The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Markle, have confirmed that they are expecting a younger brother or sister for their one-year-old son, Archie.
A spokesperson for the royal couple said: “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”
Sharing a black and white picture of themselves under a tree with Harry resting his hand on Meghan’s head as she lies cradling her bump, the couple sent social media into a tizzy with the good news.
Misan Harriman, a friend of the couple and the photographer who took the photo that accompanied their announcement, tweeted: “Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow. Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this joyous news!”
The Buckingham Palace, responding to the news, said: “Her Majesty, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the entire family are delighted and wish them well”, The Guardian reported.
The Sussexes’ baby will be the Prince of Wales’ fifth grandchild and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s 10th or 11th great-grandchild, depending on whether he or she arrives before or after Zara Tindall’s baby, which is also due in 2021.
He or she will be eighth in line to the throne and entitled to be a Lord or Lady, but the duke and duchess are expected to again opt for Master, like Archie, or Miss, with the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, the Guardian report explained.
Harry retained his place in the line of succession despite him and Meghan stepping back as senior royals in January last year, and dropping their HRH style.
Prince Andrew and Meghan
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, who was second in line when he was born in 1960, will move down to ninth place.
In November, Meghan disclosed the devastation that the couple experienced after she had a miscarriage last summer.
Speculation that the duchess might be expecting a second child started after she applied for and was granted a postponement of her privacy trial against the Mail on Sunday until the autumn for a “confidential” reason, the Guardian report said.
Any trial was averted when, on Thursday, the duchess won her high court privacy case against Associated Newspapers Ltd over the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online’s publication of extracts from a private handwritten letter she wrote to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, 76, after the judge, Lord Justice Warby, granted summary judgment in Meghan’s favour.
Harry and Meghan’s announcement comes just five days after the royal family celebrated the arrival of Princess Eugenie’s first child – a baby boy.
This new baby, like Archie, is set to grow up thousands of miles away from the Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William, as the Sussexes now live in Montecito in California after leaving royal life in a quest for personal and financial freedom.
Meghan
The couple have been busy securing funding for their new life, signing a lucrative deal with streaming giant Netflix rumoured to be worth more than 150 million pound, and another multi-million-pound podcast deal with Spotify.
Recently, Harry was seen shooting with TV presenter and fellow Brit, James Cordon, atop an open bus, maintaining Covid protocall. The photos went viral on social media.
Climate is back on agenda. Amazon rain forests are disappearing and the world ignores the carbon footprint. The post-Covid industry sector will put their green credentials on hold to shore up profit. India is going to play a crucial role in bringing climate back on tracks. US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are keen to put climate protection on track. Indian-origin British minister Alok Sharma arrived in India on Monday for talks with interlocutors and captains of industry on strengthening the bilateral partnership on climate change.
Sharma, who is a Cabinet minister and holds the post of president of COP26, is on his first visit to Asia after assuming the position. During the two-day visit, he will meet senior ministers, business leaders and civil society to discuss climate issues and to prepare for the COP26 summit in November.
India, UK launch clean air street initiative in Bengaluru
Sharma’s visit is expected to focus on India’s progress in climate action and clean energy transition. In recent years, India has played a key role in setting up the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which is co-chaired by the UK, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India’s expertise is “expected to be of great value to global discussions on a clean energy transition as part of COP preparations”, the British high commission said in a statement.
During his meetings with business leaders, Sharma will highlight opportunities in the low carbon economy, existing commitments to achieve net-zero emissions and encourage influential businesses to promote the growing movement of corporate climate action throughout their sector and supply chain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCcl5q3_tUs
Sharma will meet experts and young thinkers, to discuss challenges and solutions to climate change.
“After a year of virtual meetings, the in-person visit signals a step-change in momentum to COP26 preparations, and reinforces Mr Sharma’s ambition to run an inclusive negotiating process that incorporates the views of all countries,” the statement said.
Sharma MP said: “When it comes to climate action, India is a key partner and a global leader. Together we can make change happen – delivering real progress on reducing emissions and building global commitments. The UK and India are already a joint force for good against climate change, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the run up to COP26 and beyond.”
