THE daughter of an NHS doctor has praised her father for inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine, noting the contribution of migrants and their children to the beloved health service.
Dr Binita Kane’s father Professor Bim Bhowmick is a specialist in geriatric medicine, who served in the NHS for more than 47 years until his retirement in 2017.
Inspired by her father from an early age, Binita admitted that she did not want to pursue anything else but medicine. Her elder brother Arnab is a consultant surgeon in Preston.
“It wasn’t because we were told we must go into the NHS and this is the only job in the world – it really came inherently from within us,” Binita told Eastern Eye. “I saw how hard my dad worked and how passionate he was about his patients when I was growing up.
“We went through that journey with him as he reached the dizzy heights of his career and that is hugely inspiring.”
Her father’s journey to the NHS did not come without hardships, however. Professor Bhowmick is a survivor of Partition, when British India was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947, after gaining freedom from the British. An estimated two million people are thought to have died at the time.
Born in a small village in east Bengal, which was then part of India, Bim was one of 10 children. When he was six years old, he and his family were driven out of their home in the first outbreak of Partition violence. Although they managed to escape their village and were helped to safety, they became refugees and Bim’s father Jamini sadly died of starvation soon after.
Shortly before his death, Jamini had urged his son to strive for a career in medicine. “I saw how (my father) suffered,” Bim, now 80, told Eastern Eye. “He perished within six weeks (of our escape) and he asked me to be a doctor as his dying wish. That led me to the commitment and the passion (I have today). I wanted to help older people.”
His father’s words stayed with Bim throughout his life and he worked hard to pass his exams and earn a scholarship. After he graduated from a medical school in West Bengal state, Bim arrived in the UK in 1969 with his wife Aparna. The couple had only £3.50 in their pockets and no job at the time.
They lived in the home of a fellow doctor and faced a number of difficulties in the initial years. At first, Bim struggled to find work and the couple had no source of income. There were also some language barriers and cultural differences which proved challenging when Bim eventually found a job at a hospital.
“You’d just assume you know what you’re doing because of what you’d been taught at medical school, you didn’t think about the other challenges,” Bim explained. “When I got my first job, there was no induction or anything – you were thrown right in the deep end.
“Seeing the patient was no problem, as we’d been trained and we had the knowledge, but the system was so different in the UK from that in India.”
Reflecting on her father’s experiences, Binita said it was important to note the hardships foreign doctors faced when they first arrived in the UK. Many arrived with no money or work and faced racism and prejudice – yet, undeterred, they worked hard to offer their services to the NHS.
“So many people who came in that position went on to be pioneers, helping to develop and create new systems within the NHS despite all the racism, the barriers and the challenges they faced,” she said. “Despite being up against that, they still managed to achieve amazing things.”
Eventually settling down in Rhyl, north Wales in 1974, Bim and Aparna carved successful careers for themselves in the health services. Aparna, who sadly passed away last year, specialised in dermatology and psychiatry.
Meanwhile, Bim focused on geriatric medicine. During his long career in the NHS, Bim received a number of accolades for his work with elderly patients. In 2000, he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his contribution to the development of elderly care services in Wales. He received the Lifetime Achievement NHS Wales Award in 2009.
Now based in Manchester, his daughter Binita has forged out her own successful career in the health service and works as a consultant respiratory physician. Although still relatively early in her consultant career, she has led development of integrated respiratory services in Manchester and has leaderships roles at Greater Manchester and National level.
Binita said she is “extremely passionate” about her job, and stressed she had no financial motivation within her line of work. She is driven by wanting to help her patients.
“I think that we are incredibly privileged that we can do a job where we serve other people,” the mother-of-two explained. “Making a difference is what drives you, not all of those other things. It is inherent – there is definitely something running through our family and it binds us, in terms of how we feel about (our work).”
Seeing his children’s achievements in the NHS makes Bim “extremely proud”, he said. They have dedication and commitment for the health service, he said, and have worked to improve the system. “They really put their whole effort into it,” Bim said. “They have worked together to advance the NHS practise and improve the quality of care.
“They want to make changes, to transform it and to deliver service in a different way.”
Among the four members of the family who have all worked in the NHS, Binita tallied up they have contributed approximately 120 years of service.
“People like my dad were fundamental in building the NHS as an institution,” she added. “Immigrants who came to this country did amazing things for the NHS and now their offspring are doing amazing things too, and it has been carried on throughout the generations.”
Asked what the NHS meant to him, Bim described the institution as “his life, his religion”. Commenting on the 72nd birthday celebrations of the NHS, he praised the services for “doing such wonderful and unique things”.
