Indian mission in UK gets security boost as Sikh separatist continues to elude Punjab cops
Amritpal Singh, who supports Khalistan, claims to be a self-styled preacher and many of his supporters have been arrested during the manhunt since last Saturday
On Wednesday (22) James Cleverly, the UK foreign minister, announced that the security at the Indian High Commission in London will be reviewed in response to the "unacceptable acts of violence" that were committed against the mission's staff.
Reports have emerged that protesters, holding "Khalistan" banners, removed the Indian flag from the first-floor balcony of the diplomatic mission's building to protest against recent police action in India's Punjab state.
This action was condemned by India, which summoned the most senior British diplomat in New Delhi to protest against the actions taken by "separatist and extremist elements" against their mission in London.
On Sunday (19), a crowd had gathered outside the high commission's building, causing damage to the windows, leading to India demanding an explanation for the "complete absence of British security" around the premises.
The Hindu reported that at least a hundred police officers were standing guard on both sides of the road outside the High Commission in London on Wednesday (22).
Cleverly assured that a police investigation was ongoing and that necessary changes will be made to ensure the safety of the Indian mission's staff, as was done during demonstrations on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in India, Internet services continue to remain restricted in certain parts of northern Punjab state for the fourth day as thousands of police officers search for Sikh separatist leader Amritpal Singh.
The crackdown against Singh began a few weeks after his supporters stormed a police station and demanded the release of an aide who was arrested.
Over 100 of his supporters have been arrested during the manhunt since last Saturday.
Punjab's chief minister Bhagwant Mann has promised to take strict action against those spreading "anti-national sentiments" in the state.
Singh, who supports Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikhs, claims to be a self-styled preacher. His sudden rise to prominence has reignited memories of the 1980s insurgency in Punjab, which led to the deaths of thousands. Singh's current whereabouts are unknown.
The government has stated that all other suspects had been arrested, except for Singh, who was declared a fugitive by the Punjab police after he escaped in a dramatic car chase live-streamed by some of his associates on Saturday (18).
Since then, authorities have blocked internet services, restricted messages and deployed thousands of paramilitary soldiers to Punjab to search for him.
Six of his associates and an uncle have been charged under India's stringent National Security Act (NSA), and four of them were sent to a prison in the north-eastern state of Assam on Monday (20).
On Tuesday, the Punjab government partially lifted the internet ban, retaining it only in a few places until March 23.
Indian filmmaker and actor Uttera Singh is set to make her feature film debut at New York’s Tribeca Festival on 6 June with Pinch, a dark comedy tackling the issue of assault through an unexpected lens. The film has earned a spot in the prestigious International Narrative Competition, selected from over 14,000 global submissions, with just 150 entries making the final cut. Pinch is the only Indian feature competing this year and the first in three years to make it into Tribeca’s main competition line-up.
The 83-minute film, shot entirely in Indore over 24 days, follows travel blogger Maitri (played by Singh) and her conservative mother Shobha (played by Geeta Agrawal) as they confront the aftershocks of a local incident that many in their community would rather pretend never happened. Singh describes the film as an exploration of how silence and denial can become part of everyday life. “People call it a ‘small thing,’ but it’s not. Pinch is about those small things that leave a permanent scar,” she explains.
A still from Pinch
Locals from Indore played an active role in the shoot, offering their time, spaces, and moral support. Singh, who grew up in the city, says the community stood by her throughout. “Even under the scorching sun, they’d remind me, ‘You just focus on the film, we’re with you.’
A powerhouse cross-continental team
Singh is an alumna of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where she now teaches. She’s previously made waves with her short film Fanny Pack, which screened at over 80 film festivals and won 25 awards. With Pinch, she reunites with several creative collaborators. It is co-written and shot by Adam Linzey, with original music by Raashi Kulkarni. The sound design is by Jan Bezouška, and colour grading is done by Natasha Leonnet. Production design is helmed by Madhusudan N., and the editing team features Faroukh Virani, Louise Innes, and Vanessa Ruane.
Uttera's Pinch will premiere at Tribeca
Following a teaser release and trailer launch at Cannes, Pinch is now preparing for its Tribeca debut, a proud moment for Singh, Indore, and Indian indie cinema. She is also expected to be pitched for potential involvement in diaspora events, including ACTA.
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Ryanair issued a statement apologising to passengers affected by the incident
Eight passengers were injured when a Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan encountered severe turbulence and was forced to divert to an airport in southern Germany, Bavarian police have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, with the aircraft landing at Memmingen Airport, west of Munich, at 8.44pm local time (6.44pm GMT). Among those injured were a two-year-old child who suffered bruising and a woman with a head injury. Police said three individuals were taken to hospital for further treatment, while others received medical attention at the airport.
According to police, the flight was unable to land at its intended destination of Munich Airport due to poor weather conditions. The turbulence prompted the flight captain to call ahead for medical assistance, and the aircraft landed safely without further incident.
A total of 179 passengers and six crew members were on board the flight. As a precaution, all passengers were checked for injuries. The ages of those injured ranged from two to 59 years.
Ryanair issued a statement apologising to passengers affected by the incident. The airline said: “This flight from Berlin to Milan (5 June) diverted to Memmingen after experiencing severe turbulence over Germany. The captain requested medical assistance ahead of landing, and the aircraft landed normally. Ryanair sincerely apologises to passengers affected by this diversion.”
Following the landing, the Southern Bavaria Aviation Authority did not approve an onward flight on Wednesday evening. Ryanair arranged alternative transport to Milan for passengers that night and provided a replacement flight the following morning.
The airline did not confirm the cause of the turbulence but weather-related issues were cited by local authorities. The situation was handled on site by emergency responders and local officials.
