• Friday, March 29, 2024

Results for "gujarat"

Ambani’s Reliance picks up stake in rival Adani firm

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries has picked up a 26 per cent stake in a power project owned by rival billionaire Gautam Adani and signed a pact to use the plant's electricity for captive use. Reliance will pick up 50 million equity shares in Madhya Pradesh-based Mahan Energen Ltd, a wholly…

Ravindra, Dube shine as Chennai thrash Gujarat

NEW ZEALAND's Rachin Ravindra hit an explosive 46 and took three catches to help holders Chennai Super Kings to their second straight IPL win with a 63-run thrashing of Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (26). The left-handed Ravindra, in his debut IPL season, made his runs off 20 balls while captain…

Gujarat keeps nerve, Royals start on winning note

Gujarat Titans edged out Mumbai Indians by six runs in an IPL thriller on Sunday as Hardik Pandya suffered a defeat as Mumbai captain after he controversially replaced Rohit Sharma. Rohit (43) and Dewald Brevis (46) shone in Mumbai's chase of their 169 target with a third-wicket stand of 77…

Actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil to contest India polls

Actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil, who were named as part of the list of 111 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Sunday, expressed happiness and gratitude to the political party for nominating them for the upcoming elections. Ranaut said she is…

Schneider Electric to make India its manufacturing hub

Energy management and automation major Schneider Electric plans to invest Rs 32 billion by 2026 to make India its manufacturing hub for domestic sales and exports. Under the plan, Schneider Electric on Thursday (21) inaugurated a facility in Bengaluru with Rs 1 billion investment to produce cooling solutions for data…

Delhi chief minister’s arrest sparks nationwide protests

DOZENS of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members were apprehended in New Delhi, with scattered demonstrations breaking out across India in opposition to the arrest of the party's prominent figure on corruption charges, just ahead of the upcoming general elections. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was taken into custody by India's…

IPL 2024: Dhoni relinquishes captaincy of Chennai Super Kings

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS are set to commence their Indian Premier League title defense against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking a potentially pivotal season for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who resigned as captain on Thursday (21). Dhoni played his last international in 2019 but remains one of the country's most popular players, and…

Three from Jain family embrace monkhood

The Jain community in India is a minuscule minority, a tiny 0.4 per cent of the country's population, but they are also one of the most affluent mercantile class, with many of them closely associated with the diamond trade. Jains often live in mansions with fleets of luxury cars, and…

Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, AR Rahman to perform at IPL…

Cricket's 'Super Bowl' Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return this week with a blockbuster opening clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a South Indian derby at their home arena--MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Making it more special actors Akshay Kumar,…

French academic’s book examines Gujarat’s role in Modi’s political strategy

NOW that it has been announced that the Indian general election will be held between April 19 and June 1, many books and articles both for and against Narendra Modi will be written about the country’s prime minister. Firmly in the latter category is Christophe Jaffrelot’s Gujarat Under Modi: Laboratory…

Top 25 comedy heroes from India

WHILE it’s true that stand-up comedy first gained prominence in western culture, India’s comedy scene has emerged as one of the fastest-growing in the past decade. In recent years, there has been an influx of top talents who have presented humour in a unique way and risen to prominence with…

Geeta Pendse: ‘Words can prompt new ways of thinking’

THE TV presenter and journalist, Geeta Pendse, chaired the opening sessions of the London Book Fair (LBF) which analysed the issue of diversity in the publishing world. The LBF – held over three days last week at Kensington Olympia – also looked at what might constitute enjoyable literature for ethnic…

IPL 2024: Kohli, Pant in spotlight

VIRAT KOHLI and Rishabh Pant will be under scrutiny on their return to action as the Indian Premier League begins on Friday (22), with the T20 World Cup hot on its heels. The 17th edition of the world's richest cricket league is expected to end close to the June 1…

‘Shaitaan’ review: Hindi remake of supernatural drama disappoints

THE official remake of the acclaimed 2023 Gujarati film, Vash, was released in cinemas recently and will be available on a streaming site soon. A couple with their two children go away for a holiday and encounter a stranger named Vanraj along the way. Vanraj turns up at the secluded…

Diversity, inclusion central to company, says JTI UK

DIVERSITY and inclusion “are central” to Japan Tobacco International (JTI), an organisation that cares about its people and is mindful about creating a workplace where everyone is encouraged to be their best self, a senior executive has said.  In a recent chat with Eastern Eye, Ruth Forbes, inclusion and office…

India’s general election: All you need to know

INDIA's marathon six-week election will begin on April 19 with nearly a billion people across the world's biggest democracy eligible to cast their votes. Here are the details about how the poll is conducted and what is likely to happen: How do people vote? All Indian citizens aged 18 and…

Modi launches master plan for Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram

Indian prime minister Modi inaugurated the ₹1200 crore Gandhi Ashram Memorial masterplan on the anniversary of the historic Dandi Yatra in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. During the event, he stressed the significance of preserving the country's heritage, stating that a nation failing to cherish its heritage jeopardises its future. "The Sabarmati Ashram…

‘Shaitaan’ Review: Atmospheric and unsettling

Fronted by Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyotika, Shaitaan is a supernatural horror thriller film. An official remake of the 2023 Gujarati horror film Vash, Shaitaan weaves a tangled web of supernatural intrigue that grips the audience from the outset. Directed by a newcomer to the genre, Vikas Bahl, the…

Sunak hails impact of British Asians on country’s economy and…

Prime minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the “incredible contribution of south Asian people to our economy and our society” as he congratulated winners at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity awards. Sunak also witnessed the unveiling of the GG2 Power List which profiles the country’s 101 most influential and…

India confirms citizen fighting with Russian army dead

India's embassy in Moscow has confirmed the death of a citizen recruited by the Russian army, days after a relative told AFP he had been sent to fight in Ukraine. Two years after Russia's invasion began, tens of thousands of its soldiers have been killed in Ukraine and Moscow is…

Lord Gadhia scoops top honour at GG2 Leadership Awards

Lord Jitesh Gadhia, chairman of the British Asian Trust, was recognised for over three decades of public and community service with the GG2 Hammer Award at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, held at the Park Plaza hotel on Tuesday (5). After coming to Britain as a refugee from…

Khan trio dances to ‘Naatu Naatu’ at Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding bash

Bollywood's three Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir -- showed off their bromance on-stage on the second day of the grand pre-wedding event of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant and his fiancée Radhika Merchant. And what better than grooving to the tune of "Naatu Naatu", the high-spirited Oscar-winning Telugu…

US court orders realtor Haresh Jogani to pay $2.5 b…

A US court has mandated that business tycoon Haresh Jogani should pay $2.5 billion (approximately £1.98 b) as damages to his four brothers over violation of partnership norms in their California-based real estate enterprise, according to media reports. This dispute began two decades ago and the 2003 lawsuit has already…

Rihanna’s performance to drone show: Here’s a lowdown on Anant-Radhika’s…

From Pop sensation Rihanna's performance to a special drone show, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's three-day pre-wedding festivities are going to be a grand affair. Guests from all around the world have already arrived in Jamnagar, Gujarat to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant,…

Ivanka Trump, Rihanna land in Jamnagar for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding…

United States former President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and pop sensation Rihanna reached Jamnagar, Gujarat, to attend the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant that begin today on Friday. Ivanka was spotted at the airport and joins a long list of global celebrities who have been invited…

Mark Zuckerberg arrives in Jamnagar for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday arrived in Jamnagar for the three-day pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Zuckerberg arrived along with his wife Priscilla Chan and the couple received a warm welcome at the airport with white garlands and a traditional dance performance. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's…

Mukesh Ambani launches lavish pre-wedding party for son

India's richest man has kicked off lavish pre-wedding parties for his son by feeding more than 50,000 people in his hometown, with celebrations in the coming days expected to include some of the world's most influential figures. Global tech CEOs, industry titans, Bollywood stars, pop icons, and politicians are among…

In India’s highest-ever bust, 3,300 kg of narcotics seized off…

INDIAN agencies Wednesday (28) made their highest-ever narcotics bust from the sea as they seized 3,300 kg drugs, which sailed from an Iranian port, off the Gujarat coast and arrested five foreigners from a dhow. The cache could be worth anything between £124 to £191 million in the international market,…

Bill Gates visits slum in India as part of his…

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday (28) visited a slum in Bhubaneswar in Odisha state and interacted with the residents. He visited the Biju Adarsh Colony in the Maa Mangla Basti along with state government officials. Gates also interacted with members of women's self-help groups that work for the upliftment…

Abu Dhabi Hindu temple to open for public on March…

THE first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi earlier this month, will be opened to the public from Friday (1), according to the temple authorities. The temple has been built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on a 27-acre…

Everything we know about Anant Ambani’s wedding preps

One of the world’s richest men, Mukesh Ambani is gearing up for the big fat Indian wedding of his younger son Anant Ambani with Radhika Merchant. The pre-wedding ceremonies are set to start on March 1-3 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the home of Ambani’s massive oil refineries. Several high-profile personalities from…

Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan pay last respects to Pankaj Udhas

Ahead of the funeral of legendary singer Pankaj Udhas, several celebrities arrived at his residence in Mumbai to pay their condolences to the bereaved family. Musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Ustad Zakir Hussain were spotted arriving at the house of the singer, who passed away on February 26 after a period…

Tributes pour in for Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas

Celebrated ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose velvet smooth voice gave expression to the many colours of love, longing, and heartache in songs such as "Chitthi Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", died on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 72. Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback…

Several Indian helpers in Russian army discharged: India

Several Indians who worked as support staff to the Russian army were discharged following India's demand, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. It said India remains committed, as a matter of "top priority", to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities all the relevant cases of Indian nationals…

Disney’s India unit to merge with Reliance: Report

India's Reliance Industries has signed a "binding pact" for a merger deal with Walt Disney's local unit, Bloomberg News reported Monday, a major shakeup for the country's multi-billion dollar entertainment industry. India's entertainment market is already one of the world's biggest, with the expected merger set to create a vast…

Indian-origin man arrested over deaths of Gujarati family trying to…

A man of Indian origin was arrested in Chicago related to an investigation of a human smuggling incident from January 2022. This case involves an event where a family of four, including two children from Gujarat, was discovered frozen to death. They were attempting an illegal entry into the US…

Indian artisans prepare gifts for grand Ambani wedding

Indian big fat wedding is scheduled for Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India's business tycoon Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. The pre-wedding festivities are scheduled to unfold in Jamnagar, one of the biggest industries of Reliance in the Indian state of Gujarat, from March 1st to…

To come back to Bollywood with ‘Shaitaan’ is very special,…

Actress Jyotika on Thursday said she is thrilled to have made a comeback to Hindi cinema after over two decades with Shaitaan. The South star made her acting debut with the 1998 Hindi film, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, and went on to become one of the most loved female actors…

Nasa’s Odysseus mission honours Hindu spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Nasa's Odysseus spacecraft, part of the private IM-1 mission, is on its voyage to the Moon, bearing a special tribute to the revered Hindu guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, media reports said. This homage is manifested in an etching developed by Relative…

Modi says committed to Indian farmers’ welfare

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday his government is committed to the welfare of farmers and is on a mission to make them entrepreneurs and exporters, amid a protest by thousands of farmers seeking higher prices for their produce. Modi's comments on farmers were his first since the…

A lotus blooms in the desert

THE Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is envisioned as a Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony. Rooted in the aspiration to promote love, harmony, and tolerance, the fundamental ethos of the mandir transcends borders. Each carving within the mandir tells compelling stories of…

Modi inaugurates BAPS Mandir, first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by India’s prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (14) amid devotional chants and in the presence of spiritual leaders of the Swaminarayan sect. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan…

A lasting, green structure

INSPIRED by the sheer beauty of a lotus in the desert, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi seamlessly blends ancient architectural principles with modern technology. Crafted from pink sandstone and white marble, the mandir diverges from conventional building materials such as iron, steel or reinforced concrete. Guided by…

New temple a symbol of unity

IN the heart of Abu Dhabi, amid the modern skyline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stands the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a remarkable testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures in a globalised world. Beyond its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance, this temple holds a unique place in history,…

India and UAE strengthen ties with 10 collaboration pacts

India and the UAE have signed 10 agreements for cooperation in crucial areas such as energy, infrastructure, investments, and archives management during prime minister Narendra Modi's visit, aimed at enhancing the bilateral ties, announced foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Wednesday (14). Addressing a press conference on the second day…

EXCLUSIVE – Swami Brahmavihari: ‘Harmony is the way forward’

SWAMI BRAHMAVIHARIDAS is one of the most respected and admired of Swaminarayan figures who lead the global organisation that is BAPS today. He has led the project to build the spectacular Akshardham Temple in Abu Dhabi since its conception. In this exclusive and very special interview with Shailesh R Solanki,…

Ganga and Yamuna holy water, Rajasthan sandstone to grace Abu…

Holy water from the Rivers Ganga and Yamuna, pink sandstone from Rajasthan, furniture made from wooden trunks used to transport stones from India - the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi has been built with contributions from different parts of India. Temple authorities said the place of worship features…

President of India to celebrate Swami Dayanand’s 200th birth anniversary

The president of India, Droupadi Murmu will be attending a ceremony on February 12 hosted by the Arya Samaj, to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, the organisation's founder, at his native place in Tankara within the Morbi district of Gujarat, the organisers said on Sunday (4).…

Teaser for ‘Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra’ out

Makers of the upcoming movie Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra, starring Ranvir Shorey and Manoj Joshi, on Friday, unveiled the film's first teaser. Actor Ranvir Shorey took to X to reveal the teaser. #GodhraTeaser is all yours! Do tell us in comments if it was an Accident or a Conspiracy. #GodhraTeaser…

Airbus and Tata unveil India project to make helicopters

AIRBUS will build a helicopter assembly line in India with Indian conglomerate Tata, the European aircraft manufacturer said last Friday (26). The deal was announced during a two-day visit to India by French president, Emmanuel Macron. Airbus said the facility – which will take two years to set up –…

Filmfare Awards: Ranbir, Alia win top honours; see full winners…

Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt walked away with top acting honours at the 69th Filmfare Awards for their roles in Animal and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani while Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail won the Black Lady for Best Film and Director. The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024…

MP calls for government support for south Asian language teaching

Gareth Thomas MP has urged the government to allocate resources for the development and teaching of south Asian languages, including Gujarati, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, and Hindi. Thomas pointed out that the lack of widespread understanding of south Asian languages within the UK hampers the full potential of cultural and…

India and France collaborate on defence equipment production

INDIA and France have agreed to work together on the joint production of defence equipment including helicopters and submarines for the Indian armed forces and production for friendly countries, New Delhi said. The deal was reached during a visit by French president Emmanuel Macron, who met prime minister Narendra Modi…

Finolex Industries, Mukul Madhav Foundation to sponsor India-England physical disability…

FINOLEX Industries Limited, a leading player in the Indian PVC pipes and fittings industry, along with its CSR partner, the Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) has announced the title sponsorship for the upcoming physical disability Cricket T20i Trophy 2024 between hosts India and England. The two teams will contest in five…

Lord Ahmad’s Indian states strategy aims to boost economic ties

THE minister of state at the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), Lord Tariq Ahmad, has spoken to Eastern Eye about his recent trip to India, during which he tried to negotiate deals on such issues as climate change, pharmaceuticals, cyber and education with the prosperous states of Tamil Nadu…

Modi advocates for ‘Wed in India’ initiative to retain national…

India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, raised concerns on Sunday (21) about couples choosing destination weddings abroad. He suggested that people should be encouraged to have their weddings in India, emphasising the importance of keeping wealth within the country. Virtually addressing the foundation laying ceremony of the Khodaldham Trust Cancer Hospital…

Gujarat boat tragedy: 12 students, 2 teachers drown in Vadodara

In a tragic turn of events in Vadodara city, Gujarat, India, a boat carrying schoolchildren capsized in Harni Lake, leading to the drowning of twelve students aged seven to 12 and two teachers. The incident occurred on Thursday (18), and two individuals have been arrested by the police concerning the…

What are the contentious events behind India’s Ayodhya temple?

