• Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Results for "india"

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…

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…

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…

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…

Satellite data shows large expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), there has been a significant expansion in more than 27 per cent of the identified glacial lakes in the Himalayas since 1984, with 130 of them located in India. Long-term satellite imagery spanning from 1984 to 2023 revealed notable changes in the…

Deep Valecha’s 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…

Reliance sees double-digit revenue surge

INDIA's Reliance Industries reported a double-digit jump in fourth-quarter revenue on Monday (22), helped by steady growth in its consumer-facing businesses. Reliance is led by Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani and is India's most valuable company by market capitalisation. Operating revenue rose over 11 per cent to $28.8 billion (£23.3bn)…

Indian court upholds appointment of Dawoodi Bohra leader

An Indian court has has dismissed a suit from 2014 challenging the appointment of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin as the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community. Justice Gautam Patel, presiding over a single Bombay high court bench, clarified that the court's decision solely pertained to matters of proof rather than faith.…

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…

Christ’s College Cambridge to host 1st edition of Khushwant Singh…

Khushwant Singh Literary Festival (KSLF) is set to return to London in its 6th edition and to Cambridge for the first time. The festival includes 15 sessions of discussions on books that matter and an evening of music. The theme of the festival is Heal the World. “The theme, Heal…

Indians can now get multiple-entry Schengen visa with longer validity

Indians will now have easier access to multiple entry Schengen visas with longer validity as the European Commission has made some changes changes to existing rules. "On April 18, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than…

Masala row: Regulator to inspect spices sold in India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated steps to examine the quality of powdered spices from various brands, including MDH and Everest, throughout India following quality concerns raised by Singapore and Hong Kong, a government source disclosed. "Given the current situation, FSSAI is collecting samples of…

Mithun Chakraborty receives India’s third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was conferred with India’s third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. Mithun Chakraborty received the prestigious award in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, among others at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. Fondly called 'Mithun Da'…

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…

Ambani’s youngest son to tie the knot in Stoke Park…

Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant Ambani, is set to wed his childhood friend Radhika Merchant at Stoke Park Estate in London this July, according to sources. The extravagant affair is expected to host Bollywood celebrities, adding to the grandeur of the event. The lavish wedding, organised by…

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…

‘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…

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…

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,…

Mumtaz attends party in Pakistan, poses with Fawad Khan, Rahat…

Bollywood veteran Mumtaz appears to be in Pakistan, sharing photos and videos from her time there on social media. Mumtaz, on Friday, took to her Instagram to post pictures from her visit to Pakistan, including snapshots with actor Fawad Khan. In the pictures, Mumtaz is seen wearing a black top…

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…

Around 64 per cent voter turnout in first phase of…

POLLING for the first phase of India’s marathon national elections on Friday (19) concluded with around 64 per cent voter turnout. The first phase sealed the fate of 1,625 candidates in 102 constituencies across 17 states and Union Territories across the country. The voting percentage of 63.89 per cent is…

‘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…

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,…

Akshata Murty to get multimillion pound Infosys payout

PRIME Minister's wife is due for a multimillion-pound payment as a dividend from her holding in Infosys, an IT services multinational co-founded by her father. While announcing its annual financial results, Infosys said it would pay a regular dividend of 20 rupees per share, plus an additional eight rupee-per-share special…

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…

India seeks carbon tax exemption in trade talks: report

INDIA is pressing for an exemption from the UK's proposed carbon tax as negotiations progress towards finalising a free trade agreement, The Guardian reported on Friday (19). A British government official, briefed on the negotiations, revealed that India is seeking exemption from the proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), citing…

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…

Fossils of possibly the largest snake ever discovered in India

IN THE lignite-rich depths of a mine in Gujarat, India, paleontologists have unearthed the vertebrae of what might be one of the largest snakes ever to slither on Earth. This giant snake, named Vasuki indicus, stretched up to 49 feet (15 metres) in length and roamed the Indian swamps approximately…

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…

Indians most likely victims of modern slavery, finds report

FOR the first time, India emerged as the most common nationality among potential victims of modern slavery, primarily due to labour exploitation in the care sector, a report revealed this week. The modern slavery and exploitation helpline data from anti-slavery charity Unseen also highlighted the widespread extent of modern slavery,…

Infosys Q4 net soars 30 per cent, revenue up 1.3…

INDIAN IT services major Infosys has said its consolidated profit jumped 30 per cent to Rs 79.69 billion (£770 million) in the March 2024 quarter, up from Rs 61.28 bn (£590mn) in the year-ago period. The consolidated revenue of Infosys during the quarter increased 1.3 per cent to Rs 379.23…

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,…

India starts voting as Modi aims for third term

India's polling stations opened on Friday as prime minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term, riding on his track record of growth, welfare policies, and Hindu nationalism. Today marks the biggest phase of the election, with 166 million voters across 102 constituencies in 21 states and territories heading to the…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Two of Indian origin among six arrested in Canada’s largest…

On 17 April 2023, a bold theft occurred at Toronto's main airport, where thieves stole a cargo of gold bars and foreign currency worth approximately £13.16 million. The heist, which involved using fake documents, targeted a shipment that had just arrived on an Air Canada flight from Zurich, Switzerland. This…

Aamir Khan deepfake video: Police register FIR against unidentified person

The Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person in connection with a deepfake video of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan in which he is purportedly seen promoting a political party, an official said. The FIR was filed on Wednesday at the Khar police station following a complaint by…

Austin: India-US fighter jet engine deal revolutionary

THE India-US deal to jointly produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force is revolutionary, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers on Wednesday. The landmark deal was announced last June during the historic official state visit of prime minister Narendra Modi to the US. The General Electric signed…

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,…

Ayodhya takes centre stage as Ram Navami festivities sweep India

RAM NAVAMI was celebrated on Wednesday (17) across the country with joyous processions and special prayers, as Ayodhya's Ram temple witnessed grand festivities to mark the first Ram Navami after its consecration, a day described as a "generational milestone" by prime minister Narendra Modi. Modi greeted people on the festival,…

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…

Campaigning ends for first phase of India elections

Campaigning officially ended on Wednesday evening for the first phase of India's general elections, involving 102 Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) seats across 21 states and Union territories. This initial phase is set for 19 April, with key political figures from both the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA (National Democratic…

Musk in India: Tesla, Starlink and X on agenda

Billionaire Elon Musk is gearing up for a visit to India, targeting an electric vehicle plant in the country. But that's not the only thing he will be discussing during his India visit. In addition to Tesla, Musk's satellite internet company Starlink is expected to receive preliminary clearances to operate…

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…

Essar Group firm appoints Rob Wallace as CEO

ESSAR ENERGY TRANSITION on Wednesday (17) announced the appointment of Rob Wallace as chief executive officer of EET Hydrogen Power, the firm's planned hydrogen-ready combined heat and power plant (CHP) at its Stanlow refinery in the UK. Essar Energy Transition (EET) is the unit of Essar Group that is driving…

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…

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 —…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

India’s market opening benefits US farmers: Biden official

AFTER resolving half a dozen WTO disputes last year, India opened up its market for several US products which have benefited American farmers, a top Biden administration official told lawmakers. The steps taken by India have given more market access for turkey, duck, blueberries, and cranberries benefiting farmers from several…

Report: Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ not banned in India

Reports were doing the rounds lately that Dev Patel’s Monkey Man has been banned in India because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had issues with its violent scenes and religious theme. However, a leading online portal reveals that the CBFC’s Examining Committee is yet to see the film,…

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…

Cannes Directors’ Fortnight Lineup revealed for 2024 festival

The Cannes Directors' Fortnight, known for its cutting-edge and provocative cinema, has announced its lineup for the upcoming 2024 festival. Organized by the French Directors' Guild, this independent section runs parallel to the main Cannes festival. This year's Directors' Fortnight will kick off with This Life of Mine,' the final…

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…

X blocks posts in India after takedown orders

SOCIAL media platform X has blocked several election-related posts in India after the government authorities ordered their takedown ahead of a six-week general election that starts Friday. X, owned by Tesla boss Elon Musk and formerly known as Twitter, said the posts would be withheld from Indian audiences until the…

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…

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…

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…

UK pursues ‘ambitious’ trade deal with India as talks resume

THE government has said that it continues to work towards striking an “ambitious” trade deal with India as a negotiating team from Delhi resumed talks with their British counterparts in London this week. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) reiterated its stance of only signing a free trade agreement…

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,…

India’s population estimated at 1.44 billion, 24 per cent under…

India's population has reached an estimated 1.44 billion, with 24 per cent of individuals under the age of 14, according to the latest UNFPA report. The United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) 2024 State of World Population report, titled "Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health…

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…

Middle East crisis: India asks airlines to carry out risk…

AMID escalating tensions in the Middle East, India's civil aviation ministry has asked airlines to carry out their own risk assessment on international flight operations. Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and various international airlines have opted for alternative flight paths to the West and are avoiding the Iranian airspace against the…

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…

IMF raises India’s growth forecast to 6.8 per cent

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday (16) raised India’s growth projection to 6.8 per cent from its January forecast of 6.5 per cent citing bullish domestic demand conditions and a rising working-age population. With this, India continues to be the fastest growing economy of the world, ahead of China’s…

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…

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,…

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…

‘I feel very lucky’: Johnny Depp on playing Louis XV…

Actor Johnny Depp shared his experience of being part of Jeanne du Barry and said he felt "strangely, oddly, perversely lucky" to have been offered the role of French King Louis XV at the U.K. premiere of his film, reported Variety. Jeanne du Barry is a historical drama film written,…

India and UK aim to fast-track extradition requests

India and the United Kingdom on Monday engaged in discussions aimed at expediting actions under the mutual legal assistance treaty and prioritising extradition requests. The need to expedite the extradition of several fugitives from India, including former Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya, diamantaire Nirav Modi, arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, Punjab…

‘Pakistan advanced nuclear programme despite economic challenges’

DESPITE economic challenges, Pakistan continued upgrading its nuclear capabilities, driven by its ongoing tensions with India, top US intelligence official told Congress. The remarks by Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defence Intelligence Agency came during a Congressional hearing on China on Monday (15). Kruse told lawmakers that Pakistan…

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…

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.…

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…

No relief for Kejriwal, India’s top court issues notice to…

India's top court on Monday did not grant any relief to Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, regarding his recent arrest. Instead, the Supreme Court has asked the probe agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond by April 24 to Kejriwal’s challenge against his detention, which is connected to a…

FBI probing Baltimore bridge collapse: US media

THE US Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a criminal probe targeting the Singapore-flagged container ship that crashed into a major road bridge in Baltimore last month leading to its collapse, US media reported Monday. The Washington Post described it as a "criminal investigation," and cited two unnamed US officials…

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…

Deepika Padukone’s 82°E announces partnership with Reliance Retail’s Tira

Aside from astounding people with her cinematic creativity, Deepika Padukone has also achieved her entrepreneurial goals with her self-care brand, 82°E. Now, taking it to new heights, her self-care brand has entered into a strategic partnership with Reliance Retail’s cutting-edge beauty platform, Tira. This collaboration marks a significant expansion from…

Above average monsoon rainfall forecast for India

INDIA said on Monday it is likely to receive above-average monsoon rainfall in 2024, in a potential boost for the country which depends heavily on the summer rains for its farm output. The lifeblood of India's economy delivers nearly 70 per cent of the rain needed to water crops and…

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…

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…

Tesla signs deal with Tata Electronics for semiconductor chips: Report

Ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Elon Musk's Tesla has struck a deal with Tata Electronics to acquire semiconductor chips for its global operations. The Economic Times newspaper, citing sources, reported that the strategic deal between Tesla and Tata Electronics was executed discreetly a few months ago.…

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…

Firing outside Bollywood star Salman Khan’s home

Two motorbike-borne unidentified people opened fire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's house in Mumbai early Sunday morning leading the police to step up security in the area. They fired four rounds around 5 am outside the Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai's Bandra area, where the actor resides, and fled. The police…

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…

Hetmyer powers Rajasthan to top of points table

Shimron Hetmyer's explosive 27 runs off 10 balls helped Rajasthan Royals edge out Punjab Kings with a three-wicket IPL win on Saturday in Chandigarh, and cement the side's place at the top of the table. Hetmyer's spell at the crease, laced with three sixes, brought Rajasthan past Punjab's 147-8 with…

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…

India relocates consulate staff due to escalating tensions in Myanmar

In response to the worsening security conditions in Myanmar, India has shifted its consulate staff from Sittwe to Yangon. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on Friday said that India is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar, and the consulate in Mandalay remains functional. During a media briefing, Jaiswal…

Ukraine summit: India says open to ideas that can achieve…

INDIA said that it remains open to all ideas that could help achieve early restoration of peace in Ukraine. This week, the Switzerland government announced plans to host a high-level summit on Ukraine. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been consistently pressing for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine…

‘India ramped up China border infrastructure budget after Modi took…

External affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that there was a significant increase in the budget for infrastructure along the India-China border after Narendra Modi took office as prime minister in 2014. He pointed out that prior efforts to improve border infrastructure had been stagnant since the 1962 war.…

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…

AI, cloud contracts push TCS profits up

INDIAN IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) saw March quarter profits above analyst expectations, with growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence projects, the company reported Friday (12). The Mumbai-headquartered firm earns more than 80 per cent of its revenue from Western markets. Net income rose to $1.5 billion (£1.2bn)…

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…

New ad featuring Rajamouli and cricketer David Warner goes viral

Can CRED ads get more creative? CRED is more famous for the advertisement campaigns they have had since their launch. Be it taking Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra or casting the 90s singers in their advertisement, trending yet nostalgic, CRED has won the hearts of all generations. This time again,…

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…

Resolution in US Congress condemns hate crimes targeting Hindus

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives in the US that condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, hate, and intolerance. The resolution was presented on Wednesday and has since been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The resolution reads that despite their positive…

