AV 28th February 2026

Gold theft surge leaves Asian families terrified

u Mental resilience and clarity during the holy fast Page 6

u The radiant revival of London's festival of colours Page 9

u “To preserve our identity, we must carry our mother tongue” Page 11

u India’s AI Summit marks global tech turning point Page 19

u Major trading nations win as court overturns Trump’s tariffs Page 21 A storm of anguish and defiance is sweeping across Britain’s Hindu community as worshippers, leaders, and organisations unite in a desperate fight to save the Bharat Hindu Samaj (BHS) Temple, the only Hindu temple in Peterborough, now staring at the very real prospect of closure after Peterborough City Council agreed to sell the site it has called home for nearly four decades

R

Reform UK charts controversial path on immigration

eform UK has pledged to deport all illegal mi gran ts , halt sm all- boat arrivals, an d ban face-c overi ng garm ents if it win s the n ext election

Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, said a government led by Nigel Farage would “confront the truth plainly” and called the influx of migrants an “invasion ” Yusuf acknowledged the term would shock the “establishment” but argued it reflected recent migration trends

Speaking in Dover, Yusuf outlined a series of hardline policies, including Operation Restoring Justice, which would track, detain, and deport all illegal migrants

A new removals agency would hold up to 24,000 migrants at a time The party also plans legislation to ban all face coverings in public, including the burqa, and to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionar y Guard Corps and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations

Yusuf said leaving the European Convention on Human Rights would remove legal obstacles to deportation and conf irmed the creation of

a UK Deportation Command He rejected comparisons with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying policing in the UK operates “much more ” by consent Farage criticised Church of England bishops for being “out of touch” with the realities of small-boat crossings, accusing them of ignoring threats posed by migrants who discard phones and passports in the Channel Reform plans to deport 188,000 illegal migrants annually through f ive daily removal flights, with RAF jets on standby The party also wants to replace indef inite leave to remain with renewable f ive-year work and spouse visas and launch an outreach

Tory donor pays £ 50k for dinner with Kemi Badenoch

A Cons ervative donor who was previously suspen ded from the party over allegati on s of bullying a nd in appropri ate language paid £50,000 to s ecure a private din ner with party leader Kemi Ba denoc h, ac cording to reports b y The Guardian

programme encouraging British expats to return with lower taxes and tougher law-and-order policies

Other proposals include visa bans for countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia that do not accept deportees, restoring Christian heritage by listing churches, expanding stop-and-search powers, and mandator y home searches for individuals referred to the Prevent counter-terrorism programme

Labour responded by defending Britain as a “proud, tolerant and diverse nation,” opposing what it called the “divisive politics stoked by Reform ”

Tough crackdown on deepfake abuse

Deep fake nude images and “ reveng e porn ” w ill have to be rem oved from the internet with in 48 hours or tech com panies could face massiv e f ines o r be blocked in the U K, Prime M inister Keir

S ta

as

as a “national emerg ency ” Under proposed amend-

m e n t s t o t h e Cr i m e a n d Policing Bill, f irms will be legally required to remove abusive images within two days of being notif ied by vict i m s o r r e g u l a t o r s Companies that fail to act

Sir Keir Starmer

could face f ines of up to 10% of their global revenue or l o s

entirely

away from victims, adding that misogyny had too often been ignored or dismissed The new rules will also cover

images

Media regulator Ofcom is expected to gain enforcem

while off icials are exploring digital watermarking to prevent repeated uploads and help remove harmful content faster

Lord Rami Ranger placed the winning bid for the dinner during a Conser vative fundraising event He is expected to attend the meal alongside a small group of friends, a development that has angered some within the party who believe he should not have been welcomed back Lord Ranger, who has donated more than £1 5 million to the Conser vatives since 2009, was suspended in 2023 following complaints about comments he made to an independent journalist and separate remarks concerning Pakistanis He was reinstated in November 2024, although he was stripped of his CBE soon after wards

Beyond politics, Lord Ranger has stepped up to support the Hindu community in Peterborough about saving their temple property He has written in support of the Mandir directly to The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretar y of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and is actively rallying behind the community (To know more about what is happening in Peterborough, follow Asian Voice’s coverage on the matter on pages 1, 14-17)

Expat families hit by new passport law

British children born o verseas m ay be denied entry to the UK u nd er new passp ort rules taking effect on 25 February 2026

Dual British citizens must now travel on a British passport or obtain a £589 certif icate of entitlement proving their right of abode The change has alarmed expatriate families whose children lack British passports but have upcoming travel plans

Children born abroad to British parents automatically hold British citizenship and cannot renounce it until 18 They are also i n e l i g

w

scheme The Home Off ice conf irmed the rules apply to all ages, including babies, and warned airlines may refuse boarding without proper documents from next week at the border or face delays and disruption for families travelling

I N B R I E F STARMER BLOCKS TRUMP STRIKE

Keir Starmer has reportedly refused a request from Donald Trump to allow US aircraft to use British bases to strike Iran, warning it would breach international law The UK denied use of facilities at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford citing agreements requiring prior government consent The decision has strained relations prompting Trump to withdraw support for Starmer s Chagos Islands deal Trump suggested UK backing would be lawful, but UK sources reiterated opposition to any preemptive strike, maintaining their stance from last summer s refusal

DOMESTIC TRAINING PLAN FACES DOUBT

Keir Starmer ’s plan to reduce employers’ reliance on overseas workers by boosting domestic training may not significantly cut net migration, according to researchers at the Migration Observatory The report found skill shortages are only one driver with poor pay and conditions making roles unattractive to local workers It also warned that many migrants arriving as students or dependants compete for jobs regardless of shortages Researchers said creating incentives for employers to train domestic staff is difficult to enforce Data also shows only 17% of non-EU migrants since Brexit arrived as main applicants on work visas, limiting policy impact

DISABLED WORKERS FACE JOB BARRIERS

A fall in remote job opportunities risks worsening unemployment among disabled people and undermining government efforts to boost employment, a two -year study by Lancaster University has found More than 80% of disabled respondents said home working was essential or very important when jobhunting while 46% wanted fully remote roles especially disabled women and carers However, remote vacancies are declining Data from Adzuna showed only 4 3% of jobs in 2024-25 were fully remote, down from 8 7% during the pandemic peak Researchers warned reduced flexibility could deepen inequality, with 9 2% of disabled people unemployed Most said remote work improved health, and very few wanted to stop working from home

are solely

and do not necessarily ref lect the views or policies of our publication.

Thought for the week

Protect what rightfully belongs to you

Reform UK, the populist right-wing party, currently leading in the opinion polls, placed religion at the centre of its political platform on Monday, pledging to “protect the Christian heritage of Britain ” According to the 2021 England and Wales census, less than half (46 2 percent) of the UK population identified as Christian, a decrease from 59 3 percent in 2011 Meanwhile, more than a third (37 2 percent) reported having no religion, up from 25 2 percent a decade earlier

During a speech, Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s Home Affairs spokesperson told The Times newspaper that Christianity is “ core to the history and the DNA of the country [UK},” and argued that reviving religious faith is vital to addressing what he described as a “crisis of meaning culturally ”

Yusuf attributed the erosion of Christian values in Britain to “the sheer quantities of people that came to the country in a short period of time ” He said should Reform UK come to power, the party would immediately grant listed status to churches, ensuring their character could not be changed Additionally, he pledged that churches would be protected from being converted into places of worship for other religions, such as mosques

Hindu temples, many of which have served as central pillars within the community, should be extended similar considerations to prevent distress within an otherwise peaceful and law-abiding community

The Hindu and broader Indian community plays a significant role in the UK economy, with research indicating their contribution represents approximately 6% to 6 5% of the nation's GDP As one of the most economically productive demographic groups, they make substantial contributions through entrepreneurship - over 650 Indian-led enterprises generate more than £36 billion in turnover - and through leadership positions in both the financial sector and the NHS They also exhibit the highest educational attainment among all religious groups, with 71% of Hindus aged 25-49

holding higher education qualifications Hinduism also constitutes an important and expanding element of India's soft power in the UK, reflected in contributions across cultural,

understanding and reinforcing bilateral relations between the two countries

For nearly four decades, Peterborough Temple located in the city’s New England Complex has served as a significant

Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and areas of Lincolnshire The temple has hosted religious observances, community events, and life milestones for multiple generations At present, there is concern among members of the community regarding the potential loss of this important venue

The council, as the proprietor of the building, states that selling the property is essential for addressing increasing debt and ensuring value for taxpayers A Scrutiny Committee found councillors lacked sufficient information about selling the temple site and recommended the Cabinet reconsider the decision The Committee advised delaying any sale until the temple secures a new location or its tenancy is confirmed within six months Despite concerns, the Peterborough City Council Cabinet upheld the decision to dispose of the New England Complex This means the Mandir (temple) and community centre, serving the region for over 40 years and relied upon by nearly 18,500 residents as the only Hindu temple within 35–40 miles will be lost (see more on p1,7,14-17)

There are approximately one million Hindus in the UK, which is enough to safeguard their places of worship Now is the time to unite behind the Peterborough temple to prevent its loss due to commercial interests If around 35 to 40 churches and mosques can remain as usual in the area, this temple also has the right to exist Speak up and make your voice heard Sign the petition addressed to the Council Cabinet and Communities Secretary to help protect what belongs rightfully to Hindus

India faces a pivotal moment in AI development

As India advances towards becoming the world’s third largest economic power, it is also taking measures to strengthen its position in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector The country now faces a pivotal moment in its AI development journey, and recently hosted the much talked about AI Summit, under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi

With a robust start-up ecosystem and a substantial pool of engineers, India boasts the world’s largest public digital infrastructure Though India still has significant progress to make in AI when compared to the US and China, but it has established itself as a notable participant in the global AI landscape, the extent to which it will achieve its stated ambitions remains to be seen Over the past decade, India has made significant strides in establishing a robust foundation for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence The Indian government's digital public systems, such as Aadhaar and UPI, have received international commendation Furthermore, Indian IT companies are gaining global recognition, with leading firms investing heavily in the AI sector The country's start-up ecosystem is also advancing innovative AI ventures across various domains including health care, finance, and agriculture

At present, indigenous research and exploration in AI development within India is minimal Instead, most of India s efforts are focused on adopting models developed abroad While nations like the United States, China, and Taiwan are

creating their own foundational AI models and advancing semiconductor technologies, India continues to rely on foreign hardware, cloud infrastructure, and AI systems Such reliance on external technology could negatively impact India's strategic independence

Recently, several American AI companies have advanced proposals to establish data centres in India Prominent Indian business leaders, including Adani and Ambani, are collaborating on these initiatives to develop substantial infrastructure for data storage within the country However, it remains uncertain whether the establishment of data centres alone will fulfil India's aspirations for self-reliance in AI

While these facilities may accommodate the significant data requirements of American AI firms and drive their research forward due to India's extensive data resources, Indian policymakers must ensure that the nation does not become merely a repository for foreign data interests

At present, the Indian government has granted tax exemptions to companies until 2047 for developing data centres As a

Additionally, the high electricity and water usage of these data centres could negatively impact India's agriculture and other industries American companies are pursuing their AI ambitions by leveraging Indian resources While India must advance in the AI sector, it may face significant risks and challenges on the global stage

Trump's tariff: India gains, UK loses

Last week, the US Supreme Court determined that President Trump's tariffs were arbitrary This decision initially sparked joy among countries that had been affected by Trump's high tariffs and those exporting to the US However, this optimism was short-lived, as Trump quickly announced a new 15 percent global tariff to take effect immediately As a result, the global trading system experienced renewed instability India and China are gaining from Trump’s global tariff policy, whereas the UK and European Union nations are facing setbacks Although Trump initially announced an 18 percent tariff on Indian imports in the proposed trade agreement with India, this has been reduced to 15 percent, prompting celebrations among Indian exporters

Chinese exporters are experiencing a similar benefit, but UK exporters must now pay a 15 percent tariff instead of the 10 percent rate previously agreed upon in the trade deal European exporters are facing comparable circumstances Therefore, Trump’s 15 percent global tariff targets only Western countries including the UK and Europe while Asian nations have been spared, despite being considered his close allies

Talking about India, last year, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff and a 25 percent penalty on Indian imports to the US, totalling 50 percent The proposed trade agreement between the two countries proposes to reduce the tariff to 18 percent Which has now been reduced to 15 percent due to Trump's global tariff Thus, the current situation is like a win-win for Indian exporters A similar benefit is also going

to be felt by Chinese and Brazilian exports to the US because Trump has also imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese and Brazilian products

The UK is expected to be hit hardest by Trump's global

exporters When Trump signed a trade deal with Prime Minister Starmer, the UK received the lowest tariff rate at 10 percent, putting British companies exporting to the US in a favourable position However, an increase to a 15 percent tariff will make British goods sent to the US more expensive,

Commerce estimates that export costs could rise by as much as 3 billion pounds, affecting around 40,000 British businesses The most significant impact will likely be on Britain's aluminium and steel exports

During the trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States, Trump enacted a 30 percent tariff on exports from 27 European countries However, after Trump threatened to seize Greenland, the European Union decided to suspend the trade deal As a result, EU exports now face a 15 percent tariff in the US, which is currently regarded as adequate

The 15 percent global tariff set by Trump lasts for just 150 days under US law By enacting it through this legal channel, Trump has attempted to override the Supreme Court’s decision and secured a five-month window Within this period, the US President will likely devise new strategies to pressure other nations

“The

mind is everything. What you think, you become ” – Buddha

AI Impact Summit 2026

Shaping a Human-Centric Future for AI

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

At a defining mom ent in hu man history, the wo rld g athered at th e AI Imp act Sum mit 2026 in New Delhi For u s in India, it w as a mo ment of imm ense prid e and joy to w elcome Head s of S tate, Heads o f Gov ernment, deleg ates and innovators from across th e world

India brings scale and energy to everything it does and this Summit was no exception Representatives from over 100 nations came together Innovators showcased cutting-edge AI products and services Thousands of young people could be seen in the exhibition halls, asking questions and imagining possibilities Their curiosity made this the largest and most democratised AI summit in the world I see this as an important moment in India’s development journey, because a mass movement for AI innovation and adoption has truly taken off

Human history has witnessed many technological shifts that changed the course of civilisation Artificial Intelligence belongs in the same league as fire, writing, electricity and the internet But with AI, changes that once took decades can unfold within weeks and impact the entire planet

AI is making machines intelligent, but it is even more a force multiplier for human intent Making AI human-centric instead of machine-centric is vital At this Summit, we placed human well-being at the heart of the global AI conversation, with the principle of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (Welfare for All, Happiness of All)

I have always believed that technology must serve people, not the other way around Whether it is digital payments through UPI or COVID vaccination, we have e

everyone, leaving none behind I could see the same spirit in the Summit, in the work of our innovators in d

Divyangjan and tools for multilingual populations

There are already examples of the empowering potential of AI in India Recently, ‘Sarlaben’, an AI powered digital assistant launched by Indian dairy cooperative AMUL, is providing real-time guidance to 3 6 million dairy farmers, mostly women, about cattle health and productivity in their own language Similarly, an AI-based platform called Bharat VISTAAR gives multilingual inputs to farmers, empowering them with information about everything from weather to market prices

Humans must never become mere data points or raw material for machines Instead, AI must become a tool for global good, opening new doors of progress for the Global South To translate this vision into action, India presented the MANAV framework for humancentric AI governance

M – Moral and Ethica l Sys tems : AI should be based on ethical guidelines

A – A ccountab le Govern ance: Transparent rules and robust oversight

N – Nation al Sove reign ty: Respect for national rights over data

A – A cces s i b le an d I n clu si v e: AI should not be a monopoly

V – Va lid and Le gitimate: AI must adhere to laws and be verifiable

MANAV, which means ‘human’, offers principles that anchor AI in human values in the 21stcentury

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This week, Alpesh Patel's column Political Sketchbook has been moved to page 17

Communal tensions in Leicester linked

to social media lies

nantly young Hindu and Muslim men between May and September 2022 The d i s o r d e r , i n a c i t y l o n g

r e g a r d e d a s a m o d e l o f

c o m m u n i t y c o h e s i o n , i n c l u d e d v a n d a l i s m , a s s a u l t s , a n d a t t a c k s o n h o m e s a n d b u s i n e s s e s

Police have charged more than 50 people in connection with the violence

L e d b y h u m a n r i g h t s expert and former UN spe-

c i a l r a p p o r t e u r J u a n

M é n d e z , t h e i n q u i r y i n v o l v e d i n t e r v i e w s w i t h around 80 people and cons u l t a t i o n s w i t h w i t n e s s e s and those involved Its 200p a g e r e p o r t , B e t t e r T o g e t h e r : U n d e r s t a n d i n g

t h e 2 0 2 2 V i o l e n c e i n Leicester, found “ no evidence of leadership” from the city council or Labour mayor Peter Soulsby, with a t t e m p t s t o i n v o l v e t h e mayor reportedly declined

The report found that Leicestershire police “suff e r e d f r o m i n t e l l i g e n c e gaps, poor communication, i n c o n s i s t e n t o p e r a t i o n a l d e c i s i o n s , a n d a l a c k o f understanding of commun a l d y n a m i c s i n s o u t h

A s i a n c o m m u n i t i e s , ” though some actions prevented wider violence The absence of intercommunal

m e e t i n g s s i n c e 2 0 2 2 h a s f o s t e r e d “ c o n t i n u e d m i st r u s t , ” l e a v i n g s p a c e f o r polarising narratives K e y f i n d i n g s i n c l u d e : no single group was solely responsible; online disinformation acted as a “ central accelerant”; and comm u n i t y c o h e s i o n i s “increasingly fragmenting” due to migration, economic

d e c l i n e , a n d i m p o r t e d political ideologies such as c o m m u n a l i s m , H i n d u t v a , and political Islamism The i n q u i r y c o n c l u d e d t h a t

H i n d u n a t i o n a l i s t a n d p o l i t i c a l I s l a m i s t a c t o r s

“actively sought to inflame d i v i s i o n , ” w i t h H i n d u groups possessing greater

r e s o u r c e s R e c o m m e n dations include a permanent c o m m u n i t y u n i t y f o r u m and police training on communalism

report, claiming it unfairly

Community Organisations Group (HCOG) Leicester,

Hindus, said most Hindu

over its impartiality, funding, and panel composition

The report received a £620,000 grant from the Open Society Foundations, which HCOG said reflects a “critical stance on India and Hindus,” and argued that the report does not accurately represent the events of 2022

Businessman pleads guilty over offensive emails to Suella Braverman

A busi ness man has admitted sendi ng “ gross ly offen-

s i ve ” e m a i l s to f o r m e r

H o m e S e c r e t ar y S ue l l a B raverman

J a g j i v a n R a m , 6 5 , o f

W a s t e L a n e , B a l s a l l Common, Solihull, apolo-

g i s e d f o r h i s a c t i o n s a t

B i r m i n g h a m M a g i s t r a t e s ’ Court but said he could not recall the emails He pleaded guilty to two charges of

s e n d i n g c o m m u n i c a t i o n s of an indecent or offensive

n a t u r e , r e l a t i n g t o m e ssages sent on June 10 and June 28, 2024

Both charges state the emails were “of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing

d i s t r e s s o r a n x i e t y ” T h e

e x a c t c o n t e n t w a s n o t revealed during the hearing

W e a r i n g a s u r g i c a l

mask, Jagjivan Ram admitted the emails were sent from his address but said he was “not aware of the context ” District Judge David W a i n c a l l e d t h e c a s e “unusual,” noting Ram had no recollection but acted with intent Ram responded, “From a moral perspect i v e , t h a t ’ s n o t m e ” Defending him, Ed Ball said

Sepsis leaves Birmingham woman with quadruple amputation

A woman h as had all four lim bs ampu tated after d evelo pi ng s ep s i s, b el i ev e d to have been trig gered by a dog lick

M a n j i t S a n g h a , 52, spent 32 weeks in hospital and suffered m u l t i p l e c a r d i a c arrests after suddenly falling seriously ill She has since warned that her experience “could happen to anybody ” Doctors say she may have contracted sepsis from something seemingly minor, possibly a lick from her dog on a small cut Mrs Sangha fell unwell at home one Sunday afternoon in July last year By the next morning, she was unconscious, her feet were cold, her lips blue, and she was struggling to breathe

While in intensive care at New Cross

H o s p i t a l i n W o l v e r h a m p

stopped six times As her condition worsened, surgeons amputated both legs below t h e k n e e

m o v e d h e r spleen She also battled pneumonia and gallstones

T h e c o u p l e a r e n o w f u n d r a i s i n g f o r advanced prosthetics and raising awareness of sepsis’s dangers

Rape conviction follows fake employment scam

Police appeal for other victims to come forward.

A m a n w h o l u red a

wo man to a hotel und er th e g u is e o f o f fe ri ng w o rk h as be en fo u nd gu ilty of m ultiple sexu al offences

G u r w i n d e r S i n g h , 37, of Kingshill Avenue, Northolt, was convicted

R a m ’ s m

m o r y o f e v

n t s was “foggy” due to medication S e n t e n c i n g w a s adjourned until April 22 for a p r o b a t i o n r

m was granted bail on condition he must not contact Suella Braverman

a t S o u t h w a r k C r o w n

Court of rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of common assault He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, 15 April

The court heard that on 21 June 2025, Singh arranged for a woman to attend a Paddington address, claiming she would care for a sportsman Once there, Singh posed as the ‘patient,’ assaulted and raped her The victim escaped and reported the offence the following day, despite threats that the incident had been recorded

Police arrested Singh at the hotel on 11 August, seizing nine devices that revealed he had impersonated a woman to gain the victim’s trust and had potentially contacted numerous other women in a similar manner

Detective Constable Lydia Webb urged

a n y o t h e r p o t e n t i a l v i c t i m s , p a r t i c u l a r l y women in the Indian community in Hayes or Southall, to come forward

Monster rapist sentenced following child abuse convictions

A “monst er ” who rape d a vulner able tee na ge gir l a nd a woman in se para te att acks has be en ja iled for 20 ye ar s

Riyasth Hussain, a 45-year-old taxi driver from Doncaster, has been s

assaults between 2004 and 2008

Convicted at Sheffield Crown Court, Hussain was found guilty of three counts of rape involving two victims

The court heard that in 2004, Hussain targeted a vulnerable 13- or

HINCKLEY HOSPITAL EXPANSION CANCELLED

NHS leaders have scrapped plans for a £10 million day surgery unit at Hinckley and District Hospital, citing rising costs and limited demand Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland s Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) approved the decision to cancel the project which was set to treat 2,000 patients annuall, double the hospital’s current capacity The unit would have offered services including breast care general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, pain management, and plastic surgery However costs were expected to rise by £2 million despite planning permission already being granted and concerns were raised that local demand could be met by existing facilities across Leicestershire

BIN STRIKE PROTESTERS RESTRICTED

As Birmingham s bin strike nears its first anniversary, the city council has won a High Court injunction banning protests that disrupt refuse collections The ruling prevents strike supporters from blocking entry or exit at four depots Atlas, Tyseley, Lifford Lane, and Perry Barr- and from obstructing any council street management vehicles Breaching the injunction could lead to fines or jail The council said the order does not restrict lawful picketing or protests that do not disrupt services The action follows a rise in blockages over Christmas leaving 67 000 households without collections in January Protesters called the move “cowardly ” while Unite cites “fire and rehire” pay cuts

LEICESTER MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON

A Leicester man has appeared in court charged with arson and burglary with intent to commit damage following a major fire at a packaging firm last month Ajay Ajay 31, of Forest Avenue Thurmaston, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court over the blaze at Natson Packaging on New Star Road on Sunday, January 25 Six fire crews attended, using an aerial ladder platform, and the fire was extinguished by 10 51pm, with residents advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke Ajay was remanded in custody after indicating a not guilty plea His next court appearance is at Leicester Crown Court on April 7 for a Plea and Trial Preparation hearing

FIFTEEN ARRESTED OVER HOSPITAL ABUSE

14-year-old girl in care, luring her with offers of help before raping her twice In 2008, he attacked a woman in her 20s at a bedsit, an ordeal she stated "completely ruined" her life Hussain was apprehended by the N a t i o n a l C

u n d e r Operation Stovewood, an investigation into historic child sexual abuse in Rotherham Despite a criminal

innocence

Patients relatives and whistleblowers have raised serious concerns about a culture of abuse at St Andrew s Healthcare, a mental health hospital in Northampton Fifteen staff members have been arrested amid allegations of rape, neglect, and illtreatment, linked to incidents dating from October 2024, while two patient deaths are also under investigation The private hospital, which cares for around 600 people with complex mental health needs, said it had dismissed several staff and was implementing an urgent action plan St Andrew’s pledged “full transparency” and a “zero-tolerance approach” to harm or poor practice The Care Quality Commission rated the hospital inadequate last year imposed an urgent condition on its registration and restricted new admissions Ten of the arrested remain under investigation

Monarchy rocked by Andrew’s arrest

“ T h e la w m u s t ta ke i ts

co urse, ” sai d K ing Ch arles

III in a grave and carefully w or d ed st ate m en t, as

B ri ta i n ’ s fo r m er P r i nc e,

A nd r ew M o u n tb att en-

Wi nd so r, w as arre sted o n susp icio n of m isco nd uct in p ublic office, a stunning and u n p rec e d en ted d ev elo pm ent that has sh aken th e foundatio ns o f the m onar-

ch y A c c o r d i n g t o r e p o r t s , this marks the first time the

D u k e o f Y o r k h a s b e e n detained in connection with allegations tied directly to his public role The 66-yearold, once a senior working royal and now a deeply controversial figure, was taken into custody as part of an

a c t i v e a n d i n t e n s i f y i n g investigation

After 11 hours in custody, Andrew was released

u n d e r i n v e s t i g a t i o n :

u n c h a r g e d , y e t f a r f r o m absolved Photographs cap-

t u r e d t h e f a l l e n p r i n c e slumped silently in the back of a car, the weight of uncertainty etched across his face as the gates closed behind him

A King’s distance, a fam ily’s test

In an official statement

h e a v y w i t h e m o t i o n a n d constitutional restraint, the K i n g d e c l a r e d , “ I h a v e

l e a r n e d w i t h t h

c o n c e r n t h e n e w s a b o u t

A n d r e w M o u n t b a t t e n -

Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office

What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investi-

g a t e d i n t h e a p p r o p r i a t e manner and by the appropriate authorities In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course

“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all ” The King’s position was swiftly and firmly backed by W i l l i a m , P r i n c e o f W a l e s and Catherine, Princess of W a l e s , w h o v o i c e d t h e i r support for his stance, reinforcing a united royal front