“My late wife once said that I live for my children and I am married to the NHS,” he recalled. “There is a lot to be done for the NHS in the future and I hope that from the pandemic, positive things come for the NHS from it and we can change things for better."
Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.
He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.
“Discussions have been going on in a positive atmosphere with seriousness since March. It is progressing, and both the countries are satisfied with the progress,” Goyal told reporters. On Wednesday, he had also said that India is in “active dialogue” with the United States.
Trump this week said there would be “no difficulty” for the two countries to reach a successful conclusion and that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Modi in the coming weeks. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote he was “pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations.”
Modi responded on X, welcoming Trump’s statement and expressing confidence that the negotiations would help unlock the potential of the partnership. He said India and the US are close friends and natural partners and are working to conclude the discussions at the earliest.
The two countries have completed five rounds of negotiations since March. The sixth round, scheduled to take place in India last month, was deferred after Washington imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over purchases of Russian crude oil.
The aim of the pact is to more than double bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 500 billion by 2030 from the current USD 191 bn. Trade ties have been strained due to tariffs, with the US imposing a 50 per cent import duty on Indian goods from August 27. The move has hit exports from labour-intensive sectors such as shrimp, textiles, leather and footwear. India has described the tariffs as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.
Talks have also been delayed over US demands for greater access in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. India has said repeatedly that it will not compromise the interests of small and marginal farmers and cattle rearers.
The US is India’s largest trading partner. In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods was USD 131.8 bn, with India’s exports at USD 86.5 bn and imports at USD 45.3 bn. The US is also the third-largest investor in India, with foreign direct investment of USD 76.26 bn between April 2000 and June 2025, accounting for 10 per cent of India’s total FDI inflows.
On protests in Nepal, Goyal said the Indian government is monitoring the situation and working to bring back Indian citizens stranded there. He added that the Indian mission in Nepal is ready to provide support and expressed hope for normalcy to return soon.
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West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. (Representational image: iStock)
A WOMAN in her 20s was raped in Oldbury in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack.
West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. Officers said the men made a racist remark during the incident.
Chief Supt Kim Madill of Sandwell Police said: “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way. We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.”
The first suspect has been described as white, with a shaved head and of heavy build, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves. The second man was also white, wearing a grey top with a silver zip. Police said the incident is being treated as isolated and urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 798 of September 9.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators reportedly told the woman: “You don't belong in this country, get out.” Dabinderjit Singh of the group said the attack happened “in broad daylight on a busy road” and criticised politicians for failing to condemn it.
Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan said on X the case was “a truly horrific attack” and that police were treating it as a hate crime and working “extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace.”
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The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the 'UK's biggest free speech festival.' (Photo: Getty Images)
More than 1,600 officers deployed across London on Saturday
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson to lead "Unite the Kingdom" march
Anti-racism groups to stage counter-protests in Whitehall
Police impose conditions on routes and timings of demonstrations
LONDON police will deploy more than 1,600 officers across the city on Saturday as rival demonstrations take place, including a rally organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and a counter-protest by anti-racism campaigners.
The "Unite the Kingdom" march, called by Robinson, is due to gather near Waterloo Bridge and head towards the southern end of Whitehall for a rally.
The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the "UK's biggest free speech festival." He has urged supporters to join "for freedom, for your children, and for Charlie Kirk," referring to the American conservative activist shot dead this week in Utah.
Robinson added in a message: "Bring your smiles, flags, and patriotic pride. No masks, open alcohol, or violence." He said the event will also feature far-right figures from Europe and North America. Among those expected are French politician Eric Zemmour, Petr Bystron of Germany’s AfD party, commentator Katie Hopkins, and Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson.
Stand Up To Racism will stage a counter-protest at the other end of Whitehall. Organisers have called Robinson’s event "a festival of hate."
Police security measures
The Metropolitan Police said barriers will be in place to keep the two groups apart. Around 1,000 officers will be specifically on duty for the marches, with 500 reinforcements drafted in from other forces. Police have imposed conditions on the routes and timings, requiring both demonstrations to end by the evening.
"We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur," said Commander Clair Haynes, who is leading the operation.
The force said the policing plan also takes into account other large events on Saturday, including Premier League football matches and concerts.
Wider political context
A similar rally held by Robinson in July 2024 drew tens of thousands. He has said he expects hundreds of thousands to attend on Saturday.
The demonstration comes after months of tensions in Britain over immigration, freedom of speech, and government restrictions. More than 28,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, with asylum claims reaching record levels.
Last month, the government banned the group Palestine Action, sparking large protests. Nearly 900 people were arrested at a London rally last Saturday against the ban. Critics have also accused authorities of targeting free speech, following the arrest of Irish writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow Airport over online comments. Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by urging police to focus on "the most serious issues," while Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley said laws should be changed so that officers are not "policing toxic culture wars debates."
