AV 2 May 2026

With the scorching summer heat gripping large parts of India, the election season has been at the stage of conclusion which adds further intensity to an already charged political atmosphere

Despite the difficult weather conditions, voter turnout has remained strong in several regions, reflecting sustained public engagement in the democratic process

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have both recorded notably high participation in largely peaceful assembly elections, with ruling and opposition parties each claiming electoral advantage In Tamil Nadu, all 234 constituencies went to polls, witnessing a record turnout of 85 11%, or nearly 48 8 million voters, the highest in the state’s history despite voter roll deletions West Bengal’s first phase also saw exceptionally high participation at around 92 35%, or 33 2 million voters, marking one of the strongest turnouts since 2011, even after significant revisions to electoral rolls. Women voters outnumbered men in several areas, and polling remained largely peaceful with only isolated incidents

YouGov modelling signals a fragmented London election, with Labour losing ground, Greens and Reform rising, and tight multi-party races reshaping borough contests, reflecting a broader shift in UK political behaviour

A new pre-election model from YouGov suggests London s political landscape is heading for one of its most unpredictable moments in decades, as voters drift away from traditional loyalties and towards a fractured, multi-party future.

May elections brought forward following a nationally representative poll of over 2,000 adults, the other two points being: u Voters are beginning to distinguish between politics at the national and

significant implications for elections across the country.

u Lords and ministers at odds over online safety crackdown Page 05

u Our Robotaxi Future Page 16-17

u Sun Pharma makes largest overseas acquisition with Organon Page 25

P

Keir Starmer escapes investigation over Mandelson appointment

Starmer h as surv ived a h igh-

p rof ile attemp t to trigger a formal investigation into his c o nd u ct a ft er M P s v o ted against referring him to the

P riv ileges C omm ittee

Following a lengthy and at times heated debate, the motion was defeated by 335 votes to 223, giving the government a majority of 112 Labour whips were deployed to ensure party discipline,

w

quarters

The move followed allegations relating to Starmer’s handling of the vetting process for Lord Mandelson’s failed appointment as UK ambassador to Washington

Cr

Prime Minister gave an inaccurate account of how the d

concerns were fully considered D o w n i n

attempt to destabilise the government ahead of May’s local elections Conser vative l

Ke

h , however, accused Starmer of

parency and accountability to Parliament

The political clash coincided with testimony before t h e Fo re

Committee Former chief of s t a f f Mo r g a n Mc Sw e e n e y admitted a serious error in recommending Mandelson, while conf irming that ultim

who had been briefed at the time

Former Foreign Off ice permanent under-secretar y Sir Philip Barton told MPs he had raised concerns early on about Mandelson’s his-

Epstein, warning they could damage relations with the United States He also said he was not included in the initial decision-making process

M Ps expressing concern that the

dling of the issue as “ cowardly”

Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak c

ment

serious failure of

responsibility for diplomatic posts lies with the Prime

processes He accused the government of relying on

over the affair intensif ies

Controversy grows over Met Police AI deal with Palantir

M ayor of London Sadiq Khan voiced strong opposition to a p ot e n t ia l m ul t i-m i l l io np ou nd c on t r ac t b e t we e n Sc otl and Yard and US technology company Pal antir and m ay inter vene

T h e a g r e e m e n t , w h i c h exceeds the £500,000 thresh-

o l d r e q u i r i n g m a y o r a l approval, is examined by the Mayor’s Off ice for Policing

a n d Cr i m e a m i d c o n c e r n s about public spending and ethics

The Metropolitan Police had been in advanced discussions to adopt Palantir’s artif icial intelligence systems to streamline criminal intelligence analysis and enhance o p e r a t i o n a l e f f i c i e n c y However, the proposal has sparked signif icant criticism due to the f irm’s controver-

s i a l g l o b a l r o l e , i n c l u d i n g a l le g e d i nv olv e m e nt i n U S i m m i g r a t i o n e n fo r c e m e n t and militar y applications in I s r a e l a n d I r a n , w h e r e i t s software has been linked to

targeting Fo u n d e d b y b i l

substantial UK public sector

contracts including a £330m N H S d a t a p l a t fo r m a n d a £240m Ministr y of Defence a

y maintains its technology has supported more than 110,000 additional NHS procedures and helped identify misconduct within the Metropolitan Po l i c e ,

anti-democratic intent T

potential wrongdoing ranging from minor attendance breaches to serious allegations such as fraud and sex-

investigations and arrests

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has defended advanced analytics as vital for improving standards and

cerns over sur veillance, governance and Palantir’s global activities continue to fuel debate

Terrorist allowed to stay in UK on human rights grounds

S h a h Ra h m an , a Bangladesh i national conv icted in 201 2 for involvement in a terrorist plot targ eti ng th e L o n d o n Stock Exchang e and th e n-M ayo r B o ri s Jo h n so n , h as be en allowed to rem ain in the U K d espite being refused asylum

Immigration tribunal rulings published on 20 April show Rahman was denied refugee status in 2017 due to his terrorist offending, but g

Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prevents removal where there is a risk of torture This means he cannot be deported to Bangladesh after completing his prison sentence

The case has drawn renewed scrutiny after his wife, Mauritian national Par veen Purbhoo, was barred from entering the UK in 2023 by then Home Secretar y Suella Braverman She was reportedly found with ISIS-related material on her phone at Heathrow Airport and later linked to breaches of Rahman’s parole conditions

Rahman was also recalled to prison for failing to disclose bank accounts and devices to probation off icers While Purbhoo’s exclusion w a s u ph e l d

R

m

n remains in the UK under human rights protections

Shabana Mahmood hits back at hecklers

Th e Home S ecretary, S h abana M ah m o od , used an ap pearance at a L o n d o n We st End to d eliver a def iant rebuff to critics who accused her of m i m i c ki ng Refo rm U K ’ s i m m ig rat io n stance

During a live inter view with comedian M a t t Fo r d e , M a h m o o d w a s h e c k l e d b y activists from Green New Deal Rising who claimed she was “out-reforming Reform” with her latest policy proposals

These controversial plans include doubling the residency requirement for indef inite leave to remain from f ive to ten years and i n t r o d u c i n g a 3 0 -m o n t h r e v i e w c y c l e fo r refugee status Responding to the disruption, the Home Secretar y told white liberals to "f **k right off," asserting that accusations of imitation were attempts to delegitimise valid public concerns about immigration levels Mahmood argued that the hecklers were motivated by a desire to dictate what an ethnic minority woman is permitted to say and despite the outcr y, maintains her policies are essential foundations for the countr y ’ s future security

I N B R I E F SENSITIVE

HEALTH DATA EXPOSED

Ministers have been urged to tighten data protection after health data from around 500 000 UK Biobank volunteers was reportedly breached and listed for sale online in China Science Minister Ian Murray said at least one of three listings on Alibaba appeared to contain a full dataset from participants enrolled between 2006 and 2010 While the information did not include names or addresses, it contained sensitive details including gender, lifestyle habits and biological measurements UK Biobank has suspended external research access while a permanent security fix is developed Access for three institutions has been revoked and Chinese authorities helped remove listings The organisation has referred itself to the Information Commissioner ’s Office as investigations continue

FALLING PUPIL NUMBERS HIT SCHOOLS

Britain s primary schools face growing financial pressure as falling pupil numbers threaten funding levels, according to the National Audit Office (NAO) It warns schools could lose around £288 million by 2027 due to an expected drop of 56, 300 pupils next year, continuing a decline that began in 2018 Because budgets are linked to enrolment, further losses of £410 million in 2028 and £334 million in 2029 are also forecast The department only began tracking demographic risks in 2024 and lacks a clear strategy for a projected 7% fall in primary pupils by 2030 The NAO has called for urgent action to protect school provision

Asian Business Publications Ltd

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR CB Patel cb patel@abplgroup com MANAGING EDITOR Rupanjana Dutta rupanjana dutta@abplgroup com

UK OFFICE

London

Telegraph repo rted that dozens

Facebook , Telegram and Gumtree

According to the report, some listings specif ied requirements such as “only for Muslims,” or sought tenants

d e s c r i b

Muslim girls ” One advertisement referenced accommodation for “girls” and was described as suitable for a “Gujarati Muslim student,” with the property noted as being close to a mosque and a

Other listings were said to include

rentals?

nationalities, languages, or religious b

l u

H i n d u a n d Punjabi applicants, alongside general conditions such as being “alcohol and smoke-free ” The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, including religion and belief, in the provision of housing However, there are limited exemptions in certain circumstances, such as when a landlord is renting part of their own home and shares facilities with tenants

T h

s p r o m p t e d criticism from some political f igures and commentators, who argued that housing should be open and non-discriminator y

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The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our readers, letter writers and columnists are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of our publication

Social media ban for under 16s in doldrums?

Rebel peers in the House of Lords have inflicted a fourth defeat on the Government after voting to back a ban on social media for under 16s

The House of Lords overturned Labour’s proposed compromise on Monday, backing the ban by 316 votes to 165 a majority of 151 throwing Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship schools bill into renewed uncertainty

The Prime Minister has argued that any move towards an Australia style ban should be delayed until after a public consultation concludes this summer However, Monday’s vote forces the bill back to the Commons for a fifth round of parliamentary back and forth, with MPs required to decide whether to overturn the Lords’ amendment

The standoff raises the prospect that the legislation could f a i l a l t o g e t h e r , w i t

Wednesday ahead of the King’s Speech on May 13, which will outline Labour’s new legislative programme

Alongside proposals to restrict social media access, the schools bill includes measures to introduce free breakfast clubs in every primary school, establish a register of children not in school, require qualified teachers in all classrooms and grant councils greater control over admissions

If the bill runs out of time, Sir Keir will be left with limited options: dropping it altogether, reintroducing it in a new session, or attempting to carry it over beyond the King’s Speech

The Government had offered a compromise amendment c

months, with a three year deadline to introduce legislation

Lord Nash, who has led the campaign for the ban in the Lords, accused ministers of going back on earlier promises, saying the Prime Minister had pledged swift action

He argued that harmful, addictive algorithms should be

dealt with immediately, warning peers against relying on prolonged timetables

Lord Nash alsp called on ministers to write into the bill a requirement to raise the minimum age to at least 16 for specific elements of social media, particularly features that encourage addiction, risk serious privacy breaches or expose children to contact from strangers

M

pre empt the outcome of the Government’s public consultation, which closes soon and has already attracted more than 30,000 submissions from parents and children

One reason this bill is perhaps being rushed to pass it because Australian evidence shows how hard such bans are to enforce, wrote The Spectator

A study commissioned by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of Australians aged 12–15 with social media accounts continued to access platforms after the ban The problem is not only platform enforcement Many parents do not closely monitor use regardless of age checks Access is also easy on shared devices

Meanwhile, the evidence that social media is driving a mental-health crisis remains thin

A University of Manchester study of 25,000 young people found no causal link between social media use and poor mental health In Britain, a British Medical Journal study likewise found that school smartphone bans have little impact on attainment or wellbeing

A social-media ban for under-16s would also reshape citizens ’ relationship with the State by requiring people to prove who they are to access parts of the internet Keir Starmer is right to wait for consultation; the real test is whether he will drop the proposal if the evidence fails to support the claim that social media is to blame for teenagers’ ill mental health

A global war against Hindu women’s forced conversion

UN experts in an OCHR report recently voiced significant concern regarding ongoing and widespread patterns of abduction and forced religious conversion through marriage impacting women and girls from minority communities in Pakistan They indicated that prevailing impunity continues to enable this persistent practice

The experts emphasised that any change of religion or belief must be free from coercion, and marriage should be entered into with full and voluntary consent Such consent cannot be legally obtained from minors

In 2025, approximately 75 percent of women and girls affected by forced conversion through marriage were Hindu, and 25 percent were Christian, with nearly 80 percent of incidents occurring in Sindh province Adolescent girls aged between 14 and 18 are particularly vulnerable, with some victims being even younger Women and girls experiencing poverty and marginalisation face increased risks, including exposure to physical and sexual abuse, exploitation, social stigma, and trauma

The scale and persistence of these violations suggest systemic discrimination against non-Muslim women and girls who are compelled to convert to Islam for marriage

The experts reiterated their recommendations to Pakistan to intensify efforts to eradicate forced conversions, raise the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 nationwide, criminalise forced religious conversion as a distinct offense, and enforce laws related to human trafficking and sexual violence They f u r t h e r e c h o e

promptly and impartially investigate all allegations and bring

perpetrators to justice

Experts also noted concerns that law enforcement authorities in Pakistan frequently dismiss complaints from victims’ families, fail to adequately investigate or prosecute cases of forced conversion, and may not properly assess victims' ages

Similarly following the political upheaval in August 2024, there has been a surge in reports concerning the safety and forced religious conversion of Hindus in Bangladesh as well

Various international and local reports claim that Hindus have been targeted by extremist groups, with some being forced to convert at gunpoint or under extreme duress

Human rights groups have documented cases such as the alleged kidnapping and forced conversion of minor Hindu girls in districts like Mymensingh, where fabricated affidavits were used to claim voluntary conversion

Indian officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have attributed the decline in the Hindu population (from 27% at Partition to roughly 8-9% today) partly to forced conversions and religious persecution

Relations between India and Bangladesh have been declining, and conversion remains a contentious topic despite renewed commitments On Monday, India made a strategic decision by appointing veteran politician Dinesh Trivedi as its new high commissioner to Bangladesh a rare choice of some-

improve ties with its eastern neighbour

Trivedi’s appointment signals India’s effort to restore trust with Bangladesh amid competition from China for influence and business

The King vs The President

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have begun their four-day state visit by meeting US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House (see p1) This is the first British state visit to the US since Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 trip, taking place during strained UK-US relations over the Iran war

During their brief visit to the White House on Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla were shown a prominent portrait of President Donald Trump, inspired by a news photograph depicting his response to an attempted assassination in 2024 Following a private tea with the President and First Lady, the King and Queen toured the White House kitchen garden located on the south lawn, which included viewing a recently installed beehive designed to resemble the White House and engaging in conversation with the kitchen staff responsible for harvesting its honey

The King faces numerous challenges as he undertakes his UK government-decreed task to “reaffirm and renew ” bilateral relations during a period of strain in the “special relationship,” coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence At the same time, both Jeffrey Epstein's legacy and issues surrounding the Sussexes continue to linger in the background

The Guardian reported that Anthony Seldon, a contemporary political historian, described the visit from April 27 to 30 as “clearly extremely challenging”, noting that its level of difficulty far exceeded that of any official visit since King George VI met Franklin D Roosevelt before the Second World War to seek support

Seldon also stated that, since it is improbable for President Trump to offend King Charles, the president is likely to proceed with caution, thereby affording the King greater autonomy Professor Philip Murphy, director of history and policy at the

University of London, noted that the potential risk is more substantial for Keir Starmer than for Charles, particularly following the Peter Mandelson and Olly Robbins controversy

King Charles’ address to a joint meeting of Congress will be televised internationally and is possibly his most important to date According to Buckingham Palace, he will “recognise the challenges that our countries face” But Trump notoriously easily takes offence When Queen Elizabeth II addressed Congress in 1991, she said power that grew “from the barrel of a gun ” never grew well “ nor for very long”, and spoke of the importance of Nato

U n d o u b

humiliation in mind, Charles’ Oval Office bilateral has been organised to take place in private

As the king, arrived in the US, he is aware that Trump has openly insulted his prime minister and made fun of the military Additionally, Charles holds the title of King of Canada, which has also faced serious provocation from Trump

After Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his connection with Jeffrey Epstein, the US congressman Ro Khanna and Sky Roberts, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, urged Charles and especially Camilla to meet Epstein survivors But no such meeting will take place, a palace source has said, on the grounds it could jeopardise police inquiries and potential legal action

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, residing in Montecito far from Washington DC, are not expected to reunite with family during the visit The Palace mainly hopes Harry refrains from giving any revealing interviews about his royal upbringing

Thought for the week

“Wisdom is knowing when to have a grip and when to let go ” Gaur Gopa l Da s

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

What the Greatest Military Minds in History Would Tell India Today

General Ani l Ch au han, India's Chief o f Defence Staff, arrived in London this week for th e first-ever o ffici al visit by an Indi an CD S to the United Kingdo m T he agenda co ver ed

de fen

industrial co llaboration and jo int exercises All sensible All, if we are h onest, insu ffic ient fo r the scale of what India actu ally faces

Imagine the greatest military strategists in history were handed India's file What would they say?

Chanakya, India's own, would speak first He wrote in the Arthashastra that a king must never fight two enemies simultaneously if it can be avoided by any means India today faces precisely that: China and Pakistan have operationalised a triadic rivalry in real time In the May 2025

Pakistan Air Force, and Beijing publicly pledged to "safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty " This is not a two-front threat in theory It has already been tested in practice Chanakya's counsel would be unambiguous: before modernising a single weapons system, fracture the alliance that makes two fronts possible Sun Tzu would agree, and go further Supreme excellence, he argued, is breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting China s military strategic guidelines now accept early use of long-range precision strikes to paralyse an adversary's decision-making - targeting infrastructure, communications and civilian systems, not just soldiers on a border The battlefield India prepares for is not the one China intends to fight Sun Tzu's advice: stop preparing for the last war The next one begins in space, in cyberspace, and in the electromagnetic spectrum, before a single boot crosses the Line of Actual Control Clausewitz would read India's defence budget and raise an eyebrow War, he wrote, is the continuation of politics by other means - which means the politics must be coherent first India spends close to 1 9% of GDP on defence, compared to America's 3 5%, and over 55% of that budget goes on personnel rather than modern capabilities An army optimised for employment rather than warfighting is not a deterrent It is a jobs programme with rifles Clausewitz's prescription would be brutal in its clarity: a nation that wishes to be taken seriously as a rising power must fund the instrument of that ambition accordingly

Liddell Hart, the British strategist who gave the world the indirect approach, would look at General Chauhan s London visit and see something more consequential than diplomacy The UK and India ran their largest-ever maritime exercise in 2025, bringing together both nations' Carrier Strike Groups India has embedded officers as instructors across all three UK service academies The UK has established a dedicated Defence Partnership-India office Liddell Hart would recognise what India is quietly building: a web of interoperability with Western mili-

alliance commitments His advice would be to accelerate it, and to extend the same logic to Japan, Australia and France in the Indian Ocean, where China is constructing an overseas basing network stretching from Djibouti to Cambodia to Pakistan's own Makran coast

All four would converge on the same point that New Delhi's strategic culture has historically resisted: clarity of purpose India has spent decades cultivating strategic

Washington and Moscow, between the Quad and nonalignment In a world of moderate rivalry, that is wise In a world where Pakistan and China have laid direct fibreoptic cables between their military headquarters, run joint exercises specifically to achieve weapons interoperability, and in May 2025 effectively coordinated operations against India in real time, ambiguity is not sophistication It is delay dressed up as doctrine

General Chauhan left London this week with stronger ties, agreed frameworks and good will The strategists would not dismiss that They would simply note that good will has never, in the history of warfare, substituted for a credible plan

Net-net: India knows who its friends are The question the greatest military minds in history would press is whether India knows who its enemies are - and whether it is preparing for how those enemies now fight together

MIDLANDS/NORTH

Walsall rapist handed life sentence for racist attack

A “ dangerous” raci st who targeted a Sikh woman in her own home, mistakenly b elieving she was Mus li m, has been jailed for life after a prolonged and violent s exual attack driven by hatred

John Ashby, 32, who was homeless at the time, subjected his victim to a sustained ordeal lasting at least 24 minutes after following her home from a bus in Walsall As she went upstairs to her bathroom, Ashby forced his way into the property, launching an assault marked by extreme violence and degrading, Islamophobic abuse

During the attack, he repeatedly insulted the woman, made racist remarks, and asserted control over her through threats and humiliation He also poured hot water over her and forced her to repeat degrading phrases, compounding the physical and psychological trauma After assaulting her in the

bathroom, he dragged her into the bedroom when she attempted to escape, before eventually fleeing with jewellery and a mobile phone after being startled by a noise

The victim, left naked and severely distressed, ran from the house screaming for help Neighbours described hearing terrifying cries and rushed to assist her, with one calling emergency services as the woman repeatedly said she had been raped Ashby, of Stockland Green, Birmingham,

initially denied multiple charges including rape, strangulation, robbery and religiously aggravated assault However, he changed his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial at Birmingham Crown Court on April 21, following the strength of evidence presented, including CCTV footage, DNA and witness testimony

Sentencing him on April 24, Mr Justice Pepperall KC described Ashby as a “deeply unpleasant racist and Islamophobic” individual who poses an “extreme danger” to the public, particularly women He was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years

The Crown Prosecution Service said the attack was a deeply disturbing act of religiously motivated violence against a woman in the place she should have felt safest

Manchester Airport defendant says he kicked to protect brother

A man accused of kicking a p olice officer during a violent co nfrontatio n at Manchester Airp ort h as told jurors he acted to “ protect hi s brother” after fearing for both their lives

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, said he believed he could be killed when he was forcefully restrained by officers responding to reports of an earlier disturbance Giving evidence in court, he described being grabbed by the neck and pushed, claiming no explanation was given at the time “I was frightened,” he said, adding he thought the officer might “beat me to the point I can’t breathe and I am dead ”

The incident followed an altercation in Terminal Two, where Amaaz said he confronted a man his mother accused of racially abusing her on a flight He told jurors the man threatened to kill him, prompting him to headbutt and strike out in what he described as self-defence

Amaaz said he later moved away with his family but was suddenly seized by officers He claimed he did

not initially realise they were police and that no warning was given During the struggle, he said he saw his brother being repeatedly struck by officers

Fearing for his brother’s safety, Amaaz admitted kicking out, saying it was the only way he could intervene He maintains his actions were in selfdefence The trial continues

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Bamania Nitaben Premji, daughter of Premji Jadav Bamania and Shashikalabai Premji Bamania, residing at 50 Hillfield Avenue, Wembley, HA0 4JP, United Kingdom, hereby declare my intention to officially change my name and request that my records, including my passport, be updated accordingly. From this date forward, I wish to be known as: NITABEN PREMGI

I further declare that my father’s name shall be recorded as Premgi Jadou, and my mother’s name as Sashikala Premgi for all official purposes.

I respectfully request that I be known, called, and identified by my new name, Nitaben Premgi, in all future records and correspondence.