The official logo of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), 2021. (Wikipedia)
British high commissioner Alex Ellis said Sharma’s visit is part of efforts to make COP26 a success and it will develop the bilateral climate partnership on clean and resilient development. “Hearing from the Indian government firsthand, as well as civil society and business, will be essential in informing the approach of the UK presidency as we work towards a comprehensive, ambitious and balanced outcome at COP26,” he added.
Sharma is the third UK minister to visit India since December; he was preceded by foreign secretary Dominic Raab and trade secretary Liz Truss. The visits also paved the way for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s visit later this year, during which climate cooperation will be a focus.
As host of COP26, the UK has set a legally binding target to cut emissions to net-zero by 2050. Between 1990 and 2018, the UK nearly halved emissions while growing its economy by 75%, and it will completely cut coal-use in the power sector by 2025.
UN Climate Emergency
The UK has also committed to double its international financing to £11.6 billion over the next five years, to help developing countries to take action on climate change. The UK is looking to its presidency of COP26 in 2021 and India’s presidency of G20 in 2023 to act as key platforms for implementing the Paris Agreement.
The UK is also investing in India’s renewable and clean transport sectors, including through the joint Green Growth Equity Fund and multilateral funds.
Priority themes at COP26 with great potential for collaboration include: adaptation and resilience; corporate action; green finance; clean growth and technology; and nature-based solutions.
People in the UK aged 70 or over who have not yet had a Covid-19 vaccine jab have been urged to come forward, in a final push by ministers to meet their vaccination target.
More than 14 million people in the UK have had at least one dose – with the aim being 15 million by Monday.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the UK could this year live with Covid “like we do with flu”, the BBC reported.
“I hope that Covid-19 will become a treatable disease by the end of the year,” he told a leading British media outlet.
Over the weekend, ministers are taking part in a renewed drive to encourage people in the top four priority groups — comprising people aged 70 and over, front-line health and social care workers, care home residents and the clinically extremely vulnerable — to get vaccinated.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock during a Covid-19 press conference
The government is aiming to offer a vaccine to 15 million people in these priority groups by February 15 – which would cover 88 per cent of those most at risk of dying from Covid-19.
On Friday, Wales said it was the first UK nation to meet the target.
Across the UK, a quarter of adults have already received one dose of a Covid vaccine, including around nine in 10 of all over 70s.
People aged 70 or over in England have already been asked to contact the NHS to arrange their jab. They can book an appointment online, or by calling 119 or contacting their local GP.
Health and social care workers should speak to their employer if they have not had their vaccine yet, the Department for Health said.
Also, GP teams have been asked to contact their clinically extremely vulnerable patients to make sure they have been offered a jab.
Almost 30 government ministers are taking part in visits and virtual meetings across the UK in a further push to encourage everyone eligible for the jab to get vaccinated.
They will hear from NHS staff and volunteers helping with the rollout, as well as people getting the vaccine.
Hancock said: “I am determined that we protect as many of our country’s most vulnerable people from this awful disease as soon as possible.”
“Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and it is testament to the strength of our Union and the combined power of our United Kingdom that we’ve seen such incredible progress in the roll out of our vaccination programme,” he added.
Prof. Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said the UK’s vaccination programme was “off to a strong start”.
“People in the priority groups have not missed their chance to get jabbed and if you are aged 70 and over and haven’t yet taken up the offer, please do come forward and make an appointment,” he said.
The fully packed four-hour program hosted by Dr Milen Shah from the UK and Dr Sheila Dobee from the USA, highlighted useful inputs and presentations by expert medical professionals, a report by Ragasudha Vinjamuri
“COVID Special” program was organised by Healing Our Earth Team on Sunday, 7th February highlighting the economic, medical, mental, psychological and social impacts.
In a fully packed four-hour program starting from 2 pm until 6 pm with hosts Dr Milen Shah from the UK and Dr Sheila Dobee from the USA, the program included useful inputs and presentations by expert medical professionals.
Murali Thirumurthy at HOE session
Starting with the signature greeting “Global Namaste”, and a Sanskrit prayer Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, the session began with Surrey-based Murali Thirumurthy speaking on the 3rd Dimension of Covid Pandemic referring to the community spirit. The acute shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) led the 3D printing community take to printing Face Shields to help with the shortage. He showed a presentation that outlined the making of Face Shields using biodegradable material and how he has printed and distributed the shields among care homes, ambulance drivers, GP surgeries, friends, and anyone who needed them, as a service to the community at the time of crisis.
