- Saturday, April 20, 2024
The nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards have been unveiled, setting the stage for a showdown between Netflix's documentary series African Queens: Njinga and three long-standing daytime dramas: CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, along with Peacock's Days of Our Lives. As…
A POLICE watchdog is examining whether the two forces - West Yorkshire police and Greater Manchester police (GMP) missed any opportunity to protect Kulsuma Akter before she was fatally stabbed in Bradford on April 6 while pushing a pram. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the two forces…
Remember the days of flipping through stacks of vinyl records, searching for that one gem or playing your favourite song on your boombox? All the 70s and later kids must have grooved on the latest Beatles songs, popular for the beginning of pop culture. The vinyl collection was something very…
The second seasons of Squid Game, The Night Agent, and Cobra Kai season 6, among others, are all set to release in the second half of 2024. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said Squid Game Season 2 will arrive in the second half of this year.…
Glastonbury’s Shangri-La has announced its 2024 line-ups and unveiled a brand-new stage, Arrivals, due to feature in the South East corner field for the first time this year. The new area will be programmed, designed, and built by an entirely South Asian team, as a collaboration between Dialled In, Going…
PRIME Minister's wife is due for a multimillion-pound payment as a dividend from her holding in Infosys, an IT services multinational co-founded by her father. While announcing its annual financial results, Infosys said it would pay a regular dividend of 20 rupees per share, plus an additional eight rupee-per-share special…
ONE OF the leading police officials in the United Kingdom (UK) has said that police forces should admit to being "institutionally racist." Gavin Stephens, the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), said the police needs to facing these issues openly to rebuild trust within local communities. Stephens, who…
INDIA is pressing for an exemption from the UK's proposed carbon tax as negotiations progress towards finalising a free trade agreement, The Guardian reported on Friday (19). A British government official, briefed on the negotiations, revealed that India is seeking exemption from the proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), citing…
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai will guest star in the second season of writer-director Nida Manzoor’s We Are Lady Parts, a British musical comedy about an all-women Muslim punk rock band. BAFTA-winning English actress and comedian Meera Syal is also set to guest star in the much-anticipated second season…
Two Indian students studying at a university in the UK tragically lost their lives in a drowning incident at a picturesque waterfall in Scotland. The incident occurred at the Linn of Tummel near Blair Atholl in Perthshire on Wednesday night, when two young men from a group of friends fell…
IN THE lignite-rich depths of a mine in Gujarat, India, paleontologists have unearthed the vertebrae of what might be one of the largest snakes ever to slither on Earth. This giant snake, named Vasuki indicus, stretched up to 49 feet (15 metres) in length and roamed the Indian swamps approximately…
Taylor Swift has often referenced London in her music, making it clear that the city holds a special place in her life. She has spent significant time in England, recording music and engaging in several romantic relationships based in the city. Here's a timeline of Taylor Swift's relationships in and…
Warner Bros has unveiled an official trailer for the next M Night Shyamalan film titled Trap, days after it was first shown during the Warner Bros. CinemaCon presentation in early April. Josh Hartnett stars as a father who takes his teenage daughter to a pop star concert. The cast also…
Actress Raveena Tandon believes artistes can return the love and adulation they receive from people by highlighting important issues in the society through their work. The actress, who recently starred in Disney+ Hotstar movie Patna Shukla, based around the topic of roll number scam, said she tries to take up…
FOR the first time, India emerged as the most common nationality among potential victims of modern slavery, primarily due to labour exploitation in the care sector, a report revealed this week. The modern slavery and exploitation helpline data from anti-slavery charity Unseen also highlighted the widespread extent of modern slavery,…
INDIAN IT services major Infosys has said its consolidated profit jumped 30 per cent to Rs 79.69 billion (£770 million) in the March 2024 quarter, up from Rs 61.28 bn (£590mn) in the year-ago period. The consolidated revenue of Infosys during the quarter increased 1.3 per cent to Rs 379.23…
India's polling stations opened on Friday as prime minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term, riding on his track record of growth, welfare policies, and Hindu nationalism. Today marks the biggest phase of the election, with 166 million voters across 102 constituencies in 21 states and territories heading to the…
The heritage of every country is different, sometimes there are multiple heritage sites of different cultures in one country. But these Roman Baths in England have their significance. As one of England's most cherished historical landmarks, the Roman Baths in Bath offer an immersive journey back in time. Visitors to…
Food and beverages major Nestlé adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines, while this is not done in products sold in European markets and the UK, a report has found. Campaigners from Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation, arrived…
Prince Harry has officially declared the United States as his primary residence, marking a significant step in his separation from the British royal family. According to documents obtained by Page Six, the Duke of Sussex listed the US as his "new country/state usually resident," a notable change from his previous…
A recent Ofsted report has highlighted deficiencies in the religious education (RE) curriculum in many primary and secondary schools in England, noting that despite efforts to improve, there has been little progress since 2013. The report calls for clearer government guidance on RE curriculum requirements. Inspectors from Ofsted (The Office…
AN AID watchdog has raised concerns over questionable funding in some Indian projects – including a cosmetics company and social media platforms featuring content in support of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, the abuse of women and offers of sexual services. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) said it works…
The Indian Premier League, or IPL as it is commonly known, is sporting extravaganza that is at par with the likes of club football tournaments in Europe and Super Bowl in the United States, due to its immense popularity. According to the data released by India’s top broadcasting body, Broadcast…
The Cannes Film Festival has chosen to bestow its highest honour, the Palme d'Or, upon the renowned Japanese anime studio, Studio Ghibli. The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. This marks the first time that Cannes has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Prize to a company rather than an…
Patients in the UK and European Union are facing shortages of vital medicines such as antibiotics and epilepsy medication, research published Thursday found. The report by Britain's Nuffield Trust think-tank found the situation had become a "new normal" in the UK and was "also having a serious impact in EU…
Delhi Capitals, guided by Rishabh Pant's leadership and sharp wicketkeeping, secured a decisive six-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans, who were restricted to their IPL season-low score of 89 on Wednesday. In the match held in Ahmedabad, Delhi's medium-pacer Mukesh Kumar delivered an outstanding performance, claiming 3-14, and playing a pivotal…
The United Kingdom is set to host its inaugural Muslim Film Festival, a groundbreaking event poised to celebrate the diverse narratives and talents within the Muslim community. Scheduled to take place from May 30th to June 2nd at the prestigious Odeon West End in London, this festival promises to showcase…
ESSAR ENERGY TRANSITION on Wednesday (17) announced the appointment of Rob Wallace as chief executive officer of EET Hydrogen Power, the firm's planned hydrogen-ready combined heat and power plant (CHP) at its Stanlow refinery in the UK. Essar Energy Transition (EET) is the unit of Essar Group that is driving…
The annual Stanford AI Index Report 2024 highlights several concerning trends surrounding the advancement of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. While AI has made significant strides in various benchmarks such as visual reasoning and image classification, surpassing human performance in many areas, these achievements have raised alarm among…
An “incompetent” UK Passport Office is letting down Britons stranded in Cyprus, a south Asian father of a new born surrogate baby has told Eastern Eye. Raj Gill, 49, from Essex, has told his MP he is being “held hostage” in Cyprus because the government has spent weeks sitting on a…
Steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta is now facing the heat over the collapse of the supply chain finance firm Greensill Capital, as his GFG Alliance was one of its biggest customers. Greensill's administrators Grant Thronton have warned they could try to seize assets from Gupta to recover £472 million in unpaid…
A LONG list of acclaimed plays has turned Rifco into one of the UK’s most successful touring theatre companies. Led admirably by talented artistic director Pravesh Kumar MBE, the pioneering London-based creative collective adds to its impressive roster with Frankie Goes To Bollywood, which premieres at Watford Palace Theatre next…
ANTI-ISLAMIC tweets which appear to have been posted by a Tory local election candidate in Trafford have been taken down along with her profile on X, formerly known as Twitter. The posts and retweets allegedly made by Natalie Shalom who is standing in the Hale ward have come to light…
HAVING done a lot of musical theatre growing up, it was always going to be inevitable that Aiyana Bartlett would pursue a professional acting career. The young talent has used that natural flair for performance to take on challenges, such as playing two contrasting roles in new theatre production, Testmatch.…
BRITAIN is as racist as it was in the 1970s, and some politicians of colour are making matters worse, anti-racism campaigners have told Eastern Eye. Their comments follow a landmark series on Channel 4, Defiance, which tells the story of how south Asian and black people fought right-wing extremists in…
British foreign secretary David Cameron on Wednesday pushed for the G7 to introduce new "coordinated sanctions" against Iran following its weekend assault on Israel. Cameron's appeal came ahead of his meeting with foreign ministers from the Western-led group in Italy. On Tuesday, the United States announced it would soon implement…
As India heads to a general election, the streets of Manipur, a tiny state hit by ethnic strife since May last year, are largely quiet. Although Manipur and some other regions will be the first to vote in the seven-phase election starting on Friday, campaign meetings are being held behind…
THE rapid rise of social media influencers has led to a transformative effect on popular culture, and one who puts real meaning behind their work is Diipa Büller-Khosla. The leading lifestyle influencer, model, activist and entrepreneur – with a bachelor’s degree in international human rights law – has parlayed her…
A regular on social media, megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently shared a cryptic post leaving his fans puzzled. Big B took to his official X account on Tuesday to post about social media. Lately, the actor has been discussing technological advancements impacting social media, including his views on AI. Carrying on…
CLASSIC Bollywood films Sangam (1964) and Aradhana (1969) had two things in common. They were the highest grossing films of the respective years, and both had heroes who played Indian Air Force (IAF) officers. The super hit movies were game changers that made a major impact for multiple reasons, but…
The first phase of India's general elections, scheduled for April 19, will see prominent political figures including eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers, and an ex-governor contesting across 102 constituencies in 21 states and Union territories. Union road and transport minister Nitin Gadkari is vying for a third consecutive…
WEALTHY Indian business families have appointed their young sons and daughters to run their multibillion pound enterprises and top 10 are collectively worth $382 billion (£306.8bn), according to a Bloomberg analysis. A report last week mentioned Akash, Isha and Anant Ambani, and Ananya and Aryaman Vikram of the Birla family…
The BBC’s restructuring of its India operations to comply with the country’s foreign direct investment (FDI) rules was completed last Wednesday (10) with the launch of Collective Newsroom, an independent entity with the public broadcaster as its first client. The Indian-owned company replaces BBC World Service India and will continue…
PANKAJ TRIPATHI’S journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most sought-after actors is a remarkable story. He began his acting career with small supporting roles, and later went on to carve a niche for himself with his wide-ranging performances in major films, and popular streaming shows such as…
Actors Rasika Dugal and Arjun Mathur’s Lord Curzon Ki Haveli will serve as the closing film at the prestigious UK Asian Film Festival, the makers said on Wednesday. Anshuman Jha, who makes his directorial debut with the movie, and Dugal are expected to walk the festival's red carpet on May…
THE government has said that it continues to work towards striking an “ambitious” trade deal with India as a negotiating team from Delhi resumed talks with their British counterparts in London this week. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) reiterated its stance of only signing a free trade agreement…
The United Kingdom's (UK) annual inflation rate decreased to a two-and-a-half year low of 3.2 per cent last month, a smaller decline than analysts had forecast, according to data released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This outcome may complicate the economic outlook and influence the timing…
BRITISH trader Sanjay Shah and his Solo Capital hedge fund orchestrated the bulk of an alleged £1.44 billion fraud against Danish taxpayers, a lawyer for the Copenhagen tax authority told a London court on Monday (15). Laurence Rabinowitz said most of the 17 sets of co-defendants in the complex case…
When it comes to investments, tech and property are usually the go-to options. Yet entertainment, particularly sports, are big earners which can generate large sums of revenue each year. Inevitably, this means investment in sport can be particularly lucrative. Below, we discuss some of the options and companies available when…
FOR Yohan Poonawalla, a collector of classic cars, Queen Elizabeth’s blue Range Rover holds a special place as it comes packed with many surprises. While the car looks like any other Range Rover, what made Poonawalla shell out £224,850 was the fact that it retained the old number plate, The…
The UK government on Tuesday announced that the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images without consent will be criminalised under a new law currently moving through Parliament. Deepfakes are digitally altered videos and images made to look highly realistic, often without the subject's knowledge or consent. Individuals who engage in…
Prime minister Rishi Sunak was met with vehement opposition to his proposal aimed at effectively prohibiting smoking for individuals aged 15 and under, as a fresh bill was introduced for a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Sunak introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to effectively ban the…
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday (16) raised India’s growth projection to 6.8 per cent from its January forecast of 6.5 per cent citing bullish domestic demand conditions and a rising working-age population. With this, India continues to be the fastest growing economy of the world, ahead of China’s…
The Olympic torch for the Paris 2024 Games was officially lit in ancient Olympia on Tuesday, initiating the final phase of the seven-year preparations for the Games, set to begin on July 26. Due to overcast weather, Greek actress Mary Mina, portraying the role of a high priestess, used a…
Bollywood stars descending to the small screen has been in trend for a long time now. Several renowned actors stepped into the shoes of television hosts and entertained the audience on the small screen. Let’s take a look at the top five Bollywood superstars who rocked as TV hosts, adding…
Leicester recently witnessed a vibrant celebration as hundreds of young people gathered to honour Ram Navami of the Hindu deity Lord Rama. The event, organised by the Youth Association Ramdoot Seva Sangh, Shree Sanatan Mandir Temple, and the Shree Hanuman Temple, brought the community together for a day of prayers,…
As Bengalis around the world celebrate Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year, it is time to immerse in the vast library of Bengali cinema on ZEE5 Global. Here are the top picks for you to binge on this festive season with your friends and family. Shesh Pata Get ready to…
The popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati is set to return with Season 16. Registrations for the 16th edition of the Kaun Banega Crorepati will start from April 26, the show's team announced on Tuesday. Sony Television, which airs the long-running quiz show, hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, shared the…
A COMMON type 2 diabetes test may be inaccurate for tens of thousands of south Asians in the UK, a new study has shown, prompting calls for more research. A genetic variant almost exclusive to people with south Asian heritage affects the accuracy of the diabetes haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test,…
India and the United Kingdom on Monday engaged in discussions aimed at expediting actions under the mutual legal assistance treaty and prioritising extradition requests. The need to expedite the extradition of several fugitives from India, including former Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya, diamantaire Nirav Modi, arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, Punjab…
BRITISH unemployment has risen as wage growth has eased, official data showed Tuesday, leaving the door open for an interest rate cut according to analysts. The UK unemployment rate rose to 4.2 per cent in the three months to the end of February, up from 3.9 per cent in the…
The 'King' of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, is making a grand return to the big screen after his upcoming film Dunki in 2025. He is set to star in the Sujoy Ghosh-directed film King, which also marks the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan. The film is currently in…
In an address to the parliament, prime minister Rishi Sunak strongly criticised Iran for launching an attack that sent 300 missiles and drones towards Israel, describing Iran as a nation "intent on creating disorder" in the Middle East. On Monday, he commended the Royal Air Force pilots who, in collaboration…
