AV 23rd August 2025

As the tricolour unfurled across the nation this August 15, India marked its 79th Independence Day with a renewed sense of pride and purpose

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoisting the Indian flag for the 12th straight time, delivered his longest ever Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort, extending to a duration of 103 minutes This was the longest speech delivered by any Prime Minister in India’s history

Hailing the motherland as “dearer to us than life itself,” Prime Minister Modi began his address by paying tribute to the makers of the Constitution He recalled the contributions of leaders such as Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, as well as pioneering women like Hansa Mehta and Dakshayani Velayudhan “I bow with respect to these makers of the Constitution, who guided and gave direction to the country,” he said He also paid tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary and briefly addressed the series of natural disasters that have afflicted the country in recent months

During his speech, he hailed the efforts of the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, and also gave a stern warning to Pakistan, saying that India will not give in to nuclear blackmail Further, PM Modi launched a new scheme called Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgaar Yojana to promote employment, and spoke about Mission Sudarshan Chakra to boost India’s defence security.

Focus on the inte re st o f the n ation

While speaking about Operation Sindoor, PM Modi hailed the efforts of the armed forces during India’s military operation, and asserted that our country will not tolerate nuclear blackmail anymore

Condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Prime Minister described Operation Sindoor as a powerful expression of India’s outrage He said, “After the events of the 22nd, we gave our army complete freedom let them decide the strategy, choose the targets, and select the timing And our army accomplished something that had not happened in decades The devastation in Pakistan has been so huge that every day brings new revelations and fresh information ”

This is India establishing a new normal: those who nurture and harbour terrorism, and those who empower terrorists, will no longer be seen as separate I his speech, he also warned Pakistan about the repeated nuclear threats “The nuclear blackmail that has gone on for so long will no longer be endured If our enemies continue this attempt in the future, our army will decide on its own terms, at the time of its choosing, in the manner it deems fit We will give a fitting and crushing response , he said

Also addressing Pakistan’s constant demand for Indus water, the Prime Minister clearly said that blood and water will not flow together He further added, “The waters of rivers originating from Bharat are irrigating the fields of our enemies, while the farmers and the soil of our own nation remain thirsty This was an agreement that has caused unimaginable loss to our farmers for the past seven decades

Prison crisis leaves ex-offenders unprepared

Many offenders released with a criminal record due to prison overcrowding struggle to find stable work, often pushing them back into the cycle of reoffending This highlights the urgent need for better rehabilitation and support services.

Subhasini Naicker

Prison overcrowding in the UK has reached critical levels, with the population in England and Wales hitting 88,238 as of 11 August, just 283 short of the record high of 88,521

Despite the early release of over 26,000 offenders since last year, numbers continue to rise, fuelled by a growing prison population and limited capacity

The Government has introduced emergency measures, including releasing some prisoners after serving just 40% of their sentence, with further reforms under c

Chancellor David Gauke

P

appeal later” scheme to free up space

On tackling prison overcrowding, Secretary of State f

“We’ve opened 2,400 new places and are committed to delivering 14,000 by 2031 But the population is growing too fast to build our way out of this crisis ” She emphasised that alternative measures, including smarter sentencing, early release for compliant inmates, tough community orders, and electronic monitoring, are essential “New technology and bold reforms can reduce reoffending and manage our prison population more effectively,” she added

Continued on 12

u Students shine with record A-level results Page-11

u Morecambe appoints youngest, first Sikh boss Page-12

u India tightens rules for OCI card holders, charge sheet now ground for cancellation Page-27

Clive of India descendant defends Whitehall statue

A descendant of Rob ert Cl ive has rejected cal ls to r emove t h e st a tu e o f h is a nc est or f r om ou t si d

For

in shoul d not “airbrush histor y ” James Windsor-Clive, 35, d e s c r i b e d h i s g

e a t

g

a t - g r a n d f ather as a “complicated chara c t e r ” w h o s h o u l d b e remembered for expanding

t h e e m p i re “It ’ s u n f a i r t o judge an 18th-centur y soldier-statesman by 21st-centur y morals,” he said, sug-

g e s t i n g t h e m o n u m e n t

s h o u l d b e c o n t e x t u a l i s e d with a plaque rather than torn down

T h e i nt e r v e nt io n c a m e

after Baroness Debbonaire, a senior Labour peer, branded the statue “ a shocking piece of sculpture” and urged its removal She argued that the plinth’s depiction of “smili n g , s u b s e r v i e n t I n d i a n s ” misrepresented a civilisation that was thriving in trade a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l i n n o v ation before colonisation

C l i v e r e m a i n s o n e o f

Britain’s most controversial colonial f igures, accused of p r o f i t e e r i n g f r o m B e n g a l ’ s

d e v a s t a t i n g f a m i n e , w h i c h killed millions

W

extensively in India, countered that Debbonaire presented a “rose-tinted” view of precolonial histor y “We’ve got a proud tradition and heritage Robert Clive helped make Britain a global power We shouldn’t apologise for our histor y, but we should learn from it,” he said He also pointed to close modern ties between Britain

exchange

R o b e r t C l i v e i s c a l l

d “Clive of India” because of

Tulip Siddiq accused of using inf luence in Bangladesh land case

Ban

of using her politi-

his key role in establishing British power in India He led the British East India Company to victor y in the

Bengal and gaining control of one of India’s wealthiest provinces

helped secure political and

Company, forming alliances and managing revenue col-

how he became the symbol of Britain’s growing influence in India, transforming the countr y from a trading post to a base of colonial power

Channel migrant crossings hit record pace

More than 50,000 arrivals since L abour took office

M o re t ha n 5 0, 0 00 pe op l e have c ros sed the Channel in

s m a l l b oa t s s in c e Si r Ke i r

St a r m e r e n t e re d D o wn in g Street, the f astes t rate e ver rec orded unde r a prim e minis ter

T h e m i l e s t o n e w a s

r e a c h e d 4 0 3 d a y s a f t e r Labour’s election win, surpassing the pace under Rishi Sunak by seven months On Monday alone, 474 migrants were detected, bringing the total to 50,271 since July last year

B a r o n e s s Sm i t h o f Malvern, an education minister, admitted the numbers

w e r e “ u n a c c e p t a b l e ” b u t insisted Labour was not to

b l a m e S h e s a i d c r i m i n a l

g a n g s h a d “ a n a b s o l u t e foothold” in traff icking net-

Migrants arrive on Dungeness beach after being rescued at sea by a lifeboat

works after years of government failure “We are taking responsibility,” she told Sky News, “but it’s not our fault that this was allowed to take root ” C o n s e r v a t i v e s a c c u s e d Labour of losing control of the border Kemi Badenoch, t h e To r y l e a d e r, c

women were no longer jogging in parks out of fear and pledged to cut crossings to

zero Chris Philp, the shadow home secretar y, called it “the worst crisis in our histor y ”

stressed that similar levels

overlapping Johnson, Truss

occurred in just over a year They also pointed to Labour’s n

h France, under which about 50 migrants a week will initially be sent back Critics noted , however, that arrests for people-smug-

Labour took power, with 192 in the past year compared with 229 previously Robert Jenrick, a former Tor y immigration minister, said , “It’s never been easier to be a people smuggler ” The Home Off ice said it was determined to dismantle

sharing, and joint operations

expand safe and legal routes, arguing this was the only way to stop smugglers “for good”

Prosecutors in Dhaka allege that Siddiq, 42, pressured her aunt, Sheikh Hasinathe former prime minister now in exile in India- to secure land in the capital for her

Purbachal new town development scheme

Commission (ACC) told the court Siddiq “used her special power ” as a UK MP to exert pressure, resulting in plots being allotted to her relatives

As the trial opens at Dhaka’s Special Judge Court 4, sixteen people, including Siddiq, H

adjourned the hearing until August 28, when prosecution witnesses will present evidence

Investigators also allege that Siddiq owns a flat in Dhaka’s Gulshan neighbourhood, which should have disqualif ied her from benef itting from the scheme Siddiq has denied wrongdoing, calling the case “persecution and a farce ”

Speaking to The Guardian, she said, “I’m supposedly days away from a showcase trial in a foreign countr y, and I still don’t know what the charges are I feel like I’m trapped in a Kafkaesque nightmare ”

Islamophobia definition delayed after Tory pushback

A ng ela Rayner h as been forced to d elay the go vernment’s plans for a new d ef inition of Islamo phobia after a Conserv ative cam paign flo oded off icials with critical submissions

The deputy prime minister established a working group in the spring to recommend “ a p p r o p r i a t e a n d s e n s i t i

l a n g u a g

o describe prejudice and discrimination against Muslims Ministers initially sought to limit input by circulating the consultation only to a select group of organisations

B u t t h e m o v e b a c k f i r e d w h e n C l a i r e Coutinho, the shadow equalities minister, publicised the consultation link on X and other social media platforms Thousands of responses poured in, leaving off icials obliged to process them all before the panel could conclude its work

The group, chaired by former attorneygeneral Dominic Grieve, has told ministers it needs more time and will miss its original end-August deadline It is now expected to report in the autumn, though Rayner has not conf irmed whether the f indings will be published

Labour had previously adopted a nonstatutor y def inition of Islamophobia in opposition, but Rayner announced a review in Februar y after criticism that it was too broad and risked stifling legitimate debate about Islam Supporters argue the def inition would not be legally binding and poses no threat to free speech

A government source said no f ixed date h

Ministr y of Housing, Communities and Local G

months to deliver against their objectives and will report in due course Ministers will then conf irm next steps

I N B R I E F

THE NEW TOOL AGAINST RISING SHOP THEFT

Police are urging shops to deploy staff to meet and greet customers as a way to curb rising shoplifting rates Officers say that acknowledging shoppers as they enter can immediately deter potential thieves, who are less likely to steal if they feel they are being watched The guidance introduces a “three -to -five second rule,” suggesting that speaking to visitors within the first few seconds of entry can discourage criminal activity By making eye contact or offering a friendly greeting, staff signal attentiveness and alertness which can make offenders think twice before attempting theft Retailers are increasingly combining this approach with technology and security measures Many have invested in CCTV anti-theft devices and guards equipped with body-worn cameras while some chains such as Waitrose train employees to actively engage customers through attentive service a strategy sometimes called love -bombing to reduce the likelihood of theft and protect store assets

RAIL FARE HIKE SPARKS OUTRAGE

A potential 5 5 per cent rise in England s rail fares has been criticised by transport groups as unfair to passengers July s Retail Prices Index (RPI), often used to set annual fare increases, will be announced on Wednesday, with forecasts suggesting a 4 5 per cent figure potentially pushing fares up by 5 5 per cent next year Bruce Williamson of Railfuture called such an increase “outrageous,” warning it would push passengers off trains and onto congested roads He suggested that fare freezes could accompany Labour ’s planned nationalisation of train operators, noting that efficiency savings from an integrated railway are unlikely to benefit passengers if absorbed by the Treasury The government ’s forthcoming Great British Railways body aims to balance affordability for passengers and taxpayers with further announcements on regulated fares expected later this year

PRESSURE OVER TOURIST TAX POLICY

Shops, pubs, and restaurants are ramping up pressure on the government to reconsider the so - called tourist tax in the autumn budget, as the Treasury maintains its stance on the policy Despite lobbying from hundreds of businesses, officials have confirmed there are no plans to reinstate or review Britain’s tax-free shopping scheme

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced criticism for refusing even to commit to a review of tax-free shopping which was abolished in 2021 during the Brexit transition Unlike many EU countries that still offer VAT refunds to tourists the UK no longer provides such incentives The Treasury said The UK is one of the most visited countries in the world, with international tourism contributing billions to our economy We are supporting the continued growth of this industry and will launch a national visitor economy strategy this autumn to help achieve our goal of welcoming 50 million international visitors a year to the UK by 2030 ”

Trump’s tariffs test India’s path to self-reliance

On this Independence Day, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed resilience as US President Donald Trump’s protectionism forced India to confront the realities of a shifting global order At the dawn of his second term, Trump appeared to offer a boon to India His rapport with Prime Minister Modi raised hopes in Delhi that Indo-US relations would flourish But within months, that optimism has dimmed Trump’s unexpected turn towards protectionism, embodied most starkly in steep tariffs, has severely tested not only personal ties with Modi but also the broader foundation of bilateral trust

In August 2025, the United States doubled reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to a staggering 50 per cent, citing imports of Russian oil as a trigger Delhi denounced the measures as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable

Many analysts warn that these tariffs risk denting India’s economic growth by as much as 0 8 percentage points, particularly due to their impact on labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems, and jewellery Some have gone further, suggesting that persistent duties could shave 40 basis points off GDP Yet others remain relatively sanguine, saying India’s fundamentals remain robust and that growth will likely endure India’s leadership has responded with defiance and strategy On Independence Day, Modi emphasised self-reliance, promising domestic semiconductor production by year-end, GST reform by October, and protective measures for farmers and key industries The rupee has even strengthened in recent days, buoyed by reduced risk perceptions and optimism over tax reforms

Geopolitically, this turmoil has pushed India to recalibrate

The United States, once a reliable ally in its regional balancing act against China and Pakistan, has become less predictable In contrast, Russia still offers some semblance of steady support, though the post-Soviet Moscow is no longer the unwavering champion it once was Meanwhile, New Delhi has reopened channels with Beijing, with the visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and revived diplomacy is beginning to thaw tensions, even if mutual mistrust remains

India cannot trust either of the major powers implicitly Trump’s unpredictable flip-flops reinforce that caution China cannot be counted on as a partner, as history from the 1962 war to border skirmishes in Ladakh reminds us And Pakistan remains an unreliable and dangerous neighbour, often enabled by shifts in global great power politics

This delicate balancing act calls for refined diplomacy India must continue deepening ties with Russia, while also protecting its domestic markets, as seen with Modi’s protective rhetoric and strategic economic manoeuvres At the same time, it must keep options open with the United States, maintaining negotiation tracks despite recent bruises

The key lesson is that strategic autonomy, not dependency, is India’s most reliable shield In this moment of geopolitical confusion, India must demonstrate that its future does not rely on external goodwill A British-style “kick the ball” approach, from both Trump and Jinping, is less comforting than a confident, self-sufficient India that shapes its destiny

In a world where loyalties shift and alliances fray, New Delhi must lead not as a follower, but as a sovereign and selfassured voice of an emerging global order

Why ‘Mother Tongue’ matters in a globalised world

On 21 February each year, the world marks International Mother Language Day For many in Britain’s Asian diaspora, this is more than a calendar event It is a reminder that language is not only a tool for communication, but also a vessel of memory, identity and belonging As Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head If you talk to him in his language, it goes to his heart ”

For those of us who grew up in Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali or Tamil speaking households in Britain, the mother tongue is often the bridge between grandparents and grandchildren But this bridge is weakening Recent community surveys show that only around 20 per cent of British Asian teenagers can confidently converse in their family’s native language Among third-generation Gujaratis, the figures are even lower In homes where grandparents are absent, children often grow up with little or no Gujarati at all This silence between generations is not only about words but about emotions left unspoken

History shows how deeply language is tied to identity International Mother Language Day itself was born from sacrifice: in 1952, students in Dhaka gave their lives to defend Bengali against efforts to impose another tongue Their bravery was not simply about preserving words but about protecting culture, dignity and the right to speak from the heart For British Asians today, the struggle is quieter but no less important It is about whether our children will inherit the languages that carried our grandparents across continents

UNESCO research confirms that children who begin their education in their mother tongue learn more effectively They transition more smoothly into English and gain confidence in their ability to express themselves Far from holding them back, a strong foundation in Gujarati, Bengali or Punjabi helps them thrive in school Sadly, this truth is often overlooked Recent A-

Level results revealed a sharp drop in students taking modern foreign languages Many young people say, “Why bother, when Google Translate is in my pocket?” Yet no app can capture the tenderness of a grandmother’s lullaby or the humour of an old family saying

Across Europe, countries such as Poland and Italy make strong efforts to preserve their languages abroad, running weekend schools where children learn their native tongue alongside English Britain’s Asian communities have long done the same, with Gujarati Saturday schools, gurdwara Punjabi classes and Bengali cultural associations teaching the alphabet, poetry and songs of Rabindranath Tagore But attendance is declining The challenge is not just to keep these schools open, but to make families see their value

The responsibility lies with parents Speaking Gujarati, Bengali or Urdu at home is not a burden but a gift It gives children a second identity, one rooted in culture and pride It enables them to read scriptures, folk tales and poetry in the language they were first written It connects them to festivals, music and traditions in a way English alone never can

Gujarati is the language of Mahatma Gandhi, who reminded us that “ a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and the soul of its people ” Bengali is the language of Tagore, whose poems and songs still echo across the globe with messages of humanism and unity By passing on these languages, we are not only preserving vocabulary, we are transmitting values, resilience and creativity

For British Asians, ‘mother tongue’ is more than vocabulary It is the fragrance of our homeland, carried in our voices In a globalised world, where English dominates, keeping our languages alive ensures that we remain connected, proud and whole

The global strength of Indian diaspora

The story of the South Asian diaspora in Britain is one of resilience, progress and duty It is a story that continues to unfold in surprising and inspiring ways Just last year, the Royal Navy appointed its first Hindu chaplain, Pandit Bhanu Prakash Attri, a milestone that represents not only inclusion but also recognition of the spiritual and cultural needs of British Hindus serving their country

This achievement did not come overnight Two decades ago, the Hindu Council UK began building bridges with the Ministry of Defence to ensure Hindu soldiers had pastoral care What started with one civilian chaplain in the Army has grown into a faith structure across the armed services The creation of a naval chaplaincy post in 2023 shows how the diaspora’s presence is no longer peripheral but central to the institutions that protect Britain It is a reminder that while India remains our spiritual bhoomi, Britain has become our karma bhoomi, the land where we live, work and serve Diaspora power is also visible in civilian life This summer, 22-year-old Indian origin Krishangi Meshram became one of the youngest solicitors in England and Wales, showing how immigrant determination continues to transform professions once seen as out of reach From temples to law courts, from small businesses to the armed forces, British Asians are reshaping the nation’s story

Yet these successes exist alongside painful reminders of racism and prejudice In Wolverhampton, the recent attack on elderly Sikh men shook communities across the Midlands The incident is not isolated British South Asians continue to face racial violence, discrimination in employment and barriers in public life At a time when we are sending chaplains to serve sailors in the Navy, grandparents are being abused on the streets they helped build This contrast is stark, and it demands

honest reflection

The South Asian presence is not confined to Britain The global diaspora is now vast, and in some cases even larger than the population of speakers at home Recent data showed that the international communities of Malayalam and Tamil speakers surpass those within Kerala and Tamil Nadu Our languages, faiths and traditions have travelled with us, shaping cities from Toronto to Dubai The diaspora has become not just a bridge between East and West, but a force that influences economies, culture and politics worldwide

We cannot ignore the complex geopolitics either The British Asian story unfolds while South Asia itself grapples with instability Pakistan continues to struggle with economic and political crises, its diaspora watching anxiously from afar India, meanwhile, celebrates its soft power through culture and technology, but its migrants still confront racism abroad Britain, for its part, relies heavily on Asian doctors, nurses and care workers, especially during the pandemic, when their sacrifice was written in blood The challenge and the opportunity lie in how we harness this power More of our young people need to consider careers in the military, public service and politics More families must instil pride in our languages and cultures, so that grandchildren can talk to their grandparents without hesitation And society must confront racism with the same seriousness it celebrates diversity

The South Asian diaspora has come of age We are chaplains in the Navy, solicitors in the courts, teachers in classrooms and entrepreneurs on the high street We are victims of racism, but we are also agents of change Our voice is stronger than ever, and it is time Britain listened, not as outsiders, but as full citizens shaping the future of this country

Thought for the week

“Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence ”BR Ambedkar

As Western leaders gathered in the White House to negotiate the surrender of Ukrainian land to Russia, and after Pakistani ruler Munir’s exercise in boot polishing and the surrender of Balochistan to America this past week, all people of Indian origin gathered not to simply to remember a date in 1947, but to honour a state of mind an Indian state of mind that refuses to bend the knee or bow the head to any power that would claim mastery over us

For centuries, the coloniser came with one hand full of ledgers and the other full of chains They took our wealth, our industry, our grain and told us to be grateful for the railways and the Queen’s English And yet, despite the famines, the massacres, the theft of trillions, they could not take from us the one thing they truly wanted our submission

We paid the price for our defiance Oh yes, we remained poorer for longer We rebuilt from rubble while others feasted on what had been ours But dignity has no price tag History teaches that nations that trade dignity for comfort end up with neither

Independence Day is not just for those who marched with Gandhi, who fought with Bose, or who argued for our cause in the halls of Westminster It is for all of us who, in every era, choose the hard road of self-determination over the velvet trap of dependency It is for every farmer who would rather till their own stubborn soil than work as a serf on someone else’s fertile field It is for every student who refuses to believe that the West holds a monopoly on wisdom It is for every entrepreneur who dares to build without asking for permission from those who once ruled us

And if anyone doubts what this mindset means, they need only ask the British Ask them about the Indians the ones who starved but did not surrender; who were jailed but not broken; who could be conquered by armies but never owned by them They will tell you perhaps grudgingly, perhaps with a flicker of respect that India is not a land you tame It is a civilisation that endures

So, we do not celebrate charity We do not celebrate favours bestowed by an empire in retreat We celebrate the unbroken will of a people who knew that to be free is to walk taller, even if you walk with less in your pocket

We stand here as heirs to that stubbornness, that refusal, that pride And we say to the world: we will deal, we will trade, we will partner but we will never bow If you have the Indian state of mind, you are an Indian regardless of the passport you hold

That is why Independence Day is not a relic of the past It is a living reminder that dignity is worth more than comfort, that freedom is worth more than gold, and that the Indian mind once awakened cannot be subdued

Jai Hind

Court rejects appeal to extend Bhim Kohli killer’s term

S usan Ko hli, daug hter of 80 -

y ea r- o ld Bh i m K o h l i,

e xp re ss ed h er d is ap p o i nt -

m ent af te r th e C o u rt o f

A ppeal refused to increase the sentence of a teenage boy convicted of her father’ s d eath

b

Bhim Kohli was attacked

t w

September, and Susan has called for tougher sentencing guidelines, arguing the p

they did in June

Susan Kohli urged for s

a w

s a y i n g , “ W e need to go to parliament to

g e t t h e s e g u i d e l i n e s changed We should not have to lose somebody else to these youngsters ”

lighted the case ’ s serious-

thoughts to Kohli’s family

sought

reduced sentence

Police bust gang in shoplifting crackdown

Elev en wom en hav e been arrested in a crackdo wn on org anised sh oplifting acro ss the East M i d l an d s P o

Notting ham’s Broxtowe estate, seizing clothing, fo otwear and toiletries Derbyshire Police said the operation targeted a g ang operating across four counties

I N B R I E F BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER

S

boy’s sentence to the Court o

court’s decision but high-

The boy, 15 at the time, w a s c o n v i c t e d o f manslaughter in April and sentenced to seven years in custody His accomplice, a 13-year-old girl, received a t h r e e - y e a r r e h a b i l i t a t i o n order with a six-month curfew and community service Neither can be named for legal reasons

Justice Cutts and Mr Justice Murray, ruled the sentence was neither unduly lenient nor excessive, calling it “ very significant” and fully warranted

After the June sentencing, Susan Kohli said her father had been repeatedly targeted with racial abuse, which the teenagers denied, and criticised limited police presence Bhim Kohli suf-

three ribs in the attack and

assaulting Kohli while the girl laughed, alongside other racial attack videos

Driver jailed 13 years after unborn baby killed in hit-and-run

A driver w ho struck a pregn an t st u d en t, ki ll in g h er

u nborn son, has been j ailed for 1 3 years Renju Josep h, 31, w as h it by a speeding T oyo ta P rius driven by 20-year-o ld A sh i r S h a h id at a z eb ra crossing in Bam ber Bridg e, near Preston, Lancashire

The car, reportedly travelling between 58mph and 71mph in a 30mph zone, hit Mrs Joseph in dark, wet con-

d i t i o n s o n 2 9 S e p t e m b e r 2024 She was five months pregnant and taken to hosp i t a l , w h e r e d o c t o r s p e rf o r m e d a n e m e r g e n c y Csection to try to save her son, Olive

F o o t a g e f r o m A s h i r Shahid and his 17-year-old brother Sam Shahid showed them laughing, singing, and driving recklessly, with the brother hanging out of the car while Ashir made gun gestures After the crash, the vehicle was abandoned, covered with a sheet, and later

d u m p e d i n F a r n w o r t h , Greater Manchester Ashir, of Walton le Dale, Preston, was arrested days later and m a d e n o c o m m e n t ; h i s p h o n e s h o w e d h e h a d searched for "charge for hit and run human" that night I n J u n e , h e p l e a d e d guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous

d r i v i n g a n d w a s b a n n e d from driving for 15 years and one month, with an extende d t e s t r e q u i r e m e n t H i s b r o t h e r , S a

assisting an offender

I a n U

s w o r t h K C described Ashir’s driving as “ n o t h i n g l e s s t h a n

a p p a l l i n g , ” l i k e n i n g h i s acceleration to a Formula 1

c

unborn son, lived just five hours and 38 minutes; his mother never saw him alive and spent two weeks in a coma The couple, originally from India, had planned a

Joseph said: “Everything has

night My life will never be the same ”

First UK postmistress returns to her former branch after Horizon case

R o o p ri t Gi ll , w ro ng fu l ly p rosecuted ov er false Post

O ff i ce ac c o u nt sh o r tfa ll s c au s e d b y un re li ab le Horizon d ata, h as retu rned

t o h er fo rm er b ra nc h at W at tv i ll e R o ad , Hand sworth, Birmingham

She is the first in the UK to resume work at her old post following the IT scandal that affected hundreds Gill marked the occasion by cutting a celebratory ribbon with her family, MP Ayoub Khan, and Post Office chairman Nigel Railton

“This is a very joyous day, getting Wattville Road Post Office back and celeb r a t i n g w i t h f a m i l y , c u stomers, and special guests,” said Rooprit Gill Her father,

Nirmal Singh Kailey, one of the first Asian postmasters outside London, had always believed in her innocence and hoped she would return to work though he sadly passed away before seeing it happen

Gill added: “Customers have been overjoyed at my r e

moon, and so am I It’s won-

Several of the 11 suspects, all since bailed, were also held over drugs, weapons and counterfeit currency offences Police said the group i s l

Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire between December 2024 and August 2025

The arrests, led by Derbyshire Police’s neighbourhood acquisitive crime team with support from four forces, are linked to at least 20 high-value shoplifting incidents Det Sgt Jesse Conquest said the group worked in teams to distract staff, filling trolleys with goods worth thousands before selling them on for profit

Derbyshire Police launched ‘Operation Brasas’ following a series of thefts in Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Belper, Chesterfield and Derby Det Sgt Jesse Conquest warned that organised retail crime is far from victimless, costing the UK economy an estimated £2bn and driving up prices for shoppers He said such offences have even forced some businesses to close and urged both the public and retailers to work with police to dismantle the gangs

Council to reimburse resident for skip costs

Birmingha m Cit y C oun cil will pay a r esiden t

£46 8 afte r fa iling t o colle ct rubbish from he r fla ts The Loca l G over nme nt a nd Social Car e Om budsman foun d the council ha d "re peat edly fa ile d to clear wa ste since Janua ry 2024, before t he cur re nt bin strik e

The council apologised and agreed to pay £300 for frustration and £168 for skip costs, along with other measures recommended by the ombudsman

The resident claimed the council "repeatedly failed" to collect communal waste containers The watchdog said it caused "difficulties" for the woman, who was referred to as Mrs X Mr and Mrs X reported eight missed collect i o n

October, they hired a skip to clear waste The ombudsman said the council apologised for the "poor level of service" and claimed crews had received "additional reminders," but issues continued into late 2024 The council cited industrial action and later start times as possible causes, though some collections were eventually completed

A d d r e s s i n g m i s s e d c o l l e c t i o n s

member for environment Majid Mahmood said: "No resident should have to pay for their own skip It's a service we are legally required to provide " He added that new technology and a review of collections around tower blocks and maisonettes would improve the service, providing residents "with a better waste collection service" in line with other councils

Sharp rise in Leicester vehicle thefts

Leicestershire P olice have rep orted a sud den rise in vehicle break-ins across L eicester, with several cars also d am ag ed M ost of the incidents in recent d ays have taken place in th e city’s A bbey Ward

Birmingham Heritage Week, taking place in September, will highlight the Jewellery Quarter, a centre of high-quality manufacturing for over 200 years and recently awarded World Craft City status

The 10-day, city-wide event features more than 200 activities for people to join Heritage Week co-ordinator Irene De Boo said the public’s enthusiasm for exploring Birmingham’s past continues to grow, with this year’s programme being the biggest yet She added that the city’s rich heritage is often overlooked and Heritage Week opens up places and neighbourhoods for people to explore Now in its 11th year the festival has expanded in size and recognition with organisations actively seeking to take part, cementing its place on Birmingham s festival calendar

DINERS FLEE INDIAN RESTAURANT WITHOUT PAYING £197 BILL

A group of men has come under fire after being caught on camera running out of Saffron, a popular Indian restaurant in Northampton, without paying a £197 30 bill on August 4 CCTV shared by the restaurant shows them ordering a large meal before suddenly fleeing, with a staff member seen chasing after them In a social media statement, Saffron urged local businesses to stay vigilant after four men left without paying a £197 bill “This kind of behaviour isn’t just theft, it directly impacts hardworking small businesses and our community,” the restaurant said, confirming the incident was reported to police with CCTV footage submitted They also appealed for help in identifying the men As per the Independent, Northamptonshire Police said they are investigating the case as theft and urged anyone with information to call 101

COMPULSORY WATER METERS PLANNED FOR ALL UK HOMES

Rooprit Gill back as postmistress at Wattville Road

Her ordeal was part of a s h a m

Office history, and I sincerely apologise to her and all affected I know Rooprit is now focused on the future, serving her customers and

A police spokesperson said: “In recent days we ’ ve seen a sharp rise in reports of unattended vehicles being damaged and broken into While we understand not everyone has access to a driveway, we are sharing safety advice to help protect property ” Alongside their warning, police shared a d v i c e t o h e l p p r e v e n t v e h i c l e b r e a k - i n s

Drivers are urged not to leave valuables in their cars, ensure vehicles are locked and alarmed where possible, and avoid parking in dark or secluded areas Instead, they recommend choosing well-lit streets overlooked by houses and, if possible, parking in locations covered by CCTV

Millions of UK households could soon face compulsory smart water meters under new proposals aimed at making bills fairer A government report recommends nationwide rollout, similar to smart energy meters, to prevent families from being overcharged Currently, many UK households without water meters are charged based on property size and estimated occupancy, often leaving single occupants or couples overpaying Under proposed reforms, compulsory smart water meters would ensure customers pay only for what they use, rather than a flat fee Similar to smart energy devices, in-home displays could help families monitor usage cut waste and lower bills Experts say the move is urgently needed to encourage fairer pricing and support long-term water conservation The report by former civil servant Sir John Cunliffe warns that by 2055 England s population could grow by 8 million, creating a daily water shortfall of up to 5 billion litres

Understanding race, inequalities and inclusion

The Nuffield Foundation’s new Racial Diversity UK fund awards £1 47 million to four research projects exploring racial inequality, deindustrialisation, and demographic change, aiming to inform policy and promote inclusive, evidence-based solutions across the UK.

