Amid the diminishing relevance of the present-day media, engrossed in negativity and system-bashing, Blitz India is a bold attempt at constructive journalism. It is India’s first, and only, weekly newspaper focused on development journalism.

1. London, July 3-9, 2023
WORLD’S FIRST WEEKLY CHRONICLE OF DEVELOPMENT NEWS Vol. 1. No. 20
United Kingdom
Edition
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
ONLINE EDITION
WE STAND COMMITTED TO SDGs
Launch of Blitz India's UK edition in London
SPECTACULAR
Excerpts from
key speeches
Page 4&5
A pictorial treat
of London launch
Page 6&7
SPECIAL
T
HE spectacular launch of the online UK edition
of Blitz India, in London on June 24, was a star-
studded affair in every sense of the word. With
the who’s who of Britain and India in attendance
at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club, the Lords and
the Ladies sat down at round-tables bedecked in crisp
white linen and dainty crystal glasses.
Candles burnt bright in silver candelabras and juices
flowed freely as speaker after speaker lauded the efforts
of Blitz India Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwive-
di in setting new standards in development journalism.
India’s Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who could not
be physically present due to last-minute engagements
back home, sent a video message which was played on
the occasion. Mehta recalled his association with Blitz In-
dia and conveyed his best wishes on the London launch.
He lauded the transformative work that Blitz India had
undertaken in the field of development journalism, and
said the launch of its first international edition from London
marked a significant milestone in the realm of journalism.
Blitz India, he said, had consistently exemplified an
unwavering commitment to development journalism and
constructive writing, effectively underscoring the impor-
tance of constructive, inspirational, and promotional writ-
ing in propelling progress across various domains.
The initiative, spearheaded by Blitz India, represented
a pioneering effort that warranted global recognition
and appreciation, he added. Appreciating the work
carried out by Blitz India, the SG said its impact in the
field of development journalism, coupled with its vision
for global expansion, serve as an inspiration.
Hinduja Group Chairman Gopichand Hinduja highlight-
ed the positive and constructive role being played by Blitz
India through its focus on improved relationship between
countries across the world, especially India and the UK.
The UK edition of Blitz India, he said, can contrib-
ute positively to numerous issues covering relations
between the two countries. He expected the newspa-
per to remain focused on India and the UK, rather than
anything else. Among the issues it should focus on are
the Roadmap 2030 promoting, business and trade,
education healthcare and climate change, said the
India-born UK billionaire.
Extending full support to Blitz India in becoming a
publication with wide global footprint, Lord Ram Ranger
said he would like the newspaper to be the first to bring
news to the diaspora all around the world. Speaking
about the upcoming FTA, the Lord said he would look
forward to the day when UK-India partnership goes from
strength to strength and Blitz India plays an important
role in bringing those wonderful news stories to all.
Indian businessman and columnist Suhel Seth
invoked both Shakespeare’s Juliet Ceasar and Indian
sage Manu’s Manusmriti to stress the importance of
doing good, charitable work and not making a song
and dance about it.
Among the high-profile guests in the packed hall were
Lord Raj Loomba, Chairperson of the Loomba Founda-
tion, Sulabh International Founder Bindeshwar Pathak
and spiritual leaders from India and the UK.
Blitz India
committed to
development
journalism,
constructive
writing
Tushar Mehta
Solicitor General of India

2. London
July 3-9, 2023 OPINION
UK www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
Deepak
Dwivedi
Editor-in-Chief
@deepakdwivedi_
the famous clause in India’s patent law,
aimed at preventing ‘evergreening’ or not
allowing patents on new forms of existing
medicines unless they demonstrate a
significant increase in efficacy, remains a
thorny issue, admired and hated equally.’’
India won’t budge
The website was right in its assessment,
the issue has come to the fore a decade
later when India is on the verge of
finalising its free trade talks with the EU
and UK. Last week all major newspapers
reported that the country had “firmly
communicated" that it was, as the Mint
reported, ‘’unlikely to budge from its
opposition to the provisions on regulatory
data protection and patent extension in
free trade talks with the EU and the UK,
it has told its negotiating partners, in a
move aimed at protecting its generic
drug industry and healthcare schemes.’’
It is the right stand. After all as the
largest provider of generic drugs to the
world—a fifth of the global supply—this
low cost translates into it being close
to 80 per cent of the Indian pharma
market. Also, the respected British
medical journal,The Lancet, has outlined
that such a clause would not just be
damaging for India but for the UK as well
considering that the ‘’the UK’s National
Health Service (NHS), as the Indian bulk
drug industry accounts for a quarter of
the price-controlled medicines in the UK.
‘’Of course, they are lifesavers for most
countries in Africa, South East Asia and
Latin America and get a bulk of their
requirements from India’s generic drugs.
It is an absolute red line. And one of
the great advantages of being a powerful
economy is the ability to negotiate from a
position of strength.
Patent laws
were applied in
India post-2005
although Novartis
had applied for a
patent for the drug
way back in 1998. It
turned out to be a
pivotal test of the
country’s special
laws preventing
the ‘evergreening’
of drugs
G LDENEYE
K Srinivasan
An absolute redline
A
DECADE back, the Supreme
Court delivered a 112-page
landmark judgment and
helped many other countries
in Africa, Latin America and even
Europe and America re-examine their
laws on patents. In a unanimous and
unambiguous verdict, the honourable
judges dismissed the appeal by global
pharma giant Novartis AG, which was
battling the rejection of its patent for a
lifesaving cancer drug sold under the
brand name Glivec.
Reporting on the. case, the magazine
Down to Earth said: `The case centres
on Glivec (imatinib mesylate), described
as the “magic bullet” to cure cancer. It
is expensive, prohibitively so by Indian
standards, at Rs 1,20,000 per patient
per month, and its patent application
was contested by the Cancer Patients
Aid Association (CPAA) and a clutch
of generic companies manufacturing
the drug in India, all of whom filed pre-
grant opposition to Novartis’s patent
application. While the patients’ group
cited accessibility issues because of the
cost, the generic companies disputed the
novelty of imatinib mesylate.’’
A pivotal test
Patent laws were applied in India post-
2005 although Novartis had applied for
a patent for the drug way back in 1998.
It turned out to be a pivotal test of the
country’s special laws preventing the
‘evergreening’ of drugs. As Down to Earth
reported: “The multinational’s initial case
became a cause célèbre with health
activists and patient groups also taking
to the streets on the issue of affordable
health care. Indian generic manufacturers
were then selling their version of the
cancer drug at Rs 8,000- Rs 10,000 per
patient per month. The legal aspects of
this case were of supreme significance
for the country—and for the rest of the
world that was dependent on inexpensive
generic medicines from the “world’s
pharmacy” as India is known.’’