Place: Diu, Daman and Diu, India (PIN: 362520) Date: 02/05/2026

Bolton smuggling gang jailed for £41m fraud

Th e Manch ester Minsh ull Street Crown C ourt sentenced eleven m en for orchestrating a massiv e op eration that smug gled 150 million illegal cig arettes into the U nited King dom

This Bolton-based organised crime group evaded an estimated £41,609,720 in tax and excise duty by running a sophisticated distribution network across Lancashire, Merseyside, and Staffordshire The gang was caught through a meticulous surveillance operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between August 2017 and April 2018, during which officers recorded private conversations and monitored fifteen key deliveries

The investigation culminated in the seizure of nearly £1 million in cash and 2 5 million cigarettes during strategic vehicle stops, effectively dismantling the syndicate's infrastructure All eleven defendants pleaded guilty to their roles in the fraud, which significantly undermined the national economy Lead members such as Jack Mather, 57, and David Cook, 54, received immediate custodial sentences of up to three years and four months, while six others were handed suspended prison terms

HMRC officials confirmed that the group utilised legitimate business premises as fronts for van swaps and exchanges of illicit goods

Husband jailed for brutally attacking wife

A man who carried out a brutal kitchen attac k left his wife severely disfi gured has been jai led for 26 years

Raju Mollah, 50, tried to kill his wife, Mosammed Mumtaz, at their home on Heather Road

in Small Heath during a divorce dispute A court heard he poured hot cooking oil over her head without warning, then pressed a red-hot skillet from the stove into her face in “branding”

He continued the assault, smashing her head against hard surfaces and using a mop to smother face He kicked and stamped on her repeatedly, while she remained conscious He was found guilty of attempted murder after trial

At Birmingham Crown Court, he was sentenced to 26 years, with minimum of 17 years and four months Mumtaz, in a victim statement, said, “He has destroyed my life, family and face ” She no longer leaves home, has left college, and cannot look at her reflection, calling herself “ a prisoner in my own home ”

The couple, married 23 years with three children, had no history of domestic violence Tensions rose in December 2024 when Mollah demanded divorce over property in Bangladesh which she refused Emergency services were called on 12 January 2025 Paramedics found her on kitchen floor with severe burns, facial injuries, dental damage and fractured nose She was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Judge Richard Bond called the attack deliberate and unprovoked, saying Mollah had permanently disfigured his wife and lied about it A restraining order was imposed

I N B R I E F BIRMINGHAM BIN STRIKE NEARS END

Birmingham’s long-running bin strike may finally be nearing an end, with Council Leader John Cotton saying a settlement is now close The dispute began in January 2025 when over 350 Unite union members walked out over pay and job regrading issues later escalating into an all-out strike Workers argued proposed reforms would leave some up to £8 000 worse off a year After months of talks through Acas, a revised offer has been reached, including possible compensation of up to £16,000 and improved job security for agency staff The dispute caused 17,000 tonnes of waste to build up, costing over £33 4 million A final deal now awaits council approval after upcoming elections

VANDALS SMASH CITY BUILDING

Police are searching for vandals who targeted a city centre building in the early hours of Friday, 24 April The front entrance of the Colmore Building on Colmore Circus Queensway was smashed, and red paint was thrown across the glass and up the walls Red and white tape cordoned off the area, alongside blue police forensic tape as investigations began No arrests have been made so far A West Midlands Police spokesperson said officers were called at around 2 30am to reports of criminal damage Enquiries are ongoing including a review of CCTV footage to identify those responsible Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101, quoting log 311 of 24 April Investigations continue

Man guilty of “brandishing” rolling pin

A Birmingh am m an has been fined after a violent confrontatio n outside his home during a parking dispute, a court heard Nikash Sultan, 33, of Eastbourne Avenue, was arrested after allegedly “brandishing” a 15cm rolling pin during an incident in Hodge Hill on 11 July last year Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard the disturbance involved around 10 men who had attacked his brother and father on his doorstep following a parking row

Prosecutor Ms Pogorzelska said police were called to reports of violence at around 8pm Officers arrived to find Sultan holding what was described as a metal or wooden implement, which he used to threaten others He was also found with a head injury and later received treatment at Heartlands Hospital Police administered first aid at the scene

Defence lawyer Mrs Jan told the court Sultan had returned home to find his family being assaulted She said he grabbed a rolling pin from a car and used it to defend them, insisting the action was not premeditated but a reaction to a sudden attack She added that both his father and brother had been “quite severely” injured and claimed the incident stemmed from a neighbourhood parking disagreement

The court heard Sultan pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place He was fined £365, including costs and a victim surcharge

Deputy District Judge Wallace said he accepted the situation had been “brought to his door” but ruled that arming himself was “simply unacceptable ”

A R O Y A L R E T U R N A C R O S S

T

H E A T L A N T I C

President Donald Trump hosts King Charles III in historic state visit marked by pageantry and diplomacy

T w o a n d a h a lf ce n t ur i e s

a fter t he Ame rican colon ies

s e v e r e d t i e s wi t h Br it a in

un der King Ge orge III, histo-

r y ca m e f ul l ci r cl e a s hi s d escend ant , King Cha rles III, t ouche d d own in the Un ited

S tat es on April 27, 2026 , at a m oment when t ra nsatlan tic

r e la t io n s a r e un e a s y a n d

s e c ur it y c on ce r n s lo o m

lar ge The visit, the most significant and high-profile of

C h a r l e s ’ s r e i g n , c o i n c i d e s with the 250th anniversary

of American independence and marks the first trip to the US by a British monarch in twenty years

On the second day of the

s t a t e v i s i t , D o n a l d a n d Melania Trump rolled out a

l a v i s h W h i t e H o u s e w e lcome for King Charles and Queen Camilla The ceremony was steeped in spectacle, military parades, cannon fire and a jet flyover, draw-

i n g s e n i o r f i g u r e s f r o m

T r u m p ’ s c a b i n e t D e s p i t e concerns he might veer offscript, Trump struck a mea-

s u r e d t o n e , p r a i s i n g t h e enduring ties between the two nations and declaring

t h a t A m e r i c a n s h a v e “ n o

c l o s e r f r i e n d s t h a n t h e British ”

At the formal welcome, p u n c t u a t e d b y a 2 1 - g u n salute, Trump leaned into the language of diplomacy, invoking the long-standing “ s p e c i a l r e l a t i o n s h i p ” a n d commending the history of m i l i t a r y c o o p e r a t i o n between the two countries,

r e m a r k s t h a t c o n t r a s t e d with his recent criticisms of B r i t a i n ’ s f o r e i g n p o l i c y stance

In a lighter moment, the president joked about the rainy Washington weather

as “ a beautiful British day”

a n d s h a r e d a n a n e c d o t e about his late mother’s fondness for Charles The mood was buoyant as bands played both national anthems and the King greeted senior offi-

c i a l s , i n c l u d i n g V i c e

P r e s i d e n t J D V a n c e a n d S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e M a r c o Rubio, before inspecting US troops alongside Trump

The ceremony blended pageantry with symbolism

S o l d i e r s i n R e v o l u t i o n a r y War uniforms marched past to the sound of fifes and drums, a nod to the conflict

that once divided the two nations, while construction noise from Trump’s planned $400 million White House b a l l r o o m e c h o e d i n t h e background

The day’s engagements continued with private talks in the Oval Office, followed by a landmark address to a Joint Meeting of Congress King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the UK–US alliance, describing it as a partnership “born out of dispute, but no less strong for it ” Marking the 250th a n n i v e r s a r y o f A m e r i c a n independence, he reflected on shared history, democratic values, and the evolution of relations since the era of King George III, joking that he was “not here as part of s o m e c u n n i n g r e a r g u a r d action ”

The King highlighted the “special ingredient” of the r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n t h e two nations, quoting Donald Trump’s own words that the bond is “priceless and eternal ” He stressed unity in the f a c e o f g l o b a l i n s t a b i l i t y , warning of “times of great u n c e r t a i n t y ” a n d c o n f l i c t stretching “from Europe to the Middle East ” O n s e c u r i t y , C h a r l e s paid tribute to joint sacrifices, from 9/11 to Ukraine, stating, “We stood with you then And we stand with you n o w , ” w h i l e e m p h a s i s i n g N A T O ’ s c

Framing the alliance as both historical and forwardlooking, he concluded with a call to renewal: “Let our two c

n t r i e s r e d e d i c a t e o u rselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples ” A state dinner followed next after the address T h e v i s i t b e g a n a d a y earlier on a softer note, with tea, cakes and a tour of the W h i t e H o u

g

u n d s , including its beehives King Charles and Queen Camilla began their U S state visit by l a n d i n g a t J o i n t B a s e Andrews, followed by a trip to the White House They met with President Donald T

L a d y Melania Trump for private tea and a tour of the White H o u s e b e e h i v e , b e f o r e attending a high-profile gard

and diverse ties between the

United Kingdom B

Trump had praised the his resolve in proceeding with the visit despite heightened

just days after

shooting

event and amid scrutiny over m

tion attempts

W h i l e i n t h e U S , t h e

King is expected to travel to New York for a wreath-layi n g c e r e m o n y a

memorial along with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, honouri

attacks, including 67 Britons among the thousands killed Notably absent from the

family reunion, Prince Harry is not expected to meet the King during the trip

Lords and ministers at odds over online safety crackdown

The governm ent an d the Hous e of Lords are in creas ingly a t od ds over plans to tighten onli ne sa fety rules f or children , as press ure grows to m ove fas ter on res tri ctin g soci al me dia use for under-16s

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said ministers remain committed to introducing restrictions, but stressed that any measures must be made to work effectively before being implemented

She told the BBC that the government is currently consulting on a range of options, including a complete ban, alongside other proposals aimed at preventing teenagers from accessing addictive and harmful online content

Phillipson’s comments follow remarks from junior education minister Olivia Bailey, who said the government would introduce “ some form of age or functionality restrictions” for under-16s, even if it ultimately does not proceed with a full ban

Campaigners have urged ministers to adopt an Australia-style prohibition on social media use for children,

although questions remain over how effective such an approach would be in practice

Tensions also continue between the government and the House of Lords over the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would grant ministers powers to impose wide-ranging restrictions on social media use Peers have repeatedly backed amendments pushing for a faster ban, defeating the government on several occasions

In response, the government tabled new amendments aimed at breaking the deadlock These would allow ministers to introduce a ban in the future, but stop short of imposing one immediately, as the Lords had demanded

MPs approved the revised legislation by 272 votes to 64, with the bill now returning to the Lords for the fifth time, what is expected to be its final stage before becoming law

Bailey said the government would act once its consultation concludes on 26 May, but did not specify what form

any restrictions would take She said the status quo “cannot continue” and confirmed that options under consideration include curfews, alongside broader limits

The consultation is also examining issues such as algorithm-driven content, addictive platform design, and whether further age verification rules or limits on AI chatbot access for children may be needed Social media design features, including endless scrolling and content refresh tools, have come under growing scrutiny, including in a recent US legal case where major platforms were found liable for contributing to harm among young users

Platforms in the UK are already required under the Online Safety Act to assess and reduce risks to children, including from recommendation systems and predictive features, and to enforce age restrictions

Despite these measures, campaigners argue current protections remain insufficient to ensure children’s safety online

Minister Keir Starmer over

abroad While the monarch

y above politics, British officials hope the visit will help

Trump himself has suggested that Charles could play

between the two allies

The erosion of meritocracy in British Universities

Swathi Anil

A gro wing co ntrov ersy has e m er g ed w i th i n B ri tai n ’ s h i g h e r ed u ca ti o n s ec to r reg arding the im plementation of access schemes th at

e xp l ic i tl y co n si d e r r ac i al b ac kg ro u nd s , s p ark i ng a national d ebate ov er the balanc e between so ci al engineering and the traditional p ursuit of tru th

At the centre of this tension is Durham University, which recently faced intense scrutiny for its ‘Asian Access’

p r o g r a m m e , a n i n i t i a t i v e providing lower grade offers to students of Asian heritage

f r o m d i s a d v a n t a g e d b a c kgrounds Critics argue that such policies effectively dis-

c r i m i n a t e a g a i n s t w h i t e applicants, marking a broader shift across UK academic institutions where racialised a d m i s s i o n s p r o c e s s e s a r e becoming standard

This trend has led many to question whether univer-

s i t i e s h a v e o f f i c i a l l y s u ppressed their commitment to individual merit in favour of identity-based outcomes

Th e rise of id entity-based adm issions

W h i l e s p e a k i

w

h Asian Voice, Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, an academician, author, and director of the c a m p a i g n g r o u p ' D o n ' t Divide Us' (DDU), suggests t h a t t h e n a r r a t i v e o f s y stemic exclusion is frequently at odds with reality

"The whole scheme is premised on an untruth, or a very distorted interpretation of a very narrow statistical figure, she states She highl i g h t s t h a t i n t h e B r i t i s h c o n t e x t , A s i a n s t u d e n t s ( 5 1 4 % ) a n d C h i n e s e s t udents (66 1%) already secure higher education places at s i g n i f i c a n t l y h i g h e r r a t e s than their white counterparts (29 8%), making targeted grade reductions for high-performing groups statistically questionable

F o r D r C u t h b e r t , t h e transition is fundamentally anti-intellectual and democratic, undermining the university's centuries-old mission to serve as a seeker of t r u t h S h e a r g u e s t h a t a therapeutic approach now reinforces identity politics

o v e r r i g o r o u s a c a d e m i c inquiry

It’s not the job of academics to reinforce you in a very therapeutic way that actually limits your growth intellectually and ethically " By prioritising social change

o v e r a c a d e m i c d i s c i p l i n e , universities risk transforming from centres of learning i n t o h u b s f o r s t a t e - s a n ctioned social engineering

Frag mentation and tribal com petitio n This institutional focus on identity is also seen as a

erned by what they describe

ment among those who feel sidelined, particularly work-

that white British boys eligi-

have the lowest university

group at just 14%, yet they

Cuthbert warns that ignoring these grievances is dangerous, "If you ’ ve got all the official institutions continually saying you must give way you are privileged in some way, and these other people are not privileged, so y

space of course, there will be a backlash

A m oral and cultural turning p oint U

centres on whether the lead-

institutions has abandoned

work of uplifting society as a whole, opting instead for a ‘knee-jerk’ political strategy that creates division

this as a moral and cultural failure, where the language of past struggles for equality is being repurposed to justify current power dynamics that benefit those engineering the schemes rather than the truly marginalised "This is why we created the campaign is called Don t Divide Us in response to this tendency, this trend," she conc

growing resistance to policies that many believe are undermining the very cohesion of British society

UK passes smoking ban for people born after 2008

T h e B ri ti s h g o v e

Parliam ent approved a land mark bill prohibiting the sale

to bacco to anyone born after 200 8 By raising the legal sm oking age by one year every twelv e mo nths, the legislation effectively ensures that tod ay ’ s teenag ers w ill nev er legally reach the age of pu rchase, creating th e natio n's first smokefree g eneration

This decisive action addresses a public health crisis that currently claims 64,000 lives annually in England and costs

t h e N H S a p

Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the progress of the bill, noting that prevention is essential to ease the burden of 400,000 yearly hospital admissions linked to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions

The policy follows alarming data from the 2025 ASH survey, which revealed that youth smoking prevalence among 11 to 17-year-olds surged to 5 4 per cent, the highest in thirteen years While the bill also restricts vaping near schools and playgrounds, critics warn of potential black-market growth and infringements on personal liberty

Nevertheless, the UK joins a small group of nations attempting such radical generational bans to terminate nicotine addiction The government is simultaneously trialling social media restrictions for under-16s, signaling a broader 2026 strategy to safeguard adolescent health across the country

Jay Gohel

CAREER CONVERSATIONS How to Assert at Work

T h e k e y t o s u c c e s s i s dependent on how you handle each situation you face If you want success for yourself and your employer, you need to be assertive Not submissive or aggressive

Assertiveness is defined as recognising your own and the o t h e r p e r s o n ’ s r i g h t s a n d responsibilities

Submissiveness is failing to stand up for your rights

Aggression is when you stand up for your rights but ignore others’ It is also aggression if you ignore your responsibilities but not others’

The word rights in a work environment are about the rights of the management to manage its employees, and the rights of the employees to be treated fairly

For instance, you have given to Raj, your subordinate, a statistical form to fill in the figures When Raj completes and leaves the completed form on your table, you find a number of errors

An assertive manner would be to say: “Raj, I would like you to complete this form again because there are several mistakes” A submissive manner would be to say: “Raj, would you be able to find some time to make changes on the form?”

An aggressive manner would be, if you said to Raj: “How dare you give me such rubbish work? It is full of mistakes,” and you say nothing more This does not clarify what is to be done next You have neither shown Raj how the mistakes should be c o r r e c t e d n o r i n d i c a t e d t h e n e x t s t e p Moreover, your remark is rude He is likely to feel hurt and humiliated with such an attitude This could lead him to either give up on you or find a job where someone will explain the mistakes to him and allow him to correct them

On the other hand, a submissive manner would be if you do not say anything to Raj; instead, you find excuses in your mind not to tell him anything, and you correct the errors yourself If you do this, there's nothing worse Firstly, it is his task and not yours; secondly, your time is more valuable than his; thirdly, he will not learn anything because you have not warned him The net result is that the organisation's productivity suffers

For the next example, the organisation cannot be named for obvious reasons It had a female employee who often took 1 5 hours for lunch to meet her boyfriend, but never worked late to make up the lost time

f o un de

a nd CE O of Orches tro AI, in re cognition of his contributions to publ ic-int er es t art if ic ial inte ll igence

than 25 years in the technolog y s e c t o r , h a s h e l d s e n i o r roles at global giants includi n g W a l m a r t , C o c a - C o l a , D i s n e y a n d P e p s i C o H i s j o u r n e y b e g a n i n I n d i a , where his mother sold her w e d d i n g r i n g t o f u n d h i s education He later moved to the United States with just $34, at times living in his car w h i l e n a v i g a t i n g r e j e c t i o n a n d h a r d s h i p T o d a y , h e holds more than 207 patents and has helped scale businesses from millions to billions

H

reported this to the Personnel department, but they never took any action against her O n e d a

hour, she had a violent row with her boyfriend in a restaurant The police were called in

employers to check whether she was employed by them

behaviour The girl’s long lunches and this violent incident were more than sufficient to sack her, but the organisation never took any action despite its productivity loss They thought that dismissal might be interpreted as racial discrimination After all, the girl was an immigrant!

To protect productivity, an organisation must be assertive If an employee makes mistakes, help him to correct his mistakes and warn him that repeated mist

approach would influence an employee to improve because it helps him to protect his job, and become a better employee

In summary, it is your right to complete your job in your own way, provided

organisation It is your right to have a say in selecting people who will work for you and expect a good standard of work from them

Your responsibilities are to use your time at work productively and to achieve the objectives stipulated by the management, to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them and to adopt the best practices used by your colleagues

If you are a team leader, you should assertively give instructions to your subordinates If you are unable to, you must learn it before becoming a team leader Otherwise, you would not be able to take the initiative and could lose opportunities for your employers

Please note that if you refuse work out of laziness, it will be easily noticeable But if you are overworked, and if you do not refuse work, you will soon end up with a pile of work which is unattended Explain to your boss that this would cause complaints from clients If you are honestly saying NO, you do not need to find a long explanation

Keep in mind that your boss has the right to check whether you would be able t o d o t h e e x t r a w o r k S o b e f a i r a n d assertive, but do not be unfair because that would be aggressive Good luck

T h r o u g h O r c h e s t r o A I , N a t a r a j a n h a s d e v e l o p e d w h a t h e c a l l s “ A n g e l i c Intelligence” a patented approach that embeds ethical values at the core of AI syst e m s r a t h e r t h a n t r e a t i n g them as an afterthought The m o d e l r e f l e c t s a b r o a d e r v i s i o n o f a r t i f i c i a l

replace it Accepting the honour, Natarajan described the moment as one he “could not

have dared to imagine,” noting the historic significance

which has preserved knowle

moment in history, artificial intelligence is becoming part of that story,” he said The award comes amid growing global concern over AI ethics, bias and accountability Natarajan argued that the answer lies not in slowing innovation, but in redefining its purpose “We are not simply building faster tools,” he s

n g machines to reason, to learn, to assist ” “I accept this medal with d e e p g

i t u d e t

O

f o r d , and to all who believe technology and humanity are not in opposition, but in partnership ”

Falling access to Hinduism GCSE sparks new initiative

Across the UK, t here are gr owing concerns a bout the ext ent to which schools can support studen ts who wish to study t he ir own faith tra dit ions in dept h, particul arl y at GCSE

l e v e l In H

de cl ined sig nificantl

ece nt de cade s In the 1980s, around 120,000 students in the UK sat Hinduism GCSE exams, but numbers have

offer it as a dedicated option, limiting access to in-depth study within mainstream education

T o a d d r e

Mission UK has launched a local GCSE Hinduism programme across c

course on Hinduism and Sikhism alongside school studies, with the option of completing it by Year 10 for early exam preparation The

Hindus and Sikhs, helping students c

modern life

Chinmaya Mission is also marking 75 years since its founding in 1953 by devotees of His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda Today, it is a global organisation led by His H o l i n e s s S w a m i S w a r o o p a n a n d a and administered by the Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT), with over 300 centres worldwide dedicated to spiritual, educational, and charitable work

Sandeep Patel from Chinmaya

M

“Students who live in H i n d u h o u s e h o l d s t h e y ’ l l h a

understanding of this vast, vast culture, it’s the most ancient tradition that there is in the world today But they only see provision of Christianity and Islam in school So it leads to t h

their tradition is not represented; maybe it’s considered to be not as important as the others ”

He added that this can affect how students perceive their own i d

sees: ‘Okay, I live this at home and it’s not taught in school, so maybe the others are more important ”

On curriculum balance and policy, he said: “Our understanding of the government policy on this is that they want students to understand the worldview of the diversity of different faith traditions But if Hinduism is not properly represented in the curriculum, then it feels that this will be difficult to achieve ” S a n d e e p s t a t e d t h a t s u p

mentary educational programmes like theirs are seen as a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix He said, “the short answer is we definitely see it as a long-term solution,” adding that feedback from students shows real impact in their confidence and understanding

“have got the confidence now to go out a n d e x p l a i n t h e i r religion and engage i n d i s c u

helps them develop the language to discuss their faith and understand its cul-

than just following

explanation He also noted that the s y

apply ancient teachings to modern issues such as war, euthanasia and animal testing, helping them form and express their own views In addition, sitting the GCSE early helps build “ essay writing skills, time pressure ” and exam technique

On the wider role of such programmes, he said they complement m

solution can provide for all of the learning that is necessary in society ” He added that while school provision is limited, supplementary l

temple visits, talks from Hindu and Sikh speakers, and practical rituals such as pujas, which support a more “holistic understanding beyond just the syllabus ” He also pointed out challenges in access, saying some families are either unaware of their right to opt out of limited school provision or face resistance from schools, meaning they are sometimes unable to take up these opportunities

Contrasting realities of Indians in modern Britain

The landscape for the Indi an d iasp ora i n t

om o

ten comes wi th starkl y d if ferent yet equally valid trajectori es

In a recent highlight, while one

empire, an international doctoral student in Manchester is highlighting the daunting pressures of the current cost-of-living crisis

These narratives, emerging from Birmingham and Manchester, provide a comprehensive look at how

through either aggressive asset leverage or disciplined stipend budgeting I

Aston University graduate Shivraj

property portfolio worth £1 8 million since graduating in 2023 By targeting distressed sales and receivership properties in the North-East and Midlands, Raja utilised a ‘rinse and repeat’ strategy of bridging loans and r e f i n a n

Despite leaving a stable graduate finance role in March 2025, he has managed to secure £850,000 in equi-

ty, often achieving yields of 9 per cent His success was bolstered by early savings of £15,000 and strategic mentorship from his father, along-

funding offering

returns

Conversely, Anushka Diwakar, a

University of Manchester, shared

picture

Moving to the UK in October 2025, Diwakar revealed that 60 per cent of her income, approximately £1,100 is

accommodation alone With only £700 remaining for groceries, trans-

reflects the scary reality for many international scholars facing high urban rents

These stories demonstrate that while the UK remains a land of significant leverage and financial freed

endurance from those pursuing academic excellence

a series of local priorities as part of their campaign

The candidates say their focus is on improving safety in the area, with particular emphasis on tackling concerns around street crime and anti-social behaviour They also highlight the need to ensure that social housing allocation prioritises local residents and meets community needs

Another key issue in their campaign is addressing what they describe as inappropriate use of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which they believe can negatively impact neighbourhood cohesion and local living conditions

The candidates state that their aim is to provide strong local representation and to work towards changes that reflect the concerns of residents They are encouraging community engagement and support as part of their election campaign in Yeading

2 - 8 May 2026

Vaisakhi celebrations bring colour and seva to streets across the UK

A c ro s s th e U n it ed King dom , the v ibrant festi-

v al o f V ai s ak h i u nf o ld ed

th i s y ear as a p o w erf u l

expres si on o f f aith , co mmunity, and cultu ral p rid e, bringing tog ether hundred s of tho usands in celebratio n, reflection, and sh ared joy

In the heart of the capital, Trafalgar Square transformed into a sea of colour and sound for the annual “Vaisakhi on the Square ” Families, visitors, and community groups gathered in large numbers as traditional

d h o l d r u m m e

Gatka martial arts displays, and elaborately decorated floats brought the festival to life Visitors immersed themselves in Sikh heritage

t h r o u g h

n g demonstrations, children’s workshops, and stalls hosted by charities and cultural organisations

