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Benchmark in a Hair-Salon experience: The House of Keune by Bloom, London

House of Keune by Bloom represents a pinnacle of collaboration between Bloom Lifestyle salons and the esteemed 100-year-old brand, Keune. Nestled in the heart of Holborn, central London, their stunning flagship salon stands as a testament to the fusion of talent and expertise. Initially rooted in Scotland, Bloom has now spread its wings to London, bolstering Keune’s presence in the UK market. Situated within the cutting-edge headquarters alongside the Keune Academy, House of Keune by Bloom offers unparalleled guest care and a commitment to excellence. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Bloom is built around a talented team of hair and beauty professionals across the UK.

Sheona Forrest. Director, Bloom Lifestyle said, “Bloom is located within the new state-of-the-art headquarters alongside the Keune Academy which educates its network of UK salons. Working with Keune is an amazing opportunity to extend the Bloom brand into the rest of the UK, beginning in the iconic London location of The House of Keune.”

JR Slane. Creative Director & Partner, Bloom Lifestyle went on to say that “I am so proud to be Creative Director and salon partner at the House of Keune by Bloom in Holborn, London. My extensive experience as a technical cutting specialist, educator and session stylist ensures I can help grow and develop our amazing Bloom team in London. I’m so excited to bring passion and knowledge of haircare to this iconic building, and can’t wait to welcome our guests..”

Discerning clients who are looking for this experience can book their complimentary consultation with a Bloom London colour specialist for expert professional advice. With hundreds of colour combinations Keune Color can give you the healthy, personalised colour that will resonate with a variety of different people and choices.

Whether you want a classic style, fashion-forward update or a reshape, those wanting to try them out can book a pre-appointment complimentary consultation with one of their talented hair styling team. In the heart of Holborn, London, The House of Keune by Bloom also offers timeless grooming, tailored to men with a full range of services – from haircuts and restyles to traditional shaves and hair styling.

All their men’s grooming services include a luxury shampoo experience with massage and hot towel. For styling they use 1922 by J.M. Keune – a collection of timeless grooming staples. By creating beauty sustainably, they encourage people to take care of themselves, of the environment in which they live and work, and of the things they love, their gorgeously displayed amazing line of products can be purchased at the salon for home use .

Whether you want a style overhaul or a quick trim, the House of Keune by Bloom not only looks gorgeous with its bright, modern and inviting interiors, it has top of the class staff, who prioritise attention to detail whether colour, cutting or styling hair. It’s not about cookie cutter looks here, the experts listen to what you want and execute it in the most flattering way.

The salon is also committed to sustainability with the programme Keune Cares, and only uses environmentally responsible haircare and colouring products.

For one-of-a-kind hair salon experience visit The House of Keune by Bloom. You can be assured of a warm welcome, a meaningful consultation where you will feel heard about your needs for your hair with attention to detail, a deluxe hairwash experience with inclining massage chairs so you feel fully relaxed, an efficient haircut and style or even a hair redesign for a new look with a hair colour too. They have a menu of hair treatments too for hair and even scalp. Chilled water or Prosecco or a hot drink too is offered to sip on while your hair is being pampered! Highly Recommended!

ALSO READ: Artistic and Delectable Botanical Afternoon Tea Experience: Marriott Park Lane, London

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Artistic and Delectable Botanical Afternoon Tea Experience: Marriott Park Lane, London

The arrival of spring welcomes fresh blooms and a renewed Botanical Afternoon Tea menu at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Inspired by neighbouring Hyde Park, tasty finger sandwiches and delightful pastries adorn their delectable menu. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

The gorgeously array of treats arrives on a table by the window with spring sunshine outside. Featuring a delicate rose and raspberry cream choux swan, a light and refreshing garden pond cheesecake, a lemongrass and pistachio chocolate forest log and more treats await you when you book this afternoon tea experience. All to be enjoyed while sipping one of their carefully selected JING teas, bubbles or house cocktails. The afternoon tea is priced at £50 per person with a glass of bubbles. Free-flowing bubbles are also available upon request. 

As part of this experience their savouries include Prawn, asparagus, cherry tomato and dried olives in filo tart; BBQ confit duck, tomato and gem lettuce brioche bun; Spring vegetable and truffle egg mayo in charcoal basket; Beans coronation, peppers and hummus sandwich. They also have vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options too.

