023 reveals that in the fiscal year 2020-21, the capital had a total of 1.2 crore registered vehicles, including 33.8 lakh private cars. During this period, the Transport Department in Delhi took measures to deregister and scrap aging vehicles. In 2022, Bengaluru ranked as the world's second-most congested city, closely following London. Commuters in Bengaluru's city centre spent an average of 29 minutes and 10 seconds covering a distance of 10 kilometres during rush hours. The average speed during peak times was around 18 kilometres per hour, according to data reported by TomTom, a Dutch location technology specialist, in 2023.

WEST BENGAL LESBIAN COUPLE WEDS IN UP TEMPLE A lesbian couple from West Bengal, Jayashree Rahul (28) and Rakhi Das (23), recently celebrated their union in a traditional ceremony at the Bhagada Bhavani temple in Bhatpar Rani, Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. Both originally from South 24 Parganas district, the couple works together in an orchestra in Deoria, where their romantic relationship blossomed. Facing initial challenges, the couple was denied permission to marry at the Dirgeshwarnath temple, as Mahant Jagannath Maharaj cited the lack of approval from higher authorities in the district. Undeterred by this setback, Jayashree and Rakhi, accompanied by their well-wishers, took an alternative route. They obtained a notarized affidavit for their marriage and proceeded to the Bhagada Bhawani temple in Majhauliraj, where they exchanged garlands in the presence of the temple priest on Monday. This event marks a significant moment for the couple, symbolising their commitment and love, despite facing initial obstacles in obtaining approval for their union.

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Maldives, China sign 21 agreements after Muizzu-Xi meeting amid diplomatic row with India Following discussions, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu signed 20 crucial agreements, marking the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. "20 key agreements were signed today between the Government of the and the Government of China this afternoon and both the Presidents witnessed the signing ceremony," Maldivian President's office said in a post on X. President Muizzu and his wife Sajida Mohammad received a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People from President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan. The welcoming ceremony included a red

Mohamed Muizzu & Xi Jinping

carpet reception and a 21-gun salute. Subsequently, President Xi and Peng Liyuan hosted a state banquet in their honour.

Muizzu's state visit to China occurs amidst a diplomatic dispute with India, involving derogatory comments by his ministers about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, tensions arise from a report by the EU Election Observation Mission of Maldives, alleging that the ruling coalition

of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) propagated antiIndia sentiments and disseminated disinformation during the 2023 presidential elections, in which Muizzu emerged victorious.

Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China leader, is visiting China amid the row with India after some Maldivian ministers posted derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi leading to a spate

Pilgrims nationwide take holy dip at Gangasagar On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a significant number of pilgrims from various parts of the country participated in the sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal in the early hours of Monday, as reported by a senior official of the state government.

The current gathering has surpassed 65 lakhs, with a substantial portion having already taken the holy dip, according to the official.

Pilgrims also engaged in prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple, a customary practice during Makar Sankranti.

Each year, a multitude of devotees converge at Gangasagar to partake in the ritualistic dip and pay homage at the Kapil Muni Temple.

Due to the large congregation, the state government

has heightened security measures on Sagar Island. In addition to state police, personnel from NDRF, SDRF, and the Coast Guard have been stationed with the necessary equipment to respond to any unforeseen events.

"Nearly 65 lakh pilgrims have visited Gangasagar Mela till Sunday noon since the opening of the fair on January 8," stated Aroop Biswas, the state Power and Sports minister. He further mentioned that the fair-

ground, sprawling across the beach, is now under the surveillance of approximately 1,100 CCTV cameras and 22 drones.

To ensure the safety of the event, 14,000 policemen have been deployed, 45 watch towers erected, and pilgrims are being transported to Sagar Island via 36 vessels, 100 launches, and six barges across 22 jetties.

Additionally, 300 fog lights have been installed along the Muriganga River.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories considers acquisition of Nicotinell Indian pharmaceutical group Dr Reddy's Laboratories is currently in discussions to acquire Nicotinell, the anti-smoking aid, from its FTSE-100 parent company. Reports suggest that Dr Reddy's is leading the race to purchase the brand from Haleon, the consumer healthcare giant that was spun out of GlaxoSmithKline two years ago.

Sources have indicated that the negotiations are ongoing; emphasising that there is no certainty regarding the finalisation of a deal. The financial terms of the potential acquisition remain unclear, although insiders doubt it will reach the $800 million figure reported in the media last

on the New York Stock Exchange, having been established in 1984.

of cancellations of reservations by Indian tourists, who constitute the largest number of visitors to the tourism-dependent island nation.

Muizzu asks India to withdraw troops by March 15 Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has set a deadline for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation, stating that the Indian military personnel should leave by March 15.

This announcement follows Muizzu's meeting with Xi Jinping during his inaugural state visit to China after assuming office. The move comes amid a recent strengthening of ties between Maldives and China, triggered by a diplomatic dispute between India and Maldives. The discord emerged when Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his visit to the Lakshadweep islands. The three

Rahul Gandhi kick-starts Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur Congress MP Rahul Gandhi initiated his second extensive outreach program, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, from Thoubal district in violence-affected Manipur, near Imphal. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other prominent party leaders joined the launch ceremony in Thoubal. The yatra is intended to rejuvenate the party's electoral prospects for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, responding to the previous disappointing performance in the last round of assembly elections.

The initiation of Congress' yatra in Manipur gains significance amid the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, resulting in over 180 lives lost since May. The Congress has said that it is taking out the Bharat Jodo

Nyay Yatra is not an electoral one but is being taken out as the government did not give it a chance to raise people's issues in Parliament and the initiative is aimed at re-establishing the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.

The Yatra will travel through 100 Lok Sabha segments in 15 states before it culminates in Mumbai on

March 20 or 21.

Addressing the people of Manipur at the launch event of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday promised to bring peace and harmony to the ethnic violence-hit state.

He also alleged that the violence in the state was due to “the politics of the BJP-RSS and their hatred”.

“We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through.

Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instil,” Gandhi said. “We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for.”

India’s "strong protest" over UK Diplomat's visit to PoK India has strongly objected to the visit of the British High Commissioner in

CB Patel receives SPET RATNA Award along with five other Non-Resident Gujaratis July.

If Dr Reddy's proceeds with the acquisition, it would be the latest in a series of strategic purchases by the Indian pharmaceutical company. In a recent announcement earlier this month, Dr Reddy's revealed its acquisition of MenoLabs, a portfolio specialising in women's health and dietary supplements.

As of now, Dr Reddy's holds a market value of approximately $11.6 billion

ministers were sacked and the Maldivian Opposition criticised the comments, but the President said "We may be small but no one has the license to bully us".

Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President's Office, said, "Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration."

According to reports, around 88 Indian troops are present in Maldives.

Nearly two months after urging the withdrawal of Indian troops, the Maldives President has reiterated his call, emphasising the need to ensure the absence of foreign military presence on Maldivian soil. The current President, who championed the "India Out" campaign during his election, had made the withdrawal of Indian troops a significant promise in his electoral campaign.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel was honoured with the NRG-SPET Ratna Award in a programme at the NRG Centre, run by the Sardar Patel Education Trust at Anand (Gujarat). The award was presented by Swami Dharmabandhu and Bhikhubhai Patel. Detailed report will be published in the next week's edition.