Functional Medicine Health Coach Anil Grover who joined from India explained about the pandemics of 20th century like the Spanish Flu, Swine Flu to COVID19 and lifestyle’s effect on the immune system underscoring stress management, sleep, nutrition & gut health, physical activity and meditation.
Anil Grover at HOE session
European CEO of Akshaya Patra Foundation Bhawani Singh Shekhawat outlined the work of the organisation in improving nutritional values for children, underscoring that healthier bodies encapsulate healthier minds. Serving globally two million children every morning and thousands of children in the UK, Bhawani has highlighted how the organisation is truly driven by the purpose. He explained about gravity kitchens cooking tonnes of food every day and the disaster relief done by APYA during the pandemic. Ravi Bhanot accompanied by Sushma Bhanot and family paid moving tributes to Seema Sharma who left for the heavenly abode recently. GP Pharmacist Darshna Patel spoke on the vaccination programme at Kingsbury Swaminarayan Temple helping thousands to take an informed decision on vaccines.
Bhawani Singh Shekhawat at HOE session
Critical Care Medicine Specialist from California Dr Chirag Pandya spoke on the essential role of quality sleep and breathing on the cardiovascular, neurological, physiological, and immune systems, while explaining conditions such as sleep apnea and the risk of cancer. Dr Naras Bhat, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of internationally renowned books, made an interesting presentation on Gut health- explaining about Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) and endotoxins (LPS), Gut Biome, immune response and helpful superfoods.
The session concluded with an interaction with Dr Bharat Pankhania, senior Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, who explained on vaccine related questions and information.
This is Healing Our Earth’s 60th session. Information on upcoming sessions can be found at healingourearth.com
The pandemic has effectively wiped out all growth in UK over the last seven years, returning the economy close to the size it was in 2013, reports Asian Lite News
The UK economy has suffered its biggest slump in more than three centuries last year, with GDP falling by nearly 10 per cent over the course of 2020.
This means that the Covid-19 pandemic has effectively wiped out all growth in the United Kingdom over the last seven years, returning the economy close to the size it was in 2013.
The 9.9 per cent slump in the UK GDP was “less severe than expected” but it surpassed the 9.7 per cent slump experienced during the Great Depression in 1921, “making it the worst annual drop since 1709”, according to a Bank of England database. That was when Europe’s harshest winter in 500 years caused widespread death and destruction.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak
“This time it’s a pandemic to blame whereas back then, it was a Great Frost, which saw ice in the North Sea, and the War of Spanish Succession … which was doing the damage,” wrote Societe Generale strategist Kit Juckes in a research note on Friday as quoted by CNN.
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were some signs of improvement in the final months of 2020, with GDP estimated to have increased by 1 per cent in the fourth quarter, following record growth in the third quarter.
But there were big swings in output between October and December, largely tracking the level of restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus, CNN reported.
The UK suffered one of “the worst recessions” among major economies last year.
Germany, for example, held up better in the pandemic than it did during the global financial crisis. Provisional estimates suggest Europe’s biggest economy contracted by 5 per cent last year. EU GDP, meanwhile, is expected to have shrunk 6.4 per cent, according to Eurostat.
“Today’s figures show that the economy has experienced a serious shock as a result of the pandemic, which has been felt by countries around the world,” UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement as quoted by CNN.
“While there are some positive signs of the economy’s resilience over the winter, we know that the current lockdown continues to have a significant impact on many people and businesses,” it added.
The new national lockdown, which was imposed on January 5 in the country, is expected to hit the economy hard in the first quarter of 2021, reversing the return to growth in the fourth quarter of 2020.
“It seems that a double dip [recession] was merely delayed rather than avoided outright,” Sam Miley, an economist at the London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research said in a note on Friday.
Another 13,494 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 3,998,655, according to official figures released on Thursday.
The country also reported another 678 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 115,529. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, the Xinhua news agency reported.
The latest figures were revealed as coronavirus case rates are continuing to fall in all regions of England, according to the latest weekly report from Public Health England (PHE).
Boris Johnson during a visit to Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, with Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, to mark the publication of a new review into hospital food. Picture by Andrew Parsons No 10
In the West Midlands, which has the highest rate of any region, the rate of new cases stood at 237.6 per 100,000 people in the seven days to February 7, down from 326.8 in the previous week.