Botanical Afternoon Tea

Next comes the scones selection which includes Home made plain scones to Homemade rose and hibiscus scones, served with Homemade jam and Cornish clotted cream. The pastries include Rose and raspberry cream choux pastry swan; The round pond coconut mango cheesecake; Lemongrass and pistachio chocolate forest log; Fruit and citrus custard tartlet. 

The presentation of this afternoon tea experience is top-notch, the pastries are like work of art! The service is attentive and impeccable; the vibe is leisurely, the decor and setting is comforting; they even have alcohol free champagne! This one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience is available Friday-Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Meet Franky Fernandes, Executive Chef:

Originally from India, raised in the city of Pune in Maharashtra, Franky Fernandes is Executive Chef within luxury five-star boutique hotel, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. 

Franky Fernandes, Executive Chef

With over 21 years of hospitality experience, Franky has played an integral role in the success of one of Mayfair’s most memorable and esteemed dining destinations. Franky’s love for culinary arts and passion for food started at a young age where he learnt from his grandfather – a chef in the armed forces. Inspired by his grandfather, Franky went on to chase a career in hospitality and graduated from the International Institute of Hotel Management in Pune. During his first year working in the industry, Franky gained invaluable experience at the Hyatt Regency Mumbai before relocating to London to pursue his passion for hospitality. 

Chef Franky has worked in a number of five-star, luxury properties in London including; InterContinental London Park Lane, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, The Dorchester London, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill; cooking a variety of cuisines, before residing as Executive Chef at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane.

His ethos is to create a memorable dining experience for all guests by using local, seasonal ingredients. This is illustrated through his menu development and innovation; spotlighting the marriage between Asian ingredients and western cooking techniques to delight guests and bring his passion to plate.

Franky is driven to inspire the next generation of culinary talent, regularly hosting inspirational career talks and cooking demonstrations at culinary colleges across London. He has  mentored a Springboard’s FutureChef competition participant who won the 2023 regional chef competition.

About Marriott Park Lane

Located in London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, overlooking Hyde Park, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane is a luxury five-star boutique hotel, offering an elevated escape in the heart of Mayfair. The unique Grade-II listed building boasts 152 rooms, including 28 suites, Penhaligon’s amenities, The Club at Park Lane health club with an impressive 12.5 metre indoor heated pool, versatile events spaces and a relaxed British restaurant and bar, Lanes of London. With one of Europe’s most sought-after shopping destinations in striking distance, family- friendly attractions, alongside iconic landmarks within close proximity, the property is perched and poised for guests inclined to peruse, purchase, and play to their hearts content.

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‘Shocking Increase’ in Extremist Activity: Sunak Raises Alarm

UK’s democracy is being deliberately undermined, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned in his address to the Nation from outside 10 Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak came out heavily against the rising cases of ‘extremism’ in the United Kingdom and warned that while people have the right to march and protest ‘peacefully’, they can’t call for violence and extremism.

The UK Prime Minister said that a “shocking increase” has been noticed in extremist disruption and criminality in the recent weeks and months, and what started as protests on streets, has descended into “intimidation, threats, and planned acts of violence.”

“Jewish children fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveal their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with. Now our democracy itself is a target,” Sunak said in his address to the Nation from outside 10 Downing Street.

He acknowledged that immigrants from different spheres of the world have come and integrated in the country without giving up on their identities.

“You can be a practising Hindu and a proud Briton as I am. Or a devout Muslim and a patriotic citizen as so many are. Or a committed Jewish person and the heart of your local community…and all underpinned by the tolerance of our established, Christian church,” Sunak said.

“But I fear that our great achievement in building the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi faith democracy is being deliberately undermined,” he said.

Sunak said that since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, many groups are trying to take advantage of the war to advance a divisive, hateful ideological agenda. Due to this, on many occasions, the UK streets were “hijacked” by “hostile groups.”

“Islamist extremists and far rights groups are spreading a poison, that poison is extremism,” he stated.

He further said that while people have the right to march and protest demanding protection fo civilian life, they can’t call for “violent Jihad”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes a statement from Downing Street. Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street

“I respect that the police have a tough job in policing the protests we have seen and that they are operationally independent. But we must draw a line. Yes, you can march and protest with passion…You can demand the protection of civilian life…but no, you cannot call for violent Jihad,” Sunak said.

He also cited the order by Home Secretary James Cleverly that the foreign nationals who are in UK on visas, if “spew hate on protests or seek to intimidate people”, their right to stay in the country will be revoked.