The opposition was not just because
the generic form of the drug was sold at
less than 10 per cent of what Novartis
was offering it to patients, but also
because of the patently unfair practice of
evergreening that multinational pharma
giants were indulging in – essentially what
they were doing was to slightly modify the
combination of salts and apply for a fresh
patent. Their argument being the modified
version was a bonafide new drug.
Clever subterfuge
The fact, though, was that it was a
clever subterfuge to ‘evergreen’ -- the
practice by which pharma companies try
to extend and retain the patent life of a
drug (usually 20 years) by making minor
adjustments to existing medicine that is
specifically barred by a section of India’s
Patent Act, 2005 –and keep on making
millions of dollars at the expense of poor
cancer patients.
Reporting on it years after the
judgment, Health Policy Watch said:
‘’Novartis had fought a long and bitter
battle over several years, hiring some
of India’s most eminent lawyers, but at
the end, India’s Supreme Court rejected
the company’s final appeal for a patent
on imatinib mesylate (Glivec) that treats
chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)...years
after Novartis’ challenge to India’s anti-
evergreening safeguard — Section 3(d)–
was struck down by India’s Supreme
Court, it is time for stock-taking. Clearly,
No one can
represent India
on foreign soil
as brilliantly
and positively
as PM Modi
does
A new chapter opens
P
RIME Minister Narendra Modi
returned to India after an
unprecedented visit to the US and
Egypt. Though he brought a lot for
the all-round development of India, he also
gave a lot as partner in the progress of the
two countries. A look at the agreements –
on space to land and sea – made between
PM Modi and US President Joe Biden
makes it evident. The way the US took
India hand in hand, it became clear that
President Biden wanted the relationship
between the two nations to touch new
heights. In fact, he termed the relationship
as one of the most defining relationships in
the 21st century. In this context, PM Modi's
statement that the visit has opened a “new
chapter in the global strategic partnership”
seems quite logical.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris, and
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti also
said that Prime Minister Modi's three-
day State visit marked the beginning
of a "bold new chapter" in Indo-US
strategic relations. PM Modi also thanked
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
for helping to give a new dimension to
the relationship. During the visit, many
important agreements were signed,
including the joint manufacturing of jet
engines in India and the purchase of
military drones. The kind of technology-
transfer agreement, like the one
by the company that manufactures
semiconductor-making machines, has
never happened in the past.
In Egypt too, the Prime Minister’s
visit took the relations between the two
countries to new level. As the first Indian
Prime Minister to have visited Egypt in
the last 26 years, PM Modi promised
to strengthen mutual relations in every
field by meeting Egyptian President
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo. El-Sisi had
visited India this year as Chief Guest
at the Republic Day Parade. Both the
leaders took several important decisions
and agreed to develop a strategic
partnership by further raising the level
of bilateral ties. PM Modi also invited
the Egyptian President as special guest
for the G20 summit to be held in New
Delhi, in September. The Indian economy
has expanded exponentially in the past
three decades, making it the fifth-largest
economy in the world. Egypt is in need of
investment due to its growing population,
which is one of the reasons why the
El-Sisi Government is having a relook at
India ties.
It is also pertinent to mention that no
one can represent India on foreign soil
as brilliantly and positively as PM Modi
does. He is not only the best ambassador
for India but also the most popular leader
of the country and the world. Recently,
he got the honour of being the world's
most popular leader for the fourth time
in a row. The PM also brought honour to
India by leading the world on International
Yoga Day. The day was also included
in the Guinness Book of World Records
as representatives of 191 countries
performed yoga together. Apart from this,
a programme organised on the lawns
of the United Nations Headquarters,
connecting yoga with friendship, peace,
coordination, and the G20 theme 'One
World, One Family, One Future' and
through this, establishing the importance of
the message of India's universal principle
of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', was no less
than a masterstroke by PM Modi.
India’s transformative patent law that put a stop to evergreening a decade
back is once more in focus as it finalises FTA with the EU and the UK

3. London
July 3-9, 2023
FOCUS
UK
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
Special Padma Shri
ceremony in London
Team
LONDON: Barry Gardiner, the Labour MP for
Brent North in London and founder of Labour
Friends of India (LFIN), was conferred the
Padma Shri in recognition of his contributions in
the field of public affairs back in 2020 but could
not receive the award – India’s fourth highest
civilian honour – at a presidential palace
ceremony in Delhi due to the Covid lockdown.
British theatre director Peter Brook, behind
an epic adaptation of ‘The Mahabharata’ which
toured the world in the 1980s, was conferred
his Padma Shri for contributions in the field of
art in 2021. He died, aged 97, last year and the
honour was accepted by his son Simon Brook
at a special ceremony organised at India
House in London, said a media report.
Friends of India
Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram
Doraiswami said: “We felicitate two very
distinguished friends of India; honouring them
for their friendship and the long years of service
to the friendship between our peoples and to
fostering greater understanding.”
An emotional Barry Gardiner, fondly referred
to as “Barry Bhai” by many of his constituents,
said: “India is the most extraordinary democracy
in a part of the world where democracies are
sadly all too uncommon. Not only now the
largest population of any country, overtaking
China, but a democracy that is vibrant.
“I think it's the most important relationship that
we can develop. I have thought that for more
than 25 years; and I'm humbled by this award.”
Director Simon Brook, who had travelled from
Paris to receive the Padma Shri conferred on
late father, noted: “He was a very close friend
of India, very much inspired by India and I think
India changed his life.”
Team
LONDON: UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic
Johnson underscored the importance of a free
trade agreement (FTA) for both the UK and India.
He was speaking at the ‘UK-India Infrastructure
Summit' hosted by the City of London Corporation,
in association with India Global Forum (IGF), as
part of the UK-India Week,
According to a report published by iGlobal, Lord
Johnson said: “I'm very optimistic because
I think it is very important to do a trade deal
for both sides… and it's really important for
business to express their support for such a
deal because it’s about allowing businesses
to function more effectively with greater
profits, wealth and security for the world.”
FTA really important
“The work we're doing around an FTA is really,
really important; so that investors have a high
degree of confidence in the UK and in India. The
governments need to continue to push to provide
an environment that is predictable and stable.”
Themed around ‘Financing a Sustainable Future’,
the summit convened sustainable finance and
infrastructure financing leaders to evaluate the
growing demands in the sector and understand the
key opportunities for partnership and investment to
deliver sustainable infrastructure in India.
IGF Founder and Chairman Manoj Ladwa said in
an opening address: "As the fastest growing major
economy in the world, and the most populous,
India has huge aspirations and equally huge
responsibilities.
“The rapid building of high quality sustainable
physical and digital infrastructure will be critical
to achieving India’s growth trajectory, as well as
balancing its net zero commitments."
Invest in India
Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India
to the UK, and BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI
Aayog, made a strong case for the City of London
investing in sustainable infrastructure in India, while
showcasing recent policy, legislative and
social changes in India.