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has boarded the cast of the Vishnu Manchu-starrer Kannappa, the makers announced on Tuesday. While details about Kumar's role are unknown, the film marks the actor's Telugu cinema debut. Manchu, who plays the titular role in Kannappa, shared the news of Kumar's casting on his official…
The National Health Service (NHS) in England is now accepting bookings for the free spring Covid-19 booster vaccine starting Monday, April 15. This booster vaccine is available to citizens aged 75 or older, as well as anyone in care homes for older adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed and aged…
Aside from astounding people with her cinematic creativity, Deepika Padukone has also achieved her entrepreneurial goals with her self-care brand, 82°E. Now, taking it to new heights, her self-care brand has entered into a strategic partnership with Reliance Retail’s cutting-edge beauty platform, Tira. This collaboration marks a significant expansion from…
Google recently revealed its top 20 destinations for summer vacations in 2024, showcasing both popular favourites and new additions. Based on flight booking data and search trends from Google Flights for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2024, the list offers insights into the destinations attracting the most interest…
Sadiq Khan has pledged to eliminate rough sleeping in London which is now at the highest level in a decade. Announcing his latest manifesto commitment on Monday ahead of the mayoral election on May 2, Khan said he plans to spend an extra £10 million to tackle the growing humanitarian…
In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where fame and fortune often go hand in hand, there exists a darker side that sometimes casts a shadow over the lives of its biggest stars. Beyond the glamour and the applause lies a realm where threats and intimidation become a harsh reality for…
The parliament is expected to approve a contentious law this week that would allow the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, a significant policy spearheaded by prime minister Rishi Sunak. The law's passage appears imminent, yet it faces potential legal challenges that could delay or obstruct its implementation. Prime minister…
FOUR Asian men in their 20s, who were found guilty of the murder of a 23-year-old delivery driver, were on Friday (12) sentenced to a total of 122 years' imprisonment. British Indian Aurman Singh was pronounced dead at the scene when the local West Mercia Police attended reports of an…
INDIA said that it remains open to all ideas that could help achieve early restoration of peace in Ukraine. This week, the Switzerland government announced plans to host a high-level summit on Ukraine. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been consistently pressing for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine…
Fortress Investment Group LLC, along with its affiliates, on Thursday (11) announced the acquisition of Poundstretcher Limited, a prominent variety discount retailer with 322 stores nationwide. The acquisition comes following the retirement of outgoing owner Aziz Tayub. Funds managed by affiliates of Fortress will entirely fund the acquisition, showcasing its…
INDIAN IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) saw March quarter profits above analyst expectations, with growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence projects, the company reported Friday (12). The Mumbai-headquartered firm earns more than 80 per cent of its revenue from Western markets. Net income rose to $1.5 billion (£1.2bn)…
A former sub-postmistress who was wrongly imprisoned while pregnant has declined to accept an apology from a former Post Office boss who praised the team involved in her wrongful conviction. Seema Misra was eight weeks pregnant with her second child when she was sentenced to 15 months in prison in…
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have announced two new nonfiction series in collaboration with Netflix, produced under their Archewell Productions. These projects are in the early stages of development and form part of the couple's deal with the streaming platform signed in 2020. The first series, produced in association with…
THE husband of Kulsuma Akter, who was stabbed to death in Bradford last Saturday (6), has appeared in court charged with her murder. Akter, 27, was attacked near Westgate in the city centre, while she was pushing her child in a pram. She succumbed to her injuries in hospital. Her…
Workers at Tata Steel's facilities in Port Talbot and Newport Llanwern, Wales, have voted in favour of strike action in response to the company's proposal to close its blast furnaces and cut approximately 2,800 jobs. This decision was announced on Thursday after around 1,500 employees participated in the ballot. Tata…
Britain's economy expanded by 0.1 per cent in February, fuelling modest recovery hopes after sinking into recession in the second half of last year, official data showed on Friday. The gross domestic product uptick followed an upwardly-revised 0.3 per cent rise in January, after an initial reading of 0.2 per…
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light on Thursday scripted history by becoming the first Indian title in over 40 years to feature in the prestigious Competition section of the Cannes Film Festival, where it will vie for the top prize Palme d'Or. Iris Knobloch, president of the…
India has been placed 10th in the world for cybercrime activities, with advance fee fraud being the most prevalent type, a new study involving cybercrime experts globally has revealed. The study, leading to the creation of the 'World Cybercrime Index,' ranks about 100 countries based on their involvement in various…
There was a time when Bollywood was hit and pumping good movies with maar-dhaad masala action. But gradually, this attention to action and stunts shifted to south Indian cinema, where the action was portrayed in a very unique manner, with punches and swooshes, unrealistic yet thrilling hero actions that made…
The Asian business community has always been a boon to the British economy. Indeed, when you look back over the years, there has long been a strong entrepreneurial spirit within the community. For example, in a 2007 report by the Mayor of London’s office, 13% of all businesses in the…
TALENTED actor Kanwar Dhillon has continued the momentum of a star-making turn in hit drama serial Pandya Store with a lead role in new show Udne Ki Aasha. The versatile performer stars opposite Neha Harsora in the Star Plus serial set in Mumbai, about two distinctly different personalities being drawn…
The price of a UK passport will go up on Thursday, the second hike in 14 months. This rise follows a 9 per cent rise in February 2023. Before that increase, passport fees had remained unchanged for five years. The cost of applying online to get a new or renewed…
Young people today are facing a mental health crisis. Across the globe, reports paint a concerning picture of a significant rise in mental health issues among adolescents. While the reasons are complex and multifaceted, social media and smartphones frequently take the brunt of the blame. However, a closer look reveals…
INTERESTING new dance production Mehek revolves around the love story between a mature older woman and a younger man. The taboo-busting show, headlined by world-renowned dancers Aditi Mangaldas and Aakash Odedra, embarks on a UK tour in April, offering plenty of food for thought. The passion-filled dance production shines the…
Lindy Cameron has been appointed as the new British high commissioner to India. She will succeed incumbent Alex Ellis. "Lindy Cameron CB OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of India in succession to Alex Ellis CMG who will be transferring to another diplomatic service appointment," a…
MUSIC has been a constant companion to Nimesh Sanghoi from the moment he sang his first note and had a profound impact on his life. Every song learned by the singer and each live performance has been a stepping stone in his growth as an artist and person. The countless…
Renowned author JK Rowling, who has made several anti-trans statements in recent years, has said that Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson can “save their apologies” as their relationships continue to go downhill over their positions on trans rights. The author blasted the stars in the wake of…
A former Post Office managing director has told the inquiry committee he is ‘hugely apologetic’ for celebrating when a pregnant postmistress was wrongfully jailed in Britain's post office scandal. Seema Misra, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2010, after being wrongfully blamed for a £74,000 shortfall in…
Filmmaker Blitz Bazawule, renowned for his direction of the critically acclaimed The Color Purple, is set to direct the upcoming Black Samurai film for Warner Bros. The project will tell the story of Yasuke, a samurai of African origin who fought under the Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga in the 1580s.…
ACTOR Darasing Khurana said the death of his close friend, fellow actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020, led him to become a mental health campaigner. Khurana, 32, has been named the Commonwealth Year of Youth Champion, with his role focusing on mental health initiatives. He founded the Pause. Breathe.Talk…
A SERIES of winning performances has established Vidya Balan as one of the finest actresses of this generation. She has won multiple awards and acclaim for memorable roles that have showcased her impressive range. She will add to that diverse body of work with the new movie Do Aur Do…
THE Science Museum has inaugurated an “Adani Green Energy Gallery” that was funded by an Indian business house. The gallery, which has been three years in the making, explores how mankind could combat the effects of climate change. One exhibit from India shows how water funnelled through terracotta pots can…
Eleven men and one woman, all said to be Indian nationals, have been arrested by immigration authorities in a series of raids in West Midlands on suspicion of violating visa conditions and working illegally. According to a statement from the Home Office on Wednesday, Immigration Enforcement officers descended on the…
A 25-year-old Asian man has been charged with the murder of Kulsuma Akter (27), who was stabbed to death in Bradford city centre last Saturday (6). Habibur Masum, who hails from Bangladesh, was arrested on Tuesday at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire after a four-day manhunt. West Yorkshire police said Masum, of Leamington…
STUDENTS from Asian backgrounds are “much more likely” to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help them with their studies than white or black people at university, according to new research. The survey found that the majority of undergraduates used AI in their assignments, but the proportion among those of south…
SHAH RUKH KHAN took his first major steps towards global stardom by playing distinctly different villainous roles in quick succession in one year with Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam. Although it was the least successful of the three, Anjaam, released on April 22, 1994, perhaps doesn’t get the credit it deserves.…
A LEADING fertility doctor has urged more British Asians to sign-up as sperm and egg donors after a recent report found the birth rates after IVF (vitro fertilisation) were lower among black and Asian patients than their white counterparts. Research found that while the average IVF birth rate per embryo…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak paid tribute to British Muslims as Eid was celebrated on Tuesday (9) at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In his festive message, the prime minister also said Britain was making efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. Protests have been held for weeks…
The Rishi Sunak government on Thursday increased the income required to sponsor someone coming to the country on a family visa as part of the government's plan to cut immigration. From Thursday, the minimum income requirement needed to bring a family member to the UK will go up to £29,000…
Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe is poised to join the presidential election later this year under a different symbol, said his top aide. Wickremesinghe, aged 75, is expected to represent multiple parties as a national candidate, senior presidential advisor and UNP senior leader Ashu Marasinghe told reporters on Tuesday. The…
OFFICIALS in Kyiv have announced that Ukraine and Britain have entered into a framework agreement aimed at collaborating in the defence and arms manufacturing sector. This agreement is seen as a crucial component of Ukraine's efforts during wartime to enhance its domestic weapons industry by partnering with allies. The document…
BRITAIN'S biggest retailer Tesco reported Wednesday that its annual net profit surged 61 per cent as easing UK inflation helped cost-conscious shoppers buy more products. Tesco's profit after tax rallied to £1.2 billion in the 12 months to February, the company said in a statement, while sales increased 4.4 per…
The potent animal tranquiliser xylazine, commonly referred to as the 'zombie drug,' has emerged as a significant concern in the United States and is now associated with 11 deaths in Britain, caution researchers. Xylazine, also known as "tranq" or "tranq dope," induces a dangerously slow heart rate and severe skin…
Healthcare for children and young people grappling with gender identity issues should be "holistic" and providers should exercise "extreme caution" around prescribing hormone treatments to older teens, an eagerly-awaited independent UK review said on Wednesday. The four-year probe of gender identity services for the cohort, led by retired paediatrician Hilary…
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said if anyone wants to see the future they should come to India. Speaking at an event, Garcetti was all praise for India and said that it was a “great privilege” to be the leader of the US mission in the country, reported…
Tickets for the upcoming stage adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, starring Tom Holland, sold out within a mere two hours of going on sale. The production, presented by The Jamie Lloyd Company, features the Spider-Man star as the iconic male lead and is set to run from May 11 to…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak and Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame reiterated Tuesday (9) that they expect Britain to soon start sending undocumented migrants to the African country, despite fresh questions over the controversial scheme. Sunak hosted Kagame at his official residence in London just as a British newspaper reported that properties…
King Charles III was presented with the inaugural set of banknotes featuring his portrait by representatives from the Bank of England at Buckingham Palace in London on Tuesday. The 75-year-old monarch, currently undergoing cancer treatment, was photographed alongside Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier and Executive Director…
Six novels, described as "implicitly optimistic" by the judging panel, have been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. The selected titles delve into a range of themes, from disintegrating relationships to societal divisions, offering insights into the current realities of racism, oppression, global violence, and ecological disasters. [caption id="attachment_288930" align="alignleft"…
TATA MOTORS-owned Jaguar Land Rover on Monday (8) reported a 22 per cent year-on-year increase in its retail sales at 431,733 units for fiscal ended March 31, 2024. During the last fiscal, the company's wholesales rose 25 per cent to 401,303 units against 2022-23 financial year, Tata Motors said in…
Ride-hailing services provider Ola has decided to shut down operations in the UK, Australia and New Zealand and will focus primarily on India, its promoter ANI Technologies said on Tuesday. The Softbank-backed company said that it sees immense opportunity for expansion in India. "Our ride-hailing business is growing rapidly, and…
After Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, actress Ankita Lokhande is set to come up with a web series Amrapali in collaboration with filmmaker Sandeep Singh. Lokhande has been roped in to portray Amrapali, the celebrated and glamorous 'nagarvadhu'. Taking to Instagram, Sandeep Singh treated fans with this exciting news and captioned the…
ONLINE travel firm MakeMyTrip on Monday (8) announced expansion of its global reach with its services becoming accessible in over 150 countries. MakeMyTrip has expanded its reach to several countries, including major travel markets like the UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, and many others, from previously being operational in India,…
Amid rising tensions over Pakistan's accusations against India, the United States has decided to stay out of it. The US has urged both countries to engage in dialogue instead of escalating the situation. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded to questions about Washington's position on a recent UK media…
PEOPLE from ethnic minority backgrounds and women are still struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, along with other groups, though the situation has improved over the past year, a new survey released on Wednesday (10) revealed. The Financial Lives cost-of-living survey by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that…
Action film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, and Ajay Devgn-led Maidaan will now release on April 11, the makers have announced. The two films were earlier scheduled to make their debuts in theatres on April 10 but as the festival of Eid will be celebrated…
Microsoft has unveiled its plans to establish a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub in London, with a focus on both product development and research. Mustafa Suleyman, the London-born cofounder of Google DeepMind who recently joined Microsoft, will lead the unit. "Microsoft AI London will drive pioneering work to advance state-of-the-art…
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's performances helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets on Monday and get back to winning ways in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Ravindra Jadeja returned bowling figures of 3-18 while Gaikwad made an unbeaten 67 as…
Romesh Ranganathan, who is patron of the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), said that he had times in his life when he was suicidal. For those not in the know, the actor and comedian struggled badly after his father’s prison sentence, and when he did badly in…
Private hospital chain Spire Healthcare, which often treats NHS-funded patients, is under scrutiny following the recent deaths of some patients under its watch, reports BBC. In one such case, Nafisa Khan was referred to Spire East London by NHS for a gallbladder operation in September 2021. The morning after her…
Uzbekistan Airways has initiated bi-weekly direct flights from Mumbai to Tashkent, marking a significant milestone in air travel connectivity between India and Uzbekistan. The inaugural flight, which took off on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, was ceremoniously flagged off by Sardor Rustambaev, the Hon’ble Ambassador in the Embassy of the Republic…
A poll conducted by a counter-extremism think-tank shows that most British Muslims are sympathetic towards Palestinian extremist outift Hamas, The Telegraph reports. Only one in four British Muslims believe that Hamas committed murder and rape in Israel on Oct 7, according to a poll commissioned by the Henry Jackson Society…
THE man who fatally stabbed a woman in Bradford on Saturday (6) is from Bangladesh and came to the UK on a student visa. The police have launched a nationwide manhunt for Habibur Masum, 25, a resident of Oldham area with links to Burnley and Chester. West Yorkshire Police have…
Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary celestial event as a total solar eclipse graces the skies across North America on April 8. These eclipses are awe-inspiring, casting darkness over the day, but they can only be seen from select locations. That's why witnessing an eclipse is often deemed a…
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan says she had an alternate cut of the Netflix series, popular for its intimate scenes, included in her contract for her Irish Catholic family. Her comments came during an interview on the radio show SiriusXM Hits 1 after the hosts cited reports that she had asked…
The makers of Pushpa 2: The Rule on Monday raised the curtain on the teaser of the much-anticipated film on the occasion of lead star Allu Arjun's 42nd birthday. Pushpa 2: The Rule, which is helmed by Sukumar, follows the first installment Pushpa 1: The Rise, which sets up a…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak said the "terrible" war between Israel and Hamas "must end", six months on from the start of the conflict. "We continue to stand by Israel's right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security. But the whole of the UK is shocked by…
As the world marks World Health Day on April 7, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has directed its attention to the theme of 'My Health, My Right.' In light of the myriad crises facing humanity, from diseases to disasters to conflicts and climate change, ensuring people's right to health has…
The government has introduced a new set of laws that will protect workers by strengthening redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and the period after parents return to work. Pregnant women and new parents will now receive special treatment in a redundancy situation, in line with the Government’s plan to support…
Train drivers in the United Kingdom (UK) have gone on strike, affecting rail services across the country, including routes to key tourist destinations and airports. The strike, organised by the Aslef (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) union, is due to cost-of-living pressures and high inflation. Union chief Mick…
Driving around with hockey sticks in the boot of the car and stockpiling petrol bombs to defend themselves are among some of the gripping accounts that make up a new UK documentary chronicling racist attacks faced by British Indians in the 1970s and 80s. Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, a…
In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for individuals to connect, engage, and showcase their talents and lifestyles to a global audience. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular, with millions of users sharing photos, videos, and stories every day. For…
An Asian-origin neurologist Dr Ashvini Keshavan is part of a research team in the UK that has been awarded a major grant this week for dementia research. The team will build on recent breakthroughs in potential dementia blood tests and generate the evidence needed for them to be used more…
Chennai Super Kings' slow batting on a sluggish Hyderabad pitch cost them dearly as they suffered a six-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Aiden Markram scored a half-century while Abhishek Sharma made a quick-fire 37-ball 12 as Hyderabad chased down the 166-run target with 11 balls to spare at…
Nimra Shahid (26) from Kingston-Upon-Thames, who was diagnosed with cancer six years ago, is sharing her experience to raise awareness of the long-term impact of cancer on young people. As April is Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, she is working with the charity Teenage Cancer Trust to advise…
Rishi Sunak, known for his love of cricket, has announced a £35 million investment plan to boost grassroots cricket facilities and enhance access to the sport in schools. The British Prime Minister shared his excitement about harnessing the "magic of cricket" to engage more young people in physical activity by…
One of the best doctors in the country died in a NHS-run hospital from a condition he was an expert in treating, his wife said during an inquest in Manchester Coroners Court, according to media reports. Professor Amit Patel was the first person to be qualified in stem cell transplantation…
ONE of the prominent Indian student representative organisations in the UK began a new 'Fair Visa, Fair Chance' campaign in favour of the post-study Graduate Route visa. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, which had originally campaigned for the visa that allows international graduates the chance to…
A Lancet report published on Friday predicts a significant surge in new prostate cancer cases worldwide over the next two decades. The study forecasts that annual new cases will more than double from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040. Researchers attribute this rise to demographic shifts, particularly…
It looks like fans have to wait a little longer to watch Prabhas and Deepika Padukone-starrer Kalki 2898 AD on the big screen, as the film's release has been postponed because of the Lok Sabha polls 2024. As per a source, the film, which was supposed to be out on…
Supermarket chain Asda has slipped in terms of profitability and market share during the last three months, amid intense price wars in this segment. Promoted by billionaire Issa brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital, Asda's sales growth was flat at 0.8 per cent in the last three months when…
The UN Human Rights Council made a significant stride on Thursday (4) by passing a resolution aimed at addressing discrimination against intersex people, despite encountering opposition from certain nations regarding the terminology used. The resolution received approval from 24 out of 47 council members, with none voting against it and…
UK businesses will now have pay more to overseas workers with skilled worker visas as the new laws to cut migration and put British workers first comes to force. The general salary threshold for those arriving in the UK on a skilled worker visa has now increased by 48 per…
A 75-year-old man who was extradited from Pakistan was on Thursday (4) convicted of the murder of a police officer nearly 20 years ago. Piran Ditta Khan fled Britain after the shooting of police constable Sharon Beshenivsky who was killed as she tried to foil a robbery at a travel…
One person died and dozens were infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in an outbreak linked to three types of eye drops manufactured by an Indian company, according to media reports. Health officials said at least 52 people had been infected by the burkholderia cepacia bacteria, a superbug that can be fatal…
Adrian Schiller, a seasoned actor whose career spanned more than three decades, passed away suddenly at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances on both stage and screen. Best known for his roles in popular television series such as The Last Kingdom and Victoria, Schiller's untimely…
Reform UK has removed two more parliamentary candidates from their roster amidst allegations of racist remarks on social media. Campaign group Hope Not Hate uncovered tweets by Jonathan Kay and Mick Greenhough, where derogatory comments were made about Muslims and black individuals. Reform UK is a right-wing populist political party…
WITNESSING "infinite demand" in the strong Indian aviation market, British carrier Virgin Atlantic said it will start an additional daily flight connecting Mumbai and London from October. The airline added that it will look to expand its codeshare partnership with IndiGo. Currently, Virgin Atlantic operates two daily flights to London…
INDIA's first Olympic medallist in boxing, Vijender Singh, who took a plunge in politics in April 2019 by joining the Congress, switched to prime minister Narendra Modi's party on Wednesday (3). Addressing a joint press conference with BJP leaders in New Delhi, Singh praised Modi and said that the respect…
Thousands are lured to Cambodia with promises of data entry jobs, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmarish world of forced labour. These "cyber slaves" are forced to run online scams that target people worldwide. These victims are held captive in high-security complexes, guarded by armed men. Their passports…
A London-based computational science graduate from Kolkata is part of the Imperial College London team that has entered the finals of BBC's 'University Challenge' quiz competition. Sourajit Debnath, 31, will join his four-member team as they go head-to-head with University College London (UCL) in the grand final to be telecast…
Three former Supreme Court justices have joined more than 600 members of the British legal profession in calling for the government to halt arms sales to Israel, saying it could make Britain complicit in genocide in Gaza. Echoing the growing number of opposition politicians who have called for a halt…
Deepika Padukone's fans can't keep calm as the actress' hit song 'Deewani Mastani' from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Bajirao Mastani recently featured on The Academy's official Instagram handle. Taking to Instagram handle, the Oscars' official page The Academy shared Padukone’s dance video and captioned it, “Deepika Padukone performing "Deewani Mastani"…
Five Indian-American lawmakers have called on the United States Department of Justice and the FBI for a briefing regarding a surge in "hate crimes targeting Hindus" and vandalism of temples across the country this year. In a letter addressed to Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division,…
The University College London and the University of Oxford are conducting research on Alzheimer's and dementia-oriented diseases in the UK, with a total of 5000 volunteers participating. The five-year project will take blood samples for the test of dementia, which will raise the hope that there will be better facilities…
THE G7 price cap on Russian oil shipments is cutting the revenue that Moscow has available to support its invasion of Ukraine, and the mechanism's effectiveness is helped by the recent actions of Indian refiners, US officials will say in New Delhi on Thursday (4), according to prepared remarks. The…
FROM Selfridges to motorway service stations, the number of prayer spaces in the UK has grown. More rooms to worship or contemplate for men and women have opened in shopping centres, universities and football stadiums across the country. Multi-faith prayer spaces include the fourth floor of Selfridges department store…
US surgeon-general has raised concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on British teenagers, warning that it's hindering their ability to engage in face-to-face conversations, reported The Times. Vivek Murthy added that prolonged screen time will also have a significant impact on the mental well-being of teenagers. During a…
THE government’s decision to impose visa restrictions on international students to cut immigration figures is “anti-universities” and “economic illiteracy”, according to a peer and university chancellor. From January, the Home Office stopped postgraduate students from bringing their families with them when studying in the UK. When he announced the restriction,…
The Akshaya Patra Foundation's historic milestone of serving four billion meals was celebrated at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday (2). Founded in 2000, this Indian non-profit runs 72 kitchens, and feeds 2.1 million children every day in 24,000 schools. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN hosted a…
In a historic milestone, the Bangladesh Hindu Association (UK) marked a momentous occasion by celebrating the Holi Festival and Gour Purnima at the prestigious House of Commons for the very first time. The event, which took place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, was graciously hosted by Sir Stephen Timms MP…
THIS year’s Leeds Lieder Festival, taking place from April 13 to 21, is filled with musically rich shows across the city that includes the world premiere of Punjabi Proverbs at the Sikh Centre. The brand-new work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad features soprano Nina Kanter, baritone Oscar Castellino and pianist Keval Shah.…
In a noteworthy gesture of inclusivity and cultural appreciation, the Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly MP, recently played host to a community Iftar at the iconic 10 Downing Street in Westminster. The event, held on Tuesday, March 27th, 2024, welcomed 30 distinguished Muslims from various corners of…
WHETHER it’s womenswear, menswear or wedding couture, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha has made a name for himself globally with his chic and stylish creations. The celebrated Pakistani fashion designer recently opened a standalone design studio in the heart of London, next to Regent’s Street. The London studio includes ready-to-wear, luxury capsule…
Isha Ambani, daughter of India's wealthiest individual, Mukesh Ambani, has sold her opulent mansion in Los Angeles to the renowned Hollywood couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. The staggering amount exchanged for the property amounts to £48 million ($61 million). The mansion, which served as a temporary residence for Isha…
FOR many decades, divorce was such a taboo in Bollywood that many couples remained unhappily married – but that has all changed in spectacular fashion in the past 15 years. [caption id="attachment_287584" align="alignright" width="300"] Asha Bhosle and RD Burman[/caption] With actress Esha Deol recently separating from her husband of 11…
THE most successful Indian TV serial of all time ran into trouble after an incredible run of more than 4,300 episodes. When it was launched in 2009, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai became a firm fan favourite with Hina Khan and Karan Mehra in the lead roles. Then, further generation…
Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has spoken out after being targetted with Islamophobic graffiti near his family home. He emphasised the necessity of a zero-tolerance approach to hatred. Yousaf said the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 will deal with the "rising tide of hatred," reported BBC. Scotland’s…
THE multi-billion pound technology industry needs to do far more to tackle the lack of Asian woman in the sector, experts have urged. Some 18 per cent of tech roles are filled by women and only a third of those are of Asian origin, according to research by jobs website…
LISTENING to music played on tape decks and vinyl as a youngster first connected Sonia Mehta to music. It enabled her to find safety, happiness, and a way to express emotions through the compositions and poetry of Indian film songs. Later, while pursuing her studies in London, she bonded with…
WITH a net worth totalling $33.5 billion, Savitri Jindal of the Jindal Group was ranked as India's wealthiest woman and holds the sole female position among the top 10 richest women globally on Forbes' 2024 list. She is the sixth wealthiest woman and 46th wealthiest person overall on the list.…
EMBATTLED Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac said his side can still progress to the third round of the FIFA world cup qualifiers, putting up a brave front despite an embarrassing defeat to Afghanistan last Tuesday (26). Ranked 158 in the world, Afghanistan shocked 117-ranked India 2-1 as the…
The National Health Service (NHS) in England is set to introduce an 'artificial pancreas', a groundbreaking device poised to benefit thousands living with type 1 diabetes. This technology continually monitors blood glucose levels and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via a pump. Backed by £2.5 million from NHS England, local systems…
Cinema alone can't bring about a revolution, says actor Manoj Bajpayee, who described the art form as a tool to kickstart movements. The actor reflected on the role of films in society at the trailer launch of his upcoming ZEE5 Global film Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout on…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak on Tuesday (2) spoke with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to demand a probe into a strike that killed charity workers in Gaza, including British citizens, a Downing Street spokesperson said. The UK also summoned Israel's ambassador in London to hear its "unequivocal condemnation" of the killing…
As the sun rises on April 2nd, it marks not just another day but the birthday of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, Ajay Devgn. With an enviable repertoire of films and a legacy that spans decades, he remains an indelible part of Bollywood, inspiring generations of actors and leaving…
House prices in the United Kingdom (UK) surged in March, marking the fastest annual increase since December 2022, according to a survey released on Tuesday. Nationwide Building Society, the UK's second-largest mortgage lender, reported that house prices were up by 1.6 per cent compared to the previous year, reaching an…
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently went on an undersea tunnel drive in Mumbai, and he appeared to relish this novel experience. He shared his enthusiasm by posting a video on social media, where he described it as a marvel and expressed his joy at the unique adventure. Bachchan on Tuesday took…
A Muslim teacher in Birmingham, who suggested Islam was going to take over and claimed Westernised girls were “lunatics,” has been sacked. Aqib Khan was dismissed for allegedly "undermining fundamental British values," as determined by a professional misconduct panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency, reported The Telegraph. During his tenure…
THE Indian government has taken up the issue of ban on imports of Russian-origin unpolished diamonds by the 27-member European Union (EU) and G7 nations as the measure will end up hurting the domestic diamond polishing industry, foreign minister S Jaishankar has said. The initial stage of an EU and…
Women from the Bangladeshi community in the United Kingdom (UK) are facing severe distress due to relentless harassment from a TikTok troll. Despite reaching out to authorities and social media platforms, many feel helpless as the abuse continues unchecked, a BBC investigation has found. The troll, Hasan Syed, inflicts psychological…
As many as 216 volunteers from 13 BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs (temples) and centres across the UK participated in the Great British Spring Clean, the nation's largest environmental cleanup campaign, over the Easter bank holiday weekend. These volunteers managed to collect an impressive total of 138 bags of litter, contributing to…
The Bombay High Court on Monday said no coercive steps shall be taken against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede till April 10 on notices issued to him on the NCB's preliminary inquiry over irregularities in a drugs case related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) initiated…
A GROUP of 20 Pendle councillors resigned on Monday (1) from the Labour party, accusing it of a ‘draconian’ shift in policy, of bullying councillors, stifling free speech and hindering them from standing for election. They said Labour nationally no longer reflects their views and they were elected to represent…
Celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur opened up about his hidden fears at the recently concluded Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh, India, and said that he finds panic is a huge form of creativity. Kapur, the director behind such notable films as Masoom, Mr. India, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth, The Four Feathers,…