“I want to speak directly to those who choose to continue to protest: Don’t let the extremists hijack your marches. You have a chance in the coming weeks to show that you can protest decently, peacefully and with empathy for your fellow citizens,” Sunak further said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UK govt to step up lawmakers’ security  

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Sajid slams Sunak

Over the weekend, senior party figures failed to fully condemn Anderson despite his suspension, including Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps…reports Asian Lite News

London’s mayor has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of “tacit endorsement” of Islamophobia in his Conservative Party.

Sadiq Khan’s accusation came after the “belated” suspension of Conservative MP Lee Anderson, who refused to apologize for saying in a TV interview that “Islamists” had “got control” of the mayor.

“I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London,” Anderson told GB News. “He’s actually given our capital city away to his mates.”

Khan said Muslims are considered “fair game” for prejudice by the Conservatives.

It comes amid a series of scandals for the governing party after its former leader Liz Truss attended a major conservative conference in the US where she appeared on a panel at which British far-right figure Tommy Robinson was praised, and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman penned an article for the Daily Telegraph suggesting “Islamists” are “in charge” of the UK.

Over the weekend, senior party figures failed to fully condemn Anderson despite his suspension, including Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.

Khan said: “Blatant anti-Muslim hatred is being tolerated from top to bottom of the party, with everyone from ministers to mayoral candidates failing to condemn even the most clear-cut examples of bigotry and racism.”

He added: “Anderson’s comments have poured petrol on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred … The message it sends is some forms of hatred and racism are acceptable. Enough is enough.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Sunak has “extremists” in his party acting “with impunity.” Labour Chair Anneliese Dodds said in a letter to her Conservative counterpart Richard Holden that Anderson’s comments are “unambiguously Islamophobic, divisive and damaging.”

She cited other incidents of Islamophobia in the governing part, including London mayoral candidate Susan Hall’s suggestion that Jewish Londoners were “frightened” of Khan’s “divisive attitude” in October, and Conservative MP Nus Ghani saying she was told her “Muslimness” made “colleagues uncomfortable” by an unnamed party official in 2020.

Truss, meanwhile, has been criticized by former Chancellor Sir Sajid Javid for failing to address comments made by US conservative figure Steve Bannon at the Conservative Political Action Conference in which he called Robinson a “hero.”

ALSO READ-Indian delegation to visit London to resolve FTA issues

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Indian delegation to visit London to resolve FTA issues

A TRQ allows a lower tariff rate on imports of a given product up to a specified quantity. New Delhi is said to be considering a concessional tariff of 30 percent on 2,500 electric vehicles imported annually from the UK priced above $80,000…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation from India, led by Commerce Secretary Sunil Kumar Barthwal, is likely to be in London from February 21-24 to conduct another round of negotiations on the proposed Foreign Trade Agreement (FTA) with United Kingdom (UK) as disagreements remain over certain aspects of market access, an Indian government official told Moneycontrol.

“FTA talks may go on for longer, if outstanding issues remain unresolved even as India looks to conclude negotiations before general elections schedule in April-May 2024”, the official added.

According to the official, these outstanding issues include UK’s reluctance over India’s stand that British automakers have to increase utilisation of local components in their vehicles to 45 percent to get concessions from New Delhi.

India has been mulling Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) to meet the UK’s demand for a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles from Britain as part of the trade deal. The two sides are also yet to agree on Britain’s demand for an import duty cut on its whisky, the official added.

A TRQ allows a lower tariff rate on imports of a given product up to a specified quantity. New Delhi is said to be considering a concessional tariff of 30 percent on 2,500 electric vehicles imported annually from the UK priced above $80,000.

Commerce Secretary on February 15 said that India will safeguard the interest of farmers as well as goods covered under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme while aiming for commercial gains through the proposed FTA with UK.

“Majority of the chapters are either closed or are at advanced stage of negotiations. Recently, a high-level UK delegation visited India (23rd-25th January 2024) and discussions were held at higher level as well as team level to iron out differences,” the commerce ministry said on February 15.

The FTA between India and the UK, negotiations for which were launched on January 2022, was originally slated for Diwali 2022. There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights. So far, 14 round of talks have been conducted between the two sides.