The incident comes as parts of central Europe have experienced unsettled weather conditions this week, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Despite the unexpected diversion and injuries, police noted that the aircraft landed safely and that all necessary medical protocols were followed.
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Taylor Jones, Vinit Thakkar Kyran Jones and Sony Music India team up to launch THG India supporting Indian music globally
Sony Music India has announced a new partnership with Los Angeles-based entertainment company The Hello Group (THG) to form a joint venture called THG India. The new company is set to focus on developing Indian music talent and providing them with global touring and management opportunities.
This is the first collaboration of its kind by Sony Music India on an international scale, and it comes at a time when Indian music is drawing growing attention worldwide. THG India will operate from Mumbai and work through The Hello Group’s international network, aiming to provide end-to-end support for artists, from management and touring to publishing and promotion.
Sony Music India partners with Los Angeles-based The Hello Group to launch THG India
Bridging India’s music scene with the global stage
With India’s live music industry growing rapidly, the joint venture hopes to fill a major gap in professional artist support and global touring infrastructure. While Sony Music India brings local expertise and access to its platforms, THG adds global experience and connections.
“This is a big step forward for the Indian music industry and our creative talent,” said Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director of Sony Music India. “We’re combining our knowledge of the local scene with THG’s international touring and artist development strength to help Indian artists build lasting global careers.”
Taylor Jones, CEO of The Hello Group, said THG India would help unlock the full potential of Indian talent. “There’s a wave of energy and creativity in Indian music. Our aim is to offer these artists the tools and platform to take their work to international audiences.”
Taylor Jones, Vinit Thakkar and Kyran Jones join forces to launch THG Indiagetty images
Global success stories and big names behind the venture
The Hello Group’s publishing division, which is run in partnership with Sony Music Publishing, has already seen massive success across Asia. Their work includes chart-topping releases with artists like BTS, TWICE, IVE, and The Chainsmokers. Their booking agency has handled international tours for performers such as Jeff Satur, Mark Ambor, Kang Daniel, and Greyson Chance.
Taylor Jones and Vinit Thakkar come together to launch THG India getty images
THG India now hopes to offer the same opportunities to Indian musicians, allowing them to grow both at home and abroad. Sony Music India has confirmed it will provide financial backing and creative support to build the platform.
With this move, both companies are hoping to shape the future of Indian music on a global scale.
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Experience the Timeless Elegance of Bharatanatyam: Pallavi Anand to Perform at The Bhavan, London
This June, London’s vibrant cultural scene will be enriched by a spectacular display of classical Indian dance as the acclaimed Bharatanatyam artist Pallavi Anand presents a captivating performance at The Bhavan. Scheduled for Sunday, June 15, this event promises to be a culturally immersive evening showcasing the rich heritage and expressive power of one of India’s oldest and most revered dance forms. As audiences gather at 4A Castletown Road, London W14, they will witness a masterful blend of storytelling, rhythm, and melody that transcends borders and time, bringing the ancient art of Bharatanatyam to life in a modern metropolis.
Bharatanatyam, often described as the dance of the gods, is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, India. It combines intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures known as mudras, and emotive facial expressions to narrate stories from Hindu mythology and spirituality. Pallavi Anand is celebrated for her ability to breathe new life into this traditional art, weaving contemporary sensibilities with classical rigor. Her performances are not only visually stunning but deeply emotive, offering audiences a profound connection to the themes of devotion, love, and human experience embedded in the dance.
Accompanying Pallavi on this special occasion will be an ensemble of highly skilled musicians who are masters of their craft. Mavin Khoo, renowned for his expertise in nattuvangam—the rhythmic art of cymbals and recitation—will provide the crucial beats that guide the dancer’s movements. The soulful vocals of Vamshikrishna Vishnudas will enrich the performance with traditional Carnatic music melodies, while Prathap Ramachandra will bring the dynamic rhythms of the mridangam, the classical South Indian drum. Adding melodic depth to the performance is Vijay Venkat on the flute, whose notes weave seamlessly with the dance and vocals, creating an immersive auditory experience.
The Bhavan, a prestigious cultural institution dedicated to promoting Indian arts in the UK, provides the perfect venue for this event. Known for hosting an array of performances, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate South Asian culture, The Bhavan serves as a vibrant community hub where tradition and modernity meet. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to engage closely with the performers, enhancing the emotional and spiritual resonance of the dance.
For anyone seeking to explore the beauty of Indian classical arts or to experience a night filled with artistry and cultural depth, Pallavi Anand’s Bharatanatyam performance is an unmissable event. This performance is a unique opportunity not only to witness exceptional dance but also to connect with a living tradition that has been passed down through centuries, constantly evolving yet preserving its essence.
Tickets and further details can be found on The Bhavan’s official website: www.bhavan.net.
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Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs, while Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
INDIA and England will play their upcoming five-Test series in the UK for a new trophy named after Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.
According to a report by the BBC, the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will be unveiled ahead of the series, which begins at Headingley on June 20. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declined to comment, the report added.
Earlier, Test series between the two sides in England were played for the Pataudi Trophy, named after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.
In March, the ECB informed the Pataudi family of its intention to retire the trophy.
Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs. The 52-year-old played 200 Tests between 1989 and 2013 and holds numerous records in both Tests and ODIs.
Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker and the most successful pace bowler in Test cricket with 704 wickets.
Since retiring from international cricket last summer, the 42-year-old Anderson has worked as England’s bowling consultant and currently plays county cricket for Lancashire, having signed a contract extension recently.
Tendulkar and Anderson played against each other in 14 Tests. Anderson dismissed Tendulkar nine times — the most by any bowler.
England are the current and final holders of the Pataudi Trophy, having retained it with a 2-2 draw in the series held across 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move to rename the trophy follows a similar initiative by England and New Zealand, who last year introduced the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, named after Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe.