Earlier this year, Hrithik Roshan was signed by the US-based Gersh Agency to manage his work internationally. There were reports that Hrithik is keen to make his Hollywood debut.
Now, today, according to a report in Mid-day, the actor has auditioned to play the role of a spy in a Hollywood action thriller. It is said that he will be seen playing a parallel lead in the film which is backed by a reputed production house. However, the details are kept under wraps.
A source told the tabloid, "As is customary in Los Angeles, Hrithik's team was given details of his role in the movie and the scenes that he had to tape. He sent his audition to the studio two weeks ago. The discussion is at a nascent stage. If all goes well, the actor will kick off the project after completing the shoot of Krrish 4.”
When the tabloid contacted the actor’s team, his spokesperson said, "We have no information about this."
Well, Hrithik currently has only Krrish 4 lined-up, and it is not yet confirmed when that film will start rolling. Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik have just confirmed that the film will happen and the character of Jaadu might make a comeback in Krrish 4.
There were reports of him starring in the Indian adaptation of the popular British television series The Night Manager (2016). However, there’s no official announcement about it yet.
It was also said that Hrithik was approached for Satte Pe Satta remake and The Burning Train remake. But the actor declined the offers because he is not keen on doing remakes.
Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stand guard at the India-Bangladesh border in Fulbari BOP (Border outpost) on the outskirts of Siliguri, India on May 9, 2025.
INDIA has expelled hundreds of ethnic Bengali-speaking Muslims to Bangladesh without following due process, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday, accusing the government of violating rules and targeting Muslims.
The government of prime minister Narendra Modi has maintained a strict stance on immigration, particularly from neighbouring Bangladesh. Top authorities have previously referred to migrants as "termites" and "infiltrators".
Critics say these policies have increased fear among India's estimated 200 million Muslims, especially Bengali speakers, a language spoken widely in eastern India and Bangladesh.
According to HRW, over 1,500 Muslim men, women and children were forcibly expelled to Bangladesh between May 7 and June 15, citing data from Bangladeshi authorities.
"India's ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is fuelling discrimination by arbitrarily expelling Bengali Muslims from the country, including Indian citizens," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW.
"The Indian government is putting thousands of vulnerable people at risk in apparent pursuit of unauthorised immigrants, but their actions reflect broader discriminatory policies against Muslims," Pearson added.
New Delhi has said those deported are undocumented migrants.
However, Pearson said claims by authorities that the expulsions were aimed at tackling illegal immigration were "unconvincing" due to "their disregard for due process rights, domestic guarantees, and international human rights standards".
‘They were holding guns’
HRW said it had sent its findings and questions to India’s home ministry but had not received a response.
The report documented the experiences of 18 people.
A 51-year-old daily wage worker told HRW that he "walked into Bangladesh like a dead body" after India's Border Security Force (BSF) took him to the border after midnight.
"I thought they (the BSF) would kill me because they were holding guns and no one from my family would know," the worker said in the report.
Bangladesh, mostly surrounded by India, has seen ties with New Delhi deteriorate since a mass uprising in 2024 overthrew Dhaka's pro-India government.
India intensified its operations against migrants after an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 people, mainly Hindu tourists. New Delhi accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, a claim Islamabad denied.
In a nationwide security drive, authorities detained thousands, with many eventually sent across the border to Bangladesh.
"The government is undercutting India's long history of providing refuge to the persecuted as it tries to generate political support," Pearson said.
India has also been accused of deporting Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar, with navy ships leaving them off the coast of the conflict-hit country.
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Root scored 150, taking his career tally to 13,409 runs, with only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) ahead of him. (Photo: Getty Images)
JOE ROOT climbed to second on the all-time list of Test run-scorers after hitting his 38th century on Friday, helping England push towards a series-clinching win against India.
England, leading 2-1 in the five-match series, ended day three of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on 544-7, holding a 186-run lead over India on first innings.
Root scored 150, taking his career tally to 13,409 runs, with only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) ahead of him. Root moved past Australian Ricky Ponting's 13,378 runs with a single, drawing applause from the Manchester crowd.
Former Australia captain Ponting said on Sky Sports: "Magnificent from Root, this is a great moment in history. The way his career has gone, there is absolutely no reason why he will not go past Tendulkar."
Root’s 38th Test century also put him level with Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in fourth place for most hundreds in Test cricket. Former England skipper Michael Atherton said: "It has been a privilege to watch him knock off those milestones. It has also been a privilege to see his career unfold."
