ENGLAND players were targeted with racial abuse by some Hungary supporters during World Cup qualifier in Budapest on Thursday (2), British broadcasters reported.
ITV and Sky Sports said their pitchside reporters heard racist 'monkey chants' aimed at England forward Raheem Sterling and substitute Jude Bellingham.
England players took the knee in an anti-racist gesture before the game and were loudly booed at the Puskas Arena.
Sterling was then pelted with plastic cups by fans after he scored the opening goal in the second half and celebrated by the corner flag near to Hungary's hardcore 'ultras' fans.
England manager Gareth Southgate said he was not aware of the racist incidents during the game but reiterated the team's stance on racism.
“I can only go off what you are telling me and if that is the case then we know it is unacceptable," he told Sky Sports.
"We weren’t conscious of it on the side and I don’t know whether the players on the pitch were but I think everyone knows what we have talked about for two or three years," he said.
"They know what we stand for as a team and we have to hope that we can continue to eradicate racism from not only football but life in general."
British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Friday (3) it was "completely unacceptable" that England footballers were racially abused by Hungary fans.
Johnson urged football's world governing body FIFA "to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good" on his official Twitter account.
STAND TOGETHER
England defender John Stones was one of several England players who said they had not heard the racist noises.
"Personally I didn't hear it, but was told about it after. It's so sad to think about that this happens at our games," he said.
"I hope UEFA or whoever needs to take care of it does. We stand together as a team and did do before the game and we will continue fighting for what we believe in as a team and what we think is right."
Hungary were punished by European soccer governing body UEFA after incidents involving homophobia and racism at Euro 2020 games. They must play their next two UEFA matches behind closed doors. Thursday's (2) game was officially in a FIFA competition.
"It is extremely disappointing to hear reports of discriminatory actions towards some of our England players, "an FA spokesperson said on twitter.
"We will be asking FIFA to investigate the matter. We continue to support the players and staff in our collective determination to highlight and tackle discrimination in all its forms."
A leader of English football's main anti-racism campaign, Kick It Out, called for Hungary to be banned from international tournaments.
"For me, it should be elimination from the tournaments now," said Troy Townsend.
"I don't want to see the Hungarians in a tournament again until they can sort things out so that there is no more racist abuse, there is no more homophobic abuse, they understand the actions of their fanbase.
"We can't keep doing this - two games, one suspended - enough is enough now if we really are going to take a strong stance against racism and discrimination. Unfortunately it should be at the cost of them playing in major tournaments."
Canadian comedian and writer Nathan Fielder has long been known for his unconventional television work. Gaining recognition through Nathan for You, Fielder built a reputation for creating boundary-pushing, satirical content that blurred the lines between reality and performance. One of the most talked-about episodes involved a frozen yoghurt flavour that deliberately tasted unpleasant, while The Rehearsal, another of his projects, explored the complexities of human behaviour by meticulously recreating real-life scenarios to prepare people for difficult conversations or events.
Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life, the blending of public and private personas, and the anxiety surrounding authenticity. His limited media presence and rare interviews add to the intrigue, leaving audiences unsure whether he is playing a version of himself or deliberately maintaining a fictional persona.
The Curse and a shift to fictional storytelling
In 2023, Fielder made a significant shift in his career by co-creating and starring in The Curse, a limited series that further explored his interests through scripted drama. Co-created with filmmaker Benny Safdie, the show also stars Academy Award-winner Emma Stone. This marked a departure from Fielder’s earlier, semi-documentary style work and introduced him into the realm of fictional narrative television.
The Curse follows a married couple, played by Fielder and Stone, who are producing a home improvement reality show while also trying to start a family. Their personal and professional lives take a dark turn after an unsettling encounter with a young child who places a curse on them. The story examines themes such as performative activism, media manipulation, and the illusion of kindness, set against the backdrop of a seemingly well-intentioned couple who struggle with their own moral contradictions.
Nolan’s high praise for the series
Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan expressed his admiration for The Curse in an interview, describing it as a rare and groundbreaking piece of television. “It’s an incredible show, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before,” Nolan said. “There are so few shows that come along that have genuinely no precedence. You’re going back to things like Twin Peaks, or The Prisoner, or Dennis Potter’s The Singing Detective… you’re in an amazing space, and I can’t wait to catch up with the climax.”
Nolan’s comments place The Curse among some of the most influential and surreal television dramas of the past, underlining its unconventional storytelling and emotional impact.
Critical reception and cultural relevance
The Curse has received praise for its sharp commentary on social media, authenticity, and the performance of morality in the public eye. The show’s unsettling tone and layered narrative structure have sparked discussions around the ethics of entertainment and the lines between fiction and reality.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes TV
Emma Stone’s participation in the project aligns with her previous roles in unconventional films, particularly her collaborations with director Yorgos Lanthimos. Her performance, alongside Fielder’s restrained and often ambiguous portrayal, has been noted for adding depth to the show’s central themes.
