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WINNERS OF ASIAN RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY AWARDS 2024 ANNOUNCED

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Winners of the annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2024 (ARTA) were announced at the awards ceremony this weekend on 6th October at Royal Lancaster, London.

The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards is the most prestigious celebration of Pan Asian cuisine in the UK, honouring Asian restaurants all over the UK. The ARTA 2024 welcomed a guest list of the nation’s most popular Asian restaurateurs alongside MPs and celebrities as they collectively honoured the achievements of the industry.

In attendance included celebrities namely, Patsy Kensit (Actress & Singer). Julius Francis (Professional Boxer), Leila Russack (Singer & Songwriter), Jackie St Clair (Model) and Subrina Hussain (CEO of NTV Europe) among many others. The ceremony was hosted by TV presenters, Samantha Simmonds (TV show host) and Richard Jones (Magician).

Interspersing the awards presentation included a performance by the artist Muza who performed live and delighted the audience with his talent.

Winners at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2024 are:

Champion of Champion: Radhuni Lounge Restaurant, Risborough
National Chef of the Year: Colombo Kitchen, Worcester Park
National Takeaway of the Year: Bombay Cuisine, Prestwich, Manchester
Newcomer of the Year: My Delhi, Leicester
Streetfood Restaurant of the Year: Chakhdoom, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year: Yakitori House, Glasgow
Japenese Restaurant of the Year: Sakura Finest, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol
Essex Restaurant of the Year: Pride of Sylhet, Dunmow

Hertfordshire Restaurant of the Year: Ginger Bar & Restaurant, Stevenage
Kent Restaurant of the Year: Jumeira Indian Restaurant, Cranbrook
North East Restaurant of the Year: Babul’s, Darlington
North London Restaurant of the Year: Yaki Ya!, London
North West Restaurant of the Year: Indian Lounge Restaurant, Bury
South Central Restaurant of the Year: Radhuni Lounge Restaurant, Princes Risborough
South West Restaurant of the Year: Mint Bay, Highbridge
North Wales Restaurant of the Year: Benllech Tandoori Restaurant, Brynteg
South Wales Restaurant of the Year: Sheesh Mahal, Llanelli
Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year: Nu Delhi, Belfast
West Midlands Restaurant of the Year: Monsoon Restaurant, Birmingham
East Anglia Restaurant of the Year: Curry Palace, Cambridge
Scotland Restaurant of the Year: Monsoona Healthy Indian Cuisine, Aberdeen
Surrey Restaurant of the Year: Yaadein, Epsom
Sussex Restaurant of the Year: Darchini, Horsham
City & East London Restaurant of the Year: City Spice, London
Central & West London Restaurant of the Year: Paro, London
East Midlands Restaurant of the Year: Jomidar Lounge, Northampton
South West Chef of the Year: Raj Bari, Bristol

North East Chef of the Year: The Vine Indian Cuisine, Sheffield

Surrey Chef of the Year: Colombo Kitchen, Worcester Park

Wales Chef of the Year: Raj Kitchen Pure Indian Cuisine, Swansea

Sussex Chef of the Year: Tamarind Indian Restaurant, Isle of Wight, Newport

East Anglia Chef of the Year: Jilani, Sudbury Colchester

North West Chef of the Year: Imli Restaurant, Heywood

Essex Chef of the Year: The Coriander, Ongar

East Midlands Chef of the Year: The Spice Lounge, Northampton

Hertfordshire Chef of the Year: Abbots Tandoori, Abbots Langley
North West Takeaway of the Year: Bombay Cuisine, Manchester

East Anglia Takeaway of the Year: Eastern Spice, Ipswich

Kent Takeaway of the Year: Sher-E-Bangla Indian Takeaway, Longfield

South Wales Takeaway of the Year: Saffron Kitchen, Cwmbran

Essex Takeaway of the Year: Curry Tree, Stanford-le-Hope

East Midlands Takeaway of the Year: Amir’s Balti House, Retford

Surrey Takeaway of the Year: Mohini Balti House, Carshalton

Hertfordshire Takeaway of the Year: Saffron Indian Takeaway, Borehamwood

South Central Takeaway of the Year: Malik’s Express, Maidenhead

Scotland Takeaway of the Year: Gurkha Kitchen, Fraserburgh

ARTA Founder Mohammed Munim said at the awards this year, “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of ARTA 2024 – the Pan Asian restaurants, takeaways, and chefs who continue to stand as pillars of excellence in the UK’s hospitality industry. As the original and premier awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the best of the UK’s Asian restaurant and takeaway sector, we honour your unwavering commitment and passion, which continue to bring unparalleled flavours and experiences to diners across the nation, even in the face of adversity.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the esteemed guests who have joined us in this celebration tonight.

