AV 31st January 2026

Republic Day Parade showcases India’s excellence

Home Secretary sets out plans for ‘British FBI’ and tougher police response targets

A ne w Nat io n al Po li c e

S erv ice (NPS) will be create d to take ch a rg e o f

c o u nt er- te rro ri s m , fra u d and organised crime, under sw eeping reform s to polici ng anno unced by Hom e

S e c reta r y S h ab an a M ah mood

The move is intended to free local forces to focus on ever yday offences such as shoplifting and phone theft, which she says too

o f t e n g o u n p u n i s h e d

Sp e a k i n g t o t h e B B C ,

M a h m o o d d e s c r i b e d t h e proposed NPS as a “British FBI”, insisting the overhaul

i s “ a b s olu t e ly n o t ” a b o u t c u t t i n g c o s t s b u t a b o

r

England and Wales to meet modern threats She said

t h e c u r r e n t s y s t e m w a s “broken” and no longer f it for purpose

Un d

functions of national and r e g

Crime Agency and regional

would be consolidated into a single organisation The n e w Na

Po

i c i n g Ser vice (NPS) would also procure advanced technology, such as facial recogni-

tion, for all forces, operate across England and Wales with UK-wide reach, and set national standards for policing and training

A national police commissioner would ser ve as the countr y ’ s most senior police chief The proposals are part of wider reforms,

from 43 to around 12

mega

licensing system for off icers, and giving ministers greater powers to inter vene where leadership is failing New 999 response-time targets would require off icers to reach urban calls within 15 minutes and rural c

able to deploy experts from high-performing forces if benchmarks are missed

Nigel Farage apologises for 17 code breaches

Nigel Farag e has ap olog ised for 17 breaches of the MPs’ cod e o f conduct after failing

t o d ec l are £ 3 8 0 , 0 0 0 o f income on tim e, describing h imself as an “od dball” who d oes not u se comp uters

The Reform UK leader

a n d C l a c t o n M P s a i d h e relied on a senior staff member to submit the income to the register of interests but accepted full responsibility fo r t h

g h t He a

Reform UK expanded fol-

e l e c t i o n , adding that the undeclared

interests included his broadcasting work for GB News and social media payments from Google and X Fa r a g e , t h e h i g h e s t -

a r n i n g M P, p r

y admitted failing to register a trip to Florida for a $500-ahead Republican fundraisi n g d i n n e r

D

n a l d Tr u m p He

n

i s t e d t h e re was no intent to mislead and that he did not prof it from b e i n g a n M P, s a y i n g h i s earnings were “because I am Nigel Farage ” Standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg found the b r e a c h e s w e r e n u m e r o u s a n d o f h i g h v a l u e b u t accepted they were inadvertent

China allegedly ‘hacked’ senior UK PM aides

C h i n a i s a ll e ge d t o h av e hacked the mobile phones of aides to several UK prime m i n is t ers , a cc or di n g to a report by The Telegraph

T h e c l a i m s c o m e a s

P r i m e M i n i s t e r Ke i r Starmer visits China from 28 to 31 Januar y, seeking to ease tensions and promote

t r a d e a n d i n v e s t m e n t Starmer is expected to meet

P r e s i d e n t X i Ji n p i n g a n d w i l l b e a c c o m p a n i e d b y

B u s i n e s s S e c r e t a r y Pe t e r Ky l e a n d a d e l e g a t i o n o f corporate leaders, aiming to secure greater access for UK f inancial ser vices, technology, cars, and Scotch whisky

T h e Te l e g r a p h r e p o r t said the operation, allegedly codenamed Salt Typhoon, t a r g e t e d s

B o r i s Joh n s o n , L i z Tr u s s , and Rishi Sunak between 2021 and 2024 While it is

£373k for Sunak’s AI advisory role

Rishi Sunak’s new role w i th a C ali fo

iabased A I com pany is w

h £ 3 7 3 , 0 0 0 , acco rding to the latest register of MPs’ f inancial interests

The former prime minister is working as

start-up Anthropic He took on the 12-month role in September and will dedicate just 70 hours to the position Sunak will donate his earnings to The Richmond Project, a charity he and his wife Akshata Murty founded to improve numeracy skills across all ages

His remuneration includes 3,547 shares, valued at £373,000 Since leaving Downing Street after the 2024 general election, Sunak has also taken roles with Stanford University, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft

He writes a column for the Sunday Times a

engagements in the US, India, and South Ko

income

Delayed local elections could push up council taxes

Dozens of p arish and tow n councils may face hig her local taxes after Labour postponed elections for 29 district and cou nty councils representing 4 5 mi llion v o ters , m i ni sters have been warned

The delay, intended to free up time and resources for a major local government reorganisation, means lower-tier parish elections will still go ahead, but the costs, usually covered by higher-tier councils, may fall on parish precepts

T h e Na

unclear whether the prime ministers’ personal devices were affected , the breach r

d “ r i g h t into the heart of Downing Street ” MI5 issued an espionage

a l e r t t o Pa r

No

f Chinese cyber threats Last month, the UK sanctioned two Chinese tech f irms for “ r e c k l e s s a n d i n d i s c r i

nate cyberattacks ”

Councils (Nalc) said the move could create a “signif icant and unanticipated f inancial burden,” with councils already f inalising budgets and under pressure to limit precept increases Parish councils manage ser vices such as street lighting, parks, allotments, and cemeteries

The government said the postponements a re n

implement a new unitar y system, with some councils combining under directly elected mayors Five thousand councillor positions will be abolished Current councillors will remain in place where elections are cancelled

Communities Secretar y Steve Reed said the reform is “once-in-a-generation,” but o

Commission have criticised the decision

Business Centre, 429-433 Pinner Road, North Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4HN

I N B R I E F BRITAIN’S DEEP POVERTY

RISES

Poverty in Britain has worsened, with around 6 8 million people now living in “very deep poverty,” the highest level in 30 years according to a Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF ) report Very deep poverty affects households with income below 40% of the UK median around £16 400 a year for a couple with two children Child poverty has also risen for the third consecutive year reaching 4 5 million The JRF welcomed the scrapping of the two - child welfare cap but warned further measures are needed, as children, disabled people, and certain minority communities remain disproportionately affected

ENERGY TYCOON CASHES IN WIND

Billionaire Royal Mail owner Daniel Kretinsky took a £320m dividend from his UK power business, EP UK Investments, after the firm earned tens of millions from wasted wind energy The payout, up from £50m in 2023, follows £92m made through “curtailment, where wind turbines are switched off due to grid congestion EP UK, which owns stakes in several power stations and trades energy contracts, is among companies paid to fire up gas plants when wind farms are idle, a practice critic s warn is driving up costs

HEATHROW SCRAPS LIQUID LIMIT

Passengers at Heathrow, Britain s busiest airport, can now leave liquids in containers up to two litres in their bags when passing through security, following the full rollout of new high-tech CT scanners Electronic s, including laptops, can also remain in luggage, and clear plastic bags for liquids are no longer required Heathrow says it is now the largest airport in the world to have the scanners fully installed across all terminals However Heathrow is not the UK’s first to adopt the technology Gatwick Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have already upgraded to the scanners in recent years also allowing liquids up to two litres

LEGACY ACT CLAUSE REMOVED

MPs have voted to remove a controversial measure from the previous Conservative government s legacy act that granted conditional immunity from prosecution for Troubles- era crimes MPs also backed scrapping the bar on future legacy compensation claims The Labour government is repealing the old act and introducing new legislation, including a legacy commission evolving from the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), with independent oversight Protections for veterans including safeguards in old age are included

(BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt Ltd 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp Jain Derasar, Nr Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380 015

Voters are the king makers

The UK's political situation has attracted ridicule globally In 2024, Labour’s overwhelming victory brought expectations of stability and continuity However, after several clear reversals on campaign promises, the party now faces internal divisions over the decision to block Andy Burnham’s by-election candidacy a predicament not unlike what the Conservatives experienced prior to 2024

Labour MPs have written to the prime minister to express their unhappiness with the move preventing Burnham from returning to parliament Meanwhile, a Sky News poll indicates that Starmer remains the most popular leader within the party The cost associated with holding a mayoral re-election is cited as the main reason f o r s t o p p i n g

, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to use public funds to establish a “British FBI,” even though MI5 and MI6 have kept the country secure for many years

The Conservative Party has come under criticism following its assertion that Suella Braverman left to join Reform UK due to “mental health” concerns After months of speculation, the former home secretary officially joined Nigel Farage’s party, making her the third Conservative MP to defect in just over a week Upon her departure, Braverman launched a strong critique of her former party, stating at a press conference that she had felt “politically homeless” for two years and that many Conservative promises particularly regarding Brexit and immigration had been broken Critics were quick to highlight that, as Brexit minister, home secretary, and attorney general, Braverman herself had played a significant role in shaping those very policies

The fact is immigration, Brexit and British FBI aren’t r

Economist of this week has pointed out that economy could become the main issue at the next election, overtaking immigration When immigration is a big concern, Reform gains support; when the economy is a priority, the Tories benefit Many voters are disillusioned with Labour’s left-wing policies YouGov polling shows that the number of people who believe the government taxes and spends too much has risen from about 28% before Labour came to power, to almost 43% now Furthermore, the British Social Attitudes survey found support for cutting taxes and spending at its highest level since 1983

The article and accompanying survey also indicate that Reform is not optimally positioned to capitalise on the current circumstances The party's voter base generally has lower incomes than those of other parties, result-

Furthermore, securing a parliamentary majority would require winning a significant number of working-class constituencies in northern England from Labour These considerations complicate Reform's advocacy for substantial reductions in government spending Among opposition parties, only the Liberal Democrats, aside from the Conservatives, possess the potential to critique Labour from a right-leaning viewpoint; however, they have so far shown neither the capacity nor the intent to pursue this approach

Although Suella Braverman's move appears primarily motivated by personal ambition, it would be premature to assume for anyone that the Conservative Party's era has ended simply because three prominent MPs have defected to Reform UK or Andy Burnham could not become the Labour Prime Minister! Ultimately, the outcome of any election is determined by the electorate, and they cannot be indefinitely underestimated or misled

Highlighting India's democratic values, resilience and unity

The Republic Day parade, held annually on 26 January, occupies a significant position in the history of independent India Conducted on Rajpath now known as Kartavya Path, the parade serves as a prominent representation of India’s democratic ideals Since adopting its Constitution on 26 January 1950, the nation has been governed and administered by its provisions for 77 years The parade showcases India’s commitment to democracy, military capabilities, scientific a d v a n

community (see p1 and p6 for further details)

I

underscores that the nation is governed by laws established by representatives elected by its citizens Through this significant event, the country demonstrates its commitment to constitutional principles and values, including freedom of expression, justice, and equality

I n d i a ’ s R e p u b l i c D

strength and readiness of its armed forces, affirming the nation’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty This event reassures citizens that India’s borders remain secure and demonstrates, through the involvement of paramilitary forces, police, and other agencies, the country’s strong internal security

diversity With each State and Union Territory displaying its distinct traditions, festivals, and achievements, the event p r o m o t e s s

encouraging appreciation for the country’s many cultures Republic Day celebrations inspire citizens to feel patriotic and encourage young people to honour national symbols, support constitutional values, and take part in the nation’s progress

This year too India showcased an impressive array of m

formed units, and advanced weapon systems featured in Operation Sindoor

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and

Commission, attended the festivities as chief guests The event, held at Kartavya Path, the central boulevard in the nation’s capital, highlighted the theme of ‘Vande Mataram’ commemorating its 150-year legacy

Republic Day parade is more than just a celebration It demonstrates India's strong democratic roots to the world

The nation stays united in its diversity and stands ready to defend its borders against any threats

Has Trump's influence overshadowed UK–US relations?

Recent statements and actions by US President Donald Trump on issues like Greenland, the Chagos Islands, and NATO’s presence in Afghanistan have put strain on the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States His often blunt and sometimes dismissive attitude toward the UK and other countries has impacted a partnership that has endured for decades

Traditionally, the UK and US have enjoyed a close alliance built on shared history, language, democratic values, and ongoing cooperation in security and trade In recent years, especially following Trump’s return to office, t h e s e c o n n e c t i o n s h a v e w e a k e n e d B y p r i o r i t i s i n g American interests, Trump has taken a hardline, transactional approach, treating the UK as he would any other nation

These tensions have raised questions about whether the historic partnership between the UK and the US is now at a critical juncture Trump’s conciliatory stance toward Vladimir Putin regarding the Russia–Ukraine conflict, his opposition to the UK’s Chagos Islands agreement, threatening rhetoric concerning Greenland, and confrontational approach to NATO have all contributed to the strains in the UK–US relationship The complexities of Brexit have only added to the challenge Although the UK left the European Union with hopes of deepening its ties to the US, it has found itself in an increasingly awkward diplomatic posi-

tion Trump imposed tariffs and pursued trade deals on terms favourable to the United States, while the US has moved closer to agreements with the EU This shift has diminished Britain’s influence in Washington, making it clear that the UK is no longer seen as America’s preferred partner

Though defence cooperation between the two countries remains robust for now, Trump’s policies are causing friction within NATO He has pushed the UK and other allies to raise their defence budgets, even as Britain grapples with economic difficulties As this pressure builds, there are growing concerns about whether long-term military collaboration can continue The lack of a strong US stance against Russian aggression further erodes trust between London and Washington

Overall, the UK–US alliance is under significant stress While it would be overreaching to claim the relationship will collapse, the current challenges are undeniable The US, under Trump’s leadership, is stepping back from global institutions, a move that is negatively affecting its relations with the UK Even with their deep historical ties, recent developments illustrate that enduring partnerships require continual effort, renewal, and mutual respect qualities that seem lacking at present As UK–US relations reach a pivotal moment, carefully considered diplomacy will be essential to restore and strengthen their connection

Thought for the week

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire ” – In dian p rover b

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

Trump’s Lies about India and Lies About UK in War –It’s His Playbook

Does Prime Minister Modi’s strategy of strategic autonomy and refusal to ‘bend the knee’ offer a more effective model of middle-power diplomacy than the UK’s alliance-dependent approach, as illustrated by contrasting treatment from U S leaders?

Strategic Autonomy and Alliance Dependence: Two Models of Middle-Power Diplomacy

In international relations theory, middle powers face a perennial dilemma: align closely with a hegemon to maximise security, or retain autonomy to preserve flexibility and status The UK has traditionally chosen the former, embedding itself deeply within U S -led institutions, intelligence networks, and military coalitions This strategy delivered influence during the Cold War and immediate post-Cold War period, when U S leadership was stable and institutionalised

India’s approach has been different Rooted in nonalignment and adapted for a multipolar world, Modi’s strategic autonomy does not reject partnership with the U S , but resists subordination to it India cooperates where interests converge (Quad, defence technology, I

positions on Russia, trade, and regional security

Transactional Great-P ower Politics and the Cost of Depend ence

The Trump era revealed the vulnerabilities of alliance dependence Trump repeatedly questioned NATO allies’ military value and publicly criticised the UK’s role in Afghanistan, implying a lack of sacrifice by British forces

These remarks were factually contested but politically damaging Britain’s deep alignment meant it had limited scope to challenge the narrative forcefully without appearing disloyal

By contrast, when Trump made provocative claims about India, including exaggerated or false assertions about military engagements over Operation Sindoor –lying about Indian losses, as he did lie about British losses in Afghanistan, New Delhi responded with firm denial and strategic silence rather than public deference India’s posture allowed it to contest the narrative without jeopardising a formal alliance because no alliance hierarchy existed to violate

Narrative Sovereignty and Diplom atic Dig nity

Britain’s alliance-centric identity, by contrast, ties prestige to proximity When affirmation is withheld, humiliation follows The UK’s inability to publicly rebut Trump’s Afghanistan remarks without risking alliance optics illustrates how dependence can undermine dignity even when material cooperation remains strong Mid dle P owers in a Multip olar World

The contemporary shift toward multipolarity weakens the protective value of rigid alliances Power is diffused, institutions are contested, and leaders are less constrained by diplomatic norms In such a system, flexibility becomes a strategic asset

India’s model aligns well with this reality It hedges across relationships, avoids entrapment, and maintains credibility with multiple blocs The UK’s model, by contrast, remains anchored to a unipolar memory that no longer exists

This does not mean Britain should abandon alliances, but that it must recalibrate from dependence to selective alignment Strategic autonomy, properly understood, is not anti-alliance; it is anti-subordination India got it right

Allegations of favouritism and misogyny in Birmingham Council

S h ab i na B an o

councillor in Birmingham, has spoken to T he Times

ab o u t h er ex p eri en c e o f what she d escribes as po litical pressure and exclusion within the co uncil

P

B a n o , w h o i

itage, told the newspaper

s h e w a s e n c o u r a g e d t o stand for election in 2022

that her expertise in com-

m

health, and special education needs would be valued She said that after she did not support councillor Waseem Zaffar in a council leadership vote, she experienced what she describes as ostracism, bullying, and an

o n l i n e s m e a r c

m p

i g n Bano suggested that some of the treatment she faced may have been linked to her gender S

have said her account high-

council, which has faced infighting and governance difficulties since declaring bankruptcy three years ago

Midlands branch said it did

account An internal investigation reportedly found “ no evidence to substanti-

Zaffar told The Times he did not personally pressure Bano and did not instruct anyone to lobby councillors or demand commitments

campaigning and interac-

challenging environment

Parents advocate genetic tests after son’s death

A Leicester co up le, Priya and A bh is h e k P a nc h o l i, a r e enco uraging parents to take p ar t in ne w b o

s

Aarav died from s pinal m usc ular atro phy (SMA) s ho

S

y af ter his first birth day

A a r

healthy pregnancy, but began showing signs of poor weight gain at eight weeks Despite repeated concerns, his parents were reassured by doctors that everything was fine He was diagnosed with SMA at six months, too late for treatment to slow the disease, which progressively affected his muscles and breathing

, now offered at Nottingham

U

H

N H S

Trust, tests for more than 200 rare genetic conditions at birth and could allow earlier interventions Priya said the

screening might have saved

the moment you get a posi-

child will experience Losing that future is devastating ”

Bradford mosques blend fitness and community

M o sq u es i n Br ad f o rd a re r ei m ag in i ng t h ei r r ol e a s com munity hu bs by hosting w eek ly p il ate s cl as se s fo r m en, c o m b in i ng p h ys i c al f i tne s s, m en tal w el lb ei ng , and social connectio n in a familiar spiritual setting

A t J a m i a U s m a n i a mosque, sessions are held shortly after midday prayers

R a t h e r t h a n g o i n g h o m e , m o s t l y r e t i r e d m e n h e a d downstairs for a 45-minute pilates class on the mosque ’ s carpet The initiative, which b e g a n a t t h r e e l o c a l

mosques, gained attention after a TikTok video promoting it went viral, reaching nearly two million views

CHANGE OF NAME

I, TRILOCHAN SINGH, formerly known as TRILOCHAN, SON of Tarsem Singh, resident of 57 Belmont Road, Reading, RG30 2UT, United Kingdom, declare that I have changed my name from TRILOCHAN to TRILOCHAN SINGH. Henceforth, I shall be known as TRILOCHAN SINGH for all purposes.

Place- 57 Belmont Road, Reading, RG30 2UT, United Kingdom | Date- 16/1/2026

Bradford Royal Infirmary porter shortlisted for national award

A m em ber of the po rteri ng tea m at Br ad f o rd R oy al I nf i rm a ry ( BR I) has been shortlisted for a p r es ti g i o u s n ati o n al award in recognition of his “outstand ing contributio n ” to p atient experience

Mo Jawad was nominated for a MyPorter

Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for excelling in a new role as a resource allocator Introduced in 2024, the role ensures porters are efficiently assigned to patient and non-patient transfers, helping to improve patient care across the hospital

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received nationally, with only a select few making the shortlist across the awards’ four categories Bradford Teaching Hospitals staff h

awards, including a win last year for porter

Laura Ward

Sharon Craggs said of Mo, “He has taken the role and owned it His allocation decisions contribute to outstanding patient experience every day He combines IT and communication skills with deep knowledge of the hospital layout to support both staff and patients ”

The MyPorter Awards ceremony will take place at the Metropolitan Hotel in Leeds on 3 March

Hidden camera shocks restaurant visitor

A wo man has said sh e felt “violated” after d iscov ering a h idden live-streaming camera in a restaurant toilet in Leicester

The 32-year-old NHS worker was on a date at Giggling Squid in St Martin’s Square between Christmas and New Year when she f o u n d t h e d e v i c e u n d e r t h e t o i l e t s e a t , wrapped in kitchen roll with wires and a battery pack She told the BBC the discovery left her “sick” and anxious that others may have been filmed

Leicestershire Police were notified the next day, recovered the camera, and are examining it No arrests have been made Officers also reviewed CCTV and spoke to staff

G i g g l i n g R e s t a u r a n t s s a i d s t a f f a c t e d appropriately and are fully cooperating with police inquiries, while advice has been given to employees to remain vigilant

MP exposes asylum seeker rapist amid public outcry

A n MP has defend ed re v ea li ng th e i m m ig

n al convicted of raping a v ulnerable teenag e g irl in Sutto n-in-Ashfield, Notting hamshire

Lee Anderson

I N B R I E F VETERAN COUNCILLOR QUITS LABOUR

Veteran city councillor Zaiul Islam has left the Labour Party and will contest the May local elections as an independent in Aston ward Cllr Islam, who has represented Newtown for 20 years, said evidence of “nepotism” within Labour influenced his decision His departure adds to a series of exits ahead of the all-out elections in May, when Labour is predicted to lose the majority it has held since 2012 The party currently holds 53 of the 101 council seats, down from 65 in 2022 due to resignations and defections

Opposition parties and groups now occupy 47 seats with one seat vacant

ILLEGAL VAPE SEIZURE AT LEICESTER NEWSAGENTS

Victoria News & Booze, a newsagents on Howard Road in Leicester, is having its licence reviewed after officers discovered more than 700 illegal vapes on the premises During a Trading Standards inspection in May 2025 officials found £11 000 worth of non-compliant products including 719 extra-strong vapes 24 packs of cigarettes 10 cigars and 49 blunt wraps Leicester City Council said the review was launched over concerns that the business had failed to prevent crime, protect public safety, and safeguard children, in line with licensing objectives Since the discovery, the shop has also faced police complaints about gatherings of students outside the premises

INQUESTS OPEN AFTER FATAL CRASH

Inquests have been opened and adjourned for three teenagers and a taxi driver who died in a car crash in Bolton Hearings at Bolton Coroner’s Court on Wednesday confirmed that Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18 is believed to have been driving a Seat Leon that collided head-on with a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi on Wigan Road on 11 January Mukhtar and his friends Farhan Imtiyaz Patel 18 and Mohammed-Danyaal Asghar-Ali 19 all from Bolton, died, along with taxi driver Masrob Ali, 54, from Blackburn The inquests were adjourned to future dates, with five passengers from both vehicles remaining in hospital

Classes now attract up to 30 participants per session, with interest coming f r o m m o s q u e s a c r o s s t h e UK, Malaysia, and Canada Men aged 50 to 80 attend in everyday clothing, enjoying i m p r o v e m e

and wellbeing Light-hearted humour and encouragement make sessions enjoyable, while the program also helps reduce isolation and foster friendships

Encouraged by the success, mosque leaders plan to e x p a n d t h

M a l i k , w h o h a d previously lived in Italy, Germany, and France before arriving in the UK, was staying in taxpayer-funded accommodation at the time Reform MP Lee Anderson exposed Malik as an asylum seeker last year after police asked him not to publicise the case, fearing it could affect the prosecution A judge had initially gagged the press from reporting Malik’s status until the end of his trial

Malik was convicted on two counts of r

d

t B i r m

n g h a m Crown Court, where the victim described being attacked while alone in a park The court heard Malik and an accomplice, identified as an Afghan national believed to be abroad, took turns raping the teenager

After the verdict, Anderson said, “The public deserves the truth” Malik will be sentenced at a later date

POLICE OFFICER CHARGED

A West Midlands Police officer has been charged with assault following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into a domestic incident PC Calum Brand, 26, faces one count of assault by beating and is due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on 27 January for a first hearing The charge relates to an incident at a Halesowen address on 16 June 2025, when officers were called to a domestic disturbance It is alleged that PC Brand assaulted a woman in a communal stairwell while officers were attempting to detain her partner who was wanted on a warrant

Is Reform’s moment, the Tories’ reckoning?

