Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a Davis Cup clash moved to neutral territory because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours.
Ramanathan dispatched Muhammad Shoaib 6-0, 6-0 in 42 minutes in the first match in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan.
Nagal then outplayed Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-0, 6-2 in one hour and four minutes.
India will travel to Croatia in March 2020 for the world group qualifiers if they win the best-of-five rubber.
The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision.
Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest, giving teenagers Shoaib and Rehman their chance alongside Yousaf Khalil.
The match was also pushed back from September because of the security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly.
India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants.
India last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan arrived at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with the grace and impact only she can command. For her 22nd appearance, she skipped the usual fashion formulas and stepped onto the red carpet in a handwoven ivory Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra. With her sindoor clearly visible and a smile that lit up the red carpet, Aishwarya didn’t just attend Cannes but took it back to its roots, on her own terms.
The saree, built like a gown but rooted in tradition, featured hand embroidered zari in silver and a flowing lace train that moved like a dream. She paired the look with a dramatic cape style dupatta that shimmered under the lights, and jewellery that turned heads, over 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds wrapped around her neck. The red lip, the signature hair parted with sindoor, every element was deliberate, and every detail carried a message.
Aishwarya greets fans and photographers and pose for photographs at Cannes 2025Getty Images
Her look felt like a quiet celebration of Indian craftsmanship, but it was also personal. She greeted the cameras with a folded namaste, waved to fans, and blew kisses, making her presence feel like a moment of stillness amid all the flash. As a long time ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, she attended the premiere of The History of Sound, holding her own among the global fashion elite.
With sindoor and a smile Aishwarya brings Indian elegance to the global red carpetGetty Images
But this year, Cannes wasn’t just about Aishwarya. India showed up strong. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound received a standing ovation after its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section, with stars Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa walking the red carpet alongside him. Satyajit Ray’s restored classic Aranyer Din Ratri was screened in Cannes Classics, introduced by Wes Anderson. Veterans Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal were present, marking a moment of reverence and recognition for Indian cinema’s legacy.
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who made history last year, returned as a member of the main competition jury, a proud moment in itself.
And yet, despite all the big names and powerful moments, when Aishwarya stepped onto the red carpet in that saree, everything paused. For many fans, Cannes truly begins when she arrives. As one put it simply online: “Queen is always a queen.”
NET migration to the UK dropped to 431,000 in 2024, down from 860,000 in the year to December 2023, according to new estimates released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The drop is the largest since the Covid pandemic and reflects changes to work and study visa rules.
"Long-term net migration is down by almost 50 per cent," the ONS said. "We are seeing reductions in people arriving on work- and study-related visas, and an increase in emigration over the 12 months to December 2024, especially people leaving who originally came on study visas once pandemic travel restrictions to the UK were eased."
The figures also showed that immigration from non-EU+ countries had declined. The term ‘non-EU+’ refers to countries outside the EU as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Recent years have seen high numbers of arrivals from countries such as India, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Net migration had peaked at 906,000 in the year to June 2023. The latest fall of 297,000 comes in the year that included the first six months of the Labour government under prime minister Keir Starmer, who took office in July 2024.
The ONS noted that fewer people were arriving on work and study visas, following rule changes aimed at reducing arrivals. The previous Conservative government had tightened visa conditions, including higher salary thresholds and restrictions on family members joining migrants.
Starmer, who earlier in May said he would reduce migration over the next four years, had announced new immigration policies including a cut in overseas care workers, a longer qualifying period before migrants can settle, and new powers to deport foreign criminals.
The drop in net migration is expected to offer some political relief to Starmer amid pressure from the anti-immigration Reform UK party, which made gains in recent local elections.
Thinktank British Future said the figures would surprise most of the public. Citing new Focaldata research, it said only 10 per cent of people in Britain had expected net migration to fall, while 58 per cent thought it would increase. Another 28 per cent expected it to stay the same.
Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, said: “This significant fall in net migration will surprise 90 per cent of the public, who expected numbers to keep going up.
“So Keir Starmer is in the unusual position for a PM of having exceeded expectations on immigration – though largely by not cancelling measures introduced by his predecessors.
“That gives him an opportunity to take a more pragmatic approach, managing the pressures and keeping the gains of immigration – rather than competing in a political auction over which party can pretend to eliminate it.”
British Future said the lower numbers largely reflect the continuation of policy changes made by the previous administration. It added that further reductions of around 100,000 were expected based on measures outlined in the recent Immigration White Paper.
Focaldata’s previous research also showed a divided public opinion on immigration. About 50 per cent want immigration reduced, while 45 per cent prefer numbers to stay the same or increase.
Among those who want a reduction, 49 per cent cited irregular migration and small boat Channel crossings as their priority. Only 26 per cent said they wanted overall net migration numbers reduced.
When asked what types of immigration they would reduce, most people said they would not cut migration of workers such as doctors (77 per cent), care home staff (71 per cent), fruit pickers (70 per cent), catering staff (63 per cent), lorry drivers (63 per cent), and engineers (65 per cent). Two-thirds (65 per cent) also preferred not to reduce the number of international students.
Among people who voted Labour in 2024, 55 per cent preferred immigration numbers to remain the same or rise.
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The team’s commitment to accuracy extended to every element
Twenty-five years after it first captivated global audiences, Walking With Dinosaurs is making a comeback. The new BBC factual series, narrated by actor Charlotte Ritchie, reimagines the groundbreaking 1999 show using cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art visual effects to explore the lives of six individual dinosaurs. The six-part series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and has been co-produced with PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions.