In keeping with our mission to support the industry, I am pleased to announce that ARTA, in partnership with Cambridge Regional College and Chef Online, is launching a specialised training program to help upskill chefs in our community, ensuring the future of Asian cuisine remains vibrant and innovative. This initiative reflects our dedication to nurturing talent and enhancing the skills of those who make this industry exceptional.

This industry is not just about food; it represents the beauty and strength of multiculturalism in the UK. ARTA 2024 celebrates you, the champions of this journey, for your enduring contribution to our culinary landscape”

Chief red carpet guest Patsy Kensit spoke at the ceremony yesterday, “I’m delighted to be part of ARTA 2024. The talent and passion of the chefs are truly inspiring, and it’s an honour to celebrate such exceptional cuisine with this wonderful community”

Cambridge Regional College & ARTA Ambassador Graham Taylor said during the awards ceremony, “I’m honoured to be part of ARTA’s journey. Since its establishment, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting incredible dishes and working with talented chefs who continue to deliver exceptional cuisine. ARTA brings together a special and inclusive community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

ARTA is the only official award that recognises, promotes, and celebrates the immense importance and popularity of the Pan Asian catering industry in the UK, as determined by its consumers.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña resigns amid a bank collapse impacting millions, sparking a major financial crisis.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

On November 5, 2026, Paraguay’s political landscape was dramatically reshaped as President Santiago Peña resigned amid a severe financial crisis. This crisis, characterized by the collapse of a major bank, has left millions of Paraguayans with frozen savings, triggering widespread financial instability across the nation [The Guardian, November 2026]. The resignation came after intense public pressure, reflecting the profound impact of the banking sector’s failure on the country’s socio-economic fabric [The Guardian, November 2026].

The immediate catalyst for Peña’s resignation was the unprecedented bank failure that exposed significant vulnerabilities in Paraguay’s financial system. This collapse not only froze millions of savings but also drew international scrutiny to the country’s fiscal management [BBC, November 2026]. The banking debacle underscored the systemic issues within Paraguay’s financial institutions, raising questions about regulatory oversight and governance that have yet to be fully addressed.

Peña’s decision to step down was formally communicated through an official announcement, marking a pivotal moment in Paraguay’s political history [BBC, November 2026]. This move was largely seen as a response to growing unrest and a loss of confidence in his administration’s ability to manage the crisis effectively. The president’s resignation has opened a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with stabilizing its economy and restoring public trust.

The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Paraguay, with the bank collapse serving as a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement [BBC, November 2026]. While specific international responses were not detailed, the situation has likely prompted discussions on the need for stronger financial governance frameworks in similar emerging markets. The crisis has highlighted the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the potential repercussions of inadequate oversight.

As Paraguay faces this economic turmoil, the focus now shifts to the interim leadership and their strategies to mitigate the crisis’s impact. Restoring the public’s access to their frozen assets will be a priority, alongside implementing reforms to prevent future financial collapses. The path forward will require decisive action from both domestic policymakers and international financial bodies to ensure stability and confidence in Paraguay’s banking sector.

The ripple effects of this financial crisis extend beyond Paraguay, as regional economies assess their vulnerabilities to similar shocks. The need for robust risk management practices and transparency in financial dealings is underscored by this situation. Paraguay’s experience may serve as a catalyst for broader financial reforms within the region, promoting resilience against potential economic disruptions.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Paraguay’s response to the crisis. The interim leadership’s ability to navigate these challenges will set the tone for the country’s economic recovery and political stability. Observers will be keenly watching for signs of progress as Paraguay seeks to rebuild its financial credibility and restore normalcy for its citizens.

Peña’s resignation, though a significant political event, is just the beginning of a complex recovery process for Paraguay. The nation’s future hinges on its capacity to implement necessary reforms and regain the confidence of both its people and the international community. The lessons learned from this crisis will likely inform future policy decisions, shaping Paraguay’s path toward economic resilience.