Small businesses will receive a boost as the VAT registration threshold has been raised to £90,000 from £85,000, which would free 28,000 businesses from paying the tax. This is part of chancellor Jeremy Hunt's host of incentives announced during his spring budget that came into effect from April 1. The…
Rishabh Pant led from the front with his first IPL fifty since his comeback from a horror car crash as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs on Sunday. Captain Pant hit 51 off 32 balls after fellow left-hander David Warner smashed 52 and helped Delhi to 191-5…
“I want to create an India in the UK,” veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani's words efficiently sum up his dream of leaving a global footprint of the illustrious Indian cinema with his film studio in the UK. Touted as a "one-stop-shop", Bhagnani's Pooja Studios emerged as one of the most film-friendly…
Scotland's new hate crime law, which has been criticised by many including the likes of Elon Musk and JK Rowling, came into force on Monday. The new law, called the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, aims to make Scotland safer by strengthening laws against hate crimes. However, its…
King Charles attended the annual Easter church service in Windsor on Sunday, his first appearance at a public royal event since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February. Charles, 75, waved as he and Queen Camilla arrived by car at St George's Chapel, the resting place of his late mother…
YUVAN THAKKAR, a British Indian teenager diagnosed with cancer, says he is now able to enjoy the things he loves after life-changing treatment thanks to a fund set up by the NHS to make innovative therapies accessible to thousands of patients. According to NHS England, 16-year-old Thakkar from Watford near…
COUNTER-TERRORISM detectives are investigating after a journalist working for a Persian language media organisation was stabbed in London on Friday (29) amid fears he had been targeted because of his job, police said. Police said the man, aged in his 30s, was attacked and sustained an injury to his leg…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak has admitted it is a hard balance for him to strike as the father of two young children and holding the top job of leading the country through various crises. In a friendly podcast interview for The Times with former Tory leader William Hague, the 43-year-old…
Dev Patel, who was last seen in David Lowery’s epic medieval fantasy adventure film The Green Knight, is presently busy promoting his next film Monkey Man. What makes the project very special for him is the fact that he has not only played the lead role in it but has…
As the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2024 prepares to grace the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace from July 2nd to 7th, anticipation builds for a showcase of gardens that celebrate anniversaries, draw inspiration from international landscapes, and promote biodiversity. One notable anniversary being honoured at this year's…
PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak is being criticised by Opposition parties for a surprise honours list which confers a knighthood on an Egyptian-born businessman who is a major donor to the Conservative Party. The list, announced late on Thursday just before the long Easter weekend, honours Mohamed Mansour, a senior treasurer…
The shadow of Basanti still looms large and Hema Malini, who references her role as the feisty tonga puller from the 1975 classic Sholay in many of her rallies, says candidly she may never come out of it. The cinema icon and BJP MP is currently seeking a third Lok…
Amnesty International has called upon Dow to take long-overdue action to provide relief to the survivors of the deadly gas leak from pesticide plant in Bhopal, India nearly forty years ago. The world's worst industrial disaster killed more than 22,000 people and 500,000 continue to suffer its consequences. Ahead of…
Award-winning actor Allu Arjun, who has been busy with the upcoming schedule of Pushpa 2: The Rule, received an early birthday gift. The actor's wax statue was revealed at the Madame Tussauds Museum in Dubai on Thursday. The statue features Allu Arjun's iconic 'Jhukega Nahi Sala' pose from the blockbuster…
FOUR men of Asian origin were found guilty on Thursday (28) of the murder of a 23-year-old delivery driver, also of Asian heritage, last August in Shrewsbury, western England. Aurman Singh was pronounced dead at the scene when the local West Mercia Police attended reports of an attack in the…
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries has picked up a 26 per cent stake in a power project owned by rival billionaire Gautam Adani and signed a pact to use the plant's electricity for captive use. Reliance will pick up 50 million equity shares in Madhya Pradesh-based Mahan Energen Ltd, a wholly…
When we read the word 'Ice Stupa', our first thought is that it is some monument, or some naturally made structure related to Buddhism. But this is actually manually constructed in a place called Ladakh in the north-most region of India, a popular tourist spot for bikers and trekkers. The…
UKRAINE'S Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba will arrive in New Delhi on his maiden visit to India amid the festering Russia-Ukraine conflict. His visit on Thursday (28) comes at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. During his…
Technology is grasping and overtaking in all fields, be it industry or everyday life. But with the ease of work, certain disadvantages are surfacing because of the increase in usage of technology. In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged, a significant rise in mental health issues among teenagers, particularly…
CANCER screening services must be more culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of south Asians - especially women, a leading doctor has told Eastern Eye. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the first person of colour to lead the doctors’ union, the British Medical Association (BMA), said south Asian women were less…
Finance minister Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday that the government would continue to monitor Thames Water "very carefully" after the company said its shareholders had refused to stump up new equity. "The Treasury will continue to monitor very carefully what's happening at Thames Water. Our understanding is that the company…
ENTEPRENEUR Dinesh Dhamija has told Eastern Eye he wrote The Indian Century because he wants the 30 million-strong Indian diaspora across the world, but especially in the UK, to invest back in the mother country. The interview about his new book, in which he gives an upbeat assessment of the…
Trafalgar Square will host this year's Vaisakhi celebrations in London on 6 April, a statement said. The free family event, organised by the mayor of London and supported by the Vaisakhi community advisory group, will be co-hosted by DJ and presenter Tommy Sandhu and entrepreneur, disability specialist and speaker Shani…
NHS waiting times for operations could be slashed drastically if patients had their elective surgeries done at worldclass hospitals in India. This was one of the radical ideas put forward last Tuesday (19) by senior Indian corporate leaders at a business conference in London. Another was for undergraduates and postgraduates…
The people who have watched the Bollywood film Swatantra Veer Savarkar must have seen the Kala Pani punishment given to all the prisoners. The prisoners are held captive at Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the South-east sea of India. This Cellular jail not only has…
THE National Trust, which has come under sustained attacks from the far-right of British politics, has been defended strongly by the classical historian Dame Mary Beard, who last week delivered the Octavia Hill Lecture. Her theme was, “Who owns the past?” The trust, founded in 1895 by three people…
INDIAN tennis stalwart Rohan Bopanna and his Australian teammate Matthew Ebden advanced to their third men's doubles semi-final this year, defeating Dutchman Sem Verbeek and Aussie John-Patrick Smith at the Miami Open. The duo, who had won the Australian Open earlier this year, overcame several unforced errors in the first…
FAST bowler Mohammad Amir announced last Sunday (24) that he was coming out of retirement and making himself available for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, following changes to Pakistan’s selection process which made him feel “needed”. Amir’s stop-start career was halted in 2010 after he, along with then-Pakistan Test captain…
THE actress Shelley King, best known for playing Yasmeen Nazir in Coronation Street and Jay Harper in Angels, has talked to Eastern Eye about a children’s street charity in Kolkata which will be marking its 25th anniversary on November 9, 2024. King, who herself lived in Kolkata till the age…
The Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) on Tuesday announced the line-up of panel discussions and masterclasses at its first edition, to be held in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31. The 20 masterclasses and panel discussions will feature Shekhar Kapur, Karan Johar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Tahira Kashyap, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal,…
MORRISONS has teamed up with Warburtons to offer free crumpets to customers facing rising food bills this Easter. The ‘Ask for Ellen’ campaign will provide free toasted crumpets with butter and jam to anyone who asks for Ellen - no questions asked. An estimated 100,000 portions of two crumpets will…
SONU NIGAM, one of the greatest Indian singers of all time, is renowned for his wonderful voice, huge catalogue of hit songs, numerous accolades, and millions of fans globally. He is also an exceptional live performer who delivers sold-out arena shows around the world. Nigam returns for another UK tour,…
AWARD-WINNING director Iqbal Khan decided to take on the new adaptation of the Partition-based play Silence as he wished to build on the legacy of his late friend, former Tara Arts artistic director Abdul Shayek. Shayek directed the original production at the Donmar Warehouse in 2022 and had developed this…
THE recent South Asian Sounds festival at the Southbank Centre in London included a stunning concert headlined by the superb Indian singer Pratibha Singh Baghel. The sensational talent teamed up with the brilliant British act Chineke! Orchestra and top Indian musicians for a grand, sold-out concert at the Royal Festival…
NIKESH MEHTA OBE has been appointed as British high commissioner to Singapore, an official statement announced on Wednesday (27). He will assume charge in July. He will succeed Kara Owen CMG who was transferred to another diplomatic service, the statement added. Currently, Mehta is director for policy and requirements at…
Charity organisation Arrhythmia Alliance Pace4Life (A-A P4L) is sending a team of heart rhythm specialists to India to treat people suffering from arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Doctors from Milton Keynes Hospital Foundation Trust and North Middlesex University Hospital will treat 100 patients at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher…
A COOL combination of dance, choreography, acting, and filmmaking has given Prabhu Deva one of the most multifaceted cinema careers. This has resulted in stunning songs, hit films, and winning performances from the multi-talented performer in a variety of languages. The popular film star turns a year older on April…
Hollywood star Vin Diesel has shared a throwback photo with his XXX: Return of Xander Cage co-star Deepika Padukone from his maiden trip to India back in 2017. Diesel had visited India to promote the American action thriller, which marked Padukone's Hollywood debut. In his Instagram post on Tuesday, the…
WITH a filmography that boasts independent gems, mainstream films and streaming shows, Rasika Dugal has carved her own unique path in showbiz, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent and nuanced performances. In her one-and-a-half-decade-long career, she has breathed life into a diverse array of characters, leaving an indelible mark…
WHEN Aditi Mangaldas headlines a show, it is certain to be dynamically, artistically and creatively different from anything that has come before. She continues that path-breaking journey with the new production Mehek, which embarks on a hotly anticipated UK tour in April. The Indian Kathak legend has teamed up with…
LEGENDARY singer Asha Bhosle sparked an intriguing debate when she disclosed her iconic elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, had turned down over a million dollars to sing at a wedding. Speaking on a dance reality show, Bhosle said, “She was offered one million dollars to sing at a wedding. They said,…
Actress Sonam Kapoor feels honoured as global art museum Tate Modern inducted her as a member of their South Asia Acquisition Committee. In a statement shared by the actress' team, Sonam said, "I'm deeply honoured to join the prestigious Tate Modern as a member of their South Asia Acquisition Committee.…
OAKNORTH BANK has partnered with HSBC to provide a £232 million club loan to Splendid Hospitality Group to support its future expansion plans, a statement said. Founded three decades ago, Splendid Hospitality Group is one of the UK’s fastest growing privately-owned hotel groups, with a portfolio of 24 hotels from…
Online casinos have become one of the best choices for digital entertainment in recent years. Their popularity has even spiked earlier in the decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the numbers still remain higher than in ages past - like the days of the dot-com bubble. Of course, things have…
In recent developments concerning the health of members of the UK royal family, ancient predictions by the renowned 15th-century prophet Nostradamus have resurfaced, sparking intrigue and speculation about the monarchy's future. Nostradamus, known for his eerily accurate forecasts, had previously predicted significant historical events, including the death of Queen Elizabeth…
Every woman, irrespective of her background and profession, deserves dignity, actress Kangana Ranaut said on Tuesday as Congress leaders’ comments on Mandi from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha elections snowballed into a massive political row. Ranaut, who makes her political debut as a BJP candidate from Mandi in…
Britain's King Charles III is set to make his first major public appearance since his cancer diagnosis was revealed last month. Buckingham Palace announced today that the 75-year-old monarch will attend the traditional royal Easter service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor on Sunday, signalling his gradual return to public…
Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent figure in Artificial Intelligence (AI), recently took the helm of Microsoft's newly formed consumer AI division, Microsoft AI. Suleyman's background is far from that of a typical tech CEO. Mustafa Suleyman's upbringing was shaped by his family in London. His father, a Syrian taxi driver, instilled…
Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Marshmello recently delivered smashing performances across Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune over the Holi weekend, dishing out some of his biggest hits including 'Happier', 'Alone', 'Friends', 'Blocks', 'Wolves', 'Find Me' and 'Silence'. He shared his experience performing in India. “Performing in India is always an…
The trailer for Under the Bridge, starring Emmy winner Archie Punjabi, Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone, and Emmy Award nominee Riley Keough has been unveiled by Hulu. Under the Bridge is a true crime story written by Rebecca Godfrey, who passed away from lung cancer just after the series was…
ADEEBA MALIK has been appointed as the first Asian female High Sheriff for West Yorkshire, according to a statement released on Tuesday (26). She took oath at Leeds High Court on Monday (25) in a formal ceremony presided by High Court Judge Sir Nicholas Hilliard, the statement added. Professor Malik’s…
Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, who garnered positive response for her performance in Prime Video’s Big Girls Don't Cry, says she cannot wait to be a part of Indian movies. “It’s truly surreal to come full circle and return to India. From my roots as a child actor to now leading…
THE Bestway Group has reported a five per cent increase in revenues to £4.74 billion for the year ended June 2023, a statement said. The group, founded by Sir Anwar Pervez, OBE H Pk, reported a pre-tax profit of £420.9 million during the period, Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE, group chief…
Lenmeldy, a new gene therapy for the rare and fatal childhood disease metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), has become the world's most expensive drug, at a whopping $4.25 million (£3.350 million). MLD is a brutal illness that strikes toddlers and affects their ability to walk and talk. It's a heartbreaking reality for…
The trailer for Pooja Entertainment’s upcoming epic action entertainer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is out now. It offers a larger-than-life spectacle brimming with camaraderie and courage between the lead actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The grand trailer launch was held in Mumbai, attended by the entire star cast and…
AN online petition urging the government to allow foreign healthcare workers more time to find a job after their sponsors fail them has attracted hundreds of signatures within days. Under tougher rules that came into effect earlier this month, care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants are required…
PAKISTAN foreign minister Ishaq Dar held telephonic talks with his British counterpart David Cameron on Monday (25) and stressed the need for early resumption of flights of Pakistan's national carrier to the United Kingdom. The UK and several other countries suspended Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flights in 2020 due to…
Britain on Monday accused Chinese hackers of trying to break into email accounts of British lawmakers who were critical of China and said a separate Chinese entity was behind a hack of its electoral watchdog that compromised millions of people's data. In response to the attempted hack in 2021 of…
RRR star Ram Charan and Pushpa: The Rise director Sukumar are set to collaborate on a feature film, the makers announced on Monday. The movie, which marks Charan's 17th project, will be produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Composer DSP of Pushpa fame will score the music for…
Shamima Begum, who travelled to Syria eight years ago to support IS group, has lost the initial bid to challenge the removal of her British citizenship at the Supreme Court. The government stripped Begum's citizenship on national security grounds in 2019, leaving her stateless. Last year, she lost her first…
The Government’s adviser on social cohesion and resilience, Dame Sara Khan, has said Britain’s diverse and cohesive democracy, built on centuries of hard‑won rights, was facing numerous threats. In the study titled 'The Khan review', she said now there is a growing climate of threats and harassment leading to serious…
There is more widespread unhappiness among the people over immigration than at any point since the Brexit referendum, according to a survey by Ipsos and British Future. Nearly seven out of ten respondents (69 per cent) said they were dissatisfied with the government's handling of immigration, against just 9 per…
No issue has caused Rishi Sunak more trouble as prime minister than immigration. He identifies himself as a prime minister with a plan, determined to deliver. That has been a challenging battle on the economy and public services, but has been most difficult of all on immigration. The government has increased…
