Tue, 21-Oct-2025

British-Pakistanis set record representation in Starmer’s government

British-Pakistanis set record representation in Starmer’s government

Keir Starmer is Britain’s new Prime Minister after a landslide victory. The new parliament is the most diverse ever. 15 British-Pakistanis are in parliament, with four newly elected members. Britain’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer will lead a parliament that is more ethnically diverse and includes more women than ever, following a decisive victory in … Read more

Homeward Bound: After Six Years, Missing Boy Alex Batty Back in Britain

Homeward Bound: After Six Years, Missing Boy Alex Batty Back in Britain

Missing British boy Alex Batty returns to the UK after 6 years in France. He disappeared in 2017 at age 11 and was later found living with his mother. There are no immediate plans for a criminal investigation. The British adolescent Alex Batty, who vanished six years ago and then reappeared in southern France, arrived … Read more

PM invites British-Pakistanis to take advantage of investment opportunities

Pakistanis

LONDON: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar invited overseas Pakistanis in the United Kingdom to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government for investment in Pakistan. During a meeting with a delegation of prominent British Pakistani businessmen who called on him in London, the prime minister invited the diaspora businessmen to invest, especially in … Read more

‘Credible, transparent, inclusive’ elections crucial for Pakistan: British envoy

British High Commissioner

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriot met Chief Election Commissioner. The British envoy stressed free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections. She said the UK will continue to work closely with elected representatives ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja in Islamabad. The … Read more

Morocco’s Earthquake Rescue Efforts

Morocco Earthquake

The disaster caused over 2,862 deaths and left more than 2,562 people injured. Foreign teams, including Spanish and British rescuers, were aiding the efforts. Morocco accepted assistance from Britain, Qatar, the UAE, Spain, and other countries. Rescue efforts in Morocco were racing against the clock as foreign teams joined local rescuers to search for survivors … Read more

Wildfires Prompt Swift Evacuations in Western Canada

Evacuations in Canada

Separate blazes threaten metropolitan areas in British Columbia and Northwest Territories. Millions of acres scorched in a summer of dramatic wildfires across the country. Kelowna, British Columbia, also under threat with blazes encroaching on the city. Residents in western Canada are racing to evacuate as wildfires advance on two metropolitan areas, marking a surge in … Read more

Tragic Incident: Migrant Boat Sinks in Channel, Six Lives Lost

Migrant Boat Sinks

Six Afghan men in their 30s confirmed dead, several still missing. 49 people rescued by French and British authorities. Search efforts involve French and British ships, helicopter, and plane. Six Afghan men were killed when a migrant boat bound for Britain sank in the English Channel in the early hours of Saturday, according to French … Read more

Rhodes Wildfire: Largest-Ever Evacuation in Greece

Largest Evacuation in Greece

Locals and tourists flee hotspots as firefighters battle the flames. Wind gusts complicate firefighting efforts. German travel company Tui suspends inbound flights to Rhodes to help evacuate tourists. A massive wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes led to the largest-ever fire evacuation in the country, with both locals and tourists fleeing the hotspots on … Read more

Michael Gove warns against treating climate change as ‘Religious Crusade’

Michael Gove warns against treating climate change as 'Religious Crusade'

British Housing Minister Michael Gove warned against viewing the fight. He supported initiatives to promote walking and cycling. The ruling Conservatives narrowly won a vote opposing levies. Days after the ruling Conservatives narrowly won a vote by opposing levies for the most polluting vehicles, British Housing Minister Michael Gove issued a warning on Sunday about … Read more

Wildfire Ravages Greek Island of Rhodes

Wildfire Greek Island

30,000 people forced to evacuate, including tourists. High winds expected to hamper firefighting efforts. Fires have been burning for nearly a week amid extreme heat. A massive wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes is causing havoc, with 30,000 people forced to evacuate and high winds expected to hinder firefighting efforts. The island, a popular … Read more

Saira Banu on Dilip Kumar’s Enthralling Sagina Act

Saira Banu
  • Saira Banu recently took a trip down memory lane.
  • She shares her fond memories of the 1974 film “Sagina”.
  • She revealed how he had set up a badminton court for the entire crew, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Veteran actor Saira Banu recently took a trip down memory lane, sharing her fond memories of the 1974 film “Sagina” on Instagram. In her post, she also paid tribute to her late husband, actor Dilip Kumar, who was also part of the movie.

Recalling their time shooting in Gayabari for the film, Saira shared a heartwarming anecdote about Dilip Kumar. She revealed how he had set up a badminton court for the entire crew, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Saira described Dilip Kumar’s performance in “Sagina” as one of his most spellbinding and enthralling ones. To accompany her post, she shared several stills and a clip from the film.

Expressing her love for “Sagina,” Saira captioned the post, “Sagina is one of my most beloved films, based on the true story of the labor movement. Sagina, a factory laborer, is an honest, aggressive, and lovable character who was the first to fight against the tyranny of the British bosses in the tea gardens of Northern-Eastern India. Sagina becomes a Welfare Officer and brings about justice.”

