• Thursday, March 28, 2024

Results for "Southampton"

Sunak on new England football kit row: ‘Don’t mess with…

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak waded into a row over a new England football shirt designed by Nike that changes the colours of the St George's Cross, saying "we shouldn't mess" with national flags. The US sportswear giant altered the appearance of the Cross -- the flag of England -- using…

Study to explore ways to boost sales of healthy products…

A new study aiming to find workable solutions to boost the sales of healthy products in convenience stores across England has been launched. The study will also examine how the UK government’s new law to reduce impulse buying of products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) is affecting shoppers…

Sunny Singh Gill becomes first British Indian referee in Premier…

SUNNY SINGH GILL was standing at the proverbial career crossroads one year ago. He had the option to continue as a prison officer or concentrate on carrying forward his family’s rich footballing legacy by chasing his refereeing dream. Cut to 2024, the 39-year-old will script history at Selhurst Park on…

Police make record drugs seizure in Southampton

British police said Friday that they had made what is believed to be its biggest-ever seizure of serious drugs. The National Crime Agency said that 5.7 tonnes (5,700 kg) of cocaine were found in a container at the port of Southampton on England's south coast on February 8. The drug…

GottaBe! Marketing champions inclusivity with multicultural marketing

TOMASZ DYL was just 17 when he founded GottaBe! Marketing Agency. His vision was clear from the outset; to create a bridge between brands and ethnic minorities, fostering a marketing model that is inclusive and accessible to all. Since its inception as a PR agency focused on the Polish community,…

Amarjit Singh founder, CEO of India Business Group honoured with…

In a notable recognition of his contributions to fostering UK-India relations, Amarjit Singh, the founder, and CEO of the India Business Group (IBG), has been honoured with the Hind Rattan 2024 Award by the NRI Welfare Society of India, in New Delhi. This award, translating to "Jewel of India," celebrates…

British Indian academic awarded £450,000 in discrimination claim against university

A university has been ordered to compensate a British Asian academic with a minimum of £450,000 in damages following her victory in a racial discrimination lawsuit at a tribunal. Portsmouth University was found to have been influenced by 'pernicious and destructive' unconscious bias when it failed to reappoint Dr Kajal…

Sunak reveals he ‘experienced racism as a kid’

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has shared insights into the challenges of growing up facing racism and the efforts his family made to ensure he assimilated into British society, including enrolling him in additional drama classes to eliminate any accent, The Guardian reported. "You are conscious of being different," Sunak told…

Zee TV to air highlights of Asian Business Awards on…

All the glitz and glamour from the 25th anniversary of the Asian Business Awards will be aired on Zee TV on Sunday, January 28th, at 7 pm. A total of nine awards were handed out at the glittering ceremony, held at the Park Plaza Hotel in central London and attended…

2024 election set to deliver UK’s ‘Most diverse parliament ever’

THE General Election is unlikely to be held until close to the end of this year, with the Prime Minister saying his ‘working assumption’ is the election in the second half of 2024. Despite Labour’s large poll lead, the results will depend on the campaigns to come. One thing we…

Amol Rajan reveals considering suicide after father’s death

BBC presenter Amol Rajan has revealed that he contemplated suicide after the death of his father, P Varadarajan. Rajan, 40, told the Mid Point podcast that the grief over his father's passing led him to consider the idea of ending his life to be reunited with his dad. The University…

Saudi wealth fund acquires stake in Heathrow

SAUDI ARABIA's sovereign wealth fund is to buy ten per cent of London's Heathrow airport from Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial, whose departure from the hub after almost two decades leaves Qatar as its biggest shareholder. Ferrovial late Tuesday (28) said it was offloading its 25 per cent stake for nearly…

Oliver Dowden praises Asian businesses for ‘unwavering ambition, perseverance’

Oliver Dowden invoked the example of prime minister Rishi Sunak as the deputy prime minister paid tribute to the success and resilience of the British Asian community. Addressing the 25th annual Asian Business Awards last Wednesday (22), Dowden praised the Asian community for rebuilding post-war Britain and laying the foundation…

Leading entrepreneurs celebrated at historic 25th anniversary of the Asian…

AN INSPIRATIONAL businessman whose company has donated over a billion pounds to charitable causes was crowned the Business of the Year at the 25th anniversary of the prestigious Asian Business Awards, held at the Park Plaza hotel on Wednesday (22). Nirmal Sethia is an internationally renowned entrepreneur whose business empire…

Sunak visits Southampton temple with family to celebrate Diwali

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak visited the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in his home city of Southampton on Sunday (12) to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. He was accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, their two daughters and his parents as he participated in the ceremony of Aarti, lighting candles…

Use facial recognition to arrest shoplifters, retailers tell the Met

Police forces need to ensure that the implementation of facial recognition technology leads to arrests and convictions of shoplifters, the head of independent retailers has told Eastern Eye. The Metropolitan Police last Thursday (19) announced that it will use facial recognition technology to tackle London's worst shoplifters by matching CCTV…

Asians root for ‘grow your own’ amid scarcity of plots

AMARJIT SINGH GUDAIL, who is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), agrees there is now a shortage of allotments in the country. Last Sunday (15), he showed Eastern Eye around the Bixley Fields Allotments in Southall in west London, from where it is possible to see “up to…

Health secretary praises pharmacy’s key NHS role

THE shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, said pharmacists were key to the modernisation of the NHS as he paid tribute to the sector at the annual Pharmacy Business Awards last Wednesday (4). Independent community pharmacists were in the spotlight at the event, which recognises the contribution of the sector in…

Proud to be first British Asian prime minister: Sunak

PRIME minister Rishi Sunak made repeated references to his family and his background during his first Conservative conference as the governing party’s leader in Manchester on Wednesday (4). Introduced onto the stage by his wife Akshata Murty who praised his honesty, Sunak pointed to his cabinet colleagues to drive home…

Export to the UK with Amazon Global Selling

India, one of the largest nations on earth, is a well-known center for the industrial and service industries. People in urban regions work in the IT industry, the food processing industry, the jewellery industry, and many other industries, even though agriculture is the main source of income for those who…

Rishi Sunak’s relatives to host feast in New Delhi in…

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak's family will prepare a banquet in New Delhi this week in his honour as the leader will be in India to attend the G20 summit. The family will host a feast with flower bouquets and "non-stop dancing" to Punjabi music in the Indian capital on Thursday…

Bournemouth beach tragedy: Mother of 12-year-old speaks about family’s heartbreak

Stephanie Williams, the mother of a 12-year-old daughter named Sunnah Khan, who tragically drowned off Bournemouth beach, shared how the devastating loss has profoundly affected her family. Sunnah is believed to have been caught in a rip current near the town's main pier, leading to her unfortunate demise, the BBC…

Asian eateries turn to fusion cuisine as recipe for success

VARIETY is the spice of life, as the saying goes, and the restaurant sector is embracing this with new fusion cuisines and combinations. Palmito, an Ecuadorean-Indian restaurant in Brighton, Sussex, is among the businesses earning rave reviews with dishes such as grilled squid in a Keralan roast style sauce, and…

Former English cricket captain says ‘there are traces of racism…

MIKE BREARLEY, a very successful England cricket captain from 1977 to 1980, has been a practising psychoanalyst in London for the past 40 years. Brearley very sportingly placed himself on the couch for the benefit of Eastern Eye – and answered questions on the many Indian connections that are mentioned…

Sunak: My Hindu faith guides me

RISHI SUNAK has said his upcoming visit to India for a G20 summit early next month will be “special” as Britain’s first Asian prime minister returns to the homeland of his grandparents. Sunak is scheduled to travel to New Delhi in September – his first as prime minister since taking…

Crossbow intruder at Windsor castle planned to kill guards

In a court hearing, it was revealed that a 21-year-old man named Jaswant Singh Chail, who was armed with a crossbow and who had entered the grounds of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day with the intention of "killing" the late Queen had also planned to kill guards at the castle. However,…

Exclusive: Meera Syal wants more Asians in creative boardrooms

ACTING must put more people of colour in creative boardrooms to stop unconscious bias, colonialism and complacency which exist in the profession. That is the call from one of the industry’s biggest south Asian stars. Meera Syal told the Raminklal Pioneers Project, a partnership of the Asian Media Group [the…

‘It stings’: Sunak says he experienced racism growing up

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has acknowledged having experienced racism while growing up in Southampton. Reacting to last week’s damning report that claimed discrimination in English cricket, he said racism “stings” and “hurts”. Sunak, son of an Indian-origin couple who migrated to the UK from east Africa, told the BBC: "Of…

Sunak shares mother’s homemade barfi with Ukraine president Zelenskyy

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has revealed how he shared barfi (Indian sweets) made by his mother with Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Ukrainian president's recent visit to Downing Street. Sunak, 43, posted a reel last weekend on his official Instagram account of an interview during which he shared the moment his…

Indian-origin man stabbed to death in London

AN INDIAN-ORIGIN man has been stabbed to death in London, just two days after incidents of knife attacks in the UK which saw the deaths of a British Indian teen and a student from Hyderabad. Aravind Sasikumar, 38, was found with knife injuries on June 16 after officers were called…

Adil Rashid among British Asians recognised in King’s Birthday Honours…

ENGLAND’S world cup winning cricketer Adil Rashid is among the British Asian names recognised in King Charles’s inaugural Birthday Honours List announced today. With doctors, politicians, educators, authors, community leaders and philanthropists among the 11 per cent of recipients coming from an ethnic minority background, the list showcases the immense…

Ustad Zakir Hussain: Shakti gives us same joy and the…

When British guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain teamed up in the early 1970s, they couldn’t have imagined the path-breaking journey that was ahead of them. They founded the group Shakti, with violinist L Shankar, percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram and mridangam player Ramnad V Raghavan. The musical…

Bournemouth Beach tragedy: Mother wants answers after young girl’s death

The grieving mother of a 12-year-old girl who died in Bournemouth Beach last Wednesday (31) has pleaded with authorities to provide some clarity on the circumstances surrounding her death. Sunnah Khan from Buckinghamshire, and Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton were rescued from the sea on Wednesday (31) but both of…

World Test final takes centre stage amid T20 boom

The World Test Championship final between Australia and India at the Oval in London starts on Wednesday (7) against a backdrop of fears for the long format given the growth of Twenty20 franchise leagues. Not that there's anything new about cricket-lovers worrying about the future of their sport. Indeed, it…

Bournemouth drowning: Police say it will take time to establish…

Dorset Police in south west England have opened several lines of enquiry including the presence of a pleasure boat in the sea following the drowning of two young people off Bournemouth beach last week. Sunnah Khan, a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire, and Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton were rescued from…