Case rates are also continuing to fall among all age groups, according to PHE.
The highest rate is among 30 to 39-year-olds, which stood at 265.3 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to February 7, down from 367.2 in the previous week.
Meanwhile, Britain is stepping up efforts to speed up vaccine roll-out to bring the pandemic under control.
More than 13.5 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures.
Britain aims to complete the vaccination of the top priority groups, which cover 15 million people, by mid-February.
People walk past the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain.
Downing Street has confirmed that all British adults aged 50 and older are expected to be offered a first dose of the coronavirus vaccine by early May. Britain aims to offer all adults their first dose by autumn.
England is currently under the third national lockdown since outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the US have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) said BBC World News was found to have seriously violated regulations on radio and television management and on overseas satellite television channel management in its China-related reports…reports Asian Lite News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc3GkFivpyw
China’s broadcasting regulator on Thursday made an announcement on pulling BBC World News off the air in the country for serious content violation.
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) said BBC World News was found to have seriously violated regulations on radio and television management and on overseas satellite television channel management in its China-related reports, which went against the requirements that news reporting must be true and impartial, and undermined China’s national interests and ethnic solidarity, the Xinhua news agency reported.
“As the channel fails to meet the requirements to broadcast in China as an overseas channel, BBC World News is not allowed to continue its service within Chinese territory. The NRTA will not accept the channel’s broadcast application for the new year,” the regulator said in a statement.
Kohli, who returned with scores of 11 and 72 in the first Test, is now placed at the fifth spot while Pujara – having accumulated a total of 88 runs across two innings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium – is now placed at the seventh spot….reports Asian Lite News
India’s Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara have moved down by a spot while Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah have moved upwards in the respective ICC Test rankings which got updated after the culmination of the first Test which England won by 227 runs on Tuesday.
Kohli, who returned with scores of 11 and 72 in the first Test, is now placed at the fifth spot while Pujara – having accumulated a total of 88 runs across two innings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium – is now placed at the seventh spot.
In the list of bowlers, Ashwin and Bumrah are placed at the seventh and eight positions respectively.
England captain Joe Root’s match-winning 218 in the first Test has helped him advance two places to third position. He has overtaken Kohli in the process.
Root, who helped his team to a memorable win in Chennai that kept England in contention for the ICC World Test Championship final, has reached 883 rating points, his highest since September 2017, after a fabulous run in the sub-continent has seen him accumulate 684 runs in three Tests, two of which were in Sri Lanka.
England captain Joe Root’
Ahead of Kohli for the first time since November 2017, the England skipper is now 36 points behind top-ranked Kane Williamson and trails Steve Smith by only eight points. With Marnus Labuschagne also in the mix, competition for the top five slots is intense with all of them above 850 rating points.
For India, Rishabh Pant’s knock of 91 in the first innings has helped him become the first full-time wicketkeeper from his country to reach 700 rating points as he retained 13th position among batsmen.
Shubman Gill has progressed seven places to 40th position while all-rounder Washington Sundar is at the 81st spot after moving up two slots. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem too has gained two places to reach 85th position among bowlers.
The second Test, also in Chennai, will begin from Saturday.
Covid hero Dr Chandpaul among top Asian talents were selected for a prestigious awards event in London. The second annual British Asian Media Awards felicitated the heroes who gave a voice to the South Asian community through entertainment, news, and activism by being a beacon of light in a year filled with lockdowns…. Reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The second annual British Asian Media Awards felicitated the heroes who gave a voice to the South Asian community through entertainment, news, and activism by being a beacon of light in a year filled with lockdowns.
COVID-19 disrupted our lives, and as we moved from one lockdown to another, the British South Asian media industry came together to give a voice to the community, and keep the spirit alive through non-stop entertainment, news that matters, and highlighting causes.
This year the awards felicitated those who kept the show going despite the pandemic and made a difference to our lives through timely information, non-stop entertainment, activism, and engagement.
Co-hosting the British Asian Media Awards virtually is University of Southampton. The university is hailed as the birthplace of internet and continues to do groundbreaking research and the India Centre hopes to make an impact to change the world for better.
