Latest news with #Asma
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
For ‘free Thailand trip', 3 women agreed to smuggle marijuana worth Rs 8.5 crore to India; arrested at Mumbai airport
Customs officers at the Mumbai international airport Tuesday arrested three women who were allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed or marijuana worth Rs 8.5 crore. During questioning, two of the women reportedly said they agreed to smuggle the contraband as they wanted a free trip to Thailand. The accused have been identified as Delhi resident Priyanka Kumar, 44; Ishika Kaltari, 19, from Bhopa in Madhya Pradesh; and Asma Bano Rajab, who is in her early 40s and hails from Gujarat. While 3.24 kg of hydroponic weed was seized from Priyanka, 3.52 kg was recovered from Ishika and 1.86 kg from Asma, sources said. Hydroponically grown marijuana or weed is a highly potent variant and is much more expensive. According to the sources, the Customs department received information that a large amount of drugs would be smuggled to India from Bangkok via Mumbai airport. Based on the inputs, officers laid a trap at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Two of the passengers arrived by flight number SL218 on Tuesday, and one passenger arrived by flight number VZ 760 from Bangkok, sources said. They were intercepted by Customs officers at the airport. Upon questioning, they exhibited signs of nervousness and uneasiness. Examination of their baggage subsequently led to the recovery of high-quality hydroponic weed worth Rs 8.5 crore, the officers said. Asma, a beauty salon employee who had stopped working due certain health complications, said she was promised a commission of Rs 15,000 for the task, and was supposed to deliver the contraband to a person in Surat, the source added. An operator from Brazil is suspected to be behind this smuggling attempt, another source said. One of the arrested accused also had the contact number of a Brazilian woman, and it is suspected that she supplied the marijuana. The three accused women were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for smuggling commercial quantities of marijuana. Further investigation is underway.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boris Johnson's wife Carrie announces birth of fourth baby: ‘We are totally smitten'
Former prime minister Boris Johnson has welcomed his fourth baby with wife Carrie Johnson. Mrs Johnson revealed she had given birth to their daughter Poppy Eliza Josephine Johnson on 21 May, in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday. She said: 'I can't believe how pretty and tiny you are. Feel so incredibly lucky. We are all totally smitten. Not sure I've slept a minute since you were born as can't stop looking at how completely lovely you are.' Mrs Johnson continued to thank the maternity team at University College London Hospitals, in particular Asma and Patrick, who 'have looked after me so well through all my pregnancies. I really cannot thank you guys enough.'
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Darina Allen: Three Indian recipes from the inspiring London-based cook Asma Khan
Darjeeling Express has been on my wish list for several years, but on my last trip to London, I finally managed to get a table there. Its owner, the wonderfully feisty Indian cook, Asma Khan has intrigued and inspired me for several years. Asma has, for some time now, been one of the brightest stars on the London restaurant scene. Despite being proudly Indian, she was the first British chef to be featured on Netflix's Chef's Table. Asma was born in Calcutta, the second daughter of royal parentage. That may not seem significant, but although attitudes are changing somewhat nowadays, in India daughters are often seen as a burden for various reasons, not least because families need to provide a dowry to pay for them to marry. 'A first born girl is sad, a second daughter is a disaster', so from the beginning, girls feel of lesser value with far fewer opportunities open to them than their brothers. It's rare in India for people to marry outside their own region. Asma however, is descended from a warrior tribe, her father was a Muslim Rajput, her mother a Muslim Bengali, so it could be said that she inherited genes from two powerful traditions. So, from childhood, Asma made a habit of rejecting expectations of a 'second daughter'. Most girls were in arranged marriages by the time they were 18. She loved cricket and played in the streets with the boys and her friend from the slums — at that time considered scandalous. Later, she became the first member of her family to attend college, qualified as a lawyer and completed a doctorate in British Constitutional Law. She left home without ever learning to cook. When she moved to Cambridge to join her graduate tutor husband in 1991, she could scarcely make toast. She was in culture shock, frozen cold, incredibly lonely and unable to recreate the food of her country that she craved so badly. She resolved to learn how to cook, so she returned to India for a few months