WTC Final: Indian batting takes on Australian pace for test…

A duel between India's formidable top order and Australia's fiery pace attack could determine who comes out on top when the World Test Championship (WTC) final gets underway at the Oval on Wednesday (7). India have dominated, both home and away, the recent duels between the test heavyweights, who claimed…

Uncovered: Rishi Sunak’s grandfather’s life during British colonial rule in…

British colonial troops bombed an area where prime minister Rishi Sunak’s paternal grandfather lived, according to a report in The Times. Ram Dass Sunak was two years old in 1919, the year in which the Jallianwala massacre took place - with British troops firing at unarmed civilians who had gathered…

Sunak expands role of pharmacies to cut GP waiting times

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who worked in his mother's pharmacy as a young boy growing up in Southampton, was back in his hometown on Tuesday (9) to unveil plans for an expanded role for pharmacists with the aim of reducing wait times for patients wanting to see a GP. Sunak,…

Historian Starkey says Sunak ‘not fully grounded’ in British culture

A controversial historian has claimed the prime minister was “not fully grounded” in British culture, as he accused Rishi Sunak of being "detached" in the build-up to the King’s Coronation ceremony. David Starkey said the government led by Sunak - the first Hindu and non-white prime minister - was “not…

Designer clothing scam mastermind convicted of tax fraud

An Indian-origin mastermind of a fake designer clothing scam has been convicted of tax fraud in the UK. Socks manufacturer Arif Patel, 55, was accused of trying to steal around £97 million through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones with the help of a criminal…

EXCLUSIVE:- Basu: I don’t trust police chiefs to reverse institutional…

THE current crop of Britain’s chief constables cannot be trusted to reverse institutional racism in their forces, according to the country’s former top south Asian cop, and the National Black Police Association [NBPA]. Ex-assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, made his comments during a wide-ranging interview for the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers Project…

Feeding peanut butter to babies from four months can reduce…

A major study has suggested that feeding babies a spoonful of peanut butter before they reach six months old can prevent up to three-quarters of peanut allergies. The prevalence of peanut allergies has increased threefold in recent years, with one in 50 children in the UK now affected and susceptible…

Salisbury surgeon who stored child abuse images in phone gets…

A SALISBURY plastic surgeon who stored more than a hundred serious category child abuse images in his phone has been sentenced to eight months of suspended jail term.Mansoor Khan was in December found guilty of three counts of making indecent images of children after he was found with 106 images…

EYE SPY: Why less is not more for Bollywood stars

LAST year I had written extensively about how some Bollywood stars seem to be rushing to do as many movies as possible before producers find out their time at the top is over. This has resulted in Hindi cinema being dragged down to the kind of depths that it has…

Jaswant Singh Chail who wanted to ‘kill’ late queen with…

A British Sikh man who wanted to “assassinate” Queen Elizabeth II on Christmas Day in 2021 and was caught on the grounds of Windsor Castle armed with a crossbow has admitted to committing treason. Jaswant Singh Chail, who identified himself as an “Indian Sikh”, wanted to kill the late monarch…

Foreign pupils ‘win-win’

EARLIER in the autumn, briefings from the Home Office appeared to indicate that the UK government was seriously considering limiting the number of international students to help reduce net migration. At that time one of us, along with 13 other vice-chancellors, joined with the former education secretary, Justine Greening, to…

Bhupinder Singh Gill set to become first-ever Sikh assistant referee…

A match official will make history when Southampton take on Nottingham Forest in a relegation match on Wednesday evening.Bhupinder Singh Gill will become the first ever Sikh-Punjabi assistant referee in the English Premier League. He, along with Marc Perry, will assist Thomas Bramall, who will be the referee in the…

Molnupiravir doesn’t reduce Covid-19 hospitalisation/deaths in vaccinated people at high…

Researchers from the University of Oxford on December 22 released findings from a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of the antiviral treatment molnupiravir against Covid-19 – the first treatment tested in the ongoing PANORAMIC (Platform Adaptive trial of NOvel antiviRals for eArly treatMent of COVID-19 In the Community) trial. In…

Salisbury plastic surgeon had 106 child abuse images on phone,…

An experienced plastic surgeon stored dozens of serious category child abuse images in his phone, a court heard.Mansoor Khan, 53, has been facing three charges of making indecent images of children following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).He was arrested and suspended from Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust in…

Indian lecturer wins discrimination case against Portsmouth University

The selection process of a university which failed to reappoint an Indian lecturer to a role she held for years was “tainted by race discrimination”, an employment tribunal has ruled.Kajal Sharma, who was hired as a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth in 2016 was not reappointed when her…

Violinist Jyotsna Srikanth performs at Kings Place

LIVE PERFORMANCE MALKIT SINGH When: Friday December 2 Where: Arleston Hall, Arleston Lane, Derby DE24 3DH What: Bhangra legend Malkit Singh headlines a dinner and dance with his full live band. There will also be musical performances from Panjabi MC and HMC. www.eventbrite.com ANIRUDH When: Friday December 2 Where: OVO…

Work in curry house best training: Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shared memories of his time doing shifts at an Indian food restaurant in Southampton in his student days as the “best training” he had for the top job. In a video message to the annual Curry Awards in London celebrating South Asian cuisine across…

EXCLUSIVE: “Ticking time of disparities”

Civic leaders, MPs, experts and senior doctors have warned that the UK is sitting on a “ticking time bomb of disparities” among south Asian and black communities. They told Eastern Eye that the 2021 census figures, released on Tuesday (29 November) should raise concerns among government. They urged ministers to…

Classical Indian concert by Pooja Angra

LIVE PERFORMANCE BOLLYWOOD VOICE OF LEGENDS EXTRAVAGANZA When: Friday November 25 Where: Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 109-113 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG What: British singer Navin Kundra headlines a high energy production with a full live band, where he performs everything from all-time Bollywood classics to western…

Ten million stories of migration to Britain

Ten million people who were born abroad live in Britain today. The Office of National Statistics tells the story of the ten million in numbers. Foreign-born residents rose from 7.5 million, 13.4% of the population, to 16.8%, almost one in six. Just over a third, 3.6 million, came from the…

EXCLUSIVE: MPs urge ministers stop demonising immigrants

The government must embrace immigrants who take risks setting up businesses, create jobs, and contribute billions of pounds to Britain’s economy. That is the call from MPs and business leaders who have spoken to Eastern Eye. They have told this newspaper that the home secretary, Suella Braverman, should be ashamed…

Rishi Sunak’s family in Punjab celebrates his appointment as UK…

Around 100 relatives of British prime minister in western Indian city of Ludhiana in Punjab are celebrating the victory of Rishi Sunak. This week they threw a grand party to celebrate his achievement. A flurry of WhatsApp messages, some bordering on memes, Hindu ceremonies, and a cheerful blue cake with…

Two Conservative MPs question Suella Braverman’s return to Sunak’s Cabinet

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (27) came under fresh pressure on the re-appointment of Indian-origin Suella Braverman as home secretary after two Conservative MPs questioned his decision, days after she quit over data breaches Braverman, 42, resigned from the Cabinet of former prime minister Liz Truss last week,…

‘A source of pride’: Sadiq Khan on Sunak becoming prime…

London mayor Sadiq Khan has said that Rishi Sunak became the first British Asian prime minister in the country is a 'source of pride' for many in UK. British Pakistani mayor Sadiq Khan added that Sunak's ascend to the top post demonstrated that hard workers can achieve almost everything. While…

EXCLUSIVE: “The best Diwali present ever” say Tory Parliamentarians

In a momentous day, Britain’s first south Asian prime minister, who became the Conservative Party leader on Diwali day [24], has vowed to unite the country and his riven party. Speaking on the steps of Number 10, Rishi Sunak, a practising Hindu, told the country that he would be a…

Amitabh Bachchan reacts to Rishi Sunak becoming first Indian-origin PM…

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, on Tuesday, lauded Rishi Sunak for becoming the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Taking to Instagram, Amitabh dropped a picture which he captioned, “Jai Bharat .. now the UK finally has a new viceroy as its Prime Minister from the Mother Country.” In…

Akshata Murty: The Indian first lady who loves the UK…

Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy and author Sudha Murty, is famously less outgoing than her husband Rishi Sunak, but that is likely to change somewhat as she becomes the first Indian First Lady to the UK's first British Indian Prime Minister. The 42-year-old fashion designer and…

‘An important yet curiously understated moment in British social history’

WHAT should you give a man who has got almost everything for Diwali? Most of Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary colleagues decided, after all, that the answer was the leadership of the Conservative party, unopposed, and the chance to be Prime Minister of his country. There are rarely many political rewards for…

Nadia Whittome MP draws flak for saying Sunak as PM…

A lawmaker from the opposition Labour party in UK has sparked online outrage after claiming Rishi Sunak becoming prime minister is 'not a win for Asian representation' as he is immensely rich, according to reports. Nottingham MP Nadia Whittome said that Sunak was 'not on your side' as Britain’s first…

‘New dawn’ for UK, ‘Death of Democracy’: Britain’s new PM…

Indian-origin Rishi Sunak on Tuesday witnessed both bricks and bouquets from the UK media as he scripted history by becoming the first person of colour to become the Prime Minister of Britain, which in the past had colonised most of the world, with some news outlets acknowledging his leadership as…

‘Obama moment for British Hindus’: UK Temple set up by…

Rishi Sunak becoming UK's Prime Minister is "our Barack Obama moment," said the leader of a Hindu temple that was set up by the Indian-origin leader's grandfather. Rishi Sunak, 42, on Monday won the race to lead the Conservative Party and is now set to become Britain's first prime minister…

India, Pakistan on cusp of history to share pride as…

With Rishi Sunak on the threshold of becoming the first non-white prime minister of Britain, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are on the cusp of history to share a pride, though none of them played a role in it. Sunak’s grandparents originated from British India but their birthplace Gujranwala lies in…

EXCLUSIVE: Rishi Sunak says Britain ready for an Asian prime…

BRITAIN is ready for an Asian prime minister, Rishi Sunak has said, as the prime ministerial hopeful revealed he was “stung” by racism as a child, but now believes Conservative voters will judge him on his policies, rather than his ethnicity, in the leadership race. In a wide-ranging, exclusive interview…

Scientists were given too much power during pandemic: Rishi Sunak

Conservative leadership aspirant Rishi Sunak has slammed the “wrong” policies of the government during its pandemic response, including too much authority given to scientists.The former chancellor, a known critic of economically painful lockdowns, claimed he had been in favour of keeping schools open but his “emotional” argument was met with…