Marking the occasion,

S a d i q K h a n p r a i s e d t h e Sikh community’s enduri n g c o n t r i b u t i o n t o t h e city, highlighting the unifying spirit of the celebrations Sharing his message online, he reflected on the i m p o r

f t

g

e

n e s s , n o t i n g t h a t s u c h m o m e n t s d e m o n s t r a t e

h o w m u c h c o m m u n i t i e s have in common

F u r t h e r n o r t h , t h e streets of Coventry echoed with devotion and celebration as thousands joined the annual Nagar Kirtan Led by the revered Panj

P y a r e , t h e p r o c e s s i o n

more than 10,000 people

processions Beginning at

across nearly 60 roads, link-

Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed The scale of the

began at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash and wound its way through Foleshill’s m a i n r o a d s R h y t h m i c

d r u m m i n g , d e v o t i o n a l hymns, and acts of seva defined the day, with food distributed freely along the route and charitable donations extended to organis a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g P T S D

R

P a r k i n s o n ’ s U K , u n d e rscoring the Sikh ethos of service

I n B i r m i

the historic and contempo-

Vaisakhi, which commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699

The spirit of celebration

streets Messages of good-

Royal Family, who extended warm Vaisakhi greetings to Sikhs across the UK and worldwide, recognising the festival’s deep spiritual and cultural meaning

Deputy High Commissioner pays tribute at Basaveshwara Statue

H o no u ra bl e D ep u ty H ig h C ommissioner of the U nited

K i ng d o m to Ka rn ata ka, C handru Iyer paid tribute to s o ci a l re fo r m er Basaveshwara at the iconic s tat u e n ea r B ri ti s h Parliament, marking th e eve of the 895th birth anniv ersary o f the rev ered philosoph er

I n a c e r e m o n y u n d e rscoring cultural ties between t h e U K a n d I n d i a , I y e r reflected on Basaveshwara’s

enduring legacy as a champion of gender equality and h u m a n r i g h t s A d d r e s s i n g the gathering, he also recited the Basaveshwara vachana in Kannada, drawing appreciation from attendees

The event, held at one of the most prominent symbols o f K a r n a t a k a ’ s p r e s e n c e abroad, included a memorial service honouring the late B h e e m a n n a K h a n d r e a n d Shamanur Shivashan-karappa Both were remembered f o r t h e i r c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o p r o m o t i n g B a s a v e s h w a r a ’ s philosophy

In his remarks, Iyer commended the efforts of the L a m b e t h B a s a v e s h w a r a Foundation in establishing the monument, describing it as a “living bridge” between Karnataka and the United Kingdom, rooted in shared democratic values

The statue has previously attracted high-profile visits, including those by Narendra Modi, HD Deve Gowda, and Rahul Gandhi, highlighting its global significance

Speaking on behalf of the British Kannada community, N e e r a j P a t i l u r g e d t h e

The Bhavan’s

nical team, alongside contributions f r o m p h o t o g r ap h e r s , v i d e o g r aphers and catering s t a f f , e n s u r i n g a s e a m l e s s e x p e r ience for attendees

The enthusiastic response from both performers and audie n c e s r e a f f i r m e d T h e B h a v a n ’ s c o m m i t m e n t t o promoting dance and cultural exchange, with organisers expressing hopes to expand the celebration in the years ahead

Deputy High Commissioner to facilitate an official visit

b y t h e C h i e f M i n i s t e r o f Karnataka to the UK to pay t r i b u t

and agreed to forward it

Kannada language and culture among younger generations overseas, with children participating in programmes supported by the Karnataka B

Authority

Among the distinguished

Nagaraju, Virendra Sharma,

with community representatives from Basava Samiti UK Speakers reiterated the rele-

teachings in today’s world, calling for continued com-

equality, social justice, and unity

Young student honoured for Kannada learning

Master Dheer Samarth Mudgall was awarded a certificate by Virendra Sharma and Uday Nagaraju for his dedication to learning Kannada He has been studying under the Karnataka Border Area Development Authority The honour was presented during Basava Jayanti celebrations at the Basaveshwara Statue L-R- Lord Uday Nagaraju Dheer Mudgall and Virendra Sharma

Navnat Vanik Association honours volunteers at annual dinner

Jyotsna Shah

T h e Nav na t V a ni k

A s so c i ati o n h o st ed it s ann u al Vo l u nt eer s ’ Dinner o n A pril 25 at Nav nat Bh a v an , ce lebrati ng th e d ed i ca tio n and serv ice of its volunteers while reflecting on the organisation’s ongoing co mmunity work

T h e e v e n i n g b r o u g h t together a large number of members, featuring an interactive session that reviewed key initiatives and invited feedback Attendees shared

Global Jain community mourns passing of Acharya Shri Chandanaji, London pays tribute

Jyotsna Shah

A ch a rya S h r i C h a nd a

26 January, 1937 – 22 April, 2026

ji , rev ered as Pujya Tai Ma and founder of Veerayatan, passed away peacefully o n A pril 22, 20 26, in Pune Her passing has left the global Jain comm unity i n d ee p m o u rni

ng the loss of a to wering spiritual and hum anitarian figu

School, attended by Veerayatan UK trustees,

c

C

bered her as a “truly unique and unparalleled soul ”

Founded in 1973, Veerayatan is built on the pillars of service, education, and spiritual p

a c t i c e , w i t

, Pawapuri, Lachhuar, and Kutch Through its global outreach, the organisation has carried the teachings of Lord Mahavir to nearly 20 countries

C

In the UK, Acharya Shri

supporting the growth of Jain

generations Her efforts made Jain philosophy accessible and relevant while preserving its core values

spanned education, healthcare, and disaster relief, including significant rehabilitation efforts following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake She was also the first Jain Sadhvi to be honoured with the Padma Shri

nine-decade life as

source of inspiration,

knowledge, and service Tributes emphasised the importance of carrying forward her legacy by upholding the values of non-violence, humanity, and selfless service

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

AUM Crematorium emerges as symbol of unity, faith and service

A major pr ogre ss pr esen tat ion for the AUM Hindu C rem ator ium project, dev elope d by A noopam Mission, Denha m, was held on Sun day in the d iv ine pre se nce of Gur u Ha ri Pujy a Jashbhai Sahe bji

T h e p r o

around 400 devotees, along with leading figures from religious, community, academic and business circles across the UK Among those present were CB Patel, Chairman of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar; Dr M N Nandakumara MBE of

B h a r a t i y a V i d y a

B h a v a n , L o r d R a m i

R a n g e r , T r u

P

e l of the Hindu Forum of Britain, and representatives from ISKCON,

C

a n d other Hindu, Jain and Sikh organisations Trustees, industri-

a l i s t s , p r o f e s s i o n a l s and community leaders joined saints and followers of Anoopam Mission in marking the milestone

A detailed presentation highlighted construction progress, with Bhavishaben coordinating a visual update on development and future plans Speakers described the project as a historic initiative providing dignified last rites facilities for Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities in line with their traditions Satish Chatwani noted the crematorium would address a long-standing need for cul-

Lord Popat lobbies government for better facilities for Hindu and Sikh crematoria

Lor d Dol ar Popat has call ed on the Governm ent to take further ac tion to address the ongoing inadequat e provision of cr ema-

Unit ed K ingdom

Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Popat raised con-

Additionally, families are often unable to secure their preferred crematorium

Highlighting the scale of the issue, Lord Popat noted that over one million Hindus and Sikhs continue to face significant challenges in arranging timely cremations in accordance with their religious customs and

practices In his remarks, he said, “I

Government on this issue, and I am pleased that Anoopam Mission, the first ever Hindu

However, this alone will

greater provisions in London and Leicester ”

The opening of the new crematorium in Denham, Buckinghamshire, represents an important milestone However, community leaders stress that further investment and planning are required to meet the increasing demand

Sikh warrior statue unveiled in Gravesend

The British Sikh community mark ed a historic milestone with the official unveil in g of a thre e-me tre b ronze statue of the r evere d warrior Banda Singh B ahadur at the G ur u Nana k Durb ar Gurdwara in Kent

Standing as one of the most significant public tributes to Sikh heritage in the United Kingdom, the monument honours the 18thcentury military leader who established the first sovereign Sikh rule in Northern India

The ceremony, held in the presence of local Members of Parliament and representatives from various national Sikh organisat

renowned for challenging Mughal authority and championing the values of justice and resilience

Former Gurdwara president Ajaib Singh Cheema performed the formal unveiling, a moment described by attendees as one of immense cultural pride and spiritual reverence

end-of-life services in

modern infrastructure with traditional rituals

sensitivity

Speakers including

and Dr Nandakumara

spirit of collaboration and charitable vision,

community support and donor humility

Spiritual leader Saheb Bhagwant Saheb

Dada said the initiative reflects selfless service inspired by Guru Yogibapa, adding that it had been made possible through collective faith, devotion and contribution

The event concluded with Mahaprasad and blessings, as organisers described the crematorium as a future centre of culture, service and compassion for generations to come

Wedding blessings at GHS

On 26 April 2026 GHS Preston marked a special occasion with blessings for Krishna Mistry ahead of her wedding to Dipen Mistry on 3 May 2026 A lifelong member and dedicated volunteer, Krishna has contributed significantly to the organisation through cultural activities and administration including the 50th Anniversary souvenir during COVID As per tradition, she was presented with a Lord Krishna and Radha photo and heartfelt blessings for a happy future together

The project represents a unique fusion of historical scholarship and cutting-edge technology, having been developed over two years by historian Gurinder Singh Mann and artist Taranjit Singh Using innovative 3D digital modelling, the team ensured the statue’s design resonated with contemporary audiences while remaining faithful to 18th-century records

The event featured a traditional Dhadi Jatha performance and the resonant sounds of the Nagara war drum, evoking the spirit of the Sikh resistance led by Bahadur after he was commissioned by Guru Gobind Singh in 1708

Current president Inderpall Singh Sall addressed the congregation, noting that the installation serves as a vital educational tool for future generations

Plans are already underway to release a 3D digital version of the monument on the Anglo Sikh Museum website

Crown in the crossfire:

The King’s Washington gamble

By the time this is read, the King’s visit to Washington will have concluded, but the questions that surrounded it have not entirely faded He travelled not only at a tense moment, with a gunman incident near Capitol Hill still fresh, but also on the symbolic occasion of the United States marking the 250th anniversary of its independence

The Palace chose presence over hesitation Britain, like India, has long understood that its global posture cannot

engagements through periods of unrest to signal that the nation stands above disruption The King’s decision to proceed carried that same message Cancelling would not have conveyed caution, it would have suggested fragility, and that was clearly a risk Britain was unwilling to take

The sharper tension, however, lay in the politics that framed the visit Donald Trump’s remark that British sovereignty over the Falklands is “negotiable” struck a nerve well beyond Westminster For many, especially those attuned to Asian geopolitics, such language echoes

understands this better than most, from contested land

characterisation of NATO as transactional only added to the unease

Prime Minister Starmer’s task during the visit was therefore precise, to remain diplomatic while leaving no r o o m f o r d o u b t

nonetheless stood as the quiet symbol of that firmness, projecting stability without entering the political fray

Now that the visit is over, its meaning rests in what it signalled This was not ceremony for its own sake, but a measured display of resolve Britain demonstrated that it will not be unsettled by violence or distracted by rhetoric For many observers, particularly within Britain’s Asian communities, the message resonates clearly: strength is often expressed through steady presence rather than volume

W

sovereignty reduced to a talking point Whether every note landed perfectly will be debated, but the intent behind the visit was unmistakable

Dr Narsinhbhai Maganlal Patel

A thoughtful voice heads to Dhaka I recently came across the news in Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar regarding the appointment of Shri Dinesh Trivedi as India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh

While I must admit I was not very familiar with him earlier, the announcement prompted me to recall coverage of an event held in his honour, along with his wife Meenal Trivedi, during his recent visit to the UK, organised by our own CB Patel

Curious, I revisited the report of the “Meet and Greet” held in April 2025 at the Sangat Advice Centre The gathering brought together members of the diaspora, community leaders and public figures in a warm and engaging setting

What struck me most on reading that past piece was not merely his distinguished political career, but the depth and sincerity of his thoughts He spoke about change as the o n l y c o n s t a n t

communities alike to embrace it rather than resist it He a l s o h i g h l i g h t e d t h e u n i q u e s t r e n g t h o f t h e I n d i a n diaspora, its ability to contribute meaningfully while integrating seamlessly into wider society Particularly inspiring was his call for the younger generation to step into public life

In an era when diplomacy requires not only political a c u m e n b u t a l s o

c e a n d c u l t u r a l sensitivity, Mr Trivedi’s outlook appears well suited to the role he is set to undertake His appointment comes at a significant moment, as India and Bangladesh seek to rebuild relations that had deteriorated during the interim g o v e r n m e n t l e d b y M u h a m m a d Y u n u s f o l l o w i n g t h e collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 With a new administration under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman now in place, there is renewed opportunity to strengthen ties

O n e h o p e s t h a t M r T r i v e d i ’ s e x p e r i e n c e a n d perspective will contribute positively to this important phase in bilateral relations My best wishes to him

C hetan Patel

Barristers under investigation over Post Office scandal

The Bar Standard s Bo ard has launched at least ten form al inv estig ations into potential professional misconduct by barristers inv olv ed in the long-running Post Office scand al This regulatory watch dog, which oversees 18 ,00 0 leg al professio nals in E ng land and Wales, confirm ed that these inquiries tar g et i n d i v i d u al s w h o p ro s ec u ted su b -p o s tm as ter s or adv ised on th e safety of conv ictions based on the faulty Ho rizon accounting softw are

Working alongside the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Legal Services Board, officials are currently finalising the assessment of 111 criminal conviction cases that were recently overturned by the Court of Appeal These investigations aim to determine how legal professionals contributed to what is widely regarded as the most extensive miscarriage of justice in British history

Regulatory officials expect to present these cases to an independent decision-making body later this year to decide on formal prosecutions at disciplinary tribunals The timing of these actions is strategically aligned with the ongoing public inquiry chaired by Sir Wyn Williams, which released its initial findings in July 2025

As the inquiry prepares to publish its final report later this year, the watchdog intends to incorporate those judicial findings into its own disciplinary proceedings By synchronising with the statutory inquiry, the board ensures that all lawyers who advised the Post Office are held accountable for their roles in the wrongful accusations

Growing list of apologies haunts Sir Keir Starmer

The Prime Ministe r Sir Keir Starmer is facing in cre asing scrutiny a s a series of high-pr ofile apol ogies b egin s t o define his premiership, echoing t he turbulen t l eadership of his prede cessor Boris Johnson Political anal ysts noted that Starmer ’ s frequen t de cl arations of re morse have become an unwel come habit

Since February 2025, the Prime Minister has apologised for a string of errors, ranging from leaking defence spending figures to Kemi Badenoch to using “island of strangers” rhetoric in June 2025 The most damaging admission came in February 2026, when he expressed sincere regret to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for failing to properly vet Mandelson This pattern of contrition mirrors past Downing Street crises, such as Rishi Sunak’s 2022 apology for appointing Gavin Williamson and Liz Truss’s remorse over the 2022 mini-budget However, the sheer volume of Starmer’s admissions, including an April 2026 apology following revelations of Cabinet Office vetting failures, has led to accusations of poor judgement

Taxpayers fund

£3,000

portrait of Chancellor Rachel Reeves

The British go vernment h as fa c ed c r i ti c i s m f o ll o wi n g th e revelation that a £3, 000 oil po rtrait of Rachel Reeves was acquired usi ng taxp ayer fu n ds Co m mi s s i o n ed to mark

historic milestone as

Ch

Exchequer, the p ai nting by

Re ev es in

Street study T

funded through the crossp

y Committee on Works of Art and follows a competition held in partnership with the Society of Women Artists

Collection, was unveiled as

female pioneers in politics Since taking office, Reeves has notably overhauled the Treasury’s decor, replacing traditional portraits of male predecessors with images of prominent women such as "Red Ellen" Wilkinson

Single male surrogacy applications triple in England

According t o official figur es rel eased by the Childr en an d Fa mil y Court Advisor

the numb

in Eng land successful ly appl y-

Radi o 1

This significant editorial failure occurred when a backing track by

Gambino, containing the N-word, was played during Newsbeat bulletins at 12:45pm and 5:45pm on April 1

The audio featured in

Despite a two-hour delay policy intended to catch offensive content, the clip remained unedited,

a g r o w i n g trend of individuals choosing to navigate single parenthood by choice H i g h - p r o f

e x a m p l e s , such as Naomi Campbell and actress Lucy Liu, have mirrored this shift, though comparable official data for single women remains unpubl i s

W

W

dropped to 12 in 2020, the figures have risen incrementally to reach 36 solo male applicants in

Southampton teacher who became one of the first single fathers under the new legislation, now supports nearly 100 men exploring this path via his platform, DadBe uk However, the rise has sparked debate, with camp

c y Concern calling for a ban on the grounds of infant bonding

Thousands of young adults to

receive savings reminders

The HM Revenue and Customs is launch ing a nationwid e camp aig n this week to reunite thousand s of tw enty-oneyear-olds w ith forg otten Child Tru st Fund accounts w orth an average of £ 2, 200 Established for ch ild ren bo rn between Sep tember 1 , 20 02 and January 2, 2011 , these tax-free savings vehicles w ere originally seeded with g overnment vouch ers of £250, while those fro m low-income backgrounds or local authority care often received up to £50 0

Officials estimate that over 750,000 accounts currently remain unclaimed, despite the funds maturing once the holder reaches the age of eighteen To address this significant oversight, the government will write directly to eligible young people across the United Kingdom, urging them to utilise the free "find my child trust fund" tool available on the gov uk website to locate their hidden assets

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby, emphasised that these matured accounts offer a vital financial boost for young adults beginning their independent lives While the funds are held by various private banks and building socie t i

retrieval process for those who have lost track of their providers

Black children faces frequent police strip searches

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, released a scathing report revealing that Black children are now eight times more likely than their white peers to be strip-searched by police Despite the national outcry following the 2020 Child Q scandal in Hackney, the number of Black minors subjected to this intrusive practice has doubled The latest findings, based on data from all 44 forces across England and Wales indicate that Black children are also five times more likely to be searched than Asian youngsters While total search volumes initially appeared to decline in 2024, this fourth investigation confirms that racial disparities have seen no improvement

According to the Commissioner, these traumatic experiences are frequently justified by police based on a child’s size or build rather than an immediate risk of serious harm The report highlights that boys are the primary targets, though girls account for seven per cent of cases In response, the National Police Chiefs’ Council stated that an updated policy focusing on dignity was implemented to foster a child-centred approach However, Dame Rachel warns that systemic failures are rapidly eroding trust between the police and minority communities

suite In response, the corporation has implemented mandatory allstaff training to prevent future repeats of such errors

This latest controversy follows a high-profile scandal in February 2026, when the same slur was aired

during the Bafta awards ceremony

During that broadcast, an involuntary tic from a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome was directed at actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, yet remained in the final edit on BBC One and iPlayer

A decolonial take on yoga on stage

Subhasini Naicker

M ayuri Bhandari is an award -winning Ind ian

A merican actor, dancer, fig ure skating champion and yo ga p rofesso r based in L os Angeles She has appeared in Indian television sh ows such as Dare 2 Dance and Ju st Dance (Star Plu s) , and h as screen cred its includ ing T he L incoln L awyer ( Netflix), Hacks (HBO) and M s Marvel (Disney)

Her debut theatre production, The Anti “Yogi”, premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2024, where it won the Dance & Physical Theatre award, before going on to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, where she received an Asian Arts Award for Outstanding Solo Performer (Female)

The show now returns to the UK, running at Soho Theatre from 6-16 May Asian Voice spoke to Mayuri about the inspiration behind the production, her journey across dance, screen and theatre, and what audiences can expect from the show’s return

1The Anti “Yogi” blends humour with critique What was the turning point that made you want to create this show?

The turning point came from the irony of feeling like a minority within a practice rooted in one ’ s own cultural background Since 2014, navigating Western wellness spaces highlighted how an ancestral tradition was being repackaged and sold back as fitness and performative spirituality, often serving ego rather than self-inquiry This led to a desire to decolonise the practice and challenge defensiveness around entitlement and the lack of South Asian voices It was

felt that discussion alone was not enough, and audiences needed to “feel the weight of this silencing” and understand what yoga and “union” truly represent During the 2023 Actors’ Strike, this evolved into a “critical intervention ” The Anti “Yogi”: Liberation, Not Lululemon! focuses on reclaiming narrative and advocating for social justice

2You describe the show as something to be “felt, not just understood”, what emotions do you hope audiences leave with?

I want the audience to feel they’ve experienced a full, multi-course meal of emotions Drawing from the Natyashastra and its concept of Rasas, I aim to evoke a range of “flavours”, from laughter and introspection to discomfort and “righteous rage ” While the work is entertaining, it is also meant to surprise and challenge audiences, leaving them with a “ cup of courage ” and a sense of “hope in action ” Ultimately, I hope they leave with open hearts, reflecting on empathy, liberation, and their own role in responding to injustice, whether through healing, awareness, or action

3What drew you to embody Kali in this story, and what does she represent today?

Simply put, Mother Kali is a powerful disruptor in the yogic tradition, one

who dismantles ego and eradicates ignorance at its root I was drawn to her because she defies the sanitised idea of what a “goddess” should be, embodying something raw, fierce, and unapologetic She represents Mother Nature and the idea of “righteous rage ” in the context of decolonisation today, a force that challenges cultural and systemic imbalance Her “not knowing” symbolises the everyday person who seeks to do good but may not fully grasp wider systemic realities In this way, she reflects justice rooted in awareness and collective action, reclaiming the “sacred” from the “sanitised” while questioning the structures behind modern wellness culture

4What does bringing the show to London, with its large South Asian diaspora, mean to you personally and artistically?