Anusha Singh

The N uffield Foun dati on has laun ched the firs t set of projec ts under its newly es tablished Racia l Di ve rs ity U K (RDUK) fund, pledgi ng £1 47 m illion towards res earch desi gned to addres s rac ial ineq ua li ties an d shape a m ore i nclusi ve f uture across England, Sc otland a nd Wale s

The four projects will explore how issues of race intersect with deindustrialisation, policy, national identity, and rapid demographic change, challenges that remain at the heart of the UK’s evolving social fabric The RDUK fund, which draws on an endowment linked to the Commonwealth, aims to examine contemporary racial diversity in the context of the UK’s colonial legacy

The initiative was shaped against the backdrop of recent reckonings, the Windrush scandal and the global resonance of the Black Lives Matter movement after the murder of George Floyd, which highlighted the persistence of racial injustices and the urgent need for evidence-driven solutions

“Racial injustices continue to challenge UK society, but there is little evidence of what works to end racial disparities,” said Liz Gilfillan, Programme Head of RDUK at the Nuffield Foundation “This fund is about building a significant body of important research that not only describes the issues but offers practical and achievable actions to build a racially just and inclusive society ” Four projec ts, on e mis sion

The newly funded projects cover a diverse range of themes, all sharing a common goal: producing research that drives tangible policy and community impact

‘Decline to Renewal: Race, Deindustrialisation and Working Lives’, led by Professor Keon West in partnership with the Runnymede Trust, will investigate how industrial decline has affected communities of colour and explore ways to make renewal policies more inclusive ‘Voices for Equity: Moving from Evidence to Action’, spearheaded by Sunder Katwala at British Future, will conduct a national consultation to identify priorities for racial justice and develop a shared agenda for change

‘Racial Equality Since Devolution: Divergences, Outcomes and Frontiers’, led by Professor Nasar Meer at the University of Glasgow, will compare how race equality policies have unfolded across England, Scotland, and Wales, assessing their impacts and potential

Finally, ‘Better Mixing: Supporting Scotland’s Diverse Future’, under Dr Sarah Kyambi of Migration Policy Scotland, will examine rapid demographic shifts and design interventions to support diverse populations across Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Fife

Together, these projects form a cohesive portfolio intended to inform, advance, and sometimes redirect debate while shaping policy and frontline practice

Turnin g research i nto c hange

For the Nuffield Foundation, research alone is not enough, the aim is to ensure findings are picked up by policymakers and practitioners Gilfillan explained that impact will be measured by how well the projects influence national and local debates and interventions

“We want research to help policymakers at both the national and local levels,” she said “That means engaging government in learning from differing devolved approaches, building evidence-based agendas for lasting change, and ensuring regeneration policies take into account the real impacts of deindustrialisation on communities of colour ”

RDUK’s success, she added, will not only be measured in reports or publications, but in the way it shapes real-world practices whether through curriculum shifts, fairer employment frameworks, or inclusive regeneration policies

Gilfillan stressed that RDUK is determined to avoid tokenistic

approaches The programme is designed to generate evidence with real longevity; research that maps pathways towards a UK that is “comfortable with and reaping the benefits of its growing racial diversity ” Policy in c on tex t

Professor Nasar Meer, whose project focuses on

race equality since devolution, emphasised that policy must be seen in context “Policies are developed and implemented within contested national stories about who belongs,” he explained His team plans to analyse how governments in England, Scotland and Wales frame their race equality initiatives, how those are resisted, and how they translate into lived realities

Community engagement, he added, is central to the methodology The project will convene a standing “Community of Practice” a structured forum bringing together antiracism groups, local authorities and policymakers to coproduce priorities and test findings “Community voice is baked into the method,” Meer said “We want people to be able to speak candidly about what works and what doesn’t ”

Meer also highlighted the mixed picture of racial progress in the UK “We can point to policy progress while outcome gaps persist or even worsen in places So the question becomes: what’s the yardstick? In our project we take both approaches, looking at the architecture of policy and the outcomes people actually experience ”

The goal, he said, is not just to map policies, but to produce accessible, evidence-based briefs on education, housing, employment and justice that can focus governments’ attention on closing specific gaps

Aston professor joins new National Business Mentoring Council

Professor Monder Ram

OBE o f A ston University has been appointed to the new ly fo rmed National Business Mentoring C ouncil, bringing his expertise in ethnic m ino rity entrepreneurship to the initiativ e

As Professor of Small Business at Aston Business School and Director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, Professor Ram was invited in recognition of his longstanding work promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and his research on the barriers faced by ethnic minority business owners

Business mentoring is widely recognised as a vital tool for entrepreneurs The recent Mentoring Matters study found that eight in ten SME leaders credit mentoring with supporting business growth, while seven in ten see it as crucial to resilience, wellbeing, and business survival Yet many businesses still struggle to access high-quality mentoring, often unsure where to turn or how to find suitable mentors

The new council brings together leading firms, academics, and mentoring experts from across the UK

to tackle these challenges Referenced in the government’s small business plan, it aims to reduce fragmentation in the sector, improve professional pathways for mentors, share data and insights, and expand access to mentoring for SMEs, startups, and scaling businesses It will also support government strategies to strengthen business growth and resilience

Professor Ram said, “I am proud to join the newly formed council Mentoring is a vital support for businesses, but not all leaders can access it I look forward to working with other UK experts to enhance collaboration, improve access to quality mentorship, and ensure that more business leaders can find the guidance they need ”

The council held its inaugural meeting at the Department for Business and Trade in July and plans to mark National Mentoring Day on 27 October Members discussed ways to better coordinate mentoring activity, reduce sector fragmentation, and support underserved communities and regions

Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said, “Having a mentor can be a gamechanger for small businesses This new council will make it easier for business leaders to find a high-quality mentor they can trust It is a key part of the government’s most comprehensive package of support for small businesses in a generation ”

Brahma Kumaris host spiritual Janmashtami evening

T h e B rah m a Ku m ari s a t Gl o bal

C o o p e rat io n H o u se c ele br ate d

Janm ashtam i with a v ibrant ev ening of mu sic, dance, and sp iritual reflection titled T he M ag ic F lute that Ch armed th e U niv erse – A Div ine Melody

The celebration began with a soulful flute recital by Madhusoodanan Sachithanandan, followed by a captivating visual and dance performance portraying the birth of Shri Krishna

A c a p t i v a t i n

p e r f o r m a n c e b y Kavita Gupta and her group transported the audience to the golden era of Krishna’s time Host Ritvik then invited the gathering to reflect on Krishna’s timeless message of love, peace, and joy, highlighting these divine virtues as guiding tools for global transformation

A highlight of the evening was a

Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris, who delved into three significant verses from the Bhagavad Gita

Each verse was brought to life through

expressive dance, exploring profound themes: the eternal nature of the soul

(Chapter 2, Verse 23), the essence of the Supreme Soul (Chapter 13, Verse 18), and the principles of karma and selfless action (Chapter 2, Verse 47)

The celebration closed with a final

sense of Janmashtami as a spiritual journey of self-awareness, divine connection, and living with peace, love, and truth

British Royal Navy appoints its first Hindu Chaplain

Bhanu Atri from Gadh khal, n ea r K as a ul i i n H i m ac h al P radesh, h as beco me th e first Hindu chaplain in the British R oy al N av y F o ll ow i ng t he p assing-out p arad e, h e made h i s to r y a s th e Nav y ’ s f ir st non-Christian chaplain

T h e 3 9

went a specialised training program, including officer training, sea survival, and chaplaincy preparation

Among the 148 new Royal Navy officers, comprising 17 selected from the ranks and 13 warrant officers promoted as lieutenants, Atri followed a slightly dif-

chaplains

Born in September 1986, B

Saraswati

School, Nalwa, followed by

Delhi He began performing rituals and, in 2009, moved to London to work as a priest His father, Ram Gopal Atri, is a retired Shastri teacher, and his mother, Leena Atri, is a homemaker Bhanu now lives in London with his wife and chil-

dren The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) congratulated Bhanu on becoming the first Hindu Chaplain in the Royal Navy HCUK has maintained strong ties with the Ministry of Defence for over 20 years, helping establish links with the Hindu community and recruit chaplains for the armed forces In 2023, the Royal Navy created a position for a Hindu Chaplain, and Bhanu Atri was endorsed for his physical and mental f i t n e s s , p r i n c i p l e d f a i t h , l e a d e r s h i p experience, spiritual knowledge, interfaith understanding, and ability to integrate into British culture with strong English communication skills

HSS UK celebrates 50 years of leadership

H in du S way a msev a k Sa n gh (U K) ha s mar ked t he 50t h anniver sar y of its fl ags hi p l e a d e r sh i p de v e l op me n t pr ogr amme , Sangh Shiksha Varg (SSV), with r e c or d - b r e a k i n g p a r t i ci pa t i on , 6 0 5 a tten dees supporte d b y 13 9 voluntee rs, t he highest in its history Participa nts from 6 5 town s across all four UK nations

j o in e d t h e fo ur -y e a r st r u ct ur e d pr ogr amme , which b len ds traditional va lueb ased educa tion with le adership t raining

Notably, 167 working professionals sacrificed their annual leave to serve as instructors and support staff, investing in the next generation of “self-inspired future leaders without ego and a commitment to making society better,” said Baiju Shah, overall coordinator at one location

The four-year structured SSV programme aims to develop “self-inspired future leaders without ego and a commitment to making society better,” says Baiju Shah, overall coordinator at one location Blending physical, intellectual, and spiritual training, participants from teenagers to adults in their fifties

follow a demanding daily schedule from 6 am to 10 pm, including yoga, team activities, lectures, meditation, and community service T h i s y e a r ’ s S S V s a w r e m

intergenerational participation, including a family with a grandfather, father, and son attending together Over 190 visitors from charities, faith groups, local

toured the facilities, with Councillor

Borough Council praising the event’s atmosphere and community impact

character), Sewa (selfless service), and Sanghathan (unity), SSV blends practical

r a d i t i o n a l Hindu principles Since 1975, it has produced graduates who serve their communities and excel in careers, public service, and entrepreneurship University student and graduate Eeshaan noted: “ S S V i s n o t o n l y f o r p a r t i c i p a n t s t o immerse in Sangh, but also for teachers to grow into better leaders ”

Lifelong service of Dr Vinod Kapashi lauded at Harrow event

Anoopam Mission marks 10years with grand festivities

T h e A no o p a m M i s s io n recently m arked a milestone with the celebration of its S w am i n ara yan M and ir

had the privilege of presenting him with a copy of our recently launched souvenir, ‘Soneri Smruti Granth – A

L–R:

Da sh a bd i M ah o t sa v fr om 13 th to 1 7th Au gu st, commemorating ten years since the grand opening of its temple in Denh am

The five-day celebrations were filled with devotion, joy a n d c u l t u r a l s p l e n d o u r , drawing devotees and wellw i s h e r s f r o m a c r o s s t h e community

On Friday, 15th August, the festivities took on a spec i a l s i g n i f i c a n c e a s t h e I n d i a n I n d e p

n d e n c e D a y was observed alongside the anniversary, blending spiritual devotion with patriotic pride The celebrations were attended by a large gathering of around 800–1000 people, a l l o f w h o m p a r t i c i p a t e d with heartfelt enthusiasm

The ABPL team was honoured to be a part of this magnificent occasion While on stage, in the respected presence of Pujya Guruhari Sant Bhagwant Sahebji, we

T i m e l e s s T r e a s u r e ’ T h e moment became even more m e m o r a b l e a s P u j y a Guruhari offered his blessings to our team and the wider community He also presented a signed copy of the souvenir, inscribed with his heartfelt words, which we deeply cherish The occasion beautifully blended the sacred with the celebratory, leaving lasting memories for all present

a cro s s t

U

to c elebrate his lifelo ng serv ice to public life, literature, the Jain faith, and interfaith harm ony

Dr Kapashi expressed his wish to witness the community’s affection in his lifetime, saying the song ‘Kal khel

mein hum ho na ho ’ reminds us that while i n d i v i d

s p a s s , t h e i r values live on Deeply moved, Sudha reflected o n t h e i r j o u r n e y w i t h the words, ‘Hum laaye hai toofan se kishti nikal

k e a b i s d h a r m k o sambhalna mere doston sambhalke,’ urging the community to safeguard the faith Community leaders

i n c l u d i n g N e m u C h a n d a r i a O B E

Sanghrajka MBE, Rumit Shah, and Niraj Sutaria praised Dr Kapashi, with Dr Kumarpal Desai sending a video tribute

from India He was hailed as “ a true scholar, a genuine gentleman, and an encyclopedia of Jainism and Indian values ” for his tireless promotion of Jain principles H i s d a u g h t e r s R a k s h i t a , P u n n i , and Neha together with grandchildren and niece Alka Shah, shared heartfelt memories The programme featured theme songs and choreographed

audience Sudha Kapashi paid tribute to the community members who supported Vinodbhai through his 40-year journey, celebrating his selfless service and inspiring legacy across eight organisations

Preston prepares for Bhagwat Katha by Pujya Bhaishri

Dha

Sh rimad Bh agwa

be d eliv ere d by the

emed k at haka r, Pujya Ra meshbha i O za (Pujya Bhaishri)

T

Society in Preston is hosting

from 23rd to 29th August,

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha will also serve as a fundraiser to build a hostel for tribal girls in the Saputara region of South Gujarat GHS leaders, President Dashrath Nayee, Vice President Ishwer Tailor, and Secretary Ashit Jariwala, t o l d A s i a n

Society’s large hall has been prepared to welcome 1,000 devotees, with over 50 volunteers working tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the event

n have prepared ladoo, shrik-

Katha Many visitors from across Britain are expected to arrive by coach to partici-

pate in the event Adding to its significance, saints such a

Secretary of Bharat Sadhu Samaj and Dwarka Sanatan

known for his educational work in Chanod, will also be present

Chairman of the Sanskruti

ance and support

Holiday weekend, Saturday

Devotees wishing to attend are encouraged to contact the Gujarat Hindu Society organisers at 01772 253901

London’s Kumkum Mandir marks Janmashtami festivities

At the Shree Swaminarayan M andir, Kumkum London, founded by Sadguru Shastri

S hr i A na n d pr i ya d as

Swami, devotees celebrated b oth Janmashtami and the b

revered Guru of Bhagwan Swaminarayan

The festivities featured Shri Harikrishna Maharaj being placed in a beautifully decorated cradle and joyfully swung, marking the joyous occasion with devotion and reverence

On this occasion, Sadhu

P r e m v a t s a l d a s

o f Kumkum Mandir highlight-

ed that Ramanand Swami

later became the founder of

Sampraday In recognition of this spiritual guidance, B

accepted Ramanand Swami

Swami's birth anniversary (

celebrated both occasions together with great devotion and joy

Lord Bhikhu Parekh donates rare book collection to Navrachana University

I n J u ly, th e U niv er si ty o f O xf o rd h o no u r ed L o rd

B h i kh u P are kh , em i ne nt p olitical theorist, Ho use of L ord s m em ber, and pioneer o f m u lt ic u l tu ral i sm a nd p olitical tho ught, throu gh a

d ay- l o ng s em i n ar w i th 1 1

l ea d i ng s c h o lar s f ro m aro und the world

D e t e r m i n e d t o f i n d a h o m e f o r h i s t r e a s u r e d library, Lord Bhikhu Parekh signed an MoU on August 14 with Navrachana University,

C r e d t E x p r e s s P h o o

V a d o d a r a , d o n a t i n g 2 , 5 0 0 b o o k s c o l l e c t e d o v e r decades The decision, made after earlier plans with MS University fell through, followed a suggestion from his f r i e n d T e j a l A m i n , Chairperson of Navrachana Education Society “I knew my books must r e t u r n t o V a d o d a r a a n d G u j a r a t , ” s a i d t h e P a d m a

Bhushan awardee, who cited his age, the loss of his wife, and the need to move house as reasons for urgency The c o l l e c t i o n w i l l f o r m a research centre on multiculturalism, Gandhi, and modern India, safeguarded by a c o m m i t t e e i n c l u d i n g h i s family

O U T & A B O U T

Don’t miss next weekend’s special episode of Out and About, featuring highlights from a historic occasion On Friday, 18th July 2025, at the prestigious House of Lords, Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice launched their souvenir, ‘Soneri Smruti Granth – A Timeless Treasure.’

Tune in to Zee TV on Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 5:30 PM Sky 707 Virgin 809

Janmashtami celebrations at Dhamecha Lohana

Kokila Patel

Th e m onth of Shravan is

especially dedicated to Lord S h i v a W i th i n it , t h e

s

A sh tami of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrap ad h old s sp ecial

incarnated as

Centre

Kanaiya in Kansa’s prison, bringing divine joy to th e universe

His birth was celebrated i n G o k u l a t N a n d a n d

Yashoda’s home with chants o f “ N a n d G h e r A n a n d

Bhayo ” In the same spirit, the festivities were marked on Saturday evening at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre

London

For over three decades, Lohana leaders Ketan and Diti Kotecha and their famil

l e b r a t e d S h r i K r i s h n a J a n m o t s a v w i t h

d e v o t i o n a n d s p l e n d o u r

This year, Dhamecha Hall echoed with chants of “Jai K a n h a i y

renowned Gujarati singers M

A h m e d a b a

filled the evening with soulful bhajans The celebration began with a traditional farali dinner for over 800 devotees, followed by the arrival of the

and com-

flower showers, devotional dancing, and joyous chants, the cradle ceremony con-

showering sweets and dry fruits upon the gathering The grand Janmashtami

Kotecha with their family, was attended by Asian Voice

America’s democracy myth: The superpower that topples ballot boxes for generations the United States has presented itself as the world’s champion of democracy and freedom Presidential speeches and cultural exports repeat this story until it feels like fact Yet history tells a different tale Far from being a reliable creator of democracies the United States has often undermined them and replaced elected governments with regimes that served its own strategic or economic goals The rhetoric of liberty has been used not as a guiding principle but as a convenient cover for power

From the Cold War onward the pattern is clear In 1953 Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh was removed after he nationalized oil, with the CIA restoring the Shah w h o

decades In 1954 Guatemala’s President Jacobo Árbenz was overthrown after land reforms threatened the United Fruit Company, leading to years of military dictatorship In 1961 Congo’s Patrice Lumumba was deposed and killed with US and Belgian involvement, paving the way for Mobutu’s long dictatorship In 1973 the socialist government of Chile’s Salvador Allende was targeted through economic sabotage and political destabilization until a coup installed Augusto Pinochet In 1976 Washington supported the Argentine junta that ruled through terror Even in the 21st century the pattern persisted, with the US accepting Egypt’s 2013 military removal of Mohamed Morsi, the country’s first freely elected president These are not democratic victories but deliberate dismantling

Despite this record Washington continues to speak the language of freedom while embracing authoritarian partners Successive presidents have praised liberty while maintaining close alliances with authoritarian regimes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and elsewhere The phrase free world is still used as though most of the planet lives in chains, with little acknowledgment that American policies have often helped forge those chains, if any Democracy is supported when it produces leaders friendly to US interests When it does not it is undermined or removed

The limits of this commitment to democracy can also be seen at home During the Red Scare of the 1950s open sympathy for communism could cost jobs, reputations or lead to public interrogation The FBI’s COINTELPRO program targeted civil rights leaders and anti-war activists After September 11 sweeping new security powers chilled dissent In recent years Donald Trump’s refusal to accept electoral defeat and his promotion of false claims about voting fraud revealed how fragile the democratic system can be even within the United States

The United States is not a factory for democracy It is a global power that has used democratic language to justify interventions serving its own ends Americans themselves may value liberty and many have fought for it at home and abroad, but the official story is an illusion If democracy is to mean more than a slogan the truth of this history must be confronted America’s most consistent export has not been freedom but control

Dr Narsinhbhai Patel

Brain implant closer to turning thoughts into speech

Sc

Univers ity have developed

of

thoughts into

electrodes were implanted

‘Micchami Dukkadam’

festival is a time to sincerely ask f forgiveness from anyone whos

As I See It

I enjoyed reading CB Patel’s As I See It column titled, Heritage Meets Ambition In the column, I found Sri Surinder Arora’s story particularly fascinating, as it reminded me of many similar accounts of Ugandan Asians who became refugees overnight

The story of Kavi and Shamil Thakrar is equally inspiring, highlighting generational entrepreneurial zeal I also greatly appreciated your references to the Lohanas and their courage they were both welcome and very meaningful

Subhash Thakrar

2029 Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Modi embodies the spirit of yoga, practising d a i l y a n d p r o m o t i n g u n i t y a n d w e l l n e s

through yoga His vision and dedication inspire us all He is strong physically mentally , emotionally and spiritually, fit for next term Let’s rally together for a brighter future and chorus "Twenty twenty-nine,(2029) Narendra Modi our man!"

TS Karthik

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit.

Please keep contributing as always

If you are new, then write to anusha at anusha singh@abplgroup com

peech in real tim

m arking

technol ogy

ignificant

without physically speaking,

for people with paralysis or speech-impairing conditions, potentially restoring natural, conversational speech

decodes words directly from thought, making it faster and

e y e

tracking systems for typing

The study involved four

m i l a r

brain regions as attempting

t o s p e a k , t h o u g h w i t h weaker signals Using an AI model and a 125,000-word

v o c a b u l a r y , t h e i m p l a n t successfully identified pre-

s p e c i f i e d s e n t e n c e s a n d

e v e n s o m e u n p r o m p t e d words, including numbers T o a d d r e s s p r i v a c y concerns, researchers tested a

accuracy While the system cannot yet translate

reality

bright,” said senior author Frank Willett

Butterfly numbers soar as grass-cutting is delayed

through our thoughts, words, o actions over the past year

On this occasion, any individ or organisation has a unique chan

Dukkadam’ to our readers by pla an advertisement in our weeklies

We always present reports o organisations with photographs, taking every opportunity to serve the community We hope you too will not miss this opportunity

For more details, contact: Jyotsna Shah Email: jyotsna shah@abplgroup com Mob: 07875 229 223

Concerns over Chinese takeovers of UK private schools

Comm unis

Party (CCP) may be behind a wave of acquis itions of Br itish private sc hools

Over the past decade, more than 30 independent schools have been bought by Chinese investors, with further acquisitions currently under regulatory review A senior government source said, “China is playing the long game They targeted universities before but have realised it’s easier to start younger

It’s ideological warfare These children will grow up and be helpful to the Communist Party ”

Delaying grass cu tting at Hatfield Fo rest, an ancient ro yal h u nting g ro und i n Es s ex , h a s h el p ed bo o s t butterfly pop ulations to a 17-year hig h, the Natio nal Trust repo rts T he conserv ati o n c h ari ty s ai d t h e reserve is no w home to 24 butterfly sp ecies, inclu ding peaco ck butterflies, with particularly high num bers of m arbled white and sm all heath butterflies S ighting s of the elusive purp le em peror h av e also increased

While a hot, dry spring contributed to the rise, staff credit changes in landscape management as the key factor James Rowland, operations manager at the forest, explained that grass cutting was previously carried out in June but is now delayed until late July or August “This allows flowering species to remain in bloom longer, providing more nectar for butterflies and other pollinators,” he said Plants such as thistle and ragwort also play an important role

A herd of red poll cattle helps maintain optimal conditions by controlling dominant plants and breaking up the soil “We retain a few cattle over winter to suppress scrub species like bramble,” Rowland added With hotter, drier

sources is essential for pollinator survival Official butterfly surveys at Hatfield Forest began in 2008, though staff and volunteers have monitored populations for over 50 years

Indian-Origin student becomes solicitor at 21

In d i an- o r ig i n K r is h a ng i M es h ra m has m ad e legal h isto ry, beco mi ng one of the you ng est s oli ci tors in Eng land and Wales in recent history at j ust 21

Raised in West Bengal and now based in the UAE, she began her LLB at 15 through The Open University’s flexible learning model and earned a First-Class Honours Degree by 18, fast-tracking her legal career

“I’m incredibly thankful that The Open University let me start my LLB at 15, ” she said “During my studies, I built the foundation for my legal career and discovered a lasting passion for law ”

After her undergraduate degree, she pursued postgraduate legal studies and gained two years of qualifying experience during an internship at a top Singaporean law firm, d e e p

Krishangi officially graduated from The Open University in 2022 and attended her ceremony in Manchester in late 2024 Asian Voice was among the first newspapers to feature Krishangi’s achievements

Labour MP Phil Brickell warned that the UK’s “world-leading education system is an obvious target for influence” and urged successive governments to safeguard British interests

While some see the purchases as commercial decisions, others, including Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, argue they serve strategic purposes Schools such as Malvern St James, Thetford Grammar, and Wisbech Grammar have been acquired, with some girls’ schools beginning to accept boys to attract international students

Experts note that Chinese investment is largely driven by the strong demand among Chinese families for British education, with acquisitions often involving “distressed” schools

The Charity Commission and Department for Education insist that schools continue to follow charity and regulatory standards, promoting fundamental British values and remaining accountable

Millennials choosing private healthcare over NHS

Nearly half of millennials plan to use priv ate h ealthcare within th e next year, a shift driven by convenience, personalised care, and employment benefits, research show s

A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 49% of 34- to 44year-olds are likely to go private, while nearly 70% of 18- to 24-year-olds said they would favour jobs offering private health insurance The Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) reported that use of private insurance for treatment has jumped from 31% in 2023 to 55% this year

Access difficulties in the NHS remain a key motivator, with nearly half citing long waits and one in ten using private care after appointments were postponed or cancelled The UK’s private healthcare market has reached £12 4 billion, covering 16 4 million people Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that younger generations “opting out” of the NHS poses a long-term risk to the service

MoD cyberattack erases soldiers’ data

The Ministry of Defence ha s warned that thousan ds of British sol diers, gov ernment officia ls, and Afghan e vacuee s may have had their personal dat a compromised in a cybe ratt ack

Around 3,700 people were notified that their names, dates of birth, and passport numbers could have been accessed after emails containing flight information were hacked The attack is believed to have targeted Inflite, a subcontractor providing ground-handling services for flights to London Stansted, including military exercises, official trips, and Afghan evacuations More than 100 British personnel were affected, along with hundreds of Afghans relocated from Taliban-controlled areas between January and March last year Officials say there is no evidence the data has been publicly released The breach comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the Afghan superinjunction, which previously blocked disclosure of Afghan relocation details

K A P I L’S K H I C H A D I Keir saved by Trump Chaos

Trump madness is great to see on the world stage It’s not even been a year in power for Trump, but he has caused havoc not just in America, but right across the world In this chaos, Trump and family, and his friends via their business ventures are making bil-

lions

The upside for most EU leaders has been that domestically they have managed to hide behind this chaos And our Prime Minister is one of the main beneficiaries of this media chaos that takes away all other headlines

At this very moment I have just looked at the BBC website, on their very first page they have stories titled:

‘Trump rules out Ukraine reclaiming Crimea or joining Nato ahead of Zelensky White House talks’

‘Washington talks couldprove more vital for Ukraine's future than Trump-Putin summit’

‘First group of Gaza children to be brought to UK 'in coming weeks’

‘The cemetery of living men' - Trump deportees tell of abuse in secretive mega-jail

‘Skibidi' and 'tradwife ' among words added to Cambridge Dictionary’

‘James Bond has to be a guy , says Helen Mirren’

‘The Green Party is at a crossroads Is it time they get angry?’

