Saturday, 22 August 2026
Bharat Diaspora 21 August, 2026 3 min read

Rashmeet Kaur Releases PARINDA Ahead of UK Tour

Indian-origin artist Rashmeet Kaur has launched her latest project titled PARINDA, consisting of eight tracks that combine elements of Punjabi folk traditions with rhythms from R&B, jazz influences and Sufi…

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Shalini Passi Questions Authenticity of Mallika Sherawat Attire in Deleted Show Scene
Bharat Diaspora

Shalini Passi Questions Authenticity of Mallika Sherawat Attire in Deleted Show Scene

A recently surfaced deleted scene from the second season of the reality competition series The Traitors has drawn attention to a brief exchange involving two well-known figures from the entertainment industry. In the footage, Shalini Passi is shown commenting on an outfit worn by Mallika Sherawat, specifically questioning whether the Dolce and Gabbana dress was...

South Asian Families Urged to Explore Wartime Ancestral Stories
Bharat Diaspora

South Asian Families Urged to Explore Wartime Ancestral Stories

Following the 81st anniversary of VJ Day, South Asian families across Britain are invited to investigate relatives’ wartime service records. The Royal British Legion and British Future promote these efforts via the My Family Legacy campaign, which spotlights the roles of South Asian personnel. Since September 2025 the groups have visited UK communities to help...

Competition Offers Chance to Win Tickets for Surinderella at Manchester Palace Theatre
Bharat Diaspora

Competition Offers Chance to Win Tickets for Surinderella at Manchester Palace Theatre

A competition is offering two free tickets to see Surinderella at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. The production presents a Bollywood-inspired version of a classic fairytale. DESIblitz, working with Rifco Theatre, will award one winner the opportunity to attend an evening of comedy, romance and performance. The show adapts the Cinderella tale with South Asian...

Stourbridge Residents Begin Returning Home After Fires
Bharat Diaspora

Stourbridge Residents Begin Returning Home After Fires

Emergency services dealt with significant strain during recent events. People who had to leave their homes due to severe fires in Stourbridge are starting to go back. On August 15, the West Midlands Fire Service permitted some residents to return after checking the damaged buildings. Nineteen homes in five streets were completely destroyed, and 18...

UK Punjabi Musician Raj Hayre Issues First Album For The Culture
Bharat Diaspora

UK Punjabi Musician Raj Hayre Issues First Album For The Culture

UK Punjabi musician Raj Hayre has issued his first album, For The Culture, representing a key advancement in his music career. Over the past year, Hayre has gained recognition via multiple Punjabi tracks and joint projects. His style merges Punjabi elements with modern production techniques, preserving ties to British Punjabi heritage. The artist from Birmingham...

UK Restricts Gel Nail Products Containing TPO
Bharat Diaspora

UK Restricts Gel Nail Products Containing TPO

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association has noted that the restriction is precautionary. A new rule on gel nail items took effect in the UK, prompting salons to phase out products with TPO. The measure focuses on trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, known as TPO, an ingredient that aids hardening under UV or LED lights. From August...

South Asian Health Risks and Traditional Diets Examined
Bharat Diaspora

South Asian Health Risks and Traditional Diets Examined

For many British South Asians, curry represents family, celebration, tradition and cultural identity. Yet discussions increasingly link South Asian cuisine to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease. The question arises whether generational eating habits contribute to these conditions. Evidence shows South Asian populations face elevated risks of type 2...

Hollyoaks Wedding Episode Features Unexpected Confession
Bharat Diaspora

Hollyoaks Wedding Episode Features Unexpected Confession

Hollyoaks is preparing a dramatic wedding storyline in which Imran Maalik makes a surprise confession to Leah Barnes that threatens to disrupt the event. The ceremony has already been complicated by Leah’s affair with Prince McQueen. Imran has kept secret his prior love for another woman whom he still considers his true match. Despite his...

Love Island Runners-Up Jasmine and Kavan Discuss Age Difference
Bharat Diaspora

Love Island Runners-Up Jasmine and Kavan Discuss Age Difference

Love Island finalists Jasmine and Kavan have spoken publicly about the age gap between them and their views on the matter. Jasmine is 27 and Kavan is 21. Some viewers had questioned whether the pair were at similar life stages. Comments online noted the difference appeared noticeable or suggested they were not aligned in outlook....

JioStar Revives Star Brand for UK and European Audiences
Bharat Diaspora

JioStar Revives Star Brand for UK and European Audiences

JioStar UK Ltd. has restored the Star brand identity, returning Star Plus, Star Gold and Star Bharat to viewers in the UK and Europe. The change ends the Utsav branding and takes effect on August 13, 2026. It follows the November 2024 merger of Star India and Viacom18. Star has served South Asian audiences in...

