BRITISH ASIAN boxer Amir Khan has once again extolled need to give back to society saying his purpose in life is to help those unfortunate than himself.
Speaking at an award ceremony in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Khan praised boxing for taking him to new heights, which in turn gave him the means to help those around him.
Through his Amir Khan Foundation, the boxer is involved in a number of charitable projects across Asia and Africa, for Syrian refugees in Greece and with vulnerable children in the UK.
“We take things for granted, for example water. We leave our tap running or showers running. There’s people out there in the world who don’t have clean drinking water,” he said. “God has put me in this position on purpose, to help people around me and help those less fortunate.”
In an interview with the Arabian Business in January, the philanthropist called his role at the charity the “easiest” one, and criticised celebrities not yet involved in giving back.
“I just feel that there are a lot of footballers and celebrities out there who think it is hard to get involved in this. It’s not. If you put your mind to it and get your team together, it’s one of the easiest things you’ll ever do. But it’s so rewarding,” he said.
On the professional front, Khan is gearing up for a blockbuster bout with Manny Pacquiao or Kell Brook in "early 2020."
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Khan said: "I’m at a stage in my career where every fight is big, so I have to make sure I’m taking the right fight at the right time.
"I think it’s the right time for me to take the Manny Pacquiao or Kell Brook fight."
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Each year, cities like Paris welcome millions of tourists, but while those places get crowded, there’s a side of the country that’s reserved for those who enjoy hiking. A side that’s packed with a unique combination of alpine landscapes, Mediterranean coasts, forests, and medieval villages.
There’s a route for all experience levels, and while those routes don't get the same attention as cities like Nice, every year, thousands of hikers walk its trails. They are not only drawn by the natural beauty but also by the amazing infrastructure and rich local culture. If you're looking for a walking holiday that combines nature, history, and gastronomy, France has everything you need.
Orbis Ways: The Best Option for a Walking Holiday
As walking holidays rise in popularity, their downside gets more obvious too, but thanks to agencies like Orbis Ways, more and more people can enjoy long-distance trails easily without needing to worry about logistics or overplanning, just focusing on the trail. Orbis Ways is an agency that specializes in walking holidays. They offer packages to major hikes like the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the West Highland Way in Scotland, as well as several iconic walking holidays in France.
The best part is it’s composed of a team that has actually done the trails, and knows exactly what you need, and with years of experience and excellent reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, this company handles everything from rural hotel accommodations to luggage transport between stages and 24/h assistance. Its itineraries are designed to suit different fitness levels, with detailed maps and car assistance if needed.
Here are some of the most popular walking holidays in France:
1. The Camino de Santiago (Via Podiensis)
The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world, and the French Way is one of the most popular routes to Santiago de Compostela, starting in the stunning town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, but did you know that there’s a popular option that’s known as the Via Podiensis? This trail is part of the GR 65, starts in Le Puy-en-Velay, and takes you through stunning landscapes, medieval villages, and ancient Roman bridges before reaching the Pyrenees. What makes this route special is its combination of spirituality, history, and nature. Many people opt for this option thanks to the physical challenge it represents, but also for the unique chance to immerse themselves in the local culture, try the French cuisine, and the traditional inns.
2. The Tour du Mont Blanc
Thi is one of the most popular hikes in France, but not many dare to do it. It's known for being a challenging experience, The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a circular route of approximately 170 kilometers that surrounds the Mont Blanc massif, which passes through France, Italy and Switzerland. It offers the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, with glaciers, deep valleys, and peaks covered in snow. Despite requiring a good level of physical fitness, the effort is worth it. Each stage of the walking holiday offers unique views and the special opportunity to stay in unique mountain refuges.
3. The French Riviera
For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, then, the French Riviera trails (GR 51 and GR 52) are the best option. Often labeled as some of the most stunning walking holidays in Europe, these routes border the Mediterranean and offer unique views of the cliff, hidden coves, and cozy fishing villages. On top of that, the weather here is a lot more pleasant and hot, and that lets people try those trails all year round. Also, the weather brings another advantage: the possibility of combining hiking with relaxing days on the beach, and trying Provençal cuisine, as well as visiting cities like Nice or Cannes.
Conclusion
France is a unique place for a holiday, not only a typical one but also for a walking holiday. It’s home to many unique trails that range from historic trails to challenging mountain treks. Its combination of landscapes, culture, and cuisine makes it a unique place to explore on foot. Whether you prefer to organize your trip on your own or rely on experts like Orbis Ways, the important thing is to enjoy every step and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this country.
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DHRUV CHHATRALIA completed a nine-year series of talks on the Hanuman Chalisa at the UK Parliament on July 8, 2025. The final session marked the end of the Hanuman Chalisa Gnyan Yagna, which began in 2016 and consisted of lectures on all 40 chaupais (verses) of the Hanuman Chalisa. All sessions were held at the House of Commons and hosted by MP Bob Blackman.
The concluding event was attended by over 120 people, including leaders of more than 30 national Indian organisations, community members from eight religious backgrounds, and members of the media. More than 640 people were on the waiting list.
Dhruv Chhatralia said, “On the occasion of this great victory, we would like to bow down to various great personalities... When I broke the pot to gain the mākhan (clarified butter) of wisdom of the Hanuman Chalisa, I too stood on the shoulders of many great personalities. They have helped me and have shaped my thoughts.”
Bob Blackman said the event held historical significance and spoke about the importance of preserving and promoting Hindu values. He was presented with a copy of the book Ayurvedic Astrology by David Frawley.
During the event, Dhruv Chhatralia delivered a two-hour talk on the Hanuman Chalisa’s career management lessons and recited its final chaupais. He said, “The sacred verses of the Hanuman Chalisa contain the secrets to success in life that bestow intelligence, strength and virtue to all those who contemplate and meditate upon it.”
Chhatralia thanked Blackman for hosting the talks over nine years and acknowledged the contributions of volunteers and organisers. The series, delivered in English and free to the public, included teachings from various saints and thinkers and drew audiences from diverse backgrounds.
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The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed
Kew Gardens will shut its iconic Palm House for up to four years
Grade I-listed building to undergo major restoration as part of net-zero strategy
Gas boilers to be replaced with modern heat pumps
Rare plant collection, including 45 endangered species, to be relocated during works
Palm House and Waterlily House will become the first net-zero glasshouses globally
Historic Palm House to undergo major upgrade
Kew Gardens will temporarily close one of its most recognisable landmarks, the Grade I-listed Palm House, for up to four years as part of an ambitious net-zero redevelopment plan. Opened in 1848, the glasshouse is home to a globally significant collection of tropical plants and houses the world’s oldest potted plant—an Encephalartos altensteinii dating back to 1775.
The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed into the world’s first net-zero glasshouses through a large-scale renovation focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Plans to modernise historic infrastructure
The project, submitted last week to Richmond-upon-Thames borough council, will replace ageing gas boilers—installed more than 100 years ago—with modern heat pumps. These upgrades are designed to help Kew Gardens meet its sustainability targets while preserving the conditions required to house rare tropical species.
Each pane of glass in the structure will be removed and recycled. New, more robust glazing will be fitted using advanced sealants designed to retain heat and humidity, crucial for plant survival.
The Palm House’s iron ribs will also be stripped, repaired and repainted in the original colour used when the structure first opened.
Funding for the scheme will come from a combination of grants and private investment.
Protecting rare and endangered plant life
During the renovation, the entire plant collection—comprising towering palms, passion plants, and 45 species at risk of extinction—will be carefully relocated to temporary glasshouses to ensure their survival.
Tom Pickering, head of glasshouse collections at Kew, described the project as both a dream and a major responsibility. “The aim is to make the Palm House energy efficient while retaining all the magic of what it is today in terms of planting and horticulture,” he said.
Reviving a global icon with modern innovation
Richard Deverell, director of Kew Gardens, emphasised the urgency of the work, saying: “The Palm House and Waterlily House represented the latest in design and build at the time of their construction, but they are showing serious signs of deterioration and are not at all energy efficient.”
“Without urgent work, these iconic listed buildings and the vital tropical plants they protect are at risk of being lost forever,” he added.
Deverell called the project an “epic opportunity” to combine cutting-edge technology with heritage conservation. He said architects, engineers and Kew’s horticultural team have already spent years developing and testing the features that will help secure the buildings’ future.
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PIA said it planned to resume flights to Britain in 'the shortest possible time', starting with services from Islamabad to Manchester.
THE United Kingdom has lifted restrictions on Pakistani airlines, ending a five-year ban on the country's national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the UK embassy in Islamabad said on Wednesday.
PIA was barred from operating in the UK in June 2020, a month after one of its aircraft crashed into a street in Karachi, killing nearly 100 people. The crash was linked to human error by both the pilots and air traffic controllers. The incident was followed by allegations that nearly one-third of Pakistani pilots held fake or dubious licences.
The UK Air Safety Committee decided to lift the ban following improvements in aviation safety in Pakistan, the British High Commission in Islamabad said. It added that decisions on de-listing states and air carriers were made “through an independent aviation safety process”.
“Based on this independent and technically-driven process, it has decided to remove Pakistan and its air carriers from the (UK Air Safety) List,” the statement said.
This development follows the European Union lifting a four-year ban on PIA earlier in the year, which led to the resumption of PIA’s flights to Europe in January.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the UK’s decision “an important milestone for the country”.
“The lifting of the ban on Pakistani flights by the UK is a source of relief for Pakistanis residing in Britain,” he said in a statement.
PIA said it planned to resume flights to Britain in “the shortest possible time”, starting with services from Islamabad to Manchester.
Aviation minister Khawaja Asif said the ban had caused financial losses. “Confidence is being restored in Pakistani airlines once again,” he said during a press conference in Islamabad.
PIA, which has 7,000 employees, has faced long-standing issues, including unpaid bills, safety concerns, and regulatory challenges. The government has stated it is committed to privatising the debt-laden airline and has been looking for a buyer.
In 2024, a deal failed after a potential buyer reportedly offered far less than the asking price.
PIA was established in 1955 when the government took over a struggling commercial airline. It grew rapidly until the 1990s.
(With inputs from agencies)
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It was painted in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton when Gandhi visited London. (Photo: Bonhams)
A RARE oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, believed to be the only one he sat for the artist to paint, has fetched triple its estimate at £152,800 in a Bonhams auction in London.
The painting, which had never before been offered at auction, had been on offer for an online auction with a guide price range between £50,000 and £70,000 and was the top lot of the Travel and Exploration sale, which concluded on Tuesday (15).
The portrait artist, Clare Leighton, was introduced to Gandhi when he visited London in 1931 to attend the Second Round Table Conference.
"Thought to be the only oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi which he sat for, this was a very special work, which had never before been offered at auction," said Rhyanon Demery, Bonhams head of sale.
"Completed in London by the artist Clare Leighton, mainly known for her wood engravings, this work was a testament to Gandhi's power to connect with people far and wide, and presented a lasting document of an important moment in history."
It remained in the artist's collection until her death in 1989, after which it was passed down through her family.
"It is no wonder that this work sparked such interest across the globe," added Demery.
At the time of painting it, Leighton was in a relationship with the political journalist Henry Noel Brailsford. A passionate supporter of Indian independence, Brailsford had travelled to the country in 1930, later publishing the book 'Rebel India' in support of the Indian independence cause.
It was through this connection that Leighton was introduced to Gandhi when Brailsford first met him at the Round Table Conference.
Bonhams said that Leighton was one of the very few artists admitted to his office and was allowed to sit with him on multiple occasions to sketch and paint his likeness.
In November 1931, Leighton showcased her portrait of Gandhi in an exhibition at the Albany Galleries in London. Journalist Winifred Holtby attended the opening and wrote about the event in her column for the trade union magazine The Schoolmistress, stating: "Members of Parliament and ex-Members, artists, journalists and art critics, stood among exquisite Indian women in bright saris, and the dignified figures of some of the chief Hindu representatives at the Conference. Mrs Naidu, the statesman-poet, was there... and Sir Purshotamdas Thakurdas, one of the Mahatma's colleagues."
Gandhi himself did not attend the party, but it was noted that he was vitally present in the works on display, which included the portrait of him in oil.
Describing the painting in more detail, Holtby said at the time: "The little man squats bare-headed, in his blanket, one finger raised, as it often is to emphasise a point, his lips parted for a word that is almost a smile. That is very much as I saw him when he came as guest to a big luncheon in Westminster at which I was present a little while ago.
"He was the political leader there, the subtle negotiator, the manipulator of Congress, the brilliant lawyer, the statesman who knows just how to play on the psychology of friends and enemies alike."
The following month, Gandhi's personal secretary Mohadev Desai wrote a letter to Leighton, a copy of which is attached to the backing board of the portrait.
It reads: "It was such a pleasure to have had you here for many mornings doing Mr Gandhi's portrait. I am sorry I didn't see the final result, but many of my friends who saw it in the Albany Gallery said to me that it was a good likeness. I am quite sure Gandhi has no objection to its being reproduced."
There does not appear to be any record of Leighton's oil portrait of Gandhi being exhibited again until 1978, when the Boston Public Library staged an exhibition of Leighton's work. However, according to the artist's family, the portrait was thought to have been on public display in 1974 when it was attacked with a knife by a person.
A label attached to the backing board confirms that the painting was restored in 1974 by the Lyman Allyn Museum Conservation Laboratory.