“The UK, particularly the City of London,
has excellent capabilities in structuring and
funnelling finance where it is needed. UK has
demonstrated technological capabilities while
India is at the frontiers of innovation. Combining
technology with financing would enhance the
cooperation,” said Subrahmanyam.
Bullish on India, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Member of
the Court of Directors, Bank of England, added:
“India has a tailwind which is a combination of
economics, demographics and political stability.”
Nicholas Lyons, the Lord Mayor of the City of
London, emphasised London’s unparalleled global
expertise in sustainable finance and infrastructure
financing solutions.
The Lord Mayor said: “Sustainable infrastructure
is critical for India’s economic trajectory and to
meet the needs of its fast-growing population, while
fulfilling its ambition to reach net zero by 2070.
FTA, sustainable
finance in focus
UK-India Infrastructure Summit
Team
LONDON: Singer-composer
Shankar Mahadevan was
conferred an honorary doctorate by
Birmingham City University (BCU)
in recognition of his contribution to
music and the arts.
The musician, 56, who is a
member of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
trio of music composers, received
the honour from the university’s
Vice-Chancellor Prof Philip Plowden
at a ceremony in Birmingham,
according to an iGlobal report.
‘A special moment’
Mahadevan said: “This is truly
a special moment for me. It’s
something new and will take some
time for me to digest this feeling.
When I started my career, never
did I expect that one day I would be
awarded a doctorate for music. I am
looking forward to some amazing
music being created between Indian
musicians whom I represent and
musicians from the West Midlands.
“We’ve heard musicians from the
Conservatoire perform especially
for us at our visit and it was just
outstanding; I saw a beautiful
collaboration that will happen.”
The doctoral ceremony follows a
BCU India and West Midlands India
Partnership which organised visit
by Mahadevan to the university’s
£400-million campus, featuring state-
of-the-art creative industry facilities
and schools including the Royal
Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).
Visit to the campus
The Bollywood star toured RBC with
fellow musicians, including Zakir
Hussain, earlier this year, meeting
students, staff and partners, and
committed to exploring links and
opportunities between the Banga-
lore-based Shankar Mahadevan
Academy and the Conservatoire.
The honorary doctorate was
announced earlier this year during
a trade delegation to Mumbai led by
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.
Mayor Andy Street said: “Given
the strength of the Indian diaspora
in our region, it’s wonderful to
celebrate the 'living bridge' between
India and the West Midlands by
honouring Shankar Mahadevan –
a titan of film and music. I hope it
will encourage greater cultural and
educational collaboration in the
months and years ahead.”
An accomplished engineer-
turned-musician, Mahadevan’s
repertoire encompasses Indipop,
film, folk and spiritual music as well
as Indian classical music, jazz and
world music.
Honorary doctorate for
Shankar Mahadevan
Vikram Doraiswami,
High Commissioner of India to
the UK, and BVR Subrahmanyam,
CEO, NITI Aayog, made a strong
case for the City of London
investing in sustainable
infrastructure in India
UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson at UK-
India Week 2023 | Photo credit: India Global Forum
“I am looking forward
to some amazing music
being created between
Indian musicians whom I
represent and musicians
from the West Midlands”
Shankar Mahadevan

4. London
July 3-9, 2023 EVENT
UK www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
Blitz India’s big
I
am pleased to express my
heartfelt appreciation for Blitz
India and the transformative
work it has undertaken in the
field of development journalism.
It gives me great pleasure to
learn about the launch of Blitz
India's first international edition
from London, which marks a
significant milestone in the realm
of journalism, particularly in the
post-Independence era.
Blitz India accords utmost
sanctity to Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), the
UN blueprint to achieve a better
and more sustainable future
for all. While governments are
working relentlessly to achieve
these, media too must play a key
role in the process.
Blitz India has consistently
exemplified an unwavering
commitment to development
journalism and constructive
writing, effectively underscoring
the importance of constructive,
inspirational, and promotional
writing in propelling progress
across various domains.
Bilateralrelations: One
notable aspect that sets Blitz
India apart is its emphasis on
cultivating bilateral relations and
its clear focus on comprehen-
sive and sustainable develop-
ment, energy exchange, climate
change, and economic progress
between nations.
It is crucial for individuals from
all walks of life, be it business,
industry, politics, or education,
to acknowledge and support this
commendable effort. We should
wholeheartedly provide our
assistance and cooperation to
propel Blitz India onto the global
stage celebrating India and
celebrating Indians.
Internationaleditions:
I have recently learned about Blitz
India's plans to release interna-
tional editions in the Middle East,
Africa, Europe, America, and other
regions following its successful
launch in London. Achieving this
vision will require widespread
cooperation, and I wish Blitz India
all the success.
I wish to extend my deepest
admiration for the remarkable
work carried out by Blitz India.
Its undeniable impact in the
field of development journalism,
coupled with its vision for
global expansion, serves as an
inspiration for all.
The London launch of
development-oriented newspaper,
Blitz India, is without doubt a
major milestone. I wish Blitz India
a big success!
‘Unwavering commitment
to development journalism’ B
LITZ INDIA is the first one to launch the media here.
I always believe, India-UK relationship would be the
best for both the countries. Although with the Prime
Minister’s visit now in the US, he has developed a very good
achievement with US; UK, US have a good relationship; so
India-UK-USA can really become a great height in each and
every respect.
Blitz India is especially practicing positive and constructive
journalism knowing inspirational and motivational writing
has a big role to play today. Furthermore, Blitz India is the
only newspaper in the world which talks about improved
relationship between countries at the international level,
including India and UK.
Free trade agreements: UK and India are forging ever
closer relations, especially as the UK goes global seeking
bilateral free trade agreements, including with India. My great
desire has been, for a long time, to see how the FTA can be
signed at the earliest, which will be good for the economy of
UK because India, in any case, is going to be the third- largest
economy in the world, which I have been saying from 2019.
I am not an economist, I am not an expert, I am not a
graduate, but I went in the University of UOL and in that
UOL, I get instincts what are going to happen. I can also
further add that Blitz India & UK can contribute positively
to numerous issues covering to India-UK relation. Dwivedi
Saheb, never forget this; and be more focused on India, UK,
rather than anything else. Amongst them are the Roadmap
2030 promoting, business and trade, education healthcare and
climate change.
Development goals: Furthermore, Blitz India-UK can
address issues concerning the UN Sustainable Development
Goals such as good health, quality education, gender equality,
affordable and clean energy, decent work, economic growth,
industry innovation and infrastructure, reduce inequalities, sus-
tainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and
production, climate action peace, justice and strong institutions
are all very important for each and every country
Furthermore Blitz can add its voice and opinion to global
issues, especially as the world faces enormous political,
economic, security-related challenges and how this all impacts
the Indo-UK relations. We should be proud Indian companies
‘Remainfocusedon
TUSHAR MEHTA
Solicitor General of India
GOPICHAND HINDUJA
Chairperson, Hinduja Group
SUHEL SETH
Columnist, Speaker, and Theatre Enthusiast
Blitz India will
A
S Mr Hinduja said, the
purpose of society is to
engender goodness; the
purpose of society is not to engage,
enrage and create any kinds of
negativity that may have an adverse
impact on the progress of humanity.