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi led a ceremony on Monday (22) to consecrate a grand new temple to the Hindu god-king Ram, delivering on a campaign promise his political party made more than three decades ago. The construction, begun in 2020, had been a contentious issue as the temple stands…

MP seeks Home Office intervention over worker visas for Hindu…

GARETH THOMAS MP has written to the home secretary seeking his intervention over Tier 5 religious worker visas, which enable UK temples to recruit priests, saying such places of worship face closure over staff shortages. In a letter to James Cleverly on Wednesday (17), the Labour MP for Harrow West,…

Parveen Babi: Dramatic life of a legend

BOLLYWOOD beauty Parveen Babi has consistently been celebrated as one of the most gorgeous Indian movie icons of all time. Raw sex appeal, striking good looks, stunning style and a fearless approach turned her into a pathbreaker who helped remove the shackles of the Hindi film heroine. Like a dramatic…

Post Office’s Watergate approach

JUST before Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in Westminster Abbey, on April 29, 2011, I went to see Hasmukh and Chandrika Shingadia in the Berkshire village of Upper Bucklebury, where they ran the local Peach’s grocery store cum sub-post office. They had been invited to the royal wedding…

Filmfare Award noms: ‘Jawan’, ‘Pathaan’ vie for top honours

It is Shah Rukh Khan versus Shah Rukh Khan at the 69th Filmfare Awards, where two of the superstar's three hits of the year are nominated in the best film (popular) category. Other nominees in the same segment include 12th Fail, OMG 2, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.…

Ambani calls Modi most successful prime minister in India’s history

THE chairman of Reliance Industries has lauded Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership during his speech at the just concluded Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Mukesh Ambani emphasised that Modi's influence extended globally, portraying him as the most successful prime minister in India's history. He credited Modi for Gujarat's remarkable transformation,…

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…

Modi pitches growth, resilience to woo investors at Gujarat summit

INDIA's prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (10) made a strong pitch to woo global investors to the world's fastest growing large economy, saying there are new opportunities across sectors and regions for mutual prosperity. His pitch at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit comes months before he seeks a third…

UK minister to visit two Indian states to boost ties

UK minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon has started a three-day visit to India, focusing on Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The visit of Lord Ahmad, minister of state for the Middle East, South Asia and UN, aims to strengthen trade ties and foster innovation collaboration between the UK and India.…

Gujarat aims to become $500bn economy by 2026-27: Bhupendra Patel

GUJARAT chief minister Bhupendra Patel has said his government has set a target to contribute 10 per cent to India's GDP and become a $500 billion economy by 2026-27. Gujarat contributes 8.3 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Patel said in an interview ahead of the tenth…

Saree with images of Lord Ram to be sent to…

A specially crafted saree from Surat, a renowned textile centre in Gujarat, is set to be dispatched for the upcoming Ram temple idol consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. The saree, with pictures of Lord Ram and the Ayodhya temple printed on it, is meant for Lord Ram's wife…

Gujarat riots: India’s top court reverses convicts’ early release

INDIA's top court ruled Monday (8) that 11 murderers convicted of a gang rape that drew global outrage but who were released early must return to jail. Bilkis Bano and two of her children were the only survivors among a group of Muslims attacked by a Hindu mob in the…

Adani regains title as Asia’s richest

INDIA's Gautam Adani once again became Asia's richest man on Friday (5), according to a Bloomberg index of the world's billionaires, a year after allegations of market manipulation hammered his conglomerate's stock prices. Adani Group saw more than $150 billion wiped from its market value after a bombshell report by…

Gujarat permits alcohol in GIFT City

Gujarat, the Indian state on the western coast of the country has recently decided to permit alcohol consumption within GIFT City to attract global financial institutions to the area. Announced by the government last year on December 22, the allowance applies to hotels, restaurants, and clubs offering a "Wine and…

Assam bus-truck collision kills 12 as dense fog grips India

A head-on collision between a truck and a bus claimed the lives of at least 12 people, leaving 38 others injured in Assam's Golaghat district on Wednesday (3). The collision occurred amidst dense fog that blanketed sections of eastern, northern, and central India, severely limiting visibility. Delhi experienced a bone-chilling…

ArcelorMittal JV, others to invest £68bn in Gujarat

GUJARAT state on Wednesday (3) said it has signed initial investment agreements worth $86 billion (£68bn) with 58 companies including steelmaker ArcelorMittal's joint venture and others operating in sectors such as energy, oil and gas, and chemicals. Gujarat, the home state of prime minister Narendra Modi, has been signing these…

Movies that stood out in an action-packed 2023

WHETHER it was in cinemas, streaming sites or at festivals around the world, audiences were offered an interesting variety of films from diverse genres and languages. From artistic gems and groundbreaking narratives to huge blockbusters, they entertained film fans from different backgrounds. Eastern Eye revisited 2023 to reveal 21 entertaining…

24 entertaining things to look forward to in 2024

WITH so many great-looking concerts, theatre productions, films, comebacks of popular stars and more already in the pipeline, 2024 looks set to be a thrilling and action-packed year. There will also be new talent, surprises, horizon-expanding moments, great music, free shows, and events celebrating the best in south Asian popular…

India’s top court clears Adani amid short-seller allegations

INDIA's Supreme Court on Wednesday (3) said the Adani Group does not need to face more investigations beyond the current scrutiny of the market regulator, a major relief for the conglomerate hit hard by a US short-seller's allegations of wrongdoing. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has been…

Modi takes on critics in rare media interview

INDIA’S prime minister, Narendra Modi, does not give press interviews, so why did he choose to give one just before Christmas to the Financial Times, of all papers? The FT, a respected newspaper with digital subscribers all over the world, has been sustained in its relentless attacks on the ruling…

India police hunt for people smuggling ring after France intervention

Police in India said Friday they were working to track down the kingpins of a people smuggling ring uncovered when French authorities halted a planeload of passengers bound for Nicaragua. The Airbus A340 was detained last week at Vatry airport, east of Paris, where it had stopped for refuelling. It…

India probes ‘illegal immigration’ bid after plane returns from France

INDIA'S Gujarat police have formed teams to unearth a suspected illegal immigration network involving "agents" and will coordinate with the passengers of a plane that has landed in Mumbai from France, a senior official said. Many passengers of the plane are from Gujarat, he said. The aircraft, an Airbus A340,…

Top street food spots in Mumbai

Mumbai, the city of dreams on the west coast of India, is a city that never sleeps and is famous for its vibrant street food culture. The roads of Mumbai offer a culinary experience like no other, with a different flavours and fragrances that enamor local people and visitors. From…

India’s official Oscar entry ‘2018’ fails to make it to…

Malayalam film 2018: Everyone is a Hero, India's official entry in the international feature film category at the 2024 Academy Awards, is out of the Oscars race. The Jude Anthany Joseph-directed film failed to make it to the shortlist of 15 films for the category, which was announced by the…

Best British Asian moments of 2023 in music

A THRILLING year for British Asian music saw everything from much-awaited single releases to world-class performances by international artists in sold-out arenas. Newcomers breaking through, the rise of devotional music, established names making headlines, melas, music festivals and an interesting comeback were among the noteworthy events. Eastern Eye decided to…

Hardik Pandya takes helm as Mumbai Indians captain

MUMBAI INDIANS have appointed star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to lead in next year's Indian Premier League season, replacing all-format India captain Rohit Sharma, who led the franchise to five title wins. Pandya, 30, returned to his former franchise Mumbai only last month in a high-profile trade after a successful two-year…

‘Legends’ Sreesanth and Gambhir in ‘fixer’ row

FORMER India fast bowler S Sreesanth last Thursday (7) alleged that ex-teammate Gautam Gambhir called him a “fixer” during a Legends League Cricket (LLC) match. The World Cup-winning players were involved in a heated exchange during an Eliminator match between Indian Capitals and Gujarat Giants. The umpires had to intervene…

Australia’s Sutherland tops Women’s Premier League auction

SOME of the world's top women cricketers netted lucrative deals during Saturday's (9) Women's Premier League auction in India, with Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland snapped up for $240,000 by Delhi Capitals. Sutherland, 22, hails from a prominent cricketing family and was the equal most-expensive player at auction alongside Indian all-rounder…

Greenwich event brings together SS Tilawa tragedy survivors, descendants

Survivors of a sunken ship and their descendants came together for a commemoration at London’s National Maritime Museum in Greenwich last month. It has been 81 years since the passenger-cargo ship, SS Tilawa, sank after it was torpedoed twice by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Indian ocean during the…

Gujarat’s Garba dance enters UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list

UNESCO has decided to add Gujarat’s traditional Garba dance to its 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,' Bhupendra Patel, the state’s chief minister announced on Wednesday (6). India had nominated Garba, performed across Gujarat and in many other parts of the country during the Navratri festival, for…

Kavi Pau: Combining contrasting music cultures

ONE of the best kept secrets in British music is Third Culture Collective. The orchestra founded by London based composer, singer and producer Kavi Pau brings together Indian and western classical music, with commercial sounds to create a genre that attempts to go beyond fusion. The talented musicians and great…

Coolie: 40 years of an all time classic

CLASSIC film Coolie captured the attention of Bollywood fans around the world when it was released on December 2, 1983 because an accident on the set had nearly killed lead star Amitabh Bachchan, after a stunt went wrong. The story of a boy separated from his mother, who grows up…

Capital comes together to raise awareness about changes to the…

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has launched a campaign to help all eligible Londoners access their right to vote, in collaboration with Shout Out UK, London borough electoral services and a coalition of civil society organisations South Asian faith leaders, public figures and community groups are supporting the campaign which…

ZEE5 Global fortifies US leadership with aggregation of South Asian…

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming service for South Asian content, today announced a strategic move to aggregate multiple South Asian streaming platforms within the ZEE5 Global platform with the launch of Add-ons in the US. ZEE5 Global Add-ons will offer subscribers in the US a single window to access…

Indian student charged for killing family members in US triple…

A 23-year-old Indian student has been arrested and charged for allegedly murdering his grandparents and uncle inside a New Jersey condominium, police and US media reports said. Om Brahmbhatt is accused of shooting Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt, 72, Bindu Brahmbhatt, 72, and Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, 38, the South Plainfield Police Department and the…

Lightning strikes kill 24 in India

TWENTY-FOUR people have died by lightning strikes and about 23 have been left injured in rain-related incidents in the western Indian state of Gujarat over the past two days, government officials said. The state was hit by heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms on Sunday (26) and Monday (27),…

IPL: Gill to lead Gujarat after Pandya returns to Mumbai

GUJARAT Titans said on Monday (27) that opener Shubman Gill would captain the side in next year's Indian Premier League after they allowed Hardik Pandya to return to Mumbai Indians, his first IPL team. Pandya, who helped Mumbai to four IPL titles between 2015-2021, led Gujarat to the IPL title…

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…

Sadiq Khan: Immigrants are not invaders; they are innovators and…

LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that he will stand with the British Asian community in lobbying the government for more flexible immigration policies. He emphasised that immigrants are not invaders; instead, they are innovators and wealth creators.  Speaking at the 25th anniversary of the Asian Business Awards in London…

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…

US Indian hoteliers to develop £1.04bn Dubai resort

TWO US-BASED Asian American hoteliers are planning to develop a $1.3 billion (£1.04bn) luxury JW Marriott International resort in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island – being developed by WOW Resorts – is scheduled to open in 2026.…

Aladdin and the winds of change in diversity

UP-AND-COMING actors Rishi Manuel and Zaynah Ahmed make their panto debut with Aladdin, a story they said holds a “special place” in the hearts of south Asian communities. In recent years, Disney has been on a mission to venture into new cultures with films such as Wish, Encanto, Raya and…

Unicef ambassador Beckham encouraged by India’s changes

DAVID BECKHAM, who was in India last week as a global ambassador for the United Nations children’s charity Unicef, has expressed confidence that positive social change is taking place in India, especially as young girls are demanding greater gender equality. The 48-year-old former football star met children at schools in…

Indian students rush to secure UK visas before dependents ban

THERE is a surge in Indian students accelerating visa applications to bring their dependents to the UK ahead of the government-imposed ban in January, The Telegraph reported. Education agents are capitalising on this trend, charging inflated prices to secure spots at UK universities before the impending Home Office deadline, which…

David Beckham concludes India trip

English football legend David Beckham concluded his maiden trip to India, thanking superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actor Sonam Kapoor for their gracious hospitality. The football superstar posted photos with Shah Rukh Khan on Instagram after the 58-year-old actor invited him for a dinner party at his Mumbai residence, Mannat…

India eyes fairytale finish in World Cup final

ROHIT SHARMA's undefeated India will look to end a 10-year global title drought in front of 130,000 fans in the World Cup final against five-time champions Australia on Sunday (19). India have racked up 10 straight wins at the tournament as they seek a third World Cup triumph to add…

Reports: Sonam to host David Beckham at their Mumbai residence

Former England football team captain David Beckham is currently in India as UNICEF's goodwill ambassador and he is likely to meet members of the Indian film fraternity soon. As per a source, couple Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja will host David Beckham at their residence in Mumbai. "David Beckham is…

Diwali: A celebration of unity and hope across communities (South…

Diwali in southern India is a one-day celebration called Naraka Chaturdashi, occurring a day ahead of Diwali. Unlike the five-day festivities in the north, it signifies Krishna's victory over Narakasura. The day starts with an early morning oil bath, followed by elders applying oil to the heads of younger family…

Diwali: A celebration of unity and hope across communities (Gujaratis)

The way Diwali is celebrated varies remarkably across the diverse cultures of India. Diwali, in its myriad forms, showcases India’s cultural kaleidoscope. It’s not just a festival; it's an embodiment of unity in diversity, a celebration that honours the richness of traditions and the spirit of togetherness. Across Indian communities,…

Diwali: A five-day journey of light, tradition, and togetherness

In India, a vibrant celebration unfolds over five days, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This grand festival, known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, captivates the nation with its rich traditions and profound symbolism. The very essence of Diwali is captured in the…

Remake of cult classic ‘Ek Ruka Hua Faisla’ in the…

Director Darshan Ashwin Trivedi is set to remake veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee's acclaimed 1986 legal drama Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, the makers have announced. According to a press release, the ensemble cast of the upcoming film includes Atul Kulkarni, Suvinder Vikki, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Neeraj Kabi, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar, Tannishtha…

Gujarat’s Riverside School wins World’s Best School Prize

The Riverside School, an independent international school located in Gujarat, India, received the prestigious World's Best School Prizes 2023 on Saturday (4) in recognition of its student-centric approach to education. The Ahmedabad-based school was declared the winner of the prize worth USD 50,000 in the "Innovation" category alongside four other…

NHS launches campaign to tell patients about the support available…

The support on offer for patients at their GP practice is expanding, thanks to thousands more healthcare staff working in local communities. NHS England is raising awareness of the support available, following a survey that reveals that almost one third (31%) of South Asian people in England are unaware of…

Kangana Ranaut visits Somnath, Dwarkadhish temples

Actress Kangana Ranaut offered prayers at Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga and Dwarkadhish temple in Gujarat. She took to Instagram to share glimpses of her visit on Friday. She captioned the post in Hindi, "Today had darshan of Baba Somnath ji, and also went to Ram temple of Somnath with the help…

Line-up of 2023 NFDC Film Bazaar unveiled

The National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) on Wednesday announced that a total of 20 films from 11 countries have been selected for the 17th edition of the Film Bazaar, the co-production market event held on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The conclave will…

Shane Bond joins Rajasthan Royals

FORMER New Zealand cricketer Shane Bond will be the assistant and fast bowling coach for Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 season, the Indian Premier League franchise announced on Monday (23). Bond, 48, replaces Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, who returned to Mumbai Indians after serving two seasons as Royals’ fast-bowling coach. The…

New multilingual resources aim to bridge menopause information gap for…

In an effort to bridge the information gap surrounding menopause experiences for ethnic minority women in the UK, Besins Healthcare has launched new multi-language resources, “Language of Menopause” aimed at fostering better conversations about menopause within diverse communities. Launched on World Menopause Day 2023, (18 October) these digital resources including…

Six people die of heart attack in one week during…

Gujarat state health minister has urged top heart specialists to investigate the deaths of six people who apparently lost their lives following a heart attack while performing 'garba' dance as part of Navratri celebrations. Rushikesh Patel on Monday (23) held a meeting with top heart specialists and doctors of the…

Google bets on India with Pixel smartphone manufacturing

GOOGLE will start manufacturing smartphones in India and its flagship Pixel 8 will be available next year, an executive said on Thursday (19), as the tech giant joins global companies setting up facilities in the South Asian nation. At a Google for India event, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of…

Jaivant Patel: New spiritual worlds and spaces

BRITISH arts organisation the Jaivant Patel Company has consistently broken new ground with dance productions that combine eye-catching performances with thought provoking narratives. One of the UK’s leading voices in the south Asian LGBTQIA+ space commences a tour of their new production Waltzing The Blue Gods, at Arena Theatre in…

Waheeda Rehman, Alia Bhatt, Allu Arjun and other winners honoured…

Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented screen icon Waheeda Rehman with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and honoured other winners of the 69th National Film Awards, including popular stars Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon. The National Film Awards were announced in August honouring the best in cinema…

YRF drops trailer for Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger 3’

The makers of the upcoming action thriller film Tiger 3 on Monday unveiled the film's official trailer. Taking to Instagram, Salman Khan shared a glimpse of the trailer:   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) Directed by Maneesh Sharma, Tiger 3 stars Salman…

Modi confirms India’s 2036 Olympics bid

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi has confirmed India would bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and become just the fourth Asian nation to stage the Games. The country has held a session of the International Olympic Committee's executive board, which has already resolved to include cricket - India's most popular…

New pregnancy app designed for south Asian women in Leicester

The local hospital trust and the University of Leicester have collaborated to create a new pregnancy app tailored for south Asian women in Leicestershire. Named Janam, the app which was launched on Thursday (12) is available for free and offers pregnancy-related information in six languages. It features visual aids such…

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…

‘New Akshardham temple will bring communities together’

ONE of the largest Hindu temples in the world was inaugurated at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, Robbinsville. Spread over 185 acres, it is said to represent India’s heritage and culture in modern America. Revered saint, His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, led the dedication ceremony of Akshardham…

5 actors who have played Mahatma Gandhi on screen

October 2nd is celebrated annually as Gandhi Jayanti commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the leading figures in the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of non-violent resistance. Over the years, several actors have played the role of Gandhi on the silver screen. Today we take a…

The Train Katha

I feel I’ve just been in an Indiana Jones’s movie and the swashbuckling leader was Pujya Morari Bapu (Bapu), donning his black shawl and with the Ramayan in hand. For three weeks of my life, I wasn’t fully aware of what was about to come – travelling through the depths…

Ramarajya will come if we bring the essence of the…

In an exclusive interview given to Garavi Gujarat Weekly, world-renowned Kathakar Sant Pujya Morari Bapu said in his 921st Sri Ram Katha at Jesus College, Cambridge University, that "the essence of the Ramayana is "truth, love, and compassion". If we bring it into our lives, Rama Rajya will come on…

ArcelorMittal’s Indian joint venture to commission project by 2026

ARCELORMITTAL executive chairman Lakshmi N Mittal has said his company’s Indian joint venture with Nippon Steel will commission its facility in Gujarat in three years. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) India, formed in 2019 following the acquisition of Essar Steel, is scaling up the capacity of its integrated flat steel plant…

Sculpture installed in Leicester to commemorate arrival of Ugandan Asians

A SCULPTURE has been installed in Leicester to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ugandan Asian migration to the city. The colourful 15-foot-tall artwork put up on Belgrave Roundabout consists of an archway and features Ugandan flowers, birds and animals. Entitled ‘Sculptural Gateway’, it symbolises the struggles faced by the people…

Anti-Muslim hate speech incidents increase in India during elections: report

ANTI-MUSLIM hate speech incidents in India averaged more than one a day in the first half of 2023 and were seen most in states with upcoming elections, according to a report by Hindutva Watch, a Washington-based group monitoring attacks on minorities. There were 255 documented incidents of hate speech gatherings…

Chetna Maroo’s debut novel shortlisted for Booker Prize

LONDON-BASED author Chetna Maroo's debut novel Western Lane has been shortlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. Kenya-born Maroo's novel set within the context of the British Gujarati milieu has been praised by the Booker judges for its use of the sport of squash as a metaphor for complex human emotions. It…

Diya Kotecha-Lodhia: Family recipes to a MasterChef dream

BEING selected as a contestant on the most recent season of MasterChef UK was a happy and sad moment for Diya Kotecha-Lodhia. The talented chef’s late mother had wanted her to apply for the show but passed away years before that dream became a reality. Although she didn’t win the…

