• Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Results for "WHO"

Court rejects Nirav Modi’s fresh bail plea

FUGITIVE businessman Nirav Modi, who has been in prison in London for over five years, on Tuesday (7) had his new bail application rejected by a UK judge who ruled that he continued to pose a “substantial risk" of absconding justice. Diamond merchant Modi, 52, lost his extradition battle to…

Who is Mona Patel who created sensation with her Met…

The Met Gala, an annual extravaganza that brings together the crème de la crème of the fashion and entertainment worlds, once again descended upon New York City with unparalleled glamour and grandeur. Hosted by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Gala 2024 was a celebration…

Sunak interacts with Go Dharmic volunteers

Prime minister Rishi Sunak on Monday (7) helped prepare meals in a community kitchen along with volunteers as visited the charity Go Dharmic in London. Sunak helped make vegan kichari, a nutritious and affordable meal that is part of Go Dharmic’s “feed everyone” initiative. The prime minister spoke to Go…

Alia Bhatt to Simone Ashley: 10 South Asian women who…

The Met Gala has always been a pinnacle of glamour, creativity, and cultural significance in the world of fashion. This year, it was even more dazzling as several South Asian women graced the red carpet, showcasing their unique style and heritage with poise and elegance. Among the divas who stole…

BJP’s video attacking Congress, Muslims sparks outrage

A few days ago an animated video targeting India's Congress party and the Muslim community was taken down from Instagram after many users flagged it over hate speech concerns. But the animated clip that depicts the Congress giving disproportionate benefits to the Muslim community, at the cost of certain disadvantaged…

Comment: Sunak has to offer a competitive election to avoid…

MY DAD still plans to vote for Rishi Sunak at the general election. He mostly feels that somebody should. He sees the prime minister as a decent man, trying his best in difficult times. Because dad arrived in Britain during the week after Enoch Powell’s infamous ‘rivers of blood’ speech,…

Leicester disorder review panel calls for evidence

A call for evidence has been launched on Tuesday (7) as part of an investigation into the civil unrest in Leicester in 2022. Led by former Labour MP and minister Lord Ian Austin, the independent Leicester review panel seeks to understand the events, their underlying reasons, and explore strategies to…

USA spinner Nisarg Patel eager to face Indian stars at…

Ahmedabad-born USA left-arm spinner Nisarg Patel can't wait to pick brains of his much experienced India counterpart Ravindra Jadeja and "run machine" Virat Kohli on the sidelines of their T20 World Cup fixture in New York on June 12. Nisarg, who attended school in India before leaving for the US…

RSC’s The Buddha of Suburbia a relatively faithful interpretation

A day before I saw the RSC production of The Buddha of Suburbia, a private school principal and I were chatting in his office about some of author Hanif Kureishi’s themes – whether they still resonate with readers and audiences today. Kureishi’s debut and seminal The Buddha of Suburbia (1990) is loosely semi-autobiographical and…

Academic courses on race and colonialism ‘threatened by cuts’

ACADEMICS have warned that cuts to arts and humanities courses in UK universities could lead to a poorer understanding of race and colonialism. Petitions are being circulated to keep anthropology alive at Kent University, where it's at risk of shutting down. Also, Oxford Brookes has already closed its music programme…

BP sees sharp profit decline as gas prices fall

British energy giant BP reported a significant downturn in its net profit for the first quarter, attributing the decline to a drop in gas prices compared to the corresponding period last year. According to BP's latest financial statement released on Tuesday, profit after tax plummeted by a staggering 72 per…

‘Freedom at Midnight’ ropes in five international actors to cast

The makers of the political thriller series Freedom at Midnight have added five international actors to the cast. The five actors -- Luke McGibney, Andrew Cullum, Richard Teverson, Alistair Finlay, and Cordelia Bugeja -- will play pivotal roles in the Sony LIV series, which comes from filmmaker Nikkhil Advani and…

‘Hinduja firm awaits regulatory approval for Reliance Capital acquisition’

HINDUJA group firm IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL) is yet to get a nod from India's insurance watchdog for its acquisition of Reliance Capital for £930 million, its chairman Ashok Hinduja has said. Stating that IIHL has been in touch with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) since…

Khan accuses India of carrying out killings in Pakistan

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, who is in jail, has warned that the situation in Balochistan province and on borders with India and Afghanistan was worsening. In a column for The Daily Telegraph newspaper, the 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician wrote, "On Pakistan’s borders, India has already admitted to undertaking assassinations inside…

Sunita Williams-piloted Boeing Starliner test flight postponed

THE long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical glitch with the Atlas V rocket that was being readied to launch the new astronaut capsule to orbit on Monday (6) night. The CST-100 Starliner's inaugural voyage carrying astronauts…

Met Gala 2024: Alia Bhatt walks in floral saree by…

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt returned to the Met Gala carpet, this year opting for a floral saree by ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. In her second outing at the prestigious fashion gala, held annually at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the actor garnered the spotlight with her elegant saree which…

Suryakumar ton powers Mumbai to seven-wicket win over Hyderabad

Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten century to propel the Mumbai Indians to a resounding seven-wicket win over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the latest IPL showdown on Wednesday. Despite a shaky start that saw Mumbai at 31-3, Suryakumar combined forces with Tilak Varma to guide their team to victory with a…

UK defence ministry hit by large-scale cyberattack

The UK's defence ministry has been hit by a significant cyberattack, confirmed by a government minister on Monday. Mel Stride, the work and pensions minister, described the attack as targeting a system managed by an external firm and stated that it was still a "very significant matter". According to Tobias…

Churchill faced threats from Indian extremists during US trip, says…

Sir Winston Churchill was in the crosshairs of Indian extremists during a visit to the United States, nearly a decade before he became Britain's famous wartime prime minister, newly uncovered papers reveal. Files at the National Archives at Kew show that FBI agents were deployed to protect him from the…

‘Kesariya’ only Indian song to surpass 500 million streams on…

The timeless allure of Kesariya, from the movie Brahmastra, continues to captivate audiences worldwide as it achieves a monumental milestone. With its heartfelt lyrics and enchanting tunes, the love anthem becomes the first Indian song to cross 500 million streams on Spotify, solidifying its place in music history. “Kesariya” is…

5 Bollywood films featuring older women romancing younger men

The recently released Hollywood film The Idea of You has been garnering positive response from critics and audiences alike, with the majority of the audience praising actress Anne Hathaway’s character who embarks on a romantic relationship with a sixteen-year-old man, played by Nicholas Galitzine. While there is no dearth of…

India’s opposition says Modi shielding sex scandal accused

A sex scandal involving a Indian member of parliament from a regional party has embroiled prime mininster Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party. Prajwal Revanna, 33, had allegedly sexually assaulted around 400 women and blackmailed them using 2,800 videos recording the assaults. He is the grandson of HD Deve…

Indian student stabbed to death in Australia; suspects at large

An Indian student studying for an MTech degree in Australia was stabbed to death during a confrontation among fellow Indian students. Police are currently seeking two Indian-origin brothers in connection with the incident. Navjeet Sandhu, aged 22, was fatally attacked with a knife when he attempted to intervene in a…

‘Under the Bridge’: Archie Panjabi shares why her new show…

Under the Bridge, based on the disappearance of Reena Virk, is currently streaming on Hulu. Archie Panjabi, who plays a pivotal role in the show, said that the true crime drama made her feel like she has been “punched in the stomach.” She told a publication, “Because I had never…

SNP veteran Swinney set to be Scotland’s next leader

Scottish National Party (SNP) veteran John Swinney was confirmed the party's new leader on Monday and is set to succeed Humza Yousaf as the country's first minister after he emerged as the sole contender in the leadership race for a new premier. Over the weekend, there were reports that party…

Labour set to overtake SNP, shows poll data

In a significant shift in Scottish politics, Labour is poised to reclaim its dominance over the Scottish National Party (SNP), according to a recent poll. Under the leadership of Anas Sarwar, Labour has achieved its most substantial lead over the SNP in nearly ten years and is projected to gain…

Labour leader calls for reclaiming Muslim voters’ trust

While Labour party sounds upbeat about its performance in the just-concluded local elections, its disappointing show in areas with a sizeable Muslim population is worrying its leaders. The latest to express concern is deputy campaign coordinator Ellie Reeves who admitted the party had "a lot of work to do" to…

Karim Zeroual and others join Beck Theatre Hayes’ pantomime ‘Aladdin’

Casting is announced for this year’s ‘genie-us’ pantomime as Aladdin flies into town to the Beck Theatre Hayes 13 December 2024– 05 January 2025. Cast includes popular TV presenter, theatre performer, and Strictly finalist Karim Zeroual alongside Hayes’ favourite panto comedian Joe Pollard, returning for his third consecutive year. They…

Narine powers Kolkata to top, Chennai beat Punjab

Sunil Narine's blistering knock of 81 runs off just 39 balls powered Kolkata Knight Riders to a resounding 98-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, taking them to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings. Opting to bat first in Lucknow's final home encounter, Kolkata stamped their…

EXCLUSIVE: Street calls on Tories to unite

THE West Midlands mayor Andy Street has called on the Conservative Party to come together and back prime minister Rishi Sunak despite admitting the pair previously “fell out”. Sunak’s position has been under scrutiny in recent months, with former home secretary Suella Braverman on Monday (22) refusing to rule out…

Sunak warns of hung parliament, calls local poll results disappointing

Rishi Sunak has suggested that Britain could face a hung parliament in the upcoming general election, urging Conservative MPs to unify in the face of Labour's challenge. In his first comments since the full extent of the party’s local election losses became clear, the prime minister admitted that the results…

India has ‘unexplored’ opportunities: Warren Buffett

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett said that the Indian market has “unexplored” opportunities which his conglomerate holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, would like to tap. Buffett's remarks came at Berkshire's annual meeting on Friday when Rajeev Agarwal of DoorDarshi Advisors, a US-based hedge fund that invests in Indian equities, asked him about…

Sunak promises to work ‘as hard as ever’

Prime minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday promised to work "as hard as ever" after a disastrous set of election results saw his Conservative Party being unseated across several local authorities. The British Indian leader admitted his disappointment after Andy Street, the party's popular Mayor of West Midlands, narrowly lost to…

Wife of doctor who drove car off a cliff seeks…

The wife of an Asian-origin doctor in the US, who drove his family off a cliff in his car last year, has pleaded with a judge not to jail him, according to media reports. Neha Patel’s husband, Dharmesh, 43, a radiologist from Pasadena, Los Angeles, has been charged with attempting…

Ewallet Free Credit: Your Ticket to Limitless Gaming Fun

Ready to level up your gaming experience? Ewallet free credit is your gateway to endless fun and excitement, all without spending your own cash. Dive into an array of games, take advantage of exclusive promotions, and manage your gaming budget efficiently. Discover top games, expert tips, and strategies to enhance…

Canada has ‘political compulsion’ to blame India: Minister

Canada's investigation into alleged Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist in Vancouver last year is a "political compulsion", India's foreign minister S. Jaishankar said after three Indian citizens were arrested over the killing. Canadian police on Friday arrested the trio for the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar,…

Du Plessis, Kohli help Bengaluru stay in IPL race

Skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru hammer Gujarat Titans by four wickets for their third successive IPL win on Saturday. Chasing a modest 148 for victory, Du Plessis, who hit 64, and Kohli, who made 42, laid the foundations with a stand of 92 in…

Labour’s Richard Parker defeats Andy Street in West Midlands mayoral…

LABOUR capped off the local elections on Saturday evening (4) with a narrow win for Richard Parker in the West Midlands mayoral race, defeating Conservative incumbent Andy Street by just 1,508 votes. Earlier this evening, Labour's Sadiq Khan was re-elected as London mayor for the third consecutive term, after he…

Andy Burnham wins third term as Greater Manchester mayor

ANDY BURNHAM has been re-elected as Greater Manchester mayor, writes Ethan Davies. The Labour politician, who can now expect 11 years in power at the top of the city-region, collected 420,749 votes, or 63.4 per cent of the ballot. The former MP for Leigh, who has been mayor since 2017,…

Kareena appointed Unicef India Ambassador

UNICEF India on Saturday announced Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new National Ambassador. The Crew star, who has been associated with UNICEF India since 2014, will support the not-for-profit organisation in furthering every child’s right to early childhood development, health, education, and gender equality, a press release said.…

Here’s why the makers of ‘Ghostbusters’ called in a Muslim…

In films and television, the quest for authenticity and inclusivity has become paramount. From accurate portrayals of diverse cultures to nuanced depictions of intimacy, filmmakers are increasingly recognizing the importance of consulting with experts to ensure respectful and accurate representation on screen. This trend has given rise to the roles…

Police arrest Indian opposition party’s social media chief

INDIAN police said Saturday (4) they had arrested the social media chief of the country's main opposition party over accusations he doctored a widely shared video during an ongoing national election. The Congress party's Arun Reddy was detained late Friday (3) in connection with the edited footage, which falsely shows…

New Labour police commissioner in Nottinghamshire to prioritise trust in…

THE newly-elected Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner says ensuring there’s trust in the force will be a big part of his job. Labour’s Gary Godden defeated Tory Caroline Henry convincingly by more than 40,000 votes. The former police officer of 15 years will now be tasked with holding the force…

Royal family to relinquish patronages of 200 charities

KING CHARLES and other senior British royals are to relinquish patronages of almost 200 charities and organisations after a review of their association with more than 1,000 groups, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday (4). The review was launched following the death of Queen Elizabeth to examine all the charities and…

British Indian friends join line-up of challenging new real-world UK…

Two British Indian female professionals have been unveiled in the final line-up of a challenging new real-world series set to hit UK screens next week, in which contestants are challenged to double their money within hours in pursuit of a hefty cash prize. Nutritionist-chef Radhika Howarth and historian-storyteller Seema Anand…

Starc, Venkatesh Iyer star as Kolkata beat Mumbai by 24…

Mitchell Starc picked up four wickets, while Venkatesh Iyer scored a half-century as a disciplined performance helped Kolkata Knight Riders seal a 24-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday. Chasing a below-par target of 170, Mumbai lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually…

London mayoral turnout dips compared to last election

A total of 40.5 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots in the London mayoral election, it has been revealed. The figure is down slightly from the 42 per cent of Londoners who voted in the last contest in 2021. The counting of how many votes each mayoral candidate…

India elections 2024: What we learned this week

Two phases of India's elections are over, and the third phase will take place on Tuesday (7 May), but still, we are not even halfway through the world's biggest polls which began on 19 April. Not only has the contest between the prime minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)…

Bengaluru to host film festival in honour of Guru Dutt

In a tribute to Bengaluru-born legendary actor-director Guru Dutt, the city will host a two-day film festival and a musical evening featuring his hit songs this weekend. The event is being organised by Rotary Needy Heart Foundation, said Rotarian Rajendra Rai, former district governor of District 3190. “The proceeds from…

Post Office lawyer accused of concealing Horizon system bugs

FORMER senior Post Office lawyer Jarnail Singh is under scrutiny in the Horizon IT inquiry for his alleged concealment of crucial information regarding bugs in the Horizon system. Singh, however, denied any knowledge of the bugs despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The inquiry revealed that Singh was copied into an email…

Labour pushes for general election after Tory losses

Labour called for a general election announcement by Rishi Sunak after significant gains in the local elections, and also securing a seat in the parliament in the bypoll. Party leader Keir Starmer said the party's parliament seat win in Blackpool South in northwest England sent a clear message to Sunak.…

David Skaith vows unity as first North Yorkshire mayor

BUSINESSMAN David Skaith has pledged to “bring York and North Yorkshire together to grow as one” after sweeping to victory as the first mayor of a traditionally Tory-dominated region. After weeks of speculation that the contest to become the chair of the area’s first combined authority would be closely fought,…

Middlesbrough councillor accused of sharing offensive posts

A Middlesbrough councillor has been accused of sharing “hate-filled” social media posts linked to the war in the Middle East. Marton West councillor Zafar Uddin shared and commented on several anti-Israel posts on Facebook including one which described several world leaders as “baby killers” and others describing Israel as a…

Would ‘absolutely’ like to make more ‘Batman’ movies: Jonathan Nolan

British-American screenwriter and film producer Jonathan Nolan said he would like to return to the Batman universe. During the promotion of his hit series Fallout, he spoke about revisiting the popular Batman franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Wouldn't that be a dream?" Nolan said. "That period was 10 years…