‘I saw a kaleidoscopic light before going blind, says survivor of Laos methanol poisoning’

‘Huge crowds gather in Israel calling for hostage deal and end to Gaza war ’

‘Broccoli harvest hit by heatwave and lack of water’

‘How desperately unlucky Man Utd showed signs of progress ’

‘Police investigating Strictly 'drug use' claims’

Therefore, out of twelve headline stories, the big ones are dominated by Trump with only a few minor stories from the UK making it to the front page There isn’t even one worthy news headline related to Starmer Remember, Starmer is our Prime Minister

The BBC is our public broadcasting media leader, and they feel a broccoli is more important than the Prime Minister

Starmer is lucky to have Trump continue his self-gratification and in seeking the Noble peace prize (I wish I can also post a laughing out loud emoji here!) Had the BBC done its job then it could, and should in my view, bring to the attention of the British public a few of the following stories that impact all of us For example:

1 Where are we with the stitch up in the so-called consultation relating to a definition of Islamophobia? It’s all gone very quiet!

2 How are the political parties doing in the current national polls?

How is Reform UK doing?

3 What impact will Jeremy/Zara have when they take away the ultra-left votes from Labour?

4 Illegal migrant crossings have crossed 50,000 – when will Starmer bust the smuggling gangs as promised years ago?

5 Where are we with the strike threat by doctors, nurses and teachers?

6 Bond rates have skyrocketed (even higher than when Truss was in power) costing the UK billions more in interest alone, what are their plans to not crash the economy?

7 Labour ‘claimed’ a black hole of £20 billion left by Tories, but the Office for Budgetary Responsibility has indicated that this black hole now stands at £50billion under Labour plans By their own criteria Labour has made the situation significantly worse than when they came to power

8 When will two-tier policing and two-tier justice system get fixed?

9 And lest Labour think we have forgotten the grooming gang ’ s fiasco – all our eyes are still on it Appeasement by Labour politicians and our leading institutions in protecting Islamists will no longer work

I could list another twenty high profile issues that need urgent attention Yet with all these incredibly important issues affecting the average Brit on our streets, it is Trump who is making hay For Starmer these are his lucky days He can’t believe that with all his U-turns, all his broken promises, with all the scandals with his MPs and Labour Councils, that he is still getting away with it

I suspect that as he gets ready for yet another summit in Washington to talk about Ukraine, none of the real issues will go away Each of them is gradually coming together and will eventually clog up the arteries of his government and governance

As far as the average Brit is concerned, we have had a great summer so far Most have had their attention diverted by enjoying the sun, and of course by the global media entertainer Trump In a matter of months, all of this is going to hit the fan Coming to Autumn and Winter, expect strikes Expect the formal launch of the Jeremy/Zara political party Expect the illegal migrants to break all records Expect taxes (direct and/or indirect) to rise Expect even more wealth creators to abandon the UK thus losing tax revenue to the chancellery Expect the NHS in perpetual chaos

The one thing you will not get is anything positive to cheer about at Christmas

Students shine with record A-level results

A-lev el results for 2025 sho w strong overall p erfo rm ance, with stud ents achieving record top g rades outsid e the pandemic years Nearly one in ten entries earned an A*, reflecting h i g h s ta nd a rd s ac ro s s E ng lan d , Wales, and North ern Ireland

Boys edged ahead of girls this year, with 9 9% of their grades at A* compared with 9 1% for girls For the first time since 2018, boys also led in combined A* and A grades, 28 4% versus 28 2%, despite girls making up 54% of all entries This was the first post-pandemic cohort

focused group taking A-levels

Results for over 340,000 students showed 9 4% of grades awarded an A*, up from 9 3% last year

P

Buckingham University highlighted boys’ strong performance in quantitative subjects like maths, physics, and economics Sir Ian Bauckham,

O

“Students this year have got the

grades will hold value over time as they reflect a stable standard of achievement ”

outperformed England, with 30 4% and 29 5% of students achieving at least an A, compared with 28 2% in

E

remain, with 32 1% of London students earning at least an A versus 22 9% in the East Midlands Overall, 77 9% of UK results were graded A* to C, up from 76% last year

Mathematics remains the most popular subject (112,000 entries), followed by psychology (76,000), biology, chemistry, business studies, physics, history, sociology, art and design, and economics While psychology and sociology are declining, e c o n o m i c s a n d b u s i n e s s s t u d i e s continue to grow University admissions reached a record, with 82% of 18-year-olds accepted to their first-choice university, 226,580 students, up from 216,750 last year Acceptances to higher-tariff universities rose 7 2%, while lower-tariff universities saw a 1 4% increase, with many selective i n s t i t u t i o n s s t i l l o f f e r i n g p l a c e s through Clearing Meanwhile, T-level uptake in E n g l a n d c o n t i n u e s t o r i s e , w i t h 11,909 students receiving results, up from 7,435 last year O n r e s u l t s d a y , E d u c a t i o n

Secretary Bridget Phillipson said,

“Today is a time for celebration as young people across the country collect their exam results Whether A-levels, T-levels, or technical and v o c a t i o n a l q u a l i f i c a t i o n s , I w i s h everyone the very best of luck and thank the teachers, staff, and parents who’ve supported them ” She added, “Every young person s h o u l d h

y t o achieve and thrive This government won’t accept the entrenched inequalities that limit life chances, particularly for white working-class students who have long been overlooked ”

Phillipson highlighted ongoing i n

i o n s

p

m degree apprenticeships and highquality technical qualifications to traditional university routes, we are equipping young people with the tools to get great jobs, fill talent gaps, and drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change ”

Teen prodigy completes 23 A-levels with top grades

Britain’ s brig htest teen, Mahnoo r C h ee m a, 1 8 , h a s a ch i ev ed an extrao rdinary 23 A-lev els, all g raded A or A* With an IQ of 161, hig her than S tephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, she has receiv ed an unconditional offer to stud y medicine at the University of Oxford

After completing 34 GCSEs at Henrietta Barnett School in northw

y aimed for 31 A-levels but scaled back following concerns from teachers She earned four A*s in her first two months at sixth form and recently secured top grades in law, history, French, and physics

The teen studied a wide range of subjects, including psychology, socio l o g y , l a w , b u s i n e s s , a c c o u n t i

economics, Latin, German, comput-

Mahnoor Cheema

classical civilisation, maths, further maths, geography, media studies, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, French, and statistics M a h n o o r s a y s s h e h a s n o regrets, adding she would be “bored and under-stimulated” doing just

three A-levels and views burnout as “ a choice ” Speaking previously, the Slough grammar school pupil said: “Absorbing content and analysing things comes naturally to me I take on as much as I can handle without stress I have loads of interests, so I wanted to do many subjects If you have the capability to do more, it should be explored Burnout isn’t burnout if you enjoy what you ’ re doing ”

Mahnoor was born in the UK a n d m o v e d w i t h h e r p a r e n t s t o Lahore, Pakistan, in 2010, returning i n 2 0 1

“quite different” from an early age, by six, she had read all seven Harry Potter books, and by 11, memorised

Dictionary

Avanti House Sixth Form: Historic success at A-levels

Av anti House Sixth Form in S tan m o re i

achieved A * or A g rades

Students are progressing to some of the UK’s most competitive universities and a

achieved four A* grades and will study Maths at Oxford, while others secured places at Warwick, King’s C o l l e g e L

Several students will begin prestigious apprenticeships with KPMG, S l a u g h t e r a n d M a y , J

Rover, and Barclays These results follow the school’s

Outstanding Ofsted inspec-

, w h i c h praised high-quality teaching, exceptional careers supp o

students’

Outstanding Ofsted inspection in June We thank all parents and families for their support over the past seven years and look forward to welcoming the next cohorts in Years 7 and 12 to begin their exciting journey with us ”

Prison crisis leaves ex-offenders unprepared

Mahmood has also met with tech companies to explore innovative solutions, such as wearable devices, behaviour monitoring, and geolocation, as well as robots and driverless vehicles to assist in managing offenders, essentially creating a “prison outside of prison ” These measures aim to ease overcrowding and support probation services under pressure

Yet, the challenge remains beyond prison walls Many offenders released early face a practical hurdle: a criminal record makes it difficult to secure stable employment Without work, providing for a family becomes challenging, financial stress rises, and the risk of returning to crime increases, sometimes escalating into more serious offending Effective rehabilitation and support are therefore critical to breaking this cycle

Employment is one of the strongest protections against reoffending Those who are unemployed six weeks after release are more than twice as likely to offend again than those in work The recent rise in postrelease employment to 34 5% is encouraging, but it still leaves most people on the margins

Raising that figure, and improving job retention, not just initial placement remains critical R educing crime through job s and guidance

A strong rehabilitation programme is essential to break the cycle of reoffending By linking prisons, probation, employers, and local organisations, offenders leave with a clear plan to rebuild their lives, helping families regain stability and communities see fewer crimes Without it, the cycle continues

Speaking to Asian Voice, Lord N avnit D holakia highlighted the urgent need for targeted employment programmes to support small offenders serving short sentences “Small offenders suffer from short sentences in our courts,” he said “Having lost their liberty, they often lose family support, home accommodation and any prospect of employment We need to ensure that we can provide job apprenticeships and training opportunities to small-time offenders to deviate them away from crime ”

Lord Dholakia added that many businesses are already willing to offer such opportunities “I know of many businesses offering such facilities to those who have erred Any offender moving away from crime saves the country a lot of money from the State over a long period of time, thus benefiting society generally I have never been afraid of employing smalltime criminals and offenders, and their loyalty has amazed me ”

He also stressed the role of businesses, NGOs, and community groups in breaking the cycle of reoffending “We all have a duty to ensure that we care for people who have

from a safer, more productive environment

Support systems vital to break reoffending cycle

Andrea Coady, Head of Servic e User Involvement at Nacro, said: “Having a job after prison is one of the most important factors in reducing reoffending Those unemployed six weeks after release are twice as likely to reoffend compared to those in work While it’s encouraging that post-release employment has risen to 34 5%,

offended,” he said “A properly supervised approach from employers and community groups should help The rewards of such schemes are great and the failure rate is very low ”

On mentorship and rehabilitation, he warned of the risks posed by offenders who may influence others in prison “Such offenders should be properly monitored and supervised so that they do not act detrimentally against those reshaping their lives,” he said “We must also ensure that adult education institutes are geared to help Offenders lose out on most things, and we have a great opportunity to assist Prisons are for those for whom no alternative is viable; offenders receiving community sentencing perform well to regulate their lives for the better ”

Discussing the role of local communities in reintegration, Lord Dholakia emphasised, “Protection of peace and public safety is an essential value of our democracy This must not be sacrificed in any way Offenders are aware of this and would not wish to endanger their liberty ”

He further highlighted the importance of structured postrelease monitoring, counselling, and skills development to ease prison overcrowding “We sentence more people to custodial sentences than many countries in the western world,” he said “We must learn from international practices Custodial sentences should be a last resort

A more reasonable prison population would allow us to address overcrowding and pursue much-needed reforms ”

With targeted employment schemes, mentorship, and community support, Lord Dholakia believes that offenders can be reintegrated successfully, families can regain stability, and society as a whole can benefit

Morecambe appoints youngest, first Sikh boss

Morecambe h av e appo inted Ashv ir Sing h Johal as their new m anager, making him the first S ikh to manag e a pro fessional British club and the young est manager in the top fiv e tiers of E ng lish football

The 30-year-old Johal was conf i r m

M

g e r just 48 hours after Panjab Warriors completed their National League takeover, vowing to prevent past issues from recurring

“I’m proud to lead Morecambe and can’t wait to meet the fans and build an exciting, hard-working team to retain our league place,” he said T h

m management, Johal has a strong CV: starting as a teenage coach in L

gramme, leading their under-18s,

Como’s Primavera side, and managing Notts County’s B team while completing his Uefa Pro Licence as one of the youngest ever

“I’ve prepared for this opportunity since I was 14 or 15, ” he added “ N o w m y

Morecambe thrive, not just survive ”

Elderly Sikh men assaulted, three in custody

T h ree m en h av e be en arr es ted after a s ho cki ng attac k o n tw o eld erl y S i kh

d e Wolverham pto n Railw ay Station, now being investig ated as a racially-ag grav ated hate crime

more must be done

“The prison estate is in crisis Overcrowded and often overrun with illicit drugs, prisons are frequently places of inactivity a third of people are not in work, education, or programmes Without meaningful activity, people leave unprepared for employment Reducing the prison population is essential to make rehabilitation possible The Government must expand workshops, introduce real working days, and increase day release opportunities to better prepare people for life outside

“Post-release, we need employers willing to hire people with criminal records, supported by partnerships between probation, prisons, local businesses, and voluntary organisations Investment in the voluntary sector is crucial they provide housing, mental health support, substance misuse help, and mentorship, all vital for breaking the cycle of offending ”

A spokesperson from the E bb Leicester said accommodation and employment remain the biggest challenges “The Gauke Sentencing Review shows reoffending rates for the homeless or rough sleeping were double those with accommodation on release Gov UK data also shows offenders unemployed six weeks after release are twice as likely to reoffend Good intentions aren’t enough it’s like offering a homeless man a can of beans without a can opener ”

Highlighting the scale of the problem, the spokesperson added: “Eighty per cent of offending is reoffending, and PACT reports recalls to prison have more than doubled between 2018 and 2025 For families, the impact is crushing After life is upended by a crime and sentence, having a loved one recalled shatters the world all over again ”

British Transport Police conf

n Friday (15), with the victims, in their 60s and 70s, taken to hospital and later discharged

A widely circulated 20-second video shows one man lying on the ground without his turban while the other is kicked and punched The clip has been viewed over a million times, sparking outrage in the UK and abroad

The British Transport Police (BTP) said: "We’re aware of a social media video and understand the concern it has caused We will not tolerate this behaviour on the railway network and have launched a full investigation "

The suspects, aged 17, 19, and 25, were arrested on suspicion of r a c i a l l y - a g g r a v a t e d a s s a u l t a n d

released on bail

The Sikh Federation UK called the attack "vicious " The victims, l o c a l t a x i

n three men demanded a ride to Oldbury, ignored the taxi rank, and attacked one driver after he refused The second driver was a

A bystander can be heard shouting, "These two men have just gotten beaten up by these white men!" urging them to stop S a t

Executive Director of the North A

A

i o n (NAPA), condemned the attack as a hate-filled assault that undermines e

u a l i t y a n d r e s p e c t H e u r g e d West Midlands Police and the UK Home Office to act against rising hate crimes, saying, “Swift justice, stronger protections, and visible a c t i o n a r e u r g e n t l y n e e d e d t o restore the Sikh community’s confidence and send a clear message that hate has no place in Britain ”

MoJ HQ sold to billionaire for £245mn

The M inistry of Justice’s central L o nd o n h e ad q u ar ter s h as be en sold fo r £24 5 million to billio naire d ev e lo p e r S u r in d er A ro r a, w h o may co nv ert th e 197 0s bru talist building into a luxu ry hotel, The Times reports

Arora’s company, Arora Group, p u r c h a s e d Q u e e n A n n e ’ s Mansions near Buckingham Palace f r o m F T S E 1 0 0 l a n d l o r d L a n d Securities The 14-storey building is fully leased to the MoJ until 2028, when the £15 million-a-year l e a s e e n d s , a f t e r w h i c h A r o r a Group plans to explore “all potential avenues ” for redevelopment

Given Arora Group’s owners h i p o f h o t e l s l i k e L u t o n H o o , Fairmont Windsor Park, and the Many expect the developer to convert the MoJ building into a hotel, similar to its InterContinental near the O2

“This acquisition underscores o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o s t r a t e g i c investments,” said Arora, 66 “We will honour the site’s history while c r e a t

u e a s s e

a n d l o n g

m j o b s i n London ” Analysts called the sale lucrative: Bjorn Zietsman of Panmure

Liberum called it an “attractive price,” while Denese Newton of Stifel said it was “materially ahead” of office-only valuations Falling interest rates and clearer demand are boosting London office sales

B u i l t i n t h e 1 9 7 0 s , Q u e e n Anne’s Mansions is leased to the MoJ for £15 million a year, though the effective cost has been £32 million due to upgrades Once vacated, it will need redevelopment Arora has paid a 10% deposit, with completion expected in December Including this sale, Landsec has offloaded £500 million of older offices since March as part of a £2 billion plan to fund rental flats

Wave of families moving back from UAE to UK

Many UK ci ti zens are floc king to Dubai, drawn by its professional opportunities and the appeal of a tax-free lifestyle However, while some are now choosing to return to Britain, it is far from a mas s exodus

For those making the move back, rising living costs in Dubai, p a

g prices, have made the city less attractive Others are motivated by the pull of family and social connections in the UK, valuing the chance to be closer to loved ones and part of a stronger community The UK’s rich cultural life and greater freedom of creative expression also appeal to m

scene For families with children, the education system in Britain remains a key draw, especially as y

making a return home both a practical and personal decision

S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n V o i c e , Nilam Malde, who moved back to the UK with her family, said, “For us, the main reason was family Our children are very young, and we wanted them to grow up surrounded by grandparents, uncles,

a

returned ”

Reflecting on life in Dubai, she added, “At first, I found it difficult, especially with day-to-day

t h i n g s l i k e s u p e r m a r k e t s h o pp i n g , w h i c h i

d i f f e

there Over time, though, you get used to the convenience, everything can be delivered to your doorstep Life in Dubai spoils you in that sense, whereas in the UK

y o u ’ r e m o r e h a n d s - o n , w h i c h makes you more aware of everyday life ”

On comparing both lifestyles, Nilam noted, “In Dubai, everything was closer, the weather was better, and domestic help was more accessible Here, we spend more time with family, while in

gave us a good support system, just in different ways ”

Choosing the UK for chi ldren, culture and christmas

P s y c h o l o g i s t M a m ta Sa ha said, “We never intended to stay in Dubai long-term Many people move there to escape aspects of life in the UK, but for us it was about working for a couple of years, saving tax-free, and then returning We always wanted our children to be educated in the UK, where we believe the standard is higher, and to grow up surrounded by the culture, museu m s , a n d

enced ourselves ”

On what she missed most w h i l e l i v i n g i n D u b a i , M a m t a said, “We longed for museums, art, good food, and above all, i n d e p e n

Dubai you rely on help, but it often feels like someone is always around We also missed nature, the greenery, the changing seasons Even Christmas felt different there: sunny and commercial, celebrated mostly in hotels, whereas here it carries a deeper, more authentic spirit ”

Comparing her experience in Dubai with life in the UK, both p e r s o n a l l y a n d p r o f e s s

l y , Mamta said, “In the UK, I have to work a little harder, but that also m

example, without home help to cook or prepare meals, we ’ ve had to plan ahead and be more strateg

choices and have more control over what we eat, rather than just reacting Life here also comes

with more domestic responsibility and less support, so managing time and deciding what to say yes or no to becomes really important In Dubai, I could commit to a lot because I had help, but in the UK I’ve learned to be more selective Of course, I can outsource some tasks, my parents and mother-in-law are wonderf

thought In a way, this helps filter out people and situations that don’t truly add value to your life ”

Prayer and remembrance

Veteran’s heroic

story moves royals and crowd

Vet era n Ya va r Abba s took ce ntre sta ge a t th e National Me morial Ar bor etu m in Sta ff ordsh ire , moving th e cr owd as he sha re d his wa rtime expe rie nce s du ring the 80 th anniv ersar y of VJ Da y

War Two veterans aged between 96 and 105 who served in the Far East and Pacific Wreaths were laid by the King and Queen, followed by a two-minute silence and a flypast by the

At 104, the Lucknow-born soldier of the 11th Sikh Regiment recounted moments from his diary: narrowly avoiding sniper fire and witnessing comrades fall beside him, a part of his experience

Before reading, he paused to salute King Charles III and Queen Camilla, saying, “I apologise for briefly going off the script to salute my brave King, who is here with his beloved Queen despite undergoing treatment for

cancer I too have battled cancer, and I salute him for attending this occasion By his presence, he ensures that his Grandad’s 14th Army is never called the forgotten army ”

The veteran went on to tell the crowd he had been free of cancer too for the past 25 years, receiving a round of applause

The royal couple, visibly moved, shared a quiet salute and spoke with Abbas for nearly a minute, while the Queen appeared to wipe away a tear

103-year-old veteran Tom Jones also recalled a harrowing moment during the war He described seeing a Japanese officer charging straight at him with a drawn sword, certain it was his last day His life was saved at the last moment by a Gurkha soldier, whose quick action stopped the attacker and ensured Jones survived

The service, attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also honoured some 33 World

RAF’s Red Arrows Later, vintage aircraft including the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster bomber flew overhead

Abbas’ testimony highlights the human cost of the war An estimated 71,000 UK and Commonwealth soldiers died fighting Japan, including over 12,000 prisoners of war At a reception after the ceremony, the King and Queen met veterans and their families

An Ind ia n so ldier ’ s jour ne y Veteran Yavar was born in Charkhari, British India, in what he called a “one-horse town ” While officially recorded as 1921, he says he was born on 15 December 1920 A student when Britain entered World War II in 1939, Yavar faced a turning point by mid-1942 as Japan rapidly conquered British colonies in Southeast Asia, including Malaya, Singapore, and Burma

Conflicted between opposing British imperialism and stopping fascism, Yavar chose to enlist in the British Indian Army, hoping independence would follow the war Initially posted to East Bengal with the 11th Sikh Regiment, he found the work dull and officers frustratingly colonial-minded

Spotting an advert in The Army Gazette, he trained as a combat cameraman and joined the British 14th Army, tasked with reclaiming territory from Japan

“Now, the water that rightfully belongs to Bharat will be reserved solely for Bharat, solely for the farmers of Bharat The form of the Indus Agreement that Bharat has endured for decades will not be tolerated any longer This agreement is unacceptable to us in the interest of our farmers, and in the interest of the nation

”

major defence initiative designed

, civilian, and religious sites from external threats

“India is set to launch Mission

Sudarshan Chakra to develop a p o w e r f u l w e a p o n s s y s t e m t h a t will thwart any attempt by enemies to attack us, ” he said The Prime Minister added that the government aims to integrate cutting-edge technological tools to ensure that all public places are brought under a nationwide security shield by 2035 Mov ing toward s a self-reliant Ind ia

A m i d t h e s h a d o w o f U Simposed tariffs that could weigh on the economy, Prime Minister Modi placed strong emphasis on self-reliance across all critical sectors From defence and space to critical minerals, energy, semiconductors, fertilisers, pharmaceuti-

c a l s , o p e r a t i n g s y s t e m s , c y b e r security, deep tech and artificial intelligence, he underscored that “the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat is also a self-reliant Bharat” and cautioned that “the greater a nation’s reliance on others, the more its freedom comes into question ” I n t h i s c o n t e x t , M o d i a n n o u n c e d t h a t m a d e - i n - I

a semiconductor chips will enter the market by the end of this year, a milestone in India’s technological journey He said the semicond u c t o r p r o g r a m m e i s b e i n g advanced in “mission mode,” with six units already under development, alongside a series of initia-

tives being rolled out in other s t r a t

self-reliance

Turning to India’s youth, the P

Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a 1 lakh-crore scheme to incentivise job creation Under it, young people securing jobs in private companies will receive 15,000 in support, while registered employers across sectors, particularly manufacturing, will benefit from financial incentives to generate new employment opportunities Modi also pledged next-generation reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework by

Diwali These reforms, he said, would bring “substantial relief” to the common man and ease the b u r d e n o n s m a l l a n d

u m enterprises by cutting taxes on essential, daily-use items With GST now in its eighth year, he sig-

Force, he said, will drive the next generation of reforms aimed at

governance, and preparing Bharat

o reducing the tax load on households

Minister set out ambitious longterm goals including increasing

tenfold by 2047, launching a high-

for the demands of a $10 trillion economy by 2047

Ce le br atin g In dia’s inde pen den ce

past, it is a reminder of the dreams carried by those who gave their all for freedom, and of the responsi-

“I can see a bright future ahead”

bility carried by each generation since It is also a celebration of how far India has come and a reflection on the challenges that still lie ahead

Asian Voice, in this feature celebrates India’s journey since 1947; recognising its sacrifices, celebrating its achievements, and exploring the path ahead as a global leader In conversation with experts, we discussed the country’s geopo-

South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy pointing out India’s potential to become the third largest economy in the world within the next two-three

neighbourhood first’ policy when none of its neighbours have such a policy

S

country has evolved in terms of economy, soft power dynamics, and education A major focus is also on Indian women, how their experiences have evolved and diaspora identities

D

founder of the 1928 Institute, a think tank that researches and represents the British Indian community, spoke to us about her journey in medical science, her work with the 1928 Institute, and what Indian Independence Day means to her

The greatest highlight, howev-

India The High Commission of India in London also marked the occasion with patriotic fervour

Ramdas Athawale, and members of the Indian diaspora joined the

mances, the singing of the national anthem, and a ceremonial flag hoisting, reflecting the spirit of unity and remembrance

President Droupadi Murmu address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day

wid e-ranging add ress celebrating the nation’s resilience, strategic clarity, and rising global stand

infrastructure, education, sports, and space exploration; framing them as signs of a confident and

transformative change

Condemning the “cowardly and utterly inhuman” terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, she praised the armed forces for their swift and decisive Operation Sindoor, w h i c h d i s m

n t l e d t e r

s t infrastructure across the border Calling it a “landmark event in the global fight against terror-

ism,” she said the mission showcased India’s “strategic clarity and technical

c

y the Atmanirbhar Bharat d

reliance

Turning to development, President Murmu hailed the newly inaugur

Kashmir Valley as both

tourism, and wider

opportunity She

and coaches

India Women’s World Cup final between Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy She predicted

aligning learning with

before, she said India was creating the most support-

ecosystem in its history Finally, she lauded astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the International Space Station as a milestone that had “fired a whole generation to dream big-

while bolstering the upcom-

s

O

India’s cosmic leap: A billion dreams, will see visits to Moon, Mars and Venus

Pallava Bagla, Award winning science journalist and Co-author of book

Reaching for the Stars’

Reach ing for th e stars is becoming an ev eryday affair at Ind ia’s space agency, h av ing visited th e

M o o n an d M ars w i th o rb ita l missions, now eyes are set on a mission to Venus and a sam ple retu rn from the M oon Human space fligh t to fly an Indian citizen on an Ind ian rocket from Ind i an s oi l w h ere th e c ou ntdow n will also be by Ind ia, is also taking sh ape fast

I n d i a ’ s s p a c e j o u r n e y reached new heights with the s

C

Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023, making India the first country to achieve this feat

B u i l d i n g o n t h i s m o m e n -

t u m , I S R O m a r k e d i t s 1 0 0 t h rocket launch in January 2025 with a navigation satellite

