Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian classical music superstars visit Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Indian classical music superstars visit Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

TIES between British and Indian musicians got a boost last week with a visit by four classical music superstars to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Acclaimed singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, leading flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, legendary keyboardist and producer Louiz Banks joined tabla maestro Zakir Hussain during the visit.


Organised by BCU India and West Midlands India Partnership, the event saw the artists – share advice and stories with the audience in the Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall, before enjoying performances from RBC percussion and brass students.

Dr Shirley Thompson, interim principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Zakir, Shankar, Rakesh, Louiz and guests...share in their passion, joy and enthusiasm for music with students, staff, partners, and supporters, and present some of the outstanding talent on offer at the Conservatoire to all."

More For You

uk-india-defence-ties

The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UK’s permanent secretary David Williams. (Photo: X/@UKDefenceIndia)

India, UK review defence ties, agree to boost collaboration

INDIA and the United Kingdom reviewed their defence relationship at the 24th Defence Consultative Group meeting held in London this week, with a focus on strengthening defence industry collaboration and supporting the 'Make in India' initiative.

The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UK’s permanent secretary David Williams. Both sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bradford drivers to keep decals despite safety concerns

Passengers prefer taxis with clear company and licensing signs

Bradford drivers to keep decals despite safety concerns

PRIVATE hire drivers in Bradford will still be required to display decals on the side of their cars, despite claims that they make them targets of attacks.

Dozens of drivers piled into Bradford City Hall last Thursday (10) to hear councillors discuss plans to make changes to its taxi licensing conditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sunak rewards allies with honours in farewell list
Theresa Villiers
Theresa Villiers

Sunak rewards allies with honours in farewell list

FORMER prime minister Rishi Sunak rewarded his former cabinet colleagues, Downing Street aides and advisers in his resignation honours list released by the government last Friday (11).

The former housing secretary Michael Gove and former transport secretary Mark Harper were among seven allies elevated with life peerages, while former ministers Andrew Mitchell and Theresa Villiers were conferred with Knight and Dame Commander honours, respectively.

Keep ReadingShow less
JD-Usha-Vance-Getty

Vance’s visit comes amid growing global concerns over president Donald Trump’s tariff policy. (Photo: Getty Images)

JD Vance and wife Usha to visit India from April 21 to 24; to meet Modi

US VICE PRESIDENT JD Vance and his wife Usha will visit India from April 21 to 24. During the visit, Vance will meet prime minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to discuss the proposed bilateral trade agreement and ways to strengthen India-US ties.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the visit on Wednesday. Vance's office also released a separate statement confirming the trip.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bangladeshi men duped into fighting for Russia, say families

Russia is said to be recruiting south Asians to replenish its war ranks

Bangladeshi men duped into fighting for Russia, say families

YOUNG Bangladeshi men desperate for work have alleged they were tricked into fighting for Russia against Ukraine, with the reported death of a 22-year-old triggering anxious calls from relatives.

Bangladesh’s embassy in Moscow said around a dozen families have contacted them seeking to bring back their sons they allege were duped into joining the Russian army.

Keep ReadingShow less