Saba Azad’s ‘Minimum’ opens 26th UK Asian Film Festival

Belgium-set Indian immigrant drama Minimum opened the 26th UK Asian Film Festival at the BFI IMAX in London on May 2. The film stars Saba Azad, Naseeruddin Shah, Moushumi Chatterjee, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Namit Das, Tasneem Ali, and Vansh Luthra in lead roles and is directed by Rumana Molla. Indian origin,…

Umar Kamani and Nada Adelle’s wedding functions begin in France

PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani and model Nada Adelle have kicked off their wedding celebration in style. For the unversed, the pair are set to tie the knot at the luxury Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the exclusive resort linked to Eden Rock, owned by Pippa Middleton’s in-laws in the South of France.…

Indian conservationist wins top UK wildlife award

An Indian wildlife biologist has been honoured with a top UK wildlife charity award for her work in conserving the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat. Dr Purnima Devi Barman won the GBP 100,000 Whitley Gold Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), which supports grassroots conservation…

Labour remains largest party on Bolton council

LABOUR remain the largest party on Bolton Council despite being two councillors down today. They gained a seat in Bradshaw from the Tories and dramatically lost a councillor in Astley Bridge where Conservative candidate Toby Hewitt won by a single vote. Labour also lost to an Independent, Ayyub Chota Patel…

Boris Johnson forgets voter ID, gets turned away from polling…

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister who implemented a rule requiring voters to show photo ID, was denied entry to a polling station on Thursday because he forgot to bring his own ID. Johnson, who resigned in 2022 amid scandals, was initially turned away from a polling station in Oxfordshire,…

Sobhita Dhulipala reveals how ‘Monkey Man’ changed her life

Actress Sobhita Dhulipala credits Dev Patel's Monkey Man for changing her life. She opened up about her journey in the entertainment industry and the "idea of a mainstream commercial film star" in India. When asked whether Monkey Man changed her life, she told Deadline, “Would it release at all? Where?…

Meryl Streep to receive Cannes honorary Palme d’Or

Meryl Streep will be honoured with a special Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival's opening ceremony on May 14, organizers announced Thursday. The Hollywood icon, who won the best actress prize at Cannes in 1989, will join the kick-off of the 77th edition at the Grand Theatre Lumiere. "I…

India an incredibly exciting market, says Apple CEO

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Friday said that in India it has posted a record growth in the March quarter, and termed it as an 'incredibly exciting market'. Describing India market as a "major focus", Cook said Apple is working on the entire ecosystem from developer to the market to…

Labour loses Oldham majority after 13-year reign

AFTER a dramatic election night, Labour has lost its overall majority in Oldham council for the first time in thirteen years. The group saw seven seats go to independent candidates. Though they gained two seats in Hollinwood and Failsworth East, they were left with just 26 councillors when the final…

Hyderabad steal a nail-biting one-run win over Rajasthan

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a gripping one-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in an thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Thursday. With just two runs required off the final delivery, Rajasthan's Rovman Powell missed a full toss and was given out lbw to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished with figures of 3-41.…

Animated series ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ sets release date

Animated series Baahubali: Crown of Blood, a prequel to SS Rajamouli’s two blockbuster Baahubali movies, is set to release on Disney+Hotstar on May 17, the streamer announced on Thursday. Created by Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan of The Legend of Hanuman fame, the show promises to take the audiences into an…

Labour wins Blackpool South as Tories trail in local elections

THE Conservatives lost a parliamentary seat to Labour on Friday (3), as Britain awaited local election results likely to pile more pressure on prime minister Rishi Sunak. Labour seized the constituency of Blackpool South, in the northwest of England, in the latest by-election defeat for the Tories as it appears…

Australia downplays media report on Indian spy scandal

A string of senior Australian ministers on Wednesday refused to confirm reports that a "nest" of Indian spies had been uncovered in the country and expelled, allegations that threaten to damage a burgeoning alliance. Australia's prime minister, and foreign, defence and treasury ministers all dodged questions about allegations that Indian…

Fired Societe Generale trader blames bosses

One of the Societe Generale traders let go by the French bank late last year after it uncovered a series of unauthorised bets has criticised his former bosses, saying they were at fault for failing to identify the trades. He said he and other traders were being targeted. Kavish Kataria,…

Seema Misra ‘owed the truth’, says solicitor Smith during Post…

SOLICITOR and former employee of law firm Cartwright King, Martin Smith, on Thursday (2) said that wrongly-convicted sub-postmistress Seema Misra is 'owed the truth. Lawyer Edward Henry KC, who represents Misra, was questioning Smith on advice given by Brian Altman KC during the Post Office inquiry. During the inquiry, it…

John Swinney to be Scotland’s new first minister

Scotland's John Swinney was poised Thursday to take over as first minister and return as leader of the governing Scottish National Party (SNP) after his main rival decided against running for the top job. Swinney, 60, who last led the pro-independence SNP from 2000 to 2004 when they were in…

Biden criticises India as ‘xenophobic’

US president Joe Biden said that "xenophobia" from China to Japan and India is hobbling their growth, as he argued that migration has been good for the country's economy. "One of the reasons why our economy's growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants," Biden…

Composer Naushad’s grand daughter speaks about his greatness

NAUSHAD ALI delivered stunning soundtracks, timeless songs and brilliant background scores during a path-breaking music career filled with magic moments.   His granddaughter Umarah Naushad Ali is rightly proud of the late composing maestro’s work and discussed his legacy with Eastern Eye. The talented pastry chef, and expert in animation, VFX…

How Manoj Kerai made Mrs Kapoor a firm family favourite

HIT theatre comedy Mrs Kapoor’s Daughter’s Wedding 2: Mauritius recently returned for another successful UK tour.  The story of a dysfunctional family planning a destination wedding has been delighting audiences nationwide and gearing up for a history-making performance in London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre on July 16.  …

JLF London returns to the British Library with an exciting…

Teamwork Arts has announced an inspirational line-up for JLF London at the British Library, scheduled to be held from 7th to 9th June 2024. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the festival and the programme promises an array of sessions that span diverse genres and themes, including conversations on…

Pakistan clinch final match to draw series

SKIPPER Babar Azam hit a solid half century while spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed four wickets as Pakistan overcame New Zealand by nine runs in the fifth and final Twenty20I in Lahore last Saturday (27) . Azam’s 44-ball 69 and Fakhar Zaman’s 33-ball 43 took Pakistan to 178-5 in their…

Casting an eye over ethical investments

Whether it’s saving up to buy a home, putting money aside for a comfortable retirement or just building a nest egg, the urge to save is strong and universal. People have always saved, even if the growth of the financial services industry means savers now have a bewildering array of…

Vahbiz Dorabjee: Adventures of a top TV star

POPULAR actress Vahbiz Dorabjee won the hearts of audiences with a winning debut in hit TV serial Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, which ran for just over a year after premiering in 2010. Although she followed that up with further roles, the versatile actress hasn’t been seen onscreen for a…

‘Khushwant Singh Literary Festival promoted closer ties between India and…

KHUSHWANT SINGH was my father. One of the best-known writers of the post-Partition generation (Train to Pakistan, A History of the Sikhs, Delhi, a Novel), he was also an editor (Illustrated Weekly of India), and the most widely read Indian columnist. His weekly column, With Malice Towards One and All,…

London has become ‘unrecognisable’ after it opened doors to ‘jihad’:…

Donald Trump has said that British “culture” had been eroded by jihadis and pledged not to let that happen in the United States. Speaking at a campaign rally in Wisconsin on Wednesday (1), the Republican presidential candidate remarked that London has become “unrecognisable” because it has “opened its doors to…

Bill Gates optimistic of polio eradication in next decade

SUCCESS in the fight to wipe out polio is not guaranteed, according to tech billionaire turned philanthropist Bill Gates, whose foundation has poured billions into the effort. Gates warned against complacency in tackling the deadly viral disease as he welcomed a $500 million (£398.6m) pledge from Saudi Arabia last Sunday…

Cricket bible pays tribute to India stars Bedi and Durrani

THE Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2024 has allocated 77 pages to obituaries to “celebrate 200 lives”, among them Indian legends Bishan Singh Bedi and Salim Aziz Durrani. The former merits four pages.   Wisden says that Bedi, “who died on October 23, aged 77, was one of a small group of…

Vedanta plans to invest £16bn in India

THE Vedanta Group is planning to invest $20 billion (£16bn) across all its businesses in India over the next four years, its chairman Anil Agarwal has said. The group will sell the steel business only at the right price, and is committed to continue running it if it does not…

Community pharmacists praised at annual conference

THE chief pharmaceutical officer for England, David Webb, has welcomed the expansion of clinical services offered by community pharmacies as he addressed the annual Pharmacy Business Conference last weekend. With “pharmacies providing 93,000 consultations in the inaugural month of the groundbreaking launch of the Pharmacy First service,” Webb praised the…

Tanya Katyal: History told as joke in ‘Testmatch’ cuts deeper

ONE of last year’s British theatre success stories was a winning lead performance from newcomer Tanya Katyal in big budget play, The Empress. The Indian actress overcame nerves of it being her first job after drama school, and working with an experienced creative team on a large-scaled production, to make…

Great time for Britain to join Indian growth gravy train,…

BRITISH INDIAN leaders have welcomed a glowing report which recommends India as the ideal country for foreign investment. Ian Cowie, in his “Personal Account” column in the Sunday Times (28), wrote: “The country is bidding to become the world’s third-biggest economy and I think it’s a great time to join…

Dev Patel and Charlie XCX on Gold House’s 2024 A100…

Dev Patel and Charlie XCX are among this year’s Gold House A100 List honourees. Olivia Rodrigo and Jason Momoa are also among the entertainers in this year’s A100 Hall of Fame inductees, while HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk will be honoured as a Gold Legend. The list is published annually to…

Face of 75,000-year-old Neanderthal woman unveiled by UK researchers

A team of archaeologists from the UK has unveiled the reconstructed face of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal woman named Shanidar Z. The discovery challenges previous perceptions of Neanderthals as primitive and uncultured. "We wanted to try and date these burials... to use the site to contribute to the big debate about…

Sabina Ranger wants to transform beauty industry with BELLA

WITH a passion for innovation and a keen eye for quality, Sabina Ranger is turning her popular beauty brand, BELLA, into a household name synonymous with elegance and sophistication. In an industry saturated with promises of perfection, her carefully crafted products, like the Wanderlash mascara, aim to outperform existing beauty…

LBC announces the departure of Sangita Myska

News station LBC has confirmed the departure of its weekend presenter Sangita Myska. Myska, who held the weekend 13:00 slot on Saturdays and Sundays for over two years, abruptly exited the station’s line-up, leaving listeners surprised. The radio station said she was leaving at the end of her contract after…

Pro-Palestinian protests spread to UK universities

Pro-Palestinian groups are establishing protest camps at universities across Britain, drawing inspiration from similar actions in the United States. As reported by The Times, on Wednesday, students at several Russell Group universities including Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield, and Newcastle erected tents and anti-Israel signs. Organisers cited inspiration from US demonstrations…

Corinne Fowler’s book explores how empire shaped rural Britain

FOR those whose idyllic view of Britain was shaped by poems like William Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, Corinne Fowler’s new book will come as a shock. Generations of children who went to English medium schools in India and similar educational institutions throughout Britain’s former colonies, had to…

India widens spices probe amid quality concerns

India's food safety regulator said on Thursday it had ordered testing and inspections at all companies making spice mixes, widening an investigation into the sector as global regulators look into suspected contamination in two popular local brands. Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends made by India's…

Lawrence Bishnoi, 26 others charged in Sidhu Moosewala murder case

A court in Punjab’s Mansa district framed charges against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and 26 other accused in connection with the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, who was popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29, 2022. The prime accused…

Nigel Railton named as new Post Office chair

THE former head of Camelot, Nigel Railton, has been appointed as the interim chairman of the Post Office, stepping into the role after the departure of Henry Staunton earlier this year. Railton's appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the Post Office, with ongoing efforts to address the fallout from the…

Here’s why Bella Hadid has decided to leave modelling

In a surprising turn of events, supermodel Bella Hadid has announced her decision to take a step back from the modelling world and embark on a new journey in Texas. The 27-year-old beauty recently opened up about her reasons for leaving the fashion industry behind and shared insights into her…

First look of Indian Independence saga ‘Freedom at Midnight’ out

The first look of filmmaker Nikkhil Advani's most-awaited project Freedom at Midnight has been unveiled. The political drama delves into India's independence movement, weaving together untold tales and critical moments from the era when the country's then-British colonial rulers partitioned the country into India and Pakistan. The cast includes Sidhant…

‘Harry Potter’ star Tom Felton joins Hansal Mehta’s series ‘Gandhi’

Harry Potter star Tom Felton has joined the cast of Hansal Mehta's much-anticipated series Gandhi, the filmmaker announced on Thursday. Felton, who became an international star with his performance as Drako Malfoy in eight Harry Potter movies based on author J K Rowling's best-selling book series, joined the show's cast…

The stunning soundtracks of Naushad

NAUSHAD ALI helped to shape commercial Hindi cinema with superb songs in some of the greatest Indian movies ever made. The legendary composer raised the bar for all those who followed in his giant footsteps, and left behind timeless musical classics that continue to entertain millions, many decades after they…

Eye screening for diabetes: Experts call to remove barriers for…

MORE needs to be done to tackle barriers stopping south Asians attending eye screenings that prevent diabetic-related blindness, according to researchers. People from south Asian communities are known to be up to six times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the general population. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication…

Polls open for key local elections

Polling stations opened across England early Thursday for a host of crunch local elections likely to increase the pressure on embattled Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The polls - a mix of council, mayoral and other local contests as well as a parliamentary by-election - are the last major electoral…

Sunak celebrates Vaisakhi at Downing Street

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak invoked the Sikh principle of service (sewa) as he hosted a reception to celebrate Vaisakhi at Downing Street last Wednesday (17). More than a hundred guests – including politicians, community and faith leaders and members of the military – gathered to hear the prime minister pay…

Chaya Gupta: Russian play ‘The Government Minister’ mirrors UK’s farcical…

A NEW adaptation of the satirical Russian play, The Government Minister, puts a mirror on the “farcical nature” of British politics in recent times, actress Chaya Gupta told Eastern Eye. Originally written by dramatist and novelist Nikolai Gogol in 1836, the play was first performed in the presence of the…

Prachi Desai: Success in the sounds of Silence

PRACHI DESAI is one of the few talents who have transitioned smoothly from from big TV success to film stardom. After getting significant attention in Ekta Kapoor’s popular daily soap Kasamh Se (2006-2008), she made an impactful Bollywood debut in the hit 2008 film Rock On. She hasn’t looked back…

OECD cuts UK growth forecast, warns of inflation

Britain will suffer some of the lowest rates of economic growth and highest inflation among Group of Seven countries this year and next, forecasts from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development suggested on Thursday. The OECD cut this year's growth forecast for the British economy to 0.4% from 0.7%…

London sword attack suspect charged with killing teen

Police named a 14-year-old boy killed in a sword attack in London this week as Daniel Anjorin and said the suspect will face murder and other charges over the violent rampage. The teenager died on Tuesday morning as he walked to school in Hainault, in the east of London, when…

Daniel Radcliffe expresses sadness over JK Rowling’s stance on transgender…

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has responded to JK Rowling's ongoing criticism of the transgender community, expressing deep sadness over her remarks. Rowling's anti-trans stance has garnered attention in recent years, with her social media posts often sparking controversy. In response to a British investigation on puberty-blocking interventions for transgender…

Migrants being detained for Rwanda deportation

MIGRANTS are being detained across Britain in preparation to be sent to Rwanda in the next nine to 11 weeks, the government said on Wednesday, laying the groundwork for prime minister Rishi Sunak's flagship immigration policy. A law to pave the way for sending asylum seekers to Rwanda if they…

MP’s sex abuse videos kick up political storm in India’s…

PRAJWAL REVANNA, a member of parliament from Hassan in the southern state of Karnataka, is facing a political storm after the leak of explicit videos allegedly showing him sexually assaulting multiple women. The 33-year-old belongs to a prominent political family that runs a regional political party - Janata Dal Secular,…

Maryam Sharif stresses on ‘Punjabiyat’, calls for Pakistan-India unity

Recently, in an interview with Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, spoke about her Punjabi identity while advocating better ties with India. While having a meal with 3000 Sikh pilgrims at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, Sharif told Indian media: “You are from Punjab [India], I am from Pakistan,…