to learn from her mother, mother-in-law and the cooks in her house. When she returned to the UK, she yearned to feed others who were going through the same loneliness and yearning that she experienced. When her husband was away on his travels, she invited other immigrants, housewives and second daughters whom she met at the children's school to dinner in her house. Eventually they became 'supper clubs'. Her home-cooked Mughlai dinners became legendary. Vivek Singh of the Cinnamon Club in Westminster tasted her food and invited Asma to host lunch, the beginning of a new chapter. Asma's rise to the top had many, many challenging twists and turns and there was much racial and gender discrimination before she eventually managed to open her first restaurant, Darjeeling Express. Her female kitchen team was and is still made up of immigrants and 'second daughters' who cook Asma's dishes with love and pride. Asma is a force of nature, a relentless campaigner for social change, unstoppable in her mission to change attitudes to women in all areas of life. If you can get to her restaurant, brilliant, but otherwise seek out her books. She has written two, Asma's Indian Kitchen which won a World Gourmand Award for best Indian cookbook in 2018 or her last cookbook Monsoon: Delicious Indian Recipes for Every Day, and Season, published by DK London (Penguin Random House) which these recipes come from. Asma Khan's Omelette Curry recipe by:Darina Allen In Bengal, eggs are not just a breakfast item — they are served as a main course in a family meal. Servings 4 Preparation Time 10 mins Cooking Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Course Main Ingredients For the gravy (sauce) 100ml vegetable oil 2.5cm cassia bark (or cinnamon stick) 2 bay leaves 150g brown onions, thinly sliced 1 tbsp ginger paste 1 tsp garlic paste 250g fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp salt ½ tsp sugar (any type) 120ml water 1 tbsp lemon juice For the omelette 6 medium/large eggs 2 tbsp vegetable oil ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 3 green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves Method Start by preparing the gravy. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan over a medium-low heat. Add the cassia bark and bay leaves, followed by the sliced onions. Stir the onions until they start to turn dark brown, ensuring they cook evenly. Add the ginger and garlic paste and stir for a minute. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir for a few minutes before adding the chilli powder, salt, and sugar. Add the measured water and bring to the boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. While the gravy is simmering, prepare the omelette. It may be easier to make two omelettes if you have a small or medium frying pan. Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the salt and pepper to the eggs and whisk again before pouring into the pan. Sprinkle over the green chillies and coriander and cook until the eggs are set. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool. When cool to the touch, cut the omelette into thick strips. Ideally you want to have six thick strips. If you cut the strips too thin, they will break up and disintegrate in the gravy. Remove the lid from the gravy and stir. If there is still a lot of liquid, increase the heat and let it evaporate. The gravy should have the consistency of thick soup. Add the omelette strips and stir to cover all the strips with the gravy. Add the lemon juice, taste for seasoning, and serve warm. Asma Khan's Achari Murgh recipe by:Darina Allen Chicken cooked in pickling spices and yogurt. This dish is a family favourite in my home in India. The use of pickling spices has been linked to the royal family of Bhopal, where some say the dish originated. Servings 6 Preparation Time 10 mins Cooking Time 1 hours 15 mins Total Time 1 hours 25 mins Course Main Ingredients 6 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, halved and sliced into thin half-moons ¼ tsp fennel seeds ¼ tsp black mustard seeds ¼ tsp nigella seeds 1/8 tsp fenugreek seeds ¼ tsp whole cumin seeds 1 tsp garlic paste 1 tbsp ginger paste 1kg skinless chicken thighs on the bone ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground coriander ¼ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder 1kg plain yogurt 1 tsp salt, or to taste 1 fresh green chilli, slit open lengthways; plus extra, chopped, to garnish handful of coriander leaves, chopped, to garnish Method Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan that has a lid over a high heat. Take one tip of sliced onion and dip it into the edge of the oil. The oil is hot enough when the onion starts to sizzle immediately. If the onion does not sizzle immediately, wait for a minute and try with another slice of onion. Do not use the previous onion slice for the test, add that slice to the pan with the rest of the sliced onions when the oil is at temperature. Fry the onions until golden brown and caramelised, then remove with a slotted spoon and spread over a plate so they don't