Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
BANGLADESH's preparations for their forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka suffered a setback after opening batsman Saif Hassan tested positive for Covid-19 before a planned training camp.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Tuesday(8) that the 21-year-old opener as well as one of the coaching staff had tested positive and that both had immediately gone into self-isolation.
"As they had no visible symptoms leading up to the sample collection, the BCB’s medical team has advised the player Saif Hassan and BCB’s head of physical performance Nicholas Lee to go into self-isolation immediately in accordance with the Covid-19 management protocol until they undergo another test," BCB said in the statement.
The BCB collected test samples from 24 individuals, including 17 players in Dhaka on Monday(7).
The BCB noted that Englishman Lee had earlier reported positive on August 14 in Dubai, UAE and negative on August 23 after 10 days in isolation.
He also completed a 14-day self-quarantine on arrival in Dhaka prior to Monday’s test.
"Our consultant for Covid-19 is reviewing Lee’s case to determine whether it is a new or previous infection before advising on the management plan," BCB’s sports physician Debashis Chowdhury said in the statement.
Bangladesh cricketers resumed training in July, but only one player and one trainer are allowed inside Dhaka's main stadium at a time because of coronavirus restrictions.
Hassan made his Test debut in February playing two matches against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
The BCB suspended individual training on Friday(4) after some support staff showed signs of contracting the virus.
Bangladesh were to hold a short training camp next week before their scheduled departure for Sri Lanka, where they will play three Tests in October-November.
How noticing the changes in my father taught me the importance of early action, patience, and love
I don’t understand people who don’t talk or see their parents often. Unless they have done something to ruin your lives or you had a traumatic childhood, there is no reason you shouldn’t be checking in with them at least every few days if you don’t live with them.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of looking after my parents – they lived with me while their old house was being sold, and their new house was being renovated.
Within this time, I noticed things happening to my dad (Chamanlal Mulji), an 81-year-old retired joiner. Dad was known as Simba when he lived in Zanzibar, East Africa because he was like a lion. A man in fairly good health, despite being an ex-smoker, he’d only had heart surgery back in 2017. In the last few years, he was having some health issues, but certain things, like his walking and driving becoming slow, and his memory failing, we just put down to old age. Now, my dad was older than my friend’s dad. Many of whom in their 70’s, dad, at 81 was an older dad, not common back in the seventies when he married my mum.
It was only when I spent extended time around my parents that I started noticing that certain things weren’t just due to old age. Some physical symptoms were more serious, but certain things like forgetting that the front door wasn’t the bathroom door, and talking about old memories thinking that they had recently happened rang alarm bells for me and I suspected that he might have dementia.
Dementia generally happens in old age when the brain starts to shrink. Someone described it to me as a person’s brain being like a bookshelf. The books at the top of the shelf are the new memories and the books at the bottom are the new memories. The books at the top have fallen off, leaving only the old memories being remembered. People with dementia are also highly likely to suffer from strokes.
Sadly, my dad was one of the few that suffered a stroke and passed away on 28th June 2025. If you have a parent, family member or anyone you know and you suspect that they might have dementia, please talk to your GP straight away. Waiting lists within the NHS are extremely LONG so the quicker people with dementia are treated, the better. Sadly, the illness cannot be reversed but medication can help it from getting worse.
One thing I would also advise is to have patience. Those suffering with dementia can be agitated and often become aggressive, but that’s only because they’re frustrated that they cannot do things the way they used to.
The disease might hide the person underneath, but there’s still a person in there who needs your love and attention.” - Jamie Calandriello
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Takeaway apps have become a source of employment for undocumented migrants
Uber warns Home Office rules targeting illegal gig economy workers could increase takeaway delivery costs in the UK.
Undocumented migrants have historically used food delivery apps for work, exploiting limited right-to-work checks.
Companies like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat have introduced stricter checks, including facial recognition and document verification.
Compliance and administrative costs have contributed to a fall in Uber UK profits despite rising revenues.
Government enforcement includes thousands of interviews and hundreds of arrests for suspected illegal working.
Uber’s UK accounts at Companies House welcomed the Home Office’s efforts to deter migrants and people smugglers from risking Channel crossings. However, the company cautioned that “new legislative requirements could have an adverse impact on our business, including expenses necessary to comply with such laws and regulations.”
Takeaway apps have become a source of employment for undocumented migrants, attracted by historically limited right-to-work checks. Delivery riders have sometimes sold or rented their accounts on social media to “substitutes” who may be working illegally.
Company response and compliance measures
Over the past year, Uber, Deliveroo, and Just Eat have introduced stricter “right-to-work” verification, including enhanced facial recognition and document checks. Thousands of workers who failed these checks have been removed from the platforms.
The Home Office has urged delivery companies to strengthen monitoring to prevent misuse and suspend accounts where illegal work is detected. Officials are also sharing data on asylum accommodation to help companies monitor potential illegal employment.
Impact on Uber UK’s finances
Uber’s UK revenues increased from £5.3bn in 2023 to £6.5bn in 2024, but profits fell from £29.4m to £21.6m. The company cited rising administrative and compliance costs in its food delivery division as a key factor.
In February, Uber reported blocking thousands of accounts since April 2024 after introducing tougher right-to-work checks to prevent illegal substitutions.
Government enforcement figures
In July, Home Office immigration enforcement teams spoke to 1,780 individuals, resulting in 280 arrests for suspected illegal working. The asylum status of 53 individuals is currently under review.
Significance for the UK gig economy
The crackdown reflects broader government efforts to regulate gig economy employment and prevent illegal working while highlighting the potential economic impact on consumers. Takeaway prices may rise as delivery companies adjust to stricter verification requirements and increased compliance costs.
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Alcaraz has now won seven of the last eight meetings with Sinner, leading their rivalry 10-5 overall.
CARLOS ALCARAZ defeated Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open final, which was delayed by the arrival of President Donald Trump.
Alcaraz, 22, won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his second US Open title and sixth Grand Slam overall. The Spaniard avenged his loss to Sinner in the Wimbledon final in July, which was his only defeat in a major final.
"It's a great feeling. I'm working really hard just to lift this trophy. It's my second one but it's still a dream come true," said Alcaraz.
With the win, Alcaraz will return to world number one on Monday, ending Sinner’s 27-match winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams. He last held the top spot in September 2023.
"It was one of the first goals that I had, to recover the number one (ranking)," said Alcaraz, who had also beaten Sinner in the French Open final in June.
Alcaraz has now won seven of the last eight meetings with Sinner, leading their rivalry 10-5 overall.
"I tried my best today. I couldn't do more," said Sinner. "I felt like he was doing everything slightly better today. He raised his level when he had to... He played better than me today."
The two have won the past eight Grand Slams between them, four each, establishing their dominance over the rest of the field, including Novak Djokovic.
But while Sinner has gone 109-4 against other players on tour over the past two seasons, Alcaraz continues to hold the upper hand in their rivalry.
"It's going to be on me if I want to make changes or not," said Sinner. "That's what I have to do, trying to become a better tennis player."
Sinner’s defeat extends the longest streak in the Open era without a successful men’s title defence at a Grand Slam. No player has retained the US Open men’s title since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.
The match was the third consecutive Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner and was further highlighted by Trump’s presence. The US President, who had also attended the Super Bowl in February and the FIFA Club World Cup final in July, appeared before the national anthem and was met with mixed reactions from the crowd.
Security arrangements for Trump’s attendance delayed the start of the match by 30 minutes, leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium only three-quarters full when play began.
Alcaraz broke Sinner in the opening game and took the first set 6-2. Sinner recovered in the second, going 3-1 up and levelling the match. But Alcaraz regained control in the third set with two breaks and carried the momentum into the fourth.
Although Sinner saved two break points early in the fourth set, Alcaraz broke in the fifth game and held on to close the match. The win made him only the fourth man to win multiple majors on hard courts, grass, and clay.
A number of celebrities attended the final, including Bruce Springsteen, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Douglas, and Stephen Curry.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Kamal Haasan confirms Rajinikanth reunion after 46 years with cryptic biscuit remark at SIIMA Awards 2025
Kamal Haasan announced the long-awaited collaboration at the SIIMA Awards 2025 in Dubai
The reunion marks their first film together since 1979’s Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum
Speculation points to Lokesh Kanagaraj as director, having worked with both actors before
The two stars, once pitched as rivals, emphasised they were never competitors
Indian cinema will witness a landmark moment as Kamal Haasan has confirmed his reunion with Rajinikanth on screen after 46 years. The Thug Life actor revealed the news during the SIIMA Awards 2025 in Dubai, ending weeks of buzz around the project. The pairing of the two superstars, both introduced to audiences by mentor K Balachander, is one of the most interesting pieces of news in Tamil cinema this decade.
Kamal Haasan confirms Rajinikanth reunion after 46 years with cryptic biscuit remark at SIIMA Awards 2025 Instagram/ikamalhaasan
What did Kamal Haasan say about reuniting with Rajinikanth?
Haasan confirmed the reunion when host Sathish asked him directly on stage. “We were united long ago but chose to remain apart because they kept splitting a biscuit and giving us only half each. We wanted a full biscuit each, and we got it and relished it well. Now we are content with just half a biscuit again, so we have come together,” he said.
The 70-year-old star emphasised that their so-called rivalry was a narrative created by fans and the industry, not by the actors themselves. “That we got such opportunities is a huge deal. We had decided long ago to be like this and to set an example,” he added.
— (@)
Which was the last Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth film together?
The two legends last played lead roles together in Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum (1979), a fantasy drama based on the tale of Aladdin. Before that, they shared screen space in several films, including Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Moondru Mudichu (1976), 16 Vayathinile (1977), Avargal (1977), and Ninaithale Inikkum (1979).