The spotlight then turned to the July 30, 2025 launch of the $ 1 3 b i l l i o n N A S A - I S R O

S y n t h e t i c A p e r t u r e R a d a r (NISAR) satellite, a joint IndoUS Earth observation mission Lifted by GSLV F-16, NISAR’s

d u a l - f r e q u e n c y S A R p a y l o a d s w i l l m o n i t o r c l i m a t e c h a n g e , disasters, and agriculture ISRO

C h a i r m a n D r V N a r a y a n a n

hailed it as a symbol of India’s

t e c h n o l o g i c a l l e a d e r s h i p a n d global collaboration

In a landmark achievement

f o r I n d i a ’ s s p a c e p r o g r a m ,

G r o u p C a p t a i n S h u b h a n s h u Shukla completed a 20-day mission, including 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), as part of the multination-

a l A x i o m - 4 m i s s i o n , d u b b e d

M i s s i o n A k a s h G a n g a T h i s

marks India’s first human spaceflight since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984 Prime Minister Modi hailed Shukla’s

c o u r a g e a n d d e d i c a t i o n a s inspiring a billion dreams

Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Shukla served as mis-

sion pilot and conducted seven India-specific experiments The mission lays the foundation for India’s Gaganyaan mission, targ e t i n g a 2 0 2 7 l a u n c h f r o m Indian soil I n d i

extend far beyond Gaganyaan

Prime Minister Modi has outlined a bold vision: an Indian

s p a c e s t a t i o n b y 2 0 3 5 a n d a crewed lunar landing by 2040, which would place India alongside Russia, the US, and China in independent human spaceflight With cost-effective, reliable missions and billions allocated

to human spaceflight, India is set to become a major force in the global space race

return), a Venus mission, and the development of a new heavy rocket India plans to establish its own space station, Bhartiya

A n t a r i k s h

S

3

, starting with a space module in 2028, culminating in landing an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040 In a historic US-India collabo r a t i

(NISAR) satellite launched successfully on July 30, 2025, from Sriharikota Weighing 2,392 kg a

NISAR will scan the globe every 12 days, capturing Earth’s surface changes with centimetrelevel precision

India’s space sector is also booming with over 250 start-ups

d r i v i n g i n n o v a t i o n A g n i k u l Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace have launched sub-orbital rocke t s , w h i l e P i x x e l A e r o s p a c e develops high-resolution satellites

(Read the full story online)

Independence Day celebrated at BAPS Aksharfarm, Anand

ksh arfarm in Anand celebrated

I nd ia’ s 79th Ind ep endence Day w ith imm ense patriotic fervo ur, in th e d ivine presence of BAPS

B ra h m as w ar u p M ah ant S w am i M ah ar aj D ev o t ees fr o m th e

C h aro t ar r eg

nd jo ined th e celebrations, filling the A ksh arfarm camp us with chants

o f “Bharat M ata ki Jai ” The programme began at 6:30 am with prayers and devotional remembrance Members of the B A P S B a l a n d Y u v a M a n d a l inspired the gathering with cultural and patriotic hymns A spe-

i a

I

Security Department

B r a h m a s w a r u p M a h a n t S w a m i M a h a r a j h o i s t e d t h e Indian national flag and paid tribute to the freedom fighters who s a c r i f i c e d t h e i r l i v e s f o r t h e nation, followed by the national anthem and a ceremonial salute

Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj

Even at the age of 92, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s salute to the tricolour after the anthem sent a strong message of civic duty

S e n i o r B A P S s a d h u Adarshjivandas Swami addressed t h e g a t h e r i n g , h o n o u r i n g t h e freedom fighters and reminding e v e r y o n e t h a t p r e s e r v i n g t h e nation’s heritage and living with righteousness is the true meaning of independence

A L E G A C Y O F L E A D E R S H I P

India’s jour ney from the midn ight of freedom in 1947 to the gl ob al stage of the 21st cent ur y has b een guided, sha pe d, and ofte n r edefin ed by the lea dership of its prime ministe rs Each l eader inherite d a na tion in tran sition, somet imes fr act ur ed b y crisis, somet imes buoy ed b y hope , and left behind a lega cy t ha t became pa rt of the countr y ’ s e volving st or y

From building democratic institutions in the shadow of Partition, to navigating wars and food shortages, to

launching bold economic reforms and pioneering digital revolutions, these leaders translated visions into action, charting the course of a billion people They turned challenges into opportunities and made choices that were bold, contested, or visionary and continue to resonate across generations

These prime ministers of India were not just political figures; they were custodians of the country’s aspirations, mirrors of its contradictions, and architects of its destiny

): As India’s first Prime Minister, Nehru laid the foundations of democracy, secularism, and industrial modernisation He believed in a mixed economy, establishing the Five-Year Plans and creating institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and ISRO’s predecessor His foreign policy of non-alignment gave India a respected global voice during the Cold War Yet, his tenure was scarred by the 1962 war with China, a sobering reminder of the challenges of defence preparedness

La l Ba ha du r Sha stri (1964–1966): Though his time in office was short, Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war won him national reverence His slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” became a rallying cry that united soldiers and farmers as the backbone of India He also initiated policies that paved the way for the Green Revolution, which transformed food security in a country long plagued by shortages

Indi ra Ga ndh i (1966–1977, 1980–1984 ): Indira Gandhi dominated Indian politics with a mix of bold reforms and authoritarian decisions She nationalised banks, abolished privy purses of princely states, and asserted India’s strength with the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War Under her watch, India became a nuclear power in 1974 But the 1975–77 Emergency marked by censorship and curtailment of freedoms remains one of India’s darkest democratic chapters Her assassination in 1984 left the nation shaken, and communal violence scarred her legacy

Morarji De sa i (1977–1979): The first non-Congress Prime Minister, Desai symbolised India’s democratic resilience after the Emergency His government restored civil liberties and democratic processes, but internal divisions plagued his tenure

Cha ran Singh (1979–1980): Known as the “Champion of Farmers,” Singh’s policies centred on agrarian reforms and rural empowerment His government was short-lived, yet his focus on India’s rural backbone reflected the nation’s agrarian soul

Rajiv G andhi ( 198 4– 198 9): India’s youngest Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi sought to modernise India He ushered in the IT and telecom revolutions, liberalised trade policies, and promoted computers in governance His tenure saw progressive reforms but also controversies, including the Bofors scandal The anti-Sikh riots of 1984 after his mother’s assassination remain a stain on his leadership

VP Singh (1989–1990): Only one year in power, Singh reshaped India’s social fabric by implementing the Mandal Commission recommendations, extending reservations to OBCs While hailed as a step towards social justice, it also sparked nationwide protests and redefined the politics of caste and identity in India

PV Na rasi mh a Ra o (1991–1996) : Often called the “architect of modern India,” Rao’s leadership during a balance-of-payments crisis unleashed economic liberalisation With Dr Manmohan Singh as his finance minister, he dismantled the Licence Raj, attracted foreign investment, and opened India to global markets His tenure was transformative, setting India on a path of sustained growth, though it also witnessed political instability and the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992

HD De ve G owda (1996–1997) & IK G ujral (1997– 1998 ): Though their terms were brief, both leaders contributed to continuity Gowda focused on rural development, while Gujral is remembered for the “Gujral Doctrine,” a bold foreign policy

of goodwill and trust with South Asian neighbours, which improved India’s regional standing

Ata l Bi hari Vajp ay ee ( 199 6, 1998–2004 ): A poet-statesman, Vajpayee balanced pragmatism with vision His government conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, asserting India’s strategic independence He launched the Golden Quadrilateral, revolutionising India’s infrastructure, and championed telecom reforms that led to the mobile boom Vajpayee also extended a hand of peace to Pakistan, though the Kargil War tested his resolve His statesmanship earned him rare respect across party lines Manmoha n Singh ( 2004–2014) : An economist-scholar, Singh oversaw one of India’s fastest growth phases, lifting millions out of poverty His government passed landmark social legislations: Right to Information Act, MGNREGA, and Right to Education His quiet diplomacy strengthened India’s global presence However, his tenure was marred by corruption scandals, including 2G and Commonwealth Games, which dented his image of integrity

Na rendra Modi (2014–Pre se nt) : Modi’s leadership has been marked by ambition and boldness From the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to Digital India, from demonetisation to GST, his policies have sought to transform governance and the economy His government prioritised infrastructure, welfare schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, and a push for selfreliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat On the world stage, Modi projected India as a global power, building strategic partnerships and asserting influence Critics, however, point to deepening social divides, concerns over freedoms, and the economic disruptions of demonetisation and COVID-19

S

ev enty-nine years after the m idnight of freedo m, India’s story remains one of resilience, reinv entio n, and relentless aspiration Fro m a nation once scarred by colonial exploitatio n and P artition to one of th e w orld’ s fastest-growing economies, Ind ia has travelled a path of hardsh ip and triump h, carrying its billion-plus citizens into an u ncertain yet promising future

At independence, India was poor, agrarian, and inward-looking, its destiny stifled by shortages and

T H E I N D I A S T O R Y

Between past struggles and future dreams

controls The reforms of 1991 cracked open the doors to liberalisation and unleashed a tide of enterprise that redefined the nation’s possibilities From IT corridors that connected India to the world, to new industries powered by technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure, the country shifted from survival to ambition India’s $4 2 trillion economy today speaks of not just growth, but of dreams once unimaginable Science and technology gave those dreams wings

SectorThen (1947–1980s)Now

Economy

Slow “Hindu rate of growth”, state-led industries, shortages.

Science & Technology Built research labs, launched programme.

Education Literacy below 20%, few universities, access limited.

Health

Agriculture

Widespread diseases, high infant mortality, low life expectancy.

Food shortages, dependence on imports.

Infrastructure & Energy progress.

Industry PSUs dominated.

Digital Revolution –

Diplomacy

Non-Aligned Movement, 1971 Bangladesh war.

Arts & Culture Golden age of cinema, Doordarshan era.

Social Reform

Zamindari abolished, Hindu Code Bills, reservations for SC/ST.

Environment Forest & wildlife laws, Project Tiger.

Fastest-growing major economy; global IT hub; strong startup and digital economy.

Chandrayaan-3 landed on Moon; Mars mission success; space, biotech, and digital innovation thriving.

Literacy ~75–80%; NEP reforms; IITs/IIMs global names; digital learning on the rise.

Life expectancy doubled; polio eradicated; Ayushman Bharat and vaccine powerhouse.

Food surplus nation; major rice & wheat exporter; modern irrigation and farmer support schemes.

Expressways, metros, highspeed trains, near-universal booming.

“Make in India”, PLI push; global auto, pharma, electronics and defence hubs.

Aadhaar, UPI, ONDC — world’s largest digital public infrastructure; vibrant startup ecosystem.

G20 presidency, Quad partnerships, global climate leadership, strong diaspora diplomacy.

OTT boom, regional cinema rise, global recognition of Indian artists.

Swachh Bharat, women’s reservation law, LGBTQ+ rights,

Ambitious renewables, EVs, green hydrogen; net-zero by 2070 pledge.

The Green Revolution secured food for a hungry population, while the digital revolution connected villages and megacities alike India reached for the stars and touched them When Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole, the world took notice Now, as Gaganyaan prepares to carry Indians into space on an indigenous craft, the message

is clear: India no longer follows, it leads In AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology too, the seeds of leadership have been sown

Education has been both the nation’s ladder and its struggle From barely 18 percent literacy at independence to more than three-quarters today, India has made giant leaps Yet the challenge of aligning education with the demands of a 21stcentury economy persists

On the world stage, India has learned to speak with confidence and clarity Once a hesitant voice, today it is a nation courted by the great powers, sought after by its neighbours, and respected across continents India’s cultural heartbeat has only grown stronger where tradition and modernity entwine to form a cultural

soft power that tells the world who India is proud, diverse, and unafraid to be itself

And yet, the journey is incomplete Social reform remains both a triumph and a test Women command respect in the armed forces, politics, and boardrooms, and marginalised communities have gained rights and representation once denied to them Poverty has declined, digital inclusion has surged, and voices once silenced are beginning to find their place But inequality, caste prejudice, and gender-based violence remind us that the tryst with destiny remains unfinished

It is a nation of contradictions: of immense wealth and stubborn poverty, of dazzling innovation and pressing social fault lines, of unshakeable faith and restless questioning But it is also a nation of possibilities

Foreign policy and soft power

On foreign policy In a world ridden with uncertainties, India is navigating its path quite deftly Its foreign policies are intricately bound up with its domestic interests, while also offering some out-of-the-box thought and action leadership on the global stage Its attempt to be Vishwabandhu has served it well, enabling it to simultaneously maintain good relations with both the EU (and member countries) and Russia, for instance This ability is especially important at a time when old alliances (such as the transatlantic partnership) are under stress; as the world engages in the complex exercise of re-aligning and diversifying global supply chains, India may be well placed to harness new opportunities that emerge As for the Global South, India’s commitment to advancing the cause of fellow developing countries across different international organisations goes back decades (think of G77, NAM, and coalitions that India led in the GATT) So this is not new But what is interesting is how despite its growing power, India continues to collaborate closely with friends and partners from the Global South This was reflected in its G20 Presidency, when it successfully prioritised the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the group It is also reflected in its continued commitment to

the BRICS and the expansion of the group And we see this commitment institutionalised via the Voice of the Global South Summit This cooperation will continue to be important over several issues ranging from climate financing, green tech, and digital tech, to the reform of old international organisations as well as the creation of new ones

On lev erag ing so ft power

While India has relied on various instruments of soft power – be it Bollywood or Yoga in the past – we may be seeing a game-changer at work now This is partly a function of India’s economic rise and expanding military and technological capabilities: soft power is more effective when accompanied by hard power But just as important is the fact that India has developed greater confidence to take ownership of its traditions –rooted in the ancient past, but thriving in the present day too – and use them for

the national and global good

For example, even as India aims for becoming Viksit Bharat, it is advancing a new model of development that is not just “human-centric” but planetcentric India’s G20 Presidency epitomised this, with its theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” Many mistakenly believe that this phrase refers only to the family of peoples across the globe In fact, the Sanskrit verse from the Mahopnishad, from which this term comes (and indeed similar, powerful ideas in India’s other ancient texts too, such as the Mahabharat), is referring to all the beings – human and more-than-human – with whom we share this planet India thus brings an unusual, nonanthropocentric perspective to the negotiating table, and it is exactly what the planet needs The idea of LiFE –Lifestyle for the Environment – that was advanced at the G20 Summit by India is one illustration of how this concept can be put to practice India has planted the seeds of these nonanthropocentric perspectives in global governance; these can and should be developed further

A mrita Narlikar

Distingu ish ed Fello w, Observer Research Fo und ation Honorary Fellow, Darw in Co lleg e, University of C am bridge

Ind ia's economy has u nd ergone a transform ation since ind ep endence in 194 7, evolving from a largely ag rarian, clo sed economy, hobbled by Nehruvian socialist ideas to a relativ ely op en, partially private enterprise econo my

T h e f i r s t k e y t u r n i n g point came in 1991 with partial economic liberalization under PM Narasimha Rao It was in response to a balanceof-payments crisis (foreign reserves barely covered two weeks of imports) It forced India to liberalize its economy The 1991 reforms partially dismantled the restrictive License Raj, reduced trade barriers, and opened India to

controlled policies that facilitated partial global integration

point came with the Y2K cri-

India’s rise has been as a benign geopolitical power It has not taken place through t

ence, unlike other current or f o r m e

Although India was one of

aligned movement since the 1 9 6 0

l d only saw India as a significant player since its domestic economic reforms in the early 1990s This led to an acceleration of the growth of its economy, accentuated by s t r o n g p o

p under prime minister Modi

T

economy in the world within the next two-three years, from its fifth place currently India is losing its tradi-

Economics

sis and global demand for IT services IT services exports rose from $128 million in 1991 to $40 billion by 2008, boosting foreign exchange reserves and urban prosperi-

40% in 1991 to 55% by 2010

economy today presents a mixed picture India stands as the world's fourth-largest

growth, India remains one of the world's fastest-grow-

Geopolitics

Asia with China’s increased presence and impact in the region India has a ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, but none of its neighbours have such a policy India requires innovative policy decision-

deepening

with all their

though this is below the 8%+ rates of the mid-2000s The

shocks, including COVID19

The next decade could

India achieves its aspiration

economy by 2047 Success will depend on sustaining reforms, investing in human capital The key reform in my opinion is for the gov-

education sector so that the private sector can provide the education that people need to thrive in the modern

dend” that people keep hoping for will not happen

Dr A tanu Dey, Econom ist

Former Reuters Fello w, Stanford University

political parties (including those it may be ideologically opposed to) and providing

recipients, with the caveat that its neighbours should

India’s security interests in the region India also needs to bolster its armed forces

cases, with the acquisition of foreign technology, along-

becoming

preferred security partner’ for its neigh-

Indian Ocean

Rahul Roy-Ch aud hury Senio r Fellow for South and C entral Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy

Equity in education

When we celebrated the enactment of the Right of C h i l d

e n t o F r e e a n d Compulsory Education Act in 2009, it was with the hope that within five years, every child between the ages of 6 and 14 would be in school, and the obligations of the State, as mandated by law, would be fulfilled Likewise,

w h e n t h e C h i l d L a b o u r

A m e n d m e n t A c t o f 2 0 1 6 abolished all forms of child labour bringing it in line

w i t h t h e R T E A c t w e marked that moment as historic These were not just policies, they were the outcome of decades of struggle and hard-won victories for children

But the reality we see today tells a different story

D e s p i t e n e a r - u n i v e r s a l enrolment, meaningful edu-

c a t i o n c o n t i n u e s t

learners On

years of schooling and for marginalised communities, it is often far less And yet, families still carry immense hope Parents continue to believe that education is the path to dignity for their children, even as the State abdicates its role as guarantor of that right In this vacuum, the market has stepped in More and more parents are turning to

schools risk being reduced to places only for those who

tion, exclusion, and inequality Privatisation does not bring hope, it brings exclusion

The Constitution, under Article 21A, binds the State

equality, and

school child And it means wholehearted public invest-

university, treating education as one continuous journey

Anything less condemns entire generations to exclusion, exploitation, and lost futures

Shantha Sinha

C hild rig hts activ ist and Founder-secretary, M V Fou nd ation

Higher education policies

Ed uc ati on in po st-co lo nial Ind ia has grown into a m ammoth establishm ent bu t not ev olved into a system th at re fl ec ts p r o g res s t o w ard s eq u i ty an d q u al it y Increasing inequality even at th e elem entary scho ol level is g laring Notwith stand ing p ro g ressi ve po licy d ec laratio ns, actio ns of the Central and State Governm ents have only ad ded to this increasing inequality In terms of quality , I n d i an ed u ca ti o n p res ent s

brigh t spots we see are mo re like exceptio ns rather than p

ks i n a

in g cu r v e Reforms at bo th sch ool and hig her education lev els have been s hort term and sporadic while the system calls

biggest challenge facing the system

tions from the colonial past

teaching and research pur-

developed world In the early decades, Government added m o r e i n s t i t u t i o n s t o t h a t category India has indeed made significant strides in scientific and technological development – particularly in space exploration, nuclear e n e r g y a n d i n f o r m a t i o n

t e c h n o l o g y B u t , o v e r t h e

years, Government’s apathy towards public universities

both in terms of facilities for research and promotion of r e s e a r c h a n d i n n o v a t i o n s t h r o u g h g r a n t s h a s destroyed that intellectual capital This approach cannot make Indian education g l o b a l l y c o m p e t i t i v e

Allowing campuses of foreign universities may temp o r a r i l y i m p a c t t h e s c e n e but it is unlikely that shining with borrowed competitiveness will last long

A critical issue concerning public universities and colleges is excessive control a n d s t a n d a r d

y are squeezed between the dictates of from the UGC in the name of quality mainten

S

t e authorities who practically direct all major decisions At the same time, private institutions which are very large in number function under a state of total indifference –no funding and no oversight India’s top priorities for education over the next two decades should be:

(a) The State has to take

full responsibility for providing quality elementary educ

deeper malaise afflicting the system Invest in improving school functioning holistically encompassing infrast

nance, and accountability (b) Teacher quality and

quality India has to make substantial investment in a consistent manner for building a professional community of teachers The increasing tendency to appoint contract or guest teachers to fill vacancies at both school and college levels has to stop (c) Science and technology education and research have suffered badly in recent decades Establishing a few specialized institutions will not suffice Teaching basic science in every school and

system need priority attention with substantial investment of public resources It is futile to expect that private investment and foreign university campuses in India will perform this role Professor R Gov ind a Distinguished P rofessor, Cou ncil for Social Dev elopm ent fo rmer Vice Chancellor, National University of Ed ucational Planning

Indian Independence Day celebrated with grandeur by the Hindi Shiksha Parishad UK

The Nehru C entre, London cam e aliv e with patriotic ferv o u r a s H i nd i S h i ks h a Parishad U K (HSPU K) hosted a grand celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day The ev e nt, o rg a ni se d b y C l

o

E l st ree & Bo reham wood ) , and the d edicated HSP UK team, brou ght tog ether th e Ind ian d iasp ora and co mmu nity lead ers for an evening fi lled w ith cu ltu re, prid e, and unity F

c h i n g patriotic songs and powerful p

t o e n

c g r o u p dances, the young students of H S P U K s h

c a s e d t h e i r e x t r a o r d i n a r y t a l e n t T h e i r performances received thund e r o u s a p p l a u s e f r o m a h o u s e - f u l l a u d i e n c e , w h o w e r e d e e p l y m o v e d b y t h e passion and artistry displayed on stage

One of the highlights of the evening was the certificate distribution ceremony, c o n d u c t e d i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n with Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi

T h e c e r t i f i c a t e s r e c o g n i s e d the achievements of HSPUK students in Hindi examinations, marking a proud milestone in the promotion of the Hindi language abroad

T h e c e l e b r a t i o n w a s g r a c e d b y D r A n u r a d h a P a n d e y ( H i n d i & C u l t u r e Attaché, High Commission of India), Rajesh Kumar (Deputy Director, The Nehru Centre, L o n d o n ) , V i r e n d r a S h a r m a (Former MP), Narinder Singh

B a j w a ( D e p u t y M a y o r o f

B r e n t ) , T r u p t i P a t e l (President, Hindu Forum of B r i t a i n ) ,

h e d g u e s t s w h o c o mmended HSPUK’s efforts in promoting Hindi and Indian culture in the UK The evening was supporte d b y S a n g a m : I n d i a n C o m m u n

S o c i e ty Y ou n g I nvestigators Priz e for her work on mic rovas cular dysf

o n i n th e di ab et i c reti na

In 2020, she co-found-

e d t h e 1 9 2 8 I n s t i t u t e , a t h i n k t a n k d e d i c a t e d t o researching and representing the British Indian comm u n i t y , a n d i n 2 0 2 3 s h e was awarded an MBE for h e r c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h e community and efforts to increase vaccine awareness

a n d u p t a k e d u r i n g t h e Covid-19 pandemic

Speaking to Asian Voice about her inspiration for a career in medical science, Nikita said, “I’ve always had a n a t u r a l i n c l i n a t i o n towards science My grandfather was a freedom fighter and deeply philanthropic He instilled in us a sense of community duty and a d e s i r e t o h e l p o t h e r s P e r h a p s s u b c o n s c i o u s l y , this led me towards medical research to contribute to the wellbeing of my fellow human beings ”

On the vision behind

t h e 1 9 2 8 I n s t i t u t e , s h e

e x p l a i n e d , “ T h e 1 9 2 8 Institute is a continuation of the India League When we revitalised it, our aim was to create an inclusive,

r e s e a r c h - d r i v e n p l a t f o r m for the British Indian community a space for dialogue, debate, and advocacy

w i t h i n t h e c o r r i d o r s o f power It also embodies the Living Bridge, highlighting the UK-India relationship

t o a n y o n e i n t e r e s t e d ,

b e y o n d j u s t t h e B r i t i s h community ”

The 1928 Institute con-

t i n u e s t h e l e g a c y o f t h e original India League, formalised in 1928 with figures

s u c h a s V K K r i s h n a Menon involved On how

‘My

T he documen tary ‘My Dea

Remembering the past, inspiring the future

i t s m i s s i o n h a s e v o l v e d , Nikita said, “The original L e

Indian self-rule and independence Now that India is independent, our focus is on representing the British I n d i a n c o m m

y h e r e , highlighting unrecognised needs and celebrating cul-

n c

s , and more As researchers, w e c o l l a

speaking on their behalf We believe in giving people the agency to make their voices heard ” Bri ti sh Indi ans a s ambas sadors for UK-I ndia relations

O n I n d i a ’ s Independence Day, Nikita

r e f l e c t e d o n i t s p e r s o n a l a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l s i g n i f i -

cance: “My grandfather was a freedom fighter, and this day reminds me of his and countless others’ sacrifices that allow people like me to enjoy freedom today It’s also a time to remember those who lost their lives or w e r e d i s p l a c e d d u r i n g

Partition My husband and i n - l a w s a r e P u n j a b i , a n d hearing their family stories is sobering As a scientist, I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y h i g hlights India’s leadership in science, from ISRO’s space

o w i n g p

c

a t Oxford, showing India as an independent leader with much more to achieve ” “ T h e I n d i a n I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y c a n i n

their heritage while contributing globally I became interested in my own heritage later in life, my renaissance came during Covid and the Black Lives Matter movement, which sparked a desire to advocate for my

Exploring family and com-

understanding and cross-

A

the 1928 Institute, we use social media and events to engage a diverse audience, not just British Indians, and spark discussions on heritage, history, and culture,” she added

h

o l e o f t

e British Indian community in strengthening UK-India ties, Nikita said, “We can act as ambassadors for the UK-India relationship the

, we should support arts and h

exhibits like Ancient India

m

Showing up matters; otherwise, these initiatives may

shows demand for Indian

deeply with Indian society

nomics, we can foster collaboration through initiatives like the Health and L

dum Supporting hubs and c

Institute in Oxford or UK universities in India, can facilitate the exchange of ideas, IP, and culture, while o

t s i n v a l ua b l e c r o s s - b o r d e r e x p e r iences This, I believe, will strengthen both scientific and economic ties, “ she added

Dear Krishna’ documentary screens on Independence day

I ndi an I nde pende nce Day,

attended the

which explores the

Jawaharlal Nehru

The

Suchitra Durai Former Ambassador of India to Thailand

A d ecade ag o, on 12 M arch 20 15, while comm issio ning in M auritius the gleaming Of fs h o re P a tro l V e ss el Barracud a, built in Garden Rea ch , K o l kat a to M au ri ti a n sp e ci f i ca ti o ns , Prim e Minister Mod i ou tlined India’ s policy tow ards the Ind ian Ocean Region (IOR): SA GAR – S ecu rity and Growth for A ll in the Region The Ind ian Ocean, he pointed out, was critical to th e futu re o f the wo rld bearing two-third s of the world’ s oil shipm ents, one third of its bulk carg o and half of its container traffic The forty states th at are on its littoral host nearly 40% of the world’ s population SAGAR policy emphasised five aspects: safety and security of the Indian mainland and island territories and ensuring a safe, s e c u r e a n d s t a b l e I O R ; d e e p e n e c o n o m i c a n d security cooperation with friends in the IOR particularly maritime neighbours and island states through c a p a c i t y b u i l d i n g ; c o l l e ct i v e a c t i o n a n d c o o p e r ation; seek a more integrated and cooperative future towards sustainable develo p m e n t f o r a l l ; a n d i n c r e a s e d m a r i t i m e engagement in the IOR as the primary responsibility for the stability and prosperity of IOR lay with those l i v i n g i n t h e r e g i o n I f S A G A R w a s t h e e x t e r n a l outreach of India, in the n a t i o n a l c o n t e x t i t w a s

c o m p l e m e n t e d b y t h e Sagarmala port-led development initiative

I n d i a , o n c e c r i t i c i s e d for a continental focus, has t u r n e d t o i t s m a r i t i m e interests through the Look East (1992) and Act East ( 2 0 1 5 ) p o l i c i e s , w i t h P M Modi recently commemor a t i n g 1 , 0 0 0 y e a r s o f Emperor Rajendra Chola’s naval achievements

India’s maritime vision: From SAGAR to Indo-Pacific to MAHASAGAR

The Indian Navy leads

m a r i t i m e d i p l o m a c y v i a

j o i n t e x e r c i s e s , c a p a c i t y building, plurilateral conf e r e n c e s , a n d