Will try to trace Gujaratis who went missing while trying…

INDIA said it will make every effort to find the whereabouts of nine people from Gujarat who went missing while trying to enter the US illegally. They - seven men and two women - had last contacted their relatives in Gujarat on February 3, 2023, after reaching Dominican Republic. The…

Bohemian Rhapsody as Freddie Mercury auction nets millions

QUEEN frontman and rockstar Freddie Mercury’s Parsi heritage was celebrated more than 30 years after his death, as Sotheby’s in London conducted the first of six auctions of his belongings last Wednesday (6). A 16th-century Indian miniature depicting A Prince on Horseback With His Entourage sold for £266,700, against an…

Zubeida: India’s first talkie star

THE greatest difficulty in the earliest days of Indian cinema was to get local women to act in films. For India’s first film Raja Harishchandra (1913), producer/director Dada Saheb Phalke had to get a man in a sari (Salunke) to play the leading lady. Although women slowly started to step…

‘Rig Veda’ and ‘Ashtadhyayi’ showcased in G20 ‘Culture Corridor’ representing…

The Rig Veda inscriptions and Panini's grammar treatise 'Ashtadhyayi,' which were India's contributions to the G20 'Culture Corridor' exhibition held at the summit venue, have been exhibited under the name of 'Bharat.' The Rig Veda, an ancient Indian text representing the country's contribution to the international project in the 'symbols…

Two Indian schools among finalists for World’s Best School Prizes…

Finalists for the 2023 World's Best School Prizes were revealed in London on Tuesday (12), including an independent international school in Gujarat and a charity school in Maharashtra, representing institutions from across the globe. The five World's Best School Prizes, which include categories such as Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation,…

‘UK-Bharat’ FTA would build on India’s G20 success

India’s yearlong presidency of the G20 came to a climax last weekend as world leaders gathered in Delhi for the annual summit of the world’s leading economies. Against the perceived odds, India was able to forge consensus among a group of nations increasingly divided along geopolitical fault-lines. The official communique,…

G20 leaders pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi

G20 leaders, including US president Joe Biden, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and UN secretary general António Guterres, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat on Sunday (10). Prime minister Narendra Modi received the leaders at the rain-drenched Rajghat. Modi welcomed his guests to the site where the…

Retired judges urge G20 leaders to discuss repatriation of Indian…

As India prepares to host the G20 Summit, a group of nine retired judges has reached out to the leaders of G20 nations, urging them to seek a compassionate resolution by repatriating Indian children who have been separated from their parents by state child agencies in Western Europe, the UK,…

Asha Bhosle, who changed face of Indian commercial music, turns…

IN TERMS of ability, longevity, versatility, body of work and global impact, Asha Bhosle is regarded by most as India’s greatest singer of all time.  Born on September 8, 1933, the most recorded artist in history changed the face of commercial music in India and entertained countless people across different…

Swaminarayan sect removes Lord Hanuman murals from temple in India’s…

The Salangpur Temple controversy that was caused by murals that depicted Lord Hanuman at the feet of yogi and ascetic Swaminarayan, came to an end as the temple administration initiated the removal of the Lord Hanuman murals in the early morning hours on Tuesday. After several days of controversy surrounding…

India urges US to release frozen funds over Russia diamond…

INDIA has asked the US to allow the release of $26 million belonging to at least two Indian diamond firms that was frozen due to their alleged trade links with sanctioned Russian diamond major Alrosa, three Indian sources said. The funds were frozen earlier this year due to US sanctions…

Labour MP Gareth Thomas writes to airlines requesting direct flights…

The Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas has written to three airlines, Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic to request that they consider bidding for extra slots to fly direct to Gujarat from British airports. Thomas, who is also the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British…

India’s Adani Group reacts to report on alleged ‘stock manipulation’

The Adani Group of India on Thursday (31), retaliated against a recent report probing alleged manipulation of the conglomerate's share prices. The group accused the report’s authors of collaborating to deliberately lower its stock value for personal gain. The conglomerate, which operates across global ports and power sectors, experienced a…

Mukesh Ambani sets out succession plan

ASIA'S richest man Mukesh Ambani has begun executing a succession plan for his $200-billion (£159.08 bn) energy-to-technology conglomerate Reliance Industries. He appointed his three children - Isha, Akash, and Anant - to the board of the company which he will continue to chair for five more years. Till now, the…

69th National Film Awards: Alia, Kriti share Best Actress, Allu…

The 69th National Film Awards were announced at a press conference in New Delhi today. Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon share the Best Actress award for their performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively. Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, on the other hand, was named Best Actor for his successful film…

Pujya Morari Bapu: ‘Ram Rajya possible all over the world’

REVERED Indian spiritual leader and preacher Pujya Morari Bapu has told Eastern Eye that Ram Rajya (utopia) can be realised by bringing into practice the essence of truth, love and compassion as envisioned in the the holy scripture, the Ramayana. Ram Rajya is a concept of an ideal state where…

Praful Patel: Pioneer paved the way for Ugandan Asians

PRAFUL PATEL, who has died in Mumbai, aged 84, made a startling claim about the Ugandan Asian crisis in his last interview with Eastern Eye. He revealed that the British government was aware that Idi Amin was planning to expel Uganda’s entire Asian population before the African dictator made his…

New play adapts Dicken’s novel to explore empire’s impact on…

CHARLES DICKEN’S classic work, Great Expectations, has been adapted to an Asian setting in a new production to be staged next month at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. Pooja Ghai, Tamasha Theatre’s artistic director, will helm a fresh adaptation of playwright Tanika Gupta MBE’s 2011 take on the 19th…

Tragic railway bridge collapse claims 17 lives in India’s Mizoram

AT LEAST labourers working on a railway bridge being built across a ravine in India's eastern Mizoram state were killed when it collapsed on Wednesday (23), officials said, with others reported missing. Video footage posted by Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga showed a metal frame that had toppled off towering columns…

Special screenings at Indian schools to watch moon landing

EXCITEMENT rose in India on Tuesday (22) on the eve of a much-anticipated moon landing, with prayers held for its success, schools marshalling students to watch a live telecast of the event and space enthusiasts organising parties to celebrate. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was scheduled to…

India’s anticipation grows as moon landing nears

Excitement rose in India on Tuesday (22) on the eve of a much-anticipated moon landing, with prayers held for its success, schools marshalling students to watch a live telecast of the event and space enthusiasts organising parties to celebrate. The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is scheduled to…

Gujarati businessman embarks on sentimental car journey from India to…

AN Ahmedabad-based businessman has embarked on a special journey in a cherished UK-made vintage car to mark 76 years of India's independence as well as a personal family milestone. Daman Thakore, 50, will be accompanied by his 75-year-old father, 21-year-old daughter, and a close-knit group of friends and family as…

WHO hosts first traditional medicine global summit

The first summit on traditional medicine was initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday (17) with the objective to gather evidence and data that would facilitate the secure utilisation of such treatments. Traditional medicines are a "first port of call for millions of people worldwide", the UN health…

Public artwork in Leicester to commemorate arrival of Ugandan Asians

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for the installation of a new public artwork in Belgrave, Leicester, to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Ugandan Asians to the city, a statement said. Midlands-based Ugandan Asian artist of Gujarati origin, Anuradha Patel, was selected to create the sculpture, which will…

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…

SRK to Salman: Check out how Bollywood celebs celebrated Independence…

On the 77th Independence Day on Tuesday, Bollywood actors wished citizens a Happy Independence Day, saluted leaders and bravehearts and hoped for prosperity in the country. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan hoisted the national flag at his residence in Mumbai on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day. Taking to Instagram,…

Celebrate India’s Independence Day with ZEE5 Global’s riveting thrillers and…

India’s Independence Day commemorates the sacrifice of freedom fighters who laid down their lives in the pursuit to free India. It also marks a day of celebration for our nation’s vibrant culture and heritage. ZEE5 Global presents an exciting line-up of titles to honour different milestones of India as it…

Karan Johar to Ajay Devgn, celebs wish fans on Independence…

On the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day, several celebrities wished their fans with special posts on their respective social media handles. Jackie Shroff celebrated Independence Day with school children. He took to Instagram and shared the video and pictures from the celebration and captioned it, “Happy 77th Independence Day.…

Shelina Janmohamed: ‘Why is empire a question of morality unlike…

WHEN author Shelina Janmohamed couldn’t find any relevant books on the British empire for her two young daughters, she decided to write her own book, titled Story of Now – Let’s Talk About the British Empire. Her two daughters, aged nine and five at the time, were keen to learn…

Gujarat-Britain air bridge must be modernised, says MP

THOUSANDS of people will head from the UK to Gujarat this October to enjoy the ICC Cricket World Cup; to celebrate Navratri and Diwali and for business, leisure and family visits. Without a rapid change in the attitude of some of our biggest airlines, for many the journey to and…

Using ‘cancel culture’ as a tactic in politics

EVERYONE knows that the easiest way to win an election is to “encourage” the opposition candidate to stand down. In Pakistan, Imran Khan has been cancelled by the army. He should have known those who live by the army die by the army. He has been given a three-year jail…

MPs call for direct Heathrow-Gujarat flights

THE Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas, who is also the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Gujaratis (APPG), joined other parliamentary representatives as they called on airports and airlines for more direct flights to Gujarat from Heathrow. The group met Heathrow airport policy lead Richard…

India is varied, has multiple cultures like a rainbow: AR…

Like there are multiple colours in a rainbow, India has different cultures, languages, and film industries and it’s time for the world to acknowledge it, says AR Rahman, the artiste whose music covers genres and geographies. Rahman, who has worked in the south, in the Hindi film industry as well…

India’s top court stays Rahul Gandhi’s defamation conviction

THE Supreme Court of India on Friday (4) suspended opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case, enabling him to return to parliament and contest national elections due next year. Gandhi was convicted in March in a case brought by a lawmaker from the ruling Bharatiya Janata…

Indian American judge presides over Trump’s court appearance

INDIAN American judge Moxila A Upadhyaya has presided over the initial appearance of former US president Donald Trump in a federal courthouse in downtown Washington DC on charges of trying to stay in power despite his electoral loss in 2020. Trump, who is seeking to contest the 2024 presidential election…

Ankita Raina wins first top level match in Prague

INDIA's Ankita Raina made the most of her lucky loser place to reach the last 16 of the Prague Open on Wednesday (2), securing her first win on the main WTA Tour in 2023. The 30-year-old, who had been defeated in qualifying before winning a reprieve in the main draw,…

MY TOP 10: Inspiring moments of Priya Varunesh Kumar’s career

A MAJOR highlight of this month’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival will be the world premiere of Tandava, which is a thrilling new collaboration between British guitarist Simon Thacker and Bangalore based Piah Dance Company. The multi-layered music and dance production, being staged as part of the Made in Scotland showcase, adds…

Death toll in communal clashes in India rises to six

RIOT police were patrolling urban neighbourhoods near India's capital on Wednesday (2) following a second night of sectarian riots that have killed six people so far. The unrest began Monday (31) when mobs hurled stones at a Hindu religious procession and set cars alight in the predominantly Muslim district of…

British Indian author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel on Booker longlist

London-based author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel, Western Lane, is among 13 books to make the cut for the 2023 Booker Prize longlist revealed on Tuesday (1). Kenya-born Maroo’s novel, set within the British Gujarati community, was praised by the Booker judges for its use of the sport of squash as…

Chip makers commit investments in India after Modi’s assistance offer

GLOBAL semiconductor majors have committed investments in India as prime minister Narendra Modi offered 50 per cent financial assistance for chip makers setting up plants in the country. It comes after Modi’s ambitions to promote semiconductor manufacturing suffered a setback last month when Taiwanese tech major Foxconn pulled out of…

Tragic crane collapse claims 17 lives in India’s Maharashtra

AT LEAST 17 workers were crushed to death in western India on Tuesday (1) when a crane collapsed above an under-construction expressway outside the financial capital Mumbai, disaster response officials said. The crane toppled onto large concrete slabs during the night, with debris then smashing down as labourers worked on…

India Couture Week: Top Hindi movie stars turn showstoppers

Organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the 19th edition of India Couture Week (ICW) 2023 commenced in New Delhi on July 25, with Falguni Shane Peacock presenting the opening show and setting the tone for the glamorous event. Renowned designers like Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Tarun…

Where Naresh is Nash

WHEN a baby is born, parents wonder about a suitable name for the child. In Britain, Asian parents are aware the name has to pass the “playground test”. I mention this because an intriguing new book has come my way – What’s in a Name? Friendship, Identity and History in…

British zoos lead efforts to save Asian wildlife

A GROWING number of endangered animals from India – including elephants, lions and tigers – are being saved by zoos in Britain. London Zoo now houses dozens of species from south Asia, such as the gaur, blackbuck, red panda, greater flamingo, greater one-horned rhino and Kerala frog. The site in…

Our strategy was to be price leader, says Asda’s Mohsin…

ASDA boss Mohsin Issa defended his price-cutting measures as he told a group of MPs he grew up in the same environment as some of his customers from low-income households. Issa, who co-owns Asda with his brother Zuber, appeared before the business and trade committee in a follow-up session to…

India’s opposition Congress pips Modi’s party with most ‘billionaire’ lawmakers

INDIA’S principal opposition has outscored prime minister Narendra Modi’s party in terms of the number of wealthy provincial lawmakers, according to a democracy campaign group. A total of 33 members of state legislative assemblies (MLAs) belonging to the Congress are “billionaires” in rupee terms, compared with 24 of the Bharatiya…

Amitabh Bachchan launches trailer of Gujarati film ‘Tron Ekka’

On Friday, megastar Amitabh Bachchan launched the trailer of Gujarati film Tron Ekka. Sharing the trailer, Big B wrote, "The Terrific Trio is back again with hilarious rib-tickling comedy. Get ready to get your mind blown. Wishing my dear friend @anandpandit loads of success. #3Ekka."   View this post on…

Global Student Prize 2023 shortlist includes 5 Indian students

Among the 3,851 applications received from 122 countries, five students studying in India have been recognized on the top 50 shortlist for the prestigious Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023. The annual award aims to honour one exceptional student who has demonstrated a remarkable impact on learning, the lives of their…

Nine killed as speeding car ploughs into crowd in India

AT LEAST nine people were killed after a speeding car ploughed into a crowd gathered at an accident site on a bridge in India on Thursday (20). A police constable who reached the spot after a collision between two vehicles, was among those killed in the second incident in the…

Simon Thacker: Divine mix of music and dance

INTER-CULTURAL projects connected to India have enabled Simon Thacker to break musical boundaries. The Scottish classical guitarist, composer, improviser, and ensemble leader follows up stunning work, including founding acclaimed music group SvaraKanti, with his new production Tandava. The collaboration with India’s Piah Dance Company will have its world premiere at…

Westcombe Foundation: ‘We believe giving back is an essential part…

THIS is the 15th year that the Westcombe Foundation has been operational as a charity. We are dedicated to helping those in need around the world, giving back with the goal of relieving widespread poverty, distress and suffering. Through our history, we have helped people from Nepal to Nairobi, India…

Viram Jasani: One man’s battle for Indian classical music

FEW people have done as much to make Indian classical music popular in Britain as the valiant Viram Jasani, whom we know well at Eastern Eye as he has been a judge in our Arts Culture & Theatre Awards (ACTA). Viram deserves congratulations for publishing his very readable memoirs, Independence…

Ajay Banga: Rich-poor divide risks deepening poverty in developing world

The new head of the World Bank said Tuesday (18) that growing divides between rich and poor nations risked deepening poverty in the developing world. Ajay Banga said he feared a lack of progress was in danger of splitting the global economy. "The thing that keeps me up at night…

G20 meeting to end without communique as Ukraine war divides…

TWO days of talks between economic and finance policymakers from the Group of 20 nations will wrap up on Tuesday without a joint statement due to differences between major powers over the war in Ukraine, according to Indian officials hosting the meeting. During its presidency of the G20, India is…

Rahul Gandhi appeals to Supreme Court over defamation conviction

TOP Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the country's highest court last Saturday (15) over his conviction for defamation, one of his lawyers said, days after a lower court refused to intervene. Gandhi was sentenced to two years' jail for comments he made in 2019 which a court ruled…

Birds of a feather

PROF CV Ramakrishnan, who once headed the department of biochemistry at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, is 97, but still sprightly and full of fun. He is now a little unsteady on his feet, but until recently thought nothing of walking eight miles a day. I paid him…

Foxconn pulls out of semiconductor joint venture with Vedanta

TAIWAN'S Foxconn has withdrawn from a $19.5 billion (£15bn) semiconductor joint venture with Indian metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta, it said on Monday (10), in a setback to prime minister Narendra Modi's chipmaking plans for India. The world's largest contract electronics maker signed a pact with Vedanta last year to set up…

India’s economic engagement in Africa not ‘extractive’ or ‘narrow’, says…

In a statement indirectly criticising China, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar emphasised that India does not operate as an "extractive economy" and does not engage in "narrow economic activities" in Africa, despite the continent's abundant resources. These comments were made by Jaishankar during his visit to Zanzibar and subsequent…

Indian court rejects Rahul Gandhi’s plea to suspend defamation conviction

A HIGH COURT in western India rejected an appeal by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (7) to suspend his conviction in a defamation case. The court decision quashes for now his hope of returning to parliament and contesting national elections due next year. Gandhi can now take his appeal…

India to seek UK, UAE and South Korea’s assistance in…

AN INDIAN investigating agency will send formal requests to the UK, the UAE and South Korea in relation to an alleged bribery case against lobbyist Sanjay Bhandari, accused of influencing a contract for a plant in Gujarat, officials said on Tuesday (4). The contract was for a dual feed cracker…

Vatsal Sheth wraps up shooting for Gujarati film

Actor Vatsal Sheth has finished shooting for his Gujarati debut film, which also stars Helly Shah. The film is touted to be a comedy-drama. The project's title has not been revealed yet. Excited about the project, Vatsal said, "This film is really special and it was an amazing experience shooting…

Police launch investigation after shots fired at wedding in Wolverhampton

POLICE in the UK launched an investigation after shots were fired at a wedding party of more than 100 guests at the Gujarati Association at Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton Police said they received calls about the incident last Saturday (1) night and believed that a car was driven up to the back…

Hinduja firm’s bid for Reliance Capital gets lenders’ nod

RELIANCE CAPTAIL’S lenders have overwhelmingly approved a proposal from Hinduja Group to acquire the bankrupt financial services company once led by Indian tycoon Anil Ambani.IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), the investment arm of the London-based Hinduja family business empire, offered Rs 96.61 billion (£930 million) for Reliance Capital in the…

Holland & Barrett’s campaign puts focus on the ethnicity gap…

New research commissioned by leading UK health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett (H&B) with YouGov reveals inequalities in menopause support for women from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. It was found that a significant proportion (51 per cent) of these women feel that current advice focuses too much…

First king of comedy: Story of Noor Mohammed Charlie

WHETHER it was Mehmood, Johnny Walker, Johnny Lever or lead stars showing off their funny side, there have been many great comedians in Indian cinema across the decades. But the first talented comedian was iconic actor Noor Mohammed Charlie. Armed with his trademark Charlie Chaplin moustache and a natural swagger,…

Are stronger US-India ties a threat to British interests?