Personally, bringing this show to London feels both surreal and necessary With such a vibrant South Asian diaspora, it’s an honour to share this story where our community is so deeply rooted Performing in the land of our colonisers, built on the riches of ancestral countries, carries a strong irony, but it also feels essential to reclaim narrative here

Premiering at Soho Theatre is a major artistic milestone, and the work aims to resonate with the British Asian experience and wider communities of colour who have faced cultural erasure It is not just a performance, but a dialogue on reclaiming ancestral practices once suppressed, and exploring liberation and “union” as universal ideas that cross borders

Sanchita Basu De Sarkar to judge Children’s Booker Prize

p anel: Sanch ita Basu De Sarkar

ning

Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, joins chair Frank Cottrell-Boyce and actor Lolly Adefope to oversee the new prize celebrating fiction for readers aged eight to 12 But Basu De Sarkar’s deep roots in children’s reading culture are expected to shape the tone of the initiative

shortlist eight books, after which three

join them to decide

The flavourful world of Seema Pankhania

S ee m a P ank h an ia h as emerged as one of the m ost eng ag ing v oices in contemporary British food and culture, blending p ersonal story tel li n g w i th a cc es s i bl e, flavo ur-d riv en cooking that resonates across d igital p latf

am media alike

Her journey began far from social media stardom D i a g n o s e d a t 1 3 w i t h Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer, Pankhania grew up in an Indian household in Slough where food was central to family life During her treatment and recovery, she found comfort in daytime

c o o k i n g p r

, a n early spark that would later shape her career and creative direction

That foundation in food and resilience now underpins a career that spans television, publishing and digital media Based in London,

alongside broadcaster Greg

Saturday Kitchen and the Diwali special Celebration Kitchen Her debut cookbook, Craveable: All I Want to Eat (2024), reflects her

Mughal astronomical supercomputer to face London auction

Th e London auction h ouse

Sotheby’s is set to sell a magnificent 17th-century brass astro labe marki ng a landm ark mo m ent f or Is lam ic and Ind ian horological histo r y O ri g i na lly co m m i ssioned by the Mug hal noblem an Aqa Afzal in L ah ore, th e i ns trum en t ev entu al ly became a p rized possession of the royal family of Jaipur, b elo n g i ng to M a h ar aj a Sawai Man S ing h II and later Maharani Gayatri Devi O f t e n d e s c r i b e d a s a 17th-century supercomputer or smartphone, this massive device weighs 8 2kg and s t a n d s n e a r l y 4 6 c m t a l l , m a k i n g i t p e r h a p s t h e largest of its kind in existence Historians from the

Oxford Centre for History

o f S c i e n c e n o t e t h a t t h e object allowed users to calculate prayer times, map 38 stars, and even cast horos c o p e s w i t h s u b d i v i s i o n accuracy down to a third of a degree

C r e a t e d b y t h e r e n o w n e d b r o t h e r s Q a ’ i m

M u h a m m a d a n d Muhammad Muqim of the Lahore School, the astrolabe represents a peak in Mughal s c i e n t i f i c r e f i n e m e n t T h e p i e c e f e a t u r e s b i l i n g u a l inscriptions in Persian and Sanskrit, reflecting a unique cross-cultural heritage within its 94 inscribed city coordinates Having remained in a p r i v a t e c o l l e c t i o n f o r decades, its public debut in

London has generated significant excitement among global museums and private collectors Expert Benedict Carter estimates the piece will fetch between £1 5 million and £2 5 million, potentially shattering the previous record of £1 million set by an Ottoman astrolabe in 2014

Will multi-party races reshape London’s local politics?

u In Scotland and Wales, projections show nationalist parties performing strongly, topping the ballot in Wales

A “seism ic” sh ift in Lo nd on ’ s political balance

About the shifts in London politics, Patrick Eng lish, Head o f Elections and Political and Social

Da ta at Y o u Go v , s p e a k i n g f o r

YouGov panel, said that the latest projection for London is sisemic

H e e x p l a i n e d , “ W e c o u l d s e e councils falling out of control and

changing hands

“The Labour Party is projected to be down 16 points compared

t o 2 0 2 2 T h e G r e e n P a r t y o f England and Wales is up 11 points, making it the main beneficiary of

L a b o u r ’ s d e c l

n

T h e Conservative Party (UK) is likely to have a frustrating night, performing well in some areas but

b e i n g h e a v i l y c h a l l e n g e d b y Reform UK in others As seen in

2 0 2 4 , R e f o r m i s e r o d i n g

C o n s e r v a t i v e s u p p o r t , a l l o w i n g other parties to win on lower vote shares That dynamic is likely to limit what might otherwise have been a stronger Conservative perf o r m a n c e , w i t h N i g e l F a r a g e ’ s party playing a decisive role

“The Liberal Democrats (UK) appear broadly unchanged from

2 0 2 2 “ O t h e r s ” a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y interesting: while they remain at around 6% of the vote, their support is expected to be more efficiently distributed this time This is because they are not contesting as many councils or seats, and the m o d e l e x p l i c i t l y a c c o u n t s f o r where candidates are standing potentially making these projections more accurate at the borough level

“ L o o k i n g m o r e c l o s e l y a t Labour’s position, a number of councils appear to be “in trouble ” While we are not projecting control, the scale and spread of these challenges are notable, covering both inner and outer London

T h e s e i n c l u d e B a r n e t , Westminster, Redbridge, Brent, E a l i n g , G r e e n w i c h , H a c k n e y , H a r i n g e y , I s l i n g t o n , L a m b e t h , Wandsworth, Enfield, Hounslow, Newham, Merton, and Barking and Dagenham This suggests a broad-based decline rather than one confined to specific parts of the capital ” No party is safe

At the heart of the projections lies a simple but striking reality: no party is safe Labour Party, long dominant across the capital, is forecast to suffer steep losses, w i t h i t s v o t e s h a r e d r o p p i n g sharply compared to 2022 While it may still top the overall London vote, it is doing so with barely a quarter of the electorate, a far cry

from its once-commanding position

The primary beneficiaries of this shift are the Green Party of England and Wales and Reform U K T h e G r e e n s , b u o y e d b y a steady rise in support across inner London, are now within touching distance, or even ahead, in multiple boroughs Reform UK, meanw h i l e , i s c a r v i n g

Conservative suburbs and Labour heartlands, reshaping contests in places once considered politically immovable

Even traditional strongholds are under threat Boroughs like Barking and Dagenham, Labourcontrolled since their creation, now appear competitive, while eastern districts such as Newham and Redbridge are witnessing a surge in independents and smaller parties

Across the city, the numbers reveal a deeply divided electorate

In nearly half of London’s 32 boroughs, the gap between first and second place is five points or less

In some, three parties are locked in near-dead heats The familiar two-party structure is giving way to something far more volatile, five parties, all polling in double d

m never designed for such fragmen-

tation London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan has admitted that polling pointing to heavy losses for the Labour Party is “ scary, ” urging voters not to channel their dissatisfaction with the national gov-

councils

F

(UK) and Liberal Democrats (UK), the outlook is steadier but hardly reassuring Both are expected to h

Instead, they risk being squeezed in an increasingly crowded field A wider p olitical trem or Beyond London, the tremors are just as significant In Wales, Labour’s century-long dominance f

Reform UK running neck-and-

and Director o f U K i n a Ch angi ng Europe, A nand M enon pointed to it in his recent conversation with Asian Voice saying, “I think one of the factors with real political resonance is the possibility of Labour losing in Wales That would be seismic, as Labour has never lost there before ” Dan Bloom, Political Ed itor for Politico UK, at the same panel, reaffirmed this, saying, “Although Plaid is currently neck and neck in the polls, it is better positioned t

Reform UK has far fewer poten-

Conservative Party (UK) its most obvious ally and they are not polling strongly

“If this trend holds, it could mark the most significant political shift in over a century Labour

Wales for more than 100 years, so losing that position would be historic

share, thanks to a divided opposition What ties these developments on the local front, Wales and Scotland together is a broader political mood, one defined by dissatisfaction, volatility, and a willingness to experiment Voters may distrust the major parties nationally, yet still lean on them locally, creating a paradox that makes outcomes harder than ever to predict

Sam Co ates, Deputy Political E dito r, Sky New s, also speaking at the panel, said, “I’ll be trying to draw national conclusions from these results and it makes me wonder whether the real story of this election is that politics is, in fact, not local at all

“The YouGov data on Scottish Parliament voting intention over

Labour Party in a strong position,

Westminster, at which point their support dipped sharply The same pattern appears in Wales: Labour

Street in 2024, and then saw its position weaken

“So, while we often say politics is local, what I see, looking

polling and analysis, is the nation-

impact on local outcomes This election may ultimately hinge on perceptions of the government’s performance ”

At this point, one conclusion stands out: British politics is no longer a binary contest It is a crowded arena where insurgents can rise quickly, loyalties can collapse overnight, and control of

n razor-thin margins

“Our priority is delivery, not division”

Anusha Singh

Cllr K am Rai, Leader of Redbridge Co uncil, is seeking re-electio n as he contests the Aldborough ward in th e u pcoming Redbridge local electi ons

In an interview with Asian Voice, he reflects on his priorities for the borough, drawing on his experience at the helm of the council to highlight ongoing work in local services, community safety, and regeneration, borough-wide priorities A longserving Labour councillor, he has played a key role in shaping the council’s direction in recent years

As the campaign intensifies, he sets out his vision for Aldborough and wider Redbridge, focusing on delivery, accountability, and continued support for residents this year

As council leader with experience of overseeing the borough, what immediate actions would you take to better support young people and address their needs?

It’s all set out in the Labour manifesto and I believe we are the only party with a fully costed, borough-wide plan One of our key priorities is to create 5,000 good-quality jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 18 to 25 We would work with businesses and partners to either create or secure these roles, because youth unemployment and the transition from school to work is a real challenge that needs addressing Alongside this, I have committed to bringing together all providers of youth services in Redbridge with a fresh approach, almost starting with a blank sheet of paper This would include organisations involved in mentoring, sports, arts, education, and general youth engagement The aim would be to coordinate everyone in one place to develop a shared plan for youth services, focused on keeping young people away from crime, exploitation and harm, while also giving them real aspiration and opportunity for the future

We would work directly with young people and providers to shape a clear offer: whether that is support with CVs and job applications, training and skills, sports, education, or simply safe and positive activities outside school

Importantly, we would also connect the many excellent volunteers and community groups already doing great work, so they can collaborate rather than operate in isolation By building those links, we can strengthen referrals, avoid duplication, and ensure young people are directed to the right support already available in the borough

How does that diversity influence your leadership approach, especially given concerns about rising hate incidents?

It starts with young people

We need to ensure that in every school, children learn to understand and respect differences between people

Whether it is festivals, clothing, or food, even if they do not share those practices, they should respect those who do, rather than mock or ridicule them Education is key to building that foundation

Alongside this, we must engage directly with all residents, not just formal community groups, as they do not always represent every voice

Additionally, despite our diversity, most people share the same priorities: respect, opportunity, safe neighbourhoods, clean streets, good schools, and safe spaces for families

So we should focus on those shared priorities and deliver on them collectively

Finally, we must be willing to challenge hate whenever it appears Whether as politicians, as a council, or as individuals, we cannot ignore it If we expect respect, we must also ensure we do not tolerate abusive or divisive behaviour ourselves Challenging hate consistently is essential, regardless of where it comes from

Withcouncils currently facing financial pressure and tight budgets, how will this impact your work, and how do you plan to manage and address these constraints?

It is true that councils have faced significant financial pressure, particularly after 14 years of cuts under the Conservative government As a result, Redbridge became one of the lowest funded boroughs per head in London, ranking fourth lowest

However, over the past 18 months, with a Labour government in place, I have had the opportunity to speak directly with ministers and government advisers to make the case for fairer funding That work has helped secure an additional £61 million over the next three years This is a major positive In the past, we had to be extremely efficient and innovative in how we used our limited resources to protect services, but even that became increasingly difficult

With this new funding settlement and a fairer distribution of resources to underfunded areas like Redbridge, we are now in a stronger position It means we can better protect and invest in libraries, parks, community spaces, schools, and roads over the coming years

Women founder highlights barriers ahead of elections

Local councils are very important to businesses and businesses across multiple co uncils are entering the 20 26 local elections w ith a clear message for councils: create cond itions that m ake it easier to invest, h ire and grow

A central concern is the planning system, which many firms say is too slow and unpredictable Companies are calling for faster approvals on housing, commercial developments and infrastructure projects, arguing delays are holding back local economies

Costs are another major pressure Businesses want action on high energy bills and are urging reform of business rates, a key local tax many see as outdated and burdensome Stability is also critical, with firms seeking reassurance that councils will avoid sudden policy or regulatory changes

Transport and infrastructure remain high on the agenda Employers are pushing for improved road and rail links, better public transport, and stronger digital connectivity to support both workers and supply chains

Skills shortages are also a growing issue Businesses want closer collaboration between local authorities, colleges and employers to boost training,

Muslim voter group endorses

Plaid Cymru and Greens in Welsh

nst the L abour Party

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

s p o k e s p e r s o n S u m a y y a Ahmed, the decision was driven by rising costs of living, underfunded public s e r v i c e s , a n d i n c r e a s i n g

c o n c e r n s o v e r

I s l a m o p h o b i a R e c e n t

YouGov polling indicates a d i r e o u t l o o k f o r F i r s t

Minister Eluned Morgan’s Labour government, projecting a 23 per cent drop in vote share that could leave the party with just 12 seats, ending nearly three decades of dominance

T h e e n d o r s e m e n t

c o u l d p r o v e d e c i s i v e a s

apprenticeships and job readiness

In all of these many issues, the ones faced by women business owners needs to highlighted or it can easily shift to the end of the queue Reflecting on what women-led businesses need, Rup inder K aur, Fou nd er, Asian Women M EAN Business primarily highlights the barriers currently facing them, especially ethic minority women She said, “Women-led businesses continue to face structural challenges including limited access to funding, exclusion from influential networks and bias in investment decisionmaking We know that Asian women founders only get 0 2% funding according to research last year

“For women from diverse backgrounds, these barriers are often compounded by cultural expectations and a lack of representation, making it harder to scale and sustain growth ”

Plaid Cymru, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth, remains neckand-neck with Reform UK, with both parties projected to secure roughly 36 and 37 s e a t s r e s p e c t i v e l y F i r s t Minister Eluned Morgan recently warned she is in real danger of losing her o w n s e a t i n C e r e d i g i o n Penfro to a Reform candidate, even using a social m e d i a v i d e o f e a t u r i n g canned cocktails to explain t h e c o m p l e x i t i e s o f t h e new voting system

W h i l e L a b o u r a n d Reform UK have reportedly bypassed recent community hustings, Plaid Cymru and the Greens have welcomed the support, citing a shared commitment to inclusive politics

A s t h e e l e c t i o n approaches, data suggests that a Plaid-Green coalit i o n m a y b e t h e m o s t viable path to forming a g o v e r n m e n t i n C a r d i f f , potentially reshaping the Welsh political landscape by ending Labour's historic hegemony

About specific actions local councils need to take to better support women entrepreneurs in their communities, she is of the opinion that local councils implement targeted, culturally competent support such as dedicated funding streams for women founders, mentorship programmes and partnerships with trusted grassroots organisations “Support needs to be accessible, relevant and designed with the realities of diverse communities in mind”, she added

Rupinder also highlighted that the central government must also take a more active role in addressing systemic inequality by increasing transparency and accountability in funding allocation, incentivising diverse investment and embedding equity into economic policy

“This includes creating pathways that ensure underrepresented founders can access not just capital but the networks and opportunities needed to grow ” , she said

Professor Siddartha Khastgir

Director,

PAVE UK

Head of Safe Autonomy, WMG, University of Warwick, UK

“With over 3 0, 000 p eop le killed or sev erely injured annually due to road crash es in the UK, road safety is a pandemic that need s u rgent attention In 90 % of these crashes, driver error has been one of the co ntributing factors One of the techno log ies to help im prove road safety is the introd uction of selfd riv ing vehicles

“And with selfdriving vehicles planned for deployment on London streets this fall, the technology will succeed, only if public trust and accept it

“As PAVE UK Director, we were delighted to partner with Asian Voice to engage with the British Asian community to raise awareness as well as understand and address

their concerns around the selfdriving vehicle technology We strongly believe that effective public awareness on self-driving technology must be multilingual, communityled, and genuinely two-way

“Bringing together a diverse panel, and an engaging audience, fostered stimulating conversations, and got the audience excited to experience the technology There is no better substitute to building trust in technology, than experiencing it ”

Kavita

Reddi

Co-founder of Voxta, Chair of Board of Trustees at the University of London

“It was great to join

Pro fessor S iddartha Khastgir, Rupa Popat and Daniel Qu irke to discuss ‘Our Robotaxi Fu ture’org anised by Pave and the 'A sian Voice'

The wide-ranging discussion with a really engaged audience was proof that the debate is not simply about robotaxis

“Autonomous cars are simply one step in the AI journey humanity is on We need to redefine what it means to be human, as we have done through the millennia- adopting technology and adapting to innovation Education is vital- to help us shape our talents, prepare our youth, and manage our expectations for this brave new world ”

Anusha Singh

At a time w hen artificial intellig ence is reshaping ind ustries and redefining mobility, Our Robo taxi Future, hosted by Asian Voice in collaboration with WM G at the U niversity of Warw ick and PAVE U K, broug ht togeth er lead ing voices from technology, inv estment and acad em ia to examine what lies ahead on April 20 at The Royal Automo bile C lub

Automation, he argued, offers a tangible path forward with the UK leading via various initiatives and the Automated Vehicles Act 2024

From the industry perspective, Daniel Quirke, Senio r Manag er, Global Technical Assurance, Wayve highlighted the growth of the company, $2 8B funding, London testing, and upcoming supervised trials with Uber Quirke emphasised that

Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Ed itor of A sian Voice, opened the event by welcoming guests and reflecting on AI’s growing everyday presence, while stressing that innovation brings challenges, and underscoring the need for open dialogue, shared understanding and community engagement P rofessor Sid dartha Khastg ir, Head o f S afe Autonomy at WM G, University of Warwick and Director, PA VE UK, set the tone with a sobering reflection on global road safety With over 150,000 annual road deaths in India, around 30,000 people killed or seriously injured each year in the UK, and an estimated 1 25 million deaths worldwide, he challenged what he described as society’s quiet acceptance of these losses

the future of autonomy extends far beyond robotaxis The real ambition is scalable intelligence, systems capable of operating across a wide range of vehicles and environments The UK, he noted, is uniquely positioned to lead in regulation and innovation, offering a strong competitive edge in this rapidly emerging sector

Offering a financial and strategic lens, Rupa P opat, Fo under and Managing P artner at Araya Ventures described how artificial intelligence is already transforming industries Managing a $100 million early-stage fund, she noted that 70% of investments target AI, from life-saving healthcare tools to retail efficiency solutions While acknowledging job displacement risks, she emphasised prioritising meaningful problem-solving

UR ROBOTAXI FUTURE

e debate on AI, robotaxis and public trust

and measurable impact over pursuing technology for its own sake

For Kavi ta Reddi, cofounder of V oxta and Chair of Board o f T rustees at the University of Londo n, the conversation turned toward usability and inclusion Her work with multilingual voicebots in India has demonstrated how AI can reach millions, particularly in political and public engagement contexts, arguing that the best technology is invisible; like calculators, AI won’t replace thinking but reshape it, with success driven by storytelling and strong product–market fit

Across the discussion, a common theme emerged: public perception remains deeply divided Autonomous vehicles and AI systems are often met with both excitement and resistance, reflecting broader anxieties about safety, control and employment

Panellists agreed that building trust will require more than technological breakthroughs while transparent communication, real-world demonstrations and gradual adoption will be key to bringing the public along CB Patel, Ch ai rman, Asian Vo ice delivered a warm and reflective address that blended personal anecdotes, community pride, and a forward-looking message of hope, framing the event not as a standalone discussion but as the beginning of a broader journey

Rather than offering definitive answers, Our Robotaxi Future emphasised the importance of dialogue The event invited audiences to engage critically, ask questions and grapple with the implications of a rapidly approaching autonomous era

Key highlights from the panel discussion:

t AI is an enabler, not the end goal that should support decision-making, not replace it The human-in-the-loop remains critical

Simply a tool, its value lies in solving realworld problems, not in the technology itself

t Self-driving cars described as one of the most complex forms of AI because they operate in unpredictable, realworld environments

The goal is scalable intelligence that can function across vehicles and geographies, not just robotaxis

t Public trust is a major challenge, with opinions often divided Communities need dialogue, not persuasion for better understanding t AI systems will always carry some risk. The goal is continuous monitoring and quick response, not perfection While it can both find and fix vulnerabilities, as threats evolve, so must defence systems t AI will displace some jobs while creating new industries, demanding large-scale reskilling and policy action Gradual yet profound, future success hinges on AI literacy, adaptability, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Rupa Popat

Founder and Managing Partner at Araya Ventures

"Th e Robotaxi Future event reinforced something I deep ly believ e that we are no t witnessing the disruptio n of society but rath er we are witnessing its redesign From how we mov e, to ho w we w ork, to how w e educate the next generatio n, A I is p rom pting us to reim ag ine ev erything at a foundational lev el

What stood out most wasn’t just the technology itself, but the depth of conversation around it: shorter, more adaptive university pathways, continuous workforce reskilling, and the urgent need to build trust in emerging systems

"The future isn’t

something happening to us but it’s something we are actively shaping And rather than defaulting to fear, the focus must remain on what is actually moving the needle: real problems being solved, real efficiencies being unlocked, and real lives being improved

This isn’t disruption for the sake of change but is the intentional redesign for a better, more human future "

Daniel Quirke

Senior Manager, Global Technical Assurance, Wayve

“This year m arks an impo rtant step toward s intro ducing self-driv ing technolo gy to UK roads in a safe and responsible way Ou r ambition is to enable au tonomy for any vehicle, anywhere by develo ping AI technolo gy that can navig ate the human w orld safely and efficiently

“Through the application of Wayve technology, we aim to play a

leading role in helping shape Britain’s self-driving future, with the potential to improve road safety and support economic growth ”

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Alpesh Patel

The Mos t Exp ens ive Panic Yo u N ever N otic ed

Let me show you two numbers Then you can decide whether your pension is working for you or for someone else

£100,000 in an S&P 500 tracker, with dividends reinvested, growing at the index's long-run average of 10 4% annually, becomes £269,000 over ten years £100,000 in the average UK pension fund, growing at the industry's own benchmark of 6% annually, becomes £179,000 over the same ten years

The difference is £90,000 No clever stock-picking produced it No market timing, no special access, no Bloomberg terminal Just where the money sat

Between 2020 and 2025 - one of the strongest bull markets in modern history 89% of medium-high risk UK pension funds underperformed the FTSE 100 87 6% of high-risk funds did the same The FTSE 100 itself spent most of that period being lapped by American equities So the fund your IFA recommended, the one described as "growth-oriented" in the factsheet, underperformed an index that was itself underperforming Fees were charged throughout

Over twenty years, 100% of public pension funds underperformed the S&P 500 The index averaged 10 4% over that period Pension funds averaged 7 5% Even a simple passive 60/40 portfolio beat 84% of those funds The industry spent those twenty years hiring consultants, paying external managers, and dedicating staff to portfolio construction The outcome of all that activity was a number smaller than the

achieved by doing nothing

This is not an accident It is a feature

The standard advice given to pension savers in Britain follows a logic that sounds responsible: diversify across asset classes, reduce equity exposure as retirement approaches, hold bonds for stability Each of those instructions has a cost that never appears in a fund factsheet Bonds at low yields return less than equities over time Reduced equity exposure as you age means you sell down precisely when compounding would be doing its most valuable work Diversification into multiple asset classes is partly genuine risk management and partly a way of ensuring the portfolio requires ongoing professional management The IFA charges for managing the complexity You pay for the complexity to exist

The hardest thing to do in investing is nothing Every market sell-off of the last five years -Covid, the 2022 rate shock, the tariff-driven correction last year or Iran war this year - produced the same financial press headlines Investors fleeing to safety Caution advised The IFA community, collectively and sincerely, counselled reducing risk at the precise moments when holding equities through the noise would have produced the returns listed above

The investor who turned off the news and held a US tracker through all of it sits today on gains their more cautious neighbour will spend years trying to recover The panic was free The cost of it was not

One question worth putting to your IFA at the next annual review: can you show me, side by side, what my actual fund has returned over the last ten years and what a simple S&P 500 tracker would have returned over the same period? It is not a trick question It is the most basic comparison in investing If the answer is uncomfortable, the discomfort is useful

Your retirement Your money Your right to see the comparison

Alpesh Patel OBE is founder of the Great Investments Programme at alpeshpatel com/shares and author of 18 books on investing

HEF Launchpad 2026 connects founders and investors

T he Hind u Eco nom ic Forum (HEF) UK Lo nd on Ch apter h osted its flagship Lau nchpad 20 26 event on 28 M arch at Hampton Co urt Palace Golf Club, bring ing to gether around 95 entrep reneurs, investors and p rofessionals in a high ly interactiv e setting

With more than 70% of attendees participating for the first time, the event highlighted HEF’s expanding reach w i t h i n t h

remained fully engaged throughout, creating a dynamic environment of dialogue, networking and collaboration

This year introduced a refreshed format that opened Q&A sessions to the entire audience, allowing participants, not just investors, to question and engage with founders directly Subject experts from sectors including pharmaceu-

strengthening the quality of discussion F

Medivorah Global, SMC (Secret Millionaires Club) and Neural Sense, each receiving real-time feedback from both investors and attendees

The investor panel included Paresh Deshmukh, Rupa Popat, Rajesh Ranjan Singh and Vignesh Vijayakumar, with

opportunities after reviewing

Rishi Sunak urges tax overhaul to protect young workers

Thegovernment should consider scrapping National Insurance contributions to support young people whose job prospects are being disrupted by artificial intelligence, Rishi Sunak has suggested.