While many believe that the statement was remarkable as a reigning monarch

publicly distanced himself from and sided against his own brother as the machinery of criminal justice began t o t u r n , G rah a m S m i th , CEO and lead campaigner f o r t h e ant i- m o n ar ch y group Rep ublic voiced that th e stamen w ay absolutely t h e b a r e m i n i m u m t h e y could have done “The only t h i n g r e m a r k a b l e i s t h a t they said anything at all”, he said in a press conference

He also called the arrest as an extraordinary action accusing the authorities of

t u r n i n g a b l i n d e y e H e a d d e d , “ I b e l i e v e t h i s h a s been a constant evolution, with the royals consistently trying to do the minimum they could get away with and so they pulled the plug on Andrew and took all of his titles away and probably thought that was enough ”

“At each stage of this,

t h e y a l w a y s t h i n k , " W e l l ,

t h a t ' s e n o u g h , " a n d t h e n they find out later on that it really isn't

“ S o t h e y ' v e n o w m o s t likely concluded that there's no more road for them to go down other than to simply concede that the police have t o d o t h e i r j o b N o w whether or not there is any effort behind the scenes to try and steer around this

and get Andrew off or to avoid a prosecution or whatever, then you know, we'll have to see ”

G r a h a m , a s k e d i f t h e mud of this scandal is sticking to the King and Prince W i l l i a m , s a i d t h a t t h e monarchy should be expecte d t o a n s w e r q u e s t i o n s

“They should be in front of c a m e r a s a n d j o u r n a l i s t s making a very clear statement and then taking questions

“ A n d t h a t s t a t e m e n t needs to be along the lines of, you know, we want to be absolutely clear the police m u s t f o l l o w t h e e v i d e n c e wherever it leads, even if it's to our own doorstep That we will make sure that all records and files are open and available not just to the police but to parliamentarians who want to investigate, to journalists, to anybody That we will end secrecy, that we will put everything out through the Freedom of Information Act ” Successio n in question

Meanwhile, the governm e n t i s w e i g h i n g a n extraordinary constitutional

s t e p : s t r i p p

f his place in the royal line of s u c c e s s i o n W h i t e h a l l sources told Sky News that

only once the police investi-

course

Additionally, public sentiment has turned sharply against him A YouGov poll found an overwhelming 82 per cent of Britons support removing him from the succession, with just 6 per cent o p p o

undecided

A n d r e w , c u r r e n t l y

eighth in line to the throne behind Prince William, his three children, and Prince Harry and his two children,

w

e

c a u t i o n o n suspicion of misconduct in p u b l i c o f f i c e , a m o m e n t without modern precedent

T h e K i n g s t r i p p e d Andrew of his royal titles last year amid the fallout f r o m h i s a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h

Jeffrey Epstein Andrew has d e n i e d w r o n g d o i n g o v e r those links but has yet to directly address the latest claims

Police close in as inv estigation continues M e a n w h i l e , t h e M e t r o p o l i t a n P o l i c e h a s

w i d e n e d i t s i n v e s t i g a t i o n , contacting current and former royal protection officers

a s d e t e c t i v e s e x a m i n e

w h e t h e r L o n d o n a i r p o r t s were used to facilitate traf-

f i c k i n g a n d e x p l o i t a t i o n

Aides, close confidants and business associates are also among those who may be q u e s t i o n e d a s t h e i n q u i r y deepens

Those understood to be of interest to investigators

i n c l u d e A m a n d a T h i r s k ,

D o m i n i c H a m p s h i r e ,

G h i s l a i n e M a x w e l l a n d

David Stern, as well as Am it Patel, a form er special ad viser to Andrew

P a t e l a s s i s t e d A n d r e w

d u r i n g h i s t e n u r e a s t h e

UK’s special representative for international trade and i n v e s t m e n t f r o m 2 0 1 0 A

f o r m e r s u r g e o n w h o l e f t medicine to pursue a career in medical technology and insurance, Patel accompanied Andrew on more than 3 0 0 o f f i c i a l v i s i t s a n d engagements

Patel now runs an insur-

a n c e c o m p a n y a n d a l s o serves as a trustee of a charitable organisation

The British Crown, built on centuries of continuity and mystique, now faces a modern reckoning as Royal c o m m e n t a t o r P e t e r H u n t describes the whole situation as “seismic”, warning t h e m o n a r c h y h a d b e e n t h r u s t i n t o “ u n c h a r t e d waters”

course

Mandelson bailed after Epstein probe arrest

P eter M and elson, the fo rm er UK ambassador to th e U ni te d S tat es , h as b ee n released o n bail after being arrested as part o f a m iscond uct investigatio n linked to h is relatio nship wi th co nv icted sex offender Jeffrey Ep stein Mandelson was filmed

b e i n g e s c o r t e d f r o m h i s

L o n d o n h o m e b y p l a i nclothes officers, in scenes that underscored the widening scope of the probe

Justice Secretary warns backlog crisis will persist

The backlog of cases in the Crow n Cou rts of Eng land and Wales will keep rising and could still be at sim ilar levels by the next general ele c ti o n, d es p i te a n ew ref o rm p ac ka g e, J us ti c e Secretary David Lammy has said

T h e r e f o r m s i n c l u d e removing the cap on court sitting days, expanding the use of artificial intelligence, and creating so-called “Blitz c o u r t s ” t o g r o u p s i m i l a r

hearings The government has also previously set out plans to scrap jury trials for some less serious offences, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition politic

tions

200,000 by 2035 if no action is taken Lammy acknowledged the scale of the probl e m ,

d e l a y s h a d become “far too long” and the system needed fundamental change However, he also admitted the reforms would take years to make a significant difference

Plans to remove the sitting day cap have been widely welcomed The government has also committed £2 7 billion to courts and tribunals next year, up from £2 5 billion, as part of efforts to tackle the growing crisis

Food theft gang jailed over half million scam

A

Court on February 20

Europe These stolen items were diverted through local haulage yards and sold v

Singhs operated in breach of a 2012 director disqualifica-

Greater Manchester Police Economic and Cyber

tion order

Devinder Singh received six years and six months, while Dean was sentenced

o handle stolen goods Other

Lakhvinder Singh, received varying sentences for their involvement

Cardiff man jailed for murder of ex-wife

A 3 0 -year-old man, Thisara Weragalage, was sentenced to life im

D a n i e l Williams, who set

However, unlike the former p r i n

facing any allegations of sexual misconduct

The arrests come in the wake of the release of more than three million pages of Epstein-related documents

b y t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Department of Justice last month Among the material

a r e m

He and Prince Andrew, Duke of York are both under investigation on suspicion of improperly sharing confi-

Mandelson may have shared sensitive govern-

details of

n could raise funds in the aftermath of the 2008 g

, including the potential sale of state assets Mandelson is also said to have indicated h e w o u l d l o b b y c

es British police opened a criminal investigation e a r l i e r t h i s month and carried out searches at Mandelson’s properties in L o n d o n a n d w e s t e r n England He has since been released on bail as inquiries continue

Niwu nhella The fatal attack occurred on August 21, 2025 a t S

, Riverside, after Weragalage became consumed by obsessive jealousy over Nirodha's new relationship Driven by a desire to control her, he purchased a pack of kitchen knives from a B&M store in Pentwyn just hours before ambushing

collapsed Thisara Weragalage

scouted the loca-

Nirodha multiple times, he attempted to take his own life by throwing himself in front of a lorry but survived w i

couple had moved from Sri Lanka in 2022 to support W

M E N T A L R E S I L I E N C E A N D C L A R I T Y D U R I N G T H E H O L Y F A S T

Swathi Anil

As the crescent moon

ushers in Ramadan 2026, millions across the globe embark on a journey that transcends mere physical abstinence Beyond the early morning suhoor and the sunset iftar, the month serves as a profound period of neurological and psychological recalibration.

While the world often

f o c u s e s o n t h

p h y s i c a

challenge of going without water and food, the true miracle of the fast lies within the mind Ramadan acts as a spiritual and mental furnace, refining our focus

invisible architecture of our

practice, now being validat-

science, demonstrates how

Ramadan is a thirty-day boot camp for the human psyche: Dr Tehseen Khan

The i niti al phase of R amadan is often def ined by a peri od of physiologic al adjus tmen t During the first few days, the b rain re main s acc us tom ed to regular gluc ose i ntake; consequently, low blood s ugar and di srupted sleep pa tterns frequently re sult in pervasive tirednes s an d brain fog

However, Dr Tehseen Khan explains that a fascinating medical shift occurs after approximately one week

As the body exhausts its primary glucose stores, it begins burning fat and producing ketones These ketones serve as a steadier, cleaner fuel source for the brain This metabolic switch, combined with

increased levels of brainsupporting proteins, accounts for the mental clarity and sharpened focus that many observers report as the month progresses The rhythmic structure of early rising and communal prayer further calms the nervous system, allowing for a unique state of mindful alertness

Beyond biology, Dr Khan views Ramadan as a thirty-day boot camp for the human psyche The consistent practice of delayed gratification strengthens the neural circuits responsible for patience, planning, and emotional regulation By repeatedly opting for long-term spiritual goals over short-term physical

Mental benefits can be undermined by traditional dietary habits: Dr Rahhiel Riasat

Di stinguis hing b etween the phys ical e ffects of fasti ng and clin ical mental health is a vital part of the Ram adan ex perienc e Dr Rahhiel Riasat notes that fasting-related irritability follows a predictable pattern, typically peaking in the late afternoon and resolving immediately after iftar

Unlike clinical anxiety or depression, which remain constant regardless of the fasting schedule, hunger-related mood shifts are tied to blood sugar and dehydration For those managing chronic conditions, the spiritual rhythm of the month, including prayer and

reflection can actually serve as a therapeutic tool The predictable daily routine and sense of communal connection overlap with modern mindfulness-based therapies, offering a supportive structure that complements existing mental health coping strategies

However, the mental benefits of the month can be undermined by traditional dietary habits In many South Asian communities, the celebration often features heavy, fried foods like pakoras and sugary drinks Dr Riasat warns that while these are culturally significant, they trigger a rapid sugar spike followed by a sharp crash

Islamic Relief UK launches largest Ramadan food drive

Islamic Relief UK is rolling

Ramadan foo d di stribution, d

, B irmi ngh am, No ttin gh am, and London T he initi ative is being ru n in partnersh ip wi t h 37 f

d ba nk s , mosques, foo tball clubs, and oth er local o rgani sations

The programme comes as a new report, The Crisis

g h t s alarming levels of hidden

Practitioners Dr Tahseen Khan and Dr Rahhiel Riasat share expert views on the

Ramadan fasting

urges, individuals build significant mental resilience

This psychological carry-over extends far beyond the month, training the nervous system to manage frustration and stick to complex life goals with greater ease

Following the fast, many feel less reactive and more self-disciplined, suggesting that the structure of the month creates a stable emotional baseline that persists long after the final iftar

This cycle causes profound mental lethargy, mood swings, and the familiar “post-iftar coma ” as the body diverts all its energy to heavy digestion By contrast, a balanced approach involving protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates stabilises blood sugar

This supports the gutbrain axis, ensuring that the mental experience of Ramadan remains smooth, stable, and truly transformative for the soul

UK Findings show that 63% of those who went hungry did not access a food bank, and 95% of British Muslims experiencing financial hardship did not seek help

N

r e s p o

t s s t r u g g l e d t o pay at least one household bill over the past year, with 43% relying on credit cards, family loans, or other borr

costs Among Black African Muslims, one in five reported going hungry in the past year, while overall, British Muslims are 8% poorer per p e r s

cereal, and biscuits In addi-

banks and mosques, football club foundations including

Burnley are helping reach vulnerable families

The report underscores the widespread but often invisible financial hardship affecting British Muslims,

strong culture of

paid their Zakat in the past year Islamic Relief

Muslims The study, conducted by Muslim Census in p

e r s h i p w i t h I s l a m i c

Relief UK and the National Zakat Foundation, surveyed 4,800 Muslims across the

average Despite this hardship, uptake of formal support remains extremely low, with only 2% seeking Zakat or emergency charitable aid

Food packs include staples such as rice, pasta, tuna,

Royal Mint pledges

Kaaba bar sales to aid Sudan

(IRU K) for R amad an 2026, pledg in g 2 5% of on lin

r eve nue from its gold Kaaba

Bars to suppor t the char ity t hroughout the holy mon th, which r uns from 19 Februa ry t o 20 Mar ch 2026

O r i g i n a l l y l a u n c h e d i n 2 0 2 3 i n c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h t h e M u s l i m C o u n c i l o f

Wales as a 20g minted bar, t h e K a a b a B a r r a n g e h a s since expanded to include new 1g and 5g options As p a r t o f t h e c o l l a b o r a t i o n ,

The Royal Mint will donate two 1g and two 5kg Kaaba Bars for IRUK to auction, with all proceeds directed to t h e S u d a n E m e r g e n c y Appeal

The initiative builds on a s u c c e s s f u l t r a c k r e c o r d : a

s i m i l a r c a m p a i g n i n 2 0 2 3 raised over £9,000 for earthquake relief in Türkiye and Syria A joint social media

prize draw will also offer ten 1 g K a a b a B a r s t o p a r t i c ipants

Andrew Dickey, Director of Precious Metals at The Royal Mint, said, “I’m proud t o c o n t i n u e T h e R o y a l M i n t ’ s p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h I s l a m i c R e l i e f U K f o r Ramadan This holy month is a time of giving, and we ’ re d e l i g h t e d t o s u p p o r t t h e charity’s vital work through o u r s a l e s d o n a t i o n s a n d event auctions ” Z i a S a l i k ,

UK, added, “We’re thankful t o b e s u p p o r t e d b y T h e Royal Mint this Ramadan In Sudan, civilians are facing dire conditions as humanit a r i a n n e e d s c o n t i n u e t o rise The money raised from the sale of these Kaaba Bars w i l l s u p p o r t o u r p r ogrammes in Sudan, providing a vital lifeline to families whose lives have been torn apart by conflict Our partnership with The Royal Mint is very special- their support ensures we can deliver aid to those who need it most ”

Blackburn man runs 25kms daily while fasting

For the past four years, F ai z al M o m o ni at h as undertaken the extraordinary challeng e of runni n g ev e ry d ay d ur i ng Ram ad an while fasting to raise m oney fo r charity T h i s y e a r , t h e 4 4year-old Blackburn resident is taking his efforts to the next level, running 2 5 k m ( 1 5 5 m

for clean

TEN YEARS, ONE NEW HEART

Born with three holes in his heart, Ary Patel celebrates a decade of life, and gives back to the hospital that saved him

Anusha Singh

F or Sh iva P atel and h er so n, A ry, this coming June m arks a milestone they once feared would nev er ap pear o n the calend ar: Ary’s 1 0th birthd ay It is a decad e not ju st of life, but of a " new h eart "

Ten years ago, Ary was a six-month-old infant fighting a silent, internal battle Today, he is the energetic face of a new Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity campaign, urging others to protect the future of the institution that gave him his own

Ary’s entry into the world was a whirlwind, born just 20 minutes after his parents reached the hospital But the pace of his arrival masked a dangerous underlying rhythm

"A lot of people kept saying his heartbeat is very fast," Shiva recalls In the tight-knit South Asian community, where visitors arrived in waves to bless the new baby, the concern was constant "I went to the doctor a few times, but they said newborn babies have faster heart rates; it will settle,” it didn’t T he m arathon he d idn t know he was running

By six months, Ary was struggling He refused food, fed every 20 minutes in exhausted bursts, and couldn’t shake off common colds The reality, though unknown to his parents at the time, was harrowing: Ary was born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), specifically three large holes in his heart, each measuring roughly 1 5 cm

"The consultant at GOSH explained it like this: Imagine you ’ re running a marathon, and while you ’ re running, someone tries to feed you Would you feel like eating? Shiva says His heart was doing a marathon on a daily basis just to stay alive ”

Because the condition had gone undetected for half a year, Ary’s lungs were filling with blood The

diagnosis was grim, but the referral to GOSH offered a solitary beam of hope: “We can fix it ”

The intervention required complex openheart surgery To repair the damage, surgeons used biological "cow’s mesh" to cover the holes, a scaffold that allows natural blood cells to coagulate and eventually seal the gaps with the body’s own tissue

One hole, located precariously near a valve, required the surgeon to delicately cut the valve, fix the hole, and re-stitch the heart

While the surgery was a triumph of medical science, the recovery was a triumph of human care Shiva remembers the "new family" she found in the wards during her most difficult days

"He was obsessed with 'Kingston Town' by UB40," Shiva laughs "The nurse in the ICU downloaded it on her Spotify and kept the phone next to him constantly just to soothe him It’s those touches you don’t get anywhere else ”

From the hand-knitted blankets gifted by local volunteers to the surgeon who stopped by on his break just to stroke Ary’s head while he slept, GOSH provided a sanctuary that transcended clinical treatment

P aying it forw ard

Today, Ary is a thriving ten-year-old who loves sports and is "full of life " Every January 30th, the anniversary of his surgery, the family celebrates "Heart Day " There is cake, there are cards from extended

family, and there is a profound pause for gratitude

The Patels have turned that gratitude into action Since 2017, they have participated in the GOSH "Race for Kids," bringing more friends and family into the fold each year For the family, supporting GOSH is not just about

Ary fundraising for GOSH Charity

gratitude; it’s about ensuring that future generations of children can receive the same worldclass care Ary did "People think GOSH is such a big charity they must have enough funding, but every donation helps preserve the care, infrastructure, and expertise that make this hospital extraordinary," she explains

For Shiva, engaging the South Asian community is particularly vital "We are second, third, fourth generation in this country now Our children need this help too When you are in that traumatic moment, GOSH lessens the burden by giving you a place to stay, translators, and sensory rooms for your babies "

As Ary stars in the latest GOSH Charity TV advert to help raise awareness of how gifts left in wills can support seriously ill children for generations to come, his mother’s message is clear: the care he received wasn't just a medical procedure; it was a second chance at a century By leaving a gift in a will or donating today, others can ensure that ten years from now, another mother is sitting down to celebrate her child’s "Heart Day "

To find out more, visit gosh org/legacy

Nadiya Hussain swaps baking for the classroom

G rea t Br it is h B ake - Of f champion Nadiya Hussain, has p ivoted to a career in ed u ca ti o n af ter t h e BB C declined to renew her longstanding cookery contracts in June 2025

Following a decade as a broadcaster, the 2015 winner revealed on February 21, that she is currently working as a teaching assistant at a primary school Despite receivi n g o f f e r s f r

m I T V a n d Channel 4, Hussain chose to step away from the spotlight, citing a desire to pur-

sue "work that means something" and eventually train as a qualified teacher T h

admitted to facing tears and judgement from peers who viewed the move as a step backwards However, in an

February 24, Hussain disclosed she had reluctantly resigned from the role after just three months Suffering from fibromyalgia and an autoimmune condition, she

environment’s coughs and c

impacted her health, forcing her to prioritise her physical well-being

New NHS diabetes strategy to save thousands

The National Ins ti tute for H ealth and Care E xcellenc e ( NICE) unveiled a landmark overhaul of type 2 diabetes treatment acros s the UK

This strategic shift aims to save 17,000 lives over the next three years by prioritising cardio-renal protect

sugar management Under the new guidance, millions

offered SGLT-2 inhibitors, also known as "flozins," as a first-line treatment alongside the traditional drug, metformin

the kidneys remove excess

reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure, the leading causes of death for those with the

of

frontline care Patients are advised to look for symptoms like extreme thirst or fatigue and consult their GP

plans including nutrition, exercise, and these life-saving new therapies

University of Stirling The scholarships aim to increase opportunities for women in S T

innovation, and promote a more diverse and genderrepresentative sector

n globally recognised institutions for applied research

access to world-class laboratories, mentorship, and platforms for collaboration with international STEM experts Each scholarship, valued at

minimum of £40,000,

costs, health coverage, and E

available to applicants from Southeast Asia

Redbridge honours legend

Fauja Singh BEM

Tilda celebrates Lunar New Year with landmark Outernet activation

Tilda marked C hinese New

R

age could not be independ e n t l y v

o lumes Rising to international prominence later in life, he set multiple age-group

M a r a t h o n i n 5 h o u r s 4 0 minutes at the claimed age of 92 His journey from latelife runner to global icon m a d e h i m

across generations

Tributes were delivered by Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of R e d b r i d g e C o u n c i l , a n d Harmander Singh of Sikhs

In The City Running Club, who coached Fauja and cofounded the club A comm

unveiled by Cllr Joe Hehir, D e p

the running club

Harmander Singh said, “Fauja was more than a runner he was a beacon of h

s determination showed that age is no barrier to achievement, and his influence will continue to inspire generations

Redbridge but to the world

Planting this tree ensures his legacy continues to grow

C entral Lond on activ atio n, led by a six-d ay d omination of Ou ternet at Tottenh am C ourt Road

T

takeover is on track to deliver approximately 1 15 million impressions, contributing to a projected total of around 9

social media

To celebrate the occasion, Tilda staged a traditional lion dance and drum

spectators and members of

Chinese New Year celebration

Delivered in partnership with USA Rice, the campaign promotes Tilda’s Premium

Marathon Man and displays one of Fauja Singh’s run-

his life and the borough’s commitment to local stories A further memorial ser-

Saturday 28 March 2026 at R

, organised by Sikhs In The City

Kashmiri festival of Herath brings community together

T h e K a sh m ir i P

A ss o c i ati o n o f E u r op e ( KPAE) ho sted a vibrant and sp iritu ally uplifting celebration of Herath, the traditio na l K as hm iri o bs erv an ce of M ah a S h i v ra tri , at th e Read ing Hindu Temple on S aturd ay, 21 February

side the veneration of the Bhairavas, an integral aspect of Herath observance in the K

c

e d prayers, devotional singing, and customary ceremonies w e r e l e

y elders, with enthusiastic participation from children and

expressed sincere gratitude t o t h e R e a d i n g H i n d u Temple Trust for hosting the celebration and supporting community cultural initiatives The importance of sust a i n i n g h e r i t a g e a n d strengthening cultural contin u i t y w i t h i n

T h e e v e n t b r o u g h t t o g e t h e r m o r e t h a n 1 7 0

m e m b e r s o f t h e K a s h m i r i community from across the United Kingdom, alongside m e m b e r s o

d e r Reading community, for a day marked by devotion, cultural pride, and community unity The celebration featured traditional Kashmiri Herath

r i t u a l s s y m b o l i s i n g t h e divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along-

young people

A highlight of the event was the serving of authentic K

y prepared by a dedicated team

o

The traditional feast showcased cherished culinary heri t a g e w h i l e r e i n f o r c i n g efforts to preserve cultural identity among younger generations growing up in the UK

S p e

was strongly emphasised

“Herath is not only a religious festival but a celebration of our roots, resilience, a n d s h

s Kashmiris,” said Dr Sundeep Kaul, President of KPAE

and ensure that our tradi-

of

USA Long Grain 20kg, a key s

restaurant customers during the festive period

A

Total Rice by value in the UK, Tilda continues to invest at scale in culturally significant occasions that drive

Anna Beheshti, Head of M

“Cultural moments are central

important celebration and a key trading period, and this year we invested boldly to

scale We wish everyone celebrating a very happy and prosperous New Year ” Manish Tiwari, Founder Here&Now365, on the occasion said, “At Here & Now 365, we are passionate about our work with Tilda to bring c

y together through authentic brand partnerships Chinese New Year is a celebration with over 3,000 years of history, carried forward in the UK for more than 200 years by the British Chinese com-

today proves that the best marketing is steeped in con-

where it has

200 years of the Shikshapatri celebrated at Shree Swaminarayan Temple

S h re e S w am i na ray an Temple East London hosted a fiv e-d ay spiritual celebration in February to mark 200 years of the Shikshap atri, the rev ered scripture written by B h ag w a n S h ree Sw am inarayan in 1826

T h e h i g h l i g h t o f t h e bicentenary was the arrival o f a h i s t o r i c c o p y o f t h e Shikshapatri, originally pres e n t e d b y B h a g w a n S h r e e

S w a m i n a r a y a n t o B r i t i s h

officer Sir John Malcolm in R a j k o t P r e s e r v e d b y t h e

B o d l e i a n L i b r a r y a t t h e

U n i v e r s i t y o f O x f o r d , t h e manuscript was brought to t h e t e m p l e f o r d a r s h a n , drawing families, children, e l d e r s , a n d v i s i t i n g s a i n t s from Bhuj, India Devotees g a t h e r e d t o p a y t h e i r respects in a moving display

of faith and community spirit

The Shikshapatri, a compact but profound guide to r i g h t e o u s l i v i n g , t e a c h e s principles such as non-viol e n c e ( a h i m s a ) , h o n e s t y , compassion, self-discipline, and respect for all Nearly two centuries later, its message remains deeply relevant, offering practical guidance for everyday life while inspiring spiritual progression and inner peace It also emphasises the sanctity of family life, the importance of honouring elders, and living with

humility and kindness

Over five days, attendees

e n g a g e d i n d e v o t i o n a l recitals, musical interpretations of the scripture known as the Shikshapatri Bhasha, a n d r e f l e c t i v e d i s c o u r s e

moment was the ceremonial

manuscript, accompanied by traditional music and collect

atmosphere of reverence and unity

Beyond a religious observance, the bicentenary celebrated service, moral respon-

,

actions, and not confined to the walls of the temple

Sai School of Harrow marks 30 years of community service

Sa i School of Ha rrow r ecen tly c e le br a t e d 3 0 y e a r s o f inspirin g se rvice with a special “Than k You” eve nt hoste d by founde r R an u Meht aR adia, who wa s a ward ed an M BE i n t hi s y e a r ’ s K i n g ’ s Ne w Year Honour s List

The event was graced by the presence of Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, and other prominent guests

T h e c e l e b r a t i o n b e g a n with Shivratri Bhajans, foll o w e d b y a p r e s e n t a t i o n h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e s c h o o l ’ s impact on the local commun i t y S i n c e i t s l a u n c h , S a i S c h o o l h a s o p e r a t e d f r e e

S a t u r d a y c l a s s e s a t Shaftesbury School, Harrow, teaching children universal v a l u e s w h i l e p r o m o t i n g

social responsibility

In 2003, Ranu introduced the Sai Citizens programme, w h e r e e a c h c l a s s a d o p t s a local charity, giving pupils hands-on experience in community service Projects have included fundraising and volu n t e e r i n g w i t h S t L u k e ’ s Hospice, Age Concern, Great

O r m o n d S t r e e t H o s p i t a l , C h i l d r e n ’ s C e n t r e s , a n d Northwick Park Hospital O v e r t h e y e a r s , t h e s c h o o l h a s c h a m p i o n e d i n n o v a t i v e i n i t i a t i v e s I n 2005, pupils staged “This is Our Planet, Let’s Save It,” r a i s i n g a w a r e n e s s a b o u t e n v i r o n m e n t a l i s s u e s l o n g b e f o r e t h e y w e r e m a i n