Accused in Salman Khan firing case dies by suicide in…

One of the arms suppliers in the firing case outside actor Salman Khan's house, Anuj Thapan, died by suicide on Wednesday, while in Mumbai Police custody. As per Mumbai Police, Anuj Thapan allegedly attempted suicide and hung himself inside the lock-up. He was taken to the nearest hospital, where he…

AI imagines these Hollywood stars as ‘Devdas’ cast

Devdas, a classic tale of love, loss, and redemption, has captivated audiences for generations with its poignant narrative and timeless characters. While the story has been adapted numerous times on the silver screen, envisioning a new rendition with a fresh cast can breathe new life into this beloved saga. With…

Premier League Clubs Vote in Favour of New Spending Cap…

Generally speaking, the most powerful clubs in the English Premier League vote in ways designed to ensure that the financial playing field in the division remains as uneven as possible. So it comes as no surprise that the two Manchester clubs, City and United, plus Aston Villa – who are…

Who is Dhruv Rathee and why has he been in…

In the midst of India's election fervour, one name has been making waves across social media platforms: Dhruv Rathee. A YouTuber and social media activist, Rathee has garnered attention for his commentary on political and social issues. With over 21.56 million subscribers (combined) and over 4 billion (combined) views, Rathee's…

Binaca founder Changpeng Zhao becomes world’s richest prisoner

As rare as it sounds, this prisoner who received a sentence for jail by the Seattle court is the founder and chief executive of Binaca company, a cryptocurrency firm. He was sentenced after pleading guilty to violations of US anti-money laundering and sanctions last year. A US judge had given…

Salman poses with Barry Gardiner; latter says ‘Tiger is alive…

Superstar Salman Khan recently visited London and it seemed he had a lot of fun meeting UK MP from Brent North constituency Barry Gardiner. Several images from his trip are going viral, garnering his fans' attention. Taking to X on Monday, Barry Gardiner treated fans with a series of pictures…

Rupali Ganguly of ‘Anupamaa’ fame joins BJP

Indian television actress Rupali Ganguly, who became a household name playing the titular role in the popular soap Anupamaa, embarked on a journey outside show business on Wednesday as she joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Amid the ongoing seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, for which polling has already been…

SS Rajamouli announces animated series ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’

Director SS Rajamouli has announced Baahubali: Crown of Blood, an animated series set in the universe of his two-part period epic Baahubali. Set in the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati, the box office success of the Baahubali movies took Telugu cinema national and eventually global. It starred Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka…

Irish police dismantle asylum seekers’ ‘tent city’ in Dublin

Irish police started dismantling about 200 tents housing asylum seekers in Dublin early on Wednesday, tackling what has become a focal point for heated debate around migration. Immigration is an increasingly important political issue in Ireland, where asylum applications have been rising sharply. The country is also facing a diplomatic…

All-round Stoinis takes Lucknow to four-wicket win over Mumbai

Lucknow Super Giants clinched a significant victory against Mumbai Indians in the India Premier League (IPL), propelled by Marcus Stoinis' stellar performance both with bat and ball. Stoinis' impressive contribution of 62 runs and a crucial wicket guided Lucknow to successfully chase down Mumbai's target of 145 runs, securing the…

Local elections could determine fate of Conservative party

THE ruling Conservative party is expected to suffer heavy losses in crunch local elections this week that are likely to increase pressure on beleaguered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The polls are the last major electoral test before a general election that Sunak's party, in power since 2010, seems destined to…

First asylum seeker sent to Rwanda

BRITAIN has sent its first asylum seeker to Rwanda under a voluntary scheme, The Sun newspaper reported on Tuesday, saying the unnamed migrant was flown out of the country on Monday (29). The voluntary scheme is separate from a forced deportation programme that Britain is about to embark on in…

EXCLUSIVE: “Institutionally racist” police losing public’s trust

THE police are losing the trust of their communities because of weak leadership, “wilful blindness”, and politicians “bullying” chief constables, the country’s former top south Asian cop has told Eastern Eye. In a wide-ranging interview for this paper, Neil Basu, former Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner and head of counter terrorism,…

What Fast Track to Convenience and Luxury Does Dubai’s Jet…

Luxury experiences in Dubai, which is known for its ingenuity and splendour, are constantly being elevated. Renting a jet vehicle is a mark of luxury and convenience among the many services available in this vibrant metropolis. Let's explore how jet car Dubai rental services offer a unique experience to discerning travellers…

Exploring Asiavibe Functionality and User Protection Measures

Asiavibe is a communication platform with ample opportunities for exchanging information, discussing various topics, establishing new contacts, and finding like-minded people. Its target audience includes people of different ages, nationalities, and interests who seek to expand their knowledge of Asian culture and learn from the experiences of other platform participants.…

“Why Toronto is a Hub for High-Class Escort Services”

In Canada's bustling metropolis, the city of Toronto has earned a reputation for being a lot more than just the economic heartbeat of the country. With its diverse cultural landscape and an array of nightlife options, Toronto stands as a beacon of opportunities, not just for its local residents, but…

‘Blade Runner 2039’ creators name Freida Pinto as ideal casting…

Freida Pinto, who shot to global fame with Slumdog Millionaire, could be an ideal fit to play Ash, the protagonist of the popular comic book Blade Runner 2039 and its two predecessor series, were they ever to be adapted for film or television, one of the creators said. While writer…

Tightening of disability benefits system on cards

THE country is considering making changes to disability and mental health benefit payments as prime minister Rishi Sunak aims to slow the rise in the government's welfare bill and get more people into work. Ahead of a national election expected later this year that opinion polls show he is likely…

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ to release on December 20

The trailer for Disney's upcoming film Mufasa: The Lion King has been unveiled. A prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of The Lion King, the film is directed by Moonlight fame filmmaker Barry Jenkins. The film will explore the titular lion's origin story, depicting his childhood with his brother Taka…

Archer returns to T20 World Cup squad as England eye…

Pace bowler Jofra Archer has been brought back into England's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup after being sidelined for a year due to injuries. The 29-year-old, who has faced several setbacks since his breakthrough in 2019, including a right elbow injury, has regained fitness and finds himself in…

Hope for Sunak as poll shows Tory momentum in mayoral…

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak received encouraging news ahead of local elections, with polls indicating that Tory mayors in Tees Valley and the West Midlands could cling on in two crucial mayoral contests. According to a YouGov survey, Ben Houchen is currently leading by seven points in his bid for a…

King Charles resumes public duties; visits cancer centre

A smiling and healthy-looking King Charles returned to public duties on Tuesday for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer in February, telling patients at a treatment centre for the disease in London that he was "alright". Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that doctors were sufficiently pleased with…

Rishabh Pant makes India return at T20 World Cup, KL…

Rishabh Pant is set to make his comeback to international cricket as he was named in India's squad for the T20 World Cup in June, marking his return after a car crash 16 months ago. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who has shown impressive form in the Indian Premier League this year,…

Minorities and women less likely to report workplace bullying, study…

MINORITIES and women are less inclined to report workplace bullying than white men, a study revealed on Tuesday (30). Researchers examined survey responses from 3,494 individuals in Britain and determined that white men are the most prone to reporting experiences of humiliation, insults, or being ignored in the workplace compared…

SNP begins search for Yousaf’s successor

The Scottish National Party (SNP) opened nominations on Tuesday (30) for a new leader, setting up a fractious fight, after first minister Humza Yousaf said he was quitting. Yousaf, 39, announced on Monday (29) that he would resign once a successor has been chosen to lead the SNP and Scotland.…

Ex-England cricketer Panesar to contest election for Workers party

Monty Panesar, the former England cricketer, is gearing up for a new challenge, as he prepares to stand as a candidate for the Workers Party of Britain in the upcoming general election. This announcement was made by party leader George Galloway on Tuesday. Galloway, a prominent figure known for his…

Shortlist announced for inaugural Rose International Dance Prize

Sadler's Wells has unveiled the inaugural shortlist of the Rose International Dance Prize, with seven nominated pieces from Brazil, Israel, Portugal, Greece, France, Taiwan, and the USA. The Rose International Dance Prize is a biennial prize for new dance creations in any style, showcasing some of the most inventive and…

Know more about TTS – the side effect caused by…

To develop immunity towards Covid-19, AstraZeneca, a big pharmaceutical company in the UK had developed the Covishield Vaccine. After the pandemic has subsided and the maximum population has taken the vaccine, the company has admitted that the Covishield vaccine can result in a rare side effect known as Thrombosis with…

Nish Kumar says he wants to play next James Bond

Nish Kumar, known as the host of the satirical comedy The Mash Report, has said that he would like to play James Bond in an “elaborate prank”. Talking with The Guardian, the comedian said that he thinks “it would be very cool” to be named as the iconic secret agent.…

Six institutions sponsor over a third of UK asylum-seeking students

More than a third of foreign students who later sought asylum in the UK were initially sponsored by just six educational institutions, according to leaked figures revealing concerns about potential misuse of higher education as an immigration route. The statistics, covering the 12 months to March 2023, indicate a significant…

Hanif Kureishi: Racism was more overt in the past than…

BRITISH PAKISTANI playwright and novelist, Hanif Kureishi, has said that racism was more overt in the past in the UK than it is today. "The racism was definitely more overt than it is today, but there was still a terrific sense of optimism - in fact, it was the last…

Home Office loses track of thousands slated for Rwanda deportations

The Home Office has acknowledged losing contact with thousands of migrants it plans to deport to Rwanda, just as it gears up to detain the first individuals this week. According to a document released by the department, over 5,700 migrants were earmarked for removal. However, only 2,145 are currently in…

India denies official’s involvement in Pannun murder plot

INDIA on Tuesday (30) denied a media report which alleged involvement of a spy agency official in the assassination plot of Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, stating it makes 'unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations on a serious matter'." The Washington Post newspaper on Monday (29) reported that…

Sword-wielding man arrested in London, five in hospital

POLICE have arrested a man armed with a sword following reports of people having been stabbed during a serious incident in northeast London on Tuesday. The 36-year-old man was arrested after police were called to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the area close to Hainault…

Who could replace Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister?

SCOTLAND's first minister Humza Yousaf stepped down on Monday (29) saying he was not the right candidate to rebuild ties with other parties after he ended a coalition with the Greens and faced defeat in confidence votes this week. Here are some of the possible candidates to be the next…

Online voluntary national insurance payments service launched

In a bid to simplify retirement planning, the government has launched an online service enabling customers to bridge gaps in their national insurance (NI) records and potentially increase their state pension. The service, dubbed "Check Your State Pension Forecast," is a collaborative effort between HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and…

New York Indian Film Fest to celebrate Shabana Azmi’s 50…

The landmark 50-year cinematic journey of veteran Indian actor Shabana Azmi will be celebrated in New York next month at the New York Indian Film Festival, the annual celebration of features and documentaries from the Indian subcontinent. The 24th edition of the NYIFF, considered North America's longest-running and most prestigious…

Phil Salt, Varun Chakravarthy power Kolkata to seven-wicket win over…

In an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious by seven wickets against the Delhi Capitals. Phil Salt's aggressive batting, coupled with Varun Chakravarthy's exceptional bowling, set the stage for Kolkata's triumph. Salt's innings of 68 runs proved instrumental, while Chakravarthy's spell,…

‘Love Island’ winners Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan engaged

Love Island winners Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan are officially engaged. The couple, who won the winter 2023 series of the popular dating show and became fan favourites after it was realised they were the show’s first winning couple of colour, have been dating for just under 18 months having…

King Charles resumes public duties

King Charles III on Tuesday makes his first official public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer, after doctors said they were "very encouraged" by the progress of his treatment. The British head of state and his wife, Queen Camilla, were expected to tour a cancer treatment facility to meet medical…

Comment: Scots shock kicks off a febrile week in UK…

THE local elections were bound to make this a febrile week for political leadership. Mayors and councillors across England will discover their fate at the hands of the voters on Friday (3). Prime minister Rishi Sunak’s team in Downing Street will wait anxiously to find out how his MPs at…

Tory think tank moots steep cut in student visas

A CONSERVATIVE party think tank has recommended a series of measures, including radical changes in immigration rules, to reduce net migration to 'sustainable' levels, The Times reports. The think tank, Onward, wants only the best-performing universities to be allowed to issue visas to foreign students, and admit only those migrants…

20 Wild And Fun Ideas: What To Do On 30th…

Entering your 30s might sound like a huge deal for any woman. If you already had a family, you would be stepping into a new phase of your life with more joy and challenges. In the meantime, if you were still single, the chances would be greater than ever for…

Aamir Khan says he understood the power of ‘namaste’ on…

Leading Bollywood actor Aamir Khan recently appeared for the first time on Kapil Sharm's show, which is available to stream on Netflix. In the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, the award-winning actor shared several anecdotes from his acting career. Talking about the best memory from the sets…

Bangladesh again closes schools due to heatwave

BANGLADESH again closed all primary schools across the country and educational institutions in almost half of districts including the capital as a severe heatwave saw temperatures climb above 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) on Monday. Schools across the country that closed last week due to the heatwave reopened on Sunday…

Charithra Chandran criticises showbiz culture of pitting people of colour…

Charithra Chandran, who became a household name after playing the character of Edwina Sharma in the TV series Bridgerton, has spoken out against an entertainment industry culture that she believes fosters competition among people of colour. In a conversation with Deadline, Chandran said, “It’s not a zero-sum game,” highlighting how…

Parents suffer as delays mar Wimbledon crash probe

THE slow progress of the investigation into the death of two schoolchildren in Wimbledon last year is causing a lot of mental trauma to the families. Last July, Nuria Sajjad and her friend Selena Lau died when a Land Rover crashed through a school fence and ploughed into them. Nuria's…

Remembering Irrfan Khan: 5 must-watch international films on his 4th…

It has been four years since the world lost one of its most versatile and beloved actors, Irrfan Khan. On April 29th, we commemorate the fourth anniversary of his passing, yet his legacy continues to thrive through his timeless performances. Irrfan Khan, with his extraordinary talent and captivating presence, left…

Scotland’s first minister to resign: Media

HUMZA YOUSAF is poised to resign as Scotland's first minister before he faces two confidence votes this week, British media reported on Monday. He is due to address a news conference at noon (1100 GMT). The BBC, The Times and other outlets said the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader was…

Drug raids in India’s two states, 13 held

THIRTEEN people were arrested after the seizure of mephedrone valued at Rs 2.3 billion (£22 million) following raids at four drug manufacturing units in Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan states, an official said. The raids were jointly conducted by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau on Friday (26)…

‘Quitting Instagram was most rewarding gift I gave myself’: Selena…

Actress-singer Selena Gomez says taking a four-year break from Instagram was one of the best decisions she made for her mental health. The 31-year-old artiste, who is the most followed woman on the platform with 429 million followers, said staying away from social media made her “happier”. "I took four…

Kirsten named Pakistan’s ODI and T20I coach, Gillespie for Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Gary Kirsten, a World Cup-winning coach, as the new head coach for ODIs and T20Is, while former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie will take the reins for Test cricket. Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistan allrounder, has been named as the…

Will Jacks, Kohli take Bengaluru to nine-wicket win over Gujarat

England's Will Jacks made a compelling case for his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad with a sensational century for his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru, propelling them to victory over Gujarat Titans. Jacks, unleashing an array of ten sixes, partnered brilliantly with Virat Kohli, who contributed a vital…

Aamir Khan introduces sister who acted in ‘Pathaan’ on Netflix…

Aamir Khan, known for his spectacular acting in several award-winning films, is also known for his simplicity. He was a guest on a comedy show on Netflix, The Great Indian Kapil Show where he introduced his lesser-known sisters, Nikhat Khan and Farhat Khan who were seated in the audience. Khan…

Why You Should Opt For Airtel Prepaid SIM Card?

