A new documentary on Sachin Tendulkar's eventful career that culminated with winning the World Cup in 2011, is set to be screened on the eve of the former Indian cricketer's 44th birthday.
Titled Little Master, the film will be aired on Sony ESPN Channel on April 23.
Documenting the historic win of the Indian cricket team six years ago, the production will illustrate how a sport and one man can redefine the rise of a nation over the course of a few weeks.
"For Indian cricket fans and Sachin admirers, it's always a great story to relive and celebrate. I was fortunate to spend some time with Sachin and hear from him what it meant to win the 2011 World Cup.
"The teammates also describe their journey together and what it meant to them to be able to deliver that elusive World Cup to Sachin - it makes for a pretty great story," says Gotham Chopra, who has directed the film.
The story highlights the team's victory as "one man's meeting with history and a team's meeting with greatness".
Sharma says, the film also projects the significance of team sport like Cricket.
"This is the true story of how the burden of an entire nation, desperately craving entry into the global elite, bends and almost breaks the collective aspirations of a country, but then is rescued by the power and transcendence of a team sport," he says.
ESPN films will also showcase two other documentaries - The Birth of Big Air that chronicles the life of BMX legend Mat Hoffman, and Free Spirits, which tells the intriguing story of the Spirits of St Louis, the team that lived at the end of the American Basketball Association but did not survive the ABA NBA merger.
India's defence minister Rajnath Singh said, 'I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure.' (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider its decision to approve a $1 billion loan to Pakistan, alleging that Islamabad was using the funds to support terrorism.
"I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure," Singh told troops at an air force base in western India. "I believe any economic assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than funding terror."
India and Pakistan had engaged in missile, drone and artillery strikes last week before a ceasefire began on Saturday.
The IMF last week approved a review of its loan programme for Pakistan, unlocking about $1 billion and approving a further $1.4 billion bailout. India objected to the decision but abstained from the review vote.
India, which represents Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on the IMF board, said in a finance ministry statement that it had "concerns over the efficacy of IMF programmes in case of Pakistan given its poor track record".
Pakistan was on the verge of default in 2023 amid a political crisis and economic downturn. The IMF extended a $7 billion bailout to Pakistan last year, its 24th such assistance since 1958.
Singh said, "It is now clear that in Pakistan terrorism and their government are hand in glove with each other.
"In this situation there is a possibility that their nuclear weapons could get their way into the hands of terrorists. This is a danger not just for Pakistan but the entire world."
The recent fighting between India and Pakistan began on May 7, when India launched strikes on what it called "terrorist camps" in Pakistan. The strikes followed an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
India blamed Pakistan for supporting the terrorists it said were responsible for the attack. Pakistan has denied the charge.
The four-day exchange of missiles, drones and artillery killed around 70 people on both sides, including dozens of civilians.
SIR OLIVER DOWDEN MP and businessman Koolesh Shah have been appointed co-chairs of the Conservative Friends of India (CF India), following the resignation of Ameet Jogia MBE and Reena Ranger OBE, who had led the organisation since 2019.
Jogia and Ranger stepped down after a five-year term that saw CF India grow into the Conservative party’s largest affiliate group, a statement said. The group was founded by Lord Dolar Popat with prime minister David Cameron in 2012.
Appointed by then-prime minister Boris Johnson, their leadership coincided with two general elections, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the appointment of Britain’s first prime minister of Indian origin, Rishi Sunak.
Sir Oliver is a senior Tory MP who has held several ministerial roles, including deputy prime minister and secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport. Shah, founder of the London Town Group, is active in philanthropy and community work, particularly in education and social mobility. Sir Oliver and Shah said, “It is a privilege to take on this responsibility and build on the outstanding work of Ameet and Reena. CF India plays a vital role in ensuring that the voice of the British Indian community is heard, valued, and represented in the political mainstream, especially during this highly sensitive time. We are committed to deepening that engagement, supporting the next generation of leaders, and continuing to celebrate the values we share – from entrepreneurship to public service, and from community cohesion to our enduring ties with India.”