ALSO READ-India, EU Set to Begin Seventh Round of FTA Talks

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Freer to give up seat in Jewish area of London over threats

Freer, a member of the governing Conservative Party, has campaigned against antisemitism and previously described himself as pro-Israel…reports Asian Lite News

British lawmaker Mike Freer, who represents an area in London with a large Jewish population, said he would be giving up his parliamentary seat at the next election after receiving a series of threats, including an arson attack on his office.

Freer, who is not Jewish, has represented the Finchley and Golders Green constituency since 2010. He cited “several serious threats to my personal safety” in a letter explaining his decision not to seek re-election later this year.

A man who went on to kill lawmaker David Amess in 2021 in what he said was revenge for the lawmaker’s support for air strikes on Syria also carried out reconnaissance at Freer’s office prior to that attack.

In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, Freer said: “There comes a point when the threats to your personal safety become too much and also too much for our spouses and our family.”

Reports of antisemitic abuse in Britain have risen sharply in the months following the Oct. 7 Hamas assault in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and triggered an Israeli military onslaught in Gaza.

Freer, a member of the governing Conservative Party, has campaigned against antisemitism and previously described himself as pro-Israel.

Asked whether he felt antisemitism had motivated some of the threats and abuse he received, Freer told the Daily Mail it was hard to discount that in some cases.

“Whether people make a threat because they think I’m Jewish, or because of my views on the Middle East, who really knows? But clearly, my constituency is at the sharp end of antisemitism,” he said.

ALSO READ-Cameron, Hungarian FM visit Lebanese officials

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The King of Bhangra To Perform in London

The King of Bhangra + New Soundz at the Southbank Centre’s First South Asian Sounds Festival 7-10 March 2024…reports Asian Lite News

Over four days from the 7th to the 10th of March 2024, London’s Southbank Centre presents the inaugural South Asian Sounds festival: a diverse programme reflecting the wealth of talented South Asian musicians and artists. Artists from the South Asian diaspora have been carefully curated to present audiences with a stunning range of classical and contemporary music that reflects the diversity of the region and its people.

The South Asian Sounds festival has been developed in co-ordination with the UK’s leading South Asian booking agencies, including Bristol based and globally renowned Asian Arts Agency. Its special programme provides a snapshot of the diversity of South Asian music including the King of Bhangra, Malkit Singh, beatboxer and DJ, Jason Singh and avant garde jazz musician, Sarathy Korwar.

Jason Singh and Sarathy Korwar

Malkit Singh MBE Golden Star takes to the stage for South Asian Sounds’ Friday night’s premiere event at the Royal Festival Hall. From ‘Outstanding Achievement’ at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards to being honoured on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars, Malkit Singh’s is a performance and recording icon.

Vocal performances that shot Malkit Singh to extraordinary heights of international fame include the hit song from which Malkit takes his moniker ‘Kali Ainak’ (‘Golden Star’) and ‘Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha’ and ‘Tutak Tutak Toothiyan’. The latter song was penned by Veer Rahimpuri and became the fastest selling and most successful Bhangra single at the time. Malkit’s performances on ‘Chal Hun’ and ‘Jind Mahi featured on the movie soundtrack for ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Malkit Singh MBE was listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest selling bhangra solo artist of all time and is acknowledged internationally for taking Punjabi folk music onto a world stage. In 2008, Malkit Singh became the first Punjabi singer to be honoured with an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II.

New Soundz

The finale concert of South Asian Sounds takes place in the evening of Sunday March 10th in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and is actually a three-in-one innovative performance of contemporary music and sounds called New Soundz. This event is a follow on from Asian Arts Agency’s well received and attended New Soundz festival which took place in Bristol in November 2023.

The star musicians for this final performance are exceptionally talented artists who both strive to stretch musical borders and succeed effortlessly. They are sound artist extraordinaire, Jason Singh and genre-defying musician Sarathy Korwar, who will both perform solo shows and then come together for a collaborative show.

Dubbed the ‘human sampler’ by BBC Radio 6, Jason Singh’s solo section crafts immersive soundscapes drawn from nature’s diverse sounds and then a collaborative performance with award-winning Sarathy Korwar as the festival finale. Singh and Korwar explore a range of soundscapes, drawing inspiration from Indian classical ragas, jazz, ambient, avant-garde hip-hop, dub and the natural world.