S u ella B rav erma n d id no t

s l ip qu i etl y ou t o f th e

C onservative Party S he left

w it h a n ac c u sa ti o n o f

“ b etra yal ” an d a s en se o f theatric al finality, likening h er defectio n to Reform UK to a p olitical d ivorce After n ea rly a d ec ad e a s a C onservative MP and a turbulent spell at the heart of g o v er nm e nt, th e fo r m er h ome secretary has become the latest and m ost h ighp rofile Tory to cross Nigel F arag e ’ s threshold

Announcing her defection at a press conference, Braverman said she had felt “politically homeless for the best part of two years ” , citi n g d e e p d i f f e r e n c e s w i t h the Conservative leadership

o v e r B r e x i t , i m m i g r a t i o n and taxation Her move follows the recent departures

o f R o b e r t J e n r i c k a n d Andrew Rosindell, reinforcing Reform’s claim to be the new home of Britain’s right

The Conservative Party responded sharply, with a spokesperson saying it was “always a matter of when,

n o t i f ” B r a v e r m a n w o u l d defect An initial statement controversially referred to efforts made to support her mental health, a line later

w i t h d r a w n a f t e r b e i n g described as a draft “sent out

i n e r r o r ” B r a v e r m a n d i s -

m i s s e d t h e r e f e r e n c e a s “pathetic”, calling it further

e v i d e n c e o f a “ b i t t e r a n d desperate party in free-fall”

Describing her decision to leave, Braverman likened the process to “ a divorce”, marked by a gradual erosion of trust and affiliation She accused the Conservatives

o f f a i l i n g t o d e l i v e r o n Brexit, presiding over “out-

o f - c o n t r o l i m m i g r a t i o n ” , a n d i m p o s i n g h i g h t a x e s

She said the “final straw” was what she described as a c o n c e r t e d e f f o r t t o marginalise right-wing voices within the party, urging local Conservative activists

i n F a r e h a m a n d Waterlooville to join her at

Reform Nigel Farage said he had b e e n i n

Braverman for over a year a n

ment on the centre-right

While describing her record as home secretary as “utterly useless”, Farage said she was now willing to admit past f a i l u r e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y o n i m m i g r a t i o n , w h i c h h e

blamed on the constraints of t h e E u r o p e a n C o n v e n t i o n o n H u m a n R i g h t s

Braverman, for her part, said the Conservatives’ pledge to leave the ECHR had been “ a lie”

B

shows voters still trust the C

Labour rift deepens as Burnham blocked from by-election

h t

Reform has surged as immi-

g r a t i o n h a s d o m i n a t e d political debate, but Farage has insisted the party will not become “Conservative

P a r t y 2 0 ” , w a r n i n g t h a t d e f e c t o r s m u s t p u b l i c l y a c c e p t t h a t t h e l a s t T o r y g o v e r n m e n t “

country” He has also said n o f u r t h e r M P s w i l l b e a c c e p t e d a f t e r l o c a l e l e ctions on 7 May

D e s p i t e R e f o r m ’ s m o m e n t u m , t h e Conservatives’ decline may n o t b e t e r m i n a l Immigration, the issue that has powered Reform’s rise, may fade as net migration

f

n s tighten At the same time, economic concerns are set to intensify, with household income growth forecast to stagnate and tax rises loomi n g P o l l i n g c o n s i s t e n t l y

M ary U niv ersity o f L ondo

told Asian Voice,

Badenoch's supposed deci-

doing anything different, to

given her a boost in the eyes of her own party - even

defection has rather taken the shine off that

“In the long term, the decision of some Tory MPs to Reform is likely to help Nigel Farage in his quest to

Tory voters to take a punt on a party that, so far anyway, has been a bit of a one man band with no governmental experience and positioned on the fringe rather than in the mainstream of British politics ” For Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, the challenge is focus Cultural battles have dominated so far, but shedding defectors asso-

reassert a clearer, pro-business and fiscally responsible identity If the next election is fought on economic competence rather than immi-

Conservatives’ current crisis may yet contain the seeds of

Reform claims the spotlight for now

Legal rights call for the working class

surveyed said they had experienced harassment, bullying or bias because of

Andy Bur nham, o ne of Labo ur ’ s m ost highp rofil e figu res, has been p revented fr om retur ning to Par liam ent after the p ar ty’s governing bo dy voted to bar him fro m standing in an up coming by-election, accor ding to lo cal media r ep ort s

The decision is widely interpreted as an attempt by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his allies to neutralise a potential future leadership rival Burnham, the elected mayor of Greater Manchester, had sought to stand as Labour’s candidate in the Gorton & Denton by-election, triggered by the resignation of a Labour MP However, Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) voted by eight votes to one to block his candidacy, drawing on Starmer’s majority on the body

The move has angered parts of the party’s left Senior figures including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell have urged that Burnham be allowed to contest the

seat

Starmer now faces a backlash from left-wing ministers and MPs, amid claims that the intervention reflects insecurity rather than strength at the top of the party Critics argue that while blocking Burnham may protect the leadership internally, allowing him to stand would have better served Manchester and the wider electorate

Over the past year, Starmer’s leadership has been criticised for a series of policy reversals and uncertain decisionmaking Though this is not a formal u-turn, opponents say the episode

reinforces perceptions of a party more focused on internal control than public interest and as an internal decision, responsibility lies squarely with Labour’s leadership On the other hand, polling suggests Labour would struggle in a mayoral contest without Burnham, raising the risk of electoral embarrassment and renewed pressure on Starmer’s premiership

Ultimately the episode reveals as much about Labour in office as it does about Burnham, reviving accusations of excessive control and a leadership defined more by caution than confidence

While the review recom-

26

Janu ary co mmemorates the formal ado ption of the Constituti on of India by the C o n st i tu e n t A s se m bl y, sp ec ifically drafted for an indep endent nation by an eminent po lymath scho lar

D r B R A mb e dk ar T h e

n ew ly e s ta b li s h e d In d ia n

C o n st i tu t i o n i n 1 9 50

re pl aced th e Go vern ment

o f In di a A c t o f 1 9 3 5

S u bs e qu en tl y, 2 6 J an u a ry was dec lared a national h ol-

i d ay a n d de s ig n at ed a s

R ep u b li c D a y T h e

C o n st i tu t i o n em p o w er ed

I n di a n ci t i z en s wi t h t h e autho rity to elect th ei r own

g o ve rn me n t, th u s l ay i ng the fo undation for demo cracy

Dr Rajendra Prasad was s w o r n i n a s t h e f i r s t

President of India Today India is the largest democracy in the world

Down th e memory lane

Let me share my memories of 26 January 1950 The d a y I n d i a b e c a m e a Republic At the time, I had just returned to a school in

B h a d r a n , G u j a r a t a f t e r attending primary and middle schools in several other places I was in the fourth standard, where we had just b e g u n l e a r n i n g E n g l i s h

O u r h e a d m a s t e r announced that on this day,

I n d i a w o u l d b e c o m e a Republic Prajasattak For a child of twelve, the significance was hard to grasp,

t h o u g h m y f a m i l y w a s deeply aware of the inde-

p e n d e n c e m o v e m e n t a n d the legacy of Gandhiji

T h e h e a d m a s t e r a l s o told us that every student across India would receive

t w o a n n a s a s a p r e s e n t Friends most of you may not know two annas, as you w e r e b o r n a f t e r d e c i m a l currency Two annas were an eighth of a rupee, and in 1950 Bhadran, that could buy half a pound of milk

Four or five rupees would get you a pound of ghee and a tola of gold would cost approximately 110 rupees For working families, earning two or three rupees a day, two annas was a mean-

i n g f u l s u m O u r t e a c h e r handed us the coins and encouraged us to celebrate o u r n e w s t a t u s a s a Republic

Most children rushed to the sweet shops, there were f o u r o r f i v e o f t h e m i n

Bhadran With two annas, you could buy a handful of j a l e b i s o r o t h e r I n d i a n sweets Some bought balloons, others bought sweets like gulab jamun and penda (local sweets) I chose to give my two annas to my mother, knowing our family’s financial struggles But she encouraged me to keep

I N D I A ’ S R I S E A S A R

the money and use it for c e l e b r a t i o n h o w

d already decided to prepare a special dish at home for the occasion

So, a small group of us i n o u r n e i g h b

u r h o o d therefore decided to make a Toran a garland to cele-

from the tree near our temple and bought a length of hessian string with my two annas Together, we crafted

Democracy, with its checks and balances, has endured

including the Emergency of 1975 Leaders come and go, but the spirit of the nation remains strong

Despite differences in culture, language and ideolo

Indian identity, a desire to be part of a greater whole, like flowers in a garland Today is a day to remember

Satyagraha in South Africa, all shaped India’s path to freedom

In 1950, everything in I

powerhouse in engineering, technology, and financial services The spirit of

feel both happy and proud to be part of this journey India’s values, achieve-

tinues to develop rapidly, w i t h

the new airport and industrial investments, such as in Navi Mumbai India has signed three trade deals since mid-last y e a r w i t h B r i t a i n , N e w Z

s s u

, India is also working to improve its economic relat i o n s h i p w i t h C

large neighbour After border clashes in 2020 halted

the garland and decorated our surroundings, marking the occasion with pride T he enduring strength of India

Looking back after seventy-seven years, I see so

lenges, crises, wars, natural a n d m

tragedies, such as the disastrous earthquake in Kutch, b u t h

w n resilience We also observe the anniversary of the Bhuj and Saurashtra earthquake on 26 January, which resulted in over 20,000 fatalities a n d c a u s e

Communities came together, support was mobilised quickly, and recovery followed even in the darkest of times The diaspora collaborated to successfully raise

s e v e r a l t h o u s a n d s o f pounds

I n d i a ’ s h i s t o r y i s marked by peaceful determination and neighbourli-

n e s s U n l i k e e x p a n s i o n i s t

p o w e r s , I n d i a h a s r a r e l y been aggressive towards its neighbours Today, despite challenges, India stands as a

all those who fought for

centuries India’s progress

remarkable and our democracy, though imperfect, is robust compared to many others

Recent political events in India, such as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, have reinforced the importance of negotiation and balance

Recognition from the international publications high-

stature Our commitment as a publication to India is

role of sharing news and views is a noble one

T he importance of leadership

Reflecting on the leaders of the independence

others, I am reminded of their strength and vision

London, his struggles and

m e n t s , a n d c a p a c i t y f o r adaptation are evident at e v e r y l e v e l n a t i o n a l , international and individu a l P e o p l e r e m a i n e d resilient throughout, even during the Emergency era in the 1970s under Indira Gandhi The country con-

relations, Prime Minister Modi met with Xi Jinping in China last year, the first such visit in seven years

P r i m e M

Narendra Modi welcomed EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen

a

Republic Day of India, the

remains highly optimistic! Join us in celebrating the 77th Republic Day of India and explore our indepth feature in this week’s edition, pages 14–18

Jai Bharat

British Hindus call on Starmer to condemn violence in Bangladesh

H un d re ds of

B an gla des hi-

Parliament Square Protest Highlights Concerns Over Hindu Atrocities in Bangladesh

Nikita Athwal

nd us b raved cold, heavy rain to protest outside the H ouses of Parliament in London on W

K

Prime Mini ster Keir Starmer to take stronger action to

c o n de m n wh a t

he y desc rib ed as the genoc ide of H indus in Bangladesh

L a b o u r M P

Basingstoke, Luke Murphy,

contacted by numerous con-

stituents concerned about the persecution and killings of Hindus He said he had

Parliament, adding that the

engaged on the matter and would continue pressing for the protection of minorities

addressed the protest, calling on the British govern-

intervene urgently He said the UK should convey its

warning that the situation

British government has not done enough More can and

must be done,” he said A l a k C h a n d a , g e n

r a l secretary of the Bangladesh

H i n d u A s s o c i a t i o n ( U K ) , which organised the protest, said the Hindu population i n B a n g l a d e s h h a d f a l l e n from 30–40 per cent in 1947 to around 7 per cent today He alleged a breakdown of law and order and the erosion of human rights since t h e i n t e r i m g o v e r n m e n t c a m e t o p o w e r , u

Britain to exert pressure on Dhaka

A digital van displayed images highlighting alleged attacks, while protesters carried placards demanding the r

Yunus’s Nobel Peace Prize, the unconditional release of m

n k C h i n m o y P

h u , protection for temples, and j

C

a Das, who was lynched

Bangladesh in 2004 “There is no justice for Hindus,” she said “My family was threatened This is a genocide We want justice and we want

Founder’s Day at The Bhavan London honours legacy of Indian arts

T he Bh av an L ond on marked its annu al Founder’s Day on 24 and 25 January 2026 with a vi brant two -d ay celebration that bro ugh t tog eth er s tu d ent s, f ac u lty , p a tro n s, sup porters and disting uished g uests to honour th e institution’s legacy and its enduring com mitment to Indian arts and culture in the UK

The occasion paid tribu t e t o K u l a p a t i D r K M

M u n s h i , t h e v i s i o n a r y founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, whose ideals continue to guide its mission, as w e l l a s t o S r i M

K

D i r e c t o r o f T h e B h a v a n London, for his invaluable contribution

T h e c e l e b r a t i o n s w e r e g r a c e d b y S h r i N a o r e m

o f T h e Nehru Centre and Minister ( C u l t u r e ) a

University of London Board of Trustees, on Sunday Both praised The Bhavan’s pivotal r

arts education, commending the dedication of its teachers and the achievements of its

students

A highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to diploma and postdiploma students, recognising excellence, discipline and a r t i s t i c g r

Bengali vocal music, instru-

and languages Senior stud

works, while younger learn-

foundations, reflecting The B

d approach to training Closing the celebrations, E

D

Nandakumara MBE thanked a l l c o n t r i b u t o r s f o r t h e i r unwavering support

BJP announces revamped OFBJPUK team for the UK

The centra l leaders hip of the B h a ra t i y a J a n at a P ar t y h as of f ic ia ll y a nn ounc ed a n ew t eam for the Overs eas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJPUK), with t h e a ppo in t m e n t s t a k in g e ffec t im mediately

Bikram Banerjee has been n a m e d C o n v e n o r o f t h

r The team is further strengthened by the appointment of Deepak Patel, Gyan Sharma, C h i n u K

Rajesh Viswakarma

H

will continue to support the organisation in an advisory capacity, providing guidance and continuity to the newly appointed leadership

The new OFBJPUK team has been entrusted with rein-

A

place last week in Parliament Square, as members of the British Hindu comm unity and their allies g athered to high

and

co mmunity in Bang ladesh Senio r politicians such as Lord Dolar P opat and Th e Rt Hon Sir Andrew Mitch ell MP j oined to stand against th e ongoing atrocities

The demonstration, calm in conduct and dignified in tone, reflects increasing concern over continued reports of violence, targeted attacks, and killings across Bangladesh We must seek justice The incidents involving loss of life, destruction of property, and the intimidation of Hindu families raise serious ethical concerns towards a religious group that has historically formed an integral part of the country's social and cultural composition This protest was not directed towards any faith or nation Rather it was to stand against the ongoing and systematic persecution of Hindus, ethnic and religious minorities, and the targeting of innocent people through false allegations in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a serious and escalating wave of violence against minority communities This includes lynching’s, targeting killings, violence against women, arson attacks and the destruction of homes and places of worship A horrific concern includes the circulation of a heinous video depicting the burning attack on Dipu Chandra Das The footage, widely shared on social media, has intensified the perception that acts of violence against Hindus are not being met with sufficient or timely action to enact meaningful change Justice for victims and protection for vulnerable families are not optional ideals but fundamental obligations to ensure a fair society

The issue extends beyond individual incidents The pattern of intimidation, destruction of property, and loss of life that has contributed to the steady erosion of confidence among Hindu families in Bangladesh For many, this fear is not only physical harm but the gradual marginalisation of a community whose presence in the region predates modern borders

The Hindu community has made immense contributions to the region since before the Partition Hindus in what is now present-day Bangladesh comprised approximately 28% of the population before Partition; today, that figure stands at around 8% This represents a considerable proportion of the Hindu population leaving the country

There have also been significant economic and cultural contributions made, grounded in the values of discipline, faith, and hard work Hindus have historically played a vital role in commerce, education, and civic life However, no community can continue to contribute meaningfully while living through violence and hatred

engagement within the comm u n i t y , a n d a d v a n c i n g t h e vision and objectives of the organisation in the UK T h e l e a d e r s h i p h a s extended its best wishes to all m e m b e r

successful tenure ahead

School to host Ramadan training for teachers

P et er bo rou gh’s Jack Hu nt Academy will ho st a citywide pr of essional dev elo

h el ping educators sup por t s tu dents dur ing t h e h o ly m onth of Ramadan

The workshop is organised in partnership with the

event provides timely

guished

The Hindu community in Britain has contributed extensively to society, integrating fully into mainstream life, and stands as one of the most successful diasporas in the country In fact, the employment rate for Hindus is amongst the highest of ethnic minorities The message is simple, when given the right environment, Hindus flourish, and we must stand together to put an end to the horrors in Bangladesh

This demonstration stands as a reminder that peaceful protest remains a powerful tool in exercising our civic engagement within a democratic society The protection of Hindus, wherever they live, is inseparable from the wellbeing of society as a whole

Safeguarding religious minorities is not only a matter of d o m e s t i c g

responsibility Those present at the demonstration called for constructive engagement, accountability, and preventative action to ensure that foreseeable harm is averted, and greater action is taken Our community looks up to politicians such as Lord Dolar Popat at the protest, and we thank them for principled leadership in defence of human rights and in opposition to religious persecution

Faith should determine our moral compass and how we demonstrate purpose through our everyday lives, not dictate how our society treats us Most importantly, we must stand against members of our community being attacked, displaced, or killed for their faith; protecting their lives is a responsibility we cannot ignore

Legendary

broadcaster Sir Mark Tully dies at 90

T he v et er an BB C jo urn al ist Sir Mar k Tul ly, affection atel y known

a s the ‘ voice of India,’ died on Jan ua ry 25 in Ne w De lhi

Tully passed away at 90 in Saket due to multi-organ failure following a stroke earlier in the week He was born in Tollygunge, Calcutta, in 1935 to William Scarth

Carlisle Tully, a powerful British businessman, and Patience Treby, whose family had been in India for generations Though he married his wife Margaret in 1960, with whom he had four children, Sam, Emma, Serra, and Patrick he spent his later decades in Delhi with his partner and fellow author, Gillian Wright

Tully’s obsession with India was both professional and personal Despite being sent t

famously described the UK as “dark and drab”

compared to the bright skies of his birthplace He returned to India in

eventually serving as the bureau chief for 22 years He became the definitive chronicler of the subcontinent’s most turbulent histo-

Emergency to the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi His unique status as a ‘relic of the Raj’ who truly loved the nation earned him rare dual honours like a British

Bhushan in 2005 Tully was often more trusted than state broadcasters, with villagers across the country waiting for his 810 kHz dispatches to confirm major events Even after resigning from the BBC in 1994, he remained in Delhi as an Overseas Citizen of India

King and Queen mark Holocaust Memorial Day

His M ajesty T he King , patron o f the H o lo c au s t M em o r ia l

( HM DT), attended a sp ecial reception

ark Holocaust M em orial Day, wh ich takes p

A uschwitz-Birkenau

E s t a b l i s h e d b y t h e U K Government, HMDT promotes and s u p p o r t s H

Commemorative Ceremony and thousands of activities reaching millions since 2001

During the reception, The King joined Holocaust survivors and their families to view portraits of seven Holocaust survivors honoured for their services to Holocaust a w

, commissioned by His Majesty as Prince of Wales, are displayed in the East Wing of Buckingham Palace Her Majesty The Queen also viewed Anne Frank: Resistance, a portrait by Peter Sacks created for the Anne Frank Trust UK

The royal couple then met representa-

tives from their patronages working to educate future generations, including HMDT, the Anne Frank Trust UK, and the Holocaust

E

Secretary, Yvette Cooper also delivered a speech at the FCDO Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, co-hosted with the Embassy of Israel

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2

young people to learn from the Holocaust and carry forward its lessons

Our Upcoming Outreach Programmes

Vadil Sanman 2026: Our Elders, Our Pride

The ABPL Group is pleased to announce Vadil Sanman 2026, a special initiative dedicated to honouring and celebrating elders aged 80 years and above Our senior citizens represent a lifetime of values, service and wisdom, and recognising their journey lies at the very heart of our community mission

In previous years, we have successfully organised similar programmes across the UK and have been deeply encouraged by the generous support of our community We warmly welcome partnerships with local religious and community organisations, as well as the families of our elders, whose involvement is both valued and appreciated

Vadil Sanman 2026 is planned to be held across Cardiff,

Manchester and several other cities in the UK Elders aged 80 years and above are invited to attend the event, accompanied by one or two family members

Please note that participation in this initiative is exclusively for ABPL subscribers

To register, please send your entries to: support@abplgroup.com or call us at 020 7749 4080

Saluting Our Community’s Unsung Heroes

ABPL Group seeks to honour the unsung heroes of our British Indian community through a special feature article We invite you to share the names, details, and inspiring stories of individuals who have made a meaningful impact yet may not have received the recognition they deserve

Your submissions will help us shine a light on their contributions and celebrate their dedication, service and achievements.

Please share your entries with us at: aveditorial@abplgroup com

My first day at a new school

Some moments in life quietly stay with us forever For many, the first day at a new school, at any stage, becomes one of those lasting memories A tiny hand gripping a parent’s fingers, an oversized uniform, hesitant smiles in an unfamiliar classroom, and the first steps towards friendships that may last a lifetime These experiences are tender, timeless and deeply personal.

We are delighted to introduce a new column, ‘My First Day at a New School’ This feature is not limited to early school years alone Your story could be about starting junior school, moving after the 7+ or 11+, or even joining a new school following GCSEs

We warmly invite you to share your own memories Age is no bar, every journey has a story worth telling

Please send write-up in no more than 500 words, along with your name and a photo, to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Our Community Through Your Lens

Share your treasured archive photographs that capture your journey, settlement, family life, culture, and traditions in this country With each photo, please include a brief note of up to 100 words explaining its significance and story

Selected entries will be featured in our upcoming newsweeklies, celebrating the rich experiences and heritage of our community

Send your photographs and notes to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see your story in print.

Dear readers, we would love to hear from you! If you have any suggestions for our future initiatives or ideas on how we can better serve our community, please do share them with us. We value your voice!

Net zero madness? Britain’s green rush risks backfiring

The North Sea wind deal with eight European countries, announced recently, is the kind of green news Britain should cheer for Big turbines, big power, home-grown energy It cuts imports, boosts jobs and helps hit net zero without sermons or sacrifice Offshore wind is a rare climate policy that actually works in the real world If Britain wants clean power, energy security and industrial muscle, this is where the money should go Credit where it’s due But while ministers celebrate spinning blades at sea, the green agenda on land is starting to spin out of control

Net zero has become a race, not a plan and speed is being mistaken for virtue Nowhere is this clearer than with cars Perfectly serviceable petrol and diesel vehicles are being nudged towards the scrapyard to make way for electric models That may sound eco-friendly but it’s environmental logic turned on its head Building a new EV takes huge amounts of energy, minerals and water Scrapping a working car early throws away the carbon already spent making it That is not green progress, it is carbon waste dressed up as climate action with motorists left to foot the bill

Then there is the global reality check Britain refuses to face The UK produces about one per cent of global emissions Meanwhile, Donald Trump is back talking “drill, baby, drill” and major economies are putting growth before green promises Britain should lead, yes, but not sprint off alone like a moral martyr If energy costs soar and industries flee to countries with dirtier power, emissions don’t disappear They just move abroad Climate policies that punish the domestic economy risk killing public support for net zero altogether

This is not an argument against net zero It is an argument against net zero dogma Push hard where it makes sense, like offshore wind Slow down where haste causes waste Use what already exists, cut emissions sensibly, and bring the public with you Britain doesn’t need green grandstanding It needs a climate strategy that’s tough, practical and smart enough not to make the problem worse

Dr N arsinhbhai Pat el

Giving memories a home

Thank you sincerely for encouraging me to write and for giving space to my memories in your newspaper Revisiting my childhood through words brought back moments, emotions, and reflections that I had not touched for many years, and seeing them published was deeply moving

Traditionally, it is rare for a woman to write openly about her childhood after marriage, as life often moves forward without looking back Your encouragement gave me the confidence to reflect on my early years and to share not only my own experiences, but also the story of my country and the journey of my parents stories that have shaped who I am today

I truly appreciate your faith in my voice and your belief that such memories deserve to be preserved and shared

Thank you once again for your guidance, support, and for valuing personal history as an important part of our collective narrative

S ushilaben Naker

Republic Day parade

The 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path filled every Indian heart with immense pride The grand display of military prowess, vibrant tableaux celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, and the spirit of unity in diversity reminded us of our nation's unbreakable resolve and glorious journey Let this spectacle inspire us to build a stronger, selfreliant India Jai Hind!