In the aftermath of this crisis, Paraguay’s financial system will inevitably undergo scrutiny and transformation. The global financial community will be attentive to how Paraguay addresses its systemic issues, with the potential for this situation to become a case study in crisis management and reform. The developments in Paraguay may influence how emerging economies structure their financial governance in the years to come.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

FBI attributes $6.3B Binance crypto hack to North Korea, raising security concerns. Binance covers 90% of losses.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

In a striking attribution of cyber malfeasance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has named North Korea as the perpetrator behind a colossal $6.3 billion hack on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This revelation underscores persistent cybersecurity vulnerabilities and intensifies geopolitical tensions already fraught with complexity [The Guardian, November 2026].

The breach, now recognized as the largest of its kind, has sent shockwaves through the digital asset community, raising urgent questions about the robustness of current security protocols within the crypto industry [Al Jazeera, November 2026]. Despite the significant financial blow, Binance has demonstrated resilience by covering a substantial 90% of the losses, reflecting its commitment to maintaining user trust and stability [The Guardian, November 2026].

Binance’s response to the hack has been proactive, involving collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to pursue recovery of the stolen assets. A spokesperson from the exchange affirmed, “We are working closely with law enforcement to recover the funds,” indicating a strategic approach to mitigate the consequences of this unprecedented breach [The Guardian, November 2026].

The scale of the hack, valued at $6.3 billion, places it squarely in the spotlight of global financial and security discussions. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital finance systems, particularly as they become more entwined with global economic infrastructures [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

North Korea’s involvement in such a high-profile cybercrime reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, where state-sponsored hacking has become a tool for economic gain and political leverage. This attribution by the FBI further complicates diplomatic relations and underscores the need for coordinated international responses to cyber threats [The Guardian, November 2026].

The incident has not only affected Binance but has also sent ripples across the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting investors and exchanges to reassess their security measures. The hack’s magnitude highlights the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and industry-wide collaboration to fortify digital asset exchanges against future threats [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

In the wake of this cyber assault, Binance’s robust response and coverage of losses may set a precedent for how exchanges handle such adversities in the future. It also emphasizes the critical role of transparency and accountability in maintaining user confidence and market integrity [The Guardian, November 2026].

As the situation unfolds, the interplay between cybersecurity and international politics will likely intensify, with potential repercussions for regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. The hacking incident serves as a catalyst for ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and security in the realm of cryptocurrency [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

Looking forward, the focus will remain on how Binance and other cryptocurrency platforms adapt to these evolving threats. Their ability to enhance security protocols and foster international cooperation will be crucial in defining the future landscape of digital finance. The world will closely monitor these developments, particularly as they relate to North Korea’s cyber capabilities and intentions [The Guardian, November 2026].

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Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven

Naboo has acquired UK M&E spend specialist pro-ven, which becomes Naboo UK, keeping all 20 staff and its founder.

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Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven

Naboo, the Paris-based meetings and events (M&E) spend management platform, announced on 27 October 2026 that it has acquired pro-ven, a UK specialist in venue sourcing and event procurement, for an undisclosed sum. The companies say the combination creates the world’s largest pure-play provider of M&E spend management and venue sourcing.

Founded in 2005, pro-ven helps corporate and association clients manage meetings and events spending through venue and supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, approval workflows, invoicing and payment management. It generates around €30 million in annual transaction value and brings enterprise clients including Unilever, Virgin Media and Sony. Following the deal, Naboo says the combined business will manage around $300 million (€268 million) of meetings and events spend.

Under the terms of the deal, pro-ven’s Hertfordshire office becomes Naboo’s UK headquarters and the business will operate as Naboo UK. All 20 pro-ven employees are being retained, and founder and managing director Julian Laxon will stay on to help grow Naboo’s UK presence. Existing pro-ven clients keep the same account teams and commercial arrangements, while gaining access to Naboo’s AI-driven technology platform and international network.

Naboo says the acquisition was financed equally through equity and borrowing. It follows the company’s $70 million (€58.7 million) Series B round in February 2026, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from existing investors Notion Capital, ISAI and Ternel.

The UK is not a new market for Naboo, which has operated there since 2024. CEO and co-founder Maxime Eduardo said the deal is primarily about accelerating growth in what he called a huge market for the company and adding enterprise customers. “Together with pro-ven, that is the leader we are building,” he said.

The acquisition caps a busy period for Naboo, which recently unveiled a new brand identity and opened its first Asia-Pacific office in Singapore, following its expansion into North America with offices in Montreal and New York.

Sources: Business Travel News; EU-Startups; CIT World; The Business Travel Magazine.

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