The radiant revival of London’s festival of colours

A s the spring equinox ap pro aches, the grey p av em ents of Lo nd on and th e leafy p arks of the Hom e Co unties are set to be transformed into a kaleido scop ic d ream scape

Holi, the ancient Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring, has found a vibrant second home in the United Kingdom It is a time when the air thickens with clouds of magenta, saffron, and emerald, and the boundaries of age, status, and background dissolve under a layer of organic dust Far from being a mere party, the 2026 celebrations represent a sophisticated effort by community leaders to preserve cultural identity while embracing modern British values of sustainability and inclusivity

T raditions and so cial impact

w ith M inal Jaiswal

For Minal Jaiswal, the organiser of Rang Barse London, the mission is deeply rooted i

stopped hosting the event, and we felt we had to step in," Jaiswal explains What started as a modest gathering of 500 people has blossomed into one of London’s largest Holi celebrations, now attracting over 3,500 attendees annually The event, which is now a trademarked brand, operates as a

non-profit venture run entirely by volunteers "It is the biggest not-for-profit Holi organised by the community," says Jaiswal, adding that the event provides vital social anchors for international students who are away from their families

Beyond the music and dance, Rang Barse uses its platform for significant social advocacy This year, the organisation has collaborated with ‘CRY UK’ to support children’s education and Shield UK to raise a w

g s Safety remains a paramount concern in a public setting "We use only high-quality, cosmetic-grade dry gulal colours that are skin-friendly," Jaiswal notes To comply

d

n event planning, the team manages everything from venue licensing and public liability insurance to noise permits and health and safety risk assessments Environmental stewardship is also a priority, with a strict policy on biodegradable dry colours and compostable cutlery ensuring the venue is returned to its original state through professional post-event cleaning

Post-lockdow n leg acies with A namm ika Gh osh

In Peterborough, the Bengali Sanskriti Club exemplifies the enduring power of community connection that was discov-

Ghosh recalls that their journey started in 2021, immediately after the lockdown lifted "It started as a public gathering to meet others after being isolated for so long, and it has since become a cherished tradition," G

spiritual solemnity with joyous colour play,

beginning with a traditional Hawan (fire ritual) before moving into a community hall for the festivities

While the group would enjoy a wet Holi

restrictions mean they stick strictly to dry, organic colours This choice also simplifies the regulatory process "For small Hawans and indoor events, no special permissions

U P C O M I N G H O L I E V E N T S

u BAPS Shrinarayan Mandir, LondonOpposite BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 260 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London NW10 8HE- March 2

u Holi Dahan by Bengali Sanskriti clubSouth grove community centre, Peterborough- March 4

u Holi Supper Club-Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea-March 5

u Rang Barse by Gloucestershire puja and cultural association- Hatherley& Reddings cricket club- March 7

u Holi with Essex Indians- Basildon sports leisure club- March 7

u Holi by Milton Keynes Ananda ClubMarch 7

u “Rangon Ki Baarish” (Shower of colours)-Kingsley Academy, Hounslow TW3 1AX- March 7

u Happy Holi by Bongs of BritainRoxbourne Park- March 15

u Rang Barse by Indians in LondonOsterley sports wellbeing centre, Southall- March 21

Stories That Made Us: Celebrating Coventry’s South Asian heritage

Resilience,

The exhibition traces the diversity of Coventry’s south Asian communities, with roots in India, Kenya, and other parts of Africa, exploring migration journeys, first impressions of Britain, and recurring themes o

Kauser Husain have contributed oral histo-

Visitors also hear perspectives on contemporary relevance

involving significant fire requires special Fire and Safety clearance, Ghosh explains The club’s efforts have gained prestigious recognition; last year, the NHS filmed their event for the national website, highlighting the festival as a model for social cohesion and mental well-being "We remain open to everyone who wishes to join us," Ghosh adds, emphasising their commitment to reducing plastic waste and ensuring the ashes from the Holika Dahan are respectfully handled

A cultural to uch with Ramita Ghosh

For Ramita Ghosh and the Bongs of Britain group, Holi is an opportunity to infuse the festival with a specific regional flair inspired by the "Basanta Utsav" of West Bengal Founded in 2024, the group is now preparing for its third edition

"

colours, but we noticed a lack of large-scale celebrations within the Bengali community," Ramita shares By hosting their event at Roxbourne Park in Harrow, they have created a space where families can celebrate safely and authentically

Strict safety protocols are the cornerstone of their organisation "We use only organic, non-toxic dry colours safe for children, and bringing outside colours is strictly prohibited," says Ramita To maintain their environmental credentials, the group uses colours that do not stain the park

Navigating the public events involves close cooperation with local authorities "We obtain written permission from the Friends of Roxbourne Park and adhere strictly to their regulations to ensure we are acting responsibly," Ramita confirms Through these efforts, Bongs of Britain ensures that the celebration remains a sustainable, joyfilled experience for the next generation of British Hindus

Britain should return the Kohinoor diamond to India

The British got a five-year-old

I n d i a n p r i n c e t o g i f t t h e Kohinoor diamond to them Hence, it’s no longer morally defensible for the UK to hold

took it – India

T h e K o h i n o o r d i a m o n d was mined in India and was one of the largest diamonds ever mined After changing hands among various kings in India for centuries, it found its way to the legendary Ranjit Singh, who ruled Punjab

The British conquered Punjab after Ranjit Singh's death in 1849 and installed his five-year-old son Daleep Singh as the king under the regency of the British Later, they got this child to gift the diamond to them They also moved Daleep Singh to England, converted him to Christianity and did not allow him to meet his mother or any other relative in India, so that he wouldn’t be aware of his heritage

After Queen Victoria’s death, the Kohinoor was set in the crown of Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII, and it was used to crown her at her coronation in 1902 The diamond was then transferred to Queen Mary’s crown in 1911, and then to the queen mother’s crown in 1937 The Kohinoor diamond was also worn by Queen Elizabeth-II during her reign as the monarch of England The Kohinoor diamond is now part of the British monarch It is currently on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, seen by millions of visitors every day

With King Charles III succeeding to the throne after his mother’s death (Queen Elizabeth-II) on September 8, 2022, the 105-carat diamond which is steeped in history, will go to his wife, the duchess of Cornwall Camilla

Hence, we Indians would like King Charles-III to return the Kohinoor diamond to its rightful owner, ie, India

One man against the world

The post war international order was never flawless but it rested on a fragile consensus that global problems require global rules Today that consensus is under direct strain from Donald Trump In his second term multilateralism is not merely side lined it is openly challenged Even after rebukes from the Supreme Court of the United States, Trump talks about expanding tariffs and executive trade actions From trade to climate to artificial intelligence Washington now favours discretion over cooperation and power over process

The implications are clearest in Artificial Intelligence As governments debate guardrails for the technology that can reshape economies and warfare, the United States has resisted binding international frameworks That stance contrasts with the recent AI summit in India where policymakers and technologists urged shared standards to manage risk and prevent a technological arms race India positioned itself as a bridge between the West and the Global South and argued that AI cannot be left to markets or militaries alone While much of the world discussed cooperation Washington signalled distance

Trade policy reinforces the pattern New tariffs including penalties linked to energy imports and strategic supply chains expand economic coercion as a tool of statecraft

Tariffs are no longer temporary shields but instruments of geopolitical pressure Allies become leverage and rivals become targets The effects are immediate Supply chains are disrupted Costs rise Diplomatic trust erodes

This anxiety is not hysteria but recognition Institutions that sustained decades of relative stability including the United Nations and global trade bodies depend on major powers choosing restraint When the United States signals preference for unilateral dominance the architecture weakens Vacuums do not remain empty Competitive blocs harden and shared rules fade The question for Europe and the wider world is whether to accept a future shaped by shifting unilateral priorities by one man or to rebuild a coalition committed to common norms The answer will determine whether the present moment is turbulence or rupture

J ubel D'Cru z Mann ki Baat

Dr Narsinh bhai Maganlal Patel

PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat brilliantly showcased India's leadership at the AI Impact Summit 2026 Highlighting AI for animal care and farmer support inspires pride The New Delhi Declaration sets a global ethical standard Truly, Bharat leads in human-centric tech innovation today

131st Mann Ki Baat filled me with optimism PM Modi rightly called the AI Impact Summit a turning point for world AI usage Launching Made-in-India models and preserving ancient knowledge via AI proves our blend of tradition and modernity Kudos! Heartening to hear PM Modi urge vigilance against digital arrest frauds in Mann Ki Baat Amid AI triumphs like livestock tracking and ancient text preservation, his call for cyber awareness is timely It balances progress with citizen safety effectively

PM Modi's 131st Mann Ki Baat celebrated India's AI prowess impressing global leaders From AI aiding dairy farmers to digitizing heritage manuscripts, it highlights inclusive innovation His motivation to students during exams adds warmth Proud of our forward-looking nation!

131st Mann ki Baat masterfully linked AI breakthroughs at the Summit with cultural heritage preservation PM Modi's emphasis on ethical AI and fraud alerts empowers citizens Stories of organ donors and grassroots efforts reinforce unity An inspiring broadcast indeed

TS Karthik

India’s rising global partnerships

“India-France boost strategic partnership” as reported in Asian Voice dated 21-27 February 2026 clearly shows that the nations with the like-minded policies and can come together and progress enormously In today’s world mutual collaboration is needed Instead of bullying nations by imposing unnecessary and unjustifiable tariffs, this is time to complement and support each other’s efforts

This was the fourth visit of the president Marcon which shows his deep interests in India, its capabilities, and consistent policies Developed counties like France is looking for the partners which are politically stable, having visionary leaders with long term view, which can provide skilled manpower as well as robust infrastructure

At present, India has got almost everything which to support kickstart the production or if they need any research and development facilities, they are readily available

I am sure, the importance India has given to this high-profile visit will bring fruits soon in terms of our defence as well as in high tech manufacturing Instead of depending on one or two very big nations, it is advisable to have strategic relationship with different countries having common goal of development and mutual respect

Third Heathrow runway could add £65 to airfares

£15 billion of investment in existing facilities

A i r l i n e s f e a r l a n d i n g charges, already among the world’s highest, will rise to c o v e r t h e c o s t , w i t h analysis suggesting ticket p r i c e s c o u l d i n c r e a s e b y £60-£65 on average For a family of four, this would a d d a r o u n d £ 2 5 0 p e r journey

Hitesh Hingu

Oldham man convicted of attempted murder

Shakil Ud din, 23 , was conv icted o f attempted murder and arso n at Nottingham C row n C ourt on February 20, following a sav ag e rev enge attack in Sto ke-on-T rent

The incident occurred on December 16, 2021, when Uddin and nine other men targeted a home on Beverley Drive, Bentilee, in retaliation for a street brawl earlier that day The group smashed windows and poured petrol into the hallway before igniting the property A thirty-one-year-old woman was struck on the head and set on fire, suffering sixty-five per cent burns, whilst her thirteen-year-old daughter sustained fifteen per cent burns before both were forced to jump from a window to escape

Shakil Uddin, was one of ten men convicted for their roles in the premeditated assault The lead victim remained in a coma for two months and now faces permanent, lifechanging injuries Sentencing for all defendants is expected in the coming weeks

A prolific fly-tipp er h as been ord e red to p ay £ 1 4 m i lli o n after illeg ally d ump ing more th an 4, 00 0 tonnes of w aste across E ngland

Varun Datta, 36, deposited

Manor in Cranleigh, Surrey, and Middleton Nature Reserve in Lancashire, as well as farms a

Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire

The total weight of the waste was approximately 4,275 tonnes

Datta became a registered waste broker through his company, Atkins Recycling, in 2015, claiming he was sending waste to a legal site near Sheffield In 2018, the Environment Agency (EA) seized £131,520 in cash from his central London home

After initially pleading not guilty in 2023, Datta admitted in June last year to knowingly causing controlled waste to be deposited at the 16 sites He was ordered to pay £1 1 million to reflect the financial gain from his crimes, plus £100,000 in compensation and £200,000 in legal costs He received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months

Judge Paul Farrar KC said the illegal sites “caused a localised adverse effect to air quality” and forced landowners to bear substantial clean-up costs

Two other brokers were also punished Mohammed Saraji Bashir, 45, of Peterborough, pleaded guilty to dumping waste at three sites and received a four-month suspended prison sentence and a community order Robert William McAllister, 55, of Northwood, northwest London, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with duty-of-care rules and was fined £750 Arrest warrants remain active for Sandeep Golechha and Jason Newman

Larry the cat marks 15 years at No 10

Despite a recent shuffle at No

10 Do wning Street, one political resident has su rviv ed th e up heav al L arry th e cat, th e Prim e Minister’ s chief m ouser, celebrated 15 years in post yesterd ay Larry has served six prime

, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, L

k a n d Keir Starmer, making him the l o n g

modern Downing Street A No

10 source said he would be “spoilt with extra treats” to mark the milestone

A tabby-and-white rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Larry was found as a stray in Wandsworth, southwest London, before arriving at Whitehall in February 2011 He was recruited after a news camera caught a rat boldly scuttling across the Downing Street doorstep Now 19, Larry’s official duties include “greeting guests, inspecting security defences, testing antique furniture for napping quality” and “contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of M anchester United, w ill face no FA charg e ov er his rem ark s th at th e U K i s “colo nised by im migrants, ” tho ugh the g overning body h as rem i nd ed h im o f h i s res p o ns i bi l it i es w h en speaking to th e media

R a t c l i f f e m a d e t h e comments in a Sky News i n t e r v i e w p r o m

Carrick noting the squad’s 15 nationalities and insisting the comments had not affected the players Carrick

Ratcliffe,

“To preserve our identity, we must carry our mother tongue”

Subhasini Naicker

I n ter nat io n al M o t h er

L anguage Day, observed on F ebruary 21, celebrates ling uistic div ersity and the role o f m oth er tongues in p res e rv i ng cu l tu re , i d ent i ty, and comm unity

For the Indian diaspora in the UK, languages like G u j a r a t i , P u n j a b i , H i n d i , T a m i l , B e n g a l i , a n d Malayalam are more than communication tools, they carry history, traditions, and v a l u

s a c r o s s g e n

t i o n s , c o n n e c t i n g c h i l d r e n w i t h their grandparents

O n I n

z a i marked the day with a video in five languages, English, Pashto, Urdu, Swahili, and A r a b i c , h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e global fight for girls’ educa-

t i o n S p e aki n g to A s i an V oice, Bharati P ankaj Vo ra said, “In our fast-paced journey toward progress, I worry we are drifting away from something deeply precious,

o u r m o t h e r t o n g u e ,

G u j a r a t i L o s i n g i t m e a n s losing a part of ourselves Gujarati is more than a language; it is our identity, car-

r y i n g t h e w i s d o m o f o u r ancestors When I read the p o e m s o f N a r m a d o r t h e words of Umashankar Joshi, I feel immense pride in our

rich culture

“ Y e s , t o d a y ’ s w o r l d demands English and technology, you must learn them t o s u c c e e d g l o b a

u l e s s modern; it makes you rooted and confident Stay connected to it, and you will never lose your identity, no matter how far you go, ” she added

Gu j a rat i t ea ch e r V i j ya B h an d er i s t r e s s e d t h e importance of Gujarati in preserving cultural identity, saying, “Gujarati is not just a language; it is the root of our heritage, carrying the wisdom, literature, and values of our ancestors Our s o n g s , b h a j a n s , f o l k t a l e s , poems, and religious texts cannot be fully experienced through translations, they lose the depth, emotion, and a e s t h e t i c r i c h n e s s o f t h e original words

“Many young Gujaratis

b e l i e v e l e a r n i n g t h e l a nguage is unnecessary, citing s c h o o l p r e s s u r e s , b u s y s c h e d u l

B u t l a nguage is the anchor of identity Through Gujarati, we r e t a i n o u r t r

t i

d i v i d e s T o p r e s e r v e o u r

identity, we must carry our

m o t h e r t o n g u e i n o u r hearts, pass it to the next

g e n e r a t i o n , a n d e n s u r e i t remains a living part of our lives,” she added

T h e B h av a n ’ s H i nd i

teacher, Ind u Bh arot, said, “In the UK, Indian languages l i k e G u j a r a t i , P u n j

, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Urdu play a central role in s h a p i n

B r i t i s h - I n d i a n d i a s p o r

Schools White Paper outlines SEND support overhaul

Around one in ei ght chi l-

d re n wi th spe cia l ed ucati onal nee ds and d isabiliti es (SEND ) who cur rently re ce iv e the hi ghe st leve l of

o r m part of sweeping reforms to England’s SEND system a

reliance on costly specialist schools The changes are outlined in the long-awaited Schools White Paper

the reforms would deliver “

m alongside high-quality spec i

p r o v i s i o n ” , w i t h schools better funded and equipped to help children

w i t h S E N D s u c c e e d i n mainstream settings while working closely with specialist services

A £4 billion investment

p a c k a g e w i l l s e e m a i n -

s t r e a m s c h o o l s r e c e i v e direct funding, including

tions, allowing younger generations to balance British

This continuity lets British

British and Indian coexist

She added, “Preserving these languages also fosters

gurdwaras, mosques, community centres, and festivals use them to create inclusive spaces, supporting solidarity a n d m u t u a l c a r e I n d i a n mother tongues enrich multicultural Britain, showing t h a t i n t e g r a t i o n n e e d n o t mean cultural loss ”

India House showcases culture and heritage

Indians in the U K joined the Hig h Com mission o f India o n 20 February to celebrate the Foundatio n Day of 10 s tates , A ru nach al P rades h, A ss am , B i h ar, H im ac h al P r ad e sh , M a ni p u r, M eg h a lay a, M i zo r am , R aj as th a n, T r i p u ra, a nd U tta r P ra

L anguage Day and 150 years

o f Vande M ataram

T

g r o u p s i n g i n g o f V a n d e Mataram and a discussion on how mother languages preserve culture and connect generations Cultural

p e r f o r m a n c e s s h o w c a s e d

I n d i a ’ s h e r i

A

Bhojpuri songs, Himachali Naati, Rajasthani music, and Braj folk dance from Uttar Pradesh

A t t h e e v e n t , H i g h Commissioner of India, HE Vikram Doraiswami, highlighted India’s extraordinary diversity He said, “India’s states are larger and more

d i v e r s e t h a n m

tries Take Uttar Pradesh, with its vast population and

Commissioner

standing what it means to be Indian

explore beyond their home state, highlighting government support to experience India’s local culture, crafts, and cuisine, especially from t

support for staff training in adaptive teaching Of this, £1 6 billion over three years w i l l g o t o n u r s e r i e s , s c h o o l s a

g

s through a new “inclusive mainstream fund” A further £1 8 billion will establish an “experts at hand” service, providing access to specialists such as SEND teachers and speech and l a n g u a g e

every area

E d u c a t i o n S

c r e t a r y B r i d g e t P h i l l i p s o n s a i d education, health and care

p l

remain in place for children with the most complex needs However, children with less severe needs will move to a new system c

which will offer different tiers of help and will not require a formal diagnosis to access support Assessments under the new system will begin in September 2029, with no

September 2030

Student loan interest branded unfair by graduates

Most gr aduat es believ e curr e n t st ud e n t loa n in t e r e st r ate s ar e unfair, with ma ny say ing t he issue could influe nce how t hey vote , a ccording t o new r esea rch T h e f i n d i n g s f

R e e v e s , w h o t o l d

LBC she supported the existi n g s t u d e n t l o a n s y s t e m Campaign groups Organise and Rethink Repayment said t h e s y s t e m “ i n c r e a s i n g l y points to the hallmarks of mis-selling”

A survey of 3,209 graduates found 87 per cent consider the maximum interest

rate on Plan 2 student loans to be unfair Under current rules, interest can rise to as m u c h a s 6 2 p e r c e n t , depending on a borrower’s i n c o m e a n d i n f l a t i o n I n addition, 84 per cent said f a i r e r r e p a y m e n t p o l i c i e s would affect how they vote at the next general election Graduates reported that student debt had made it harder to buy a home, worsened cost-of-living pressures and l e f t s o m e p a r e n t s f e e l i n g penalised for taking maternity or parental leave

Campaigners are urging the government to reverse

Plan 2 loans and to suspend

leave The threshold, which will increase to £29,385 in A p r i l 2 0 2 6 , w i l l t h e n b e frozen for three years, meani

begin repayments sooner Plan 2 loans apply to students in England who started university between 2012 and 2023 According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies,

around £3,000 on average

Artists performing at the event

seven states celebrate foundation days, each unique yet connected to broader Indian traditions Experiencing dif-

noted that India’s uniqueness lies in its diverse, locally rooted traditions, art, and food Concluding, he said, “By celebrating our states, t

n g Vande Mataram, we honour

A m a jo r me m be r o f t h e R ussell Gr oup has agr eed to pa y a re porte d £21 million to set tle le gal cla ims brought by t housa nds of st uden ts who said the ir e ducation suffer ed dur ing Covid lockdown s The agreement between University College London and about 6,500 claimants is likely to encourage similar cases against other leading universities over disruption caused by the pandemic and strike action The Financial Times reported that correspondence between lawyers s u g g e s t e d t h e s e t t l e m e n t totalled £21 million, just over £3,200 per student, although neither UCL nor the students’ legal team confirmed the figure

P r e - a c t i o n l e t t e r s h a v e already been sent to 36 other u n i v e r s i t i e s w a r n i n g o f

n c l u d e B r i s t o l , C a r d i f f , Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, along with King’s C

The Times that no formal p r o

elsewhere and that universities responding so far have denied responsibility

In a statement, the students’ lawyers described the deal as “ a positive end to U C L s t u d e n t s ’ c o u r t c a s e where they sought to obtain f i n a n c i a l c o m p e n s a t i o n from the university for the periods when teaching was moved online and libraries were closed during the pandemic”

More than 170,000 stud

t o resources was restricted

The legal claim is based on consumer protection law, with lawyers arguing online courses typically cost 25 to 50 per cent less than in-person degrees and that stud

Universities, however, maintain their contracts allowed such changes

The action continues to expand, with 30,000 more students joining this week, bringing the total close to 200,000

tions have also joined the wider group claim, arguing they faced similar disruption and “did not receive what they paid for” At the time, annual tuition fees remained at £9,250, covering in-person teaching and campus facilit i e s , y

Gold theft surge leaves Asian families terrified

Anusha Singh

On a quie t str ee t in Ha tch E nd , no rthwe st Lo nd on, the bur gla ry tha t sha tte red D arsha na ’ s home did more th an ste al her fa mily’s gold It stol e h er sense o f sa fet y

When she returned that January evening, drawers had been ripped open, her fouryear-old daughter’s belongings strewn across the floor, and the small gold earrings and chains that marked milestones in their lives were gone

Within weeks, her neighbour Sh iva ni was targeted in the same way Balcony doors forced open Gold jewellery missing Watches gone Cash was left behind Diamonds were untouched The thieves, it seemed, had come for one thing Gold

“It felt obvious they were looking for gold,” Shivani said Abhina v, who lives nearby, said three burglaries struck his immediate neighbourhood within four months Police told residents theirs was the seventh reported that week

These stories from Hatch End are a part of an overwhelming trend being observed across the UK Just scrolling through Instagram, you will find several reports of snatching, burglary, robbery and what not and while su ch crimes have recently reported a downward trend, the victims are not isolated and the impact of such crimes is as real as it gets

Community being targeted for their gold?