 

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A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)

She further expressed her joy in seeing her husband, fondly referred to as Sahib, and the esteemed director Tapan Sinha collaborate on the project. Their friendship and like-mindedness created a relaxed and cordial atmosphere during the filming of “Sagina” in the beautiful outdoors of Gayabari. Saira shared how Dilip Kumar had set up a badminton court for the entire team to enjoy together in the evenings, followed by cozy gatherings where they would sing and joke around.

Saira also highlighted a personal favorite scene from the film, where Sagina, a robust and outgoing man, finds solace in the lush outdoors after feeling suffocated in his office. As he spots an approaching train, he ecstatically matches its speed, delivering one of Dilip Kumar’s most captivating and thrilling performances.

Directed by Tapan Sinha, “Sagina” was released in 1974. The film starred Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu, Aparna Sen, Om Prakash, and others. It was a remake of the 1970 Bengali movie “Sagina Mahato,” also directed by Tapan Sinha and featuring the same lead pair. Saira and Dilip also shared screen space in other films like “Gopi,” “Bairaag,” “Sagina Mahato,” and “Duniya.” Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar tied the knot in 1966.

The heartfelt reminiscence shared by Saira Banu offers a glimpse into the cherished moments from the making of “Sagina” and the enduring talent of Dilip Kumar, leaving fans and film enthusiasts filled with nostalgia.

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Provinces in Canada are testing with decriminalizing heavy drugs

Canada
  • British Columbia is starting a first-in-the-nation trial decriminalising small amounts of hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
  • Adults can possess up to 2.5g of such drugs, as well as methamphetamine, fentanyl and morphine.
  • Canada’s federal government granted permission for the three-year experiment.

In a first-in-the-nation trial, the Canadian province of British Columbia is decriminalizing small amounts of dangerous drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Adults can now possess these narcotics, along with morphine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, in quantities up to 2.5g starting on Tuesday.

The west coast province’s request for permission to conduct the three-year experiment was granted by the federal government of Canada.

It adopts a similar stance to Oregon, a nearby US state that decriminalized heavy narcotics in 2020.

Federal and British Columbian officials revealed the conditions of the federally permitted exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act prior to the pilot’s commencement.

While still prohibited, adults who are found in possession of less than 2.5g of any combination of those substances will not be detained, charged, or have their possessions taken. Instead, they will be provided with details on the health and social services that are accessible.

An further public health emergency is killing Canadians.
Canada debates euthanasia for mentally ill people.

“A significant shift in drug policy that favors establishing trusting and helpful relationships in health and social services over greater criminalization,” said Carolyn Bennett, the federal minister of mental health and addictions, on Monday.

According to experts, 10,000 people have passed away from drug overdoses since British Columbia proclaimed drugs to be a public health emergency in 2016.

Jennifer Whiteside, the British Columbia minister for mental health and addictions, said that decriminalizing drug use “breaks reduce the fear and stigma associated with substance use and ensures that individuals feel safer seeking out for life-saving resources.”

Thousands of police officers in the province, including those in Vancouver, the province’s largest city, have been offered training on the new rule.

The program will operate from January 31st, 2023, through January 31st, 2026, unless the federal government terminates it.

The 2.5g restriction has been questioned by some specialists, who claim that it is insufficient to take into consideration the behaviors of many addicts.

An further public health emergency is killing Canadians.
The program is subject to a few exceptions.

Drug sales are still prohibited. Drug possession is also prohibited on the grounds of childcare centers, airports, and schools.

In 2018, Canada officially legalized adult use of cannabis for recreational purposes.

Contrary to marijuana, there are no intentions to market the four narcotics that are now legal in small amounts as they are still illegal. It is still unlawful to traffic in them across borders.

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British police charge serving soldier with terrorism offence

british police

A serving soldier has been charged with a terrorism offense and an offense involving explosives. Daniel Abed Khalif is being held by the police and will appear in court on Saturday. The 21-year-old is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Following an investigation, British police announced on Friday that they had charged a 21-year-old … Read more

Thousands participated in “Invasion Day” protest on Australia Day

Australia Day

Thousands of Australians participate in protests in support of Indigenous people. Many refer to the anniversary of the day a British fleet entered Sydney Harbor as “Invasion Day”. The nation’s Indigenous people were honoured by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. On Thursday, thousands of Australians participated in protests in support of the country’s Indigenous people on … Read more

British Group Plays Dhol And Band Baaja At An Indian Baraat

British
  • Dhol and band baja are essential in Asian weddings.
  • A Clip of a British band playing band baaja at an Indian baraat  is going viral.
  • He captioned the video, “Angrezon se band and dhol bajwa rahe hain Punjabi”.

The band, baaja, and baraat are among the grandiose elements of Indian and Pakistani weddings that are widely recognised for their importance. However, it might not be a typical sight during Indian weddings that take place outside of India. However, a clip of a British band playing band baaja at an Indian baraat in London is currently becoming viral on Twitter.

The video gained popularity after a person by the name of Gurmeet Chadha posted a video of the baraatis dancing to band bajaa at a Punjabi wedding on Twitter. He captioned the video, “Angrezon se band and dhol bajwa rahe hain Punjabi:,” when he posted it. Classic Revenge by Indians. ( on a lighter note guys).”