The former prime minister, who last year became an adviser to AI company

among graduates struggling to secure entry-level roles are valid, even though he remains broadly enthusiastic about AI

S

leaders have privately told him that hiring of young people is beginning to flatten as AI adoption accelerates “There are reasons to be worried and think about the future But we are able to do something about this,” he told BBC Newsnight

To address the issue, he proposed gradually abolishing National Insurance and

taxes on corporate profits, which he argued would rise as AI drives productivity and

that employing staff

related charges By contrast, he said, businesses adopting AI systems may only pay for

imbalance that should be reconsidered

National Insurance is a

employees, employers, and the self-employed, used to fund state benefits

Sunak argued that it is becoming harder for young people to enter sectors such as law, accountancy and the creative industries He said many chief executives now describe a mindset where “flat is the new up ” , meani n g c o m p a n i e s e x p e c t t o grow without significantly

increasing headcount due to AI-driven efficiencies

“This is why we have to take this issue very seriously and with purpose, ” he said “ W e s h o u l d b e t h i

about how we tip the balance in favour of AI being used in a positive way to help people do their jobs better, rather than replace them ” H e a d d e d t h a t A I ’ s impact on employment may differ from previous techn o l o g i c a l s h i f

, a n d t h a t policy should aim to steer outcomes in a constructive

Rhim Shah earns Forbes 30 Under

Rh i m S h a h , 2 6, h a s bee n nam ed i n t h e p re s ti g i o u s Forbes 3 0 U nd er 30 20 26 list, marking a sig nificant milest o ne f o r th e y o u ng ent rep r ene u r a nd p l ac i ng him am ong the world ’ s m ost prom ising business leaders

S h a h , c o - f o u n d e r a n d

CEO of Arva AI, has been recognised for his work in a p p l y i n g a r t i f i c i a l i n t e l l igence to one of the financial sector’s most complex and t i g h t l y r e g u l a t e d a r e a s : financial crime compliance

His inclusion highlights the

growing influence of AI-led solutions in reshaping how institutions manage risk and regulatory obligations

Founded alongside CTO

more likely to lose jobs to people using AI than to AI itself directly He said the key protection is ensuring

using new tools

“This is about AI literacy or AI fluency,” he said, com-

workforce

He added that

ments on professional platforms such as LinkedIn

The former prime minister, who launched an AI Safety Summit in 2023,

British tech

“People often talk the UK down, but in this area there are huge reasons to be confident,” he said “We are an AI superpower, whichever way you look at it ”

30 recognition

Oli Wales, Arva AI develops AI-powered agents designed t o s t r e a m l i n e K n o w Y o u r B u s i n e s s ( K Y B ) a n d A n t iM o n e y L a u n d e r i n g ( A M L ) p r o c e s s e s T h e p l a t f o r m automates labour-intensive background checks used by b

r s , helping reduce false positives and significantly cutting the time spent investig a t i n g s u

tions

The company, backed by G

The low-profile billionaire blending quant finance with climate philanthropy

Suneil Setiya, c o- fou nder of Quadrature Cap ital, is one of the mos t influ ential yet disc re e t f igu re s i n g l o b al finance

Quadrature Capital was founded in 2010 with Greg Skinner as co-founder, establishing a firm rooted in the idea that financial markets can be understood and traded

automation, rather than relying on human intuition

F

Quadrature adopted a deliberately low-profile approach E

S e ni o r U K p o l

keting, the firm prioritised

research and the recruitment of top technical talent Over time, that strategy has delivered strong results, quietly p o s i t i o n i n g Q u a d r a t u r e among the most successful p l a y e r s i n t h e q u a n t i t a t i v e hedge fund space An Oxfordt r a i n e d p h y s i c i s t , S e t i y a ’ s financial success has secured h i m a p l a c e o n t h e T h e S u n d a y T i m e s R i c h L i s t , w h e r e h e w a s f e a t u r e d i n 2025 with an estimated net worth of around £980 mil-

lion Beyond wealth creation, S e t i y a h a s g a i n e d e q u a l recognition for philanthropy In the same year, he and cofounder Skinner topped The S u n d a y T i m e s G i v i n g L i s t after donating a significant proportion of their wealth, around 13 8%, to charitable causes

scaled its operations Arva AI now processes millions of

c e c h e c k s e a c h month and serves a growing client base across the UK a n d U S , i n c l u d i n g d i g i t a l b a n k O a k N o r t h a n d c o n

sumer lender Zopa Bank With offices in London and New York, the firm has raised $3 million to date and is projecting revenues of $10 million in 2026, underscoring strong demand for AIdriven compliance solutions within global financial services

In 2019, Setiya co-founded the Quadrature Climate Foundation, which has committed over $1 billion towards t a c k l i n g c l i m a t e c h a n g e through science, research and policy innovation His phil a n

tives, often undertaken with minimal publicity D

UK and UAE eye new growth sectors

industry figures Attendees

growth He also noted that the Sovereign Investment Partnership has exceeded its original targets within four years Lord Stockwood reaffirmed the

ment to what he described as a vital bilateral relationship, emphasising collaboration in artificial intellig

e sciences and skills He also highlighted the importance of protecting

y c

a i n s , including the steady flow of goods through the Strait of Hormuz

t

India–New Zealand sign landmark trade deal

India and New Zealand h av e

s i g n ed a fr ee tra d e

a g re em e nt a i m ed a t red ucing tariffs, improving m arket access , and eas ing entry for select agricultu ral

g o o d s am i d g lo b al tra d e u ncertainties

Finalised in December,

Zealand remove duties on a

India will cut tariffs on 95%

Zealand The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of business leaders from both countries

T

expand trade ties, including

Minister Christopher Luxon

Zealand FTA as

“once-ina-generation” deal, offering exporters access to India’s vast market The agreement was signed by Piyush Goyal

and Todd McClay, and will now undergo parliamentary review in New Zealand India said it protected

sheep meat, wool, and coal, while improving access for

cherries, and avocados

Narendra Modi called the

businesses, and innovators

bilateral ties

RBI shuts down Paytm Payments Bank

In a notification issued on April 24, the RBI said the

immediate effect, barring the bank from conducting any banking operations It also stated that it will approach the High Court to initiate

Bank Limited, stating

depositors and public

management conduct raised

noted non-compliance with

regulatory action, following earlier restrictions imposed on

Regulation Act

w s earlier restrictions, including a ban on onboarding new customers in 2022 and curbs in 2024 that halted deposits a n d s i g n i f i

operations RBI said the bank h

repay depositors during the w i n d i n g - u p p r o c e s s T h e move deals a major blow to P a y t m ’ s e c o s y s t e m , w i t h focus now shifting to how t h e p a r e n t c o m p a n y r e s t r u c t u r e s s e r v i c e s a n d transitions customers

NRI investors bet big on equity growth

st ory is d rawin g incre asing i n t e r e s t fr o m N R I s, suppor ted by ste ady ma rk et r e t u r n s a n d i mp r o v i n g in vest ment in frastr uct ure

T h e B S E S e n s e x h a s delivered strong long-term

g a i n s , r e i n f o r c i n g I n d i a ’ s appeal as a destination for sustainable wealth creation

This growth outlook is p r o m p t i n g N R I s t o s h i f t

p o r t f o l i o s t o w a r d e q u i t i e s

a n d g l o b a l p l a t f o r m s l i k e

G I F T C i t y E x p

many investors still rely on traditional banking products that may offer lower returns and limited flexibility

A d v i s o r s r e c o m m e n d diversified equity exposure for NRIs, with allocations to debt and alternatives based on risk appetite, while GIFT City is emerging

a

multi-currency options

exemptions, no TDS, and a

i s i n g participation from younger investors driven by digital o n b o a r d i n g a n d a c c e s s t o global assets

India expands Africa footprint with trade and investment

Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary ( Ec onomic Relations) at the M inistry of External Affairs, urged greater engagement

w i t h A f

n

uc h as t he Afric an D evelopment Bank, A f r ex i m b a nk , a n d E C O W AS B a nk

hi ghlighti ng the

proj ects Speaking at the FICCIE x i m B a n

ahead of the India-Africa

F o r u m S u m m i t , h e s a i d India’s approach focuses on i n f r a s t r u c t u r e

skill development aligned with African priorities

H e n o t e d I n d i a ’ s g r o w i n g p r e s e n c e a c r o s s A f r i c a , w i t h 1 7 n e w missions opened in recent years India is now Africa’s

Ageas Group eyes top 10 spot in India

B el g i u m - ba se d in su r er Ag eas Gr oup is aiming to br eak into India’s top 10 ins u r er s w h il e exp l o r i ng acqu isit ion o pp o r tu nit ies to str eng then its presence in a fast -g rowing m arket

The strategy builds on e a r l i e r m o v e s , i n c l u d i

wider Asia expansion

CEO Hans De Cuyper said India remains

in

life and

E x p e r t s n o t e d t h a t c u r r e n c y m o v e m e n t s a r e also shaping decisions, with a weaker rupee benefiting N R I s b y i n c r e a s i n g i n v e s t m e n t v a l u e D e s p i t e short-term volatility, India’s strong consumption-driven g r o w t h a n d r e f o r m s c o n t i n u e t o a t t r a c t N R I

i n f l o w s , p o s i t i o n i n g t h e country as a core part of long-term global investment strategies

Summit 2026, he outlined p l a n s f o r e c o n o m i c c o r r i d o r s , p o r t - l e d industrialisation, and data centre growth to support long-term development

H e h i g h l i g h t e d t h e upcoming Vadhvan Port as a k e y p r o j e c t t o b o o s t logistics and trade, while Madhuri Misal emphasised t h e n e e d f o r i n c l u s i v e growth

M a d h u r i M i s a l s a i d g r o w t h m u s t g o b e y o n d

i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t o c r e a t e j o b s , b o o s t entrepreneurship, and raise l i v i n g s t a n d a r d s sustainably

acquisitions while ruling out near-term IPO

and

backed regulatory

segments, it is targeting a stronger position alongside partner Federal Bank Hans De Cuyper said Ageas Group will continue investing in India as long as returns remain strong,

v e h u r d l e s t o support investment S e c t o r d i s c u s s i o n s pointed to key challenges, w i t h S a n j a y M u k h e r j e e noting that metro systems

transport needs, and Abha S

Finance Minister Nirm

D e p u t y M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r o f I n d i a E x i m

B a n k , D e e p a l i A g r a w a l h i g h l i g h t e d A f r i c a ’ s infrastructure gap, noting t h e c o n t i n e n t n e e d s $ 1 5 5 billion annually until 2040, b u t f u n d i n g s h o r t a g e s c o n t i n u e t o

India’s

keeping

fastest-g rowing economies globally

She noted that despite

“consumption story” must remain strong

while generating business for Indian firms

She

She emphasised the need for consistent support across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and IT, along with upgrades to legacy industrial clusters Speaking at the inauguration of State Bank of India’s Maharashtra Circle office in Pune, she highlighted the role of large banks in supporting a growing economy

Nirmala Sitharaman said a Budget 2026 committee will review the banking sector under the Viksit Bharat initiative to prepare banks for 2047, urging them to retain a human touch amid digitisation She noted that the State Bank of India is already decentralising operations

J u a n A n t o n i o M a r c h Pujol stressed the need for integrated urban planning

t o m a n a g e r a p i d c i t y e x p a n s i o n , w h i l e o f f i c i a l s highlighted the importance of policy stability and ease o f d o i n g b u s i n e s s P Anbalagan called for fewer a d m i n i s t r

India’ s cyberse cur it y sector is en te ring a ra pid growt h p ha se , d r i v e n b y r i s in g digitisat ion , in cr ea sin g cyber t h r e a t s , a n d h ig h e r e n t e r p r is e s p e n d i n g o n adv ance d se cur ity solut ions The market is projected to grow from $6 56 billion in 2 0 2 6 t o $ 1 5 0 6 b i l l i o n b y 2 0 3 1 , a t a C A G R o f 1 8 % , a c

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

, a m o n g i t s t o p

s ,

k e y p r o v i d e r o f d e v e l o p m e n t assistance

She confirmed the disinvestment of IDBI Bank will continue, adding that global tensions have not affected bank asset quality, while lenders are working together to address AI-related risks

Jain Fund moves to Millennium-only model

A hed ge fu nd launched in 2024 by former M illennium executive Bobby Jain is set to m anage capital exclusively for M illennium M anagem ent under a new deal, according to an internal memo T he firm p lans to return external inv estor funds in the third quarter

Despite managing around $6 billion and remaining independent, the move reflects the challenges of building a multi-strategy hedge fund at scale Larger firms like Citadel and D E Shaw dominate the industry with significantly greater assets and scale advantages

Bobby Jain had aimed to build a firm to rival giants like Millennium Management, but launching a large multi-strategy hedge fund has proved costly and difficult

Running across multiple asset classes requires expensive infrastructure and fierce competition for top talent, challenges worsened by recent market volatility The fund has returned about 0 6% this year Jain also h

launching with several divisions at once rather than scaling gradually

The launch was ambitious and came amid a tough fundraising environment for new firms Although Bobby Jain secured $5 3 billion in commitments, the fund used a drawdown model, calling capital in stages

In internal messages, Jain described the deal as a positive step despite modest returns, saying it would help accelerate growth at a time when scale and resources are key to success

Canada warns of gang extortion targeting South Asians

T he Financial T ransactions and Reports A nalysis C entre

o f C anada has issued a bulletin warning of a co ord inated w av e of extortion and v io l en ce t arg e ti ng S o u th

A si a n c o m m u n i ti es i n

C anada

It says gangs are exploiti n g f i n a n c i a l l y v u l n e r a b l e young Indian male students on study permits as “foot soldiers” and money mules

The report notes a rise in crimes such as shootings and arson across provinces

including British Columbia and Ontario, linking much of the activity to the Bishnoi gang and the Bambiha gang It also warns that smaller groups are imitating these gangs to amplify threats and extort victims

Extortion in Canada has evolved into organised operations targeting small and m

hundreds of thousands or

Analysis Centre of Canada reported over 100 cases in early 2026, more than the

63,000 suspicious transactions Officials have urged reporting of assets linked to

B

h n o i gang, while banks are asked to monitor high-risk activi-

n g t r a n s a c t i o n s inconsistent with individuals’ profiles such as international students

Punjabi sisters secure historic German election victory

The native v il lag e of Rara in Pu njab’s Tanda region eru pted in celebratio n fo ll owing th e news t hat two l o ca l si st e r s h a v e b ee n elected to municipal bodies in Ger many

Harpreet Kaur Sandhu and her sister Kamalpreet Kaur achieved a significant political milestone as they s e c u r e d s e a t s i n t h e i r respective local councils, marking a rare instance of siblings from the Indian diaspora serving simultaneously in German governance

Indian man charged in Singapore over $29m transfers

A n Ind ian national has been charged in a Singapore court fo r allegedly running an u nl i ce ns ed

operation inv olving more th an SGD 38 million (U SD 29 million)

charges, including conducting illegal remittance activities without a valid work pass and conspiring to support a false declaration in a work pass application, according to The Straits Times

His alleged accomplice, a 33-year-old Indian national, did not appear in court, leading to an arrest warrant, with the case set for review in June Court documents state that Raju Krishnamoorthi allegedly operated as a self-employed foreigner without a valid work pass between March 2024 and April 2025, while conducting unlicensed remittance activities in Singapore

In a joint statement, police and the Ministry of Manpower said a raid at Norris Road in Little India, carried out after a tipoff, uncovered the operation Officers seized over SGD 314,000 in cash, 30 ATM cards, a hard disk, two mobile phones, and several transaction record books Raju is due back in court in May

UN raises alarm over forced conversions in Pakistan

U N experts have raised alarm over the o ng oing abduction and forced religious conv ersion of women and girls from m inority commu nities in P akistan, warning that a culture of imp unity is enabling th e abuse

In a statement issued by the Office of the U

Human Rights, they stressed that religion must be freely chosen and marriage cannot be valid without full consent, especially in cases involving minors

AFGHANISTAN RISKS LOSING 25,000 FEMALE WORKERS

Afghanistan could lose over 25,000 female teachers and healthcare workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment continue, a new UNICEF report warns Since the Taliban s return in 2021, girls in Afghanistan have been barred from education beyond age 12 and women largely excluded from public sector jobs, affecting at least 1 million girls, a figure that could double by 2030 The report highlights a sharp drop in women entering teaching and healthcare with UNICEF urging the restrictions to be lifted It warns the country could lose up to 20 000 female teachers and 5 400 healthcare workers by 2030 risking critical service gaps Female staff remain essential and the decline could cost the economy about AFN 5 3 billion ($84 million) annually

WORLD BANK UNVEILS GLOBAL PLAN FOR WATER SECURITY

The World Bank Group launched a landmark global initiative aimed at securing reliable water access for one billion people by 2030 Unveiled in Washington DC by President Ajay Banga, the ‘Water Forward’ platform seeks to integrate water security directly into national economic growth and stability strategies With around 4 billion people facing water scarcity, the programme addresses a major global challenge affecting the livelihoods of 1 7 billion workers The World Bank aims to directly reach 400 million people through funding with a wider target of impacting 1 billion people in partnership with multilateral lenders and private investors The initiative is built around water compacts with 14 countries committing to reforms and investment plans at launch

INDIAN STUDENT EXPOSED FOR AI INFLUENCER HOAX

T h i s d o u b l e v i c t o r y c o m e s r o u g h

i f t e e n y e a

f t e r t h e s

s t e r s m i g r a t e d t o j o i n t h e i r f a t h e r , N a r i n d e r S i n g h

Harpreet, the elder sibling, successfully retained her position for a second consecutive five-year term, s e r v i n g a s a m e m b e r o f both the Ausländerbeirat ( F o r e i g n e r s ’ A d v i s o r y C o u n c i l ) a n d t h e S t a d t p a r l a m e n t ( C i t y Parliament)

S a n d h u , w h o f i r s t moved to Germany nearly three decades ago Local community leaders, including f a r m e r r e p r e s e n t at i v e A m a r j i t S i n g h Sandhu, have hailed the achievement as a historic moment that elev a t e s t h e p r i d e o f t h e entire Hoshiarpur district

T h e s i s t e r s u s e d s

media to credit their success to a diverse coalition

renewed commitment to progressive societal development

Second Minister quits Nepal government in a month

resigned, citing qu estions o ver h is investments, beco mi ng th e seco nd minister to step down from Nepal’s month-old

controversy after he ordered the arrest of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak over their roles in

September

took public concerns over his

investigation An aide to Prime Minister Balendra Shah confirmed the resignation, adding

Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, came to power after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won last month’s election on an anti-corruption platform, building on his popularity as Kathmandu’s mayor Earlier this month, he also dismissed labour minister Dipak Kumar Sah over allegations of misusing his position

UN experts say most victims in 2025 were Hindu and Christian girls from Sindh, with adolescents especially at risk, facing violence, trauma and stigma, a pattern they describe as systemic discrimination

Pakistan’s 2023 census records about 3 9 million Hindus and 3 3 million Christians, with the Minority Rights Group reporting continued harassment and weak protection for these communities

The experts have called for criminalising forced conversions, setting the legal marriage age at 18, and ensuring proper investig a t i o n s a n

stronger support systems such as shelters, legal aid and counselling

Two Indian-origin students win Truman scholarship

A nanya Bhatia and Muskan Tao ri have been nam ed 2026 Truman Scholars, am ong 55 stu dents selected nationwide for the prestigio us public service aw ard The announcement was made by Janet

chosen from 48 universities across the US Bhatia, a political science and urban studies student, focuses on conflict, detention and war crimes, and aims to pursue international law Taori, studying biophysical chemistry, is active in civic engagement, having led voter registration efforts and student initiatives on campus Muskan Taori said the scholarship will help deepen her work in environmental policy and energy research, adding that the experience has already shaped her career direction She has also been involved in

including the Keep AR Natural initiative

The digital world was rocked as reports emerged detailing how a 22-year-old medical student from India successfully created a viral, AIgenerated ‘MAGA influencer’ to defraud conservative audiences Operating under the pseudonym Sam, an aspiring orthopaedic surgeon created the fake persona “Emily Hart,” portrayed as a blonde, Christian, gun-owning American nurse and Trump supporter Using generative AI tools like Google s Gemini and X’s Grok the student built the identity to target older American men gaining thousands of followers and earning several thousand dollars monthly through subscription platforms like Fanvue with minimal daily effort The case raises concerns over AI-driven deepfake identities used for financial gain The fake account was fully fictional but designed to appear real

MONKS HELD OVER CANNABIS SMUGGLING IN SRI LANKA

Twenty-two monks were arrested at a Sri Lankan airport after authorities found 110 kg of cannabis hidden in their luggage Customs officials said each was carrying around 5 kg of Kush concealed in false compartments upon arrival in Colombo The group mostly students had returned from a four-day allexpenses-paid trip to Thailand arranged by an unnamed sponsor A 23rd monk believed to have organised the trip was arrested near Colombo after allegedly describing the packages as “donations” to be collected by a van Investigators also found photos and videos showing them in casual clothing during the trip The 22 monks were remanded for seven days after appearing in court Officials said the drugs were hidden among school supplies and sweets, in what is believed to be the first such smuggling case involving monks in Sri Lanka

Man charged in alleged assassination attempt on Trump

A ma n ar med with guns and k n iv e s r e p o r t e d ly st o r me d

a

Don ald T rump an d se nior

officia ls a t the Wa shin gton

Hilt on , p rom pt ing a ra pid

Se cret Serv ice r esponse

Guests dived for cover as chaos unfolded, with reports of shots being fired near the ballroom

Security agents quickly

reach the main event area

One law enforcement officer was struck but protected by a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover Trump w

confirmed safe, describing the suspect as a “sick person ” All officials under Secret

Hegseth, Secretary of State

administration, as the incident unfolded during a high-

Iran

The episode marked the third time since 2024 that Trump had faced a nearby security threat, following an earlier assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania that

left him injured and killed a

later, he said stronger security measures were now necessary, while also stressing that the country would not

over ”

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas A

California, appeared in federal court and was charged with attempting to assassinate the US president, transporting firearms to commit a

u n l a w

,

o n

scharge of a firearm during violence The charges carry a potential life sentence

Allen appeared in court wearing a prison jumpsuit and was represented by federal public defenders, with US marshals present in the courtroom Officials said he had no prior criminal or civil

County

Indian crew members caught in Iran shipping incident

A t least o ne Indian seafarer

w as am ong the crew o f a v essel detained by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising maritime tensions in the regio n, prompting concerns in Ind ia o ver the safety o f its nationals

T

commercial ships targeted by Iranian forces had Indian crew members on board, but confirmed that all seafarers involved were safe

M u k e s h M

, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping

were safe and none were harmed

Iranian forces reportedly seized two container ships, F

n d Epaminondas, while anothe

under fire amid rising ten-

Hormuz

One Indian national was among the 21-member crew of Epaminondas, bound for I

Euphoria carried 21 Indian

Indian crew

M u k e s h M a n g a l s a i d Epaminondas and Francesca were in the western Persian

advanced AI into everyday t

building an “agentic web,” where AI assistants can perform complex tasks across Microsoft 365 and LinkedIn, creating a more unified, AI-

d

n

n d career development

M o h a k S h r o f f s a i d LinkedIn has evolved from a small startup in 2008 into a g l o b a l p l a t f o r m , a n d h e expressed excitement about

c o n t i n u i n g w o r k a c r o s s Microsoft and LinkedIn Shroff, who has worked a

2008 and spent 18 years rising from Engineering Lead

G

moved east of the strait Iran claimed the ships violated transit rules, though a maritime security firm said one had clearance to pass

T h e i n c i d e n t f o l l o w e d reports of an Iranian vessel seized by US forces in the Sea of Oman, which Tehran called “armed piracy,” further escalating tensions in the region

I n d i a ’ s S h i p p i n g Ministry said it was concerned about seafarer safety but confirmed no injuries, a d d i n g t h a t 2 , 6 8 0 I n d i a n sailors have been evacuated since February, with several Indian ships still operating in the area

to Senior Vice President of Engineering before becoming President of Platforms

Microsoft After Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in 2016, he held several senior leadership roles including VP of Consumer Engineering and SVP of Engineering

community and has spoken

influences

his career

Trump cancels US delegation visit to Pakistan over Iran talks

Donald Tru mp cancelled a planned visit by US officials to P aki s ta n f o r I ra n w a r talks sh ortly after T eh ran ’ s d e leg ati o n h ad l ef t Islamabad