A WEEKEND article in the Financial Times set out to explain “How India is slowly moving into the American orbit.” The reality is that India is not moving into the American orbit nor America into India’s, but for some decades now the two countries have been drawing closer together. One…

Padma awards: Barry Gardiner, Peter Brook’s son collect honours

LABOUR MP for Brent North, Barry Gardiner, collected a prestigious honour bestowed on him by the Indian government at a ceremony in London last Friday (23). Gardiner, who founded the Labour Friends of India more than two decades ago, was presented the Padma Shri, a civilian award, at India House…

Egypt and India bolster ties as Modi visits Cairo

EGYPT and India discussed strengthening ties in areas including trade, food security and defence during a state visit to Cairo by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, the two countries said on Sunday (25). On his first trip to Egypt, Modi met Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Egyptian ministers appointed…

Google, Amazon announce major investments in India

BLUE chip companies Google and Amazon have announced major investments in India during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. Amazon.com Inc will invest an additional $15 billion in the south Asian country, the company's chief executive Andy Jassy told Modi in his meeting on Friday (23). The…

Discover the Patel Red Wine that will be served at…

In preparation for prime minister Narendra Modi's state dinner at the White House later today (22), US first lady Jill Biden has planned an impressive vegetarian menu to be crafted by chef Nina Curtis in collaboration with the White House staff. As a devout vegetarian, Modi's culinary preferences were taken…

Modi gifts Jill Biden a 7.5 carat diamond

DIAMONDS are a girl’s best friend, it is said, and prime minister Narendra Modi swerved clear of any controversy by gifting an eco-friendly lab-grown 7.5 carat diamond to US first lady Jill Biden. President Joe Biden and his wife hosted Modi for an intimate dinner at the White House on…

White House dinner for Modi: Marinated millet, stuffed mushrooms and…

MARINATED millet, corn kernel salad, and stuffed mushrooms are on the menu for 400 guests invited to the state dinner being hosted for visiting Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the White House's South Lawn later this evening (22). This year is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets…

Joe Biden puts on full pomp for Modi

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (21) opened a state visit to Washington as the United States steps up its wooing of India. President Joe Biden is putting on the full pomp for only the third state visitor of his administration, with the billion-plus country seen as a pivotal…

Gujarat couple held hostage in Iran by Pakistani agent released

A couple from Gujarat, who were kidnapped in Iran by a Pakistani agent, have been released and is scheduled to return to Ahmedabad on Wednesday (21), according to reports. Pankaj Patel and his wife Nisha, both 29-years-old, found themselves in Iran after attempting to illegally enter the US. Their dreams…

Indian-American community sends welcome messages for Modi

FROM Times Square and Niagara Falls to Princeton University and Hawaii, members of the Indian-American community are sending welcome messages from iconic US locations for prime minister Narendra Modi on his upcoming state visit. Members of the diaspora and young Indian students are taking to social media to post their…

Cyclone Biparjoy leaves destructive trail on Indian coast

CYCLONE BIPARJOY tore down power poles and uprooted trees on Friday (16) after pummelling the Indian coastline, though the storm was weaker than feared and there were no immediate reports of casualties. More than 180,000 people in the Indian state of Gujarat and Pakistan's Sindh province fled the path of…

Cyclone Biparjoy: Gales lash India and Pakistan coast ahead of…

HOWLING gales and crashing waves pounded the coastline of India and Pakistan on Thursday (15), hours before the landfall of a powerful cyclone that has prompted mass evacuations. Nearly 150,000 people have fled the predicted path of Cyclone Biparjoy, which means "disaster" in Bengali, with meteorologists warning it could devastate…

Theatre owners, trade experts predict bumper opening for ‘Adipurush’

Prabhas-starrer Adipurush, a retelling of the epic Ramayana, is eying a bumper opening at the box office with trade experts predicting the film could do a business of more than £8 million on its opening day and comparing its pre-release buzz to Pathaan. The big-budget multilingual film, reportedly made on…

British Asian votes crucial for Labour’s return to power

With the next UK general election looming over the horizon, upwardly-mobile British Indians will be a critical voter constituency in various parts of the country. In recent times, there has been a fraying of relations between the wider British Indian population and the Labour Party. In the 2015 general election,…

It’s normal to deliver child before turning 17, Indian court…

During a hearing on a minor rape survivor's plea to terminate her pregnancy, a judge of the Gujarat High Court made a remark about the historical practice of young girls getting married and giving birth before the age of 17. Justice Samir Dave, while considering the case on Wednesday (07),…

Rights groups to screen BBC Modi documentary in Washington

Two human rights groups have invited policy makers, journalists and analysts to a screening in Washington of a BBC documentary on Narendra Modi that questioned the Indian prime minister's leadership during the 2002 Gujarat riots, ahead of his state visit to the White House. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International…

Seven dead as India steps up evacuations ahead of cyclone…

FOUR boys drowned after venturing into rough seas in Mumbai as Indian authorities began evacuating people from western coastal areas on Tuesday (13), two days before a powerful cyclone approaches Gujarat state and neighbouring southern Pakistan. Classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, Biparjoy is expected to make landfall around…

India, Pakistan brace for cyclone Biparjoy

A STORM off India's west coast has strengthened to become a powerful cyclone and could hit Gujarat state and southern parts of Pakistan this week, the weather department said. The cyclone, named Biparjoy, is expected to make landfall on Thursday (15) afternoon between Mandvi in Gujarat and Karachi in Pakistan…

27 killed as winds and heavy rains ravage northwest Pakistan

At least 27 people, including eight children, were killed in northwest Pakistan as heavy rains followed by strong winds swept through the region, officials said on Sunday (11). The storms affected four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, striking late on Saturday. Among the deceased were five siblings, aged between two…

Ravindra Jadeja: The All-Rounder Shining on the Cricket Field

In the exhilarating world of cricket, there exists a player who has captivated audiences and experts alike with his exceptional skills and unwavering versatility. Ravindra Jadeja, hailing from Navagam-Khed in Gujarat, has emerged as one of the most talented and dynamic cricketers of our time. As we embark on this…

Royal Academy’s exhibition celebrates human connections

Eastern Eye readers who  missed out on the Chelsea Flower Show have a chance of catching up on something else that heralds the start of summer (although we haven’t exactly had a heat wave in the past few days). This is the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. Out of 15,000 submissions,…

Suspension bridge in Bihar collapses again

A suspension bridge being built in India's poorest state collapsed for the second time in 14 months, with one person reported missing, reported ANI. The bridge was being built over the River Ganges in Bhagalpur district of India's eastern state of Bihar. Construction was scheduled to be completed in 2019…

BBC admits to under-reporting income in India: reports

THE BBC has “informally” admitted to having under-reported its income in India and paid less tax than its actual obligation, media reports said on Tuesday (6). Tax authorities had surveyed the corporation’s offices in New Delhi and Mumbai in February, weeks after the broadcaster aired a documentary on Prime Minister…

Theatre director-actor Aamir Raza Husain dies at 66

Veteran theatre director-actor Aamir Raza Husain, known for his larger-than-life outdoor stage productions, died in New Delhi at the age of 66. Husain was suffering from a heart-related ailment and passed away on Saturday, his son said. "He was hospitalised for two days and had undergone heart surgery, but wasn't…

Dhoni doing ‘well’ after knee surgery: Chennai Super Kings

M S DHONI is doing well after knee surgery, IPL champions Chennai Super Kings said Friday (2), as the skipper weighs up whether to play on. The 41-year-old former India captain played the just-concluded Indian Premier League season with his left knee heavily strapped. "The surgery has been done in…

Karan Soni on voicing Indian Spider-Man 

Planning to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in English? Then you must know that it's actor Karan Soni who has voiced Pavitr Prabhakar aka Indian Spider-Man in the film. Speaking about people's response to him voicing Pavitr Prabhakar and the film being dubbed in nine Indian languages, Karan said, "I think…

Garden of Unity: Celebrating diversity at the flower festival

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)-Eastern Eye “Garden of Unity”, designed by Manoj Malde, appears to have been one of the big hits of the Chelsea Flower Show this year. Located prominently on Main Avenue and close to the Great Pavilion, Malde’s vivid colours attracted even King Charles and Queen Camilla.…

IPL 2023: Chennai clinch fifth title in last-ball thriller

Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and four off the last two balls as Chennai Super Kings edged out Gujarat Titans to win a record-equalling fifth IPL title and send superstar MS Dhoni out with a bang in his likely swansong. Chennai chased down their revised target of 171 in 15…

IPL 2023: Chennai opt to bowl against Gujarat in delayed…

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl first against holders Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final on Monday (29). Play was washed out on Sunday (28) without a ball being bowled after rain and thunderstorms hit the western city of Ahmedabad, disappointing…

IPL 2023: Rain forces final match into reserve day

Heavy rain and thunderstorms in Ahmedabad on Sunday (28) forced the Indian Premier League (IPL) final between holders Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings into a reserve day for the first time. Rain began 35 minutes before the toss and went on for over two hours and 40 minutes before…

Chennai stand between Gujarat and IPL history

REVENGE will fuel Gujarat Titans' title defence when they clash with four-time winners Chennai Super Kings in Sunday's (28) Indian Premier League (IPL) final in Ahmedabad. Gujarat, who won the title in their debut season last year, topped the group stage this season but went down to Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led…

Former Gurkha soldier becomes first double above-the-knee amputee to conquer…

A former Gurkha soldier named Hari Budha Magar, who lost both legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first double above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. At the age of 43 and residing in Canterbury, Kent, Budha Magar completed this remarkable feat…

Akash Madhwal: Tennis-ball cricketer who entered IPL record books

Akash Madhwal was working as an engineer and playing tennis-ball cricket just a few years ago, now he is in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books. The 29-year-old fast bowler returned stunning figures of 5-5 in the playoffs to lead five-time champions Mumbai Indians to victory over Lucknow Super…

Conference welcomes ‘bigger future plans for pharmacy’

Ministers are looking at the future of community pharmacy in England in a “bigger way” and have a vision to go “beyond the Scotland model”, the CEO of the Pharmaceutical Service Negotiating Committee has said. Community pharmacy in England has long campaigned for a Scotland-style “Pharmacy First” service which allows…

From Gujarat to Preston: Councillor Yakub Patel makes history as…

Yakub Patel, a dedicated member of the local community and originally from Gujarat, has assumed the esteemed position of Mayor in Preston, a city situated in Lancashire County, northern England. Preston has a long-standing tradition of having a city Mayor dating back to the 14th century. Hailing from the Bharuch…

IPL 2023: Dhoni says will take time to decide on…

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni said on Tuesday (23) that he will take time before IPL's December auction to decide on his playing future after he led Super Kings to their 10th final in the T20 tournament. Dhoni might have played his last match at home MA Chidambaram Stadium…

IPL 2023: Ravindra Jadeja leads Chennai Super Kings to final

Ravindra Jadeja starred with bat and ball as Chennai Super Kings beat holders Gujarat Titans by 15 runs on Tuesday (23) to enter the IPL final that could be skipper MS Dhoni's farewell. Four-time winners Chennai posted 172-7, a total their bowlers defended as they bowled out Gujarat for 157…

SKLPC (UK) initiates construction of £20 million India gardens project…

The Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community UK (SKLPC (UK), a prominent Hindu community in Ealing, London, recently commemorated a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event, which took place on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, marked the beginning of the construction of their state-of-the-art sports and community centre. Located at…

Indian court issues summons to BBC over Modi documentary

An Indian court issued a summons to British broadcaster BBC on Monday (22) in a defamation case over its documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi that questioned his leadership during the 2002 Gujarat riots, according to reports in local media. The defamation suit states the documentary "India: the Modi question"…

IPL 2023: Shubman Gill ton trumps Kohli’s 101 to knock…

Shubman Gill hit an unbeaten 104 to trump Virat Kohli's record century as holders Gujarat Titans knocked Royal Challengers Bangalore out of the IPL with a six-wicket victory on Sunday (21). The result allowed five-time winners Mumbai Indians to fill the fourth and final play-off spot after they hammered Sunrisers…

IPL 2023: Lucknow qualify for play-offs, top-two finish for Chennai

Lucknow Super Kings survived an unbeaten blitz of 67 by Rinku Singh to edge Kolkata Knight Riders by one run and qualify for the Indian Premier League play-offs on Saturday (20). Nicholas Pooran's 58 guided Lucknow to 176-8, a total that was threatened by Rinku, a left-hand batsman, who smashed…

UK chef Jake Dryan’s Instagram series explores India’s regional cuisines

Indian flavours have gained immense popularity, to the extent that foreign food bloggers now share these enticing tastes on Instagram. Among them, a British food blogger has taken it upon himself to explore the diverse regional cuisines of India. Going by the name @plantfuture on Instagram, Jake Dryan has devoted…

ZEE5 Global unveils a line-up of 111 titles

Celebrating five glorious years of creating exclusive streaming content, ZEE5 Global at a star-studded event in Mumbai, titled Hooked to 5, revealed an expansive line-up of titles featuring originals in Hindi and regional languages, sequels to cult-favourite series, big-ticket direct-to-digital releases, blockbuster post-theatrical launches, and intriguing docu-series. For the slate,…

IPL 2023: Bangalore crush Hyderabad in a ‘record breaking’ match

Former India captain Virat Kohli smashed a masterful century as his Royal Challengers Bangalore thumped Sunrisers Hyderabad, for whom South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen hit a ton of his own, by eight wickets in the IPL on Thursday (18). The win leaves Bangalore in control of their own destiny in the…

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston: ‘Diversity in the RAF…

The head of the Royal Air Force (RAF), Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, has said increased diversity in the armed forces is “mission critical” in future battles as he vowed to attract the “brightest and best of every single community”. Currently, 2.1 per cent of all RAF service personnel…

New Russia sanctions weigh heavy on India’s diamond hub

Britain unveiled new sanctions against Russia on Friday (19), targeting imports of diamonds and other minerals in a bid to choke Moscow's ability to fund the war in Ukraine. Before a G7 summit in Japan began, London said it would introduce "a ban on Russian diamonds", copper, aluminium and nickel,…

Sheetal Pandya: I am grateful to do a job that…

New theatre play Patel’s Millions has been delighting audiences since commencing a UK tour. The comedy-drama about a struggling shopkeeper becoming rich beyond his wildest dreams and facing problems has a talented cast that includes actress Sheetal Pandya. She follows up winning performances on Indian TV, by playing a Goddess…

IPL 2023: Punjab Kings’ play-off hopes fade

Delhi Capitals survived a blazing 94 by Liam Livingstone for a consolation 15-run win to push Punjab Kings to the brink of IPL elimination on Wednesday (17). South Africa's Rilee Rossouw smashed an unbeaten 82 to guide Delhi to 213-2, a total that was threatened by Livingstone's 48-ball blitz in…

IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians on shaky ground in play-off race

The IPL is hotting up with seven teams still in the hunt for play-off spots after five-time champions Mumbai Indians suffered a shock loss to Lucknow. Defending champions Gujarat Titans are the only franchise to have booked one of the four play-off places, with the Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad…

US calls on India to condemn religious violence

The United States wants India to condemn persistent religious violence, a senior official said on Monday (15), one month before a state visit by prime minister Narendra Modi. The State Department on Monday released an annual report on religious freedom which listed attacks against religious minorities including Muslims and Christians…

Eric Garcetti: India-US relations aim at peaceful Indo-Pacific

THE RELATIONSHIP between India and the United States is based on a common desire to have a strong and peaceful Indo-Pacific region, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said on Monday (15). He asserted that the two countries are an important part of a mutual strategy to protect the Indo-Pacific…

IPL 2023: Kolkata down Chennai to keep play-off hopes alive

Fifties from skipper Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh led Kolkata Knight Riders to a six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings and stay alive in the Indian Premier League on Sunday (14). Kolkata kept Chennai down to 144-6, a total they overhauled riding on a key stand of 99 between Rinku…

IPL 2023: Punjab, Lucknow boost play-off hopes, Delhi out

Opener Prabhsimran Singh hit his maiden IPL century to set up a 31-run win for Punjab Kings and push Delhi Capitals out of the play-off race on Saturday (13), while Lucknow Super Giants beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets. Sunrisers batsman Heinrich Klaasen was docked 10 per cent of his…

Asians star in coronation concert at Windsor Castle

The coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday (7) featured the Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor, the Punjabi poet Daljit Nagra and several Asian women in bright pink outfits from the Bradford-based SongGeet choir. The “wonderful Sonam Kapoor”, described as “one of Hindi cinema’s biggest stars”, introduced a virtual choir from…

Airbus C295 built for India completes maiden flight in Spain

The first Airbus C295 aircraft built for India has successfully completed its maiden flight in Spanish city of Seville, in a significant milestone towards its delivery by the second half of this year. In September 2021, India sealed a nearly Rs 210 billion (£2.03 bn) deal with Airbus Defence and…

Lions could be introduced in India’s Kuno Park once cheetahs…

Renowned wildlife expert and nature conservationist Divyabhanusinh, a member of the Indian government's Cheetah Task Force, suggests that once the cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa stabilise and breed in Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh, there is a possibility of introducing lions into the area.…

IPL 2023: Samad hits last-ball six after no ball as…

Abdul Samad smashed a last-ball six as Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down 215 to stun Rajasthan Royals by four wickets in a dramatic IPL match on Sunday. Needing 17 off the final over, pace bowler Sandeep Sharma witnessed Samad get dropped on the first ball and then got him caught on…