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…

Tata Steel workers in Wales vote to strike over job…

Workers at Tata Steel's facilities in Port Talbot and Newport Llanwern, Wales, have voted in favour of strike action in response to the company's proposal to close its blast furnaces and cut approximately 2,800 jobs. This decision was announced on Thursday after around 1,500 employees participated in the ballot. Tata…

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…

‘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…

India ranks 10th in global cybercrime, finds study

India has been placed 10th in the world for cybercrime activities, with advance fee fraud being the most prevalent type, a new study involving cybercrime experts globally has revealed. The study, leading to the creation of the 'World Cybercrime Index,' ranks about 100 countries based on their involvement in various…

How south Indian cinema took over Bollywood

There was a time when Bollywood was hit and pumping good movies with maar-dhaad masala action. But gradually, this attention to action and stunts shifted to south Indian cinema, where the action was portrayed in a very unique manner, with punches and swooshes, unrealistic yet thrilling hero actions that made…

Asian scientist leads NASA’s mission during solar eclipse

The recent total solar eclipse witnessed NASA launching sounding rockets under the leadership of Aroh Barjatya, an Asian researcher. On April 8, as the solar eclipse cast shadows over North America, NASA deployed three sounding rockets to investigate the effects of the temporary dimming of sunlight on Earth's upper atmosphere.…

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.…

Trudeau raises Nijjar’s killing in election interference inquiry

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau brought up the killing of Khalistani Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil last year during a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections, saying that his government stood up to defend the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. Speaking at the high-profile…

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…

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…

Indian B-school among world’s top 25 for management studies: QS…

Indian B-school IIM-Ahmedabad has secured a spot among the top 25 global institutions for business and management studies, as revealed by the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. IIM-Bangalore and IIM-Calcutta have also been ranked among the top 50 management institutes worldwide. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has been recognised…

Nimesh Sanghoi brings back magic of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore…

MUSIC has been a constant companion to Nimesh Sanghoi from the moment he sang his first note and had a profound impact on his life. Every song learned by the singer and each live performance has been a stepping stone in his growth as an artist and person. The countless…

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…

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…

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…

‘Looking forward to meeting Modi’: Musk confirms India visit

Less than a week after reports saying Tesla will send a team from the United States to India to study sites for an electric car plant in India, company CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that he is coming to the country. "Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi…

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.…

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,…

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…

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…

Ancient art of mehendi, an element of eid celebrations

As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, it's time to embrace the spirit of celebration, joy, and family gatherings. And what better way to enhance the festive atmosphere than with exquisite mehendi designs? Mehendi, also known as henna, has been a cherished tradition in Indian and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries, adding elegance and…

Karan Johar acquires distribution rights of Jr NTR’s ‘Devara’ in…

Filmmaker Karan Johar on Wednesday announced he will distribute RRR star Jr NTR's upcoming title Devara in north Indian territories through his banner Dharma Productions. The film, directed by Koratala Siva, will be released in two parts with the first installment set to be released on October 10 this year.…

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…

Drugs official flayed for inaction against Baba Ramdev firm

India's Supreme Court has admonished the head of a state drugs regulator for failing to take action against a popular yoga guru Baba Ramdev's firm which claimed its traditional ayurvedic medicines can cure diseases such as diabetes and asthma. The top court said on Wednesday the state drugs department had…

George Lucas to receive honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Film…

Hollywood veteran George Lucas will be felicitated with an honorary Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the festival organisers have announced. Lucas, best known for creating the long-running and smash hit franchises Star Wars and Indiana Jones, will receive the honour at the closing ceremony of the film…

Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff offer prayers at BAPS Hindu Mandir…

In a blend of spiritual reverence and promotional fervour, Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff took a break from their busy schedules to offer prayers at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The visit comes ahead of the highly anticipated release of their film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan…

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…

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…

Dow shareholders urged to ensure justice for Bhopal gas leak…

Ahead of Dow's annual general meeting on April 11, Amnesty International has approached the company's shareholders to consider withdrawing their investment if it fails to meet its human rights responsibilities towards Bhopal gas leak tragedy victims. Amnesty has written to the US-based company's largest investors, sharing its recent report Bhopal:…

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…

Come to India to see the future: US Ambassador Eric…

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said if anyone wants to see the future they should come to India. Speaking at an event, Garcetti was all praise for India and said that it was a “great privilege” to be the leader of the US mission in the country, reported…

‘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…

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…

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…

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…

‘I wonder if I am being a responsible father’: Shekhar…

Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently shared his innermost fears and anxieties regarding parenting. Known for his directorial masterpieces such as Masoom, Mr India, Bandit Queen, and Elizabeth, Kapur was speaking to his daughter Kaveri during a discussion on stage at a film festival in Chandigarh. When his daughter asked him,…

Ola to exit UK, New Zealand, Australia; to focus on…

Ride-hailing services provider Ola has decided to shut down operations in the UK, Australia and New Zealand and will focus primarily on India, its promoter ANI Technologies said on Tuesday. The Softbank-backed company said that it sees immense opportunity for expansion in India. "Our ride-hailing business is growing rapidly, and…

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…

MakeMyTrip expands accessibility to over 150 countries

ONLINE travel firm MakeMyTrip on Monday (8) announced expansion of its global reach with its services becoming accessible in over 150 countries. MakeMyTrip has expanded its reach to several countries, including major travel markets like the UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, and many others, from previously being operational in India,…

‘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…

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…

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…

US says won’t get in the middle of India-Pakistan dispute

Amid rising tensions over Pakistan's accusations against India, the United States has decided to stay out of it. The US has urged both countries to engage in dialogue instead of escalating the situation. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded to questions about Washington's position on a recent UK media…

‘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…

Jadeja, Gaikwad power Chennai to 7-wicket win over Kolkata

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's performances helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets on Monday and get back to winning ways in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Ravindra Jadeja returned bowling figures of 3-18 while Gaikwad made an unbeaten 67 as…

Missing Indian found dead in US

A 25-year-old Indian student who was missing since March 5 was found dead in the US city of Cleveland, the second death within a week in the country and the eleventh such incident this year. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Hyderabad, arrived in the US last year in May to…

Ranjit Singh exhibition will open in London museum

LONDON’S Wallace Collection will unveil its latest exhibition dedicated to Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who emerged as the undisputed king of Punjab by the turn of the 19th century. His rapid ascent to power in an era marked by instability following Afghan invasions heralded the birth of the Sikh…

Uzbekistan Airways launches bi-weekly direct flights from Mumbai to Tashkent

Uzbekistan Airways has initiated bi-weekly direct flights from Mumbai to Tashkent, marking a significant milestone in air travel connectivity between India and Uzbekistan. The inaugural flight, which took off on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, was ceremoniously flagged off by Sardor Rustambaev, the Hon’ble Ambassador in the Embassy of the Republic…

Saudi prince meets Sharif, stresses on dialogue with India

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said dialogue was needed to resolve heightened friction between arch-rivals Pakistan and India during a meeting in Riyadh with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif was making his first overseas visit since winning power in elections in February. He met with bin Salman…

From flame to fashion, the artisanal odyssey of Pakistan’s Eid…

In Pakistan, the tradition of adorning intricately decorated bangles has become synonymous with the Islamic Eid-al-Fitr festivities. These exquisite accessories, crafted with meticulous care, are not just ornaments but essential elements of cultural expression and celebration. Each bangle undergoes a journey involving numerous artisans, from the sweltering confines of factories…

Pegatron to sell its India-based iPhone plant to Tata

Pegatron is in advanced talks to hand over control of its only iPhone manufacturing facility in India to the Tata Group, said two sources with direct knowledge, marking the Taiwanese firm's latest scaleback of its Apple partnership. Under the deal, which has received the backing of Apple, Tata plans to…

Obituary: Former Pakistan Cricket chairman and diplomat Shaharyar Khan

Shaharyar Khan, the former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and esteemed diplomat, passed away at the age of 89 on March 23. A pivotal figure in the restoration of cricket ties with India in the early 2000s, Khan, born in Bhopal, was also a cousin of former India captain Mansur Ali…

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia books Masters spot

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia etched his name into golfing history with a thrilling victory at the Valero Texas Open, securing a coveted spot in the upcoming Augusta Masters, his maiden appearance at a Major championship. Bhatia's triumph was nothing short of sensational as he navigated through a tense playoff against…

Yash Thakur’s five-for powers Lucknow to 33-run win over Gujarat

Yash Thakur's five-wicket haul on Sunday powered Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a comfortable 33-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match. This was Lucknow's first win over Gujarat in IPL history. The Gujarat side, chasing 164 to win, were all out for 130…

Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capital to register first win of…

Mumbai Indians (MI) registered their first win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by beating Delhi Capitals by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. An all-round batting performance helped Mumbai score a big total of 234/5, and in reply, Delhi could score only 205/8 in…

Delaporte resigns as Wipro CEO

INDIAN IT major Wipro has announced the resignation of Thierry Delaporte as CEO and named Srinivas Pallia as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company. The announcement was made in a Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) filing on Saturday (6), and it comes days before the Bengaluru-headquartered company is scheduled…

Muslims in India face dwindling representation in parliament

More than half the voters in the Indian city of Rampur are Muslim, but its member of parliament is from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's muscular Hindu-first agenda. It is a situation repeated across Hindu-majority India, where many consider victory for…

‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ teaser unveiled on Allu Arjun’s 42nd…

The makers of Pushpa 2: The Rule on Monday raised the curtain on the teaser of the much-anticipated film on the occasion of lead star Allu Arjun's 42nd birthday. Pushpa 2: The Rule, which is helmed by Sukumar, follows the first installment Pushpa 1: The Rise, which sets up a…

Pakistan slams India defence minister’s ‘provocative remarks’

PAKISTAN has denounced "provocative remarks" made by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh in which he said India would enter Pakistan to kill anyone who escapes over its border after trying to carry out militant attacks. Singh's comments on Friday (5) came after the Guardian newspaper published a report stating the…

Jos Buttler helps Rajasthan to remain unbeaten

JOS BUTTLER hit an unbeaten 100 to trump Virat Kohli's first century of the IPL season as Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets on Saturday (6). Buttler reached his ton, from 58 balls, with a six in his 100th IPL match when Rajasthan needed one for victory…

Alia Bhatt not headlining Disney’s Indian princess musical, clarifies Gurinder…

Social media was abuzz following reports of actress Alia Bhatt headlining Disney's Indian princess musical. However, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha has now dismissed the rumours. Taking to X, Gurinder wrote, "This is not true. Not sure where this started. The script is still in the works. Alia and I had a…

China may misuse AI to target polls in US and…

Microsoft has raised concerns about China potentially exploiting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to influence elections in countries like India, South Korea, and the US. "With major elections taking place around the world this year, particularly in India, South Korea, and the United States, we assess that China will, at a minimum,…

Indian student dies in US, police probe underway

An Indian student has died in the US and the police investigations are underway, the Indian consulate in New York said on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Uma Satya Sai Gadde based in Cleveland, Ohio. The consulate said it is in touch with Gadde's family in India. “All…

New UK documentary examines racist attacks on British Indians

Driving around with hockey sticks in the boot of the car and stockpiling petrol bombs to defend themselves are among some of the gripping accounts that make up a new UK documentary chronicling racist attacks faced by British Indians in the 1970s and 80s. Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, a…

From Virat Kohli to Priyanka Chopra: Top 10 most-followed Indian…

In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for individuals to connect, engage, and showcase their talents and lifestyles to a global audience. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular, with millions of users sharing photos, videos, and stories every day. For…

Nora Fatehi calls her FIFA closing ceremony performance ‘life-changing’

Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi recently opened up about her experience of performing at the FIFA closing ceremony. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, the actress said, "It feels amazing; it's a fantastic, life-changing experience." "I think it was a mind-blowing experience when I was performing in front of billions of people.…

Markram, Abhishek Sharma lead Hyderabad to 6-wicket win over Chennai

Chennai Super Kings' slow batting on a sluggish Hyderabad pitch cost them dearly as they suffered a six-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Aiden Markram scored a half-century while Abhishek Sharma made a quick-fire 37-ball 12 as Hyderabad chased down the 166-run target with 11 balls to spare at…

US executes man convicted of killing two, including Indian

A 41-year-old man convicted of shooting and killing two people, including an Indian, in the US state of Oklahoma in 2002 has been executed, the state's first execution of the year. Michael Dewayne Smith was executed on Thursday (4) by lethal injection at the Oklahoma state penitentiary in McAlester town,…

India elections: Congress manifesto promises jobs, support for farmers

The Indian National Congress unveiled its manifesto on Thursday for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, outlining a slew of promises aimed at addressing various socio-economic issues across the country. Titled 'Nyay Patra', the manifesto emphasizes five key pillars of justice and 25 guarantees and was released at the All India…

Indian student group launches visa campaign

ONE of the prominent Indian student representative organisations in the UK began a new 'Fair Visa, Fair Chance' campaign in favour of the post-study Graduate Route visa. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, which had originally campaigned for the visa that allows international graduates the chance to…

Chandrayaan success propels Ramesh Kunhikannan to billionaire status

The founder and CEO of Kaynes Technology, based in Mysore, India, has made his debut on the Forbes billionaire list this week. Ramesh Kunhikannan's ascent to this financial pinnacle, with a net worth totaling $1.2 billion, is attributed to his company's pivotal role in India's Chandrayaan-3 mission. Under the Chandrayaan-3…

Father sues Texas Hindu temple for branding 11-year-old son

AN Indian American man whose 11-year-old son was branded with a hot iron rod as part of a religious ceremony in 2023 has sued a Hindu temple in Texas, US, and its parent company seeking more than $1 million in damages. Vijay Cheruvu, a Fort Bend county resident, said his…

Prabhas, Deepika’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ postponed due to India polls

It looks like fans have to wait a little longer to watch Prabhas and Deepika Padukone-starrer Kalki 2898 AD on the big screen, as the film's release has been postponed because of the Lok Sabha polls 2024. As per a source, the film, which was supposed to be out on…