T S Karth ik

A Worthwhile Contributor to Britain’s Growth and Development T H E G U J A R A T I C O M M U N I T Y

By Tarla Modha History

The Gujarati community is one of Britain’s largest South Asian communities It is comprised of people from Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and other minority backgrounds, who are native to, or have ancestry in the Indian state of Gujarat

In order to meet the demands of its labour shortage, some Gujaratis migrated to Britain during the 1950s1960s However, many arrived in the

1960s, and subsequent racial persecution, resulted in the expulsion of the South Asian population from Uganda in 1972 Consequently, many Gujaratis

Britain

Through its presence in Britain,

growth and development Economic

and taking an active role in public life and society, are just some noteworthy examples Economic contributions

many corner shops, newsagents, and independent retail outlets have been

Thousands of enterprises, at all levels, ranging from local shops, technology start-ups, healthcare practices, hotels, to multinational corporations, have

Gujaratis Such vast business creations have led to hundreds of thousands of j

increased productivity and prosperity

The Gujarati community has also been extremely influential to Britain’s hospitality and food industries, popularising Indian cuisine There are now dozens of Gujarati restaurants, thriving across Britain, and many Gujarati delicacies are purchasable in shops around the country

With a strong emphasis on educat i o n a n d h i g h e r l e a r n i n g , m a n y younger generations of Gujaratis have entered highly competitive professiona l f i e l d s i n c l u d i n g m e d i c i n e , l a w , finance, and others, holding key roles in major organisations Some Gujaratis have also made their mark in the arts,

My first day at school

with prominent personalities featuring in film, television, and literature

M o s t c o m m e n d a b l e i s that Gujaratis could achieve s u c c e s s , p a r t i c u l a r l y , entrepreneurial success, in t h e 1 9 7 0 s - 1 9 8 0 s , w h e n m i g r a n t c o m m u n i t i e s i n Britain faced extreme levels of disdain, racism, and discrimination

Cultural enrichment

The Gujarati community encompasses people from d i f f e r e n t r e l i g i o u s b a c kgrounds Therefore, numerous cultural traditions and religious festivals are h o n o u r e d a n d c e l e b r a t e d i n c l u d i n g

donation of foodstuffs to food banks; providing meals to the disadvantaged; r

Diwali, Navaratri, Holi, Ramadan, and Eid, among others Such traditions and festivals now attract the nation’s interest, and they have added colour and v i b r a n c y t o B r i t a i n ’ s c u l t u r a l l a n d -

scape

W h i l s t t h e G u j a r a t i c o m m u n i t y may be typically associated with strong business acumen and material success, there are many Gujaratis who have devoted their lives to religion and spirituality through leadership and teaching pursuits Places of worship such as temples and mosques, as well as a netw o r k o f c o m m u n i t y o r g a n i s a t i o n s , have helped to preserve and disseminate Gujarati culture and heritage

T h e s e e s t a b l i s h m e n t s h a v e a l s o offered social support, welfare services, and religious education to the wider community

Role in public life and society

G u j a r a t i s h a v e b e e n a c t i v e i n

Britain’s public life and politics; some have served in Parliament, including the House of Commons and House of Lords Some Gujaratis have also been involved in social and labour activism Notably, in the 1970s, a Gujarati factory worker led strikes to raise awareness of workplace exploitation; such efforts contributed to improving the working conditions for South Asian women

The Gujarati community is wellknown for its charitable endeavours, where many of its organisations have raised funds for humanitarian causes in Britain and overseas During the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, the Gujarati community, through its various charities and community organisations, extensively supported the general public For example, through the

tributing government guidance and

Gujarati to tackle misinformation and encourage responsible behaviour and

channels; implementing facilities in community centres and places of worship to run vaccination clinics; and

check-in on the elderly and vulnerable, assist with online shopping, and deliver essentials

The Future

Amongst all the wonderful Indian communities that have significantly contributed towards Britain's growth and development, the Gujarati community is indeed remarkable Through highs and lows, Gujaratis have over-

resilience, diligence, productivity, tolerance, and creativity They continue to have an integral role in British society, as recognised by many British dignitaries

Britain is currently facing many hardships and uncertainties, with an unpredictable future Nevertheless, the Gujarati community is strong, and it has always relished challenges, transforming these into worthwhile opportunities Going forward, the various religious and cultural groups, which

need to come together to ensure that its strengths, values, and legacy are upheld, and imparted to the future

must continue to hold on to their roots, set a good example, and help other communities and the disadvantaged, to prosper

Jubel D'Cruz

Aschool is a place of learning for a child. It is a training ground for him/her. It is here that a child forms new associates and forms new ideas and habits. It is here that he/she prepares himself/herself for the stage of life. I was enrolled in a school (St. Aloysius High School, Bandra, Mumbai) at the age of five I still remember that the first day of my school was a Monday and my mum had packed two sandwiches for me to be eaten during the short recess

The first day of school is often considered an important day in every child’s life It is like a new world to us It is a time of mix emotions, like nervousness, excitement, homesickness, feelings of

shyness, and likewise I felt a bit nervous in the new environment

The boys of my class looked at me with wonder and smiled I had with me my English alphabet textbook and got my first lesson in learning the alphabets -- A B C The day started with the t e a c h e r i n t r o d u c i n g h e r s e l f a n d explaining the daily routine We recited the alphabets, sang nursery rhymes like 'Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall' and 'Little Miss Muffet' and listened to interesting stories Soon the bell for the recess rang The boys rushed out of the classroom with excitement Some of them even gathered around me They laughed at me and made fun of me for being so shy A few sym-

pathized with me and befriended me We played games like 'Ringa Ringa Roses', shared our snacks, and laughed together I had a novel experience

The final bell to go home rang at 1:30 in the afternoon All the boys felt happy I took my school bag and hurried back home along with my mother who was waiting for me at the school gate

While walking back home, I realised that my first day was not just about learning the alphabets; it was about making new friends and settling myself as a new student The morning, which was full of uncertainty at the end of the day, came to an end with exciting adventures and endless possibili-

ties

Years later, the memory of my first day at school is still fresh in my mind I feel proud w h e n I d e s c r i b e i t t o others My first day in school was completely a new experience for me

It filled me with pride when I look back at it and share my experience with others I feel my first day helped me become confident in s c h o o l w h i c h u l t i m a t e l y s h a p e d the rest of my years there

Today, several years later, I feel happy that I went to school If I hadn’t, I would be doing odd jobs for people like running errands, w a t e r i n g t h e l a w n s , s c r u b b i n g

utensils, looking after the sick and the aged, or even washing clothes and wouldn’t be able to become a writer and write this article for readers like you

My family consisted of my dad, my mom, my brother and three sisters who are all married a n d w

I

A "lost generation" of UK graduates

T h e l a n d sca p e o f

B r it is h hi ghe r e duc a-

t ion a nd employme nt is under going a se ismic a nd troubling shift

Recent analysis by the Centre for Social J

s has surged to 707,000,

This data paints a grim picture of a "lost generation" of young people who, despite holding degrees, are increas-

labour market

are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) Alan Milburn, t

The hea lth bar rier and the rise of " NEETs"

One of the most alarming trends is the precipitous decline in graduate health

One in three graduates now cites health problems as a barrier to employment In

2 0 2 5 , 2 4 0 , 0 0 0 g r a d u a t e s r e p o r t e d b e i n g u n a b l e t o work due to illness, more t h a n d o u b l e t h e 1 1 7 , 0 0 0

r e c o r d e d s i x y e a r s p r i o r

Among claimants under 30, four in five attribute their u n e m p l o y m e n t t o h e

i l y m e n t a l health conditions like anxiety, depression, and autism

T h i s c r i s i s e x t e n d s beyond graduates Currently, nearly 950,000 young people

tsar," warns that the UK is effectively "writing off" these i n

n g them to a life on benefits

Milburn highlights a "downward escalator" that begins w i t h s p e c i a l e d u c a t i o n a l n

and leads directly to long-

adulthood

The de cl in in g va lue of t he d egree

The traditional promise of a "graduate premium" is also eroding Analysis from the Resolution Foundation shows that twenty years ago, graduates earned 2 5 times the minimum wage; by 2023, t

o 1 6 Furthermore, some creative arts graduates earn less than

£20,000 five years after finishing their studies In contrast, voca-

cially resilient The CSJ found that higher-level

than many degrees: - Level 2

Apprentices: £24,800+ - Level 3

Apprentices: £28,260 - Higher-Level

Apprentices: £37,300

A st ructura l imb ala nce

The CSJ notes a significant imbalance in the UK's

Britain sends three young p

every one entering vocation-

stands in stark contrast to

Netherlands (2:1), suggesting a systemic over-reliance

may not meet modern economic needs

With disability benefit claims projected to reach 8 7 million by the 2030s, the moral, social, and economic crisis" identified by Milburn suggests that without radical intervention, a significant portion of the youth population remains at risk o f p e r m

invisibility

House of Lords backs under-16 social media restrictions

T h e H ou s e o f L o rd s h a s v oted by a large m ajo rity to back a ban on social media

f o r u n d er- 1 6 s, i n cr eas i ng p ressu re o n Sir K eir S tarm er

t o i nt ro d u c e A u s tra li anstyle restrictions

P e e r s s u p p o r t e d a C o n s e r v a

n

s Wellbeing and Schools Bill by 261 votes to 150, despite t h e g o v

n m e n t o p p o s i n g the move The defeat means the amendment will now be

s e n t t o t h e H o u s e o f Commons, where ministers face pressure from both the Conservatives and a growing number of Labour MPs to back a full ban

T h e p r i m e m i n i s t e r i s understood to want to wait for evidence from Australia, where a ban on under-16s

u s i n g s o c i a l m e d i a c a m e into force in December Starmer has told Labour MPs that his own teenage

Screen time blamed as children start school unready

G ro w i ng n u mb e rs o f c h il dr en a re s ta rt i ng s c h o o l with out bas ic skills, w it h so me y o u n g p up ils even tryi ng to swip e boo ks as if t h ey we re di g i tal s cr een s, ac co rd in g to a new su rvey of rec ep tio n teachers

The annual poll by the early years

c h a r i t y K i n d r e d S q u a r e d

found a rise in the proportion of four- and five-yearolds who are not “school

lacked basic language skills, such as being able to say their name or answer sim-

cent in 2024 The government’s target is to reduce

to

c skills was disrupting learning, with

starting school, and more than half blamed excessive screen time by children and parents for poor readiness

Despite this, a separate survey of parents found that 88 per cent believed their child was ready for school

Millions face £260 higher student repayments

Millions of g raduates are set to pay hundred s of pounds mo re on th eir stud ent loans by the end of th e d ecade foll ow in g w h at a na lys ts describe as stealth tax rises in the Nov ember Bud get Analysis by the Institute f o r F i s c a l S t u d i e s ( I F S ) shows that Rachel Reeves’s d e c i s i o n t o f r e e z e r e p a yment thresholds for a controversial category of student loan will increase costs f o r b o r r o w e r s o v e r t i m e Graduates are expected to pay an average of £93 more a year by 2027–28, rising to £259 by 2029–30 The earni n g s t h r e s h o l d a t w h i c h repayments begin (£29,385)

c

from social media, using it

p

s and to stay connected with f r i e n d s

reluctant to support a blanket ban, believing that social media can have social and learning value, and instead favours measures short of a full prohibition if possible Ministers have launched a three-month consultation on options including a full ban, stricter age checks and limits on addictive features of apps such as Instagram and TikTok, following the

await findings

University of Bristol names leaders for India campus

T he University of Bristol has appo inted two senior leade rs t o h ea d i ts M u m ba i Enterprise Camp us, wh ich is d ue to open in Aug ust 2026

Professor Michelle Jones

h a s b e e n n a m e d d i

e c t o r and executive dean, while Uday Virmani will serve as

c h i e f b u s i n e s s o f f i c e r f o r Bristol’s first international campus, the university said in a statement

V i r m a n

e than 20 years of experience in higher education and will be responsible for driving

growth He has previously

Indian School of Business

rently completing a doctora

W e will work on our vision of building a great global university campus in India,” he said “I am excited about this j o u r n

y o f e s t a b l i

h i n g a world-class campus ” Jones has more than 25 years of academic leadership

experience across UK institutions She will oversee the development of the Mumbai

c a m p u s , i n c l u d i n g i n f r a structure, governance, academic programmes and the student experience Uday Virmani

tions across

, announced by the Freelands

income thresholds used to calculate student loan interest rates Some borrowers could pay up to £5,000 extra

IFS says students who entered

will be frozen for three years instead of rising with inflation, meaning more graduates will start repaying earlier and will pay more overall The IFS also highlights

New scheme to boost arts education

funding to three organisations each year over the next five years Founded by media e x e c u t i v e E l i s a b e t h Murdoch, the philanthropic foundation said the scheme aims to strengthen creative learning at a time of growing concern about the long-term decline of arts education in schools and colleges The first open call for s u b m i s s i o n s f o r t h e Freelands Award will open on 26 January and close on 24 March Successful applicants w i l l b e a n n o u n c e d a t a n awards event in November

Education shapes attitudes to immigration and rightwing politics

E d uc at i on i s n ow t he s tronges t predic tor of politic al views in the UK, particul arly on diversity and im migration, res earc h shows

A study by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) found that people w i t h o u t q u a l i f i c a t i o

rightwing parties, including

Reform UK, compared with university graduates

The divide is especially stark on social issues: 65% of degree holders in the UK said diversity strengthens society, compared with 30% of those w

Britons were more likely to recognize racial advantages and support more permissive immigration policies

In the US, a similar trend exists: college graduates were

e l y t o b a c k D o n a l d Trump in 2024 than voters

with only a high school education However, other factors, such as ethnicity, gender, and location, played a l a r g e r r o l e i

S political support than in the

author Bernardine Evaristo has urged a renewed push to d

young people are growing up in a society where “doors are c

under threat

Schools lag on literary diversity

While t he G CSE English lite rat ure curr iculum ha s se en some progr ess in fe at uring d i v e r s e t e x t s, u pt a k e r emain s low

Only 1 9% of pupils in E n g l a n d c u r r e n t l y s t u d y books by authors of colour, up from 0 7% five years ago, according to a report by the c a m p a i g n

will take until 2046 for 10% o f s t u

GCSE question on a text by a n a u

u

until 2115 for 38% of pupils to do so, a key milestone given that 38% of pupils in English schools are from minority ethnic backgrounds

n

colour has grown from 12% to 36% In 2025, eight texts by authors of colour, mostly of Black and South Asian heritage, appeared on exam board lists Yet many teachers cont i n u e t o t e a c h f a m i l i a r works such as JB Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’, citing l i m i t e d r

FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO THE LORDS

Anusha Singh

Shama Tatler on power, policy and representation

For Shama Tatler, n ow

B aroness Shah, enterin g the House of Lords was never part of a caref ully plotted politi cal traj ectory Her’s is not the story of a caref ully choreographe d politi cal as cent, but one shaped b y public servi ce, lived e xperienc e and a deep s ense of res pon sib ility to c ommun ity

A former teacher turned local government leader, Tatler has spent more than a decade working at the frontline of British politics, championing housing, education and social justice from council chambers to Westminster

Appointed to the House of Lords as the first Jain peer and one of the youngest British Indian women in the Lords, Tatler enters Parliament’s upper chamber not as a political insider by design, but as a product of grassroots activism, professional expertise and a family journey shaped by migration and resilience

“It felt completely surreal,”

she recalls of her appointment “Going into the Lords was never really part of my vision of what might come next ”

From fron tline politi cs to Wes tmin ster in fluence

Tatler’s political career began in local government First elected to Brent Council in 2014, she went on to serve for eight years as Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, overseeing one of London’s most ambitious housing programmes Alongside this, she built a reputation within the Labour Party at regional and national levels After stepping down from the council in 2022, she became Head of the Labour Office at the Local Government Association, supporting around 6,000 Labour councillors across the country and working closely with ministers, MPs and council leaders from Westminster

“It was during that period that I realised I was really enjoying the officer side of politics,” she says “I could still help deliver the government’s agenda, but without the stress and volatility of elections ”

When the nomination came, it prompted a moment of reflection Had she given up on the Commons? “In reality, I

advantage in education or health ”

Her years in regeneration politics reinforced those beliefs Housing became her central policy focus, which often placed her at odds with campaigners and even parts of her own party “Housing is one of the biggest drivers of inequality,” she says “If you don’t tackle that, everything else becomes harder ” Under her leadership, Brent became one of London’s leading

don’t think I had,” she says “This felt like the right decision for me and for the work I want to do ”

A fam ily j ourn ey, decade s in the mak ing

For Tatler, the peerage is not a personal endpoint, but a reflection of a much longer family journey “I don’t see this as the culmination of my own work,” she says “It’s the culmination of my family’s story over the last 50 or 60 years ”

Her grandparents’ lives were shaped by migration, hardship and resilience Her paternal grandmother raised five children largely alone in a rural village in Gujarat after her husband disappeared for nearly a decade Her father arrived in the UK at 16 with no qualifications and went on to build a successful business “We weren’t a middle-class family,” Tatler says “That this could even be possible would have been unimaginable to them ”

On her mother’s side, the story was different but no less constrained Raised in a Kenyan Indian, middle-class household, her mother was a gifted writer who loved English literature but was denied the chance to attend university “She was an activist born a generation too early,” Tatler says “She taught me independence, financial, emotional, intellectual, and made sure I grew up hearing stories of strong women from our scriptures ”

Those values, service, duty and social justice, shaped Tatler’s politics A former secondary school teacher, she entered politics after the 2010 general election, alarmed by the direction of education policy “I believed then, and still do, that you don’t give up on children and you don’t buy

UK men hold quadruple the pension wealth of women

New data rel eased in January confirms a st aggering pensions t imebomb for women in Brita in

A report from the University of

reveals that woman reaching age 60 hold a median of just £19,000 in defined contribution pots, while men possess £75,000, a 394% difference Although the state pension gap narrowed to 1% by August 2025, p

entrenched systemic barriers rather than a lack of financial confidence W

mental load, spending over 3 hours daily on unpaid labour, which limits the bandwidth for long-term planning With the state pension set to rise by 4 8% in April 2026

engagement is vital Currently, a single person needs £31,700 annually for a moderate retirement, a target that systemic inequalities keep out of reach for millions of women

Bradford initiative tackles South

Asian women’s heart risks

A

in Brad ford is currently challenging the men ’ s disease m yth surrounding card iovascular h ealth The Yorkshire Women’s Forum is hosting weekly sessions at the

screenings for South Asian women aged 40 to 60 Research from medical tech firm PocDoc indicates that this demographic faces disproportionately higher risks due to a combination of genetic factors and cultural barriers

housing-delivery boroughs, winning Planning Authority of the Year in 2019 A minorit y within a minority

As a British Asian woman, and now the first Jain peer, Tatler is acutely aware of her position as a “minority within a minority” in the House of Lords “I’ve almost always been the only woman, or the only Asian person, in the room, ” she says “You learn early on that people underestimate you You can either let that diminish you or use it ”

She is clear that representation carries responsibility, but not in a narrow or performative sense That emphasis on substance also shapes her view of British Asian political representation more broadly She argues that the politicians and the community both need to be sensitive about responsible interaction

Tatler points to practical issues, dietary requirements in healthcare, planning rules for multigenerational living, as examples of where representation should translate into tangible outcomes “The community isn’t homogeneous,” she says “Firstgeneration and secondgeneration experiences are different A teacher’s priorities aren’t the same as an entrepreneur If engagement becomes a tick-box exercise, we fail people ”

Now finding her feet in the House of Lords, Tatler is reflective but purposeful “I’m here for the long term,” she says “That gives me the space to think carefully about how I can contribute, and how I can help make it easier for the next generation to follow ”

The initiative employs fingerp

instant results via a mobile app, calculating heart age and ten-year

Kiani notes that many attendees belong to the sandwich generation, balancing care for elderly par-

leads them to neglect their own w

life-saving tests with social works

women who rarely seek formal medical help

Failure to support menopause causes rise in resignations

A growing hot resignation crisis is cu r ren tly th r eat eni n g

K economy as thousand s of experienced women quit their roles due to menopause Workplace advocates warned that without urgent intervention, the trend will accelerate Recent data revealed that 23% of working women aged 40 to 60 have considered resigning due to debilitating symptoms like brain fog and heart palpitations Despite a p p r

l l i o n women in this age bracket occupyi n g v i t a l l e a d e r s h i p p

s , research from Korn Ferry suggests only 26% have access to formal support programmes T

taboo as a 2023 Unite union survey

Strike Back brings women’s safety to prime-time

Wom en ’ s personal safety will take centre stage as S trike Back Self Defence features in the o pening episod e of the new series of Dragons’ Den, airing on BBC One on 29 January 2026

Founded by West Midlands entrepreneur Gulshen Bano, Strike Back is a women-led organisation dedicated to teaching women and girls practical self defence skills that build awareness, confidence, and personal safety On the show, Bano will outline the mission behind Strike Back and the organisation’s plans to expand access to self defence education globally

“Strike Back exists because violence against women is not inevitable, and fear should never be the price anyone pays for simply living their lives,” Bano said Strike Back’s training addresses real-world situations, from street harassment and travelling alone at night to helping young people navigate

their daily journeys safely The programmes teach both physical and verbal skills to respond effectively if personal safety is threatened

The appearance comes amid growing concern over violence against women in the UK and worldwide In England and Wales, women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and harassment Globally, nearly one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime

T H E D A Y I N D I A T O O K

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

Ev ery year, on 26th January, Ind ia rises to celebrate Republic Day, a d ay that ech oes th e triump h of

d em o c ra cy , v i si o n, a nd t h e u nyielding spirit of a nation

W h i l e I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y

m a r k s t h e d a w n o f f r e e d o m , Republic Day is the day India truly claimed its identity as a sovereign republic, under the guidance of its own laws and values It is a day to honour not just the past, but the very framework that defines the nation’s present and future

T he m oment of transfo rmatio n I n d i a g a i n e d i n d e p e n d e n c e from British rule on 15th August 1947, but freedom alone did not guarantee a structured nation The country still needed a blueprint for g o v e r n a n c e , a c o n s t i t u t i o n t h a t

equality, and fraternity for all its citizens On 26th January 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, and India transformed from a newly independent country into a democratic republic

This monumental event was the culmination of tireless efforts

b y v i s i o n a r i e s a n d l e a d e r s w h o believed in the power of democrac y T h e f r a m e r s o f t h e Constitution created a legal framework that placed the people, not k i n g s o r c o l o n i a l r u l e r s , a t t h e heart of governance Republic Day, therefore, is a tribute to the rule of law over arbitrary authority, to the

responsibilities, and to the promise that India would be a nation for its citizens, by its citizens While Independence Day celebrates the triumph over colonial

flame Independence gave India sovereignty; the Republic gave it structure, meaning, and the tools to safeguard that freedom for generations to come

other marks empowerment Both are inseparable pillars of India’s identity, yet Republic Day carries the profound weight of responsibility alongside pride

Ind ia’s econo my finds its stride u nd er Modi

On Republic Day, India celebrates both its Constitution and a rising confidence in its economic

linked to the slow "Hindu rate of growth," trailing behind Asia’s economic giants Modi’s vision of

seemed distant

Now, perceptions are changing Despite challenges like US tariffs and a weak rupee, India’s economy is resilient, with 8 2% growth in the third quarter The government has raised its 2026 growth

Modi's goals

Inflation has dropped to 1 3%,

household incomes Fiscal consolidation has reduced the deficit from 9 2% in 2021 to a projected 4 4% by 2026 Simplified GST and infras-

supported growth

reforms, including labour law consolidation, financial deregulation, and modernised banking, are driving optimism India’s manufacturing sector, especially electronics, continues to grow, now producing a fifth of the world’s iPhones

T he 77th Republic Day of Ind ia w as ce leb ra ted by th e H i g h C om missio n of India (HC I) and

t h e I n d i an co m m u ni ty i n t h e U nited Kingd om, reaffirming prid e i n th e C on s ti tu ti o n a nd t h e nation’s democratic sp irit

This year ’ s observance was part i c u l a r l y s i g n i f i c a n t a s i t a l s o m a r k e d “ 1 5 0 Y e

Mataram,” the national song that c o n

patriotism

In the morning on Monday, c e r e m o n

unfurling of the National Flag and t h

Anthem, followed by Indian

Address to the Nation His remarks highlighted the enduring values of t

edged the contributions of Indians both at home and abroad in shaping a united and confident Bharat The cultural programme showcased India’s rich artistic heritage,

Mehboob Nadeem, a violin perfor-

and a soulful rendition of Vande

Rupsha Chatterjee, and Satarupa Ghosh, which was joined by all

National Song

Later in the evening, the High Commission of India also held a reception at the historic Guildhall

Hindu Council (Brent) p roud ly celebrated the 77th Ind ia Repu blic Day on S und ay, 25 January 2026,

Brent comes together for Republic Day

Proceedings began with the lighting of the deep and flag hoisting, f

dances, presentations, and speeches highlighting India’s heritage and

Dhitia, Upendrabhai Solanki, and Bharatbhai Patel were honoured for their dedicated service

with

festive community dinner

Facts behind the world’s longest written charter

The tas k of frami ng this docum en t f e ll to t he C on s t i tu e nt

As s

ea r s , eleven months, and eighteen days , across 11 sessions Its framers studied constitutions from across the world, the British parliamentary system, the U S B i l l

Directive Principles, and Canada’s federal structure, carefully adapting these ideas to Indian realities

HCI commemorates India’s Republic Day

Hindi, with nearly 90,000 words The calligraphy was executed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in Delhi, while the illustrations were c

m Shantiniketan under the guidance of Acharya Nandalal Bose Each of the 22 illustrations depicts a phase of India’s civilisation, from the Indus Valley and the Vedic age to the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods The original copies of the Constitution are now preserved in

t h e Parliament Library

friends of India to celebrate the values of constitutional democracy and the nation’s journey The evening began on a festive note w

Guest, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, who h i g h l i g h t e d I n d

m o c r a t i c example to the world, rooted in its diversity and vibrant spirit The reception was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, t h e U K P a r l i a m e n t a n d Government, business, media, and the Indian diaspora, including CB P a t e l , E

o f Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, as well as Former MP Shailesh Vara and MP Barry Gardiner The gathering reflected India’s emerg

Partnership across trade,

India’s constitutional journey and its forward-looking path defined by aspiration and vitality He noted that 2025 was

year in India–UK relations, marked by historic

future for India–UK ties, driven by strong people-to-people links and cooperation across

V A N D E M A T A R A M

150 years of the song that shaped a nation

One hun dred and fifty years ago, a short lyrical phras e, Vande Mataram , q uietly en tered Indi a ’ s cultural consc iousnes s Over the decades , it would grow into one of the most powe rf ul express ions of nationali sm in the country’s modern history, ins pi ring ge nerations of Indi ans in thei r struggle agains t colonial rule and contin ui ng to provok e debate a bout identi ty , un ity, and patri oti sm even today