But sadly, society has become that.
I’m delighted that Blitz, living
up to the glorious traditions of its
founder Russi Karanjia, has decided
to transform itself into not just a
beacon of hope but into that delivery
mechanism that will allow people to
share the good that exists within us
We must remember Shakespeare,
who, in Julius Caesar says the “good
is often interred with the bones, the
Excerpts from speeches

5. EVENT
UK London
July 3-9, 2023
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
splash in London
Indiaand theUK’
LORD RAMI RANGER
Chairman, Sun Mark
W
E ARE here to celebrate
the launch of Blitz. It’s
a historic launch, in
historical time, in a historical city,
London. So, Blitz India, we wish
you a very big success in your
endeavour to become a global
phenomenon where the news
travels first, that you will be the first
to bring the news to the diaspora all
around the world.
Onebigmistake:Indian
diaspora is one of the largest di-
aspora and many of you will know
that we came from a country with
nearly 5-6,000-year-old civilisa-
tion. We were ahead in every
field. We were ahead in science,
medicine, astronomy, architecture.
You just have to see a 2,000-year-
old temple to see how far ahead
we were. But there was one big
mistake we made, we were not
united; and we paid the price for
nearly a thousand years. Those
who don’t learn from the history
have to repeat the history again
and again and again. Therefore,
we must remain united. We must
remain a big force.
We are contributing a great deal
to the world. Prime Minister Modi
Ji received one of the greatest
welcomes given to any world
leader and India is a secular,
democratic country with rule of
law at the heart of governance.
Diversity is accepted, respected
and celebrated, and also
protected, if need be. There are
laws against discrimination of
every kind in India as well as in
United Kingdom. Our partnership
is made in heaven. We share
each other’s values. Therefore,
our friendship will go from
strength to strength. We don’t
have to watch each other’s back.
Importantrole: On top of
that, the Free Trade Agreement be-
tween the two countries will be the
biggest in the history of the world;
between the Number 4 and the 5th
economy. Given the size of India,
it’ll be huge. So, therefore, I look
forward to the day when UK-India
partnership goes from strength to
strength and the Blitz plays a very
important role in bringing those
wonderful news stories to us.
So, Mr. Dwivedi, I give you my
full cooperation and support in
your endeavor to make Blitz a
global news vehicle!
A global phenomenon
where news travels first
evil lives long after.” But we don’t
need to follow Shakespeare so
assiduously. Where I come from,
which is India, we are predominantly
a Hindu society but Hinduism is not
a religion, it’s a way of life We’ve
had years of legacy of civilisational
advancement and as Mr Hinduja
said, ‘Neki Kar Kuyen mein dal’ is an
adaptation of the intrinsic thought.
Subhead Subhead: I don’t know
how many of you know about Manu,
but Manu wrote Manusmriti almost
3,900 years ago; and he talked
about charity, he talked about daan,
way before the Bill Gates and the
Warren Buffetts decided to engage
the world with it. Blitz will continue
to blaze a trail, but it will blaze a trail
of compassion, it’ll blaze a trail of
empathy and it will blaze a trail that
will inspire.
Societies are built on people
who inspire, not on people who
enrage. Humanity can only progress
when amongst each one of us the
goodness quotient is allowed to
come out and spread its wings.
To that end, congratulations Mr
Dwivedi, to each one of you for
being here!
India today is an amazing country
at an amazing time. We are blessed
because of our ancestral legacy, a
little part that Britain played in it, not
often glorious but still welcome, and
we are delighted that today India is in
the comity of nations and stands to be
counted. It’s a tribute not only to every
Indian but to each one of you here
who believes in the idea of India and
believes in the Indianness of thought.
Thank you and have a splendid
evening!
blaze a trail that will inspire
are UK’s second-largest foreign investors and may this
investment continue to grow. For the Hindujas, our footprint in
UK continues to grow with our investments in electric buses, in
Old War Office, in Hinduja Global. But more than that, we are
focused on charitable activities.
About charity: We love to do more and more charities in
the sectors where we are and in that we knew one thing: do
good and forget it, and if someone asks me how much I have
spent, what I have done in the full year in the Foundation, I will
never remember them because’ do good and forget’ is the best
suggestion to all of you. Don’t go after getting honours or get-
ting admiration of what you are achieving. Do good and forget.
I am also delighted the UK Government attaches such
importance to relations with India. The UK-India Advisory
Council under the chairmanship of Lord Tariq Ahmad of
Wimbledon is drawing on Indian diaspora to understand more
about India and the opportunities open to both countries to
growth and success.
The opportunities are enormous – from manufacturing to
education, healthcare, newer industries such as renewables
and cyber-security.
Deepak Dwivedi, congratulations on your thoughts, ideas and
your new venture! I can only wish you good luck and I hope you
focus on what you have planned, you will be successful. And all
sitting here, they will give you full support.
delivered at the launch event

6. London
July 3-9, 2023
Blitz India UK’s 24-page collectors’ edition with the above
prescient headline on the cover became a virtual fashion
accessory on June 24 at the Royal Automobile Club in London.
Both men and women, in classy Indian clothes, vied with each
other to get their photos clicked with this iconic newspaper
in their hands. Pleasantries were exchanged, hands shaken,
speeches made and heard. Lords and ladies mingled with each
other under glowing chandeliers, banter floating in the air. It
was India and its development which was on everybody’s mind.
Blitz India Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi, the man behind
all the action, conducted the launch of the first overseas
edition of the weekly development chronicler with the finesse
and perfection of a true Master of Ceremonies. Take a peek at
some of the moments captured for posterity.
GLIT
GLIT
BLIT
LOND
India-UK relations
ON THE CUSP
of transformation
UK

7. London
July 3-9, 2023
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
TZ &
TTER
TZ IN
DON
SPOTLIGHT

8. London
July 3-9, 2023 LEGAL
UK www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
IN THE wake of rapid technological
advancements and societal shifts,
legal education worldwide is evolv-
ing at an unprecedented pace. As
legal professions in different juris-
dictions respond to these changes,
the approaches taken in the United
Kingdom and India offer compel-
ling case studies.
A tale of two systems
The UK’s legal education system,
historically grounded in the dual
paths of barristers and solicitors, is
undergoing a significant shift with
the introduction of the Solicitors
Qualifying Examination (SQE). This
exam streamlines the path to become
a solicitor, emphasising practical
skills and legal knowledge over
traditional routes of qualification. It
reflects an increasing trend towards
competency-based legal education.