Islamabad, Jane Marriott, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), terming it as "highly objectionable." A formal protest has been lodged with the British High Commissioner in India following Jane Marriott's visit to Mirpur city in the PoK region, accompanied by an official from the UK Foreign Office.

"India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on 10 January 2024," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "Such infringement of India's sovereignty

and territorial integrity is unacceptable," it added.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has lodged a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India on this 'infringement'.

The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India," MEA added.

In October last year, the US envoy to Pakistan, Donald Blome, toured the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region.

New Delhi expressed its 'strong objection' to the visit, urging the international community to uphold India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity."

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Countdown to historic Ram Janmbhoomi inauguration

Continued from page 1 A significant step towards preservation, a time capsule has been positioned approximately 2,000 feet below the temple, featuring a copper plate inscribed with crucial details about the Ram Mandir, Lord Rama, and Ayodhya. The purpose is to safeguard the temple's identity for posterity, ensuring it remains a timeless symbol.

Ayodhya, undergoing transformation into a smart city is witnessing a surge in development with numerous projects in progress. The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has greenlit applications for 35 new hotels, ranging from small to large establishments. Among them, India's first seven-star luxury hotel exclusively serving vegetarian cuisine is set to grace the temple town.

Mumbai-based realty developer The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) is substantial a planning reportedly investment of over Rs 2,000 crores (approx £20bn) to establish five luxury hotels in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Shimla, and Amritsar. The firm might allocate Rs 14.5 crore (approx £145 million) for 10,000 sq ft of land for a five-star hotel in Ayodhya.

With eight sanctioned townships, the largest private one spans over 59,000 square meters. Ayodhya is also poised to introduce 600 homestays. The ADA is overseeing 178 projects valued at Rs 29,604 crore (approx encompassing , billion) £296.04 infrastructure revamps and beautification initiatives.

Nationwide celebrations are set to unfold in India, with the PM Modi encouraging people to illuminate diyas in honour of the historic occasion. The BJP is orchestrating special pujas in temples and localities to mark the momentous event. In alignment with the consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) of Lord Ram in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, are implementing a ban on the sale of liquor and meat.

Interestingly, there is a notable trend as some pregnant women express a desire to schedule their deliveries on January 22, aligning with the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, as shared by a senior official from a government-run hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Global leaders invited for Pran Pratishtha Ceremony Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra has divulged details about the Pran

Members of Slough Hindu Mandir

Pratishtha ceremony scheduled for January 22 at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Temple Trust emphasises a focus on diverse representation, historical tribal inclusion, and the embrace of various traditions.

The consecration ceremony on January 22 will see the attendance of several notable figures, including industrialists, political

Ayodhya, have declined. Meanwhile, opposition parties express concern over the reported absence of the four Shankaracharyas, claiming their objection to the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at what they consider an 'incomplete temple. Turning down the invite for the Pran Pratishtha event, Congress leader

The Shankaracharyas

leaders, sports icons, and celebrities.

Invitations extend to cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, and business tycoons Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani and among others. Vinod Bansal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson, previously mentioned that about 7,000 individuals, including approximately 100 representatives from abroad, are expected to participate in the ceremony during his visit to Jharkhand on January 10.

Leaders from 55 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas have received invitations to the Ram Temple event.

Notable among the invitees is the Korean Queen, who claims to be Prabhu Shree Ram's Vanshaj (descendant of Lord Ram). The guest list includes dignitaries from countries like Australia, Japan, the USA, and many others.

The diverse guest list includes numerous sadhus, seers, and foreign attendees.

Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, mentioned that representatives from L&T and Tata Consulting Engineer, the project management consultants for the Ram temple, will also be present at the opening event. According to Rai, adequate arrangements, including refreshments, lunch, drinking water, toilet facilities, and shoe racks, have been made for the guests.

The temple trust has announced that classical instruments from various states, such as Uttar Pradesh's Pakhawaj and Tamil Nadu's Mridang, will be played during the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. prominent However, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who received invitations for the grand event on January 22 in

Ashok Gehlot said that even our Shankaracharyas (religious guru) will not be attending the Ram Mandir event which shows that the reason for not attending it is important.

Ram Mandir inauguration sparks celebrations worldwide

Stone Statue of Lord Ram and Hanuman

Bhaktivedanta Manor, the leading ISKCON temple in the UK, will be opening up the opportunity for pilgrims to take darshan on January 22. To celebrate this occasion, momentous ISKCON worldwide plans to feed 100,000 pilgrims daily (and 10,000 daily in the Ayodhya region) and hold festivals promoting the chanting of God’s names (especially “Hare Krishna” and “Hare Rama”). “We mark the legacy of Sri Rama and His teachings on dharma and sacrifice.

Lord Rama is the beacon of righteousness, spiritual truth, and morality, and through his example, we pray that the world is ennobled by his example," said Visakha Dasi Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor.

The Slough Hindu Mandir, one of the UK's oldest mandirs, is all set for an extravagant celebration. A live telecast from Ayodhya in the morning, along with the careful preparation of over 200 KG of Ladoos, will mark the festivities. Maha prasad will be served after the Arti at 7 PM, with an anticipated joyful gathering of 4 to 5 thousand devotees at the temple. Cofounders and Directors of IDUK, Mr Hirdesh Gupta, Ajay Murudkar, and Alok Gupta expressed their excitement, likening the atmosphere to Diwali. People are traveling from distant places, organising Bhajan Sandhya and celebrations in hired halls.

In the US, the VHP has organised a car and bike rally in Washington (DC) at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple on January 20th. Over 40 billboards featuring Lord Ram and the temple have been erected in

Anticipation is reaching new heights for the grand consecration ceremony of Lord Ram at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The excitement extends far beyond India, as celebrations are unfolding globally. From the United States to France, events commemorating this momentous occasion have been joyfully scheduled around the world.

In the UK, many mandirs and community dharmic come have organisations together to celebrate this historic event like Diwali. A website, 'UK Ram Ayodhya Celebrates Mandir,' has been launched to Indian British the keep community informed about events related to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir across the UK. The site lists numerous free events promising a spiritual and Shree Ram devotees taking out a grand yatra devotional respite for attendees in various parts of the country.

Talking to ANM News, Lord Rami over 10 states in the United States. After Ranger, Member of the House of Lords, January 22nd, prasad will be distributed in said, “I welcome the opening of Ram temples across America, starting in Boston, pay and visit Mandir, and everyone should further extending the celebrations. their respect. It is very important for every The Mauritian government announced sanatani. I am very proud that, in my a 2-hour special break for Hindu public lifetime, the Ram Mandir will be opening. I officers, allowing them to participate in congratulate all the people involved with local events marking the event. In Paris, a the opening of the Ram Mandir,” he added.