become soggy. To the same oil, add all the seed spices at the same time. Wait until you hear the mustard seeds pop, then add the garlic and ginger pastes and stir until fragrant. If the paste is sticking to the pan, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. Add the chicken thighs and seal the meat all over, then add the ground turmeric, coriander, and chilli powder. Crush the caramelised onions in a pestle and mortar (or in a bowl with the end of a rolling pin) and mix them with the yogurt, then add the mixture to the pan along with the salt and bring to the boil. Cover the pan and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the lid, add the slit chilli and continue to cook uncovered for a further 30 minutes, stirring the chicken until the sauce clings to the meat. Taste for seasoning and adjust if required. Garnish with chopped green chillies and coriander and serve with rice and salad. Asma Khan's Shadha Bamdhakopi recipe by:Darina Allen The cabbage in this recipe should still have a bit of a crunch in it and the addition of cashew nuts gives the dish a lovely texture. Servings 6 Preparation Time 10 mins Cooking Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Course Side Ingredients 4 tbsp vegetable oil 150g raw cashew nuts 2 dried red chillies 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp ground turmeric 400g canned chopped tomatoes (or 3-4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped) ½ tsp chilli powder 1 ½ tsp salt 750g white cabbage, shredded 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or any fresh herbs you have available), to garnish Method Heat the oil in a karai, wok, or deep saucepan over a medium heat until shimmering. Add the cashew nuts and stir to ensure all sides are cooked. As they will continue to cook in the residual heat, do not wait until the nuts turn dark brown – turn the heat off and use a slotted spoon to remove them to a plate. Remove and discard any burnt cashews as they will make your dish bitter. Try to leave as much of the oil behind in the pan. Check there are no cashew pieces left in the oil and set the pan back over a medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the whole dried chillies and cumin seeds, and stir until the chillies darken. Add the turmeric, then immediately add the chopped tomatoes followed by the chilli powder and salt. Reduce the heat and keep stirring at regular intervals until the oil comes to the edges of the spiced tomato mix. With the heat on low, add the shredded cabbage and coat with the tomato mix. Increase the heat to medium-high. If the slices of cabbage are thin, stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. Thicker slices will need 6-8 minutes, covered, and a further 2 minutes of stir-frying uncovered. Taste for seasoning, then return the cashew nuts to the pan and mix through. Garnish with the chopped herbs before serving. This goes with any rice dish or bread. It is also the perfect texture to wrap in a chapati or tortilla accompanied with a raita. Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese Making Helen Finnegan of Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese is offering a one day cheese making course which is designed to show you how to make and mature your own cheese at home. Cheese tasting lunch with wine included. Takes place on the last Saturday of the month located in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny. For more information, contact Helen on 086 859 7716 Midleton Farmers' Market 25th anniversary This year marks a major milestone for East Cork's renowned Midleton Farmers' Market. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the day will be marked with a special celebration on Saturday May 31 (9am – 1pm), featuring nature-based activities, face painting, balloon art and music from the Barony Choir and the Midleton Concert Band. Bring all the family. Read More Darina Allen: Three recipes to try at home inspired by the London food scene
Saudi Gazette
15-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Surgical separation of Eritrean conjoined twins successful
Saudi Gazette report Riyadh — The medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program is successful in separating Eritrean conjoined twins Asma and Someya, who were joined at the head, at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in Riyadh on Wednesday. This is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Supervisor General and head of the medical team Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said the complex procedure, which lasted for 15 and a half hours, was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. The team employed neuronavigational technology and surgical microscopy to ensure precise planning and uphold the highest safety standards. He said that this operation marks the 64th separation performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has treated over 149 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years. Over the years, it has achieved outstanding medical successes, showcasing the advanced