Ronaldo can still fit into Man Utd’s system – Ten…

Manchester United's new manager Erik ten Hag said Cristiano Ronaldo still features in his plans for the season despite dropping the Portugal international from the club's starting lineup in their 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool. Ten Hag was rewarded for his decision to field a frontline of Marcus Rashford,…

Top universities await John Lyon students after excellent A Level…

Lyonians will once again be making their way around the country to the UK’s top universities after they picked up their quite brilliant A-Level results. It is encouraging to learn that whilst the national picture shows a decline in results, John Lyon continues to see excellent results across the board.…

‘I am here to kill the queen,’ Windsor Castle intruder…

A man arrested at Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle home on Christmas Day last year wearing a mask and holding a crossbow told security "I am here to kill the queen", a British court heard on Wednesday. Jaswant Singh Chail, 20, who has been charged under Britain's Treason Act, had spent…

Senior nurse sues Nuffield Health alleging racist abuse, claims she…

A senior nurse has told an employment tribunal that she suffered racist abuse from a private healthcare company for more than two decades as it treated her like a 'black slave', media reports said. Rosaline Caesar-Scammell, 57, alleged that colleagues at Nuffield Health also used terms such as 'blacking up'…

‘Economy, not ethnicity, may cost Sunak the race’

MEET Richie Saint, a capable, charming but ultimately imaginary politician bidding to be prime minister of this country. The son of a GP and a chemist was head boy at a top private school, with a first in PPE at Oxford followed up by a Stanford MBA. Saint met his…

Windsor Castle intruder Jaswant Singh Chail charged with treason

A man, arrested with a crossbow at Windsor Castle in London last year, has been charged with treason. Met Police said Jaswant Singh Chail from Southampton has also been charged with making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to "alarm her Majesty”. The 20-year-old man…

Cocaine worth £40m found hidden in Colombian banana shipment at…

National Crime Agency officers last week discovered more than half a tonne of cocaine worth £40 million found hidden in a Colombian banana shipment at Essex port, media reports said. Investigators intercepted a boat containing drugs from Colombia to the Netherlands at the London Gateway port in Thurrock. Officers said…

‘Orwellian’ facial recognition cameras in UK stores challenged by rights…

SHOPPERS at a supermarket chain in southern England are being tracked by facial recognition cameras, prompting a legal complaint by a privacy rights group. Big Brother Watch said Southern Co-operative's use of biometric scans in 35 stores across Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brighton and Hove, Chichester, Southampton, and London was “Orwellian…

Sanjay and Raakhi: All you need to know about Rishi…

TORY leadership battle is heating up and Rishi Sunak remains a strong contestant in the race for the top job in the country. Sunak, 42, is just one step away to become the first prime minister of Indian origin in the UK. According to a report in the MailOnline, his…

UK’s Tories vaunt diversity in race for next PM

A political party whose membership skews white and male will decide in the coming weeks between an ethnic Indian and a woman to be its new leader, and hence Britain's next prime minister. The Conservative runoff between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss means that Boris Johnson's successor in 10 Downing…

A rare record awaits Rishi Sunak if he bags UK…

A rare record awaits Britain's Rishi Sunak if he wins the race to become the prime minister, according to a report. Sunak will be the sixth person of Indian origin in the world to hold the highest position. US-based non-profit organisation Indiaspora has recently released a detailed list of people…

Will race psychology impact the race for UK’s next leader?

ONE of the hardest psychological lessons for anyone brought up outside the UK, to grasp about Britain, is how the natives of this land remain uniquely gifted in concealing what they really think. For example, if, in conversation, a Briton responds with the word ‘interesting’, to anything you just said,…

Sunak urges Javid to support his candidacy for Tory leadership:…

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak’s allies are believed to be trying to prevail upon his former cabinet colleague Sajid Javid to back his candidacy for the Conservative Party leadership.They have reportedly reached out to Javid’s friends to convince the former health secretary that it would not help either of them if…

Edgbaston Stadium to have undercover spotters to tackle racist abuse…

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has decided to deploy undercover spotters to Edgbaston Stadium in its renewed bid to check racist abuse of fans.The club’s pledge follows complaints of racist slurs hurled at India supporters and the inaction of stewards during a Test match between England and India last week.The venue…

Reinterpreting Frida through Indian classical music

LIVE PERFORMANCE MUMBAI MASALA When: Until Sunday August 28 Where: Proud City, 1 Mark Lane, Opposite Fenchurch Street Station, London EC3R 7AH What: Spicy new immersive Bollywood musical experience, featuring hip shaking dances, heart breaking romance, hilarious comedy, and delectable cuisine. www.proudcabaret.com USTAD SHAHID PARVEZ KHAN When: Saturday July 9…

Fight should go on for access to Nehru-Lady Mountbatten correspondence:…

Historian Andrew Lownie, who gave up his legal battle for the release of some of the redacted papers related to Earl Mountbatten of Burma and his wife because of the enormous cost, has called on authorities to release the archive.Andrew Lownie, who fought for the release of the papers for…

I can testify to the openness, fairness, and warmth, with…

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has opened up at length about his Indian heritage and growing up in Britain in a hard-working British Indian family at an awards ceremony celebrating Indian diaspora achievements across different fields. The 42-year-old finance minister, born in the UK to National Health Service…

Report reveals UK’s ‘broadband outage’ capital: Is your city on…

NOTTINGHAM in East Midlands has been named as the worst city in the UK for broadband outages as the internet downtime was 70 hours a year in the city on an average, according to a new report. It was followed by Southampton and Manchester.  The report from the utility comparison…

UK university student gives birth in toilet ‘not knowing’ she…

A university student from Bristol had the “shock of her life” when she gave birth in the toilet, having no idea that she had been pregnant.Without the obvious signs of a baby bump, Jess Davis mistook her labour pain for menstrual cramps and realised what happened when the baby started…

Croydon best place for first-time flat buyers in UK: Research

Croydon in south London is the best place in the UK for first-time buyers to look for flats, according to the online property guide Zoopla.Its new research found that flat prices across the UK have risen by 1.2 per year over the last five years compared with 4.2 per cent…

How to stay safe during heatwave as Britons swelters on…

UK authorities issued a health alert after temperatures were forecast to top 30C on Friday (17). Thursday (16) was the hottest day of the year so far, with 29.5C recorded at Northolt in west London. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a level 3 heat-health alert for London…

British Indian actor in Bollywood-themed Wedding Party homage for Queen’s…

A British Indian actor is all set with a special Bollywood-themed Wedding Party, complete with a six-metre-high four-tiered cake and a specially designed sari, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee outside Buckingham Palace in London. Ajay Chhabra and his Nutkhut performance company have been chosen to represent the Commonwealth…

Immigration rules: Hundreds of overseas-born trainee GPs face deportation

THE leader of NHS GPs has written to the home secretary Priti Patel demanding to scrap “bureaucratic” hurdles as hundreds of overseas-born trainee GPs are at risk of deportation because of immigration rules, according to a report.  Prof Martin Marshall, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, pointed out…

Labour wins back Southampton council

LABOUR has wrested Southampton City Council from the Conservative party, taking its tally of seats comfortably past the halfway mark.Councillor Satvir Kaur, who led the Labour charge in the city, attributed her party victory to the Conservative administration’s failure to rein in the cost of living and a rise in…

Southampton’s Kaur: Cost of living crisis, rise in crime were…

NEW Labour council leader of Southampton has said that the cost of living crisis and a rise in crime across the city were the key factors behind the results. On Friday (6) Labour have taken back control of the Southampton City council after they lost it to the Conservatives last…

Local elections: Johnson suffers heavy losses in London

BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party lost control of traditional strongholds in London and suffered losses elsewhere in local elections, early results on Friday (6) showed, as voters punished his government over a raft of scandals. Johnson's party was ousted in Wandsworth, a low-tax Conservative stronghold since 1978, part…

Portions of Nehru, Mountbatten letters to remain redacted

CERTAIN portions of the personal diaries and letters involving the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, his wife Edwina and India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, will remain redacted, a UK tribunal has ruled. Judge Sophie Buckley presided over the UK First-Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) appeal to decide whether some…

Richer than the queen: Rishi Sunak’s mega-wealthy wife and in-laws

Akshata Murty, the Indian wife of embattled British chancellor Rishi Sunak, is richer than the queen as the daughter of a self-made tech billionaire and a no-less-formidable engineer and philanthropist mother. Sunak, once seen as a future prime minister, has seen his popularity sink because of surging consumer prices, while…

Rising star Sunak loses some of his shine

British chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak is being accused of being out of touch with ordinary voters, in a sudden fall from grace just months after he was tipped as the next prime minister. The star of the 41-year-old had been in ascendancy for his handling of public finances…

Squeaky-clean Sunak: chancellor tipped as UK’s first Hindu prime minister

Britain's chancellor Rishi Sunak is on a meteoric trajectory that could, if Boris Johnson is forced out, propel him next door to 10 Downing Street to become Britain's first Hindu prime minister. It would mark a historic landmark, for a descendant of immigrants from Britain's old empire in India and…

Novel Asian cafes whet appetite for fusion food

Lockdown sparks rise in demand for ethnic-inspired British treats SOUTH ASIAN cafes which have opened since the lockdown have seen a boom in trade. Owners said the trend is down to more people working away from offices during the pandemic, and people reuniting with relatives and friends after restrictions were…

Funding boost to vaccinate vulnerable communities

BACKED by £22.5 million of government funding, volunteers will reach out to councils with low vaccine uptake and get hard-to-reach communities jabbed. Community Vaccine Champions from Bradford to Brighton will be tapping into their local networks and encouraging people in their community to come forward and get vaccinated. The funding…

Exclusive: UK and India will kick off FTA talks to…

By Amit Roy and Sarwar Alam HAVING achieved Brexit, Boris Johnson’s new year’s resolution is to “Get FTA done” – a reference to the Free Trade Agreement that the British prime minister is pursuing with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. Although no dates have been announced, the international trade secretary…

Suspect’s father says, ‘Something’s gone horribly wrong with our son’

WHILE London police are investigating the Christmas Day security breach at Windsor Castle, the alleged intruder’s family in Southampton said it is going through a difficult phase following the incident. “Something’s gone horribly wrong with our son,” Jasbir reportedly said of Jaswant Chail who was arrested on Saturday (25) from…

London castle intruder ‘sought to avenge colonial-era massacre in India’

BRITISH police said Monday (27) they were assessing a video purportedly made by a man who tried to break into a castle where Queen Elizabeth II was spending Christmas in which he said he “wanted to kill her. In the video, obtained by The Sun tabloid, a masked figure in…

Can’t take India lightly in home conditions, says Williamson

New Zealand will not start as favourites despite facing an Indian team missing several key players, skipper Kane Williamson said Wednesday, as the world's two top-ranked teams geared up for a spin battle in their first Test. Hosts India have rested skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah…