Professor Jane Falkingham, OBE, Vice-President International, Executive Director, India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development said: “As a global top 100 research-intensive University, we are delighted to support the British Asian Media (BAM-2020) awards, as part of our continued global commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and the deepening of UK and South Asian multilateral relations. The ethos and objectives of BAM awards are in alignment with our India Centre’s mission to nurture inclusive and sustainable societies, through high quality research, education and enterprise activities.”
Community Champion / Influencer: Dr Chand Nagpaul CBE The Chair of the Council of British Medical Association highlighted the COVID-19 risks faced by BAME families and doctors along with keeping the community and nation abreast with precautionary measures they can take to stay safe. On receiving the award, he said: “As a practicing GP serving a large multi-ethnic population, I saw first-hand the devastating toll of COVID-19 on our BAME communities. As BMA council chair, it was deeply distressing to see so many ethnic minority medical and healthcare colleagues die from the disease. It was vital to speak out and call on government to address the structural inequalities fueling this alarming disparity and I am humbled to see the BMA’s leadership on this issue recognized. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who has lost a loved one to this deadly virus.”
British Asian Journalist/Writer of the Year: Satnam Sanghera Award winning columnist and feature writer Satnam Sanghera shed light on the importance
LGBT Champion: Reeta Loi Reeta has spearheaded GAYSIANS globally as a movement to provide positive visibility and a united voice for LGBT+ South Asians.
Diversity Champion: Mayank Shah Founder and CEO of MSDUK, Mayank Shah for empowering ethnic minority-owned businesses in creating an inclusive and diverse supply chain.
Special Award for promoting Sports and Education ties between India-UK: Lakbir Singh, for his significant contribution in promoting sports and education ties between the UK and India.
Media Impact Person of the Year: Gaurav Jandwani: Gaurav Jandwani was at the helm of affairs in the UK as Disney bought over 21st Century Fox and with it, ownership of SKY and its Indian arm – Star Network. He successfully launched Hotstar, globally in the US and UK and has boosted the networks offering to reflect the new reality.
Marketing Campaign: Elephant Atta Vit D Campaign 2020 was the year of brand responsibility, and during the pandemic Elephant Atta’s Vitamin D campaign stood out. The brand created the innovation based on the research that there was an acute deficiency of Vitamin D among South Asians. The campaign was launched during the pandemic with a television ad depicting multicultural Britain and the young protagonist Rishi extolling the virtues of his homemade humble Roti. The multimedia campaign on TV/Radio/Outdoor and digital enlisted more than 40 digital influencers for effective sampling and made the product reach out effectively to South Asian Mums and home chefs.
Marketing Brand: ICICI Bank UK
The pandemic year didn’t affect the fortunes of India’s largest private sector bank and the largest Indian bank in the UK with its 360” campaign helping it achieve its business goals in the UK. The brand was ubiquitous on South Asian TV, IPL on Sky, India-Australia series on BT Sports, Southall Station, High streets of Wembley and Harrow, the radio waves, webinars and on the iconic London buses. The brand was never bigger than this in the UK since its launch and continues to gain new customers in the UK for its NRI Banking. It became the go to bank for the community.
Community Campaign of the Year: Morrisons Living is Giving (Ramadan/Eid Campaign)
The Morrisons Living is Giving Ramadan campaign united the community with its inspirational messaging and adaptation of Premchand’s Eid classic story – ‘Eidgah’ (The story holds the same place as Charles Dickens’ – ‘A Christmas Carol’). The picture story went viral, with it being shared many a times. The campaign was supported on South Asian TV and Radio as well as influencers such as Dina Tokio (one of the biggest Muslim influencers) took notice of Morrisons Ramadan box and shared the story on Instagram. The campaign has created a unique space among South Asians in the UK.
Advertising Agency: Here and Now 365 – defining Multicultural Marketing Understanding the pulse of UK’s multicultural audience Here and Now 365 strategized and executed campaigns bringing brands closer to the community. During the pandemic year – Here and Now 365 executed multimedia TV, Radio and Outdoor Campaigns as well as influencer and digital campaigns that kept the community engaged. The agency launched award winning products during the pandemic and pushed boundaries like never with Elephant Atta Vit D launch campaign and the Morrisons Community Campaign. The founder Manish Tiwari was recognized by the Guardian in its Global Diversity List.