UNHRC passes resolution on discrimination against intersex people

The UN Human Rights Council made a significant stride on Thursday (4) by passing a resolution aimed at addressing discrimination against intersex people, despite encountering opposition from certain nations regarding the terminology used. The resolution received approval from 24 out of 47 council members, with none voting against it and…

India’s central bank holds interest rates

India's central bank kept interest rates unchanged for the seventh time in a row on Friday, as it sees both lingering inflation risks and strong economic growth. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said its benchmark "repo rate", the level at which the central bank lends to commercial banks, would…

Study attributes decline in academic freedom to restriction of free…

Academic freedom is on the decline globally, according to a recent index released in Paris, France. The Academic Freedom Index -- based on input from more than 2,300 experts in 179 countries, was published last month as part of a report on democracy by the V-Dem Institute at Sweden's University…

‘Monkey Man’: Critics hail Dev Patel’s directorial debut

Dev Patel, known for his captivating performances in such films as Slumdog Millionaire and Lion, takes on a new role both in front of and behind the camera in his latest project Monkey Man. The film, which also features Sobhita Dhulipala and Sikander Kher in pivotal roles, explores themes of…

Shashank Singh 29-ball 61 takes Punjab to a thrilling win…

Shashank Singh's 29-ball 61 propelled Punjab Kings to a thrilling victory against Gujarat Titans in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Thursday. Shashank's unbeaten fifty, coupled with Ashutosh Sharma's quickfire 17-ball 31, enabled Punjab to chase down the 200-run target with one ball to spare, overshadowing Shubhman Gill's 89…

Superbug outbreak linked to eye drops from India

One person died and dozens were infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in an outbreak linked to three types of eye drops manufactured by an Indian company, according to media reports. Health officials said at least 52 people had been infected by the burkholderia cepacia bacteria, a superbug that can be fatal…

Air India revamps loyalty programme

Air India has launched a revamped loyalty programme that the airline claims has customer-friendly features and a simplified new structure. The Tata-owned airline has said its loyalty programme Flying Returns has moved away from the legacy model of miles-based collection of points to a spend-based approach. It will now be…

‘Monkey Man’: Dev Patel-starrer to release in India on THIS…

Dev Patel, who is best known for starring in the multiple Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, is making his directorial debut with the much-anticipated Monkey Man, which enters cinemas worldwide on April 5, 2024. The film was set to release in India on April 19. However, some media outlets reported that…

Virgin Atlantic announces fifth direct flight to India

WITNESSING "infinite demand" in the strong Indian aviation market, British carrier Virgin Atlantic said it will start an additional daily flight connecting Mumbai and London from October. The airline added that it will look to expand its codeshare partnership with IndiGo. Currently, Virgin Atlantic operates two daily flights to London…

Abu Dhabi Hindu temple sees 350,000 footfall in just one…

The temple, which is the first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, saw maximum footfall, especially on the weekends, in just a month of inauguration. The temple, built with a similar architecture to India's Ram Mandir, was inaugurated by India's Modi in February and was opened to the public on…

Priyanka Chopra resumes filming ‘Heads Of State’ after vacation in…

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who recently enjoyed her vacation with family in India, is back to work as she returns to the sets of her next Hollywood film Heads Of State. Taking to Instagram, Priyanka gave a glimpse of the script. The page had the film's title and mentioned that Harrison…

Olympic medallist Vijender Singh joins Modi’s party from Congress

INDIA's first Olympic medallist in boxing, Vijender Singh, who took a plunge in politics in April 2019 by joining the Congress, switched to prime minister Narendra Modi's party on Wednesday (3). Addressing a joint press conference with BJP leaders in New Delhi, Singh praised Modi and said that the respect…

Cambridge-educated former Indian prime minister retires

India's former prime minister and architect of India's economic reforms Dr Manmohan Singh has exited public life with his retirement from the Rajya Sabha. Soft-spoken, erudite, and modest, Singh (91) exited public life without any fanfare, somewhat akin to how this reluctant politician entered it 33 years ago. The man…

Elon Musk’s Tesla to scout sites in India for £2.4…

Tesla will send a team from the United States to India by late April to study sites for a proposed $2 billion to $3 billion (£2.4bn) electric car plant in the country. The Financial Times reported that Tesla would send a team to study sites for the plant, focusing on…

Bhumi Pednekar among five Indians part of World Economic Forum’s…

Actress Bhumi Pednekar is one of the five Indians who have been recognised as part of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders Community: The Class of 2024. The international organization has come out with its list of nearly 90 changemakers under 40 who are shaping the future and accelerating…

How Cambodia’s ‘cyber slave’ industry exploits south Asians

Thousands are lured to Cambodia with promises of data entry jobs, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmarish world of forced labour. These "cyber slaves" are forced to run online scams that target people worldwide. These victims are held captive in high-security complexes, guarded by armed men. Their passports…

Singapore reports surge in scams targeting migrant maids

AS MANY AS 500 migrant maids working in Singapore fell victim to scams last year, an increase of 18 per cent from the 423 cases of duping reported in 2022, according to home affairs minister K Shanmugam. Most of the domestic workers in Singapore come from India, Sri Lanka and…

Kolkata graduate among finalists in BBC quiz contest

A London-based computational science graduate from Kolkata is part of the Imperial College London team that has entered the finals of BBC's 'University Challenge' quiz competition. Sourajit Debnath, 31, will join his four-member team as they go head-to-head with University College London (UCL) in the grand final to be telecast…

First batch of Indian construction workers leave for Israel

The first batch of 64 construction workers from Indian states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were flagged off by Israeli ambassador Naor Gilon and government officials on Tuesday. The Israeli ambassador hoped that the workers would become 'ambassadors' of the great people-to-people relations between the two countries. He said the…

Indian-American lawmakers demand action on rise in hate crimes against…

Five Indian-American lawmakers have called on the United States Department of Justice and the FBI for a briefing regarding a surge in "hate crimes targeting Hindus" and vandalism of temples across the country this year. In a letter addressed to Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division,…

Amnesty creates museum on enforced disappearances in south Asia

Amnesty International has partnered with more than 20 human rights organisations campaigning against enforced disappearance in south Asia and created Footprints - a digital museum recording the stories of the victims. Enforced disappearance is a crime under international law, but is used by states across the world to silence dissent…

Sunil Narine’s 39-ball 85 takes Kolkata Knight Riders top of…

If you thought 200 runs in a T20 game was a big deal, Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) batting performance on Wednesday will make you rethink about the format, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). West Indies' Sunil Narine scored a smashing 39-ball 85 to lead KKR to the second-best…

US seeks Indian refineries’ help to make Russia oil price…

THE G7 price cap on Russian oil shipments is cutting the revenue that Moscow has available to support its invasion of Ukraine, and the mechanism's effectiveness is helped by the recent actions of Indian refiners, US officials will say in New Delhi on Thursday (4), according to prepared remarks. The…

Mannat Noor: Small town dreams to stardom

SINGING sensation Mannat Noor shot to fame globally when her song Laung Laachi became the first commercial Indian music video to cross one billion views on YouTube in 2019.  However, the silken-voiced talent isn’t defined by the super hit track alone and has delivered marvellous music releases across a range…

Is Britain really a Christian country?

EASTER brings the usual debate about whether Britain is a Christian country.  I saw one set of statistics from an Islamic organisation that says “more people in Britain attend mosques than the Church of England. It is for the first time that Muslims have overtaken Anglicans. According to figures, 930,000…

Vivek Murthy: Excessive screen time harms teenagers’ well-being

US surgeon-general has raised concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on British teenagers, warning that it's hindering their ability to engage in face-to-face conversations, reported The Times. Vivek Murthy added that prolonged screen time will also have a significant impact on the mental well-being of teenagers. During a…

Stop scaring the public, says Lord Bilimoria on visa restrictions

THE government’s decision to impose visa restrictions on international students to cut immigration figures is “anti-universities” and “economic illiteracy”, according to a peer and university chancellor. From January, the Home Office stopped postgraduate students from bringing their families with them when studying in the UK. When he announced the restriction,…

Akshaya Patra feted at UN for its four billionth meal

The Akshaya Patra Foundation's historic milestone of serving four billion meals was celebrated at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday (2). Founded in 2000, this Indian non-profit runs 72 kitchens, and feeds 2.1 million children every day in 24,000 schools. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN hosted a…

‘I put people at the centre of everything,’ says Chanel…

CHANEL CEO Leena Nair has said she “really, really cares about people and puts them at the centre of everything” she does, adding that it isn’t about lip service for her. Nair, who became CEO of the luxury fashion house in 2021, also described how she has been a “champion…

Classical celebration of cross-cultural composers

THIS year’s Leeds Lieder Festival, taking place from April 13 to 21, is filled with musically rich shows across the city that includes the world premiere of Punjabi Proverbs at the Sikh Centre. The brand-new work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad features soprano Nina Kanter, baritone Oscar Castellino and pianist Keval Shah.…

Birthday special: Top 10 films of Ram Gopal Varma

RAM GOPAL VARMA has been entertaining audiences in various Indian languages ever since he made his debut as a writer/director with the hit Telugu film Siva in 1989. In a rollercoaster career filled with highs, lows and unexpected twists, the cinema maverick has delivered movies in a wide array of…

Sonakshi Sinha steals the show in ‘Tilasmi Bahein’ from ‘Heeramandi’

Celebrated Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Wednesday dropped the second song from his much-anticipated streaming show Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Titled “Tilasmi Bahein,” the song has been composed by the director himself and features Sonakshi Sinha in her most ethereal avatar yet. It has been sung by Sharmistha Chatterjee and…

British man’s son criticises government over father’s India detention

THE son of a British man held in an Indian jail for more than five years awaiting trial on Tuesday (2) criticised the government over its response to the case. Arms dealer Christian Michel, 62, has been detained in India since December 2018 after being extradited from the United Arab…

Isha Ambani sells LA mansion to Ben Affleck and Jennifer…

Isha Ambani, daughter of India's wealthiest individual, Mukesh Ambani, has sold her opulent mansion in Los Angeles to the renowned Hollywood couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. The staggering amount exchanged for the property amounts to £48 million ($61 million). The mansion, which served as a temporary residence for Isha…

ECB chief denies plans to cut first-class counties as ‘conspiracy…

ENGLAND and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould has dismissed suggestions the governing body wants to cut any of the 18 first-class counties adrift as a "totally mad conspiracy theory". With the global growth of lucrative franchise leagues and their knock-on effects on the domestic schedule, fears have been…

Brief history of Bollywood break-ups

FOR many decades, divorce was such a taboo in Bollywood that many couples remained unhappily married – but that has all changed in spectacular fashion in the past 15 years. [caption id="attachment_287584" align="alignright" width="300"] Asha Bhosle and RD Burman[/caption] With actress Esha Deol recently separating from her husband of 11…

Indian economy to grow at 7.5 per cent this year,…

INDIAN economy is projected to grow at 7.5 per cent in 2024, the World Bank has said, revising its earlier projections for the same period by 1.2 per cent. Overall, growth in South Asia is expected to be strong at 6 per cent this year, driven mainly by robust growth…

Paintings at Royal Academy exhibition hold mirror up to race…

EASTERN EYE readers who want to discover how British artists have depicted colonialism and slavery over the centuries should visit the Royal Academy’s (RA) latest exhibition.   Entangled Pasts 1768-Now: Art, Colonialism and Change is the RA’s “brave” response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the toppling of slave…

Parties use deepfake videos of dead leaders ahead of India…

Death has not extinguished the decades-long rivalry between two Indian leaders: both have now seemingly risen from the grave, in digital form, to rally their supporters ahead of national elections. As India goes to a staggered general election from April 19, political parties are harnessing powerful artificial intelligence tools to…

Saree cancer: Study finds prolonged draping of garment could cause…

The five- or six-yard beauty weaved in different parts of India, with unique designs and cultural and ethnic imprints on the fabric, the saree, has now become a global fashion. But in many villages and parts of India, many women drape sarees as everyday wear, which has been further revealed…

TV show ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ fires its new…

THE most successful Indian TV serial of all time ran into trouble after an incredible run of more than 4,300 episodes. When it was launched in 2009, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai became a firm fan favourite with Hina Khan and Karan Mehra in the lead roles. Then, further generation…

Sonia Mehta on why she’s back with Salaam & Funk

LISTENING to music played on tape decks and vinyl as a youngster first connected Sonia Mehta to music. It enabled her to find safety, happiness, and a way to express emotions through the compositions and poetry of Indian film songs. Later, while pursuing her studies in London, she bonded with…

India’s Savitri Jindal among world’s richest women

WITH a net worth totalling $33.5 billion, Savitri Jindal of the Jindal Group was ranked as India's wealthiest woman and holds the sole female position among the top 10 richest women globally on Forbes' 2024 list. She is the sixth wealthiest woman and 46th wealthiest person overall on the list.…

India still in fight for FIFA world cup qualifiers, says…

EMBATTLED Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac said his side can still progress to the third round of the FIFA world cup qualifiers, putting up a brave front despite an embarrassing defeat to Afghanistan last Tuesday (26). Ranked 158 in the world, Afghanistan shocked 117-ranked India 2-1 as the…

Bopanna breaks own record at Miami Open

ACE Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna rewrote his own record to continue as the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion as he and his Australian partner Matt Ebden clinched the men’s doubles crown at the Miami Open. Continuing their fine run this year, the 44-year-old Bopanna and Ebden fought back from…

Debt restructure deal imminent, says Colombo

SRI LANKA is optimistic about reaching an agreement soon with bondholders to restructure about $12 billion (£9.54bn) in debt, a top official said on Monday (1), a big step that will help the island nation emerge from its worst financial crisis in decades.   China, the world’s and Sri Lanka’s…

Mayank Yadav bowls quickest ball of the season as Lucknow…

New pace bowling sensation Mayank Yadav clocked the quickest ball of the new IPL season at 156.7 km/h in a fiery spell to power Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a 28-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday. Riding on Quinton de Kock's 56-ball 81 and an unbeaten 40…