10,000 trees in Bradford under Queen’s Green Canopy initiative

THE Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) will unveil two key initiatives during National Tree Week this month – a community led project to plant 10,000 trees in Bradford, and the launch of a QGC “Champion Cities” initiative. On 27 November at Newhall Park in Bradford, the QGC will come together with…

Under-strength New Zealand squad to head for India tour

NEW ZEALAND will head into their Test series against India without pace spearhead Trent Boult and allrounder Colin de Grandhomme and with a number of players lacking match practice due to Covid-19 lockdowns. Boult and De Grandhomme opted out of the two-Test tour due to 'bubble' fatigue and the prospect…

‘Help vulnerable people in Asia deal with climate change’

LEADING experts in the UK have voiced their concerns about the damaging impact climate change is having on people in the frontline in south Asia. India’s prime minister Narender Modi pledged on Monday (1) that his country would reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Though it has 17 per cent…

India can help save the planet

CLIMATE finance to fund technology innovations will be key to India delivering its goal of ‘net zero’ emissions by 2070, academics, policy experts, business leaders and politicians have said. They were speaking as they welcomed Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at the COP26 summit in Glasgow this week. India…

England to play Covid-delayed India Test in 2022

ENGLAND will play the coronavirus-delayed final match of their 2021 Test series against India in July next year at Edgbaston, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday (22). The match was due to take place last month at Old Trafford but the tourists said they were unable to…

India-England fifth Test cancelled due to Covid concerns

THE fifth and deciding Test between England and India was cancelled on Friday (10) just hours before the scheduled start over Covid-19 concerns in the tourists' camp. The England and Wales Cricket Board said fears over the coronavirus, related to an outbreak among backroom staff, had left India unable to…

Hetain Patel: Artist’s film trilogy seeks to ‘occupy mainstream space’

A TRILOGY of films depicting ethnic minority protagonists in Hollywood blockbuster movies that “they are typically excluded from” is part of a new exhibition in Southampton. Hetain Patel’s new art show Trinity is based on his fascination with the cultural influence that Hollywood has on people’s lives. Having premiered at…

Kohli says India to blame for ‘crucial’ over-rate points penalty

India captain Virat Kohli said his team had no one to blame but themselves after both they and England were docked two World Test Championship points each for maintaining a slow over-rate in their rain-marred drawn series opener at Nottingham last week. Both teams were also fined 40 per cent…

Three things we learned from the first Test between England…

Rain had the final say as the first Test between England and India ended in a draw after the whole of Sunday's last day at Trent Bridge was washed out without a ball bowled. Below we look at three aspects of an intriguing clash that could have a bearing when…

Kohli confident of India ‘template’ in ‘blockbuster’ England series

India captain Virat Kohli said his side had the "right template" for the remainder of their "blockbuster" series against England after enjoying the better of a rain-marred draw in the first Test. The tourists were frustrated in their bid to go 1-0 up in a five-match contest when rain washed…

Rain prevents grandstand finish to England-India 1st Test

Rain scuppered what promised to be a thrilling conclusion to the first Test between England and India at Trent Bridge as the match ended in a draw without a ball bowled on Sunday's last day. The opening fixture in this five-Test series was intriguingly poised with India 52-1 in their…

Bumrah strikes as India dominate first day of England series

India's Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets as England suffered their latest batting collapse in slumping to 183 all out on the opening day of the first Test at Trent Bridge on Wednesday. Bumrah, who struck with the fifth ball of the match to remove Rory Burns for one of four…

Kohli says more players could follow Stokes’ mental health example

India captain Virat Kohli believes more players could follow the example of England all-rounder Ben Stokes unless gaps are created in a congested global fixture schedule. Stokes is missing the five-Test series against India which started at Trent Bridge on Wednesday while he takes an indefinite break from the game…

Kohli says more players could follow Stokes’ mental health example

INDIA captain Virat Kohli believes more players could follow the example of England allrounder Ben Stokes unless gaps are created in a congested global fixture schedule. Stokes is missing the upcoming five-Test series against India starting at Trent Bridge on Wednesday (4) while he takes an indefinite break from the…

Unvaccinated woman, 27, details about ICU stay and near death…

A healthy mum-of-two has revealed how she still feels haunted by her experience in Covid ICU ward after she spent 12 days fighting for her life alone in hospital. She is now urging Britons to get vaccinated when offered.   Sana Faheem Raja,  who lives in Prestwich, was in Covid…

Three Lions’ dream run at Euro 2020 starts #EnglandTogether campaign

AHEAD of England's Euro 2020 semifinal clash against Denmark on Wednesday (7), a new campaign, #EnglandTogether, is calling on fans to show their support for the team and also back the idea for an inclusive England that is shared by people of all backgrounds. Supporters from faith, diversity and cohesion…

#unfollowcricketers: Sri Lanka fans abandon players after drubbing

Disgruntled Sri Lanka cricket fans launched a campaign to shun their team on social media after they slumped to a dismal Twenty20 series drubbing in England. England recorded a thumping 89-run win at Southampton on Saturday to sweep the contests 3-0 -- a fifth consecutive series defeat for Sri Lanka…

England’s Buttler ruled out of Sri Lanka matches

Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the rest of England's white-ball matches against Sri Lanka after picking up a right calf injury in the opening Twenty20 match in Cardiff. The wicketkeeper-batsman, 30, who scored 68 not out in England's win on Wednesday, had an MRI scan the following day,…

Dawid Malan back in form as England sweep Sri Lanka…

DAWID Malan's dynamic 76 from 48 balls helped England to an 89-run win at Southampton on Saturday (26) as the hosts claimed a 3-0 clean sweep of Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 series. Malan had managed just single-digit scores in England's two wins in Cardiff earlier this series and a…

‘Ethnic minority children more likely to be impacted by Covid-19’

ETHNIC minority children are more likely to test positive for Covid-19 and end up in hospital, says a recent UK study, suggesting a link between race and outcome of Covid-19 among children.    Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study, which is claimed to be the largest observational study yet on…

Kohli calls for World Test final to be played over…

Virat Kohli said future editions of the World Test Championship final should be played as a three-match series after his India side were beaten by New Zealand in the inaugural showpiece match at Southampton on Wednesday. New Zealand triumphed by eight wickets in a final extended into a sixth day…

Conway, De Kock sign for Southern Brave in cricket’s Hundred

New Zealand's Devon Conway and South Africa's Quinton de Kock have been signed as overseas replacements by the Southern Brave for English cricket's inaugural edition of the Hundred, it was announced on Wednesday. The Hampshire-based franchise were in the market for top-order batsmen after Australia's David Warner and Marcus Stoinis…

New Zealand triumph over India in World Test final

NEW ZEALAND enjoyed the greatest triumph in their cricket history as they beat India by eight wickets in the inaugural World Test Championship final at Southampton on Wednesday (23). Two years on from their agonising Super Over loss to England in the 50-over World Cup final at Lord's, New Zealand's…

World Test Championship final: Southee’s strikes open up result possibility

TIM SOUTHEE removed both India openers late on Tuesday (22) to give New Zealand hope of an unlikely victory in the World Test Championship final as the showpiece match headed into the reserve sixth day. India were 64 for 2 in their second innings at stumps on the fifth day…

ICC should find a way to decide winner of World…

SUNIL GAVASKAR said the ICC should find a way to decide a winner in case the rain-hit World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton ends in a draw. The ongoing match has been affected by English weather with the opening and fourth day washed out completely.…

World Test Championship final: Rain washes out fourth day

THE fourth day of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was washed out due to persistent rain in Southampton on Monday (21). This is the second time in the match when the day's play has been lost entirely without a ball being bowled. Overnight and early…

New Zealand’s Jamieson takes five before openers frustrate India in…

New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson dismissed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in quick succession on his way to a superb five-wicket haul as India were bowled out for 217 in their first innings of the World Test Championship final at Southampton on Sunday. Towering paceman Jamieson finished with miserly figures of…

New Zealand’s Latham thankful for extra day after India final…

New Zealand's Tom Latham was thankful for the possibility of extra time after the opening day's play in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India at Southampton on Friday was washed out without a ball being bowled. While a standard Test lasts a maximum of five days, this fixture…

World Test Championship final: Rain washes out opening day play…

THE opening day of the inaugural World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was washed out due to persistent rain in Southampton on Friday (18). The toss should have taken place at 10:00 am local time (0900 GMT), but could not happen due to heavy overnight and early…

Rain delays start of World Test Championship final

Rain delayed the scheduled start of the inaugural World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand at Southampton on Friday, with no play before lunch on the opening day. The toss should have taken place at 10:00 am local time (0900 GMT), with the match getting underway 30 minutes…

WTC final: Gavaskar says India would be hungry to get…

IT is India's batting depth that helps them bounce back from pressure situations, Sunil Gavaskar said ahead of India's World Test Championship final against New Zealand on Friday (18). Apart from batting stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane making the top order, the likes of Ravichandran…

WTC final: Ashwin and Jadeja named in India’s 15, Thakur…

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN and Ravindra Jadeja were both named in India's 15-man squad for the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, which begins in Southampton on Friday (18). Jadeja, along with Mohammed Shami, Hanuma Vihari and Umesh Yadav, all of whom sustained injuries during the tour of Australia…

New Zealand confirms Williamson’s return for World Test Championship final

KANE WILLIAMSON will be available to lead New Zealand against India in the World Test Championship final, head coach Gary Stead announced on Tuesday (15) as he unveiled a 15-man squad for the match, starting June 18. Williamson was forced to miss the second Test against England due to an…

Best-of-three World Test Championship final not realistic, says ICC

DECIDING the World Test Championship (WTC) in a best-of-three final is not a realistic idea in a packed calendar, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday (14). India and New Zealand will clash in a one-off match in Southampton on Friday (18) for Test cricket's biggest honour, along with…

Sangakkara and Flower inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and Zimbabwe's Andy Flower were among 10 new inductees into the International Cricket Council's Hall of Fame announced Sunday. The latest batch of players to be accorded the honour were unveiled just days before next week's inaugural World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand…

British Asian campaigners, charity leaders on Queen’s Birthday Honours List

EDUCATION leader Hamid Patel, charity boss Javed Khan and period poverty campaigner Amika George are among prominent British Asians named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List unveiled this evening (11). Patel, chief executive officer of Star Academics in Blackburn, a multi-academy trust which operates 30 free schools and academies, is…

Kohli says India and New Zealand on equal terms for…

INDIA captain Virat Kohli said on Wednesday (2) that India and New Zealand would contest the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final as equals, despite expectations that playing conditions would better suit his opponents. The limited preparation time available to India before the final, which begins on June 18 at…