Root did not attend the post-play press conference as he was receiving treatment for cramp. England vice-captain Ollie Pope, who scored 71, praised him, saying: "Just his hunger and his drive, you look at all the batters here and everyone's picked up something from Joe. His hunger for it is awesome. He's an annoyingly good bloke, the way he is with the fans and as a role model for the next generation is awesome. There's a lot to learn from him."
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said: "There's not a lot of weaknesses in his game. That's why he's scored 13,000 plus runs."
England resumed at 225-2 after an opening partnership of 166 between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett on day two, with Pope on 20 and Root on 11. Root survived early scares, including an lbw review and a missed run-out, before passing Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis to move into third on the all-time list.
Spin brought India wickets where pace had failed. Washington Sundar removed Pope, caught at slip by KL Rahul, and Harry Brook, stumped by Dhruv Jurel, to leave England 349-4.
Ben Stokes, who briefly retired hurt with cramp, returned to play a crucial innings, ending the day on 77 not out. Root reached his hundred in 178 balls and carried on to 150 before being stumped off Ravindra Jadeja.
Chris Woakes was later bowled by Mohammed Siraj, leaving England at 528-7. Stokes, back at the crease, continued to add runs, including a cover drive off Jasprit Bumrah, ensuring England maintained control.
(With inputs from agencies)
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AR Rahman and Sam Altman smile after their meeting at OpenAI office
AR Rahman met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss his AI-driven musical project, Secret Mountain.
The project aims to empower Indian creators through AI and build a global virtual music band.
Rahman envisions an immersive metaverse experience with characters from diverse cultures.
The initiative will use Hedera’s distributed ledger tech and metahuman storytelling tools.
Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman has officially announced his collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for his ambitious AI-powered project, Secret Mountain. Sharing an image from their meeting on social media, Rahman described their discussions around using artificial intelligence to uplift and empower Indian creators facing generational challenges.
The project is a unique fusion of AI, immersive storytelling, and global music culture, with Rahman at the helm as its creative visionary. At a time when conversations around AI and creativity are growing louder, this collaboration signals a significant step in shaping how Indian artists interact with future tech.
AR Rahman and Sam Altman smile after their meeting at OpenAI office Instagram/
What is AR Rahman’s Secret Mountain and how does AI power it?
Rahman introduced Secret Mountain in February 2024 via a YouTube video titled Introducing the Secret Mountain. The animated clip narrates the story of Luna, a young woman who escapes the mindless cycle of digital distractions and enters a mystical world filled with musical characters from various cultures, including names like Cara, Ekam, David, and Aafia.
The video hinted at a virtual, metaverse-led musical space that brings together diverse voices across geographies. The project is built using Hedera, a distributed ledger technology known for secure and scalable digital frameworks. Hedera has described Secret Mountain as a “metahuman” project, indicating characters that exist in the digital realm with lifelike features and voices.
Rahman met Altman at OpenAI’s San Francisco office to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to solve creative, cultural, and generational barriers, particularly in India. In his post, Rahman wrote, “It was a pleasure to meet @sama at his office. We discussed Secret Mountain, our virtual global band, and ways to empower and uplift Indian minds to use AI tools.”
OpenAI VP Srinivas Narayanan added that Rahman also held a Q&A session at OpenAI, where he elaborated on his artistic vision and how AI intersects with storytelling and music. Narayanan called Rahman a “true innovator,” highlighting his past work with immersive technologies like VR film Le Musk.
— (@)
How will Secret Mountain impact Indian and global creators?
Rahman plans to bring together musicians, singers, and mentors from across the globe, including Ireland, China, Africa, and India onto a single, interactive platform. His core message: music transcends borders, and AI can amplify its reach.
By combining Indian classical sounds with modern AI tools, Rahman hopes to create new opportunities for emerging talent and reshape how global audiences experience music. He also wants to break down technological barriers for Indian creators, offering tools that can support their artistic expression in more accessible ways.
The composer said that while AI can initiate a composition or concept, “the human element, the emotional depth and creativity, remains irreplaceable.”
AR Rahman plans global metahuman band with AI and immersive techScreengrab/goodfellas.studio
What else is AR Rahman working on?
In addition to Secret Mountain, Rahman is collaborating with Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. He has also been praised for his work on Chhaava, Kadhalikka Neramillai, and Thug Life. Upcoming projects include Tere Ishk Mein and Peddi.
