Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
India’s No 2 chess player Vidit Gujrathi continues his form in the Prague Chess festival. He posted a win over Austrian GM Markus Ragger in the third round to jump to the top spot in the Masters' category of the festival.
Vidit Gujrathi trumped Ragger in a Grunfeld game after 46 moves to continue his good run and secured a second win. He is in joint second place with Nikita Vitiugov and world’s top junior Alireza Firouzja.
He faces Sweden's Grandelius in the fourth round.
Born in Maharashtra, Vidit is the fourth Indian ever to have crossed the rating threshold of 2700. As of December 2019, his rating of 2721 makes him the thirtieth highest-rated chess player in the world, and the third highest-rated chess player in India, after Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna.
Another Indian player P Harikrishna went down to the young Alireza Firouzja in 40 moves in a Spanish opening game. The Indian no. 3 came up with some innovative play but the Iranian prodigy had the answers to notch up an impressive win.
Protesters from the group Save Our Future & Our Kids Future demonstrate against uncontrolled immigration outside the Cladhan Hotel on August 16, 2025 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo: Getty Images)
UK appeals court overturns ruling blocking hotel use for asylum seekers
Judges call earlier High Court decision “seriously flawed”
138 asylum seekers will not need to be relocated by September 12
Full hearing scheduled at the Court of Appeal in October
A UK appeals court has overturned a lower court order that had temporarily blocked the use of a hotel in Epping, northeast of London, to house asylum seekers.
A three-judge panel said the High Court ruling that set a September 12 deadline to move migrants from the Bell Hotel contained "a number of errors".
The case followed protests outside the hotel after a resident was charged with sexually assaulting a local girl. Demonstrations have continued for weeks and at times turned violent, triggering debate on immigration policy.
The Court of Appeal said the earlier ruling was "seriously flawed in principle" and could act as an "impetus or incentive for further protests". It added that it failed to consider the "obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system".
The government will now not be required to relocate 138 asylum seekers from the hotel by September 12. The decision also weakens local efforts to challenge the use of other hotels to house asylum seekers.
The Home Office is legally required under a 1999 law to house "all destitute asylum seekers whilst their asylum claims are being decided".
The case will return for a full hearing at the Court of Appeal in October. Both the Home Office and the hotel’s owner, Somani Hotels, are opposing Epping Forest District Council’s bid to prevent the hotel being used for asylum accommodation.
The council argued that the hotel posed a public safety risk and that its use breached planning rules.
The hotel became the focus of national attention after resident Hadush Kebatu was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He has denied the charges, which include sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and harassment without violence. His trial began this week.
Protests in Epping have since spread to other parts of Britain, as small boat arrivals across the Channel continue.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Why British folk singer Deepa Shakthi believes music should be messy, raw and free from follower-driven rules
Turn O Spinning Wheel fuses English folk, Indian ragas and Sufi improvisation.
Deepa Shakthi slams the industry’s obsession with follower counts and clout.
Producer Stuart McCallum guided the band towards minimalism and focus.
The album spans reworked folk, Punjabi songs, qawwali and raga Jog.
At first, Deepa Shakthi wasn’t sure. A 2023 UK tour with Mishra, playing British folk mixed with her Indian classical voice, didn’t sound like the easiest fit. They were taking their fusion of Indian classical and British folk to rural corners of the UK; to Cornwall, to New Mills, places where, as she puts it, people aren’t exposed to this sound every day.
“I was very reticent. I was very kind of… anxious inside.”
But the doubts disappeared quickly. In Dorset, she remembers people “just screaming for more.” After shows, strangers would approach her and say: “I didn’t understand a word you sang. But what is it I’m feeling?”
Deepa’s answer is always the same: don’t try to explain it. “It doesn’t need a label. Just be with it.”
Why British folk singer Deepa Shakthi believes music should be messy, raw and free from follower-driven rules Instagram/mishra.music
Capturing raw connection in Turn O Spinning Wheel
That raw, unfiltered connection is the heart of Turn O Spinning Wheel, the album Mishra and Deepa created out of that tour. It’s not a carefully marketed product. It’s an experience born on the road, tested in front of audiences who didn’t come with any preconceptions. They just listened.