Ram Rath Yatra will be carried out from “The reaction is very positive in the UK, and Place de la Capelle to the iconic Eiffel the jubilation is all over the world. It is very Tower, featuring chanting of ‘Shree Ram important that we bring back the glory that cultural songs, devotional Dhun’ has been denied to us. It will unite us and programmes, and Prasad distribution. make India stronger. Ayodhya will be a Similar events such as Rath Yatra, Prasad tourist destination.” Lord Ranger was also distributions and Ram Katha also planned requested to send water from the Thames in several nations. for the bhoomi puja for the foundation.

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20 - 26 January 2024

Supreme Court allows cleaning of Wreckage of IAF's AN-32 aircraft 'Wazukhana' in Gyanvapi Mosque- traced, seven-and-a-half years Kashi Vishwanath temple after it went missing In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted permission to Hindu women petitioners for the cleaning of the 'wazukhana' area within the Gyanvapi mosque premises, where a 'Shivling' was discovered. The court's order emphasises the necessity of maintaining hygienic conditions in the specified area and directs the Varanasi district administration to oversee the cleaning process, aligning with previous directives from the apex court.

The Gyanvapi mosque management committee has expressed its support for the cleaning initiative, particularly emphasising the water

tank that had been sealed for nearly two years in accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions. The 'wazukhana,' a sacred reservoir where devotees perform ablutions before namaz, has garnered attention following the

unfortunate incident of fish deaths between December 12 to 25 2023. The cleaning application highlighted a distressing putrid smell emanating from the tank, raising concerns for both the committee and the Hindu petitioners.

76th Army Day marked with spectacular parade In Lucknow, the 76th Army Day was celebrated with grandeur, showcasing a spectacular parade that included six marching contingents. The festivities took place at the parade ground of the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre under the command of Major General Salil Seth. Army Chief General Manoj Pande presided over the event, reviewing the impressive parade and honoring selected officers and jawans with gallantry awards.

The parade included six marching contingents from various army regiments, along with a military band featuring five regimental brass bands and three pipe bands.

The 50th (Independent) Parachute Brigade, Sikh Light Infantry, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles, Bengal Engineer

Group and the Army Air Defence were among the six marching contingents at the parade.

The five regimental brass/military bands included the Punjab Regiment Grenadier Centre, Regimental Centre, Bihar Regiment Centre, Sikh Light Regiment Centre, Kumaon Regimental Centre and SIKH Regimental Centre.

The five regimental pipe bands that participated in the parade were the SIKH Regiment Centre, SIKH LI Regiment Centre, JAT Regiment Centre, KUMAON Regimental Centre and 1 Signal Training Centre.

In his address to the troops, Army Chief General Manoj Pande said that the Army is fully prepared and capable to deal with any challenge and have taken

many concrete steps to develop our capabilities on the northern borders.

"In the past, the Indian Army has faced all security challenges with determination and commitment. I am proud that each of our soldiers has fulfilled his responsibility, be it security of borders, deployment in difficult areas and challenging weather. Our army is fully prepared and capable to deal with any challenge.

Our army has foiled the infiltration attempts with full vigilance. As a result of continuous efforts by the security forces in the areas of Jammu and Kashmir, there has been a significant reduction in violence. We, together with all the stakeholders, are working determinedly to root out terrorism from the country," he said.

India’s oldest tigress dies aged 19, leaving behind remarkable conservation legacy India’s oldest tigress, renowned for birthing numerous cubs and credited with revitalising the once-barren Sariska tiger reserve in Rajasthan, passed away at 19 due to injuries and illness. Known as Rajmata or ST-2, she died in captivity after three months of medical treatment.

Wildlife doctors confirmed her death, attributing it to injuries on her tail.

ST-2, daughter of the famous tigress Machli from Ranthambore, played a crucial role in repopulating the Sariska Tiger Reserve after it faced complete extinction of big cats due to rampant poaching.

After suffering an injury, she was being monitored by a committee of doctors. “She was declared dead in her enclosure at 5pm. After no movement was recorded since morning, a team of officials entered the enclosure

and checked her thoroughly to find out she was no more.

The post-mortem will be conducted by the medical board," according to an official statement released by the reserve.

India’s Sariska National Park has had a troubled history of preserving its tiger population in the face of a

notorious local challenge of poachers who trap the animals and use their body parts for illegal sale. In 2004, officials combed every swathe of the park but could not find even a single tiger and confirmed that poaching had eliminated all the big cats in the region.

Indian Minorities Foundation Organises Swacch Mandir Cleanliness Drive

The remnants of an Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft, which disappeared with 29 personnel on board nearly seven and a half years ago, have been discovered at a depth of approximately 3.4 km in the Bay of Bengal.

The Ministry of Defence announced that an analysis of images obtained by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from the National Institute of Ocean Technology has confirmed that the wreckage, situated 310 km off the Chennai coast, belongs to an An-32 aircraft.

"The search images were scrutinised and found to be

conforming with an An-32 aircraft. This discovery at the probable crash site, with no other recorded history of any other missing aircraft report in the same area, points to the debris as possibly belonging to the crashed IAF An-32," the ministry said in a statement.

On July 22, 2016, the IAF's An-32 aircraft, registered as K-2743, disappeared over the Bay of Bengal during a mission, carrying twenty-nine personnel.

Despite extensive searchand-rescue efforts involving aircraft and ships, neither the missing personnel nor the wreckage of the plane

could be located since its disappearance.

The National Institute of Ocean Technology, which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, had recently deployed an AUV with deep-sea exploration capability at the last known location of the missing An-32 aircraft.

"This search was conducted at a depth of 3,400 metres using multiple payloads, including a multibeam SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), synthetic aperture SONAR and high-resolution photography," the defence ministry said.

Boeing inaugurates its first Indiacentric distribution centre A leading global aerospace company, Boeing has inaugurated its inaugural distribution centre in India, located in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh.

Spanning 36,000 square feet, the warehouse is dedicated to assisting regional aviation customers in optimising fleet utilisation.

In a statement, the aerospace company emphasised that the establishment of this new site aligns with its ongoing dedication to broaden its footprint in the country, providing an efficient, cost-effective, and localised solution.

"The Boeing India Distribution Center illustrates Boeing's commitment to supporting the growth of this market, aligned with the government's Aatmanirbhar

Bharat vision. This centre will support the emergent needs of spare parts for Boeing aircraft in India, reducing lead times, improving availability, and supporting the MRO industry here," said Salil Gupte, president, of Boeing India.

The new India location is one of eight distribution centres around the world.

"The India Distribution Center represents another significant step forward in Boeing's strategy to provide parts and services when and where customers need

them," said William Ampofo, vice president, Parts and Distribution Services and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services.

"It also represents our commitment to delivering efficient, costeffective solutions for Boeing's commercial airplane customers in the region."

Less than a year after its announcement at Aero India 2023, the aerospace company has realised its investment in the distribution centre. The inaugural shipment of parts to customers took place in December 2023.

Strategically located along India's Eastern Freight Corridor, the distribution centre is in close proximity to Delhi and the forthcoming Jewar airport.

India signs its first foreign lithium mining deal in Argentina Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), a collaboration of state-run mining companies, has finalised India's inaugural overseas lithium exploration and mining agreement. This landmark deal encompasses five blocks in Argentina, marking New Delhi's foray into global exploration for the vital mineral. The move aims to diminish China's dominant influence on a crucial component of the energy transition.