Azam back as Pakistan captain ahead of T20 world cup

REAPPOINTED captain Babar Azam vowed to transform Pakistan into the best team in the world after replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi as the Twenty20 helm on Sunday (31). Azam stepped down as skipper in all formats only in November after Pakistan crashed out of the 50-over World Cup in the first…

Priyanka Chopra boards documentary ‘Born Hungry’ as producer

Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she and her production banner Purple Pebble Pictures are set to back Barry Avrich's new feature documentary Born Hungry. Chopra Jonas and Mary Rohlich, Head of TV and Film at Purple Pebble Pictures, will serve as producers, according to Deadline. Born Hungry is a gritty drama…

Ties with India could improve after polls: Pakistan minister

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed hope that ties with India will improve after the general elections in the neighbouring country. Asif's comments came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Singapore said that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism almost at an "industry level" and the mood in India…

Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday starrer titled ‘Shankara’

Indian film fans are in for a treat as the highly anticipated film Shankara gears up for release. Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, and produced by Karan Johar, this period drama promises to be a compelling cinematic experience. Shankara narrates the relentless fight of a lawyer against…

Birthday Special: 5 most-awaited films of Ajay Devgn

As the sun rises on April 2nd, it marks not just another day but the birthday of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, Ajay Devgn. With an enviable repertoire of films and a legacy that spans decades, he remains an indelible part of Bollywood, inspiring generations of actors and leaving…

India’s top court warns yoga guru Baba Ramdev of stern…

INDIA'S top court on Tuesday (2) warned the nation's most popular yoga guru and his company of stern legal action for not complying with its directive to stop advertisements saying traditional ayurvedic medicines can fully cure some diseases. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, dressed in a saffron-coloured robe, and his co-founder…

Rentokil to buy Indian pest control firm HiCare

Pest control and hygiene services firm Rentokil Initial wants to increase its footprint in India, which has one of the world's largest pest problems. The FTSE 100 company is set to buy HiCare, India’s second-largest pest-control company, from a private equity firm, The Times reports. HiCare has 30 branches delivering…

Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ lands in trouble in India

According to reports, Dev Patel’s much-anticipated film Monkey Man has been postponed in India. The film, which marks Patel’s directorial debut and features him in the lead role alongside Sobhita Dhulipala, was initially scheduled for a release in the USA and other major territories on April 5, followed by an…

Baltimore crash: Indian crew to stay onboard during investigation

THE crew of 20 Indians and a Sri Lankan of the crippled container vessel that collided with a key Baltimore bridge last week is busy with their normal duties and will remain on board until the investigation into the accident is completed, the company that owns the vessel has said.…

Russian diamond ban by EU, G7 hurting India: Minister

THE Indian government has taken up the issue of ban on imports of Russian-origin unpolished diamonds by the 27-member European Union (EU) and G7 nations as the measure will end up hurting the domestic diamond polishing industry, foreign minister S Jaishankar has said. The initial stage of an EU and…

India rejects China’s renaming of Arunachal Pradesh locations

INDIA rejected China's renaming of about 30 places in its northeastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday (2), calling the move "senseless" and reaffirming that the border province is an "integral" part of India. Beijing says Arunachal Pradesh, which its calls Zangnan, is a part of South Tibet -…

Election Commission of India ropes in Ayushmann Khurrana to urge…

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been roped in by the Election Commission of India to urge youngsters to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The 39-year-old actor features in the ECI's campaign video that encourages the youth to exercise their franchise in the upcoming elections. Khurrana, known for critically acclaimed…

Sushant Rajput drugs case: Court grants Sameer Wankhede relief till…

The Bombay High Court on Monday said no coercive steps shall be taken against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede till April 10 on notices issued to him on the NCB's preliminary inquiry over irregularities in a drugs case related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) initiated…

Pandya gets booed again as Rajasthan hand Mumbai third loss…

Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets to register their third consecutive win in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. Pandya had another unforgettable evening after he met with boos at the toss by the home fans, prompting presenter…

Priyanka Chopra lends voice for new film ‘Tiger’, announces release…

Priyanka Chopra Jonas announced the release date of her new project titled Tiger and shared how it was fun lending her voice to this incredible story and exploring the jungles through this film. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Priyanka treated fans with the film's poster along with a note. The…

‘Panic is a huge form of creativity,’ says Shekhar Kapur…

Celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur opened up about his hidden fears at the recently concluded Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh, India, and said that he finds panic is a huge form of creativity. Kapur, the director behind such notable films as Masoom, Mr. India, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth, The Four Feathers,…

‘Burn wives’ sarees first’: Hasina slams opposition’s India boycott call

Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has criticised opposition leaders demanding a boycott of Indian products, questioning how many Indian sarees their wives own and why they aren't burning them. Speaking at a gathering of the ruling Awami League, she targetted Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders for their boycott stance, alleging…

Satyajit Ray showed us cinema can be social commentary: Ayushmann…

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana on Monday penned a note praising legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. He wrote, "Satyajit Ray has inspired us all. You can keep discovering and rediscovering the layers every time you watch his cinema. He has shown how inspiring cinema can be as a medium and how it can…

Pant’s 50 helps Delhi overcome Chennai

Rishabh Pant led from the front with his first IPL fifty since his comeback from a horror car crash as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs on Sunday. Captain Pant hit 51 off 32 balls after fellow left-hander David Warner smashed 52 and helped Delhi to 191-5…

‘I want to create an India in UK,’ says veteran…

“I want to create an India in the UK,” veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani's words efficiently sum up his dream of leaving a global footprint of the illustrious Indian cinema with his film studio in the UK. Touted as a "one-stop-shop", Bhagnani's Pooja Studios emerged as one of the most film-friendly…

Ram Charan, wife Upasana celebrate Easter in Thailand

Power couple Ram Charan and his wife Upasana are currently vacationing in Thailand. The official Instagram account for their pet Rhyme shared a picture wishing fans a Happy Easter and writing, "Happy Easter Sunday, adults only pic! Ok!" In the image, Upasana and Ram can be seen posing with their…

Congress ‘callously’ ceded island to Sri Lanka, says Modi

INDIA'S half-century-old decision to end a territorial dispute with Sri Lanka over a tiny island has become a hot-button election issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party accusing the rival Congress of compromising fishermen's rights. A 1976 agreement barred Indian fishermen from waters around the 285-acre (115-hectare) island Katchatheevu in…

Barclays faces investors’ ire over Eros bonds issue

Barclays is facing investors' anger for mishandling the bond issue of India-based Bollywood film group Eros, This is Money reports. The investors have approached the Financial Conduct Authority and the Financial Ombudsman claiming they incurred losses due to Barclays' tardiness in dealing with the Eros flip-flop over its bond buyback…

Reema Maya to direct digital version of ‘Student of the…

Producer Karan Johar says Reema Maya of Nocturnal Burger fame will direct the series adaptation of his Student of the Year franchise. The filmmaker made the announcement on the closing day of the Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) in Chandigarh on Sunday. "Reema Maya will be directing the digital version…

Indian opposition leader sent to jail until April 15 in…

AN Indian court sent Delhi chief minister and key opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal to jail until April 15 in a liquor graft case on Monday (1), local media reported, less than three weeks before the country begins voting in national elections. India's financial crime-fighting agency had arrested Kejriwal in connection…

Aamir Khan my favourite, says Turkish envoy to India

Ambassador of Turkiye to India Firat Sunel is a fan of Bollywood movies, especially the Aamir Khan-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha, a film the diplomat says he has watched at least four times. Laal Singh Chaddha, which was an authorised remake of the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump, was "more successful" than…

India’s opposition parties hold joint protest rally

Indian opposition parties united on Sunday to hold a 'Loktantra Bachao' (save democracy) rally against the arrest of a prominent leader weeks before a national election, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party of rigging the vote and harassing them with large tax demands. "Narendra Modi is trying match-fixing…

Despite populism, Modi a hit among Indian elites: Report

Elites may usually dislike populist leaders globally, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeing increasing support among educated voters, The Economist has said. In an article titled 'Why India's elites back Narendra Modi', the publication said, "Three factors - class politics, economics, and elite admiration for strongman rule - help…

Baltimore crash: Racist cartoon targeting Indian crew sparks outrage

In the aftermath of the devastating collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, which claimed the lives of six individuals, including presumed casualties, a disturbing incident has emerged that has sparked widespread condemnation. A US-based webcomic, Foxford Comics, shared a cartoon that depicted the incident in a deeply offensive manner.…

British Indian teen first to receive NHS’ innovative cancer treatment

YUVAN THAKKAR,  a British Indian teenager diagnosed with cancer, says he is now able to enjoy the things he loves after life-changing treatment thanks to a fund set up by the NHS to make innovative therapies accessible to thousands of patients. According to NHS England, 16-year-old Thakkar from Watford near…

Sunak laments missing time with daughters as prime minister

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak has admitted it is a hard balance for him to strike as the father of two young children and holding the top job of leading the country through various crises. In a friendly podcast interview for The Times with former Tory leader William Hague, the 43-year-old…

Dev Patel says Shah Rukh’s work inspired him to make…

Dev Patel, who was last seen in David Lowery’s epic medieval fantasy adventure film The Green Knight, is presently busy promoting his next film Monkey Man. What makes the project very special for him is the fact that he has not only played the lead role in it but has…

Alia Bhatt sings ‘Ikk Kuddi’ at her charity gala dinner…

As reported earlier, Alia Bhatt recently hosted her first charity gala in London. The actress organised the Hope Gala on Thursday evening to raise funds for underprivileged adolescents in India through the Salaam Bombay Foundation. The event was attended by many renowned personalities. Musician Harshdeep Kaur, comedian Rohan Joshi, and…

Kolkata secure dominant victory over Bengaluru despite Kohli’s 83 not…

VIRAT KOHLI batted out the innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru with his second straight Indian Premier League half-century on Friday (29) but Kolkata Knight Riders still cruised to a seven-wicket victory. Chasing the home side's 182-6, Kolkata reached their target with 19 balls to spare when skipper Shreyas Iyer hit…

Varun, Arjun & Diljit will star in ‘No Entry’ sequel,…

Actors Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Arjun Kapoor will feature in the follow-up to the hit comedy No Entry, producer Boney Kapoor confirmed. Anees Bazmee, who helmed the 2005 film, featuring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Fardeen Khan, is returning for the sequel. The original stars won't feature in the…

Indian Navy rescues 23 Pakistani crew from hijacked fishing vessel

THE Indian Navy has freed an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by pirates and rescued its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals, following "intense coercive tactical measures" as part of an anti-piracy operation at sea that lasted for more than 12 hours, officials said. Following Friday's (29) operation, specialist teams…

Abhay Deol-PIA come together for Follow the Toad

Actor Abhay Deol teams up with rising international EDM artist PIA for the captivating music video titled 'Follow the Toad.’ Directed by filmmaker Joe Sill, the video was filmed in just one day. Using advanced production techniques, the stunning video transports viewers to a mysterious and ancient world where the…

Alia Bhatt hosts Hope Gala in London; Gurinder Chadha joins…

Actress, producer, and entrepreneur Alia Bhatt hosted her first charity event Hope Gala on March 28 in partnership with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. At the event, she raised money for underprivileged adolescents in India, to help the Salaam Bombay Foundation. “I am…

Espionage drama ‘Berlin’ to be screened at Red Lorry Film…

After a well-received performance at International Film Festivals across the globe, Atul Sabharwal's espionage drama Berlin will be screened at the Red Lorry Film Festival. This espionage drama unravels a tale of deception, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Cold War era. It stars Ishwak Singh, Rahul…

Hope people are able to vote freely in India: UN…

A SPOKESPERSON for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he hopes that in India people's "political and civil rights are protected" and everyone can vote freely during the forthcoming general elections that will kick off from April 19. Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric made these remarks on Thursday (28) while he was…

Bhopal disaster: Amnesty wants Dow to provide relief

Amnesty International has called upon Dow to take long-overdue action to provide relief to the survivors of the deadly gas leak from pesticide plant in Bhopal, India nearly forty years ago. The world's worst industrial disaster killed more than 22,000 people and 500,000 continue to suffer its consequences. Ahead of…

Baltimore crash: US authorities question ship crew

US authorities have begun interviewing personnel, including Indian crew members, onboard the crippled container ship 'Dali' that collided against a key bridge in Baltimore this week. The 2.6-km-long, four-lane Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River, came crashing down after the 984-foot ship collided against it. Shipping company Synergy…

Parag’s knock helps Rajasthan beat Delhi

Riyan Parag's unbeaten 45-ball 84 propelled Rajasthan Royals to 185-5 and sealed a 12-run win over the Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League in Jaipur on Thursday. Rishabh Pant-led Delhi won the toss and chose to field first and maintained a stranglehold over the game until the second half of…

AR Rahman to set-up a Broadway in Chennai; says, ‘I’m…

Celebrated music composer AR Rahman has unveiled his plans to establish a Broadway-style theatre in Chennai, and his team is already in the process of making it happen. Speaking at the ongoing Times Now Summit 2024 in Mumbai, Rahman said, “I don't see myself only in the movie world strangely,…

Ice Stupa: The innovative Indian technique to store winter water

When we read the word 'Ice Stupa', our first thought is that it is some monument, or some naturally made structure related to Buddhism. But this is actually manually constructed in a place called Ladakh in the north-most region of India, a popular tourist spot for bikers and trekkers. The…

Ukraine’s foreign minister on two-day visit to India

UKRAINE'S Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba will arrive in New Delhi on his maiden visit to India amid the festering Russia-Ukraine conflict. His visit on Thursday (28) comes at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. During his…

Baltimore bridge collapse: Rescuers find two bodies

THE bodies of two construction workers were found near Baltimore harbour Wednesday (27), after a giant cargo ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing a thunderous collapse on Tuesday. Maryland police told reporters the workers were filling potholes on the bridge and the bodies were found trapped in…