Under the outgoing co-chairs, CF India said it significantly strengthened the party’s engagement with British Indian communities. According to the statement, the group played a key role in the 2024 general election, contributing to the Tory victory in Leicester East, where the party’s vote share rose from 11 per cent in 2001 to 49 per cent.
Jogia and Ranger also oversaw the development of outreach, training, and fundraising initiatives. They credited CF India’s director, Nayaz Qazi, and grassroots supporters for their contributions to the group’s progress.
In their farewell statement, Jogia and Ranger said, “We leave with immense pride, having brought vibrancy, energy, and renewed purpose to an organisation that has been integral to our political journeys from the start. We will always support CF India and its new leadership.”
Online blackjack is gaining momentum in New Zealand's digital gaming scene. With the convenience of playing from home, more Kiwis are turning to this classic card game for entertainment.
The rise of mobile gaming and improved internet access have made it easier than ever to join a virtual table. As the online casino industry grows, blackjack remains a favourite choice for many in New Zealand.
A New Era of Gaming in New Zealand
New Zealand is stepping into a new era of gaming, and it's all happening online. While traditional casinos still exist, some Kiwis are choosing the convenience of digital gaming.
Playing from home or on the go drives the shift from physical casinos to online platforms. Players can play anytime with a smartphone and a stable internet connection.
Smartphone access and faster internet have played a huge role in this change. Participating in an online game is simpler than ever, regardless of where you live. This accessibility has made online gaming more inclusive and widespread nationwide.
The government has also introduced safer gaming regulations. These rules are designed to protect players and ensure fair play.
Blackjack stands out among the games that are gaining popularity. Many players turn to regulated and licensed New Zealand blackjack platforms that offer fun and secure games. These sites combine classic blackjack gameplay with modern convenience on the go.
Why Online Blackjack?
Blackjack is known for having straightforward rules that make it accessible for new players while offering enough complexity for those interested in strategy. This combination of simplicity and decision-making creates a game structure that appeals to a wide range of participants.
Through online formats, players can engage in rounds hosted by live dealers, providing real-time interaction without relying solely on automated software.
Live dealer technology has introduced a different approach to online blackjack by enabling players to interact with human dealers during gameplay. This format allows participants to observe every move as it happens in real time.
Social and Interactive Elements
Some New Zealanders participate in online blackjack as part of broader digital gaming experiences that involve both gameplay and social interaction. Joining live tables allows players to interact with others in real time, exchange strategies, and communicate throughout the session.
The social features of online blackjack add a layer of real-time communication to the gaming environment. Players can share observations, discuss approaches to play, and connect during matches, making the experience more collaborative compared to purely solo games. For some, this interaction offers a way to engage with others while taking a break from daily routines.
Within New Zealand’s digital gaming landscape, online blackjack is one of several activities that provides structured, real-time interaction among participants. It represents one example of how traditional games are being adapted to connect players in new, digitally enabled formats.
The Growing Shift to Digital Platforms
As technology continues to evolve, digital platforms are becoming a more common way for people to connect, compete, and collaborate. The ability to interact in real time, access a wide variety of games, and engage from virtually anywhere has made online experiences more popular.
While in-person games and gatherings still hold strong cultural value, digital formats offer new levels of accessibility and convenience. As these platforms continue to improve, offering more ways to interact and play together, they may increasingly complement—or even replace—traditional, in-person experiences for many users.
Smart investing isn’t about luck; it’s about managing risk. Every investment carries some uncertainty, but the right strategy can measure and control those risks. That’s what sets investing apart from gambling—take online roulette, for example. Players bet knowing the odds are stacked against them, hoping for a lucky spin.
Investing, on the other hand, is grounded in planning, research, and clear goals.
Investors can make choices that match their risk profile by thinking ahead and understanding potential downsides. In the end, successful investing is more about discipline than chance.
Understanding Risk in Investing
Risk means your investments might not perform as expected in the market. Sometimes you gain, and other times you may lose. But not all risks are the same. Some risks can be controlled, like how much you invest in one company, or whether you choose bonds over stocks.