IPL 2023: Afghanistan spinners lead Gujarat to nine-wicket Rajasthan rout

Afghanistan spinners Rashid Khan and rookie Noor Ahmad ran through the Rajasthan Royals as Gujarat Titans sealed an easy nine-wicket win in the IPL on Friday (5). Khan and Ahmad took five wickets between them as Rajasthan were bowled out for just 118 in the 18th over of their innings…

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha chief begins five-week trip to UK

A prominent Indian spiritual leader is on a five-week visit to the UK to promote “global harmony.” His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, who heads the spiritual organisation BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), will participate in various programmes during his trip which began on Tuesday (2). Pujya Mahant…

IPL 2023: Tim David leads Mumbai Indians to win in…

Tim David smashed an unbeaten 45 to trump Yashasvi Jaiswal's century as Mumbai Indians stunned Rajasthan Royals by six wickets in the Indian Premier League's 1,000th match on Sunday (30). Chasing 213 for victory, Mumbai's Suryakumar Yadav hit 55 before David smashed a hat-trick of sixes in the last over…

IPL 2023: Hyderabad down Delhi

Sunrisers Hyderabad overcame a sparkling all-round performance by Mitchell Marsh to down Delhi Capitals by nine runs in the Indian Premier League on Saturday (29). South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen hit an unbeaten 53 to steer Hyderabad to 197-6, a total their bowlers defended by restricting Delhi to 188-6 at the…

All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Gujaratis officially launched

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Gujaratis was officially launched by Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West on Tuesday (25). The launch event was well-attended by members from various sectors of the community, including grassroots Gujarati organisations, business leaders, spiritual leaders, and politicians. Representatives from faith and community organisations…

Rahul Gandhi moves Gujarat High Court for relief in defamation…

According to Indian National Congress advocate BM Mangukia, Indian politician Rahul Gandhi has submitted an application to the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday (25), challenging the Surat sessions court's order that refused to suspend his conviction in a criminal defamation case last week, related to his "Modi surname" comment. The…

IPL 2023: Miller, Manohar help Gujarat Titans to thrash Mumbai…

A batting assault by David Miller and Abhinav Manohar powered defending champions Gujarat Titans to a 55-run demolition of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday (25). The left-handed Miller (46 off 22 balls) and rising Indian talent Manohar (21-ball 42) put together 71 runs to steer Gujarat…

IPL 2023: Jadeja spin seals Chennai win over Hyderabad

RAVINDRA JADEJA's 3-22 led Chennai's dominance in spin-friendly conditions at home for a smooth seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League Friday (21). The visitors managed just 134-7 after being sent in to bat and Jadeja's four-over spell for the Super Kings choked their innings before it…

Gujarat riots: Indian court acquits 69

An Indian court on Thursday (20) acquitted 69 Hindus, including a former minister from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of the murder of 11 Muslims during communal riots in the western state of Gujarat in 2002. The killings occurred in Ahmedabad on Feb. 28, 2002, a day after a…

South Asian artists take over Coachella 2023

The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, which takes place over two consecutive weekends every April in Indio, California, had some major attractions for South Asian music fans during its first weekend as it saw some breathtaking performances from popular South Asian artists. If you missed their performance, don’t worry.…

Indian couple behead themselves with guillotine-like device in sacrificial ritual

A farmer couple allegedly decapitated themselves with a guillotine-like device for a sacrificial ritual in India. Police in Gujarat state’s Rajkot district said on Sunday (16) that Hemubhai Makwana (38) and his wife Hansaben (35) got their head severed with the homemade device at a hut on their farm in…

Rahul Gandhi disqualification: Court refuses to stay defamation conviction

A court in Gujarat on Thursday (20) dismissed the plea of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to halt his conviction in a defamation case, causing doubts about his eligibility to run for an upcoming election next year. Last month, Gandhi was found guilty in a case filed by a lawmaker from…

How British Gujaratis will benefit from all-party group

THE BRITISH Gujarati community is home to some of the great success stories of modern Britain. The largest part of the British Indian community in the UK, British Gujaratis have remarkable family stories that also tell the story of Britain’s changing relationship with India over the past 150 years. I…

UK MP questions shifting of London-Ahmedabad flights from Heathrow to…

A senior Labour MP has questioned the rationale behind moving London-Ahmedabad direct flights from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport. Air India moved four of its services from Heathrow to Gatwick last month and this included the flights connecting the British Capital with Ahmedabad. Gareth Thomas, who represents London’s Harrow West in…

India opens new investigation into BBC

India's financial crime-fighting agency has opened an investigation into alleged violations of foreign exchange rules by the BBC, a source said on Thursday (13), months after tax officials searched the broadcaster's Mumbai and Delhi offices. The tax raids in February had come close on the heels of the release of…

UK parliamentary delegation to discuss trade, research ties in India

A BRITISH parliamentary delegation will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday (9) for a four-city tour to explore two-way trade and research and development collaborations. The cross-party delegation, being led by Indian-origin peer Baroness Sandy Verma, is scheduled to hold meetings with senior ministers and business leaders with the backing…

South Asian kidney patients receive unequal mental health support in…

A new research has underscored the disparities in mental health support for South Asian patients with kidney disease, a statement said. The study from the University of Hertfordshire recommended specialist, culturally-adapted approaches for patients who face barriers in accessing mental health screening and care. According to the research, South Asians…

Deaths on US-Canada border: Relatives of Gujarati family ‘still in…

Relatives of an Indian family whose bodies were found in a river marsh near the US-Canada border last week said that they are 'still in shock', reported BBC Gujarati. The Indians who died were identified as Pravin Chaudhary, 50, his wife Diksha, 45, their son Meet, 20, and their daughter…

IPL 2023: Sudharsan, Miller help Gujarat Titans thrash Delhi Capitals

Sai Sudharshan's half-century and a whirlwind cameo by David Miller powered holders Gujarat Titans to a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Chasing 163 for victory on a tricky pitch on Tuesday (4), Sudharsan (62) and fellow left-hander Miller (31) put together an unbeaten stand of…

IPL 2023: Moeen Ali happy to be Dhoni’s selective spin…

Moeen Ali said he has no issues with his spin being used sparingly by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the Chennai Super Kings all-rounder helped his team to victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League The 35-year-old did not bowl against champions Gujarat Titans, who won by…

Gujarat riots: Court releases all 26 defendants in 2002 gang…

A 20-year-old case in which 26 people were accused of gang rape and murder of more than a dozen members of a minority community in separate incidents in Kalol during communal riots in 2002 has been dismissed by a court in Gujarat on Friday (31) due to lack of evidence.…

Rahul Gandhi to appeal conviction in defamation case

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Surat city in Gujarat on Monday (03) to file an appeal in court against his criminal defamation conviction for his "Modi surname" comments. According to sources, senior Congress figures, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the chief ministers of three Congress-ruled states, as…

IPL 2023: Weak Indian pace attack may trouble Delhi Capitals…

Delhi Capitals' Indian pace unit will have to punch above its weight against a formidable Gujarat Titans unit, which will start as overwhelming favourites in its first away match of the season, in Delhi on Tuesday (4). The defending champions have all their bases covered despite Kane Williamson being ruled…

Former India all-rounder Salim Durani dies

TRIBUTES poured in on Sunday (2) for former cricketer Salim Durani, a hero of India's maiden series victory over England, who has died at the age of 88. An attacking left-hand batsman and a left-arm orthodox bowler, Durani played 29 Tests for India between 1960 and 1973 and scored his…

Why is India so eager to buy Russian oil?

Following Russia’s military deployment to Ukraine in February last year, the nation’s share of the European market plummeted when it came to oil supplies, resulting in sanctions on the country's oil sector by Kyiv’s allies. But, India is snapping up discounted crude from Russia, refining it and selling it. The…

Gujarat Titans win in thrilling IPL opener

Opener Shubman Gill smashed 63 as holders Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in the Indian Premier League opener in front of more than 100,000 fans in Ahmedabad on Friday (31). Chasing 179 for victory, Gujarat rode on Gill's 36-ball innings to achieve their target with four…

UK court clears extradition of Jayesh Patel

A UK court on Thursday (30) cleared the extradition of a man wanted in India to stand trial for four linked conspiracies to murder, and sent the case to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to sign off on the ruling. Jaysukh Ranpariya, also known as Jayesh Patel, is wanted for four…

Gujarat Titans face Chennai Super Kings in IPL opener

Gujarat Titans will commence the defence of their Indian Premier League (IPL) title against four-times champions Chennai Super Kings on Friday (31). The tournament will return to its original home-and-away format after a four-year hiatus. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition and the second half of the 2021…

Arijit Singh to perform at opening ceremony of IPL 2023

Singing sensation Arijit Singh is set to perform at the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. On Wednesday evening, the social media team of IPL announced that Singh will enthrall the spectators with his soothing voice at the opening ceremony. "Get ready to rock & roll! To…

IPL returns as Mumbai eye sixth title

MUMBAI INDIANS, armed with big-money signing Cameron Green, will bid for a record-extending sixth title when the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts on Friday (30), in what could be Chennai veteran MS Dhoni's swansong. The 16th edition also returns to its pre-Covid glory days, with 74 matches scheduled at 12…

Ganguly urges India to play ‘aggressively’ to win international titles

FORMER captain Sourav Ganguly urged the Indian team to adopt an "aggressive" approach to end their decade-long wait for an international title. India has been unsuccessful in winning any major international tournaments since the Champions Trophy in 2013 and had early exits in the last two Twenty20 World Cups. However,…

Rahul Gandhi blames Modi for his removal from parliament

Top Indian opposition figure Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday (25) his disqualification from parliament was retribution for his demanding a probe into prime minister Narendra Modi's relationship with industrialist Gautam Adani. Gandhi was stripped of his parliamentary seat on Friday (24), a day after a defamation conviction in Modi's home…

India urges Airbus, Boeing to set up jet assembly plants…

Aircraft manufacturing majors, Airbus and Boeing, are under increasing pressure to establish plane assembly plants in India. India's civil aviation minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has said that it is time for the companies to meet the rising demand for aircraft by assembling them within the country. According to Scindia, the conditions…

What next for Rahul Gandhi after disqualification from Parliament

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as an MP after being convicted in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail. The law The Representation of the People Act, 1951, the law that governs elections in India, mandates disqualification of any lawmaker who is "convicted of…

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament

TOP opposition figure Rahul Gandhi was expelled from India's Parliament on Friday (24), a day after his defamation conviction for a remark seen as an insult against prime minister Narendra Modi. Modi's government has been widely accused of using the law to target and silence critics, and the case in…

Rahul Gandhi’s speech will have ‘wide impact’ as he is…

India’s Surat court which on Thursday (23) sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to a two-year jail term in a criminal defamation case noted that the seriousness of his crime increased because a speech delivered by a member of parliament has a "very wide impact on the public." Convicting Gandhi under…

New Zealand’s Bracewell joins Royal Challengers Bangalore, misses Sri Lanka…

Michael Bracewell will miss New Zealand's one-day international series against Sri Lanka, the country's cricket board (NZC) said on Saturday (18), after he was signed by Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore to replace Will Jacks. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra will take Bracewell's spot in the New Zealand squad…

Cast and creators of Happy Family Conditions Apply visit Ahmedabad

The cast and creators of Prime Video’s family comedy series, Happy Family: Conditions Apply were in the "maja maa” mode as they visited the city of Ahmedabad. Within a few days of its release, the episodic series has been receiving rave reviews and love from viewers for its highly relatable…

Mum’s the world for Eastern Eye columnists

MOTHERS make a major impact on their children, and it is no different for Eastern Eye columnists Mita Mistry, Priya Mulji and Neelam Mistry-Thaker. In a special Mother’s Day tribute, the three writers shared how they were inspired by their own mother. Mita Mistry I am so grateful to my…

Parliamentary group for British Gujaratis to address concerns of the…

The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on British Gujaratis will focus on issues of importance to the community in UK, a statement said. The public launch of the APPG  will take place on 25 April 2023 inside the houses of parliament, coinciding with Gujarat Day, the statement added. The inaugural meeting…

WTC final: India to monitor players’ workload

India will monitor their players' workloads in the run-up to the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, with some of them set to play key roles with their respective teams in the Indian Premier League, captain Rohit Sharma said. Sharma, whose team won a 2-1 home series against the…

India, Australia pledge to strengthen defence ties

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese pledged greater defence ties on Friday (10) after a diplomatic tour where the leaders bonded over their countries' shared love of cricket. The countries, with Japan and the United States, make up the Quad alliance that is seen as…

Albanese begins India tour, plays Holi in Gujarat

AUSTRALIAN prime minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (8) paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and played Holi in Gujarat’s capital on the first day of his trip to India. Albanese, who is on a four-day trip to India, was welcomed at the…

Hilsa fish absent for almost 50 years may make comeback…

Due to the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal, Hilsa fish virtually disappeared from the dining tables of Prayagraj and other Uttar Pradesh cities. But now, there is a possibility that fish connoisseurs could enjoy fresh Hilsa once again. About 30,000 rare Hilsa fish, collected from the lower portion of the…

GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards: Rishi Sunak wins top award

PRIME minister Rishi Sunak, Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham and pathbreaking lawyer Ayesha Vardag were among the winners at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, held at the Park Plaza hotel on Tuesday (7). Sunak took home the coveted GG2 Hammer Award for smashing through the ultimate glass ceiling by…

Rishi Sunak tops 2023 GG2 Power List for second consecutive…

RISHI SUNAK paid tribute to his family as his elevation to become Britain’s first Asian prime minister kept him on top of the 2023 GG2 Power List for the second consecutive year and was also recognised with a coveted award in London on Tuesday (7). Sunak tops the ranking of…

WPL: Watershed moment for women’s cricket

THE inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) kicks off on Saturday (4) with a match between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Giants, in what could be a watershed moment for women's cricket. Even though the Women's T20 Challenge ran as a three-team sideshow to the men's Indian Premier League from…

Shraddha keeps her promise by celebrating her birthday with media…

There is no doubt Shraddha Kapoor is one of the most popular Bollywood stars who has several successful films to her credit. She currently awaits the release of her next Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. The rage for the film is constantly spreading all around with its cast Ranbir Kapoor and…

Lanning to lead Delhi Capitals in WPL

Women's Premier League team Delhi Capitals on Thursday (2) announced that Australia captain Meg Lanning will lead the side in the tournament. The 30-year-old has led her country to four Twenty20 World Cup titles, the latest in South Africa last month, and a one-day crown. The WPL, a T20 competition,…

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri honoured with GIFA Golden Awards by Gujarat…

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is unstoppable and how! Last year the filmmaker delivered one of the most successful films of Indian cinema in the form of The Kashmir Files and won acclaim from the audience to critics. The filmmaker and the cast of the film have won back-to-back awards ever since…

Gujarat police arrest two traffickers in connection with Brijkumar Yadav’s…

THE Gujarat Police have arrested two agents for human trafficking, two months after an Indian national died while scaling the border wall in an attempt to enter the US illegally from Mexico. A case has been registered against seven persons, one from Ahmedabad and others from Gandhinagar, and two of…

BBC does not have an ‘agenda’, says chief to staff…

THE BBC is not driven by an “agenda” but by purpose and will not be put off reporting impartially and without fear or favour, the UK-headquartered media organisation’s chief has said days after the income tax department survey operation at its New Delhi and Mumbai offices. In an email to…

We stand up for BBC: UK government in Parliament

BRITAIN has strongly defended the BBC and its editorial freedom in Parliament after a survey by Indian tax authorities on the media corporation's New Delhi and Mumbai offices last week. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) junior minister responded to an urgent question raised in the House of Commons…

Class act: Newcomer impresses on debut

A BIG streaming site success this month has been Class, the Hindi adaptation of the hit Spanish drama Elite. The eight-episode Netflix series about working-class students enrolled at an elite school with wealthy classmates has received a positive response from critics and audiences alike. Exciting newcomer Chintan Rachchh has been…

Gujarat man killed in South Africa after armed local opens…

IN another serious attack on the Gujarati community living in Africa, a young man has been shot dead in Johannesburg, South Africa, by a local black man who allegedly tried to rob him. The incident happened on Monday (20). The deceased was identified as Juber Patel, a native of Jambusar…

Broken wires, faulty renovation caused deadly Gujarat bridge collapse: Probe

BROKEN corroded wires, improper welding and changes to the walking surface of a 145-year-old hanging bridge in India contributed to its collapse last year that killed 135 people, an investigation has found. The colonial-era suspension bridge in the town of Morbi in the western state of Gujarat was packed with…

Income Tax ‘survey’ operations at BBC offices continues for third…

The Income Tax department's 'survey' at the BBC office here continued for the third straight day on Thursday (16) as officials gathered financial data from select staffers and made copies of electronic and paper data of the news organisation. The operation that began at the BBC offices in Delhi and…

Indian tax officers search BBC offices in New Delhi and…

India is looking into the BBC's tax structure, the British news organisation said in an internal memo on Wednesday (15), as officials searched its premises in New Delhi and Mumbai for a second day, weeks after India banned a BBC documentary as propaganda. A senior Indian government official said the…

UK government ‘closely monitoring’ tax surveys at BBC offices in…

The UK is “closely monitoring” the situation following the Income Tax surveys at the BBC offices in India, British government sources said. The Income Tax department conducted survey operations at the BBC’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday with the officials describing the action as part of an investigation…

Survey operations at BBC offices ‘smacks of intimidation’: Global watchdogs

Global media watchdogs and human rights bodies on Tuesday criticised the Indian government's income tax survey operations at the BBC's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, saying the action "smacks of intimidation" and was a "blatant affront" to freedom of expression. The Income Tax officials described the action as part…

Adani crisis: BJP has ‘nothing to hide and nothing to…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has "nothing to hide or be afraid of" on the controversy over the Adani group, the home minister said on Tuesday, responding to opposition allegations of favouring the conglomerate attacked by a U.S. short seller. Led by billionaire Gautam Adani, the business house's seven…

India’s tax officers search BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai;…

Indian tax officers searched the BBC's bureaus in New Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday, the British broadcaster said, weeks after the government came down hard against a BBC documentary critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The documentary focused on the Hindu nationalist politician's leadership…

Path shown by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati instils hope in crores…

