Hockey India on Monday announced former Australian midfielder Graham Reid as the replacement for Harendra Singh, the men's national team coach who was sacked this January after the team's quarter-final exit as hosts of the World Cup.
"Graham Reid is backed by a successful career as a player and also comes with a strong coaching experience, having worked with the Australian and Netherlands national teams," Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, president of Hockey India, said in a statement.
"We are hopeful his experience and expertise will help the Indian men's hockey team achieve desirable results leading up to and at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics," he added.
Singh, who was sacked from the national team, was appointed as coach of the junior team, which India said was aimed at building a "strong base" ahead of the 2021 Junior World Cup and the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
The former women's team coach became the men's coach when he replaced Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne after India failed to win a medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Reid, 54, said that he and his wife will be moving to Bengaluru in southern India for he job.
"It's an honour and privilege to be appointed as chief coach of the Indian men's hockey team. I have a passion for the fast and attack brand of hockey that India plays," Reid said in a statement issued by Hockey India.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas found a taste of home far from home this week. The global star, alongside her manager Anjula Acharia and friends, enjoyed a memorable meal at Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna's New York City restaurant, Bungalow.
Honouring heritage and handicrafts over dinner
Khanna shared a touching glimpse into the evening on Instagram. He focused on the restaurant's beautifully adorned glass ceiling, explaining its deeper meaning. "Everyone asks why we decorate it daily when some might not notice," Khanna wrote. His reason was personal: "It’s not just for guests below, but for loved ones watching over us from above. Today, I adorned it especially for Malti Marie Chopra Jonas."
The gathering doubled as a tribute to the upcoming Rath Yatra festival and specifically honoured the skilled artisans of Sambalpur and Western Odisha. Videos showed Khanna tying traditional Sambalpuri handkerchiefs around Priyanka and Anjula's wrists as a meaningful cultural gesture. The rainy NYC backdrop added to the intimate atmosphere.
A satisfied star and return visits
The Indian feast clearly hit the spot. Priyanka reshared a video from Anjula showing Chef Khanna expertly serving dishes, captioning it simply: “Still in a food coma. You’re the best host, Vikas.” Pictures revealed a relaxed Priyanka dressed smartly in a black dress and matching blazer, posing happily with Khanna and her group. This was her second return trip to Bungalow; she previously dined there last year with her husband Nick Jonas, thanking Khanna then for "a taste of home."
While young daughter Malti Marie was mentioned in Khanna's heartfelt caption about the ceiling dedication, she wasn't visible in the shared photos or videos. Fans can next catch Priyanka on screen in the action film Heads of State, streaming on Prime Video 2nd July, where she stars alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.
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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom clash over space flight as breakup rumours grow
Things seem rocky between long-time couple Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, with new reports suggesting an argument about Perry’s recent space flight may have added fuel to an already burning fire.
The pop star, who joined an all-female crew for a Blue Origin flight in April, reportedly didn’t get the reaction she hoped for from Bloom. A source claims the actor called the trip “embarrassing” and “ridiculous” during a heated exchange, leaving Perry hurt and confused by the lack of support. Despite publicly backing her before the launch and even being photographed at the site, Bloom allegedly changed his tune behind closed doors.
This tension comes as Bloom prepares to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Italy this month, but without Perry. The irony? Bezos’ company made Perry’s space journey possible. According to insiders, Perry is upset that Bloom is “insisting” on going to the wedding, especially since she considers the couple her friends, not his. Meanwhile, she’ll be away on her Lifetimes tour and unable to attend herself.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s space row highlights deeper riftGetty Images
Career struggles and solo appearances spark breakup rumours
While Perry’s upcoming absence from the Bezos wedding has been chalked up to work obligations, sources say there’s more beneath the surface. Reports claim that the singer’s recent career disappointments, particularly the underwhelming reception of her album *143*, have added pressure on the couple’s relationship. Though Bloom was said to be supportive during the aftermath, the stress allegedly caused a noticeable strain between them.
The pair, who got engaged in 2019 and share a four-year-old daughter named Daisy, have weathered storms before, including a brief split in 2017 and a postponed wedding due to the pandemic. But insiders now suggest the relationship may be nearing its end, with one source bluntly stating, “It’s over. They’re just waiting for her tour to wrap before making it official.”
Orlando Bloom slammed Katy Perry’s space flight during argument as insiders say split is imminentGetty Images
Adding to the speculation, Perry was recently spotted without her engagement ring in Melbourne, just days after performing the breakup anthem I’m Still Breathing onstage in Sydney. Her tour ends on 7 December, and many believe the couple might make an announcement soon after.
Neither Perry nor Bloom has commented publicly on the reported fallout. But if the talks are true, a love story that began in 2016 may quietly come to a close before the year does.
Vijay can make a theatre erupt with just his presence. He is often boxed into labels like ‘mass hero’, ‘box-office king’ and ‘Thalapathy’. While those titles fit (no arguments there), they also distract from the core truth – Vijay’s immense acting ability.
As he turns 51 on June 22, it is the perfect time to look beyond the superstardom and revisit seven standout performances that reveal the powerhouse actor beneath the mass-hero persona.
Kaththi: This was the film that silenced critics who believed Vijay could only do ‘mass’ roles. Kaththi was not just a blockbuster – it was a benchmark in his career. And not because of the double role. Vijay pulled off something rare: he made you feel the difference between two men who looked the same but led entirely different lives. His restrained, nuanced portrayal of Jeevanandham, the social activist, stood in sharp contrast to the brash but evolving Kathiresan. The press meet sequence remains a highlight – powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
Actor Vijay
Thuppakki: This was not just another action film – it redefined the template for commercial Tamil cinema. As army officer Jagadish, Vijay owned every frame with style, confidence and charisma. The tight screenplay fused slick action with smart plot, proving that mainstream cinema could be both intelligent and crowd-pleasing. The iconic interval line, “I’m waiting”, became a cultural moment in itself – short, sharp, and entirely unforgettable.
Mersal: Every superstar has a defining moment, and for Vijay, Mersal was it. Directed by Atlee, who balances emotion with spectacle, the film gave Vijay a platform to showcase his range and command. Playing three characters – Vetri, Maaran and Vetrimaaran – he did not just switch roles; he shifted energy, tone and rhythm. A particularly moving hospital scene peeled away the mass-hero veneer to reveal raw grief and moral outrage. It was a reminder that Vijay’s emotional depth is just as compelling as his screen presence.
Simran and Vijay
Thullatha Manamum Thullum: Long before the Thalapathy era, Vijay charmed audiences with his performance as Kutty, an innocent singer entangled in a tragic love story. There was no grand hero entry here – just a man who had spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit, unsure of whether his lover was still alive. Director Ezhil opened the film on a sombre note, setting the tone for a romantic drama that won hearts, making Vijay and Simran a beloved pair in Tamil cinema. Vijay’s breakdown after learning of his mother’s death – alone, in a toilet – was a quietly devastating scene that showcased his early acting strength.
Master: In Master, Vijay stepped away from his typical invincible roles to play JD, an alcoholic professor haunted by personal failures. This was a flawed, deeply human character – one who made mistakes and sought redemption. Critics noted the vulnerability in his performance as a refreshing shift. Under Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, Vijay brought restraint and reflection to the role. And what is rare in Tamil cinema? A superstar letting a co-star (Vijay Sethupathi, in top form as Bhavani) steal scenes – and still holding his ground. Vijay did just that.
Shalini and Vijay
Ghilli: A masterclass in commercial cinema, Ghilli turned Vijay into an unstoppable box-office force. A remake of the Telugu film Okkadu, Dharani’s version arguably outdid the original. Vijay’s energy as Saravanavelu electrified the screen, and Vidyasagar’s soundtrack only amplified the impact. The cat-and-mouse tension with Prakash Raj’s now-iconic antagonist Muthupandi kept viewers hooked. Ghilli redefined action-entertainers and became a cult classic – so much so that its 2024 re-release drew crowds back to cinemas, proving its enduring appeal.
Kadhalukku Mariyadhai: This film was a turning point in Vijay’s career. Under Fazil’s sensitive direction and backed by Ilaiyaraaja’s soulful score, Vijay delivered a measured and mature performance as a young man in love. It was a far cry from the louder roles he would later take on – instead, his portrayal here was rooted in simplicity and sincerity. The film’s success firmly established him as a romantic hero and showed his ability to carry emotional material with conviction. It also redefined what a love story could look like in Tamil cinema at the time, making Vijay a household name.
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It follows a broader strategy by Octopus Energy to offer home energy hardware
Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest electricity supplier, has launched its first home electric vehicle (EV) charger, named Octopus Charge. The charger is designed to integrate with the company’s smart energy system to enable cost-effective and environmentally friendly charging.
Smart charging through Kraken platform
The new Octopus Charge device connects to the energy supplier’s proprietary Kraken platform, which automatically adjusts charging to coincide with times when electricity is cheapest and greenest. This enables EV owners to take advantage of lower rates and reduce their carbon footprint.
The charger also integrates with Intelligent Octopus Go – a smart EV tariff – and the recently launched Drive Pack tariff. The latter allows for unlimited overnight EV charging at home for £30 per month, making it a potentially attractive option for frequent drivers.
Limited early access and launch schedule
Initially, the charger will be available to customers who use Octopus Energy’s EV leasing service. A wider rollout to all Octopus Energy customers is scheduled for August 2025.
To promote early adoption, the first 100 customers to install the charger will receive up to 5,000 miles of free charging. This promotional offer equates to enough electricity to travel the full length of the UK from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back.
Expanding low-carbon home technology
Although Octopus Charge is the company’s first EV charger, it follows a broader strategy by Octopus Energy to offer home energy hardware. In September 2023, the company introduced the Cosy 6 heat pump at the Energy Tech Summit in London. The product aimed to reduce upfront costs for consumers and encourage the adoption of low-carbon heating solutions.
Building on this, the company launched the Cosy Octopus tariff in June 2024, specifically tailored for heat pump users. Both moves align with Octopus Energy’s goal to help UK households transition to greener, more efficient energy usage.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy, said the company was “delighted” to launch its first charger. “Charging at home is already better than queueing up at the petrol station – and now we’ve made it even simpler,” she said.
Home charging key to EV affordability
Data shows that the cost of charging an EV at home is significantly lower than using public charging infrastructure. Analysis by Cornwall Insight reveals that home charging – especially on off-peak tariffs – can save drivers as much as £1,500 per year compared to public chargepoints.
Despite this, widespread access to home charging remains a challenge. While around 80% of EV drivers currently benefit from home charging, approximately 75% of UK homes do not have a private driveway, limiting access to at-home installation.
Policy changes aim to remove barriers
Until recently, installing a home EV charger often required a planning application, which added complexity and cost. However, a recent policy change by the UK government has eliminated the need for planning consent for home and business EV charger installations.
According to the Department for Transport, the change could save households around £1,100 on average, helping more people afford home charging setups and supporting the broader transition to electric vehicles.
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Yoga Day celebrations in the UK (Photo: X/@HCI_London)
HUNDREDS of people gathered in central London on Friday (20) evening to mark the 10th International Day of Yoga, with King Charles III sending a special message of support for the ancient practice that continues to grow in popularity across Britain.
The celebration took place at an iconic square on the Strand, organised by the Indian High Commission in partnership with King's College London. High commissioner Vikram Doraiswami opened the proceedings by reading out the King's personal message from Buckingham Palace.
The 76-year-old monarch, who is known for his interest in yoga, praised the practice for promoting "global principles of unity, compassion and wellbeing".
He highlighted this year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', saying it reminds us "how vitally important it is that the world comes together to secure a happy and healthy future for present and future generations".
"Yoga is increasing in popularity across the UK year on year, with millions of people in our country reaping its benefits," the King's message read. "Yoga is a powerful means of enabling anyone to improve their physical and mental health and fosters a sense of wellbeing and togetherness within communities."
The London event featured expert-led sessions including traditional sun salutations and breathing techniques, with guidance from organisations including Heartfulness UK, Art of Living, and the Isha Foundation. The evening began with a musical performance by Bhavan UK and concluded with 'Samagam', a harmonious blend of yoga and dance.
Doraiswami reflected on the journey since 2014, when prime minister Narendra Modi first proposed the idea to the United Nations.
The initiative received support from 175 member states, making June 21 the official International Day of Yoga.
"Yoga speaks to a universal language, the idea of the commonality of the human experience," Doraiswami explained. "We all, no matter where we come from, how we look, how we pray, what we speak, our bodies need the same forms of healing."
Graham Lord, senior vice-president for Health and Life Sciences at King's College London, welcomed the partnership with the high commission.
"King's College London shares the values of community, wellness, inner calm and everything that yoga represents," he said, noting that this collaboration reflects the strengthening relationship between Britain and India.
The London celebration was part of worldwide commemorations that saw thousands of yoga enthusiasts roll out their mats across the globe.
India's prime minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations on Saturday (21) at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The event, which spanned a 26-kilometre stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram, saw participation from thousands of yoga enthusiasts.
Prime minister Narendra Modi takes part in a yoga session during International Day of Yoga celebrations, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. (PMO via PTI Photo)
In his address, Modi said that yoga offers a path to peace amid rising global stress, unrest and instability. He urged the world to embrace yoga as a tool to move “from conflict to cooperation” and described it as “the pause button humanity needs — to breathe, to balance, to become whole again.”
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlights the link between individual wellbeing and planetary health. Modi said the theme reflects the collective responsibility to ensure a healthy future for present and future generations.
He also noted India’s efforts to promote the science of yoga through modern research, with several leading medical institutions conducting studies on its benefits.
“Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability,” he said, calling for a new phase of global engagement with yoga: “Yoga for humanity 2.0”. He also urged people to make yoga a part of their daily lives, saying it could be truly transformative.
Sharing photos from the event on social media, Modi wrote, “Yoga unites the world,” and expressed happiness at the widespread enthusiasm for yoga across the globe.
At the United Nations headquarters in New York, wellness guru Deepak Chopra led a special meditation session for over 1,200 participants, including diplomats, UN officials, and members of the diplomatic community.
In Times Square, described as "the crossroads of the world", approximately 10,000 people from various nationalities participated in seven yoga sessions throughout the day. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher attended the iconic New York celebration.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, stressed the relevance of this year's theme during challenging times. "At a time when stress, lifestyle diseases and mental health challenges are on the rise, yoga offers a steady, time-tested path that helps one find calm within ourselves," he said.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing having to stop registrations after more than 1,500 people signed up for their event. Thousands participated in multiple yoga sessions across Chinese cities, including Shanghai and Guangzhou, where 300 people gathered on the banks of the Pearl River.
In Singapore, 300 participants celebrated at Supertree Lawn in the central business district. Minister of state Dinesh Vasu Dash told attendees: "In an increasingly divided world, we need more yoga to bring all of us together."
Thailand marked a particularly special milestone, having organised more than 30 yoga events across the country over the past 100 days leading up to the main celebration. Over 4,000 people performed the yoga protocol in unison at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
Other notable celebrations took place in Japan at the historic Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, attended by the spouses of the prime minister and foreign minister, and at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal, including Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
From the banks of Nepal's scenic Phewa Lake to Australia's old Parliament House in Canberra, millions joined in celebrating yoga's message of physical and mental wellbeing.