“Asian Arts Agency has been promoting artists, curating events and developing new talent from across the globe for over fifteen years” comments Director Jaswinder Singh. “The Southbank Centre is known for innovation and cultural diversity and it is an honour to have our artists participating in the Southbank Centre’s inaugural South Asian Sounds festival this March. For the first festival edition, we are focusing on presenting some of the best of British Asian artists including crowd favourite, Malkit Singh and his high energy performance to the more ambient sounds style of Sarathy Korwar and the upbeat beats of Jason Singh, we are confident that our artists will provide something for everyone attending. Given our international and national work, collaborating with Southbank Centre is a significant step for our work and we’re excited to see how audiences will react.”

ALSO READ-Corporate Responsibility in Arts Promotion

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Al Falasi leads UAE delegation at EdTech London

The event witnessed broad participation from leading global institutions and companies, as well as public and private entities dedicated to advancing the education sector worldwide….reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, led the UAE delegation at Bett EdTech exhibition and conference taking place from January 24th to January 26th at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom.

The event witnessed broad participation from leading global institutions and companies, as well as public and private entities dedicated to advancing the education sector worldwide.

During the first days of the event, Dr. Al Falasi met with Mansoor Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom to explore ways to expand mutual cooperation between the UAE and the UK in the education sector.

Dr. Al Falasi accompanied Mansoor Belhoul on a tour at the Ministry’s platform at BETT, highlighting the most prominent and innovative educational experiences provided by EdTech companies participating in the exhibition under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.

During the exhibition, the Ministry of Education provided a platform for 16 of the most successful emerging UAE-based EdTech companies that collectively raised more than AED73 million in funds over the past few years. The EdTech companies showcased innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing the educational process, creating pioneering learning experiences and equipping students with the knowledge and skills required for future success in the job market.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to actively participating in major specialised events. The goal is to learn from global experiences and exchange expertise with partners from the public and private sectors.

He highlighted the importance of harnessing rapid technological developments to innovate solutions, elevating the education sector and preparing future generations to excel in all fields.

He added: “In this year’s exhibition, we aimed to provide startup educational technology companies in the country with the opportunity to benefit from this global platform. It allows them to connect with major international specialised companies and showcase their most notable innovations in the development of advanced educational solutions. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopting innovation and encouraging creative ideas that contribute to the development of the education sector, aligning with the rapid global changes and producing flexible, future-ready generations.”

On the sidelines of the exhibition, he met with Lord Kenneth Wilfred Baker, President and Co-founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust. They discussed the role of technology in enhancing the educational process and emphasised the importance of nurturing students’ individual talents to enable their success in academic and professional life.

BETT is one of the leading global forums specialising in education technology. It brings together leaders, decision-makers, education officials and specialists, as well as more than 600 technology companies providing specialised educational solutions and services.

The UAE’s participation in the exhibition is a testament to its commitment to advancing education and enhancing global leadership in technology and innovation.

ALSO READ: DBWC, Oracle to Empower UAE Women With AI Skills

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Thousands march in London for Gaza ‘day of action’

Around 1,700 police were on duty for the march, the latest in a series of demonstrations that have been held in London most Saturdays since the Israel-Hamas war began last year…reports Asian Lite News

Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in central London on Saturday as part of a global day of action to oppose Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza.

The day was organized by a coalition including the Friends of Al-Aqsa, Palestinian Forum in Britain, Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Muslim Association of Britain.

Around 1,700 police were on duty for the march, the latest in a series of demonstrations which have been held in London most Saturdays since the Israel-Hamas war began last year.

“The call of Jan. 13 designated by peace activists as a global day of action for Gaza has already attracted 40 countries organizing protests,” said Ismail Patel, chairman of the Friends of Al-Aqsa. He added Saturday was significant because it was the “eve of 100 days since the present crisis faced by the Palestinians. It is also a day after the International Court of Justice will deliver an interim order on the case brought by South Africa against Israel.”

The international court concluded two days of hearings on Friday. The proceedings by the South African government are also endorsed by other nations.

“With Israel continuing with its slaughter of Palestinians and most of the world’s governments remaining passive, peace activists are urging civil society to demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to occupation,” Patel said. “It is up to the people of the world to guide the political leaders and help end the genocide in Gaza.”

In a joint statement, the organizing coalition said: “Israel’s unrelenting attacks bear all the hallmarks of genocide under international law, as they demonstrate an ‘intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group’.”

PSC director Ben Jamal said: “The world needs to charge Israel with the gravest of crimes —  genocide — not just in the International Court of Justice, but in the court of global public opinion.