With the advancement of connectivity and the internet, staying connected is more crucial than ever. Whether it's for business, socialising, or simply navigating day-to-day tasks, a reliable mobile network can significantly enhance your communication experience. Among the plethora of options available, Airtel has emerged as a leading choice for many,…

Yousaf appeals for unity ahead of no-confidence vote

FIRST MINISTER Humza Yousaf has reached out to Scotland's opposition parties, urging them to find common ground ahead of no-confidence votes in his leadership. This move comes as he faces significant challenges following the collapse of the SNP government's power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens, reported the BBC. However, Yousaf's…

25 men sentenced in Kirklees child sexual abuse case

TWENTY FIVE men who sexually abused young girls in Kirklees have been imprisoned for a total of 346 years after a major investigation, West Yorkshire police said in a statement on Saturday (27). They were sentenced for their roles in the rape, sexual abuse and trafficking of eight young girls…

Delhi down Mumbai, Rajasthan near play-offs

AUSTRALIA's Jake Fraser-McGurk smashed 84 off 27 deliveries to fire Delhi Capitals to 257-4 and a 10-run win over Mumbai Indians in another IPL high-scorer on Saturday (27). In the second match of the day, skipper Sanju Samson hit an unbeaten 71 as Rajasthan Royals all but confirmed their play-off…

Fatal crash claims lives of three Gujarati women in US

THREE Indian women from Gujarat were killed on the spot in a deadly crash in South Carolina, US, when their overspeeding car veered out of control before jumping at least 20 feet in the air and crashing into trees, authorities said. The accident occurred on Friday (26) at noon on…

Emma Stone wants to drop her stage name, here’s why

In a recent revelation, Oscar-winning star Emma Stone has expressed her desire to revert to her birth name, Emily. Best known for her captivating performances in films like La La Land and The Help, Stone, whose real name is Emily Jean Stone, shared her longing to embrace her original identity…

Asian gets 16 years jail for bid to murder ex-girlfriend

A 25-year-old Asian-origin man charged with attempted murder of a female student, also an Asian, in an east London restaurant two years ago has been sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment by a court here. Sriram Ambarla, who was arrested at the crime scene, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey court…

Anoushka Shankar to receive honorary degree from Oxford

Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, has honed her popularity worldwide. She is a British-American sitar player and musician of Indian descent, as well as an occasional writer and actor. Shankar, who has already been nominated for a Grammy, will be adding one more feather to…

India elections 2024: What we learned this week

A 63 per cent turnout was recorded during the second phase of Lok Sabha polls across 88 seats in 13 states and union territories on April 26. The Election Commission has said it is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained. This is lower than…

Nawaz Sharif to retake party helm amid strife

PAKISTAN'S three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is all set to retake the helm of the ruling PML-N next month to guide the party as it battles internal strife. Sharif (74) relinquished the post seven years ago after being disqualified by the apex court over corruption allegations. He will be…

Bairstow blasts Punjab to record chase against Kolkata

In another high-scoring showdown, Jonny Bairstow's blistering unbeaten century propelled Punjab Kings to a historic eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Friday. Bairstow's blistering knock of 108 runs off 48 balls, with nine sixes and eight fours, guided Punjab to chase down Kolkata's imposing…

UK celebrates vaccine partnership with India to combat malaria

THE government hailed its vaccine partnership with India which will help combat malaria as one of the biggest killers of children in sub-Saharan Africa. Collaboration between British scientists and Indian manufacturers has resulted in two essential life-saving malaria vaccines – RTS,S and R21 -- being developed. These have been used…

Asian hotelier faces probe for speeding

A MILLIONAIRE Asian-origin hotelier is facing Police Scotland scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him driving his luxury car on a Highland road violating speed limit norms, The Press and Journal reported. However, Ruchir Gupta, the owner of Kincraig Castle Hotel, Invergordon, contends the clip was manipulated. The 49-year-old property…

Home secretary criticises Sadiq Khan

The home secretary James Cleverly criticised Sadiq Khan on Thursday, stating that the mayor of London prioritises discussions on Gaza over addressing knife crime affecting Black youths in southeast London. However, with just a week remaining until the mayoral election, he refrained from offering praise to Conservative candidate Susan Hall,…

Hansal Mehta meets Shekhar Kapur during ‘Gandhi’ shoot in London

Acclaimed director Hansal Mehta met celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur during the filming of his much-anticipated streaming show Gandhi in London. Based on the writings of notable historian and author, Ramachandra Guha, the series is adapted from his two books Gandhi Before India and Gandhi-The Years that Changed the World, 1914-1948.…

Legal challenge against ban on foreign care workers bringing family

An organisation supporting migrant workers has initiated a legal challenge against the UK government's recent policy preventing care workers from bringing their children and partners to the country. It said that the policy is “tearing families apart”. Migrants at Work highlighted that care workers are now forced to decide between…

Former Post Office chief ‘only wanted to pay token compensation…

FORMER Post Office chief Paula Vennells sought to offer only nominal compensation to wrongly convicted sub-postmasters, the public inquiry heard on Friday (26). The minutes of a February 2014 meeting revealed her concern over a mediation scheme potentially paying out £100 million, far exceeding initial expectations, reported The Telegraph. Vennells…

Simone Ashley to be honoured at Monte-Carlo Television Festival

Simone Ashley, the talented British actress who captured hearts with her portrayal of Kate Sharma in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, is set to receive a prestigious honor at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. She will receive this year’s International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent award from the festival. The actress…

Yousaf says ‘very confident’ of winning no-confidence vote

SCOTLAND's first minister Humza Yousaf said on Friday (26) he intended to fight a vote of no confidence called by political opponents following his decision to withdraw from a coalition agreement and try to run a minority government. "I'm quite confident, very confident in fact, that I'll be able to…

First Sikh court opens in UK to resolve family issues…

British Sikh lawyers have come together to establish a new court aimed at resolving family and civil disputes within the Sikh community in the United Kingdom (UK). The inauguration ceremony for the Sikh court took place last weekend at the Old Hall at Lincoln's Inn in London, accompanied by religious…

Silence review: Partition play is one-sided, flat, and disappointing

INDIA'S Partition clearly left an indelible mark on the psyche of both Hindus and Muslims. Today, that has filtered down to four generations, but the verbal accounts concerning one of the most tumultuous events in history is fading away. Although historians have recorded, documented and published the political machinations of…

Pakistani girl gets new lease of life at Indian hospital…

The medical advancement has reached at peak and is still growing. The proof of this advancement is Ayesha Rashan, a 19-year-old girl from Karachi who aspires to become a fashion designer. Ayesha was admitted to a hospital in 2019 when she suffered a heart attack leading to heart failure. She…

India factory plans in limbo as Tesla shifts focus

US automaker Tesla said that it will use a current platform and production lines to produce what it called "more affordable" models by early next year. The announcement from the Elon Musk-owned company suggested that investments in new factories in Mexico and India are unlikely in the near term. Tesla…

Benegal’s restored ‘Manthan’ to premiere at Cannes

The restored version of veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal's 1976 film Manthan will be screened at the upcoming edition of the Cannes Film Festival, said Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder of Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) on Thursday. Fronted by Smita Patil, the film was inspired by the pioneering milk cooperative movement of…

US Indian shot dead by San Antonio police

In the US, a 42-year-old man of Indian origin was fatally shot by police in San Antonio after he struck two officers with his vehicle during an attempted arrest linked to a case of aggravated assault. "Sachin Kumar Sahoo was pronounced dead at the scene," reported the Bexar County Medical…

Rahman congratulates Taylor Swift for album release

Music Maestro AR Rahman recently gave a shoutout to Taylor Swift's latest album The Tortured Poets Department. Rahman stirred up social media by sharing the album art and a Spotify streaming link, sparking a frenzy among fans who started the #ARRahmanXTaylorSwift trend. All the best @taylorswift13 👍 for your latest…

Channel deaths: Two charged with immigration offences

THE police have charged two men with immigration offences after five migrants, including a child, died when a small boat crossed the English Channel from France earlier this week. Three men, a woman and a seven-year-old girl lost their lives in the early hours of Tuesday in the sea near…

Bottom-placed Bengaluru end losing streak with win over Hyderabad

In an IPL showdown on Thursday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, positioned at the bottom of the league table, triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs, aided by spinners Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh's crucial four wickets. With this surprise victory, Bengaluru concluded their six-match losing streak. Batting first after winning the…

‘Actress’ shelf life not limited anymore’: Manisha Koirala

Actress Manisha Koirala who will be seen in Netflix's series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar spoke about the evolving landscape of the film industry. In a conversation with ANI, Manisha shared how the traditional notion of a limited shelf life for actresses is gradually fading away, paving the way for diverse…

Jane Campion to receive Pardo d’Onore Manor Award at Locarno…

Oscar-winning director Jane Campion will be honoured with the Pardo d’Onore Manor Award for lifetime achievement at this year's Locarno Film Festival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the New Zealand-born filmmaker will receive the tribute on August 16 during the 77th edition of the festival. The prestigious gala, to be…

Bangladesh to reopen schools despite heatwave

BANGLADESH will reopen schools from next week despite a brutal heatwave sweeping the country that has seen temperatures soar to 43 degrees Celsius (109°F), officials said on Thursday (25). The severe conditions had forced authorities to close schools this week. The education ministry, however, will reopen schools despite the Meteorological…

Sanjay Leela Bhansali says set for ‘Heeramandi’ biggest in his…

In a star-studded affair in Mumbai, renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali unveiled his much-anticipated debut web series Heeramandi, on Wednesday (24). The event witnessed a glittering ensemble of Bollywood's elite, with the cast of the show gracing the red carpet with elegance and charm. Amidst the buzz surrounding the premiere,…

Braverman’s decision on Windrush measures was unlawful, court told

FORMER home secretary Suella Braverman's decision to abandon three key recommendations aimed at rectifying the injustices suffered by the Windrush generation was discriminatory and illegal, the high court has been told. The court heard that the Windrush scandal had inflicted significant harm on individuals who had lived in the UK…

Malala supports Palestinians amid Pakistan backlash

NOBEL laureate Malala Yousafzai on Thursday (25) condemned Israel and reaffirmed her support for Palestinians in Gaza, after a backlash in her native Pakistan over a Broadway musical she co-produced with former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Yousafzai, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, has been…

Amitabh Bachchan receives Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar on Wednesday and the megastar said he is fortunate to receive the award in the memory of the singer whose voice connected listeners to a higher power. The family and the trust instituted the award in memory of the melody…

Sigma pharma helps raise funds for charities at London marathon

Sigma Pharmaceuticals plc played a key part in raising over £52,000 for 'Team George' during the London Marathon Charity run. The money raised will support Great Ormond Street Hospital's care for young George Bracey, who has been fighting rhabdomyosarcoma since 3 August 2023. Sigma's financial director, Bhavin Shah, completed the…

Free food, taxi rides to woo voters in Bengaluru

India's Silicon Valley Bengaluru, which houses many software giants and startups, has been notorious for low voter turnout during elections. As the city goes to polls on Friday (26), many companies and business establishments are offering a host of incentives - from free food to taxi rides - to encourage…

Watford-based Sigma Pharmaceuticals raises £20,000 for local charity

Sigma Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company based in Watford, has raised £20,000 for Citizens Advice Watford, their chosen charity of the year. This contribution was made during their annual conference in Sun City, South Africa. Citizens Advice Watford offers crucial services, including free, specialised, and impartial advice, supporting around 8,000 individuals…

Police make fourth arrest after migrant deaths

POLICE said Thursday (25) that they had arrested another man after five migrants, including a child, died this week trying to cross the Channel from France. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said it arrested an 18-year-old from Sudan late Wednesday (24) on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the…

UK leads in child alcohol consumption worldwide: Report

A recent report has unveiled that the United Kingdom (UK) holds the unenviable position of having the highest rate of child alcohol consumption globally. According to the findings, more than half of British children have tried alcohol by the age of 13. Conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the…

Divisive speeches: Poll panel seeks reponse from BJP, Congress

India's Election Commission said on Thursday it has sought responses from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress on alleged violations of poll rules by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. India is holding the world's largest election over seven phases, with votes due…

Yousaf to lead minority government as coalition collapses

THE leader of Scotland's pro-independence SNP party on Thursday (25) ended a coalition deal with the Greens, leaving him at the head of a minority government in Edinburgh. The announcement by First Minister Humza Yousaf came a week after the devolved government abandoned an ambitious climate pledge sparking tension with…

Priyanka Chopra’s production ‘Women of My Billion’ to debut on…

Women of My Billion, an upcoming documentary from actress-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas, will premiere on Prime Video on May 3, the streaming service announced on Thursday. Directed by Ajitesh Sharma, the documentary narrates the true story of Srishti Bakshi, who embarked on a walking pilgrimage from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, spanning…

EU found cancer-causing chemical in 527 Indian food products: Report

Days after some Indian spices were banned in Singapore and Hong Kong due to allegedly containing the pesticide ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits, a report states that the European Union has been flagging many Indian food products containing the same cancer-causing chemical in the last few years. A report in…

Pakistan business leaders pitch for trade ties with India

PAKISTAN'S business leaders in an interactive session with prime minister Shehbaz Sharif called for trade talks with India which they felt would greatly benefit their economy. Posing tough questions during an hour-long meeting at the Sindh CM House in Karachi on Wednesday, the business community appreciated the prime minister's determination…

Rishabh Pant powers Delhi to four-run win over Gujarat

Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 88 led Delhi Capitals to a narrow India Premier League (IPL) victory over Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, bolstering his bid for a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. Delhi struggled early, slipping to 44-3 in the first six overs at Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, a resilient…

Tory mayor keeps distance from Sunak to avoid election wipeout

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak faces heavy losses in a swathe of local votes next week, and one of the best hopes for success for his Tories is a prominent mayor who is loath to even mention his party or its leader in his campaign. Andy Street has been mayor of…

Sikh short film ‘Kaur’ set for a Hollywood remake

Kaur, an acclaimed short film that debuted last year on British streamers ITVX and BritBox, is set to be remade as a feature-length film. The short film stars Parvinder Shergill in the lead role. It bills itself as “the first film in history” to follow the story of a British…

Ex-DUP leader Donaldson appears in court over sexual offence charges

Northern Ireland's former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, 61, is facing 11 historical sex offence charges, including one count of rape, as prosecutors revealed in court on Wednesday. Donaldson stepped down abruptly from his leadership position in the DUP last month after the party disclosed he was facing…

Iran president visits Sri Lanka without wanted minister

IRANIAN President Ebrahim Raisi inaugurated a power and irrigation project in Sri Lanka on Wednesday but arrived in the country without his interior minister, who is wanted over a deadly bombing in Argentina thirty years ago. Raisi flew in after a state visit to Pakistan he made alongside Ahmad Vahidi,…

TOP 10 style icons of Anjali Phougat

A FABULOUS eye for fashion has enabled Anjali Phougat to become a successful designer, stylist and business entrepreneur. The America-based founder of popular brand Designer Dream Collection has had a transformative effect with her eye-catching outfits, customised jewellery and wedding styling. Forward thinking fashionistas, from everyday people to models and…

Modi attacks Sam Pitroda’s remarks on inheritance tax

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (24) seized on Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks on inheritance tax to step up the ruling BJP's blistering attack on the issue of "wealth redistribution". In his poll rallies, Modi framed Pitroda's comments in his wider onslaught against the Congress, asserting that they…

Onjali Q Rauf: ‘It takes strength to be kind’

TWO things from lockdown inspired Onjali Q Rauf to write her beautiful new children’s book, The Letter With The Golden Stamp. The first was memories of being a young carer, as a 15-year-old, when her father became paralysed from the neck down. That feeling of being trapped at home, surrounded…

Shivani Mehra’s short film speaks about power of possibility

TELLING a compelling story in a short film takes a lot of skill, and Shivani Mehra has quite comprehensively demonstrated that with Me, Raani.   After working as an assistant director on feature films such as Jhalki and Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, she has delivered an empowering female-led film about rising up…

Humza Yousaf faces party rebellion over juryless rape trial plans

Scotland's first minister, Humza Yousaf, is encountering a rebellion within the SNP regarding proposals to eliminate juries from rape trials. Six SNP (Scottish National Party) MSPs, including former finance secretary Kate Forbes, abstained from backing the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill during its initial parliamentary approval. Among the…

M Night Shyamalan shares update on Bruce Willis’ dementia diagnosis

Night Shyamalan has shared a health update on actor Bruce Willis. At a recent preview event for his much-awaited film Trap in Los Angeles, Shyamalan, who directed the legendary actor’s 1999 film Sixth Sense, opened up about his frequent collaborator, extending his support to his family in the wake of…

The casino varieties worth trying out

Millions of people around the world enjoy gaming. Casino games offer an attractive combination of excitement, entertainment and the chance of winning money and other prices. The emergence of online casino sites offers an easy access to casino gaming 24/7 via laptops, tablets and smartphones. Do you feel overwhelmed by…