“The deal will help India strengthen lithium supplies, while developing lithium mining and downstream sectors of both the countries. It will also facilitate diversification of supply chain for critical materials towards achieving Global Net Zero

goals," coal and mines minister Prahlad Joshi said after signing of the agreement.

According to the US Geological Survey, the worldwide lithium reserves stand at a mere 80.7 million tonnes. China, holding 80% of the global supply, contributes to nearly 54% of India's lithium imports. In the fiscal year 2020-21, India imported over Rs 6,000 crore worth of lithium, with Rs 3,500 crore sourced from China.

This agreement aligns with India's recent participation in the US-led Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), which focuses on expediting the establishment of varied and sustainable supply chains for critical energy minerals on a global scale.

Home Minister Amit Shah's sister dies in Mumbai

Convenor of Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) Satnam Singh Sandhu along with the members of different communities while taking part in the ‘Swachhta Seva Abhiyan’ organised at the Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula.

Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, faced a personal tragedy as his elder sister, Rajeshwariben Shah, passed away in a Mumbai hospital. Rajeshwariben, in her mid-60s, had been unwell for some time and succumbed to her illness in the early hours of Monday. In response to this family loss, Amit Shah has cancelled all his scheduled engagements in Gujarat.

"Following the death of his ailing sister,

Shah has cancelled all his programs for the day. Rajeshwariben's remains have been brought at her residence here today morning and her last rites will be performed at Thaltej crematorium in the afternoon," he said. The Member of Parliament Amit Shah representing the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, had been in Ahmedabad since Sunday, participating in Makar Sankranti celebrations with BJP supporters.

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20 - 26 January 2024

Managing Diabetes: Discover herbs that can aid in minimising sugar cravings S pecific herbs have undergone research for their potential impact on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation among individuals with diabetes. Sugar cravings, often influenced by a range of factors such as physiological, psychological, and environmental elements, can be addressed through these studies.

Fortunately, certain herbs can help reduce sugar cravings. Read on as we share a list of same.

1. Fenugreek: The seeds contain soluble fibre that can slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and help control blood sugar levels. This can help reduce sugar cravings and improve glycemic control in people with diabetes.

2. Cinnamon: It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. By stabilising blood sugar, cinnamon can reduce cravings for sugary foods and improve overall health in individuals with diabetes.

3. Gymnema sylvestre: This herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to reduce sugar cravings. Gymnema Sylvestre helps block the taste of sweetness in the mouth, decreasing the desire for sugary foods, and

supporting healthy blood sugar levels.

4. Dandelion root: Acts as a natural diuretic and helps detoxify the liver. By supporting liver health, it can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce sugar cravings.

5. Holy Basil: Also known as Tulsi, has anti diabetic properties and can help stabilise blood sugar levels. By reducing fluctuations in blood sugar, it can diminish the desire for sugary foods and promote overall health in individuals with diabetes.

6. Neem: It has been used in traditional medicine to help control diabetes and reduce sugar cravings. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports digestion, promoting overall health in individuals with diabetes.

Three sure-shot ways to shed belly fat A shared adversary that many of us aim to overcome is the relentless belly fat. Whether pursuing health objectives, aspiring to showcase a sculpted body, or striving for overall well-being, tackling the bulge proves challenging amid our sedentary routines and less-than-ideal dietary habits. Experts emphasise that addressing these underlying factors is crucial for formulating an efficient strategy to trim that stubborn belly fat. Here are 3 things you must focus on if you are struggling with belly fat.

1. Completely give up on sugar: To attain a more toned stomach, the initial recommendation is to part ways with sugar in its various enticing forms. Sugary foods and drinks typically carry a high calorie content coupled with low nutritional value, leading to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure.

2. Add a salad to every meal: Including a salad with every meal can be a fantastic strategy for reducing abdominal fat. Salads, particularly those crafted from leafy greens and a diverse array of colorful vegetables, are low in calories and rich in fiber. The abundance of fiber fosters a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake by curbing appetite.

3. Stay active with a 45-minute walk every day: Engaging in a 45-minute walk each day is effective in diminishing belly fat by encouraging sustained calorie expenditure and fat reduction. This moderate-intensity aerobic exercise takes place in the 'fat-burning zone,' where the body primarily utilises stored fat for energy. Regularity in this routine establishes a calorie deficit essential for weight control, and the post-exercise metabolic boost further aids in long-term fat loss.

Cold wave increases migraines: How to reduce severe headaches Research indicates that the impact of the cold wave on migraines may involve various factors, including changes in barometric pressure, temperature fluctuations, and alterations in lifestyle during colder months.

For individuals prone to migraines, this can worsen their symptoms, leading to more frequent and intense attacks.

Moreover, the cold air itself can pose challenges. In cases of dry cold air, it can dehydrate sensitive sinus membranes, heightening the pain associated with headaches and migraines. Dr Apurva Sharma, Consultant told media. In that physiological and psychological stress play an important role in a migraine attack.

The cold weather can influence lifestyle factors that contribute to migraines. People tend to spend more time indoors with windows closed, leading to poorer ventilation and possibly a deficiency in vitamin D due to reduced sunlight exposure.

Tips to feel better during winter • Covering your scalp with warm clothes helps in minimising exposure to the cold wind.

• Massaging your scalp with warm oil will help in relieving the pain.

• Take rest and keep stock of any medication you're on.

• Ensure to get good quality sleep every

night.

Preventive measures • Avoid daily head wash or if washing daily, then take care to dry the scalp off.

• Use a humidifier • Stay hydrated • Do regular exercises or light stretching to keep yourself warm in winter • Avoid dietary triggers that may contribute to headaches.

Clove oil: Time-tested pain relief The pain-relieving properties of clove have been recorded as far back as the 13th century. Clove oil has shown effectiveness in addressing various types of pain, including joint pain, tooth pain, and spasmodic pain.

Widely employed as an analgesic in dental clinics, clove oil is known for its ability to alleviate toothaches. It is believed to inhibit inflammatory mediators such as leukotriene and prostaglandin. Additionally, it is thought to suppress sensory receptors responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Health Views Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Superfoods to build immunity against cough and common cold Superfoods play a crucial role in strengthening the body's resistance to colds and coughs. Brimming with vital nutrients, antioxidants, and immune-enhancing properties, these nutritional wonders amplify the body's capacity to combat infections.

Adding superfoods to your regular diet acts as a protective barrier against seasonal illnesses, fortifying the body's resilience and establishing a robust immune system to ward off common colds and coughs. Here are a few superfoods that can guarantee immunity against colds and coughs.

1. Citrus Fruits (e.g., Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons) – Abundant in vitamin C, essential for generating white blood cells and antibodies, thereby enhancing the immune system. Possessing antioxidant properties, it facilitates collagen production and contributes to maintaining healthy skin.

2. Garlic – Contains allicin, a compound

with antimicrobial properties that may enhance immune function. The Antiinflammatory properties may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

3. Yogurt (Probiotic-rich) – Supports gut health; a healthy gut microbiota is linked to a strong immune system. – Other benefits: Provides calcium, protein, and beneficial bacteria for digestive health.