Cricket World Cup to have 14 teams again from 2027

THE MEN'S Cricket World Cup will once again become a 14-team tournament in 2027 and 2031, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday (1). The changes were announced as the ICC, cricket's global governing body, unveiled its global schedule of events from 2024-2031. Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy, a 'mini'…

From Mahabharat to Bridgerton, Sunak reveals his binge-watch list

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak said he grew up watching Bollywood films and the epic Indian mythological series Mahabharat, with Baywatch and Blind Date also included as part of his weekend viewing at the time. “I watched Bollywood movies, but the big, defining TV thing for probably all Indian families was Mahabharat,”…

Families of India players given clearance for England tour

THE families of players and support staff of both the Indian men's and women's cricket teams will be allowed to accompany them during their long tour of England this month, a senior BCCI source said on Tuesday (1). The BCCI had put in a request that the players be allowed…

India, New Zealand to share title if World Test final…

INDIA and New Zealand will be declared joint winners of the World Test Championship if next month's final ends in a draw or tie, cricket's world body, the ICC, said on Friday (28). The two teams will face off in Southampton, England from June 18 to 22, with June 23…

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Virulent racists’ harming UK

Honest debate needed to avoid repeat of Oldham race riots 20 years ago by Barnie Choudhury “Virulent racists” are harming the chances of racial harmony in Britain. That is one of the conclusions of Professor Ted Cantle, the man tasked by Tony Blair’s government to investigate the causes of a…

Sikh employee seeks $6.6m in damages over racial abuse by…

A BRITISH-BORN Sikh office worker, who was mocked as an 'Arab shoe bomber' and racially abused consistently at his workspace by his colleagues, is suing his former workplace tech company Exertis for £6.6 million as the damage for lost earnings, injury to feelings, and aggravated damages. Kieran Sidhu, 36, has…

India could struggle in World Test Championship final: Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar feels New Zealand will hold the edge over India in the World Test Championship final if conditions favour fast bowling at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Panesar feels that if the rainy and cold weather in UK at the moment stays that way for the…

EXCLUSIVE: “Create mentally healthy workplaces,” says Poppy Jaman

Expert explains how south Asian culture can hinder recovery by Barnie Choudhury One of the country’s leading experts on mental health is urging companies to recognise the important of mental wellbeing in the workplace. Poppy Jaman, chief executive of the City Mental Health Alliance, made the call during the Ramniklal…

India-New Zealand WTC final in Southampton to host 4000 fans

THE World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton will be held in the presence of 4000 spectators, Hampshire County Club head Rod Bransgrove has said. The Covid-19 situation has improved in the UK and around 1500 people were allowed to watch the county game between Leicestershire…

Expect stronger India at neutral WTC final venue, Pujara warns…

CHETESHWAR PUJARA still feels the sting of last year's drubbing in New Zealand but the batsman says India will be a different proposition when the sides clash again at the neutral venue of Southampton in next month's World Test Championship (WTC) final. India were blanked 2-0 in New Zealand, who…

Britain launches world’s first-ever Covid-19 booster dose trial

BRITAIN has launched the world’s first-ever Covid-19 booster shot trials today with nearly 3000 volunteers to explore if giving a third dose would be safe and effective in extending immune protection against COVID-19. The trial is backed by £19.3 million government funding and will be the first in the world…

Academic’s Royal Society honour

  By Amit Roy AN INDIAN-ORIGIN academic who was once told she was not good enough for Oxford has spoken of the hurdles she had to overcome as she was elected a fellow of the Royal Society last week. Usha Goswami is currently a fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge,…

Author reveals battle for Mountbatten diaries with university

  By Amit Roy AUTHOR Andrew Lownie has spoken to Eastern Eye about his so far unsuccessful four-year battle with Southampton University to secure access to the letters and diaries of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India at the time of Partition in 1947, and his wife, Lady…

New Zealand cricketers land for biosecure tour of England

NEW ZEALAND cricketers have arrived in London to start their biosecure tour of England before the ICC World Test Championship Final against India, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Monday (17). Most of the Test squad and staff had been transferred to hotel quarantine in Southampton where they will warm…

EXCLUSIVE: Top Asian cop Neil Basu slams race report

“Unedifying” row over despatch box “puts back equality, diversity and inclusion” by Barnie Choudhury Britain top south Asian police officer has told a global audience that institutional racism does exist in Britain – contrary to the government’s latest report on racism. The Met’s assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, was speaking during…

Indian players including Kohli take the jab before England tour

INDIA captain Virat Kohli and several of his teammates have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccines before they leave for a tour of England next month. India face New Zealand in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship at Southampton in June before playing a five-Test series against…

Remaining IPL games can’t happen in India, says BCCI chief…

THE remainder of the suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) season will have to be played outside the country, the Indian cricket board said, though it is unclear whether a window can be found to play the remaining 31 games. IPL was suspended indefinitely last week after several players and support…

EXCLUSIVE: Pandemic’s “perfect terrorist storm”

Top south Asian cop warns of growth of online radicalisation during Covid By Barnie Choudhury Britain’s top south Asian police officer has warned that the pandemic could be creating more home-grown terrorists. Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu was speaking at the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers event, organised by the Asian Media Group and the…

“Portraying someone else’s life on screen excites me a lot,”…

By: Mohnish Singh The coronavirus pandemic has affected – directly or indirectly – the lives of people all over the world. It has altered several aspects of our lives in ways more than one can imagine. Just like so many artists worldwide, Prreit Kamal, who is one of the most…

Banksy painting for NHS charity sells for record £16.7m

A Banksy painting has been sold for a record price of £16.7m, and the money will be going to UK health charities. The painting titled "Game Changer", shows a young boy picking a figure of caped superhero nurse and ditching his usual figures of Batman and Spider-Man. The work was…

India Business Group’s Amarjit Singh on the board of a…

THE chief executive of India Business Group (IBG), Amarjit Singh, has joined the international advisory board of QS IGAUGE, world leader in education rankings, ratings, and analytics services. A subsidiary of UK based QS Quacquarelli Symonds, QS IGAUGE rates universities, colleges, and schools in India to promote international excellence, a…

World Test final moved to Southampton: Ganguly

THE World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in June has been moved from Lord's to Southampton because of the pandemic, Indian cricket chief Sourav Ganguly said. The inaugural championship's final had long been planned for Lord's, known as the 'home of cricket', in London. But Ganguly told…

Saluting Asian pioneers who changed Britain for the better

  By Barnie Choudhury THE Asian Media Group (AMG) and the University of Southampton have teamed up to recognise south Asians who have transformed the UK. Named after the founder of AMG, the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers Project will tell the life stories of 100 people whose work has left an…

Meera Syal on TV executives: “Get out of the diversity…

The actress reveals her frustrations with TV commissioners Exclusive By Barnie Choudhury The star of Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42, Meera Syal, has appealed to television commissioners to stop using an outdated “quota system” which blocks black and Asian (BAME) talent on screen. During the Asian…

ACKNOWLDGE NHS ‘STRUCTURAL RACISM’

“Vaccine hesitancy” because Asian communities do not trust government, says top doctor Exclusive By Barnie Choudhury Politics is interfering “far too much” with caring for sick patients during the pandemic. That is according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Dr Chaand Nagpaul. Speaking during the second Ramniklal Solanki…

Vijay Mallya allowed access to UK court-held funds to meet…

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya was granted access to around £1.1 million from court-held funds to meet his living expenses and legal costs by the High Court in London on Monday. Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Nigel Barnett presided over a remote hearing to rule over the level of…

Exclusive: “British-Asians are making history, and it’s not being written…

The national treasure tells us how she beat up racists, and why she is optimistic for the future for Asian artists by Barnie Choudhury Meera Syal is ferociously funny, intensely intelligent, and she has an edgier side that shows off her campaigning spirit for equality. Let’s get one thing clear.…

Man Utd’s Cavani suspended by FA for three games over…

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been suspended for three games and fined £100,000 ($136,590) after he admitted a Football Association (FA) charge for using a racial term, the soccer governing body said on Thursday(31). The 33-year-old Uruguayan used the word "negrito" in an Instagram post last month after beating…

Southampton 2025 trust partners with India Business Group

THE Southampton 2025 trust has partnered with India Business Group (IBG) to strengthen the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 and to transform as a global trading destination. The IBG will help promote the positive impact that winning the bid will have upon Southampton, which has a strong…

Hurdles of citizenship

By Sunder Katwala Director, British Future HOW do people become us? This could be the key question of our age. Questions of identity have reshaped democratic politics around the world, threatening to make “us versus them” the key political and social dividing line. To challenge that polarising trend will require…

French firm to start clinical trials of Covid vaccine candidate…

FRENCH pharmaceutical firm Valneva will start the first clinical trials of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate at four sites in England, Britain's business ministry said on Wednesday(16). The Phase I and Phase II trials involve 150 volunteers in Bristol, Birmingham, Southampton and Newcastle, and will be designed to show whether the…

‘Sunak’s ethnicity is no bar to his rapid rise in…

By Amit Roy LORD MICHAEL ASHCROFT, a former treasurer and deputy chairman of the Conservative party, has revealed why he decided to write the first-ever biogra­phy of the chancellor, Going for Broke: The Rise of Rishi Sunak. “At the beginning of the year, hardly anyone outside Westmin­ster and Yorkshire had…

Man from Slough jailed for two years for ‘sending death…

A man from Slough has been jailed for two years for sending death threats to politicians including former prime minister Theresa May. Wajid Shah, 27, was convicted of six charges of sending electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety by a jury at Southwark Crown Court. Shah, who has…

England announce India series as they target fans’ return in…

The England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday (18) they hoped spectators would return to matches next year as they announced a full international programme for 2021 culminating with a five-Test series at home to India. Unlike this year's coronavirus-hit schedule, where a full set of men's international matches…

Baking classic desserts a piece of cake for Gill

By Amit Roy RAVNEET GILL, a 29-year-old pas­try chef in London, says Asian wom­en – and even men – should not be afraid of trying their hand at baking cakes, tarts and chocolate biscuits. “Actually in Britain, lots of pastry chefs are men and especially in France, it’s quite male…

Sunak in the spotlight

  By Amit Roy PERSONALLY, I don’t think it’s good for Rishi Sunak – “Dishy Rishi” to the tabloids – that the chancellor is talked about as the next prime minister. It’s bound to make Boris Johnson nervous. Rishi should read my favourite Shakespeare play, Julius Caesar, and beware that…

FA launches new code to address the ‘longstanding challenge’ of…

The Football Association has launched the Football Leadership Diversity Code to increase ethnic and gender diversity at the top levels of English soccer. The new drive launched on Tuesday(27) also sets out targets to reduce the role that personal networks have long played in top-level appointments. According to FA, more…