Entertainment Channel: Sony TV
Sony TV managed to take away the viewership and ratings crown of the pandemic year by garnering the maximum viewership on the weekends. For the first time in the history of British South Asian broadcast, it became the leader in terms of viewership week after week. Programs such as Kaun Banega Crorepati (Indian version of Who wants to be a Millionaire), Indian Idol and its weekday regulars such as Crime Patrol and Mere Sai saw consistent viewership. The channel also managed to create history with the Kapil Sharma show as it became a primetime staple for the British Asian community.
Indian News Channel: Aaj Tak/ India Today (SKY Channel 710) Not only did Aaj Tak rule the roost when it comes to ratings but also highlighted the most important stories, with balanced reporting in India and the UK. The interview with Rhea Chakraborty (trolled by right wing media as accused) with Rajdeep Sardesai was hailed by Twitter for its ‘brave fight against the misogynistic right-wing media’. The channel withstood the political trolling and right-wing propaganda bravely as two of its frontline presenters – Rahul Kanwal and Rajdeep Sardesai were time and again at the ire of right-wing pressure groups. The channel also has a long running local show with UK correspondent Loveena Tandon.
Pakistani News Channel: GEO News GEO News continued with its balanced coverage, highlighting issues that mattered to the British Pakistani community. The channel has been forced to submit to the right-wing pressure tactics in the past but continues with its honest coverage. Their network of reporters in the UK ensures news that resonates with the British Pakistani audience.
Asian Newspaper: Asian Lite Anasudhin Azeez started Asian Lite almost a decade back from Manchester. The newspaper is possibly the only Asian newspaper which aims to do investigative journalism with activism as it was at the fore front of the campaign against Lord Ahmed who had to quit before being expelled from the House of Lords for sexual misconduct. He also was instrumental in an expose about the low wages paid to its workers by a leading fashion retailer in midlands. Over the years Asian Lite has come to the forefront in being the emerging voice of South Asian community.
Movie Channel: Zee Cinema
Zee Cinema had the maximum number of movie premiers and film festivals, leading to high viewership – proving the power of Bollywood. The channel showed how it can keep the viewers entertained through a robust selection of movies from its Zee5 library and continued to dominate as the leading Bollywood channel. Through a bespoke research, advertisers on Zee Cinema had the maximum ROI, highest recall rate and the best value for money to sponsors.
Reality Show: Kaun Banega Crorepati Comeback Season on Sony TV Hosted by Amitabh Bachchan the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire saw immense popularity. The original show, as well as the repeat telecast witnessed high viewership figures and the promo of the show with Amitabh Bachchan reciting his father’s verses were simply iconic.
Daily Soap: Anupama on Star Plus
The power of daily soaps and its captivating hold on the audience is best demonstrated through the success of Anupama on Star Plus. Narrating the story of a female protagonist, something that Star Network does best.
Asian Radio Station: Sunrise Radio The first and largest South Asian radio channel in the UK became the voice of the community, with news, and entertainment. It started its new weekly chat show with Anila Dhami on Sundays and as always was at the forefront of everything where the South Asian community was involved.
New Media Award – Podcast of the Year: Global Indian Series for the Podcast Judged by Autism The Global Indian podcast is part of the Global Indian Series. Every week the show plunges audiences into the human experience of being a person of Indian origin. The podcast – Judged by Autism | A Father’s journey took a humane take on the experiences of being a father to a child with Autism. The pair have a candid conversation that is a raw and heartfelt account of the day-to-day battles, loneliness and ostracization that he has faced from his community through to the reality of his family’s future.
Asian Music Channel: B4U Music
The Music channel which continues to combine the best of Bollywood and British Asian chart toppers continues to a regular feature at all South Asian restaurants and pubs in London. It continues to rule the ratings.
OTT Platform: Hotstar With shows like Aarya and big-ticket movie premiers Hotstar was the go-to platform for original Indian content. It made news as the alternative platform for Bollywood releases held back by the Pandemic as well as original shows such as Aarya.
Best OTT Original Show: Churails on Zee5
Churails released globally by Zee5 is an exclusive series on the platform directed and written by Asim Abbasi. The show received critical acclaim as it brought together diverse characters including a lesbian Pakistani lead and broke stereotypes in a format which was bold as well as ground-breaking even leading to a brief ban in Pakistan.