H e s a i d s p e c i a l e n v o y

Steve Witkoff and adviser

J a r e d K u s h n e r w o u l d b e “wasting too much time,” adding that Iran could cont a c t t h e U S d i r e c t l y i f i t wanted negotiations Iranian Foreign Minister A b b a s A r a g h c h i m e t Pakistani mediators and said he had conveyed Iran’s position on ending the conflict, w h i l e a l s o q u e s t i o n i n g whether the US is genuinely

committed to diplomacy

meant to support negotiations, talks have stalled amid r i s i

Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme The US has strengthened its naval p

movement through the key oil route U

hopes of direct talks faded, and denied that cancelling the US delegation’s Pakistan visit meant escalation, say-

ing no decision had been made on further steps He also claimed internal

directly The White House

been made Pakistan has continued mediating between the two

rounds of talks have ended without agreement, as both

Indian-origin man arrested after store shooting injures wife

A 40 -year-old Ind ian-orig in m a n, S h a ra d Ga j era , w as arrested in Bossier C ity in connection with a sh ooting inside a convenience store that left his w ife critically injured

Police said Gajera surrendered on April 21 after an a r r e s t w a r r a n t w a s i s s u e d and was booked for illegal use of a weapon The incident took place on April 4 at M e z o G r o c e r y a n d D e l i , where a firearm reportedly d i s c h a r g e d a t c l o s e r a n g e during a meeting with the s t o r e o w n e r r e g a r d i n g a potential business deal

The bullet caused severe facial injuries to his wife, 30y e a r - o l d J i g i s h a ( S o n i y a )

G a j e r a , a f t e r e n t e r i n g t h r o u g h h e r m o u t h a n d exiting her jaw Although police have called the shooting accidental, the investigat i o n i s s t i l l o n g o i n g a n d some witnesses have quest i o n e d t h a t v i e w S h e remains in critical condition a t O c h s n e r L S U H e a l t h , requiring assisted breathing and artificial nutrition

Doctors say she will likely need multiple surgeries, i n c l u d i n g j a w a n d f a c i a l r e c o n s t r u c t i o n a s w e l l a s d e n t a l i m p l a n t s , w i t h h e r

l l uncertain, according to family members

A c r o w d f u n d i n g c a mpaign started by family and c o m m u n i t

US bill proposes buffer zone around places of worship

C ongres s to establish a 100f o o t b u f f e r z o n e a r o u n d p laces of w orsh ip , inclu ding temp les and gu rdwaras, making harass ment or intimidation in th ese areas a federal o ffence

The legislation, called the S a f e g u

Congregations and Religious

Congressman Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York, a n d C o n g

Ohio

within 100 feet of a place of worship, including blocking access or approaching within eight feet with the intent to harass

It has been supported by several religious and advocacy groups, including the AntiD

American Jewish Committee,

The proposed bill would make it a federal crime to i n t e n t i o n a l l y i n t i m i d a t e , o b s t r u c t , o r h a r a s s p e o p l

Indian man arrested after assault on mother and toddler

A 24-y ear-old Indi an na ti onal, Atha

Vya s, has b ee n a rrested in San An tonio, Tex as, for a llege dly a ssaultin g a mother a nd her thre e-y ear-old daughter at a park

U S I m m i g

Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer against him, meaning he will be taken into custody after legal proceedings and deported Authorities said his student visa was revoked in 2025 due to a prior criminal record, and he has been living in the US illegally

The incident occurred around 3 pm when Gabriella Perez was walking with

her daughter Police said Vyas allegedly grabbed her by the hair, causing her to fall and drop the child, before attacking the toddler and causing serious

restrained him until officers arrived and arrested him

The victim, Gabriella Perez, has s p o k e n o

d shared a photo of her injured daughter through a GoFundMe page seeking support She said the toddler lost two teeth and continues to suffer both physical and emotional trauma Perez

added that her daughter now needs constant care and cannot be left alone, forcing her to take time off work

The US Department of Homeland Security said Atharva Vyas entered the US on a student visa in August 2023 and was later arrested at the University of Texas for felony assault, with immig

time DHS said no immediate action was taken to revoke his status then

Officials said his visa was revoked in April 2025 and he is now under enforcement action

Indian couple hosts wedding at Giza Pyramids

Canada-based gangster declared fugitive in India case

in brief

Pyram ids of G izaan e

t o receive permission for such an event

F o l l o w i n g t h e i r L o n d o n civil ceremony, the couple held

a

E g y p t i n S e p

m

e r 2 0 2 5 , culminating in a reception on the Giza Plateau against the backdrop of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx of Giza, a rare event given strict

and global influences

Police

Mansa and Muktsar districts

Arshdeep Singh Gill

orders issued under Section 84

Suraksha Sanhita, he did not appear in court

T a k i n g n o t e o f h i s continued absence, the court d e c

14 KILLED IN PLANE CRASH IN SOUTH SUDAN

A small passenger aircraft has crashed in South Sudan killing all 14 people on board according to the country’s civil aviation authority (SSCAA) Officials have sent investigators to the crash site with early reports suggesting the plane may have gone down due to bad weather and low visibility The Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd took off from Yei at 09:15 local time and lost contact about 30 minutes later near Juba around 20 km south-west of the capital All 14 people on board, including 12 South Sudanese passengers, two Kenyans, and the pilot, were killed South Sudan has a poor aviation safety record, with crashes often linked to ageing aircraft, weak regulation overloading, and adverse weather

Arsh Dalla was identified as

d offender and directed police to register a separate FIR against him under Section 209 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Pakistan caught in Saudi-UAE rivalry over loans

Abu D habi’s financi al demands repo rtedly ri sked draining abou t a fi fth of P aki stan’s central bank res erves and p utting its $7bn IMF bailou t programme under strai n S a u d i A

providing $3bn in fresh funding and extending an existing $5bn loan, after recently signing a m u t u a l d e f e n c e p a

Islamabad A

and what Abu Dhabi views

actions in the Gulf It

attempt to act as a mediator, which the UAE sees as lacking neutrality in a region where it prefers clear positioning T h e t

competing alliances, with Saudi A r a b i a m o v i n g c l o s e r t o P a k i s t a n , T u r k e y a n d E g y p t , while the UAE strengthens ties with India

A n a l y s t s s a y P a k i s t a n h a s become a point of competition between the Gulf powers, with A b u D h a b i u n e a s y a b o u t Islamabad’s tilt toward Riyadh Pakistan denies any rift, calling

financial issues routine, though o f f i c i a l s h a v e p r i v a t e l y expressed frustration along with s o m e r e l i e f a t r e d u c e d dependence on the UAE Strains increased after the U A E s h i f t e d f r o m l o n g - t e r m l o a n r o l l o v e r s t o m o n t h l y r e n e w a l s a n d l a t e r r e q u e s t e d e a r l y r e p a y m e n t , s u r p r i s i n g Pakistan and the IMF despite e a r l i e r a s s u r a n c e s t h a t f u n d s would remain until 2027

Mother killed, activist daughter injured in Burbank stabbing case

I n d i an- o ri g i n m ent al h eal th a ct i v i st M e era V ar m a is

r ec o v er in g i n a C al i fo rn i a

h o s p i ta l af ter sh e and h e r

m oth er w ere stabbed at th eir

h ome in Burbank Her mother, 5 9-year-o ld sch o olteach er A rti V arma, died d espite emerg ency treatment

Police said they responded

a r o u n d 6 : 0 0 a m a f t e r M e e r a called emergency services and f o u n d b o t h w o m e n w i t h m u l t i p l e s t a b w o u n d s M e e r a was taken to hospital and is now in stable condition, while her father is currently in India

A u t h o r i t i e s r e p o r t e d n o signs of forced entry or theft, and a neighbour’s CCTV footage

i s s a i d t o h a v e c a p t u r e d t h e suspect fleeing the scene The

residents

L

Sergio Fraire, who was seen in Ring camera footage being taken

India criticises Trump repost calling remarks ‘inappropriate’

India has stro ng ly criticised a social media repost by US President Donald Trump in w hich India and other countries were referred to as “hellholes,” calling the remarks “ u ninform ed ” and “inappropriate ”

The controversy began with comments made by US radio host Michael Savage during a discussion on a Supreme Court case

c o n c e r

immigrants misuse US laws by arriving in the US late in pregnancy so their children can gain citizenship, and used offensive language while referring to countries such as India and China

Trump later reshared the remarks online, amplifying the controversy globally and triggering criticism from India

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) quickly distanced itself, saying the comments do not reflect India-US relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called them “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” while noting a US embassy clarification stating Trump considers India a “great country” and values its leadership

The controversy began with US radio host Michael Savage, who in a discussion on birthright citizenship accused some immigrants of misusing US laws and used offensive language referring to countries including India and China The issue escalated after

away in handcuffs He has been booked on suspicion of murder and attempted murder P o l i c e s a i d

investigators are still trying to

determine why Fraire was at the V a r m a h o m e , a d d i n g t h a t further details will be released as the case develops Arti Varma, a first-grade teacher at Bret Harte

E l e m e

loved teaching She is the second teacher from the school to be killed in two years Meera Varma, 25, a mental h

hospital Her work focuses on youth mental health and suicide prevention, and she has worked

Biden, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey and Dr Vivek Murthy

FBI Director Kash Patel addresses past arrests amid controversy

FBI Directo r Kash Patel has adm itted that he w as arrested tw ice in his youth, once for public intoxication in Virginia and once for pu blic urinatio n in New York wh ile he w as a law stud ent

According to a 2005 personnel letter cited by ‘The Intercept’, Kash Patel said he was once arrested after drinking with friends and being stopped by police while attempting to urinate outdoors during a walk home He also acknowledged a separate 2001 arrest for public intoxication during his college years at the University of Richmond, saying he had been removed from a basketball game for “excessive cheering” before being detained, but later paid a fine and described the incident as minor and uncharacteristic

His spokesperson Erica Knight rejected the allegations, saying they are aimed at undermining a confirmed appointment and distracting from the FBI’s performance under his leadership, and added that he was fully vetted before taking office

drinking with the US Olympic hockey team in Italy and a ‘The Atlantic’ article, raised concerns about his alcohol use and alleged intoxication at private events and work disruptions Patel’s legal team has denied the claims, accusing the publication of “actual malice,” while Patel said he has “ never been intoxicated on the job” and has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit

SRI LANKA PROBES $2 5M FINANCE MINISTRY CYBERATTACK

Sri Lanka has launched an investigation after hackers breached the finance ministry’s systems and stole $2 5 million (£1 8 million) officials said The money was part of a bilateral debt repayment to Australia due in September 2025 Finance ministry secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma said cybercriminals diverted funds to other accounts despite Sri Lanka completing the payment The breach is believed to have occurred in January but was only discovered after Australia reported nonreceipt Investigators suspect hackers manipulated email-based instructions in the sovereign debt system Four senior officials have been suspended, and international assistance has been sought, with a similar attempted fraud involving a payment to India also flagged The incident comes as Sri Lanka continues to recover from its 2022 economic crisis and debt default that led to shortages and unrest

CANADA DEBATES UNDER-16 SOCIAL MEDIA, AI RESTRICTIONS

Manitoba could become the first Canadian province to ban children not only from social media but also from AI chatbots Premier Wab Kinew said social media and AI platforms are built to maximise engagement often prioritising “likes and money” over children’s safety Other provinces including Saskatchewan and Quebec are also considering similar restrictions Canada is considering broader federal restrictions on social media for under-16s, following Australia s ban with the government saying the issue is being taken seriously Liberal Party members have also supported measures to restrict under-16s from both social media and AI chatbots, placing enforcement responsibility on tech companies

The debate has also highlighted AI-related safety concerns after reports linked chatbot interactions to a 2024 British Columbia shooting

FTII STUDENT’S FILM SELECTED FOR CANNES HONOURS

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) secured a prestigious international spotlight as the student short film "Shadows of the Moonless Nights" was selected for the La Cinef section of the Cannes Film Festival Directed by Mehar Malhotra a student of direction and screenplay writing at the Pune-based institute, the 24-minute Punjabi-language drama was chosen from a staggering 2,750 global entries

The film follows Rajan a factory worker battling gruelling shifts and domestic volatility in an elusive search for rest Set to screen at the Buñuel Theatre, the production will compete against eighteen other international shorts for three major prizes during a dedicated jury ceremony on May 21 This selection highlights a significant year for the festival, with the line-up representing fifteen countries across four continents and featuring work by twelve female and nine male directors Malhotra, who wrote and directed the piece titled "Parchave Masseah Rataan De" in Punjabi, led a student crew including cinematographer Diggant Surti and editor Shreyas Bhopi

Continued from page 1

In West Bengal, both the BJP

Tamil Nadu the contest is primarily between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA, with actorpolitician Vijay’s TVK also in the fray Even as sporadic incidents of violence were reported in parts of B

remained broadly peaceful, with some constituencies crossing 96% turnout

In Gujarat, voter participation was comparatively lower but still steady, with around 48 55% turnout in municipal corporation elections and close to 58% in Nagar Palika polls, while district and taluka panchayats recorded around 60–61% voting by evening

Alongside the electoral activity, political developments within the Aam Aadmi Party have added to the b r o a d e r p o l i t i c a l c

Raghav Chadha and several MPs reportedly leaving the party to join the BJP, a move seen as potentially s t r e n g t h

national political contests

BJP swe eps Gujar at local body polls

T h e B h a r

y ( B J P ) d e

mance in the Gujarat local body

seats across 15 municipal corpora-

position in municipalities and panchayats

Voting was held on Sunday for 1 5 m u n

s , 8 4 municipalities, 34 district panchay-

Election season concludes across India

ats, and 260 taluka panchayats, i n c l u d i n g e l e c t i o n s i n n i n e newly formed municipal corporations such as Navsari, Morbi, Vapi, Anand, and others

The BJP, Congress, and AAP were the main contenders, with AIMIM also contesting in several areas According to State E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n d a t a , voter turnout stood at 55 1% in municipal corporations, 65 53% in municipalities, 66 64% in district panchayats, and 67 26% in taluka panchayats, covering nearly 9,200 seats and over 4 18 crore voters

cancelled around 25,000 teaching appointments due to irregularities

“tolabazi” or extortion and identity politics around Bengali identity, the Matua community, language,

Apekshaben Naineshbhai Soni won Ward No 7, an area with a 100% Muslim voter base, drawing attention for its message of cross-community support

Tight bat tle in Be nga l as TMC, BJP clash over issues T h e p h a s e c o v e r s 1 4 2 c o nstituencies across eight districts, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur seat, with key urban areas witnessing strong debates over anti-incumbency, the school recruitment scam, and voter list controversies

After 15 years in power, antiincumbency remains a major challenge for Banerjee, with voter concerns around jobs, corruption, governance, and law and order dominating the campaign The TMC has responded by emphasising welfare schemes and direct benefit transfers, with women voters playing a significant role

The school recruitment scam remains a key issue, after courts

TMC focusing on regional identity

around migration and citizenship

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls has added further controversy, with around nine million names removed, including absentees and deceased voters, and several million cases still pending review The BJP has supported the exercise as a crackdown on illegal infiltration, while the TMC has called it an attempt to disenfran-

minorities and vulnerable groups The matter remains under judicial review

Women’s safety has also been a major campaign theme following high-profile crimes, alongside competing claims over crime data and law enforcement High-volt age ca mpaign e nds ahe ad of final vote

As the West Bengal election

campaign concluded ahead of the final phase of voting on April 29, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah stepped up lastminute outreach to voters Narendra Modi said West Bengal holds a deep personal and spiritual significance for him, describing his connection as a devotion to Shakti inspired by the state’s culture and people

Barrackpore, he called it his final campaign event in the state and expressed confidence in the outcome, saying he expected to return after the May 4 results for a BJP swearing-in ceremony Modi said he felt a strong emo-

tional connection with people duri

p a i g n , adding that he deeply values the messages, portraits, and gestures he

reviews them carefully after events

He said he often reflects on let-

describing them as expressions of both pain and blessings that he

career, he said he has spent decades travelling across the country as

Janata Party, taking on responsibilities without concern for time or conditions, and added that he considers the public as his extended family

Raghav Chadha joins BJP in major AAP setback

Rajya Sabh a MP Raghav Ch adh a has left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP ) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP ), days after a repo rted rif t with the party leadersh ip

Announcing his decision, Chadha

s a i d A

founding principles and was no longer working in the national interest He added that after years of internal differences, he felt he was “the right man in the wrong party” and decided to part ways He said that more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs have merged with the BJP, with several members signing and submitting the required documents to the Rajya Sabha Chairman

Pathak, and Ashok Mittal met BJP National President Nitin Nabin at the party headquarters, where they were formally welcomed into the BJP

The development is seen as a major setback for AAP in Parliament, where it had built a strong Rajya Sabha presence in recent years, mainly through electoral gains in Punjab and Delhi After winning 92 of 117 seats in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, most of its Upper House strength came from Punjab If the merger is approved, BJP’s numbers in the Rajya Sabha will increase while AAP’s presence will shrink significantly

M Loving In Be Our of emory Parents loved

OM NAMAH: S t l f rk r Apriil markks s faami y as both h VA HIVAAY Y Lalb w t r v ti f i l a deep y meaninngfuul tiimme f our beloveed pareents s woould u s hai Bhanabhai Hansjjibhai (21 April 1926 – 19 July 2003 Bodali, Navsari, Gujjara Manchester, UK v ti f i v foor our have e bu lt a fooundation shape our livees and

w i r t f r v u i i t f i ti i t r i t w t u T irt r i t y, , celebrated thheir r centenary y birrtthhdays Thhouggh thhey are no longer wiith h us in n persson, thheir r presence continues to guidde, comfoort, , and innspirre us s eveery y day

T

v u i w i r t wi

Our faathher, , Lalbhai, , waas a man of quiet strrengthh, wiissdom, and compassion. Our mothher, , Dahibben, waas t h e h e a r t o f o u r h o m e g e n t l e , n u r t u r in n g , a n d unnwaveeriinng in n her love e and devootiioon. Toogethher, , thhey

Surendra Lalbhai Patel (son)

Kantilal Lalbhai Patel (son)

Vinodkumar Lalbhai Patel (son)

Kusumben Chandubhai Patel (daughter)

Thheir r legacy y liv innstiilled in n us:–i T a helpinng hand to Hi i ti t d God, , trrustiinng in n Hiis s it di revveeryyone, young a diiggnittyy. w u T To o upphol we e do.

Parvatiben S Pat

d i t w d

Dahiben Lalb (8 April 1926 – 12 J Karadi, Navsa Manchest Patel ) t t t ti t v i rooted in n vaalues thhat contiinnu thhose of generatiions to come u hai Patel anuary 2000) ri, Gujjarat er, UK

To o show kiinndnness and alwaays lend thhose n need. i i it f T To o keep faaitth h in n guidance and blessinngs t w ik tr T To o trreeat nd old alikkee, wiith h respect and i it f ity wit w t t t ir i ti i T r f v w t

el (daughter-in-law)

Late Ramilaben K

Meenaben V Pate

Late Chandubhai

Patel (daughter-in-law)

l (daughter-in-law)

e e p misssed, , thhey wiill neveer be foorggotten. Thheir r liv contiinnue to in

O Shanti Shanti nti family

all the family members

SGVP Gurukul mourns passing of two revered saints

Deep ly sorro wful news has been received by the Shri Swaminarayan

S am praday, particu larly the SGVP Guruku l family, w ith the passing of two revered ascetic saints, Param

P

S

Hariswarupdasji Swami and Param P

S wam inarayan

o

Their Aksharvas has led to

Gurukul family P

S h r i

B r a h m a s w a r u p d a s j i S w a m i , a

devoted disciple of Param Pujya

G u r u v a r S h r i M a d h a v p r i y a d a s j i

Swami and the first Gurukul saint within the Sampraday to earn a

PhD, attained Akshardham on 22 April 2026 at 4:00 pm He had been b a t t l i n g a p r o

remained spiritually steadfast and composed throughout, bearing his suffering with calm dignity In hs final moments, revered

merged with the divine feet of Shriji Maharaj amid chanting of

marked by deep devotion, constant

service

The eternal departure of Param

Hariswarupdasji Swami:

revered scholar, orator, and saint Pujya Hariswarupdasji Swami also

renounced his mortal body and attained Akshardham on 22 April at 4:30 pm In his early life, he set aside formal Sanskrit studies to

Gujarat marks foundation day on May 1

T h e s tate o f Gu

sixth year of stateh ood on M ay 1 , m arking th e historic anniv ersary of its form ation f

S tate E

state was created to provide a dedicated homeland for

G

advocacy led by figures such as Indulal Yagnik

Today, the occasion is observed as a public holiday across the region, featuring vibrant parades, traditional f o l k d a n c e s , a n d o f f i c i a l ceremonies that celebrate a heritage stretching back to

t h e a n c i e n t I n d u s V a l l e y

Civilisation From its early

governance by the Solanki and Vaghela dynasties to its pivotal role as the birthplace

manufacturing

as a reminder of the state’s complex geography, defined

coastline and its strategic position bordering Pakistan and the Arabian Sea While

original capital and earned fame as the ‘Manchester of the East,’ the administrative

Gandhinagar in 1971

Supreme Court urges mediation in Kapur inheritance feud

T he Supreme Co urt of Ind ia intervened in a bitter inheritance battle advising Rani K a p u r and P r iy a S ac h d ev a K ap

to abandon prolong ed litig ation in favou

o f m ed iation

Presiding over the dispute concerning t h e m u l t i - m i l l i o n - p o u n d S o n a G r o u p family trust, the bench observed that eighty is far too advanced an age to be embroiled in exhausting courtroom battles

The justices observed that a negotiated settlement would serve both parties better t h a n p r o l o n g e d l i t i g a t

dispute has attracted attention due to the large assets involved and the senior role of Rani Kapur, who has been seeking a clear ruling on the trust’s distribution for several years

Legal experts say the court’s push for mediation reflects a broader effort to reduce

Group, a major player in the automotive components sector, remains at the centre of

founder’s death

India extends financial support to Maldives

Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to New Delhi in October 2024

The move comes after

million facility the Maldives had taken in October 2024

Ministry

tranche under an agreement between the

Maldives

The High Commission said the

devote five years in selfless service to Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami, earning divine blessings and grace T

wisdom naturally blossomed, and he became a respected exponent of

presenting deep philosophy in

With the blessings of Pujya Jogi Swami, he travelled across India

discourses and guiding devotees in Satsang In his final days, he remained silent and immersed in devotion to

dedicated their lives to knowledge,

service, and are deeply mourned by

Madhavpriyadasji Swami, Param Pujya Balakrishnadasji Swami, and

Their legacy will be remembered for generations

India-Africa ties offer stability amid global turmoil

s tab i li ty w i th in a d e ep l y turbulent g lobal landscape

Speaking in New Delhi, the Minister launched the official logo, website, and theme for the fourth IndiaA f r i c a F o r u m S u m m i t ( I A F S - I V ) , w h i c h i s scheduled to take place from May 28 to 31

46, ensuring a presence in e v e r y A f r i c a n r e g i o n Jaishankar emphasised that A f r i c a i s n o w t h e l a r g e s t recipient of Indian overseas d e v e l o p m e n t s u p p o r t o u t s i d e i t s i m m e d i a t e n e i g h b

Zanzibar and the National Forensic Science University i n

people-centric cooperation Beyond economics, the

I n d i a h a s s i g n i f i c a n t l y e x p a n d e d i t s d i p l o m a t i c f o o t p r i n t a c r o s s t h e continent, opening 17 new missions to reach a total of

T h i s h i g h - l e v e l diplomatic event, the first of its kind since 2015, arrives as t h e w o r l d g r a p p l e s w i t h severe energy and fertiliser shortages triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Gulf r e g i o n B y e n g a g i n g w i t h African heads of mission, the Indian government aims to s e c u r e a l t e r n a t i v e s u p p l y c h a i n s f o r p e t r o l e u m a n d n a t u r a l g a s , s p e c i f i c a l l y e y e i n g p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h n a t i o n s s u c h a s A l g e r i a , L i b y a , a n d M o r o c c o t o s a f e g u a r d t h e u p c o m i n g monsoon agricultural cycle

and enduring strategic bridge

Indian Airlines warn of imminent industry collapse

Th e F ederation of Ind ian A irlines has issued a stark w arning to the M inistry of C ivil