Across parts of London and the UK, South Asian families say they are being singled out by organised burglary gangs that know exactly what to look for and when to strike Many believe criminals are exploiting cultural traditions of keeping gold at home, watching routines and waiting for the right moment

In one recent incident, a woman in north-west London had £2,000 worth of gold snatched while she was at a bus stop In December 2024, distinctive gold jewellery worth £500,000 was stolen from a home in south-east London More recently, police dismantled a gang accused of targeting jewellery belonging to London’s Indian community

Darshana said the experience left her feeling targeted because of her identity as a South Asian “What was even more upsetting was the response we received from people Many said this happens especially to Indian families, particularly during festive periods We never expected that living in London we would be targeted because of our identity

“People also questioned why I had jewellery at home at all They said I might have been targeted because I wore jewellery outside But this is part of our culture I bought it to wear it I should not be punished for that

“These are the kinds of

comments I have been hearing for the past two months, that someone may have seen my ring somewhere, followed me home, marked my address and then robbed us Hearing all this has been deeply distressing ” In Shivani’s case, the burglars forced open the balcony door, entered the property and took only gold items “It was gold rings, earrings everything made of gold They left the diamonds, which made it seem like they were specifically targeting gold They did not even take the cash, which was a bit strange ” In Harrow alone, there were about 1,158 reported burglaries in 2025, equivalent to roughly 4 0 to 4 4 offences per 1,000 residents Burglaries make up a significant share of property crime in the borough, accounting for approximately 4 to 5 per cent of all recorded offences

Insurance industry data also points to the scale of the issue

Home insurance claims analysed by Allianz UK recorded around 2,800 claims for stolen gold and jewellery between January 2021 and 2025, with an average claim value of about £8,000 and one claim exceeding £82,000 Insurers noted these thefts frequently occur during January and the winter months

Police forces in parts of England have also reported increases in high-value gold burglaries, warning that offenders are deliberately targeting homes with valuable jewellery, particularly where security is weaker In Bradford district, for example, officers recorded 58 burglaries involving stolen gold since mid-2024, highlighting what they described as a growing trend

Authorities failed to act

Shivani, Abhinav and Darshana say their confidence in local authorities has been badly

Shivani recalled that when Darshana’s home was first broken into, police initially described it as an isolated case “They told us it was probably opportunistic rather than targeted,” she said “We tried to reassure ourselves and move on without worrying too much ”

However, that sense of reassurance did not last Soon afterwards, Shivani’s own home was burgled, with gold jewellery appearing to be the primary target Around the same time, several other friends living in Hatch End reported similar break-ins and someone was “watching us, studying our routines and choosing the moment to strike when we are not home ” She said the experience has fundamentally changed how her family lives

She added that residents, including Darshana and herself, have approached the council requesting better street lighting and additional CCTV coverage, particularly because their road is poorly lit “Our street is quite dark, which makes it easier for criminals,” she said “But we

have not received any response As renters, there is only so much we can do We depend on landlords and the council to take action ”

Although police carried out forensic examinations and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, Shivani said the response has often felt inadequate

“All of this has left us feeling extremely unsafe,” Shivani said “These crimes keep happening If it’s not gold, then it’s cars or other valuables As a community, we feel vulnerable and unsure where to turn ”

Abhinav echoed those concerns, saying while police response times immediately after incidents were generally prompt, follow-up efforts fell short of expectations “That lack of follow-ups and any potential solution leaves us living with the constant fear that our home could be next ”

He said one officer told residents that theirs was the seventh burglary reported in a single week “Hearing that was extremely alarming,” he said “It makes you wonder why stronger preventive measures have not been put in place Instead of reassurance, it makes you feel that if seven have already happened, more will follow ”

As a result, residents have begun relying largely on their own efforts for protection

“Many families are installing cameras and alarm systems,” Abhinav said “We have repeatedly asked the maintenance agency to install CCTV in communal areas, but they have not cooperated We’ve also sent joint emails to the council and other authorities ”

He added that being renters and expatriates has made it harder for many residents to push for structural improvements “We are doing everything we can, but it still doesn’t feel enough to prevent future crimes ”

Darshana described making repeated attempts to seek help after her burglary, including writing multiple emails to the council and police “I followed up several times,” she said “I understood that responses might take time, but I expected at least an acknowledgement within a month or two There was nothing ” She said one of the biggest vulnerabilities, according the police, is a church located opposite their building, which has little lighting or surveillance After being told the issue was outside police responsibility, Darshana contacted the council requesting lighting and cameras, but again received no reply

Police also encouraged her to report suspicious activity, but when she did so, she found the response discouraging “I was told officers could not be sent unless a crime had already happened,” she said On another incident, when she saw three hooded individuals near the church and called The police, “I asked who was responsible for ensuring safety there No one seemed to have an answer ” Eventually, Darshana was informed her case had been closed due to insufficient evidence She later learned that even cases with CCTV footage had not progressed “In one instance, the burglar’s face was clearly visible, but police said they lacked the resources to pursue it,” she said She said her confidence in reporting incidents has since been severely undermined During one call, she said she was asked to go closer to suspicious individuals to identify their skin colour or

nationality “I was inside my home How could I do that safely?” she said “They even asked if I could tell whether the individuals were using drugs I don’t understand how I could possibly determine that from a distance ” Eventually, she stopped reporting suspicious activity “It felt pointless,” she said

Council, police respond amid residents’ frustration

Asian Voice shared the broader concerns raised by residents with the Metropolitan Police and Harrow Council, although individual case details could not be disclosed

While the Met police informed us that they would be able to respond more specifically only if particular incidents are recorded, Chief Inspector Marc Cash, who leads policing in Harrow, said, “We know how unsettling burglary can be for victims and we take all cases extremely seriously

“We in the local policing team – along with colleagues from other departments –review every offence that is reported to us Each is assessed for similarities in the way offenders gained entry, the time the offence took place and any other common factors that may suggest a linked series

“Our focus also remains on preventing burglaries and supporting victims ”

He added that police are also focusing on prevention and reassurance through visible patrols in affected streets, plain-clothes operations in high-risk areas, intelligence-led enforcement, and community briefings where residents can meet officers and receive advice

“This combined approach is designed to provide the best possible service to residents who have been affected or feel at risk,” he added

He also added that police are examining whether burglaries targeting Indian and South Asian households form part of a wider pattern

Harrow Council said it remains committed to community safety and works closely with police on crime prevention

“While burglaries are dealt with by the police, we are taking proactive action to improve safety,” a spokesperson said, citing initiatives including targeted enforcement operations, street lighting upgrades and the expansion of CCTV coverage, with more than 300 permanent cameras now installed across the borough

The council added that it will continue working with residents and partner agencies to address concerns and improve safety, without addressing the concerns put forward by the residents

This is an ongoing investigation and will have further updates

Swathi Anil

Th e tra nsition into moth er hood is oft en cele brate d as a p rofo und beg inning, yet fo r ma ny women, it m arks a sudd en a nd isola ting exclusio n fro m th e wor ld of fitness a nd spor t

Beyond the physical recovery from childbirth, new mothers frequently encounter a 'social invisibility' that sidelines their athletic needs in favour of their new domestic roles This systemic lockout is not merely a matter of personal motivation but a complex intersection of financial strain, inflexible facilities, and outdated cultural expectations Ta lking with Asian V oice , a re sp ond ent who wish es to be a nonymou s sh are s the ir e xp erience of post pre gna ncy

Impact of exclusion

The sudden inability to participate in familiar workouts can lead to a significant decline in body confidence and mental stability

The respondent shared that during her last pregnancy, she struggled immensely with energy and motivation, leading to a routine largely devoid of exercise until her final trimester After childbirth, the barrier shifted from physical fatigue to a feeling of being side-lined by the sports sector itself She noted that while she eventually returned to cycling to reclaim her confidence, the struggle to prioritise herself was constant

The sense of 'social invisibility' is exacerbated by an industry that often treats motherhood as a reason to deprioritise a woman ’ s athletic identity, making the return to movement a lonely uphill battle “As you say when your reach motherhood naturally you priortise yourself less, and I think the sport and activity sector shifts the priority away from mothers as well”, she says

Financial barr ie rs a nd a ffo rda bility crisis

In the current economic climate, justifying the cost of a gym membership or personal trainer is incredibly difficult when those funds are diverted toward rising childcare expenses She mentions, “It’s very difficult to justify spending money on sporting activities and gym memberships when you become a mum. For example, sports like tennis, I would love to participate in, but can be very expensive, and it’s also hard to find female only sessions locally ”

Many modern fitness environments have become prohibitively expensive, particularly for sports like tennis or specialised female-only sessions For women from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds, mainstream gyms offer little support The respondent highlighted that her journey only became possible through KRIMMZ, a volunteerled organisation in Bolton that provides inclusive and affordable cycling Without such community-focused initiatives, many mothers remain financially locked out of the very activities that could support their postnatal recovery

Str uctura l f ailur es a nd la ck of sup por t

Practical barriers, rather than a lack of desire, are often the primary reason mothers drop out of sport.

The scarcity of ladiesonly gyms and a total lack of crèche facilities mean that workout times rarely align with school runs or family routines Respondent states “It’s not always about motivation, a lot of the time it’s practical barriers” When facilities fail to provide flexible timings or childcare support, they effectively create a system that excludes mothers If a space is not designed to accommodate the reality of a mother's schedule,

exercise becomes a luxury she can no longer afford

Cult ura l norms a nd e volu tio n of recov er y

In many households, particularly within South Asian communities, traditional postpartum confinement periods like the 'Sawa Mahina' emphasise rest, which can be beneficial but also framing personal exercise as 'unnecessary' or even selfish

The respondent explained that she had to intentionally shift her mindset to view health as a tool for better parenting While cultural traditions offer support, they can also create pressure to put the family first at the expense of the mother's strength Breaking this cycle is essential, as a mother who is physically strong and mentally confident is ultimately better equipped to care for her family

Cultural traditions are important, but they should also support women’s wellbeing too. Mothers should be able to do both look after their family and taking care of their own health.

In the end respondent talks about her shifted mindset stating “When I feel strong and confident, I’m more patient, happier, and more present with my children Cultural traditions are important, but they should also support women ’ s wellbeing too Mothers should be able to do both look after their family and taking care of their own health ”

Mother fights for placenta accreta awareness

and

c r e t a spectrum (PAS) is part i c u l a r

women who have previously delivered via Cs

IVF treatment If undiagnosed before labor, it can trigger catastrophic outcomes, including emergency hysterectomy or death from severe hemorrhage

among NHS maternity spe-

c i a l i s t s p u t s w o m e n a n d their babies at serious risk

The NHS estimates that between one in 300 and one in 2,000 women develop the condition, but experts warn that the number of at-risk p r e g n a n c i e s i s r i s i n g , a s more babies in England are now delivered by C-section ( 4 5 % ) t h a n b y u n a s s i s t e d vaginal birth (44%)

“ P l a c e n t a a c c r e t a c a n cause catastrophic bleeding in minutes if it isn’t anticip a t e d , ” s a i d A d h i a , w h o f o u n d e d t h e A c t i o n f o r

Accreta campaign with her husband, Nik She fears that i n s u f f i c i e n t a w a r e n e s s

P A S o c c u r s w h e n t h e placenta, which supplies the f e t u s w i t h n u t r i e n t s a n d oxygen, embeds too deeply into the uterine wall and can b l o c k t h e c e r v i x , m a k i n g n o r m a l s e p a r a t i o n d u r i n g birth extremely difficult

Adhia, 36, was repeatedly told by specialists at five London hospitals that she did not have the condition It was consultant obstetric i a n D r C h i n e z e O t i g b a h w h o c o r r e c t l y d i a g n o s e d her, ensuring she received the care needed when she gave birth to her daughter, Ishaani, last September at

London

and acted,” Adhia said “I was reassured my risk was almost zero because my placenta was high rather than low lying But it was deeply invasive I felt unheard and thought I was going to die ”

During delivery, she

blood, far less than many PAS cases, and suffered no serious complications Her

“assessed, downgraded, and ignored” prompted the couple to raise awareness Since sharing their story, around 40 women who experienced complications from undiagnosed PAS have reached out

already gained support from

comprehensive UK data on PAS, as the NHS does not record it

Women’s representation surges on UK boards

Nearly 90 per cent of companies i n the FTSE 35 0 have either met or are close to m e e ti n g a go v e rn m e n tback ed target for women to hold 40 per cen t of boa rd pos itions, accordin g to the l at e s t FT S E W om e n Leaders R eview

The report found that 88 per cent of FTSE 350 firms have boards made up o f a t l e a s t 3 3 p e r c e n t women, while 69 per cent

have already reached the voluntary 40 per cent goal

A m o n g t h e F T S E 1 0 0 , progress is even stronger, with 92 per cent of companies meeting or nearing the target However, only 44 p e r c e n t o f t h e U K ’ s 5 0 largest private companies have achieved similar levels W o m e n n o w o c c u p y almost 43 per cent of FTSE 350 board roles, a sharp rise

from just 9 5 per cent in 2 0 1 1 R e p r e s e n t a t i o n i n l e a d e r s h i p p o s i t i o n s h a s also increased, with women holding nearly 35 per cent of senior roles, up from 24 per cent in 2017 While near parity has been reached in non-executive roles, progress remains slower in executive director p o s i t i o n s , w h e r e w o m e n account for only 15 4 per cent

Starmer pledges action

claims by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy that government b r i e f i n g s a i m e d a t f e m a l e m i n i s t e r s w e r e “ d r i p p i n g with misogyny ” On Nandy’s comments, he said, “She’s absolutely right Misogyny exists across politics and has for decades, and it’s present in other sectors too We have to tackle it, and my responsibility is to tackle it within No 10 and across government ” Starmer recounted a priv a t e m e e t i n g w i t h f e m a l e MPs last week, describing it a s a “ g o o d c o n v e r s a t i o n ” with leading equality cam-

paigners, including Baroness Harman He said discussions focused on identifying spec i f i c b e h a v i o u r s , u n d e rs t a n d i n g w h a t n e e d s t o change, and assessing how widespread the problem is across Parliament D u r i n g t h e m e e t i

within

No 10 team, and to consider a female first secretary of

to oversee a broader equalities agenda

On whether the discussion surprised him, Starmer said,

He added that tackling misogyny is a responsibility that extends “both within

HEARTBROKEN BRITISH HINDUS SEEK JUSTICE

For almost 40 years, the temple

N

England Complex not just as

identity of nearly 18,500 worshippers across Cambridgeshire, N

o f Lincolnshire Generations have prayed there, celebrated there, mourned there Now, many fear they could soon lose it forever

The council, which owns the building, insists the sale is necessary to pay off mounting debts and secure value for taxpayers

But temple representatives say their own efforts to save their spiritual home have been met with shifting goalposts and broken expectations They say they offered £1 3 million to buy the complex and spent 14 years in negotiations; only for conditions to repeatedly change, and for a legally binding contract to never materialise

In a dramatic intervention, a Scrutiny Committee had concluded that councillors were not given enough information when deciding to sell the temple site The Committee then called for the decision to be sent back to the Cabinet for reconsideration It also urged that no sale should proceed until the temple either secures a new home or retains its tenancy within six months

However, the Peterborough City Council Cabinet still decided to uphold the disposal of the N e w E n g l a n d C o m p l e x T h i s decision will result in the loss of the Mandir (temple) and community centre that has served Peterborough and the surround-

i n g r e g i o n f o r m o r e t h a n 4 0 years, and which remains the only Hindu temple within a 35–40-mile radius, relied upon by

Cambridgeshire, and neighbouring areas

C om m un ity’s feel ings an d t he so cial value o f the templ e Worshippers have said they a r e “ h e a r t b r o k e n ” a t t h e prospect of losing their spiritual home after their second attempt to buy the site was unsuccessful

I n d e p e n d e n t c o u n c i l l o r Ro ger Antunes, who had pushed for the decision to be scrutinised, did not hide his frustration He said terms had been agreed with the Hindu community and were due to be approved last summer

“They had been given assurances that their negotiated bid would be approved,” he said

“ I t w a s n ’ t I t w a s t h e n rescinded, and an open-market best offer provided That is unacceptable; the negotiated process should have been followed ”

H e a d d e d t h e c o m m u n i t y had been given just one month “to put a bid together from a standing start”

A n t u n e s p o i n t e

many see as a stark and painful imbalance “ O n

u g h , within a 35-mile radius of this f

churches, circa 25-30 mosques or M

There is only one Hindu consecrated temple and community centre Not once has that been i

tion

About the decision, when a s u p p o r t

temple’s immense social value had been factored into the decision, the response offered little comfort Labour cabinet memb e r f o r f i n a n c e Mo h am m ed Jam il said that “social value was taken into account and officers from our property board came up with the decision that they did in the manner that they did ” Yet if social value truly sat at the heart of the process, the con-

c l u s i o n r a i s e s t r o u b l i n g a n d deeply uncomfortable questions How does a decision that could uproot the only Hindu temple

s e r v i n g t h r e e e n t i r e c o u n t i e s emerge from a framework that claims to recognise community impact? How do the numbers, not just financial, but human, fail to tip the balance?

If one of the 390 churches and 25 to 30 mosques or Muslim c o m m u n i t y c e n t r e s w e r e t o c l o s e ,

would still have somewhere to turn Their elderly would not be

Their children would not be cut off from their cultural groundi

would not be erased overnight

Lincolnshire, this temple is not one of many It is the only one Its loss would not simply mean

d mean dismantling a support system built over generations It would mean vulnerable elders losing a lifeline against loneliness It would mean young people losing a living connection to their heritage It would mean a

community facing the very real risk of cultural isolation

If social value was measured, many are now left wondering: what weight was it truly given?

Despite the appeals, the cabinet authorised the disposal of the complex, subject to transitional provisions The preferred b i d d e r h a s n o t b e e n p u b l i c l y named

In a moment that captured the depth of the community’s heartbreak, supporters of Bharat Hindu Samaj rose together and walked out of the council’s Sand Martin House headquarters en m a s s e , a s i l e n t p r o t e s t h e a v y with grief and disbelief

Afterwards, Jamil acknowledged their pain “I fully understand their disappointment,” he said “Let’s turn this disappointment into something where we can work together The council has offered its services to working with the community to find another building We will work with them and I’m sure we will be able to accommodate them ”

Ekta Patel, the temple’s vicepresident, said the community had “left no stone unturned and knocked on all doors” in a determined effort to secure the site, but were left feeling “disgruntled” by the outcome Patel said the decision came as a shock given the scale of public support “It’s a very emotional time for us There are no words to describe how we truly feel,” she said “Many of our congregation are pensioners who have dedicated their lives to keeping this place running It is very dif-

ficult for them to lose it ” T r

G

i C hau dh ar y said the sale represented more than a property transaction “It is a focal point of cultural and spiritual life created entirely through c o m

the country had rallied behind the temple

In a statement, the temple committee warned the impact would be “immediate and signif-

members who risk losing a

cial lifeline”

F ar m o r e

t an t t h an just bricks and m or tar

The issue is about far more than bricks and mortar Bharat Hindu Samaj is not only a place of worship, it is a sanctuary, a refuge, and a beating heart of community life

Through food distribution, elderly care, youth engagement, interfaith initiatives, and cultural programmes, it binds people together across generations and backgrounds Its work strengthens social cohesion and relieves pressure on public services, with independent estimates showing its activities save between £3 5 million and £4 million in public service costs every five years, a contribution that far outweighs the site’s market value

Now, as the threat of sale l o o m s , t h e q u e s t i o n h a n g i n g over Peterborough is stark and painful: Will a temple that has stood for nearly 40 years and carried the hopes, faith, and identity of thousands be allowed to disappear?

Lord Krish Raval

The Trustees and congregation of Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir in Peterborough must not give up For over 40 years this Mandir has been the beating heart of the local Hindu community and a place of welcome for all the only temple serving the area, sustained by a congregation whose social, economic and voluntary contribution to Britain is exemplary

As a 16-year-old, I was involved in the campaign to save Bhaktivedanta Manor from closure, and I remember how painful it was to see a sacred space reduced to a balance sheet In the end, a Labour government reprieved the Manor proof that fairness can prevail I therefore call firmly on the Council to pause its

Action for Harmony, as a collaborative platform of over 150 Hindu organisations across the United Kingdom, expresses its deep concern regarding Peterborough City Council’s decision to proceed with the sale of the New England Complex, the longstanding home of the Bharat Hindu Samaj (BHS) Mandir

For four decades, the Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir has served not merely as a building, but as a vital spiritual, cultural, and social anchor for the Hindu community across Peterborough and the wider East of England The displacement of the only Hindu mandir within a 40mile radius would have profound consequences for thousands of families who rely upon it for worship, rites of passage, festivals, education, and community cohesion

1 Our Official Stance Action for Harmony believes that:

- Faith institutions are essential pillars of civil society and community wellbeing

- Longstanding places of worship, particularly those serving minority communities, deserve meaningful consultation, sensitivity, and protection

- Decisions of this magnitude should fully account for the social, cultural, and intergenerational impact on the communities affected

We are therefore concerned that the decision to sell the site risks undermining decades of community investment and heritage We respectfully urge Peterborough City Council to pause implementation of the sale and engage in constructive dialogue with BHS leadership to explore viable

decision and allow the Trustees a fair opportunity to secure the Peterborough Mandir as previously envisaged It is not merely a property transaction, but a covenant between generations and it deserves the chance to endure

alternatives These may include protected cultural designation, community asset transfer options, or structured financial arrangements that safeguard continued worship and community use

This is not solely a local issue; it is a matter that speaks to the protection of faith heritage, minority rights, and social cohesion in modern Britain

2 Bro ad er C ontext:

The Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir has, for 40 years, served as:

- A place of daily worship and spiritual guidance

- A venue for marriages, funerals, and samskaras

- A centre for Diwali, Navratri, Janmashtami, and other major festivals

- A hub for charitable outreach and community support

- A cultural anchor connecting younger generations to heritage

Its removal would create not just a logistical challenge, but a deep social and spiritual void

3 We call for:

- Transparent engagement

- Reconsideration of the sale

- Exploration of sustainable alternatives

- Protection of longestablished faith institutions

The strength of British pluralism lies in protecting the sacred spaces of all communities We remain committed to constructive collaboration to secure a fair and respectful resolution

(Written in support of the Mandir directly to The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Iwritefurther to my previous correspondence regarding the deeply distressing decision of Peterborough City Council to dispose of a longestablished Hindu place of worship to the highest bidder, without due regard to the profound social, cultural and spiritual significance the premises hold for the local Hindu community

For over 40 years, this site has served not merely as a building, but as the heart of a vibrant and lawabiding community Places of worship are not commercial assets in the ordinary sense; they are centres of faith, heritage and community cohesion Families have gathered there to celebrate weddings and festivals, to mourn loved ones, and to support one another in times of hardship

During the Covid pandemic, the Temple played an important and commendable role in supporting vulnerable

Overseas Friends of BJP

UK expresses deep concern regarding recent developments affecting the temple community in Peterborough Places of worship are sacred spaces that serve not only spiritual needs but also foster unity, service, and cultural continuity for generations of devotees

Any incident that disrupts harmony or causes distress to worshippers is profoundly troubling

We firmly believe that mutual respect, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law are essential for preserving the social fabric of the United Kingdom

The temple has long been 40 years as a center of faith, volunteerism, and community engagement, contributing positively to the multicultural spirit that defines British society

OFBJP UK stands in solidarity with devotees, community leaders, and local residents who seek

Atemple is not simply a place of worship; it is the soul of our Hindu community It represents our faith, our heritage and the values that define us It is where our children learn about their roots, where families come together during festivals and where we find strength and comfort in both joyful and difficult times Temple gives us a sense of belonging, especially for those of us living away from our ancestral homeland It keeps our traditions alive and helps

members of the community It continues to host yoga classes, activities for older people, and cultural programmes that strengthen wellbeing and integration For many in the Asian community, such places of worship fulfil an essential social function which might otherwise be provided by social clubs in other communities

Regrettably, the Leader of the Council, Shabina Qayyum, appears to have prioritised financial considerations above the substantial social value attached to this site The decision to treat a long-

peace, dignity, and justice

We urge all stakeholders to work constructively toward resolution through lawful and respectful means We also encourage authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and religious freedoms of all communities without exception

At this moment, compassion and unity must prevail over division OFBJP UK reaffirms its commitment to promoting harmony, supporting community wellbeing, and upholding the shared values of respect and coexistence across the United Kingdom

pass them forward with pride In a fast-changing world, it stands as a reminder of who we are and what we stand for Saving Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir is not simply about protecting a building, it is about preserving our identity and

standing place of worship purely as a commercial asset, without meaningful regard for the sentiments and established association of the Hindu community has caused considerable anguish

It is particularly concerning that the community offered to match the highest bid, thereby ensuring that the Council would suffer no financial loss while preserving social harmony and protecting diversity That proposal, which represented a fair and balanced solution, was not accepted

If this decision proceeds, the Hindu community in Peterborough will be left without a place of worship within a considerable radius, effectively bringing to an abrupt end an association built over four decades Such an outcome would be viewed as both unjust and insensitive and would risk undermining confidence in local

Itgovernance Considering the seriousness of the matter, I respectfully request that you exercise your discretionary powers to review and, if appropriate, overturn this decision

Intervention at this stage could prevent costly legal proceedings, avoid adverse publicity, and most importantly, restore faith in the Government's commitment to fairness, diversity, and social cohesion

We are prepared, if necessary, to challenge this decision through the courts

However, litigation would impose high financial and emotional costs to Hindus worldwide It is my sincere hope that this matter can instead be resolved through wise and compassionate leadership

Given the urgency and the potential long-term consequences for community relations, I would be grateful for your prompt attention to this matter

Jai Sharma, Shree Ram Mandir, Southall, London

is unfortunate that this happened, but this incident gives the Sanatan/Hindu Community in the UK a very important lesson that we must put our differences, aside and work unitedly It is very important to act at the right time, without any personal

We are deeply saddened to learn of the situation facing the Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir in Peterborough Mandirs are far more than just places of worship; they are an integral part of our communities, providing essential social care, preserving our rich heritage, offering a safe haven for the elderly, and

ensuring that future generations have a space to connect with their culture and faith Once lost, something so deeply rooted cannot easily be replaced Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir is pride of Peterborough and it’s our moral responsibility to save it I fully and wholeheartedly support this initiative to protect and preserve our mandir It must be saved, not just for us, but for our children and the generations that will follow

interest, under the guidance and the direction given by our learned fellow Sanatanis/ Hindus I agree with Lord Rami Ranger, and options and guidance provided in his letter of support We support any collective action/decision taken by all in this situation

nurturing positive values in our children and youth

The displacement of the only Hindu temple within a 40-mile radius that has potentially served thousands of Hindus across the East of England for 40 years is a profound loss to the fabric of the local community We respectfully urge the Council to recognise the valuable social and spiritual contributions of the British Hindu community in the region and reconsider its decision not to grant freehold status of the site to the Bharat Hindu Samaj We continue to pray for an amicable and sustainable outcome that honours all stakeholders in the vibrant city of Peterborough

HEARTBROKEN BRITISH HIN

(Written to The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in support of the Mandir)

Iamcompelled to respond to the unjust decision by Peterborough City Council to sell a longstanding Hindu place of worship to the highest bidder, neglecting the social, cultural, and spiritual significance it holds for the local Hindu community

For over 40 years, this site has been more than just a building; it has served as the heart of a vibrant, lawabiding community Places of worship are not merely commercial assets-they are essential hubs of faith, heritage, and community bonds Families gather here for weddings, festivals, to mourn loved ones, and to support each other through difficult times

During the Covid pandemic, the Temple played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable community members It continues to host yoga classes, senior activities, and cultural programs that promote wellbeing and integration For many in the Asian community, such sites are vital social spaces, akin to social clubs in other communities

It is unacceptable that the Council Leader, Shabina Qayyum, has prioritized financial gain over the profound social value of this site The decision to treat this historic place of worship as a mere commercial asset, disregarding the community's feelings and connections, is reprehensible and has caused significant distress

Furthermore, the community presented a proposal to match the highest bid, ensuring no financial loss for the Council while safeguarding social

We the members of Gujarat Hindu Society deplore the decision taken by the Peterborough City Council to sell the New England Complex that has housed the Mandir for the last 40 years to an alternative buyer This is the only Hindu temple within 40 miles and displaces the whole community from its normal cultural Religious and social practices

We urge the Peterborough City Council to rethink the decision and avert this most disturbing news for the members of the Hindu community of Peterborough

harmony and diversity This fair and reasonable offer was outright rejected

If this decision proceeds, the Hindu community in Peterborough will lose a worship venue after more than four decades, breaking a vital cultural and spiritual link

Such a move would be profoundly unfair and insensitive, severely damaging trust in local government

Given the gravity of this issue, I demand that you review and reverse this decision using your discretionary powers Acting now can save legal costs, prevent damaging publicity, and most importantly, restore faith in the Government's commitment to fairness, diversity, and social cohesion

We are prepared to pursue legal action, if necessary, though it would be costly and emotionally taxing for Hindus worldwide I sincerely urge wise and compassionate leadership to resolve this matter without further delay

Due to the seriousness and community impact of this issue, I insist on your prompt attention

We fully support Peterborough Mandir in its campaign to save the Mandir and will also request our MP Sir Mark Hendrick to intervene

We pray to Lord Krishna for the matter to be resolved amicably in favour of the Peterborough Hindu community

AtGo Dharmic, seva lies at the heart of our mission Service rooted in dharma, compassion and responsibility toward society is a foundational Hindu principle

Our work is guided by the belief that faith must express itself through action that uplifts and supports all, irrespective of background or belief

A mandir is far more than a physical structure It is a spiritual anchor and a centre of community life where dharma is practised daily through worship, education, charity and fellowship It nurtures intergenerational continuity, belonging and collective responsibility

Given that this is the only Hindu temple within a 40-mile radius serving thousands across the East of England, its continued presence is deeply significant Such institutions play a vital role not only for the Hindu community but also in strengthening social

Itcohesion and contributing positively to the wider society

We believe the mandir should remain and be supported as a centre of love, compassion, dharma and service for all Go Dharmic supports peaceful and constructive efforts that uphold these values and protect spaces dedicated to spiritual growth and humanitarian action

Kanti Nagda MBE, Sangat Centre

is very sad that after using the place for 40 years the local authority didn’t feel it right to give the users the first preference to purchase the building

Such actions does go on up and down the country when it comes to allocation of planning permission or services for the Hindu community

It is time the Hindu community uses the voting power, the language the politicians understand

Iamwriting to express serious concern regarding the sale of the Peterborough Mandir by Peterborough City Council and the impact this decision has had on the local Hindu community

Peterborough had only one dedicated Hindu place of gathering and worship serving our community We understand that there are multiple mosques within the city, and therefore this decision has understandably caused distress and concern among Hindu residents who now feel that their needs have not been given equal consideration

Our concern is not about opposing any other faith community Rather, it is about whether the principles of equality, diversity, and fair community impact assessment were properly upheld in this case

We would respectfully request:

1 Transparency regarding

the decision-making process

2 Publication of the full Equality Impact Assessment

3 Clarification on how the needs of the Hindu community will now be met

4 Assurance that minority faith communities are treated fairly and proportionately in future decisions

The Hindu community in Peterborough has always contributed positively to social cohesion, charity work, and civic life It is therefore deeply distressing to feel that our concerns have not been adequately addressed

We believe in fairness, peaceful dialogue, and equality under the law We respectfully ask that this matter be reviewed to ensure that all communities are treated with equal respect and consideration

We wish to express our deep gratitude to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for your steadfast commitment to highlighting this issue

Your reporting is vital in ensuring that the voices of the 18,000 Hindus served by this Mandir are heard at a national level

As one of the leading Hindu organisations in the UK, we have been following the developments at the Peterborough City Council closely Please find our response to your inquiries below:

Off icial st ance o n the Council’s de cisio n

We view the decision by the Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet to uphold the sale of the New England Complex to an alternative bidder with profound concern

The BHS Mandir is not merely a tenant of a building; it is a spiritual and cultural anchor that has served the community for 40 years Forcing the displacement of the only Hindu temple within a 40mile radius one that provides essential services to thousands across the East of England is a move that undermines the principles of community cohesion and religious freedom While we recognise the financial pressures facing local authorities, "best value" for taxpayers must be weighed against the immense social and spiritual value provided by an institution like the BHS Mandir

Actions and Su ppor t

Our organisation is committed to supporting the Bharat Hindu Samaj during this crisis We are currently:

Engagement with National Authorities via our local Member of Parliament Gen Kitchen: Raising this matter with relevant government departments and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) to highlight the impact of such "asset disposals" on minority faith groups

Advisory Support: Offering the BHS trustees advice on legal and strategic advisors to explore all possible avenues, including potential challenges to the equality impact assessments conducted during the sale process

These points focus on the Council’s statutory duties and potential procedural failings

Equa lit y Act 20 10:

The Argument: The Council must show "due regard" to the need to foster good relations and eliminate discrimination

Displacing the only Hindu temple within a 40-mile radius serving 18,000 people arguably fails to "advance equality of opportunity" for a minority faith group

The Challenge: Did the Council conduct a robust Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) before the vote? If the EIA didn't specifically address the total lack of alternative local facilities for the Hindu community, the decision may be legally "irrational "

"Best Value" vs. Social Value (Local Government Act 1972):

The Argument: While Section 123 requires Councils to obtain the "best consideration" (highest price), the General Disposal Consent 2003 allows councils to sell land for up to £2 million under market value if it promotes "social or environmental wellbeing "

The Counter: The BHS Mandir provides services (elderly lunch clubs, youth sports, food banks) that save the public purse an estimated £3 5–£4 million every five years The Council should be challenged on why this "social value" was not factored into the final bid assessment P roced ura l Fa ir ne ss & Transpa rency: The Argument: Were the Cabinet members provided with full material information regarding the social impact before their initial vote?