Conversely, India, with its single,
integrated system of legal education,
focuses on a broader legal curriculum
covering a wide range of subjects.
Yet, it is grappling with challenges of
improving teaching quality, fostering
research culture, and bridging the
gap between theory and practice.
Embracing digital age
In both the countries, there is an
increasing acknowledgment of the
role of technology in shaping the
future of the legal profession. The UK
has seen a surge in law-tech courses
and digital skills training, equipping
future lawyers with competencies in
areas such as AI, blockchain, and
data privacy.
In India, however, while some
strides have been made with tech-
nology-focused legal startups and
law-tech courses in a handful of uni-
versities, there is a pressing need for
widespread digital literacy and skills
development in the legal fraternity.
The road ahead
As we look forward, there are
profound shifts on the horizon. The
advent of emerging technologies
such as artificial intelligence and
blockchain is poised to significantly
alter the practice of law, and by
extension, legal education.
In the UK, the increasing
prevalence of AI in areas like
legal research, contract analysis,
and prediction of case outcomes
necessitates a curriculum that
is responsive to these changes.
The solicitors and barristers of the
future will need not just a solid
understanding of the law, but also
skills in AI ethics, data analysis, and
algorithmic accountability.
In India, the potential impact of
technology on legal practice is just
as significant. With a vast population
and a massive unmet demand
for legal services, technology has
the potential to increase access
to justice dramatically. For this to
become a reality, the legal curriculum
must be redesigned to incorporate
digital literacy and technical skills as
core competencies, alongside
legal knowledge.
The conclusion
In sum, the future of legal education
in both the UK and India will be
characterised by a greater emphasis
on digital literacy, practical skills,
and adaptability to change. Both
jurisdictions must embrace a forward-
looking approach that anticipates
future legal trends and skill
requirements.
The UK, while transitioning to
the SQE, must ensure that the new
pathway nurtures not just proficient
solicitors, but also maintains the
depth and rigour of legal knowledge
that has been the hallmark of
the profession.
In India, there is an urgent need
to enhance the quality of legal
education, promote research culture,
and align the curriculum with industry
requirements. Greater emphasis on
practical training, including clinical
legal education and internships, can
bridge the gap between academia
and practice.
While legal education reforms in
both jurisdictions should be attuned
to their unique contexts, they
must also draw upon international
best practices and innovations.
This, in essence, underscores the
multifaceted and interconnected
future of legal education in the UK
and India. As we navigate these
uncharted waters, let us remember
that the overarching objective
remains to cultivate lawyers who
are not just competent but also
committed to justice, ethics, and
public service.
(The writer practices as an
Advocate on Record in the
Supreme Court of India)
In both the countries, there is an increasing
acknowledgment of the role of technology in shaping
the future of the legal profession
Futureoflegaleducation
A comparative analysis of UK and India
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi launches Foundation’s project
to empower 5000 widows in Varanasi
When a woman loses her husband, she loses
her status, wealth and right to inheritance. She is
marginalised by society, making her and her children
uniquely vulnerable to extreme poverty and severe
exploitation. There are an estimated 46 million widows
in India. Of these, 70 percent live in rural India.
Sadly, widows in rural areas suffer the most. They are
poor, uneducated and mostly depend on their family
members and communities, who often abuse them
physically, psychologically and sexually.
The Gram Panchayats throughout India can play a key
role to help widows by setting up Widows Help Centres
in every village. They should appoint a dedicated person
who will be able to address the needs of widows and
improve security for vulnerable widows.
The rural widows should be educated and provided
skills training to become active and productive
members of their communities and to claim their
fundamental freedoms and human rights. it will
benefit the widow herself, her family and the wider
community in the village. Extreme poverty and
exploitation can be ended.
The Loomba Foundation, accredited by the United
Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and
Department for Public Information (DPI) has played
a pivotal role in helping to advance the welfare of
widows in India and around the world. We have done
this by educating over 10,000 children of poor widows
in all 30 states in India. In addition, we have provided
training in tailoring and given a foot-operated
sewing machine, free of charge, on the completion
of the training to over 15,000 widows. Our project to
empower 5000 widows in Varanasi was launched by
the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
India is a great nation,
let us live up to this greatness
by putting an end to the stigma
and exploitation of widows so
they break free from poverty
and educate their children.
EMPOWER
RURAL WIDOWS
IN INDIA
EMPOWER
RURAL WIDOWS
IN INDIA
www.theloombafoundation.org
Saurabh
Mishra

9. UPDATE
UK London
July 3-9, 2023
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
Jayanta Bhattacharya
S
EVENTY-TWO years
after Independence, about
3.23 crore households in
the villages of India had
access to piped water connection;
over 83 per cent had to depend on
alternate sources which were mostly
unhealthy, distant, and unwieldy.
Pictures and posters depicted
the plight of such villagers – mostly
women – trudging along the scorched
earth, with multiple utensils balanced
on head and cuddled in hands.
Sometimes, they also had an infant
tied on back or a child toddling behind.
The intent to better their lot was
perhaps there earlier too, but maybe
the execution was not.
Speed and scale
Since the announcement of the Jal
Jeevan Mission, the speed and scale
of implementation has significantly
increased. In just about three years,
over 8.5 crore rural households have
gained access to tap water. That
translates into roughly to well over 40
crore people.
The Mission was announced by
the Prime Minister with the aim of
providing all rural households with
adequate quantity – 55 litres per
person (capita) per day (lpcd) –
of water of prescribed quality in
adequate pressure, on a regular and
long-term basis.
Since August 2019, the Centre in
partnership with state governments
is implementing the Jal Jeevan
Mission (JJM) - Har Ghar Jal to make
provision of tap water supply to every
rural household by 2024.
The overall financial commitment
for the mission is Rs 3,600 billion,
which makes it one of the largest
welfare programmes in the world.
100 per cent coverage
Till May 15, five states (Goa, Telan-
gana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab),
and three UTs (Puducherry, Daman
and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands), have
reported 100 per cent coverage.
Himachal Pradesh, at 98.35 per
cent, and Bihar (96.05 per cent),
are also poised to achieve the
saturation point.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission,
quality-affected villages, aspirational
districts, SC/ST majority villages,
water-scarce areas, and Saansad
Adarsh Gram Yojna (SAGY) villages
are prioritised for providing tap
water supply.
To ensure the health and wellbeing
of children by providing clean tap
water in schools and anganwadi
centres in the country, PM Modi
announced a 100-day campaign,
which was launched by Union
Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat in October 2, 2020.
Bottom-up approach
Jal Jeevan Mission is a ‘bottom-up’
approach where the community
plays a vital role – from planning
to implementation, management,
operation, and maintenance.
To achieve this, Village Water &
Sanitation Committees (VWSC)/Pani
Samitis are being constituted and
strengthened; Village Action Plan
are developed through community
engagement; Implementation Support
Agencies (ISAs) are engaged to
support village communities in
programme implementation and
create awareness among people.