The song was written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, one of Bengal’s foremost literary figures

Composed in a blend of Sanskrit and Bengali, it was later incorporated into his 1882 novel ‘Anandamath’, which depicted ascetic freedom fighters resisting foreign rule At a time when India was politically fragmented and ruled by the British, Bankim’s vision of the nation as a nurturing yet suffering mother was both novel and emotionally arresting Vande Mataram meaning “I bow to thee, Mother”, transformed the idea of the nation from an abstract territory into a living presence worthy of devotion

What began as literature soon escaped the confines of fiction By the late 19th century, Vande Mataram had moved decisively into public life Its first major political moment came in 1896, when Rabindranath Tagore sang it at a session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta From then on, the song increasingly became a staple of nationalist

Swathi Anil

gatherings, speeches, and protests Poetry had become protest, and melody had become mobilisation

The song ’ s influence peaked during the Swadeshi movement following the partition of Bengal in 1905 Protesters chanting Vande Mataram filled streets and public meetings, while the slogan appeared on pamphlets, banners, and underground revolutionary literature British authorities viewed the chant as subversive and attempted to curb its use, at times banning its singing at public gatherings Yet repression only enhanced its power For many Indians, uttering Vande Mataram became an act of defiance; a declaration of loyalty to the nation rather than the empire

However, the song ’ s journey was never without controversy The later verses of Anandamath contain strong Hindu religious imagery, including

references to the goddess Durga, which led some Muslim leaders during the freedom struggle to object to its use as a national anthem These concerns resurfaced periodically in independent India In response, a consensus gradually emerged around adopting only the first two stanzas, which focus on the land and its people rather than religious symbolism This compromise was an early attempt by the Indian leadership to balance nationalist sentiment with the country’s extraordinary religious and cultural diversity

When India gained independence, Vande Mataram was officially recognised in 1950 as the National Song, while Tagore’s Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the National Anthem The distinction reflected both songs ’ historical importance and their different roles Over the years, courts and governments have clarified that while Vande

Mataram holds a place of honour, singing it is not mandatory reinforcing constitutional protections for freedom of belief and expression

Beyond politics, Vande Mataram has enjoyed a remarkable musical and cultural afterlife From early classical renditions to school assemblies and state ceremonies, the song has been repeatedly reinterpreted Its most dramatic revival came in 1997, when A R Rahman’s contemporary version, released to mark 50 years of independence, introduced the song to a new generation and a global audience Translated into multiple Indian languages and performed across genres, Vande Mataram has proved endlessly adaptable

At 150, the song occupies a complex place in modern India For some, it is a sacred echo of the freedom struggle; for others, a symbol entangled in political contestation Younger Indians may encounter it more through pop culture than protest, yet its emotional resonance endures The questions it raises about how to express love for the nation, how to reconcile pride with pluralism, and how history shapes identity remain deeply relevant

A century and a half after it was first written, Vande Mataram continues to be more than a song It is a mirror held up to India itself, reflecting its aspirations, contradictions, and enduring search for unity amid diversity

Historical amnesia hits the Gen Z hard

What d o yo u think Republic Day is? Is it just a h olid ay? Is i t the d ay B R A mbed kar

g av e th e c o ns ti tu t io n to Gand hi or is it th e d ay Indira Gand hi d ied ? Well, these are som e of the answers w e g ot fro m Gen Z peop le wh en

A si a n V o i c e as ked th em w hat Republic Day is

In a survey of 30 individuals aged 20 to 30 conducted ahead of the 77th Republic Day, the results were nothi n g s h o r t o f a c o m e d i c tragedy While ten respondents held a proper grasp of the day's significance, the remaining twenty displayed a level of ignorance that sug-

g e s t s t h e f u t u r e o f o u r nation might need a GPS just to find the history section of a library

It is truly a marvel of the modern age that, while we plan for a high-tech Viksit Bharat, our youth are busy

rewriting the timeline of the subcontinent One respond

the day marks the death of Indira Gandhi, presumably c

October Another suggested it was the moment Dr B

scene that sadly ignores the fact that Gandhi had been dead for two years by the

India’s transformation: From social equity to digital dominance

Vinod Popat

Over the past decade, India has undergone a transformation that is increasingly being rec ognised by global institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Labour Organiz ation (I LO) , and S&P Global Thei r reports and as sessments point to a nati on that is not merely growing, but steadily evolving into a development model worthy of global attention

India today stands at a unique intersection of economic expansion, social upliftment, and digital empowerment

Few countries of comparable size and complexity home to over 1 4 billion people have managed such largescale progress within such a relatively short period

The rise of the Indian middle class

One of the clearest indicators of this transformation is the expansion of the Indian middle class and its growing economic power

Over the last decade, the income tax zero-percent slab has increased significantly from 2 5 lakh to 12 lakh under the revised tax regime reflecting both inflation adjustments and a policy intent to reduce the burden on lower- and middle-income earners

What is particularly noteworthy is that despite higher exemption limits, the number of individuals filing income tax returns has more than doubled

In FY 2013–14, approximately 3 8 crore Indians filed income tax returns By FY 2023–24, this figure had risen to over 8 6 crore

can only hope they are better at coding than they are at basic chronology

In reality, Republic Day celebrates the date in 1950 when the Constitution of India officially came into

democratic republic It was the culmination of nearly three years of tireless drafti

Assembly, ensuring that the s

where you live, whether in London or Leicester, knowing your history is not a choice, it is a responsibility Gen Z must wake up to the f a c t t h a t t h e r i g h t s t h e y enjoy today were bought with the blood and intellect of those who actually knew what day it was

people out of extreme poverty

This progress has been driven by a combination of sustained economic growth, targeted welfare programmes, rural income support, and improved access to basic services such as housing, sanitation, electricity, and banking Direct benefit transfers and financial inclusion initiatives have helped ensure that welfare reaches intended beneficiaries more efficiently

Beyond statistics, these changes are increasingly visible on the ground During my own visits to cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara, the reduction in roadside homelessness and open defecation is striking For a country of India’s scale and diversity, such improvements represent a significant administrative and social achievement

D igital governance and economi c confidenc e

India’s rapid development of digital public infrastructure has further accelerated inclusion and efficiency Digital identity systems, online banking, direct benefit transfers, and real-time digital payments have reduced leakages, increased transparency, and empowered citizens particularly in rural and semi-urban areas

Global institutions now frequently cite India as an example of how technology can be leveraged to deliver governance and public services at scale, combining welfare delivery with digital innovation

A decade of c onfidence and capability

This trend indicates not only rising incomes, but also increased formalisation of the economy, improved tax compliance, and broader participation in the financial system A widening tax base alongside growing consumption power is a strong signal of an increasingly confident and aspirational middle class

Historic reduction in extreme poverty

India has also witnessed a significant reduction in extreme poverty According to estimates by international institutions, including the World Bank, India’s extreme poverty rate has fallen sharply over the past decade from over 16% to low single-digit levels lifting an estimated 170 million

India’s progress over the last ten years has not been accidental It reflects long-term vision, policy continuity, and institutional reform While challenges remain as they do in every nation the overall direction of travel is clearly forward

At a time when many parts of the world face economic uncertainty, demographic pressures, and social fragmentation, India presents a contrasting narrative: one of youthful energy, rising aspirations, and growing global relevance

We should be proud of what India has achieved in the last decade not with complacency, but with confidence Confidence that India’s story is no longer just about potential, but about performance

S A R D A R V A L L A B H B H A I P A T E L

The man who doesn’t get enough credit for an independent India

E very Republic Day, Ind ia celebrates the trium ph of its C onstitu tion and the id eals that hold th e nation together Yet, in the retelling o f th e freedom mov em ent and th e birth o f the Republic, one

t o w eri n g f i g u re i s o f te n acknowledged more in reverence than in d ep th: Sardar V allabhbh ai Patel

P o p u l a r l y r e m e m b e r e d as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel’s contribution goes far beyond the familiar epithet Without his political acu-

m e n , a d m i n i s t r a t i v e f i r mness, and unwavering belief in national unity, the idea of India as we know it today may never have taken concrete shape

T he u nifier Ind ia needed

When India gained independence in 1947, it was far

f r o m a u n i f i e d n a t i o n

A l o n g s i d e B r i t i s h I n d i a

s t o o d 5 6 5 p r i n c e l y s t a t e s ,

e a c h w i t h i t s o w n r u l e r , interests, and uncertainties, pushing the subcontinent to the brink of fragmentation

A s t h e f i r s t D e p u t y Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took on the daunting task of forging unity from

t h i s f r a c t u r e d l a n d s c a p e

Through a careful mix of persuasion, negotiation, and decisive action where neces-

s a r y , P a t e l s t e e r e d t h e p r i n c e l y s t a t e s i n t o t h e Indian Union

His method was pragm a t i c , n o t i d e o l o g i c a l , h e appealed to political realism,

o f f e r e d a s s u r a n c e s , a n d

w a r n e d t h a t h e s i t a t i o n

w o u l d l e a d t o d i s o r d e r

D i f f i c u l t c a s e s s u c h a s Junagadh, Hyderabad, and

J a m m u & K a s h m i r t e s t e d this resolve, but the message was clear: India’s unity was non-negotiable This alone

secures Patel’s place among the principal architects of m o d e r n I n d i a I n d e p e n d e n c e d e l i v e r e d

f r e e d o m ; P a t e l e n s u r e d i t came with territorial cohesion

Adm inistrator, not just a nationalist

U n l i k e m a n y f r e e d o m m o v e m e n t l e a d e r s k n o w n for oratory or philosophy, P a t e l w a s , a b o v e a l l , a n administrator He believed independence was meaningless without strong institutions and disciplined govern a n c e , a n d a s H o m e

Minister he laid the foundations of India’s civil services, c a l l i n g t h e m t h e n a t i o n ’ s “steel frame

In the chaos following P a r t i t i o n , m a r k e d b y v i ol e n c e , d i s p l a c e m e n t , a n d u n c e r t a i n t y , P a t e l ’ s i n s i stence on order and continuity prevented administrative collapse Though his firmn e s s d r e w c r i t i c i s m f r o m those who favoured ideali s m , h i s t o r y h a s l a r g e l y affirmed his view that stability was essential before lofty ideals could take root A co mp lex relatio nsh ip with Gandhi and Neh ru

P a t e l ’ s l e g a c y i s o f t e n e c l i p s e d b y c o m p a r i s o n s with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru A com-

mitted Gandhian, he nevertheless differed with Gandhi on matters of strategy and governance

H i s c o n t r a s t s w i t h

N e

where Nehru was a visiona

was a hard-headed realist focused on internal consoli-

India at 77: A Republic in Motion

discourse even today Patel’s

offers a lens through which to view modern governance challenges

S t a t u e s , c o m m e m o r ations, and symbolic gestures are meaningful, but the true t

d a t i o n T h e s e d i f f e r e n c e s were not rivalries but complementary temperaments

W h i l e N e h r u i m a g i n e d India’s place in the world, P

a existed as a unified, governable nation Yet Patel rarely occupies the centre of popular narratives of independence

Part of this stems from his own temperament, he shunned grand rhetoric and s e l f - m y t h o l o g i s i n g H i s achievements unfolded quietly, in negotiations, administrative decisions, and firm actions that resist romantic retelling

T he rep ublic and Patel’ s enduring relevance

As India marks another Republic Day, Patel’s legacy feels strikingly contemporary Questions of federalism, national unity, institutional strength, and internal s e c u r i t y d o m i n a t e p u b l i c

engaging seriously with his

unity, his respect for institutions, and his conviction t

responsibility

Remembering the man beh ind the iro n S a r d a r P a t e l w a s n o t flawless, nor did he seek to be He was a realist in an age of dreamers, a disciplinarian in a moment of upheaval, and a nation-builder when the nation itself was still an idea On Republic Day, as the Constitution reminds us of our collective responsibilities, it is worth remembering the man who ensured that India had a unified land on which that Constitution could stand

If t h e R ep u b l i c is t he soul of India, then Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the strongest hands that shaped its body

The women who wove equality into India’s Constitution

T h e I nd i an C o n st it u ti o n

s ta nd s a s t h e b ed ro c k o f

d em o c ra cy , ju s ti c e, an d e qu a li ty Y et t h e w o m e n w ho sh aped it- trailblazers

o f i nt el lec t, co u r ag e , an d

v is i o n- o f ten rem ai n u ns ung Th ey foug ht tirel es s ly to en s u re t h e C onstitu tion ensh rined th e righ ts, dig nity, and equality

o f ev ery citizen, transcending g ender, caste, and creed

These women include: D u rg a bai De sh m u kh ( 1 9 0 9 – 1 9 8 1 ) : D u r g a b a i Deshmukh, freedom fighter and social reformer, championed education, women ’ s e m p o w e r m e n t , a n d s o c i a l welfare in the Constituent Assembly She later founded t h e C o u n c i l f o r S o c i a l Development, ensuring the C o n s t i t u t i o n a d d r e s s e d s o c i a l j u s t i c e a l o n g s

d e political freedoms throughout India

Ha ns a M eh ta ( 1 8 9 7 –1995): Hansa Mehta, educator, writer, and activist repr e s e n t i n g B a r o d a i n t h e C o

championed gender equali-

Article 15 She later represented India at the UN and contributed to drafting the U

Human Rights V i jay a L ak sh m i P and i t (1900 –1990) : Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, a diplomat, brought

Constituent Assembly She

rooted in justice and human dignity Later, she became India’s first woman ambass

Assembly president

Amrit Kaur, freedom fighter a

Minister, championed public health, women ’ s rights, and social reforms In the Constituent Assembly, she advocated welfare policies and healthcare, shaping

freedom and citizens’ wellbeing

Beyond these luminaries, women like Sulochana D

n g

n d o t h e r s c o ntributed to debates on labor laws, social justice, and education, ensuring marginalized voices were represented Together, these women shaped the moral and ethic a l b a c k b o n e o f t h e Constitution, leaving a legacy of courage, vision, and equality

Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK

Som e m ilestones encourag e rem em brance, some signal mom entu m; the rare few reflect both India’s 77th Rep ublic Day is one such exceptio n, marking as it does the continuation of India’s journey, no w as a constitutional democracy and as a Republic S ince

January 26, 1950, India has travelled a considerable distance, but it has also do ne so with increasing self-confid ence and courag e

When the people of India gave to themselves their own Constitution, they did so with humility and ambition Humility was occasioned by recognising the enormity of the task before that generation, of reuniting Indians of every creed and language, after centuries, into a coherent nation sharing the same dream, while dreaming in different idioms And ambition came from the determination to become the first nation in modern history to seek its salvation in democracy, without waiting – as all others had until then – to achieve prosperity first

The Republic was never conceived as a finished product But it was from the start, an exercise based on laws, rights, and shared values based on the dignity of all humanity It was imagined as a living framework, capable of growth, correction, and renewal Seventy-seven years on, that imagination has matured into experience India today is no longer defined primarily by the constraints of its past, but by the confidence of its present

This Republic Day carries added resonance as it coincides with 150 years of Vande Mataram

Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the song predates both freedom and the Republic And yet, it played a decisive role in awakening India’s national consciousness at a time when political sovereignty seemed distant Vande Mataram did not articulate a programme or a manifesto What it offered was something more elemental, a sense of emotional unity It named the motherland not merely as geography, but as shared inheritance In doing so, it helped Indians

imagine themselves as part of a collective destiny That act of imagination was indispensable to the freedom movement, and it remains central to how the nation understands itself

The enduring relevance of Vande Mataram lies in this capacity to inspire both love and responsibility It evokes pride, but not complacency; belonging, but not exclusion In today’s India, the song continues to remind us that national devotion is not passive, it demands effort, discipline, and purpose In that sense, it speaks directly to contemporary aspirations of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, of self-confidence rooted in capability

India’s journey as a Republic has increasingly defined its global presence India has emerged as a consequential actor in international affairs, shaping conversations on climate action, digital public infrastructure, global health, and economic resilience Its democratic scale, technological innovation, and economic growth command attention, and expectation

This global role is not accidental It is the cumulative outcome of focused institutionbuilding, social investment, and political stability under constitutional governance India’s voice abroad draws credibility from its ability to manage complexity at home The Republic’s success, therefore, is not measured only in growth figures or diplomatic reach, but in the continued vitality of its democratic processes As India advances towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, the idea of selfreliance, i e , Atmanirbhar Bharat, must be understood in the context of India’s preparedness to engage the world on equal terms India’s civilizational strength has always flowed from its capacity to adapt without losing its core values That balance will define the next phase of India’s rise

At seventy-seven, India’s Republic is purposeful As the tricolour rises on January 26, and Vande Mataram echoes, 150 years after its first stirring notes, the message is clear: India’s story is one of calm continuity and energetic change, memory and momentum To celebrate the Republic is not only to honour what has been built, but to re-commit resolutely to the journey ahead

T h e c e l e b r a t i o n s i n N e w

Delhi featured an elaborate m i l i t a r y p a r a d e , v i b r a n t

tableaux and cultural performances, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950

The theme this year, “ 1 50

Y ear s o f V a nd e M at ara m ” , honoured Bankim C hand ra

C h a tto p a d h ya y ’ s n a t i o n a l

s o n g a n d r a n t h r o u g h t h e parade, cultural events and public outreach programmes, l i n k i n g I n d i a ’ s f r e e d o m struggle with its contemporary national aspirations

P res i d en t D ro u p a d i Murmu and Prime M inister Narendra M odi were present,

a l o n g s i d e ch i e f g u es ts

Anto nio C osta, President of the European Co uncil, and U rs u l a v o n d e r L ey en ,

ment The National Flag was u n f u r l e d , f o l l o w

d b y t h e National Anthem and a 21gun salute fired from indigen o u s l y d e v e l o p e d 1 0 5 m m Light Field Guns

A h e a d o f t h e p a r a d e ,

President Murmu conferred the Ash oka Ch akra on Group Captain Sh ubh anshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, a n d a p p r o v e d 3 0 1 m i l i t a r y and gallantry awards, including several posthumous honours

The parade then proceeded with the President taking the salute, featuring around 2 , 5 0 0 c u l t u r a l p e r f o r m e r s from across states and Union

T e r r i t o r i e s , w h i l e n e a r l

10,000 special guests from d

400 Led by Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, the parade featured

Array Format’ for the first time, combining mechanised columns, Special Forces units and aerial assets, including Dhruv and Rudra helicopters Advanced platforms such as Apache and Prachand helicopters, T-90 Bhishma and A r j u n t a n k s , u n m a n n e d ground vehicles and robotic s y s t

Army’s push towards future warfare technologies

The Indian Navy tableau traced India’s maritime evolution from the ancient INSV Kaundinya to modern indigenous warships such as INS Vikrant, while the Indian Air Force contingent concluded the display with a fly-past of 29 aircraft, including Rafale,

P res id en t o f th e Eu ro p ean

C o m m is s i on , w h o w e r e

accorded a Guard of Honour

Ursula von der Leyen also drew attention for her IndoEuropean fusion attire, seen as a gesture of respect for Indian culture, as India and t h e E U m o v e d t o d e e p e n strategic cooperation

The Republic Day celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the fallen at the N a t i o n a l W a r M e m o r i a l , where he laid a wreath in h o n o u r o f I n d i a ’ s m a r t y r s , b e f o r e p r o c e e d i n g t o t h e s a l u t i n g d a i s a t K a r t a v y a Path

President Murmu arrived i n t h e t r a d i t i o n a l b u g g y alongside the Presidents of t h e E u r o p e a n C o u n c i l a n d the European Commission, escorted by the President’s B o d y g u a r d ,

nessed the celebrations

The military segment of t h e R e p u b l i c D a y p a r a d e opened with a powerful dis-

Jaguar fighters in a ‘Sindoor

contingent also participated,

focus on combat readiness and indigenous defence man-

deployed or refined during Operation Sindoor, the May 7-10 conflict with Pakistan

A highlight was the triservices tableau depicting a simulated operational command centre, illustrating the coordinated use of offensive s

B

M

alongside air-defence shields provided by Akash and the S-

Murmu hosted the traditional "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark the 77th Republic Day

The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra

Ursula von der Leyen, former President Ram Nath Kovind,

parliamentary leaders, Union Ministers, and eminent citizens

G

Eastern cuisine and vibrant

c

celebrating India’s artistic heritage alongside the Republic Day festivities

Sim ran Bala makes history, leads all-male

conting ent

Bala scripted history at

parade by leading an allmale contingent of the paramilitary force along

officer from Nowshera in

nel to the tune of the CRPF anthem “Desh ke hum hain rakshak”, becoming the first woman to lead a full male contingent at the annual ceremony

Though women officers have led CRPF contingents earlier, this was a first of its kind Commissioned in April

2 0 2 5 , S i m r a n i s t h e f i r s t woman from Rajouri district to join the CRPF as an officer Coming from an army family, she is currently on her first posting with the ‘Bastariya’ b a t t a l i o n i n C h h a t t i s g a r h , engaged in anti-Naxal operations

Many firsts at 77th Repu blic Day Parad e The 77th Republic Day Parade featured several firsts, showcasing new capabilities and formations of the armed f o r c e s N e w l y r a i s e d u n i t s s u c h a s t h e B h a i r a v L i g h t

C o m m a n d o B a t t a l i o n a n d t h e S h a k t i b a n A r t i l l e r y

Regiment made their debut, alongside the Suryastra rock-

e t l a u n c h e r s y s t e m w i t h

d e e p - s t r i k e c a p a b i l i t y I n d i g e n o u s m i l i t a r y p l a tforms rolled down Kartavya Path in a phased battle array formation, marking a shift towards a more operational presentation

Adding colour and novelty, double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies appeared in the parade for t h e f i r s t t i m e I n a n o t h e r departure from tradition, the mounted 61 Cavalry was seen in full battle gear rather than

ceremonial uniform, led by Capt Ahaan Kumar, a thirdgeneration officer, riding his c h a r g e r R a n v e e r A m i x e d

S c o u t s c o n t i n g e n t , d r a w n f r o m h i g h - a l t i t u d e u n i t s across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, also made its debut in operational winter gear, led by Lt A m i t C h o u d h a r y o f t h e A r u n a c h a l S c o u t s

loud applause from spectators The newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, e q u i p p e d w i t h d

, counter-drone systems and

October last year, the spe-

cialised assault unit had earlier made its Army Day Parade debut on January 15 in Jaipur a n

response and high-intensity operations, bridging the gap b e t w

n c o n v e n t i o n a l infantry and Special Forces Drawn from the Sikh Light

400 Led by Lt Gen Bhavn sh Kumar the parade featured t h e A r m y s p h a s e d B a t t l e Array Format’ for the f rs t me, comb ning mechanised columns Special Forces un ts and aerial assets including Dhruv and Rudra he icopters Advanced platforms such as Apache and Prachand helcopters T-90 Bh shma and A r u n t a n k s u n m a n n e d ground veh c es and robo ic s y s t e m s h g h i g h t e d t h e Army s push towards future warfare technologies

The Ind an Navy tab eau traced Ind a s mar time evoution from the ancient INSV Kaundinya to modern nd genous warships such as NS Vikrant, wh le the Indian A r Force contingent concluded the disp ay with a fly-past o 29 aircraft including Rafale

D a y p a r a d e opened w th a powerfu dis-

p l a y o I n d i a s f r o n t i n e w e a p o n s y s t e m s , n c l u d i n g t h e B r a h M o s s u p e r s o n c c r u i s e m s s l

s h a i r d e f e n c e s y s t e m , S u r y a s t r a r o c k e t a u n c h e r a n d t h e A r u n M a i n B a t t l e T a n k u n d e r s c o r n g t h e c o u n t r y s focus on comba readiness and ind genous defence man-

u a c t u r i n g M u c h o f t h e e q u i p m e n t s h o w c a s e d r e f l e c t e d c a p a b i l t i e s dep oyed or ref ned during Operat on S ndoor, the May 7-10 conf ict w th Pakistan

A high ight was the triserv ces tab eau depicting a simu ated operat onal command centre, l ustrating the coord nated use of of ensive

s y s e m s s u c h a s B r a h M o s a ongside air-defence shields prov ded by Akash and the S-

S u - 3 0 M K I , M G - 2 9 a n d aguar f ghters n a S ndoor

F o r m a t o n I n a f r s t a E u r o p e a n U n i o n m i i t a r y contingent also part c pated

m a r k i n g t h e E U s m a d e n a p p e a r a n c e i n a m i i t a r y parade outside Europe P r e s i d e n t D r o u p a d Murmu hos ed he tradit onal "At Home" recept on a Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark the 77th Repub ic Day

The event was attended by Pr me M n ster Narendra M o d i V i c e P r e s d e n t C P

R a d h a k r i s h n a n E u r o p e a n C o u n c l P r e s d e n t A n t o n o C o s t a E u r o p e a n C o m m i s s o n P r e s d e n Ursula von der Leyen former Pres dent Ram Nath Kovind

t h e C h e f J u s t i c e o n d a parl amentary leaders Un on M nisters and eminent citzens

G u e s t s e n o y e d N o r t h Eastern cuis ne and vibran

c u t u r a p e r o r m a n c e s ce ebrating India’s art st c her tage a ongside the Repub ic Day fest vi ies