Community Mobilisation: Utilising our networks to amplify the BHS e-petition and ensuring that the wider British Hindu diaspora is informed and ready to support any national-level advocacy efforts Final Re fl ectio n: The displacement of a 40-year-old Mandir sets a dangerous precedent for faith-based community assets across the UK We stand in full solidarity with the BHS community and will continue to work alongside other Hindu organisations to ensure their spiritual home is protected

We have reviewed your enclosed press coverage and commend your team for their thorough investigation We remain at your disposal for further comments or interviews as this situation develops

Political Sketchbook

NDUS SEEK JUSTICE

Er Trupti Patel FCIHT,

MSc. H&T, BEng CE, Visharad Bharatnatyam & Yog

Findings from the scrutiny committee reveal a concerning lack of transparency and the failure to provide councillors with critical information when deciding to sell the asset

There appears to have been little regard for community interests

I wish to highlight several key points on behalf of the Hindu community

The Bharat Hindu Samaj Temple serves nearly 18,500 worshippers across the region, with no alternative consecrated Hindu temple within a 35-mile radius The community had been in negotiations since 2011 and understood that its bid was under consideration

Although terms were agreed, the process was abruptly changed to an openmarket best-offer approach, allowing the community only one month to prepare a bid

This is unacceptable

This sale raises serious questions about the council’s commitment to diversity and community needs

Discussion with congregants show a deep sense of lost trust The Scrutiny Committee itself questioned

Ram Mandir Peterborough was consecrated 40 years ago, initially, by the Ugandan Hindu refugees under the Bharat Hindu Samaj Trust (BHS) on what was a closed Millfield school site occupying units 5, 6 and 7, which the Peterborough City Council (PCC) rented to BHS Other units 1 to 4 were rented to other charitable organisations which are still there

BHS and the Ram Mandir serve Hindus living in a 35-mile radius around Peterborough, including Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Northampton, with the next temple in Leicester, and within this 35-mile radius the Ram Mandir BHS serves approximately 18,000 Hindus [To put it in context: there are 2 Gurudwaras, 9 Mosques and 84 Churches in Peterborough; and within a 35-mile radius with one temple Ram Mandir, there are 30 Mosques and 360 Churches – all Houses of God by our Hindu tenets should be protected ]

A new lease was granted to BHS for 25 years in July 1986 by PCC to give an assurance of permanency to the Mandir, with safeguards for 1st refusal within the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 The lease continued a year-on-year basis, and the temple enjoyed the security of tenure under the limited

whether councillors had sufficient information to make an informed decision

The failure to acknowledge the temple’s cultural significance and the community’s long-standing efforts is deeply concerning

On behalf of the community, I urge the cabinet to reconsider this decision, taking into account:

The temple’s importance to the Hindu community

Alternative options for debt reduction

The potential impact on community relations

Transparency and fairness are essential The matter should be referred to the council for reconsideration, with assurances that all material information is fully provided to support an informed and fair decision

statutory grounds set out in section 30(1) of the Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Crucially, for more than a decade the PCC engaged with the BHS to transfer

Pramod Thakkar, Jalaram Charitable Trust Temple Leicester

Itis with regret we learnt of the sale of New England Complex that had been a home to thousands of Hindu worshippers across East of England and beyond for 40 years

The decision was dispassionate and insensitive to the views of the entire Hindu community within the UK

We applaud the initiative of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in galvanising countrywide support for Bharat Hindu Society The Jalaram Mandir Leicester takes the matter in hand with utmost seriousness as its repercussions affect the whole Hindu community and our future generations We need to be steadfast in terms of injustice and inequality I have, on behalf of our Leicester Bapa’s

BHS lease are the following cabinet members:

Shabina Qayyum (Leader)

Mohammed Farooq (Deputy) - Mohammed Jamil (Finance)

ownership to the BHS, first at a price of £1, then at £250k, allowing for the BHS’s ‘social impact value’ the centre created and independently valued by the PCC at £504k in February 2025 Then the BHS submits an offer of £1 3m in April 2025 for cabinet approval This was the 4th Head of Terms submitted to the PCC However, under the new administration at PCC the offer is ignored, and the BHS is informed that in order to reduce the Council’s debts it will need to offer the site to the highest bidder on an open-market value basis The key decision makers for the

Zameer Ali (Communities) with other councillors sponsible for other activities The PCC cabinet decision on 2nd review remained to close the Ram Mandir

It is striking that Mohmmed Jamil presented his case to reduce the PCC’s debt of £500m by a poultry sale of HS site by £1 5m max say OMV

It is equally alarming that Shabina Qayyam has withheld the name of their preferred bidder whilst she refers to the principles of democracy in the BBC article

Naturally Hindu Council UK condemns any prejudicial abuse of Muhammed Jamil, but this seems to be another case where Islamophobia charges trump the sufferings of the Hindu community BHS Trustees claim the new PCC Cabinet exercises a closed-door policy, hiding documents in exempt annexes and with no transparency the Council is in breach of its public duty

Hindu Council UK appeals to the Prime Minister

Mandir, have agreed to get board’s approval and pledged on Hindu Temple Group a contribution to date of £5000, although a token, with further £5000 upon other temples’ contributions

This hopefully is a step in the right direction for Hindu temples, charities and institutions to emulate, so that collectively we can express to rest of the British society that Peterborough’s Hindus are not alone and we Hindus act as one voice We are monitoring the situation very closely and pray to Jalaram Bapa that all is peacefully restored and the Peterborough Mandir is safe and sound

Expressing our unwavering support and looking to work with you to support the Hindu Dharma in the UK

to intervene on cases which seek the protection of the flawed Islamophobia definition adopted and which evidently shows signs of hatred towards the British Hindu peaceful community PCC is bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty (Equality Act 2010, section 149, to have due regard to: Eliminating discrimination

Advancing equality of opportunity

Fostering good relations between different faiths and backgrounds

These services deliver a social value to the people of Peterborough and under section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 1999, the Council’s duty to secure ‘best value’ must be interpreted holistically taking into account social, economic and community benefit In any case the financial proceeds of £1 5m to reduce the dent of £1/2bn is an excuse that smacks the prejudicial treatment of British Hindus and their worship places

The closure of Ram Mandir Peterborough is reminiscent of the very log and sad episode of Ram Mandir Ayodhya 500 years ago under the Mughal rule oppression

We urge the Prime Minister to protect our place of worship Ram Mandir Peterborough

Alpesh Patel

We Are Not To Be Taken For Granted

It’s been a while since I qualified as a Barrister But the Peterborough Mandir issue concerns me This is what I would write were I still in practice

1 Summa ry of De cisio n

On or around 2025, Peterborough City Council resolved to sell the Mandir - formally known as the Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir on the open market in order to address financial challenges facing the Council.

The Mandir serves the local Hindu community, estimated at approximately 13,000 people, providing not only a place of worship but a range of community services and social activities

Following representations by councillors and local stakeholders, the Decision was reviewed and reaffirmed by Cabinet in early February 2026

2 Ba sis f or Co nce rn

We set out below the principal legal bases on which our client may seek judicial review if the Decision is maintained without appropriate reconsideration:

2 1 Failure to Give Ade qu ate Weight to Mat erial Consid er ations

The Mandir is more than a property asset: it is the sole Hindu place of worship in the region and a community hub Decisions by local authorities involving disposal of community facilities must properly take into account all relevant considerations, including:

u The social value of the facility to the local and wider community;

u The impact of the disposal on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010;

u The potential effect on community cohesion and cultural life

It is unclear from the public record whether and to what extent these considerations were given meaningful weight in the decision-making process

2 2 P roced ura l Unf airness and Le gitima te Expe ct ation

The Mandir trustees understood from long-running discussions with Council officers that a negotiated transfer of the property was under consideration, with figures discussed over a period of time Our client was subsequently informed that the property would instead be marketed openly and that its previous position was effectively abandoned This abrupt change raises concern about procedural fairness and legitimate expectationparticularly given the Mandir’s reliance on community fundraising and protracted engagement with the Council

2 3 Equa lity a nd H uma n Rig hts Obliga tions

Given the Mandir’s role in serving a religious minority community, the Council’s statutory equality duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998 are engaged It is unclear whether any documented equality impact assessment was undertaken, and if so, what conclusions were reached

3 Inf orma tio n Reque ste d

To determine whether proceedings are necessary, please provide the following documents within 14 days of this letter:

1 All Council reports, officer papers, and Cabinet minutes relating to the Mandir sale decision

2 Any documented community impact assessments, equality impacts, or similar analyses considered in relation to the Decision

3 All correspondence or notes of meetings between Council officers and Mandir trustees relating to property negotiations

4 Any legal advice obtained by the Council regarding the Mandir disposal

5 A record of any alternative options considered for securing the Mandir’s long-term future

4 P ropose d Outcome

Our client is prepared to engage constructively with the Council to identify a solution that addresses both fiscal pressures and the Mandir’s community role We invite you to reconsider the Decision in light of the matters raised, or to enter into meaningful dialogue on how the Decision might be amended or qualified to address our client’s legitimate concerns

Youth minimum wage hike faces possible delay

M in i st ers are r ep o rt ed l y co nsi dering delaying plans to raise th e minimum w ag e for 1 8- to 20-year-o ld s to th e adu lt rate, d espite Labo ur ’ s electio n m anifesto pled ge to re m ov e “d i sc retio nary ag e band s ” G o v e r n m e n t s o u r c e s told the BBC that while officials are exploring a slower i m p l e m e n t a t i o n , t h e y a r e unlikely to abandon the poli c y e n t i r e l y S p e a k i n g o n BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme, Welsh Secretary Jo

S t e v e n s r e a f f i r m e d t h a t e q u a l i s i n g t h e m i n i m u m wage remains government policy

The debate comes amid stark evidence that young people are struggling in the U K j o b m a r k e t Unemployment among 16t o 2 4 - y e a r - o l d s c u r r e n t l y stands at 16 1%, compared with a national average of 5 1 %

t youth jobless rate for over a decade Overall UK unem-

ployment rose to 5 2% in the three months to December, the highest level in nearly five years, according to the O f f i c e f o

Statistics (ONS)

e s , workers over 21 earn £12 21 an hour, while 18- to 20year-olds receive £10 The p r o p o s

bring younger workers in line with the adult rate, but ministers are now weighing the economic impact amid a challenging jobs market

UK manufacturers demand urgent energy relief

U K man ufact ur er s in en er-

g y-int ensive sectors, includin g stee l a nd g la ss, wa rn ed

t ha t cu r r e n t g o v e r n me n t s u p po r t i s in s u ff ic i e n t t o

m a in t a in g lo ba l c o mp e t it iven ess

Despite wholesale price stabilisation, British industrial electricity rates remain the highest in Europe This

d i s p a r i t y i s d r i v e n b y t h e

U K ’ s l i b e r a l i s e d m a r k e t , where expensive natural gas still sets the price for over a q u a r t e r o f t h e n a t i o n ' s power I n n o r t h w e s t E n g l a n d , g l a s s m a n u f a c t u r e r E n c i r c reported that high costs are f o r c i n g c u s t o m e r s t o w a r d

Slough climate-tech firm secures £250,000

boost

A climate -t

accel

provided by The FSE Group through the Thames Valley Berkshire Funding Escalator

Organicco Ltd,

products

company

Organicco designs modular systems capable of converting industrial and organ-

grade CO₂ and carbon cred-

reduce waste while generating new revenue streams

Jeyasundra, the company has

portfolio of “waste-to-value” t

E R , ecoMAN and ecoENERGY

allow organisations to proc e s s a n d r e p u r p o s e w a s t e directly on their own sites Gopal Jeyasundra, CEO and co-founder, said, “We’re

was a key moment for us;

delighted to have FSE’s support at a pivotal time for O r g a n i c

years of intensive development, our technologies are now ready for

contracts and expand manufacturing

Air India launches major UK rebrand campaign

the competitive international aviation market It will f o c u s h e a v i l y o n L o n d o n , one of its most important global hubs, targeting both b u s i n e s s a n d l e i s u r e t r a vellers flying to India C r e a t e d b y M c C a n n Worldwide and planned by Omnicom Group, the campaign spans outdoor, transport, broadcast and digital p l a t f o r m s B r a n d i n g w i l l

appear on around 300 black c a b s , 1 0 0 b u

Underground stations, rail networks and the Heathrow E x p r e s s A t H e a t h r o w Airport Terminal 2, adverts will target passengers travelling to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru T e l e v i s i o n a d v e r t s w i l l air during the ICC Men’s T 2 0 W o r l d C u p o n S k y Sports, supported by radio,

These industries, which support 400,000 jobs, are calling for stronger protections and a wholesale rebalancing scheme to bridge the gap Without further interv e n t i o n , l e a d e r s f e a r t h e high cost of the green transition could trigger deindust r i a l i s a t i o n b e f o r e t h e promised long-term benefits of renewable energy arrive

c h e a p e r , u n s u s t a i n a b l e i m p o r t s f r o m C h i n a a n d Turkey To address this, the g o v e r n m e n t w i l l i n c r e a s e e l e c t r i c i t y n e t w o r k c h a r g e discounts from 60% to 90% starting in April 2026, aiming to save 500 major firms a c o m b i n e d £ 4 2 0 m i l l i o n annually However, Gareth Stace of UK Steel noted that the sector still faces power p r i c e s n e a r l y 4 0 % h i g h e r than those in France and Germany

Pharmacies at breaking point amid rising costs

T wo-third s o f p harmacies in E ngland face “im minent clos ure ” du e to financial pressu res, ind us try exp erts h av e w arned

M a n y a r e c o n s i d e r i n g s c a l i n g b a c k s e r v i c e s , h a v i n g reached what the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) describes as “breaking point ” The NPA said widespread closures would “jeopardise access ” to medicines for millions and create a major setback for Government plans to bring care closer to home

The association has written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting to highlight the “perilous position” of independent pharmacies “A recent poll found that two-thirds (65 per cent) of pharmacies in England operated at a loss last year, ” the letter states “In reality, this puts them at real risk of imminent closure, jeopardising access to medicines our patients need and blowing an enormous hole in the 10-year plan before it has even begun ”

Pharmacists are facing a “cliff edge” of rising costs from April, including business rates and minimum wage hikes

The letter also notes that many pharmacies are “routinely subsidising NHS prescriptions,” forcing owners to rely on loans, overdrafts, and even personal pensions to stay afloat “We do not want to make agonising decisions about whether the pharmacy can stay open or what services to cut,” the NPA added

Representing around 6,000 independent pharmacies, the group called on the Government for an above-inflation funding increase and a reformed pharmacy contract

Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, improved inflight services and connectivity Air India currently opera t e s 4 9 w e e k l y H e a t h r o w flights, underlining its commitment to modernisation and strengthening UK-India links

Public finances show record January surplus

The UK go vernment posted its largest month ly budget su rp l u s o n r ec o r d i n

Janu ary, delivering a significa n t bo o s t to C h a nc e ll o r

Rach el Reeves ah ead of th e spring forecast

A c c o r d i n g t o f i g u r e s released by the Office for N a t i o n a l S t a t i s t i c s ( O N S ) , the public sector recorded a s u r p l u s o f £ 3 0 4 b n i n January This was £15 9bn higher than the surplus in

J a n u a r y 2 0 2 5 , e f f e c t

v e l y double, and £6 3bn above t h e f o r e c a s t m a d e i n November by the Office for B u d g e t R e s p o n

i n a n y month since records began i n 1 9 9 3 , e x c e e

economists’ expectations of £23 8bn January typically sees a surplus due to higher tax r e c

Wealthy founders flee UK over tax burden

Nearly 6,000 high-growth bus iness owners have left the UK over the past two years, as sweeping tax c hanges and c oncerns over the country’ s econo m i c c om p et i ti v e n es s pr om pt entrepreneurs to seek opportunities ab road, new research has revealed

House filings between January 2024 and 2026, found that the technology sector accounted for the largest share of departing founders The United Arab Emirates emerged as the most

p

y Spain and the United States

The findings come amid mounting unease among high earners The Financial Times’ annual bonus survey found that four in 10 respondents were considering leaving the UK due to high personal tax rates, even as many anticipated strong bonus payouts

The trend follows a series of sign

reshaped the financial landscape for

wealthy individuals These include tighter inheritance tax rules affecting business owners, higher capital gains tax rates and the abolition of nondom status

While Chancellor Rachel Reeves r

reliefs available when businesses are passed down, she also introduced

remain non-resident for at least

decade

Despite the outflow, the UK cont

Rathbones said 3,182 business owners relocated to Britain over the same

enough to offset departures, resulting in a net loss of 2,758 founders

The broader wealth picture tells a similar story The UK recorded a net loss of 16,500 millionaires last year, representing an estimated $91 8bn in investable wealth In contrast, countries such as the US and the UAE saw significant inflows

self-assessment returns The ONS said income and capital gains tax receipts totalled

4 6 4 b n , u p £10 5bn compared with the same month last year D e s p

t e t h e s t r o n g January figures, government borrowing for the financial y

£112 1bn, £14 6bn lower than last year, but still the fifthhighest level on record for the period

UK job vacancies fall to five-year low

UK job vacan cie s hav

In January, the number of roles being advertised fell 3% to 695,000, the first time

since January 2021 Graduate roles fell

Adzuna began tracking

in 2016 The decline follows official data showing UK unemployment at a five-year high of

2%, as wage growth slows and young people appear hardest hit by the slowdown Vacancies have fallen 16% compared with January 2025 and nearly 20% since mid-2025, as employers curb hiring in response to higher national insurance contributions and increases to the mini-

Rachel Reeves Rising labour costs have also prompted some companies to prioritise investment in automation and artificial intelligence rather than recruitment The impact on young workers has been acute: unemployment among 18- to 24-year-olds reached 14% in late 2025, the highest rate in five years, raising concerns

prospects

India’s AI Summit marks global tech turning point

Ove r t he past we ek , Bhar at Man dapa m in Ne w Delhi has e merg ed a s a ce ntr al hub for the g loba l t ech commun ity, host ing the Ind ia AI Impa ct Summit 2026, which a tt r act ed ove r 250, 000

pa r t i ci p a n t s f r o m m

h a n 6 0 coun trie s Addressing world leaders, Prime

M i n i

AI Impact Summit 2026

Shaping

a Human-Centric Future for AI

Continued from page 3

Trust is the foundation upon which AI’s future rests As generative systems flood the world with content, democratic societies face risks from deepfakes and disinformation Just as food carries nutrition labels, digital content must carry authenticity labels

transformative force that is rapidly e x p a n d

Centric Future for AI – AI Impact

H

called the summit one of the most historic of its kind and a moment of pride for the Global South

T h e i n a u g u

d

French President Emmanuel Macron

a n d U N S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l A n t o n i o

G u t e r r e s , a l o n g s i d e t o p i n d u s t r y

leaders During the summit, Modi held bilateral talks with leaders from the Netherlands, UAE, Switzerland, and Greece, and met with over 50 global tech CEOs, including Sundar Pichai,

S a m A l t m a n , A l e x a n d r W a n g , a n d

Dario Amodei

S e v e r a l U K d e l e g a t e s , i n c l u d i n g

former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, D e p u t y P M D a v i d L a m m y , a n d A I

Minister Kanishka Narayan, attended the summit In an interview with India

T o d a y , N a r a y a n h i g h l i g h t e d t h e g r o w i n g I n d i a - U K t e c h n o l o g i c a l p a r t n e r s h i p , s t r e s s i n g t h a t b o t h n a t i o n s a i m t o s h a p e A I a r o u n d human-centric values He noted that the combined influence of India and t h e U K i n g u i d i n g e t h i c a l A I i s “extremely powerful,” and emphasised

s t r a t e g i c i n t e r d e p e n d e n c e a m o n g

democracies over isolated sovereignty Narayan also cited their joint action against explicit AI-generated content on platforms like Grok as a regulatory success and pointed to the India-UK Free Trade Agreement’s innovation

c h a p t e r , e n a b l i n g j o i n t r e s e a r c h centres and R&D collaboration

While the summit drew significant global attention, it was not without challenges A university faced scrutiny after a faculty member claimed a robot

d o g o n d i s p l a y w a s d e v e l o p e d i n -

h o u s e , w h e n i t w a s i n f a c t

m a n u f a c t u r e d b y C h i n e s e f i r m

Unitree The event also faced logistical issues, with heavy traffic restrictions

a r o u n d B h a r a t M a n d a p a m f o r c i n g

s e v e r a l a t t e n d e e s t o w a l k l o n g distances due to VIP movements, a situation for which Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw later apologised

The summit was further impacted

b y h i g h - p r o f i l e c a n c e

n s : M i c r o s

f t c o - f o u n d e r B i l l G a t e s withdrew from his keynote address shortly before the event, following the earlier absence of Nvidia CEO Jensen

H u a n g A v i r a l m o m e n t a l s o s a w OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei hesitate during a staged photo with the Prime Minister, which Altman later explained was due to

c o n f u s i o

C

protest, prompting the BJP to demand

a n a p o l o g y f r o m C o n g r e s s l e a d e r Rahul Gandhi, raising concerns about India’s image on the global stage Amid the turbulence, the summit

a l s o

C

d investments exceeding $250 billion, and the 2026 New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, signed by 89 countries, i n c l u d i n g t h e U S a n d C h

n a , establishes a non-binding framework for equitable, safe, and trustworthy AI development In his column, “Shaping a Human-

Summit 2026,” Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s scale and energy, r

thousands of young people explored emerging possibilities Modi described

democratised AI summit, marking

(More information page 3) “Ne w Delhi Summit puts India on AI map

Despite controversy and criticism

Summit 2026, proving that even in highly populous countries, organising a large-scale international event can be complex and fraught with logistical challenges, yet still achieve significant global attention and participation

While India boasts a large tech talent pool and global IT giants like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services, i

developing large language models or commercial AI products The summit underscored India’s goal of ensuring

AI decision-making is not dominated by the US and China, reflecting the global south’s push for faster, more equitable adoption However, India’s

n c e framework met resistance, with White

H o u s e C T O M i c h a e l K r a t s i o s d i s m i s s i n g c e

though voluntary commitments were secured from AI companies to share

u s a g e d a t

n s i g h t s

n multilingual models T h e s u m

i t a

s o h i g h l i g h t e d India’s IT sector, securing $227 billion in investment pledges, mainly for data

c e n t r e e x p a n s i o n , t h o u g h e x p e r

warn the country still lacks the larges

needed to compete globally Despite geopolitical and regulatory challenges, progress was evident: Indian start-up Sarvam AI launched a practical LLM, a n d T C S a n d I n f o s y s a n n o u n c e d p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h O p e n A I a n d Anthropic Sam Altman noted India is OpenAI’s fastest-growing market for its coding AI, Codex, signalling the country’s rising role in the global AI landscape