A bold entry into prestige television
With The Curse, Nathan Fielder has successfully transitioned into the world of prestige television drama, maintaining the thematic interests that defined his earlier work while exploring them in a new, scripted format. The show’s ability to provoke discussion, confuse genre expectations, and attract praise from figures like Christopher Nolan marks it as a standout series in today’s media landscape.
Whether audiences view it as satire, drama, or something in between, The Curse demonstrates Fielder’s continued commitment to challenging conventional storytelling, and his growing influence in both comedy and drama alike.
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Smoke billows for the second day from the Shahran oil depot, northwest of Tehran, on June 16, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA has moved some of its citizens, including students, to safer locations in Iran following days of deadly Israeli strikes. The Indian embassy in Tehran is monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to help Indian nationals amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
"The Indian embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety," said a statement from the ministry of external affairs. "In some cases, students are being relocated with (the) embassy's facilitation to safer places within Iran."
The ministry said there are around 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including more than 2,000 students, according to government data from last year and 2022, respectively.
Iran closed its airspace after the Israeli attacks began on Friday. India, which maintains diplomatic relations with both Iran and Israel, has urged restraint. "Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised," said foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. On Friday, India said it was ready “to extend all possible support” to both sides.
Casualties reported on both sides
Iran's health ministry reported that at least 224 people had been killed in Israeli strikes since Friday, while Israeli authorities confirmed more than a dozen deaths following retaliatory Iranian attacks. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said five people had been killed and 92 wounded in the latest Iranian missile barrage.
Iran launches missile strikes on Tel Aviv
Iran launched missile strikes early Monday on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and areas near Haifa, in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Iranian military targets over the weekend. Israeli military officials said the strikes targeted missile sites in central Iran. AFP images showed damage to residential areas in Tel Aviv, while explosions were reported in Jerusalem.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had “successfully” struck Israeli targets and warned of “effective, targeted and more devastating operations” if attacks continued.
‘A heavy price’ for targeting civilians, says Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of targeting civilians and warned of consequences. “Iran will pay a very heavy price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women and children,” he said during a visit to a missile-hit residential building in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv.
Iranian state media said five people were killed in an Israeli strike on a residential building in central Tehran on Sunday. Iran’s armed forces spokesperson Colonel Reza Sayyad warned Israel to evacuate the occupied territories, saying they “will certainly no longer be habitable in the future”.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian called for national unity in response to Israeli attacks. “Stand strong against this genocidal criminal aggression with unity and coherence,” he said while addressing parliament.
Tensions rise as global leaders call for restraint
Former US president Donald Trump said the United States was not involved in the Israeli strikes but warned of consequences if American interests were attacked. “Sometimes they have to fight it out, but we’re going to see what happens,” Trump told reporters on Sunday.
A senior US official told AFP that Trump had discouraged Israel from targeting Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “President Trump was against it and we told the Israelis not to,” the official said.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said Tehran would “pay the price” for attacks on Israeli civilians. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Tehran had “solid proof” of US support for the Israeli attacks and said Iran’s response was to “aggression”.
“If the aggression stops, naturally our responses will also stop,” Araghchi said in a meeting with foreign diplomats.
Iran cancelled nuclear talks with the US and called negotiations “meaningless” during active hostilities. The Iranian judiciary announced on Monday that a convicted Mossad agent had been executed. Meanwhile, Israel said it had detained two individuals with alleged links to Iranian intelligence.
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Prabhas brings back romance and humour in The Raja Saab teaser
After years of playing intense and brooding characters, Prabhas seems to be in his element again with The Raja Saab, a horror comedy directed by Maruthi. The teaser, released on 16 June, gives fans a refreshing look at the actor in a light-hearted, funny role, a rare shift from his recent string of larger-than-life action heroes. With visuals full of humour, horror, and romance, the teaser is already gaining attention not just for the plot but also for its theatrical rollout and unexpected nod to Shah Rukh Khan.
A haunted haveli, SRK-style romance, and spooky laughs
The teaser opens with a quirky love story, as Prabhas’s character openly declares his love for Nidhhi Agerwal in typical Bollywood style, even likening it to Shah Rukh Khan’s legendary on-screen charm. But the story soon shifts to a spooky, ghost-filled haveli, an elaborate set spanning 41,256 sq ft, which the makers claim is India’s largest horror backdrop. The teaser combines eerie folklore visuals, comedy, and a touch of madness, offering glimpses of other lead actors Malavika Mohanan and Riddhi Kumar. Sanjay Dutt’s surprise appearance adds to the intrigue. The haunted house isn’t just a gimmick, the filmmakers say they wanted the space to “feel haunted,” not just look scary.
Director Maruthi, known for youth-centric comedies like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, calls this film a “genre-defying journey,” bringing together fantasy, romance, and horror. Prabhas appears in dual looks and delivers a hilarious one-liner toward the end: “Amma Durgamma Thalli... Kaapaadammaa,” adding to the film’s desi horror-comedy vibe.