S m ran Bala makes h s ory eads a -ma e C RP F conting en C RP F A ss s tan t C o m m a nd a nt S i m ra n Ba a scr pted h story a t h e 7 7 t h R e p u b l c D a y parade by eading an almale cont ngent of the param l tary force along K a r t a v y a P a t h i n N e w D e h T h e 2 6 - y e a r - o d of icer from Nowshera n J a m m u a n d K a s h m r commanded 147 person-

ne o the tune of the CRPF anthem “Desh ke hum hain rakshak”, becom ng the first woman to ead a fu l ma e cont ngent at the annua ceremony Though women officers have led CRPF cont ngents earl er th s was a f rst of its kind Commiss oned n Apr l 2 0 2 5 , S m r a n s t h e f r s t woman rom Rajour district to jo n the CRPF as an off cer Com ng from an army fami y she s currently on her first posting w th the Bas ariya b a t t a i o n i n C h h a t t s g a r h engaged in anti-Naxa operations Many f rsts a 77th Repu bl c Day Parad e The 77th Repub ic Day Parade eatured several f rs s showcas ng new capabi it es and ormat ons of the armed f o r c e s N e w y r a i s e d u n i t s s u c h a s t h e B h a r a v L i g h t C o m m a n d o B a t t a l o n a n d t h e S h a k t i b a n A r t l e r y Regiment made their debut a ongside the Suryastra rocke t a u n c h e r s y s t e m w i t h d e e p - s t r k e c a p a b i t y I n d g e n o u s m l i t a r y p a tforms ro led down Kartavya Path n a phased battle array format on mark ng a shift towards a more operational presentation Adding co our and novelty doub e-humped Bactr an came s and Zanskar pon es appeared n the parade for t h e r s t t i m e I n a n o t h e r departure rom tradit on, the mounted 61 Cava ry was seen in ful battle gear rather than ceremonial uniform, ed by Capt Ahaan Kumar, a th rdgeneration off cer, r ding h s c h a r g e r R a n v e e r A m i x e d S c o u s c o n t i n g e n t d r a w n f r o m h i g h - a t i t u d e u n i t s across Ladakh Jammu and Kashm r and the Northeast also made ts debut n operat ona w nter gear led by Lt A m i t C h o u d h a r y o f t h e A r u n a c h a l S c o u t s d r a w n g oud app ause from spectators The newly ra sed Bha rav L ght Commando Batta ion e q u p p e d w t h d r o n e s counter-drone systems and o i

n October last year, the spec a ised assault unit had ear ier

drones DRDO unve led its L o n g R a n g e A n t i - S h i p Hyperson c M ss le, capable of engag ng both stat c and moving targets Add ng a dist nct ve touch th e Rem ount Veterinary Corps cont ngent

ed b y C a p tai n H ar sh a Rag hav featured Army dogs

a n d r a p t o r s d u r n g t h e march

S ate tableaux celebrate hertage va our and innov ation Severa states high ighted the r her tage achievements a n d c u l t u r a l d i v e r s t y through vibrant tableaux at the Repub ic Day parade on K a r a v y a P a t h , b r n g i n g I n d i a s h i s t o r y , t r a d t i o n s and deve opment to l fe M a h a r a s h t r a s t a b e a u

Pradesh h ghl ghted the egac y o f A h i y a b a i H o k a r through scenes of en ghte n e d g o v e r n a n c e Maheshwar Ghat and tradt onal cra ts Odisha showc a s e d w o m e n - e d d e v e l o pment, Koraput coffee handooms and the Konark Sun T e m p l e , w h e H m a c h a Pradesh honoured ts identty as Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi high ight ng its natura beauty and m l tary vaour Manipur raced its ourney rom agriculture to g obal markets Naga and focused on the Hornbi l Festiva and n d i g e n o u s c u l t u r e a n d Jammu and Kashmir h ghighted ts handicrafts and fo k tradit ons Puducherry showcased

t h e m e d “ G a n e s h o t s a v : A Symbo of Aatmanirbharta” highl ghted the estiva s cutura econom c and environm e n t a l s g n f i c a n c e w i t h dho p ayers, Lezim dancers and represen ations of the Ashtav nayak shr nes Tam l Nadu b ended rad tion with technology proecting ts push for e ectric v e h i c e s , a u t o m a t i o n a n d g r e e n i n n o v a t o n U t t a r P r a d e s h s h o w c a s e d Bundelkhand s spir tua egacy a ongside trad tiona crafts u n d e r t h e O D O P s c h e m e and the state s rap d ndus ral and infrastructure growth Assam s tableau ce ebrated the Asharikandi terracotta tradit on of Dhubri depict-

ng artisans river ne cu ture a n d c l a y c r a f t s m a n s h i p Gu ara paid tribu e to Vande Mataram and reedom f ghter Bhikaj Cama reflect ng the spir t of swadesh and se f-re iance Chhattisgarh honoured t r i b a f r e e d o m f i g h t e r s through a tableau dedicated t o V e e r G u n d a d h u r a n d Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh

P u n a b m a r k e d t h e 3 5 0 t h year of the martyrdom of Sr Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib i portraying his sacr fice for r e i g o u s f r e e d o m a n d human d gnity West Benga ce ebrated

V a n d e M a t a r a m a n d p a i d tr bute to Bank m Chandra

C h a t t e r e e R a b n d r a n a t h Tagore and prominent freed o m g h t e r s M a d h y a

drones DRDO unveiled its L o n g R a n g e A n t i - S h i p Hypersonic Missile, capable of engaging both static and moving targets Adding a distinctive touch, the Remount Veterinary C orp s co nting ent, led by C ap ta i n Ha rs h i ta Raghav, featured Army dogs

a n d r a p t o r s d u r i n g t h e march

State tableau x celebrate h eritag e, v alour, and innovation

Several states highlighted their heritage, achievements,

a n d c u l t u r a l d i v e r s i t y through vibrant tableaux at the Republic Day parade on

i

n s , and development to life M

t h e m e d “ G a n

h

t s a v : A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta”, highlighted the festival’s cultural, economic and environm e n t a l s i g

f i c a n c e w i t h dhol players, Lezim dancers and representations of the Ashtavinayak shrines Tamil Nadu blended tradition with technology, projecting its push for electric v e h i c l e s , a u t o m a t i o n a n d g r e e n i n n o v a t i o n U t t a r

P r a d e s h s h o w c a s e d Bundelkhand’s spiritual legacy alongside traditional crafts u n d e r t h e O D O P s c h e m e and the state’s rapid industrial and infrastructure growth

Assam’s tableau celebrated the Asharikandi terracotta tradition of Dhubri, depict-

Pradesh highlighted the lega-

through scenes of enlight-

Maheshwar Ghat and traditional crafts Odisha showc

pment, Koraput coffee, handlooms and the Konark Sun T

Pradesh honoured its identity as Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi, highlighting its natural beauty and military valour Manipur traced its journey from agriculture to global markets, Nagaland focused on the Hornbill Festival and i n d i g e n o u s c u l t u r e , a n d

Jammu and Kashmir highlighted its handicrafts and folk traditions Puducherry showcased its craft heritage and the vision of Auroville, Rajasthan celebrated desert a r t i s t r y t h r o u g h B i k a n e r ’ s Usta Art, and Kerala highlighted inclusive growth with

the Water Metro, digital literacy and sustainable development

In addition, 13 tableaux from Union ministries and departments showcased key n

tableau stood out, highlighting the implementation of the three new criminal laws t h a

statutes, underscoring

shift towards a modern, citizencentric and technology-driv-

tableaux focused on defence

reforms, skill development,

tural heritage and technological self-reliance

Global lead ers extend Repu blic Day greetings S

extended warm Republic Day 2026 greetings to India

friends and partners,” praising their improving ties as

and prosperity US President

Donald Trump highlighted the historic bond between the world’s largest and oldest democracies, sending heartfelt congratulations to India

Minister Modi again British King Charles III

ing artisans, riverine culture a

p Gujarat paid tribute to Vande Mataram and freedom fighter Bhikaji Cama, reflecting the spirit of swadeshi and self-reliance

Chhattisgarh honoured t r i

through a tableau dedicated

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh

year of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, portraying his sacrifice for

human dignity

West Bengal celebrated

tribute to Bankim Chandra

Tagore and prominent free-

Padma Awards 2026: Honouring service across sectors

The 2026 Padma Awards recipients were announced on the eve of Republic Day,

exceptional contributions in fields such as social work, literature, education, healthcare, public service, and community welfare

The list highlights those serving women,

children, ‘Divyangjan’, and tribal communities while advancing education, healthcare, sanitation, sustainability, and livelihoods

The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honours, are presented in three

Bhushan, and Padma Shri

SNNAMEFIELDSTATE/COUNTRY

PADMAVIBHUSHAN(5)

1“ShriDharmendraSinghDeol(Posthumous)”ArtMaharashtra

2ShriKTThomasKerala

3MsNRajamArtUttarPradesh

4ShriPNarayananLiteratureandEducationKerala

5“ShriVSAchuthanandhan(Posthumous)”Kerala

PADMABHUSHAN(13)

6MsAlkaYagnikArtMaharashtra

7ShriBhagatSinghKoshyariUttarakhand

8ShriKallipattiRamasamyPalaniswamyMedicineTamilNadu

9ShriMammoottyArtKerala

10DrNoriDattatreyuduMedicineUnitedStatesofAmerica

11ShriPiyushPandey(Posthumous)ArtMaharashtra

12ShriSKMMaeilanandhanSocialWorkTamilNadu

13ShriShatavadhaniRGaneshArtKarnataka

14ShriShibuSoren(Posthumous)Jharkhand

15ShriUdayKotakTradeandIndustryMaharashtra

16ShriVKMalhotra(Posthumous)Delhi

17ShriVellappallyNatesanKerala

18ShriVijayAmritrajSportsUnitedStatesofAmerica

PADMASHRI(113)

19ShriAEMuthunayagamScienceandEngineeringKerala

20ShriAnilKumarRastogiArtUttarPradesh 21ShriAnkeGowdaM.SocialWorkKarnataka 22Ms.ArmidaFernandezMedicineMaharashtra 23ShriArvindVaidyaArtGujarat

24ShriAshokKhadeTradeandIndustryMaharashtra

25ShriAshokKumarSinghScienceandEngineeringUttarPradesh

26ShriAsokKumarHaldarLiteratureandEducationWestBengal 27ShriBaldevSinghSportsPunjab 28ShriBhagwandasRaikwarSportsMadhyaPradesh 29ShriBharatSinghBhartiArtBihar

30ShriBhiklyaLadakyaDhindaArtMaharashtra 31“ShriBishwaBandhu(Posthumous)”ArtBihar 32ShriBrijLalBhatSocialWorkJammuandKashmir 33ShriBuddhaRashmiManiOthers-ArchaeologyUttarPradesh 34DrBudhriTatiSocialWorkChhattisgarh

35ShriChandramouliGaddamanuguScienceandEngineeringTelangana

36ShriCharanHembramLiteratureandEducationOdisha 37ShriChiranjiLalYadavArtUttarPradesh 38MsDeepikaReddyArtTelangana

39ShriDharmiklalChunilalPandyaArtGujarat 40ShriGaddeBabuRajendraPrasadArtAndhraPradesh 41ShriGafruddinMewatiJogiArtRajasthan 42ShriGambirSinghYonzoneLiteratureandEducationWestBengal

43“ShriGarimellaBalakrishnaPrasad(Posthumous)”ArtAndhraPradesh

44Ms.GayatriBalasubramanianandMs.RanjaniBalasubramanian(Duo)ArtTamilNadu

45ShriGopalJiTrivediScienceandEngineeringBihar

46ShriGuduruVenkatRaoMedicineTelangana

47ShriHVHandeMedicineTamilNadu

48ShriHallyWarSocialWorkMeghalaya

49“ShriHariMadhabMukhopadhyay(Posthumous)”ArtWestBengal

50ShriHaricharanSaikiaArtAssam

51Ms.HarmanpreetKaurBhullarSportsPunjab

52ShriInderjitSinghSidhuSocialWorkChandigarh

53ShriJanardanBapuraoBotheSocialWorkMaharashtra

54ShriJogeshDeuriOthers-AgricultureAssam

55ShriJuzerVasiScienceandEngineeringMaharashtra

56ShriJyotishDebnathArtWestBengal

57ShriKPajanivelSportsPuducherry

58ShriKRamasamyScienceandEngineeringTamilNadu

59ShriKVijayKumarCivilServiceTamilNadu

60“ShriKabindraPurkayastha(Posthumous)”Assam

61ShriKailashChandraPantLiteratureandEducationMadhyaPradesh

62Ms.KalamandalamVimalaMenonArtKerala

63ShriKewalKrishanThakralMedicineUttarPradesh

64ShriKhemRajSundriyalArtHaryana

The Padma Awards are conferred across various fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service The Padma Vibhushan recognises exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan hon-

ours distinguished service of high order, and the Padma Shri acknowledges distinguished service in any field

For 2026, the President approved 131 P

(counted as one each): 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri

65MsKollakalDevakiAmmaGSocialWorkKerala

66ShriKrishnamurtyBalasubramanianScienceandEngineeringTelangana 67ShriKumarBoseArtWestBengal 68ShriKumarasamyThangarajScienceandEngineeringTelangana 69Prof(Dr)Lars-ChristianKochArtGermany 70Ms.LiudmilaViktorovnaKhokhlovaLiteratureandEducationRussia 71ShriMadhavanRanganathanArtMaharashtra 72ShriMagantiMuraliMohanArtAndhraPradesh 73ShriMahendraKumarMishraLiteratureandEducationOdisha 74ShriMahendraNathRoyLiteratureandEducationWestBengal 75ShriMamidalaJagadeshKumarLiteratureandEducationDelhi 76MsMangalaKapoorLiteratureandEducationUttarPradesh 77ShriMirHajibhaiKasambhaiArtGujarat 78ShriMohanNagarSocialWorkMadhyaPradesh 79ShriNarayanVyasOthers-ArchaeologyMadhyaPradesh 80ShriNareshChandraDevVarmaLiteratureandEducationTripura 81ShriNileshVinodchandraMandlewalaSocialWorkGujarat 82ShriNuruddinAhmedArtAssam 83ShriOthuvaarThiruthaniSwaminathanArtTamilNadu 84DrPadmaGurmetMedicineLadakh 85ShriPalkondaVijayAnandReddyMedicineTelangana 86MsPokhilaLekthepiArtAssam 87DrPrabhakarBasavprabhuKoreLiteratureandEducationKarnataka 88ShriPrateekSharmaMedicineUnitedStatesofAmerica 89ShriPraveenKumarSportsUttarPradesh 90ShriPremLalGautamScienceandEngineeringHimachalPradesh 91ShriProsenjitChatterjeeArtWestBengal 92Dr.PunniamurthyNatesanMedicineTamilNadu 93ShriRKrishnan(Posthumous)ArtTamilNadu 94ShriRVSManiCivilServiceDelhi 95ShriRabilalTuduLiteratureandEducationWestBengal 96“ShriRaghupatSingh(Posthumous)”Others-AgricultureUttarPradesh 97ShriRaghuveerTukaramKhedkarArtMaharashtra 98ShriRajastapathiKaliappaGoundarArtTamilNadu 99ShriRajendraPrasadMedicineUttarPradesh 100“ShriRamaReddyMamidi(Posthumous)”Others-AnimalHusbandryTelangana 101ShriRamamurthySreedherOthers-RadioBroadcastingDelhi 102ShriRamchandraGodboleandMs.SuneetaGodbole(Duo)MedicineChhattisgarh 103ShriRatilalBorisagarLiteratureandEducationGujarat 104ShriRohitSharmaSportsMaharashtra 105MsSGSusheelammaSocialWorkKarnataka 106ShriSangyusangSPongenerArtNagaland 107SantNiranjanDassOthers-SpiritualismPunjab 108ShriSaratKumarPatraArtOdisha 109ShriSarojMandalMedicineWestBengal 110ShriSatishShah(Posthumous)ArtMaharashtra 111ShriSatyanarayanNuwalTradeandIndustryMaharashtra 112Ms.SavitaPuniaSportsHaryana 113LiteratureandEducationJammuandKashmir 114ShriShashiShekharVempatiLiteratureandEducationKarnataka 115ShriShrirangDevabaLadOthers-AgricultureMaharashtra 116MsShubhaVenkateshaIyengarScienceandEngineeringKarnataka 117ShriShyamSundarMedicineUttarPradesh 118ShriSimanchalPatroArtOdisha 119MsSivasankariLiteratureandsEducationTamilNadu 120Dr.SureshHanagavadiMedicineKarnataka 121SwamiBrahmdevJiMaharajSocialWorkRajasthan 122“ShriTTJagannathan(Posthumous)”TradeandIndustryKarnataka 123ShriTagaRamBheelArtRajasthan 124ShriTarunBhattacharyaArtWestBengal 125ShriTechiGubinSocialWorkArunachalPradesh 126ShriThiruvaarurBakthavathsalamArtTamilNadu 127MsTriptiMukherjeeArtWestBengal 128ShriVeezhinathanKamakotiScienceandEngineeringTamilNadu 129ShriVempatyKutumbaSastryLiteratureandEducationAndhraPradesh 130“ShriVladimerMestvirishvili(Posthumous)”SportsGeorgia 131“ShriYumnamJatraSingh(Posthumous)”ArtManipur

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Alpesh Patel OBE

e

Gold and silver eh? Crazy I have one ‘uncle’ telling me

$10,000 – ie double from here The Chinese continue buying and then the momentum traders For me, it’s the same as I wrote 20 years ago in one of my Financial Times columns – 5% of your long term portfolio in gold – that’s it

Despite overwhelming historical evidence that

horizons, retail investors consistently underinvest in

decades Traditional explanations focus on income constraints, risk tolerance, or lack of access Yet these accounts fail to explain why even affluent, longhorizon investors remain excessively cautious

Narrow Framing and Mental Accounting

Behavioural finance explains this gap through narrow framing, a concept developed by Kahneman and Tversky and later expanded by Thaler Investors mentally compartmentalise each stock as a separate gamble rather than viewing their holdings as a single probabilistic system

W

emotional impact of seeing one holding down 20% overwhelms the statistical irrelevance of that loss within a diversified portfolio Gains elsewhere do not fully offset the psychological pain

Loss Aversion and the Pain of Individual Losses

Loss aversion intensifies this effect Kahneman and Tversky showed that losses hurt roughly twice as much as equivalent gains please When investors monitor individual stocks, they multiply the number of loss experiences they endure

A portfolio with 20 stocks almost guarantees that some will be down at any given time Even in rising markets, there are always losers Retail investors focusing on individual positions therefore experience

portfolio is performing well

This explains why many investors conclude that equities are “too stressful” or “too risky” They are not r e s p o n d

evaluation

Why This Leads to Underinvestment in Equities

The psychological experience of equity investing matters more than the statistical one Investors do not ask, “What is the expected return of my portfolio over 20 years?” They ask, “Can I tolerate seeing this stock fall again?”

Faced with this discomfort, many retreat to assets that minimise visible losses: cash, bonds, or property These assets feel safer because they fluctuate less frequently or less visibly, even though they often deliver inferior long-term outcomes after inflation Underinvestment in equities is therefore not a rational response to risk, but an emotional response to how risk is perceived Narrow framing makes equities feel like a succession of painful gambles rather than a compounding engine

The Role of Industry Communication

The financial industry often reinforces narrow

f r a m i n g P e r f o r m a n c e r e p o r t s , a p p s , a n d m e d i a coverage focus on individual stock movements, daily p r i c

markets through a lens of constant judgment

E v e n p

problem if it emphasises stock-level attribution rather

outcomes in terms of progress toward goals reduces fear and improves persistence

Thus, underinvestment in equities is not merely a failure of investor psychology, but also a failure of framing by the industry

W h e n I l e c t u r e d a t O x f o r d U n i v e r s i

B e

Kahneman – he had yet to get the Nobel Prize in Economics Understanding the psychology and not just the numbers of investing has been a goal of my life and why nearly 30 years ago my first book was about psychology of markets

It’s because Asian Voice is a campaigning paper –as the editor, CB Patel, told me, that I thought about how could I create a campaign? That’s how my campaign for a million was created to teach a million people how to invest better and add an extra million to their pensions and investments over their lifetimes

We created lots of free apps and tools on there and free videos and articles by me daily

Varun Chandra appointed UK Special Envoy to the United States

Th e Pr

appointed Varun Chandra as the United Kingdom’s new Spec ial Envoy to the United St

Inves tm ent, underl ining the governm ent’s determ ination

t

economic relationship

In his new role, Chandra will lead cross-government

United States and accelerate trade and investment flows between the two countries

The US is the UK’s largest

partner, with bilateral trade

billion in the year to summer 2025

A new rep

The appointment comes amid record levels of inward investment During the US

worth £150 billion to the UK, expected to create around 7,600 jobs nationwide

Working closely with His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States, the Foreign,

and Trade and the Office for

He will also draw on the O f f i c e f o r I n v

Women angels rise 60% in three years

Invest in Women Taskforce sh ows that the num ber of wo men angel inv estors in the U K has increased by 60% over the p ast three years

However, despite rising from around 5,000 in 2022 to more than 8,000 today, women still account for just 14 1% of the UK’s estimated 5 0 , 0 0 0 a n g e l i n v e s t o r s , a marginal increase of only 0 1 percentage points over the period

T

Investors report, produced in

Business Angels Association ( U K B A A )

g r e s

s i s t e n t structural gaps Since 2015, female angels have backed a r o u n d 6 , 5 0 0 h i g h - g r o w t h companies, including more than 2,000 female-founded b u s i n e s s e s M o r e t h a n £ 4 billion of equity deals now i n v o l v e w o m e n a n g e l investors in some capacity

Yet the report underlines

t h e s c a l e o f t h e m i s s e d opportunity created by the

c o n t i n u e d u n d e rrepresentation of women in the angel market Total angel investment has hovered at about £1 5 billion since 2019, and the lack of female angels h a s a d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e i m p a c t o n f u n d i n g f o r women-led firms In 2024, nearly half (49%) of female a n g e l i n v e s t m e n t w e n t t o w o m e n - l e d b u s i n e s s e s , compared with just 19% of male angel investment

J e n n y T o o t h O B E , executive chair of UKBAA, s a i d w

investments going to 2,155

increase of more than 50%

female participation in

Father-son developers plan major mill regeneration in Bradford

A father-and -s on p rop erty tea

arg uing the ci ty has been overlooked by inv estors and is i n u rg e nt ne ed o f regeneration

Bradford-based developers

Sandeep and Kunal Gupta are focusing on large-scale conversions of former mill buildings into hundreds of n e w h

currently pursuing plans to transform two historic sites into apartments, with the aim of boosting investment a n d i m p r o v i n g h o u s i n g choice in the city

Sandeep Gupta arrived

t r a d i n g , i m p o r t i n g a n d e v e n t u a l l y property His business now owns 13 nursing homes and a portfolio of around 250 commercial and residential p r o p e r t i e s H e s a i

success has been built on “

e a r n e d

a s t r o n g reputation

W o r k i n g a l o n g s i d e h i s

s o n , S a n d e e p i s n o w concentrating on propertyl e d r e g e n e r a t i o n O n e p r o j e c t a t M i d l a n d M i l l s , near Forster Square, would

d e l i v e r a r o u n d 2 0 0 a p a r t m e n t s , w h i l

L e g r a m s M i l l , f o r w h i c h p l a n n i n g permission has been s u b m i t t e d , a i m s t o

c r e a t e a f u r t h e r 1 2 5 homes The pair are a l s o r e d e v e l o p i n g Allerton Mill and plan to invest £20 million in Bradford over the next three years

and Kunal Gupta

Kunal said the city i s “ m i s s i n g investment, new companies and good-quality, affordable a c c o m m o d a t i o n ” , a d d i n g that reusing old mills could p l a y a m a j o r r o l e i

India secures major investment deals at WEF 2026

T h e Wo rl d E co n o m i c F orum (WEF) annual meeting in Davo s, Sw itzerland, c o nc l u d ed w it h I nd i a emerg ing as a central pow -

e rho u se f or g lob al c api tal and technolog ical p artnersh ips Led by a high-level delegation, the Indian contin-

g e n t s u c c e s s f u l

p

itioned the nation as a premier destination for sustainable industrial growth

M

T h e M u m b a

(MMRDA) signed 24 MoUs

w

($226 65 billion) during the

c F

u m (WEF) in Davos, with the i n v e s t m e n t s e x p e c t e d t o c r e a t e a b o u t 1 6 m i l l i o n j o b s a c r o s