The team of RRR on Monday marked two years of the blockbuster film's release, calling the SS Rajamouli directorial "the most celebrated film" in Indian cinema. Released on March 25, 2022, RRR followed a pre-independence fictional story woven around two real-life Indian revolutionaries — Alluri Sitarama Raju, played by Ram Charan,…
An Indian student pursuing her PhD at the London School of Economics died while cycling to her apartment last week. The victim, Cheistha Kochhar (33), died on the spot after being hit by a garbage truck on March 19. The accident took place on Clerkenwell Road, near the junction with…
Today is the day of the most joyous and colourful celebration of the year – Holi! And what's a Holi party without the perfect playlist to keep the energy high and the spirits soaring? Bollywood has gifted us with numerous iconic songs that perfectly capture the essence of this festival,…
Singer Armaan Malik has collaborated with music composer AR Rahman for a soulful track for survival drama movie The Goat Life. The track, titled "Khatti Si Woh Imli", is part of the Hindi version of the Malayalam movie, which is set to be released in theatres on March 28. Penned…
An Asian-origin trader in Hillingdon was recently fined more than £3,400 for selling illegal and smuggled tobacco products. The trader, Kultar Rajwansi, from Hayes has pleaded guilty to 26 offences at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on March 5. Hillingdon Council’s trading standards team carried out an inspection following reports from some…
CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, and her husband, Prince William, have been "enormously touched" by the messages of support received following her shock announcement that she is being treated for cancer, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday. Catherine said on Friday she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests done…
Preity Zinta is giving fans a major dose of nostalgia! The Bollywood actress took to Instagram on Friday to share a heartwarming video of herself and Shah Rukh Khan rehearsing the iconic song "Tere Liye" from their beloved film Veer-Zaara. The clip, which has gone viral on social media, shows…
PRINCESS OF WALES said on Friday (22) she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests taken after she had major abdominal surgery in January revealed that cancer had been present. The Princess, 42-year-old wife of heir to the throne Prince William, called the cancer discovery a "huge shock". The news comes…
The world of mobility is as vast and diverse as the individuals it serves. For decades, wheelchairs have been the emblem of accessibility and independence, but the landscape is evolving, with innovative alternatives emerging to cater to a spectrum of needs and preferences. In this exploration, we embark on a…
INDIAN police seized a DIY car project from two enterprising brothers who had modified their small Suzuki hatchback to resemble a helicopter, an effort to make money by renting it out to wedding parties. Ishwardin and Parmeshwardin Prajapati spent nearly $3,000 (£2,380) to attach small rotor blades to the roof…
British police said on Friday they were investigating possibly racist comments allegedly made by the biggest donor to the ruling Conservative party at a meeting in 2019. The Guardian newspaper reported on March 11 that businessman Frank Hester - who gave £10 million to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's party in…
AN unprecedented rise in child poverty happened across the UK, government figures released Thursday (21) revealed. Previous research indicated that escalating social disparities within the G7 country are negatively impacting children's well-being, leading to an increased reliance on food banks. An estimated 4.33 million children were living in low-income households…
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Shilpa Shetty-starrer cult film Baazigar is set for rerelease in cinemas. King Khan shared this exciting news with his fans. "Flashback to a time when magic unfolded on the silver screen! Inviting you to relive those moments at our Retro Film Festival with the…
Bridgerton star Simone Ashley is set to lead Picture This, a new romantic-comedy movie from streamer Prime Video. Actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin will play the male lead. To be directed by filmmaker Prarthana Mohan of The Miseducation of Bindu fame, the UK original movie is based on the recently-released Australian…
After Canada and the UK, Australia will enforce tougher visa rules for foreign students as official data showed migration hit another record high, which is likely to further exacerbate an already tight rental market. From Saturday, English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, while the government…
British researchers are making a breakthrough in lung cancer treatment by developing the world's first vaccine for the disease. This vaccine, called LungVax, is being created by a team of scientists from the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, and University College London (UCL). It uses similar technology to…
This Easter, you might be surprised by the price hike on your favourite chocolate eggs. There's a culprit behind this sugary situation: climate change. The majority of cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, comes from West Africa. Unfortunately, this region has been ravaged by a brutal heatwave, significantly reducing cocoa…
After having a successful run at the box office, Hrithik Roshan-starrer Fighter is now streaming on Netflix. On the film's streaming release, Hrithik said, "Fighter is our tribute to the Indian Air Force and with it streaming on Netflix, I'm looking forward to the reactions and hope Fighter entertains and…
LONDON High Court has ordered fugitive Indian businessman, Nirav Modi, to repay a hefty sum of $8 million (£6.3m) to the Bank of India (BOI). The ruling was issued early this month after Modi's Dubai-based firm, Firestar Diamond FZE, failed to repay the loan it had received from the bank,…
ONE of Britain’s first ethnic minority members of parliament has told Eastern Eye of his regret at not being able to “move the dial forward” in the fight against racism, while urging the current generation to do more. Keith Vaz was the first Asian MP for nearly sixty years when…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi held separate phone calls on Wednesday (20) with Russian president Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy and discussed strengthening ties with both, ahead of a visit by the Ukrainian foreign minister to New Delhi. India has traditionally had close economic and defence ties with Moscow…
While we wait for the third installment of Bridgerton with bated breath, Netflix has teased us with a brand-new teaser in the run-up to the two-part release dates. The one-minute video offers a glimpse of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Viscountess Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley) - whose love story…
Bradford-born singer Zayn Malik is set to become the face of Bradford’s City of Culture year. The former One Direction star will be the city's ambassador and will attend some of the 1,000 events due to take place. Malik, 31, said, "Bradford is and always will be home to me.…
A remarkable cast of artists from both the UK and India will showcase Assam's vibrant dance traditions at an event at The Nehru Centre on Friday (22). The show will have a diverse array of folk dances, each one a window into the rich cultural heritage of a specific Assamese…
The passage of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's contentious bill to deport refugees to Rwanda may be delayed after the House of Lords defeated the government and reinstated a demand for greater protections. The government wants to relocate thousands of asylum seekers who arrive in Britain on boats to live in…
Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor kickstarted the shooting of their upcoming film tentatively titled RC16 with a Pooja ceremony. On Wednesday, makers held a Pooja ceremony, where Janhvi and Ram were spotted together. Ram's wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela, father Chiranjeevi, and Janhvi's father Boney Kapoor were present at the event.…
📺 TV Show Alert 🍿, "Made in Heaven" 🔹Current Season: 2🔹 The story of two wedding planners in Delhi, whe... Drama 🕒Prime Video #MadeinHeaven #season2 #PrimeVideo #Drama pic.twitter.com/wn7neSXlCc — Mufasa (@Mufas_a_) August 11, 2023 Premiering on 8 March 2019 on Amazon Prime Video, Made in Heaven is an Indian romantic…
BRITISH Asian donors made significant contributions to political parties in what is shaping up to be the highest-spending general election contest expected to be held later this year. Political parties accepted £93 million in donations last year, nearly double the £52m from the previous year, according to the Electoral Commission…
THE former chancellor and home secretary, Sir Sajid Javid, said while the UK was the most successful multiracial democracy in the world, politicians were “adding fuel to the fire” of ongoing social unrest. Sir Sajid said the government’s new definition of extremism led to a debate “high on emotions, low…
LEO VARADKAR said on Wednesday (20) he would step down as Ireland's prime minister and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party, in a surprise move, for "personal and political" reasons. Varadkar's departure as head of the three-party coalition does not automatically trigger a general election. He said he…
IT MAY have been a massively overrated film that didn’t clock up the expected blockbuster numbers at the box office, but the 2012 film, Student of the Year, was a solid launch pad for its three debut stars. While Alia Bhatt has gone on to become the most successful young…
Five short films from India, Spain, the Philippines, the UK, and the US showcasing LGBTQIA+ narratives that resonate with resilience and authenticity are being screened in 10 cities across India. British Council in partnership with British BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival launched the 10th edition of the 'Five Films…
NOW that it has been announced that the Indian general election will be held between April 19 and June 1, many books and articles both for and against Narendra Modi will be written about the country’s prime minister. Firmly in the latter category is Christophe Jaffrelot’s Gujarat Under Modi: Laboratory…
THE world needs books from India because they reflect the spiritual values of Indian culture and civilisation. “Books are important for mental health,” said Yuvraj Malik, director of the National Book Trust (NBT) of India, which took a pavilion for the first time at the 2024 London Book Fair.…
Most employers in the UK are taking equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives without an evidence base, and some of their interventions are proving to be even counterproductive, according to a government report. The independent Inclusion at Work Panel, appointed by the Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, reviewed how…
WHILE it’s true that stand-up comedy first gained prominence in western culture, India’s comedy scene has emerged as one of the fastest-growing in the past decade. In recent years, there has been an influx of top talents who have presented humour in a unique way and risen to prominence with…
THE TV presenter and journalist, Geeta Pendse, chaired the opening sessions of the London Book Fair (LBF) which analysed the issue of diversity in the publishing world. The LBF – held over three days last week at Kensington Olympia – also looked at what might constitute enjoyable literature for ethnic…
THOSE who follow Adaa Khan on social media or have seen her eye-catching photoshoots and striking red carpet appearances know how superbly stylish she is. The celebrated Indian actress has an undeniable flair for fashion and consistently unveils stunning looks that set style goals. Eastern Eye caught up with the…
Britain's annual inflation rate fell more than expected in February, official data showed Wednesday, fuelling speculation that the Bank of England may cut interest rates in coming months. Inflation reached 3.4 per cent last month - the lowest level since September 2021 - after hitting 4.0 per cent in January,…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak on Monday (18) launched measures to help small businesses navigate the weak economy, as he seeks to boost his standing before this year’s general election. Sunak unveiled a £60 million investment aimed at cutting red tape and generating 20,000 apprenticeships. “This government is sticking to the…
Filmmakers Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar on Tuesday announced a host of projects, including shows such as Ananya Pandey-starrer Call Me Bae and Mirzapur 3, which will debut on streaming service Prime Video this year. At the streamer's slate announcement event Prime Video Presents, Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment announced three original…
DIVERSITY and inclusion “are central” to Japan Tobacco International (JTI), an organisation that cares about its people and is mindful about creating a workplace where everyone is encouraged to be their best self, a senior executive has said. In a recent chat with Eastern Eye, Ruth Forbes, inclusion and office…
PAKISTAN’S former prime minister, Imran Khan, has demanded high treason proceedings against officials whom he alleges stole his party’s mandate in the February general elections, enabling the rival Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to form a coalition government. Khan’s remarks came as he addressed…
ANOTHER impressive week ended with a semi-final finish for star shuttler Lakshya Sen, who narrowly lost a three-game battle against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie at the All England Championships in Birmingham last Saturday (16), prolonging India’s wait for the coveted trophy. In a game of fine margins, the 22-year-old, who had…
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who attended a special screening of his blockbuster film RRR in Japan, says he is grateful for the love the audience continues to shower on the movie even after almost two years of its release. According to Japanese film distribution outlet Twin Company, the RRR screenings were…
Streaming service Prime Video on Tuesday teased new seasons of its critically acclaimed series such as Pataal Lok 2, Mirzapur, and Panchayat. The three shows, along with Bandish Bandits and the Tamil series Suzhal - The Vortex, are the five projects that will return to the streamer's platform in 2024,…
LONDON's population has reached a new peak driven by a surge in migration, reversing the trend of people leaving the city during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Telegraph reported. According to recent research from the Centre for Cities think tank, the capital's population has likely surpassed its pre-pandemic level of 10.1…
To curb immigration and encourage employers to invest in Britain's existing workforce, the home office has announced that tech firms hiring foreign-born software engineers will have to pay £51,000 a year, The Times reports. The new pay rate threshold is 37 per cent higher than the previous one and will…
DR CHIRAG BAKHAI is a GP in Luton, as well as a primary care advisor to the NHS Diabetes programme. He says: “If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, it’s important to know what you can do to stay well and avoid potential complications. “The Healthy Living programme offers evidence-based…
A Harrow-based pharmaceutical company and its former director were sentenced by a London court after pleading guilty to two charges of falsifying data regarding the shelf life of a medicine for treating hypothyroidism. Southwark Crown Court, London sentenced Kamlesh Vaghjiani, former director of Kappin Ltd, to eight and seven months…
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined trader Nailesh Teraiya £5.95 million and barred him from operating in the market for his role in a sham trading scheme that obtained fake refunds of €91.2 million from the Danish tax authority, SKAT. The regulator found that Teraiya's firm Indigo Global Partners…
THE latest round of trade talks between Britain and India has concluded without a deal, with a British official saying an agreement could not be finalised ahead of the upcoming Indian elections. The two countries have held stop-start talks over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for two years and both…
THE NHS, said the former chancellor Nigel Lawson, is the closest thing the English have to a religion. So it follows that its creator would be deified as a God in certain circles. Nye, playing at the National Theatre until 11th May, tackles the complexities of one of the great…
TATA STEEL UK, owned by India-based Tata Group, announced the closure of the coke ovens at its Port Talbot steel plant in south Wales, with operations ceasing this week, marking an earlier shutdown than originally planned. The company on Monday (18) said that the plant is “significantly deteriorating operational stability”.…
Scotland's first minister Humza Yousaf hit out at the Conservative Party for being "institutionally Islamophobic", according to media reports. He said this in reaction to the comments reportedly made by Conservative party donor Frank Hester (57) about Labour MP Diane Abbott. According to The Guardian newspaper, Hester had reportedly said…
THE government’s controversial Safety of Rwanda Bill returns to the House of Commons this week, where MPs will debate amendments proposed by the Lords. Facing the conundrum of what to do with the Bill – which overrules the UK Supreme Court to deem Rwanda a safe place to which asylum seekers…
Former Cabinet minister and Conservative party MP Sir Sajid Javid said he still believes the UK is the most successful multiracial democracy in the world, but lamented that it is not at ease with itself. In a signed article in The Times, the Bromsgrove MP said the government’s new definition…
Actor Mukesh Khanna, who played the iconic role of Shaktimaan in the 1990s serial, said he is not in favour of Ranveer Singh playing the popular superhero as the actor has a certain image. According to media reports, Singh was recently roped in to play Shaktimaan in the film set…
A new mural that mysteriously appeared overnight on the side of a building near Finsbury Park in London has sparked speculation that it may be the work of the elusive street artist Banksy. The artwork features a mass of green paint behind a trimmed-back mature tree, creating the illusion of…
Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of Ed Sheeran, who set the stage on fire with his electrifying concert in Mumbai, which also saw the British music sensation perform with Indian artists Diljit Dosanjh and Armaan Malik. Sheeran, who arrived in India on March 12 as part of the Indian…
THE son of a British Indian Post Office scandal victim has demanded compensation for the impact his father's wrongful convictions and financial ruin had on his life. Varchas Patel's father, Vipin, faced wrongful prosecution for discrepancies exceeding £75,000 at his branch between 2010 and 2011. Now, Varchas, along with other…
THE week-long International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India, concluded on Friday (15). As many as 1,500 international guests, including saints, spiritual masters, yogacharyas, artists, and musicians from over 75 countries have participated in the event. The festival, under the guidance of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president…
VAUGHAN GETHING won the Welsh Labour party leadership contest on Saturday (16), marking a historic moment as he is set to become the first black leader of the country's semi-autonomous government. Gething, 50, will succeed Mark Drakeford, 69, who announced in December that he was stepping down. The new leader…