capabilities and professionalism of Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector and its medical teams. Consultant pediatric neurosurgeon and head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Dr. Moutasem Azzubi said that the twins underwent a comprehensive evaluation, which revealed the fusion of skull bones, brain membranes, veins, and certain arteries. The separation was conducted in stages, beginning with an initial surgical procedure followed by three interventional radiology procedures to block shared arteries and veins. The pediatric plastic surgery team inserted tissue expanders under the skin to stretch it over several months and allow sufficient skin coverage after the separation. The twins' family expressed their sincere gratitude to the Saudi leadership for making this life-saving procedure possible and ensuring their children received the best medical care. They also commended the Kingdom's humanitarian efforts and thanked the generous hospitality they received during their stay in Saudi Arabia
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
80pc adults have dangerous waistlines, experts warn
KARACHI: With more than 80 percent of Pakistani adults now suffering from excessive waistlines and over 70 percent of men and 80 percent of women classified as obese, health experts have declared obesity a full-blown public health emergency that is silently pushing the nation toward disaster. Experts also revealed that 50 percent of adults are hypertensive, and one in three is diabetic, conditions directly linked to weight gain and inactivity. At a health awareness camp organized by the Karachi Press Club (KPC) in collaboration with Getz Pharma, specialists from Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) warned that obesity is now killing Pakistani men at younger ages, causing infertility in women, and setting children on a path toward chronic disease. Most troubling, they said that the majority of people remain unaware of these risks and continue to lead dangerously inactive lifestyles. 'We are raising a generation that is both obese and malnourished,' said Dr. Asma Ahmed, endocrinologist at AKUH, citing national data that shows 35 percent of women and 28 percent of children in Pakistan are obese. 'Obesity is not a cosmetic issue—it's a chronic disease that leads directly to hypertension, diabetes, infertility, and organ failure,' she warned. She pointed out that excessive screen time, junk food, and irregular routines are among the main reasons for this surge in obesity among children. 'Many people don't even know they are hypertensive, and unchecked blood pressure is silently damaging their kidneys, hearts, and brains,' Dr. Asma added. She urged families to prioritize home-cooked, nutritious meals and reduce their intake of processed and fast food. 'Sleeping late, lack of physical activity, and poor diet are pushing the nation toward a health disaster,' she said. Dr. Nazish Butt, Head of Gastroenterology at JPMC, echoed these concerns, noting that obesity is now a leading cause of diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and heart attacks in the country. 'People have simply stopped exercising. In Karachi, we're seeing particularly high obesity rates among women and children due to sedentary habits and increased consumption of frozen and junk foods,' she said, calling for urgent community-level lifestyle reforms. Dr. Wajiha Javed, Public Health Expert at Getz Pharma, shared findings from the Pak Sehat baseline demographic survey—the first mini-Framingham study and bio bank of the South Asian population—which found that over 80 percent of women and 70 percent of men in Pakistan are obese. 'Fifty percent of adults also suffer from hypertension, and one in every three is diabetic,' she said. To address these alarming trends, she announced a three-year national initiative titled PREACH, launched by Getz Pharma, aimed at early detection, disease awareness, and referral pathways through private community health workers. Dr. Wajiha also mentioned the availability of semaglutide and tirzepatide—newer medications now available in Pakistan for patients with a BMI above 30, or above 27 with weight-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. 'Under our Med One umbrella, we're partnering with healthcare stakeholders to promote screening and public awareness about metabolic disorders,' she added. The screening camp at KPC provided free consultations for journalists and their families, many of whom were tested for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The event was attended by KPC Joint Secretary Muhammad Munsif, Health Committee Secretary Hamid-ur-Rehman, and Getz Pharma representatives including Mikail Soomro, Agha Sadiq, and Head of Public Health Kashif Amin. On the occasion, experts called for national-level public health campaigns, better food education, physical activity in schools and workplaces, and recognition of obesity as a serious chronic disease rather than a mere lifestyle issue. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