Laila Zaidi: Passion and powerful intention

WATCHING films, combined with a deep love for performing from a very young age, first connected Laila Zaidi to acting.  She went from performing in front of her family with mini concerts at home to carving out a successful career as an actress, which has seen her combine winning work…

Frank Field, former Labour minister, dies aged 81

Former Labour minister Frank Field has passed away at the age of 81, confirmed his family on Wednesday. "He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship," a statement from his family…

Iran and Pakistan pledge closer ties after border missile attacks

IRANIAN president Ebrahim Raisi held talks with Pakistani leader Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday (22), in what experts said was a “significant” visit aimed at mending ties after the neighbours traded deadly cross-border strikes earlier this year. Prime minister Sharif’s office said the pair had a “vibrant discussion” on…

Modi has done an unbelievable job: JPMorgan CEO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing an "unbelievable job” in India by pursuing reforms and reducing poverty through inclusive financial programmes, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has said. He made these remarks on Tuesday while speaking at an event hosted by the Economic Club of New York. "Modi has done…

Leicester Temple hosts grand celebration for Lord Hanuman Jayanti

A vibrant ceremony unfolded this week in Leicester, as devotees gathered at a temple dedicated to the revered Hindu deity, Lord Hanuman, to commemorate his birthday amidst six days of jubilant festivities. Led by Swamiji, who journeyed from India for the occasion, the celebrations took place at the esteemed temple…

Karan Johar: Part of my destiny to have met Aditya…

Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said producer Aditya Chopra and superstar Shah Rukh Khan are the "two pillars" in his life to whom he owes his 25-year career in cinema. Johar assisted and featured in a brief role in Chopra's hit directorial debut Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the 1995 musical…

Indian American Bhavini Patel loses Pennsylvania primary election

Indian American Bhavini Patel faced defeat in the Democratic primary Congressional race from US state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, putting up a strong challenge against the incumbent. Incumbent Congresswoman Summer Lee emerged victorious in the primary race for the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, securing 59 per cent of…

Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan to lead ‘The Thursday…

Actors Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan are set to star in The Thursday Murder Club, with Chris Columbus attached to write and direct, reported Deadline. The film is based on British TV personality and producer Richard Osman's novel of the same name. Osman announced the news on his…

Hinduja Group, King’s College London form healthcare partnership

THE Hinduja Group and King's College London on Wednesday (24) unveiled a fresh collaboration with the goal of enhancing healthcare results in both India and the UK. This partnership focuses on bolstering training and research capabilities, alongside offering scholarships to Indian students. King's College London, along with Guy's and St.…

UK aid watchdog raises red flag over dubious India investments

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…

Asian teen’s death an accident: Coroner

THE DEATH of an Asian teenager nearly two years ago while swimming in a river in Cardiff was an accident, says an inquest finding. The tragedy happened when Aryan Ghoniya (13) went for a swim with friends in the River Taff on June 21, 2022. During an inquest at Pontypridd…

Nargis: Leading lady who took Bollywood global

NARGIS made a remarkable impact with winning performances in classic films. Her fearless approach introduced girl power into Indian cinema. The superstar actress helped take Bollywood global and was one half of an iconic lead pair with Raj Kapoor. After retiring from acting, the wife of legendary actor Sunil Dutt…

Muslim leaders stress unity as Gaza war exposes faultlines among…

WITH overseas conflicts causing divisions between communities, Muslim leaders have urged people to remember Britain’s rich history of allowing the “freedom to practise faith and the appreciation of diversity”. At an event hosted by The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL), panellist Taher Jiwanji, a civil engineer…

Travel-acquired malaria: Health agency advises precaution

AHEAD of world malaria day on Thursday (25), the health security agency has urged travelers to take precautions to minimise the risk of the disease as cases have been confirmed in individuals who recently returned from overseas. Data from the UK health security agency (UKHSA) showed an increase in malaria…

Comment: North-south splits in India make BJP’s majority hard to…

ALTHOUGH almost everyone says prime minister Narendra Modi will be elected for a third term with a huge majority in India’s general election, currently in full swing, it’s wiser to wait until the results are officially declared on June 4. There are so many differences between the north and the…

Nottingham attacks: Mother criticises police over ‘butchered’ WhatsApp message

Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, 19, a victim in the Nottingham attacks, expressed her dismay over a message shared in a police WhatsApp group describing her son as 'properly butchered'. Emma Webber penned an open letter to the Nottinghamshire police officer who posted graphic details of the victims’ injuries…

Seaside saunas gain popularity across UK thanks to Covid pandemic

Seaside saunas were once just a distant dream, until 2018. Nowadays, strolling along a beach in one of the UK's main resorts might lead one to encounter a converted horse box offering head and steam as a refuge from gloomy skies and chilly winds. "Once you get down in the…

Cannes 2024: Indian students’ film selected for La Cinef competition

Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, a short film by four students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has been selected for La Cinef Competitive section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film, directed by Chidanand S Naik, will compete with 17 other shorts for…

UN calls for justice for Sri Lanka’s Easter bombing victims

THE United Nations last Sunday (21) urged Sri Lanka to bridge its “accountability deficit” and ensure justice as the country commemorated the 279 victims of its worst-ever attack against civilians five years ago.  The UN’s top envoy to the country, Marc-Andre Franche, told a remembrance service in Colombo that there…

Sahil Balani: Flying on the wings of dreams

ACTING in stage plays during his childhood days first connected Sahil Balani to acting.  Being in front of an audience during school plays ignited a spark inside him, along with generating a curiosity about creating new characters through costumes, make-up and human emotions. This early motivation drove the naturally gifted…

Lawyers raise concerns as budgets plummet and legal aid is…

LEADING lawyers have warned about the crisis in legal aid affecting people seeking justice. They have voiced concerns after a damning report said government spending on legal aid plummeted by £728 million between 2012-13 and 2022-23. The findings by the National Audit Office (NAO) also criticised the Ministry of Justice…

Open to coming back and doing more work in India:…

Indian-American star Sendhil Ramamurthy says he loved working with Vidya Balan in Do Aur Do Pyaar and hopes the film brings many more opportunities from Bollywood, an industry he stayed away from due to language barrier and familial responsibilities. In Do Aur Do Pyaar, Ramamurthy stars as Vikram, an NRI…

Gold jewellery warning as thieves target Asian homes

POLICE forces across the UK have warned Asians to keep their gold jewellery in a safe or bank deposit box after a spate of burglaries in recent months. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Merseyside Police are among the forces that have seen a number of thefts targeting members of the…

Rising tuberculosis cases in Leicester spark concern

LEICESTER has the secondhighest rate of tuberculosis (TB) of all council areas in the UK, the city’s director of public health has said. While precise numbers were not given, Rob Howard told Leicester city council’s public health committee there had been “a couple of hundred cases” locally in the past…

Stoinis century takes Lucknow to six-wicket win over Chennai

Lucknow Super Giants registered a big win over Chennai Super Kings as Marcus Stoinis led the charge with an unbeaten 124, securing their chase of 211 with six wickets and three balls to spare in Tuesday's Indian Premier League (IPL) clash. Stoinis, delivering his maiden IPL century and his second…

Vidya Balan on love, affairs and hidden realities

WITH an illustrious career spanning more than two decades, Vidya Balan has captivated audiences with compelling performances time and again. The multi-award-winning actress steps into the spotlight once more with her new film Do Aur Do Pyaar, which is now in cinemas globally. She stars opposite Sendhil Ramamurthy, Pratik Gandhi…

Shalina Patel’s book aims to bridge the gap in British…

AUTHOR Shalina Patel said her own experience of not learning about the history she was interested in at school led her to write her new book, The History Lessons. “I was really interested in Indian history. I was really interested in learning about empire, about different groups, women, for example.…

Sunak pledges to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on…

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday (23) he would lift defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP a year by 2030, saying the British arms industry must be on a "war footing" when the world is at its most dangerous since the Cold War. Standing alongside NATO leader…

Live Football Betting & Football Odds

Explore the dynamic world of live football betting and football odds for an immersive sports experience. Live betting allows you to wager during matches, adjusting your strategy based on real-time events. Football odds reflect team performance, injuries, and market sentiment, offering valuable insights for making informed betting decisions. Strategies like…

King Charles elevates British Indian medic among top personal honours

KING CHARLES III on Tuesday (23) unveiled a set of top royal honours, elevating senior medic Lord Ajay Kumar Kakkar and musician Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber as his new Knight Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Lord Kakkar, 59, has been chosen for one of the country's…

Shortage of officers delays fatal school crash investigation

PARENTS of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the investigation into their daughters' tragic deaths at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner cites a lack of forensic officers as the primary reason for the delay, promising improvements. Nuria and…

What is slow hobbies? From Deepika to Kajol, everybody is…

The age-old traditions of pursuing good habits are coming back into vogue, just like our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had weaving skills, some actors are bringing back those habits. The reason is not to pass the time the whole day but they are termed as 'slow hobbies' exploring the dimension of…

Gosling’s upcoming film ‘The Fall Guy’ faces controversy over a…

Early viewers of Ryan Gosling’s upcoming film The Fall Guy are expressing concerns about a particular joke in the movie that references the tumultuous relationship between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Set to hit cinemas next month, The Fall Guy features Gosling in the role of Colt Seavers, a struggling stuntman on…

Suri Cruise celebrates her 18th birthday in NYC

Suri Cruise, the daughter of Hollywood A-listers Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, is legally an adult now. On Thursday, Suri celebrated her 18th birthday in New York City while her estranged father, Tom Cruise, 61, was busy on a film set in London. Suri was spotted walking around New York…

Children groomed at home through phones, charity warns

A charity has sounded the alarm over children as young as three being groomed for "disturbing acts" via phones and tablets at home. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) revealed that in 2023, they uncovered 2,401 "self-generated" images and videos of child abuse, focusing on children aged between three and six.…

Birthday Special: Top 5 must-watch films starring Dev Patel

As Dev Patel celebrates his 34th birthday cake today, it’s a perfect time to celebrate his remarkable journey in cinema. From his breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire to his diverse and compelling performances in various genres, Patel has captivated audiences worldwide with his talent and versatility. Let's explore five must-watch…

Food stories from around the world leave you hungry for…

THE second book from the UK’s first independent publisher for British South Asian writers has found talent from around the world for a series of short stories and essays around food. After a great introduction to the central theme of food and cooking being a uniting force, the book offers…

From Beginner to Pro: A Guide to Becoming the Next…

Advancing Your Skills: Tips and Tricks When it comes to advancing any skill, there are several things you have to do. We recommend focusing on one set game so you can master it rather than divide your focus. If you’re not sure as to which game to pick, then checking…

Two Indian students killed in Arizona accident

TWO Indian students in the US were killed on the spot in a head-on traffic collision near Lake Pleasant in Arizona, according to police. The victims, reportedly from Telangana, have been identified as Nivesh Mukka and Goutham Parsi (both 19). The two Indians were enrolled as international students at Arizona…

Gardening leave or something more sinister … why has LBC…

LET'S be clear, Sangita Myska is a star journalist and broadcaster. Like me, but a while later, she was a BBC trainee. Unlike me, she successfully navigated the corporation’s shark-infested waters, becoming an immensely popular correspondent. During my 24-year BBC career, I had the privilege of often sitting in the…

New study finds 80 women were part of team that…

During World War II, a group of unsung heroes worked tirelessly in complete secrecy to crack Nazi codes, a story that is only now coming to light. At least 77 women from Newnham College, a women-only institution at Cambridge University, were drafted to Bletchley Park, the renowned code-breaking centre north…

Comment: Sunak’s parliamentary victory will now test his impossible promise

“Success is when the boats have been stopped”. He has been short of political victories in the past six months, but prime minister Rishi Sunak was not content to hail the Safety of Rwanda bill finally getting through parliament without continuing to raise expectations about how much he will achieve…

Regent group to acquire TClarke for £90.56m

BRITISH INDIAN entrepreneur Deep Valecha-owned Regent Group will acquire building services group, TClarke, for £90.56 million, subject to regulatory approvals, a statement said. Regent is currently an existing shareholder in TClarke, holding approximately 21.5 percent of the stake. Established in 1889, TClarke provided electricity to Windsor Castle and lit up…

India second largest source country for new US citizens

AS MANY AS 65,960 Indians officially became US citizens, making India the second-largest source country for new citizens in America after Mexico, according to the latest Congressional report. An estimated 46 million foreign-born persons resided in the US in 2022, approximately 14 per cent of the total US population of…

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sandeep Sharma power Rajasthan to big win over…

Yashasvi Jaiswal's unbeaten 104 and Sandeep Sharma's impressive five for 18 guided Rajasthan Royals to a commanding nine-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League (IPL) game on Monday. Earlier, Sandeep Sharma's impressive five-wicket haul restricted Mumbai to 179-9, complementing Yuzvendra Chahal's milestone of claiming 200 IPL wickets…

Romesh Ranganathan finishes London Marathon in six hours

BAFTA award winner Romesh Ranganathan took six and a half hours to finish the 2024 London Marathon after saying his only aim was to complete the course before the roads reopened. Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the event, he said, “My target time is to finish while the roads…

Sunak says ‘flight will go’ as parliament passes Rwanda asylum…

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak promised to start sending asylum seekers to Rwanda within 10 to 12 weeks as the upper house of parliament finally passed required legislation, delayed for weeks by attempts to alter the plan. Sunak said the government had booked commercial charter planes and trained staff to take…

Picture of grieving Gazan woman wins World Press Photo Award…

The winners of the 67th annual World Press Photo Contest have been announced. Handpicked from a staggering pool of over 61,000 submissions spanning across 130 nations, these captivating images serve as a poignant reflection of the pressing narratives shaping our world today. Covering a spectrum of issues including conflicts, climate…

Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media announces superhero graphic novel ‘Minnal Murali’

Spirit Media, Rana Daggubati's production banner, and Tinkle Comics have launched a graphic novel Minnal Murali, based on the superhero from 2021's Malayalam film starring Tovino Thomas in the title role. The announcement was made on Sunday at the Mumbai Comic-Con event in Mumbai. Directed by Basil Joseph, Minnal Murali…

Infertility affects 48 million couples globally, environmental disrupters a major…

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is a pressing public health concern affecting approximately 48 million couples and 186 million individuals globally. One significant contributing factor to infertility is the presence of endocrine disruptors (EDs), which have become increasingly worrisome with societal advancements. These chemicals, commonly utilised in…

‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judges in tears as 8-year-old Ravi battling…

Judges on Britain's Got Talent could not hold back their tears during Sunday night’s episode as they watched eight-year-old Ravi Adelekan appear on the ITV stage backed by a choir called Ravi's Dream Team, and perform to a packed audience. Judge Alesha Dixon was left sobbing as she hit the…

‘Felt very self-critical, had mom-guilt’: Alia Bhatt opens up about…

Bollywood star actor Alia Bhatt, who is from one of the most influential families,  talks about taking therapy post-childbirth. She has always been very candid in her interviews, be it about her professional acting career or her personal life, or talking about her family. Recently, she opened up about her…

Brighton to hold annual event honouring Indian world war soldiers

Brighton council has approved plans for an annual multi-faith event to commemorate the role of Indian soldiers in the two world wars at the town's India Gate memorial from this October. The India Gate was presented to the people of Brighton by the “princes and people of India” as a…

Milk federation from India to sponsor Ireland, Scotland cricket teams

A milk federation from the Indian state of Karnataka has decided to sponsor the Scotland and Ireland cricket teams. The Karnataka Milk Federation, known for its 'Nandini' brand, will sponsor the teams during the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The federation has confirmed the news, stating that the teams would…

Sid Sriram becomes first South Indian artist to perform at…

Playback singer Sid Sriram, who shot to overnight fame with his popular song “Srivalli” from the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise, became the first South Indian artist to perform at Coachella 2024. He ended his set at the prestigious music festival with “Thiruppugazh”, a Tamil-language religious song dedicated to Lord…

Spray paint art on Hebden Bridge pastures to observe Earth…

The world celebrates World Earth Day on 22nd April. The significance of the day is to raise awareness about the critical environmental challenges facing our planet and to mobilise efforts to address them. If one travels from Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, England, a gigantic painting will be seen on…

Young people are forgetting value of free speech: Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie has cautioned young individuals about the importance of preserving free speech and has weighed in on the potential repercussions of a second Donald Trump presidency. Rushdie, who has lived under the shadow of a death threat due to his controversial writings, made a rare public appearance on Sunday…