Winners speak
Award Winner
Quote
Community Champion / Influencer: Dr Chand Nagpaul CBE
“As a practising GP serving a large multi-ethnic population, I saw first-hand the devastating toll of COVID-19 on our BAME communities. As BMA council chair, it was deeply distressing to see so many ethnic minority medical and healthcare colleagues die from the disease. It was vital to speak out and call on government to address the structural inequalities fueling this alarming disparity and I am humbled to see the BMA’s leadership on this issue recognized. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who has lost a loved one to this deadly virus.”
Media Impact Person of the Year: Gaurav Jandwani
“It is a matter of great pride & honor to receive the award. I would like to express my gratitude to British Asian Media Awards for this honor, who have provided a great platform to provide diversity in the UK. This has been an incredibly tough year, and broadcasters and OTT have played an important role in keeping viewers entertained and safely home, creating content in trying circumstances. While this might be an individual award, it reflects the tireless efforts of my team who work behind the scenes to create the impact- I cannot thank them enough. I hope we can celebrate together as one next year!”
Diversity Champion 2020: Mayank Shah
‘ I feel humbled for this recognition. Ethnic Minority businesses across the UK make huge contribution to the UK economy and my work at MSDUK over the last 14 years has focussed on giving them opportunity to succeed in the main stream. We have worked with over 200 global and British companies to help them diversifying their supply chain, offer opportunities and do business with some of the most talented ethnic minority businesses. Over £1b worth of business has been generated so far for hundreds of ethnic minority businesses and this is just the beginning. We will continue to fight for a more equal, fairer economy that offers opportunities to all to excel. This recognition will inspire me even further to carry on championing ethnic minority businesses across the corporate world”
Entertainment Channel: Sony TV Reality Show: Kaun Banega Crorepati Comeback Season on Sony TV
Shalin Patel, VP, Europe Business Head for Sony Pictures Network said: “In 2020, we saw a lot of changes in viewing habits largely due to changes in television content production. Regardless of these obstacles, SONY TV network was able to adapt and even deliver viewers fresh new programming and top viewer rated shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati and Indian Idol. This year, SONY TV is going to be just as dynamic and innovative in bringing you exciting television entertainment including shows such as Story 9 Months Ki and season 4 of Super Dancer, for which virtual auditions have already begun. I would like to thank all of our business partners for their continued support during the tough transitional past year but especially thank our loyal viewers more than ever for choosing the channel throughout lockdown and social restrictions to keep them entertained. Wishing everyone a very safe 2021.”
Movie channel of the Year : Zee Cinema
Since its inception, Zee Cinema has stood for three things: Movies, Masti and Magic! With the maximum number of movie premieres and film festivals, leading to high viewership – proving the power of Bollywood, Zee Cinema is the Home of Bollywood Blockbusters. And with its extensive movie catalogue, Zee Cinema dominates as the leading Bollywood channel. Through a bespoke research, advertisers on Zee Cinema had the maximum ROI, highest recall rate and the best value for money to sponsors” – Parul Goel, Zee TV UK
Pakistani News Channel: GEO News
Azhar Abbas, Managing Director, GEO News, said: “GEO News remains committed to its core values; Credible, Unbiased, Fast and First. In these unprecedented times GEO has had the added responsibility to keep Team GEO safe, while continuing to deliver unparalleled content. We have remained inclusive with over 8 Million of our family members, the Pakistani Expat community globally, they have faced some of the toughest times with lockdowns and many of those being key workers. We have celebrated those serving the effected, especially from our community, and comforted those affected. Thank you, British Asian Media Awards, for giving us the recognition on our work amongst the UK Community, we will continue to serve and be the voice for Pakistani Expatriated in the power corridors.”