INDIA has slammed Pakistan after Islamabad's envoy at the United Nations made references to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Citizenship Amendment Act at the general assembly. Pakistan's Ambassador Munir Akram raised these issues during the plenary meeting on Friday while introducing the resolution ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia', in…
Big B has categorically denied reports of his ill health, putting an end to swirling rumours and speculation. In a video circulating on social media, Bachchan can be seen exiting a stadium, where a concerned fan inquires about his well-being. Bachchan responds by gesturing that everything is fine and then…
THE fourteenth round of trade talks between Britain and India concluded on Friday (15) without a deal, while India heads to a general election. The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the general election schedule on Saturday. Formal talks will not take place during India’s pre-election period. The…
THE chief of Britain's financial watchdog has defended its plans for retail customer protection via its Consumer Duty rules, adding that he is aware of the impact of regulation on banking business models and margins. Financial Conduct Authority CEO, Nikhil Rathi, added that the regulator "would not stand in the…
London mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled a £100m Housing Kickstart Fund that will provide grants to housing firms to convert market-rate homes stalled due to economic downturn into affordable homes. The new money will be made available from recycled capital grant funding, which is money returned to the Greater London…
John Lewis Partnership chief executive Nish Kankiwala wants the next government in the UK to provide a stable environment for economic growth and restore consumers confidence. Kankiwala felt the political and economic turbulence of recent years has damaged consumer confidence and families have been struggling with rising inflation. He said…
Nina Wadia is set to star in the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, a new British musical featuring iconic hits from the NOW music brand. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, the show will celebrate 40 years of NOW music with chart-topping hits and…
The UK’s most important and prestigious theatre awards, the Olivier Awards, have announced its nominees with Zubin Varla and Pyiyanga Burford bagging nominations for top honours. While Varna has been nominated as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for A Little Life, Burford has been nominated as Best Actress in…
Research conducted by biologist Deena Emera where she talks about the menstrual cycle and how many people including medical professionals are not aware of menstruation. Common misconceptions prevail, such as the belief that periods serve to "cleanse the womb" or "prepare for pregnancy." However, these notions are not only inaccurate…
British mobile phone operator Vodafone said Friday it has agreed to sell its Italian unit to Swisscom for eight billion euros (£6.83 billion) in cash, completing efforts to overhaul its European operations. Vodafone has been on a cost-cutting campaign that has included layoffs and the offloading of divisions abroad. The…
A London woman who started an initiative to design light installations to celebrate Ramadan has received prime minister Rishi Sunak’s daily Points of Light award this week. Aisha Desai received the award on Tuesday (12) for her Ramadan Lights UK initiative, which was inspired by her childhood joy of seeing…
Lakshmi Mittal, the UK-based executive chairman of multinational steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal, is among the prominent buyers of the recently scraped electoral bonds for making political donations in India. He bought Rs 350 million worth of bonds in his individual capacity. The Election Commission displayed the data on electoral bonds on…
Squid Game actor O Yeong-su has been convicted of sexual misconduct in Seoul, South Korea, according to a local court statement released on Friday. The 79-year-old actor, who won a Golden Globe Award in 2022 for his role in the Netflix series, was charged with assaulting a woman in 2017.…
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been hospitalised in Mumbai, according to a media report. The 81-year-old actor was moved to the Kokilaben Hospital in the early hours of Friday, March 15. He reportedly underwent an angioplasty on his leg. Another report said that ‘doctors at Kokilaben Hospital confirmed that Amitabh Bachchan…
With arms wide open and a dimpled smile flashing brightly, superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been leaving the audience in awe with his iconic signature pose for over three decades now. From fans to members of showbiz, people never leave a chance to imitate his romantic pose especially when they…
When Nish Kankiwala joined John Lewis Partnership, which also owns Waitrose, a year ago his mandate was to make the company return to profitability after a string of loss-making years, The Telegraph reports. The new CEO, a Hovis and Burger King veteran, outlined his strategy to his employees as going…
In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation, the dynamics of car ownership and leasing have undergone a significant transformation. With the rise of innovative leasing options and the emergence of cutting-edge models like the Cupra Formentor, the automotive industry is experiencing a revolution like never before. In this blog post, we…
ANTI-MUSLIM hate incidents have increased threefold in the UK since Hamas attack on Israel last year, a charity has found. Tell Mama has documented 2,247 anti-Muslim hate incidents, 1,001 offline and 1,246 online, in the four months between 7 October and 7 March. There were 721 incidents, 401 offline and…
Former bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been named as the new election commissioners by a panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a committee member and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said on Thursday. Addressing reporters at his residence soon after the meeting ended, Chowdhury said six…
Get ready for a history-making Glastonbury this year! The festival lineup is finally here, and it's packed with big names and a record-breaking female presence. Dua Lipa, SZA, and Coldplay are topping the bill, with Shania Twain taking the coveted Legends slot on Sunday. This marks the first time Glastonbury…
THOUSANDS of farmers rode buses and trains from across India to gather on Thursday (14) at a rally in the capital, New Delhi, pressing a demand for higher guaranteed prices for their crops, as they faced down police barricades and tough security. The rally, days before general elections are expected…
Behind the doors of a small, nondescript office in the heart of New Delhi lies the headquarters of an electoral trust run by just two men that is the largest-known donor to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to a Reuters review of public records. The Prudent Electoral Trust…
The UK government on Thursday unveiled a new definition of extremism, as church leaders warned it risked disproportionately affecting Muslim communities. The new definition comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned earlier this month of a "shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality" that risked the country tipping into "mob…
Vikrant Massey-starrer 12th Fail and Sudip Sharma's crime series Kohrra bagged top honours at the sixth edition of the Critics' Choice Awards. The 2024 award ceremony was held on Tuesday in Mumbai, recognising the best in feature films, short films, and web series across languages and platforms from India. In the…
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand, formerly known as Siam, boasts a captivating history that spans over thousands of years. Its rich cultural heritage, intertwined with diverse influences, has shaped the Kingdom into the vibrant nation it is today. From ancient civilizations to powerful empires, Thailand's history is…
LONDON-based digital lender, Starling Bank, has appointed Raman Bhatia as the new group CEO. Bhatia is currently the chief executive of OVO, a technology-enabled energy retailer in the UK. He is set to replace interim chief executive John Mountain in early summer, pending regulatory approval. Bhatia joined OVO in January…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak resisted growing calls Wednesday (13) for his Tory party to return millions of pounds to a major donor accused of making racist comments about a high-profile black lawmaker. Businessman Frank Hester, 57, is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott -- Britain's longest-serving black MP --…
ETHNIC minorities continue to face barriers in the workplace, although a review has found an increase in representation in boardrooms, a leading diversity and inclusion expert has said. The Parker Review found that there are 12 ethnic minority CEOs in the FTSE 100, up from seven in 2022. Additionally, there…
A GROUP of United Nations experts last Wednesday (6) urged Britain to repatriate Shamima Begum, who was stripped of her citizenship after leaving the country aged 15 to marry a Daesh (Islamic State group) fighter. Begum, now 24 and living in a refugee camp in northern Syria, lost an appeal…
THE story of Bengal farmers rising up against British colonial rule in the subcontinent is revisited in a new play, Indigo Giant, currently touring the UK. In the late 19th century, vast swathes of the Bengali countryside were given over to the cultivation of the indigo plant as the…
BRITISH Asian music veteran Atma Ahir has been lighting up the bhangra scene ever since the early 1990s. His interesting career has seen him go from founding the award-winning act Geet The Mega Band to carving out a solo career. The singer recently released his catchy Punjabi track, Morni, written…
A new study aiming to find workable solutions to boost the sales of healthy products in convenience stores across England has been launched. The study will also examine how the UK government’s new law to reduce impulse buying of products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) is affecting shoppers…
TORY MP Shailesh Vara has addressed the Indian National Students’ Association's (INSA) student leadership summit held at the House of Commons this week. The event held on Monday (11) was a forum for student leaders, student union representatives and guests to discuss and shape a positive future for Indian students…
LEGENDARY actor Shashi Kapoor left behind a remarkable body of work that ranged from commercial Hindi cinema entertainers to Englishlanguage projects that opened the doors for Bollywood stars in international projects. He broke creative ground, tackled taboos and added a new dimension to big screen entertainers. This resulted in a…
IT was a great privilege for Westcombe Group to have the opportunity to support and attend GG2’s Diversity and Leadership Awards on 5th March. It was so inspiring to hear from so many inspiring speakers and see so many leaders win recognition of their success. Amazing Awards The evening celebrated…
Britain's economy returned to growth in January after entering a shallow recession in the second half of 2023, offering some relief to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of an election expected this year, official data showed. Gross domestic product grew by 0.2 per cent month-on-month - boosted by a rebound…
LEADING public and private sector organisations need to do more attract ethnic minorities to their boardrooms, Kalpesh Solanki, managing director at Asian Media Group (AMG), told attendees at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards. In December 2023, only 44 per cent of the UK’s top 50 largest private companies had…
KAUSHIK RAY has been drawn to creativity from a young age, a passion he finally pursued last year by quitting a full-time job as a lawyer to focus on filmmaking. This bold step led him to direct the short film, The Lime Green Shirt, which is being screened as part…
BRITISH dance maestro Aakash Odedra consistently leads boundary-breaking projects and Mehek adds to his impressive repertoire. He has teamed up with Indian kathak legend Aditi Mangaldas in this magnificent dance drama that narrates the love story of an older woman and a younger man. The world-renowned performers will embark on…
A FEARLESS approach to filmmaking has endowed Onir with a remarkable body of work filled with stories from forgotten corners of society. He has overcome the challenges of being an openly gay writer, director and producer in India to deliver award-winning films such as My Brother…Nikhil, and I Am. His…
Joe Biden and rival Donald Trump each won enough delegates Tuesday to clinch their party nominations in the 2024 presidential race, networks projected, all but assuring a rematch and setting up one of the longest election campaigns in US history. The results in four statewide elections Tuesday, the latest in…
Failed asylum seekers will be offered up to £3,000 to move to Rwanda under a new voluntary scheme, The Times reports. The plan will be open to anyone whose asylum claim has been rejected by the UK. It is different from an existing voluntary returns scheme, where failed asylum seekers…
Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, and his brother Tristan have been apprehended in Romania in connection with sexual offense charges issued by UK authorities, according to Romanian police on Tuesday. Romanian authorities executed "two European arrest warrants issued by the UK judicial authorities for the committing of sexual offenses, of…
The poster of a new film, titled JNU: Jahangir National University, has sparked a debate on social media with many criticising it as a "propaganda film". Written and directed by Vinay Sharma, the movie is set to be released in theatres on April 5. It features an ensemble cast of…
Sponsored by Marshmallow Insurance There are numerous challenges that recent migrants to the UK face, but one that is frequently overlooked is the process of driving, obtaining a vehicle, and securing car insurance. Understanding the costs associated with car insurance and the driving regulations in the UK can be bewildering…
While political parties are promising to boost the UK's economic growth, the high level of the economic inactivity rate in the country remains a cause for concern, BBC reports. The number of people not employed or actively looking for work has remained high in recent years, ever since it first…
Akshata Murty, the wife of British prime minister Rishi Sunak, has lauded her mother Sudha Murthy as a prominent female role model in business. During an International Women's Day celebration at Downing Street, Akshata emphasised the significance of mentors for women and girls in the business world. As part of…
ONE OF THE UK's leading construction materials firm, Breedon Group, has acquired US-based BMC Enterprises for £238.1 million to bolster its presence in the American market. This acquisition marks Breedon's first entry into the US building materials industry. British Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia serves as the non-executive chairman of Breedon,…
Slot gaming is one of the most popular gaming genres on the market. The demand for slot games is high and is expected to grow over the next decades. Due to high demand, more companies and developers have released their own slot games and created their gaming platforms. More slot…
Unemployment in recession-hit Britain has nudged higher as growth in wages falls further, according to official data Tuesday that supports analyst expectations of an upcoming cut to UK interest rates. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9 per cent in the three months to the end of January, up from 3.8…
Embattled UK leader Rishi Sunak suffered a fresh blow Monday when a former ally defected to a right-wing populist party that is worrying the ruling Conservatives ahead of this year's general election. Lee Anderson announced that he was joining Reform UK, weeks after he was suspended from Sunak's Conservative party…
Actress Rani Mukerji has been on a roll. Her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is making her win prestigious awards at several events. On Sunday night, she won the Best Actor trophy at Zee Cine Awards. On receiving the award, Rani exclaimed, "This award is very special for…
Pulse oximeters record higher readings in people with certain skin tones, or AI-enabled medical devices may have a bias against some population groups - these are some of the findings of an independent review of medical devices. The government has announced measures to tackle such biases in the design and…
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) chair Baroness Kishwer Falkner has said integration appears to be failing in Britain following a decade of increased migration, The Telegraph reports. The 68-year-old Baroness of Margravine expressed concern over the “complacency” among politicians regarding increased immigration. The former Liberal Democrat said in the…
The first officially released photograph of the Princess of Wales, following her abdominal surgery two months ago has sparked controversy as some of the world's major picture agencies, including Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters, have recalled it amid claims of manipulation. The image, intended to commemorate Mother's Day in…
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last week delivered a well-measured performance in the House of Commons, despite rowdy parliamentary theatrics from the opposition benches. With little fiscal room for manoeuvre, Hunt announced a plethora of measures impacting key policy areas including taxation, public debt and spending, housing, transport and energy. The package…
Renowned production director Nitin Desai, who created sets for blockbuster movies such as the Oscar-nominated Lagaan and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, was among the film personalities who were honoured in the 'In Memoriam' segment at the 96th Academy Awards. Every year, the Academy Awards pay a tribute to industry…
The British government on Monday pledged £117 million towards protecting Muslim communities amid a rise in Islamophobia as it promises more action to tackle extremism. The new funding, announced just over a week after extra cash was promised to enhance security for Jewish groups amid soaring anti-Semitism, will be used…
Former prime minister Boris Johnson flew to Venezuela in February for unofficial talks with its President Nicolás Maduro, The Times reports. Johnson spoke to the Venezuelan president about the war in Ukraine, amid concerns that the South American nation could supply weapons or military support to Russia. Venezuela has been…
More than 50 survivors of terrorist attacks in the UK have signed a joint letter against politicians conflating British Muslims with extremism, according to media reports. Survivors and relatives of those killed during attacks in London, Manchester, and Brussels are among the signatories. The open letter, coordinated by Survivors Against…
Shah Rukh Khan's co-star in his latest commercial is none other than his daughter Suhana. On Friday, the father-daughter duo treated fans to a video of the new ad for Aryan Khan's clothing brand D'Yavol. Sharing the video on his Instagram, SRK wrote, "The collab you didn't know you needed...…
SEVERAL states in India nowadays take the initiative to hold investors’ meets in a bid to lure investment in a competitive federal system. Irrespective of the ruling party, the states have made it a policy to hold such summits, particularly keeping in mind the areas where they can capitalise on. …