Asian actors and directors raise concerns about ITV depiction of…

LEADING British Asians from the arts, film and television industries have raised their concerns about race and the perceptions about minority communities in relation to a recent drama about honour killing shown on ITV. Honour, shown on ITV on September 28 and 29, was based on the 2006 murder of…

New Asda owners, the Issa brothers, among prominent businessmen recognised…

Businessmen, frontline healthcare staff as well as charity workers and volunteers are among Asians in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List, whose publication in June was delayed in order to recognise “unsung heroes” of the coronavirus pandemic. Billionaire brothers Zuber Vali Issa and Mohsin Issa, who last week acquired Asda…

‘Going through the ‘painful’ process of becoming a smaller organisation’,…

THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive officer Tom Harrison has said that the board avoided "financial oblivion" from the Covid-19 pandemic by delivering on its broadcast commitments. He added that the ECB is now going through the 'painful' process of becoming a smaller organisation coming out of…

Rishi Sunak’s star rises despite UK virus chaos

Rishi Sunak's appointment as Britain's chancellor of the exchequer after only five years in politics raised eyebrows because of his age and relative inexperience. But he is now the subject of leadership talk as one of the few ministers to emerge largely unscathed by the government's handling of the coronavirus…

Birmingham man charged with ‘criminal actions’ during circumcision procedures

By S Neeraj Krishna A 54-year-old man in Birmingham has been charged with assaulting children while performing circumcisions. Mohammad Siddiqui of Hockley faced 34 charges, including ill-treatment, neglect, causing unnecessary suffering or injury, and actual bodily harm. The former NHS doctor was also accused of administering “a prescription only medicine,…

Chemists urge ‘son of pharmacist’ Rishi Sunak to save community…

OVER 1,300 local chemists have urged Rishi Sunak – whose mother was a pharmacist – to save community pharmacies that are “unable to survive” without government funding. In a letter to the chancellor, they also cautioned the chancellor that without support the “inevitable result” will be mass closures leading to…

Anderson record may be ‘Jimmy’s alone’ says Sangakkara

Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara believes England's James Anderson may have set a record that will be "Jimmy's alone" after he became the first paceman to take 600 Test wickets. Anderson, 38, made history when he had Pakistan captain Azhar Ali caught at slip by England skipper Joe Root in…

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali sees ‘lots of positives’ despite losing…

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali insisted there were "lots of positives" for his side despite their 1-0 series loss to England. A three-match contest in which both the second and third Tests at Southampton were weather-affected draws ultimately hinged on England's three-wicket win in the series opener at Old Trafford. Pakistan…

Ganguly, Kohli hail Anderson as spin wizards Kumble, Warne welcome…

BOWLING greats Anil Kumble and Shane Warne welcomed James Anderson to the elite group of players who have taken 600 Test wickets as tributes to the England star poured in from around the cricketing world on Tuesday (25). Anderson become the first fast bowler to reach the landmark when he had…

Cambridge university aims for autumn vaccine trials as UK injects…

THE University of Cambridge is aiming to start clinical trials of its possible coronavirus vaccine in the autumn after it received government funding of £1.9 million, the university said on Wednesday (26). The scientists behind the vaccine said their approach, which uses genetic sequences of all known coronaviruses to hone…

England’s James Anderson needs just one wicket to create history

England’s James Anderson is seeking to become the first seam bowler in history to reach 600 test wickets as he moved one shy of 600  wickets on Monday (24). The start of the fifth day of the third and final test between England and Pakistan at the Rose Bowl was…

Crawley’s career ‘flashed before his eyes’ during Pakistan century

ZAK CRAWLEY said his fledgling career "almost flashed before my eyes" as he completed a maiden Test century that put England in a strong position on the first day of their series finale against Pakistan at Southampton on Friday (21). Crawley's commanding 171 not out was the centrepiece of England's…

Wasim Akram says England ‘owe’ Pakistan for cricket tour

Wasim Akram has insisted England "owe" Pakistan for going ahead with their tour amid the coronavirus pandemic as he urged English officials to honour a planned returned visit in 2022. England have not played in Pakistan since 2005/06. An attack by armed militants on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore…

Dhoni ‘changed whole face of Indian cricket’ says Pakistan’s Misbah

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq said MS Dhoni had "changed the whole face of Indian cricket" after the former captain announced his international retirement on Saturday. Dhoni, a 39-year-old wicketkeeper and batsman, is India's most successful skipper, having played a starring role in their 2011 World Cup final win on home soil…

Lights on, players off: Pakistan’s Rizwan shines on frustrating day

Mohammad Rizwan was left frustrated when having shone for Pakistan with a fine unbeaten fifty in the second Test against England at Southampton on Friday, he was forced to leave the field for bad light. Pakistan were 223-9 at stumps on the second day, with Rizwan 60 not out just…

Anderson strikes against Pakistan as Alam’s long wait ends with…

England great James Anderson returned to form with two wickets against Pakistan at Southampton on Thursday as Fawad Alam's long wait for a Test recall ended with a duck. Pakistan were 126-5 at stumps after a combination of rain and bad light cut short play on the first day of…

Independent group of UK scientists questions government’s pandemic response

AS Britain navigates its way through the coronavirus pandemic, the government insists that science is guiding its decisions. But a self-appointed group of independent experts says it sees little in Britain's response that is evidence-based, especially after an upturn in new cases forced a delay in lifting more lockdown restrictions.…

Woakes leads England to stunning win over Pakistan in first…

Chris Woakes hit an unbeaten 84 as England came from behind to beat Pakistan by three wickets in the first Test at Old Trafford on Saturday. England were struggling in pursuit of a victory target of 277 after collapsing to 117-5 on the fourth day. But man-of-the-match Woakes, who had…

Pakistan’s Wasim Khan urges England to ‘do the right thing’…

Pakistan's decision to tour England despite the risks of travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic was not part of a reciprocal agreement but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expects its English counterpart to "do the right thing" in 2022. Pakistan are the second test team, after West Indies, to tour England…

UK launches studies worth over £4mn on link between Covid-19…

THE link between the coronavirus pandemic and ethnicity will be investigated in six new multi-million pound research projects, it was announced on Wednesday (29). Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the projects will seek to explain and mitigate the disproportionate death…

Portsmouth Imperial Service Medal recipient, who was ‘a pillar of…

TRIBUTES have been paid to a British-Sikh Imperial Service Medal recipient who passed away last week, aged 90, in Portsmouth. Shingar Singh Taak – a founding member of the city's Guru Nanak Sar Gurdwara set up in 1963 – was regarded as “a pillar of the Sikh community in Hampshire”.…

South Asians face ‘casual racism’, black communities endure worse: Monty…

THE south Asian diaspora in the UK often becomes the victim of "casual racism", but that can't be compared to what the black community has to endure in everyday life, feels Monty Panesar. Calling for a mindset change, the former England spinner said authorities should initiate a five-year plan to…

Moeen Ali in England training squad for Ireland ODIs

Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow were included in a 24-man England training squad named on Thursday for the three-match one-day international series at home to Ireland. Wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow and off-spinning all-rounder Mooen were left out of the squad for the first Test against the West Indies, taking place in Southampton…

Stokes will lead England from front, has controlled aggression: Tendulkar

Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar has little doubt that Ben Stokes will lead England from the front in the opening Test against West Indies, with his "controlled aggression" and infectious energy aiding him the most. Tendulkar spoke about stand-in English skipper Stokes while previewing the three-Test series, which starts in…

Government’s funding can “revitalise” UK arts and culture sector

The UK government’s £1.57 billion emergency support package for the arts and culture sector has been described as a lifeline for an industry “brought to its knees” by the coronavirus pandemic. The package covers funding for Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues. It includes a…

Stokes is a bit like Kohli, he will turn out…

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has compared Ben Stokes' leadership abilities with Virat Kohli, saying the all-rounder will turn out to be an "excellent captain" when he dons the hat in Joe Root's absence during the first Test against the West Indies in Southampton, starting July 8. England's World Cup…

Johnson green-lights return of recreational cricket after checking with ‘third…

BORIS JOHNSON has announced that recreational cricket would be allowed to resume next weekend, after consulting with the "third umpire". In a radio interview on Friday, the prime minister angered thousands of club cricketers by saying the amateur game was still not safe to play amid the coronavirus pandemic because…

Book by writer Hamed Amiri focuses on NHS’ dedication to…

By Amit Roy THIS is a sad story, which is also a very inspiring one, about how the NHS did its best to look after Hussein Amiri, who arrived in Britain in 2001 as a 14-year-old refugee from Afghan­istan with his parents, Mohammed and Fariba, and his young­er brothers, Hamed…

Pakistan set to arrive for England Test tour despite virus…

Pakistan will arrive for their tour of England at the weekend even though several potential squad members have tested positive for the coronavirus, cricket chiefs announced on Friday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said earlier this week that 10 players had returned positive tests, plus a support staff member. But…

‘England is not England without cricket’: Boris Johnson under pressure…

BORIS JOHNSON was told "England is not England without cricket" by one of his own Conservative MPs on Thursday (25) as the British government came under renewed pressure to lift a ban on recreational cricket during the coronavirus pandemic. During a debate in Parliament, Peter Bone MP urged Jacob Rees-Mogg,…

Giles confident Pakistan’s England tour will go ahead despite positive…

England managing director Ashley Giles believes Pakistan's tour in August will go ahead even though three Pakistani cricketers have tested positive for coronavirus. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday that leg-spinner Shadab Khan, fast bowler Haris Rauf and teenage batsman Haider Ali had tested positive for COVID-19 despite showing…

Ten Pakistan players due to tour England test positive for…

SEVEN more Pakistan players due to tour England in August have tested positive for coronavirus, the country's cricket board said Tuesday (23), taking the total to 10 since the first results were announced this week. Pakistan are due to depart for England on Sunday ahead of a series that will…

England players to wear training shirts bearing names of key…

ENGLAND players will wear training shirts bearing the names of key workers before the start of the first test against the West Indies next month to honour their service during the Covid-19 pandemic. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said people whose names will feature on the shirts have been nominated by their…

Moeen Ali set to make Test comeback, named in training…

MOEEN ALI has been included in England's 30-member group that will begin training at the Ageas Bowl from June 23 ahead of their first Test against the West Indies on July 8. The 32-year-old all-rounder had announced a break from Test cricket in September last year after losing out on…

India cancel tour to Zimbabwe due to Covid-19 concerns

INDIA will not travel to Zimbabwe for a one-day international series in August due to the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah said on Friday (12). The move follows the BCCI's decision on Thursday (11) to postpone India's…