India is expressing pride over its legacy with tremendous self-confidence and asserting that it will strengthen its ancient traditions while ushering in modernity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. He also underlined that the country's policies and efforts have no discrimination and are aimed at serving the poor, the…

India’s Mandhana fetches £339,759 at first women’s premier league auction

Smriti Mandhana stole the thunder in India’s inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) auctions in Mumbai on Monday (13). Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pipped Mumbai Indians in a bidding war to buy the India vice-captain for Rs 34 million (£339,759). India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur came much cheaper for Mumbai Indians at…

India’s Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking a complete ban on…

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking to impose a complete ban on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in India in wake of a controversial documentary regarding the 2002 Gujarat riots, terming it "entirely misconceived" and "absolutely meritless". A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and M M Sundresh…

India PM Modi’s popularity intact despite Adani controversy -poll

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s enormous popularity remains intact despite the biggest political attack on him in years as rivals accuse his government of giving undue favours to the Adani Group, approval ratings showed on Friday. Opposition parties stalled parliament for three days since last week and staged street protests…

‘Dementia’s one-size-fits-all support fails south Asians’

EVERY three minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with dementia – around 210,000 a year – and 25,000 people with dementia are from ethnic minorities. Dementia is on the rise everywhere, but it’s going to hit ethnic minorities the hardest – with an expected 700 per cent increase in…

Jaishankar speaks to British foreign secretary Cleverly

Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (7) spoke to his British counterpart James Cleverly focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and India's G-20 presidency. The phone conversation came ahead of the British foreign secretary's likely visit to India to attend a meeting of the G-20 foreign ministers…

Hillary Clinton announces $50 million Global Climate Resilience Fund for…

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Monday announced a Global Climate Resilience Fund of 50 million dollars for women to fight climate change in association with the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) founded by late activist Ela Bhatt. The fund will empower women and communities to fight climate…

Gujarat businessman kidnapped in South Africa released after ransom payment

An Indian businessman kidnapped in South Africa has been released after the payment of a ransom, media reports said.Keyur Malli landed in Johannesburg on January 20 to strike a deal related to metals but he was kidnapped by a “Pakistani gang,” from outside the airport. Malli's family in Rajkot in…

Adani turmoil a key test for Modi’s India Inc

The market rout suffered by Indian tycoon Gautam Adani is the latest corporate scandal to plague one of the world's largest economies despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to root out corruption.Properly investigating the claims of fraud that triggered the sell-off in Adani's companies will be a key test for…

Nitin Sawhney wins top honour at Eastern Eye’s annual Arts,…

ACCLAIMED musician Nitin Sawhney won the top award at Eastern Eye’s annual Arts, Culture and Theatre Awards (ACTAs), which recognise the achievements of Britain’s south Asian community in the arts, creative and media industries. Sawhney, whose latest album, Immigrants, examines the complexities of identities in modern Britain, was presented The…

Adani crisis ignites Indian contagion fears, credit warnings

Financial contagion fears spread in India on Friday as the Adani Group's crisis worsened, with ratings agency Moody's warning the conglomerate may struggle to raise capital and S&P cutting the outlook on two of its businesses. Chaotic scenes in both houses of India's parliament led to their adjournment on Friday…

India, U.S. discuss Narendra Modi White House visit

The Biden administration is in talks with Indian officials over a possible White House visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year, according to a U.S. official aware of the discussions and another person briefed on the matter. U.S. President Joe Biden is eager to deepen ties with the…

Not just India but billionaires from across globe are exposed…

While an explosive report by Hindenburg Research about India's Adani Group has triggered fear that it could lead to serious economic turmoil for the south Asian nation's economy, it has been reported that a number of billionaires world over are exposed to the conglomerate's sensational crash. Bloomberg reported that some…

Adani row rocks India’s parliament amid financial contagion fears

Both houses of India's parliament were adjourned on Friday amid chaotic scenes as some lawmakers demanded an inquiry following the meltdown of shares in billionaire Gautam Adani's group companies, which some fear could spark wider financial turmoil. Shares in Adani companies recovered after sharp falls earlier in the day, but…

Adani says crediting his rise to Modi a ‘baseless’ allegation

Beleaguered Indian tycoon Gautam Adani denied Friday that his rise to become Asia's richest man -- a title he has lost in a phenomenal stock rout -- was due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as shares in his conglomerate slumped again. His listed units' combined market capitalisation has collapsed by…

Asian community mourns passing of community and spiritual leader Pujya…

BRITAIN’S Asian community is mourning the loss of a respected community and spiritual leader, Pujya Rambapa, following his passing on Tuesday (31), aged 102. Rambapa, as he was fondly known, dedicated his life to the spread of Hinduism, spirituality as well as charitable and philanthropic activities in the UK and…

Bhansali’s Black still shines bright

WHEN Black was released on February 4, 2005, it broke all the Bollywood rules and still  became a blockbuster success. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed drama about a deaf and blind woman, and her relationship with an elderly teacher, who later develops Alzheimer's disease won critical acclaim and multiple awards.…

‘BBC has 18 Chinese clients other than Huawei,’ says Indian…

Rajya Sabha MP, the upper house of Indian parliament, and senior Supreme Court advocate Mahesh Jethmalani on Thursday lashed out at "BBC apologists" for seeking proof of the Chinese tech giant Huawei's payments to the British Broadcasting Corporation, and alleged that the UK-based broadcaster has 18 other Chinese clients. https://twitter.com/JethmalaniM/status/1620974901128761344?s=20&t=V56PfN6BxJtgGvPYWH1dFA…

Indian opposition lawmakers shout anti-Adani slogans in parliament

Opposition lawmakers shouted slogans against the Adani Group in India's parliament on Thursday after a report by a U.S. short seller that accused the conglomerate of improper use of tax havens and stock manipulation, while also raising concerns over high debt levels. The protest by opposition parties came a day…

Magic of India to organise Holi Colour Dance Festival on…

Magic of India, a social enterprise in London which brings Indian culture and language alive in fun-filled and engaging ways, including school workshops and festive events, will organise the Holi Colour Dance Festival at the Swiss Cottage Open Space on March 12 on the occasion of Holi or the festival…

Gujarat Giants appoint Mithali Raj as mentor ahead of inaugural…

Gujarat Giants has appointed legendary Indian batter and former captain Mithali Raj as the mentor and advisor for the side ahead of the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL), which will take place in March-April 2023. Over the years, Mithali's trailblazing achievements and contributions to Indian cricket have…

Indian cricketer Axar Patel marries long-time girlfriend Meha Patel in…

Team India all-rounder Axar Patel tied the nuptial knot with his best friend and long-time girlfriend Meha Patel in a private ceremony in Vadodara, Gujarat, on January 26. Axar, who took a leave from his national team commitments for family reasons, married his fiancé a year after he got engaged…

BBC documentary: Russia accuses British broadcaster of ‘waging information war’…

Russia has accused the BBC of "waging an information war" on different fronts - not only against Moscow, but also against other global centres of power pursuing an independent policy, days after the British broadcaster released a controversial series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova…

Watch: Indian diaspora protest against BBC over controversial documentary on…

Hundreds representing different Indian diaspora organisations gathered outside the BBC headquarters in central London on Sunday to protest against what they branded as “fake news” behind the broadcaster’s controversial series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The “Chalo BBC” protests were coordinated across BBC studios in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and…

Foreign newspapers use adjectives like ‘Hindu nationalist’ government for us:…

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (28) reprimanded foreign newspapers for reserving adjectives like "Hindu nationalist" for the Indian government. "If you read foreign newspapers, they use words like Hindu Nationalist Government. In America or Europe, they won't say Christian Nationalist... these adjectives are reserved for us. They don't…

India’s Gautam Adani: Asia’s richest man in the eye of…

India's Gautam Adani, the school drop-out turned billionaire who rose to become Asia's richest man, faces possibly the biggest challenge of his career after a U.S. short-seller cast doubts on his business practices, hammering shares in his companies and his reputation. Adani, whose home state is Gujarat in western India,…

India police charge 10 with homicide over bridge collapse that…

Police in India on Friday (27) charged 10 people with homicide in connection with the collapse of a colonial-era footbridge last year that killed at least 135 people, a top official told Reuters. The 145-year-old suspension bridge in the town of Morbi was packed with sightseers when it collapsed on…

Adani slammed by $48bn stock rout, clouding record share sale

Shares of India's Adani Enterprises sank nearly 20 per cent on Friday (27) as a scathing report by a US short seller triggered a rout in the conglomerate's listed firms, casting doubts on how investors will respond to the company's record $2.45 billion secondary sale. Seven listed companies of the…

‘We support the importance of free press around the world’:…

Describing India banning the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a matter of press freedom, the US State Department said that it is high time to highlight the importance of democratic principles like freedom of expression and make it a point around the world as well as in…

Defiant Indian students to hold more screenings of BBC documentary…

Indian students said they would show again a BBC documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the government has dismissed as propaganda after a Tuesday campus screening was disrupted by a power cut and intimidation by rivals. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) plans to show the documentary, "India: The…

Dolar Amarshi Popat asks BBC to halt screening of second…

The House of Lords member Dolar Amarshi Popat on Tuesday wrote a letter to the Director General of BBC Broadcasting House Tim Davie asking him to stop the screening of the second part of the documentary series to avoid exasperating the already tense situation between British Hindus and Muslims in…

Guj: VHP withdraws protest against Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan after…

The Gujarat unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday withdrew its protest against Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Pathaan”, a day before its release, expressing satisfaction over the removal of “objectionable” contents from the film. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has revised the “obscene song” and “lewd words”…

Indian university warns against screening of BBC documentary on Modi

A top Indian university has warned its students' union of strict disciplinary action if it goes ahead with a planned screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, saying it might disturb the peace and harmony of the campus. Modi's government has dismissed the documentary, which…

Not familiar with BBC documentary, very familiar with shared ‘democratic…

The US is not familiar with the BBC documentary, but it is familiar with the shared “democratic values” that connect Washington and New Delhi, a US State Department spokesperson has said. The two-part BBC series, titled "India: The Modi Question" claimed it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat…

India blocks BBC documentary on PM Modi from airing in…

India has blocked the airing of a BBC documentary which questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership during the 2002 Gujarat riots, saying that even sharing of any clips via social media is barred.Directions to block the clips from being shared have been issued using emergency powers available to the government…

Eminent Indians slam BBC documentary on PM Modi, say it’s…

In a strong rebuttal to the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 300 eminent Indians including retired judges, retired bureaucrats, and retired armed forces veterans signed a statement slamming the British national broadcaster for showing "unrelenting prejudice" toward India and its leader. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired…

Lord Rami Ranger lodges protest with BBC over documentary series…

Lord Rami Ranger, a prominent member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament, has lodged a protest with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over its documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I am appalled by the documentary produced by the BBC implicating the Hon. Prime Minister of…

PM Modi is one of the most powerful persons on…

British-Indian parliamentarian Lord Karan Bilimoria on January 19 referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "one of the most powerful persons on the planet", while underscoring the importance of the UK's ties with the fastest-growing major economy in the world. "To conclude, as a boy, Narendra Modi sold tea at…

BBC defends Modi documentary as ‘rigorously researched’

The BBC on Friday (20) defended its controversial series on prime minister Narendra Modi as a “rigorously researched” documentary that sought to highlight important issues, a day after the Indian government condemned the programme as a “propaganda piece” lacking objectivity. “The documentary was rigorously researched according to the highest editorial…

Rishi Sunak defends Modi in Parliament over controversial BBC documentary

Defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the British Parliament, Rishi Sunak distanced himself from the BBC documentary series, saying he "doesn't agree with the characterization" of his Indian counterpart. Sunak made these remarks on the controversial documentary that was raised in the Parliament by Pakistan-origin MP Imran Hussain. "The UK…

Two illegal immigration agents held in case related to death…

Two agents were arrested for facilitating illegal immigration almost a year after four members of a family from Gujarat froze to death near the Canada-US border while trying to cross into the US, police said on Sunday. Ahmedabad crime branch officials arrested the agents from Kalol in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad,…

India: 9-year-old daughter of Gujarat diamond merchant embraces monkhood

A nine-year-old daughter of a wealthy diamond merchant embraced monkhood in Gujarat on Wednesday, renouncing material comforts. Devanshi, the eldest of the two daughters of Dhanesh and Ami Sanghvi, took ‘diksha’ in the presence of Jain monk Acharya Vijay Kirtiyashsuri and hundreds of other people at a venue in Vesu…

Sharadkumar Parikh, former NCGO president & Geeta Foundation trustee, passes…

Sharadkumar Balmukund Parikh, former president of the erstwhile National Congress of Gujarat Organisations UK (NCGO); committee member and trustee of Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK; and trustee of the Geeta Foundation, passed away on Friday (13) after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 74 and is survived by wife…

Watch: Fake video of Rishi Sunak hosting traditional Pongal lunch…

A video went viral on Tuesday (17) apparently showing staff members of the UK prime minister's office celebrating the traditional south Indian festival of Pongal. However, fact-checkers later debunked the video and clarified that the clip was not from Rishi Sunak's office but from Waterloo in Canada where the Tamil…

Pramukh Swami Maharaj centenary: More than 12m pay tributes during…

His Holiness (HH) Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was on Sunday (15) given a grand devotional tribute in the closing ceremony of his centenary celebrations in India in the divine presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, his spiritual successor. In the month-long festival, more…

Lakhman Arjan Vara, Conservative MP Shailesh Vara’s father, dies at…

Lakhman Arjan Vara, the father of Conservative parliamentarian Shailesh Vara, passed away in London on Tuesday (10). He was 98. He was born in Ranavav in Porbandar district of the western Indian state of Gujarat on September 7, 1924. The day of the funeral was yet to be known. The…

Sanjay Dutt on his cancer diagnosis in 2020: I was…

Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt has fought many battles in his personal life, one of them being in 2020 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The actor recently opened up about his cancer journey and said that his first reaction to the devastating news was – “I don't…

‘When your RRR team brings Oscar to India, please let…

Makers of the upcoming action thriller film 'Pathaan' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham unveiled the trailer on Tuesday. King Khan thanked actor Ram Charan for his shoutout to the movie in his trademark style. The 'RRR' star who is in Los Angeles for the Golden Globe…

RRR, The Kashmir Files, Kantara, and Gangubai Kathiawadi make it…

Indian blockbusters RRR, The Kashmir Files, Kantara, and Gangubai Kathiawadi have made it to the Oscars 2023 reminder list. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released a remainder list of 301 feature films eligible for the Oscars 2023. Previously, Pan Nalin's Gujarati film Chhello Show was announced as…

Priyanka Chopra hosts a special screening for India’s Oscars entry…

Ahead of the much anticipated 95th Academy Awards, global icon actor Priyanka Chopra attended a screening of Chhello Show (The Last Show), India’s Oscar entry, in Los Angeles. The film, directed by Pan Nalin, is on the shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars this year. The Quantico…

King Charles III greets BAPS community amid Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s…

British King Charles III on Sunday (8) gave a special message to the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) community as it celebrates the birth centenary of His Holiness (HH) Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2916). In his message which was tweeted by UK in India, the King said, "As you commemorate…

Barry Gardiner MP urges to frame policies to achieve climate…

British MP Barry Gardiner has said that though it is important to set climate targets, more emphasis should be given to create polices to attain these goals. Gardiner also admitted that the current funding by the UK to other countries to enable them to achieve climate targets is 'critically insufficient',…

Couple who went viral for grand Hindu wedding, now expect…

The two had taken the internet by storm with their grand Hindu marriage held in New Jersey, US, in 2019. And now, the couple -- Amit Shah and Aditya Madiraju, are set to welcome their first baby in May. The partners also had a paternity shoot and its photographs were…

Keir Starmer lauds Pramukh Swami Maharaj & BAPS for inspiring…

British opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer on Friday (6) lauded former BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) guru and president Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) whose birth centenary celebrations are currently underway in India saying the spiritual leader had built more than 1,200 temples and the effort has been recognised across…

Yogi Adityanath says UP safe for investors, interacts with Bollywood…

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday pitched his state as a safe investment destination and also interacted with prominent Bollywood personalities during his visit to Mumbai, where Maharashtra's Opposition parties targeted him over his roadshow. Adityanath assured industrialists of a strong law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh,…

Pathaan troubles grow: VHP, Bajrang Dal want ‘Besharam Rang’ removed,…

Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Pathaan” slid further into trouble with posters of the film being vandalised in an Ahmedabad mall and members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal saying they would not allow its screening in Gujarat unless their problems over its song “Besharam Rang” are resolved. Several videos circulating on…

Asian cinema gems that sparkled last year

LAST year may have been a bad one for Bollywood, but that didn’t stop it from being an interesting 12 months for films with a strong south Asian connection. There were marvellous movies made across different languages and genres, which delighted audiences on multiple platforms, from streaming sites to cinemas…

Blessed to play Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotirao Phule onscreen, says…

Actor Pratik Gandhi says he is looking forward to playing Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotirao Phule in separate projects and believes these important historical figures will allow him to go through a “tricky transformation journey”. “Phule”, written and directed by Ananth Mahadevan, features Pratik Gandhi in the role of the social…

Anupam Kher starts shooting for Vivek Agnihotri’s The Vaccine War

Anupam Kher is officially a part of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri's next directorial The Vaccine War and has commenced shooting for the film, the veteran actor announced on Monday. The film marks the fourth collaboration between Agnihotri and Kher after movies such as "Buddha in a Traffic Jam", "The Tashkent Files" and…

US President Joe Biden condoles death of PM Modi’s mother

US President Joe Biden has sent his deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the loss of his mother Hiraben who passed away in Gujarat at the age of 99. Hiraben passed away at a hospital in Ahmedabad in the early hours of Friday. Her mortal remains were consigned…

New Year honours: Professor Partha Dasgupta leads British Asian recognition…

A Cambridge professor who is a leading global figure in the economics of the natural environment, Professor Sir Partha Sarathi Dasgupta; COP-26 president Alok Sharma and drinks company Diageo’s CEO Ivan Menezes are among prominent Asians who have been recognised in the New Year Honour’s List published late last Friday…

World leaders condole demise of Prime Minister Modi’s mother

Several world leaders on Friday condoled the demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Hiraben who passed away in Gujarat at the age of 99. Hiraben passed away at a hospital in Ahmedabad in the early hours of Friday. Her mortal remains were consigned to flames by PM Modi and…