‘Kalki 2898 AD’: Makers reveal Amitabh Bachchan’s first look as…

The makers of Kalki 2898 AD on Sunday revealed the character teaser of megastar Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, the immortal archer and Lord Shiva devotee, from the highly anticipated film. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the multilingual big-budget sci-fi movie also stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan. It is produced…

Bollywood deepfakes fuel AI election meddling fears in India

Fake videos featuring two prominent Bollywood actors have surfaced, stirring up controversy amid India's ongoing general election. These videos depict Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh purportedly criticising prime minister Narendra Modi and advocating for support towards the opposition Congress party. The videos, which have gained significant traction on social media…

Andre Russell shines as Kolkata beat Bengaluru by one run

In a thrilling IPL encounter, the Kolkata Knight Riders secured a one-run victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. Opting to bat first, Kolkata set a daunting target of 222-6, courtesy of a blistering innings from Phil Salt, who smashed 48 runs…

Swifties swarmed at this pub in London, know why

Taylor Swift is popular amongst all generations of all nations. While, Swift recently dropped her new album, The Tortured Poets Department. Her album's 17th track gives a reference to a  pub in London named 'The Black Dog.' The lyrics of the song called 'The Black Dog' are: "I am someone…

India’s Gukesh becomes youngest-ever challenger for world title in chess

INDIA's 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh scripted history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto to become the youngest ever challenger to the world title, bettering a record created by the legendary Garry Kasparov 40 years ago. Gukesh played out an easy draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th…

Climate watchdog chief criticises Sunak’s ‘backward’ steps

The head of the government's advisory body on climate change, Chris Stark, has expressed concerns that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's actions are setting Britain back in its efforts to tackle climate change. Stark, who is set to step down as chief executive of the independent Climate Change Committee, highlighted that…

Travis Head’s 32-ball 89 takes Hyderabad to 67-run win over…

Travis Head's stunning knock of 89 runs off just 32 balls propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a massive total of 266-7 against Delhi Capitals, securing a commanding 67-run victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Saturday. Hyderabad, known for their explosive batting this season, showcased their dominance once again,…

Mayoral candidate wants to run London like a ‘seasoned CEO’

The contender challenging Sadiq Khan for London mayor, Tarun Ghulati, aims to lead the city with a business mindset. Ghulati, originally from Delhi, believes his experience as a businessman is what London needs to attract investment and prioritise safety. Standing as an independent candidate among 13 contestants, Ghulati vows to…

TDR Capital nears acquisition of Zuber Issa’s Asda stake

PRIVATE equity firm, TDR Capital, is on the cusp of clinching a deal to acquire Zuber Issa’s substantial 22.5 per cent stake in Asda, one of the country’s major supermarket chains, it was reported this week. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that an agreement is imminent, with an announcement…

Daytime Emmy Awards introduce category changes for 51st annual ceremony

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…

Challenge to convey emotions with just your voice, says Priyanka…

The challenge is to be able to convey emotions with just your voice, says actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who turns narrator for the upcoming documentary Tiger and finds it exciting that her career straddling Hollywood and Bollywood also gives her the opportunity to work in different languages. The Disneynature documentary…

India elections 2024: What we learned this week

THE first of India's almost one billion voters cast ballots on Friday (19) in the country's multi-day election, as prime minister Narendra Modi seeks a rare third term on the back of issues such as growth, welfare and Hindu nationalism. Friday's vote covered 166 million voters in 102 constituencies across…

Bradford murder: Police contact with victim being probed

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…

Unveiling the UK’s most valuable vinyl, The Beatles’ ‘White Album’

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…

‘Thrilling and humbling’: Payal Kapadia on Cannes selection

In a momentous turn of events, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia emerges as a beacon of hope for the nation's cinema at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light stands tall among the distinguished entries in the festival's Competition section, marking a historic milestone for Indian cinema. Kapadia's…

Rahul shines as Lucknow beat Chennai

K L RAHIL's solid 82 runs off 53 balls helped Lucknow Super Giants comfortably beat Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in the IPL on Friday (19). Rahul's time at the crease, which saw him smash nine fours and three sixes, played a key role in pushing Lucknow past Chennai's…

Elon Musk puts off India trip, to visit later this…

TECH billionaire Elon Musk postponed a planned trip to India where he was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing obligations at his Tesla automaker and saying he aimed to reschedule the visit for later this year. "Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed,…

School board cancells openly gay ‘30 Rock’ actor’s talk over…

Openly gay actor Maulik Pancholy was disinvited from speaking at Mountain View Middle School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and the reason behind this action was the actor’s “lifestyle”, and also because he is an activist. Pancholy, who played the character Jonathan, Alex Baldwin’s devoted assistant, in the sitcom 30 Rock, and…

‘Squid Game 2’, ‘Cobra Kai S6’ to release in second…

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 announces festival’s first dedicated South Asian space

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…

Former civil servant accuses Cabinet Office of ‘systemic racism’

A former civil servant alleged that the head of the civil service and other senior officials allowed "unrelenting and systemic" racism to thrive within the Cabinet Office, court documents have revealed. Rowaa Ahmar, formerly a senior Treasury official with Egyptian and French heritage, filed a lawsuit against Cabinet Secretary Simon…

Top officer says police must admit to ‘institutional racism’

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…

England’s oldest Test cricketer, Raman Subba Row, dies aged 92

RAMAN Subba Row, former England Test batsman, passed away at the age of 92, announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday. At his passing, he held the distinction of being the oldest living men's Test cricketer from England. Subba Row's cricketing journey began at Cambridge University…

‘I’ve not gone under the knife’: Rajkummar Rao on plastic…

Rajkummar Rao on Friday denied rumours that he has undergone plastic surgery after his photos from a recent event sparked social media debate about the actor’s changed looks. Rao, who is currently promoting his upcoming biographical drama Srikanth, had posed for shutterbugs at a concert here and many on social…

Two Indian students drown in Scotland’s Tummel River

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…

Sunak vows to scrap ‘sick note’ culture

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak wants to eliminate the “sick-note culture” which he claims has become a lifestyle choice for some and was taking a heavy toll on the country's welfare bill. Sunak wants to strip GPs of their power to sign people off work and said that if the Tories…

‘Trap’ Trailer: M Night Shyamalan’s new film lets a serial…

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…

Actors can contribute to society through cinema: Raveena Tandon

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…

Yorkshire, Leicestershire, and Kent disappointed over ECB snub

Yorkshire, Leicestershire, and Kent have voiced their disappointment after not being granted Tier 1 status by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for hosting professional women's cricket teams from 2025. This decision, reported by the BBC, has led to a notable backlash from these counties. While Yorkshire and Glamorgan…

Kiran Ahuja to step down from key White House post

INDIAN AMERICAN attorney and activist Kiran Ahuja has announced that she will step down as the director of the Office of Personnel Management next month. “Serving in the Biden-Harris administration, and in support of the 2.2 million federal workers who dedicate themselves to the American people, has been the honour…

Mumbai Indians beat Punjab Kings despite Ashutosh Sharma’s heroics

In a nail-biting Indian Premier League match on Thursday, the Mumbai Indians overcame a strong challenge from Ashutosh Sharma to edge out the Punjab Kings by nine runs in Chandigarh. The Mumbai Indians, after being asked to bat, got off to a steady start. By the 12th over, they had…

‘Christmas Karma’: Gurinder Chadha announces new film; Kunal Nayyar to…

Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha on Friday officially announced her new film Christmas Karma, a contemporary Bollywood musical, inspired by Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. The Big Bang Theory alum Kunal Nayyar will portray the lead role of Scrooge in the movie, which also features a star-studded cast of Eva Longoria,…

Nestlé adds sugar in baby food sold in third world:…

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…

Seema Misra accuses Post Office of imprisoning her to save…

FORMER sub-postmistress Seema Misra has alleged that the Post Office imprisoned her to save £15,000. In 2010, while eight weeks pregnant with her second child, Misra received a 15-month prison sentence for six counts of false accounting and one of theft. She operated a post office in West Byfleet, Surrey,…

‘London school prayer ban was supported by senior Muslim figures,…

A ban on lunchtime prayers at Michaela Community School in London, which prompted a legal challenge from a student, received backing from notable Muslim leaders, according to the school's headteacher, Katharine Birbalsingh. This week, the school successfully defended its policy of prohibiting pupils from praying during lunchtime in the playground…

ICAI picks holes in BII’s anti-poverty funding in India

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…

Khan promises to set up ‘baby banks’ if re-elected

LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday (18) announced plans to introduce "baby banks" across every borough in the capital for families to access free essentials for children. These facilities, like food banks, would offer essential childcare items such as nappies, toiletries, bedding and feeding equipment to families in need, reported…

Scorsese’s next two films to be ‘Life of Jesus’ and…

After garnering 10 Oscar nominations for last year's historical crime epic Killers of the Flower Moon, the 81-year-old director Martin Scorsese has charted his next several projects. Sources reveal he plans to shoot two films in succession: one centred on the life of Jesus and the other a biopic about…

IPL: A cricket sensation that became a global phenomenon.

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…

Riz Ahmed joins the cast of Wes Anderson’s untitled film

Filmmaker Wes Anderson’s next film is going to get even more star-studded with the addition of talented actor Riz Ahmed to the cast. Currently in production in Berlin, this film has already garnered significant attention not only for its director but also for its ensemble cast that includes heavyweights like…

Eight Indians on Time’s 100 most influential list

EIGHT people from India have been honoured in Time magazine's prestigious list of the 100 most influential people of 2024. World Bank president Ajay Banga, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Olympian wrestler Sakshi Malik and actor-director Dev Patel are among the Indians on the list. It also…

Marine biologists ‘talk’ to humpback whale, call it ‘breakthrough’

In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, marine biologists have successfully communicated with a humpback whale, demonstrating the potential for cooperation and understanding between humans and these majestic ocean creatures. The groundbreaking encounter took place in Southeast Alaska, where an adult female humpback whale, known as Twain, responded to a recording of…

Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal Launch Fashion Label Ehaab Couture

Actor-couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal on Thursday launched their fashion label Ehaab Couture, dedicated to celebrating the art of Chikankari embroidery. According to a press release, Ehaab Couture is inspired by the cultural richness of the city and encapsulates the essence of tradition, nostalgia, and old-world charm. "The name…

India’s Sakshi Malik in Time’s 100 list for leading wrestlers’…

Indian wrestler and Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2024. Sakshi Malik, India's only female Olympic medalist in wrestling, has been acknowledged for her role in combating alleged sexual harassment within the sport. Alongside wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia,…

Drug shortages in UK worsened after Brexit: Report

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…

Manchester City, Arsenal knocked out of Champions League

In a thrilling night of Champions League football, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich secured their spots in the semi-finals, thereby eliminating Manchester City and Arsenal respectively. Real Madrid triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4-3 against Manchester City after the match concluded 1-1 on the night, bringing the aggregate…

Army chief involved in jailing my wife: Imran Khan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has alleged that army chief General Asim Munir was directly responsible for the imprisonment of his wife Bushra Bibi, and the country is being ruled by law of the jungle. Bushra Bibi, 49, was convicted in a corruption case as…

Rishabh Pant leads Delhi to six-wicket win over Gujarat

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…

First major Muslim film festival of UK announces lineup

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…

Payal Kapadia on her Cannes Competition film ‘All We Imagine…

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia says it is an immense honour that her film All We Imagine as Light is part of the Competition section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. “All We Imagine as Light is the first Indian film in 30 years and the first film ever by an Indian…

Post Office scandal is ‘unbelievable’: Former chief

Former Royal Mail chairman Allan Leighton has said the Post Office Horizon IT scandal is 'unbelievable' and 'terrible'. During Leighton's term, between 2002 and 2009, the Post Office was a subsidiary of Royal Mail. "It's unbelievable that it's happened and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry that elements…

Astronomers discover Milky Way’s heaviest known black hole

An international team of astronomers has made a significant discovery in the Milky Way: the heaviest known stellar black hole, named BH3. The black hole, found by analysing recent data from the European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope, has a mass 33 times greater than that of the Sun and…

Public has pessimistic view of AI, 52% are nervous: Study

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…

India elections: First-time voters want jobs, harmony

India's general elections, set to begin this Friday (April 19), mark a significant democratic exercise as the country hosts the world's largest electoral event. More than 18 million first-time voters, including young individuals like 20-year-old Roushan Kumar from West Bengal, are poised to cast their ballots, with many prioritising employment…

Anas Sarwar urges Scotland to launch review on gender services

SCOTTISH Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has said that the country should do its own version of the Cass review on gender services, reported The Times. Sarwar encouraged the Scottish government to detail its reaction to the report concerning the care of children experiencing gender confusion in England. According to him,…

FA chief Yasir Mirza says football needs more south Asian…

ROSS COUNTY midfielder Yan Dhanda stressed the importance of tackling stigma against south Asians to improve ethnic representation at the highest levels of English football. Dhanda and Birmingham City loanee Brandon Khela made history last Sunday (14) when they helped Ross County beat Scottish football giants Rangers for the first…

India’s unemployment rate to decline by 2028: report

INDIA's unemployment rate is likely to decline by as much as 97 basis points by 2028 as the country’s economy hits the $5 trillion mark, fuelling a rise in employment, a new report said. Unemployment rate — the percentage of people in the labour force who are without jobs —…

Nitasha Syed: Freshly brewed stories

SHE may have grown up in Canada, but Nitasha Syed was always proud of her Pakistani heritage. That deep connection to her roots, along with a desire to show the positive side of Pakistan at a time of negative media portrayals led her towards creating Shaam Ki Chai. The fascinating…

Modern take on the Bronte sisters we thought we knew

SARAH GORDON’S play at the National, Underdog: The Other Brontë, brings the story of the Brontë sisters from the 19th century and locates it in modern times. The play focuses not just on the bond between Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, but just as much if not even more on…

Object that crashed into Florida home came from International Space…

NASA has verified that the mysterious object that crashed into a Florida home last month came from the International Space Station (ISS). The agency conducted an analysis of the cylindrical object after it crashed through the roof and two floors of a Naples house on March 8th. The object originated…

Tories probe ‘islamophobic’ tweets allegedly made by local candidate

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…

Aiyana Bartlett: Clash of cricket and colonial history in new…

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.…

Setback for Colombo as talks falter over debt restructuring

BANKRUPT Sri Lanka said on Tuesday (16) it had failed after three weeks of talks to reach an agreement with its sovereign bondholders, a key condition for maintaining an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. The talks with a majority of sovereign bondholders ended inconclusively, the finance ministry said, ahead of…

Exclusive: Asians still fear “dangerous racism”

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…

29 Maoist insurgents killed in India’s latest ambush

AT LEAST 29 Maoist insurgents were killed in a shootout with security forces on Tuesday (16), police said, one of the deadliest days in the long-running conflict. The guerrillas were killed in a remote part of the central state of Chhattisgarh, which has seen a number of recent deadly assaults…

Step into spring in these elegant flats

SPRING is officially here and I’m ready to step away from boots, socks and all the winter blues. I’ve been on the hunt for some updated footwear to add to my spring wardrobe and with the latest fashion weeks and new spring lines dropping, I’ve selected some of my top picks.…

Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds: UN

The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday said that women's bodies have become political battlegrounds, putting risk 30 years of progress on sexual and reproductive health for women and girls. Thirty years ago, at a conference in Cairo, 179 countries agreed to put reproductive health at the heart of sustainable development,…

BBC’s star reporter Charles Wheeler ‘believed in multicultural Britain’

SHIRIN WHEELER has talked to Eastern Eye about the book she has written about her father, Sir Charles Wheeler, who was once the BBC’s star foreign correspondent. He had served in Delhi, Berlin and Washington, before returning home to report on the multicultural Britain in which he always believed and…

In strife-torn Manipur, fear eclipses poll fervour

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…

Diipa Büller-Khosla: Meaningful influence of a social media star

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…

Record rainfall floods Dubai, disrupts flight operations

Flooding from record rainfall has disrupted transport and daily life in Dubai, with major roads submerged and the city's main airport urging passengers to stay home. The intense downpour, which dumped up to 254 millimetres of rain—nearly two years' worth for the region—occurred across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on…

Rebeka Shaid: Finding hope after a painful loss

REBEKA SHAID used personal experiences for her powerful new novel Seven Days. She drew upon memories of living in Bristol, her own mixed heritage, having immigrant parents and the grief of losing a loved one, for the story of two teenagers who bond across a week. The young adult (YA)…

Manoj Malde on a mission to infuse UK gardens with…

HOW do Eastern Eye readers bring a touch of “back home” into their gardens in Southall or Wembley, or indeed, any other part of the UK? Near his home in the village of Brookmans Park in Hertfordshire, landscape designer Manoj Malde talked about his new book, Your Outdoor Garden: How…

Priyanka Chopra shares photo of ‘bloodied’ forehead from ‘Heads of…

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is currently shooting for her upcoming project Heads of State, shared "bloodied up" pictures from the sets. Taking to Instagram stories, Priyanka treated fans to a new picture from her professional life. The image captured Priyanka showing her scars on the right side of her…

Bollywood’s plane problem

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…

India elections: Key leaders who are in fray in the…

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…

Prevent-inspired play Liberation Squares charts teen tales

A DESIRE to dissect the government’s controversial counter-terrorism strategy, Prevent, led Sonali Bhattacharyya to write her latest play, Liberation Squares. It follows the lives of three teenage Muslim girls who are inspired by graphic novels, hip hop, pop culture and realworld activists. They undergo a political awakening when they realise…

Babita: From a film icon to fierce mother

CUTTING her promising career short for marriage means Babita perhaps doesn’t get the credit she deserves. An action-packed seven years saw the strikingly beautiful actress star in a number of hit films, become a fashion icon and show off her impressive talent. She was then brave enough to walk away…

Ex-Post Office executive regrets not reading IT expert’s report

A FORMER Post Office official told the Horizon Scandal public inquiry that he regretted not going through a report compiled by an IT expert and sees it as a missed opportunity to halt the scandal in 2004. The report by IT consultant Jason Coyne found that the IT system was…

Romesh Ranganathan to run London Marathon for suicide prevention charity

COMEDIAN Romesh Ranganathan, who is patron of the suicide prevention charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), said there have been times in his life where he’s felt suicidal. The 46-year-old revealed he struggled with certain events in his life such as when he did badly in his A-Levels and when…

India’s rising billionaire heirs geared up to make their mark

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…

BBC restructures in India to comply with local rules

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…

The talented Mr Pankaj Tripathi

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…

Rasika Dugal’s ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’ to close UK Asian…

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…

Jos Buttler’s century leads Rajasthan to last-ball win over Kolkata

Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 107, outshining Sunil Narine's explosive century, as the Rajasthan Royals clinched a nail-biting two-wicket win against the Kolkata Knight Riders on the final ball, achieving a record-equalling IPL chase of 224 at Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Rajasthan were once in big trouble at 121-6 by…

Amitabh Bachchan to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award, the Mangeshkar family announced on Tuesday. The family and the trust instituted the award in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who died on February 6, 2022, following multiple organ failure. Bachchan, 81, will receive the recognition on April 24,…

Wine farmers in South Africa ‘fight back’ to adapt to…

At a wine farm in South Africa, dry and uprooted grapevines are piled at the base of a sloping stretch of brown fallow land. Much of the vineyard is undergoing replanting to adapt to climate change, which is expected to bring rarer yet more intense rainfall to this wine-producing region.…

Salman Khan returns as host of ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’

Missing the Bigg Boss drama? If yes, then Salman Khan is set to return with the third season of Bigg Boss OTT. Taking to their official Instagram handle, Endemol Shine India shared a graphic poster of Salman Khan announcing the upcoming season. Sharing the poster, they wrote, "Ready for the…

Sanjay Shah behind £1.44bn Danish tax fraud, UK court told

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…

Keanu Reeves to voice Shadow in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’

Keanu Reeves has joined the popular franchise Sonic the Hedgehog for its third instalment, where he will voice the character of Shadow. This casting news was confirmed by Variety and marks a significant addition to the established voice cast, which already includes Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic and Jim…

Three Ways to Invest in UK Sport

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…

Asian billionaire buys Queen Elizabeth’s car

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…

UK makes creating sexually explicit deepfakes without consent a crime

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…

Sunak’s ‘smoke-free generation’ bill opposed by Tories

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…

Nikki Haley joins Hudson Institute think tank

INDIAN AMERICAN politician and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has joined the Hudson Institute, the think tank announced. “Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy,” Hudson president and CEO John P Walters said in a statement. “In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she…

Aamir Khan lodges FIR over alleged deepfake political ad

Actor Aamir Khan is the latest among a host of celebrities who have fallen victim to deepfake videos. Amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a video of the actor purportedly promoting a political party recently went viral, evoking reactions from the audience. On Tuesday, Aamir's official spokesperson issued a statement,…

From Amitabh Bachchan to Salman Khan: 5 Bollywood superstars who…

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…

Modi warns of ‘black money’ in politics after court scraps…

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that a recent Indian top court ruling eliminating a controversial political funding mechanism could drive party donations underground into "black money," or illicit finance streams. The Supreme Court of India ruled in February that "electoral bonds" — a system introduced seven years ago…

Controversial TikTok personality Kyle Marisa Roth dies at 36

TikTok personality Kyle Marisa Roth, known for her unvarnished opinions on celebrities and controversial Hollywood "blind items," has died at the age of 36. Her passing was announced on April 15 by her sister Lindsay, who shared the news with fans on Instagram. In her post, Lindsay Roth shared the…

Muslim school student in London loses court challenge over prayer…

A Muslim student's legal challenge against a ban on prayer rituals at a leading London school was dismissed by a court on Tuesday. The case, centering on religious freedoms within schools, attracted nationwide interest. The student, whose identity remains confidential, had filed a lawsuit against Michaela Community School in northwest…

Hundreds in Leicester celebrate Ram Navami

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,…

Two arrested for firing at Salman Khan’s house

TWO people were arrested in connection with the firing outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai on Sunday morning. The duo - Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) - both residents of Bihar state, were on the run after the incident. They were apprehended late Monday from a…

‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ first Asian American star…

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Crystal Kung Minkoff has announced her exit from the show after three seasons. Confirming the same in an Instagram video, she said, “I just wanted to share the news that I will not be coming back to film Season 14 of Real Housewives…

5 must-watch Bengali films on ZEE5 Global

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…

Indian American Congressman warns of rising anti-Hindu attacks

NOTICING a significant rise in assaults targeting Hindus in the US, an Indian American Congressman said that this marks the initial stage of an organised anti-Hindu offensive. Congressman Shri Thanedar made these comments during a press briefing at the National Press Club in Washington on Monday (15), urging community members…

Defiance is required viewing for youngsters with higher expectations of…

THE history of British Asians has mostly been told in fragments. There is no similarly-storied moment of arrival, as that of the Windrush to symbolise the multiple journeys across the 1950s-1970s that made Asian communities Britain’s largest minority group. A potted history of race in Britain might often jump from…

Need more research on inaccurate diabetes tests on south Asians:…

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,…

Hyderabad beat Bengaluru as records shatter in epic IPL run-fest

Sunrisers Hyderabad set a new Indian Premier League (IPL) benchmark by scoring an all-time high of 287-3 in their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, securing a 25-run victory. This game not only surpassed Hyderabad’s previous record of 277 but also marked the highest aggregate score in a T20 match, with…

Sunak calls for restraint in Middle East following Iran’s attack…

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…

Akshay Kumar to make Telugu cinema debut with ‘Kannappa’

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…

Everything you need to know about the monumental India elections

India's general elections are set to begin in just three days, on April 19. Spanning six weeks, this monumental electoral exercise will involve 968 million eligible voters, making it the largest democratic vote in the world. As the nation prepares for this massive process, the focus is on the logistical…

Indian origin South African musician Barry Baldeo dies

Surabjit Jaybelly Baldeo, a noted South African musician of Indian origin, has died at the age of 66. Popularly known as 'Barry' Baldeo, the guitarist, who passed away on Sunday morning, was a key participant in almost every Indian musical show in South Africa, according to close friends and collaborators.…

Spring Covid booster vaccine bookings open in England

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…

FBI offers £200,000 reward for info on Indian wanted for…

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US has announced a reward of up to £200,000 for details that can lead to the capture of Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, a 33-year-old Indian national. Described as "extremely dangerous," Patel is on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, accused of the…

AP Dhillon receives backlash for breaking guitar at Coachella

Indo-Canadian singer AP Dhillon's maiden performance at Coachella 2024 did not go down well with many. During the weekend, Dhillon tried his best to enthrall the audience with his gig at one of the most famous music festivals. However, his act of breaking the guitar left netizens disappointed. Taking to…

10,000 manual washing machines to help handwashing communities

In an effort to ease the burden of handwashing clothes, The Washing Machine Project in partnership with the Whirlpool Foundation has announced their plan to distribute 10,000 manual washing machines over the next five years. This initiative targets low-income and displaced communities in India, Latin America, Mexico, and Africa, aiming…

Bollywood marriages are loveless, people get hitched for clout: Nora…

Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi recently shared her thoughts on the motivations behind certain marriages in the film industry, suggesting that many people get married for the sake of gaining "clout" rather than love. Nora Fatehi shared during an interview on BeerBiceps that she is aware of many individuals who attach themselves…

Google Doodle celebrates Lebanese-American visionary Etel Adnan

Etel Adnan, a pioneering Lebanese-American poet, essayist, and visual artist, was a creative force whose work transcended cultural and artistic boundaries. Born in 1925 in Beirut, Lebanon, Adnan's diverse heritage influenced her unique artistic style. Adnan's father, Assaf Kadri, was a Sunni Muslim-Turkish high-ranking Ottoman officer of Albanian descent, while…

Indian-American golfers Bhatia, Theegala secure solid Masters finishes

At the prestigious Augusta National, Indian-American golfers Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala finished tied 35th and tied 45th respectively, while world number one Scottie Scheffler triumphed with a four-shot victory, claiming his second Masters title in three years. In his first appearance at the Masters, Bhatia scored 72, 75, 74,…

From Salman Khan to Deepika Padukone, 5 actors who received…

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…

Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh’s killer attacked in Lahore

Amir Sarfaraz Tamba, an accused in the murder of Sarabjit Singh, the Indian death row prisoner in Pakistan, was attacked by unidentified gunmen in Lahore on Sunday. Though some media reports claimed that Tamba was killed in the attack, Pakistan daily Dawn quoting some officials said he was alive but…

Met Gala 2024: What to expect from fashion’s biggest night

Anticipation for this year's Met Gala, often dubbed the Oscars of fashion, has peaked with the unveiling of the star-studded guest list that promises an evening of glamour, style, and high-profile appearances. According to Page Six, among the luminaries set to grace the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of…

Last songs that were played while the Titanic sank

Mysterious things always attract people's attention, Titanic is a mystery, and history is something that people still read about. On this day, April 15, 1912, people are still reading of one of the greatest ship wreckages, the Titanic wreck after 112 years. There have been many stories of the survivors…

Rachel Riley apologises for controversial tweet ‘promoting Islamophobia’

Rachel Riley, the host of Countdown, has apologised after her controversial tweet regarding the Sydney mall stabbings, which led to calls for Channel 4 to dismiss her. Riley was accused of promoting Islamophobia when she incorrectly suggested the attack was a Palestinian uprising. The attack in Sydney, which resulted in…

Knife is dedicated to those who saved my life, says…

BRITISH-AMERICAN author Salman Rushdie releases his memoir Knife on Tuesday, recounting the harrowing experience of being stabbed at a public event in 2022 and how he overcame the near-fatal ordeal. Rushdie lost sight in one eye after the attack by a knife-wielding assailant, who jumped on stage at an arts…

Rohit’s century goes in vain as Chennai beat Mumbai by…

Rohit Sharma's brilliant century could not steer Mumbai Indians to victory as they fell short by 20 runs against Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Sunday. Chasing a formidable target of 207, Mumbai ended at 186-6 despite Rohit's unbeaten 105 at the Wankhede Stadium in…

Iran to allow Indian officials to meet crew of seized…

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has agreed to allow Indian authorities to meet with 17 Indian crew members of a cargo vessel that was seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz. This development was communicated during a telephonic conversation with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on…

FIR registered after firing outside Salman Khan’s home

The Mumbai police have registered an FIR after two motorbike-borne unidentified persons opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s house in the city’s Bandra area early Sunday morning, an official said. The police have also recovered a two-wheeler, a little over a kilometer from the actor’s home, suspected to have…

Sunak’s Rwanda plan set to pass in parliament

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…

Pakistani man among those killed in Sydney attack

A 30-year-old Pakistani man was named on Sunday as the security guard killed in a weekend knife attack in a Sydney shopping mall, according to two local community groups. The Australian Pakistani National Association and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said Faraz Tahir was killed by a knife-wielding man who also killed…

Modi promises to create jobs, boost infrastructure

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised on Sunday to create jobs, boost infrastructure and expand welfare programmes if it wins a third term, seeking to address key voter concerns ahead of next week's elections. The general election will be held in seven stages from April 19…

Gang sentenced to 122 years for Asian driver’s murder

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…

Daniel Radcliffe says he was ‘deathly afraid’ of Alan Rickman

Potter heads, here is a revelation of your favourite hero, Harry Potter. Daniel Radcliffe, known for his lead role as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series, recently shared his experiences of being 'deathly afraid' of Alan Rickman, who portrayed Professor Severus Snape in the film series. Radcliffe spoke about…

Whistleblowers expose safety concerns at Sussex Hospital

A scandal has erupted at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, with allegations of a cover-up involving a group of consultant neurosurgeons accused of suppressing warnings about patient safety, according to reports. According to whistleblower Mansoor Foroughi, who served as a consultant neurosurgeon at the hospital, concerns regarding high death rates…

‘So it’s you’: Salman Rushdie recalls first thought on attacker

Since 1989, Salman Rushdie has lived under the shadow of a death threat due to his controversial writings. When he faced a near-fatal stabbing, his immediate reaction was, "So it's you." Rushdie shared his reflections on this life-altering incident in his new book, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," which…

El Colacho, a baby jumping festival, a unique Spanish tradition…

We all know, that Spain, a country with the picturesque county is also popular for its unique festivals like La Tomatina, or the popular bull race the Pamplona encierro. One more such unique festival with a unique tradition is celebrated every year. Every year in mid-June, the small Spanish village…

IPL debutant Fraser-McGurk powers Delhi to 6-wicket win over Lucknow

Jake Fraser-McGurk marked his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with a striking half-century, propelling the Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants on Friday. The win rekindled Delhi's prospects in the tournament. Fraser-McGurk, who turned 22 the day before the match, partnered with team captain Rishabh…

Historic Hindu temple demolished in Pakistan

A historic Hindu temple near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been demolished, paving the way for the construction of a commercial complex in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The site had been dormant since 1947, when its original occupants migrated to India. The ‘Khyber Temple’ was situated in the border town of Landi…

Fortress Investment Group acquires Poundstretcher

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…

Popular support for our government is increasing: Modi

As India heads towards another general election, prime minister Narendra Modi is confident of not just winning, but improving his party Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) tally in the Lok Sabha - the lower house of the parliament. While replying to Newsweek's written questions, followed up with a 90-minute conversation at…

India elections 2024: What we learned this week

It is just one week before India goes for general elections, the world's largest polls, and the campaigning is at its peak now. The tussle between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led government and the opposition has intensified with promises, accusations, and controversial statements being made from both sides. Nearly a…

Kamala Harris visits Arizona after state upholds abortion ban

US vice president Kamala Harris travels on Friday (12) to Arizona, three days after a court there upheld a 160-year-old abortion ban, igniting a charged issue in one of 2024's most competitive election states. Arizona's conservative Supreme Court sent a shockwave through the narrowly divided state that could swing the…

India advises against travel to Iran, Israel

India advised its citizens on Friday against travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice because of the "prevailing situation in the region". The advisory from the foreign ministry came amid Iran's threats to retaliate against a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy in Syria this month. Countries including the…

Seema Misra rejects apology from former Post Office boss

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…

Man stabs two in France over drinking alcohol during Eid

A MAN in Bordeaux, France, fatally stabbed one person and injured another before being shot by police as he attempted to flee. The incident happened on Wednesday in a tourist-frequented central area of the southwestern French city. Frédérique Porterie, the Bordeaux public prosecutor, said that the Afghan migrant attacked the…

Bradford stabbing accused appears in court

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…

Indian voters prefer strong leadership, study reveals

MAJORITY of people in India prefer a "strong" leader and express satisfaction with the national government's performance, a recent study spanning 19 countries, including three major democracies, has revealed. The report titled ‘Perceptions of Democracy: A Survey about How People Assess Democracy around the World’ was released by the International…

Baggage handler avoids jail after stealing jewellery

HEATHROW baggage handler has spared prison after stealing £29,000 worth of jewellery from a misplaced suitcase, reported MyLondon. Priti Sthankiya moved the bag from Terminal 2 and concealed beneath a carousel in January last year, the Old Bailey heard on Thursday (11). Subsequently, she retrieved designer handbags containing £500 in…

Indian-American golfers Bhatia and Theegala off to slow start at…

In the rain-soaked opening round of the 88th Augusta Masters, Indian-American golfers Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala had a subdued start. Bhatia, completing 16 holes, tied for 17th place at one-under, while Theegala, having played 11 holes, was tied for 42nd with a score of one-over. The challenging weather conditions,…

Bumrah’s five-for takes Mumbai to 5-wicket win over Bengaluru

Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul, along with fifties from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, propelled Mumbai Indians (MI) to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Thursday. Bumrah's figures of 5-21 earned him the player-of-the-match award as RCB posted 196-8, following…

UK economy grows slightly in February, fuels recovery hopes

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…

‘All We Imagine As Light’ is 1st Indian film in…

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…

Kidambi Srikanth can be top again, says coach Kashyap

COACH Parupalli Kashyap feels Kidambi Srikanth’s best is yet to come and expects him to produce some good results this season having worked on his fitness and game. Former world number one Srikanth, who claimed four super series titles in 2017, has been struggling with form for quite some time.…

Why Expansion Might be Profitable During an Economic Downturn

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…

Kanwar Dhillon: ‘Udne Ki Asha is a breath of fresh…

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…

Irfan Shamji: ‘Playing a new dad left me shaken and…

ACTOR Irfan Shamji is known for portraying intense characters in plays such as Chasing Hares and Hamlet. However, he admitted that his latest role in The Cord took an emotional toll, and he felt its impact for days. The Cord offers brutally honest insights into the challenging truths of family…

British passport rates hiked; second in 14 months

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…

MC Stan: From the streets to stardom

THE explosive hip-hop scene in India has delivered dynamite talents and incendiary tracks in recent years, which have collectively added an edge to commercial music in the country. Rap sensation MC Stan has been one of the standout talents, illustrated by his superb songs and him winning India’s biggest reality…

Tackling age-gap double standard in relationships

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…

My personality and the way I am is very Northern:…

Zayn Malik, who shot to fame when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2010 and became a member of One Direction, was initially driven by a desire to help his family have a better quality of living, but as his ambitions grew, he wanted to be able to see…

Lindy Cameron named new British high commissioner to India

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…

Dina Begum’s tribute to Bangladeshi cuisine

A PASSION for highlighting the recipes and food traditions of Bangladesh has led Dina Begum towards becoming an author of two widely acclaimed cookbooks. The British culinary expert has followed up Brick Lane Cookbook with the recently published Made in Bangladesh, which has also received a great response. The new…

Biden boosts election chest as he woos Haley supporters to…

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is appealing directly to supporters of former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who was the last major opponent to Donald Trump before she withdrew from the race last month. “Nikki Haley voters, Donald Trump doesn’t want your vote,” Biden said in a social media…

Vietnamese property tycoon sentenced to death for corruption case of…

Truong My Lan, a prominent Vietnamese property tycoon and chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, has been sentenced to death in a large-scale corruption case that caused an estimated £21 billion in damages. A panel of three jurors and two judges in Ho Chi Minh City found Lan guilty…

Social media platforms failing trans Bangladeshis, says activist

TRANSGENDER people in Bangladesh say social media platforms must do more to tackle hate speech, warning that an increase in transphobia online could threaten their safety in real life – and set back rights progress. In the early days of blogs and platforms such as Facebook, trans Bangladeshis embraced the…

JK Rowling says she won’t ‘forgive’ Daniel Radcliffe and Emma…

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…

Ex-Post Office boss says sorry for celebrating jailing of pregnant…

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…

Ganavya: Touching the sky

TALENTED vocalist, multiinstrumentalist and composer Ganavya has always offered something unique with her songs. The musical maestro continues that run of impressive music releases with her new studio album, Like The Sky I’ve Been Too Quiet. Released via Shabaka Hutchings’ Native Rebel Recordings, the album features contributions from leading artists…

Asian man gets Points of Light award

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has awarded an Asian-origin London resident for promoting cricket and making a positive change within the south Asian community. Himanshu Jain, who co-founded a charity cricket community for south Asian men, got the daily Points of Light award on April 10. The Prime Minister makes daily…

Acclaimed ‘The Color Purple’ filmmaker to direct ‘Black Samurai’ for…

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.…

Indian-origin Mehak Chandel in final round of Miss England beauty…

For 23-year-old Indian-origin student Mehak Chandel, who is in the running to be crowned Miss England 2024, the challenges she faced in tackling acne have motivated her to promote inclusivity for all skin types in the field of modelling. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Southall-born Mehak, who holds a…

‘Hope ‘LSD 2’ sets example for girls like me,’ says…

Transgender actress Bonita Rajpurohit, who is set to debut with Dibakar Banerjee's Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2, says she is proud to be one of the leads in the upcoming film which she hopes makes young women like her feel seen. The film, a sequel to Banerjee's 2010 film Love…

Darasing Khurana’s focus is to make therapy accessible and affordable

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…

TOP 10 performances of Vidya Balan

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…

Apple warns of ‘mercenary spyware attack’ on users in India,…

Apple Inc has warned its users in India and ninety-one other countries that they were possible victims of a "mercenary spyware attack", according to a threat notification email that was sent to targeted users. The company, in a fresh alert, dropped the word "state-sponsored" it used in its previous alerts…

Green energy powers exhibits at Science Museum’s Adani Gallery

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…

Modi aims to boost his party’s tally in southern states

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is expected to retain power in the multi-phase general elections starting this month, but the question is how far he will succeed in wooing the wealthier and better-educated south. After a decade in power, Modi hopes to significantly increase his Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 55…

Immigration officers arrest 12 Indians in West Midlands

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…

Bradford stabbing: Man charged with murder

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…

Asian students use AI more than their peers

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…

Bhamini Oza to play Kasturba Gandhi in ‘Gandhi’ series

Bhamini Oza will portray Kasturba Gandhi in filmmaker Hansal Mehta's much-anticipated series Gandhi, the makers announced on Thursday. Oza's actor-husband Pratik Gandhi is essaying the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the show, which is backed by Applause Entertainment. It is based on historian and author Ramachandra Guha’s two books —…

Anjaam: Behind the scenes of a Bollywood cult classic

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.…

Tackle Asian fertility stigma, says doctor

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…

Gujarat Titans end Rajasthan Royals’ winning streak in last-ball thriller

In a gripping Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Wednesday, the Gujarat Titans staged a stunning comeback to defeat the Rajasthan Royals by three wickets, putting an end to the Royals' unbeaten run in the tournament. The Titans' victory was secured on the final ball of the game. Rajasthan Royals,…

Sunak praises Muslims as Gaza casts shadow on Eid

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…

Neeta Lulla: In pursuit of fashion excellence

A FABULOUS forty-year career in fashion has seen Neeta Lulla embark on a fantastic journey filled with many magnificent moments. The legendary designer has mixed couture creations and beautiful bridal outfits with award-winning work in hundreds of high-profile movies and dressing A-list celebrities. She has also become a strong symbol…

Bradford man jailed for 13 years for rape, sexual assault

A 26-year-old man from Bradford has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and the production of indecent images of a child. Abdullah Mhana of Hirst Lodge Court, Bradford, admitted to 17 offences at Bradford Crown Court on…

World Athletics breaks tradition, to pay prize money for Olympic…

In a historic move, World Athletics has announced plans to award prize money at the upcoming Paris Olympics, marking the first time an international federation will do so at the Games. Gold medalists across the 48 athletics events in Paris will receive a substantial sum of $50,000 (£40,000) each. "While…

Air India to send pilots on deputation to Vistara

Tata Group-owned Air India is planning to send a set of first officers to Vistara, which is grappling with a pilot shortage, according to multiple sources. The pilots will be sent to Vistara, a Tata joint venture with Singapore Airlines, on deputation, subject to getting necessary regulatory approvals. Air India…

BBC ‘Apprentice’ winner Harpreet Kaur to marry fellow contestant

2022 The Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur and fellow 2022 candidate Akshay Thakrar are set to tie the knot at the end of next month, reports The Mirror. The couple met on the BBC series and are already engaged. They are planning three days of celebrations, including an English-style white wedding…

Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal’s ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ to screen…

Girls Will Be Girls, the debut production of actor couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, is heading to the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, the makers announced on Wednesday. Set to be held from April 11 to 14, the TIFF Next Wave Festival is an annual event organised by the…

India wins big at UN, Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to key…

India secured multiple victories at the United Nations, including the re-election of Jagjit Pavadia to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for her third term. Pavadia's re-election, running from March 2025 to 2030, marked a significant win with the highest number of votes. India also earned seats in other UN…

Nobel Prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, passes away at 94

Peter Higgs, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist renowned for proposing the existence of the Higgs boson particle, has passed away at the age of 94. He died at his home in Edinburgh on Monday. Higgs received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013 for his groundbreaking work in 1964, which demonstrated…

Ukraine and Britain sign defence cooperation agreement

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…

‘Zombie drug’ xylazine linked to 11 deaths in UK

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…

Modi’s party ropes in influencers to woo young voters

Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur thought she was successful, with millions following her Hindu devotional tunes on social media - but then Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent her popularity into the stratosphere. With India's marathon general elections set to start on April 19, critics say Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party…

Simon Harris becomes Ireland’s youngest leader

WHEN Simon Harris made headlines in his local County Wicklow newspaper in 2003 for criticising the government, the future Irish prime minister was described as "a well-known local activist". He was 16 years old. Now 37, Harris became Ireland's youngest ever premier on Tuesday (9), an ascent that while swift…

WHO raises alarm over 3,500 daily deaths from hepatitis infections

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the escalating death toll from viral hepatitis, revealing that the disease stands as the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, claiming 1.3 million lives annually, which is almost the same as tuberculosis-related fatalities. According to the WHO 2024 Global…

London Zoo welcomes three endangered Asiatic lion cubs

LONDON ZOO has recently welcomed three Asiatic lion cubs from an endangered subspecies. Born to seven-year-old mum, Arya, and 14-year-old dad Bhanu, these lion cubs arrived on 13 March. Their parents are residents of the zoo and integral members of its international conservation breeding programme, according to a statement. Asiatic…

‘Maidaan’ Review: An entertaining sports-drama featuring a match-winning performance from…

Maidaan marks Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn’s quick return to the silver screen weeks after the release of his recent film, Shaitaan. His new film depicts the inspiring journey of coach Syed Abdul Rahim and the golden era of Indian football during the 1950s and 60s. Directed by Amit Sharma, the…

Hyderabad beat Punjab by 2 runs in IPL thriller

In a nail-biting IPL encounter on Tuesday, Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to fend off a late onslaught by Punjab Kings' batsmen Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, clinching victory by a narrow margin of two runs. Chasing down 183 runs for victory, Punjab Kings fell just short, scoring 180 for 6, with…

Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ to release in…

Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum's romantic comedy Fly Me To The Moon will make its debut in Indian theatres on July 12, Sony Pictures Entertainment India announced on Tuesday. Described as a "sharp, stylish comedy-drama set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing", the…

Tickets for Tom Holland’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ sold out in…

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…

UK and Rwanda anticipate first deportation flights by spring

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…

Indian tech experts embrace AI for development goals

TWO Indian sports tech innovators joined academics and other experts for the annual Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development in London, which concluded that artificial intelligence (AI) in sports can be harnessed and leveraged to meet the UN development goals faster. Rohn Malhotra, co-founder and managing director of Sports…

Kolkata graduate’s team wins ‘University Challenge’ quiz

The Imperial College London quiz team, which included computational science graduate from Kolkata Sourajit Debnath, has emerged as the winner of the champion’s trophy of ‘University Challenge’. The win in Monday night’s final aired on BBC makes the London-based university one of the most successful in the show’s history, winning…

Masters debutants Bhatia and Theegala raise hope for Indian Golf

Emerging from the ranks of professional golf, Indian-American players Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala are all set to make an impact at the Augusta Masters, with hopes of igniting a surge in Indian golfing talent. Hailing from California, both in their twenties, Bhatia, fresh off his recent victory at the…

JLR retail sales up on strong demand

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…

Rajnath Singh questions China’s renaming efforts in Arunachal Pradesh

INDIAN defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (9) rejected China’s attempts’ to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh and wondered if provinces in that country would become part of India if it changes their names. In an address at a public rally, Singh also asserted that if someone tries to hurt…

Hulu acquires Mindy Kaling’s new comedy ‘Murray Hill’

The Disney-owned streamer Hulu has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights to Mindy Kaling's highly anticipated comedy series, Murray Hill. The official logline for Murray Hill is as follows: “Five work-obsessed 20-somethings strive for professional success and, if they have time, personal happiness in Manhattan’s most glamorous neighborhood, Murray Hill.” Kaling,…

Ankita Lokhande to lead streaming show ‘Amrapali’

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…

Grateful incredible opportunity to be part of ‘Monkey Man’: Singapore’s…

Mathi Alagan, an Indian-origin Singaporean actor, says it was an "incredible opportunity" to feature in Dev Patel's directorial debut Monkey Man. Inspired by the legend of Lord Hanuman, Monkey Man is set in Mumbai and features Patel as Kid, who is out to avenge a past wrong. Alagan expressed gratitude…

‘We are old, but gold,’ Djokovic tells Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna, aged 44, boasts the distinction of being the oldest player to reach the top of the doubles rankings, while Novak Djokovic, at 36, recently eclipsed Roger Federer to become the oldest number one in the latest singles rankings chart. At the Monte Carlo Masters, veteran tennis players Bopanna…

Post Office tried to discredit me, says Alan Bates

FORMER sub-postmaster and campaigner Alan Bates has said the Post Office tried to discredit him during his fight for justice in the Horizon IT scandal. While giving evidence to the Post Office Horizon IT public inquiry, he accused the Post Office of lying about the accounting system. He said he…

ApexNexia reviews: valuable insights from actual traders

Today, it's possible to earn money from the comfort of your home, and it's an opportunity worth seizing. To get started, all you need is to connect your laptop to the internet and acquaint yourself with the principles of trading. Users worldwide are searching for the best investment platform, relying…

Brother-in-law of Humza Yousaf charged with abduction and extortion

Ramsay El-Nakla, the brother-in-law of Scotland's first minister Humza Yousaf, has been charged with abduction and extortion following the death of a man who fell from a flat's window. Ryan Munro suffered severe injuries after the fall on Morgan Street in Dundee on January 10, as reported by BBC. He…

Sobhita on playing a sex worker in ‘Monkey Man’: Those’re…

Known for her work in several successful films and streaming shows in India such as Ponniyin Selvan and Made in Heaven, actress Sobhita Dhulipala makes her Hollywood debut with the recently released film, Monkey Man, co-starring and directed by Dev Patel. In an interview with The New York Times, the…

Sunder Katwala: Middle east conflict puts faith and society in…

FROM one perspective, it could seem difficult to find another major democracy that is quite as relaxed about the role of religious faith in public life as Britain is today. As Eid this week brought the month of Ramadan to a close for several million British Muslims, it will provide…

Zuber Issa to step down as EG Group CEO

ZUBER ISSA, one of the co-founders of EG Group, is poised to step down from his role as co-chief executive of the multinational petrol station empire, clearing the path for his brother, Mohsin Issa, to take the helm, reported The Times. The shift in leadership will result in Mohsin Issa,…

Indian court rejects plea challenging Kejriwal’s arrest

An Indian court on Tuesday dismissed an appeal against the arrest of Delhi chief minister and key opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal in a graft case. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the financial crime probe agency Enforcement Directorate (ED). "The court is of the view that the arrest of…

Film on militant-turned-soldier Nazir Wani in the works

A film inspired by the life of the late Lance Naik Nazir Wani, a militant-turned-soldier who laid down his life fighting a group of terrorists in Kashmir, is under development at production house Baweja Studios. The action drama, whose title signifies brotherhood in the military, will showcase Wani's journey from…

Cost-of-living crisis: FCA survey reveals improvement in financial struggles

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…

‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ & ‘Maidaan’ to now release on…

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…