EG Group is in talks to sell some of its UK assets to co-founder Zuber Issa to reduce the heavy debt burden of its petrol-station business, reported The Financial Times. The company, co-owned by brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa along with private equity firm TDR Capital, informed investors about ongoing…
AS MANY AS 1,200 yoga lovers from 75 countries are expected to participate in the International Yoga Festival (IYF) at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, India, which started on Friday (8). Governor of Uttarakhand state, Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh, will inaugurate the event on Saturday (9) which is being organised…
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are continually seeking innovative ways to foster customer loyalty and satisfaction. Embracing technology has become a cornerstone strategy for achieving these goals. From retail to entertainment industries, businesses are leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform the customer experience and enhance rewards programs. In this…
Indian authorities said they had detained members of a "trafficking" network sending citizens of the country to fight for the Russian army in Ukraine after raiding several travel agents. Two years since Russia's invasion began, tens of thousands of its soldiers have been killed in Ukraine and Moscow is on…
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday it will support formulating a new economic programme for Pakistan if the country's new government seeks one, while encouraging the fair resolution of all electoral disputes. Cash-strapped Pakistan grappled with an uncertain February 8 election that delayed the formation of a coalition…
FORMER prime minister Theresa May announced on Friday she will stand down as an MP at the next election, adding to a growing list from the UK's ruling Conservatives to abandon leader Rishi Sunak. May, 67, is the most high-profile of scores of Tory lawmakers to say they will not…
THE Indian army is using kites, a bird of prey from eagle family, to fight drones and carry out surveillance missions, according to Tribune newspaper. During a joint India-Japan army exercise 'Dharma Guardian' in the Rajasthan state, a kite flew overhead providing real-time imagery and situational awareness to ground troops.…
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Thursday launched his music label Bhansali Music. Bhansali, who is set to make his streaming debut with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has previously composed music for his films Guzaarish, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and Gangubai Kathiawadi. Through the label, the director-composer aims to collaborate with…
TRADE secretary Kemi Badenoch on Thursday (7) said she did not see a forthcoming election in India as a deadline for securing a trade agreement between the countries, saying it would be "challenging" to secure a deal by then but possible. Britain and India have held stop-start talks over a…
We are often fascinated when we spot a person of colour in British entertainment, be it cinema, series or any other source of entertainment. On this International Women's Day, we made a list of women who have brought colours to the British entertainment sector and have not only won the…
On the occasion of International Women's Day, we honour the women who have been striving for their rights and equality since the discrimination began. But do you know, that some women have marked history in the British Colonial era, although that time they were away from the spotlight? The British…
Prime minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the “incredible contribution of south Asian people to our economy and our society” as he congratulated winners at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity awards. Sunak also witnessed the unveiling of the GG2 Power List which profiles the country’s 101 most influential and…
The UK parliament's Business and Trade Committee has listed a lot of shortcomings in the compensation plan for the postmasters wrongly prosecuted in the infamous Post Office Horizon IT scandal, according to media reports. In its report issued on Thursday (7), the committee said the post office was not fit…
In a recent interview with GQ, Aryan Khan discussed his experience working with his father, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Aryan, who launched his luxury streetwear brand Dyavol X last year, directed an advertisement featuring his superstar dad. Reflecting on the collaboration, Aryan stated while interacting with GQ, “It’s always a…
India's embassy in Moscow has confirmed the death of a citizen recruited by the Russian army, days after a relative told AFP he had been sent to fight in Ukraine. Two years after Russia's invasion began, tens of thousands of its soldiers have been killed in Ukraine and Moscow is…
Leeds-born sitarist and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun has become the first sitar player to win a Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Award, winning in the Instrumentalist category. The award ceremony took place yesterday evening at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music. Billed as 'the biggest night in UK classical music’, the…
Celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar is set to host the 71st Miss World. The finale is taking place in India after 28 years. Miss World’s official Instagram profile announced the same. “We are honored to announce that Karan Johar @karanjohar, a renowned Indian filmmaker, will host the 71st Miss World Festival.…
THE strong south Asian contingent at this year’s BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival includes Halfway. Kumar Chheda has delivered an English-language short film about a young queer couple in India going through a turbulent phase in their relationship, who need to make an important decision during a phone conversation.…
JAVED ALI’S extensive repertoire spanning diverse languages makes him one of the most versatile singers of this generation. From emotive love ballads to soul-stirring Sufi compositions and lively dance numbers, his voice exudes sheer power. While his contributions to hit songs in numerous Indian films are remarkable, it’s on the…
EASTERN EYE readers had better hurry if they want to catch Bhangra Nation: A New Musical at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre where it is on only until next Saturday (16). I went last week and I’m glad I did, as the evening turned out to be very enjoyable. The Rep…
A 33-year-old Asian-origin woman on Wednesday appeared before a UK court charged with the murder of her 10-year-old daughter, who was found dead at their home in a town in the West Midlands region of England. Jaskirat Kaur, also known as Jasmine Kang, appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court charged with…
The Award-winning British Indian musician Nitin Sawhney, who had to withdraw from Australia’s premier world music festival WOMADelaide due to a medical emergency, has revealed that he ‘had a heart attack’ a few days ago. Known for musical scores in over 70 films, including for a screen adaptation of Salman…
INTERNATIONALLY renowned fashion designer Anushka Khanna has effortlessly combined her Indian heritage with a global perspective. From made-to-order, ready-to-wear and bespoke creations to dressing A-list celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, she has turned her brand into a powerful symbol of girl power.…
INDIA’S economy grew 8.4 per cent in the December quarter, official data showed last Thursday (29), with a surging manufacturing sector helping defy more modest analyst forecasts. Thursday’s results were significantly higher than the seven per cent projected by India’s central bank and other, lower estimates by analysts. “Double-digit growth…
A PHOTOGRAPHER has spoken of how she has charted the journey of Rohingya women “reclaiming their lives” in the refugee camps of Cox Bazaar in Bangladesh. Fabeha Monir is among five women whose work will be displayed in an exhibition at the Oxo Tower Wharf gallery in London’s SouthBank. The…
INDIA's Tata Motors, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, is planning to separate its car division as it wants to focus more on making electric cars in the future, reported The Telegraph. The split means Tata Motors will have two separate divisions: one will make regular cars, and the other will…
TIME is money”, but what does the expression really mean, especially to British Asians? This is the question finance guru Charles Crowson is eminently qualified to answer. Speaking to Eastern Eye, the author of Jam Tomorrow? Why Time Really Matters In Economics recalled the Indian boys who had studied with…
COUNCILLORS in the UK's second-largest city Birmingham on Tuesday (5) approved tax hikes and deep cuts to public services including arts funding and rubbish collection, as the city fights to avoid bankruptcy. The city council, which needs to save £300 million over two years to survive, voted to increase local…
COMMUNITY pharmacists can play a key role in an integrated NHS and help improve patient care, an influential business leader in the sector has said. Bharat Shah, who co-founded Sigma Pharmaceuticals, said stronger collaboration among primary healthcare providers can provide patients with the best possible care by fostering a unified…
THERE will be another global celebration of girl power on International Women’s Day. The annual day on March 8, aiming to empower women and girls will once again highlight everything from important social causes to human rights, equality and celebrating female heroes. Eastern Eye decided to mark the occasion by…
Lord Jitesh Gadhia, chairman of the British Asian Trust, was recognised for over three decades of public and community service with the GG2 Hammer Award at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, held at the Park Plaza hotel on Tuesday (5). After coming to Britain as a refugee from…
THE First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, was at the Indian High Commission in London last Thursday (29) to announce that 2024 would be a year of close collaboration between his country and India. “Wales in India”, his government said in a formal statement, “is a 12-month series of events…
THE fact that Sara Ali Khan’s career has been derailed will be illustrated by her back-to-back film releases this month. Instead of getting a cinema release, her movie Murder Mubarak will be dumped on Netflix next Friday (15). A week later, on March 22, Ae Watan Mere Watan will be…
A PROPOSED merger of Walt Disney’s and Reliance’s media assets in India could spark intense anti-trust scrutiny over their market power, with lawyers flagging concerns that the combined entity’s strong portfolio of cricket broadcast rights could impact advertisers. The Disney-Reliance $8.5 billion (£6.7bn) merger would create India’s No 1 TV…
FORMER US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley will suspend her presidential campaign on Wednesday (6), according to a source familiar with her plans, ensuring that Donald Trump will win the Republican nomination and once again face Democratic president Joe Biden in November's election. Haley will give a speech at…
SHREYAS IYER and Ishan Kishan were not considered for annual contracts for the 2023-24 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said last Wednesday (28). Iyer was on a Grade B contract last year while Kishan had a Grade C contract. But despite playing in the 50-over…
BRITAIN almost doubled the number of visas given to foreign health and care workers last year, government data showed, adding to pressure on prime minister Rishi Sunak over immigration ahead of an election expected later this year. Data released last Thursday (29) by the Home Office showed that Britain granted…
Actress Janhvi Kapoor has booked her second Telugu project in RRR star Ram Charan's 16th film, the makers on Wednesday said. The upcoming movie, currently titled RC 16, is being directed by Buchi Babu Sana. Production house Mythri Movie Makers made the announcement on the occasion of Jahnvi’s 27th birthday.…
Alia Bhatt is headlining a film in the YRF spy universe, filming for which will begin later this year, Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said on Tuesday. The YRF Spy Universe is an ambitious franchise that will see characters from different films cross paths. Tiger starring Salman Khan, War…
PRIME minister Rishi Sunak has retained the top spot on the 2024 GG2 Power List for the third year in a row, along with his wife Akshata Murty. The power couple were recognised for their growing influence in the UK, with Sunak in the top job and Murty playing an…
PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak has got the thumbs up on his cooking skills from his wife Akshata Murty, who admitted that he does not get much time to spend in the kitchen with a busy day job running the country. The British Indian first couple were speaking to Grazia women’s…
A team of British negotiators have left for India to iron out differences and clinch the multibillion-pound free-trade agreement (FTA), The Guardian reports. Led by a civil servant, the team has been mandated to resolve thorny issues like goods and services chapters, the daily added. The Sunak administration is eager…
Pakistani actress Sarah Khan, who has a huge fan following in India courtesy her shows Hum Tum, Khirkiyan, and Sabaat, says her dream since the time she began acting has been to star opposite Bollywood star Salman Khan. Sarah, 31, who currently features in Zindagi show Abdullahpur Ka Devdas, a…
A BRITISH Indian spy working with the UK's foreign intelligence service said the agency wants to recruit more people from black and Asian backgrounds. In a rare interview to BBC Radio 1Xtra, the MI6 director of global intelligence, identified only as Jay, said the service sought individuals with the right…
Asian-origin executives with years of experience in the field of law and finance have been appointed to the board of the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a non-ministerial department responsible for strengthening business competition and curbing anti-competitive practices. Dharmash Mistry, a venture capitalist specialising in technology, new business models,…
Hate preachers with extremist Islamist views from countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Indonesia will be blocked from entering Britain under new plans being drafted by the government, according to a UK media report on Sunday. ‘The Daily Telegraph' reports that the British government is concerned about a “shocking increase”…
The Princess of Wales has recently been spotted for the first time since December, marking her emergence into public view after undergoing abdominal surgery in January. The photos, captured and released by Backgrid, show her riding as a passenger in a vehicle near Windsor Castle, driven by her mother, Carole…
With the general elections around the corner, there is now speculation that energy secretary Claire Coutinho could get yet another plum posting. Quoting Whitehall sources, Politico has said the Asian-origin politician, whose career trajectory witnessed a rapid rise under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, could be his chancellor in waiting. During…
Britain's Conservative government unveils a pre-election budget Wednesday that could feature voter-friendly measures as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's party badly trails main opposition Labour in polls. Huge giveaways are not expected, however, as stubbornly-high inflation hikes repayments on state borrowing, undermining the ability to stimulate the recession-hit UK economy. Finance…
American singer Akon set the stage on fire with his special performance at the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. On day three of the gala event, Akon also performed his hit track 'Chammak Challo' from the sci-fi action thriller film Ra.One which got superstars Shah Rukh Khan…
Kanpur's Vaibhav Gupta has won the singing reality show Indian Idol 14 after besting co-contestants Subhadeep Das Chowdhary from Kolkata and Rajasthan's Piyush Panwar. Gupta, 19, was awarded with a cheque of ₹25 Lakh (approximately £23,791) from Sony Entertainment Television and a Brezza from co-sponsors Maruti Suzuki India Ltd in…
Actor-producer Anshuman Jha on Monday said his critically acclaimed film Lakadbaggha will be adapted into a comic book series and the first volume will be released at ComicCon 2024. The action-thriller follows the story of animal-loving vigilante Arjun Bakshi (Jha), who unearths an underground illegal animal trade cell functioning from…
Multiculturalism in the United Kingdom continues to play such a positive and important role throughout British society – from business and entrepreneurship to politics and culture. Our country’s Prime Minister is the first British Asian prime minister, whilst others are shaping the business landscape by infusing their unique perspectives, innovation…
Actors Vir Das, Richa Chadha, and Dulquer Salmaan on Sunday expressed shock over the gang rape of a Spanish tourist in Jharkhand's Dumka district and demanded that perpetrators be brought to justice. The woman from Spain was allegedly gang-raped at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area, around 300 km from…
Bollywood's three Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir -- showed off their bromance on-stage on the second day of the grand pre-wedding event of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant and his fiancée Radhika Merchant. And what better than grooving to the tune of "Naatu Naatu", the high-spirited Oscar-winning Telugu…
THE British Asian Trust has extended help for acid and burn violence survivors in Bangladesh, addressing a critical shortage of mental health services, the UK-based charity said in a statement. There are around 4,000 acid attack survivors in Bangladesh, nearly two-thirds of them are women. According to the charity, emotional…
GOOGLE's decision to remove some apps in India from its app store "cannot be permitted", Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday (2), amid an ongoing dispute over service fee payments to the US firm. Google on Friday (1) removed from its Play Store many Indian apps, including Matrimony.com's…
The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have become the talk of the town. With the presence of top Bollywood celebrities and international sensations, the event has reached unmatched levels of grandeur. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant Ambani, is set to tie the knot with industrialist…
In her first performance in India, pop star Rihanna set the stage on fire on day one of the lavish pre-wedding event of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant and his fiancee Radhika Merchant. The international music sensation, who belted out hit songs such as "Diamonds", "Where Have You Been", "Rude…
In the heart of Greater Manchester, a hidden gem beckons the taste buds of locals and curious visitors alike – the legendary 'Rice and Three' cafes. Nestled in the Northern Quarter, these unassuming eateries offer a uniquely Mancunian twist to south Asian cuisine. In the 1980s, the concept of 'Rice…
Bangladesh police have arrested three people, including two owners of a restaurant, in connection with the massive fire that broke out at a shopping mall in the capital Dhaka that killed at least 46 people. The fire broke out around 9:50 pm on Thursday at the restaurant named “Kacchi Bhai”…
Prime minister Rishi Sunak on Friday said Britain's multi-ethnic democracy was being deliberately undermined by Islamist and far-right extremists, calling for a tougher approach to policing protests in light of an increase in hate speech and criminality. British lawmakers this week have been given funding for new security provisions after…