P ro f es s o r S i d d ar th a K h a st g i r, H ea d o f S a fe A u to n

WM

organised by the IIT Kharagpur’s AI stalwart, Prof Partha P Chakrabarti It s o w e d t h e

d s f o r a l a r g e - s c a l e global cooperation on the important and urgent topic of getting consensus o n m e t r i c s f o r A I t o e n a b l e A I trustworthiness I was very humbled by the reception of our approach at WMG, University of bounding the AI

e r i n g solutions Discussions at the session and the wider summit provided the p

approaches to build trustworthy AI The shift in the AI conversations at t

Usage was very timely, bringing focus to democratisation of AI for the first t

I urge the global community to come together to create shared standards for watermarking and source verification India has already taken a step in this direction by legally requiring clear labelling of synthetically generated content

The welfare of our children is a matter close to our hearts AI systems must be built with safeguards that

reflecting the same care we bring to education systems worldwide

Technology yields its greatest benefit when shared, rather than guarded as a strategic asset Open platforms can help millions of youth contribute to making technology safer and more human-centric This collective intelligence is humanity’s greatest strength AI must evolve as a global common good

We are entering an era where humans and intelligent systems will co-create, co-work and co-evolve Entirely new professions will emerge When the internet began, no one could imagine the possibilities It ended up creating a huge number of new opportunities and so will AI

U

attended the summit told us, “It was a great privilege to join the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi for the s e s s i o n

& cooperation on democratisation of AI together has to be one of the key highl e v e l

I am confident that our empowered youth will be the true drivers of the AI age We are encouraging skilling, reskilling and lifelong learning by running some of the largest and most diverse skilling programmes in the world

m m i t

Walking through the AI Expo at the Summit was immensely inspiring, as the interactions with various Indian organisations not only illustrated the s

a l e o f I n d i a ’ s a m b i t i o n b u t a l s o I n d i a ’ s h i g h e x p e r t i s e l e v e l H u g e k u d o s t o H o n ’ b l e P r i m e M i n i s t e r

Narendra Modi Ji and the entire India AI mission for putting India at the centre stage of the global AI landscape and leading the global narrative ”

Another attendee, Co-Fo und er of Eto s S erv ices Ltd - Tu sh ar Dasg h ose described the summit as “overall very positive,” noting, “I think on balance, t h e p o s i t i v e s f a r o u t w e i g h e d t h e negatives reported in the press ” He highlighted that this was “the biggest AI event after the UK summit hosted by Rishi Sunak, and the first major G l o b a l S o u t h s u m m i t , ” b r i n g i n g t o g e t h e r p o l i c y m a k e r s , l a w y e r s , innovators, and world leaders on a single platform He added, “It allowed innovators t o s h o w c a s

management systems, and emphasised using AI at the ground level ” Key d i s c u s s i o n s i n c l u d e d d a t a p r i v a c y , cybersecurity, and affordability, with T u s h a r n o t i n g t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f FinOps, financial operations for AI, to make it scalable and accessible for everyone C o m m e n t i n g o n l e a d e r s h i p engagement, he said, “Elected leaders w e r e l i s t e n i n g t o i n n o v a t o r s , l e g a l experts, and policy advisors, gathering feedback from the ground to shape future AI strategies ” He praised the s u m m i t f o r f o s t e r i n g s t r a t e g i c coordination across democracies and preparing participants for emerging technologies like quantum computing On international collaboration, he o b s e r v e d , “ W h i l e c o u n t r i e s m u s t p r o t e c t t

summit showed how cooperation is key to making AI effective globally ” Concluding on the event’s impact, T u s h

sharing knowledge, and building a foundation for global AI cooperation E v e r y o n e

India is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations and technology talent With our energy capacity and policy clarity, we are uniquely positioned to harness AI’s full potential At this Summit, I was proud to see Indian companies launch indigenous AI models and applications, reflecting the technological depth of our young innovation community

To fuel the growth of our AI ecosystem, we are building a robust infrastructure foundation Under the India AI Mission, we have deployed thousands of GPUs and are set to deploy more soon By accessing world-class computing power at highly affordable rates, even the smallest startups can become global players Further, we have e

access to datasets and AI models From semiconductors and data infrastructure to vibrant startups and applied research, we are focusing on the complete value chain

dynamism provide the right atmosphere for inclusive innovation Solutions that succeed in India can serve humanity everywhere That is why our invitation to the world is: Design and develop in India Deliver to the

Asha Sharma named CEO of Microsoft Gaming

M i cr o so f t h a s a p p o in ted A s h a

Sharm a as the new CEO of its gaming div isio n, m arking a major leaders hi p trans itio n fo r X bo x She succeed s long-tim e gaming chief Ph il S pencer, w ho is retiring after nearly 4

ad viser th roug h th e sum mer Sharma steps into the role at a challenging time, with Microsoft Gaming facing slowing growth, rising costs and fierce competition in the global console and content market As Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, she will report directly to chairman and CEO Satya Nadella Sharma has said she will focus on strengthening Xbox’s core audience while navigating an industry increasingly shaped by subscriptions, cloud gaming and large acquisitions

A I platform and product teams, contributing to its long-term AI strategy, and earlier served as COO of Instacart and a product leader at Meta A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, she is widely described as being of Indian origin but keeps her personal life private Microsoft also announced leadership changes alongside her appointment, promoting Matt Booty to chief content officer while Sarah Bond departs Sharma steps in at a crucial time for Xbox as it faces strong competition from S o n

hardware, subscriptions and AI-driven integration

Bangladeshi President claims plot against him during Yunus tenure

Fol l o wi ng t h e t a

of Tarique Rehman’s new gov-

er n m

M

d

Shaha buddin ac cused form er chief advis er and Nobel l aureate M oham mad Y unus of “ c ons piring” to r emove him unconst itutional ly

I n a n

h ‘Kaler Kantho’, Shahabuddin

s

destabilise the country and create a constitutional vacu-

S

excluded from consultations for 18 months while conspiracies were hatched against h

undermine peace and block his foreign visits to Kosovo and Qatar He accused former chief adviser Yunus of

l duties, failing to report on

14-15 trips, and issuing 133 ordinances without justification Shahabuddin said he was

agreement, alleged a blocked plot to replace him with

Bangabhaban as a “terrifying night” controlled by the military He credited the army

chiefs: “You are the supreme

would mean the defeat of the armed forces, which we will prevent at any cost ”

Sikh leaders push for Punjabi recognition in New York

Jaspreet Singh , an Attorney-

at-L aw in the US and a d isting uished alumnus of Guru N an ak D ev U ni v e rs i ty, A m ritsar, has sp earh eaded

e ff o rt s t o se c ur e o f fi c i al reco gnition for the P unjabi lang uag e in New York State

He led a delegation of S i k h l e a d e r s t o m e e t

G o v e r n o r K a t h y H o c h u l , submitting a memorandum seeking official recognition of Punjabi in New York to e n a b l e i t s t e a c h i n g i n schools and colleges

Lawmakers invite Epstein survivors to attend

Trump address

D e m o c r at i c l a wm a ke r s p l an t o i nv it e

individu als who say t hey were v ict imised by convicted sex off ender Jef fr ey Ep stein to Pr esident Do nald Trump ’ s S tate of the Union address

M a r y l a n d R e

Representative Suhas Subramanyam will attend with the brother and sister-in-law of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, an Epstein survivor who died by suicide in April after alleging she was trafficked to powerful men, including Prince Andrew, who has denied wrongdoing and was never criminally convicted

Hakeem Jeffries will attend the address with women who have accused Jeffrey Epstein of abuse, while survivor Haley

Khanna, who praised survivors for exposing

rotten system

in brief PALM BEACH AIRPORT TO

BECOME TRUMP INTERNATIONAL

An airport in Florida is set to be renamed after US President Donald Trump after the state legislature approved a bill The Republican-led body voted to rename Palm Beach International Airport as “President Donald J Trump International Airport,” with Governor Ron DeSantis expected to sign it into law Just minutes from Mar-a-Lago, the airport would be the latest institution to carry Trump s name pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration In December the president’s appointed board at the Kennedy Center voted to rename it the “Trump-Kennedy Center ” Efforts to rename Penn Station and Dulles International Airport after him were reportedly rejected while draft proposals for a $1 coin bearing his image have also surfaced despite laws prohibiting depictions of a sitting president on US currency

KARACHI COLLAPSE ADDS TO GROWING SAFETY CONCERNS

The memorandum, on behalf of the Gurdwara Sikh C u l t u

S

e t y

N

w York, also sought Punjabi’s inclusion in public services, s u p p o r t f o r a c o m m u n

stronger action against hate

detainee issues and habeas corpus petitions

constructive, noting a fol-

The February 17 meeting in Manhattan was attended by senior officials from the S t a t e P o l i c e , D M V , E d u c a t i o n a n d I n t e r f a i t h Affairs departments, along with Sibu Nair, Director of Asian American Affairs

Jaspreet Singh

low-up meeting is planned for May The delegation also

Kidnapped Gurdwara volunteer found dead in California

A 57-year-old man kidnapped in bro ad d aylight fro m a g urd wara in Tracy, US, h as been fo und d ead, police confirmed, t h o u g h f o rm a l id ent if i c ati o n i s st il l p ending

Avtar Singh, a longtime sevadar at t

allegedly abducted last week by three men in dark clothing CCTV footage cited by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office shows him being forced into a white SUV against his will Authorities launched an investigation later that evening after receiving a report of his disappearance near West Grant Line Road in Tracy

Avtar Singh (right)

fied the deceased, friends and community members believe it is Avtar Singh, who is s u r v i v e d b y h i s w i f

Massie said up to 12 survivors may be

release of Epstein-related files Democrats have criticised the Trump administration’s handling of the records, and at a February 11 hearing, Attorney General

Representative Pramila Jayapal to apologise to survivors

Indian-origin exec convicted for $1.2mn

Optum fraud

An Indi an-o rigi n man, Ka ran Gu pta, h as bee n convi cte d i n t he US f or de fra udi ng h i s e mp lo y er , O pt um (a Unit ed H e al th Grou p subsidi ary ), of $1 2 milli on by h iri ng a n unqua lifi ed lifelo ng fri end Gupta, senior director of data analytics, provided a false resume for the friend, who secured the position in 2015 For nearly four years, the friend did little to no work while earning a salary starting above $100,000, receiving raises and bonuses, rarely logging in, and virtually avoiding contact with colleagues, according to the US Attorney’s Office in Minnesota

A t O p t u m , G u p t a e a r n e d o v e r $260,000 annually and received kickbacks of more than half his friend’s salary The f r i e n d i n i t i a l l y f u n n e l e d

h New Jersey, later sending a debit card for Gupta to withdraw funds in California The fraud was uncovered after Gupta’s 2019 firing for another case, with the FBI noting he exploited his position by hiring a “ghost employee ”

At least 16 people, including women and children, were killed when a three-storey building collapsed following an explosion in Karachi s Soldier Bazaar area early Friday, officials said The incident occurred around 4 am as families were preparing sehri during Ramadan and left at least 13 others injured Rescue officials said the blast was of “unknown” origin, though initial reports suggest it may have been caused by a gas explosion Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause In July last year a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area killing 27 people and injuring 10 others Authorities have identified around 600 buildings in the city as unsafe Building and roof collapses remain frequent in Pakistan largely due to weak safety enforcement and substandard construction practices in the country of over 240 million people

TALIBAN PENAL CODE TREATS WOMEN AS “SLAVES”

A new penal code in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has alarmed women s rights groups, as it reportedly treats women as slaves and allows husbands or masters to punish them without causing broken bones or open wounds The 90-page Afghan penal code, signed by Hibatullah Akhundzada, enforces a caste-like hierarchy, with harsher punishments for lower classes It treats women as “slaves ” allowing husbands or “masters” to administer beatings While serious crimes are handled by clerics, lesser offences permit discretionary punishments (ta’zir) Legal recourse for women exists but is extremely difficult, requiring evidence to be presented while fully covered and accompanied by a male guardian, even if the abuser is the husband

A body was found along State Highway 128 near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, prompting road closures Authorities said the case has been transferred to San Joaquin County, adding the person did not appear to have died in Napa County

While officials have not formally identi-

Ca

n d s i x - m o n t h - o l d triplets, according to a GoFundMe page

Singh had volunteered at the Tracy gurdwara for over 20 years and was known for his humility and service Police have asked anyone with information about the kidnapping to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

Indian students hit hardest in Canada study permit cut

Canada’s 2024 cap, along w i t h s t r i c t e r a c

migrat ion

from 514,915 in 2024 and the

students were hardest hit, with permits nearly halving to 94,605 and new arrivals dropping 61%

plans

Carnegie Hall to host Indian music festival

T he three -d ay fe sti va l, runni ng May 21-23, 2027, wi ll sho

Chakra ba rty, a nd more

The annual event is supported by a $10 million gift from Ila and Dinesh Paliwal a n d t h e i r f a m i l y f o u n d a t i o n S e l e c t e d I n d i a n a r t i s t s w i l l a l s o r e c e i v e t h e

Carnegie Hall Fellow Award, with their work highlighted in the Hall’s programming New York philanthropist Ila Paliwal is set to be recommended for the Carnegie Hall board She said, “I am thrilled to see the Indian Music Festival taking shape and honoured to join the board ”

ROB JETTEN SWORN IN AS YOUNGEST DUTCH PM

Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister after his Democrats 66 (D66) party narrowly won October’s general election, edging out Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam party The 38-year-old has formed a centre-right minority coalition with the VVD and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA) meaning major reforms including a €19bn defence boost and cuts to healthcare and benefits will need caseby-case backing in parliament The coalition plans tougher asylum policies, a divisive issue that toppled previous governments Jetten was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace and said on X he was proud to take on the responsibility for all Dutch citizens Once dubbed “Robot Jetten,” he appeared confident on election night as a young, pro-EU, socially liberal alternative to Geert Wilders After the swearing-in, he posted “Let’s get to work ”

Nairobi hosts high level Indian economic summit

The High C omm issio n of

Ind ia and the India Kenya

C h am be r o f C o

(IKCC ) h osted a prestigious

fi

F

Trademark Hotel, Nairobi,

to

Budget 2026– 27 for h ighnet-w orth individ uals

Chairman Abhishek Rana,

global investors can utilise the new Income Tax Act

2025 and GIFT City opportunities to enhance bilateral

C A

Executive Director Pradeep Ramakrishnan and CA TP

O

d

mative policy shifts aimed

a t " Y u v a S h a k t i - d r i v e n growth " A primary focus

w a s t h e I

propose extending tax holidays to twenty out of twenty-five years The delega-

Foreign Assets Disclosure Scheme and long-term tax incentives for data centres and cloud services extending until 2047 The forum explored the emergence of GIFT City as a competitive

rency debt financing, offer-

ing streamlined regulations

l exchanges Notable attendees such as Vimal Shah a

cussed regulatory simplifications designed to reduce discretionary assessments

This strategic session reinf

c trajectory by offering tax certainty and capital efficiency for Kenyan corporates and global investors alike

India and Tanzania strengthen strategic defence roadmap

A h i g h - l e v e l d e l e g a t i o n f r o m

P

(T PDF) a rri ved in India on F ebruary 17 for a t hreed ay v isit to bol ste r bi late r-

a l mi lita ry tie s

L e d b y M r I b r a h i m

M h o n a , C h i e f o f

Operations and Training, t h e T a n z a n i a n o f f i c i a l s

met with Indian counter-

p a r t s i n N e w D e l h i t o advance a five-year strategic roadmap established in

October 2023 This miss i o n s p e c i f i c a l l y f o

on the cyber domain, with

n g Indian defence cybersecurity facilities to exchange technical expertise

The visit follows the f o u r t h J o i n t D e f

C

meeting held in Zanzibar earlier this month Both nations are expanding coll a b o r a t i o n i n t o n i c h e areas including artificial

warfare, and counter-ter-

include a new agreement for air force cooperation t

naval and army engagements T

p underscores India’s commitment to regional security and capacity building

and African defence sectors through 2027

Huge crackdown nets Hundreds of cybercriminals

INTERP OL and law enfo rcement agencies across sixteen A frican nations conc lu d e d a m a s si v e ei g h t- w e ek s ti n g operatio n on January 3 0, resulting in 651 arrests and the recov ery of $4 3 million

Codenamed Operation Red Card 2 0, the initiative ran from December 8, 2025 to dismantle sophisticated syndicates responsible for over $45 million in financial losses By coordinating real-time intelligence, authorities identified 1,247 victims and seized 2,341 devices used to facilitate highyield investment scams and mobile money fraud

In Nigeria, police dismantled a command centre used for identity theft and siphoning telecommunications data Meanwhile, Kenyan and Ivorian officials targeted predatory loan applications and fake investment dashboards that lured victims with promises of high returns Backed by the UK’s Foreign Office and private partners like Trend Micro, the crackdown also neutralised 1,442 malicious IP addresses This collaborative effort highlights a significant victory in Africa's ongoing battle against transnational digital crime and organised fraud networks

Imran Khan receives urgent eye treatment

P

M inister, Im ran Khan, was m oved from A diala Jail to t h e P ak i st an I ns ti tu t e o f M ed ical S ciences ( PIMS) in I slam abad on Febru ary 24 for urg ent eye treatment The seventy-three-yearold PTI leader, incarcerated since August 2023, received a second

under heavy security after cardiac tests confirmed he was stable

T

reports that Khan has lost

vision in the affected

W

improving, his family and t h e P T I

the secretive nature of the medical transfer, demanding he be shifted to Shifa

Major trading nations

win as court overturns Trump’s tariffs

Th e United States Suprem e C ourt deliv ered a landm ark ruling on February 20 , striking d own President Donald T ru m p ’ s e m

lev ies and provid ing imm ediate relief to global markets

In a 6–3 decision, the justices determined that the administration’s use of the

bypass Congress was illegal

global economic landscape

who have emerged as the primary beneficiaries of the ruling By invalidating the p

A

2025, the court has effectively reset the average effective tariff rate to approximately 12%, its lowest level in nearly a year

For India and China, the weighted average tariff rate

i s e x p e c t e d t o d r o p f r o m 20% to 17%, with specific l e v i e s o n C

C a n a d a a n d M e x i c o a l s o

benefit significantly as the c o u r t s c r a p p e d a d d i t i o n a l f

However, traditional allies like the UK and Australia f a c

cent rates under reciprocal

announced 15% global floor

While the Trump administration plans to visit Beijing to ensure continued compliance with purchase agreements, the immediate peak of trade uncertainty appears to have passed Neal K atyal and the Supreme C ourt verdict I n d i a

Neal Katyal has secured a historic legal victory after

Donald Trump’s global tar-

iffs Representing a coalition of small businesses, Katyal successfully argued that the

emergency laws to bypass

Indian immigrants, Katyal is a partner at Milbank LLP and former Acting Solicitor General who has argued 54

Court Following the verdict, he emphasised that the system self-corrects, proving that even the most powerful individuals must adhere to the Constitution The victory provides significant relief to thousands of businesses and millions of consumers who were facing increased costs

Gujarati origin individuals charged in separate US cases

T w o u n rel ate d c ri m i na l cases in the United States hav e placed ind ivi duals o f Gujarati origin u nd er federal and state scrutiny, w ith leg al actions conclud ing in A rizona and com mencing in New Jersey

I n P h o e n i x , A r i z o n a , fifty-seven-year-old Varsha P a t e l w a s s

February 4 for her role in a l o n g -

i s e F

p

w i n g a n investigation by the FBI and local police, Patel admitted t

motel as a hub for prostitution and drug trafficking

US District Judge Susan M Brnovich ordered five years of probation, the forfeiture of the motel property, and the confiscation of $744,000 in illegal proceeds, alongside a $5,000 fine

M e a n w h i l e , i n N e w J e r s e y , f o r t y - s i x - y e a r - o l d Tejas Patel of Woodbridge was arrested on February 19 b y t h e H u d s o n C o u n t y Prosecutor’s Office A for-

charges

endangering the welfare of a child Prosecutors allege the offences occurred in Jersey

involving

fifteen-year-old victim met via Snapchat He remains in custody at the

Calgary shooting targets Punjab man in extortion

C a lg a ry p o li c e h av e launched a forensic investigation after a Punjabi-orig in man ’ s house in the Savanna Park area was targeted in a shoo ting February 23

At approximately 12:10 am, an unknown assailant fired multiple rounds into t h e r e s i d e n c e o f L o v j e e t S a n d h u b e f o r e f l e e i

Imran Khan

independent care Khan has since returned to jail, with a third procedure scheduled for March 24

foot While no injuries were reported, the attack is one of t w

broader extortion campaign t a r g e

Asian community

The incident gained further notoriety after a social media post allegedly linked to Aarzoo Bishnoi, an asso-

responsibility for the violence Calgary Police Service

confirmed that since early 2025, the city has seen twenty-eight reported extortion

now working to verify the gang links as they combat a national rise in coordinated

South Asian business owners and residents

Indian workers attacked in Israel ahead of Modi visit

Israel i authorities have arrest ed s everal individual s foll owing a "targeted, rac ially m otivate d " a s s a ul t on t w o In d ia n wo rk e r s i n Ashkelon

The attack, which was highlighted in a video report by Israeli public broadcaster KAN on 16 February 2026, involved a group of a s s a i l a n t s w h o a l l e g e d l y c o o r d i n a t e d t h e ambush through WhatsApp messages The footage depicted the victims being beaten in a public park in broad daylight, in what was described as a premeditated act driven by racism and malice The Israeli Embassy in India condemned the violence as "absolutely

unacceptable", confirming that the perpetrators were swiftly apprehended by the Israeli police Ashkelon, situated near the Gaza border, has seen a recent influx of Indian labourers recruited to fill workforce shortages in the construction and hospitality sectors This i n c i d e n t o c c u r r e d j u s t d a y s b e f o r e P r i m e Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled state visit to Israel on February 25- 26 During his trip, PM Modi is expected to address the Knesset and discuss a tremendous alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on security, innovation, and labour mobility between the two strategic partners

Jay Bhattacharya named acting CDC director

T h e D o na

T

u mp adminis tratio n h as named J ay Bh attach arya as acting direc tor o f the Centers for

D i s e as

Co n t ro

an d P revention (CDC) , marking ano th er leadersh ip ch ange

a t th e D e p ar tm en t o f H ealth and Hu man S ervices ah ead of th e midterms

T h e K

physician will continue as

Institutes of Health (NIH) while replacing Jim O’Neill at the CDC, where he will

o

and public health policy

A S

national prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic for opposing lockdowns and coauthoring the 2020 Great

widespread shutdowns

Indian-origin man held by ICE over child assault charges

pandemic response, writing

on masking However, he has expressed support for

recent Senate hearing that measles outbreaks are best

Meanwhile, former acting CDC director Jim O’Neill is expected to be nominated to lead the National Science Foundation

Sunita Williams’ Starliner mission labelled ‘type A’ mishap

NAS A has classified Boeing’ s f ai l ed 20 24 S ta rli n er tes t flight as a “Type A ” mish ap, the same catego ry u sed for t h e C h al le ng e r a nd C olumbia shuttle d isasters, h ighlighting the severity of the mission’ s failu res

The troubled flight left a s t r o n a u t s B a r r y “ B u t c h ” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” W i l l i a m s s t r a n d e d a b o a r d t h e I n t e r n a t i o

d o f t h e p l a n n e d week

In a sharply critical 300p l u s - p a g e r e p o r t , N A S A f a u l t e d b o t h i t s o w n b u r e a u c r a c y a n d B o e i n g , c i t i n g e n g i n e e r i n g f l a w s ,

w e a k o v e r s i g h t a n d

b r e a k d o w n s i n t r u s t t h a t turned the mission into a p r o l o n g e d p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l o r d e a l f o r t h e astronauts

At the time of the failed

m i s s i o n , B o e i n g w a s

grappling with turmoil in its c o m m e

c

a l a i r c r a f t b u s i n e s s a n d g r o w i n g competition from SpaceX, whose Dragon capsule had already completed multiple crewed flights A N A S A r e p o r t f o u n d the agency ’ s desire to keep B o e i n g a s a s e c o n d I S S launch provider increased i t s t o l e r a n c e f o r r i s k A d m i n i s t r a t o r J

bounds,” and investigators issued 61 recommendations

T h e J u n e 2 0 2 4 S t a r l i n e r flight, marred by thruster failures and helium leaks, was classified as a “Type A” mishap Although it docked with the ISS, NASA deemed it too risky to return Barry W i l m o r e a n d S u n i t a Williams, who later came home aboard SpaceX NASA has said Starliner will not carry another crew until all issues are fixed

Indian national arrested after fatal Indiana crash

A 25 - yea r- o ld In d i an national has been arrested in the United States after allegedly running a red light and causing a three-v eh icle crash that killed a 64-yearo ld m an in Indiana

The accused, Sukhdeep S i n g h , i s n o w i n Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, with authorities stating he was in the country illegally Singh was apprehended at the US border in 2018 as a minor and later released He

r e p o r t e d l y o b t a i n e d a commercial driver’s license in May 2025

T h e c r a s h o c c u r r e d around noon in Hendricks

C o u n t y , w e s t o f Indianapolis, when his semitruck struck a white pickup

T h e p i c k u p ’ s d r i v e r , 6 4year-old Terry Schultz, died at the scene, according to local reports

T

D

Indiana accident involving a

Singh, detained in 2018, had b

1997 Flores decree, which allows minors to be released to a parent or relative

An Ind ian-orig in man accused of m ultiple offences, including th e sexual assault of a m in o r, h a s be en d eta i ned by U S Im m ig r ati o n and C u s to m s E nf o rce m en t (ICE)

V o d e l a Y a s h a

charges in New Jersey for allegedly sexually a

shoplifting and disorderly conduct

In a post on X, ICE said Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, described by the agency as an

larceny in New Jersey and will remain in custody during removal proceedings The agency confirmed he is being held pending further action

The detention comes amid intensified

migrants during Donald Trump’s second

arrests involving foreign nationals accused of crimes

ICE also released details of a separate case involving an Indian truck driver linked to a fatal motorway crash in Oregon that claimed two lives Authorities said he had entered the US illegally through Arizona in November 2022 before later obtaining work

licence in California

Only 29% of Indian Americans approve of Trump

A 2026 su rv ey by C arnegie and Y ouGov f o u nd t h at 7 1 % o f In d i an A m er ic an s d i s ap p r o v ed o

performance in his second term, with only 29% expressing ap prov al

The community was more critical of

( 6 4 % ) , t h e domestic economy (68%), and international economic policy (70%) Fifty-five percent disapproved of his handling of US-India relations

Indian Americans still lean Democratic, t h o u g h i d e n t i f i c a t i o n f e l l t o 4 6 % , w i t h Republicans at 19% and independents at 29%; 32% identified as moderates Economic issues topped priorities, 21% cited inflation, 17% jobs and the economy, with health care and immigration also in double digits