M

m b a i Metropolitan Region Two key MoUs signed on Day 3 with the Tata Group and the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce were valued at ₹1 01 lakh crore and ₹1 37 l a k h c r o r e , r e s p e

y , marking a record FDI outc

y , according to commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee At the same time, the Uttar Pradesh government h

with companies and insti-

Solar ranked 8th globally by Wood Mackenzie

University to boost invest-

manufacturing, infrastruc-

d skilling Key MoUs included ₹8,000 crore by REC Ltd for 500 MW waste-to-ener-

Metallurgical for

MTPA steel plant C

stood out at Davos, with

India’s resilience to global

and the WEF launched a ‘Skills Accelerator’, Gujarat signalled plans for nuclear energy via small modular reactors, while discussions on ethical AI in journalism and other global engagem

push towards a $5 trillion economy

India’s camel milk plant sees daily output of 4 lakh litres

India’s first cam el milk pro-

c es si ng pl ant, ru n by th e K utch District Coop erative

M il k P ro d u c er s U ni o n ( Sarhad Dairy), pro cu red an

a v er ag e o f 4 , 7 54 l it res o f camel milk per d ay in 2024–

2 5 , p ay i ng ₹ 8 7 2 c ro r e to o ver 350 camel-rearing fam -

i l ie s, Gu j ar at g o v er nm e nt o fficials said

Based in Bhuj, Sarhad Dairy works with more than 9 0 0 c o o p e r a t i v e s o c i e t i e s and collects nearly 5 5 lakh

l i t r e s o f m i l k d a i l y f r o m

, including camel and bovine milk It processes up to 4 lakh litres a day, operates a 300-tonne cattle feed plant, and produces 50,000 litres of ice cream daily The dairy d i s b

e each day to livestock farmers and recorded a turnover exceeding ₹1,200 crore in 2024-25, marking a 9 09% year-on-year growth

S a r h a d D a i r y , e s t a bl i s h e d i n 2 0 0

runs India’s first deodorising camel milk processing

January 2019 Camel milk, rich in essential minerals, promotes health and immun i t y , a n d t h e d a i r y h a s earned the primary organic c e r t i

Following the Amul model, milk is collected from four

h a , and Kotda Athamana

Micron to begin chip production in Gujarat next month

In a his toric m il es ton e f or India’s technol ogy se ctor, US c hi pm a k e r M ic r o n Te chnol ogy is s et to c ommenc e com mer cial production at its Gujar at fac il ity b y late Febr uary 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking from the World Economic Forum confirmed that the $2 75 billion ( £ 2 1 6 b i l l i o n ) p l a n t i n Sanand has successfully com-

p l e t e d i t s p i l o t r u n s T h i s marks the first major success for the India Semiconductor

M i s s i o n ( I S M ) , a

crore initiative launched in 2021 to reduce the nation's reliance on imported elec-

hub

The 93-acre site focuses

, marking, and packaging of DRAM and NAND memory c h i p

room in record time since the project’s ground-breaking in September 2023 Supported by a 50% fiscal subsidy from the central government and 2 0 % f r o m t h e s t a t e o f Gujarat, the facility is expected to create 5,000 direct jobs

a n d 1 5 , 0 0 0 i n d i r e c t r o l e s Micron leads a group of four major companies, including Tata Electronics, CG Power, and Kaynes Technology, all of which are scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2026

Zydus launches affordable cancer biosimilar

Z y d us Li f e s c i e n c e s o f f i c i a l ly la u n c h e d ‘Tishtha’, the world’s first b iosim ilar of the b loc kbuster anti -canc er drug Nivolumab

The launch follows a landmark ruling by a division bench of the Delhi High Court on January 12, which prioritised public interest by allowing Zydus to market the drug ahead of the original patent's expiry Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), the patent holder of the reference drug Opdivo, had previously secured an injunction, but the court ruled that withholding affordable,

life-saving therapy would cause irreparable prejudice to patients Tishtha is priced at approximately one-fourth the cost of the innovator drug, significantly lowering the financial barrier for advanced cancer care

Zydus has introduced a two-strength portf o l i o , w i t h t h e 4 0 m g d o s e p r i c e d a t ₹13,950 and the 100 mg dose at ₹28,950

Nivolumab is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor used to treat several aggressive malignancies, including lung, head-and-neck, and renal cancers

Malabar Gold & Diamonds opens flagship showroom in Kuala Lumpur

Malabar Gold & Diamo nd s, the w orld’ s fifth-largest jewellery retailer, has op ened a new flagship sh owroom in Ba ng s ar , K u ala

marking its ninth outlet in Malaysia I

January 2026 by members of the Selangor Royal Family and senior officials, Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ new flagship showroom in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, underscores the brand's commitment to enhancing jewellery retail in a prestigious area

offers an immersive, premium experience for design-

conscious

Ahammad emphasised that

Malabar's strong dedication to Malaysia and its focus on b u i l d

tions, setting transparency standards, and strengthening its global presence

Adani aerospace, Embraer set to assemble aircraft in India

Billio naire Gautam Ad ani’s aerospace and defence arm and Brazil’s Em braer are set to announce a partnersh ip next week to assemble comm erc i al a ir cr af t i n I nd i a, according to a source familiar with the matter

The move would be a major boost for India’s civil aviation ambitions, marking a win for the government, w h i c h h a s l o n g p r e s s e d global plane makers to manufacture locally amid more t h a n

from Indian carriers

E m b r a e r h a s s i g n e d a

MoU with Adani Aerospace to establish a final assembly line for its regional jets in India

A

i a invitations hinting at a “historic” development in commercial aviation, with the announcement scheduled at India’s civil aviation ministry

Around 50 Embraer airc r a f t c u r r e n t l y o p e r a t e i n India, including jets flown

by regional carrier Star Air, a modest presence compared with the Airbus and Boeing fleets that dominate airline o r d e r s E m b r a e r , w h i c h opened a New Delhi office l a s t y e a r , e s t i m a t e s I n d i a will require at least 500 aircraft in the 80–146 seat segm e n t o v e r t h e n e x t t w o decades

A dani Grou p completely takes ov er IANS -Finance

A d

B i l

’ s c o n

e r a t e h a s completed its full takeover of Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), marking the latest s t e p i n i t

Uganda opposition leader hides amid military threats

O p p o si t i on le a d e r , Bo bi

Win e, whose rea l na me is Rober t Ky agulany i, e sca ped soldie rs at h is home , though he re fuses to say how His

c

U

K

President Yoweri Museveni, threatened Wine on social media, boasting of killing 22 opposition supporters and expressing intent to harm Wine personally

President Museveni was declared the winner with nearly 72% of the vote, but turnout was just over 50%,

r

s u p p o

t M a n y U g a n d a n s stayed home as a silent form

o f p r o t e s t i n a c

changed hands at the ballot box

I n K a m p a

streets, and over

thousand

detained since the January

are in hiding, and at least s e v

U n i t y P l a t f o r m w e r e k i l l e d b y security forces

The crackdown aims to

Wine in hiding and veteran

election as a sham, with the

military operation Similar

elites and claim legitimacy

change

Bobi Wine says all he wants is freedom as military threats continue He alleged

Kyagulanyi, was assaulted

soldiers who searched their

documents and electronics U

denied the claims, saying his forces were only looking for Wine and did not harm women Barbara, speaking from

hit, choked, and partially undressed during the raid,

and psychological trauma

their home while searching

supporters for keeping him safe

Three-day celebrations for East Africa’s tallest Hanuman idol in Nakuru

Nakuru hosted a v ibrant three-d ay celebration for th e Sthap na of a 20-foot Lord

H an u m an Da d a i d

K

s h na T em ple, S ectio n 58, the tallest Hanum anji m urti in East A frica

The festivities began on 23 January with bhajan kirtans by the Bairagi Bhajan Team On 24 January, sacred havan rituals were held, followed by a stage presentation of Hanuman Dada’s Jivan Charitra performed by 79 artists

The main event on 25 January drew devotees from across Kenya, starting with a community breakfast at 7:30 am and culminating in a grand Shobha Yatra, flagged off by HE Shri Sushil Prasad, Deputy High

C o m m i s s i o n e r o f I n d i a t o K e n y a , a n d Honorary Consul Shri Sudeepji Kulasari

With chants of “Jai Hanuman Dada” resonating through the streets for over three hours, the vibrant procession reached Shri Krishna Temple amid music, devotional dances, and colorful pageantry

T h e c e l e b r a t i o n s p e a k e d w i t h t h e unveiling of the 20-foot Hanuman Dada murti, performed by main Yajman Shri Nikubhai and Shri Kishorebhai with their f a m i l i e s , a l o n g w i t h c o - y a j m a n s S h r i Shailesh Sheth and Shri Ilesh Patel and t h e i r f a m i l i e s T h e c e r e m o n y a t t r a c t e d large crowds of devotees and dignitaries, all united in devotion Mahaprasad was served after each event

Eight Islamic nations join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza

Fore ign ministe rs fr om eight Isla mic count ries, in cluding se ve r al A ra b n at ion s, ha ve w e lc o m e d a n i n v i t a t io n from US Preside nt Don ald J Trump t o join a “Boar d of P e a c e ” , r e a ffi r m i n g t h e i r s up p o r t fo r i n t e r n a t i o n a l e ffort s to bring a n en d to the G aza con flict

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Qatar, T ü r k i y e , E g y p t , J o r d a n , Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcomed an invitation from U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d J Trump to join the Board of Peace They confirmed their shared decision to participate, noting that member states will complete the necessary legal procedures, with Egypt, Pakistan and the UAE having already announced their accession

T h e m i n i s t e r s r e a ff i r m e d t h e i r s u p p o r t f o r

P r e s i d e n t T r u m p ’ s p e a c e efforts and pledged to back the Board of Peace’s mand a t e , a s o u t l i n e d i n t h e

Comprehensive Plan to End t

The initiative aims to secure a lasting ceasefire, support Gaza’s reconstruction, and advance a just and durable peace based on Palestinian

Trump revokes Canada’s invit e

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly formed Board of Peace Trump posted on Truth Social addressing Prime Minister Mark Carney, citing no reason for the revocation Canada had indicated it would join on principle but would not pay the $

European leaders have concerns about the board’s scope but remain open to cooperating in Gaza The board, chaired by Trump, is being promoted as an international conflictresolution body Separately, Trump also threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country strikes a trade deal with China

Indian-origin man murdered in Canadian gang war

The ong oin g gan g conflict in Br

ha s cla im ed an other life following t he ta rge te d killing of Dilra j Singh G ill, a 28-ye arold man of Indian origin

O f f i c e r s f r o m t h e

Burnaby RCMP responded to reports of gunfire in the 3700 block of Canada Way Upon arrival, police discove r e d G i l l w i t h c r i t i c a l

injuries Despite immediate

l i f e - s a v i n g e f f o r t s , h e w a s p r o n o u n c e d d e a d a t t h e s c e n e S h o r t l y a f t e r t h e

s h o o t i n g , i n v e s t i g a t o r s located a vehicle engulfed in flames on Buxton Street, a common tactic used by local g a n g s t o d e s t r o y f o r e n s i c evidence

T h e I n t e g r a t e d

H o m i c i d e I n v e s t i g a t i o n

Team (IHIT) has confirmed that the murder is linked to t h e b r o a d e r B C G a n g Conflict Gill, a Vancouver resident with a history of drug-trafficking convictions d a t i n g b a c k t o 2 0 1 6 , w a s r e p o r t e d l y a s s o c i a t e d w i t h

t h e U N G a n g ( s p e c i f i c a l l y the Kang/BIBO group) His d e a t h i s b e l i e v e d t o b e a retaliatory strike following t h

member of the rival Brothers Keepers gang, who was shot dead in Abbotsford This latest violence comes amid a surge in extortion and gang-

shootings reported in nearby Surrey alone during the first two weeks of 2026

Making of Abu Dhabi’s investment powerhouse

Six decad es ag o, Abu Dhabi w a s a sp a r s e ly p o p ul a t e d de sert se ttleme nt with little infra structur e wh en it beg an e xport ing oil Today , it is a globa l fin ancial powerhouse of 4 million people, lar gely e x pa t r i a t e s , a n d h o m e t o some of t he world’s lar gest sove reign wealth funds

Under Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, oil reve n u e s w e r e u s e d t o b u i l d infrastructure and establish the Abu Dhabi Investment

A u t h o r i t y ( A D I A ) i n 1 9 7 6 Abu Dhabi later created IPIC

i n 1 9 8 4 a n d M u b a d a l a i n

2002 to invest abroad and d i v e r s i f y t h e e c o n o m y , though it kept a low international profile

T h a t c h a n g e d a f t e r S h e i k h Z a y e d ’ s d e a t h i n 2004, as Abu Dhabi’s funds

b e c a m e m o r e a g g r e s s i v e investors, especially after the 2 0 0 8 f i n a n c i a l c r i s i s Following missteps such as I P I C ’ s i n v o l v e m e n t i n t h e 1MDB scandal, the emirate restructured its investment

A

wealth is managed mainly by ADIA, Mubadala, and ADQ, t o g e

$1 7 trillion in assets The syst e m i s

S

i k h Tahnoon bin Zayed, Sheikh M a n s o u r , a n d M u b a d a l a CEO Khaldoon al-Mubarak, key figures in Abu Dhabi’s modern financial strategy

A D I A , t h e o l d e s t a n d largest, oversees about $1 1 trillion and invests only outside the UAE to safeguard w e a l t h f o r f u t u r e g e n e r ations Mubadala, created to diversify the economy, operates like a global private equity investor after major mergers expanded its scale ADQ, established in 2018, holds key state assets and builds sectorfocused portfolios that contribute significantly to nonoil GDP, while also serving strategic interests Lunate has emerged as an active alternat i v e a s s e t m a n a g e r w i t h i n Sheikh Tahnoon’s network, and MGX focuses on multibillion-dollar investments in a r t i f i c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e a n d advanced technology

France moves to ban social media for under-15s

France’s Nati onal Ass embly has ap proved a bil l to ban soci al med ia ac ces s for chi ldren under 15, a move backed by Pres ident Emmanuel Macron L awmakers vo ted 116–23 in favour, sendi ng the bi ll to the Senate fo r app ro val I f pass ed , platforms such as Ti kTo k, I nstagram, and Snapc hat woul d be off -li mi ts to yo ung teenagers President Emmanuel Macron hailed the vote as a “major step” and pushed for the ban to t a k e e f f e c t b y t h e n e x t s c h o o l y e a r o n 1

September, saying children’s minds should not be exploited for profit The proposed law would empower France’s media regulator to ban harmful social media platforms for under15s, while allowing limited access to others with parental consent The bill also seeks to extend mobile phone bans to senior schools and would require a robust age-verification system Similar restrictions are being explored across Europe, while the UK has begun consulting on banning social media for under-16s

Sunita Williams bids farewell to NASA after 27 years

Renow ned astronaut Sunita Williams h as

o ff ic iall y reti red fro m NA S A , bri ng ing a storied 27-year career to a close

Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival

effective on December 27, 2025 Reflecting on her journey, Williams mixed humour with nostalgia, jokingly remarked that while she would “love to go to space again,” her husband might kill her given the time she

aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which concluded with her return to Earth in March 2025

Over nearly three decades, Williams set numerous records, logging a cumulative 608 days in space, the second-most for any NASA astronaut She remains the world’s most experienced female spacewalker, with nine spacewalks totalling 62 hours and 6 minutes

Beyond her technical feats, such as running the first space marathon in 2007, Williams served twice as the ISS commander Now in

her post-retirement phase, she is visiting India to inspire the next generation through STEM advocacy She expressed immense optimism for India’s Gaganyaan programme, noting that the “torch has been passed” to a new era of explorers ready to push the boundaries of the solar system

First stones from India arrive for France’s first Hindu mandir

A h i s to ri c m i les to n e in Fr an co - I nd i an collaboration was celebrated in Paris with the arriv al of the first stones fro m India fo r t h e n ew Hi n d u M a nd i r in B u ss y- S a in tG eo rg es T h i s m a rks t h e n ext p h as e

constructing France’s first traditional Hindu t em p le, bu il t u s ing ce ntu ri es -o ld Ind ian craftsmanship

The stones, hand-carved in India using traditional techniques, will be assembled in

i s e d a cultural exchange as well as a step toward

creating a space for worship, education, and community engagement Local and national leaders attended, highlighting the temple’s role in strengthening Franco-Indian ties

Sanjay Kara, CEO of the Paris Mandir project and BAPS UK & Europe trustee, said,

First stone consecration ceremony conducted by Swamis

“The arrival of the first stones from India is a historic milestone, merging Indian tradition with French engineering Guided by Mahant Swami Maharaj’s values, the Mandir will serve worshippers and the wider community as a centre of culture and learning

“Stones sculpted in India by master artisans will be assembled by French stonemasons, some involved in Notre-Dame’s restoration

called it “ an innovative spiritual and human partnership,” while Alain Ngouoto, SousPréfet de Torcy, said the ceremony was a “building block of Franco-Indian friendship,” uniting two traditions to create a lasting bond and resplendent structure

Federal agents deploy teargas on Minneapolis protesters outside ICE hotel

A pro test at Minneapo lis’ Ho me2 S uites

t u rn e d t en s e S u nd ay as d em o ns t ra to r s , u pset over Alex P retti ’ s killing, vandalised t h e h o te l t h ey be li e ve d h o u se d f ed er al i mmigrati on agents

Videos showed loud protests and graffiti reading “ICE out,” referencing the federal immigration agency

R e p o r t s s a i d d e m o n s t r a t o r s t r i e d t o throw objects and smash windows in the hotel lobby Videos showed two federal officers with long guns outside as protesters gathered, with one asking, “Where’s the l o c a l P D ? ” L a w e n f o r c e m

(DPS) said the state patrol and DNR assisted Minneapolis police with property damage,

irritants without coordination, after which the state patrol and DNR left the scene

The protest came two days after US border patrol killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, who was unarmed and restrained at

Graca Machel awarded Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

T h e I nd ir a G an d h i M em o ri al T ru s t

annou nced that Mozambican rig hts activ ist

Graca Machel h as been awarded the 20 25 Indira Gand hi Prize for P eace, Disarm am ent and Dev elopm ent

An international jury, chaired by former

a t i o n a l S e c u

i t y A d v i s o r S h i v s h a n k a r M e n o n , a w a r d e d G r a c a M a c h e l

transformative work in education, health, and women ’ s economic empowerment The award includes ₹1 crore, a citation, and a Haematite Jasper trophy, recognising her decades of humanitarian work, especially advocacy for children in conflict zones

Born on October 17, 1945, Machel rose as

in brief

SUICIDE BOMBING AT PAKISTAN WEDDING KILLS 7

A suicide bombing at a wedding in northwest Pakistan has claimed 7 lives and injured about 25 The attacker targeted the home of Noor Alam Mehsud, a pro-government leader, during his nephew's wedding ceremony in the Qureshi Mor area of Dera Ismail Khan The bomber, later identified by security sources as a 21year-old Afghan national While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion falls on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who frequently target these committees for supporting the state’s counter-militancy efforts The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered a high-level investigation into the security breach near the Afghan border, as regional violence continues to escalate

JAPAN PM TAKAICHI DISSOLVES PARLIAMENT FOR ELECTION

the time Earlier, ICE agent Jonathan Ross

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called on the White House to withdraw federal immigration agents, who have surged in the

focused, effective immigration control” and asking Trump to pull the agents back Indian restau rant clo ses amid immigrati on crackdo wn

indefinitely to protect staff amid a federal immigration crackdown The family-owned

following ICE’s ‘Operation Metro Surge,’ which deployed hundreds of agents in major

meals to downtown anti-ICE protesters

Supporters have started a GoFundMe for staff, while locals criticised the militarised federal raids

enrolment from 40% to over 90% She is i n

n a t i o n a l l y k n o w n f o r h e r 1 9 9 6 U N

report on children in armed conflict and remains the only woman to have been First Lady of both Mozambique and South Africa

Mamdani condemns antisemitic vandalism in Brooklyn

N ew York City M ayor Zohran Mamdan i has expressed hi s outrage after a children’ s pla yground in B orough Park , B rookl yn, was defaced with doz ens of swastik as City workers discovered 57 swastikas and the name ‘Adolf Hitler’ scrawled across slides and handball courts at Gravesend Park This followed a similar discovery of 16 symbols the previous day Mamdani, stated he was sickened by the act and vowed that antisemitism would have no place in his administration

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force

a c t e d s w i f t l y , a r r e s t i n g t w o 1 5 - y e a r - o l d boys on January 22 One teenager faces c h a r g e s o f a g g r a v a t e d h a r a s s m e n t a n d criminal mischief as a hate crime, while the s e c o n d w a s c h a r g e d w i t h a g g r a v a t e d h a r a s s m e n t L o c a l l e a d e r s , i n c l u d i n g

G o v e r n o r K a t h y H o c h u l , d e s c r i b e d t h e incident as “depraved,” noting that the p a r k s e r v e s a n e i g h b o u r h o o d h o m e t o many Holocaust survivors In response, the c i t y h a s p l e d g e d t o i n s t a l l p e r m a n e n t surveillance cameras to prevent further incidents

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved Japan s Lower House triggering a snap election for February 8 Despite taking office only three months ago in October 2025 as Japan s first female leader, Takaichi is capitalising on her 70% approval rating to secure a stronger mandate for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) This strategic move aims to regain seats lost in previous scandals, though it delays a critical budget vote intended to tackle soaring inflation and a stagnating economy Official campaigning begins on January 27, with the opposition criticising the timing as a political gamble at the expense of fiscal stability

TORONTO WOMAN CHARGED FOR ANTI-INDIAN GRAFFITI

Toronto police have arrested 29-year-old Megan Elsley in connection with a series of suspected hate-motivated incidents targeting the Indian community The arrest followed a lengthy investigation into derogatory graffiti found at TTC stations and inside subway cars between July 3 and December 21, 2025 Toronto police’s Hate Crime Unit launched a probe after commuters reported aggressive anti-immigrant and anti-Indian messages Elsley has been charged with eight counts of mischief under $5 000 with police treating the case as suspected hate-motivated allowing a judge to factor in bias at sentencing The incident comes amid a rise in xenophobic sentiment in Canada linked to debates on immigration and housing Elsley is due to appear in court on March 4

PAKISTANI RIGHTS LAWYERS RECEIVE HEAVY PRISON TERMS

A Pakistani court sentenced human rights lawyers Zainab Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to 17 years each for social media posts deemed hostile to the state The verdict came a day after their arrest in Islamabad; the couple boycotted the hearing and appeared briefly via video link The case began with an August 2025 complaint accusing Mazari of posting “anti-state” content linked to ban militant groups, allegedly with her husband’s support They denied the charges, while family and supporters condemned the ruling The judge said they had obstructed the trial

JAPAN BIDS TEARFUL FAREWELL TO LAST PANDA

Thousands visited Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to bid farewell to Japan s last two giant pandas twin cubs Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei before they return to China Visitors queued for up to three-and-a-half hours to see them one last time The departure of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei comes amid tense Tokyo-Beijing relations after PM Sanae Takaichi warned of military action if China attacked Taiwan With the twins’ return, Japan will be panda-free for the first time since 1972 China owns all loaned pandas, including cubs charging about $1 million per pair annually At Ueno Zoo 108,000 people competed for 4,400 slots to see the twins, with many tearful goodbyes

in brief

UAE CONFIRMS RELEASE OF OVER 900 INDIAN PRISONERS

In a major diplomatic and humanitarian development the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delivered a formal list of more than 900 Indian nationals approved for release to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi This follows a massive clemency order issued by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ahead of the country s 54th National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on December 2 The President pardoned 2,937 inmates nationwide, with Indian citizens, the largest group, among them The UAE will cover all fines, enabling the released individuals to return home debt-free Following a January 2026 diplomatic summit consular officials are fasttracking travel documents for those mostly jailed for minor financial or immigration offenses

BANGLADESH BEGINS CAMPAIGNING FOR FIRST POST-HASINA ELECTION

Bangladesh has launched official campaigning for its highly anticipated general elections next month the first since the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule The February 12 election will see Bangladesh’s 170 million people choose 350 lawmakers in a pivotal transition marked by security concerns and warnings of online disinformation EU observers have called it the biggest democratic exercise of 2026 with mass rallies expected as frontrunners, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, launch their campaigns BNP chief and prime ministerial hopeful Tarique Rahman 60, has begun his bid in Sylhet after returning from 17 years in exile Jamaat-e-Islami will begin its campaign in Dhaka under leader Shafiqur Rahman, alongside its ally, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP)

US SET TO EXIT WHO

The US is set to officially leave the World Health Organization despite warnings that the move could harm both American and global health and violate a law requiring Washington to pay $260 million in outstanding WHO fees President Trump gave notice on his first day in office in 2025; under US law, the country must provide a one-year notice and settle all dues before exiting WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged a rethink, saying, “Withdrawing from the WHO is a loss for the United States, and a loss for the rest of the world ” The WHO noted that the US has yet to pay its 2024 and 2025 fees

WORLD’S OLDEST CAVE ART FOUND IN INDONESIA

Archaeologists say a faded hand outline on a cave wall in Indonesia may be the world s oldest known rock art created at least 67 800 years ago Found in a limestone cave on Muna Island, Sulawesi, it had gone unnoticed among more recent paintings of animals and figures

The stencil, likely made by ancestors of Indigenous Australians, offers insight into early human settlement in the region Professors Maxime Aubert and Adam Brumm’s fieldwork uncovered Sulawesi s ancient cave art including a 51,200-year-old scene of human-like figures and a wild pig

INDIAN PHD STUDENT WINS $200K AFTER CURRY DISPUTE

Indian PhD student Aditya Prakash received over $200 000 from the University of Colorado Boulder after a dispute over reheating Indian food led to discrimination and retaliation claims In September 2023 a staff member called his palak paneer pungent resulting in him and partner Urmi Bhattacheryya losing supervisors and funding In September 2025, they sued for discrimination; the university settled four months later, granting $200,000 and Master s degrees but banning future enrolment They said the case reflected repeated “othering of Indian food

After returning to the kitchen, they were heckled, locked out, and accused of “inciting a riot ”