To build the capacity of the
community to efficiently manage the
water utility, the Jal Jeevan Mission
is conducting capacity-building
programmes with the help of ISAs,
104 Key Resource Centres (KRCs),
and sector partners working in the
area of water across the country.
Quality monitoring
Water quality monitoring and
surveillance activities are given top
priority under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Five women in each village are
being trained to test water samples
of any kind of contamination by us-
ing Field test Kits (FTKs). The kits
are procured and handed over to
panchayats to test water on nine
parameters. These are pH, alkalinity,
chloride, nitrate, total hardness, fluo-
ride, iron, residual free chlorine, and
hydrogen sulphide (also known as
H2S, sewer gas, or swamp gas).
The overall financial
commitment for the mission
is Rs 3,600 billion, which
makes it one of the largest
welfare programmes
in the world
Team
NEW DELHI: The Jal Jeevan
Mission was announced by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on August
15, 2019, with the aim of providing
all rural households with adequate
quantity and quality of water. It was
an attempt at delivering adequate
quantity and satisfactory quality of
water to every home – Har Ghar Jal.
With the focus on health and
well-being of children, special
efforts have been made to provide
tap water connection in all rural
schools, anganwadi centres, and
ashramshalas (tribal residential
schools) for drinking, cooking mid-
day meals, hand washing and use
in toilets.
With the active participation
of people – especially women,
and rural communities working
together – the Jal Jeevan Mission
has become a ‘Jan Andolan’
(people’s movement).
For long-term drinking water se-
curity, local communities and gram
panchayats are coming forward
and taking responsibility to manage
village water supply systems, their
water resources and grey water.
The Union Government intends
the Mission to provide tap water
supply to every rural household by
2024. At the time of launch of the
Mission, reports said there were
14,020 arsenic and 7,996 fluoride-
affected habitats in the country.
As on April 3, the number of such
habitations has reduced to 612 and
431 respectively.
According to the Ministry of Jal
Shakti, even in such affected
areas, safe water is now available
for drinking and cooking, to all
inhabitants. In effect, all the
estimated 1.79 crore people living
in arsenic or fluoride-hit habitations
are now getting safe water for
drinking and cooking.
FOR QUANTITY, AND QUALITY
RURAL
CONNECT
Over 40 crore get access to tap
water with Jal Jeevan Mission
Jal Jeevan Mission

10. London
July 3-9, 2023 PERSPECTIVE
UK www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
B
ESIDE the traditional
sentencing practices, Justice
Nazmi Waziri of Delhi High
Court has incorporated
directives to plant trees and saplings
as part of his judgements. Those
who fail to comply with the court's
directions within the prescribed
timeframe are assigned similar tasks.
This ground-breaking initiative has
led to the plantation of approximately
three lakh trees in Delhi since its
inception in 2018.
Two sites, Insaaf Bagh (Justice
Garden) and Maafi Bagh (Pardon
Garden) among others, have been
established under this programme,
allowing individuals to amend their
actions by planting trees.
The recent sentencing of two public
officials by the Delhi High Court
highlights the court's unwavering
commitment to tree protection. These
officials were held in contempt for
their non-compliance with the court's
directions regarding the preservation
of trees in Delhi. Such orders stand
as a testament to the exercise of the
court's powers under Articles 215 and
226 of the Indian Constitution.
Courts’ authority
Article 215 designates High Courts
as courts of record, granting them
the authority to punish for contempt
of their own authority. On the other
hand, Article 226 empowers the High
Courts to issue directions, orders, or
writs to any Government, authority, or
individual within their jurisdiction.
At a time when the global commu-
nity is increasingly focused on climate
and environmental issues, Justice Wa-
ziri's innovative approach comes as a
welcome catalyst for change. With the
world striving to limit global warming to
within 1.5 degrees, the Justice's novel
initiative has the potential to inspire
other courts worldwide to adopt similar
approaches. By integrating environ-
mental considerations into the judicial
process, courts can play a vital role in
addressing climate change and foster-
ing sustainable practices.
Significant results
Justice Waziri's initiative has already
garnered significant results, with the
plantation of approximately three lakh
trees in Delhi since its implementa-
tion. This remarkable achievement
underscores the effectiveness of
incorporating environmental respon-
sibility into the sentencing process.
Moreover, the establishment of Insaaf
Bagh and Maafi Bagh serves as
tangible symbols of the initiative's
objectives, providing individuals with
dedicated spaces to actively engage
in tree planting as a means of rectify-
ing their past actions and nurturing
the environment.
The implications of Justice Waziri's
innovative approach extend far beyond
the borders of Delhi. Courts around the
world can draw inspiration from this
initiative and explore ways to integrate
environmental considerations into their
own judicial processes. By doing so,
they can contribute to global efforts to
combat climate change and foster a
sustainable future.
Gandhi’s philosophy
Justice Waziri's innovative approach
of incorporating tree planting as a
means of redemption echoes the
environmental concerns advocated
by Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma
Gandhi, renowned for his philosophy
of nonviolence and sustainable living,
recognised the vital importance
of protecting and preserving the
environment.
Gandhi's teachings emphasised
the harmonious coexistence
between humans and nature, urging
individuals to respect and nurture the
natural world. He believed that our
actions should be in harmony with
the environment, and that we have a
responsibility to safeguard it for future
generations.
Furthermore, Justice Waziri's
initiative extends beyond the realm of
punishment and compliance, aiming
to instil a sense of environmental
consciousness and responsibility in
society. By linking redemption with
tree planting, he emphasises the
importance of sustainable living and
highlights the positive impact that
everyone can make in safeguarding
the environment.
(The writer is a Gandhian, social
entrepreneur, and a subject matter
expert of CSR and business &
environment sustainability)
Innovative approach
M
UCH of India’s myths
and legends are so
intimately bound with
Indian thought and phi-
losophy that it is difficult to appreciate
it unless one has some rudimentary
knowledge of the ideals that govern
the Indian mind. An awareness of
this fundamental constraint in under-
standing India’s mythology lends to
it an aura of mystery and mirth, as
revealed in the vigour of India’s epical
genius, in the clarity of its language
and the originality of its thought.
The meaning and significance
of Indian mythology stems from its
cultural background, a mixture of
popular philosophy, folklore, tradition,
legend, and history. This background
affected Indian life and character
and produced an atmosphere of
tolerance and reasonableness, an
acceptance of free thought in matters
of faith, and a desire and capacity to
live and let live.
Pervasive influence
Although Indian mythological writings
point back to Vedas, Upanishads,
Brahmanas and Sutras, the two
humungous Indian epics - Ramayana
and Mahabharata - are of greater
significance. They have exercised
a pervasive influence on the human
mind. The epics deal with the early
days of the Indo-Aryans, their wars
and conquests, customs, manners,
way of living and thinking, represent-
ing the typical Indian method of
catering en masse for various
degrees of cultural development,
from the highest to the simplest.