4. Spinach – High in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, supporting overall immune function. It is rich in iron, folate, and fibre; supports heart health.

5. Almonds – It contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes. Healthy fats, magnesium, and protein; may support heart health. It’s essential to maintain a balanced and varied diet, including a combination of these superfoods, along with other nutrient-rich foods, to support overall health and strengthen the immune system.

Potential treatment target for genetic type of epilepsy: Research A group of researchers may have found a potential target for the treatment of an inherited form of epilepsy. Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute, UCL, and MSD analysed mice devoid of the Cdk15 gene and employed phosphoproteomics to look for proteins that bind to the CDKL5 enzyme.

Rare forms of epilepsy that begin in early childhood are called developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Seizures and delayed development are symptoms of CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), one of the most prevalent forms of hereditary epilepsy. Since there are presently no treatments that target the condition, children with this disorder are treated with generic

antiepileptic drugs.

The loss of function in CDD is related to a gene that produces the CDKL5 enzyme, which phosphorylates proteins--that is, it adds an extra phosphate molecule to the protein to change its activity. The exact mechanism by which genetic changes in CDKL5 lead to CDD remains unknown to researchers. They identified a calcium channel, Cav2.3, as a target. Cav2.3 allows calcium to enter nerve cells, exciting the cell and allowing it to pass on electrical signals. This is needed for the nervous system to function properly, but too much calcium coming into cells can result in overexcitability and seizures.

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20 - 26 January 2024

Anurag Kashyap calls Sandeep Reddy Vanga “misunderstood and judged”

A

“The film has a very big heart and really makes you feel”- Vishal Dadlani about “Fighter” By: Anusha Singh

S

iddharth Anand’s much-awaited aerial action drama “Fighter” is all set to make the audience experience a rush of patriotic fervour. The film has Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor in the lead roles, along with Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi and Talat Aziz. The exceptional music album of the film that has constantly been trending, has been composed by Vishal-Sheykhar. The film, which revolves around IAF officers, will hit the theatres on January 25.

In a conversation with Asian Voice, Vishal Dadlani talks about the songs, working on the album and collaborating with various artists. hat was your brief for this, like the album for “Fighter”? What was the collaborative process like for creating the music?

For “Fighter”, we are a team of friends working together, Siddharth Anand (the Director) is a very close friend of Sheykhar’s and mine. We normally read the script, but for the first time, he narrated the script to us. By the time we approached the interval, we were in tears. It's a film that while it's entertaining with big grand action and all the aerial combat, has also got a very big heart and really makes you feel. We started like that and then a lot of the songs were born from that narration, and we started tossing ideas around. Sheykhar and I, we compose quite informally. Wherever we happen to be, we think of ideas and then we figure out where it goes from there.

There are two distinct kinds of music in this film. There's music of friendship and camaraderie, which is what you've seen so far. And then there's the music of the fighters, like “Heer Aasmani” is a love song from a pilot to the sky. The songs that haven’t reached the audience yet have a deeper worldview. In “Sher Khul Gaye”, they're celebrating a major achievement, talking about how they feel like the kings of the world. The film travels through the song. Siddharth always makes songs that have meaning in the context of the film. So while these songs are entertaining individually, they are much more meaningful when you see the film. “Ishq Jaisa Kuch” is a little light romance between the characters. The music justifies what sometimes happens to a romance in high-pressure situations. The album also has songs that you can truly feel in a human context or the context of a soldier's life and a nation. That is yet to come and I can't wait for you guys to see it. he “Spirit of Fighter” evokes a renewed spirit of nationalism once you hear it. What is the responsibility that comes when you are incorporating a patriotic song?

We have reused some lyrics from “Vande Mataram” that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote. The melody of the “Spirit of Fighter” was written first and then when we added the lyrics, it just sounded like they were meant to be together. Once that happened, Sid (Siddharth Anand) was like “This is the theme of my film”. I think the words “Vande Mataram” inspire every Indian, there's a sense of patriotism and energy that just comes with it.

The beautiful thing about “Vande Mataram” is it's not a jingoistic song. “Sujalam, suphalam, malayaja shitalam”, means “Your crystal clear springs, your sweet water, your sweet fruit. Thank you for that, oh mother!” I feel that true patriotism is to be grateful for everything that you've been given, which is why you stand up for your country when the time comes, which is what these pilots do. They put their lives on the line out of gratitude to their country and it's a very honest reflection of that. our music in the past few Sidhant Anand movies has been chartbusting and we notice Shilpa Rao to be commonality in these projects as well. How is it working with her?

She's amazing. Shilpa is a very dear friend, she's crazy and we have a lot of fun and laughs together. She's a genius musician, but casual about it and doesn't carry the weight very heavily. She'll come in just to sing a little line if you ask her, which is really kind, and we appreciate that very much.

I think Siddharth and her get along very well. Her first song for us was “Khuda Jaane” and she exploded with that. It was Deepika's second film as well, so everyone was relatively new. Now I think she has sung for every major star but somehow when she sings for Deepika, it just locks, it looks like Deepika’s singing which is wonderful. Apart from being the perfect voice for Deepika, she has sang other songs for us as well and her voice is just is pure gold.

nurag Kashyap recently met Sandeep Reddy Vanga and showered praises on his latest film ‘Animal.’ He took to Instagram recently and called Sandeep the “most misunderstood, judged and reviled filmmaker at the moment.” Sharing pictures from their meeting in the post, Anurag smiles with his hand around Sandeep’s shoulder.

Kashyap wrote, “Had a great with evening @sandeepreddy.vanga. The most misunderstood, judged and reviled filmmaker at the moment. To me, he is the most honest, vulnerable and a lovely human being. And I really don’t give a f””” what anyone thinks of him or his film. I wanted to meet the man and I had questions and he answered everything I asked of him about his film that I actually saw twice.”

"Thank you for being patient and being yourself. 40’days since I first saw ‘Animal’ and 22 days since I saw it the second time.

The biggest game changer of Hindi cinema in the longest time and a film whose impact (good or bad) which can’t be denied. And the filmmaker who takes it all on his chin.

Great evening spent with him," he added.

Several Instagram users disagreed with

W

T

Y

the director. Reacting to the post, someone wrote, "Wow, this was difficult for me to read." "Anurag you were right. You're really lost," added another person.

"Disappointed is understatement here," read a comment.

“I am so disappointed with you @anuragkashyap10 praising a movie which clearly dehumanizes a woman and on top of it talking about impact, good or bad! How can bad be normalized?" asked another person. "@anuragkashyap10 as you rightly said, in another post, you sir are def going through a crisis," said an Instagram user.

‘Animal’ was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023. However, it was also criticised for its depiction of misogyny. The film revolves around a troubled father-son relationship. It has Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Rannvijay Singh, who takes revenge after an assassination attempt on his father, played by Anil Kapoor.

Other actors in the film include Prem Chopra, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri and Suresh Oberoi. A post-credits scene also teased a sequel titled ‘Animal Park,’ in which Ranbir could have a double role.

Karan Johar would like to correct ‘KANK’ if he ever remakes it

A

ctor Karan Johar has expressed interest in correcting ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ if he ever remakes it. In an interview, he said he tried to bring commercial elements like big song sets and stars to the film, which was based on an intimate subject.