That was insane: Pat Cummins

"Insane" was the only word that Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins could think of to sum up the six-hitting slugfest against Mumbai Indians in the IPL played in Hyderabad on Wednesday. It was a game of many firsts as SRH smashed 277 for three, the highest total in IPL history.…

Aditi Rao Hydari, Siddharth tie the knot

Actor couple Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth tied the knot on Wednesday. Reports of the duo getting married were doing rounds on social media the whole day, but there was no confirmation from either of the actors or their representatives. The news of Aditi and Siddharth tying the knot was…

Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi’ to release on Netflix on May 1

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar will premiere on streaming service Netflix on May 1. The release date of the much-anticipated show was announced at a drone light show event held at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in South Mumbai. A sneak peek into the world…

Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal to launch homegrown fashion label

Actor-couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal on Thursday announced they will soon launch a fashion label that will empower and place a spotlight on local artisans. The two stars share a strong affinity for handmade clothes and with their new endeavour, they plan to breathe new life into one of…

Baltimore crash: Minor injury reported among Indian crew

THE owners of the Singapore-flagged cargo ship, Dali, announced on Wednesday (27) that one crew member from India sustained minor injury when the vessel collided with a bridge in Baltimore. However, the other 21 crew members are safe. The collision happened early Tuesday (26), causing part of the Francis Scott…

December ban on onion exports extended despite fall in prices

INDIA extended its ban on exports indefinitely – a surprise move ahead of a general election and is set to exacerbate high prices in some overseas markets.   India is the world’s biggest exporter of the vegetable and the country imposed the ban in December. It was due to expire…

Dhamija urges diaspora to believe in ‘Indian century’

ENTEPRENEUR Dinesh Dhamija has told Eastern Eye he wrote The Indian Century because he wants the 30 million-strong Indian diaspora across the world, but especially in the UK, to invest back in the mother country. The interview about his new book, in which he gives an upbeat assessment of the…

Trafalgar Square to host Vaisakhi celebrations

Trafalgar Square will host this year's Vaisakhi celebrations in London on 6 April, a statement said. The free family event, organised by the mayor of London and supported by the Vaisakhi community advisory group, will be co-hosted by DJ and presenter Tommy Sandhu and entrepreneur, disability specialist and speaker Shani…

‘NHS waiting times can be slashed by getting surgeries done…

NHS waiting times for operations could be slashed drastically if patients had their elective surgeries done at worldclass hospitals in India. This was one of the radical ideas put forward last Tuesday (19) by senior Indian corporate leaders at a business conference in London. Another was for undergraduates and postgraduates…

Kala Pani: The history of the dreaded Andaman jail

The people who have watched the Bollywood film Swatantra Veer Savarkar must have seen the Kala Pani punishment given to all the prisoners. The prisoners are held captive at Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the South-east sea of India. This Cellular jail not only has…

National Trust’s role is to spark debates, says Beard

THE National Trust, which has come under sustained attacks from the far-right of British politics, has been defended strongly by the classical historian Dame Mary Beard, who last week delivered the Octavia Hill Lecture. Her theme was, “Who owns the past?”   The trust, founded in 1895 by three people…

Miami Open: Bopanna-Ebden reach semifinals

INDIAN tennis stalwart Rohan Bopanna and his Australian teammate Matthew Ebden advanced to their third men's doubles semi-final this year, defeating Dutchman Sem Verbeek and Aussie John-Patrick Smith at the Miami Open. The duo, who had won the Australian Open earlier this year, overcame several unforced errors in the first…

T20 World Cup lures Amir out of retirement

FAST bowler Mohammad Amir announced last Sunday (24) that he was coming out of retirement and making himself available for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, following changes to Pakistan’s selection process which made him feel “needed”. Amir’s stop-start career was halted in 2010 after he, along with then-Pakistan Test captain…

India summons US envoy after remarks on Kejriwal arrest

India on Wednesday summoned a top United States diplomat after Washington said it was "closely watching" events following the jailing of a senior opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal weeks ahead of parliamentary elections. The US State Department had urged India to ensure a "fair, transparent, and timely legal process" for Kejriwal,…

British film stars back Kolkata charity to give street children…

THE actress Shelley King, best known for playing Yasmeen Nazir in Coronation Street and Jay Harper in Angels, has talked to Eastern Eye about a children’s street charity in Kolkata which will be marking its 25th anniversary on November 9, 2024. King, who herself lived in Kolkata till the age…

Sindhu and Srikanth lead India charge in Madrid

TWO-TIME Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and ace men’s shuttler Kidambi Srikanth continued their European season at the Madrid Spain Masters tournament, which began on Tuesday (26). Last year’s finalist Sindhu, seeded second here, will square off against Wen Yu Zhang of Canada in the round-of-32 contest, while seventh seed Srikanth…

Shekhar Kapur, Karan Johar to conduct masterclass at Cinevesture Intl…

The Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) on Tuesday announced the line-up of panel discussions and masterclasses at its first edition, to be held in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31. The 20 masterclasses and panel discussions will feature Shekhar Kapur, Karan Johar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Tahira Kashyap, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal,…

Kohli and Babar can spark US cricket boom, says Plunkett

ENGLAND World Cup winner Liam Plunkett says cricket superstars such as Virat Kohli and Babar Azam can help bolster the game in the United States when it hosts the T20 World Cup. The Twenty20 showpiece, which starts on June 1, is being jointly staged by the United States and the…

Why a Taj Mahal in black was planned, but never…

One of the seven wonders of the world and also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, in the Indian city of Agra. While everyone knows the monument and the love story behind it, nobody knows about this replica of this popular…

Fans select their favourite Sonu Nigam hits ahead of UK…

SONU NIGAM, one of the greatest Indian singers of all time, is renowned for his wonderful voice, huge catalogue of hit songs, numerous accolades, and millions of fans globally. He is also an exceptional live performer who delivers sold-out arena shows around the world. Nigam returns for another UK tour,…

Iqbal Khan: Partition play ‘Silence’ should anger audiences

AWARD-WINNING director Iqbal Khan decided to take on the new adaptation of the Partition-based play Silence as he wished to build on the legacy of his late friend, former Tara Arts artistic director Abdul Shayek. Shayek directed the original production at the Donmar Warehouse in 2022 and had developed this…

Pratibha Singh Baghel headlines a perfect concert

THE recent South Asian Sounds festival at the Southbank Centre in London included a stunning concert headlined by the superb Indian singer Pratibha Singh Baghel. The sensational talent teamed up with the brilliant British act Chineke! Orchestra and top Indian musicians for a grand, sold-out concert at the Royal Festival…

Heart rhythm specialists to treat patients in India

Charity organisation Arrhythmia Alliance Pace4Life (A-A P4L) is sending a team of heart rhythm specialists to India to treat people suffering from arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Doctors from Milton Keynes Hospital Foundation Trust and North Middlesex University Hospital will treat 100 patients at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher…

All about Prabhu Deva

A COOL combination of dance, choreography, acting, and filmmaking has given Prabhu Deva one of the most multifaceted cinema careers. This has resulted in stunning songs, hit films, and winning performances from the multi-talented performer in a variety of languages. The popular film star turns a year older on April…

Vin Diesel shares new pic with Deepika, says he had…

Hollywood star Vin Diesel has shared a throwback photo with his XXX: Return of Xander Cage co-star Deepika Padukone from his maiden trip to India back in 2017. Diesel had visited India to promote the American action thriller, which marked Padukone's Hollywood debut. In his Instagram post on Tuesday, the…

Baltimore crash: Biden praises prompt action of Indian crew

US president Joe Biden hailed the prompt action of the 22-member Indian crew of the cargo ship that struck and demolished a key bridge for saving lives by alerting local authorities before the dramatic collision. Baltimore's 2.6 km-long Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after the container ship manned entirely by…

Sri Lanka’s Gunawardena says China to develop ‘strategic infrastructure’

PRIME MINISTER of Sri Lanka on Wednesday (27) announced that China has committed to enhancing the strategic deep-sea port and the capital's airport of the island nation following discussions with his counterpart in Beijing. Prime minister Dinesh Gunawardena said China -- the island's biggest bilateral creditor -- would "assist" Sri…

Ravindra, Dube shine as Chennai thrash Gujarat

NEW ZEALAND's Rachin Ravindra hit an explosive 46 and took three catches to help holders Chennai Super Kings to their second straight IPL win with a 63-run thrashing of Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (26). The left-handed Ravindra, in his debut IPL season, made his runs off 20 balls while captain…

Aditi Mangaldas’ bold dance duet defies age taboo

WHEN Aditi Mangaldas headlines a show, it is certain to be dynamically, artistically and creatively different from anything that has come before. She continues that path-breaking journey with the new production Mehek, which embarks on a hotly anticipated UK tour in April. The Indian Kathak legend has teamed up with…

Great celebrity wedding debate

LEGENDARY singer Asha Bhosle sparked an intriguing debate when she disclosed her iconic elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, had turned down over a million dollars to sing at a wedding. Speaking on a dance reality show, Bhosle said, “She was offered one million dollars to sing at a wedding. They said,…

Alia Bhatt to host ‘Hope Gala’ in London

Actress, producer, and entrepreneur Alia Bhatt is set to host her first 'Hope Gala' in London. As per a source close to the actress' team, Alia will host Hope Gala on March 28 in partnership with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. This is…

UK’s Tate Modern Museum inducts Sonam Kapoor in its South…

Actress Sonam Kapoor feels honoured as global art museum Tate Modern inducted her as a member of their South Asia Acquisition Committee. In a statement shared by the actress' team, Sonam said, "I'm deeply honoured to join the prestigious Tate Modern as a member of their South Asia Acquisition Committee.…

‘Big Boss 17’ winner among 14 detained after raid at…

Stand-up comedian and Bigg Boss - 17 winner Munawar Faruqui was among 14 persons detained by the Mumbai police after they were found smoking hookahs during a raid in south Mumbai, an official said on Wednesday. The Social Service branch of the city police conducted the raid at a hookah…

OakNorth completes £232m loan to Splendid Hospitality Group

OAKNORTH BANK has partnered with HSBC to provide a £232 million club loan to Splendid Hospitality Group to support its future expansion plans, a statement said. Founded three decades ago, Splendid Hospitality Group is one of the UK’s fastest growing privately-owned hotel groups, with a portfolio of 24 hotels from…

Baltimore crash: All-Indian crew safe

A MAJOR bridge in the US city of Baltimore collapsed early on Tuesday (26) after being struck by a container ship, sending multiple vehicles and people plunging into the frigid harbour below. Its 22-member crew were said to be Indian nationals and have survived. Grace Ocean Private Ltd owns the…

Cheistha wanted to change lives, says family of Indian girl…

THE family of a cyclist who died following a road accident said the London School of Economics (LSE) student wanted to "bring all her expertise back to India to change lives". Cheistha Kochhar, who was pursuing her PhD in behavioural research, died following a collision involving a refuse lorry on…

‘Every woman deserves dignity’: Kangana reacts to politician’s derogatory remarks

Every woman, irrespective of her background and profession, deserves dignity, actress Kangana Ranaut said on Tuesday as Congress leaders’ comments on Mandi from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha elections snowballed into a massive political row. Ranaut, who makes her political debut as a BJP candidate from Mandi in…

‘Performing in India always an electrifying experience,’ says Marshmello

Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Marshmello recently delivered smashing performances across Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune over the Holi weekend, dishing out some of his biggest hits including 'Happier', 'Alone', 'Friends', 'Blocks', 'Wolves', 'Find Me' and 'Silence'. He shared his experience performing in India. “Performing in India is always an…

Avantika Vandanapu: I can’t wait to be a part of…

Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, who garnered positive response for her performance in Prime Video’s Big Girls Don't Cry, says she cannot wait to be a part of Indian movies. “It’s truly surreal to come full circle and return to India. From my roots as a child actor to now leading…

Makers roll out trailer for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’

The trailer for Pooja Entertainment’s upcoming epic action entertainer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is out now. It offers a larger-than-life spectacle brimming with camaraderie and courage between the lead actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The grand trailer launch was held in Mumbai, attended by the entire star cast and…

Kohli’s 77 leads Bengaluru’s victory over Punjab

VIRAT KOHLI on Monday (25) said he has "still got it" in him to ace T20 cricket after his attacking 77 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first win of this IPL season. Master batsman Kohli smashed 11 fours and two sixes in his 49-ball blitz as hosts Bengaluru chased…

Call to relax terms for foreign healthcare workers

AN online petition urging the government to allow foreign healthcare workers more time to find a job after their sponsors fail them has attracted hundreds of signatures within days. Under tougher rules that came into effect earlier this month, care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants are required…

Microsoft names Pavan Davuluri as new windows chief

MICROSOFT has named Indian American Pavan Davuluri as the new head of its Windows and Surface divisions, The Verge reported on Monday (25). Davuluri, an IIT Madras graduate, has been appointed to the position following Panos Panay's departure to Amazon. His new role places him among the ranks of Indian…

‘RRR’ star Ram Charan to team up with ‘Pushpa’ director

RRR star Ram Charan and Pushpa: The Rise director Sukumar are set to collaborate on a feature film, the makers announced on Monday. The movie, which marks Charan's 17th project, will be produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Composer DSP of Pushpa fame will score the music for…

Fatima Sana Shaikh: ‘I wasn’t quite sure about playing Indira…

Fatima Sana Shaikh, who began her acting career as a child artist, gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Geeta Phogat in Aamir Khan’s 2016 film Dangal. She recently played India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in filmmaker Meghna Gulzar's highly acclaimed film Sam Bahadur. Through her compelling performance, she…

Dev Patel says ‘Monkey Man’ is about ‘what’s going on…

Dev Patel, who made his acting debut with Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, is presently busy promoting his directorial debut Monkey Man, which had its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. Speaking at SXSW, the 33-year-old actor said that his film reflects contemporary issues in India…