Others are out of your hands, like market crashes or political events.
This is where diversification and asset allocation come in. Spreading your investments across different assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, helps reduce the impact of one poor performer. It’s about balance and preparation, not guessing.
Some people compare investing to gambling, but the two couldn’t be more different. For example, playing online roulette is purely a game of chance. The player has no control over the outcome, and the odds are always tilted in favour of the house. Every spin is random, and strategies rarely improve your chances over time. People might feel excitement or chase losses, but there’s little room for planning.
This mindset can be dangerous if carried into investing. Unlike roulette, smart investing relies on research, patience, and long-term strategy.
Understanding your comfort level with risk and being honest about your financial goals can help you avoid costly decisions. Where gambling is short-term and emotional, investing should be steady and informed—learning to tell the difference when managing risk can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
The Psychology of Risk: Investing vs. Gambling
Investing and gambling both involve risk, but the mindsets behind them differ significantly. Investors typically focus on long-term growth, making decisions based on research and strategic planning. Gamblers, however, often rely on chance rather than analysis.
Cognitive biases can cloud judgment in both arenas. Overconfidence may lead individuals to overestimate their knowledge or control over outcomes.
The gambler's fallacy, believing that past random events affect future ones, can result in misguided decisions. Loss aversion, where the pain of losses outweighs the pleasure of gains, might cause premature selling of investments or chasing losses in gambling.
Emotional reactions can derail sound decision-making. Disciplined strategies, such as setting clear goals and adhering to a plan, often outperform impulsive choices driven by fear or excitement.
The Mechanics of Chance
Ever wondered why flipping a coin lands heads about half the time? That's probability at work—a mathematical way to measure how likely something is to happen. Think of it as a scale from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain). So, a fair coin has a 0.5 chance of landing heads.
Probability isn't just for games; it's behind weather forecasts, sports predictions, and even your favourite streaming recommendations.
There are two main types: theoretical probability, which is based on logical reasoning (like calculating the chance of drawing an ace from a deck), and experimental probability, which comes from actual experiments or past data. Both help us make informed guesses in uncertain situations.
Understanding probability helps us make better decisions, from choosing insurance plans to planning events. It's not about predicting the future with certainty but about making educated guesses based on available information.
Establishing a Risk Management Framework
Investing shares similarities with games of chance as both involve uncertainty and the potential for gain or loss. However, successful investors, like skilled gamblers, rely on structured strategies rather than luck.
A solid risk management framework is essential. According to the CFA Institute, such a framework includes risk governance, identification, measurement, mitigation, and monitoring. This structure helps investors make informed decisions and align with their financial goals.
Key components involve:
Diversification: Spreading investments across various assets to reduce exposure to any single risk.
Setting Clear Limits: Determining acceptable levels of risk and adhering to them.
Regular Monitoring: Continuously reviewing and adjusting the investment portfolio as needed.
Just as a seasoned gambler knows when to bet and when to fold, disciplined investors understand the importance of when to go long and when to cut losses. By implementing a thorough risk management system, investors can confidently handle market uncertainties.
Strategy Over Luck Every Time
Risk is part of the game, be it in investing or gambling. But here's the key difference: savvy investors don’t just hope for the best, they plan for it. With a solid risk management strategy, you don’t leave your future to chance. You shape it.
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Dipesh Vaja, Raj Haria, Manish Shah, Miloni Tanna, Bharat Shah, Hatul Shah, Kamal Shah and Rajiv Shah at the 15th annual Sigma Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan
COMMUNITY pharmacy has a “vital role to play in rebuilding” the NHS, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said, referring to a recent announcement of record funding for the sector.
He said ministers want to capitalise on the clinical expertise of pharmacists as the Labour government is determined to fix the “broken” NHS inherited from successive Conservative administrations.
His remarks were delivered in a message to delegates at the 15th annual Sigma Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“This government is developing a 10 Year Health Plan to reform the NHS to make it fit for the future,” said Starmer.
“Pharmacies play a key role in enabling the shift from hospital to community and from treatment to prevention.