H u m a n i t a r i a n A s s i s t a n c e and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, proving its role as first responder during the 2004 tsunami, Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (2008), the Maldives water crisis

( 2 0 1 4 ) , a n d O p e r a t i o n

B r a h m a i n M y a n m a r (2025)

India has become a preferred security partner in t h e I n d o - P a c i f i c , f o r g i n g defence collaborations, trilateral maritime cooperat i o n u n d e r t h e C o l o m b o Security Conclave, and part i c i p a t i n g i n t h e I n d i a n Ocean Naval Symposium ( I O N S ) a n d b i e n n i a l

M I L A N e x e r c i s e s T o enhance maritime security, India has signed 22 white s h i p p i n g a g r e e m e n t s a n d e s t a b l i s h e d t h e s t a t e - o fthe-art Information Fusion C e n t r e ( I F C – I O R ) i n Gurugram for intelligence sharing

I n J u n e 2 0 1 8 , a t t h e Shangri-La Dialogue, PM M o d i o u t l i n e d I n d i a ’ s Indo-Pacific vision: a free, o p e n , i n c l u s i v e r e g i o n upholding ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, freedom of navigation, unimp e d e d c o m m e r c e , a n d p e a c e f u l d i s p u t e r e

ASEAN’s outlook, and was reinforced with the 2019

Initiative (IPOI), built on

India’s active role in the QUAD Since 2014, India

G20 presidency, themed on

Union was invited to join the grouping India’s leadership revived multilateralism, amplified the Global South’s voice, and championed development, hosting three editions of the Voice of the Global South summit since Ten years after SAGAR, P

MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for

Across Regions) during

Expanding from a regional to a global maritime focus, MAHASAGAR emphasises the Global South, reflected in India’s recent engage-

Philippines

(Read the full story online)

I n d i a ’ s d e v e l o p m e n t p a r t n e r s h i p s h a v e d e e p roots, shaped by its independence struggle, solidari t y w i t h o t h e r c o l o n i s e d n a t i o n s , a n d M a h a t m a Gandhi’s philosophy that “ m y p a t r i o t i s m i n c l u d e s t h e g o o d o f m a n k i n d i n g e n e r a l ” G u i d e d b y t h e p r i n c i p l e o f V a s u d h a i v Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”), India shares developmental experience a n d t e c h n i c a l e x p e r t i s e t h r o u g h g r a n t s , c o n c e ssional lines of credit, capacity building, and technical assistance unconditional, transparent, and sustainable As PM Modi stated in 2 0 1 8 i n U g a n d a , I n d i a ’ s partnerships respect local priorities and aim to liberate potential, not constrain futures

Global leaders extend greetings to India

On the occas ion of India’s 79t h Independenc e D

people of India, ref lect

o f R u s s i a c o n g r a t u l a t e d India, highlighting the “ special privileged strategic partn e r s h i p ” b e t w e e n t h e t w o n a t i o n s P r e s i d e n t Emmanuel Macron of France

r e c a l l e d P r i m e M i n i s t e r M o d i ’ s r e c e n t v i s i t a n d

e x p r e s s e d e n t h u s i a s m f o r deepening ties toward 2047 and beyond Israel’s Prime M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n Netanyahu emphasised the

strong bond between the two democracies and praised the achievements of their partnership

Other leaders extending their best wishes included

President Mohamed Muizzu o f t h e M a l d i v

i thanked the global leaders for their greetings, noting that such messages underscore India’s achievements and the enduring bonds it shares with nations worldwide

A decade of the International Day of Yoga (IDY): Yoga for one earth, one health

Tiranga raised atop Seattle’s Space Needle in historic first

in

Dr Raghavendra Rao M Bio: Director, Central Council for Research

Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India

T en years ago, the

started in the year 2014,

w h e n o u r H o n o u r a b l e

P r i m e M i n i s t e r S h r i

Narendra Modi addressed the UN General Assembly in September that year His m e s s a g e w a s s i m p l e a n d

p o w e r f u l : " Y o g a i s a n i n v a l u a b l e g i f t o f I n d i a ’ s a n c i e n t t r a d i t i o n I t

e m b o d i e s u n i t y o f m i n d

a n d b o d y ; t h o u g h t a n d action; restraint and fulfilment It is not about exer-

c i s e , b u t t o d i s c o v e r t h e sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature " On the directions of our

H o n o u r a b l e P r i m e

M i n i s t e r , I n d i a ’ s p e r m anent representative to the UN moved the resolution

i n t h e U N G e n e r a l Assembly on December 11, 2014, to observe June 21st as " I n t e r n a t i o n a l D a y o f Yoga," which was approved by 177 member states of the

U n i t e d N a t i o n s G e n e r a l Assembly (UNGA)

I n t h e r e s o l u t i o n , adopted under the agenda

o f " G l o b a l H e a l t h a n d

F o r e i g n P o l i c y , " t h e U N

G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y r e c o gnised that yoga "provides a holistic approach to health

a n d w e l l - b e i n g " F o r t h e

w i d e r d i s s e m i n a t i o n o f information about the benefits of practicing yoga for

t h e h e a l t h o f t h e w o r l d population, the 21st of June is celebrated every year as International Day of Yoga (IDY) across the globe The m a i n s i g n i f i c a n c e o f t h e U N d e c l a r i n g a n " I n t e r n a t i o n a l D a y " i s t o focus the attention of the i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o m m u n i t y on the topic and to encoura g e a c t i v i t i e s a m o n g t h e m e m b e r s t a t e s t o c o mmemorate the day A s w e m a r k t h e 1 1 t h International Day of Yoga, the 2025 theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," underscores the deep conn e c t i o n b e t w e e n h u m a n h e a l t h a n d t h e p l a n e t ’ s well-being Yoga embodies

h o l i s t i c w e l l n e s s , u n i t i n g i n d i v i d u a l , s o c i e t a l , a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l h e a l t h , reflecting the ancient wisd o m o f V a s u d h a i v a Kutumbakam “the world is one family ” Y o g a c o n n e c t s p e o p l e to life and nature, expanding the sense of self from “ me ” to “ we ” It nurtures

b e t t e r t h o u g h t , a c t i o n , knowledge, and devotion, f o s t e r i n g o n e n e s s w i t h family, society, humanity, a n d a l l l i v i n g b e i n g s Beyond asanas, yoga blends Gyan (knowledge), Karma (action), and Bhakti (devot i o n ) , p r o m o t i n g h e a l t h , compassion, and ethical living Since its first global cele b r a t i o n i n 2 0 1 5 , w i t h 36,000 people on Rajpath in Delhi, yoga has become a symbol of universal wellbeing and a path to a more p e a c e f u l , c o m p a s s i o n a t e world

E v e r y y e a r , m i l l i o n s w o r l d w i

including during Covid-19 under the “Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family” theme, with online sessions guided by the Ministry of Ayush’s Teleyoga protocols Largescale events, such as 3 lakh people practicing along a 28

Himalayas to deserts, and across all ages and communities Today, participation

crore people globally IDY is celebrated with annual themes and innova-

In a h istoric first, th e Indian tricolour was hoisted atop S ea ttl e ’ s 60 5 - fo o t S p ac e Ne ed l e o n In d i a ’ s 7 9 th Independence Day, the first time a foreign nation’ s flag has been raised at the iconic landm ark Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, joined Mayor Bruce Harrell and city leaders for the ceremony Sharing a video of the flag fluttering over the skyline, Mr Gupta posted on X: “ N o g r e a t e r h o n o u r t h a n this! Raising the Tiranga on top of the Seattle skyline at Space Needle ”

The Consulate described the occasion as a “historic first in Seattle,” highlighting the Indian-American community’s role in shaping the city’s rise as a global tech h u b L a t e r , a c o m m u n i t y reception was held at Kerry Park, with the Space Needle and tricolour in the backdrop The event drew a large c r o w d , i n c l u d i n g U S Congressman Adam Smith, Washington Supreme Court

C h i e f J u s t i c e D e b r a S t e p h e n s , S e a t t

Superintendent AP Diaz

Mr Smith welcomed the

symbol of the strong bonds b e t w

Pacific Northwest

Seattle and surrounding King County officially proclaimed August 15 as India Day, with Spokane, Tacoma and Bellevue also joining in the tribute Iconic Seattle l

New York landmarks glow in tricolour for India’s Independence Day

traces events from the first

hemisphere to the last in the west, while the “Sagar M

Yoga encourages practice at

also engage citizens abroad through workshops, training, seminars, and competitions to spread the yoga message

Today, IDY is a global movement sharing ancient Indian wisdom, promoting health, harmony, and wellb e i n g Y o g a

n o t j u s t about physical postures

i t ’ s a b o u t t o u c h i n g a n d transforming lives

(Read the full story online)

Ind ia’s 79th Indep end ence Day was celebrated in New York with iconic landmarks, includ ing One World Trad e C e ntr e, G ran d C en tra l Term inal, Niag ara F alls, and K osc iu szko Brid g e, i llum inated in the colours of the Indian tricolour

In a post on X, India in New York called it “ a vibrant tribute to the deep bonds of f r i e n d s h i p b e t w e e n I n d i a and the United States ” The celebrations began at India H o u s e , w h e r e I n d i a n Ambassador to the US Vinay K w a t r a h o i s t e d t h e t r icolour

Following Sunday, thousands of Indian-Americans later took part in the annual India Day Parade, one of the largest such events outside

Indian expats celebrate India’s independence across UAE

H und red s of India n e xpa tria tes marked Ind ia ’ s 79th Ind epe nd ence Da y wav ing th e nati onal f lag with pri de as th ey a ttende d of fi ci al cere monies or ganised by th e Ind ia n Emba ssy in Abu Dha bi a nd the Ind ian Consula te in Duba i This year, celebrations were scheduled slightly earlier to avoid the peak summer heat, with many arriving before sunrise to commemorate India’s freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947

Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, hoisted the flag in Abu

Dhabi, while Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan unfurled it in Dubai Both read excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day address Cultural programmes followed, featuring patriotic songs, classical dances, and exhibitions Abu Dhabi showcased tribal art and India’s counter-terrorism initiatives, referencing the recent Pahalgam attack, while Dubai presented the historical journey of the national flag For Ambassador Sudhir, the event was

especially poignant as he prepares to retire next month “There can be no higher honour than representing one ’ s country and flying the Indian tricolour,” he said, thanking the UAE’s Indian community for strengthening India-UAE ties “Each of you is a true ambassador of India, carrying the Tiranga in your hearts ” Adding to the celebrations, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was illuminated in the vibrant tricolours of the Indian flag

described the turnout as “ a moment of pride,” while FIA

said it reflected both “pride and responsibility,” noting India’s emerging role as the world’s third-largest economy A c

Indians in

T he Ind ian diaspora in the U

o ccasion with patriotic ferv our and cultural pride H

unfurled the national

nation,

D

y Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Ramdas Athawale, also joined the celebrations

The dignitaries felicitated special guests, including M

Sarabha, the Ghadar Party revolutionary; Ms Ananya Prasad, the first woman of c

O n t h e o c c as

I n d ep e nd e nc e D ay 2 0 2 5, P resident Droupadi Mu rmu h as app rov ed a total of 1 27 g allantry award s to honour the brav ery and sacrifice of India's armed and paramilitary forces The list of accolades is led by the posth um ous conferment of the Vir C hakra, th e nation’s thirdh i g h e s t w a rti m e g a ll ant ry

a w ar d , u p o n t w o Bo r d er

S ecurity Force (BSF) personnel fo r their extraordinary cou rage during a challenging op eration

T h e p o s t h u m o u s V i r

C h a k r a s h a v e b e e n

b e s t o w e d u p o n l a t e S u b -

Inspector Mohd Imteyaj and l a t e C o n s t a b l e D e e p a k

C h i n g a k h a m T h e h e r o e s

w e r e h o n o u r e d f o r t h e i r selfless actions in May during a retaliatory operation

W h i l e v a l i a n t l y d e f e n d i n g

t h e h i g h l y - s e n s i t i v e

UK celebrate Independence Day at High Commission in London

Yogesh Alekari, who rode

across more than 50 countries in Europe and Africa, covering 60,000 km in 220 days

India recognises valour of armed forces

Kharkola border outpost in J a m m u a g a i n s t i n t e n s e shelling and drone attacks, b o t h p e r s o n n e l w e r e grievously injured by a mortar shell Despite their critical condition, they displayed r e m a r k a b l e f o r t i t u d e b y c o n t i n u i n g t o e n g a g e t h e a d v e r s a r y u n t i l t h e i r l a s t breath, their sacrifice proving instrumental in neutralising the threat

T h e i r a c t s o f b r a v e r y were part of a wider recognition for the force’s role in ‘Operation Sindoor’, with an additional sixteen BSF personnel set to receive gall a n t r y m e d a l s T h e i r c i t ations detail a range of courageous acts, from retaliating against heavy fire to providi n g a m m u n i t i o n s u p p l i e s under extreme duress Their

b r a v e r y a l s o i n c l u d e d d e s t r o y i n g e n e m y s u r v e i llance equipment and rescu-

ing a fellow jawan from a l i f e - t h r e a t

The awards underscore the

i r s t line of defence in the face of continuous external threats 'Operation Sindoor' was a decisive military response t o t h e P a h a l g a m t

i

a r , involving a coordinated triservices effort to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border These gallantry medals, awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery, are a p o w e r f u l r e m i n d e r o f t h e ultimate sacrifices made by s e r v i c e m e m b e r s i n s a f eguarding national security The awards list also includes other distinguished awards for personnel across various branches of the armed and paramilitary forces, recognising their tireless service to the country

Ambassador Rohit Vadhwana leads flag hoisting in Bolivia

T he E mbassy of Ind ia in La P a z m a rke d In d i a ’ s 7 9 th Independ ence Day with its first-ever celebration at the new Chancery prem ises

the singing of the National

Vadhwana read out the mess

since independence and its c o m

l peace, sustainable development, and inclusive growth

I n h i s r e m a r k s , t h e A m b a s s a d o r u n d e r s c o

between India and Bolivia, noting expanding cooperat

and education He also outlined the Embassy’s plans to further strengthen bilateral ties, enhance people-to-people connections, and explore new avenues for collaboration

G i v e n t h e u

August 2025, the celebration was held on a smaller scale,

Digital from India: Leapfrogging development through text-enabled citizen-centric governance

Amb Debnath Shaw

At the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summi t on 17 November 2 02 3, hos ted by PM Modi, a key focus wa s s us t ai n i n g t he exchange of ideas and best practices among member

Manual (DBIM) DIC promotes e-govern a n c e i n a c c o u n t a b i l i t y , efficiency, and transparency, drives digital literacy a n d i n c l u s i o n , d e v e l o p s s k i l l e d m a n p o w e r , a n d s u p p o r t s m i n i s t r i e s i n

chikankari, painting, and other crafts

countries

The 3rd Summit on 17 August 2024 emphasized a d d r

g

s o f new technologies and promoting South-South coop-

y transfers As part of his four-fold Global Compact, P M M o d

, reflecting India’s commitment to both share its gov-

learn from other nations India’s journey in tech-

s b e e n transformative, with several key milestones in digital governance: Digital India Ini ti ative - The flagship programme o f t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f I n d i a , l a u n c h e d i n 2 0 1 5 , with a vision to transform I n d i a i n t o a d i g i t a l l y e m p o w e r e d s o c i e t y a n d knowledge economy

D i gi t a l P ub l i c

I n fr a s tr uc t ur e ( D P I ) –

P l a t f o r m s l i k e A a d h a a r (over one billion citizens with a unique digital identity), UPI (with over 18 billion transactions in June 2025), DigiLocker (eliminating the need for physical documents) and e-Sign, h a v e r e v o l u t i o n i z e d s e rvice delivery, Direct Benefit Transfer (D BT) – India became the first country to use DBT at scale, reducing corruption and ensuring timely delivery of welfare benefits

AI I n te gr a ti o n i n G ov er n a nc e – F r o m

g r i e v a n c e r e d r e s s a l s y stems to predictive analytics in healthcare and agriculture, AI is helping tailor services to citizen needs

I n d i a ’ s d i g i t a l g o v e rn a n c e i s g u i d e d b y t h e Digital India Corporation ( D I C ) u n d e r M e i t Y , t h e N a t i o n a l I n f o r m a t i c s Centre (NIC), the National I n s t i t u t e o f S m a r t

G o v e r n a n c e ( N I S G ) , a n d the Digital Brand Identity

i m p r o v i n g p u b l i c s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y N I C i n t e g r a t e s emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and data a n a l y t i c s , w h i l e N I S G serves as a strategic partner for digital transformation at central and state levels, including collaborat i o n w i t h G l o b a l S o u t h nations DBIM ensures a u n i f i e d , c i t i z e n - f r i e n d l y d e s i g n f o r g o v e r n m e n t websites and applications

I m pa c t o n G o ve r na n c e and Society

E - g o v e r n a n c e h a s e n h a n c e d t r a n s p a r e n c y and accountability, reduci n g b u r e a u c r a t i c o p a c i t y and boosting public trust It has improved efficiency and accessibility, offering 2 4 / 7 s e r v i c e s w i t h l e s s paperwork and faster processing AI-driven, multilingual platforms promote i n c l u s i v i t y b y r e a c h i n g m a r g i n a l i s e d c o m m u n ities, while digital processes reduce paper use and carbon footprints, benefiting the environment

N o t a b l e a w a r d - w i nn i n g d i g i t a l i n i t i a t i v e s include ‘MyGov in’, which engages citizens in policy and governance through a “ D i s c u s s , D o , D i s s e m i n a t e ” a p p r o a c h ; ‘Poshan Tracker’, a mobile app enabling Anganwadi workers to provide realtime data on nutrition and c h i l d c a r e s e r v i c e s ; a n d ‘DIKSHA’, a national platform for school education The ‘AYUSH Information H u b ( A I H ) ’ d i s s e m i n a t e s v e r i f i e d i n f o r m a t i o n o n A y u r v e d a , Y o g a , N a t u r o p a t h y , U n a n i , Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and H o m e o p a t h y , w h i l e ‘UMANG’ offers access to o v e r 1 , 2 0 0 c e n t r a l a n d state government services i n m u l t i p l e l a n g u a g e s , i n c l u d i n g A a d h a a r , D i g i L o c k e r , B h a r a t B i l l P a y m e n t , P A N , E P F O ,

India initiatives, including BharatNet, which

Corridors along new transport links, Bharatmala for enhanced road connectivity and freight movement,

aimed at making the country and its citizens selfreliant across five pillars:

shared with the world India ranks high in dig-

challenges in data

and France, and

the UK, Oman,

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel Wh y Portfolios, No t Sto cks, Decid e Your Financial Future

When I show people the performance of my model portfolios, the first reaction is usually: “But which stock made the money?” It’s the wrong question That’s like asking a Test cricket captain, “Which single player won you the match?” The answer is: none It was the batting order, the bowling attack, the field placement the team

Investing is no different

Over the past few years, my model portfolios have outperformed the benchmarks not because of some magical stock tip, but because of disciplined portfolio construction: diversification, risk management, and weighting

Take one portfolio I run as an example over four years it returned nearly 300% with far lower volatility than the market average Another compounded at over 600% in five years Did I achieve this by chasing meme stocks or betting on the latest AI darling? No The results came from a carefully designed system where losers were cut quickly, winners were allowed to run, and the portfolio was constantly balanced for risk

Here’s the kicker I did not know which stock would do the best, or indeed that some would sometimes fall, or which months or years would be stronger than others I knew none of that I don’t need to

The obsession with the “ one hot stock” is a colonial hangover In the Raj, they told us to gamble on indigo or cotton, never to think of the bigger system of trade and value But wealth is not built by lottery tickets It is built by portfolios that can withstand wars, pandemics, and inflationary shocks and still come out compounding

Individual stocks are noise; portfolios are signal A single share can halve overnight on a profit warning But a robust portfolio will absorb the hit, because the other assets carefully chosen for growth, value, and resilience are there to carry the weight This is why the wealthy do not buy “stocks ” They buy portfolios

For British Indians in particular, the lesson is vital Too many still treat investing like a weekend flutter at the bookies, looking for the one stock to double by Diwali That mentality is why pensions underperform and portfolios stagnate The serious investor asks: “What structure of holdings will protect my downside and compound my upside?”

So, the next time someone asks me which stock I’m buying, my answer is simple: I’m not buying a stock, I’m building a portfolio That is how wealth is created not by picking winners, but by being a portfolio manager of your own future

If you want financial independence, stop acting like a punter and start acting like a portfolio manager After all, no one remembers who hit a six in the 23rd over They remember who lifted the trophy

Budget may tighten inheritance tax rules

a t h , potentially introducing a lifetime cap or adjusting the tapering of inheritance tax liability in the seven years following a gift

No final decisions have been made, and some insiders say substantive talks at a senior level have yet to take place Reeves has ruled out increases to income tax, national insurance, and VAT Inheritance tax receipts reached a record £6 7 billion in 2022–23, and forecasts suggest they could exceed £9 billion this year and rise to over £14 billion by the decade’s end, boosted by frozen thresholds and recent policy changes

R e e v e s h a s a l r e a d y i m p o s e d a 2

Backing for Sanjeev Gupta’s UK steel control bid

According to Sky News, BlackRock executives have approved a financing support letter that could allow Gupta to continue oversee-

Speciality Steels UK (SSUK)

Scotch Whisky Society Owner expands into India after trade deal

Societ

marke t, weeks after the UK signed a new

rade deal with In dia

Company, which owns the

signed a franchise agreement with Delhi-based PNM Tech B

ments are expected in the coming months as Artisanal

across Asia Earlier this year,

Vietnam, and a franchise has

sidiaries also exist in Taiwan, China, and Japan

The society, which had 42,700 members at the end of December, allows enthusiasts to buy curated whiskies a n d a t

events It also runs hospitality outlets across the UK

Edinburgh-based Artisanal described India as an “important area of future growth,”

importing the equivalent of 192 million bottles last year

reduces tariffs on Scotch from 150% to 75%, with plans to cut it to 40% over the next decade

Artisanal, listed on the

AIM, also owns Single Cask

Artisan Casks Single Cask has recently started exports to Brazil and added Denmark

, Artisanal CEO, said, “Entry into exciting new markets such as India presents strong

potential, and we are delighted to welcome our new franc

Issa brothers exit Australia with petrol station sale

T he petrol forecourt em pire f o u nd ed b y bi ll i o nai re brothers M ohsin and Zuber Issa is exiting the A ustralian m arket after agreeing to sell EG Grou p ’ s local operatio ns for nearly £53 0 millio n Sydney-based Ampol is set to acquire EG Australia in a deal valued at A$1 1 billion, comprising A$850 million in cash and A$250 million in Ampol shares The

s recent disposal of its Italian business for €425 million, marking a week of major international exits E G G r o u p , w h i c h employs around 50,000 peo-

would help reduce debt and strengthen its balance sheet, while allowing the group to focus on its core markets

n f a m

y businesses and farms worth more than £1 million and extended death duties to pension pots

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride criticised potential increases, saying, “Those who have worked hard and saved shouldn’t be punished by yet more taxes from Labour Tax

chancellor’s economic mismanagement ”

CEO Russ Colaco described

milestone” in streamlining EG Group’s global portfolio The move comes as priv

Fewer non-doms leaving UK than feared

Britain follow ing Rachel Reeves’s

foreign residents to shield their global assets from UK

Responsibility (OBR) had warned that up to a quarter of non-doms could leave the country

heightened by surveys suggesting B

last year than any country except China However, initial payroll data reported by the Financial Times indicate that departures are in line with, or below, the O

said, “We’ve seen no evidence of changes beyond what the OBR expected ” Company filings show over

4,400 directors left in the past year, with exits spiking in April, 75% higher than the same month

Research by New World Wealth and Henley & Partners estimated that Britain lost a net 10,800

% increase on 2023

The OBR projects the non-

billion over five years, though

exodus, combined with stronger GDP growth, could ease pressure on the chancellor, though Reeves may still face a £20 billion gap in

capital gains and inheritance tax rules

The Treasury said the UK remains “ a highly attractive place to live and invest,” noting that the main capital gains tax rate is

Capital prepares the company for a potential $14 billion New York Stock Exchange flotation The Issa brothers, who each hold a 25% stake, have also pushed for the sale o f E G ’ s U S o p e r a t i o n s , reportedly worth over $5 billion EG Group’s Australian arm operates 500 sites with a

p

s Ampol, the country’s largest transport energy provider, also runs a growing electric vehicle charging network The deal, advised by UBS and Herbert Smith Freehills, is expected to complete by mid-2026, pending regulatory approval

FTSE 100 CEOs’ pay hits record high

The total pay of chief executives at Britain’s largest public companies has risen for the fourth consecutive year, reaching a new record

Research from the High Pay Centre think tank shows the median earnings of FTSE 100 CEOs climbed 6 8% over the past year to £4 58 million, up from £4 29 million in 2023-24 122 times the median UK full-time salary of £37,430 The highest pay packages were awarded at Melrose, where executives received tens of millions of pounds under a five-year incentive scheme, sparking a major shareholder revolt

Other top earners included Sir Pascal Soriot of A s t

Woodburn of BAE Systems at £11 7 million The number of FTSE 100 companies paying CEOs £10 million or more rose from ten to 13 over the year

Executive pay has long been controversial, particularly during economic downturns, and prompted notable shareholder pushback this spring In comparison, US S&P 500 CEOs earned a median £12 6 million ($17 1 million) in 2024, a 9 7% rise Some FTSE 100 firms, including Ashtead, Smith & Nephew, and Convatec, have adopted Americanstyle incentive schemes to attract and retain talent The High Pay Centre warns that

S&P Global upgrades India's sovereign rating to 'BBB'

Global credit rating agency

S & P Gl ob al h as u pgr aded

India's lo ng-term so vereign credi t rating to 'BBB' from ' BBB- ' , ci ting th e nati on' s strong ec onomic res ilience

a n d s u s ta i ne d f i s ca l co nsolidation The u pgrade, wh ich co mes after an 18year gap, places India on par w i th o th er e me rg in g markets like Indonesia and M exico , wi th th e o utlo o k fo r the cou ntry remaining stable

d

S & P s t a t e d t h a

buoyant economic growth and an enhanced monetary p

inflation expectations The agency also highlighted the

government's commitment

spending as key factors in strengthening India s credit metrics

The announcement was met with a positive reaction in the markets The Indian rupee firmed against the US dollar, and the benchmark

yield

notable drop,

and lower borrowing costs for Indian entities

Economists and market

some described the upgrade

acknowledged its potential to boost investor sentiment

portfolio investments S&P cautioned that any erosion of political commitment to

downward revision in the future, while further fiscal consolidation could lead to another upgrade

India, Oman agree on free trade deal

A fte r m ont hs of de a dl ock, India an d Oman hav e agree d on a fre e trad e deal , wit h t he da te for signing the trea ty to b e fin alised soon The move

c om e s a m id g l ob a l uncert ainty induced by US

t a r iff a ct io n s, w h ich i s pr ompting countries acr oss

t h e gl ob e t o r us h wi t h b ilate ral ag reement s While India is in talks with several countries - from N e w Z e a l a n d t o C h i l e -

c o m m e r c e s e c r e t a r y S u n i l Barthwal told reporters that

n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h t h e

E u r o p e a n U n i o n a r e a l s o being fast tracked

M i n i s t e r J i t i n P r a s a d a

FedEx

said that negotiations for a c o m p r e h e n s i v e t r

O m

n was initiated in 2023 and the agreement builds upon the l o n g s t a n d i n g s t r a t e g i c partnership between the two n a t i o n s I n t h e p a s t f i v e y e a r s , I n d i a h a s a c t i v e l y strengthened its trade ties by signing five major FTAs and is currently pursuing several new deals

" I n d

concluded," Prasada told the R a j y a S a b h a i n

i t t e n reply while responding to a question relating to India's trade deals

l solutions His expertise will

b e i n s t r u m e n t a l a s w e c o n t i n u e t o a d v a n c e o u r l o n g - t e r m s t r a t e g y a n d harness the full potential of FedEx intelligence ” T a l w a

years of experience in using

operational efficiency, and

India and Oman share a

y o f friendship and cooperation, built on the foundation of m u t u a l t r u s t a n d r e s p e c t , and strong people-to-people ties going back centuries

T h e m i n i s t e r , i n h i s r e p l y , h o w e v e r , d i d n t mention any date or timeline o n t h e e x p e c t e d s i g n i n g ceremony for the agreement

F u r t h e r , t h e M i n i s t e r apprised the Upper House that India has strengthened its trade ties over the past five years, signing five major

F r e e T r a d e A g r e e m e n t s (FTAs) and progressing on several new deals

Aravind Srinivas led Perplexity makes bid for Google Chrome

managing director and chief growth officer of Accenture Technology and has worked

and Dell Services

In his new role, Talwar

transformation, focusing on

cybersecurity He will also

Technology and Dataworks organizations

Titan considers Gulf manufacturing to counter US tariffs

In

land scape, fast-grow ing

billion (£28 billion) bid

offer, wh ich is nearly twice Perp lexity’ s own v aluation, has been made in a bid to c ap i ta li s e o n Go o g le’ s reg ulatory ch allenges T h e p r o p o s a l c

amid intense pressure from t h e U S D

divestiture of Chrome as a remedy to Google's antitrust violations Perplexity, led by i t s 3 1

u n d e r and CEO, Aravind Srinivas, aims to position itself as a

like Meta and OpenAI The

Perplexity, known for

Oracle lays off 10% of India staff after meeting Trump, OpenAI deal

Or ac le, on e of the worl d’s la rgest software companies, has l et go of a large number of em pl oyees in India, with nearl y 10 per cent of its local

wo r k f or c e a f f e c t e d The m ove comes at a t im e when the com pany has sec ured a m ajor deal with OpenAI and held high-l evel tal ks with US P re s id e nt D on a l d Tr u m p, s pa rk ing s pe cul a tion a bout t he r e a s o ns b e hin d t he s udden r estructuring

I n d i a h a s l o n g b e e n a

c r u c i a l b a s e f o r O r a c l e , e m p l o y i n g c l o s e t o 2 8 , 8 2 4 people as of last year, spread a c r o s s m a j o r h u b s l i k e

B e n g a l u r u , H y d e r a b a d , C h e n n a i , M u m b a i , P u n e ,

N o i d a , a n d K o l k a t a W i t h

a b o u t o n e i n t e n s t a f f m e m b e r s l o s i n g j o b s , t h e impact is big, according to D a t a C e n t r e D y n a m i c s E m p l o y e e s w o r k i n g a c r o s s software development, cloud s e r v i c e s , a n d c u s t o m e r support have reportedly been hit the hardest For many, the news came suddenly, leaving professionals without clarity o n s e v e r a n c e p a c k a g e s o r f u t u r e p l a c e m e n t s O r a c l e has officially described the s t e p a s p a r t o f a “restructuring” exercise, but the sheer scale of the cuts has raised concerns What makes the layoffs more controversial is their

timing Just a few days before the job cuts were announced, Oracle chief executive Larry Wilson met Trump the Oval Office According to people aware of the discussion, the a g e n d a i n c l u d e d d o m e s t i c hiring, national data security, and technology partnerships S h o r t l y a f t e r , O r a c l e announced a landmark deal with OpenAI, under which massive volumes of AI data w i l l n o w b e p r o c e s s e d o n Oracle’s infrastructure Many in the tech industry believe the company is re-aligning r e s o u r c e s t o w a r d s t h e U S market in line with Trump’s p u s h t o r e d u c e o f f s h o r i n g and H-1B visa reliance

India's retail inflation hits eight-year low of 1.6%

Indi a's retai l i nfl ati on has fallen to an eight-year low of 1 6 p er cent i n July, marki ng the ni nth c o ns e c ut i v

1 2 per cent, was notably lower than the urban rate of 2 1 per cent

Analysts noted that core i n f l a

T

ng a strategic mov e to relocate some of i ts manufacturi ng operation s to th e M iddl e

con sidered as a direct respon se

for this potential shift, as it benefits from a more favourable baseline tariff of just 10 per cent for exports to the US This is significantly lower than the new tariffs recently imposed on goods from India, which industry

reports indicate can be as high as 25 per cent or more This strategic deliberation is closely linked t o T

million acquisition of a majority stake in Damas, a prominent luxury retailer based in Dubai The deal provides Titan with an established footprint in the Gulf, which the company views as a viable manufacturing base to export to the US The move is crucial for Titan’s ongoing expansion strategy for its Tanishq and Carat Lane jewellery brands in the American market By leveraging its n e w p r e s e n c e i n t h e G

maintain its access to the American market at a competitive price point, safeguarding its longterm growth ambitions

Nati onal S tati sti

in nearly a decade, d

cent i n June

The primary driver behind this sharp decline is a significant moderation in food prices Food inflation fell by 1 8 per cent in July, the lowest since January 2019, with v

c t i n g b y a n impressive 20 7 per cent A favourable base effect, coupled with a decline in the cost of pulses, cereals, and transport, contributed to the broad-based easing Rural inflation, at

volatile food and fuel prices, also decelerated sharply to 3 9 per cent, falling below 4 per cent for the first time in six months According to Soumya Kanti Ghosh, group chief economic adviser at SBI, this figure was even lower at 2 96 per cent when excluding gold prices

T h e b e n

a r e expected to give the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) some breathing room Experts believe the central bank will likely maintain a waitand-watch stance on interest rates, with

broader

developments and the impact of ongoing trade tensions

Kotak Mahindra gets licence for investment activity in UAE

Kotak Mahindra, India's th ird largest private bank, h as rec eiv ed a l icenc e to con du ct investment activ ities in the UA E, allo wing it to tap into the cou ntry's substantial Ind ian expat com munity

The company said it is the first Indian asset manager to receive such a licence from

Authority The licence will not only allow the bank to launch UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors, but will also help in boosting the investment fund industry in the Arab world's second-largest economy K

similar to its undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (Ucits) domiciled in India and Luxembourg, with subscriptions expected to open for investors in the UAE later this year, it added

Obtaining a licence will help Kotak to convert part of Indian community in the country into a significant client pool, in addition to supporting revenue streams and global expansion, said Faisal Hasan, chief investment officer of Dubai-based financial services firm Al Mal Capital

JAY SHETTY TO FEATURE IN MEGHAN MARKLE'S SHOW

The upcoming season of Meghan Markle s Netflix chat show, With Love, Meghan, is set to feature the Duchess of Sussex in lighthearted activities like cooking, gardening, and crafting alongside a variety of celebrity guests The new lineup of personalities includes podcaster Jay Shetty and his wife Radhi Devlukia, TV hosts Tan France and Chrissy Teigen, and chefs Jose Andres and David Chang The first season, which premiered in 2025 was ranked #383 in Netflix’s “What We Watched” report for the first half of the year The show is scheduled to return on August 26

DOCTOR PAYS £1 6MN TO SETTLE FRAUDULENT BILLING CLAIMS

Dr Ajay Aggarwal a 63-year-old anaesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist based in Houston has agreed to pay a settlement of over £1 6 million to resolve allegations that he submitted fraudulent claims to federal healthcare programmes The inquiry, conducted by multiple authorities, found that between November 2021 and March 2023, Dr Aggarwal and his associated entities, including The Pain Relief & Wellness Center, repeatedly billed programmes like Medicare for expensive, invasive surgical procedures that were never performed

FORMER LEGISLATOR JOSHI TO RUN FOR SENATE

A retired physician and former Colorado state legislator Dr Janak Joshi has declared his candidacy for the US Senate setting up a challenge to incumbent Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper Joshi a Republican highlighted his personal story as a central theme of his bid I arrived in America legally and with nothing but a suitcase and $100 Joshi said He attributes his success as a physician and his life in Colorado to the American dream, a concept he claims is under threat from career politicians like John Hickenlooper Joshi is positioning himself as a staunch fiscal conservative with a history of opposing tax and spending increases during his time in the Colorado House of Representatives

GUNMEN KILL 7 OF A FAMILY IN PAK

At least seven members of a family were killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen ambushed a group returning from a picnic in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said The victims were attacked in Regi Shino Khel, a suburban area of Kohat district, about 65 km southwest of Peshawar They were on their way back from Tanda Dam to their native village Khara Ghari Muhammad Zai, when they were fired upon, police said District police officer Kohat Zahidullah Khan said a probe is underway adding that initial findings suggest no evidence of terrorism

AFGHAN WOMEN BARRED FROM ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Afghan women were barred from attending celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of the Taliban s return to power Some 10,000 men gathered across the capital, Kabul, to watch Defence Ministry helicopters scatter flowers to the crowds below Three of the six “flower shower” locations were already offlimits to women because they have been prohibited from entering parks and recreational areas since Nov 2022 The Taliban seized Afghanistan on Aug 15, 2021, as the US and Nato withdrew their forces Since then they have imposed their interpretation of Islamic law on daily life including sweeping restrictions on women and girls Lawyer’s plea to appear for Hasina rejected

Over 340 killed Pakistan flash floods

BUNER, P A K I S T A N: Rescuers strugg led to retrieve bodies from mud dy d ebris after flash flood

rains across northern Pakistan ki

ed at

authorities said

The majority of deaths, 324, were reported in mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,

Most were killed in flash floods and collapsing houses, while at least 137 others were injured

The provincial rescue agency said that around 2,000 rescue workers were engaged in recovering bodies from the debris and carrying out relief operations in

nine districts, where rain was still hampering efforts "Heavy rainfall, landslides in several areas, and washed-out

challenges in delivering aid,

ticularly in transporting heavy

US designates Baloch groups as terrorists during Pak army chief’s

W A SHI N G TO N , DC : In a move coincidin g with the v isit of P akista n's milit ary chief Ge ne ral Asim Munir, US Secr eta ry of St ate Ma rco Rubio ha s officially design ate d the Balochista n Liber ation Army (BLA) a nd its ar med wing , t he Majee d Briga de, a s for eign te rr orist or gan isa tions The an nouncem ent e x pa n d s u p o n t h e BL A ’ s p r e v io u s de sig nat ion a s a Spe cia lly De sign at ed G lobal Ter ror ist g roup in 20 19 Rubio cited the March hijacking of the ‘Jaffar Express’ train, which resulted in the deaths of 31 people and the hostage-taking of over 300 passengers, as a key reason for the d e s i g n a t i o n H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e a c t i o n demonstrates the Trump Administration s commitment to countering terrorism and is an effective way to curtail support for such activities The designation places sweeping

visit

material or financial support, freezing their assets, and restricting the travel of their members The timing of the announcement h

Munir's visit was not listed on any public schedules for the Departments of Defence or

Balochistan, where the BLA claims to be fighting against what it describes as ‘enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systematic repression’ The BLA has also been known to target Chinese nationals and infrastructure in the mineral-rich province Critics argue that while the US designation reinforces Pakistan’s own counterterrorism efforts, it overlooks the underlying human rights concerns that fuel the insurgency

Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami's new book launched at BAPS temple in California

CA LIFOR NIA: Dr Gnanvats aldas Swam i,

s ought-a f te r m otiv at ional s pea ker , c onduc ted insight ful s eminars dur ing his visit to Southern Cal if ornia

Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami addressed the s a t s a n g a s s

Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills

D r a w i n g i n

, teachings, and wisdom of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Gnanvatsaldas

Swami, a revered swami of the BAPS, deliv-

y

L to R : J Vakharia, CK Patel, Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami, Divyacharan Swami, Rajendra Vora and Ketan Sharma

California He urged the audience to embrace personal integrity, uphold family values, practice ethical leadership, engage in community service and foster global understanding He offered practical guidance on navigating the modern challenges that individuals and fami-

lies encounter in both their personal and professional lives

Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami also launched his new book, “Inspired: Daily Wisdom for Holistic Living” during his talk The new book was unveiled in front of over 1,500 attendees, with Rajendra Vora, Ketan Sharma, CK Patel and J Vakharia officiating the launch

Bolivia heads for historic runoff as socialist rule ends

L A P A Z : Bolivia is set to h old a presidential runoff election for th e first time since its return to d em ocracy in 1982, follow ing a first-round v ote that saw a decisiv e repudiation o f the cou ntry's two -decade-long leftist gov ernance The preliminary results from Sunday’s election confirmed a historic defeat fo r th e r u li ng M o v e m en t f o r S o ci a li sm (MA S) p arty, w hich had dom inated national politics since 2006

In a surprising turn, centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz emerged as the frontrunner, securing 32 2 per cent of the vote He will n o w f a c e c o n s e r v a t i v e f o r m e r p r e s i d e n t Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who came in second with 27 per cent The outcome was a stunning blow to the MAS, whose candidate Eduardo del Castillo received just 3 1 per cent of the ballot, signalling a clear and significant shift in the nation’s political land-

scape Voters, frustrated by years of economic instability and political infighting within the ruling party, have opted for a change in government

The election was largely driven by a severe economic crisis that has plagued the nation, with voters increasingly frustrated by s u r g i n g i n f l a t i o n a n d s h o r t a g e s o f b a s i c goods The market reacted positively to the initial results, with Bolivian bonds gaining on hopes that a new, more market-friendly g o v e r n m e n t w i l l i m p l e m e n t p o l i c i e s t o address the economic turmoil The runoff, scheduled for October 19, will now decide whether the country will pursue a more centrist or conservative path Observers have noted that the defeat of the socialist party could also be a foreshadowing for other leftleaning governments in Latin America, with key elections approaching in the region

Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s rescue agency, said He said road closures meant rescue workers had to walk to s o m e o f t h

remote regions "They are trying to evacuate survivors, but very few people are relocating due to the deaths of their relatives or loved ones being trapped in the debris," Faizi said

Buner district deputy commissioner Kashif Qayum Khan also said rescuers were forced to find new ways to reach remote areas "Many more people may still be trapped under the debris, w

clear manually," Khan said

Mob, police bar mourners from Mujibur’s Dhaka home

DHA K A : Several h und red people and police enfo rced strict vig il around the resid ence and shrine of Bang ladesh’s founding father S h eikh M u ji bur Rah m an, p rev enting h is sup porters from comm emo rating the 50th anniv ersary of his brutal assassination

Witnesses and reports said several hundred people in a violent mood overnight took position at Dhaka’s 32 Dhanmandi, Mujibur Rahman’s private residence, which was turned into a memorial museum The building was levelled following the ouster of the Awami League regime in 2024 T h e i n t e r i m g o v

M

m

a d Yunus has disbanded the Awami League’s activities until completion of the trial of the ousted PM and leaders of her regime and party The interim govt also scrapped the status of Aug 15 as the ‘National Mourning Day’ The crowd outside Mujibur Rahman’s residence chanted slogans in favour of form e r P M K h a l e d a Z i a ’ s B a n g l a d e s h Nationalist Party, and the far-right Jamaate-Islami’s student wing Chhatra Shibir also joined them The mob assaulted several i n d i v i d u

m o f b e i n g Awami League supporters, according to witnesses

Suspect arrested in brutal assault of elderly

Sikh man

HO LL YW O OD : Police have ar rested a suspect in the br utal beating of a 70-year -old Sikh ma n, an attack that has le ft the victim in cr iti cal condition Bo Richar d Vitagliano, 44, w as tak en into custody and is facing charge s of assault with a dea dly w eapon He is accused of re pe atedly str iking Har pal Singh, a re sident of the Sikh Gur dw ara of LA, with a golf club on August 4 Singh remains hospitalised after undergoing multiple surgeries to treat bleeding in the b r a i n a n d r e p a i r b r o k e n f a c i a l b o n e s

According to his brother, Dr Gurdial Singh Randhawa, he is totally unconscious and being kept under sedation

The Los Angeles Police Department has stated that the incident is not being investigated as a hate crime, suggesting it stemmed from a dispute over property However, this has been met with concern from Sikh community advocates Groups such as the Sikh Coalition and t h e S i k h A m e r i c a n L e g a l

Education Fund (SALDEF) have questioned whether a bias motive can be so quickly dismissed, especially since the victim has not been conscious to give a full account of the events Dr Randhawa expressed gratitude for the arrest but shared the community’s demand for a more thorough understanding of the motive behind the assault Justice must be served, he stated, adding that the local Sikh community needs reassurance that the area around their gurdwara is safe In response, police have committed to increasing patrols and community outreach in the North Hollywood neighbourhood

BAPS temple vandalised in US, India demands action

Greenw ood, Indiana: A Hind u tem ple in a s uburb of I nd ianapolis has been defaced w it h a nti - I nd i a g r af

c o nd em n ati o n an d

the

S wam inarayan Mand ir in Greenw ood w as v andalised with black spray paint, bearing the words “Hind ustan, Mod i M urd abad ”

This incident marks the fourth attack on a BAPS temple in the United States in less than a year Hindu advocacy groups have been quick to link the desecration to a

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has noted that at least a dozen Hindu temples nationwide have faced similar attacks since 2022 They and the Coalition of Hindus of N o r t h A m e r i c a ( C o H N A ) a r

U S authorities to officially classify the incident as a hate crime

T h e C o n

and confirmed it has raised the matter with local law enforcement to ensure prompt action India's Ministry of External Affairs also labelled the incident as despicable and called for strict measures to be taken against the culprits Despite the hateful act, the B

message of unity and resolve In a statement on social media, the temple’s public affairs t e a m

strengthened their community’s resolve to s t

a

n Chicago described the act as reprehensible

behaviour The temple held a special prayer service for peace, attended by local officials and leaders from various faith groups

San Jose hosts colourful India day parade

Dow ntown

SA N J OS E, C

S

v ibrant cultural hub as the Association o f Indo A mericans (AIA ) and Bolly 92 3 h o s te d

's 79 th

Ind ep endence Day The ev ent drew o ver 25,00 0 attendees through out the d ay, imm ersing th e city in the rich

c o lo u r s, m u si c , an d tra d i ti o ns o f Indian cultu re

The highlight of the festivities was the historic India Day Parade, which featured more than 75 brightly decorated floats, each representing the unique culture and heritage of India’s diverse states The streets were alive with spirited dancing and traditional music, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and patriotism

The day commenced with a ceremonial flag-hoisting Grand Marshal and Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel, along with Guest of Honour Srikanth Bolla and Deputy Consul General Rakesh Adlakha, led the raising of the Indian tricolour San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan also participated, hoisting the US flag

and commending the event as a significant cultural attraction for the city

The celebration served as a powerful showcase of Indian art and heritage Over 1 0 0 c h i l d r e

performances of classical and Bollywood dances, while families enjoyed traditional games and sports The day-long festivities culminated in the ‘Vijay Bharat’ cultural show, a grand finale featuring performances by Jhoom Productions, live music, and a dazzling fireworks display With more than 50 elected officials in attendance, the event

community spirit of the Indian American diaspora in Silicon Valley

Ukraine peace talk now hinges on security guarantees

W A S H I N G T O N : U S P res i d en t D on ald T rum p h as s ig nall ed a w illing ness to back European-led security g uarantees for Ukraine as a pathway to peace, fo llowing a h igh-stakes Wh ite House m eeting w it h U kr ai ni an P res i d en t V olodymyr Zelensky The talks, w h ic h i nc lu d e d to p E u ro p ea n lead ers, focused on a long-term p eace ag reem ent rather than an i m m e d i ate cea se fi re, a n ot abl e sh ift that aligns w ith Russia’s p reference

The meeting took place just days after a s u m m i t b e t w e e n T r u m p a n d R u s s i a n President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which failed to produce a ceasefire In a public statement ahead of the White House talks, Trump had bluntly urged Zelensky to cede lost territory and abandon aspirations of joining Nato However, the tone of the s u b s e q u e n t d i s c u s s i o n s w a s f a r m o r

constructive, with the US leader appearing t

m

protection for Ukraine

While ruling out full Nato membership, Trump said the US would help out European n a t i

Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who were present at the meeting, praised the move as a potential “historic step forward ” Zelensky, who thanked Trump for

Mamdani

vows to 'Trump-proof NYC'

EW YO RK : Zohran Mamdani, N ew Yor k

br in gin g his ‘Five Boroughs Against Trump’ tour t o State n Island The e vent highl ight ed his core pl edge to "Trump-proof NYC" by protecting t he city 's immigra nt communities

administ ration's "horrific cra ckdown "

Speaking at the Istanbul Bay Authentic

underscored the significance of the location, noting that nearly a quarter of the island’s residents are foreign-born He argued that the federal government's actions were driven by punishment, not safety and vowed to r e m o v e U S I m m i g r a t i o n a n d C u s t o m s

E n f o r c e m e n t ( I C E ) a g e n t s f r o m a

facilities and strengthen sanctuary city laws

Trump administration as authoritarian and accused ICE of abducting immigrants

The nominee's stance is in stark contrast to that of incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who has been criticised for coordinating with Trump's immigration crackdown and visiting Mar-a-Lago While Adams has spoken out against some federal immigration policies, his more cooperative approach sets him apart f r o m M a m d a n i ’ s p r o m i s e o f o u t r i g h t resistance

Mamdani's campaign platform resonated strongly in the Democratic primary, where the issue of federal immigration enforcement was a central theme The arrest of primary contender Brad Lander by federal agents d u r i n g a p r o t e s t w a s a p i v o t a l m o m e n t ,

d e s c r i b e d b y M a m d a n i a s f a s c i s m T h e

mayoral nominee is committed to governing the city as a model for the Democratic Party, using his power to reject Donald Trump's fascism and stop the deportation of residents

Five Indian origins arrested in US on human trafficking charges

O M AHA: F ederal, state, and lo cal au thorities h ave arrested and charged f ive individu als of I ndian desc ent with op erating a large-s cale h u m a n t r af f i c ki ng , dr u g t r af f i c ki ng , a nd immigration fraud ring ac ross s everal h otels in N ebras ka

T h e d e f e n d a n t s , i d e n t i f i e d a s K e n t a

Kumar Chaudhari, Rashmi Ajit Samani, Amit

in brief

INDIAN TRUCK DRIVER FACES DEPORTATION AFTER FATAL US CRASH

An Indian national who entered the United States illegally in 2018 now faces deportation following a tragic crash in Florida that killed three people Harjinder Singh 28 was driving a commercial semi-truck on the Florida Turnpike when he allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn causing his trailer to collide with a minivan Two passengers in the minivan died at the scene while the driver later succumbed to injuries in the hospital

PAK ANNOUNCES CREATION OF ROCKET FORCE COMMAND

Pakistan turned its Independence Day celebrations into a carefully choreographed display of military muscle and political messaging headlined by the announcement of a new Army Rocket Force Command The event saw Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif share the stage with army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik, and Asifa Bhutto Zardari Military representatives from Turkey and Azerbaijan added a touch of foreign endorsement The rocket force marks a first in Pakistan’s military structure signalling ambitions for precision-strike capability

MYANMAR POLLS IN PHASES FROM DEC 28

Myanmar’s military-appointed election commission announced that elections will begin on Dec 28 setting a date for polls that critics have denounced as a sham intended to normalise the army’s 2021 seizure of power even as armed conflict rages throughout the country Nearly 60 parties including military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, have registered to run It is unclear how polling can take place in many areas that are not under control of the military govt but held by pro-democracy resistance fighters or ethnic minority rebels Much of the country is wracked by civil war Several opposition organisations said they will seek to derail the election

CHINA SUSPENDS TIES WITH CZECH PREZ FOR MEETING DALAI

development as a crucial step towards a reliable security architecture Following the talks, Trump revealed he had been in contact with Putin to begin arranging a trilateral

president, and Zelensky

continued to build, with Trump confirming

between the warring parties While no date has been set, Trump revealed he has spoken to President Putin to begin the process, with the goal of a trilateral summit that would include himself Crucially, details of the promised security guarantees are now being explored, with officials discussing "NATOlike protections for Ukraine that would be underwritten by European nations with US

leaders have stressed that

ceasefire

P r a h l a d b h a i C h a u d h a r i , A m i t B a b u b h a i Chaudhari and Maheshkumar Chaudhari, are accused of exploiting both minors and adults Prosecutors allege that victims, including 10 children under the age of 12 and 17 adults, were forced to work long hours for little or no pay in unsanitary and "cockroach-infested" hotel rooms

The charges also include a sex trafficking conspiracy targeting minors and adults, with hotel management allegedly facilitating and protecting the illicit activities Furthermore, the hotels were purportedly used as hubs for d

frequent overdoses on the properties

In addition to these charges, the group is accused of running an immigration fraud scheme, allegedly bringing people from India into the US illegally and helping them obtain f

residential locations, leading to the seizure of over $565,000 in cash and a quantity of illicit drugs The government has also initiated legal action to prevent the sale of the implicated hotel properties

China said it has decided to “cease all engagement” with Czech Republic President Petr Pavel over his recent meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama The Chinese foreign ministry also said Beijing has lodged a diplomatic protest with Czech Republic “In disregard of China’s strong opposition Czech President Petr Pavel went to India to meet with the Dalai Lama ” a spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry said This contravenes the commitment made by the Czech govt to the Chinese govt, and harms China s sovereignty, the spokesperson added Pavel met the Dalai Lama in Ladakh on July 27

20 KILLED AS MIGRANT BOAT SINKS OFF ITALY

A boat carrying nearly 100 migrants capsized in international waters off the Italian island of Lampedusa killing at least 20 people and leaving a dozen missing the UN refugee agency and local officials said Sixty survivors were brought to a centre in Lampedusa, said a UNHCR spokesman in Italy, Filippo Ungaro According to survivor accounts, there were 92 to 97 migrants on board when the boat departed Libya Authorities have recovered 20 bodies and were searching for another 12 to 17 survivors It was not immediately known how long the migrants had been at sea

SC cancels bail granted to actors Darshan, Pavithra in murder case

NEW DELHI: In a major setba ck t

C

H ig h Court's order of grant in g bail t o them in the R enukaswa my murde r case

The order (Karnataka High Court) is set aside, and the bail granted to the accused is set aside," said a two-judge Bench of the top court, headed by Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan

and Pavithra Gowda

Governor worse than oppn in ‘slandering’ govt: TN CM

DH AR M A PU R I : Tami l N adu CM MK Stali n slammed governor R N Ravi for alleging a fall in education levels and rise in attack s on women in the state, ac cusing him of indulging in poli ti cs “cheaper” tha n the opposi ti on ’ s as a long-s tandin g duel b etween the two esc alated “If opposi tion parti es do poli ti cs, it’ s understandab le All the govern or does i s to slander govt, spread fa ls e information about DM K ins ult Dravi dam, refuse to gran t a s s e n t f or b i l l s , ’ ’ S ta l i n s a i d a t

g ov t e ve n t i n Dharm apuri

NORTH-EAST

2012 Assam communal unrest: 5 get life term for murder

T h e c o u r t , w h i c h h a d e a r l i e r

reserved the judgment on July 24, pronounced the order after hearing an appeal filed by the Karnataka government challenging the Karnataka HC order granting bail to Darshan, Gowda

a n d o t h e r

s i n t h e Renukaswamy murder case

While reading out the operative part of the verdict, Justice Pardiwala

s a i d , " J u s t i c e M a h a d e v a n h a s p r onounced a very erudite judgment It is ineffable It conveys a message that, however big the accused may be, he or she is not above the law "

He also stated that it contains a strong message that the justice deliv-

ery system at any level should ensure at any cost that the rule of law is maintained "No man is above law or below it Nor do we ask anyone's permission when we obey it The need of the hour is to maintain rule of law at all times,"

P

nouncing the order for the bench D

Pavithra Gowda and several others, is accused of abducting and torturing 33y

allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Strictly warning those people who provide special treatment to the accused in jail, the top court added, the day we come to know that the accused people are being provided 5-star treatment, the first step would be to place the jail superintendent on suspension along with all other officials

Send Punjab plea on bills to 5-judge bench: Govt to SC

NE W D EL H I: Th e Centre

h as requested the Suprem e C ourt to refer a p etition filed by th e Punjab go vt seeking the cou rt’s interv entio n in two bills - one am ending the S ikh Gurdw aras A ct and the o ther P unjab Police Act - to the fiv e-jud ge bench which is scheduled to h ear p resid ential reference on SC ’ s jurisd iction to fix timelines fo r the P resident and g overnors in granting, refusing or withhold ing assent to bills

For the Centre, advocate Kanu Agrawal requested a bench led by CJI B R Gavai to either tag the Punjab petition with the Presidential Reference or keep it pending for adjudication after the five-judge bench gives its opinion on the 14 questions raised by President Droupadi Murmu in her ref-

erence under Article 143 following SC’s April 8 judgment

Centre’s application for hearing later

passed by the assembly two

Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and The Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023 - have been kept in limbo by the President after the governor arbitrarily referred these to her

The state challenged “the governor ’ s referral of the two bills to the President of India for her consideration in contravention to the aid and advice of the council of ministers in the absence of any constitutional trigger or any extraordinary breakdown of democratic governance ”