Gujarat keeps nerve, Royals start on winning note

Gujarat Titans edged out Mumbai Indians by six runs in an IPL thriller on Sunday as Hardik Pandya suffered a defeat as Mumbai captain after he controversially replaced Rohit Sharma. Rohit (43) and Dewald Brevis (46) shone in Mumbai's chase of their 169 target with a third-wicket stand of 77…

Team ‘RRR’ marks 2 years of SS Rajamouli film

The team of RRR on Monday marked two years of the blockbuster film's release, calling the SS Rajamouli directorial "the most celebrated film" in Indian cinema. Released on March 25, 2022, RRR followed a pre-independence fictional story woven around two real-life Indian revolutionaries — Alluri Sitarama Raju, played by Ram Charan,…

Indian student dies in London road accident

An Indian student pursuing her PhD at the London School of Economics died while cycling to her apartment last week. The victim, Cheistha Kochhar (33), died on the spot after being hit by a garbage truck on March 19. The accident took place on Clerkenwell Road, near the junction with…

Indians have so much passion, says American singer Allen Ling

Music connects people, says American singer-songwriter Allen Ling, who was recently in India along with Flipsyde guitarist Dave Lopez to promote their latest single "Closer" in the country. The artist, primarily a physical therapist who began his music career a year ago, has swiftly climbed to the top of the…

10 Bollywood songs that need to be on your Holi…

Today is the day of the most joyous and colourful celebration of the year – Holi! And what's a Holi party without the perfect playlist to keep the energy high and the spirits soaring? Bollywood has gifted us with numerous iconic songs that perfectly capture the essence of this festival,…

Actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil to contest India polls

Actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil, who were named as part of the list of 111 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Sunday, expressed happiness and gratitude to the political party for nominating them for the upcoming elections. Ranaut said she is…

Russell, Rana help KKR survive Klaasen fury

Harshit Rana's resilience in the final over and Andre Russel's muscling fifty helped Kolkata Knight Riders survive Heinrich Klaasen's six-hitting spree and score a thrilling four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL match here on Saturday (23). Klaassen almost turned the match on its head with a 29-ball 63…

Indian woman dies in car accident in US

A 24-year-old Indian professional died in a car accident in the US state of Pennsylvania. The consulate general of India in New York said in a post on X on Saturday that Arshia Joshi lost her life in a tragic car accident in Pennsylvania on March 21. The consulate said…

Pakistan keen to restore trade ties with India: Minister

Pakistan will “seriously” consider restoring trade ties with India that remained suspended since August 2019, Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has said, indicating a potential shift in the country's diplomatic stance. Dar made these remarks during a press conference in London following his participation in the Nuclear Energy Summit in…

Indra Nooyi’s advice to Indian students in US: ‘Be watchful’

AMID a string of tragic and concerning incidents involving Indian students in the US, former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi has advised them to be "watchful", respect local laws and urged them to not engage in drugs or excessive drinking to ensure their safety and security in the country. Nooyi,…

W.i.S.H: Everything you need to know about India’s newest girl-pop…

In the vibrant landscape of India’s music industry, a new constellation has emerged, promising to dazzle audiences with their infectious beats and empowering messages. Meet W.i.S.H, the nation’s newest girl-pop group, poised to captivate hearts and minds with their distinctive pop melodies. W.i.S.H, an acronym for “World inka Stage Hai”,…

Mustafizur’s brilliance propels Chennai Super Kings to victory

BANGLADESH's Mustafizur Rahman returned figures of 4-29 to set up a six-wicket win for defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday (22). Hosts Chennai kept Bengaluru down to 173-6, a total their batsmen overhauled in 18.4 overs at the M A Chidambaram…

Sanya Malhotra’s ‘Mrs’ to be screened at Hawaii International Film…

Filmmaker Arati Kadav's latest film Mrs, a remake of the Malayalam critical hit The Great Indian Kitchen, is set to be screened at the 2024 edition of Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). The film, described as a poignant exploration of resilience, will be screened on two days at the festival,…

Bhutanese artists perform Hindi songs during Modi’s visit

India and Bhutan share a unique and exemplary bilateral relationship founded on mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country, Bhutanese artists dived into Indian culture with songs featured prominently in the cultural celebrations at the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu on Friday.…

India planning own democracy index, after global downgrades

After India's democratic credentials faced a series of downgrades by various international agencies, the Narendra Modi administration is planning to develop a homegrown democracy ratings index to counter the Western narrative, Al Jazeera reports. Though the Indian government has been publicly dismissive of these reports, it is keen to retain…

Police step in as Indian brothers transform car into ‘helicopter’

INDIAN police seized a DIY car project from two enterprising brothers who had modified their small Suzuki hatchback to resemble a helicopter, an effort to make money by renting it out to wedding parties. Ishwardin and Parmeshwardin Prajapati spent nearly $3,000 (£2,380) to attach small rotor blades to the roof…

Modi’s party acting out of panic, says India’s opposition

VARIOUS constituents of the INDIA bloc condemned Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest on Thursday (21) and claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is scared of the outcome of the upcoming polls and acting out of panic to create problems for the opposition. Soon after Kejriwal's arrest by…

This refurbished mine in Wales is the world’s ‘deepest’ hotel

The rugged peaks of Snowdonia National Park in Wales are a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Lush valleys unfurl beneath dramatic mountains, promising breathtaking vistas and crisp mountain air. But for the truly adventurous, a different kind of escape awaits—an escape not into the wild, but deep beneath it.…

IPL 2024: AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam perform at opening ceremony

Adding a musical touch to the grand opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League in Chennai, music maestros AR Rahman and Sonu Nigam left the audience in awe with their melodious performances. Sonu Nigam started his performance with the song 'Vande Mataram' and later Rahman joined him on stage. Not…

Reality show winner held in India for selling snake venom…

Gone are the days of mundane drugs like cocaine, marijuana, or even injectable drugs; the Indian ravers are more interested in experimenting with snake venom! Yes, as untrue as it sounds, the winner of Indian Bigg Boss season 2 on OTT, also a Youtuber, Elvish Yadav, has been arrested for…

India’s super-rich control 40 per cent wealth: Study

Inequality in India has skyrocketed since the early 2000s and the income and wealth share of the top one per cent is among the highest in the world, says a study by the Paris-based World Inequality Lab. The paper titled 'Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922-2023: The Rise of…

India finds involvement of rogue officials in Pannun assassination plot

AN Indian investigation has found that rogue officials, not authorised by the government, were involved in a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader in the US, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday (20). The report, citing unnamed senior officials, said at least one person directly involved in the alleged…

Australia tightens student visa rules

After Canada and the UK, Australia will enforce tougher visa rules for foreign students as official data showed migration hit another record high, which is likely to further exacerbate an already tight rental market. From Saturday, English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, while the government…

DJ Alan Walker to perform in India

Renowned DJ Alan Walker is set to enthrall the Indian audience. Alan Walker will perform from September to October this year, covering places like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Shillong, Chennai and Kolkata. The Norwegian musician will be touring in support of his WalkerWorld, the first installment of…

Schneider Electric to make India its manufacturing hub

Energy management and automation major Schneider Electric plans to invest Rs 32 billion by 2026 to make India its manufacturing hub for domestic sales and exports. Under the plan, Schneider Electric on Thursday (21) inaugurated a facility in Bengaluru with Rs 1 billion investment to produce cooling solutions for data…

Delhi chief minister’s arrest sparks nationwide protests

DOZENS of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members were apprehended in New Delhi, with scattered demonstrations breaking out across India in opposition to the arrest of the party's prominent figure on corruption charges, just ahead of the upcoming general elections. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was taken into custody by India's…

Zomato scraps green uniform plan amid public backlash

INDIA's largest food delivery firm Zomato on Wednesday (20) ditched plans for green uniforms for a new vegetarian-only service, citing concerns the country's vast vegetarian population might then shun its regular service. The decision was taken less than 24 hours after Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal announced a green-coloured "Pure Veg"…

Delhi chief minister opposed to Modi arrested in graft case

THE top politician in India's capital New Delhi was arrested Thursday (21) in a graft probe his supporters say is aimed at sidelining opponents to prime minister Narendra Modi ahead of national elections. Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's chief minister and a key leader in an opposition alliance challenging Modi in next…

Hrithik Roshan-starrer ‘Fighter’ lands on Netflix

After having a successful run at the box office, Hrithik Roshan-starrer Fighter is now streaming on Netflix. On the film's streaming release, Hrithik said, "Fighter is our tribute to the Indian Air Force and with it streaming on Netflix, I'm looking forward to the reactions and hope Fighter entertains and…

Nirav Modi ordered to pay £6.3m to Bank of India

LONDON High Court has ordered fugitive Indian businessman, Nirav Modi, to repay a hefty sum of $8 million (£6.3m) to the Bank of India (BOI). The ruling was issued early this month after Modi's Dubai-based firm, Firestar Diamond FZE, failed to repay the loan it had received from the bank,…

No progress in ending racism, says Keith Vaz

ONE of Britain’s first ethnic minority members of parliament has told Eastern Eye of his regret at not being able to “move the dial forward” in the fight against racism, while urging the current generation to do more. Keith Vaz was the first Asian MP for nearly sixty years when…

India’s fertility rate drops to just under 2, further decline…

A new study published in The Lancet reveals a significant decline in India's fertility rate. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which represents the average number of births per woman, has dropped from a staggering 6.2 in 1950 to just under 2 in 2021. This trend is expected to continue, with…

Modi holds talks with Putin, Zelenskiy

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi held separate phone calls on Wednesday (20) with Russian president Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy and discussed strengthening ties with both, ahead of a visit by the Ukrainian foreign minister to New Delhi. India has traditionally had close economic and defence ties with Moscow…

Pro-Khalistan activist jailed for stabbings

A 26-year-old pro-Khalistan Sikh activist who pleaded guilty to causing injury to two Asian-origin men and a female police officer at an Indian Independence Day event in London last year has been sentenced to 28 months imprisonment. Gurpreet Singh appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty in…

Priyanka Chopra shares pictures from Ram temple visit

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who offered prayers at the Ram temple in Ayodhya with her husband, American singer Nick Jonas, says she went to the shrine to seek blessings for their daughter Malti Marie Jonas. Two-year-old Malti accompanied her parents Priyanka, 41, and Nick, 31, on Wednesday to the temple…

IPL 2024: Dhoni relinquishes captaincy of Chennai Super Kings

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS are set to commence their Indian Premier League title defense against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking a potentially pivotal season for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who resigned as captain on Thursday (21). Dhoni played his last international in 2019 but remains one of the country's most popular players, and…

SS Rajamouli and family experience earthquake in Japan

Director SS Rajamouli and his son SS Karthikeya experienced an earthquake in Japan. Karthikeya, who is a producer, on Thursday, said he was on the 28th floor of a building in Japan when he felt an earthquake. He added that he was about to panic but the locals went about…

Artists to present Assamese dance traditions at The Nehru Centre

A remarkable cast of artists from both the UK and India will showcase Assam's vibrant dance traditions at an event at The Nehru Centre on Friday (22). The show will have a diverse array of folk dances, each one a window into the rich cultural heritage of a specific Assamese…

How to Play Slots at Casino Apps?

This text describes how to play slots correctly through mobile apps. Tips and tricks to choose the best app to play slots in India. Find the benefits of playing slot games via casino apps. Manual on Playing Online Slots through Casino Apps There has been a huge boom in mobile…

‘Burnt Sugar’: Deepa Mehta says her next film is ‘about…

Acclaimed Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta, whose latest documentary I Am Sirat is doing the rounds at various international film festivals across the world, has begun scripting her next film Burnt Sugar. The film is a silver-screen adaptation of Avni Doshi’s bestselling novel of the same name. Talking about the film,…

How Made in Heaven TV Series Continues to Appeal to…

📺 TV Show Alert 🍿, "Made in Heaven" 🔹Current Season: 2🔹 The story of two wedding planners in Delhi, whe... Drama 🕒Prime Video #MadeinHeaven #season2 #PrimeVideo #Drama pic.twitter.com/wn7neSXlCc — Mufasa (@Mufas_a_) August 11, 2023 Premiering on 8 March 2019 on Amazon Prime Video, Made in Heaven is an Indian romantic…

Three from Jain family embrace monkhood

The Jain community in India is a minuscule minority, a tiny 0.4 per cent of the country's population, but they are also one of the most affluent mercantile class, with many of them closely associated with the diamond trade. Jains often live in mansions with fleets of luxury cars, and…

Businesses Continue to Benefit from India’s Expanding Data Centre Scene

A 2022 report showed that Amazon Web Services (AWS) had plans to extend data centres into four regions of India within two years. These regions, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi and Chennai, were part of AWS's larger vision of reaching 32 such local areas in 26 countries by 2024. Better Customer Experiences…

‘The Real Serpent’ dives into the complex mind of Charles…

Charles Sobhraj, the cunning criminal dubbed The Real Serpent for his ability to evade capture, has captivated audiences with his chilling story. The BBC drama series reintroduced his case, but tonight Channel 4 offers a new perspective - a documentary featuring Sobhraj himself. Charles Sobhraj, also known as the Bikini Killer,…

My creative process is an ongoing jam session with life:…

At just 19 years old, indie pop singer-songwriter Ridi Oswal captivates audiences with her unique blend of Indian heritage and Western influences, showcased in hits like Merry Go Round and Happier, garnering over 65,000 monthly listeners on platforms like Spotify, while her latest single, Guilty Feet, is a vibrant testament…

My film on Savarkar is anti-propaganda: Randeep Hooda

RANDEEP HOODA’S willingness to take on any acting challenge has allowed him to portray a wide range of captivating roles throughout his career. This week, the acclaimed Indian actor adds another intriguing character to his repertoire with the release of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. The period epic sees Hooda take on…

Charithra Chandran sparkles in first solo West End play

THERE was a sense of occasion at the Garrick Theatre in London last Sunday (17) when Charithra Chandran made her West End debut in a solo show, Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon. You had the feeling many young Asians had been drawn by the show’s lead, billed as “Bridgerton’s Charithra…

Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, AR Rahman to perform at IPL…