Firms adopt new protocols to protect staff and customers

Produced in association with UK Government Companies emphasise strict safety and social distancing measures to reassure returning employees as offices and businesses reopen FROM construction sites to councils and retailers to industries, Britain is gradually getting back to work after more than two months of lockdown owing to the coronavirus…

Exclusive: ‘NHS failing BAME frontline staff,’ say medical experts

By Barnie Choudhury and Rithika Siddhartha DOCTORS’ leaders have urged NHS managers to carry out “proper risk assessments” for frontline black, Asian and ethnic minority staff who are treating Covid-19 patients. Their recommendation comes as new analysis by the Guardian newspaper on Monday (25) showed that among healthcare workers who…

Pakistan set to send cricket squad on ‘bio-secure’ tour of…

PAKISTAN plans to send a 25-man squad to England in July to meet the demands of playing an entire tour in a "bio-secure bubble", according to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Wasim Khan. Pakistan are scheduled to play three tests in August followed by an equal number of Twenty20 Internationals, with…

Pakistan to play England in July in bio-secure environment

Pakistan are all set to tour England in July to play three Tests and three T20 internationals in a bio-secure environment with the PCB giving its approval to their English counterparts during a video link meeting. Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive, Wasim Khan told a news channel that the PCB…

Men in low-skilled jobs face highest death rate in England,…

MEN in the lowest-skilled jobs have the highest death rates involving Covid-19 among working-age people, according to data for England and Wales that also showed fatalities among nurses and doctors were no higher than the average. The official figures were published on Monday (11), a day after Prime Minister Boris…

Nurse turns superhero in Banksy’s NHS tribute

A young boy chooses a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman in a new artwork by Banksy that encapsulates the gratitude Britons have felt toward the NHS during the coronavirus crisis. The painting by the secretive street artist was unveiled at University Hospital Southampton, in…

Relaxing lockdown too early can lead to a second wave:…

By Sabu S Padmadas Professor of Demography and Global Health University of Southampton [caption id="attachment_100122" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sabu S Padmadas[/caption] WE LIVE in anxious and uncertain times. Every day we get updates on the numbers of people who have contracted and succumbed to Covid-19, this 21st century killer disease. Yet…

UK virus lockdown extension looms as Johnson’s health ‘improves’

British prime minister Boris Johnson's health "continues to improve" on his fourth day in COVID-19 intensive care, his spokesman said Thursday, while the government prepared to extend a nationwide lockdown. "The prime minister had a good night and continues to improve in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital. He's in…

Rishi Sunak praised for pandemic support performance

By Barnie Choudhury Former BBC Journalist OM SHANTI OM. Greetings from socially distancing SouthAsiastan, better known as Leicester. You know, that Rishi is such a good boy. His parents could not have known, but they named him appropriately. Significantly, the past few weeks suggest that ‘Rish’, as our esteemed prime…

Covid-19 makes UK regional airline Flybe sick; grounded

THE UK regional carrier Flybe has entered bankruptcy administration, after a plunge in travel demand, making the struggling carrier the industry's first big casualty of the coronavirus outbreak. Flybe connects all corners of the UK with major European destinations. The grounding of the airline has also put around 2,400 jobs at…

Rishi Sunak: Rapid rise of UK’s new Chancellor

Rishi Sunak, a 39-year-old high-flying business investor who only entered politics five years ago, has enjoyed a rapid rise to become Britain's new Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sunak entered parliament in 2015 and got his foot on the most junior rung of government in January 2018 -- and was still…

UK court orders sale of Force India yacht linked to…

A British court on Monday (27) ordered that a luxury yacht owned by Force India Limited be sold and its proceeds be used to pay back Qatar National Bank to enforce its mortgage on the vessel. During court proceedings, brought by the bank in the Admiralty Division of the High…

Three Poole restaurateurs banned for tax offences

THREE restaurant bosses have been disqualified for a total of 18 years after submitting inaccurate tax returns. Jalal Ahmed, 50, of Southsea, Satokh Singh Dhanda, 62, and Mohammad Motiur Rahman, 56, both of Southampton, were directors of the Rancho Steak House (Poole) Ltd. Dhanda’s ban is effective from December 26,…

Bradford basks in glory of ‘most improved city’

By Nadeem Badshah THE drive of local entrepreneurs and curry restaurants has led to Bradford being named the UK’s most improved city, experts believe. The West Yorkshire city was once notorious for race riots in 2001, a long-delayed shopping centre and high levels of unemployment. However, research by PricewaterhouseCoopers and…

Samir Hussein: ‘My life as a royal photographer’

by LAUREN CODLING FOR many, the work of Samir Hussein will be all too familiar. Working as arguably one of the most well-respected photographers in his field, Hussein has photographed the British royal family for more than a decade and his images have appeared across the globe. Capturing some of…

Grocery industry honours Britain’s best retailers

BRITAIN’S grocery industry saluted the UK’s army of hard-working, enterprising independent retailers at the Asian Trader Awards last week. Around 900 guests celebrated the achievements of the country’s top shopkeepers at London’s Westminster Park Plaza hotel last Wednesday (6). The 30th anniversary of the awards, which were launched in 1989, marked…

Man in court for sending death threats to May

A MAN who sent threatening messages to former prime minister Theresa May and several other politicians did so with a phone he hid in his mother's shoe, a court heard on Wednesday (6). Wajid Shah, 26, is accused of sending threats to Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton…

Citizenship policy inquiry launched by thinktank British Future

by LAUREN CODLING MIGRANT groups have been urged to take part in an inquiry launched on Tuesday (3) which is set to explore citizenship policy in the UK. The launch saw experts call for migrants’ organisations, academics and migrants to provide an insight into their experiences and recommendations on citizenship.…

Sunder Katwala: Is it time to reform the UK’s attitude…

by SUNDER KATWALA Director, British Future NOT many people know that Britain invented the pencil – though it is a source of local pride in the Lake District, as visiting the Keswick pencil museum would demonstrate. That is, however, one of the things that you might have to learn if…

How can England rescue faltering World Cup bid?

England are in grave danger of leaving their own party early after slumping to a third defeat at the World Cup, raising serious questions over their ability to cope with the pressure. The hosts have become the undisputed top dogs in one-day cricket since an embarrassingly limp display at the…

Torn between Shami and Kumar, India welcome ‘good headache’

Mohammed Shami's hat-trick in his first match at this year's World Cup has left India with a pace bowling dilemma ahead of Thursday's (27) match against West Indies but bowling coach Bharat Arun calls it a happy headache. Bhuvneshwar Kumar had shared the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah until the…

Afghan win will sharpen India World Cup bid, says Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal says being pushed hard by lowly Afghanistan in the World Cup will boost India's confidence for the rest of the tournament. Virat Kohli's India have swept all before them in England and Wales so far, beating South Africa, Australia and Pakistan and taking a point from an abandoned…

India Cricket Board slammed over gloating World Cup tweet

India's cricket board were criticised on social media after a tweet from their official account used the word "thump" to describe the team's tense 11-run World Cup victory over minnows Afghanistan on Saturday. Gritty Afghanistan gave title contenders India a big scare in Southampton after restricting Virat Kohli's side to…

We aim to set better standards, says India’s Shankar

Vijay Shankar says India believe they have room for improvement in every World Cup game as they prepare to face minnows Afghanistan on Saturday. Virat Kohli's side have made an unbeaten start to the World Cup, with three convincing victories and one washout so far. India's next test is likely…

Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of World Cup

Injured India opener Shikhar Dhawan was on Wednesday ruled out of the rest of the World Cup, with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant approved as a replacement. The in-form batsman suffered a fractured finger while facing Australia's Pat Cummins in India's second match of the tournament at the Oval on June 9.…

Root leads England to crushing win over West Indies

Joe Root's classy unbeaten century led England to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over West Indies in a one-sided Cricket World Cup match in Southampton on Friday. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood took three wickets apiece as England bowled the Windies out for a modest 212 after winning the toss, and…

West Indies must be smart to topple England, says Holder

West Indies captain Jason Holder says his resurgent side are using their brains as well as brawn ahead of a World Cup clash with hosts England on Friday (14). The West Indies have already shown what they are capable of, bowling Pakistan out for just 105 thanks to a barrage…

Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match abandoned

SRI LANKA'S World Cup game against Bangladesh was called off on Tuesday without a ball being bowled as a record third match in the tournament was abandoned due to rain. Heavy overnight and early morning rain dashed hopes of a scheduled start of play at 10.30 am (0930 GMT) as…

Rain delays Bangladesh-Sri Lanka World Cup match

HEAVY overnight and early morning rain delayed the start of the World Cup group match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Bristol today (11). The umpires were due to hold a pitch inspection at the scheduled start time of 10.30 am local time (0930 GMT). But, with the pitch and…

India v South Africa: Vaughan laments empty seats at Southampton

Former England captain Michael Vaughan bemoaned the number of empty seats at the World Cup match between India and South Africa at Southampton on Wednesday, adding his voice to criticism of the tournament's ticketing arrangements. There were several banks of unfilled seats when play started at 10:30 am local time…

India v South Africa: Kohli praises Bumrah after opening match…

India captain Virat Kohli praised paceman Jasprit Bumrah for leading an impressive bowling unit in his team's opening win in the World Cup against South Africa on Wednesday. Bumrah, the world's top-ranked one-day international bowler, struck early to remove the South African openers including Hashim Amla for six, in India's…

India v South Africa: Rohit Sharma century guides India to…

Rohit Sharma hit an unbeaten century as India made a comfortable start to their World Cup campaign with a six-wicket win over South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday (5) that dealt a fresh blow to the Proteas' tournament hopes. Chasing a modest 228, India cruised to victory on the back…

India: Skipper Kohli ready to rotate bowlers

India captain Virat Kohli is prepared to vary his World Cup attack by adopting a 'horses for courses' strategy that seeks to make the most of the different conditions on offer during the one-day tournament in England and Wales. India, the world's number-two ranked team and one of the favourites…

South Africa: We can reach semis without Steyn, says skipper…

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said his struggling side could still reach the World Cup semi-finals, even after talisman paceman Dale Steyn was ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. The 35-year-old fast bowler had been battling to be fit in time for Wednesday's crucial clash against…

India v South Africa: India plan pace assault in tournament…

Virat Kohli's India will unleash their formidable pace attack against beleaguered South Africa when the title contenders open their World Cup campaign on Wednesday. India are the last of the 10 teams to launch their challenge in England and Wales and they start against a South Africa side already in…