Michelet, the French savant, has
said of Ramayana: Whoever has
done or willed too much let him drink
from this deep cup a long draught of
life and youth…It is a great poem, as
vast as the Indian Ocean, blessed,
gilded with the sun, the book of divine
harmony wherein is no dissonance. A
serene peace reigns there and in the
midst of conflict an infinite sweetness,
a boundless fraternity, which spreads
over all living things, an ocean …of
love, of pity, of clemency.
Colossal encyclopedia
Majestic as the Ramayana may be as
an epic, it is the Mahabharata that is
regarded as one of the outstanding
books of the world. It is a colossal
work, an encyclopedia of tradition
and legend, of political and social
institutions. Mahabharata contains
the polytheism of Vedas, the monism
of Upanishads, and deism and
dualism. Laying stress on ethical
and moral principles in statecraft and
in life, the brunt of the epic lies in
social welfare - not the welfare of a
particular group only, but of the whole
world. For, it says, the entire world of
mortals is a self-dependent organism.
Mahabharata also contains the
Krishna legends and the famous
philosophical poem, Bhagavad Gita.
It is a poem of crisis, political and
social, a crisis in the spirit of man torn
by the conflict of duties, obligations
and moralities. From a personal
conversation between Arjuna and
Krishna on the battlefield, we are
taken gradually to more impersonal
regions of individual duty and social
behaviour, of the application of ethics
and spiritual outlook to human life.
The message of the Gita is not at
all sectarian; it is universal in its
approach and has thus found favour
with all.
An imagined history
Indian mythology is not confined to
the epics but appears in many forms
and garbs in Sanskrit and Prakrit
literatures. The myths are vast and
full of meaning wherein facts and
fiction are so interwoven as to be
inseparable. This amalgam becomes
an imagined history indicating what
people believed had taken place, and
this becomes the basis for thought
and action.
The jewels in the crown of Indian
mythology are Panchtantra and
Jatakas - the oldest extant folklores
that influenced West Asian and
European animal and other stories,
such as Aesop’s Fables. Jataka
stories in Pali narrate the successive
lives of Siddhartha Gautama,
previous to the one in which he
became the Buddha, the Enlightened
One. They are full of references of
the period, of trade and commerce
and specialised guilds and crafts,
revealing a multiform and chaotic
society resisting every attempt at
classification.
(To be continued…)
(The writer is a litterateur and
educationist)
With the world striving
to limit global warming
to within 1.5 degrees, the
Justice's novel initiative
has the potential to inspire
other courts worldwide to
adopt similar approaches
INDIA’S GLORY
Integrating environmental
concerns into judicial process
Amit
Sachdeva
Raman
Singh
Magnificent mythological literature
Justice Nazmi Waziri

11. NEWS
UK London
July 3-9, 2023
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
Team
NEW DELHI: Rating agency Fitch
has revised its forecast for India's
economic growth to 6.3 per cent
for 2023-24 from six per cent it had
predicted previously.
This upward revision is primarily
because of a stronger outturn in
the first quarter and near-term
momentum.
The growth forecast compares with
7.2 per cent GDP expansion in FY23.
In the previous fiscal year (FY22), the
economy had grown 9.1 per cent.
Fitch had in March lowered its
forecast for 2023-24 to six per cent
from 6.2 per cent citing headwinds
from elevated inflation and interest
rates along with subdued global
demand. In 2024-25 and 2025-26
fiscal years, it estimated a growth of
6.5 per cent each.
The rating agency said, "India's
economy has been showing broad-
based strength - with GDP up by 6.1
per cent year-on-year in first quarter
(January-March) and auto sales, PMI
surveys and credit growth remaining
robust in recent months.” Inflation has
moderated since and the domestic
economy has picked up.
Fitch said there has been a
recovery in manufacturing, after two
consecutive quarterly contractions,
a boost from construction and an
increase in farm output.
It highlights that in expenditure
terms, GDP growth was driven by
robust domestic demand and favour-
able contribution from net trade.
Fitch raises India's GDP
forecast to 6.3 per cent
Sindhu Jha
NEW DELHI: Inherent contradic-
tions within opposition parties have
started to surface on the issue of
seat-sharing. These parties are
scheduled to meet in Shimla for the
second round of meeting in mid-
July to cement their ties in the fight
against the ruling BJP.
A senior BJP leader said though
the opposition parties are thumping
their chests over the success of the
June 23 Patna meeting but in reality
the outcome was quite the reverse.
“Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is not Jay
Prakash Narayan of 1974 who could
bring different political
ideologies and parties
on a single platform,”
he said. For regional
parties, the Congress
is the main stumbling
block, he added.
Though the parties
have decided to pitch a
single Opposition can-
didate against the BJP
in around 300 Lok Sabha seats, it
remains to be seen if the Trinamool
Congress of Mamata Banerjee
will accommodate the Left and the
Congress in West Bengal. Also
there is question mark over whether
the Aam Aadmi Party will ally with
the Congress in Delhi, Punjab and
Gujarat. The other challenge is to
get the remaining Opposition par-
ties to join the alliance. The ruling
parties in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
and Telangana had kept away from
the Patna meet, as did the Bahujan
Samaj Party.
The Patna meet received a blow
when the AAP contingent led by
Arvind Kejriwal skipped the joint
press conference. In the delibera-
tions before the press conference,
the AAP chief had asked for the
Congress’ commitment to oppose
the Centre’s ordinance in Parlia-
ment. The Congress refused to give
any concrete response, resulting in
the AAP to boycott the press meet.
According to political observers,
seat-sharing formula in states like
West Bengal, Delhi, Punjab and
Haryana is likely to face trouble,
especially if the AAP returns to the
negotiating table. Kerala is another
state where the Congress-led coali-
tion is likely to take on the Left.
Rating agency points to strong
economic momentum
Team
BHOPAL: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi flagged off five Vande Bharat
Express trains at Rani Kamalapati
railway station in Bhopal on June 27.
The five trains are Bhopal (Rani
Kamalapati) - Indore Vande Bharat
Express; Bhopal (Rani Kamalapati)
- Jabalpur Vande Bharat; Ranchi
- Patna Vande Bharat; Dharwad -
Bengaluru Vande Bharat and Goa
(Madgaon) - Mumbai Vande Bharat.
"These trains will improve
connectivity in Madhya Pradesh,
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa,
Bihar, and Jharkhand," PM Modi
said in a tweet.
The Prime Minister inspected the
first coach of Rani Kamalapati-Indore
Vande Bharat Express. He also
interacted with children who were
onboard and the crew of the train.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw,
Madhya Pradesh Governor
Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union
ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, and
Jyotiraditya Scindia, among others,
were present on the occasion.