The film boasted a massive star cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, and Abhishek Bachchan.

However, it failed to make a mark with the audience and was called out for endorsing infidelity.

When asked in the interview if he felt he should have produced a film differently, Karan said, “It is a tough question because I will hurt the person who made it. There are films that were emotional decisions. The only film I wish we had packaged differently was ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.’ I tried to bring commercial elements like big song sets and massive stars, but it is an

intimate film. If I could make this film again, I will correct it.”

He defended the movie and said, “People said I endorsed infidelity through ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,’ but I said you can’t endorse something that’s already sold out.”

This is not the first time the

filmmaker has expressed regrets over the movie. At a press event in 2016, he said, “I think it’s a flawed film. And I think the mistakes in that film are entirely mine. I think I tried to do two things; I tried to do something fresh, and interesting, and ground-breaking, but halfway through I also got scared. So just like my sun sign, which is Gemini, I became two people. And I think I should’ve just been one person, with one solid conviction.”

Ira Khan lifts husband Nupur Shikhare in new reception photos F

itness coach Nupur Shikhare uploaded the first pictures from his wedding reception with Ira Khan, daughter of actor Aamir Khan. After their intimate wedding in Udaipur earlier this week, the newlyweds hosted a reception for the who’s who of Mumbai at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre over the weekend.

The couple looked elegant, with Nupur donning a shimmery black sherwani with a red pocket square and Ira dressing up in a red lehenga.

In the first picture the groom shares, he is seen lifting Ira while she returns the favour in the next

one. He captioned the post, “I want to be Very Married with you bubs.”

Fitness was a running theme

throughout the wedding festivities.

Nupur grabbed eyeballs by sprinting his way to their wedding venue in Mumbai. He also signed the wedding papers in a black vest and shorts. The newlyweds were also doing headstands before their wedding festivities in Udaipur.

The two tied the knot in Christian rituals before solemnising their relationship via a registered marriage at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. They reportedly met during the COVID-19 lockdown when Nupur was training Aamir and Ira lived with her father. They had an engagement party in November last year.

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20 - 26 January 2024

Mani Ratnam explains why it took so long for him to collaborate with Kamal Haasan again

Mammootty confirmed in Jayaram’s ‘Abraham Ozler’ A

fter days of remaining tight-lipped on Malayalam superstar Mammootty’s cameo in Jayaram’s ‘Abraham Ozler,’ film makers have officially confirmed his part. The movie opened to good response last week and director Midhun Manuel Thomas shared a poster of Mammukka on Instagram.

A

fter their 1987 film ‘Nayakan,’ director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan are collaborating again on a film called ‘Thug Life.’ When asked at a recent event why it took them so long to work together on a project again, Ratnam said he did not work with Kamal in these three decades because he didn’t have a script that suited him.

Behind every successful woman is a man like him:

Nayanthara on Vignesh Shivan

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ctor Nayanthara was all praise for her husband, director Vignesh Shivan, at their new brand's success bash. Talking about how it’s not often one hears of a man standing behind a successful woman, she credited him for helping her get to the stage she is at today. Nayan got candid about how Vignesh was the man behind her success.

She said, “We have heard that phrase that there is a woman behind every man’s success. But it’s rare to see a man stand for a successful and happy woman. I haven’t seen that a lot. I met my husband through a film.

We fell in love and got married because since the day I met him, he has only taught me to aim for bigger things.”

The actress also stated that she believed

Mani said, “It’s tough when you have an actor of that capability, someone who has done several things. So unless you have at least something halfway solid to give, you don’t go to him just because you’ve worked together before. Hopefully, we will now be able to bring a unique character on-screen in our next.”

The filmmaker has worked with several stars throughout his career, including the likes of Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Nagarjuna, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Manisha Koirala, and more. When asked how it feels to handle such big stars, he said, “I don’t think big stars have any egos when they’re working with me. If you’re clear on what you want, they’re more than happy to let you take control. I also don’t work with actors for the sake of it, I do it only if the script demands it.”

Kamal announced ‘Thug Life’ on Mani’s birthday in November 2023. He released a title announcement video which shows a lone figure standing in the middle of a barren, misty land. Covered in a cloak, he faces five men standing at a distance, holding various weapons, ready to charge at him. The camera then reveals Kamal’s face with a dense moustache, beard and long locks.

Other actors starring in this film include Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Dulquer Salmon, Abhirami, and Nasser. AR Rahman will render music.

Vignesh was the kind of man who did not question her decisions but pushed her to do more. She said, “He has never questioned my decisions. I always thought it’s a good thing if people don’t question us. But, we also need a person to say, ‘why aren’t you doing more, why are you stopping with this?’ I found that person in Vignesh.”

The couple met on the sets of the 2015 Vignesh directorial ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.’

They went on to get married in 2022 and later welcomed twin sons, Uyir and Ulag.

On the work front, Nayan was last seen in the 2023 film ‘Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food.’ The film is currently at the centre of a controversy, hit with allegations of hurting religious sentiments.

He wrote, “Thanks to the audience who is welcoming Abraham Osler with enthusiasm! Thanks to India’s great actor Mammukka who made Abraham Osler unforgettable!” Fans seem to have received the film well, especially Mammootty’s cameo and his entry sequence.

One user wrote, “#AbrahamOzler: A investigation drama with terrific writing!

Some flaws are here and there. Flashback portions could have done better. And that devil’s entry, bang it from theatre’s!! Theatre turned into stadium mode.”

‘Abraham Ozler’ also stars Anaswara Rajan, Arjun Ashokan, Anoop Menon and Jagadish in pivotal roles.

Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela get invited to attend Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya

A

ctor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela have been invited to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

They received an exclusive invitation from Sunil Ambekar of RSS, who visited their Hyderabad home to extend the invitation. The much-awaited and popularized event is expected to see political leaders, celebrities, industrialists, sports personalities and celebrities in attendance apart from devotees.

Invitations have been sent out to numerous celebrities nationwide for the event. Actors like Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana, Randeep Hooda, Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut, Dhanush, Jackie Shroff, and Tiger Shroff have been invited. They were presented with bouquets and invitations to the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony.

Over one lakh devotees are expected in Ayodhya on January 22 for the Ram Mandir's 'pran pratishtha,' which will be

attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to reports, the Ram temple complex, built in the traditional Nagara style, is 380 feet long (east-west direction), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. Each temple floor is 20 feet high and has 392 pillars and 44 gates.

Last seen in SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ with Jr NTR and Alia as his co-stars, Ram is cur-

rently shooting for Shankar’s maiden Telugu film, ‘Game Changer.’ In RRR he played a fictional version of the rebel Sitaramaraju, a British policeman who turns out to be a freedom fighter. In Game Changer, which also stars Kiara Advani in the lead role, he will play an IAS officer. He will also star in a film by Uppena director Buchi Babu Sana. Rumoured to be a sports drama, the film will star Kannada star Shiva Rajkumar in a key role.