“In the face of the failure of governments, including the UK, to act to uphold international law and defend fundamental human rights, people continue to take to the streets to protest, week after week (and) this Saturday, from Australia to South America, from Dhaka to Washington, people of conscience will show the world demands a full ceasefire and an end to Israel’s impunity from international law,” he added.

Jamal said London was at the forefront of these global protests, attracting hundreds of thousands of solidarity campaigners “despite government hostility and opposition indifference.”

He said the national march continued to “show the majority of British people stand with Palestinians in this dark hour of their decades of oppression.”

He added: “A permanent ceasefire must be the starting point to address the underlying causes, including Israeli military occupation and a system of oppression against the Palestinian people that is considered internationally to meet the legal definition of apartheid. We will continue to march, demonstrate and organize to demand justice for the Palestinian people.”

“Little Amal,” a giant puppet of a refugee child that has become a global symbol of human rights, joined the seventh demonstration on Saturday, accompanied by a group of Palestinian children.

“Little Amal is a global symbol of human rights and the rights of children in particular. The name Amal means ‘hope’ in Arabic,” said a PSC spokesman.

“She represents a nine-year-old Syrian refugee girl who travels alone across Europe to find her mother (and) was created in 2021 for a project in which she walked between the Syrian-Turkiye border and the UK to draw attention to the experience of refugees. Since then she has traveled the world and met millions of people.”

Palestinian Amir Nizar Zuabi, artistic director of The Walk Productions, said: “Amal has become a symbol of the vulnerability and resilience of the millions of people that met her or followed her journey.”

He said the 12-foot puppet “walks for those most vulnerable and for their bravery and resilience,” adding: “Amal is a child and a refugee and today in Gaza childhood is under attack, with an unfathomable number of children killed. Childhood itself is being targeted. That’s why we walk.”

Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of more than 23,000 Palestinians, including more than 10,000 children. Thousands more are missing or presumed dead. Almost all of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with more than 60 percent of buildings damaged or destroyed. The UN has warned one in four people in Gaza are starving as Israel refuses to allow in adequate supplies and destroys food infrastructure.

The day of action involved over 40 countries across six continents, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Jordan, and Turkey.

ALSO READ-India-born Banker Eyes Greener London in 2024 Mayoral Bid

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India-born Banker Eyes Greener London in 2024 Mayoral Bid

Calling ULEZ unfair, he said wealthy Londoners can easily afford the 12.50-pound daily charge for non-compliant vehicles, while those on lower incomes are deterred from using their cars…reports Asian Lite News

An India-born investment banker, standing as an independent in the 2024 London Mayoral election, has said that he comes from a country where toxic air is a big issue, and wants things to be “greener and more effective” in the British capital.

Tarun Ghulati told The Standard newspaper that he was entering the race, due to be held on May 2 this year, to “get London moving again” as the capital has “lot its mojo”.

“I certainly come from a country where toxic air is a big issue and I believe we should work towards making things greener and more effective,” Ghulati, who expects to be polling ahead of the Liberal Democrat and Green candidates within six weeks, told The Standard.

Having lived in London for more than 20 years, the 63-year-old said he wants to completely scrap the Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ), remove the congestion charge on weekends and abolish low traffic neighbourhoods.

According to Ghulati, hindrances to cars, such as road-blocks in low traffic neighbourhoods, were in fact contributing to pollution by causing vehicles to stand still and emit fumes.

Calling ULEZ unfair, he said wealthy Londoners can easily afford the 12.50-pound daily charge for non-compliant vehicles, while those on lower incomes are deterred from using their cars.

His other priorities include increasing police presence on the street and building more police stations in areas where there is a high crime rate.

The 2024 London mayoral election is scheduled to be held on May 2, and will take place simultaneously with elections to the London Assembly and local elections across England and Wales.

Sadiq Khan, who has been the Mayor of London since 2016, is seeking re-election as the Labour candidate.

A total of 12 candidates have reportedly declared that they will be running for the job, which includes Conservative Susan Hill, Liberal Democrat Rob Blackie, Reform UK’s Howard Cox, Green Party’s Zoe Garbett and Social Democratic Party’s Amy Gallagher.

While Mayoral elections are traditionally held every four years, voting was last held in 2021 instead of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will be the first time the election will use the first-past-the-post system.

Mayoral elections are traditionally held every four years.

However, voters last went to the polls in 2021 rather than 2020 as the election was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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