A new report has highlighted a concerning reversal in gender equality progress in the UK, attributing it to the "motherhood penalty" and inadequate support for women going through menopause. Global accounting firm PwC's annual Women in Work Index revealed a significant widening of the gender pay gap in Britain, causing…
MOHSIN ISSA, the billionaire owner of Asda, has revealed plans to delegate the reins of the UK's third-largest supermarket chain. In an interview with the BBC, Issa disclosed a strategic "reset" for the retailer, anticipating the appointment of a new CEO. Despite Asda's considerable £5 billion debt, Issa affirmed his…
From Pop sensation Rihanna's performance to a special drone show, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's three-day pre-wedding festivities are going to be a grand affair. Guests from all around the world have already arrived in Jamnagar, Gujarat to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant,…
Olly Alexander, the artist, has officially released the music video of the latest single, Dizzy, set to represent the United Kingdom at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, in May. The music video for Dizzy can be enjoyed on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel, featuring captivating…
Ah, grey hair. The whispers of time and experience finds its way to showcase naturally. However, it is understandable for many of us – the need to slow down this change in life. But instead of waging war by applying chemicals on our hair, let’s explore some natural ingredient led…
THE British government's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda might end up costing more than £600 million to deport 300 refugees, parliament's spending watchdog said on Friday (1). Under the policy first announced in 2022, asylum seekers who arrive on England's southern coast in small, inflatable boats would…
The Rochdale by-election result will now make headlines around the world, despite having had a rather patchier grip on the town where it took place. George Galloway declared that his victory will produce a “tornado to tear through British, Israeli and global politics”. He is unlikely, however, to deliver on…
United States former President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and pop sensation Rihanna reached Jamnagar, Gujarat, to attend the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant that begin today on Friday. Ivanka was spotted at the airport and joins a long list of global celebrities who have been invited…
British house prices in February rose in annual terms for the first time in more than a year, mortgage lender Nationwide Building Society said on Friday, the latest sign of a recovery in the housing market after a dip in mortgage costs. House prices were 1.2 per cent higher than…
Veteran left-wing political maverick George Galloway won a vote to become the new lawmaker for the English town of Rochdale on Friday, vowing to be a thorn in the side for the opposition Labour Party before a national election it is tipped to win. After running a pro-Palestinian campaign, Galloway…
There has been a 60 per cent increase in Indian nationals using illegal small boats to cross the English Channel to enter the UK in 2023, reports Times of India. They pay around £100 to smugglers in Calais to undertake this risky journey and make asylum claims once they land…
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday arrived in Jamnagar for the three-day pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Zuckerberg arrived along with his wife Priscilla Chan and the couple received a warm welcome at the airport with white garlands and a traditional dance performance. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's…
Devyani Saltzman, who is a Canadian writer and curator, has been appointed the new Director for Arts and Participation at Barbican, London. She will take up the post in July, replacing Will Gompertz, who was artistic director but left to join Sir John Soane’s Museum. In a statement, Devyani Saltzman…
One of India’s leading fashion designers, Sabyasachi Mukherjee is entering the world of beauty with an exclusive range of 10 stunning new lipsticks steeped in luxury and Indian heritage. The 50-year-old designer, best known for his genre-defining bridalwear, is bringing the limited-edition lipstick collection in collaboration with Estée Lauder. The…
In a jolt to Vedanta Limited, the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed its plea for re-opening of its copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi, closed since May 2018 over pollution concerns, while underlining the importance of the health and welfare of the nearby residents. A bench headed by Chief…
Bollywood star couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on Thursday announced they are expecting their first child. The news comes days after reports of Padukone's pregnancy were doing social media rounds when the actress was photographed covering her midsection at the 77th BAFTA Awards which she attended as a presenter.…
Ultra-processed foods (UPF) have been identified as a major contributor to a range of harmful health effects, according to the world's most extensive review of its kind. The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), revealed a direct link between UPF consumption and 32 adverse health outcomes, including an…
The Metropolitan Police is "assessing" a report of hate speech made against MP Lee Anderson after he accused London mayor Sadiq Khan of being controlled by Islamists, according to media reports. The police said an unknown complainant approached them a day after Anderson made the controversial remark on a TV…
BRITAIN on Thursday (29) launched a drive to boost childhood vaccination rates, health authorities said, seeking an "urgent reversal" to a fall in uptake as the country faces a worsening measles outbreak. Routine childhood immunisations in Britain for diseases including measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria and polio, have been falling…
VOTERS began to cast their ballots as the Rochdale by-election got underway on Thursday (29) amid a turbulent atmosphere primarily influenced by the conflict in Gaza. Bookmakers predict Left-winger George Galloway, 69, leader of the Workers Party of Britain, will win, especially after Labour withdrew its candidate, Azhar Ali, due…
A new research warns that a 3-degree Celsius increase in global warming could plunge 90 per cent of the Himalayan Region into a prolonged drought. The study, led by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK, emphasises the severe consequences of climate change, urging the need…
The UK's opposition Labour Party has launched a new diaspora outreach organisation to connect with British Indians and also to strengthen its interactions with India in a year when both countries are preparing for general elections. The party's shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, marked the launch of “Labour Indians” in…
INDIA's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will return for the final Test against England after missing the team's series-clinching win in the fourth match, the country's cricket board said Thursday (29). Bumrah was rested in the previous Test, which India won by five wickets in Ranchi to take an unassailable 3-1…
India's richest man has kicked off lavish pre-wedding parties for his son by feeding more than 50,000 people in his hometown, with celebrations in the coming days expected to include some of the world's most influential figures. Global tech CEOs, industry titans, Bollywood stars, pop icons, and politicians are among…
A pioneering study published in the journal Thorax reveals that poorly managed asthma releases a volume of greenhouse gases equivalent to that produced by 124,000 homes annually in the United Kingdom. The research, conducted in the United Kingdom, emphasizes the critical need for improved asthma care to mitigate greenhouse gas…
FORMER home secretary Suella Braverman has denounced the ongoing controversy surrounding Islamophobia within the Tory party as "hysteria," urging prime minister Rishi Sunak to address Islamist extremism promptly, reported The Telegraph. Braverman believes stripping Lee Anderson, the former Tory party deputy chairman, of his party privileges was an overreaction to…
North London's vibrant kebab scene took centre stage at the recent 12th British Kebab Awards, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel on February 27. Sponsored by Just Eat, the prestigious event recognized outstanding contributions to the UK's kebab industry, with notable winners hailing from various corners of North London.…
LEGENDARY concert organiser Jay Visvadeva has been delighting live music fans across generations in the UK since the 1970s, bringing together the biggest artists. His SAMA arts organisation continues to produce exciting concerts, including the South Asian Sounds festival at Southbank Centre in London from next Thursday (7) to next…
A STUDY of frozen blood samples has turned up a trove of proteins that may predict several forms of dementia more than 10 years before the disease is diagnosed, researchers from the UK and China reported last month. The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, is part of ongoing…
A SELF-CONFESSED Canadian white nationalist who deliberately ran over and killed four members of a Muslim family with his pickup truck in 2021 was given a life sentence last Thursday (22) with no chance of parole for 25 years. Nathaniel Veltman, 23, had been found guilty of first-degree murder last…
BAS JAVID, who has been tasked with policing illegal immigration, has said his immigrant background enables him to bring compassion to the role. Javid was appointed director general for immigration enforcement at the Home Office in November last year. With a budget exceeding £779 million and a staff of more…
INDIAN conglomerate Tata Group announced Wednesday (28) that its new multibillion-pound UK factory to manufacture batteries will be located in Bridgwater, south west England. The £4 billion plant in the county of Somerset, southwest England, will be Tata's first so-called gigafactory outside India. Agratas, Tata Group's global battery business confirmed…
Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal on Wednesday became the first Indian citizen to be conferred an honorary Knighthood by Britain's King Charles III “for services to UK and India business relations”. In a list of honorary British awards unveiled by the UK Cabinet Office, Mittal receives a…
PLAYING Winston Churchill in a play at the National Theatre is another step towards inclusivity in the arts, actor Tony Jayawardena told Eastern Eye. The 45-year-old will be seen playing the iconic former British prime minister in the play, Nye, which is based on the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan…
THE 2019 stage adaptation of writer Hanif Kureishi’s iconic 1985 film, My Beautiful Laundrette, was so successful that it returned for another UK tour, beginning at Curve Theatre in Leicester, where it was originally produced. Set against a backdrop of nationalism, racial tensions and political turmoil of the 1980s, the…
THE spotlight shifting towards south Indian cinema has resulted in big box-office returns, critical acclaim and international attention. Renowned for their distinctiveness, cultural richness, grandeur and mass appeal, south Indian films have now become a subject of global interest. Here are 10 top south Indian movies to watch out for…
THE mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has told Eastern Eye he believes communities will come together to stand up against “politics of extremism, division and blame”. His comments came amid an escalating row after Lee Anderson, the former deputy chairman of the Conservative party, last Saturday (24) claimed “Islamists had…
Sri Lanka has told Russians and Ukrainians staying in the country to leave in two weeks, according to media reports. The immigration controller of the island nation has issued a notice to the tourism ministry asking Russian and Ukrainian people staying on extended tourist visas to leave Sri Lanka within…
South Korea is grappling with the world's lowest birth rate, a crisis that shows no signs of abating as new data reveals a further 8 per cent decline in 2023 to an alarming 0.72, well below the 2.1 needed for population stability. This relentless decline, now spanning over a decade,…
AGE has become an important factor in the 2024 general elections in the US, an eminent Indian-American Democrat has said, signalling that youths and minorities who were a strong pillar of support for President Joe Biden in 2020, seem to lack enthusiasm and energy about the ruling party in the…
HARMEET grew up in a vibrant multicultural corner of east London, with her parents, sister and grandparents. And from an early age, she was always encouraged to use her voice to help others. “This ranged from translating information from English to Punjabi for older relatives and supporting my mother to…
SERVICES in community pharmacies are expanding, and your local pharmacist is now able to provide medication for seven common conditions, without needing a GP appointment first. Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get advice on minor health concerns. Pharmacists have long been pillars of…
INDIA on Tuesday (27) introduced four crew members for its maiden 'Gaganyaan' space voyage, as it aims to become the world's fourth country to send a crewed mission into space just months after a historic landing on the south pole of the moon. Gaganyaan, or "sky craft" in Hindi, is…
FOREIGN criminals who commit lower-level offenses in the UK will face deportation rather than prosecution, as outlined by justice secretary Alex Chalk. The move aims to alleviate prison overcrowding and prioritise the safety of British citizens, reported The Telegraph. Chalk explained that foreign offenders, including shoplifters, thieves, and drug dealers,…
One of the world’s richest men, Mukesh Ambani is gearing up for the big fat Indian wedding of his younger son Anant Ambani with Radhika Merchant. The pre-wedding ceremonies are set to start on March 1-3 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the home of Ambani’s massive oil refineries. Several high-profile personalities from…
British police are working with their Indian counterparts to trace a British Airways supervisor believed to be on the run in India after his role in an alleged £3 million visa scam from over five years came to light, according to a UK media report on Tuesday. ‘The Sun' newspaper…
THE families of British Indian teenager Grace O'Malley Kumar and her friend Barnaby Webber, who were stabbed to death near their university in Nottingham last year, have accused the police of “ongoing mismanagement” in their handling of the case. Both the Kumar and Webber families issued a joint statement, reported…
Citigroup has appointed Viswas Raghavan as its new head of banking. Raghavan spent over two decades at JPMorgan and was recently appointed as head of global investment banking. He is expected to join Citigroup in the summer and will replace Peter Babej, who is due to retire later this year.…
Ahead of the funeral of legendary singer Pankaj Udhas, several celebrities arrived at his residence in Mumbai to pay their condolences to the bereaved family. Musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Ustad Zakir Hussain were spotted arriving at the house of the singer, who passed away on February 26 after a period…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a threat to declining employment opportunities but also to the environment. In recent years, major technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Meta, have substantially increased their water consumption for cooling down data centres, raising concerns about environmental consequences. With millions of users relying on…
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has declared he is “living proof” that Britain is not a racist country as he sought to douse the Islamophobia row, The Times reports. He warned that all politicians had an obligation to be “careful” and not “unnecessarily inflame” tensions after the former deputy Tory chairman,…
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg was in Japan on Monday on a mini-Asia tour involving sword-making, mixed-reality headsets in Seoul, and reportedly also lavish pre-wedding celebrations for an Indian multi-billionaire's son. Zuckerberg posted footage on Sunday on social media of a "special afternoon learning about making katanas" with a sword master,…
Britain's competition watchdog on Monday launched a probe into eight housebuilders, citing evidence that they may have shared information and "influenced" prices in a property market plagued by shortages. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had opened an investigation "into the suspected sharing of commercially sensitive information by…
Celebrated ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose velvet smooth voice gave expression to the many colours of love, longing, and heartache in songs such as "Chitthi Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", died on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 72. Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback…
The UK’s Royal Mint on Monday unveiled a new collectible coin celebrating British singer-songwriter George Michael, famous as a member of the group WHAM! and for hit singles such as ‘Last Christmas’. The new coin features Michael’s signature look and music from his debut solo album and second single ‘Faith’.…
Several Indians who worked as support staff to the Russian army were discharged following India's demand, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. It said India remains committed, as a matter of "top priority", to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities all the relevant cases of Indian nationals…
Air India, recognised as India's foremost international airline, on Friday (23) launched 'Safety Mudras,' the airline’s new inflight safety video. This video combines essential safety guidelines with the vivid spectrum of India's rich cultural heritage. The project, a result of a collaboration among the distinguished trio of Prasoon Joshi from…
A UK-based professor of Asian origin was denied entry by the immigration authorities at Bangalore airport in India on Friday (23) despite being an invitee for a function organised by the Karnataka state, according to multiple reports. Nitasha Kaul, who teaches at the University of Westminster, recounted her ordeal on…
A recent findings from the Resolution Foundation highlight a significant shift in the landscape of workforce health in the UK. The report underscores a concerning surge in poor mental health among young people, adversely affecting their educational attainment and employment opportunities. Official figures reveal a notable uptick in mental health…
India's Reliance Industries has signed a "binding pact" for a merger deal with Walt Disney's local unit, Bloomberg News reported Monday, a major shakeup for the country's multi-billion dollar entertainment industry. India's entertainment market is already one of the world's biggest, with the expected merger set to create a vast…
Actress Yami Gautam's action political thriller film Article 370 has been banned in the Gulf countries. While Article 370 has been riding high on success at the domestic and overseas box office, garnering praise from both audiences and critics alike, the ban in the Gulf is another dampener on the…
Prime minister Rishi Sunak said that Western nations should take a more assertive stance on confiscating Russian assets, which were frozen following the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sunak, in an article in an early edition of the Sunday Times to mark two years since the start of…