Out on 17 October via Shedbuilt Records, the record is, in fact, a meeting point: English folk tunes, Indian ragas, Sufi improvisation, and the freedom to let them sit together without forcing the blend.
The first single, Kite (released 11 August), shows exactly how it works: Ford Collier’s Irish jig on the whistle transformed, in Deepa’s mind, into the image of a kite dancing in the sky, which she carried into her Hindi vocals.
This is the spirit she and Mishra bottled in the studio. They brought in producer Stuart McCallum not to change their sound, but to refine it. “He taught us minimalism,” she explains. In the middle of a creative whirlwind, he was the objective ear, “just taking the scissors, cutting this off… stripping down.” He helped them shape the raw, trance-like energy of their live jams into the focused beauty of an album. Where the musicians might have improvised endlessly, McCallum helped shape the music into concise arrangements that carry the trance-like intensity of a live jam without losing clarity.
Deepa believes that in a world obsessed with explaining and categorising, the magic lies in listening without analysis. “We’ve moved so much away from intuitive response. We take it apart, we analyse things to such an extent, we’re trying to split a hair. I would urge listeners to just dive in, swim in it for a bit. No judgements. Life can be so simple, but we complicate it.”
Turn O Spinning Wheel fuses English folk, Indian ragas and Sufi improvisationInstagram/mishra.music
Breaking away from numbers and clout
This philosophy spills over into her views on the industry too. As a South Asian woman with more than 30 years of experience in Indian classical, semi-classical, rock fusion, and Sufi music, she’s blunt about the barriers that remain.
“It’s heartbreaking. The first question from some organisations is, ‘What are your social media handles? How many followers do you have?’” She points out the absurdity: “I’m a very experienced musician… I have a handful of followers compared to people with less experience. Does that mean I’m less worthy? Obviously not.”
Her plea is simple: stop boxing artists by stats or heritage and start listening. “Keep those stats to one side and just honestly listen to the band. You can tell when someone knows what they’re doing. There’s passion, there’s originality, there is power. Give them a chance.”
Even so, she’s hopeful. She points to boundary-breaking projects, like a Monteverdi opera reworked with Indian classical themes that found great success. “South Asian music and musicians are getting more of a… I wouldn’t say they’ve stepped into the mainstream, but it’s getting there.”
And her advice to younger artists? Resist the temptation to chase what’s fashionable. “Don’t contrive. Don’t try and make it up. Stay true to yourself, be authentic. What you really are about, that should be what’s on stage. That will bring its own success.”
The album itself carries that ethos. It includes reworked English folk, Punjabi songs, qawwali, and even a traditional sailor’s tale flipped into a woman’s warning, woven into verses in raga Jog. For Deepa, this isn’t fusion for the sake of it. It’s a conversation, and one that only really came alive in front of audiences who were ready to listen with open ears.
Mishra and Deepa now take that sound back on the road this autumn, with support from SAA-UK and Arts Council England. The tour runs from Leeds to Glastonbury, with a London show at World Heartbeat and Cardiff on 30 November. Translating the album to stage, Deepa says, is simple: “We just do our thing, lock in as a band, play confidently and passionately, and let the rest follow.”
Deepa Shakthi insists: “Music doesn’t need a label. Just be with it.”Youtube Screengrab/ Mishra Music
A chocolate box of sound
So why should someone who has never touched Indian classical or British folk give Turn O Spinning Wheel a chance? Deepa doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a new experience. It’s a fresh experience. Just go for it. Put it on. Don’t think, just feel.”
She promises variety, a little bit of everything. “There’s trancey stuff, there’s more kind of traditional folk, there’s a classical alaap… It’s like a chocolate box. There’ll be something somebody likes.”
For all the talk of cross-cultural innovation, Deepa’s answer is refreshingly straightforward. “Music doesn’t need explanation. It doesn’t need a label. Just be with it.”
Turn O Spinning Wheel is released 17 October on Shedbuilt Records and the UK tour starts in Leeds on 24 October. The single Kite is out now.
India’s GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June, beating forecasts of 6.7 per cent.
US has double tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent, raising export concerns.
Consumer spending rose 7.0 per cent year-on-year, driven by rural demand..