Mamata likely to skip opening of Kolkata metro projects by PM Modi

K O L K A T A : W e st B e n g a l C h ie f

Minister Mamata Ban erjee is like ly to skip the ina ugura tion of thr ee Kolka ta m e t r o p r oj e ct s b y P r i me Mi n is t e r Na rendr a Modi on August 22, a top sta te government officia l sa id

The decision to skip the inauguration of the metro projects was taken in the backdrop of alleged harassment of migrants from West Bengal in the BJP-ruled states, he said

"There have been charges of linguistic discrimination and the harassment of the Bengalis in several states, with the alleged support of the BJP and the central government Protests are underway to oppose such discriminatory treatment being meted out to Bengali migrants In such a situation, the chief minister does not wish to share the stage with officials from the central government," the top bureaucrat said

R a i l w a y M i n i s t e r A s h w i n i Vaishnaw, in a letter invited Banerjee to the inauguration of three metro p r o j e c t s "

grace the occasion at Jessore Road

gramme," Vaishnaw said in the letter dated August 14

H

the timing of the inauguration, claiming that the long-pending projects were being opened with an eye on the assembly elections due early next year

charge, blaming the state government for the delay in the completion of the metro projects

S

Bhattacharya said, "43 railway projects in Bengal, including the East-West Metro (Green Line), have been delayed due to land acquisition problems and lack of cooperation from the state government Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Sealdah-Esplanade section of the Green Line, Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing)-Beleghata stretch of

Hind Bimanbandar (airport) section of the Yellow Line

Stalin said the “Dravidian model govt” was setting an example for the entire country by implementing schemes like free bus travel for women The scheme has now been followed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, he said, adding every Tamil Nadu woman has saved Rs 50,000 since DMK came to office in 2021 due to the sops

Unable to digest this, some “mischievous elements” are spreading canards, the CM said, hitting back at the governor who had also claimed growing discrimination of marginalised groups

Stalin denied Ravi’s claims about a rise in attacks on women in TN He cited purported National Crime Records Bureau data for 2022 to claim BJP-governed UP topped the list “If Ravi has to accuse any state for not protecting women, then it should be the BJP-governed states ”

Stalin accused Ravi of belittling Tamil Nadu’s students by making “false statements” about the state’s education system He held up his govt as a “beacon for the country on many fronts” “We are not saying so Even data released by Union govt says this,’’ the CM asserted

Khalistani outfit threatens Punjab CM

B A T H I N D A : S ikh s fo r J us tic e (SFJ), a US -based K halistani o utfit, has em ailed sev eral m edi a p ers o ns t h rea ten in g “ p o l it ic

death” for Pu njab ch ief minister Bhagw ant M ann o n A ug 3 1 - th e day former Punjab C M Beant Sing h was assassinated Earlier, Sikhs for Justice chief

a n d d e s i g n a t e d t e r r o r i s t

Mann

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had openly threatened to kill Mann and the Punjab DGP on Republic Day

In a related incident, pro-Khalistani graffiti was found painted on Mehal Kalan MLA Kulwant Pandori’s house in Pandori village in Barnala The same threatening slogan was also found near the village bus stand Officials later spray-painted the graffiti black to obscure it

“CCTV footage shows two men arriving on a motorbike around 3am on Aug 15 They painted the slogans quickly A police complaint has already been filed,” the MLA said

Bengal govt launches scheme for rehabilitation of migrant workers

K OL K A T A: West Bengal Ch ief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a scheme for rehabilitatio n of mig rant labourer s, and all eg ed th at th ey w ere fa ci ng “ p re- p lan ned attacks” in BJP-ruled states

Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat, Banerjee said under the 'Sramasree' scheme, the migrant labourers, who were willing to return to Bengal, would be provided financial aid of Rs 5,000 for 12 months or till the time they get employment She said that they would also receive Rs 5,000 rupees as travel assistance and a one-time rehabilitation allowance

"Around 22,00,000 migrant labourers and their families have been harassed in other states, especially in states having double-engine governments They are facing preplanned attacks “The cabinet has given approval for the scheme to help in the rehabilitation of the migrant workers willing to return and start their lives afresh," she said

Mamata said the scheme is designed to ensure financial stability, skill-building, and basic entitlements for returning workers The government will assess skills and provide training under ‘Utkarsh Bangla’, along with job cards under the Karmashree project, which has already issued 7 8 million cards Additional benefits will include

Swasthyasathi health coverage, accommodation in community coaching centres for those without homes, and school admission for children Beneficiaries will also be eligible for Kanyashree and Shikshashree schemes

Bongaigaon sentenced five men to life in prison for their role in the alleged mob killing of a youth from the Bodo community in Chirang district during the 2012 ethnic violence in the state’s Bodoland Territorial A

Osman Ali were found guilty after a yearslong CBI investigation and trial The court ruled the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt through evidence and witness accounts The killing took place on July 22, 2012, when four Bodo men from Hasraubari came under attack from a mob of 40 to 50 armed with daggers, swords, bamboo sticks, and iron rods on a village road They had earlier moved their families

unrest The quartet had returned that day to guard their homes The wounded men were shifted to Bongaigaon civil hospital, where Ratneswar Basumatary died The killing was part of a wider wave of clashes in 2012

immigrants The unrest left more than 100 dead, displaced nearly 500,000 people from both communities, and destroyed homes in over 240 villages

MEITEI ORGANISATION SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM APSC

The Manipur-based Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has sought clarification from the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) regarding a controversial question related to the ongoing Manipur crisis that was allegedly included in the recently held Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) examination In a statement, the MHS alleged that a “mischievous question was asked during the examination with the intent to malign the Meitei community The organisation urged the APSC to declare the question null and void to ensure it is not used for evaluation purposes Describing the matter as a “one-sided portrayal,” the MHS said such framing was unbecoming of a public service commission entrusted with fairness impartiality, and integrity The MHS further contended that the question and its subsequent answer key ignored the role of Kuki-Chin militants and Kuki-Zo civil society organisations in the Manipur conflict The organisation said it had submitted a strong representation to the APSC pointing out the selective targeting of one community while disregarding publicly available reports including those by the NIA CBI and a Supreme Court-appointed committee, which highlighted the role of Kuki groups

SIKKIM SUBMITS REPORT ON ST INCLUSION LIST

The Sikkim committee on tribal inclusion was held in the national capital marking a significant step in the state s long-standing demand for constitutional recognition of 12 leftout communities The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and attended by senior officials from the CMO and the Social Welfare Department The Ethnographic Committee on Sikkim’s tribal inclusion formally submitted its much-awaited final report to the Chief Minister The report recommends the inclusion of 12 communitiesBhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Khas, Kirat Rai, Kirat Dewan Yakha, Majhi, Mangar, Newar Sanyasi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), and Thami - into the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list under the Constitution of India Describing the submission as historic step, the CM said the recommendations would strengthen Sikkim’s long-pending demand to be recognised as a tribal state He emphasised that the recognition of these communities is not only a matter of constitutional justice but also essential for safeguarding their cultural identity socioeconomic upliftment and political rights A

a

CEC gives Rahul Gandhi 7-day ultimatum over ‘vote theft’ claims

I n di a 's Ch ie f E l e c t i on C om m is s io ne r ( C E C)

G y a n es h K um a r h as g i ve n

L e a de r of t he Op po s it i on

R a hul Ga n dhi a s e ve n -da y ultim atum , de manding that

h e e i t he r s ub m it a s wor n a ffidavit with proof of alleged e lectoral r oll irr egular ities or is sue an apology At his f ir st

p r e s s c on f e r e n c e a s CE C,

K um a r dec l ar ed t hat the re was no third opt ion, sta ting

he c ons titutional proces s The CEC explained that

p

o correct errors in the voter list, including filing claims with local officials or through a n a p p e l l

failing to use these channels and instead making public

that Gandhi was subverting the Constitution He stressed

discrimination, adding that

Kumar also asserted

Commission stands firm in its commitment to enrolling

every eligible Indian citizen Reacting sharply, Rahul Gandhi launched a counterattack, accusing the Election

action, enabling them to help the ruling party Oppn may mov e t o impeach CEC

Amid the ongoing ECopposition clash, INDIA bloc

moving for impeachment of G

Election Commission is no longer capable of ensuring

instead, is led by officers who

probing voter fraud

g o f

India, China to seek early solution to boundary delimitation

In a big breakthrough, India and China have decided to work on a s ettlem ent of the b oun da ry q ue s ti on an d an expert group will be s et up to explore an e arly s ol ution to boundary delim itat ion

A f t e r P r i m e M i n i s t e r

Speaking in Bihar, where his party was launching

that

protest

new law was passed in

opposition parties and is not final, the INDIA bloc chose to amplify it by confirming that the impeachment notice w a s b r a i n s t o r m e d b y t h e a l l i e s a n d d r e w w i d e consensus

Astronaut Shukla meets PM Modi, gifts tricolour he carried into space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, I ndia’ s pioneeri ng

Force test pilot, met Pri me M inister Narendra Modi at his offici al residence In a gesture laden with patriotic pride, Shukla presented PM M o di w i th th e I n d i a n national flag he pers onally c arried to the International S pa c e St a ti

human spaceflight

D u r i n g t h e m e e t i n g , S h u k l a c o n v e y

exhilaration and challenges

c t i v e l y p a r t i c i p

J i t e n d r a S i n g h , l e d t h e

c o m m e m o r a t i o n b y l a u d i n g S

aspirations in space

While the Opposition did not paerticipate in the s

Tharoor praised the Indian f

N a r e n d r a M o d i , E x t e r n a l

Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

m e t C h i n e s e F o r e i g n M i n i s t e r W a n g Y i , t h e

Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement and said t h e t w o s i d e s h a v e a l s o d e c i d e d t o r e s u m e d i r e c t f l i g h t s a t t h e e a r l i e s t a n d increase the scale of Indian pilgrimage to Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

T h e r e l a t i o n s h i p , w h i c h hit a low after the Galwan c l a s h i n 2 0 2 0 , h a s s e e n a marked thaw of late and the latest developments come in t h e w a k e o f U S P r e s i d e n t

D o n a l d T r u m p ' s announcement of 25% tariffs on India and an additional 25% levy for buying Russian oil Doval and Wang, who are t h e c o u n t r i e s ' S p e c i a l Representatives (SR) on the

Centre rejects SC’s attempt to mandate presidential opinion

Th e Uni on government h as voi ced i ts strong objectio n to a Sup reme Co urt ju dgment th at advised the Presid ent to s eek the court’s op inion on bi lls d eemed unco nsti tutional

b y a s t at e go v er no r T h e C e nt r e a r gu ed t h at t h e jud ici ary cannot di ctate to the P resi dent h ow and when to

e xe r ci s e h i s /h e r u nf et t er ed d is creti on to seek legal ad vi ce o n cons titutio nal matters

A h e a d o f a f i v e - j u d g e bench hearing on a related

m a t t e r , t h e C e n t r e ,

r e p r e s e n t e d b y S o l i c i t o r

G e n e r a l T u s h a r M e h t a , contended that the President's power to consult the Supreme Court under Article 143 is an

a b s o l u t e p r e r o g a t i v e , n o t a m a n d a t o r y d u t y T h e government argued that the judgment, which suggested a referral to the apex court as a ‘ m e a s u r e o f p r u d e n c e ’ , i s contrary to the constitutional s c h e m e T h e C e n t r e s

submission outlined three key reasons for its stand

F i r s t l y , i t n o t e d t h a t c o n s t i t u t i o n a l p r o v i s i o n s related to a President’s assent do not grant a role to the Supreme Court Secondly, the C e n

C

legislature, the executive, and the judiciary to interpret its p

i n s I t asserted that the judiciary's role is to adjudicate on the legality of a law after it has been enacted, not on a bill that is still pending Finally, the government stated that t h e c o u r t ’ s p r o p o s i t i o n i m p e r m i s s i b l y c o n v e r t s a c o n s t i t u t i o n a l p r e r o g a t i v e into a judicial mandate The Centre also clarified that a s t a t e c a n n o t f i l e a p e t i t i o n against its own governor, as s u c h d i s p u

addressed under a different legal provision

historic Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station Union Minister of State for Science & Technology,

i n l o n gduration space operations aboard the ISS as part of an international crew PM Modi, deeply moved by the symbolic gift, lauded S h u k l a n o t j u s t f o r h i s technical achievements, but for inspiring a generation to dream beyond Earth The P a r l i a m e n t e a r l i e r p a i d glowing tribute to Group C a p t a i n S h u k l a f o r h i s

welcome upon his return to India Landing at Delhi’s IGI airport, he was received at the airport by Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister

R e k h a G u p t a , a n d I S R O

C h a i r m a n V N a r a y a n a n , along with a large crowd of space enthusiasts

DGCA warns Air India over pilot duty violations

I n d i a ' s a v i a t i o n r e g u la t or , t he Dir ector ate Gen er al of C ivil Aviat ion ( DG CA), has issued a st ern warn ing t o A ir In dia, a ccusing the airline of m isusin g an ex emp tion t o pilot flight dut y rule s The e xe mption had bee

India

D G C A found that Air India, in a move which a senior official c

c

w from three to two on two separate, unaffected flights from Bengaluru to London on May 16 and 17 These f l i g h t s d i d n o t e n t e r Pakistani airspace and thus d i d n o t q u a l i f y f o r t h e exemption, yet pilots were made to fly for longer than

t h e 1 0 h o u r s p e r m i t t e d under standard regulations

T h e r e g u l a t o r ’ s

investigation began with a show-cause notice issued on May 24 On August 11, the D G C A o f f i c i a l l y i n f o r m e d Air India that its response w a s u n s a t i s f a c t o r y a n d failed to address the noted r e g u l a t o r y l a p s e s T h e D G C A ' s w a r n i n g l e t t e r specifically noted that the a i r l i n e ' s a c c o u n t a b l e m a n a g e r , C E O C a m p b e l l Wilson, had failed to ensure compliance with the rules

T h e D G C A h a s s i n c e warned Wilson to exercise u t m o s t d i l i g e n c e a n d

r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i n e n s u r i n g strict compliance with civil aviation requirements This i n c i d e n t u n d e r s c o r e s t h e regulator’s commitment to enforcing safety protocols, especially in the context of flight duty time limitations, w h i c h a r e c r u c i a l f o r preventing pilot fatigue and ensuring passenger safety The exemption, which Air India is accused of misusing, expired on June 12, the same day as the AI 171 crash

Swaminarayan swami alleges extortion bid by wife, in-laws

A s h o c k in g f a m il y a nd marital dis pute has escal ated into a pol ic e case after th e 28ye ar - o ld f u tu r e Ach a ry a o f

K al u p u r Sw a m in ar a y an

T em p l e in Ah m e da b ad lo dge d a c om p laint agains t his wif e and in- laws, accu sing them o f f rau d, exto rtio n, and even threats to harm him

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e F I R , complainant Vrajendraprasad Pandey alleged that his wife

Avantika Shukla, along with h e r p a r e n t s , r e l a t i v e s a n d family associate Shashikant Tiwari, allegedly conspired to cheat him through a marriage arrangement

P a n d e y s t a t e d t h a t t h e alliance was initiated through

S h a s h i k a n t T i w a r i , w h o gained the family’s trust and introduced the Shukla family from Prayagraj The marriage proposal was accepted, and after an engagement in April

2 0 2 4 , P a n d e y m a r r i e d Avantika in July 2024, with d u e r e g i s t r a t i o n l a t e r t h a t month

H o w e v e r , d u r i n g t h e i r honeymoon in Bali, Pandey claimed he repeatedly felt unwell after meals arranged b y h i s w i f e H e f u r t h e r a l l e g e d t h a t o n o n e o c c a s i o n , h e c a u g

p o w d

r i n t o h i s s o u p , raising suspicion of being d r u g g e d L a t e r , h e a l s

w h i t

PM Modi to address UN General Assembly in New York

P r i m e M i ni s te r Nar en d ra M odi is sch ed uled to travel to New York in S eptem ber to attend and add ress the h i g h- lev el U ni ted Nati o ns General A ssembly ( UNGA) session His address to the g lo b al bo d y is sl ate d fo r S eptem ber 26, a key date on the d iplomatic calendar th at w ill see heads of state and g o v er nm e nt c o nv e rg e to d is c u ss th e w o r ld ' s m o

p ressing challeng es T h e P r i m

e r s visit is particularly significant as it coincides with the UN's 80th anniversary The milestone occasion will be commemorated with a highlevel meeting on September 22, setting the stage for the regular sessions This year's General Assembly is operating under the theme "Better

Rights," a title that underscores the need for renewed

world India's perspective on these critical issues - from sustainable development to human rights and maintaining international peace - will

be keenly awaited

mence on September 23 In keeping with a long-stand-

address will be delivered by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva He will be followed by the President of the United States, Donald

Modi's address later in the

platform for India to articulate its vision on the world stage and reinforce its position as a key player in global governance His presence at

continued commitment to multilateralism and its role

international future

India-US trade talks postponed, raising tariff uncertainty

A scheduled bilateral trade

m eeting between Ind ia and the United S tates has been

p o s tp o n ed b y t h e T ru m p a d m i ni s tr ati o n, c as ti ng fresh uncertainty ov er the future of a propo sed trade d eal Th e talks, wh ich were slated to beg in on Aug ust 25, h av e no new date, with officials in New Delhi hav ing o nly receiv ed v erbal c omm unicatio n of th e delay

The postponement further complicates the matter of looming tariffs President Trump has set an August 27 deadline to double the tariff

on Indian exports to the US to 50 per cent This punitive measure, which would represent a significant increase from the current 25 per cent tariff, has been threatened in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian arms and oil The government in India was hoping t h e u p c o m i n g m e e t i n g would provide some muchneeded clarity on the matter

However, recent diplom a t i c d e v e l o p m e n t s m a y have opened a window of opportunity for New Delhi

Following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Trump has a d o p t e d a m o r e a l i

d stance on a potential peace deal in Ukraine While the talks did not yield an immediate truce, the US President has refrained from calling them a failure Trump has also stated that he will wait f o r t w o t o t h r e e w e e k s before moving forward with secondary tariffs on other c o u n t r i e s , n o t a b l y C h i n a , providing a brief respite for India and other major buyers of Russian crude

Kashmir cloudburst toll rises to 63, search operations continue

T he death toll fro m the d eva s tati n g c lo u d b u rs t a nd flash flood in this v illag e in J a m m u and K a sh m ir ’ s K i s h tw a r d i st ri ct h a s climbed to 63 , follo wing the reco very of two more bodies from the debris The larges c al e s ea rc h an d re sc u e o p e rat i o n i s co n ti nu i ng d esp i te i nte rm i tten t ra in s and challenging conditions

Rescue teams, including p e r s o n n e l f r o m t h e A r m y , are working at multiple sites, sifting through rubble using heavy machinery and sniffer dogs One of the two bodies

r e c o v e r e d , a w o m a n , w a s f o u n d d o w n s t r e a m i n a gorge, while the other was

located near a temple at the disaster’s epicentre Officials have revised the list of missing persons, with the number now standing at 39 A total of 167 survivors have b e e n r e s c u e d s i n c e t h e calamity struck on August 14

T h e A r m y ’ s W h i t e Knight Corps has deployed additional medical and relief teams to the site and has successfully built a bridge

over the Chisoti Nala to expedite relief and evacuation efforts To enhance supervision of the ongo-

will be deputed to the site for the next eight days The tragic incident, which saw

flood, has led to the suspension of the annual pilgrimage The relentless search

c

f finding more bodies or survivors

India tightens rules for OCI card holders, charge sheet now ground for cancellation

In a sign ific ant tightening

O

Ci tizens of India (

The new rules target cardholders involved in seri ous

ges of the c ard with a higher standard of legal c on duc t According to the new notification, an OCI cardholder’s registration can be revoked under two key circ

h

a r e c o n v i c t e d o f a n o f f e n c e

that carries a prison sentence of two years or more, o r i f t h e y a r e f o r m a l l y charge-sheeted for a crime that has a minimum puni s h m e n t o f s e v e n y e a r s

This marks a notable shift, as the inclusion of a charge sheet as grounds for cancell a t i o n r e p r e s e n t s a m

stringent approach to legal scrutiny, acting prior to

judicial verdict

foreign nationals of Indian origin the benefits of visafree travel and long-term

available to individuals who were citizens of India, or w

ship, on or after January 26, 1950 However, citizens of countries like Pakistan and

excluded from the scheme

holders facing prosecution for serious crimes,

financial fraud While the provision for cancellation upon conviction has existed previously, legal experts have noted that the inclu-

which occurs before

formal judicial determination, may raise concerns about due process and potential

revoke OCI status

J&K chief minister laments union territory status in I-Day

I n h i s fi rs t In d

n, Jammu and Kashm ir Chief M i ni s te r Om ar A b d u ll ah used the platfo rm to d eliver a p oignant critique of the current administrative and p o l it ic al fra m ew or k I n a speech steep ed in lament, he co m p ared h is go v ernm ent to a h orse told to run with two front legs tied , asserting th a t th e d ua l g o v e rna nc e system is designed not for success but to instill defeat T h e c h i e f m i n i s t e r expressed his profound disappointment that there was no announcement regarding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir in the Prime Minister's speech He revealed that he had been led to believe that a major a n n o u n c e m e n t w a s i m m inent, with papers reportedly b e i n g p r e p a r e d H e a l s o decried the practice of linki n g t e r r o r a t t a c k s t o t h e region's political fate, calling a r e c e n t S u p r e m e C o u r t observation on the matter unfortunate "Will the killers of Pahalgam decide whether we will be a state?" he questioned, arguing that external forces should not be allowed t o i n f l u e n c e J & K ' s f u t u r e through terrorism Abdullah further articu-

speech

lated his frustrations w i t h t h

, highlighting the limitations of his elected government He said he had not anticipated that his cabinet's decisions could be altered o r t h r o w n i n t o t h e dustbin, a clear allus i o n t o t h e L i e u t e n a n t Governor's overriding

stressed that while his government and its assembly m e m b

r s a r e a c c o u n t a b l e to the people, the bureaucracy in the current system is not answerable to elected

Heavy rains lash Mumbai, over 400 stranded Monorail passengers rescued

A Monorail train broke down i n M um b ai o n Tu e s da y e v e ni n g a m id h e av y r a i n, s t r a n di n g ov e r 40 0 pass engers f or more than two hours The pass engers were r e s c u e d b y br e a k in g t he windows with the hel p of a c rane An of ficial said t hat 44 2 pas s eng ers were s a fe ly res cued

T h e M u m b a i

M e t r o p o l i t a n R e g i o n

D e v e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y (MMRDA) said that due to

Lok Sabha panel formed to probe Justice Yashwant Varma

Lok Sa bha Spe ake r Om Birla has consti tuted a thre e-me mbe r commi ttee to inve sti gate the g rounds for the rem ov al of Allahab ad Hi gh Court Judge, Justice Yashw ant Varm a The Speaker’s action follows a multi-party notice for a motion of removal, signed by 146 Lok Sabha members from both the ruling and opposition parties, including s

Shankar Prasad and Rahul

G

prompted by adverse findings from Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyay and former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna regarding the recovery of cash and attempts to erase evidence from the judge's official resi-

ished

mon man in the judiciary and that the facts of the case, which point to corruption, merit a formal investigation under the Constitution Acting under the Judges (

removal The committee

Court Justice Arvind Kumar,

Madras High Court Chief

Srivastava, and senior advo-

Karnataka High Court The Speaker has not specified a definitive timeline for the

that the committee will submit its report at the earliest

Varma s removal will remain pending until the report is officially received

overcrowding, the weight limit of the Monorail was exceeded, which caused a mechanical failure

C h i e f M i n i s t e r

D e v e n d r a F a d n a v i s s a i d that an inquiry will also be c o n d u c t e d i n t o t h e incident One passenger was admitted to the hospital

Se ve re waterl ogging in Mumb ai

C o n t i n u o u s d o w n p o u r s h a v e c a u s e d s e v e r e waterlogging across several areas of Mumbai With the M i t h i R i v e r r i s i n g b y 3 9 meters, flooding hit the Kurla K r a n t i N a g a r a r e a , p r o m p t i n g t h e r e s c u e o f more than 350 people

The BMC kept schools and colleges closed for the s e c o n d c o n s e c u t i v e d a y , a l o n g w i t h s e v e r a l g o v e r n m e n t a n d s e m ig o v e r n m e n t o f f i c e s M o r e than 250 flights have been delayed due to the weather

Most city roads remain submerged under 2–4

h ealth reasons

Radhakrishnan, a twotime Member of Parliament

f r o m C o i m b a t o r e a n d a l o n g - t i m e B J P l

i s viewed as a strategic choice by the party to consolidate its presence in the southern p a r t o f t h e c o

T h i s move has created a ‘South vs South’ narrative, putting key r e g i o n a l p a r t

d i l e m m a C o n

r s e l y , t h e

INDIA bloc’s nomination of B S u d a r s h a n R e d d y ,

Telangana, is an attempt to

ideological battle Leaders of

champion of constitutional values, highlighting his long and distinguished career on the bench

from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, holds

With

combined strength

secure 395 votes to win The numbers are heavily stacked in the NDA’s favour, which

majority of over 420 MPs with the support of its allies W

s united behind its candidate, the formidable numbers of the ruling alliance suggest a

Radhakrishnan, making the

largely symbolic

SC asks EC to publish 6.5mn deleted

names from Bihar electoral rolls

T h e S u p r em e Co u rt h a s

d i re c te d th e E l ec t i o n Commission to publish th e details of 6 5 milli on vo ters who se names were deleted from th e electoral ro lls

J u st i c es S u r ya K

an d J oymalya Bagchi mandated

t

p

w

m i gr at i o n, o r du p li c at i o n clearly stated T hese details are to be u ploaded o n th e websites o f district electo ral o fficers

Emphasising that every

adult has a constitutional right to be on the voter list, t h e c o u r t s t a t e d t h a t t r a n s p a r e n c y w o u l d

e f f e c t i v e l y c o u n t e r a n y n e g a t i v e n a r r a t i v e s s u r r o u n d i n g t h e r e v i s i o n

p r o c e s s T h e b e n c h p e r s u a d e d t h e E l e c t i o n

Commission to reverse its earlier stance that it had no s t a t u t o r y o b l i g a t i o n t o make such details public

“We want transparency in

t h e e n t i r e p r o c e s s , ” t h e

court declared, adding that publishing the names and p r o v i d i n g a n o p p o r t u n i t y f o r r e m e d i a l m e a s u r e s would be crucial

In a separate but related d i r e c t i v e , t h e c o u r t

i n s t r u c t e d t h e E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n t o a c c e p t

A a d h a a r c a r d s a s v a l i d identity proof from anyone

w h o s e n a m e w a

applies for re-inclusion The bench noted that Aadhaar is

citizens

The court also ordered

t h e E C

n a c u l a r a n d E n g l i s h newspapers, as well as on

r a d i o a n d t e l e v i s i o n , t o e n s u r e c i t i z e n s a r e f u l l y a w a r e o f w h e r e t o c h e c k their voter status

accused the couple of taking

Offences Wing of Mumbai Police to file an FIR B u s i n

Kothari claimed that in 2015, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra sought a Rs 75 crore loan for their company, Best Deal TV Private Limited, initially at 12% interest, later requesting it as an “investment” with p r o m

transferred Rs

crore in April and Rs 28 53 crore in September 2015, credited to the company, but recovery attempts failed, prompting an Economic Offences Wing investigation T h e c o u p

Advocate Prashant Patil, said t h e a l l

Putin briefs PM Modi on Alaska summit outcome

Russian President Vladimir P

Minister Narendra Modi to brief h im o n the ou

me of h is recent su mmit with US P resident D onald

ossibility of

agreement

media, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's consistent

l l e d f o r a p e a c e f u l

r e s o l u t i o n o f t h e c o n f l i c t and supports all efforts in this regard," Modi stated, u n d e r s c o r i n g t h e n a t i o n ' s firm diplomatic stance The phone call takes place amid accusations from aides of the Trump administration

that India is funding the R u s s i a n “ w a r m a c h i n e , ” h i g h l i g h

geopolitical pressures facing New Delhi

Beyond the discussions

between their countries and to remain in close contact

international matters The conversation sets the stage

engagements, with External

, addressed by NCLT Mumbai in October 2024, and involve an equity investment with all documents submitted to the E O W H

company has

accountants have repeatedly provided evidence “This is a baseless and malicious case a

clients, and we are taking action,” he said Kundra has faced recent l

a 2024 ED search over money laundering and a 2021 arrest related to pornographic film production, for which he was later granted bail Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty

A wall and roo f collapse at th e Patte Shah Darg ah near H u m ay u n ’ s T o m b h as tr ag i c all y c lai m e d se v en

li v e s T h e st ru c tu re , a mo dern building ad jacent to th e heritag e site, gave way d u e to h ea v y ra i nf all , trapping a num ber of peo ple i ns i d e P o li c e h av e s in ce re g i st ere d a c as e ag a in s t u nk no w n p eo p l e u nd e r vario us sections related to cau sing death by negligence

T h e i n c i d e n t s p a r k e d

i n i t i a l c o n f u s i o n a n d

w i d e s p r e a d f a k e n e w s o n

s o c i a l m e d i a , w i t h f a l s e reports claiming the 16thcentury Humayun's Tomb h a d b e e n d a m a g e d

A u t h o r i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e

situation, the two leaders also touched upon

range

government confirmed that Modi and Putin agreed

visit Russia

Seven killed in wall collapse near Humayun’s tomb

A r c h a e o l o g i c a l S u r v e y o f I n d i a a n d t h e A g a K h a n

T r u s t f o r C u l t u r e , s w i f t l y c l a r i f i e d t h a t t h e m a i n w o r l d h e r i t a g e s i t e r e m a i n e d c o m p l e t e l y unharmed

T h e r e s c u e o p e r a t i o n was particularly challenging due to the difficult terrain

While locals were the first to r e s p o n d , r e s c u i n g f i v e p e o p l e , f i r e s e r v i c e t e a m s and the National Disaster Response Force had to clear

d e b r i s m a n u a l l y a s t h e location’s jungle-like setting prevented the use of heavy machinery The operation

w a s a p a i n s t a k i n g e f f o r t , w i t h r e s c u e r s u s i n g s p e c i a l i s e d l i f e d e t e c t o r

machines to search for any signs of survivors beneath the rubble

The deceased have been i d e n t i

A

M o h a m m

i d , S w a r o o p C h a n d , M o i n u d d i n , A r i f , M e e

Arora and Anita Saini, with

Supreme Court seeks simplification of India's adoption laws

T h e S up rem e C o u rt h as called for Ind ia's ado ption laws to be simp lified, no ting th at the current process is c u m be rs o m e an d frustrating for p rosp ecti ve parents A bench of Justices B V Nag arath na and K V V i sw ana th an h i g h li g h te d th at th e prolong ed waiting period, w hich av erages 3 5 years for infants, is driving childless couples to byp ass leg al channels and resort to illegal adop tions

T h e c o u r t ' s r e m a r k s were made during a hearing on child trafficking, where it u n d e r s c o r e d t h e s e v e r e disparity between demand a n d s u p p l y W h i l e o v e r 36,616 prospective adoptive parents are registered with t h e C e n t r a l A d o p t i o n Resource Authority (Cara), only a fraction of children, just 2,756, are available for adoption Despite adoptions reaching a decade-high of over 4,500 in 2025-26, the

p r o c e d u r a l c h a l l e n g e s p e r s i s t ,

intentioned parents to make unlawful choices

The bench cited a recent case from Telangana where i

power under Article 142 of the Constitution to restore custody of children to four a d o p t

T h

parents had taken custody of the children from their b i o l o g i c

following legal procedures, l e a d

Ramesh Sippy reveals why he cast Jaya Bachchan in ‘Sholay’

Sholay completed its golden jubilee on August 15, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy reflected on the making of the classic. Speaking to Zoom, he revealed how critics once questioned his decision to cast Jaya Bachchan in what seemed like a “wasted role,” but explained that her silent yet powerful presence became one of the film’s greatest strengths

I n S h o l a y , J a y a B a c h c h a n p l a y e d R a d h a , t h e widowed daughter-in-law of Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) and Jai’s (Amitabh Bachchan) love interest Reflecting on her casting, Ramesh Sippy said many had called it a “wasted role,” but he chose her precisely because it was silent: “Even in silence she conveyed so much After 50 years, the satisfaction is that we ’ re still talking about it ” He also recalled the painstaking effort behind capturing the “magic hour” in Jaya and Amitabh’s scenes, ensuring every shot and counter-shot was timed and framed perfectly, a process that took time but, as he said, “ came out right in the end ” Released in 1975, Sholay is regarded as one of Indian cinema’s greatest classics Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim–Javed, the film combined action, drama, romance, and comedy in a way that redefined H i n d i s t o r y t e l l i n g F e a t u r i n g A m i t a b h B a c h c h a n , Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan as the iconic Gabbar Singh, it became a cultural phenomenon With unforgettable dialogues characters and songs Shola continues to

Shah Rukh Khan credits hard work over talent, fans praise humility

Shah Rukh Khan, fresh off his National Award win for Jawan, is revelling in the spotlight while continuing to connect with fans in his signature style

Known for his wit and charm, the superstar recently hosted an Ask Me Anything session on X (formerly Twitter), where he fielded questions with humour and honesty One fan asked if his acclaimed expressions and voice modulation were natural gifts or the result of practice Shah Rukh responded with characteristic humility: “Talent without hard work is

way less than hard work with little talent I fall in the latter category, so I work very hard on the gift God has given me ” Fans were quick to celebrate his response, flooding the thread with admiration and humour One quipped, “Wake up babe, SRK just dropped a new quote today ” Another agreed, “Without hard work, talent is nothing ” A fan praised his consistency, noting, “His passion for working hard never fades away ” Others couldn’t resist adding playful remarks, with one asking, “SRK, do you secretly keep an ‘SRK magic folder’ for questions like these?” And another admirer summed it

Karan Johar to return in 2026 with classic Hindi cinema

Karan

Johar has announced his return to directing in 2026, promising a classic, old-fashioned Hindi film that reflects his roots.

Sharing pictures from a day at sea on Instagram, he revealed that the past year was spent on “revaluations, revelations and resolutions,” and described this phase as the “onset of the 2 0 version of my life ”

Sharing a reflective note on Instagram alongside pictures from his day at sea, Karan Johar wrote, “The Sun the Sea the Clarity The last year has been about revaluations, revelations and resolutions It feels like the onset of the 2 0 version of my life valuing what truly matters and letting the rest fade into emotional oblivion ”

He went on to announce his return to directing: “2026 is the year I will be back on set a promise I’ve made to myself Filmmaking is not just my happy space but my only calling, and I want to tell stories with all the charm of good old-fashioned Hindi cinema It’s in my DNA, so why run away from it to please people I don’t even know?”

Concluding with “Seizing the moment, not just the day love you all,” Karan’s post was met with an outpouring of love from fans Fans urged Karan Johar to return to his KKHH and K3G style romances, with many hoping for a reunion with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol His last directorial, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, was a box office hit, earning over 300 crore and a

up warmly: “There’s no doubt you give 1000%, but your talent is limitless, stop being so modest, my humble king ” Shah Rukh Khan, who made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Deewana, has finally won his first National Award for Best Actor after 33 years, sharing the honour with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail While fans celebrated his win for Jawan, many felt he deserved the recognition earlier for performances in Swades and My Name Is Khan The actor is now busy with his next project, King, directed by Siddharth Anand, which will feature his daughter Suhana Khan and a star-studded ensemble The film is currently in production, with the release date yet to be announced

AR Murugadoss on Sikandar’s failure: “I couldn’t execute it well”

Salman Khan’s Sikandar was touted as his Jawan moment, especially with acclaimed filmmaker AR Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini and Holiday, at the helm Expectations soared, but instead of a blockbuster, the big-budget film fell flat at the box office, leaving fans disappointed

Initially, AR Murugadoss blamed Sikandar’s poor box office run on a language barrier, but in a recent interview with Velaipechu Voice, he admitted the real problem was his own execution “The story was very emotional,” he explained “It’s about a king who doesn’t truly understand his wife Like many of us, he fails to value relationships until it’s too late After her death, her organs are donated to three people, and in trying to fulfill what he couldn’t do for her, he bonds with an entire village The story had depth, but I couldn’t execute it well ” AR Murugadoss compared Sikandar to his earlier success Ghajini, noting that the latter was easier since it was a remake he already had command over “With Sikandar, that wasn’t the case I’ll return to Hindi cinema if I find my comfort zone, but when audiences don’t connect with my vision, it affects me deeply,” he said Despite heavy hype, Sikandar earned only 184 6 crore worldwide in 22 days against a 200 crore budget, making it one of Salman Khan’s most underwhelming releases

Jagapathi Babu hits back at claims Telugu cinema Is ‘boring’

Tollywood actor Jagapathi Babu

uploaded a video titled Preminchukundham Randi (“Let Us Love”) on YouTube, where he responded to fan queries about his life, career, and the industry

When one fan called Telugu cinema “boring” and blamed nepotism for blocking new talent, Jagapathi disagreed “If Telugu cinema is boring, don’t watch it then,” he said, adding that while his father, producer-director VB Rajendra Prasad, opened doors for him, he still had to struggle to sustain his career

Jagapathi Babu dismissed claims that nepotism blocks new talent, pointing out the rise of fresh actors on OTT platforms and in small films, while noting that many star kids fail to make it big “I come from a film family, but that only gave me an entry I still had to struggle to sustain myself,” he said Tollywood, however, remains dominated by powerful film families such as the Konidelas, Allus, Akkinenis, Ghattamanenis, and Daggubatis, with pioneers like NTR, ANR, Krishna, and Chiranjeevi paving the way for their children and successors to become some of the industry’s biggest stars

Jagapathi Babu, who has worked mainly in Telugu cinema along with a few Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films, made his debut as a lead in Simha Swapnam (1989) and rose to fame through the 1990s and early 2000s With lead roles drying up, he reinvented himself as an antagonist in Legend (2014) and has since enjoyed a successful second innings Last seen in Pushpa 2: The Rule, he will next appear in Peddi alongside Ram Charan

Asha Sarath on ‘Papanasam’,

‘Drishyam’

and looking forward to part 3

Asha Sarath, who debuted as a police officer in Drishyam, went on to reprise the role in its Tamil remake Papanasam and the Kannada version Speaking to Cinema Vikatan, she said her fondness for the character remains strong even after a decade, crediting director Jeethu Joseph for the opportunity “When I first heard the story, I assumed I’d be cast as a mother Learning it was a negative role left me silent for a few minutes, but the faith Jeethu sir and Mohanlal sir had in me gave me courage,” she recalled

Although Jeethu Joseph initially decided against casting Malayalam actors in the Tamil remake, Asha Sarath’s stellar performance in Drishyam convinced him otherwise “I am first and foremost a Bharatanatyam dancer, and Kamal sir is someone I’ve admired like a fan It was my dream to work with him,” she said, recalling Mohanlal’s advice before Papanasam: “Don’t be afraid, go boldly ”

Asha also reflected on the role her family played in her journey She revealed that while opportunities arose after marriage, it was her husband’s unwavering support that enabled her to pursue her dreams “The partner you choose to chase your dreams is important,” she added

Confirming that ‘Drishyam 3 ’ will begin soon, Asha Sarath revealed she is also working on a new film with Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram She added that she’s thrilled to share screen space with Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Suresh Gopi in a Mahesh Narayanan directorial, which she believes will be one of the most anticipated films in Malayalam cinema

Rajinikanth

thanks fans on 50 years in cinema: “Gods who keep me alive”

Superstar Rajinikanth, riding high on the success of his latest film ‘Coolie’, has completed 50 years in the film industry. Marking the milestone, he released a statement thanking political leaders, colleagues, and fans for their support.

“My heartfelt thanks to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, BJP leader Nainar Nagendiran, my friend Annamalai, madam Sasikala, Dhinakaran, madam Premalatha, and other political well-wishers who congratulated me on my 50-year journey,” he said He also expressed gratitude to colleagues like Kamal Haasan, Ilaiyaraaja, Mammootty, and Mohanlal

In his most emotional tribute, Rajinikanth thanked his fans, calling them “the gods who keep me alive ” Rajinikanth’s heartfelt statement celebrating his 50 years in cinema has gone viral, drawing an outpouring of warm responses from fans and admirers on social media Over the past few days, timelines have been filled with congratulatory posts and glowing tributes to the legendary star

Among the most touching messages came from his daughter, Soundarya, who wrote: “ 50 years, Appa You haven’t just been part of cinema, you ’ ve shaped it, redefined it, elevated it, and taken it to places it had never been before You’ve inspired generations, set benchmarks, and become the heartbeat of the industry I’m a proud daughter and I love you more than I can ever say The last 10 minutes flashback of ‘Coolie’ I’ll watch it again and again

c h e e r i n g e v e r y s i n g l e t i m e

Nirandharam

” Rajinikanth’s latest release, ‘ theatrical run, with Sun Picture

Shwetha Menon becomes AM first

woman president

Actress

Shwetha Menon has made history as the first-ever woman presiden Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), winning 159 votes again Devan’s 132

Addressing members and the media, she smiled and said, “You all said should be a woman, and today that moment has come, AMMA is now a wo The election saw a strong turnout, with 298 members voting “Namaskaram I thank all our family members here today I speak this gratitude from the language of my heart,” Shwetha said, noting that holdin general body meetings in a year was costly but unifying

Outlining her vision of inclusion and healing, she urged former membe return, even promising personal invitations if needed, and reached out to t Women in Cinema Collective, calling them “part of the AMMA family ” Emphasising collaboration, she added, “We should first hold an executive m and make decisions step by step, we must do everything together ”

The election ushered in new leadership, with Kuku Parameswaran win General Secretary (172 votes to Ravindran’s 115) and Lakshmipriya becomin President (139 to Nasser Latheef’s 96)

Taking office, Shwetha said, “There is no gender divide in cinema, onl characters The life of a film artist lies between action and cut ” Her victory a new chapter for AMMA’s leadership

Aryan Khan unveils directorial debut teaser, Karan Johar foresees record success

The makers unveiled the first look of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series ‘The Ba***ds Of Bollywood’ The teaser drew praise from filmmaker Karan Johar, who predicted the show would “smash all records ”

Sharing his excitement on Instagram Stories, KJo wrote: “Aryan!!! Love you!!! This is going to smash all records! I am proud of you ” In another post, he also cheered for actor

L a k s h y a , c a l l i n g h i m t h e “leading man in this incredible series” and adding, “The red carpet is ready go kill it!”

P r a i s i n g K i l l a c t o r Lakshya’s performance in ‘The Ba***ds Of Bollywood’, Karan Johar wrote on Instagram: “So proud to see our boy shine as t h e l e a d i n g m a n i n t h i s i n c r e d i b l e s e r i e s ! ! ! T h e r e d carpet is ready @lakshya! Go KILL it!!!”

Thriller ‘SKIN’ explores beauty standards and bias

ubhasini Naicker

Writer-director

Urvashi Pathania returns to the short film circuit with ‘SKIN’, set for its US remiere at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival after ebuting at Montreal’s Fantasia Festival. This sychological thriller draws on personal history to xamine the corrosive impact of colourism and eauty standards through the story of a young ndian American woman’s visit to mysterious skin-lightening clinic

Speaking to Asian Voice, Urvashi’s own experience with skin bleaching led her to make this story which is a tale of two sisters caught in a seductive but dangerous pursuit of transformation She recalled, “Growing up Indian in America, I was always aware of my skin tone At nine, one of my mom ’ s friends told her to start lightening my skin if she wanted me to marry well My mom tried homemade bleaching creams once, I screamed and cried, and she never did it again but the shame stayed As a teen, I could buy bleaching creams at any Asian market, and my insecurity grew into a violent desire to tear my body apart and rebuild it whiter That feeling led to ‘SKIN’ ”

even from opposing viewpoints In a way, both sisters are versions of me, I’ve been Kanika, wanting to lighten my skin, and now I’m more like Ria, content in my own skin I don’t judge that younger version of myself, and that’s the essence of their bond ”

On portraying the “quiet, intimate violence” that often occurs in private spaces, Urvashi said, “We used different lighting stories, making the

Shekhar Kapur recalls Sridevi’s fierce loyalty

Padma

Bhushan awardee

On colorism as a deeply rooted issue, Urvashi said, “Colourism is far more universal than we realise, it exists across cultures and countries, yet remains taboo I hope ‘SKIN’ encourages audiences to share their own experiences, even with those unfamiliar with it, and sparks crosscultural connections We’re stronger when we talk about it together ”

Using a mysterious skin-lightening clinic as a metaphor, Urvashi said, “Skin bleaching already feels like sci-fi, almost body horror, especially with increasingly medicalised procedures like glutathione shots and IV treatments I wanted to push it into a near-future world that reflects how women of colour and white women share beauty insecurities and influence each other Skin bleaching became the perfect metaphor to explore that ”

Speaking about writing the sisters’ dynamic in ‘SKIN’ to balance emotional intimacy with thriller tension, Urvashi said, “I don’t have sisters, but in South Asian culture, first cousins often feel like siblings, and I drew from that I wanted their relationship to reflect the way sister’s fight yet have a deep, unconditional love,

scariest moment the whitest and brightest, subverting horror’s usual fear of darkness For the med spa, the front of the house was designed to feel soothing and inviting, while the back was stark, medical, and sterile, creating an ‘oh no ’ moment for Kanika It mirrors real med spas, where a calming facade hides the reality of bodies being altered with needles and machines ”

On casting Sureni Weerasekera and Shreya Navile, Urvashi said, “I knew them as friends, but struggled to find the right sister dynamic until their faces kept coming to mind We were close to shooting without a cast, so I asked them to send audition tapes overnight, and they nailed it I didn’t even know Sureni could act, only that she was a great stand-up comedian, but she was brilliant on set Shreya was equally amazing, sending detailed questions to get into her character’s mind They work very differently, but each brought a unique magic to the film ”

Asked what she hopes audiences take away, Urvashi said, “Insecurity is universal, and I don’t want to judge anyone for it The world often rewards fairer skin, so I understand why some choose to lighten theirs My goal isn’t to tell individuals how to feel, but to challenge the systems that sustain colourism Many don’t even realise they hold such biases I hope the film raises awareness, sparks conversation, and brings some joy to those affected by colourism, because I made it for them ”

Priyanka Chopra celebrates 16years of ‘Kaminey’, hails Shahid Kapoor

Shekhar Kapur, known for his reflections on worlds beyond the visible, revisited the sets of his iconic sci-fi film Mr India. On Instagram, he shared a throwback picture from his first day of shooting with the late Sridevi, capturing them in a playful dance pose In the caption, he fondly remembered the actress, praising her remarkable qualities on and off screen

The teaser, set against a f i l m y b a c k d r o p , h i n t s a t a generational shift where oldschool romance meets a newa g e s

o p e n

w

I

t h A r y a n K h a n r e c i t i n g S h a h R u k h K h a n ’

iconic Mohabbatein dialogue before breaking the mood with a

W

f o l l o w s i s a m o n t a g e o f romance, action, red carpets, a n d h i g h - o c t a n e f i g h t sequences, setting the tone for a larger-than-life drama

Backed by Aryan’s mother, G a u r i K h a n , u n d e r t h e R e d

C h i l l i e s E n t e r t a i n m e n t banner, and co-created by Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, ‘The Ba***ds Of Bollywood’ is set to stream soon However, the release date of the muchanticipated drama is yet to be announced

Priyanka Chopra marked 16 years of Vishal Bhardwaj’s acclaimed film Kaminey with a heartfelt note on social media, calling it a turning point in her career. She praised co-star Shahid Kapoor and shared behind-the-scenes memories, including how she landed the role of Sweety Bhope Sharing stills from the film,

Miami She wrote, “Sweety Bhope

was

Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, when I noticed a missed call from Vishal Bhardwaj What?? I had always wanted to work with him but never thought he’d ca me because of my ‘commercial’ image at the time ” She went on to share how Bhardwaj personally flew to Miami to narrate the story “I remember telling him, ‘Well, she has about eight scenes ’ And he said, ‘With us working on it, it will be so much

more Trust me ’ And I d i d H e p r o m i s e d t o c r e a t e s o m e t h i n g i n c r e d i b l e f o r

a

e r w a r d i n appreciation for taking on the part ” P r i y a n k a r e v e a l e d that she had always been “ g r e e d y t o w o r k ” w i t h V i s h a l B h a r d w a j a n d c r e d i t e d K a m i n e y a s a rue turning point in her career “I learned so much from the master how to research, prepare, and then completely surrender to the part,” she wrote In her note, she praised Shahid Kapoor for being “sensational” in his dual roles and also showered love a c t o r - f i l m m a k e r A m o l G u p t e , calling him “unforgettable ” Concluding her post, Priyanka fondly recalled meeting producer Mubina Rattonsey for the first time on the film’s set “Those were the times Sixteen years ago! Thought I’d share the experience Have any of you watched it?” she added

Shekhar Kapur reminisced about his first day shooting with Sridevi in Mahabaleshwar, recalling how her dance left the crew in awe

“The world stopped, the only thing that moved was Sridevi dancing We all just gawked, and I even forgot to say ‘cut’ we were too mesmerised,” he wrote

He went on to highlight qualities not often spoken about: her fierce loyalty and willingness to protect him when the film faced trouble “She would take every chance to speak about how incredible I was, fiercely defending her director,” he shared Kapur described how behind her stardom lay a rare innocence and vulnerability, which she brought into every performance “It was as if the only one she truly expressed her feelings to was the camera, her protector That’s why she was such a star; she was never afraid to reveal her inner self ”

Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav to lead, Gill made

T he BCC I announced the Indian squad for the Asia

C u p , bri n g i ng an e nd to

m o nth s - lo n g s p ec u l ati o n

w ith Suryakum ar Yadav set

t o lea d th e t ea m w h i le

S hubman Gill made his way back into the T20I setu p as

h is d ep uty

G

2 0 2 4 T h e I

a T e s t captain recently guided the team against England in the

A n d e r s o n

T e n d u l k a r Trophy where they tied the series 2-2 Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, however, missed out while Kuldeep Yadav came back into the t

h e England T20I series at the

beginning of the year Bighitter Rinku Singh as well as

was also included

campaign against UAE on September 9, followed by the blockbuster clash with Pakistan on September 14 The Men in Blue will wrap

assignments on October 19

between Pakistan and India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had threatened to pull out of the ACC general body meeting that was slated to be held in

C

Cricket Board (PCB) chief

conferencing, the schedule

for the September event was finalised

With only six months

World Cup iteration to be

tournament will return to

Games was passed by a ‘voice vote’ (no dissent) with NSFs

s h o w i n g b o t h “ w i l l i n g n e s s and preparedness” to provide assistance to IOA “I am happy that it was a u n a n i m o u s d e c i s i o n W e c a n ’ t j u s t s a y w h e t h e r Ahmedabad is the host city

We have good facilities in B h u b a n e s w a r a n d e v e n i n Delhi, which can host the Games The Glasgow CWG

i n 2 0 2 6 i s a s c a l e d d o w n

president P T Usha and 12 of its Executive Council (EC) m e m b e r s , h e l d a “ c o r d

” S p e c i a l G e n e r a l B o d y

M e e t i n g ( S G B M ) t o “ a p p r o v e b i d t o

C o m m o n w e a l t h S p o r t s f o r hosting the 2030 CWG in India ” After the SGBM, which lasted a mere 30 minutes,

U s h a i n f o r m e d t h e m e d i a that the decision to host the

G a m e s b e c a u s e o f circumstances If we get the 2030 CWG, it will be a full fledged one just like we did in 2010, ” Usha said If India have been given

t h e c h a n c e , f i e l d h o c k e y , b a d m i n t o n , t a b l e t e n n i s , shooting, wrestling, women ’ s cricket, squash and archery disciplines will be added to

t h e G a m e s p r o g r a m m e

I n d i g e n o u s a n d t r a d i t i o n a l

Fans can own a

F an s c oul d n

n a piece of the Lord’s turf, t he most hallowed cricket ground in the world The ground’s outfiel d w il l be r elaid for the first time in 2 3 years and the stadium

a ut hor it ies have dec ided

t o cash in A sl ab of gr ass -

1 2m x 0 6m -w il l cost £50

T h e M a r y l e b o n e Cricket Club said that they are making the offer to the members to raise funds for the MCC Foundation and to aid future development of the cricket field

T h o u g h t h e r e l e a s e mentions members, which come up to 25,000, the general public too could get a slice of the sacred greens As much as 10 per cent of the sales would go to the MCC foundation while the rest would be

u s

previous edition of the Asia Cup was played in the ODI format on the road to the

hosts Sri Lanka to lift the title

While the BCCI is the

tournament will be played in a neutral setting in the United Arab Emirates with eight teams in contention B

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh the competition will comprise Hong Kong, UAE and Oman India and Pakistan last met in an ODI during the C

India beating Pakistan by

six wickets on the back of Virat Kohli’s century Their

sports such as yogasana, kho

k h o a n d k a b a d d i w i l l a l s o make their debut

S o u r c e s s a i d N S F s , whose sports disciplines are likely to be featured at the Games, have been told to c o m e u p w i

before the Aug 31 deadline

T h e G a m e s ’ g

o b a l g o v e r n i n g b o d y w i l l announce the host country

a t i t s G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y meeting which will be held in Nov this year in Glasgow

I O A w i l l f o r m a b i d committee, which will work both on India’s proposal to h o s t t h e C W G 2 0 3 0 a n d Olympic Games in 2036 The S G B M a

b a l a n c e s h e e t s f o r t h e previous financial year

ground The digging up process would begin in September F

before sowing fresh seed t o m a k

n d n e w surface The relaying was necessitated after tufts of grass began to tear off the

curator Karl McDermott

Full squad: Surya Kumar

17 Indian football players fail to report for U-23 camp

Ind ia coach Na usha d Moosa c ou ld be fo r c e d t o fi e ld sev era l unte sted playe rs for t he crucial AFC U-23 Asian Cup Q ua lifier s n ext month

a s m or e t ha n ha l f o f t h e pr obable s a re yet to re port for t he pr epa rat ory ca mp in Beng alur u T h e U - 2 3 p r e p a r a t o r y

c a m p k i c k e d o f f i n Bengaluru on Aug 1, with only 10 players who made it t o T a j i k i s t a n f o r t h e t w o f r i e n d l i e s i n a t t e n d a n c e

Seventeen others who were handpicked failed to report as they remain busy with club duties in the Durand

C u p a n d A F C C h a m p i o n s League Two playoff Some of the players have hardly been involved in the Durand Cup

“ W e a r r a n g e d f o r t w o

f r i e n d l i e s i n M a l a y s i a

a g a i n s t I r a q ( l a t e r t h i s

m o n t h ) a n d h a d a l o n g camp, so that the team gets

good preparations But if the players are unavailable due to club commitments, our e f f o r t s w i l l c o u n t f o r

n o t h i n g , ” s a i d A l l I n d i a

Football Federation (AIFF) deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan

“ W e c a n u n d e r s t a n d there are FIFA international w i n d o w s ( f o r r e l e a s e o f players) but clubs need to make some sacrifices in the i n t e r e s t o f t h e n a t i o n a l team We have a talented group of U-23 players ” Many of the players who

a r e m i s s i n g a r e d e f i n i t e s t a r t e r s M o h u n B a g a n d e f e n d e r A b h i s h e k S i n g h

a n d s t r i k e r S u h a i l A h m a d

Bhat, for example, are with t h e s e n i o r n a t i o n a l t e a m

Then there’s Parthib Gogoi a n d M a c a r t o n L o u i s Nickson (NorthEast United), besides Mohammed Sanan a n d N i k h i l B a r l a ( J a m s h e d p

Nishesh Basavareddy gets US Open wildcard

N i s h e s h Ba s av ar ed

career

Coached by Bryan Smith and his brother Nishanth, Basavareddy now heads to New York as one of the most intriguing young names in the draw The US Open main draw w

qualifying rounds set for August 18–21 R

, Basavareddy first grabbed attention on the junior circuit He won the under-14 Orange Bowl, a title once held by Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, and helped lead the US to victory at the World Junior Team Finals in the Czech Republic

Since turning professional in late 2024, the f

surged into the ATP top 100, peaking at No 99 in June He has already claimed two Challenger titles this season and earned notable wins over Francisco Comesana, Alejandro Tabilo, Alex M

F C ) , a l l o f whom are expected to play a crucial role in the Qualifiers Door s still ope n for Chhet

newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil cleared the

Cincinnati Open, he beat Vukic before falling to Alexander Zverev Olympian Ankita shatters 2000m

ian Ankita Dhyani

Ath letics Meet in Israel The 23-year-old Ankita clocked 6-minute 13

seconds to better the previous national mark of 6:14 38, held by Parul Chaudhary With the ranking points she earned from