“We are expanding their (community pharmacists) role by accelerating the rollout of independent prescribing to support this plan.”
An estimated 33 per cent of pharmacists are currently independent prescribers and, from September 2026, all newly qualified pharmacists will be independent prescribers on the day of registration.
As independent prescribers, pharmacists can take pressure off GPs and A&E services by assessing and diagnosing patients and, where necessary, prescribe medication for a range of clinical conditions, and vaccination programmes.
Hatul Shah
With more independent prescribers foraying into community pharmacy, NHS England plans to commission more clinical services to ensure patients have easier access to care and therefore reducing delays in treatment.
Independent prescribing builds on the Pharmacy First scheme, launched across England in January 2024; it lets patients receive treatment for seven common conditions directly from a pharmacist, without a GP appointment or prescription.
These include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
“The Department of Health and Social Care recently announced a package that will see record investment and reform in order to support the sector,” Starmer told the Sigma conference.
“We’ve agreed with community pharmacy England to increase the community pharmacy contractual framework to £3.073 billion. This represents the largest increase in funding of any part of the NHS – more than 19 per cent across, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 – which recognises that community pharmacy plays a vital role in our healthcare system.”
Among the 135 delegates were healthcare leaders and pharma industry representatives, who gathered in Baku to explore the theme ‘The future of the NHS through integrated leadership’.
British ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld, said there was a huge demand for UK goods and services to support the growth of Azerbaijan’s fast developing health sector.
“With the government here very much focused on reform and investment, I’m proud to welcome all of you, but especially a fantastic business like Sigma to Azerbaijan for this important event and to support companies in expanding into this market,” said Auld.
Olivier Picard
“Sigma’s roots as a family-run business with 45 years of history in north London, growing to hundreds of employees supplying pharmacies across the UK with high quality and well-priced products is an inspiring story of growth in one of the UK’s most important sectors.”
Sigma Pharmaceuticals was founded by Dr Bharat Shah and his brothers Manish and Kamal.
Current CEO Hatul Shah said community pharmacy is becoming “a more integrated clinical and strategic partner in NHS delivery”. However, he stressed that community pharmacy needs more funding to meet the demands of delivering additional clinical services.
The pharmacy contract is still wellshort of the funding level recommended by a recent independent economic analysis of community pharmacy; it found the cost of providing NHS pharmaceutical services in England equated to £5.063bn. The report said nearly 80 per cent of pharmacies are “unsustainable” in the short term, with an estimated 800 having shut in the past four years.
“The recent contract announcement confirms the move towards a servicebased model is real. But, let’s be honest, it’s happening in a climate of flat funding, rising workload and intense workforce pressure,” said Hatul.
“Over the next few days, we’ll hear from people influencing the direction of NHS priorities, regulation and service expansion, but just as important, we’ll hear from you, those delivering care in the heart of community every day.
“This conference has always been about connection and clarity. It’s a space to reflect, to share practical ideas and to consider what comes next, not in theory, but in reality.
Fergus Auld speak on pharmacy’s evolving role
“Sigma remains committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with you, championing your voice, supporting your growth, and helping ensure that community pharmacy not only survives, but thrives.”
In his remarks, National Pharmacy Association (NPA) chair, Olivier Picard, described community pharmacy as “the most human profession that there is”.
Picard, himself the owner of four pharmacies, changed his business model from relying heavily on dispensing medicine to one that provides more services to the community it serves.
“It’s always been about the people, the service we offer, and our communities. I believe in our people and I believe in community,” he said. “When done right, pharmacy is probably the most human profession that there is.”
Picard said healthcare professionals across disciplines should work together to ensure the NHS can cater for the diverse needs of its patients.
“What I’m most proud of is the multidisciplinary approach in our pharmacies. We work with local pharmacists, nurses, paramedics to offer a wide range of NHS and private services,” he added.
“Community pharmacy has worked hard for years to establish themselves. We stayed open during the pandemic when so many others closed. Our future really lies at the heart of the NHS as an integrated part of offering NHS services.”