INDIA’s economy expanded faster than expected in the April-June quarter, even as higher US tariffs on Indian imports are set to weigh on activity in the coming months.
The United States has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50 per cent over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move puts India among the hardest-hit US trading partners alongside Brazil, with economists warning that exports such as textiles, leather goods and chemicals could be affected.
Government data released on Friday showed gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.8 per cent in Asia’s third-largest economy in the April-June period, compared to 7.4 per cent in the previous quarter. Growth was stronger than the 6.7 per cent expansion economists had forecast in a Reuters poll.
Gross value added (GVA), considered a clearer measure of underlying economic activity, rose 7.6 per cent in April-June, up from 6.8 per cent in the previous three months. GVA excludes indirect taxes and government subsidies.
At this pace, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, though the outlook for exports has weakened after US President Donald Trump’s tariff hike.
“The surprise acceleration in GDP growth in the April-June quarter means that the economy is still on course to expand by a world-beating 7 per cent this year, despite the upcoming hit from punitive US tariffs,” Capital Economics said in a note.
The Reserve Bank of India expects the economy to grow 6.5 per cent in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Earlier this month, it kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.50 per cent.
Consumer spending rises
Private consumer spending, which accounts for around 57 per cent of GDP, rose 7.0 per cent year-on-year in April-June, up from 6 per cent in the previous quarter. Growth was supported by higher rural spending and demand for durables and farm equipment such as tractors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has pledged support for sectors affected by US tariffs and said it would propose tax cuts to boost domestic demand. Income taxes were reduced starting April.
“Private consumption is supported by tax relief, rate cuts, crops sowing, though households may defer discretionary purchases until proposed consumption tax cuts take effect in the festive season,” said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA ratings agency.
Government spending increased 7.4 per cent in April-June, compared to a 1.8 per cent decline in the previous quarter. Capital expenditure grew 7.8 per cent, though some private firms held back investments amid global uncertainty following Washington’s tariff hikes.
Manufacturing output rose 7.7 per cent year-on-year in the first fiscal quarter, up from 4.8 per cent in the previous quarter. Construction expanded 7.6 per cent, down from 10.8 per cent. The agriculture sector grew 3.7 per cent, compared to 5.4 per cent in the previous three quarters.
US tariffs weigh on outlook
Economists warned that growth could slow once the impact of higher US duties is felt.
Indian government sources said New Delhi hoped Washington would reconsider the extra 25 per cent tariff imposed this week, which raised the duty on a range of imports to 50 per cent. However, there have been no signs of new talks.
The 50 per cent tariff could hurt exports and have a “domino effect on employment, wages and private consumption,” further affecting private investment and growth, said Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Financial Services.
Exporter groups estimate the tariffs could hit nearly 55 per cent of India’s $87 billion in merchandise exports to the US, while benefiting competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and China.
Some economists warn prolonged tariffs could reduce India’s growth by 0.6 to 0.8 percentage point over a year, as weaker exports limit its role as an alternative manufacturing hub to China.
While real GDP growth remains firm, nominal GDP growth—which includes inflation—slowed to 8.8 per cent in April-June after averaging almost 11 per cent in the previous eight quarters. Analysts say this may weigh on corporate profits and stock indexes.
India’s rupee fell to a record low of 88.30 to the dollar on Friday as US tariffs took effect, while benchmark equity indices were set for a second straight monthly decline.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
The Ambani family marked Ganesh Chaturthi with Antilia Cha Raja, where Nita Ambani also joined rituals
Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani were spotted at the visarjan of “Antilia Cha Raja.”
A video captured a light-hearted flower fight between the couple.
Radhika’s bodyguard stepped in to shield her during the exchange.
Nita Ambani also joined the procession in traditional attire.
Radhika Merchant’s Ganpati visarjan moment with husband Anant Ambani has become the highlight of this year’s celebrations at the Ambani residence, Antilia. The couple took part in the immersion procession of their Ganpati idol, known as “Antilia Cha Raja,” where a playful exchange between them caught the internet’s attention. In the video, featuring Radhika and Anant, a bodyguard stepping in at the right moment has now become the talking point across social media.