Hindu worker burnt alive in Bangladesh garage attack

A ho rrific act of v iolence has cl

Ch and ra Bh ow mik, a 23 -yearo ld H i nd u m

Narsingd i, Banglad esh

B

inside a vehicle repair workshop a

assailants allegedly set the building on fire from the outside The blaze, fueled by stored petrol and engine oil, rapidly engulfed

Bhowmik behind locked shutters Fire service personnel eventually broke into the premises, but Bhowmik had already succumbed to severe burns and suffocation

C C T V f o o t a g e f

o m t h e scene reportedly shows a suspect gathering lubricant-soaked materials and igniting them in front of the garage before flee-

local residents have labelled the incident a premeditated murder, o c c u

communal tension ahead of the

February 12 general elections

This tragedy follows a series of attacks on the Hindu minority, including the recent beating of a shop owner in Gazipur and the

Muhammad Yunus-led interim government maintains that such

Affairs has expressed "grave concern" over the safety of the nearly 13 million Hindus living in the country

Ludhiana native to contest South Australian elections

L

Bald ev (S unny) Singh has been

Liberal Party to contest the seat of Giles in th e upcom ing So uth A u

March 21

Singh’s journey from

being celebrated as

landmark success for the Punjabi diaspora O

Australia with just two suitcases and

As a founding member of the

sents the growing influence of

Punjabi speakers now living in Australia His campaign, which

development and multicultural cohesion If successful, he will

San Francis co-b as ed phy sicia

approached her mother at

assuming she spoke Spanish

m saying that she’s been in this country longer than some of them have been alive When the elderly woman clarified she did not speak the language, the agents reportedly interrogated her aggressively, demanding to k n o w w h e r e s h e w a s f r o m while rapidly listing different countries T h e s t a n d

An Ind ian national was am ong four peopl e kill ed in a sh oo ting linked to an alleged family dispute in Lawrencev ille, Georgia, the Indian m issio n in A tlanta said T he incid ent occurred early Frid ay w h i le th ree c h i ld r en w e re i ns i d e th e hom e, accord ing to local media

The Consulate General of India in Atlanta expressed grief, confirmed that the suspected shooter has been arrested, and said all possible assistance is being provided to the bereaved family

The suspect was identified as Vijay Kumar, 51, of Atlanta Police said the victims were his wife Meenu Dogra (43),

ment to the State Parliament, representing

that

regional hubs of the Spencer Gulf

Currently serving his second term as a councillor for the Port Augusta City Council, Singh has gained national attention for his community service and his handling of a high-profile racially charged incident in 2018, where he famously forgave an attacker to promote cultural harmony

Indian-origin doctor says ICE targeted her mother

photo of her US passport on her phone The incident comes a m i d h e i g h t e n e d p u b

shootings of two US citizens earlier this month While the T r u m p a d m i n i s

measure, critics, including legal experts and doctors such as Dr Patel, warn that racial profiling is increasingly affecting longterm residents and citizens

Indian man arrested after family shooting

Gourav Kumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37) and Harish Chander (38) Kumar has been charged with multiple counts of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault, along with charges of cruelty to children

Police responded to a 911 call around 2 30 am at a residence on Brook Ivy Court, where they found four adults dead from gunshot wounds Three children were present during the shooting but hid in a closet; one of them called 911, enabling a quick police response The children were unharmed and later taken into the care of a family member

Singapore’s “tree lady” Kirtida Mekani passes away

Kirtida Mekani, a Karnataka-born environmentalist and champ ion of community service and cultural heritage in Singapore, h as died of a m assive heart attack at ho me

A recipient of the President’s Award for environmental work and a 2024 inductee of the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, Mekani, affectionately known as the “Tree Lady”, leaves behind a legacy in the city’s green spaces, community gardens, educational institutions, and cultural landmarks Her passion for nature began in childhood on her family’s farm, where she discovered the transformative power of composting

Inspired by early lessons in nature, Mekani believed that respecting the environment was key to sustainable living After moving to Singapore in 1990, she founded the Singapore Environment Council in 1993, creating over 50 programmes for schools, businesses, and communities, and continued mentoring and advising even after stepping down Her signature achievement was the 2007 Plant-A-Tree Programme with the National Parks Board, which has planted 76,000 trees, introduced 200+ native species, and involved over 100,000 participants Alongside her husband Bharat, she championed community causes, served on the Garden City Fund, supported Community in Bloom’s 1,900 gardens, and aided student-led rainforest restoration Her philosophy: sustainability must be lived, not lectured

Surrey declares emergency over extortion

Surrey C ity Co uncil has declared a lo cal state of em ergency am id a surge in extortion threats and related violence, becoming the first elected council in Canada to take such action against a crime C anad ian media reported th at Mayor Brend a Locke led the mo tion, app rov ed on January 26, citing crim es th at hav e ov erwhelmed lo cal resources, with Punjabi gang sters alleg ed ly targ eting South Asian com munities

The council has called on the federal government to declare a national emergency or adopt extraordinary steps to tackle what Mayor Brenda Locke described as a “transnational” extortion threat, warning that families are fearful and businesses under attack

The motion seeks a federal “extortion commissioner” and tougher action, including additional RCMP units, quicker deportations of non-citizens involved, and tighter immigration laws Extortion cases, largely targeting South Asian businesses, have surged from 44 in 2025 to 35 by midJanuary 2026, with multiple shootings Despite a $250,000 reward fund, community fear persists, with Locke cautioning the crisis could become a national issue

PM Modi attacks DMK as elections approach

a tt ac k o n t h e ru l ing DMK during a massive NDA rally in M aduranthakam

Addressing a crowd near Chennai, the Prime Minister d

enemies of Tamil culture

growth pitch, Chief Minister

elections scheduled for April or May 2026 Modi

and criticised their stance on

states like Tamil Nadu and

development indices While

Modi touted a ₹3 lakh crore central allocation to the state over the last 11 years, Stalin

C

f creating hurdles for state-led progress With the election mere months away, this highdecibel exchange marks the

the Dravidian model and the NDA's national vision

Dhinakaran’s AMMK reunites with NDA for elections

Credit: B Jothi Ramalingam

Makka l Munne tra Ka zhagam (AMMK), for mal l

ejoin ed t

All ia nce (ND A)

The move, announced in Chennai, aims to create a unified front to unseat t

elections, expected in April or May 2026 Dhinakaran met with the BJP’s election

i n - c h a r g e f o r t h e s t a t e , Piyush Goyal, to seal the agreement, marking what

h e d e s c r i b e d a s a n e w beginning for the welfare

o f t h e p e o p l e o f T a m i l Nadu

T h e r e c o n c i l i a t

c o m e s a f t

t

A M M K e x i t e d t h e a l l i a n c e i n September 2025, following the BJP's decision to revive

i t s p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e AIADMK, led by Edappadi K P a l a n i s w a m i ( E P S )

Despite previous friction, D h i n a k a r a n e m p h a s i s e d that “compromises for the

V Dhinakaran in Chennai

c o m m o n g o o d d o n o t weaken us, ” invoking the l e g a c y o f t h e l a t e J

J a y a l a l i t h a a t o u r g e u n i t y among her followers This strategic merger is designed t o p r e v e n t t h e fragmentation of opposition votes in a state where the current assembly's term is set to expire on May 10

Bengaluru traffic ranked world's second worst

Ind i a ’ s tec hno lo g y cap i tal, Bengaluru, has been named th e w o rl d ’ s s ec o nd m o s t congested city in the latest Tom Tom T raffic Ind ex

A n a l y s i n g a n o n y m o u s data from 2025, the report reveals that commuters lost an average of 168 hours to rush-hour traffic annually, equivalent to seven days and 40 minutes This marks a sharp increase of nearly 13

y Mexico City in the global r a n k i n

congestion levels reaching 74 4%

The report notes that a 10-km commute in the city now takes an average of 36 minutes, stretching beyond 45 minutes during evening rush hours as speeds fall to 1

peaked at 101% on May 17,

Pune also ranked among the

cities, Bengaluru’s problem is worsened by rapid urban g r o w t h o u t s t

p p i n g infrastructure Based on 3 65 trillion km of driving data, the TomTom index points to a sharp drop in mobility, leaving residents stuck on the road for longer each day

Vijay’s TVK gets whistle symbol for polls

T h e E lecti on C om m i ss io n has allotted the whistle as the official sym bo l of actor V i j ay ’ s T am i l ag a V e ttr i Kazhag am for the upcom ing T

elections

The symbol was chosen f r o m

i o n

p

proposed by the party and was Vijay’s preferred choice, p

Kumar said Kumar said the symbol reflects public hopes of Vijay

n a s symbolic, echoing Vijay’s hit

song “Whistle Podu” from his 2024 film GOAT, which h

comes days after TVK held its first election campaign

Chennai and formed a 12member panel to coordinate

districts and constituencies ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls T

manifesto for the Assembly polls will centre on social

aimed at inclusive

Anar Patel named President of influential Khodaldham organisation

I n a st rat eg i c s h i ft f o r

G uj a rat 's s o c i o -p o l i ti ca l

l and sc ap e , A nar P ate l, daug hter o f former Gujarat C h ief M ini ster A nand i ben Patel w as ap pointed as the firs t- ev er p res id ent of th e S h re e K h o d a ld h am Sang athan

The announcement was m a d e b y N a r e s h P a t e l , c h a i r m a n o f t h e S h r e e Khodaldham Trust, during the 'Khodaldham Convener M e e t 2 0 2 6 ' h e

Kagvad, Rajkot Anar Patel,

Gujarat Chief Minister and c u r r e n t U t t a r P r a d e s h

Governor Anandiben Patel, h a s b e e n t a s k e d w i t h

o v e r s e e i n g t h e o r g a n i s a t i

n ' s o p e r a t i

n

a c r o s s 1 1 z o n e s a n d 3 1 districts in Gujarat T h e a p p o i n t m e n t o f A n a r , a 5

marks

Ahmedabad’s iconic Jail Bhajiya House undergoes major makeover

c ur r e n t l y u n d e r g o i n g a s ig n if ic a n t ₹ 2 4 cr o r e r ede velopmen t P r i s o n a u t h o r i t i e s confirmed that the project is progressing to transform the 1997-established stall into a m o d e r n t h r e e - s t o r e y h e r i t a g e c o m p l e x L o c a t e d near the RTO Circle on the route to the Gandhi Ashram Memorial, the new facility a i m s t o e n h a n c e p r i s o n e r rehabilitation by involving t h e m i n p r o f e s s i o n a l h o s p i t a l i t y a n d t o u r i s m roles

The revamped structure will feature a ground-floor

o u t l e t f o r i t s f a m o u s

bhajiyas, while the first floor w i l l h o u s e a r e s t a u r a n t serving the ‘Gandhi Thaali’, a sattvic meal inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s diet The s e c o n d f l o o r w i l l b e dedicated to a museum and p h o t o g a l l e r y s h o w c a s i n g the lives of freedom fighters like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Lokmanya Tilak, who w e r e o n c e i m p r i s o n e d a t Sabarmati Managed entirely

project seeks

Following delays caused by the pandemic, the Prisons D e

facility to become a major cultural

Eight arrested for Rs 826 crore cyber scam ED seizes Rs 11.3 crore assets in Gujarat timber racket T h e

syndicate by arresting eight men in Surat O

The investigation was initially launched following a 2024 First Offence Report (FOR) filed by the Mandvi South Range Forest Officer in Surat, citing violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Khair wood is highly prized for Kattha extraction and its medicinal properties The ED’s financial trail revealed that the syndicate laundered proceeds of crime by selling the timber in the grey market and transporting it across s

Maharashtra

‘Mother of All Deals’

Continued from page 01

The pact has been described

a s t h e “ m

c

scoring its scale and strategic

i m p o r t a n c e a s b o t h s i d e s seek to reduce reliance on the US and China

T h e a g r e e m e n t w i l l remove or reduce duties on more than 90% of EU goods

e x p o r t s t o I n d i a , w i t h

exports projected to poten-

t i a l l y d o u b l e b y 2 0 3 2 E U exports to India already support around 800,000 jobs, with more expected as trade expands

T h e d e a l a l s o

n c

u d e s €500 million in EU support over the next two years to help India cut emissions and accelerate its green transition, covering sectors such as a l c o h o l , f o o d p r o d u c t s , chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals and aerospace

T h e E U r e m a i n s I n d i a ’ s largest goods trading partn e r , w i t h b i l a t e r a l t r a d e worth about $136 billion in

2 0 2 4 - 2 5 , w h i l e I n d i a n s e r -

v i c e s e x p o r t s t o t h e E U reached €37 billion in 2024

T h e a g r e e m e n t m a r k s t h e m o s t a m b i t i o u s t r a d e

o p e n i n g I n d i a h a s e v e r offered a partner, delivering major gains for the European U n i o n E U e x p o r t e r s a r e expected to save up to €4 billion a year in duties, supported by simpler customs procedures that will make trade faster and cheaper India will

Geographical Indications are continuing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the India–EU Free Trade Agreement,

calling it the “mother of all deals” and a reflection of the

account for nearly a quarter of the world’s GDP He said the pact would strengthen global confidence in India a m o n g b

investors, underscoring the country’s push for internat

sectors

sharply cut tariffs across a wide range of goods, reducing duties on beer to 50%, spirits to 40% and wine to

2 0 - 3 0 % , w h i l e s l a s h i n g motor vehicle tariffs from 110% to 10% under a quota of 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 v e h i c l e s a n n u a l l y Tariffs on olive oil, vegetable oils, fruit juices, processed

f o o d s , a i r c r a f t , s p a c e c r a f t and most chemical products will be eliminated, alongside steep reductions on machine r y , p h a r m a c e u t

c

s a n d chemicals More than 90% of EU goods exports to India will face lower or zero tariffs

T h e d e a l a l s o s t r e n g t h e n s protection for EU intellectual property, includes a digital

d grants improved access for EU firms in financial and maritime services A dedicat-

e d S M E c h a p t e r , c o n t a c t points and greater regulatory transparency aim to ease trade and investment, while €500 million in EU support over the next two years is envisaged to help India cut

g

Negotiations on

separate

where talks will continue,

though wine, spirits and oils are covered The two sides

strengthening strategic ties

Antonio Costa brings Goa roots into India–EU trade milestone T

the long-awaited India–EU trade deal featured a light

Council President Antonio

Costa revealed his personal link to India by holding up

Leyen, Costa spoke warmly of his Goa roots, drawing smiles from the audience

said he was proud of his family’s origins in Goa, noting that the India–Europe part-

him His remarks highlighted a unique cultural connection as the two sides marked a major step in their growing

Costa’s visit to India likely

memories His previous visit dates back to 2017, when, as

Sheikh Hasina attacks Bangladesh government from India

by Muhammad Yunus

In a pre-recorded audio

Club in New Delhi, Hasina described the current government as a puppet regime and called on citizens to rise against it Her speech comes just weeks before the general

from contesting following its ousting in August 2024

Hasina alleged that the nation has been plunged into

an age of terror marked by widespread torture and sexual assault She demanded an ironclad guarantee for the safety of religious minorities, citing reports of increased attacks on Hindus since her departure While the Yunus

missed such claims as disinformation, Hasina urged the United Nations to conduct a fresh investigation into the

Minister Sheikh Hasina was allowed to deliver a public address from India, where she fled in 2024 Calling

government of Bangladesh, the ministry accused Hasina of inciting unrest and urging the removal of the interim government It warned that the speech could set a “dangerous precedent” and strain bilateral ties, as India has yet to act on Bangladesh’s extradition request

India rebuts Pakistan at UN over Operation Sindoor

I n di a s t r on g l y

United Nations, dismissin g what it call ed a fal se na rra tive on Oper ation Sin door an d asserting that Islamab ad ha s no locus st andi t o c omm

including Ja mmu and Ka shmir

India’s Permanent Representative P Harish said terrorism can never be normalised and accused Pakistan of using it as an instrument of state policy He rejected Pakistan’s claims on Operation Sindoor, launched in May last

Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, noting that the Security

Council itself had condemned the attack and called for accountability India’s Permanent R

strike aimed only at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, noting that Pakistan sought a halt on May 10 after issuing threats until May 9 He dismissed Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, stating it has no locus standi and reaffirming the region as an integral part of India On the Indus Waters Treaty, P Harish said India acted in good faith for 65 years but suspended the pact after the Pahalgam attack, urging Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism and reflect on its own rule-of-law record

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RAVI PATEL

Zealand and the European Free Trade Association, even as negotiations with the US remain unresolved

T

Goyal said he has concluded seven trade agreements with d

this one “the mother of all

While the EU has moderated its expectations on market access and the deal includes limited environmental and

English translation of a play by his father, poet and novelist Orlando Costa Born in Lisbon in 1961, Costa first travelled to Goa as a teenager with his parents His grandfather spent much of his life in Margao, where the family’s over 200year-old ancestral home on Abade Faria Road still stands a

family members During his 2017 visit, Costa visited the house and met relatives Orlando Costa, a noted writer influenced deeply by G o a , a

n Rabindranath Tagore “My father went to Lisbon but n

G

always present in his works,” Costa had said then Known for his calm style and Goan roots, the 64-year-old leader is often dubbed the “Gandhi of Lisbon ”

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of one of our founders, Ravi Patel, who left us on January 21, 2026, in Vadodara, India. His final rites were performed in Karamsad, Gujarat.

Ravi’s vision and values laid the foundation of SREE Hotels, headquartered in Charlotte, NC and touched countless lives beyond the organisation. Guided by faith, family and community, he was a founding force behind the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, a strong advocate for fairness in the hospitality industry, and a key leader in expanding the Hindu Center of Charlotte.

Ravi also played a pivotal role in shaping Charlotte’s hospitality and tourism landscape through his leadership with the Convention Authority and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, contributing to landmark developments such as the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Ravi is survived by his wife, Ranjan Patel; daughter Nisha Quill and son-in-law Zack Quill; son Samir Patel and daughter-in-law Hema Patel; and his beloved grandchildren, Asha, Liam and Zea Quill and Sohan Patel.

Reflecting on his life and legacy, former Charlotte Mayor and Governor of North Carolina Pat McCrory said: “Every major industry has its pioneers, and for hospitality, Ravi Patel was ours. Just as Hugh McColl transformed banking and Johnny Harris reshaped development, Ravi elevated hospitality with vision, discipline and heart. He leaves an enduring legacy grounded in faith, family and community. Charlotte is better because of him.”

Ravi will be remembered as a visionary leader, mentor and friend whose legacy of integrity, service, and generosity will continue to inspire generations.

SREE Hotels and Family

India votes against UN resolution on Iran protests

I n d i a j o in ed C h i na, P a ki s tan , an d fo u r o t h er

cou ntries in voting ag ainst a U N Hum an Righ ts Cou ncil

r es o lu ti o n co n d em ni ng

I ra n ’ s c rac kd o w n o n

p r o tes ts a nd e xt end in g a fact-find ing m issio n by two y ea rs to i nv e st ig ate las t m onth’ s rep ressio n The 47-member council adopted the resolution with 25 in favor, 7 against, and 14 abstentions

H i s t o r i c a l l y , I n d i a h a s a

u s u a l l y v o t e s a g a i n s t U N measures on Iran, though it had only abstained when the

Iran’s ambassador to India,

support” and said the stance reflects India’s commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty I

non-interference in internal affairs In 2024, it abstained due to Iranian comments on J&K, but returned to voting against in 2025 after Iran a s s u r

intervene in India’s internal matters

Sources say India’s vote

concerns Supporting Iran

Sunjay Kapur estate battle continues between Priya, Karisma’s kids

busin essm an Sunjay Kapur ’

cont in ues be twee n his third wife, Priya Sa chd ev Ka pur, a

K a r i sm a Ka poor ’ s child re n, Sa mair a a n d K i a a n T h e S u p r e m e

C our t h ea rd Pr iy a K apu r ’ s r eque st for deta ils of Sun jay a nd Kar ism a ’ s 2016 div orce The court ask ed Karisma to submit her obje ct ions within t wo we ek s P r i y a ’ s l a w y e r s a i d divorce details were needed

t o c h e c k i f K a r i s m a ’ s

c h i l d r e n ’ s c l a i m s w e r e addressed, while Karisma’s team called the application “ f r i v o l

diversion,” saying, “A divorce with children is private; if

my brother

Middle class eyes tax relief in Union Budget 2026

revoked its sanctions waiver on Chabahar last year but extended it until April 2026,

reprieve

Tejashwi Yadav named RJD national working president

T h e Ra sh tri ya J an ata D al ap p o i n te d f o rm er B i h ar dep uty CM Tejashwi Yadav

as i t s na ti o na l w o rk i n g

p r es i de nt , s i gn al i ng a ge ne ra ti o n a l s h i f t a n d giving him greater control

o ve r t h e p ar ty ’ s o rg an i s at i o n T h e annou ncement was made at th e RJD national executive meeting in P atna, with Lalu P r as ad Y a da v a nd Ra b ri Devi p resent

T e j a s h w i ’ s p r o m o t i o n sparked discontent with his sister, Rohini Acharya, who q u i t p o l i t i c s a n d s e v e r e d family ties after RJD’s 2025 Bihar Assembly defeat She later criticized the party’s

“ s y c o p h a n t s ” a n d “ i n f i l t r a t o r g a n g ” i n a n anonymous X post

R o h i n i A c h a r y a

C r

Tejashwi with former Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi

c r i t i c i s e d T e j a s h w i Y a d a v on X, calling his rise the “coronation of the prince t u r n e d p u p p e t ” b y p a r t y s y c o p h a n t s a n d t h e “Infiltrator Gang ” Tejashwi entered Bihar p o l i t i c s b y i n h e r i t i n g h i s father Lalu Prasad Yadav’s turbulent legacy after a brief c r i c k e t s t i n t A t 2 6 , h e b e c a m e o n e o f I n d i a ’ s y o u n g e s t D e p u t y C h i e f Ministers in 2015, handling

roads and public works, but his tenure ended in 2017 when Nitish Kumar left the a l l i a n c e o v e r c o r r u p t i o n allegations

He then rebuilt the RJD, positioned himself as the m

h e NDA, nearly won the 2020 A s s e m b l y e l e c t i o n s , a n d returned as Deputy Chief

M i n i s t e r i n 2 0 2 2 a f t e r Nitish rejoined the alliance

The LIBF Expo 2026 – Mumbai Calling will be inaugurated on 30th January 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Guest Recognised as a visionary leader driving the state’s growth and governance, his presence is expected to add significance and inspiration to the landmark global business exhibition The event will showcase entrepreneurship, business innovation, and collaboration within the global Lohana community, marking a defining moment for trade and networking The inauguration is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM F i

to present the Union Bu dget 2026 o n February 1, salaried taxpayers

income tax reg imes A m i d r i s i n g i n f l a t i o n and urban living costs, the p r i m

y e x p e c t a t i o n i s a h i k e i n t h e s t a n d a r d deduction from Rs 75,000 to R s 1 l a k h M i d d l e - i n c o m e e a r n e r s a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y

focused on the rate shock in the Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 lakh b r a c k e t , w h e r e m a n y f e e l the transition between tax slabs is too steep Experts suggest that linking these tax slabs to inflation could p

h e r t a x liabilities

Over 72% of taxpayers have shifted to the New Tax R e g i m e , b u t t h o s e w i t h l o n g - t e r m c o m m i t m e n t s l i k e h o m e l o a

Nitin Nabin outlines BJP strategy for West Bengal

T he n ew l y ap po i nt e d

Nati on al Presi dent of the Bharatiya J anata Party ( BJP), Nitin N abi n, has offi cially l a un c he d a s t r at e gi c roadmap aimed at ending 15 y e ar s of T r i na m oo l C on g re s s ( TM C ) governance in Wes t B engal

During his first major organisational meeting in K o l k a t a , N a b i n d i r e c t e d election workers to focus on a constituency-specific campaign for the upcoming assembly polls, expected in M a r c h - A p r i l 2 0 2 6 T h e s t r a t e g y p l a c e s W e s t Bengal’s economic distress a t i t s c e n t r e , w i t h p a r t y

l e a d e r s h i g h l i g h t i n g t h a t despite being resource-rich, t h e s t a t e ' s p e r c a p i t a income of approximately Rs 1 63 lakh (2024–25) remains s i g n i f i c a n t l y l o w e r t h a n many other major Indian states

Nabin’s Bengal Strategy includes the preparation of a detailed chargesheet for a l l 2 9 4 a s s e m b l y s e a t s , h o l d i n g i n d i v i d u a l T M C

MLAs accountable for local i

h e a

s e r v i c e c o l l a p s e s T h e B J P ’ s c a m p a i g n , a n c h o r e d b y t h

s

Old Regime Key demands

insurance (Section 80D) and home loan interest (Section 24[b]) deductions into the N

from ₹1 25 lakh to

With the new Income Tax Act, 2025 taking effect this April, the 2026 Budget is seen as crucial for a simpler, fairer tax system

minority appeasement As the current assembly's term

beginning of a high-stakes b a t t l e t o r e s h a p

g a n “Paltano darkar, chayee BJP Sarkar” (Change is needed, we want a BJP government), a l s o a d d r e s s e s c r

Gujarat ATS arrests man over terror plot

Gujarat’s A nti-Terror S quad (ATS ) and Nav sari P o li ce arres ted 2 2- year- o ld Faizan Shakil Salmani in Zarakwad, Navsari, for alleged ly plotti ng antinational and terrorist acts

A native of Rampur, UP, Faizan, w o r

r i , reportedly planned attacks on youths in his home state and aimed to incite s

Instagram account, and a joint raid by ATS and Navsari Police

Upon arrest, Faizan’s phone revealed materials supporting banned groups Jaish-eMohammed and Al-Qaeda, including maps labeling India as “occupied,” hit lists with threats, propaganda videos, and targeted a

o recovered a pistol, six rounds, and 29 pages of Arabic and Urdu literature inciting Jihad D u

contacting “Mohammed Abu Bakar” for 6–7 m

r o u p targeting alleged “insulters of the Prophet,” and buying the pistol in UP for planned killings He confessed to following Maulana M a s

content online

Gujarat ATS concluded Faizan and Abu Bakar conspired to wage war against India and incite separatism in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Legal action has been initiated under UAPA, BNS, and the Arms Act, with investigations ongoing to identify others in the network

Marking 25 years since Gujarat earthquake

Twenty-five years after the devastating Gujarat earthquake struck on Republic Day in 2001, memories of loss, resilience and rebuilding remain deeply etched across the state. At 8.46 am on January 26, a magnitude 7.6 quake with its epicentre near Chobari village in Kutch flattened towns, cracked roads and reduced entire villages to rubble.