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20 - 26 January 2024

The Academy posts Shah Rukh, Kajol’s ‘DDLJ’ song T

he Academy shared a video clip of a song from the 1995 film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.’ They posted a brief video from the song ‘Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna,’ on their Instagram account. The clip featured Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. They wrote, “Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol performing the classic song Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna from 1995's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.”

Bedi. The film was shot in India, London, and Switzerland from September 1994 to August 1995.

The film recently completed 28 years of release. Anupam Kher had shared pictures from the movie and wrote, "Aaj #DilwaleDulhaniyaLeJayenge film ko release hue 28 saal ho gaye.

Lekin abhi bhi aisa lagta jaise kal hi main Raj aur Simran ko haste hue zindagi ki philosophy bata rha hu (Today Dilwale Dulhaniya

Reacting to the post, a fan said, “The academy posting this makes me emotional. These two have contributed so much to Bollywood and I look forward to the day that they are honoured as well!” “DDLJ - the longest running movie in the history of Indian cinema. Legacy of Shah Rukh Khan," wrote an Instagram user.

‘DDLJ’ is a 1995 musical romance film written and directed by Aditya Chopra in his directorial debut. Yash Chopra's Yash Raj Films produced it. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles. DDLj also stars Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Satish Shah, Himani Shivpuri, Anupam Kher, Parmeet Sethi and Mandira

Le Jayenge clocked 28 years. But still now it feels like I'm laughing and giving philosophy of life to Raj and Simran). This will always be an evergreen film. Generations will remember it as the most modern romantic film our and their times!”

The story revolves around Raj and Simran, two characters who meet and fall in love during a European trip. However, there are cultural and familial barriers to their relationship, leading to a classic tale of love, tradition, and the importance of family values.

The film is known for its memorable music, beautiful locations, and the onscreen chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

I was offered ‘Karmma Calling’ 10 years back: Raveena Tandon A

ctress Raveena Tandon is all set to play a grey character in Disney Plus Hotstar’s ‘Karmma Calling.’ The trailer of the show dropped today, and the mystery thriller looks very gripping. At the press meet, the actor spoke about choosing to play a character with grey shades, revealing that it was challenging.

Tandon said, “Indira Kothari is very different from the real person that I am. So there was always a dilemma because I did not want my thoughts to reflect in this role.

Avantika Vandanapu’s ‘Mean Girls’ transformation surprises fans A

ctor Avantika Vandanapu was recently seen in a new version of Amanda Seyfried’s Karen Smith in the new musical reimagination of ‘Mean Girls.’ Indian fans recognise her as the child artist who debuted in 2016 with Mahesh Babu-starrer ‘Brahmotsavam.’ She later starred as child actor in films like Naga Chaitanya’s ‘Premam,’ ‘Rarandoi Veduka Chudham,’ and Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Agnyaathavaasi.’ She also debuted in Tamil with Aishwarya Rajesh’s 2021 film ‘Boomika.’

Born to a Telugu family in San Francisco, California, she later moved on to English projects such as ‘Mira A Royal Detective,’ ‘Diary of a Future President,’ ‘Spin,’ and Senior Year.’

Fans who recognise her from her previous movies shared their surprise online. One fan shared a video of her from a red-carpet interview, writing, “#AvantikaVandanapu. Aa Body Structure

Enti. Thana Body Language Enti. Intha Change Ah Vammo. #MeanGirls (It’s shocking to see her grow up, her body language has changed too)” Another fan wrote, “my jaw dropped to the floor just knowing she was in a babu movie to mean girls.”

Another X user seemed shocked that she’s the same girl from all these Telugu films, writing, “Can't accept the truth that this is the same girl from #Premam & #Brahmotsavam.” Another just called it all, “the avantika vandanapu lore,” adding, “i hope she does at least one more telugu movie now that shes hit big.”

For years, I have tried to play different roles, whether Aranyak or KGF 2. People have seen me in different avatars. But this one (Karmma Calling) is the first, and it was challenging.”

She believes that sincerity is the key to ace every role. “It is a plus to be a sincere actor. From the 90s till today, it has been 33 years, and I have realised that hard work, honesty, and sincerity are what makes an actor. If these reflect in every character, your role stands out,” she said.

Well, talking about believing

in the concept of karma, the actor shared, “I am a spiritual person. So I believe you reap what you sow.

This journey with the show has been planned by the universe. I was offered the show ten years back but I couldn’t commit so many days back then since my son Ranbir was born. But it was karma that brought this back to me after ten years.”

‘Karmma Calling’ also stars Varun Sood and Namrata Sheth in important roles. The show releases on January 26 on Disney Plus Hotstar.

HBO’s ‘Succession’, Netflix’s ‘Beef’ win big at 75th Emmy Awards

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he 75th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles was a captivating night filled with moments that elicited both laughter and tears from the audience. From standing ovations to unexpected kisses, several moments stole the show. The industry's recent upheavals, including strikes by actors and writers, a significant shift towards streaming services, and a departure from the traditional TV calendar, were evident.

Comedian and actor Anthony Anderson hosted the over two-hourlong show, featuring both surprise wins and notable snubs.

HBO emerged as the top network of the year, securing 31 wins across all its programs. "Succession" contributed significantly to this success, claiming six wins, including Best Drama Series, Best Actor (Kieran Culkin), and Best Actress in a Drama (Sarah Snook). "Beef" secured a total of eight awards, with five Primetime Emmy statuettes presented throughout the night. The accolades comprised Best Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Steven Yeun), and Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Ali Wong). Additionally, Lee Sung Jin earned wins for both Best Writing and Best Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In addition, "The

Bear" entered the night with four victories from the Creative Arts Emmys and went on to secure six more wins during the evening.

The accolades included Best Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy (Ayo Edibri), Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Best Actor in a Comedy (Jeremy Allen White), as well as Best Writing and Best Directing for a Comedy Series, both attributed to Christopher Storer.

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Spotlight: Shoaib Yousaf talks career, wins, and aspirations Anusha Singh

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hoaib Yousaf is the first-ever BritishPakistani to compete at the highest level of OKTAGON MMA. Supported by an enthusiastic fan base, Yousaf was the standout performer at OKTAGON's inaugural UK event in Manchester last November. Eager to replicate his success, he aims to captivate the audience once again in Newcastle on January 27th.

Yousaf is keen to demonstrate to young British Pakistanis the possibilities and strive to be the first British Pakistani to compete at the pinnacle of MMA. In an interview with Asian Voice, he talks about his career and motivation.

What was your inspiration that led you to choose MMA as a professional career?

I initially joined MMA as a hobby, introduced to it by my father as a form of self-defence. At the time, I didn't envision it as a potential career. However, as I continued to engage in it, my enjoyment grew and around the age of 14 or 15, I realised I could turn this passion into a profession and pursue it as a career. It started as a simple hobby, and now it has evolved into a full-fledged career. My parents simply wanted me to succeed and supported me in whatever made me happy and contributed to my success in the community, ultimately helping me stay out of trouble.

What did your previous win mean to you and how is it shaping up your preparation for the upcoming fight?