Bias remained common: 27% said Indian Americans faced “ a lot” of discrimination, about half reported personal experiences, and one in four had been called a slur since 2025 Nearly half experienced online racism, with some avoiding political discussions or altering activities, though most did not plan to leave the US and continued to see it as offering economic opportunity Reactions to p o l i t i c a l e v e n t s r e f l e c t e d i d e o l o g

% welcomed NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election, while VP JD Vance’s remarks on religion and marriage drew criticism The survey, conducted Nov 25, 2025-Jan 6, 2026 (±3 6% margin of error), was authored by Sumitra Badrinathan, Devesh Kapur, Andy Robaina, and Milan Vaishnav, building on IAAS waves from 2020 and 2024

Hindus top US education levels

a bachelor’s degree or higher, highlighting wide educational gaps across religious groups Pew noted that immigration and demographic trends partly

Muslims, and Buddhists, many of whom arrived

in

brief

KIM JONG UN RE-ELECTED NORTH KOREA LEADER

North Korea s ruling Workers’ Party has reappointed Kim JKim Jong Un was re-elected North Korea s general secretary at a party congress in Pyongyang continuing the Kim family s rule KCNA said he radically improved the country s nuclear deterrence Despite sanctions, North Korea keeps advancing its nuclear programme and testing missiles The Ninth Workers Party Congress, with 5,000 members, reshuffled over half of the presidium Kim pledged to boost the economy and living standards Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Kim, pledging closer ties, though Beijing remains cautious of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and Russia links

CARTEL CHAOS ERUPTS AFTER ‘EL MENCHO’ KILLED

Western Mexico shut down after a military raid killed cartel kingpin Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, aka “El Mencho,” prompting school closures and foreign travel warnings The 59year-old CJNG leader was killed in a US-backed military raid targeting drug traffickers sparking widespread violence across 20 of Mexico’s 31 states, with gunmen blocking roads, torching vehicles and clashing with authorities At least 26 people including 17 security forces and a pregnant woman died in the violence Mexican newspaper La Jornada’ reported Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to stay home and suspended public transport Guadalajara was nearly shut down as armed men torched vehicles, while Puerto Vallarta saw smoke over beaches and cancelled flights

NASA SETS MARCH 6 FOR ARTEMIS 2 MOON FLYBY

NASA has set March 6 as the earliest possible launch date for Artemis 2 the first crewed Moon flyby in over 50 years Lori Glaze, a senior NASA official, said pad work, a flight readiness review, and a dress rehearsal must be completed to stay on schedule Earlier in February, technical issues cut short a wet dress rehearsal of the SLS rocket launch NASA reported the wet dress rehearsal proceeded as planned, stopping at “T-29 seconds ” The Artemis 2 crew includes three Americans and one Canadian

TRUMP TO VISIT CHINA

US President Donald Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2 for a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, following the Supreme Court s decision to overturn many of Trump s tariffs on imports

The trip his first to China since 2017, will include talks in Beijing and comes amid uncertainty over whether tariffs will be reinstated The administration had justified the tariffs over trade imbalances and China’s role in producing fentanyl-related chemicals Trump described the visit as “going to be a wild one” and promised a grand display This will be their first in-person talks since October, when Trump agreed to trim tariffs in exchange for Beijing cracking down on fentanyl, resuming US soybean purchases, and maintaining rare earth mineral supplies

OVER 5,000 WOMEN KILLED IN UKRAINE WAR

The United Nations reports that over 5,000 women and girls have been killed in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 Sofia Calltorp, head of UN Women in Geneva added that another 14 000 have been injured The figures highlight the war’s severe impact on civilians especially women and children with millions more facing displacement trauma and limited access to essential services The UN Women report The Impact of Foreign Assistance Cuts on Women s Rights and Women-Led Organizations in Ukraine , details the funding crisis and its effects on women and girls lives

West Midlands delegation visits Ahmedabad to boost ties

A 3 7 - m e m be r Wes t

M idlands d eleg ation, led by

M ayor Richard P arker and

L ad wa and Neil Rami, visited Ahm ed abad to strengthen eco nom ic, cultu ral, and edu catio nal ties, coincid ing

w it h t h e in au

al

C o m m o nw eal th C o n nec t F orum on spo rts-led innov ation

T h e d e l e g a t i o n m e t

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar to discuss collaboration in higher education, green economy and EVs, skill development, s p o r t s i n

and advanced manufacturing Patel proposed a joint working group and invited

t h e t e a m t o s u p p o r t t h e

2 0 3 0 C o m m o n w e a l t h

G a m e s a n d u p c o m i n g

India, Brazil sign critical minerals and rare earths deal

Brazi l and Ind ia have s igned a n ag re em en t t o e nh an c e coo peratio n on cri ti cal mi nerals and rare earths, as Indi a seeks alternati ve supp liers to reduce depend ence on C hina Brazilian President Luiz

cussing ways to boost trade and investment Modi called the deal a “major step towards

reached $7 23 billion, mainly

tion, and institutional partnerships Discussions covered international, digital, and sustainable finance, AI, and academic research, with o p p o

Sanjay Kaul, MD & CEO of G

highlights growing collabo-

scale operations from India

Stadium brought together

Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics as engines

Vibrant Gujarat events GIFT City also hosted

India Global Forum chairman, called the Games a “growth lever,” emphasising AI use and human capital

Principal Secretary Ashwini K

initiatives and power-surplus status A West Midlands dele-

lessons from Birmingham 2022, which generated £1 2

reinvested £70 million into c

Experts agreed the Games’ success will be measured by lasting legacy infrastructure such as transport and digital grids, connecting econ

ability, and innovation with global collaboration

L&T Vyoma to build 250 MW AI centre in Dholera

L arsen & Tou bro’s d ata cen-

tre arm, Vyom a, h as signed

a n M o U w i th G uj a rat ’ s

D ep a rtm en t o f S ci en ce & T echnology to develo p a 250 M W green, AI-read y hyp erscale data centre cam pus in

D h ole ra, w ith a pro p o sed

i n v es tm e nt o f Rs 25 , 0 0 0 crore (£2 03 4 billion)

D e p u t y C M H a r s h

S a n g h a v i a n n o u n c e d t h e deal at the India AI Impact

S u m m i t 2 0 2 6 , s a y i n g i t marks a “giant leap in AI

i n f r a s t r u c t u r e ” a n d w i l l

s t r e n g t h e n G u j a r a t ’ s p o s ition as a hub for AI, cloud, a n d s u s t a i n a b l e d i g i t a l infrastructure

O n F e b r u a r y 1 6 , L & T Vyoma launched its AI-first

S o v e r e i g n C l o u d P l a t f o r m for secure, compliant, enterprise and public-sector AI use

At the India AI Impact

S u m m i t 2 0 2 6 , L & T announced a joint venture

w i t h N v i d i a t o b u i l d a sovereign GW-scale AI factory, expanding GPU clus-

ters at Chennai (30 MW) and a new 40 MW Mumbai data

c e n t r e u n d e r t h e I n d i a A I Mission

T h e f a c t o r y w i l l i n t eg r a t e L & T ’ s

i n g with Nvidia’s AI infrastructure to support large-scale workloads across manufact u r i n g , e n e r g y , f i n a n c e , healthcare, and public ser-

v i c e s L & T C M D S N Subrahmanyan said it lays the foundation for scalable, s e c u r e , s o v e r e i g n A I i n India

Mumbai Airport wins 2025 ASQ recognition

M um b a i’ s Ch ha t r a pa t i Shivaji Maharaj Int ernational

A ir p or t (C SM I A) ha s b e e n n a m e d A s i a -Pa c i f i c ’ s B e s t Airport for depart ures in the 40+ m il lion pass engers c ate-

g or y a t t h e 2 02 5 AS Q

C us to m e r E x pe r i en c e Awards by Air ports Counc il International (ACI) CSMIA’s award reflects its focus on service consistency, operational efficien-

c y , a n d p a s s e n g e r - c e n t r i c infrastructure A spokesperson said, “We thank our passengers for voting us the Best Airport at Departures

O u r t e a m s c o n

o e n h a n c e e f f i c i e n c y a n d comfort through digital proc e s s i n g , q u e u e m a n a g ement, and service quality, adapting to traveller expectations ”

The recognition, based entirely on passenger feedback, covers terminal access, check-in, security, boarding, a m b i e n c e , r e t a i l , d i n i n

cleanliness, and staff respons

include better wayfinding, housekeeping, lounges, dining options, and the new UDAN Yatri Café As the world’s busiest s

DigiYatra biometric

(FTI-TTP) expedites clearance for international travellers, while Terminal 2 features the 3 2 km Artbeat of N

h 5,500+ artefacts and 100+ installations

chains ”

Brazilian President Lula said, “Increasing investments and cooperation in renewable energy and critical minerals is at the core of the pioneering

today

India’s Foreign Ministry noted that alongside the critical minerals deal, nine other agreements were signed, cove r i n g d i g i t a l c o o p e r a t i o n , health, and more P r i m e M i n i s t e r M o d i called Brazil India’s “largest t r a d i n g p a r t n e r i n L a t i n

A m e r i c a , ” a i m i n g t o r a i s e bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in five years, describing trade as “ a reflection of trust” that strengthens the Global South

F o r e i g n M i n i s t e r

S u b r a h m a n y a m J a i s h a n k a r added that Lula’s visit would g i v e “ n e w m o m e n t u m ” t o I n d i a - B r a z i l t i e s I n 2 0 2 4 , I n d i a n e x p o r t s t o B r a z i l

r e f i n e d p e t r o l e u m , w h i l e

B r a z i l i a n e x p o r t s t o I n d i a

totaled $5 38 billion, mostly raw sugar Brazilian President Luiz

Inacio Lula da Silva was cerem o n i a l l y w e l c o m e d a t R a s h t r a p a t i B h a v a n w i t h a G u a r d o f H o n o u r a n d r e

Droupadi Murmu During his v i s i t , L u l a i n a u g u r a t e d

Former railway minister Mukul Roy dies at 71

F orm er railway minister and founding member of West

B eng al’ s ru ling Tri nam oo l

C o ng r es s, M u k u l Ro y,

p as sed aw ay at a K o lkata

h ospital early Monday He

w as 71

battling multiple ailments,

been

after being h

years A

Banerjee and known as the

h a n a k y a o f B e n g a l

p o l i t i c s ” f o r h i s e l e c t i o n

m a n a g e m e n t s k i l l s , R o y played a key role in shaping

remembered him as a longtime colleague who devoted his life to the party and made l a s t i n g c

Bengal’s political landscape

Mukul Roy a founding pillar of the TMC and Suvendu A d

Modi wrote, Pained by the

Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji

He will be remembered for his political experience and

y Condolences to his family and supporters Om Shanti "

Roy rose from the Youth Congress to become a key TMC strategist behind the party’s 2011 victory and later s

a

during UPA-II

He joined the BJP in 2017

N

r a d a controversy, returned to the TMC in 2021, and recently r

relief in his disqualification case

Fake investment racket exposed in Andhra Pradesh

P olice in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore d istrict have busted

a m ajo r i nv estm ent frau d and online cricket betting racket, seizing assets w orth nearly Rs 2 crore (£1 63 ,00 0) and arresting two persons

T h e o p e r a t i o n w a s conducted on the directions of SP Ajitha Vejendla, with a special team led by Town

A S P D e e k s h a a n d C I Sambasiva Rao uncovering a betting network operating

t h r o u g h t h e R a d h

e Exchange App (R777) and a linked website

Kusetti Venu Gopal (23), the alleged mastermind, and Bitra Venkata Ramana (31),

w h o m a n a g e d c a s h transactions, were arrested for allegedly running fake h

online cricket betting The

complaint from a Nellore

(£43,200)

P

lakh (£28,240) in cash, froze bank accounts holding over

Rs 1 64 crore (£133,660), and recovered electronic devices used in the operation Two

e g e d l y u s e d t o threaten bettors, were also confiscated A case has been registered under the BNS, I T A c t , A n d h r a P r a d e s h Gaming Act and Arms Act, and further investigation is underway

India to fully restore Bangladesh visa services

F o l l o w in g M u h a m m ad

Y u nu s ’ de p a r tu r e f r o m

Dh aka’s p ower centre, India is m oving to fu lly resto re al l

v is a s er v ic e s , c o nf ir m ed Aniru ddha Das, I ndia’s senior c onsu lar o fficial in Sylhet

Speaking at the Sylhet Press Club, he said medical and double-entry visas are already being issued, with other categories, including travel visas, set to resume soon Das emphasised that

I n d i a - B a n g l a d e s h t i e s a r e grounded in mutual respect

a n d s h a r e d i n t e r e s t s ,

b e n e f i t i n g t h e p e o p l e o f both countries

He noted that India and B a n g l a d e s h s h a r e c u l t u r a l ties and common goals, and cooperation can create new o p

relations through objective reporting and constructive criticism The remarks come after Bangladesh entered a n e w p

h Tarique Rahman becoming prime minister following his party’s two-thirds majority win Prime Minister Modi

congratulated Rahman and invited him to visit India after taking oath

relations were strained after

Muhammad Yunus’ interim government, especially after

Tensions grew amid reports

Drav ida Ka

Vijay

Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL)

crore, along with six vehicles, including Tata trucks and a Mahindra pickup, worth Rs 1 08 crore The massive haul

headache at Paddhar Police Station

B a n g l a d e s h d u r i n g t h i s period

key bootleggers and supplier Mustafa (aka Rahul/Mahakal) from Mewat, Haryana The raid follows a similar seizure near Anjar three days earlier w

authorities intensify action against interstate smuggling A case has been filed under the Gujarat Prohibition Act and BNS 2023 for organised crime and conspiracy

(DM

the

Se cular Pr ogre ssive A llia nce (SPA) for t he fir st time

Na du

DMDK general secretary

Premalatha Vijayakanth met C

president M K Stalin at Anna Arivalayam to formalise the m

strengthens Stalin’s alliancebuilding efforts, particularly at a time when the Congress is driving a hard bargain over

power-sharing arrangements

SPA,” M K Stalin said in a social media post, marking the first time the DMDK has aligned with the DMK-led front Earlier attempts to bring the party into the alliance in 2016 and 2019 had

Gujarat proposes stricter checks on marriage registration

o f m a r r i a g e T h e i r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s p r o m p t e d officials to hold discussions a n d r e v i e w p r o c e d u r e s i n line with current laws and regulations

Ha

h S ang h av i making the announcem ent in the state assembly

c e r n s o v e r f r a u d u l e n t i d e n t i t i e s a n d “love jihad”, is expected to tighten existing procedures

According to Sanghavi, t h e d e c i s i o n f o l l o w e d appeals from several social l e a d e r s w h o u r g e d t h e government to amend the rules to protect the sanctity

Anticipating controversy, t h e g o v e r n m e n t c l a r i f i e d that it is not opposed to l o v e , b u t w i l l a c t a g a i n s t those who allegedly misuse it through deception or false identities

E l a b o r a t i n g o

name of relationships harms society He added that the government is committed to

changes will be opened to public feedback for the next 30 days before the new rules are formally notified Harsh Sanghavi

Eight held in Delhi over suspected terror links

A special cell of th e Delhi

P o l ic e h as ar res t ed e i g h t individ uals alleg ed ly linked to terro r g rou ps based i n P a ki st an an d B an g la d es h , officials said

Among those held, one is from West Bengal while the others are Bangladesh nationals The arrests come a day after security agencies

i s s u e d a n a l e r t o v e r a possible explosion near the R e d F o r t , p r o m p t i n g

h e i g h t e n e d s e c u r i t y a t heritage and religious sites across Delhi

According to Additional

C o m m i s s i o n e r o f P o l i c e

P r a m o d S i n g h K

a n

f t e

objectionable posters were p u t u p a t s e v e r a l D e l h i Metro stations on February

7 T h e m e t r o p o

c

identified the suspects and tracked their escape route, a f t e r w h i c h t

i n v e s t i g a t i o n w a s h a n d e d over to the special cell on February 13 A special cell team traced the accused to Kolkata and arrested Umar F a r u k h f r o m M a l d a a n d Bangladesh national Robiul Islam

Venkataramanaiah Saddikuti and KV Raju report that over 1 1 c r o r e d e v o t e e s v i s i t e d within the first six months, w i t h a n n u a l f o o t f a l l n o w projected at 5 to 6 crores The transformation is supported by infrastructure projects worth £8 5 billion (Rs 85,000 crore), including a i r p o r t e x p a n s i o n s a n d u r b a n r e n e w a l T o u r i s m spending in Uttar Pradesh is estimated to cross £40 billion (Rs 4 lakh crore), with Ayodhya contributing a significant share Local

c

instructions

Hillary Clinton visits Gujarat villages to promote women’s empowerment

F orm er U S F irst Lady and S ecretary of State, Hi llary

C linton v isited A nandapura

v il la g e i n Na d i ad tal u ka ,

G u j ara t, t o u ri ng p ro j ec ts

r u n by S E WA n ear

A nandpura Primary S ch ool,

M ah i la U tk ar sh , an d th e Desai Fou nd ation Trust

Accompanied by over 35 international delegates, she observed initiatives promoting women ’ s empowerment,

e c o - f

green energy, and sustain-

a b

including a farm where she learned about organic culti-

v

gourd)

A t S h a n t a G h

r i n

Anand, Clinton spent two hours interacting with local w

tion, self-employment, and climate-resilient livelihoods, encouraging them to move f o r w a

Apart from this, she also visited various projects run by the Ajarpura village service o

Foundation Trust in Anand,

where women spread awareness on health, sanitation, and environmental conservation She appreciated the ingenuity of women artisans

a

tributing to rural development and the local econo-

my Clinton emphasised economic empowerment, sustainable energy, and envi-

ronmentally friendly practices, while engaging with

health She concluded her

praising the transformative role of women in rural India

She also participated in Mumbai Climate Week 2026

forum on accelerating

Applauding the summit

lighted grassroots initiatives

progress, citing

Gujarat teacher loses Rs 99 lakh in cyber scam Singapore pledges

A 65-year-old retired scho ol teach er from G an d h i nag ar, Gu j ar at, w as r ep o rt ed l y d uped of Rs 99 lakh ( £80, 813 ) by cyber fraud sters po sing as central investigatio n o fficials and held under a month-long “ digital arrest, ” police said

The Gandhinagar Range Cyber Crime Police are investigating the case, which underscores the rising sophistication of online scams The victim received a call on January 16 claiming a SIM in her name was linked to illegal activities

She was later video-called by a man claiming to be CBI officer “Ajay Gupta,” who warned her of imminent arrest over alleged money laundering linked to her

bank accounts

Police said the fraudsters, posing as Department of Telecommunications officials, sent fake Supreme Court orders and arrest warrants via WhatsApp and kept the woman under constant surveillance, effectively placing her under a 28-day “digital arrest ” Claiming to verify her finances, they pressured her to transfer Rs 99 lakh from her SBI and post office a c c o u n t s

3

When the money wasn’t returned, she reported the fraud to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 The Gandhinagar Range Cyber Crime Police are investigating and trying to recover the funds

U ttar Pradesh Ch ief M inister Yo gi

A dityanath said Sing ap ore com panies have p rop osed investments worth Rs 19, 877 cro re (£1 62 billion) in indu strial and d igital infrastructure projects, expected to create ov er 20,0 00 jo bs On the first day of his four-day v

assured investors of a transparent policy framework, quick approvals, and strong infrastructure to support the projects U

program that has now

uninsured women

“This inaugural climate session in Mumbai is, I am confident, the start of the change that needs to happen, ” she said “This

between public, private, and

drive structural change, urging philanthropy to move beyond traditional aid and

tices fuelling the climate cri-

6,650 crore (£543 million) for housing, a logistics park, and data centre projects, while Golden State Capital pledged Rs 8,000 crore (£653 million) for a 100-MW data centre, strengthening Uttar Pradesh as a data hub PIDG and AVPN

energy, green hydrogen, and Agri-solar projects A partnership with ITE Education Services will enhance technical training and certifications During his visits to

Minister Yogi Adityanath will promote Uttar Pradesh as the “ manufacturing hub of India,” exploring investments in data centres, renewable energy, agribusiness, and automobiles, with meetings planned with Google, Toshiba, and Suzuki Motors, along with government-to-business discussions on industrial policy, infrastructure, and skill development

India attends Gaza Board of Peace as observer

India attended the inaug ural

m eet in g o f U S P re si d e nt

D onald Tru mp ’ s Bo ard o f

P e ac e o n G az a a s an

o bserver, withou t fo rm ally jo ining th e initiativ e for the reg ion’s redevelop ment Represented by Indian Embassy Chargé d'affaires

N a m g y a K h a m p a , I n d i a p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e Washington DC meeting at t h e D o n a l d J T r u m p Institute of Peace

b

T r u m p p l e d

rebuild Gaza after two years of conflict, retaining veto power and leadership even

a

Modi was among the global leaders invited to join the b

second phase of the Israel-

India skipped the January 22 Davos ceremony where the

unveiled, which Trump has

even replace the UN The executive board, finalised on

SIR completed in 6 states and UTs, Gujarat tops in deletion

T h e Sp e c i a l I n te n s i v e Revi sion ( SI R) of e lec toral

r ol l s i s c o m p le t

i n s i

s t a t es a n d U n i on Territories, with s ignif icant chan ge s to voter li sts A c

Gujarat saw the highest net d

n s , w i t h 6

a k h electors removed, reducing the roll by 13 4% to 4 40 c

such as Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga The US has pledged an initial $1

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and t h e U A E P M N

p must contribute $1 billion Trump announced that t h e U S w i l l c o m m i t $ 1 0 b i l l i o n t o t h e B o a r d o f Peace, whose 27 members include Argentina, Armenia, A

security conditions

Open meat sales banned in Bihar’s urban areas

After

o utlets, Bihar Dep uty Chief Minister Vijay K umar S inha d i re c te d c i ty a nd to wn a

near sch ools, temples, and other crowded areas

Sinha had earlier linked the sale and consumption of n o n - v e g e t a r i a n f o o d t o “violent tendencies” among youth

U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t

S e c r e t a r y V i n a y K u m a r i s s u e d

municipal officials ordering

i m m e d i a t e h a l t t o i l l e g a l sales

v e r i f y l i c e n s e s b e f o r e issuing new ones and seal u n l i c e n s e d o u t l e t s u n d e r

Section 345(4), following the Patna Nagar Nigam (Meat, F i s h o r P o u l t r y S a l e )

L i c e n s i n g R u l e

which set hygiene, location,

violations

followed, with 34 25 lakh deletions, a 5 97% drop to 5 40 crore voters

Other states also saw s

s Rajasthan’s electorate fell by 31 36 lakh to 5 15 crore, Chhattisgarh by 24 99 lakh to 1 87 crore, Kerala by 8 97 lakh to 2 70 crore, and Goa by 1 27 lakh to 10 58 lakh

Among Union Territories, A

, Puducherry by 77,367, and L a k s h

e p b y 2 0 6 voters

Officials said deletions reflect ineligible voters, due t

Kerala may be renamed

other reasons, minus newly

Citizens can still apply for updates SIR data for West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu will be released later this month, while the

begins in April The final

Chhattisgarh, Goa, Kerala,

published, with only three

states remaining

“Keralam”

ahead of elections

Th e Union C abinet is likely to consider renam ing Kerala as “ K era lam , ” a p ro p o s a l g aining m om entu m ah ead o f th e s ta te A ss em bl y elections before May

T h e m o v

w s r e s o l

s b y t h e K

e d unlicensed shops, violating S e c t i o n 3 4 5 o f t h e B i h a r M u n i c i p a l A c t , 2 0 0 7 , a n d selling meat in unhygienic

c o n d i t i o n s n e a r s c h o o l s , temples, and crowded areas

Officials were directed to

I n a n o f f i c i a l l e t t e r , K u m a r n o t e d t h a t m a n y u r b a n b o d i e s

Women’s leadership growth slips across corporate India

A joint report by A IM A and K PMG Ind ia found that wh ile 79% of wo men asp ire to lead ership roles and o ver half aim for the Csuite, representation g ains are slowing

Nearly 30% of companies reported no growth, or even a decline, in women leaders over the past five years, almost double last year ’ s figure, and 10% of organisations still have no women in leadership positions

‘The Women Leadership in Corporate India 2026’ report, based on a survey of over 200 professionals, highlights a widening gap between intent and outcomes Despite DEI c o m m i t m e n t s , o n

d board-level roles, underscoring a sharp drop at the top

Progression remains the key challenge, with fewer than 30% of long-serving women advancing to leadership and the highest attrition seen at mid- to senior levels

Although ambition is strong, the report

s a y s s t

Organisations reporting growth in women leaders fell from 83% in 2024 to about 70% in 2 0 2 6 O n l y 2 8 %

s transparent, 36% believe men are favoured for high-pressure roles, and half of the

I n t h e L e g i s l a t i v e Council, Sinha announced a complete ban on open meat sales in urban areas, making licenses mandatory He said t

cleanliness, with immediate e

i n s p e c t i o n s o f u n l i c e n s e d vendors

“Best CM we never had”: Fadnavis on Ajit Pawar

Chief Minister Dev endra Fad navis said the air crash th at killed A jit Pawar d epriv ed Maharash tra o f a lead er who could have been an outstand ing chief minister Calling him “the best Chief Minister Maharashtra never had,” Devendra Fadnavis said the usually punctual Ajit Pawar had, for the first time, missed his timing He praised h i s c a p a b i

remembered, like Vasant Dada, as a leader dedicated to the people

F

arrive early at Mantralaya and ensure no files were pending, while Uddhav Thackeray also highlighted punctuality as his defining trait

Fadnavis, and split the NCP in 2023 to lead his own faction The 66-year-old died last

Fadnavis

Remembering him as disciplined and accountable, Fadnavis said Pawar would have made an excellent civil engineer, if not

sentiment echoed earlier by Sharad Pawar in his book Lok Maze Sangati

w a s introduced in 2024 by CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who said the current English spelling does not reflect the state’s l i n g u i s t i c a n d h i

passed a resolution urging the Centre to amend Article 3 and update the name in all Eighth Schedule languages Kerala has already updated o f f i c i a l r e c o

l a Legislative Assembly urging the Centre to amend the Constitution to reflect the state’s name in Malayalam across all Eighth Schedule l a n g u a g e s I f a p p r o v e d , Article 3 would be amended t o m a k e “ K e r a l a m ” t h e o f f i c i a l n a m e i n a l l recognised languages The proposal to rename K e r a l a a s “ K e r a l a m

Air India logs spike in engine, fuel leak cases

Technical incid ents such as eng ine o il and fuel leaks o n A ir India flig hts rose to their hig hest level in at least 1 4 m o n th s i n J an u ary , h igh lig hting strai n on th e ai r li ne ’ s rev am p p la ns , acc ord ing to a H ind us tan Tim es T h e c a r r i e r h a s b e e n u n d e r i n c r e a s e d s c r u t i n y since a crash last year killed