Cricket's 'Super Bowl' Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return this week with a blockbuster opening clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a South Indian derby at their home arena--MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Making it more special actors Akshay Kumar,…

Student of the Year heroes have failed

IT MAY have been a massively overrated film that didn’t clock up the expected blockbuster numbers at the box office, but the 2012 film, Student of the Year, was a solid launch pad for its three debut stars. While Alia Bhatt has gone on to become the most successful young…

India’s water crisis worsens as reservoir levels slide

India's main reservoirs have hit their lowest March levels in five years, government data showed, indicating a possible squeeze on drinking water and power availability this summer in most parts of the country. In major centres such as India's 'Silicon Valley' Bengaluru, home to IT majors like Google, Infosys, and…

10 Indian cities screening films showcasing LGBTQIA+ narratives

Five short films from India, Spain, the Philippines, the UK, and the US showcasing LGBTQIA+ narratives that resonate with resilience and authenticity are being screened in 10 cities across India. British Council in partnership with British BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival launched the 10th edition of the 'Five Films…

French academic’s book examines Gujarat’s role in Modi’s political strategy

NOW that it has been announced that the Indian general election will be held between April 19 and June 1, many books and articles both for and against Narendra Modi will be written about the country’s prime minister. Firmly in the latter category is Christophe Jaffrelot’s Gujarat Under Modi: Laboratory…

How ‘global curiosity’ can make Indian books part of the…

THE world needs books from India because they reflect the spiritual values of Indian culture and civilisation.   “Books are important for mental health,” said Yuvraj Malik, director of the National Book Trust (NBT) of India, which took a pavilion for the first time at the 2024 London Book Fair.…

Top 25 comedy heroes from India

WHILE it’s true that stand-up comedy first gained prominence in western culture, India’s comedy scene has emerged as one of the fastest-growing in the past decade. In recent years, there has been an influx of top talents who have presented humour in a unique way and risen to prominence with…

Geeta Pendse: ‘Words can prompt new ways of thinking’

THE TV presenter and journalist, Geeta Pendse, chaired the opening sessions of the London Book Fair (LBF) which analysed the issue of diversity in the publishing world. The LBF – held over three days last week at Kensington Olympia – also looked at what might constitute enjoyable literature for ethnic…

Audi India plans local assembly of EVs: Balbir Singh Dhillon

AUTOMAKER Audi India is looking to commence local assembly of electric vehicles, a move which would help it roll out models at an affordable price helping expand its customer base in the country. The automaker currently imports its entire EV range into the country. It, however, assembles petrol models like…

Adaa Khan: Making a strong style statement

THOSE who follow Adaa Khan on social media or have seen her eye-catching photoshoots and striking red carpet appearances know how superbly stylish she is. The celebrated Indian actress has an undeniable flair for fashion and consistently unveils stunning looks that set style goals. Eastern Eye caught up with the…

IPL 2024: Kohli, Pant in spotlight

VIRAT KOHLI and Rishabh Pant will be under scrutiny on their return to action as the Indian Premier League begins on Friday (22), with the T20 World Cup hot on its heels. The 17th edition of the world's richest cricket league is expected to end close to the June 1…

Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar collaborate with Prime Video on diverse…

Filmmakers Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar on Tuesday announced a host of projects, including shows such as Ananya Pandey-starrer Call Me Bae and Mirzapur 3, which will debut on streaming service Prime Video this year. At the streamer's slate announcement event Prime Video Presents, Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment announced three original…

Dhanush releases first poster of Ilaiyaraaja biopic

National Award winner Dhanush on Wednesday unveiled the first poster of his upcoming movie based on the life of legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja. Titled Ilaiyaraaja, the movie will be directed by Arun Matheswaran, who recently helmed Dhanush's latest release, Captain Miller. Dhanush shared the poster of the film on his…

Australia halt Afghanistan T20 series over women’s rights

AUSTRALIA on Tuesday (19) decided to shelve the T20 men’s cricket series against Afghanistan. Cricket Australia (CA) said it had received advice “that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse,” and had postponed the three-match series slated for August at a neutral venue. The sport has surged…

AFC asks for evidence on corruption charges

THE Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has asked the AIFF’s [All India Football Federation] ousted legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, to submit evidence for allegations of corruption he has levelled against national federation head Kalyan Chaubey, calling it a serious matter. The AIFF president Chaubey, on March 6, served a legal notice…

Indian shuttler Sen’s impressive run cut short at All England…

ANOTHER impressive week ended with a semi-final finish for star shuttler Lakshya Sen, who narrowly lost a three-game battle against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie at the All England Championships in Birmingham last Saturday (16), prolonging India’s wait for the coveted trophy. In a game of fine margins, the 22-year-old, who had…

Rajamouli attends ‘RRR’ special screening in Japan, receives gift from…

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who attended a special screening of his blockbuster film RRR in Japan, says he is grateful for the love the audience continues to shower on the movie even after almost two years of its release. According to Japanese film distribution outlet Twin Company, the RRR screenings were…

Prime Video teases new seasons of ‘Pataal Lok’, ‘Mirzapur’ and…

Streaming service Prime Video on Tuesday teased new seasons of its critically acclaimed series such as Pataal Lok 2, Mirzapur, and Panchayat. The three shows, along with Bandish Bandits and the Tamil series Suzhal - The Vortex, are the five projects that will return to the streamer's platform in 2024,…

Priyanka Chopra unveils new production venture ‘Women of My Billion’

Actress-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Tuesday introduced Women of My Billion, an upcoming documentary narrating the true story of a woman’s journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to meet women who have faced violence. Chopra Jonas and production banner Purple Pebble Pictures have produced the movie, which will be released on…

Prime Video unveils 2024 India slate

Prime Video today unveiled its most ambitious and diverse content slate to date in India at its second Prime Video Presents India showcase, with close to 70 series and movies, with most of them premiering on the service over the next 2 years. With 40 Original series and movies, and…

Pure Perfection: Embrace the spirit of Ramadan in white

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and communal celebration. Alongside the spiritual significance, Ramadan also offers a platform for individuals to express their cultural heritage and personal style through fashion. This year, fashion enthusiasts are embracing a…

UK-India trade talks on hold until after election

THE latest round of trade talks between Britain and India has concluded without a deal, with a British official saying an agreement could not be finalised ahead of the upcoming Indian elections. The two countries have held stop-start talks over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for two years and both…

Indian student’s death in US: Police rule out foul play

AN Indian student died in Boston, US, and initial investigation has ruled out any foul play, officials said on Monday (18). “Deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate demise of Abhijeeth Paruchuru, an Indian student in Boston,” the Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on…

India top court pulls up yoga guru Baba Ramdev over…

The supreme court on Tuesday (19) directed the personal appearance of yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved managing director Acharya Balkrishna over misleading advertisements and for failing to respond to a contempt notice. A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah noted that Patanjali did not file a…

‘Nye’ review: Play tackles complexities of the man who created…

THE NHS, said the former chancellor Nigel Lawson, is the closest thing the English have to a religion. So it follows that its creator would be deified as a God in certain circles. Nye, playing at the National Theatre until 11th May, tackles the complexities of one of the great…

I believed poets need to drink, it destroyed my marriage:…

Renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently shared candid insights into his first marriage with actress Honey Irani, shedding light on the challenges they faced, particularly his battle with alcoholism. The couple, who were married for 11 years before parting ways in 1985, endured tumultuous times exacerbated by Akhtar's addiction.…

Sunak’s father-in-law gifts grandson Infosys shares worth £23m

THE father-in-law of prime minister Rishi Sunak and the co-founder of Indian IT giant Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy, has gifted 1.5 million shares of the company, valued at £23 million, to his grandson, reports said. According to stock exchange data released on Monday (18), Murthy's gift to Ekagrah Rohan Murty…

Tata Steel to shut Port Talbot coke ovens

TATA STEEL UK, owned by India-based Tata Group, announced the closure of the coke ovens at its Port Talbot steel plant in south Wales, with operations ceasing this week, marking an earlier shutdown than originally planned. The company on Monday (18) said that the plant is “significantly deteriorating operational stability”.…

Air quality: Bangladesh, Pakistan and India rank lowest once again

PAKISTAN remained one of the world's three smoggiest countries in 2023, as Bangladesh and India replaced Chad and Iran, with particulate matter about 15 times the level recommended by the World Health Organization, data published on Tuesday (19) showed. Average concentrations of PM2.5 - small airborne particles that damage the…

In this Indian village famous for Pattachitra, everyone is an…

Nestled just 15 kilometres away from the bustling city of Puri in Odisha, India, lies the quaint village of Raghurajpur. Here, every home is a studio and every villager an artist. Adorned with colourful murals, this village is a living museum of art, where the ancient craft of Pattachitra flourishes.…

‘Trying to still be most risk-taking actor’: Ayushmann Khurrana

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana opened up about how he always wanted to be a risk-taking actor to make the country proud. Ayushmann made his Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor (2012), a film set against the background of sperm donation and infertility, themes that are often seen as taboos in Indian society.…

FarmERP: Making agriculture climate-smart

The advent of new age technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupled with drones and sensors are rapidly transforming the agriculture sector in India and around the world. Farmers and agri-business companies using these technologies have a much greater insight and control over their yields and profitability, and…

Former Shaktimaan actor upset over Ranveer Singh’s casting

Actor Mukesh Khanna, who played the iconic role of Shaktimaan in the 1990s serial, said he is not in favour of Ranveer Singh playing the popular superhero as the actor has a certain image. According to media reports, Singh was recently roped in to play Shaktimaan in the film set…

Nick Jonas joins Priyanka Chopra, daughter Malti Marie in Mumbai…

Popstar Nick Jonas touched down in Mumbai in the early hours of Monday. He made a stylish entry in an all-white look at the Mumbai airport. He sported a white shirt that he paired with matching pants and sneakers. This is Nick's second visit to India this year. He and…

‘The Iceman’ Wim Hof’s cold exposure therapy has benefits: Study

A recent study has shed light on the potential benefits of the Wim Hof method, popularised by Dutch athlete Wim Hof, also known as "The Iceman." This method, which involves a combination of deliberate hyperventilation and exposure to cold, has garnered attention for its purported physical and mental advantages. However,…

Indian electoral bonds: Bank told to disclose all details

India's Supreme Court ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday to submit all the details of electoral bonds issued under an opaque political funding system, just a month before general elections. SBI was the sole bank authorised to sell and redeem electoral bonds that was introduced in 2017…

Bangalore win maiden Women’s Premier League title

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE grabbed their first Women's Premier League (WPL) title by restricting Delhi Capitals to 113 runs. They sealed an eight-wicket victory with just three balls left in New Delhi on Sunday (17). Aggressive knocks from Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine buoyed Bangalore at the right moment to seal…

Oscar-winner MM Keeravani collaborates with Anupam Kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher's upcoming directorial Tanvi The Great will have music by Oscar-winning music director MM Keeravani. On Monday, Kher took to Instagram and shared this update. "ALL DREAMS COME TRUE: Proud to announce that one of the finest music composers of our times, Oscar and Golden Globe winner…

Ed Sheeran captivates audience at Mumbai concert

Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of Ed Sheeran, who set the stage on fire with his electrifying concert in Mumbai, which also saw the British music sensation perform with Indian artists Diljit Dosanjh and Armaan Malik. Sheeran, who arrived in India on March 12 as part of the Indian…

British Indian Post Office scandal victim’s son seeks compensation

THE son of a British Indian Post Office scandal victim has demanded compensation for the impact his father's wrongful convictions and financial ruin had on his life. Varchas Patel's father, Vipin, faced wrongful prosecution for discrepancies exceeding £75,000 at his branch between 2010 and 2011. Now, Varchas, along with other…

International Yoga Festival concludes at Parmarth Niketan

THE week-long International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India, concluded on Friday (15). As many as 1,500 international guests, including saints, spiritual masters, yogacharyas, artists, and musicians from over 75 countries have participated in the event. The festival, under the guidance of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president…

Vaughan Gething becomes first black leader of Wales

VAUGHAN GETHING won the Welsh Labour party leadership contest on Saturday (16), marking a historic moment as he is set to become the first black leader of the country's semi-autonomous government. Gething, 50, will succeed Mark Drakeford, 69, who announced in December that he was stepping down. The new leader…

India’s general election: All you need to know

INDIA's marathon six-week election will begin on April 19 with nearly a billion people across the world's biggest democracy eligible to cast their votes. Here are the details about how the poll is conducted and what is likely to happen: How do people vote? All Indian citizens aged 18 and…

Indian Navy foils Somali pirate attack; rescues crew

INDIA's navy recaptured a ship from Somali pirates off the Indian coast Saturday (16), the military said, rescuing the crew and ending a three-month takeover of the Maltese-flagged bulk carrier MV Ruen. The December hijacking of the ship was the first time since 2017 that any cargo vessel had been…

Charithra Chandran: I see myself as a failure

Charithra Chandran, who rose to fame with the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, says she is still “really hard” on herself and sees herself “as a failure”. “I feel like I am really hard on myself. I see myself as a failure and I am constantly failing and trying to dig…

Sobhita Dhulipala on ‘Monkey Man’: Dream to be part of…

Actress Sobhita Dhulipala says she is super excited to make her Hollywood debut with Monkey Man, in which she features alongside Lion star Dev Patel. The Night Manager actor talked about the much-awaited movie on the sidelines of the Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI here. "It’s my first time working…

Priyanka Chopra to narrate Disneynature’s documentary film ‘Tiger’

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas will serve as the narrator of the upcoming documentary film Tiger for Disney-owned studio Disneynature. Described as a compelling story that lifts the veil on the planet’s most revered and charismatic animal, the film will start streaming on Disney+ Hotstar on Earth Day on April 22.…

India to hold polls from April 19 in seven phases

India will begin voting in seven phases starting April 19 to elect a new parliament, and the results will be announced on June 4. Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday the other phases will be on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June…

India, Pakistan spar at UN over Ayodhya

INDIA has slammed Pakistan after Islamabad's envoy at the United Nations made references to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Citizenship Amendment Act at the general assembly. Pakistan's Ambassador Munir Akram raised these issues during the plenary meeting on Friday while introducing the resolution ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia', in…

Amitabh Bachchan dismisses reports of ill health as fake news

Big B has categorically denied reports of his ill health, putting an end to swirling rumours and speculation. In a video circulating on social media, Bachchan can be seen exiting a stadium, where a concerned fan inquires about his well-being. Bachchan responds by gesturing that everything is fine and then…

Family dies in ‘suspicious’ fire in Canada

AN Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter died in a "suspicious" fire that destroyed their home in Canada's Ontario province, according to police. A fire engulfed a home at the Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive area of Brampton on March 7, Peel Police said on Friday (15). After…

Trade talks on hold as India goes to polls

THE fourteenth round of trade talks between Britain and India concluded on Friday (15) without a deal, while India heads to a general election. The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the general election schedule on Saturday. Formal talks will not take place during India’s pre-election period. The…

‘It was like a fairytale in real life,’ says Indian…

In 2009, Slumdog Millionaire was not the only film that made all Indians proud by winning eight trophies at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony, the winner in the documentary (short) category Smile Pinki, which depicted the story of a five-year-old Indian schoolgirl Pinki Sonkar who received corrective surgery for cleft…

Three Indians among winners of Diana Award

A New Delhi-based innovator whose low-cost electric invention helps overcome power cuts, a mental health campaigner from Haryana and a student from Dubai who helps to empower girls across the developing world are the Indian winners of the Diana Legacy Awards this year. Uday Bhatia, founder of Uday Electric, Manasi…

India’s electoral bonds: Lakshmi Mittal among top buyers

Lakshmi Mittal, the UK-based executive chairman of multinational steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal, is among the prominent buyers of the recently scraped electoral bonds for making political donations in India. He bought Rs 350 million worth of bonds in his individual capacity. The Election Commission displayed the data on electoral bonds on…

Paramount Global selling stake in Viacom18

US film and television giant Paramount Global announced that it would sell its stake in Indian media venture Viacom18 to another Indian entertainment firm, Reliance. The $517 million deal would transfer Paramount's entire 13 per cent stake to Reliance, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a US…

The times when birthday girl Alia Bhatt won the hearts…

In the glamorous cosmos of Bollywood, where stars shine bright and dreams are woven into the fabric of reality, one name continues to radiate a distinct brilliance - Alia Bhatt, who turns 31 on Friday (15). With her magnetic presence on screen and off, she embodies the essence of contemporary…

Sony Pictures announces biopic on Madhubala

Filmmaker Jasmeet K Reen will be tackling an upcoming biographical drama movie based on the life and times of Indian cinema legend Madhubala, the makers announced on Friday. Sony Pictures International Productions announced the project on their official social media handles. "We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming film honoring the…

‘Yodha’ Review: A slick action thriller that makes the most…

After facing some delay, Dharma Productions’ much-awaited action thriller Yodha is finally out in cinemas. The film stars Shershaah fame Sidharth Malhotra in the lead role with Raashii Khanna and Disha Patani also featuring in prominent characters. Lieutenant commander Arun Katyal (Sidharth Malhotra) is part of a special task force…

Shah Rukh Khan teaches Ed Sheeran his signature pose

With arms wide open and a dimpled smile flashing brightly, superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been leaving the audience in awe with his iconic signature pose for over three decades now. From fans to members of showbiz, people never leave a chance to imitate his romantic pose especially when they…

India appoints two election commissioners

Former bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been named as the new election commissioners by a panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a committee member and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said on Thursday. Addressing reporters at his residence soon after the meeting ended, Chowdhury said six…

Indian American manager of US football team jailed for fraud

A 31-year-old Indian American former financial manager of the American football team Jacksonville Jaguars has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail for stealing more than $22 million (£17.2m) and engaging in an illegal monetary transaction, according to court documents. Amit Patel was sentenced by US District Judge Henry L…

Indian farmers rally in New Delhi demanding higher crop prices

THOUSANDS of farmers rode buses and trains from across India to gather on Thursday (14) at a rally in the capital, New Delhi, pressing a demand for higher guaranteed prices for their crops, as they faced down police barricades and tough security. The rally, days before general elections are expected…

Grieving Brook withdraws from IPL after grandmother’s death

ENGLAND batsman Harry Brook has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League following the death of his grandmother. Brook pulled out of England's recent Test tour in India in January, citing personal reasons. The 25-year-old has now revealed the reason was because his grandmother "was ill and didn't have long left".…

Obscure trust links India’s top firms with Modi’s election war…

Behind the doors of a small, nondescript office in the heart of New Delhi lies the headquarters of an electoral trust run by just two men that is the largest-known donor to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to a Reuters review of public records. The Prudent Electoral Trust…

’12th Fail’, ‘Kohrra’ big winners at Critics’ Choice Awards 2024

Vikrant Massey-starrer 12th Fail and Sudip Sharma's crime series Kohrra bagged top honours at the sixth edition of the Critics' Choice Awards. The 2024 award ceremony was held on Tuesday in Mumbai, recognising the best in feature films, short films, and web series across languages and platforms from India. In the…

A Glimpse into the Rich History of the Kingdom of…

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand, formerly known as Siam, boasts a captivating history that spans over thousands of years. Its rich cultural heritage, intertwined with diverse influences, has shaped the Kingdom into the vibrant nation it is today. From ancient civilizations to powerful empires, Thailand's history is…

Explore five delectable Ramadan dishes to make Iftar delicious

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, community, and of course, delicious food! After a day of fasting, families and friends come together to break their fast with a special meal called Iftar. This year, why not embark on a global culinary adventure with these top 5 dishes, all perfect…

Race row: Sunak says Hester’s remorse should be accepted

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak resisted growing calls Wednesday (13) for his Tory party to return millions of pounds to a major donor accused of making racist comments about a high-profile black lawmaker. Businessman Frank Hester, 57, is alleged to have said that Diane Abbott -- Britain's longest-serving black MP --…

Nice to see the confidence of young India, says coach…

INDIA coach Rahul Dravid last Saturday (9) praised his team’s rising young talent for confidently filling the gap left by senior players after their 4-1 win in a high-profile England series. Rohit Sharma’s men lost the opener but bounced back to clinch the five Test series after the fourth game,…

India’s Olympics shuttler Sai Praneeth quits professional badminton

WORLD Championships bronze medallist B Sai Praneeth on Monday (11) announced his retirement from international badminton, bringing down the curtain on a successful career during which he won the Singapore Open and also represented India at the Tokyo Olympics. The 31-year-old from Hyderabad decided to hang up his boots after…

How Ashwin spun his way to 500 Test scalps

SUNIL SUBRAMANIAM could never put his finger on why he failed to break into the Indian team despite being one of the country’s best leftarm spinners in the early 1990s. It bothered him, but the pain pales in comparison to the joy his most illustrious ward, Ravichandran Ashwin, brought to…

Write England off at your peril, says Stokes after India…

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes warned critics last Saturday (9) against any premature eulogies for his team, saying he will use the team’s 4-1 Test drubbing in India as inspiration for improvement. The visitors won the opener but lost the next four, including a final match thrashing by an innings and…

Sadhguru: The essence of devotion

DEVOTION is about making emotions so sweet, that the life experience becomes beautiful. But right now, what is passing off as devotion is just deception. People’s idea of devotion is, “God, I broke a coconut for you, what are you going to give me tomorrow?” This is not devotion; this…

Indigo Giant: New play exposes colonial atrocities in undivided India

THE story of Bengal farmers rising up against British colonial rule in the subcontinent is revisited in a new play, Indigo Giant, currently touring the UK.   In the late 19th century, vast swathes of the Bengali countryside were given over to the cultivation of the indigo plant as the…

Neha Harsora gets set to shine in new series

NEHA HARSORA has been making a terrific mark on Indian television, particularly with her standout lead role in the hit serial, Raazz Mahal: Dakini Ka Rahasya. The talented young actress is following up that challenging fantasy drama with a lead role in the newly launched show, Udne Ki Asha, opposite…

Top 10 moments of Atma Ahir

BRITISH Asian music veteran Atma Ahir has been lighting up the bhangra scene ever since the early 1990s. His interesting career has seen him go from founding the award-winning act Geet The Mega Band to carving out a solo career. The singer recently released his catchy Punjabi track, Morni, written…

Indian bank submits electoral bond details to top court

THE State Bank of India (SBI) told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (13) that 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased and 22,030 redeemed by political parties between April 1, 2019 and February 15 this year. In a compliance affidavit filed in the apex court, the SBI said as per the court's…

Shailesh Vara MP meets Indian student leaders

TORY MP Shailesh Vara has addressed the Indian National Students’ Association's (INSA) student leadership summit held at the House of Commons this week. The event held on Monday (11) was a forum for student leaders, student union representatives and guests to discuss and shape a positive future for Indian students…

Enduring cinematic legacy of Shashi Kapoor

LEGENDARY actor Shashi Kapoor left behind a remarkable body of work that ranged from commercial Hindi cinema entertainers to Englishlanguage projects that opened the doors for Bollywood stars in international projects. He broke creative ground, tackled taboos and added a new dimension to big screen entertainers. This resulted in a…

Why is India’s citizenship law contentious?

INDIA this week implemented the contentious 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), sparking sporadic protests and a war of words between prime minister Narendra Modi's government and opposition groups weeks before national elections are held. Here is a look at the law, its implications and the concerns surrounding it. What is…

Ayushmann Khurrana meets Ed Sheeran

British singer Ed Sheeran is in India and ahead of his Mumbai gig, he met Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana on Tuesday. Interestingly, Ayushmann made Ed Sheeran taste his mother's homemade pinni. Talking about his meeting with the 'Perfect' hitmaker, Ayushmann said, "I have admired Ed Sheeran as an artiste for…

Daniel Sloss excited about his upcoming India tour

Comedian-actor Daniel Sloss is set to perform in India. From Delhi to Mumbai and Bengaluru, Daniel will be seen showcasing his comic talent among Indian fans in eight cities. His shows will be held between March 15 and March 24. Excited about the shows, Daniel said, "I am delighted to…

GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards 2024: ‘This evening recognises ethnic…

LEADING public and private sector organisations need to do more attract ethnic minorities to their boardrooms, Kalpesh Solanki, managing director at Asian Media Group (AMG), told attendees at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards. In December 2023, only 44 per cent of the UK’s top 50 largest private companies had…

Modi praises ‘new Kashmir’ on first visit in five years

JAMMU AND KASHMIR has been transformed and integrated with the rest of India, prime minister Narendra Modi said last Thursday (7), crediting the change to his government’s decision to revoke its special status. Visiting the Kashmir Valley for the first time since 2019 – the year the status was revoked…

Aakash Odedra: Story of love and longing

BRITISH dance maestro Aakash Odedra consistently leads boundary-breaking projects and Mehek adds to his impressive repertoire. He has teamed up with Indian kathak legend Aditi Mangaldas in this magnificent dance drama that narrates the love story of an older woman and a younger man. The world-renowned performers will embark on…

Onir: Rebel with a human cause

A FEARLESS approach to filmmaking has endowed Onir with a remarkable body of work filled with stories from forgotten corners of society. He has overcome the challenges of being an openly gay writer, director and producer in India to deliver award-winning films such as My Brother…Nikhil, and I Am. His…

Trump, Biden clinch nominations for US presidential election

Joe Biden and rival Donald Trump each won enough delegates Tuesday to clinch their party nominations in the 2024 presidential race, networks projected, all but assuring a rematch and setting up one of the longest election campaigns in US history. The results in four statewide elections Tuesday, the latest in…

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan to Riz Ahmed, see every South Asian celebrity…

The 96th annual Academy Awards concluded on March 10, 2024, at Los Angeles’s Dolby Theater, with Oppenheimer dominating the award ceremony with seven wins. On the fashion front, the Oscars 2024 once again served as a platform for South Asian celebrities to showcase their impeccable fashion sense and leave an…

Poster of new film ‘JNU: Jahangir National University’ sparks debate

The poster of a new film, titled JNU: Jahangir National University, has sparked a debate on social media with many criticising it as a "propaganda film". Written and directed by Vinay Sharma, the movie is set to be released in theatres on April 5. It features an ensemble cast of…

India rejects China’s objections to Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh

INDIA on Tuesday (12) rejected Chinese objections to prime minister Narendra Modi's weekend visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying the northeastern border state has always been "an integral and inalienable part of India". The Indian foreign ministry's comments came a day after Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Beijing was…

My mother a role model for women, says Akshata

Akshata Murty, the wife of British prime minister Rishi Sunak, has lauded her mother Sudha Murthy as a prominent female role model in business. During an International Women's Day celebration at Downing Street, Akshata emphasised the significance of mentors for women and girls in the business world. As part of…

Dev Patel emotional as ‘Monkey Man’ gets standing ovation at…

Actor Dev Patel was seen fighting back tears after his directorial debut Monkey Man received a standing ovation at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival. The much-anticipated India-set movie, also written by the Slumdog Millionaire and Lion star, had its world premiere at the film gala, held annually in…

Breedon Group’s acquisition of BMC bolsters presence in US market

ONE OF THE UK's leading construction materials firm, Breedon Group, has acquired US-based BMC Enterprises for £238.1 million to bolster its presence in the American market. This acquisition marks Breedon's first entry into the US building materials industry. British Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia serves as the non-executive chairman of Breedon,…

North Indian diet linked to increased risk of heart disease

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health India suggests a link between dietary habits in north India and a higher risk of heart disease. The research focused on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein intake, all of which can influence the development of chronic diseases. “A poor nutritious…

Sporadic protests in India over contentious citizenship law

Sporadic protests have erupted in India against a citizenship law that has been criticised for discriminating against Muslims, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government implemented the legislation just days before a general election is announced. Protests broke out in the eastern state of Assam and the southern state of Tamil…