The Rani Kamalapati - Jabalpur
Vande Bharat will connect
Mahakaushal region
(Jabalpur) with the Central
region (Bhopal) of Madhya
Pradesh.
The Madgaon (Goa)-
Mumbai Vande Bharat
Express will be Goa's first
Vande Bharat Express. It
will run between Mumbai's
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
and Goa's Madgaon station.
The Ranchi (Hatia)-Patna Vande
Bharat Express is the first
Vande Bharat train for Jharkhand
and Bihar.
PM Modi flags off five
Vande Bharat trains
First for Jharkhand,Bihar and Goa
Lulu Group
to invest
Rs 10k cr in
three years
Team
HYDERABAD: UAE-based
Lulu Group is working on various
projects in India and will invest
Rs10,000 crore over the next
three years.
The ongoing projects in states
like Telangana, Ahmedabad,
Uttar Pradesh, etc will provide
around 50,000 employment, Lulu
chairman Yusuff Ali MA said on
July 26 in Hyderabad
The UAE-based conglomerate
has pumped up a total of Rs
20,000 crore in India till now.
He claimed that the company's
different projects in India have
provided around 22,000 jobs.
One of the company's projects
is near completion. The five-lakh
square feet Lulu Mall built with
an investment of Rs 300 crore
will be inaugurated in August.
He also said that the company
will also complete its other
project of constructing an export-
oriented modern integrated meat
processing plant and state-of-the-
art Destination Mall (2.2 million sq
ft ) in the country.
Lulu Group will invest around
Rs 3,500 in Telangana in the
coming five years as the company
is working on different projects,
including a Destination Mall worth
₹3,000 crore, Ali said.
Lulu Chairman Yusuff Ali MA
File photo
Opposition unity suffers a setback
Will Mamata accommodate Left, Congress in Bengal?
Campaignagainst
drugsshowing
results:AmitShah
Team
New Delhi: Union Home Minister
Amit Shah has said that under the
guidance of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, the policy of zero tolerance
against narcotics adopted by the
Ministry of Home Affairs is showing
successful results.
In his message on the
“International Day against Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” on June
26, the Union Home Minister said,
“I congratulate all the organisations
and people fighting against drugs.
It is a matter of great pleasure that
this time the Narcotics Control
Bureau (NCB) is also organising
'Nasha Mukt Pakhwada' at
all-India level.”
Shah said, “It is our resolve that
we will not allow the narcotics trade
in India, nor we will allow drugs to be
routed to the world through India.”
In this campaign against drugs, all
the major agencies of the country,
especially the NCB, are continuously
fighting this war, he added.

12. CHAIRMAN & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Deepak Dwivedi
scan, read & share
LONDON
July 3-9, 2023
United Kingdom
Edition
BOOMING BRITAIN
www.uk.blitzindiamedia.com
ONLINE EDITION
We are making great
progress: Rishi Sunak
Team
LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi
Sunak has hailed the United Kingdom’s
partnership with India, calling it a
defining one for our times.
The UK and India are making
great progress together on the 2030
Roadmap and the countries want to
strike a truly ambitious trade deal that
benefits both nations, he said
earlier this week.
“Prime Minister Modi ji and I
agree there’s huge potential here.
We’re making great progress
together on the 2030 Roadmap,”
he stated, adding, “And we want
to strike a truly ambitious trade
deal that benefits both our nations,
bringing tremendous opportunities
to businesses and consumers, both
in India and here at home.”
UK-India Week 2023
Sunak shared his observations at
a reception he hosted to celebrate
India Global Forum’s (IGF) UK-
India Week 2023. The event was
held in the garden of 10 Downing
Street, the Prime Minister’s official
residence in London.
His wife Akshata and mother-in-law
Sudha Murty were also present during
the occasion. They met the group of
entrepreneurs, diplomats, celebrities,
and others, and had conversations with
several of them.
Among the guests were film
actors Sonam Kapoor and Vivek
Oberoi, Olympic medal winning Indian
pugilist Mary Kom, musicians Shankar
Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain,
among others.
Against the backdrop of the 2030
Roadmap, and the ongoing Free Trade
Agreement negotiations, Prime Minister
Sunak’s comments are a key indicator
of his ambition to elevate UK-India ties.
Forging closer ties
“Given the geopolitical upheaval and
economic turbulence around the world, I
believe that it is more important now than
ever before that the UK and India forge
closer and deeper ties,” according to IGF
Founder and Chairman Manoj Ladwa.
“I am therefore grateful to Prime
Minister Sunak for recognising the role
that IGF is playing in bringing our two
great democracies closer to unlocking
the true potential of the partnership,”
he added.
While speaking at IGF’s UK-India
Awards in 2022, then as Chancellor,
Rishi Sunak had emphasised the
importance of forging a partnership
of equals.
“India isn’t looking to the past. And
nor can we. We need to move forward.
Because the UK does not have a
natural right to sit at the table with one
of the world’s largest, fastest growing,
and most dynamic economies. We must
earn it,” he had remarked.
2030
ROADMAP
Againstthe
backdropofthe
2030Roadmap,and
theongoingFree
TradeAgreement
negotiations,Prime
MinisterSunak’s
commentsarea
keyindicatorofhis
ambitiontoelevate
UK-Indiaties
£13-MILLION
REVIVAL PACKAGE
To benefit 52
community
assets across
the UK
Team
LONDON: A derelict cinema, local
pubs and a rugby club are among
52 community assets which will be
revived thanks to almost £13 million
of Government levelling up funding,
according to a press release from UK’s
Department for Levelling Up, Housing
and Communities.
On June 30, the department
announced the latest allocations from
the second round of the £150 million
Community Ownership Fund.
The funding will help community
groups take ownership of local
institutions that have fallen into disrepair
or are under threat of closure and give
them a new lease of life.
Sense of belonging
“This cash will help to revive the vital
community spaces which give people
a sense of belonging and pride in their
communities and allow them to thrive,”
stated Michael Gove, Secretary of State
for the Department for Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities.
“We want people across the country
to have great opportunities no matter
where they live. Ensuring that they can
continue to benefit from treasured local
institutions is an important part of this,”
he shared in a written statement.
Among projects included are the
restoration of the Paignton Picture
House in Devon and the creation of a
new live music venue at the historic
Crown pub in Birmingham. The cinema
hall is reported to have been frequented
by detective novelist Agatha Christie.
Rugby union club
It will also help rugby union club Black-
heath FC in London to buy their ground
and facilities for the first time in their 165-
year history.
Recent changes to the fund now
mean that the amount of funding all
projects can bid for has increased from
£250,000 to £1 million. This is making
it easier than ever for community
groups to seize back control of prized
local assets that are at risk of being
lost forever.
The Community Ownership Fund
has now delivered £36.8m investment
for a total of 150 projects across the
UK, including £3m for Northern Ireland,
£5.2m for Scotland, £3.2m for Wales
and £25.5m for England.