Robinson’s background
Robinson, 42, has long been active in far-right movements in England. He has a string of criminal convictions but maintains a large online following.
His influence grew after his account on X was reinstated in late 2023 following Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform.
Musk has shared Robinson’s posts and previously called for his release from prison after an 18-month contempt of court sentence in 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)
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At 40, Bhatt is the only person of Indian origin in this group, which includes figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIAN-AMERICAN entrepreneur Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of the commission-free trading platform Robinhood, has been named among the 10 youngest billionaires in the United States in the 2025 Forbes 400 list.
At 40, Bhatt is the only person of Indian origin in this group, which includes figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. Forbes estimates his net worth at around USD 6–7 billion (£4.4–5.1 billion), primarily from his roughly 6 per cent ownership in Robinhood.
Bhatt was born in 1984 in Poquoson, Virginia, to immigrant parents from Gujarat, India. His father, an aerospace engineer, worked at NASA. He grew up in a household where English was a second language and money was limited. He later attended Stanford University, where he studied physics and earned a master’s degree in mathematics.
In 2013, Bhatt co-founded Robinhood with Vlad Tenev, a fellow Stanford graduate. The platform introduced commission-free stock trading to retail investors in the United States and later expanded into retirement accounts and high-yield savings products. The company gained widespread attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, when trading activity surged around so-called meme stocks.
Robinhood went public in 2021 at the height of the retail investing boom. Bhatt served as co-CEO with Tenev until 2020, when he moved into the role of chief creative officer. In 2024, he stepped down from his executive position but continues to serve on Robinhood’s board of directors while retaining his 6 per cent stake.
Robinhood’s stock has seen significant gains over the past year, rising by about 400 per cent. The increase has been linked to a boost in cryptocurrency-related sales, new products such as individual retirement accounts and high-yield savings, and a strong performance in 2024, when the company reported USD 3 billion (£2.2 billion) in revenue.
Bhatt’s recognition in the Forbes 400 list underscores the continuing influence of technology entrepreneurs in the American financial sector. His career reflects the trajectory of several Indian-origin leaders in the United States, who have made a mark in technology and finance in recent years.
Forbes’ annual ranking of the 400 wealthiest Americans is based on estimates of net worth, which include publicly disclosed stakes in companies, real estate holdings, and other assets. Bhatt joins the ranks of young billionaires who have built fortunes through technology-driven ventures.
In addition to his role with Robinhood, Bhatt has been noted for his early life influences. Growing up in Virginia, he was exposed to science and technology through his father’s aerospace career. His academic path at Stanford provided the foundation to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in financial technology.
Robinhood, under the leadership of Bhatt and Tenev, has changed how millions of Americans approach investing by lowering barriers to entry. While Bhatt is no longer in an executive role, his continued stake in the company keeps him closely tied to its growth and future direction.
Bhatt’s inclusion in the 2025 Forbes 400 as one of the youngest billionaires highlights his role in shaping retail investing and signals the growing presence of Indian-origin entrepreneurs in the US technology and finance industries.
(With agency inputs)
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Starmer dismissed Mandelson on Thursday after reading emails published by Bloomberg in which Mandelson defended Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction. (Photo: Getty Images)
A CABINET minister has said Peter Mandelson should not have been made UK ambassador to the US, as criticism mounted over prime minister Keir Starmer’s judgment in appointing him.
Douglas Alexander, the Scotland secretary, told the BBC that Mandelson’s appointment was seen as “high-risk, high-reward” but that newly revealed emails changed the situation.
“If Keir knew then what we know now, he would not have made that appointment,” he later told LBC.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson on Thursday after reading emails published by Bloomberg in which Mandelson defended Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction. Mandelson wrote to Epstein: “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened … Your friends stay with you and love you.”
Stephen Doughty, the Foreign Office minister, told MPs the messages showed Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”
Mandelson, who admitted during vetting that he had maintained links with Epstein and regretted doing so, is said to feel ill-treated.
Labour MPs criticised the handling of the affair. Paula Barker said the delay in removing Mandelson had “eroded trust,” Charlotte Nichols said he should “never have been appointed,” and Sadik Al-Hassan questioned the vetting process.
The episode has drawn wider scrutiny of Starmer’s decision-making. It comes after deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned last week over unpaid stamp duty. Some MPs turned attention to Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, who played a role in Mandelson’s appointment.
In a letter to staff, Mandelson said being ambassador was “the privilege of my life” and he regretted the circumstances of his departure. James Roscoe, his deputy, will serve as acting ambassador.
The Financial Times reported that Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson, is preparing to cut ties with him.