They often appeared in love triangles or contrasting roles, with Haasan typically essaying layered protagonists and Rajinikanth taking on intense, often antagonistic parts. Despite their divergent on-screen personas, both actors went on to become the biggest stars of Tamil cinema in the decades that followed.
Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum poster IMDB
Will Lokesh Kanagaraj direct Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth’s new film?
Though no official details have been released, strong speculation suggests Lokesh Kanagaraj is set to helm the project. Kanagaraj directed Haasan in the 2022 blockbuster Vikram and Rajinikanth in this year’s Coolie.
The filmmaker has openly spoken about his desire to bring the two icons together, even revealing in earlier interviews that he had once planned a Rajinikanth film produced by Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International before the pandemic halted it.
Given his track record with ensemble thrillers and star-driven films, fans believe Kanagaraj is the natural choice to direct this historic collaboration.
Lokesh Kanagaraj directing the Rajnikanth-Kamal Haasan starrer heat up Instagram/\u00a0lokesh.kanagaraj
Why is this reunion significant for Tamil cinema?
The pairing of Haasan and Rajinikanth represents more than nostalgia. Both actors shaped modern Tamil cinema, commanding audiences across India and overseas for decades. Their reunion is not just about two stars coming together; it is a rare moment of unity at the very top of the industry.
With global audiences for South Indian cinema growing rapidly, the collaboration could also set new box office benchmarks. Distributors and exhibitors are already predicting record-breaking numbers when the film eventually releases, both in India and internationally.
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‘Dabangg’ director Abhinav Kashyap says Salman Khan stopped caring about acting 25 years ago and calls him a goon
Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap has reignited his feud with Salman Khan
He accused the actor of being “not interested in acting for 25 years”
Kashyap also labelled the Khan family “vindictive” and controlling in Bollywood
His remarks come days before Dabangg’s 15th anniversary
Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap has once again targeted Bollywood star Salman Khan, this time using strong words ahead of the 15th anniversary of Dabangg. The director alleged that Salman, despite his superstardom, has shown little interest in acting for decades and only “does a favour by turning up to work.” He further claimed the Khan family operates vindictively in the industry, echoing past allegations that they derailed his career.
‘Dabangg’ director Abhinav Kashyap says Salman Khan stopped caring about acting 25 years ago and calls him a goon Getty Images/ IMDB
What did Abhinav Kashyap say about Salman Khan?
In a new interview, Abhinav Kashyap did not hold back when describing his former leading man. He called Salman Khan a “gunda, badtameez, ganda insaan” (a goon, ill-mannered and bad person). The director alleged that the actor has not been involved in his craft for the past 25 years.
“Salman is never interested in acting. He does a favour by turning up. He is more into the power of being a celebrity than the art of cinema,” Kashyap said. He added that he only realised the extent of this behaviour during the making of Dabangg in 2010.
Abhinav Kashyap alleges Salman Khan has lost interest in acting for more than two decadesIMDB
Why did Abhinav Kashyap clash with the Khan family?
Kashyap also spoke about his fraught relationship with the Khan family, claiming they use their influence to control Bollywood. “He (Salman) is the father of the star system. The family has been in the industry for 50 years. They are vindictive people. If you don’t agree with them, they come after you,” he said.
The filmmaker walked away from Dabangg 2 and has long maintained that the Khans tried to block his opportunities afterwards. In 2020, he posted on social media accusing Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail, and veteran writer Salim Khan of sabotaging his career.
Salman Khan, mother Salma, father Salim Khan, sister Arpita and Arbaaz Khan stand on the balcony on arrival at his house in Galaxy Apartment Getty Images
What role did Anurag Kashyap play in the fallout?
Abhinav Kashyap recalled how his brother, acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, had faced a similar situation years earlier. Anurag was initially attached to Tere Naam (2003), written by him and starring Salman Khan. He eventually left the project after clashes with producer Boney Kapoor, and his contribution allegedly went uncredited.
“Anurag told me before Dabangg that I wouldn’t be able to make a film with Salman. He thought I’d get easily bullied. The same thing happened with him on Tere Naam. They misbehaved, and he had to leave,” Abhinav said.
Abhinav Kashyap says Anurag warned him never to work with the Salman Khan Getty Images
Where does Salman Khan stand now?
While Abhinav Kashyap continues to criticise him, Salman Khan has remained publicly silent on the matter. His father, Salim Khan, previously dismissed the director as “a frustrated person” and said the industry knows the truth about his family’s work.
Salman Khan silent as Abhinav Kashyap calls him a goon during a recent interviewGetty Images
Professionally, Salman was last seen in AR Murugadoss’ Sikandar, opposite Rashmika Mandanna. He is now preparing for Apoorva Lakhia’s Battle of Galwan, in which he plays an Indian Army soldier. He also continues his long-running stint as host of Bigg Boss 19.