M

killed and over 1 66 lakh injured in one of independent India’s deadliest natural disasters Kutch bore the brunt, accounting for nearly 18,000 deaths, w

Rajkot, Jamnagar and Surendranagar also suffered heavy damage In Anjar alone, around 2,000 lives were lost and thousands of families were rendered

h

moments was the collapse of buildings during a Republic Day parade in Anjar,

s o

n y schoolchildren and teachers, casting a long shadow over the day of national celebration

The earthquake destroyed nearly 12 lakh homes in Gujarat and damaged around 12,000 schools and 2,000 hospitals, crippling public infrastructure and heritage structures Ahmedabad, about 250 km from the epicentre, was a l s o b a d l y h i t , w i t h r o u g h l y 1 , 0 0 0 apartments and over 80 houses col-

lapsing, leaving nearly 750 dead and thousands injured Though it lasted just 85 seconds, the quake reshaped Gujarat and led to major reforms in

safety

Army, central forces, volunteers and international agencies But criticism over rehabilitation led to a leadership

appointed chief minister in October 2001, steering the state towards longterm reconstruction

Voluntary organisations like BAPS, RSS, and Seva Bharati played a crucial

medical camps, and relief centres, and later helping rebuild earthquake-resistant homes and livelihoods The disas-

ter also spurred key reforms, including the creation of the

PM Modi hails youth for embracing bhajan clubbing

Smriti Van near Bhuj and the Veer Balak Smarak in Anjar honour the victims

Dhire n Pat el, a sub scriber of Asian Voice a nd Gujarat Sa ma char, recalled his experi-

southern Gujarat on holiday from the UK with my mother when the earthquake happened and can still remember the rumbling sound of the earth and shaking of the ground and every-

Although we were not near the epicent

alone was terrifying for me as a little boy back then I distinctly remember that 25 years ago as a child, I did a Geography Project in secondary school here, upon my return from India, for which I used newspaper clippings from the extensive coverage in the Gujarat Samachar to aid me documenting the disaster in my assignment I remember getting a top grade and how the teachers were pleased with my work, especially hearing it from someone who had experienced it ”

Grand Mahotsav commemorates 200 years of Shikshapatri

T he Granth ratna Sh ree S hiksh ap atri Dw ish atabdi Mahotsav w as held fro m 23 -25 January 20 26, bringing tog ether th e g lo bal sp iri tual f ami ly o f S hree S wam inarayan Gadi to celebrate 20 0 years o f the S hiksh apatri Devotional, sp iritu al, and cultural events reinfo rced f ai th and d ed i c at io n to L o r d

S w am i nar ayanb ap a S w am i bap a, Ve d Ratna A charya Sw amish ree Maharaj , and Gnanmah odadhi Acharya Swamiji M ah araj

T h e c e l e b r a t i o n s a t

M a n i n a g a r d h a m b e g a n o n V a s a n t Panchmi with a grand procession led by the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band from the UK and India Two h u n d r e d d i s c i p l e s

including a gold robe, and the divine M

Shikshapatri was seated on a golden

gold Acharya Swamiji Maharaj, sants, and devotees performed Aarti, while P

Over 70 India-wanted fugitives traced abroad in 2024-25

M o re t h a n 7 0 f u g i ti ve s wanted by India were traced abro ad in 2024-25, the h igh -

e st n u mb e r i n o ve r a d ec ad e, a c c o rd i ng t o th e M i ni s tr y o f P e rs o n ne l , P u b l i c Gr i ev an c es a nd P ensio ns

During the same period, authorities also located 203 fugitives wanted by foreign countries within India The m

s a i d 2 7 w a n t e d p e r s o n s were brought back to India from overseas in the last financial year

The report highlighted t h e r o l e o f t h e C e n t r a l B

i o n (CBI), which acts as India’s National Central Bureau for I

Letters Rogatory abroad, 54 related to CBI cases and 20 to state police and other central agencies Of these, 47 were fully executed and 2 9

, 2025 India also received 32 treaty-based or LR requests from other countries during the year

D u r i n g t h e p

N C B - I n d i a i s s u e d 2 4 7

Interpol notices, including 126 red, 89 blue, 24 yellow, seven black and one green notice Through its Global Operations Centre, the CBI

c o o r d i n a t e s w i t h f o r e i g n agencies and the Ministries

o f H o m e a n d E x t e r n a l

Affairs to trace fugitives and facilitate their return

video link

The following days featured devotion, vibrant celebration, and spiritual r e f

e c

n , c u l m i n a

n g i n a g r a n d finale that brought together thousands at Maninagardham and countless others online to honour 200 years of the sacred Shikshapatri

Top maoist Patiram

Majhi among 15 killed in Jharkhand

Se cu r i t y f or ce s k i lle d 1 5 Maoists, in cluding top le ader Patir am Ma jhi alia s Ana l Da , who ca rrie

Sin g hbhum di

t, po

in

ce sa id The gunfight broke out in the Kumdi area of the S a r a n d

Kiriburu police station limits during an ongoing antiMaoist operation involving around 1,500 CRPF CoBRA personnel A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, and the operation is continuing P

Saranda forest was launched

n t e l l igence inputs about the presence of top leader Anal Da

there are lights, music, and the atmosphere is no less than a concert Yet, everything is sung with complete d

address, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said bhajan clubbing reflects a thoughtful blend of spirituality and moderni-

essence of bhajans, which have long been the spiritual backbone of Indian culture He noted that today’s youth are integrating devotion into everyday life, giving rise to new expressions like bhajan clubbing

Highlighting the trend o n s o c i a l m e d

” Modi added that the dignity and purity of bhajans are fully respected, with neither the sanctity of the words nor the depth of feeling comprom

n g , gaining popularity in cities

Bengaluru, and even the US, reinvents devotional music

lighting, and an alcohol-free,

a n d h i s s q u a d , w i t h t h e e x c h a n g e o f f i r e b r e a k i n

G

l (Operations) Michael Raj S said that Anal Da, a resident of Giridih’s Pirtand area, had been active in Maoist activities since 1987 and was long wanted by security forces C R P F D i r e c t o r G e n e r a l G y a n e n d r a P r a t a p S i n g h later visited Chaibasa, the W e s t S i n g h b h u m d i s t r i c t headquarters, officials said K o l h a n a n d S a r a n d a remain the last major Maoist s t r o n g h o l d s i n J h a r k h a n d , officials said Security forces have sharply reduced Maoist

a c t i v i t y i n o t h e r r e g i o n s , i n c l u d i n g B u d a P a h a d ,

C h a t r a , L a t e h a r , G u m l a ,

Parasnath

bhajan performances

Indian IPO market set to surge

Indian I PO fu ndrais ing i s s et t o s u r p as s la s t y ea r ’ s record of ju st o ver $20bn, acco rding to several bankers in Mumbai, desp ite equities u nd er p e rf o rm i ng o th e r emerging markets and co ncerns over h igh valuatio ns and 50% US tari ffs Jayasankar Venkataraman of Kotak Investment Bank forecasts $27bn in IPOs for 2 0 2 6 , a t h i r d o v e r $ 1 b n , w h i l e G o l d m a n S a c h s expects over $25bn as middle-class investors fuel equity demand Retail participation has lifted the Nifty 50 n e a r l y 8 0 % i n f i v e y e a r s , b o o s t

n IPOs, with local funds now making up 60% of anchor books, up from 40% in 2024 G o l d m a n S a c h s ’ S u n i l K

listing, aiming to raise $4bn for

potentially India’s largest

and

targeting $1 2bn

Foreign investors large-

valuations, a weak rupee, and no US trade deal After

for

Patna High Court speeds justice in prohibition cases

T he P a tn a H i g h C our t heard a rec ord 508 prohibition-related cas es in a sing l e d ay , g ra n ti n g ba i l o r a n t i c i pa to ry b a i l t o 46 3 acc used

For the first time, over 500 cases were taken up in a day, bringing relief to nearly 90% of those jailed for p r o l o n g e d p e r i o d s u n d e r the prohibition law Bihar’s s t r i n g e n t l i q u o r b a n h a s been in force since April 1, 2016, when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar declared the state dry

J u s t i c e R u d r a P r a k a s h Mishra’s single bench heard 5 0 8 p r o h i b i t i o n - r e l a t e d petitions in a day, granting b a i l t o 4 6 3 p e o p l e a n d b r e a k i n g t h e p r e v i o u s record The court observed that poor enforcement of the liquor ban had caused u n n e c e s s a r y j a i l i n g a n d clogged bail listings, while c r e d i t i n g p u b l i c p r o s e c ut o r s a n d A s s i s t a n t P u b l i c Prosecutors for swiftly flagging key case details and e n a b l i n g r a p i d d e c i s i o n s that eased backlogs

Brain under stress

Long-term stress floods the body with cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, can damage brain cells

Prolonged exposure has been shown to reduce the size of the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory, learning and emotional regulation This can affect concentration, decision-making and recall Managing stress through mindfulness, exercise and social support can help protect brain health and improve cognitive resilience

Fibre in a protein-obsessed world

Overthe past year, protein has become the undisputed star of the wellness world

Supermarket shelves are packed with protein bars, protein yoghurts, protein coffees and even protein water Social media tells us more protein equals better health, stronger bodies and faster weight loss.

But while we ’ ve been busy counting protein grams, another

because fibre may be one of the

healthy diet

In fact, many nutrition experts argue that if there’s one nutrient we should all be paying more attention to, it’s fibre

What is fibre and why does it matter?

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that the body cannot fully digest Unlike sugars and

digestive system largely intact, and

beneficial

There are two main types:

• Soluble fibre, which dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance It helps lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar

• Insoluble fibre, which adds bulk to stools and supports regular bowel movements

Most plant foods contain a mix of

overall health

The fibre deficit: A quiet health crisis

I n

recommended to consume around 30g

Children and teenagers often fall even further short

T h i s

linked to digestive problems such as constipation, increased risk of type 2 d i a b e t

, including bowel cancer

W h i l e p r o t e i n i s e s s e n t i a l f o r muscle repair and satiety, fibre plays a broader, long-term role in protecting overall health, particularly gut health Fibre and gut health: The hidden superpower

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome Fibre is their primary fuel

When gut bacteria ferment fibre, they produce short-chain fatty acids t h a

and

something high-protein, lowfibre diets often undermine Fibre for blood sugar, heart health and weight F

beyond digestion B

absorption of glucose, helping

spikes, crucial for people with or at risk of diabetes

Heart health: High-fibre diets are

cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease and stroke

Weig ht manag em ent: Fibre-rich foods are filling, slow to digest and naturally lower in calories They help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack, without the need for ultra-processed “diet” foods T h

balance both

The issue is that many protein-

processed ones, are low in fibre As the nutrition conversation continues to evolve, perhaps it’s time fibre got the recognition it deserves, not as a trend, but as a foundation of good health

Simple ways to eat more fibre without overthinking it

• Swap white bread and rice for wholegrain versions

• Add lentils or beans to curries, soups and salads

• Include vegetables at every meal, not just dinner

• Snack on fruit, nuts or roasted chana instead of packaged snacks

• Increase fibre gradually and drink enough water to avoid discomfort Th

pros

expand the use of abirate rone to patient s whose canc er has not yet s prea d For the first time, men

criteria will be offered the

n g a s i g

cells rely on to grow By

r e d u c i n g h o r m o n e l e v e l s , t h e d r u g h e l p s slow disease progression and lowers the risk of the cancer spreading C

c a n t shift in care Around 2,000 men diagnosed in the past three months are expected to receive abiraterone where a p p r o p r i a t e , w i t h a further 7,000 men each year becoming eligible following diagnosis A b i r a t e r o n e w o r k s b y b l o c k i n g t h e production of hormones s u c h a s t e s t o s t e r o n e , w h i c h

The

Exercise variety boosts longevity

Doing a w ider range of exercises m ay be linked to a longer life, new research sugg ests While regular ph ysical activity h as lo n

researchers now say v ariety in exercise

for long-term health

A team from Harvard’s School of Public Health found that people who engaged in the broadest mix of activities had a 19 per cent lower risk of early death from all causes compared with those whose routines were least varied, even after accounting for total exercise levels

longevity, though benefits levelled off at around 20 metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours per week, roughly 30 to 60 minutes of brisk walking five days a week Walking, racquet sports, calisthenics, weight training and running all showed strong benefits

Chiranjeevi’s ‘Varaprasad Garu’ becomes actor’s biggest global hit

The Telugu action entertainer Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu has officially become the highest-grossing film of Chiranjeevi’s career, surpassing the records of his previous blockbusters

Box office reports confirmed that by its ninth day of release, the film directed by Anil Ravipudi had amassed a worldwide gross of approximately £22 7 million ( 245 crore) This milestone allows the film to overtake the ₹241 crore earned by Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy in 2019 and the ₹236 crore lifetime collection of Waltair Veerayya

Premiered during the lucrative Sankranthi festive period, the film capitalised on a massive opening week across India and international markets Domestically, it has netted ₹171 65 crore while overseas earnings have exceeded $4 5 millio Despite a natural post-holiday dip in daily collections, the film maintains significant momentum in cinemas Critics note that this success cements the veteran actor’s box office dominance in the post-pandemic era, following h comeback with Khaidi No 150 While production suggest the gross has already cleared ₹300 crore, trackers confirm it as the new benchmark for the Megastar's commercial legacy

Director Atlee and Priya Mohan expecting second child

Malavika Mohanan criticises gender gap in big budget films

Actress Malavika Mohanan has highlighted the persistent gender disparity in the Indian film industry, noting that big-budget projects like Lokah remain predominantly male-led

Malavika argued that producers often lack the dare to invest significant capital in female protagonists due to perceived box-office risks She explained that many financiers cap investments on female-led projects at a specific amount, believing they lack the pull of their male counterparts, which keeps high-budget opportunities scarce for women

However, Malavika cited the recent Malayalam superhero film Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra as a ground-breaking exception Dominic Arun and produced by maan, the film stars Kalyani an and was considered high-budget by tandards Despite industry scepticism, ecame an all-time blockbuster after its massing 303 86 crore worldwide and crore domestically roving that a woman can successfully a massive commercial venture, the of Lokah challenges the traditional e that only male protagonists can a return on high-stakes investments n the Indian cinematic landscape

Acclaimed

filmmaker Atlee and his wife, Priya Mohan, have announced they are expecting their second child together

The couple shared the joyful news via their social media accounts posting heart-warming family photographs from their home in New Delhi In an affectionate note, they expressed that their household was about to get even cosier and requested blessings and prayers from their followers The announcement featured their firstborn son, Meer, who was born in January 2023, along with the couple’s five beloved pet dogs

Atlee and Priya originally met through mutual friends and maintained a close friendship before marrying in 2014 The news has drawn a wave of congratulations from high-profile celebrities, including Janhvi Kapoor and Keerthy Suresh Currently, the director is balancing his expanding family life with significant professional commitments, as he is busy filming a highly anticipated project starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone

This pregnancy marks another milestone for the family, coming exactly three years after the birth of their first son and over a decade into their marriage, as Atlee continues his streak of success in both his personal and professional spheres

I L A I Y A R A A J A to be honoured with prestigious

Padmapani award

Legendary composer and Padma Vibhushan awa d l i j i receive the Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajant Film Festival (AIFF)

The announcement was made in Chhatrapat the organising committee, including Chairman N and director Ashutosh Gowariker

The selection unanimously chose the maestro to recognize his during which he composed over 7,000 songs for films across multiple languages

The award ceremony will take place on Janu Rukmini Auditorium, marking the festival's open Ilaiyaraaja, often called "Isaignani" or the Musica will receive a memento and a £1,850 ( 2 lakh) ca prize

Known for fusing Indian classical traditions with Western symphonic structures, his work ha redefined cinematic scoring The festival, which showcases global cinema, will run until 1 February 2026 Beyond his musical contributions, the maestro currently serves as a Rajya Sabha member, further cementing his influence in Indian public and cultural life

Mithila Palkar shares acting tips from Vir Das

Actress Mithila Palkar has revealed the crucial acting guidance she received from director and co-star Vir Das during the filming of the recently released Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.

Palkar explained how Das helped her navigate the complexities of the comedy genre His primary advice was for her to focus entirely on her lines rather than forcing a comedic punch By instructing her not to play the comedy, Das allowed the humour to emerge naturally from the script, a technique that helped Palkar relax and discover a new performative rhythm

The film, which features Das in the lead r l d director, has been praised for its bold and u comedic style Palkar portrayed the chara Roopa and noted that having a veteran com like Das at the helm made her feel she was in safe hands Their collaboration involved frequent improvisation on set, creating a supportive environment where the actors could riff off one another This guidance proved vital for Palkar as she branched

performance remained grounded

success

the

addresses ‘Dhurandhar’ age gap controversy

Actress S ara A rjun has broken her silence regard ing the intense public scrutiny ov er the 20-year age gap betw een her and co -star Ranv eer Singh in the blockbu ster film ‘Dhurandhar’

In an interview, the actress addressed the social media backlash that has persisted since the film’s release She stated that while everyone is entitled to an opinion, she felt her placement was entirely justified within the narrative Adopting a live and let live philosophy, Sara noted that she avoids th

professional craft

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the thriller became a global phenom its debut grossing over Rs 1,300 c praised Singh as an incomparab who elevates the entire production his teamwork The film, which fo

Pakistan, also stars veterans like Sa and R Madhavan Despite the castin the film's massive commercial suc already paved the way for a sequel, w officially scheduled to hit cinem March 19, 2026

Arijit Singh steps away from playback singing

Ari jit Sing h, one of India’s most che ri sh ed voices, h as announced he wi ll st ep aw ay from play back si ngi ng , l eav ing fans e moti onal

In a heartfelt Instagram post, he thanked his supporters, writing, “Hello, Happy New Year to all I want to thank you for giving me so much love all these years as listeners ” He went on to say, “I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on ” While this marks the end of his journey in playback singing, Singh clarified that it doesn’t signify retirement from music His decision is driven by personal growth and creative freedom, not exhaustion or controversy

Arijit Singh shared his decision to step away from playback singing, explaining his desire to focus on learning and creating music independently as a “small little artist,” free from the pressures of commercial commitments While he will complete his pending projects, Singh reassured fans that he is not quitting music, but rather shifting towards artistic exploration outside the Bollywood playback system

His choice, prioritising creative freedom over commercial success, reflects a rare move in the industry, marking a shift from mainstream hits to personal growth and musical evolution

Farah Khan confirms new film with

Renowned filmmaker Farah Khan has delighted fans by announcing her return to the director's chair for a new project starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Speaking in Mumbai during an interview with Nakuul Mehta on her YouTube channel, Farah confirmed she intends to begin production by the end of this year The duo, celebrated for cult classics such as Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year, has not collaborated on a feature film since 2014 Responding to the viral social media campaign #FarahWapasAao, she stated that she would only consider a comeback if it involved her longtime creative partner

Despite the move back to cinema, Farah clarified that she has no intention of abandoning her successful YouTube career She humorously noted the financial necessity of the platform to fund

anticipated reunion marks a significant moment for Bollywood, promising to bring back the signature large-scale commercial spectacle that the partnership is famous for, with filming expected to commence in late 2026

OR Dubai W RLDWIDE

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A ALE - S S VE UP T V

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India outclass New Zealand in Guwahati T20I

India delivered a dominant allround performance to beat New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at Guwahati, sealing the five-match series 3-0

After winning the toss, India chose to field, and their bowlers i

Bumrah led the attack with 3 for 17, while Harshit Rana removed

c

including Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell

Adar

Poonawalla signals bid as RCB ownership race widens

Poo nawalla emerging as the latest c

Poo nawalla said he was keen to buy “ one of the best teams in the

suitors after Diageo, which owns RCB through its subsidiary United Spirits Limited, announced in 2025

overs

comfortably despite losing Sanju Samson first ball Ishan Kishan

Spinner Ravi Bishnoi shone in the middle overs, taking 2 for 18 and breaking a key partnership by dismissing Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32), while Captain Mitchell Santner added

gave a brisk start, paving the way for Abhishek Sharma (68*) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (57*), who dominated the attack The duo raced to 155 for 2 in just 10 overs, completing a commanding chase

Amelia Valverde appointed India’s Women’s football coach

T he All-I ndia Fo otball Federatio n ( AI F F ) a nn o u n c ed th e ap pointment of Amelia V alverde a s th e ne w h e ad co ac h of t

s enior Indian wo men's natio nal team

The 39-year-old Costa Rican replaces Thomas Dennerby and h a

Tigresses’ at their training camp in Antalya, Türkiye, to prepare for t h e A F C W

M

4

n Australia Valverde brings a wealth

coach for Costa Rica, whom she led to their only two FIFA World Cup appearances in 2015 and 2023 Valverde’s career is defined by

discipline At just 28, she was the second-youngest head coach at the 2015 World Cup, and in 2016, she was named the CONCACAF Female Coach of the Year Most r

Bicampeonato in Mexico, winning b a c k - t o -

titles with CF Monterrey in 2024 Bringing her trusted support staff,

through a challenging Group C

Chinese Taipei, with the ultimate goal of securing India's first-ever qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup

14-year-old Jency Kanabar to represent India at Australian Open

p rod igy, Jency K anabar, is putting India on the global tennis map H er h ard w o r k

earning

g lo b all y an d

n t

A ustralian Op en A sia Pacific Elite T rop hy, making Gu jarat and Ind ia p roud

M

training Jency practices

players

success to her father’s guidance,

young athletes to “set a goal, work hard, and leave mobile phones, and come to the field ” Once India-Asia No 1 in U-14 and U-16, Jency is now ranked 293rd globally in U-18 A national champion on clay and synthetic courts and a three-time Asian Tennis Federation winner, she has competed internationally and will soon represent India at the Australian Open

Former BCCI chief IS Bindra dies at 84

F orm er BC CI president IS Bindra p a s se d a w ay i n New D el h i o n S und ay at th

president from 1993 to 1996 and led the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for 36 years (1978–2014) He put Mohali’s PCA Stadium on the

matches including the 2011 World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan Bindra, alongside NKP Salve a n d J

the

Pakistan, and Sri Lanka against the western bloc During 1986 India-

Dalmiya’s pivotal role in shaping modern cricket

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said Bindra strengthened

foresight, setting a benchmark for administrators Former cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj also

calling him a “father figure” and

lasting impact on the sport

Poonawalla, a long-time RCB fan, has been expanding investments that boost the global visibility of the Serum Group, following his stake purchase in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions in 2024

RCB was a great team at the right valuation, signalling long-standing i n t e

pledged

strong and competitive” bid, his vague “next few months”

RCB set to start their IPL title defence on March 26 Any deal would

Since Diageo put RCB up for sale, several major contenders have emerged, including Zerodha co-

Manipal Group’s Ranjan Pai, who may bid jointly, Karnataka-based Hombale Films with actor Ranbir

G

o u p , which has been keen to enter the men ’ s IPL

Bangladesh ejected from T20 World Cup 2026, Scotland replaces them

T he ICC has ejected Bangladesh from th e Men’ s T 20 World Cup 2 026 after th e tea m refu s ed to t

co ncerns

Despite a 24-hour deadline and attempts to resolve the issue, BCB officials Aminul Islam and Asif Nazrul confirmed they would not

cricket team has been removed from a global event

After Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exit, Bangladesh sought to avoid playing T20 World Cup matches in

meetings and a 24-hour deadline, the BCB refused to move matches, requesting a shift to Sri Lanka Following talks with the interim g

Adviser Asif Nazrul briefed the players Bangladesh, in Group C with E

West Indies, was

to start on February 7 against the West Indies, w

Gardens and the final group game a

standoff originated after Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur, despite buying him for INR 9 2

after violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

S aina Nehwal as she s te p p ed aw ay f ro m the sport she helped p opularise T

world No 1, who said a formal retirement a

Saina Nehwal

her long absence, thanked fellow sportspersons and public figures for their messages Sachin Tendulkar praised her journey, saying her career showed how belief and preparation could c

congratulated her on a “legendary career ” that put Indian badminton o

Kiren Rijiju also joined in congratulating the badminton great The 35-year-old said retirement was a difficult call but unavoidable After suffering a knee injury at the

informed her that her cartilage had completely degenerated and she was diagnosed with arthritis

Saina added that she does not p