A-Level Results Day Brings Restaurant Discounts and Free Items for Students
Bharat Diaspora

A-Level Results Day Brings Restaurant Discounts and Free Items for Students

Students need to present their A-Level results to qualify for the promotions. A-Level results day falls on August 13. Whether expectations are high, low or mixed, receiving the outcomes marks an important occasion worth noting. An added benefit comes with the date. Multiple eateries provide complimentary items, beverages and price reductions for A-Level students on...

Young Player Claims British Chess Title After Family Immigration Challenges
Bharat Diaspora

Young Player Claims British Chess Title After Family Immigration Challenges

A 17-year-old competitor secured the British Chess Championship title eight years after his family nearly faced removal from the United Kingdom. He overcame several leading English players at the University of Warwick in Coventry to become the youngest champion. The player finished ahead of grandmasters such as Luke McShane and nine-time titleholder Michael Adams. He...

Photographer Documents Scotland’s South Asian Communities in New Exhibition
Bharat Diaspora

Photographer Documents Scotland’s South Asian Communities in New Exhibition

For 35 years, photographer Hermann Rodrigues has captured the people, customs and narratives that shape Scotland’s South Asian populations. His show Broon Scots: Snapshots of Scotland’s South Asian Diaspora presents selected images from his large archive, giving a close view of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani groups throughout the nation. After moving from India to Scotland...

Blackburn Café Reopens with South Asian Fusion Menu
Bharat Diaspora

Blackburn Café Reopens with South Asian Fusion Menu

A café in Blackburn has reopened under new management, featuring updated decor and a menu that blends classic English dishes with South Asian influences. The Olive Branch Café on Redlam, close to the Witton Inn, is now run by Asma Hanslod. She has created a diverse selection to attract patrons seeking both standard café fare...

Appeal Renewed for Birmingham Woman Missing in France Since 1976
Bharat Diaspora

Appeal Renewed for Birmingham Woman Missing in France Since 1976

West Midlands Police have issued a fresh appeal concerning a Birmingham woman who disappeared in southern France nearly 50 years ago. Sarjit Kaur Mann was last seen in September 1976 while on holiday with her family in Antibes. The 20-year-old University of Birmingham student chose to remain in France when her relatives returned home, saying...

Far-Right Clashes in Glasgow Prompt Calls to Recall Scottish Parliament
Bharat Diaspora

Far-Right Clashes in Glasgow Prompt Calls to Recall Scottish Parliament

A Scottish Labour MSP has warned that someone could be seriously injured or killed after far-right violence erupted in Glasgow. Monica Lennon described the situation as an emergency and urged immediate measures. She spoke at a press conference arranged by solicitor Aamer Anwar and suggested that the First Minister should recall Parliament to tackle rising...

Birmingham Family Distressed by Delays in Cancer Care
Bharat Diaspora

Birmingham Family Distressed by Delays in Cancer Care

The relatives of a Birmingham resident who passed away after his cancer advanced amid treatment delays say they continue to feel tormented by the events. Ravinder Lally from Sutton Coldfield died at Good Hope Hospital on January 2. An NHS patient safety review identified multiple shortcomings in his care, such as an unsuitable initial procedure...

Shortlist Revealed for 2026 Asian Achievers Awards
Bharat Diaspora

Shortlist Revealed for 2026 Asian Achievers Awards

The 24th Asian Achievers Awards are scheduled for September 18, 2026, at Hilton Park Lane in London, with the shortlist now public. Launched in 2000, the ceremony stands as the United Kingdom’s leading and longest-running recognition of British Asian success in areas such as the arts, commerce, governance and community work. Media partners Asian Voice,...

Asma Khan Examines Barriers to Recognition for Indian Cuisine
Bharat Diaspora

Asma Khan Examines Barriers to Recognition for Indian Cuisine

A restaurateur has suggested that racial attitudes continue to limit the status of Indian food within high-end dining. Asma Khan contends that longstanding views on cultural sophistication shape global perceptions of cuisine. Although dishes like chicken tikka masala and biryani are common in Britain, Indian cooking often receives less prestige than French, Italian or Japanese...

Chevening Scholarships Open Applications for Indian Students
Bharat Diaspora

Chevening Scholarships Open Applications for Indian Students

The Chevening Scholarships program has opened applications for Indian citizens to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at any university in the United Kingdom. The initiative provides complete financial support and targets Indian nationals who have gained at least two years of work experience after completing their undergraduate studies. India runs the largest Chevening...

Fitness Coach Ahmad Rabus Joins Gladiators as The Emperor
Bharat Diaspora

Fitness Coach Ahmad Rabus Joins Gladiators as The Emperor

Fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus will reportedly join the BBC competition series Gladiators under the name The Emperor. He replaces Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, who left the programme. Producers chose the new persona to help Rabus stand out after Giant’s exit. Bigg had stated that the BBC ended his role due to his relationship with...

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A More Divided World: Can Diplomacy Still Find Common Ground?

International politics is becoming increasingly complicated as countries face geopolitical competition, economic uncertainty, security concerns and disagreements over trade and technology. Major powers are pursuing their own strategic interests while…