A viation, stating that th e nation’s aviation sector is on the verge of sh utting d own due to a catastro phic surg e in fu el costs

industry body revealed that the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel has plummeted the sector into extreme financial stress, making

completely unviable

This crisis has been primarily triggered by the escalating conflict in West Asia and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen Brent Crude prices s

Consequently, fuel costs now account for

staggering 60 per cent of airline operating

expenses, compared to the traditional 30 per cent, leaving many carriers unable to sustain daily operations To prevent a total cessation of services,

temporary deferment of the 11 per cent e x c

reduction in Value Added Tax across major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai T

sharp depreciation of the

Oxford, SII partner on new malaria vaccine

o r d ’ s D e p a r t m e n t o f P a e d i a t r i c s s a i d t h e c o l l a b o r a t i o n a i m s t o d e v e l o p a m

e e f f e c t i v e m

l a r i a v a c c i n e b y c o m b i n i n g multiple antigens that target different stages of the parasite, potentially offering stronger and longer-lasting protection He added that the partnership with the Serum Institute of I n d i a ( S I I ) w i l l s u p p o r t l a r g e - s c a l e manufacturing and wider access if successful R 7 8 C , b a s e d o n t w o P

Sun Pharma makes largest overseas acquisition with Organon

S un Ph ar ma, India’s largest ph ar-

announced its

O rg anon & Co for $11 8 bill ion (arou nd Rs 98,000 cro re) in an all-cash deal

The acquisition will expand

The company will pay $14

share, a premium of more than 24% over Organon’s last closing p

largest M&A deals by an Indian firm Once completed, the acquisi-

tion is expected to double Sun Pharma’s revenue to $12 4 billion and significantly boost earnings, placing it among the world’s top

Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, adds over 70 products and six global manufacturing facilities

strategy, including the Ranbaxy acquisition in 2014 and several licensing deals, which together

India’s weight-loss drug market grows amid health concerns

S i n c e w

m arket, they have seen a s harp rise i n demand due to their perceived affordability and ease of use in s hedding weight quickly

Increasingly, brides and g

to weight-loss drugs as a quick solution to achieve

health risks that outweigh short-term benefits

D e l h i - b a s e d a e s t h e t i c

d o c t o r R e e m a A r o r a h a s

r e p o r t e d a 3 0 % r i s e i n d e m a n d f o

s u c h t r e a tments and expects further growth after the expiry of s e m a g l u t i d e ’ s p

cheaper generics could significantly widen access T h i s s u r g

I

rapidly enters the low-cost

, with around 10 companies already launching products amid intense competition described as a “bloodbath ” Rising incomes and sedent

r y l i f e s t y l e s a r e f u r t h e r driving demand, with the market estimated at $500 million-$1 billion However, with over 100 million diab e t i c s a n d r i s i n g o b

need for strict regulation to

expand production and target export markets due to fierce domestic price wars

At the same time, global players like Novo Nordisk face pressure from cheaper g

data before widespread use Despite being prescriptiononly medicines, these drugs

sought for cosmetic weight loss, with doctors reporting

I n many cases, physicians say they prescribe them only when medically necessary, n o t p u r e l y

c purposes

RSS leader urges diaspora to be model citizens

Rash triya S wayamsev ak Sangh (RSS) General S ecretary Dattatreya Ho sabale, currently on a U S v isit after touring th e U K, said th e Indian diaspora should be responsible citizens in th eir resid ent countries while also sh owing that Hindus can co ntribute to society and take lead ership roles

He said his interactions with Americans focused on correcting what he described as l o n g - s t a n d i n g m i s c o n c e p t i o n s a b o u t t h e RSS, which he claimed had been shaped by decades of “misinformation” portraying the organisation as anti-minority, anti-women, or Hindu supremacist

Hosabale said the RSS, traditionally a low-profile organisation, is expanding global o u t r e a c h d u r i n g i t s c e n t e n a r y t o b e t t e r explain its work and counter what he called distorted narratives about India and Hindu culture

During his US visit, he urged the Indian diaspora to be responsible citizens in their resident countries, earn respect through hard work, and show that Hindus can con-

A

tribute to society and take leadership roles, while remaining loyal to the countries where they live

He said the RSS, founded in 1925 by K B Hedgewar, runs tens of thousands of daily shakhas across India focused on discipline and nation-building, and that its outreach in the US aims to clarify its role He also noted g

Americans in practices like yoga and bhajans

Andhra Pradesh bets on AI with Google project

on e for a G oo

Minister Ashwini Va ishnaw and re pr ese ntat iv es from Google an d t he Ada ni Gr oup

The project, with an estimated investment of about $15 billion (₹1 35 lakh crore), is expected to boost Andhra Pradesh’s position in India’s growing AI and data infrastructure sector Vaishnaw said the AI data centre will help Visakhapatnam emerge as

healthcare, logistics, and agriculture

Naidu called the Google AI hub

reflects the state’s rising

capacity of 1 gigawatt, will be among Asia’s largest AI data centres and help the state emerge as an international data gateway for India He also highlighted plans for an undersea cable landing station in Visakhapatnam to connect India with regions including the US, Australia, the Middle East and Africa

CAGR between FY10 and FY25

said the company avoids excessive debt but is open to strategic risks, noting that the Organon acquisition provides immediate entry into biosimilars, a segment that would otherwise take years to build

The acquisition is expected to make Sun Pharma a top-three player in women ’ s health and the seventh-largest biosimilars company globally Analysts said the deal, valued at around six times

EBITDA, appears financially disciplined and supported by strong cash flows

Sun Pharma is also expected to seek RBI approval for exemptions related to foreign remittance rules for the $11 75 billion deal, along with plans to refin

Organon’s debt under overseas investment regulations

Experts said the transaction is structured as a leveraged buyout, with debt placed in an offshore special purpose vehicle and serviced through Organon’s cash f

Sun’s role would mainly involve equity funding and guarantees, subject to regulatory approval

Modi set for first Australia visit since 2023 Quad Summit

P r i me Mi n i s ter N ar en dr a Mo di i s exp ec ted to vi si t Australia in Ju ly as p art of a wider regional to ur th at will also include Indonesi a and New Zealand, acc ording to lo cal media rep o rts ci ti ng diplomatic so urces

H e i s l i k e l y t o v i s i t Indonesia first, followed by New Zealand on July 7–8, before arriving in Australia for a two-day trip on July 9–10 The visit is expected to highlight growing strategic, economic, and diaspora ties b e t w e e n I n d i a a n d Australia

R e p o r t s s a y P r i m e

Minister Narendra Modi’s u p c o m i n g A u s t r a l i a v i s i t w i l l i n c l u d e m e e t i n

Sydney with Prime Minister

A

Melbourne

Authorities have shortl i s t e d t w o i

Melbourne venues for the

capacity and winter suitability The visit has also trigg e r e d c o

o n a m o n

Australian groups, including the Australia India Business Council and the AustraliaIndia CEO Forum, with only one expected to host a major

event as discussions

where he met Albanese and addressed the Indian diaspora, following earlier bilateral talks that led to key agreements Reports suggest his return in July is increasingly likely as part of a wider regional tour

Kerala sees surge in fatal snakebites due to extreme heat

K erala is facing an unprec edented pu blic h ealth crisis as 6 f atal snak ebite cases were recorded with in a single week

T h i s a l a r m i n g s p i k e reached a pinnacle over the last 24 hours when two individuals succumbed to neurotoxic envenomation while four others were rushed to intensive care units across Palakkad and Malappuram districts

Health officials report that the victims, primarily p l a n t a t i o n w o r k e r s a n d farmers, were struck during early morning hours, marking a significant escalation in human-wildlife conflict

T h i s s

e c o m e s a s t

s t a t e g r a p p l e s w i t h a n i n

A p

i l h e

, with temperatures consistently hovering 4°C above the seasonal average, forci n g r e p t i l i a n p o p u l a t i o n s out of their natural subterranean habitats in search of c o o l e r , h y d r a t e d e n v i r o nments

D a t a f r o m t h e K e r a l a H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t i n d i -

cates that the state typically records around 10,000 bites annually, however, the mor-

tality rate has seen a sharp 15 per cent increase since 2024

Experts suggest that the rapid transformation of the landscape, coupled with the loss of traditional wetlands, h a s p u s h e d v e n o m o u s species like the Spectacled Cobra and Russell’s Viper into closer proximity with human settlements T he environmental stress

The primary cause for this lethal surge is a combination of extreme weather a n d b i o l o g i c a l c y c l e s S n a k e s a r e e c t o t h e r m s , meaning their internal body temperature is regulated by the environment As ground temperatures soar to record l

tures

Additionally, April and May coincide with the peak breeding season for many venomous species, leading to increased movement and aggression The presence of rodents and waste near residential compounds further

Shinde inaugurates major infra boost on Mumbai-Pune route

Veteran Photographer Raghu Rai passes away

V et era n p h o to g rap h e r

He added that the move a

vehicles

The 13 3-km stretch will bypass the congested ghat section, reducing the route by over 6 km and cutting travel time by 30-45 minutes, while also lowering fuel use and emissions

S h i n d e d e s c r

Pune-Mumbai Missing Link as a major engineering feat b u i l t u

r e m

conditions, including high winds and difficult terrain

H e s a i d m o s t w o r k i s complete, with only minor finishing pending, and noted the project was approved in 2

said the project meets global

major logistical challenges,

and weather, with tunnels

safety systems

He added it will boost

India’s Bullet Train project targets 2027 rollout

India’s first bullet train, the ‘ B28’ , will be manufactured at BE ML L imi ted ’ s A ditya p lant in Beng aluru, which w as inaugurated by Railway M inister Ashw ini Vaishnaw

H e s a i d d e v e l o p i n g high-speed rail technology domestically is a major step f o r I n d i a ’ s i n d i g e n o u s engineering capabilities

T h e A d i t y a f a c i l i t y

with the first bullet train targeted for completion by M a r c h 2 0 2 7 T h e p r o j e c t was awarded to BEML by the Integral Coach Factory in 2024 Ashwini Vaishnaw said h i g h - s p e e d r a i l w i l l drastically cut travel times, c i t i n g t h e C

operational The Ministry of

R

h e indigenously developed B28 bullet train, being built at BEML Limited, is expected to be ready by early 2027, f o l l

testing The first service is planned on the Surat-Vapi

Ahmedabad corridor, with

rollout

India grapples with record heatwaves as monsoon falter

T he I ndian su bcontinent h as em erged as the ep ic entre of a global climate crisis this April, w ith recent m eteo rolo gical data revealing that 9 5 o f t h e w o rl d ' s 100 h o tt e s t c it i es ar e c u r r en t ly l o c at ed w it h i n th e c o u n t ry a nd Akola in Maharash tra is on to p

As of April 27, blistering temperatures exceeding 44°C have gripped states from Bihar to Maharashtra, devastating the agricultural sector during the critical transition between harvest cycles

This extreme thermal surge, driven by strong solar radiation and dry north-westerly winds, has placed immense stress on rain-fed crops in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, where wilting is already being reported The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that t

d security and rural livelihoods

E l N ino dis rupts regio nal cl imate stabil ity

The intensification of these conditions is largely attributed to the strengthening of El Nino patterns across the Equatorial Pacific, a phenomenon currently destabilising weather systems across Asian nations

W h i l e t h e W o r l d M e t e o r o l o g i c a l Organisation (WMO) notes that land surface temperatures are rising globally, India remains particularly vulnerable to this shift, which often correlates with suppressed rainfall and delayed monsoon onset Experts suggest that the current neutral ENSO phase is rapidly transitioning, leading to higher-than-average heat stress during the pre-monsoon period Dec lining rainfall th reatens fu ture yields

Prospects for the upcoming southwest

m o n s o o n r e m a i n s o b e r i n g , w i t h t h e I M D

forecasting a below-normal season at roughly 92% of the Long Period Average This deficit is expected to weigh heavily on the sowing of

cotton, which require consistent moisture during their flowering stages Unlike the past two years, which benefitted from a surplus that replenished soil moisture, 2026 faces a stark lack of pre-monsoon showers Such a shortfall typically leads to shrivelled seeds and r

inflation above 4 5% as food prices rise for the common citizen W ater reserves o ffering so lution

Despite the looming rainfall deficit, India’s strategic investment in water circularity and reservoir management provides a vital safety net for the farming community Central Water Commission data indicates that while major reservoirs have fallen below 45% capacity, the current storage of 82 07 billion cubic metres remains 127 01% of the decadal average

This surplus, a legacy of the robust 2025 monsoons, ensures that irrigation remains v

village ‘johads’ and modern micro-irrigation t

fertigation and utilising drought-tolerant seed varieties, the agricultural sector maintains a level of resilience that was absent in previous decades

R ag h u Ra i, a l ead i ng ch ro nicl er of ind ep end ent India, has died at 83 after a long illness

Renowned for capturing political milestones, human suffering and everyday life, his images form a key visual

r

Born in 1942 in Jhang (now in Pakistan), he moved to

switched from engineering to photography in the 1960s after early recognition for his work

I n d i

and ‘Sunday’, and became the first Indian member of

Henri Cartier-Bresson Rai

truth

He documented leaders such as Indira Gandhi over several years, capturing her e v o l u t i o n d u r i n g t h

E m e r g e n c y , a l o n g w i t h intimate portraits of Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, MS

S u b b u l a k s h m i , a n d l i f e along the Ganges, building a v a s t v i s u a l a r c h i v e o f modern India through more than 18 books One of his most notable works came

from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, where he focused on a single moment of grief to humanise the disaster He also covered events like the Bangladesh Liberation War a

consistently favouring raw, u

and

Supreme Court hears plea on Indians detained in Russia, 10 dead

T h e C e ntre in fo rm ed th e S u p re m e C o u rt t h at 1 0 I nd i a ns h

d ie d w h il e fig h ti ng alo ngs id e Russ ian f o rc es in th e o n g o i ng Russia-U kraine war, which has been continuing for over four years

T h e d i s c l o s u r e c a m e d u r i n g a h e a r i n g o n a

p e t i t i o n s e e k i n g t h e s a f e r e t u r n o f 2 6 I n d i a n s allegedly detained in Russia and forced to take part in t h e c o n f l i c t A d d i t i o n a l

Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati shared the details with the court

A b e n c h l e d b y C h i e f

V V I P helicopter scam to another bench

A bench led by CJI Surya

Justice Surya Kant observed t h a t t h e s i t u a t i o n n e e d s “ t a c t f u l h a n d l i n g , ” n o t i n g p o s s i b l e d i f f i c u l t i e s i n retrieving the bodies from active war zones The Supreme Court has r e f e r r e d C h r i s t i a n M i c h e l James’ plea seeking release i n t h e R

middleman, extradited from Dubai in 2018, were heard by a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath Earlier, on April 8, the D e l h i H i g h C o u

t h a d dismissed Michel’s petition, finding no merit in his plea

Bhagavad Gita inspiration leads student to 100 percentile

In s pir e d by a gu idin g pr in c ipl e f r om t he

Bhagavad Gita often s hared by his f ather, 17ye ar-ol d M adhav V iradia is among the 2 6 s t u de n t s wh o a c hi e ve d a pe r f e c t 1 00 percent il e in the NTA exam

Originally from Vadodara, he shifted to Mumbai for JEE preparation, choosing it over Kota after attending demo classes He felt M u m b a i ’ s t e a c h i n g s t y l e o f f e r e d m o r e personalised attention, better suited to his learning needs, while also allowing him to stay closer to his family

Madhav Viradia said he draws inspiration from his elder brother, a second-year BTech

student in Metallurgy at IIT Jodhpur, calling him his role model and the reason he began preparing early for JEE He credited strong family support for his success, especially his mother who stayed with him in Mumbai during his preparation, while h i s f

Madhav said focusing on effort rather than results helped him stay calm under pressure, and staying away from social media helped him avoid distractions He admitted feeling anxious as the exam approached, but said his father’s constant encouragement helped him overcome moments of panic and stay focused

ISRO space programme to include civilians

Th e Indian Space Research Org anisation is prep aring to includ e civilians in its astronaut program me, marking a shift fro m its earlier focus on m ilitary test pilots as it expand s its h um an s pacef lig ht p lans, ac cord ing to a Tim es of Ind ia rep ort A

recommended that the next astronaut batch i n c l u d

c i v i l i a n candidates, with a proposed group of 10 astronauts, six from the armed forces as mission pilots and four STEM-based civilian specialists

Gaganyaan selection, which included only

Indian Air Force test pilots such as

Captains Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Prathap F

Research Organisation

broadening the military experience within the astronaut pool The addition of civilians reflects ISRO’s

and

aboard the

PM Modi leads Sikkim’s 50th statehood anniversary celebrations

T h e P r im e M i n is te r

Narend ra M o di arri v ed i n

Gang tok to lead th e historic g olden jubilee celebrati ons

m ark i ng f if ty yea rs o f

S ikkim’s stateho od

A d d r e s s i n g a m a s s i v e gathering at Paljor Stadium on the second day of his

v i s i t , t h e P r i m e M i n

d e s c r i b e d t h e H i m a l a y a n region as the "heaven of the East" and a global model for sustainable development

c

c

T h i s m

century since Sikkim offi-

d

h e I n d i a n Union in 1975, with festivities highlighting the state’s journey from a traditional

a r c h y t o a m o d e r n

o r g a n i c p o w e r h o u s e T h e v i s i t , w h i c h f o l l o w e d a n

intense period of election c a m

Minister engaging with local youth in a game of football before transitioning to highl

focused on regional connectivity

A central focus of the c e l e

acceleration of the Sevoke-

national rail network for the

such connectivity is essential for the vision of a developed India by 2047, particu-

itself as a premier destina-

wellness Highlighting the

becoming the world’s first

decade ago, he praised local farmers for their commitment to environmental harmony

ED freezes Anil Ambani group assets worth £280 million

The Enfo rcement D irectorate

ha s p ro v i s i o n al l y att ac h ed assets valued at approximately

£2 8 0 mi l l i o n (R s 3, 0 34 90 cr or e) b el o n g i n g t o th e Reli an ce Anil Ambani Group as part of a wid en ing money laund erin g i nv estig ation

In a statement released, the central agency confirmed

t h e s e i z u r e o f h i g h - p r o f i l e properties, including a luxury flat in Mumbai’s Usha Kiran building and a farmhouse in Khandala held in the name of

t h

Anshul Ambani

This latest action follows a series of First Information Reports filed by the Central B u r e a u o f I n v e s t i g a

lenders of more than £3 7 billion (₹40,185 crore) I n v e s t i g a t o r s c l a i m t h a t the group utilised a private family entity, the RiseE Trust, to shield personal wealth from bank liabilities and guarantees This newest freeze brings

ASI begins drilling at Konark Sun Temple

T he Archaeological Surv ey of India h as begun drilling a passage into the Jag am ohan of the 13th-century Konark Sun T em ple to rem ove sand that was p acked inside by th e British o ver a century ago

Once a 6×5-foot opening is created through the western wall, the sand will be removed manually

Officials said the project, cleared by the Archaeological Survey of India Director General, is being carried out cautiously to protect the structure and may take up to a year Tests by Indian Institute of Technology Madras found the sand inside remains stable, with diamond drilling being used to minimise vibrations

The Jagamohan of the Konark Sun Temple was filled with sand by the British between 1901 and 1903 to prevent collapse, leaving it inaccessible ever since The main tower has already collapsed, and a similar drilling attempt in the 1950s highlighted damage from water seepage Built in the 13th century by Narasimhadeva I, the temple took around 12 years and 1,200 artisans to complete and remains a major global attraction

Vaishno Devi offerings found laced with toxic metals

A major discrepancy has been uncovered in o fferings at the V aishno Devi Temp le, w here items believed to be silv er were found to contain v ery little of the precious metal

When the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent about 20 tonnes of offerings for testing, only 5-6% was confirmed as silver, with the rest largely made up of cheaper metals like cadmium and iron

The discovery has slashed the estimated value of offerings from Rs 500-550 crore to about Rs 30 crore, with one case yielding only 3 kg of silver from 70 kg of material, highlighting concerns over authenticity The presence of cadmium, banned under Bureau of Indian Standards norms, has raised serious health and environmental risks, forcing mint officials to adopt strict safety measures before processing

Despite repeated warnings to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, no action has been taken The issue is believed to stem from local vendors near the Vaishno Devi Temple selling imitation silver, raising concerns over safety, regulation and trust among devotees

assets in the ongoing probe to nearly £1 8 billion (Rs 19,344 crore) A spokesperson for the group has hit back at the find-

Mumbai and Khandala properties are legacy family assets acquired over forty years ago, while certain other entities operate as independent charitable institutions

While the agency intends

Money Laundering Act, the Ambani family has stated they w i l l f

y c o n t

h e seizure before the adjudicating authority within the legally prescribed timeframe

India’s top landfills listed as global methane hotspots

(UC LA) released

Ind

the world’s top 25 super-p olluting methane sources

Using satellite data from N

researchers found that the

Mumbai are emitting dangerous levels of heat-trapping gas

S

Hyderabad site ranks fourth globally, releasing 5 9 tonnes of methane per hour, while the Mumbai facility sits at twelfth, emitting 4 9 tonnes per hour These figures are

methane is roughly 86 times

dioxide in the short term, contributing to over 45 per cent of recent global warming

This environmental crisis highlights a significant

grounds to manage urban

Project noted that a single site emitting 5 tonnes per hour has a warming impact

SUVs While local authorities in Mumbai are scaling up biomining and gas capture measures, the report serves as a critical call to action ahead of the COP31 climate summit

Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nah yan to discuss

In

,

n g with recent d ev elopments in West A si a and th eir im pact o n regional stability and global energy security

D

ings from Narendra Modi and explored ways to deepen bilateral ties The meet-

Hammad Al Shamsi

designed Vikram-1 as a lowcost launch vehicle, with over 90% of its components made in India and lightweight car-

of

H yderabad by A Revanth R eddy

before launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation The mission will prioritise performance validation, carrying

despite a 350 kg capacity Skyroot plans to scale up to monthly rocket production and launches, aiming to tap into the rapidly growing global space market

S

c e h a

improve efficiency After successfully testing

India may gain from UAE’s OPEC exit, say analysts

The UA E is set to leave OPEC and OPE C+ next month after nearly six decades, saying the mov e will giv e it greater flexibility to meet rising g lobal energy d em and following recent capacity expansions

Analysts say the exit is a significant blow to OPEC that could weaken its influence over global oil supply, though the UAE’s energy minister said it will a l l o w m

decisions The decision stems from

quotas and the UAE’s goal to boost pro-

duction and attract investment amid shifting global energy dynamics

The country, which joined OPEC in 1

remaining, alongside 10 in OPEC+ The move comes amid Middle East tensions

raised prices, according to the World Bank While short-term impacts may be limited, it could enable higher UAE production in the long run

Analysts say increased output from Abu Dhabi could eventually

prices and reducing India’s oil import bill Experts note that for India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, the shift may bring both opportunities and short-term volatility Greater UAE flexibility could support softer prices in the medium term, but also increase uncertainty, making supply diversification and stronger energy ties more important Industry experts also highlight the UAE’s proximity to India as an advantage for future imports, with expecta-

Feeling anxious? Drink up

Even mild dehydration can produce symptoms that feel like anxiety, including a racing heart, dizziness, fatigue and difficulty concentrating

When the body lacks fluids, blood volume drops, forcing the heart to work harder This physical stress response can trigger anxious sensations Staying adequately hydrated helps regulate circulation, energy levels and brain function, reducing these false alarm signals.