Fan frenzy, leaked teaser, and December release date
The teaser wasn’t just launched online, it was also screened on IMAX screens in Hyderabad, drawing massive crowds. Fans celebrated with dances and even performed a milk bath ritual on a Prabhas cut-out. However, excitement spilled over early when visuals from the teaser leaked online. The makers issued strict warnings on social media, threatening to suspend accounts sharing pirated content and urging fans to respect the film’s release.
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Originally slated for an April release, The Raja Saab is now confirmed to hit theatres on 5 December. With horror, comedy, action, romance, and Prabhas in a never-before-seen avatar, this film could offer a refreshing break from the usual big-budget spectacles.
US law enforcement officials in Minnesota caught the suspected killer of a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband on Sunday, authorities said, ending a two-day manhunt.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, allegedly disguised himself as a police officer, then shot and killed Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at their home early Saturday.
Boelter was captured in Sibley County, a rural area where the murders had occurred about an hour southwest of Minneapolis, police and state officials said.
"After (a) two-day manhunt, two sleepless nights, law enforcement have apprehended Vance Boelter," Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told a late-night news conference.
Police described the search as the "largest manhunt in (the state's) history", with 20 SWAT teams and several agencies working to find him.
Jeremy Geiger, assistant chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, told reporters that Boelter had been "taken into custody without the use of force."
Before the murders, Boelter also allegedly attacked two others nearby -- Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who survived and were treated for serious injuries, authorities said.
"The latest news is Senator Hoffman came out of his final surgery and is moving toward recovery," Walz told reporters.
Hoffman was shot nine times and Yvette eight times, according to US Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Political motive suspected in targeted killings
A notebook containing the names of other lawmakers and potential targets was found inside a car left by Boelter at the Hortmans' home, which Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said earlier Sunday was not a "traditional manifesto."
"I am concerned about all our political leaders, political organizations," Klobuchar said Sunday.
"It was politically motivated, and there clearly was some throughline with abortion because of the groups that were on the list, and other things that I've heard were in this manifesto. So that was one of his motivations."
As speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to January 2025, Hortman was committed to legislation that protected reproductive rights in the state, local media reported.
Leaders warn violence must not become the norm
The United States is bitterly divided politically as President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, implementing hardline policies and routinely insulting his opponents. Political violence has become more common.
Trump himself survived an assassination attempt last year, with a second attempt foiled by law enforcement.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home was set on fire this year.
An assailant with a hammer attacked the husband of then-US House speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022.
"(This is) a moment in this country where we watch violence erupt," Walz said after the arrest.
"This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences."
US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who was attacked by a neighbor in 2017, told NBC that "nothing brings us together more than... mourning for somebody else who's in political life, Republican or Democrats."
The shootings came on the day a dramatic split screen showed a country divided: hundreds of thousands of protesters across the United States took to the streets to rally against Trump as the president presided over a military parade in Washington -- a rare spectacle criticized as seeking to glorify him.
Trump has condemned the attacks in Minnesota on the lawmakers and their spouses.
The president was asked in a Sunday interview with ABC News if he planned to call Walz, who was Kamala Harris's running mate in the election Trump won last year.
"Well, it's a terrible thing. I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person," Trump said.
"But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too."
Leena Nair, the India-born CEO of Chanel, was honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Prince William at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. The recognition, part of the 2025 King’s New Year Honours list, acknowledges her outstanding work in the global retail and consumer industry, particularly her strong leadership in steering one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses into a new era.
Nair’s rise to the top has been anything but conventional. When she was appointed as Chanel’s global CEO in 2022, she became the first non-white person to lead the 112-year-old French luxury brand. What made her journey even more unusual was her background, not in fashion, but in human resources. Before joining Chanel, she spent nearly 30 years at Unilever, eventually becoming its youngest-ever and first female Chief Human Resources Officer.
Chanel CEO Leena Nair smiles after receiving the prestigious UK honourGetty Images
Driving growth and redefining Chanel’s future
Under her leadership, Chanel has posted impressive growth despite wider industry challenges. In 2023, the brand reported a 16% rise in revenue and nearly 11% increase in operating profit, expanding its footprint and hiring more than 36,000 people worldwide. She has also brought in new creative leadership, appointing designer Matthieu Blazy to shape Chanel’s next chapter.
Nair’s focus hasn’t just been on sales. She has championed sustainability through the company’s Mission 1.5° climate goals and increased the Fondation Chanel’s annual philanthropic budget to £80 million (₹8.5 billion).
British Asian trailblazer Leena Nair recognised for global leadershipGetty Images
From Kolhapur to Chanel: a story of grit and vision
Born in the small town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, Nair was raised in a middle-class Indian household. She studied engineering before discovering her passion for human resources at XLRI Jamshedpur. At Unilever, she broke multiple barriers and led major inclusion efforts before taking the leap into fashion.
Leena Nair’s CBE adds to her growing influence in global luxury fashionGetty Images
Receiving the CBE places her alongside prominent British Asians like London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was also recognised recently. As Chanel prepares to move into its new London headquarters in 2026, Nair’s leadership is already being seen as a model for the next generation, proof that it’s possible to honour tradition while building a more inclusive future.