Honestly, it's quite motivating. I always focus on the next challenge without dwelling too much on the past. My mindset is geared towards surpassing the previous slide in my journey. While I train consistently throughout the year, the approach becomes stricter and more disciplined when gearing up for an upcoming fight. Currently, I'm in the promotion phase for Highlands, so I've been training in Thailand for the last six weeks. The preparations have been excellent, and I've had the privilege of training in one of the best gyms in the world. Everything is falling into place as planned.

How do you approach the mental preparation part of the process?

I believe my strength lies in my mental resilience.

During a match, my concentration is on myself, not my

Shoaib Yousaf

opponent. Religion plays a significant role for me, providing mental support. I don't attribute my success to luck; instead, I find strength in my faith. While it's crucial to be mentally prepared and focused during competitions, I try to concentrate on my performance rather than getting too absorbed in what my opponent is doing.

This mental approach helps me stay composed and ready for the challenges ahead.

Are there any specific people who inspire you and have inspired your journey?

As an athlete and a big fan of legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, I used to admire Josie Aldo as well. Observing these fighters at a young age inspired me, but I always aimed to carve out my path and contribute to my unique story. While appreciating the achievements of others, I focus on making my mark in the sport without solely looking up to someone else.

It's about being inspired while maintaining individuality in my journey.

What are your short-term and long-term goals in the sport?

Certainly, my focus is on the short term, primarily the next fight, and securing a victory inside the Octagon is a significant short-term goal. Looking ahead, my longterm aspiration is to make a mark in the UFC, and achieving success in that arena would be a tremendous accomplishment.

Tickets for Shoaib’s next fight are available at: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1 F005F75B887423E

Sumit Nagal ends 34-year wait: From Rs 80,000 to grand slam history India's top singles player, Sumit Aus$180,000 (around Rs 98 Nagal, expressed frustration late lakh). last year about the financial Nagal, known for his solid challenges many face on the baseline play, secured a professional tennis tour. Meeting victory against Bublik, a topexpenses, high-level training, 30 player, in a match marked extensive match play, and by some nervy moments. traveling with coaches seemed Despite facing a player with a financially impossible for many in penchant for self-destruction, the demanding and unequal Nagal maintained focus and tennis world. won without dropping a set, repeating his performance “If I look at my bank balance, I Sumit Nagal from the qualifying rounds. have what I had at the beginning He dominated with his forehand, of the year. It is 900 euros (around Rs capitalising on Bublik's errors, including 17 80,000),” he told media in September. “The unforced ones. Although Nagal faced funding needed to break into the top 100 is challenges in the third set, including a around one crore.” missed opportunity to close the match, he After becoming the first Indian since ultimately sealed the victory with Bublik's Ramesh Krishnan in 1989 to beat a seeded double faults in the tiebreaker. player in the singles main draw of a Grand Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, Nagal, Slam, Nagal will get closer to that amount. born to a primary school teacher, lacked the Even if he loses his next match, after beating financial stability typically needed in a sport 27th seed Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (5) in with minimal institutional support from the first round of the 2024 Australian Open, national federations. the 26-year-old will walk away with

Cycling team embarks on 550 km Mecca to Medina ride in February for children with heart defects At the end of January, the H&K Cycle Club will be taking on the challenging 550km ride from Mecca to Medina for the third time to raise vital funds and awareness for children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects in Africa. The East London-based cycling club have already raised over £400,000 in previous rides to help facilitate these operations.

The team will be joined

by CEO of X-Rail, Munir Bhai who was recently awarded an OBE by the King of the United Kingdom.

The cyclist will be riding for three days, 29th 31st January and will endure some of the most challenging desert conditions, such as strong headwinds and temperatures hitting 40C. The team will cover more than 550 kilometres across the tough desert roads separating these two historic cities in the West of Saudi Arabia.

This extreme ride has only ever been attempted by

H&K Cycle Club team

the UK cycling club having completed the ride for the first time in 2022 after battling the brutal environment, weather and often busy roads that make the experience even tougher for the riders and support teams. The next ride will see many of the cycling team take on the feat for the third time as they aim to raise thousands more for the charity. The campaign will be raising vital funds for Muntada Aid’s flagship project Little Hearts which was launched in April 2012.

The charity provides free life-saving heart surgeries to children with congenital heart defects from underprivileged backgrounds

irrespective of gender, race or religion. To date, it has carried out 50 missions in 13 countries and performed nearly 3,000 cardiac interventions and surgeries saving thousands of lives.

Shamsul Abdin, Head of H&K Cycle Club, commented, “The Little Hearts project delivers vital operations and saves the lives of so many children around the world and the team is delighted to be able to support Muntada Aid’s missions in 2024. As we take on this tough ride again, we aim to raise as much as possible to help the cause and ask everyone to give generously to help us hit our goal.”

Shooters Nancy, Elavenil win air rifle gold, silver at Asia Olympic Qualifiers Emerging shooter Nancy and Olympian Elavenil Valarivan showcased a stellar performance in the women's 10m air rifle, securing gold and silver respectively at the Asia Olympic Qualifiers.

Nancy, a talented junior world team champion, displayed exceptional skill with a score of 252.8 in the final, securing the top position. Elavenil, her compatriot, narrowly missed the gold, finishing with an aggregate score of 252.7. India narrowly missed

Nancy and Elavenil Valarivan

a clean sweep in the women's 10m air rifle final, with Mehuli Ghosh securing the fourth position with 210 points, just behind China's Shen Yufan.

In the men's 10m air rifle final, India's world

champion marksman Rudrankksh Patil claimed the bronze medal with a score of 228.7.

Nancy demonstrated consistency throughout the final, maintaining high scores, while Elavenil faced misfortune with a 9.7 in her 10th shot, ultimately determining her silver medal fate. Elavenil had earlier topped the qualification round with a score of 633.8, with Nancy aggregating 632.4 and Mehuli scoring 631.0.

Rahman Hekmat: First Afghan-origin player to join New Zealand Rahman Hekmat was an infant when his parents moved to New Zealand from Afghanistan in search of a better life. Raised by cricket and Bollywood enthusiasts, Rahman, the eldest of three siblings, developed a love for cricket, though he finds Hindi cinema challenging.

“My dad really loves Bollywood movies. When he would put up some movie, I would try and jump in and see If I can catch it. If I didn’t get the story, I really got very bored, so he would try to explain it to me. I struggle to understand Hindi. I always tell him to

put the caption on, but he says the sense gets lost in the translation,” Rahman tells media from Dobsonville in South Africa.

“Recently, my parents went on to watch Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dunki. My father loved the movie, and he explained it to me over the phone for two hours. He is a fan of the actor and was trying to explain everything about him and his work. I try my bit to learn,” he laughs.

“I started as a pace bowler. One day my dad and I were playing, and I started bowling a few leggies. My dad thought I had a natural action and was quite similar

to Shane Warne. He spoke to my coach, not a personal coach, he was just a player’s dad, who used to help out all the kids. The day after, we went for training, and then my coach also saw something in my bowling and said it is something we can work on. From there onwards, it was all leg-spin,” he shares.

“My idols are Shane Warne and Rashid Khan.

Warne is the greatest of all time. Rashid Khan is an Afghani and got a quick leg break and wrong’un. The thing is I also love to bowl quite a few googlies like Rashid,” he says.