SUN, SWEAT AND SUSTENANCE

Fuel your body the right way this summer season

Thearrival of summer brings longer days, warmer weather and a natural shift in how we live, eat and move. But while many focus on sunshine and outdoor plans, nutrition often gets overlooked.

needs change significantly during summer, and getting

between feeling energised and feeling drained O

underestimated elements is

remains the gold standard, hydration is also supported

content; think cucumbers,

yoghurt or a pinch of salt

help maintain balance

The UK is facing

well being Health experts warn that

time are fuelling rising levels of anxiety and depression The problem is not just what people are experiencing, but how slowly they recognise the causes Tak e sle e p Millions of Britons fail to meet the 7–9 hours recommended by the NHS, disrupting the brain’s ability to repair and regulate

s l e e p routines, reduced late-night screen exposure, and limiting

c a f f e i n e i n t a k e a f t e r m i dafternoon can significantly improve emotional stability within weeks

vitamin,” takes centre stage

S p e n d i n g s h o r t p e r i o d s o u

bone health, immunity and

m o o d F o r t h o s e s t i l l lacking, foods like oily fish, e g g s a n d f o r t i f i e d c e r e a l s can provide an additional lift

A s a c t i v i t y l e v e l s increase, so does the body’s n e e d f o r m a gn esi u m and p o t as si u m, m i n e r a l s e s s e n t i a l f o r m u s c l e f u n c t i o n a n d p r e v e n t i n g

f a t i g u e o r c r a m p s L e a f y greens, bananas, nuts and seeds are simple additions

that can keep energy levels stable and support recovery after long walks, workouts or travel Summer diets also tend to lean lighter, making it e a s y t o m i s s o u t o n s u f f i c i e n t p r o t e i n Y e t protein remains crucial for muscle repair, satiety and s u s t a i n e d e n e r g y Incorporating sources such as lentils, chickpeas, paneer, f i s h o r l e a n m e a t s i n t

nourished without feeling heavy

A n ti o xi d an ts b e c o m e especially important during

The mental health reset

D i e t i s a n o t he r

o v e r l o ok e d t r i g g e r U l t r a -

p r o c e s s e d f o

i

a m m a t i o n a n d m o o d disorders While this sounds complex, the fix is practical, s h i f t i n g e v e n 2 0 – 3 0 % o f meals towards whole foods

s u c h a s f r u i t s , v e g e t a b l e s , pulses and healthy fats can

b e g i n r e s t o r i n g b a l a n c e

S m a l l c h a n g e s , s u s t a i n e d over time, matter more than drastic overhauls

P hy s ic a l i n a ct i v it y

c om po un d s t h e i ss ue Without regular movement,

t h e b o d y p r o d u c e s f e w e r

e n d o r p h i n s , t h e n a t u r a l chemicals that help regulate stress The recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise

d o e s n ’ t r e q u i r e a g y m membership; brisk walking, cycling, or even structured

h o m e r o u t i n e s c a n d e l i v e r measurable benefits The key

b a r r i e r i s n o t a c c e s s , b u t consistency

P e r h a p s t h e m o s t

underestimated risk is digital

o v e r co n su mp t i on H o u r s s p e n t s c r o l l i n g t h r o u g h curated social media feeds

c a n d i s t o r t s e l f - p e r c e p t i o n and increase anxiety through

c o n s t a n t c o m p a r i s o n T h e

s o l u t i o n i s n o t t o t a l d i s c o n n e c t i o n , b u t i n t e n t i o n a l u s e : s e t t i n g s c r e e n - t i m e l i m i t s , s c h e d u l i n g “ o f f l i n e h o u r s , ” a n d r e p l a c i n g p a s s i v e s c r o l l i n g w i t h r e a l - w o r l d interaction Even one hour a day away from screens can r e d u c e s t r e s s l e v e l s noticeably F i n a l l y , t h e cu l t

Experts from University

used artificial intelligence to analyse 58,881 posts on X discussing five of the most

Blackpool and Hartlepool Researchers attribute the decline to a combination of poverty, poor housing, rising obesity levels, and the longterm impact of the Covid-19 pandemic More than 90% of areas now have HLE below the state pension age, with some falling under 55 Globally, figures from the

Amitabh Bachchan emphasises physical work at 84

The legendary Indian cinema veteran Amitabh Bachchan shared a poignant reflection on his enduring career and physical health declaring that work remains the essence of life as he enters his 84th year Writing on his personal blog from a film set in Hyderabad, the actor, whose career has spanned over six decades, explained that maintaining a rigorous routine is a biological necessity at his age.

Bachchan is currently filming the highly anticipated sequel to the science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD, following the massive success of the first instalment which grossed over 1,000 crore worldwide He noted that focusing on physical health and professional commitments provides a vital sense of purpose, warning that the absence of work can lead to detrimental emotional states.

This latest update follows a significant milestone in 2025 when the actor hosted the 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, marking a period where he has spent more than a third of his life engaged with the popular game show Despite his status as a global icon, Bachchan remains remarkably humble, describing himself as noncreative compared to his colleagues while highlighting the incredible manufacturing of the human body.

His commitment to the industry remains unwavering, with several projects in development alongside his acclaimed portrayal of Ashwatthama As he continues to travel for various professional engagements, his prolific work ethic serves as a testament to his status as one of India’s most resilient and respected performers, proving that age is no barrier to creative output

Kalki Koechlin reflects on post-divorc healing process

recovery

that she required a prolonged period

total

to rebuild her relationship with ex-husband Anurag Kashyap. Speaking in Mumbai during a recent media engagement, the 42-year-old performer explained how the pair transitioned from their 2015 separation to the healthy friendship they maintain today Koechlin, who rose to fame in Kashyap's 2009 film Dev D before marrying the director in 2011, noted that while professional therapy is a vital long-term tool, it cannot replace the raw necessity of experiencing grief and maintaining physical distance immediately following a marital breakdown She suggested that a rule of thumb involves spending half the duration of the relationship apart to allow the mind to process pain away from the person involved

By implementing these boundaries, the actress managed to navigate the hurtful initial years where seeing her former partner with others proved difficult Koechlin emphasized that space allowed her to stop directing frustration at Kashyap and eventually allowed fond memories to resurface, signaling her readiness to reconnect Since their divorce over a decade ago, both have moved forward significantly, Koechlin announced her pregnancy with partner Guy Hershberg in 2019, welcoming their daughter in 2020 before the couple eventually wed in 2024

conversation around mental health and maturity within the Indian film industry, proving that even high-profile breakups can result in mutual respect through disciplined emotional management

Rasha Thadani

finds fashion inspiration in 90-s glamour

The rising actress Rasha Thadani paid tribute to her mother's iconic style revealing that her personal wardrobe is heavily influenced by the unbeatable aesthetic of nineties Bollywood Speaking at a fashion event in Mumbai to unveil the latest ALDO collection, the 21-year-old daughter of veteran star Raveena Tandon and film distributor Anil Thadani explained how she balances Gen Z trends with vintage nostalgia

Thadani highlighted her mother’s memorable looks in films such as Sheher Ki Ladki and Akhiyon Se Goli Maare as being particularly definitive for her own style evolution Despite her growing public profile, she maintains that her core fashion philosophy remains rooted in an effortless and comfort-first approach, often opting for

glamour

Having grown up immersed in the industry’s aesthetic history, Thadani noted that the hair and makeup choices of nineties leading ladies continue to set a standard that remains unmatched today She credits her mother for instilling a sense of individuality, stating that while she enjoys observing current trends, it is vital to stay grounded in one's own personality

This public appearance comes as Thadani prepares for her own highly anticipated Bollywood debut, following in the footsteps of her mother who dominated the silver screen throughout the 1990s By blending high-street comfort with the dramatic flair of her heritage, the young starlet is carving a niche that resonates with both modern youth and those nostalgic for India’s golden era of cinema

Deepika

Padukone’s pregnancy won’t affect her role in Raaka

The production team of the upcoming cinematic magnum opus Raaka dismissed speculation confirming that Deepika Padukone’s second pregnancy will not lead to a reduction in her screen time. Following the 40-year-old actress's announcement on April 19 that she and husband Ranveer Singh are expecting their second child, rumours circulated online suggesting her role alongside Allu Arjun might be trimmed or altered

However, insiders at Sun Pictures clarified that the 2027 release remains o

currently filming high-octane action sequences The team emphasised that the shoot is unfolding seamlessly with all necessary medical precautions in

throughout her term

T

p fessional schedule follows

period o

recently exited high-profile projects S

it and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel due to disagreements over working conditions, including her request for e ht-hour shifts Directed by Atlee,

collaboration for the actress, who is also set to appear in the thriller King this Christmas Industry peers, including Kangana

arguing that established stars have earned the right to negotiate

motherhood As filming continues in New Delhi and across other locations, th project remains one of the most anticipated releases in Indian cinema, bolstered by the announcement of Allu Arjun’s striking bald avatar for the titular role

Trisha sparks viral frenzy with subtle election post

Theactress Trisha Krishnan ignited a massive social media debate after sharing a cryptic Instagram post following her participation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections While casting her vote at a polling station in Chennai alongside her mother, Uma, the 42-year-old star initially offered standard encouragement to the public, urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights. However, the atmosphere shifted when she uploaded a photo of her inked finger set to the track "Arjunar Villu" from her landmark 2004 film Ghilli Given that her long-time co-star Vijay was appearing on the ballot for the first time with his new political party, fans immediately interpreted the choice of background music as a coded endorsement of his candidacy

The ‘Ghilli’ pairing remains one of the most iconic in Kollywood history, spanning several blockbusters including Thirupaachi and their 2023 reunion in Leo. This digital frenzy occurs amidst heightened public scrutiny of the duo, following recent viral footage of them attending a wedding together shortly after Vijay’s high-profile divorce proceedings began

While Trisha offered no official caption to explain the musical choice, the "Arjunar Villu" reference led thousands of users to flood her comments with theories regarding her political leanings As other industry heavyweights like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan also cast their votes throughout the day, Trisha’s subtle nod ensured she remained the most discussed figure of the election cycle, blending cinematic nostalgia with the high stakes of state politics

Malavika Mohanan opens up about emotional toll of loneliness

he emotional challenges of high-profile stardom were laid bare as actress Malavika Mohanan candidly discussed her recent struggles with isolation during a fan action. Responding to an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Instagram from her home in hi, the 32-year-old performer revealed that she reached a very low space while filming in Chennai last month.

Despite a career spanning 13 years and 13 films across various Indian languages, Mohanan explained that the reality of living in hotel rooms for prolonged periods away from her family often results in profound loneliness She confessed to her followers that the lack of a personal support system to talk to at the end of a working day recently led her to tears, highlighting that even successful actors are not immune to the psychological pressures of life on the road

The Malayali actress, who made her professional debut in the 2013 film ‘Pattam Pole’, is currently balancing a demanding schedule with several major projects awaiting release She recently wrapped production on the Telugu fantasy horror comedy The Raja Saab alongside superstar Prabhas and is now collaborating with Vijay Sethupathi on the Tamil feature Pocket Novel, directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja Additionally, fans are awaiting the release of Sardar 2, which completed filming in June 2025 By sharing these intimate details of her mental wellbeing, Mohanan joins a growing number of industry figures addressing the importance of work-life balance and the hidden emotional costs of maintaining a multi-lingual cinematic career in the modern era

Priyanka Mohan meets Korean President at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Indian film star Priyanka Mohan attended a prestigious state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 20, marking a significant milestone for her career and cross-cultural diplomacy President Droupadi Murmu hosted the grand dinner in honour of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during his official three-day visit to India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also in attendance

Mohan was invited as a special representative of the Indian film industry following the global success of her Netflix film

Made in Korea The actress described the fourand-a-half-hour event as a surreal experience, particularly when President Lee Jae-myung and his wife, Kim Hea-kyung, personally recognised her and praised her performance in the Tamillanguage drama

The film, which trended in 54 countries and reached the top spot globally in the non-English category, follows the story of a young woman who relocates to Seoul to follow her dreams Mohan’s participation at the banquet highlights the growing soft power of regional cinema in strengthening international relations Beyond her interaction with the South Korean delegation, the actress also met with MP Shashi Tharoor, who shared images of the evening on social media

Reflecting on the accomplishment on Instagram, Mohan shared an emotional post stating that the little girl in her felt a deep sense of pride Since the highprofile meeting, viewership for Made in Korea has surged on streaming platforms, further solidifying Mohan's position as a rising international talent

Sai Abhyankkar replaces AR Rahman in ‘Karuppu’

The emerging music composer Sai Abhyankkar addressed the significant transition in the production of the upcoming Tamil film Karuppu clarifying that legendary musician A R Rahman was absolutely fine with being replaced Directed by RJ Balaji and starring Suriya, the film originally featured Rahman’s name on its promotional posters, sparking intense curiosity among fans when Abhyankkar was later announced as the lead composer

Speaking in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Abhyankkar revealed that he personally contacted the Oscar-winning maestro to seek his blessings and ensure there was no animosity before accepting the prestigious assignment While he admitted to initial confusion regarding the sudden change, Abhyankkar expressed a profound sense of responsibility to deliver for the rural action entertainer, which is scheduled for a worldwide release on 14 May 2026

T h e p

p u h a s generated substantial buzz due to its high-profile cast, including Trisha and Yogi Babu, alongside its shift in musical direction Abhyankkar, whose recent track Pavizha Malli has been trending

working on a project of this scale as a major career advancement

He praised Rahman’s God aura and generosity, noting that the senior composer ’ s calm nature served as a significant inspiration during the transition

As the film moves towards its premiere, the focus remains on Abhyankkar’s ability to match the mass appeal of Suriya’s character with a fresh sonic landscape With the full support of the director and the leading man, the young musician is set to prove that he can meet the high expectations traditionally reserved for industry veterans

Shekhar Suman opens new film academy in Mumbai

The veteran actor and presenter Shekhar Suman launched the Shekhar Suman Film Academy in Mumbai marking a significant transition into educational leadership for the industry veteran Aimed at training the next generation of performers, the institute begins its operations with an intensive three-month acting programme meticulously designed by Suman himself

T h e c o u r s e , w h i c h requires no prior experience f r o m a p p

building, the Linklater Voice

M

discipline, culminating in the production of a student film Suman, whose career spans four decades from his 1984 debut in Utsav to his recent r o l e i n H

e r a m a n d i , described the academy as a personal way of giving back to the craft

Managed under the GBM Studios umbrella, the project sees Suman's son, Adhyayan Suman, taking on the role of f o u n d e r a n

e c t o

a l o n g s i d e v i s i o n a r y Dharmesh Sangani While the academy currently focuses on p e r f o r m a n c e , t h e r e a r e confirmed plans to expand i n t o c i n e m a t o

p r o d u c t i o n i n t h e c o m i n g years

Applicants must undergo a basic self-audition process

t

masterclasses, which will also feature guest sessions from p

Shakers, has appeared in 35 films and intends to oversee every detail of the students

venture solidifies the Suman f a

navigate the complexities of modern media

Priyanka Chopra Jonas to receive Global Vanguard Honour

uperstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set t the fifth annual Gold Gala on May 9, the prestigious Global Vanguard ganised by the non-profit collective place at The Music Centre in s under the theme "A New Gold

cognises the actress’s remarkable 25which she successfully transitioned figure in Bollywood to becoming a Hollywood Joining her on the 2026 matic legends such as Jet Li, who will end Honour, and Marvel star Simu ar's Gold Mogul as a definitive global convening for ticultural leaders, bringing together a l f i g u

, logy Priyanka’s recognition follows er career, having recently produced Prime Video action-adventure The ruary 2026, and the thriller Heads of o 2027, the actress is prepared for a an cinema in S S Rajamouli’s highly ranasi Starring alongside Mahesh Sukumaran, she will portray the ni in a tale that reportedly spans As the Gold Gala celebrates her egacy, Chopra Jonas continues to en eastern and western storytelling o

urple Pebble Pictures

Dhurandhar becomes highest grossing Indian film in the UK

The action thriller Dhurandhar:

The Revenge scripted history by becoming the highest-grossing Indian film ever in the United Kingdom Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, the sequel amassed a staggering £4 388 million within just 34 days of its theatrical release, officially overtaking the record previously held by the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan, which had a lifetime haul of £4.380 million.

The film’s dominant performance during its fifth week in British cinemas has stunned trade analysts, signaling a significant shift in a market traditionally dominated

by the Khans of Bollywood Beyond its success in the UK, the spy-thriller has also emerged as the top-grossing Indian production in Australia and Canada, highlighting a growing international appetite for high-octane Indian patriotic cinema

On a global scale, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has already climbed to approximately £157 4 million ( 1,766 crore) in total earnings, with nearly £120 million coming from the domestic Indian market alone This historic run has seen the film surpass other major hits such as Pushpa 2: The Rule and Jawan, leaving it

trailing only behind Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and Dangal on the all-time worldwide list

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film follows the transformation of an undercover agent into a formidable force within the criminal underworld of Karachi With streaming rights already acquired by JioHotstar for a reported 150 crore, the film’s financial legacy is secure As it continues its theatrical run, industry experts are watching closely to see if it can eventually challenge the 1,800 crore milestone before moving to digital platforms in early June

Rihanna makes surprise return to Mumbai

The global pop sensation Rihanna made a glamorous return to India, arriving at Mumbai’s private airport to attend a high-profile promotional event for her cosmetics empire Dressed in an elegant all-black ensemble, the nine-time Grammy winner was greeted by a frenzy of local photographers whom she warmly acknowledged with waves and flying kisses.

R i h a

city primarily to host ‘Fenty Beauty Ki Haveli’,

bespoke

inclusive product range to the Indian market This surprise

across

media as fans speculated whether she would be attending another lavish celebration T

performance debut in March

festivities of Anant Ambani

magnitude of their achievement

For many, the marathon was about far more than personal milestones

M e m b e r s o f t h e B r i t i s h A s i a n c o m m u n i t y w e r e a m o n g t h o s e r u n n i n g w i

ones and inspiring others

Mann y Singh Kan g, 52, dubbed his challenge “Manny’s Marathon Madness,” pushing the limits by w a l k i n g 2 0 9 k m f r o m Wolverhampton to London before r u n n i n g t h e m a r a t h o n i t s e l f , w i t h

£ 3 2 5 , 0 0 0 f o r D e m e n t i a U K , s u p p o r t i n g f a m i l i e s a f f e c t e d b y Alzheimer’s and other conditions

Reflecting on his effort, he said, “The energy inside us all is the same using it means we do justice to the human life we have been given ” Krisha n Thak rar ran in support of the British Heart Foundation, a cause deeply personal to him after surviving a serious heart condition in infancy

Equally inspiring was the story of Minre et Ka ur a nd her mother, 75 - y e a r -o l d Pr i t p a l A f t e r b e i n g forced to withdraw from the 2023

r a c e a n d l a t e r b a t t l i n g b l o o d cancer, Pritpal returned stronger Together, they ran to raise funds for Asian Women Run, determined t o e m p o w e r m o r e S o u t h A s i a n women to embrace fitness

British Asian stories of purpose define London Marathon 2026

London marathon glory for runner who completed 50 half marathons at 50

When Nil esh Sol anki turned 50 last April, he decided not to mark the milestone quietly Instead, he

s e t h i m s e l f a n e x t r a o r d i n a r y challenge: 50 half marathons in 50

w e e k s W h a t b e g a n a s a b o l d personal goal quickly evolved into a g l o b a l j o

, discipline, and purpose

His journey reached a grand finale at the London Marathon, his third time running the iconic race, where he also completed his 50th half marathon, bringing his yearl o n g c h a l l e n

close

Running, however, was only p a r t o f t h e s t o r y S o l a n k i undertook this challenge to raise funds for two causes close to his heart: Sewa UK, which supports

L e p r a U K , w h i c h w o r k s t o eradicate leprosy and rebuild lives in India His efforts have helped support children with disabilities, provide education for tribal girls in Rajasthan, and restore dignity to families affected by stigma and poverty

R e f l e c t i n g o n f

London Marathon, he described the moment as “surreal ”

“When you put your mind over m a t t e

n d remain focused, you realise you can achieve almost anything,” he said

The idea itself, he recalls, was b o r n u n

birthday What followed was a year

described the exhibition as

British Asian communities, from grassroots clubs to the international game

The exhibition has been c

generations MCC officials

of strict discipline, constant travel,

Whether in India, South Africa, or e

n g remained part of his routine

Behind the scenes, his family played a vital role His wife Hina and children Simran and Vedant

helping him balance training with daily life

For Solanki, the journey was r

fortunate in life, and there are many who are less so, ” he said, emphasising his commitment to giving back through Seva UK and Lepra UK

His advice to others is simple but powerful: find your purpose, s

body, and surround yourself with

“ T a k e o n a challenge, whatever it may be, and commit to making it happen ”

The man behind a legend returns

This year ’ s London Marathon was never going to be just another r a c e f o r H a r ma n d e r S in g h

2 n d marathon of his career, the 2026

r u n c a r r i e d a d e e p e r e m o t i o n a l weight it was his first since the passing of Fauja Singh BEM, the man he coached, mentored and ran alongside for over two decades

“I have nothing left to prove, ” Harmander says “I just wanted to dedicate it to him ”

“It was entirely about him and what he represented,” he reflects

overlooked history of British

Kidambi noted the aim

tribute to communities that shaped the game from local parks to the highest level

“At his age, what he achieved was extraordinary Even now, there are runners much younger who cannot match what he did ” A l o n g s i d e h i s o w n r u n , H a r m a n d e r a l s o c a r r i e d t h e responsibility of training eight new p a r t i c i p a n t s f o r t h i s y e

marathon, continuing a lifelong c o m

g runners of all abilities It is a role he has upheld for decades, not from t h e s i d e l i n e s , b u

g alongside those he trains But this year ’ s marathon was also about building something lasting H

London

Kidambi of the University of Leicester and Dr Amerdeep Panesar of the ECB, drawing o n r e s e a r c h i n t o t h e

platform of the London Marathon to raise funds for the Fauja Singh B E M C l u b h o u s e , a p e r m a n e n t community space planned along the very route where the pair once trained Led by his charity, Sikhs in the City, the project aims to create a hub for health, wellbeing and c o m m u n

The vision is both practical and symbolic For Harmander, the idea has been years in the making “We never had a base,” he explains “We trained on the streets, leaving our water bottles on walls This was the case even when Fauja joined ”

including planning challenges and

However, rising costs have pushed

Harmander’s fundraising reflects the depth of his connection to Fauja £1 for every metre he ran

totalling £379,755 His minimum

number of days they knew each other

Donors contributing £114, one pound for each year of Fauja’s life, will have their names permanently displayed within the clubhouse

Yet beyond the numbers and the milestones lies a legacy that cannot be measured so easily

Harmander and Fauja Singh

and endurance

Fauja went on to complete nine marathons between the ages of 89 and 101, becoming

possibility

Bal dev Singh Bains, 80, also ran the marathon for the same cause

Multiple world records set

moments in sporting history Sabastian Sawe became the first man to run a subtwo-hour marathon in a competitive race, while Tigst Assefa successfully defended her title, breaking her own women-only world record with a time of 2:15:41 In an u

finished under 2:16 in a single race for the first time in the sport’s history

The event also saw a surge of recordb r e a k i n

n d

l i t

racing A total of 38 Guinness World Records titles were set from 71 attempts, including Archie Hunt, who recorded the fastest marathon dressed as a book character (male) in 2:27:41, and Chelsea Grogan, who set the fastest marathon time for a woman with multiple sclerosis at 2:59:32

Former Eng land cricket star

M o n ty P an es ar h as surprised fans by returning to a c ti o n f o r v i l lag e s i d e Pelsall Cricket Club, d espite h a v i ng ret i red f ro m professional cricket

T h e 4 3 - y e a r - o l d A s h e s winner joined the team in t h e S o u t h S t a f f o r d s h i r e League after being invited v i a I n s t a g r a m b y c a p t a i n Danny Pennell, responding simply: “Yeah, why not?”

H e m a d e h i s d e b u t a g a i n s t W o m b o u r n e b u t couldn’t prevent a 48-run defeat Panesar said he was p l e a s e d w i t h h i s b o w l i n g and still enjoys the game, adding that after nearly 28 years in senior cricket, he

c o n t i n u e s t o p l a y f o r “ c o m p e t i t i o n a n d camaraderie ”

P a n e s a r s a i d h e i s e n j o y i n g c l u b c r i c k e t a n d j o k e d t h a t i f p l a y e r s l i k e J i m m y A n d e r s o n c a n s t i l l play, he can too He also said he had considered Celebrity Traitors but missed out