Indian News Channel: Aaj Tak /India Today
“We are truly honoured and humbled to accept this award. At the India Today Group, our entire ethos is underpinned by the central belief that independent media is the bedrock of democracy. At a time of global ferment, media across the world is embattled and in a state of flux. But through inevitable cycles of high and low, travail and triumph, the India Today Group remains steadfast, winning admiration for holding the line and remaining a torchbearer for independent and credible journalism. We would also like to thank our viewers for their trust and support in us and making us the Gold Standard of Journalism.” Sakshi Kohli, Head Events and Corporate Cmmunications
Asian Newspaper: Asian Lite
“It’s an honour and privilege to be considered for the coveted award. All credit goes to the Team Asian Lite. Instead of trekking through the worn paths of ethnic media in the UK, we follow the paths created by maestros like CP Scott, and Harold Evans. The expulsion of Lord Nazir cements our faith In Good Journalism and its missionary values to uphold democracy and its institutions,” said Azeez Anasudhin, Editor, Asian Lite
Asian Radio Station: Tony Lit MBE
At sunrise radio we have witnessed many major incidents and milestones over our 31 years of broadcasting , but none has compared to the past year with this global pandemic , though it has been extremely tough for us as a commercial entity as we have been hit hard like the entire sector economically , my team and I have rose to the challenge to continue running a seamless broadcast service when we had presenters broadcasting from home , we understood what our service would mean in terms of important information and for the wellbeing and mental health, company and support for the British Asian community at this time of national emergency , we have also supported charities and businesses where we can during this time who have needed a voice , I also took the decision to launch a current affairs programme, to bring the important information and answers to the British Asian community giving them a voice that matters , we are more than a radio station we have become over the years family members of our listeners which make up the heart & fabric of our British Asian community , so on behalf of our listeners and my team I thank BAM for honouring us with the Radio Station of the year award in a year like no other . Thank you.
Best OTT Original Show: Churails on Zee5
Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global – “Churails, with its rich, bold narrative and globally relevant storyline has broken stereotypes and opened up fresh conversation around equality not only in South Asia but also in other markets across the globe by putting strong women at the centre of its story. Winning this Award is a recognition of the tremendous impact that our content has created across key markets and how deeply it is resonating with audiences. At ZEE5, we’re committed to bringing our viewers the best of handpicked stories from across South Asia. UK is an especially important market for us, and we are very glad that our efforts are being recognised here with this highly coveted award.”
New Media Award: Podcast of the Year – Global Indian Series
Often, in my own 58 (and counting) global Indian explorations across our planet, I have found myself in surreal situations. From fishing with heads of state at the edges of the Amazon, being taken hostage or travelling to Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis, I have been there looking for us! But last year I found myself as a tourist in my own country; with the world grounded to a halt we continued our explorations via our Podcast platform. In addition to our print journalism that is featured to over 30 million globally, the podcasts have become a gateway for human interest stories that go beyond the obvious. If there is one thing I have learned from my own expeditions, it is that unless we challenge perceptions and question the fabric of identity, we will often see the brutality of division. Our aim has always been to inspire purpose, passion and community. It is a deep privilege to bring these stories and discussions to global attention every week and to be acknowledged by the British Asian Awards. – Rajan Nazran
Special Award for promoting Sports and Education ties between India-UK: Lakbir Singh
“It is a tremendous honour to receive this award for which I am truly humbled. I would like to thank the event organisers and my entire team at UK Elite Sports Group (UKESG) for their continued support in developing impactful collaboration between the UK and India, with a particular focus on Education, Health & Sports.”
Another 12,364 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 3,972,148, according to official figures released on Tuesday.
The country also reported another 1,052 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 113,850. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, the Xinhua news agency reported.
The latest figures were revealed as Britain is stepping up efforts to speed up vaccine rollout to bring the pandemic under control.
More than 12.6 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures. Britain aims to complete the vaccination of the top priority groups, which cover 15 million people, by mid-February and offer all adults their first dose by autumn.
UK Health Secy Matt Hancock
Earlier on Tuesday, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced tough fines up to 10,000 pounds (about $13,780.77) and jail terms up to 10 years for those breaking quarantine rules designed to prevent new coronavirus variants from entering the country.
Hancock also announced that from Monday, all international arrivals will be required by law to take further coronavirus tests on day two and day eight of their quarantine.
Meanwhile, from next Monday, arrivals from “red list countries” must pay 1,750 pounds (about $2,411.77) for their own hotel quarantine, transport and testing, said Hancock.
Previously, Britain has banned all travel by non-British or Irish passengers from more than 30 “red list countries” where there is a risk of known variants. Those countries include South Africa, Portugal and South American nations.
England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the US have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.