The baraatis, who are clad in unique Indian attire and dancing to the music played by the British band members, can be seen mingling with other individuals in the popular video. 
Trombones, trumpets, tubas, and dhol were played by the band members. 
Nearly 300,000 people have watched the video, and others have liked and commented on it.
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Rishi Sunak to travel to Scotland to meet Nicola Sturgeon in effort to repair bad relations

Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will fly to Scotland on Thursday. He will meet with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for a private working dinner. The two are set to talk about Scotland’s gender changes. In an effort to repair the bad relations between the two countries, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will fly to Scotland … Read more

British National missing in Ukraine, say officials

British National

According to Ukrainian police, two British nationals have gone missing According to authorities, Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Christopher Parry, 28 The Foreign Office said it was “helping the families”. British nationals have gone missing in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. According to authorities, Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Christopher Parry, 28, were conducting volunteer work and were … Read more

Prince Harry popularity among the British public is 38%

Prince Harry

Harry has a net favorability rating of minus 38 among the British public. 37% of Brits have a negative opinion of Harry, and 51% of those polled dislike Meghan Markle. Both continue to rank higher than Prince Andrew, who is disliked by only 8%. Prince Harry’s popularity is at 38% after a number of claims … Read more

Andrew Tate Detained on Suspicion of Human Trafficking

Andrew Tate

Andrew Tate was arrested on suspicion of various offences Prosecutors urged a Bucharest court to extend the arrest order on December 30, an AP official said. DIICOT stated two British and two Romanian individuals were arrested. Andrew Tate was arrested on suspicion of various offences, according to Romania’s DIICOT. Andrew and Tristan were detained on … Read more

Israel: Mossad warns of increased weapons supplies between Iran and Russia

israle mossad

Mossad agency of Israel warns that Iran is trying to increase its supply of advanced weapons to Russia. The U.S. has expressed concern over a “comprehensive defense partnership” between Tehran and Moscow. Iranian drones reportedly played a central role in assaults against civilian targets in Ukraine. According to local media, the head of the Mossad … Read more

COP27: UK to announce gas deal with US following summit

Rishi Sunak

The United States is expected to provide approximately 10 billion cubic meters of LNG over the course of the next year. Discussions over the deal are in their final stages It is unknown how much of the gas will be present in the UK’s energy grid this winter. The UK local news channel claimed on … Read more

Meghan Markle reveals that studying for British citizenship was “very difficult”

meghan markle

Meghan Markle says studying for the British citizenship exam was “very difficult”. Prince Harry “had no idea” about some of the answers, she said. Meghan’s declaration is peculiar because she was not eligible for British citizenship. Meghan Markle disclosed on her podcast that studying for the British citizenship exam was “very difficult” and that Prince … Read more

Leonardo DiCaprio named potential investor by vegan sneaker brand LØCI

Leonardo DiCaprio

DiCaprio has invested in the British vegan sneaker brand LØCI. The Academy Award winner has joined a £4 million seed round. Many A-list celebrities wear vegan sneakers. According to The Hollywood local news agency, environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has been declared a strategic investor in the British sneaker brand LØCI. DiCaprio said in a statement, “I … Read more

Next UK PM Rishi Sunak to be wealthier than King Charles III

rishi sunak

The inhabitants of 10 Downing Street will be wealthier than the monarch of Buckingham Palace. Rishi Sunak and his wife have a combined fortune of £730 million. The former multimillionaire hedge fund manager was born in the coastal city of Southampton in 1980. Rishi Sunak is poised to become the next prime minister of the … Read more

Liz truss meeting with King Charles will live on forever, says royal biographer

liz truss

Liz Truss resigns after only six weeks in office. Her right-wing agenda of tax cuts imploded. Omid Scobie posted a video of the meeting on Instagram. Thursday, only six weeks after taking office, British Prime Minister Liz Truss abruptly announced her resignation, submitting to the inevitable after her right-wing agenda of tax cuts imploded. During … Read more

Piers Morgan asks Liz Truss to step down as UK PM

piers morgan

Former Good Morning Britain host tells his followers, “It may be time”. He also ponders the notion of running for prime minister in the future. The 57-year-old becomes the shortest-serving Prime Minister in British history. Piers Morgan has intimated that he is prepared to enter politics in the wake of Liz Truss’ departure. Just hours … Read more

1.4 million children malnourished in South Sudan, says Save the Children

save the children

South Sudan is experiencing “its worst food crisis since independence from Sudan in 2011”. Save the Children urged the international community not to “overlook South Sudan or to divert funding to other crises”. The charity said that the value of the local currency had fallen by over 40 percent this year. Save the Children, a … Read more

British finance minister vows to ‘stay the course’

british finance minister

Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng will speak at the annual conference of ruling Tories. Prime Minister Liz Truss has conceded communication faults in how the plan was presented. The right-wing policy blitz has backfired with the electorate, polls show Labour opening up a massive lead. On Monday, the British finance minister will affirm that … Read more