Minority Faith leaders are leading the way to build a…

The Office for National Statistics recently published figures which showed for the first time that fewer than half of people in England and Wales describe themselves as Christian. The usual extremists used this as a way to try to divide our communities however the New Year Honours have highlighted again…

‘Glorious century rests at God’s feet’ says PM Modi on…

In fond tributes to his mother Hiraben following her death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday he always felt in her the presence of a trinity combining an ascetic's journey, a selfless doer and a life committed to values. Modi's mother Hiraben passed away at a hospital in Ahmedabad…

Indian leaders condole death of Modi’s mother, recall her simplicity,…

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and leaders cutting across the political spectrum on Friday condoled the death of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Hiraben, recalling her simple and compassionate life that was an inspiration for all. Hiraben, Hiraba to many, passed away at an Ahmedabad hospital on Friday…

Condition of PM Modi’s mother Hiraben improving, says family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Hiraben is "recovering", a hospital in Ahmedabad where she is admitted said on Thursday. Hiraben (99), also called Hiraba, was admitted to the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre on Wednesday morning due to some health issues. PM Modi reached Ahmedabad from Delhi…

Genisys Group founder Sir Ashok Rabheru, 70, dies

Prominent British entrepreneur and Genisys Group founder Sir Ashok Rabheru died on Friday. He was aged 70. The former trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is survived by his wife Harshida and children Nikita, Rishi and Shayan. Sir Rabheru was born in the eastern Tanzanian city of Morogoro on…

England’s Sam Curran snares player pay record at IPL auction

England all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player bought by the money-spinning Indian Premier League on Friday when Punjab Kings paid £1.85 million to bring him back to his debut team. The left-arm quick and attacking middle-order batsman was among a selection of the world's top cricketers going under…

Chhello Show: Director of India’s official entry to Oscars on…

India's official entry to the upcoming Oscars, Chhello Show, has made it to the 95th Academy Awards shortlist. Directed by Pan Nalin, Chhello Show is called Last Film Show in English. It is a Gujarati-language coming-of-age story of a young boy's love affair with cinema in a village of Saurashtra.…

Asian artists hit high notes this year

AN ACTION-PACKED year for Asian music in the UK had everything from new talent, stunning songs and awesome albums to unforgettable live performances from big-name international stars. The musical melting pot of genres, languages and diverse artists illustrated everything that is great about Britain, and why the past 12 months…

‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR makes it to Oscars shortlist in…

'RRR' filmmakers are rejoicing as they progress further in the race to the Oscars. The infectiously catchy song 'Naatu Naatu' from the blockbuster Telugu film has been shortlisted for the 2023 Oscar Awards in the 'Best Original Song' category. Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to make the announcement.…

Tributes pour in as Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth anniversary…

The centennial birth anniversary of His Holiness (HH) Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) was observed at a special commemorative event in the UK parliament on Monday (19). The occasion saw the presence of a number of dignitaries, including the virtual presence of prime minister Rishi Sunak. At the centennial celebration, special…

Mega events mark first week of centennial celebration of Pramukh…

Many events were held during the first week of centennial celebration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The grand centennial celebration was inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on December 14. The celebration will continue through January 15, 2023, and each…

Ratna Pathak Shah calls RRR a ‘regressive film’: ‘It looks…

While the world is going gaga over filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s film RRR (2022), veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah recently said that it is a ‘regressive film’. "Films like RRR are so popular today. But it’s a regressive film. It looks backwards while we should look forward. We just feel whatever…

Bhutto’s comments reflect pain of losing to India in ’71…

The BJP on Friday slammed Pakistan’s Bilawal Bhutto for his objectionable comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the foreign affairs minister of the neighbouring country represents a “morally, intellectually and financially bankrupt” nation which has no credibility due to its support to terrorism. Union minister Anurag Thakur said Bhutto’s…

Top 50 Asian stars of 2022

A GROUND-BREAKING year saw glass ceilings being shattered, greater heights reached, horizons expanded, and new paths created globally. There was also fresh creative work, international crossovers and exciting new artists announcing their arrival. Top south Asian talent from diverse fields were at the forefront of the moves being made and…

Modi hails Pramukh Swami Maharaj as reformer as he launches…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (14) hailed BAPS leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj as a reformer who devoted his life to selfless service of others and recalled his long association with the late saint, who he said, treated him like a son. Recalling his conversation with Pramukh Swami Maharaj when…

Indian student at Cambridge solves 2,500-year-old Sanskrit grammatical problem that…

An Indian PhD student at the University of Cambridge has solved a 2,500-year-old Sanskrit grammatical problem which, ever since the fifth century BC, has baffled academics. Rishi Rajpopat, 27, successfully cracked a law created by ancient Sanskrit language master Panini, who lived in India 2,500 years ago. In order to…

Like father, like son; 34 years later Arjun emulates Sachin…

Thirty-four years after Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden first-class century on debut, his son Arjun celebrated the same achievement in the Ranji Trophy on Wednesday. Playing for Goa against Rajasthan, Arjun struck 120 runs off 207 balls, smashing 16 fours and two sixes on day two of…

Patel: Panto debut is a dream come true for me

BRITISH ASIAN performer Parle Patel said he is “ecstatic” after making his panto debut in Cinderella at the Beck Theatre. Patel, 32, who has played the lead role of Mrs. Kapoor in Mrs Kapoor's Daughter's Wedding in 25 sell-out shows throughout the UK, said portraying Prince Charming’s sidekick Dandini was…

BJP heads for historic win in Gujarat; Congress posts worst…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday headed for a record victory in Gujarat as the counting of votes entered the last leg, giving the ruling party a lead in 100 seats and a win in another 57 seats in the 182-member state assembly. The Congress party was…

PM Modi to inaugurate Pramukh Swami Maharaj centenary fest in…

The five year-long centennial celebrations around the globe will culminate in the final, month-long, grand celebrations in Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat between December 15, 2022, and January 15, 2023. The festivity, which is expected to attract several thousands of followers of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan…

‘Those who give tickets to women are anti-Islamic’, says Gujarat…

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi has come out with a strong reaction to the remarks made by Shahi Imam of Ahmedabad's Jama Masjid, Shabbir Ahmed Siddiqui where he objected to giving election tickets to Muslim women and added that this is "weakening" Islam, stoking a fresh controversy. Sharply…

SS Rajamouli’s RRR to get Oscar nomination in the Visual…

Directed by SS Rajamouli, RRR entered theatres on March 25, 2022. The film starred Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in lead roles while Bollywood stars Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt were seen portraying important cameos in it. Mounted on a great scale, the epic period action drama received a thunderous…

Subrang Arts helps Gujaratis in UK stay rooted to their…

MEMORY, belonging, culture, faith and identity are issues all individuals grapple with in life as they navigate through its various vicissitudes. These issues are not fixed but changeable and, depending on the context in which we live, we develop new affinities, new sensibilities, and new ways of relating to others.…

Paresh Rawal draws flack over ‘Fish’ remark, issues apology for…

The Hera Pheri actor Paresh Rawal recently came under fire for a statement he made during an election rally in Gujarat. During his speech addressing the crowd, he said "Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya…

Modi’s home state Gujarat votes, seen as easy mid-term test…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat began voting on Thursday with his party expected to win a seventh straight term, but any unexpected slip could herald a tighter contest in national polls due by 2024. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not lost in the western industrial…

Indian home minister Amit Shah meets Mahant Swami Maharaj in…

Indian home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (30) visited the BAPS Yogiji Maharaj Hospital in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat to receive the blessings of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. Shah, who arrived around 5.10 pm local time, was garlanded and welcomed by Swami Maharaj in the presence…

India: Independent candidate fighting Gujarat elections wants allowance for all…

His hands outstretched, Maganbhai Solanki holds up his moustache and says proudly that it measures almost five feet tip to tip – the carefully tended feature the Independent candidate’s calling card and also a campaign point. The 57-year-old contestant from Himatnagar seat in Sabarkantha district in India's north-western state of…

Vivek Agnihotri and Anupam Kher react to Israeli filmmaker Nadav…

A day after Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid termed his film a "propaganda", "The Kashmir Files" director Vivek Agnihotri in a cryptic social media post said truth is the most dangerous thing as it can make people lie. Agnihotri's reaction comes after veteran actor Anupam Kher, who starred in "The Kashmir…

India in talks with German authorities to reunite baby in…

India's Ministry of External Affairs, on Friday, regarding the Indian baby in foster care in Germany, said that the government has been intervening and engaging with the German authorities on the matter for over a year, since September 2021. “The Government of India has been intervening and engaging with the…

Asian Business Awards honour over a dozen business personalities; pay…

AN industrialist whose business encompasses textiles, fertilizers and PET resin, a hotelier who advocates for London and an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur were among top winners at the Asian Business Awards in London last night (23). Indorama’s Sri Prakash Lohia; Tony Matharu; and LycaHealth’s Prema Subaskaran were recognised for their high…

Someone like Nehra is more suited to a T20 coaching…

Harbhajan Singh feels someone like Ashish Nehra must be part of India's T20 coaching setup as he knows the shortest format perhaps better than current head coach Rahul Dravid. Nehra retired from the game in 2017 and earlier this year coached Gujarat Titans to the title on their IPL debut.…

Raahul: Taking the Jatin legacy forward

SINGING STAR FOLLOWS FAMOUS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS His father being one half of the iconic Jatin-Lalit composing duo, who once ruled Bollywood with hit tracks like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Mohabbatein, hasn’t stopped Raahul Jatin from making his own musical mark. The rising star is fast…

EXCLUSIVE: Sunaks join list of richest Asians

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have made their debut on the Asian Rich List 2022, which profiles the 101 wealthiest Asians in Britain. Sunak and his wife – whose father NR Narayana Murthy co-founded Indian IT major, Infosys – are ranked 17th in the list, with…

India’s ruling party leader calls for FIFA World Cup boycott…

Following the invitation to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik by Qatar to FIFA World Cup, India ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Savio Rodrigues on Tuesday appealed to the government, Indian Football Associations and Indians travelling to the host nation to boycott the sporting event. Zakir Naik, who is an…

Indian fugitive preacher Zakir Naik in Qatar to give talks…

Indian fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, who faces charges of money laundering and hate speech in India, is set to give religious lectures at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, according to social media posts. "Preacher Sheikh Zakir Naik is present in Qatar during the World Cup and will give…

Saudi Crown Prince has given the same protection from prosecution…

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given the same level of protection from prosecution in the US that was recently accorded to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a US State Department spokesperson said in a briefing on Friday. "This is not the first time that the United States has…

Modi gifts ‘Mata Ni Pachedi’ to Sunak – It is…

Artworks and traditional items representing the rich heritage of India's states of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh were Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice of presents to world leaders during the G-20 summit in Bali. Officials said Modi presented US President Joe Biden with Kangra miniature paintings, which portray ‘Shringar Rasa’, and…

Netizens hail comparison of MS Dhoni lifting the World Cup…

The comparison of Yash bringing glory to the nation with MS Dhoni's lifting the World Cup for the nation is winning love from the netizens. There are very rare moments that leave a strong imprint of their existence in history and are remembered for the ages. One such glorious moment…

UK, India need each other now more than ever: Boris…

Ties between the United Kingdom and India will remain on a “phenomenal upward trajectory” under Indian-origin UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, that country’s former premier Boris Johnson said on Saturday. The two countries need each other now more than ever as “we live in dangerous and turbulent times”, he said.…

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…

India: Our culture could be African but our heart is…

African origin Siddi tribe, who came to India 850 years ago, performed at the Tribal Dance Festival in Raipur and asserted that their heart is Indian while their culture is African. Siddi folk artist leader Abdul told ANI, "Culture could be African but our heart is Indian. We are now…

EXCLUSIVE: Starmer tells Asians: “Thank you for making Britain better”

LABOUR does not take the British south Asian vote for granted, party leader Sir Keir Starmer told Eastern Eye. He also revealed his determination to work as “grown up” partners with the communities and his ambition to be the next prime minister. In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview prior to…

Morbi bridge collapse that killed 135 an ‘act of God’:…

A manager of the Oreva group, one of the nine persons arrested in connection with collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi town, sought relief from a local court claiming the tragedy which has claimed 135 lives was an “act of God”, the prosecution said on Wednesday (2). Chief…

Detailed, extensive inquiry into Morbi tragedy need of the hour:…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (1) said a "detailed and extensive" inquiry to identify all aspects relating to the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy is the need of the hour, as he chaired a high-level meeting in Gujarat to review the situation. He asserted that key learnings from the inquiry…

Morbi bridge collapse: What we know about tragedy in Gujarat

The death toll from an Indian foot bridge collapse rose to 135 on Tuesday (1), while the army, navy and national disaster response teams kept up search operations for a third day. HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR 135 people have died and one person is missing at present. 152…

Gujarat bridge collapse: Death toll rises to 135, 170 rescued

As many as 135 people have been killed in the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy and 170 others rescued, Gujarat minister Rajendra Trivedi said on Tuesday. The rescue operation is still on in the Machchhu river by the armed forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, officials said.…

Gujarat tragedy: What is a suspension bridge? What possibly led…

What is a suspension bridge? How does it transfer the load to the ground? Those were questions on the minds of many on Monday, a day after a century-old suspension bridge in Gujarat's Morbi over the Machchhu river collapsed, leaving at least 134 people dead. Just before the bridge collapsed,…

12 members of Rajkot BJP MP’s family reported dead in…

Twelve family members of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Rajkot Mohanbhai Kundariya died in the suspension bridge collapse incident in Gujarat’s Morbi on Sunday. The personal assistant of the BJP MP told ANI that 12 members of the family of Kundaria’s sister died in the Morbi bridge collapse incident.…

Gujarat bridge collapse toll rises to 134; rescue operation on

According to the latest estimates, at least 134 people, including women and children, were killed and over 100 are receiving treatment for their injuries sustained after a cable suspension bridge in Morbi town collapsed on Sunday, plunging people, into the Machchhu River. Prime Minister Modi, who is in Kevadia said…

India: Over 60 dead after cable bridge collapses in Gujarat’s…

Over 60 people have lost their lives so far after a cable bridge collapsed on the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi on Sunday, state Minister Brijesh Merja said. Hundreds of people fell into a river when a cable bridge in Gujarat's Morbi collapsed with several critically injured, officials said. Ambulances…

Time to invest in South Asian languages in UK: Gareth…

Gareth Thomas MP has called for investment in teaching South Asian languages in the UK to strengthen the country's ties with the Indian subcontinent. The Labour-Cooperative Party parliamentarian for the Greater London constituency of Harrow West said south Asian languages should receive the same state financial support as given to…

Cooking up a feast of culinary traditions

SANJANA MODHA ON GOOD FOOD AND HER CROWDFUNDED BOOK Social media has become a special space to share great recipes, cooking ideas and healthy eating advice. A popular online British expert providing top tips to prepare sumptuous meals is Sanjana Modha. She has gone from writing an unknown food blog…

Akshay Kumar attends Kudo tournament, breaks bricks with hammer

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, on Wednesday, attended the 14th international Kudo tournament organised by the actor himself in Gujarat. Taking to Instagram, Akshay shared a video from the event which he captioned, "Thank you for celebrating your Diwali with us here at the Akshay Kumar 14th International Kudo Tournament. Coming…

Art on the Underground to present mural by Shanti Panchal…

Art on the Underground presents ‘Endurance’, a new large-scale public commission at Brixton Underground Station by Indian-born artist Shanti Panchal, launching November 10 and will be on view for a year. The work at Brixton will be Panchal’s first public artwork since his 1993 tiled mural for the London Borough…

Huge drop in students studying Gujarati in UK; other South…

A number of South Asian languages, including Gujarati, have seen a steady decline in their appeal in the UK as students entering the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) levels in languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Persian, Punjabi, and Urdu have gone down drastically between 2015 and 2021. A press…

Mother India: Story behind a classic

65TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL ABOUT THE MAKING OF AN ICONIC MOVIE AND ITS AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS When Mother India released on October 25, 1957, it had the kind of impact that no other Bollywood film ever made before. The beautifully made classic about a woman fighting against the odds to raise her…

Mad for movie icon Madhuri

Superstar dixit discusses her new film and love for powerful roles  Movie queen Madhuri Dixit has mesmerised audiences with her roles in all-time classics likes Tezaab (1988), Saajan (1991), Beta (1992), Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), and Devdas (2002). One of the greatest all-round talents in the history of Hindi…

Bring home the festive vibes this Diwali with Asda

The onset of autumn signifies the beginning of the magnificent festival of lights, Diwali. With this year’s celebrations falling on the 24th of October, Asda joins in the festivity of the triumph of light over darkness, with a beam of low prices and amazing offers for all your Diwali needs…

Big B turns 80: Journey of a film icon

Magic moments from Amitabh Bachchan’s amazing movie career Being the greatest Bollywood star of all time has given Amitabh Bachchan many landmark moments throughout his distinguished career. Although he has had many achievements apart from acting including national honours, helping to eradicate polio in India, hosting a popular TV quiz…

RRR heads to Academy Awards 2023 as SS Rajamouli and…

RRR, which hit screens in March 2022, is yet not done. The SS Rajamouli magnum-opus, starring Ram Charan and Jr. NTR, was not selected as India’s official entry to Oscars 2023. However, the film has finally made it to the Oscar race and how. After being rejected as India’s official…

Charity offers £20,000 reward for information on last year’s Leicester…

An independent charity has announced a reward of £20,000 for information that could lead to the conviction of anyone for the murder of a 41-year-old man. Raju Modhwadia, also Kara Muru, was stabbed to death in Stoneygate, Leicester, in December last year. But the charges of murder and conspiracy to…

Hrithik Roshan and Falguni Pathak match dance steps at Garba…

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, who can be currently seen in Vikram Vedha alongside Saif Ali Khan, celebrated the Navratri Maha Saptami with well-known singer Falguni Pathak at a Garba night event in Mumbai. The Kaho Na Pyaar Hai actor arrived at the event along with the writer-directors of Vikram Vedha,…

Leicester violence: Lord Popat urges Braverman to ‘restore the ability…

Conservative Peer Lord Dolar Popat has written to British home secretary Suella Braverman seeking immediate action to ease tension in Leicester. In his letter, Lord Popat, the first Gujarati to represent the Tories in House of Lords, has urged the minister to "restore the ability of people in the country…

‘Landmine threats’: Canada says don’t travel to areas in India…

In what appears to be a bizarre travel advisory, Canada has advised its citizens to avoid all travel to areas in states of Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan, which share a border with Pakistan due to the "presence of landmines" and "unpredictable security situation." "Avoid all travel to areas within 10…

Lord Mohamed Sheikh was so pleased with our talk that…

THE news was more than shocking. It was only on August 18 that I took an interview of Lord Mohamed Sheikh, Britain’s first Conservative Muslim peer and a successful businessman, as he was picked as one of the '50 Great Ugandan Asians' on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of…

Gujarati film Chhello Show is India’s official entry for Oscars…

Gujarati coming-of-age drama "Chhello Show" is India's official entry for the 95th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Tuesday. Titled "Last Film Show" in English, the movie, directed by Pan Nalin, will release in theatres countrywide on October 14. "'Chhello Show' is India's official entry for…

British Indians honour the late Queen in Gujarat

Today marks the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen, which takes place at Westminster Abbey (London, UK). This day is also the first day of a seven-day religious festival (Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Suvarna Mahotsav), which sees thousands of followers of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan from around the world…

Cyrus Mistry accident: Dr Anahita Pandole undergoes pelvic reconstruction surgery

Gynaecologist Dr Anahita Pandole has undergone pelvic reconstruction surgery at a hospital in Mumbai on Thursday (15), media reports said. According to the reports, the condition of her husband Darius is stable. The couple sustained severe injuries in a car crash earlier this month that killed former Tata Sons chairman…

Donald Trump’s top aide feels ‘vilified’ by fellow Indian Americans

Attorney and former president Donald Trump’s top aide Kashyap Kash Patel has accused the Indian American community of running him down with “hateful messages”. Patel who became the chief of staff to the acting secretary of defence in the final stages of the Trump administration told IANS that he felt…

‘She embodied our values’

A DEEP loss is felt in the world as the divine soul Parvatiben Solanki has left her physical body. As Kasturba was a freedom fighter beside Mahatma Gandhiji, so too our Parvati Ba was a fighter beside Ramnikbhai Solanki, a fighter to spread the gifts of our culture, sanskaras and…

Saints laud contribution

Shri Rameshbhai Oza ‘Bhaishri’: It was Ramnikbhai who ensured that Garavi Gujarat reaches a huge number of Gujaratis settled in Europe and the US, and contributed immenselyin making the Gujarati pride’s flag fly high. Parvatiben stood right next to him as his strength and provided a rocksolid shakti (support) to…

MPs pay rich tributes too

LABOUR MPs Seema Malhotra, Preet Kaur Gill and Gareth Thomas also remembered Mrs Solanki with fondness and respect. Malhotra, who represents Feltham and Heston, said, “Mrs Parvatiben Ramniklal Solanki was an inspiration, a matriarch of a most incredible family who has helped lead bringing the voice and integration of the…

‘She was our family’s Shakti, guru and guide’

HOW do you begin to write about someone so deeply loved and to whom you owe your very existence? It is impossible to sum up in words what my mother meant to us as a family, but the extraordinary story of her life needs to be told, however inadequate mere…

Tributes paid to ‘visionary and pioneer’

POLITICIANS, faith and community leaders paid tribute to Parvatiben Solanki, the cofounder of the Asian Media Gr oup (AMG), publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat. Mrs Solanki passed away in London last Thursday (8). She was 86. Along with her husband, the late Ramniklal Solanki CBE, Mrs Solanki played…

Delicious tribute to Gujarati cuisine

Urvashi Roe discusses her new cookbook and gives top tips Brand new cookbook Biting Biting – Snacking Gujarati-style celebrates an old family tradition of being able to quickly whip up food for impending visitors or last-minute unannounced guests. Working mother Urvashi Roe has come up with a sumptuous book loaded…

Jay Zaveri: Acting is in my blood

Fans of TV serials like The Gone Game, Ishq Mein Marjawan 2, Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega, and Mere Sai will be familiar with the work of Jay Zaveri. The talented actor is currently playing a key role in Sony Entertainment television series Appnapan – Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan, which…

Indian-origin actor Himesh Patel shines in black at Emmys 2022

First is always special. Cambridgeshire-born Indian-origin actor Himesh Patel who made it to the shortlist of nominees for the Emmy Awards for the first time ever was all smiles before heading to the ceremony on Tuesday. For his Emmys look, Patel sported a patterned suit jacket with a black shirt…

Vedant Patel, first Indian-American to hold daily US State Department…

Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, has scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American to hold the daily State Department press briefing, earning plaudits from senior White House officials for his "utmost professionalism" and "amazing debut". With State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on vacation,…

Cyrus Mistry cremated in Mumbai, hundreds attend funeral

Former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry, who died in a car accident, was cremated in Mumbai on Tuesday. The last rites were performed in an electric crematorium at Worli in central Mumbai. Mistry, 54, who headed the salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Sons from 2012-16 before an unceremonious exit, and his friend…

Dr Karan Jutlla appointed new Alzheimer’s Society ambassador; says ‘outdated’…

Dr Karan Juttla, author of a report which has claimed that South Asian people living with dementia in the UK and their families are being failed by a culturally inclusive support after their diagnoses, has been appointed as the new ambassador of Alzheimer's Society. Her appointment came on the occasion…

Anj Chauhan: Always and Forever tribute to great Bollywood music…

Marvellous British music collective Kaykay & Co regularly deliver memorable live performances and a key element is magnificent singer Anj Chauhan. The versatile music group will headline the Always & Forever charity concert at Harrow Arts Centre on September 10, which pays tribute to legendary Bollywood singers Mohammed Rafi and…

India’s Adani becomes the world’s third-richest person

Indian industrialist Gautam Adani became the world's third-richest person on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index on Tuesday, the first time an Asian has ranked in the top three. The self-made billionaire has seen his net worth more than double to $137.4 billion in the last year, rising 20 spots on the…

Indian-American family spends big to install Amitabh Bachchan’s life-size statue…

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has his fans spread all across the globe, who never get tired of admiring their icon. His fans can go to any length to show their love and admiration for him. The fans that the internet is talking about today are Internet Security Engineer Gopi Sheth…

Hindu spiritual leader visits Leicester

The spiritual leader of those dedicated to the worship of Lord Shree Hanuman visited Leicester this week His Holiness 1008 Acharya Shri Rakeshprasadji Maharaj from South Gujarat, India, visited the city as part of a week-long festival to celebrate Krishna’s birthday. The Celebrations took place at the Shree Hanuman Temple…

Telugu talent roars into Bollywood

VIJAY DEVERAKONDA DISCUSSES HIS DEBUT HINDI MOVIE LIGER Rapidly rising film star Vijay Deverakonda has been unstoppable since 2017 Telugu film Arjun Reddy became a blockbuster success. He turned down the chance to headline its super successful Hindi remake Kabir Singh (2019) and put together an impressive list of blockbuster…

Labour defends Kashmir stance

LABOUR’S deputy leader Angela Rayner has defended the party’s decision to raise concerns over alleged human rights breaches in Indian Kashmir, saying, “we stand up for human rights and we will never shirk from that responsibility”. In an exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, Rayner said Labour would be respectful in…

Vasundra Tailor: Unravelling shocking family secrets

AUTHOR VASUNDRA TAILOR DISCUSSES HER NEW NOVEL SHAPED BY A PROUD GUJARATI HERITAGE She may have moved to Zimbabwe when she was a few weeks old in 1954 and migrated to the UK in 1977 after qualifying as a pharmacist to escape conflict there, but India-born Vasundra Tailor always remained…

Modi leads plans to mark 150th birth anniversary of Aurobindo

By A fortunate coincidence, India marks its 75th anniversary as a free country at the same time as the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. Aurobindo (1872-1950) was a poet, revolutionary, philosopher, mystic, and yogi par excellence. He was not interested in huge statues, grandiose projects, or big institutions in…

Modi outlines vision for self-reliant India

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi said India will aim to become a developed nation within 25 years as the country marked 75 years of independence on Monday (15), with the leaders of Britain, the US and France sending congratulatory messages. In his traditional address to the nation from Delhi’s historic Red…

‘I want to continue cooking and feed people for as…

British Indian chef Manjula Patel, 85, one of its oldest chefs and restaurateurs in the UK, opened her restaurant in Brighton when she was 80 with the help of her sons. Manju’s – Indian Restaurant, a Gujarati restaurant in north Laines, Brighton, has been delighting locals and tourists since 2017.…

Hindu spiritual leader visits Leicester

The spiritual leader of a religion whose followers are dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shree Hanuman is making a special visit to Leicester next week. His Holiness 1008 Acharya Shri Rakeshprasadji Maharaj from South Gujarat, India, is visiting the city as part of a week-long festival to celebrate Krishna’s…

UK PM Johnson hails ‘thriving Living Bridge’ on India’s 76th…

Prime Minister Boris Johnson led India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in the UK on Monday with a throwback image from Sabarmati Ashram during his visit to Gujarat earlier this year. Congratulations to the people of India on 75 years of independence, he said. "During my recent visit to Gujarat and…

Tata Motors to acquire Ford India’s plant in Gujarat

Automotive giant Tata Motors said its subsidiary will acquire Ford India's Gujarat-based manufacturing facility for Rs 7.25 billion (£75 million). Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEML) and Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL) have signed a unit transfer Agreement (UTA) for the acquisition of the plant in Sanand. Tata Motors will…

India’s Pandya open to full-time captaincy role

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said he is open to assuming the captaincy on a full-time basis after leading the side to a comprehensive victory in the final match of their Twenty20 series against West Indies. India, who rested regular skipper Rohit Sharma, cruised to an 88-run win on the back…

Starting anew: UK city marks 50 years since Ugandan Asians…

Fifty years ago, dictator Idi Amin announced his intention to expel Uganda's thriving community of British South Asians. They were given 90 days to leave, or be rounded up in concentration camps. More than 27,000 ethnic Indian and Pakistani holders of UK passports made their way to Britain, which reluctantly…

The top 10 Kajol performances

Acclaimed actress Kajol is widely regarded as one of the finest leading ladies in Hindi cinema history. She has delivered unforgettable performances in iconic classics and helped Bollywood go global with successful blockbusters. The notoriously picky actress has done this, despite turning down multiple record-breaking movies. The popular star turns…

Woman declared stateless in India, UK and Uganda, moves court

A 66-year-old woman living in Mumbai has been declared stateless in India, UK and Uganda. Ila Popat has been living in India for 55 years and has driving licence, voter identity card and Aadhar card. Last month, Popat approached Bombay High Court to issue a passport so that she can…

NHS sets out long Covid action plan for thousands with…

PATIENTS with long-lasting symptoms from COVID will have access to more convenient tests and checks closer to home, under new NHS measures announced on Thursday (28). Specialist clinics, dedicated to long Covid, will now be able to send people for tests at local one stop shops and mobile clinics, rather…

Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal receive death threats, Mumbai Police launches…

The Mumbai Police has launched an investigation after star couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal purportedly received death threats on social media. A complaint has been filed against an unidentified person at Santacruz Police Station, said Mumbai Police. Katrina and Vicky, who tied the knot in Rajasthan on December 9,…

Aamir Khan makes up for missing The Gray Man premiere…

Set to land on Netflix on July 22, The Gray Man is one of the most-talked-about films in recent times. The American action thriller has created a lot of buzz around the world. Indians are especially looking forward to the premiere of the film as it stars their beloved actor…

Nandita Das: Film rebel with a cause

FILMMAKER AND ACTRESS DISCUSSES HER FEARLESS CINEMA JOURNEY She might have made a name for herself as one of the finest actresses of her generation, but Nandita Das is now more focused on filmmaking. She has just directed her third movie, which revolves around a delivery rider and stars popular…

Geeta Jhala goes back to her roots with Gujarati pop…

British singer discusses her new single and rise of regional music A decade-long career has seen Geeta Jhala make a name for herself with songs in diverse languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, and English. In recent years, the versatile singer has also reconnected with her roots with commercial Gujarati songs like…

Sonia Gandhi acted through Patel to target Modi: BJP on…

The BJP on Saturday alleged that Congress president Sonia Gandhi was the "driving force" behind the "conspiracy" to implicate then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 riots case in the state. In a press conference, party spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that the late Ahmed Patel, who was Gandhi's…

‘I2U2’ good model for practical cooperation: PM Modi

Four-nation grouping 'I2U2' has established a positive agenda and its framework is a good model for practical cooperation in the face of increasing global uncertainties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday at the first virtual summit of the coalition With US President Joe Biden, Israeli PM Yair Lapid and…

Virat Kohli meets his U-15 teammate Ravi Teja in UK:…

INDIAN cricketer Virat Kohli met his former U-15 teammate Dwaraka Ravi Teja in London. Teja shared the picture of their meeting on Twitter. Indian cricket team is in UK for the ongoing India vs England ODI series. Teja played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League…

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel rules herself out of bid…

Priti Patel, widely expected to become another Indian-origin candidate in the race for the post of Conservative Party leader and the next British prime minister, on Tuesday ruled out a bid, saying she was "grateful" for the encouragement but her focus remains on her current job as Home Secretary. "I…

Gujarat: Fake T20 cricket league to take bets from Russian…

Police have busted a gang conducting a fake T20 cricket tournament here in Gujarat to take bets from Russian bookies by live-streaming the matches and arrested four of its members, an official said on Monday. To create an impression of an Indian Premier League (IPL)-like major tournament, key accused Shoeb…

Shailesh Vara vows to work ‘tirelessly’ to restore Northern Ireland’s…

Shailesh Vara, the UK’s new secretary of state for Northern Ireland, has vowed to work “tirelessly” to restore the Stormont institutions.The Uganda-born Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire succeeds Brandon Lewis who quit the Boris Johnson government in a mass resignation of ministers.His appointment comes at a time when the…

My mindset doesn’t take me too high, neither low: Hardik…

Success and failure have stopped influencing star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has learnt to live a "neutral life" with a lot of clarity. Battling an injury-ravaged body, it was not easy for Pandya to return to the game. His career was in jeopardy but he made a grand comeback by…

Birthday Special: Here’re top 5 whistle-worthy performances of Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh, known for his charismatic and energetic persona and peculiar fashion sense, is considered among the most versatile actors of his generation. As he rings in his 37th birthday today, here is a look at the actor's breakthrough performances. 1. Band Baaja Baaraat The actor made his big Bollywood…

Asians ‘failed by dementia care’

HEALTH authorities need to overcome misconceptions about British Asian communities in order to change an “outdated” dementia care service, according to the researcher whose review found that the system had been “designed for white British patients”. Dr Karan Jutlla’s research highlighted that the system was “totally inadequate” to support dementia…

PM Modi’s determination not to allow normalisation of cross-border terror…

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's determination that he would not allow cross-border terrorism to be normalised has helped in shaping India's Pakistan policy since 2014. Speaking at an event at Delhi University, S Jaishankar noted that Prime Minister Modi is perceived abroad…

Seven deadly reasons why Sunidhi Chauhan is a sensational singer

The supremely talented Sunidhi Chauhan is one of the finest live performers in the world and returns to the UK for two hotly anticipated shows this month. She will deliver dynamite concerts with a full live band at Morningside Arena in Leicester on July 9 and Eventim Apollo in London…

‘Chhello Show’ director Pan Nalin to become first Gujarati filmmaker…

WRITER and director-producer Pan Nalin has become the first Gujarati filmmaker to join The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy, the organisation which presents The Academy Awards, popularly called the ‘Oscars’, has extended invitation to 397 artistes and others to join it in 2022. “The Academy of…

Gujarat government did not delay calling the Army to quell…

There was no delay on part of the Gujarat government in requisitioning the Army to deal with post-Godhra 2002 Gujarat riots, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said and noted that former Punjab DGP KPS Gill had termed the state government's action as "prompt and neutral". He also attacked Congress over…

BJP’s Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu sweeps temple floor

NDA's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu was seen sweeping the floor at Shiv temple in Rairangpur, Odisha before offering prayers on Wednesday (22) morning. After NDA announced Murmu as their Presidential candidate, the Centre provided a round-the-clock Z+ category security cover for her. If elected, the 64-year-old leader from Odisha will…

Whenever I visit her, she offers me sweets with her…

ON the 100th birthday of his mother Heeraben Modi, prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (18) penned an emotional blog and recollected some special moments from his childhood that he spent with his mother. He recalled several sacrifices made by his mother as he grew up and mentioned various qualities…

Balika Panchayat: This is India’s first-of-its-kind Panchayats run by girls

THE country's first-ever girl Panchayat, "Balika Panchayat", which was started in several villages of Gujarat's Kutch district, aims to promote the social and political development of the girls and ensure the active participation of girls in politics. This is a unique initiative of the Women and Child Development Welfare department…

PM Modi to meet mother as she turns 100 on…

The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) in Gujarat on Thursday withdrew its announcement about naming a road in the state capital for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother, Hiraba Modi Hiraba, who lives with the prime minister's younger brother Pankaj Modi at Raysan village on the outskirts of Gandhinagar, is set to…

Once darling of UK right, Patel’s future on line in…

BY her own admission, home secretary Priti Patel's hard line on immigration would have stopped her own parents coming to Britain but it has made her a darling of the right. However, she is now in danger of alienating her conservative base after her plan to deter illegal crossings of…

Lagaan to soon be adapted as Broadway show in UK?

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker's 2001 blockbuster film Lagaan: Once Upon A Time, which completed its 21 years of its release today, might be getting the Broadway treatment soon. Lagaan, set in 1893 during the late Victorian period of India's colonial British Raj, follows the story of Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), a villager…

Gujarat’s diamond industry hit hard by Russia-Ukraine war

THE Russia-Ukraine war has adversely affected the livelihood of thousands of workers in the diamond industry in Gujarat, especially in rural parts of Saurashtra region where many units import small-size diamonds from Russia for processing and polishing, according to industry representatives. The state's diamond industry employs nearly 1.5 million workers,…

Netizens salute army man for taking care of an 18-month-old…

An 18-month-old baby was rescued alive from a borewell in western India’s Gujarat. The incident took place in Dudapur village under Dhrangadhra Taluka Police Station limits of Surendranagar District on June 7. Visuals show army men using a thick rope to pull out the baby. After several pulls, the baby…