INDIA's trade agreement with the UK marks a shift towards opening its markets while protecting key sectors, and could serve as a model for future deals, government officials and analysts said on Friday.
The deal, signed on Thursday and described by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi as "a blueprint for our shared prosperity", is India’s largest strategic partnership with an advanced economy.
It comes amid rising global trade tensions and signals a change in India's traditionally protectionist approach, as the country seeks agreements with the EU, US, and New Zealand.
Under the pact, India agreed to cut tariffs on imported British vehicles, increasing competition for the domestic auto industry, which accounts for nearly 7 per cent of the economy.
"This is a policy shift, especially as India has long used high tariffs to protect domestic manufacturers," Ajay Srivastava, founder of Global Trade Research Initiative and a former trade negotiator, told Reuters.
The shift also covers government procurement and pharmaceuticals and is expected to be reflected in future deals with Brussels and Washington, Srivastava said.
However, the move remains cautious.
Under the UK deal, auto imports will be limited by a quota to protect local manufacturers, and tariff reductions will be gradual. India will reduce auto tariffs from over 100 per cent to 10 per cent over 15 years, with annual quotas starting at 10,000 units and increasing to 19,000 in the fifth year.
Tariff cuts on whisky and other products will also be phased in over several years to allow domestic industries time to adjust.
Red lines
India has maintained its stance on sensitive areas, making no concessions on agricultural products such as apples and walnuts or dairy products including cheese and whey.
"There is no question of opening up the agriculture or dairy sector in any trade negotiation — be it with the EU, Australia, or even the US," a senior Indian official said.
The strategy is designed to use trade to boost economic growth while continuing to protect millions of Indians dependent on farming and low-margin work, the official added.
Indian farmers expect expanded access to the UK’s $37.5 billion agriculture market. Indian exporters will gain from zero tariffs on goods such as textiles, footwear, gems, furniture, auto parts, machinery, and chemicals.
"With zero tariffs, India's garment exports to the UK could double in three years," said N Thirukkumaran, general secretary of the Tiruppur Exporters Association. "This also paves the way for the EU agreement, which could bring even bigger gains," he added.
Negotiations with the US may prove more challenging. The US administration has used threats of high tariffs to secure concessions from partners.
Trade minister Piyush Goyal told Reuters on Thursday that India hopes to reach a trade deal with Washington that includes "special and preferred treatment". However, the US is pressing for more access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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King Charles meets the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, during an audience at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS
INDIA's prime minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a landmark visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday (24), which saw the signing of the long-awaited India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) and a symbolic meeting with King Charles III focused on environment, health and shared traditions.
In the meeting at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, Modi presented the King a sapling from his environmental campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree for Mother), an initiative that encourages planting a tree in honour of one’s mother.
“Had a very good meeting with His Majesty King Charles III,” Modi posted on social media platform X. “We discussed India-UK relations, especially trade, investment, yoga, ayurveda, and sustainability.”
The tree sapling, a Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’ – known as the handkerchief tree – will be planted at Sandringham during the autumn. The ornamental tree is admired for its striking white bracts that resemble doves or fluttering cloths and is known to flower early compared to other varieties.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting, saying: “During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the prime minister, which encourages people to plant a tree in tribute to their mothers.”
King Charles and Modi are known to share common ground on environmental issues and holistic health, with topics such as yoga and ayurveda forming part of the discussion.
The meeting with the King followed a busy day at Chequers, the British prime minister’s country residence, where Modi and UK prime minister Keir Starmer signed the FTA, marking a new chapter in bilateral trade ties.
“At Chequers, Starmer and I saw an exhibition highlighting the strong economic linkages between India and the UK. With the signing of FTA, these linkages will rise manifold,” Modi said.
He also met business leaders and emphasised how the deal would open up new opportunities in trade and investment. “The signing of the deal marks a pivotal step in strengthening our economic partnership,” he said.
Beyond diplomacy, the prime minister joined an interaction with young cricketers from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. He spoke about sport as a bridge between nations and presented a bat signed by India’s T20 World Cup-winning team.
“Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations,” he noted, while also expressing appreciation for the Premier League and the popularity of UK football clubs among Indian youth.
"A landmark visit to UK concludes, elevating India-Great Britain trade and economic ties to new heights,” India's external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.