The Ambani family marked Ganesh Chaturthi with Antilia Cha Raja, where Nita Ambani also joined rituals Instagram Screengrab/ambani_update
What happened during Radhika Merchant’s Ganpati visarjan moment?
In the clip shared on a fan page dedicated to the Ambani family, Radhika Merchant is seen seated on a flower-decorated vehicle, holding marigolds in her hand. She laughs as she tosses petals at Anant Ambani, who is walking behind the vehicle. Anant responds by throwing flowers back at her, but before they reach her, Radhika’s bodyguard quickly shields her, leaving fans amused at the protective gesture. The video has since circulated widely, with many calling it a sweet glimpse into the couple’s bond.
Was Nita Ambani part of the Ganpati visarjan celebrations?
Yes. Another video from the visarjan showed Nita Ambani, dressed in a pink traditional outfit, enjoying the rally with other family members. She was seen participating with enthusiasm as the procession moved through the streets. The Ambanis are known for hosting large-scale Ganesh Chaturthi festivities every year, drawing attention both offline and online.
The Ambani family welcomed their Ganpati idol, fondly known as “Antilia Cha Raja,” on 27 August. Videos from the welcoming ceremony showed Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant, and Nita Ambani performing aarti in front of the idol, all dressed in festive attire. The idol holds a special place in their celebrations, and its annual arrival is a tradition followed closely by their well-wishers.
Ganpati visarjan is the immersion ritual that marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Traditionally observed on the tenth day of the festival, some families also perform it earlier, such as after one-and-a-half days. In 2025, the main visarjan day falls on 6 September, but many, including the Ambanis, carried out the immersion on 28 August. The ritual is symbolic of bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha while praying for his return the following year.
Keep ReadingShow less
Anti-government protesters display Bangladesh’s national flag at Sheikh Hasina’s palace in Dhaka last year. (Photo: Getty Images)
BANGLADESH’s Election Commission (EC) on Thursday released a roadmap for the general election, expected to be held in February next year.
The poll schedule will be announced at least 60 days before the voting date, officials said.
“The Chief Adviser’s Office has asked us to hold the election before Ramadan. If I am not mistaken, Ramadan will begin on February 17 or 18. From this, you can calculate the probable election date,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at a press briefing.
He said the commission was targeting the first half of February for the election. The roadmap, prepared in line with the directives of interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, received EC approval on Wednesday.
According to Ahmed, discussions with political parties and other stakeholders will be held by the end of September and could take “one to one and a half months” to complete.
The EC identified 24 key tasks in the roadmap, including amendments to laws such as the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the Delimitation of Constituencies Act, the Voter List Act, the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act 1991, and the Election Commission Secretariat Act 2009. Other tasks include finalising the voter list in phases, setting policies for domestic and foreign observers and journalists, and registering new political parties.
The commission expects to announce the election schedule in the second or third week of December.
In a televised address on August 5, Yunus had said the 13th parliamentary election would be held in February before Ramadan.
The roadmap announcement came as the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed this year with apparent support from Yunus, raised objections to the planned polls.
Shortly after the EC’s briefing, the NCP said the roadmap reflected a “breach of promise” by the interim government.
“Announcing the roadmap before declaring the implementation of the ‘July Charter’ is tantamount to breaking promises,” former Students against Discrimination (SAD) leader and NCP Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb told a press conference. Flanked by other leaders, Adeeb warned that this could create “future crises for which the government must bear responsibility.”
The NCP, which emerged in February as an offshoot of SAD after leading the movement that forced Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League out of power on August 5 last year, has been demanding a new constitution through a Constituent Assembly, replacing the 1972 Constitution.
Jamaat-e-Islami has separately demanded that the polls be held under a proportional representation system to secure a larger stake in parliament. Both Jamaat and NCP have also called for the trial of Hasina and leaders of her regime for their alleged role in last year’s crackdown on the uprising.
Hasina is being tried in absentia at the International Crimes Tribunal on several charges.
Former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the largest party in the absence of Awami League, whose activities were disbanded by Yunus’s interim government.
Despite assurances by Yunus and his advisers of free and fair polls within the announced deadline, uncertainty has grown among political parties due to the stance of the NCP.