Finch relishes return of Australia pair Smith and Warner

Australia captain Aaron Finch says disgraced stars Steve Smith and David Warner will use the World Cup to restore their "world-class" credentials after their role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith and Warner served 12-month bans following the "sandpaper-gate" incident in the Cape Town Test in March…

No ‘panic’ for Tendulkar as India slump before World Cup

India must not press the panic button despite losing badly to New Zealand in their first warm-up game for the World Cup, the country's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar said. New Zealand thrashed India, one of the World Cup favourites, by six wickets at the Oval on Sunday with only Ravindra…

Britain’s Brexit Party triumphs in EU vote

Anti-EU populist Nigel Farage's Brexit Party triumphed early on Monday (27) in European Parliament elections that Britain was never meant to hold, while the ruling Conservatives suffered a historic blow. But the polls exposed the divisions that remain three years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, with the…

Dhoni stumps fans with painting ambitions

India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni fuelled retirement speculation on Tuesday (21) after sharing his dream of becoming a painter, although his ambitions for a career change seemed far from serious. The 37-year-old Dhoni, who is England-bound for the World Cup starting next week, displayed a few of what he said were…

Kohli expects explosion of runs at World Cup

Cricket fans should expect a run bonanza at the ICC World Cup in England and Wales starting this month, India captain Virat Kohli said on Tuesday (21). Ahead of India's departure for the tournament, Kohli said local seaming conditions would likely favour batsmen. "In ICC tournaments the pitches are going…

Bumrah best bowler in the world, says Tendulkar

Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar on Monday (13) hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the "best bowler in the world" after the Mumbai Indians paceman played a key role in his team's fourth Indian Premier League title win. The 25-year-old took 2-14 in Sunday's IPL final as Mumbai edged Chennai Super Kings…

Pakistan the latest left wondering how to stop Buttler

How do you stop Jos Buttler? It was a question that was being asked again after the talented batsman's latest one-day international hundred saw England to a 12-run win over Pakistan in the second one-day international on Saturday. With a home World Cup just weeks away, Buttler's 110 not out,…

India among favourites to win World Cup, says Kapil Dev

FORMER captain Kapil Dev on Wednesday (8) pegged India as one of the top three favourites to win the World Cup, which starts later this month, saying their pace bowling would come good in seaming English conditions. India open their campaign against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton with…

India’s Rahane joins Hampshire after missing bus for World Cup

Batsman Ajinkya Rahane has missed out from India's World Cup squad but is doing everything possible to keep himself ready if an opportunity arises by joining English County Championship side Hampshire. Rahane will be the first Indian to represent the club and the right-hander is set to play eight County…

Kohli defends Dhoni, says loyalty matters most

India's Virat Kohli has gone to bat for his former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying it was unfortunate to see so many people going after the veteran player. Dhoni, 37, led India to World Cup victory at home in 2011 but his patchy form in recent times has led critics…

University challenge: Forging fresh UK-India education bonds

by AMARJIT SINGH INDIA’S love of a higher education in the UK spans centuries. After all, the ties of shared history, culture and language bind us together, making a compelling case for the Indian student to consider Britain as a natural home for their university education. The father of the…

‘Healthy headache’ Pant in India’s World Cup reckoning

Rishabh Pant's form is a "healthy headache" for India who are contemplating playing the 21-year-old wicketkeeper as a specialist batsman at this year's World Cup, chief selector M.S.K. Prasad has said. The Twenty20 series in New Zealand illustrated India's problem of plenty behind the stumps with Mahendra Singh Dhoni keeping…

New Leadership on Immigration

By Sunder Katwala Director, British Future Immigration was at the heart of the EU referendum debate. So, it is surprising, two and a half years later, that nobody has any more information about what will and won’t change as a result. The government has sought to duck and to delay the…

Cook exit in final Test sparks England collapse

Alastair Cook marked his final Test appearance with a fifty before India's Jasprit Bumrah sparked an England collapse at the Oval on Friday. England only lost one wicket before tea and were making steady, if slow, progress at 131 for one on the first day of the fifth Test. But Cook's…

India eager to spoil Cook’s England farewell

Ravi Shastri has promised India "will not throw in the towel" when they face England in the fifth Test at The Oval starting Friday despite having already lost the series. England's 60-run win in the fourth Test at Southampton gave them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match contest. It also meant India,…

Ali bowls England to series win over India

Moeen Ali bowled England to a series-clinching 60-run win in the fourth Test against India at Southampton on Sunday. Victory, achieved with more than a day to spare, left England an unassailable 3-1 up in the five-match series against India, the world's number one ranked Test side, ahead of Friday's finale at The…

Kohli wants India to do more than ‘compete’ after England…

India captain Virat Kohli said being "competitive" was not enough after a 60-run defeat by England in the fourth Test at Southampton condemned his side to yet another away series loss. Sunday's result, achieved with more than a day to spare, left England an unassailable 3-1 up ahead of the fifth…

Curran revives England against India after familiar collapse

Sam Curran marked his England return with a Test-best 78 as the hosts fought back on the first day of the fourth Test against India at Southampton on Thursday. It was a familiar story when Curran, primarily a left-arm swing bowler and playing just his fourth Test, came into bat with England…

Kohli believes India have experience to capitalise on victory

Virat Kohli believes India is better placed to avoid the mistakes of four years ago as they look to build on their third Test win over England when the series continues in Southampton on Thursday (30). India has arrived at Hampshire's headquarters on the back of a thumping 203-run victory at Trent Bridge - a match in which captain Kohli scored exactly 200 runs, including…

Shastri praises current Indian pace attack as best ever

Ravi Shastri said India now had its most potent pace attack of all time following a crushing 203-run victory over England in the third Test at Trent Bridge. India's pacemen took 19 out of 20 England wickets in Nottingham before Ravichandran Ashwin, an off-spinner, ended the match just 10 minutes into Wednesday's…

Rampant India wrap-up third Test win over England

India beat England by 203 runs in the third Test at Trent Bridge on Wednesday (22) to cut the home side's lead in the five-match series to 2-1. England, set a mammoth 521 to win, were bowled out for 317. The fourth Test starts at Southampton on August 30. Play on…

India on brink of third test triumph against England

India need one more wicket to thrash England in the third test at Trent Bridge after the hosts ended the fourth day on 311 for nine, 210 runs short of their target. Defeat on Wednesday (22) will see England's lead in the five test series cut to 2-1, setting up…

Buttler looks to follow Kohli example against India

Jos Buttler aims to put the lessons he learnt from watching Virat Kohli while playing in the Indian Premier League to good use during England's upcoming Test series with India. England face Kohli's men in the first Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, with Buttler keen to build on the encouraging return…

Drug dealer jailed for murder of Sikh man in Southampton

A drug dealer has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the "brutal and sustained assault" of a Sikh man in Southampton, in September last year. Adam Abdallah was found guilty of stabbing Kirpal Singh Sanghera in the chest, neck and arms and jailed for life at Winchester Crown Court yesterday.…

More than 70% of people with liver disease in the…

Most people with fatal advanced liver disease become aware of the problem only when are are admitted as an emergency, revealed a news study. In the UK, more than 60,000 adults have cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, however, nearly 75 percent do not know it, the research published in the…

Muslim women’s rights campaigner Akeela Ahmed among Asians recognised in…

By Lauren Codling and Sarwar Alam LEADING campaigners, community leaders, civil servants and entrepreneurs are among Asians honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, announced this evening (8). In total, 1,057 people have received an award, with 10 per cent of the successful candidates coming from a Black, Asian or…

Full steam ahead

by ANDY MARINO ONE part of the travel industry that has been making waves recently is luxury cruising. It has never been so popular, and bearing in mind the astonishing growth in numbers of both passen­gers and new ships, there are no signs of the sector slowing down. Leisure cruising…

England stop the rot with thumping win over Pakistan

England won their first Test match since September as they thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs in the second Test at Headingley on Sunday. Victory, completed inside three days, saw England level the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first Test at Lord's by nine wickets.…

More strokes are now occurring at an earlier age

Public Health England’s statistics show that over a third (38%) of first time strokes happen in middle aged adults (between the ages of 40 – 69).  More first time strokes are now occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago and South Asian people are at a greater risk…

Inaugural Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards launches National Nominations

A host of MPs, celebrities and key members of the Asian restaurant and catering fraternity were on hand to launch the inaugural Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), the most prestigious celebration of South Asian cuisine in the UK, at the House of Lords in January. ARTA will pay homage…

‘SOCIETY MUST NEUTRALISE THOSE SEEKING DIVISION’

by Baroness Williams of Trafford, Minister of state for countering extremism IN THE past six months the country has suffered one of the most traumatic periods I can remember, with terrorist atrocities in London and Manchester and the unspeakable tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire. Throughout this time, we have…

Bollywood Football- A cinematic guide to the new Premier League…

by Asjad Nazir The action-packed football season kicks off this week with fixtures that will captivate fans from around the world. If you are looking for a form guide or don’t know much about the 20 teams in the Premier League then help is at hand. There are striking similarities…

Asian acid attack anxiety- ‘People scared to open their front…

by Nadeem Badshah British Asians have spoken of their fears over going out in the evenings following the spike in acid attacks – and have called for tougher sentences. Communities have said they are also afraid to open their front door and leave their car windows open after eight people…

Jeremy Corbyn: “Labour manifesto celebrates the contribution of British Asians”

By Jeremy Corbyn MORE than 100 years ago, the first MP from Britain’s Asian community served in Parliament for a multi-ethnic constituency. Succeeding generations have continued that tradition by contributing economically, culturally and politically to our society. That is why I am very proud to present our manifesto as one that…

Pakistan recall Umar Gul for Ireland and England ODIs

Pakistan on Tuesday (August 9) recalled paceman Umar Gul after a 15-month lay-off in the squad for the two one-day internationals in Ireland and five in England starting later this month. The 32-year-old last played a one-day match in Dhaka against Bangladesh in April 2015 before being discarded over his…

Theatre company reaches out with play on Asian drag community

An upcoming play exploring the British Asian drag community, uncovering the untold stories of men who don female personas by night, will be the company’s most provocative yet, its artistic director said. Miss Meena and the Masala Queens follows the story of drag queen Miss Meena, whose nightclub has fallen…

Mumbai institute signs MOU with King’s College London

To facilitate exchange of students between the UK and India, a management institute from Mumbai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the prestigious King’s College London. The MOU was signed last week by Dr Indu Shahani, former sherriff of Mumbai and dean of the Indian School of Management…

The before and after pictures that lay bare the myth…

Seven years ago, Harriet Jenkins became Slimming World's Woman of the Year But just weeks after the competition ended, her weight started creeping back  She's one of many 'Super Slimmers' to feature in a new Channel 4 documentary The show explores why such dramatic weight loss can be so difficult…