2 6 0 p e o p l e a n d h a s acknowledged the need for u r g e n t i m p r o v e m e n t s i n compliance, communication, and safety processes Air India reported 1 09 technical incidents per 1,000 flights in January, up from 0 26 in December, logging 23 incidents across more than 1 7 , 5 0 0 f l i g

formally investigated,

Reuters-reviewed document

though the data excluded

Air India Express

Owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Air I n d i a i s a t t e m p

i n g a turnaround despite supply chain delays and financial

Th e Indian C oast Gu ard (IC G) intercepted a s us p i c io u s f o re

E xc l us i v e Ec

Z

ne ,

nautic al mi les w est of Dwarka i n the North A rabian Sea, and seized nearly o ne lakh packets of banned cig arettes stored i n 20 0 c ar to ns F ou r I ra ni an c rew members were ap prehend ed The boat attempted to flee towards t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l M a r i

Line (IMBL) after spotting the patrol ship b

Mukhtar’ and reportedly registered in Colombo, it was found transmitting a different name on its AIS, further raising suspicion T

and

addressed

concerns over a Dreamliner by reinforcing procedures and replacing a component

G

Gujarat presents Rs 4.08 Lakh

Crore budget for 2026-27

sports department received Rs 1,331 crore, covering the SVP Sports Enclave, district

High Performance Centre, and a hockey stadium

port to make Ahmedabad

T h

with 2026 declared ‘Gujarat

Tourism Year’ Allocations include Rs 236 crore for the Statue of Unity, Rs 300 crore for the Ambaji Corridor, Rs 447 crore for iconic bus sta-

Somnath, Shivrajpur Beach, heritage sites, and training 1

like “Wed in Gujarat” aim to boost domestic and international tourism U

under the Swarnim Jayanti

tourism and sports The 5%

EV tax rebate continues (Rs

Budget projects a surplus of Rs 974 crore

heads to Israel for strategic talks

F ebruary 25-26, m arking his second trip since 2017, amid rising tensio ns in West Asia and the potential threat of a U S strike on Iran

The visit will focus on defence, trade, and technology, with Modi holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister

B e n j a m i n N e t a n y a h u t o review progress in the IndiaIsrael Strategic Partnership and explore cooperation in science, innovation, security, agriculture, water management, trade, and people-topeople ties

Knesset, following President Pranab Mukherjee’s precedent in 2015

D

e y focus, with India accounting for 34% of Israel’s exports (2020-2024) Talks may cover missile defence, drones, and

$8 6B in arms deals, with a framework giving India access to Iron Beam and

Horizon missile Agreements may also

trade, with bilateral trade at $3 62B and FTA talks

cybersecurity centre and ten new Indian centres

telemedicine

Modi and Netanyahu are

Israel seeks a “Hexagon of Alliances” including India to address regional threats

Estonia President Alar Karis visits Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi

Hi s E xc el l en c y Al a r K ar i s , Pres ident of Es tonia, visited Swaminarayan Akshardha m, New Del hi, with a del egation inc luding Am bas sador Marje Luup, s e nio r of f i c ia l s , a nd leaders fr om E stonia’s digital and AI s ector, inc luding AILeap

W e l c o m e d b y

D i v y a m r u t i d a s S w a m i ,

G n a n m u n i d a s S w a m i , a n d senior staff, the delegation paid respects at the mandir, p e r f o r m e d a b h i s h e k , a n d

o f f e r e d p r a y e r s f o r g l o b a l

p e a c e a n d h a r m o n y T h e y also enjoyed the cultural boat ride, exploring India’s heritage, philosophy, and contributions to human progress

T h e v i s i t h i g h l i g h t e d India and Estonia’s shared

c o m m i t m e n t t o d i a l o g u e , innovation, and intercultural understanding, especially in

digital and ethical development Senior officials from Estonia’s Digital and Cyber Diplomacy Department and AI-Leap emphasized responsible technology and global cooperation

In a letter to President Karis, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj thanked him for the visit, offering prayers for Estonia’s peace, prosperity, and the president’s well-

President Murmu unveils Rajagopalachari bust

Presid ent Droup ad i Mu rm

t of Chakr avart i Rajagopal acha ri, India’s first a nd only Indian G

Ra dha krishna n pr esent

The bust, installed on the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap opposite Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, replaces that of Edwin Lutyens, British architect as

colonial-era symbols

Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural

Centre, featuring an exhibi-

cultural performances She praised Rajaji’s example of “mental decolonisation” and India’s civilisational pride

Prime Minister Modi, in a message read at the event, called the bust installation a proud moment and key step in decolonisation An exhibition on Rajaji’s life will

March

at Amrit Udyan

Mark Carney to visit India for bilateral reset

C

Mark Carney will visit India fro m February 26 to March 7, 2026, marking a key reset in bilateral ties after strains under the prev ious go vernment

He will begin in Mumbai w i t h b u s i n e s s m e e t i n

, then travel to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 2

The leaders will discuss partnerships in clean energy, AI, defence, and techn

Comprehensive Economic P

C

g h l i g h t e d t h a t India, the world’s fastestg r o w i n g m a j o r e c o n o m y , was its seventh-largest trading partner in 2024, with two-way trade at $30 8 billion

Earlier, on the sidelines

o f l a s t N o v e m b e r ’ s G 2 0 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Modi told Carney that India aims to raise bilateral trade to $50 b i l l i o n b y 2 0 3 0 , n o t i n g

strong potential to boost trade and investment ties Tahawwur Rana faces Canadian citizenship revocation

The Canadian government has initiated proceedings to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain

R a n a , t h e P a k i s t a n - b o r n businessman linked to the 2 6 / 1 1 M u m b a i a t t a c k s , a h e a d o f P r i m e M i n i s t e r M a r k C a r n e y ’ s v i s i t t o

India

R a n a , 6 5 , w h o i m m igrated to Canada in 1997 and obtained citizenship in 2001, is in Indian custody awaiting trial for his role in

the 2008 attacks that killed over 160 people

The IRCC said the move is over alleged misrepresentation, not terrorism, claiming Rana gave false residency information when applyi n g f o r c i t i z e n s h i p T h e F e d e r a l C o u r t o f C a n a d a will decide if it was obtained fraudulently Rana’s lawyers have challenged the revocation as unfair, while governm e n t l a w y e r s s o u g h t t o withhold sensitive security details The IRCC stressed that such action preserves t h e i n t e g r i t y o f C a n a d a ’ s citizenship, with the court ensuring due process

NRI health policies surge 126% in India

I ndia’s digital- first health ins uranc e ecosys tem i s at t r ac t i ng N R I s b ac k h o m e, w i th P olicybazaar repo rting a 126% year-o n- year rise in N RI health pol ic y p urch ases Grow th is driv en b y AI - p ow er ed t ele -c h ec k- up s , eas y o nbo arding, and tax reform s

b e

stronger India-Estonia ties

President Karis expressed his gratitude, calling the experience “ very impressive” and expressing hope for continued peace and strong rela-

nations

Nitin Nabin m eets Ma hant Swami Maharaj O

President, Nitin Nabin met His Holiness Mahant Swami

accompanied by Shri Jagdish V

Santhosh, and Ratnakarji Mahant Swami Maharaj

efforts towards India’s peace, harmony, progress, and prosperity

Family-focused policies are surging, with family-floater plans rising from 20% to 70%, offering coverage of Rs 25 lakh or more, while parental coverage increased from 32% to 60%, often including concierge support for remote caregiving

Multi-year health policies saw a 19% rise, as buyers lock in premiums amid 14% annual medical inflation OPD coverage adoption

O ff ic i al s h a v e d ec la red Bihar free of M aoist p resence after the surrend er of the state’ s last activ e arm ed Maoist, Suresh Koda (alias Mu stakim ), who carried a Rs 3 lakh rew ard Koda, from Paisra village, Munger, surrendered to the Bihar Police STF with illegal firearms and ammunition, ending a 25-year stint as an active member of the S p e c i a l A r e a C o m m i t t e e

nearly tripled from 7% to 20%, reflecting growing demand for preventive care, diagnostics, and chronic disease management

Geographically, GCC countries account for 50% of NRI buyers, attracted by short travel times and lower costs, $120-$300 in India versus $2,000-$3,000 in GCC Europe contributes 25%, driven by long elective surgery wait times, while US and Canada account for 17%, and Asia-Pacific and Africa 8%, mainly for elective and high-value procedures A 70% rise in higher sum-insured plans shows growing awareness of medical costs Insurers offer NRIfocused discounts of up to 40%, with average savings of 25% versus overseas plans

(SAC) with 60 cases across M u n g e r , L

Jamui districts S T F c h i e f K u n d a n K r i s h n a n s a i d s u s t a

operations and Bihar’s surrender-rehabilitation policy led to Suresh Koda’s surrender, following earlier Maoist

, Narayan, Binod, and Bhola

fled Munger,

killed in Jharkhand Koda, accused of murders, bombings, arson, and

505 rounds, and 10 magazines Under the

Fuel your thinking machine

Although it makes up only about two per cent of body weight, the brain consumes roughly 20 per cent of the body’s total energy. This energy fuels constant electrical activity, thought processes, memory and emotional regulation When the brain is under-fuelled due to poor nutrition or dehydration, concentration and decision-making suffer Balanced meals, hydration and adequate sleep are crucial to support optimal brain function

HIDDEN SALT, HIDDEN RISK

Anusha Singh

It slips into our diets silently, hiding in plain sight Salt, an everyday staple, has become one of the easiest nutrients to overconsume The NHS recommends that adults limit their intake to no more than 6 grams per day, roughly the equivalent of a level teaspoon Yet the average adult in England consumes about 8 4 grams daily, exceeding the recommended limit by a striking 40 per cent.

Around three-quarters of the salt in our diets is hidden in packaged and everyday foods we routinely buy, often without a second thought Consider soup, the very symbol of warmth and nourishment, it has long been trusted as a virtuous, light meal But research analysing nearly 500 varieties of tinned and chilled supermarket soups found

excessive salt levels

The danger, it seems, is not always what tastes salty Everyday staples such as bread, breakfast cereals and even canned vegetables, foods that rarely

beyond safe limits

A greater risk for South Asian communities

carries even greater consequences These groups already face disproportionately

onset coronary artery disease, a greater

younger ages

“This increased vulnerability is due

predisposition, higher rates of insulin resistance, central adiposity (visceral fat), and social determinants of health,”

ho d , Senior Cl in ical Lect ure r at Que en Mary University of London and Honorary Inter ventional Car diol ogy Consul tant at Ba rts Heart Ce ntre

a n sometimes compound the risk, as they often include foods high in salt- such as p

takeaway meals

“Moreover, awareness of “hidden

Many people are surprised to find themselv es sud denly awake at 3am, bu t G P A m i r K h an sa ys th i s experience is far m ore co mmon than people think, and there is a simple technique that can help you d rift back to sleep

He recommends a method called

about work, money, or family

preventing sleep

The technique involves choosing a neutral word, such as “bed”, and then thinking of unrelated words s

picturing them in your mind You

needed

This process distracts the brain from anxious thoughts and helps it

communities”, he said

T h e i m p l i c a t i o n s a r e p r o f o u n d

According to Dr Rathod, salt intake remains one of the most important and m o d i f i a b l e d i e t a r y r i s k f a c t o r s f o r cardiovascular disease in the UK

He said, “In the UK, cardiovascular d i s e a s e r e m a i n s a l e a d i n g c a u s e o f d e a t h , a n d h y p e r t e n s i o n a f f e c t s millions of adults, many of whom are u n a w a r e t h e y h a v e i t H i g h s a l t consumption directly contributes to this burden ”

“Even modest reductions in salt intake in higher-risk populations could lead to meaningful reductions in stroke a n d h e a r t a t t a c k r i s k , ” D r R a t h o d emphasizes

Small changes, powerful impact

T h e e n c o u r a g i n g t r u t h i s t h a t reducing salt does not require drastic sacrifice, only awareness and small, consistent changes

processed meats such as sausages and

helps lower overall intake Cooking at

allowing salt to be used sparingly and intentionally

salty condiments can help, while fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, lemon and spices offer vibrant alternatives that do not rely on sodium Even rinsing canned foods such as beans and vegetables can

burden

Eating out also deserves caution a

before

Removing the saltshaker from the table altogether can make restraint easier

Salt may be silent, but its effects are not In recognising where it hides, and in choosing to consume less of it, we reclaim control over one of the most powerful determinants of our longterm health

Learning to rea d l abel s is one of the m o s t p o w e r f u l f i r s t s t e p s F o o d s containing less than 0 3g of salt per 100g are considered low-salt options, a n d c o m p a r i n g b r a n d s c a n r e v e a l surprising differences Ready meals, sauces, soups and breakfast cereals are particularly important to check Cutt in g back on processe

Read the labels

Around three-quarters of the salt we consume comes from pre-prepared, processed and convenience foods rather than from the salt we add at the table or in cooking and so it is very important to read the labels

UK food labels list either salt or sodium To convert sodium to salt: Salt (g) = Sodium (g) × 2 5 Many packaged products use traffic-light labels to show salt content: • Green (Low):

Simple word trick can help you sleep again

relax naturally Dr Khan said it can be very effective, but warned that frequent sleep disruption may lead

Tens of thousands of people living with vit il igo ar e set t o benefit from a “life-

restore lost skin colour

The treatment, ruxolitinib, will be offered to nearly 100,000 patients aged 12 and over with non-segmental vitiligo, particularly where steroid creams have failed or are unsuitable Applied twice daily, results are typically reviewed after six months, with clinical trials showing many patients regained at least 75% of

producing cells

Though not physically painful, it can severely affect confidence and mental health The cream works by calming the

NHS-approved treatment that directly restores skin pigmentation rather than masking it

Trisha Krishnan condemns political slur

The legal representative for Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan, advocate Nithyaesh Natraj, issued a formal statement condemning "distasteful and inappropriate" remarks made by Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran.

The controversy was sparked when Nagendran, while questioning the political experience of actorturned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, suggested that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief should "come out of Trisha’s house" to understand ground realities The comment, which alluded to longstanding unverified rumours about the co-stars, was widely denounced as sexist and an unfair intrusion into the personal life of an actress with no political affiliation Trisha, who shared the communiqué on social media with the caption "Disrespect should and always will be called out," clarified her absolute political neutrality Her lawyer emphasised that the 42-yearold star wishes to be defined solely by her craft rather than alleged political alignments The incident occurred as the political climate in Tamil Nadu intensifies ahead of the May 2026 Assembly Elections, where Vijay has officially been named a Chief Ministerial candidate Following a sharp backlash from figures across the political spectrum Nagendran issued a public apology later that Monday, describing his words as a mistake made in a specific context

Lakshmi Manchu defends self-respect in relationships

ActorLakshmi Manchu made a firm stance against domestic abuse during a promotional event in Hyderabad for her upcoming film, ‘Bookie’ (titled Pookie in Tamil)

Manchu, who portrays a psychiatrist in the romantic drama, used Taapsee Pannu’s 2020 film ‘Thappad’ as a benchmark for her personal boundaries She stated that while some may choose to endure suffering for the sake of marriage, she prioritises self-respect above all, asserting, "My parents don’t touch me; who are you to hit me?"

The film, which hit screens on February 20, follows a couple’s six-year relationship and was presented by Vijay Antony, who also edited and composed the music During the press meet, Antony lauded Manchu’s sensible views on modern love, affectionately calling her "mataji " Manchu further noted that social media has corrupted dating, lamenting the loss of sincere courtship in an era of copy-paste messages

Kalyani Priyadarshan set for ‘Lokah Chapter 2’

Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan

officially confirmed her return as Chandra in the highly anticipated sequel, ‘Lokah: Chapter 2’

Speaking at an event at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, she revealed that while scripting is currently underway, principal photography is scheduled to commence in September 2026

This announcement follows the monumental success of Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra, which premiered on August 28, 2025 and made history as the first Malayalam film to surpass the £28 million ( 304 crore) mark at the global box office

Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films, the burgeoning Lokah Universe blends Kerala folklore with modern superhero tropes While the first instalment focused on the legend of the Yakshi (vampire), the sequel will headline Tovino Thomas as the supernatural entity Chathan Dulquer Salmaan is also expected to reprise his role as the Odiyan (shapeshifter) Charlie

Sai Pallavi to portray legend M S Subbulakshmi

confirmed that versatile actress Sai Pallavi has signed her next major project: a biographical feature on the legendary Carnatic music luminary and Bharat Ratna awardee, M S Subbulakshmi.

The ambitious biopic will be helmed by acclaimed director Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for the award-winning Jersey To prepare for what is being described as the most demanding role of her career, Pallavi has already commenced intensive training in Carnatic vocals and is reportedly studying archived footage to capture the late singer's spiritual aura and grace

The announcement comes during a prolific period for the actress Pallavi is currently filming Nitesh Tiwari’s £380 million (Rs 4,000 crore) mythological epic, Ramayana, where she stars as Sita alongside Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram and Yash’s ‘Ravana’; the first instalment is slated for a Diwali 2026 release Furthermore, she is the frontrunner to replace Deepika Padukone as SUM-80 in the highly anticipated ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel, following Padukone's exit from the franchise in September 2025

With her romantic drama ‘Mere Raho’ also rescheduled for a July 2026 release, Pallavi is set to dominate the Indian box office throughout the coming year

Priyanka Chopra reveals pressures behind Bollywood exit

In a candid interview, global icon

Priyanka Chopra Jonas revealed she never intended to leave the Hindi film industry but was "pushed into a corner"

During promotions for her upcoming film, she explained that industry politics, lobbying, and the triple burden of nepotism limited her opportunities in Mumbai Priyanka, who transitioned to Hollywood in 2012 starting with a music career, stated that she felt forced to look elsewhere to expand as an artist This follows her previous 2023 admission on the Armchair Expert podcast where she described being "tired of the politics" and having "beef with people" who refused to cast her

Despite these challenges, the actress is set to make a historic return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli's magnum opus, ‘Varanasi’ Scheduled for release on April 7, 2027, the £130 million (Rs 1,300 crore) epic marks her first Indian project since 2019 Meanwhile, her latest Hollywood venture, The Bluff, premieres on February 25 on Prime Video Chopra performed 85 per cent of her own stunts for the piratethemed action-adventure, enduring bruises and splinters on set in Australia Now straddling both industries, she maintains that she loves Indian films and remains resilient in her fight to choose meaningful work globally

BAFTA 2026: A proud celebration of Indian talents

Indians truly stole the spotlight at this year’s BAFTA Awards, delivering both major win and memorable on-stage moments The 79th British Academy Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on 22 February 2026, turned into a proud celebration of Indian talent on the global stage

Among the standout moments was Alia Bhatt’s striking appearance as a presenter The ‘Raazi’ actress took to the BAFTA 2026 stage to present the award for Best Film Not in the English Language, marking her debut at the prestigious ceremony and adding another milestone to her growing international journey

Adding a personal touch, Alia began her presentation in Hindi before translating her words into English for the global audience “Namaskar Agla award ek aise film ke liye hai, jo Angrezi mein

nahi hai Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet,” she said, before explaining that she had just introduced the category in

gown, paired with a soft white fur stole that added a timeless elegance She kept her look refined with loose curls and nude-toned makeup

Hindi She went on to reflect on how cinema transcends words and borders, emphasising that while films speak in countless languages, the universal language of storytelling that truly connects people across the world

Alia Bhatt turned heads on the red carpet in a custom Gucci silver sequined

At the event, she joined a star-studded lineup of presenters including Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, Kate Hudson, Bryan Cranston, Gillian Anderson and Riz Ahmed, among others

On the work front, Alia has two films in the pipeline, ‘Alpha’ and ‘Love & War’ While shooting for 'Alpha' has reportedly wrapped, its release has been delayed Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, is still in roduction and has also been tponed, with new dates yet to be nced

Meanwhile, the BBC has apologised and removed the BAFTA Film Awards from iPlayer after audience member John Davidson, who has Tourette’s,

Deepika Padukone tipped for ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4

Reports emerged claiming that Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone is set to join the cast of the critically acclaimed HBO anthology series, ‘The White Lotus’, for its fourth season

According to a report, the actress will reportedly star alongside a high-profile ensemble including Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina, Steve Coogan, and Alexander Ludwig While HBO has confirmed several cast members for the upcoming instalment, Padukone’s involvement remains speculative as neither the studio nor the actress’s representatives have issued an official confirmation The fourth season is reportedly shifting its satirical lens to France, with the Château de La Messardière in Saint-Tropez serving as the primary filming location Production is scheduled to take place from April to October 2026, with additional scenes expected to be filmed in Paris This news follows long-standing rumours from 2024 that Padukone was originally approached for the show’s third season in Thailand, a role she allegedly declined due to her pregnancy If confirmed, this would mark a significant international milestone for the actress, who is currently balancing major domestic projects like the action-thriller ‘King’, slated for a December 2026 release

involuntarily shouted a racial slur Davidson, subject of the biopic ‘I Swear’, uttered the N-word during Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s presentation of the Best Visual Effects award to ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ The remark, though barely audible, appeared in the BBC’s pre-recorded, two-hour delayed coverage on BBC One ‘Boong’ t riumphs at a ward s India marked a proud milestone at the 2026 BAFTAs as the Manipurilanguage film Boong won Best Children’s & Family Film Backed by Farhan Akhtar, the heartfelt drama triumphed over strong international contenders like Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film follows a young boy in Manipur amid social and political unrest, with its title translating to “little boy” in Manipuri The win is a significant moment for Indian cinema, particularly for the Northeast, highlighting the global appeal of regional storytelling

The film centres on Boong, portrayed by Gugun Kipgen, a young boy determined to reunite his family by finding his missing father, believing it will restore his mother Mandakini’s happiness Joined by his best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum, he journeys to Moreh and even crosses into Myanmar in search of him Dhar mend ra hon oured in me moria m seg ment

BAFTA struck an emotional note during its In Memoriam segment by paying tribute to late veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away in November last year Remembered alongside global cinema icons, his inclusion was a moving acknowledgement of his lasting legacy Singer Jessie Ware performed a soulful rendition of Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were, as a video montage honoured film personalities the world lost over the past year

Dharmendra died on November 24 at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89 and was cremated the following day He is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol

India A Women dominate Bangladesh to lift trophy

In d i a A W o m en c la im ed th e A C C

Wom en ’ s Asia C up Rising S tars title with a 46-run win over Bang ladesh

Batting first, they posted 134/7 in 20 overs, powered by an unbeaten 51 from Tejal Hasabnis and a vital 36 from captain Radha Yadav Openers Nandini Kashyap and Vrinda Dinesh gave a steady start, while Anushka Sharma and Minnu Mani fell cheaply, leaving India in a tricky spot before Hasabnis and Yadav guided the team past 130

F

B

Khatun starred with 4/25, supported by Farjana Easmin and Fatema Jahan Sonia,

w

faltered early as opener Ishma Tanjim fell

from Shamima Sultana, Sarmin Sultana, Sadia Akter, and Fahima, they struggled

Bihar Chief Minister rewards Sooryavanshi for cricket triumph

Minister Samrat Chaudhary,

Shreyasi

eventually being

Prema Rawat’s 3/12, with Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwer taking two wickets each, and Saima Thakor, Minnu Mani, and R

Hasabnis earned Player of the Match for her unbeaten half-century, sealing India A Women’s commanding win in the final

Sakellaridis clinches Delhi Open 2026 Singles title

The 21-year-old claimed his maiden ATP Challenger Tour singles crown with a comeback, winning the final tie-break 8-6 on his second match point I n d

Bulgaria’s Alexander Donski won the Delhi Open title,

b

This is the third time an Indian has lifted the doubles trophy, after Saketh Myneni & Sanam Singh (2015) and Y u k i B h a m b r i & M a h e s h

T he ICC h as co nfirm ed the

f u ll f ix tu re s fo r th e Wo men ’ s T2 0 Wo rld C up

2 02 6 in E ng land, ru nning

f ro m J u ne 1 2 t o J u l y 5, following last m onth’s T20

Q uali fier in N epal A ll 1 2 teams are now set

Group A features India,

P a k i s t a n , A u s t r a l i a , S o u t h

A f

B a n g l a d e s h a n d t h e N e t h e r l a n d s G r o u p B i n c l u d e s W e s t I n d i e s , England, New Zealand, Sri

Lanka, and qualifiers Ireland and Scotland

The tournament opens with hosts England facing S r i L a n k a o n J u n e 1 2 a t Edgbaston, while Australia take on South Africa on June

1 3 a t O l d T

a meet Pakistan on June 14 at E d g

scheduled for June 30 and July 2 at the Oval, with the final at Lord’s on July

o n l y I n d i

n g l e s champion, winning in 2014 and 2015

matches, including India at Headingley on June 17 and

Bowl on June 20

Scotland at Headingley on June 20 in a historic first

Women’s W100 event

Belgium’s third seed Hanne Vandewinkel in a 56-minute final

Ranked 690 on the WTA Tour, Vaishnavi surpassed expectations by reaching her first W100 final, defeating

performance is expected to push her into the

Vaishnavi’s satisfaction

Indian runner banned for three years after skipping drug test

ugs

t e st , t h e A t h le t i cs I n t e g r i t y Un it (AIU) an nounced T h e 3 0 - y e a r - o l d , w h o specialises in the 5,000m and 1

Pooja Aatmaram

n Mumbai in November 2025 She had been verbally notified for testing but did not sign the Doping Control Form

February 2026, and within

evading the test On 17 February, she signed an Admission of Anti-Doping

reduced her suspension to three years due to her early admission The ban, backdated to 3 February, disqualifies all results from 23

Rajasthan, she also waived

right to

A f t e r f i n i s h i n g h e r r a c e , A a t m a r a m broke away from her chaperone en route to the Doping Control Station, running into a crowd Efforts by officials to

tribunal hearing

India stumbles against South Africa, lose by 76 runs

India’ s one-dimensi onal batti ng approach w as e xp os ed a s th ey

6- run defeat to South Afric

their openi ng Super Ei ghts match of the T2 0 World Cup in Ahmedab ad

batters crumbled on a sluggish pitch, being bowled out for 111 in 18 5 overs chasing 188, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/15 Marco Jansen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24) and Corbin Bosch (2/12) powered South Africa to a crushing 76-run win, India’s biggest defeat in T20 World Cup

history, leaving them with must-win games against Zimbabwe and West Indies to keep semifinal hopes alive

Chasing 188, India’s batters faltered on a gripping black-soil pitch Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma fell early, and despite a brief 35run stand between Hardik Pandya (18) and Shivam Dube (42), the hosts were bowled out for 111

Earlier, David Miller (63), Dewald Brevis (45) and Tristan Stubbs (44*) lifted South Africa to 187/7, making Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive 3/15 count for little