Charlotte Ritchie, best known for her roles in Ghosts, Feel Good, and Call the Midwife, leads the narration in this latest retelling, bringing emotional depth and clarity to stories rooted in real palaeontological discoveries.
Each episode focuses on a single dinosaur and is built around true fossil finds. This shift from a general overview of species to character-led narratives gives the series a new emotional dimension. “These are real creatures,” said showrunner Kirsty Wilson. “I’ve seen their very remains come out of the rock and I know from the evidence that they lived real, beautiful and complex lives.”
Episode highlights
Episode one, The Orphan, follows Clover, a young Triceratops, navigating the dangers of Laramidia 66 million years ago. Her fossil was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, close to the remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting a real-life predator-prey encounter.
In The River Dragon, viewers meet Sobek, a Spinosaurus who lived in ancient Morocco. Discovered by palaeontologist Dr Nizar Ibrahim, Spinosaurus is believed to have spent much of its life in water. The episode portrays Sobek as a devoted father protecting his offspring while navigating a treacherous environment filled with predators.
Episode three, The Band of Brothers, features George, a juvenile Gastonia discovered in Utah. Covered in protective spikes and plates, George and his siblings face threats from Utahraptors, large predatory dinosaurs thought to hunt in packs.
Rose, a young Albertosaurus, takes centre stage in The Pack. Discovered in Alberta, she is depicted as part of a group of agile predators. Her episode highlights the possibility that Albertosaurus may have hunted cooperatively, based on multiple fossils found in a single site.
In The Journey North, the story follows Albie, a juvenile Pachyrhinosaurus, through a dangerous 400-mile migration. Palaeontologist Dr Emily Bamforth’s work at Pipestone Creek Bonebed forms the basis of this episode, which also explores how these large herbivores may have used their unique horned frills for recognition within vast herds.
The series concludes with Island of Giants, focusing on Old Grande, a colossal Lusotitan from what is now Portugal. His fossil is the most complete specimen of this species ever discovered, offering insights into the behaviour and physical characteristics of one of Europe’s largest dinosaurs.
Bringing dinosaurs to life
The new Walking With Dinosaurs uses the latest VFX technology to recreate prehistoric worlds with unprecedented detail. The dinosaurs were built from digital skeletons outward, incorporating muscle and skin based on fossil evidence. Each episode is grounded in up-to-date palaeontological research, with real dig sites featured throughout.
The team’s commitment to accuracy extended to every element, including simulating realistic movement by physically interacting with natural environments while dressed in blue suits – a method used to later insert the digital dinosaurs seamlessly into real landscapes.
The involvement of scientists like Dr Nizar Ibrahim and Dr Emily Bamforth ensured that the series reflects the most recent findings. For instance, new evidence supports that some dinosaurs, such as Albertosaurus and Yutyrannus, had feathers, and that Spinosaurus was primarily aquatic.
Science and storytelling
Unlike the original 1999 series, which focused more on general prehistoric ecosystems, the updated version intertwines factual storytelling with emotional character arcs. Each dinosaur’s tale is inspired by fossil evidence and current scientific theories, adding emotional resonance without sacrificing accuracy.
This mix of factual content and cinematic narrative is at the heart of the reboot. “We wanted this series to feel like a natural history drama taking place today,” said Wilson.
The series also reveals lesser-known facts about the prehistoric world. For example, the grassless environments of the Mesozoic era posed unique challenges during filming, requiring careful location scouting to maintain authenticity.
Production and broadcast
Walking With Dinosaurs was commissioned by Jack Bootle, BBC’s Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. It is produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit, with Andrew Cohen and Helen Thomas as executive producers, alongside Wilson as showrunner. The international co-production involves PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions, with global sales handled by BBC Studios.
With Charlotte Ritchie guiding viewers through each episode, the series promises to be a compelling blend of science, storytelling, and visual spectacle, designed to engage both long-time fans and new audiences.
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Sexual offences made up 21 per cent of adults serving immediate custodial sentences as of March 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
JUSTICE SECRETARY Shabana Mahmood is considering making chemical castration mandatory for the most serious sex offenders as part of a broader review of sentencing reforms and efforts to address prison overcrowding.
The Ministry of Justice is planning to expand an existing pilot involving libido-suppressing drugs from south-west England to 20 regions, with a view to national rollout. A government source told The Guardian that Mahmood is exploring whether the use of such drugs could be made mandatory for some offenders. The pilot programme is due to end next year.
The approach uses two types of drugs: selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which limit intrusive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens, which lower testosterone levels and libido. These are combined with psychiatric support targeting factors behind sexual offending.
Sexual offences made up 21 per cent of adults serving immediate custodial sentences as of March 2025. Participation in such programmes is currently voluntary in England and Wales, The Guardian reported.
The proposed measures are part of 48 recommendations by David Gauke, chair of an independent sentencing review. Mahmood is expected to announce which proposals she will adopt in a Commons address. Sources told The Guardian she is likely to back early release for well-behaved prisoners and allow serious sexual and violent offenders to serve half their sentences in the community.
Gauke has also recommended restricting short custodial sentences, expanding electronic tagging, and increasing probation funding. He warned of a “public backlash” if resources fall short.
The Howard League welcomed the recommendations, while the National Police Chiefs’ Council called for adequate funding and monitoring. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick criticised the proposals, saying they would weaken sentencing for crimes like burglary and assault.
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Traffic cameras and Google maps displayed the slowness of the traffic
M25, the busiest motorway in the UK, faced severe traffic block after multiple unpleasant incidents. The motorists had to wait for more than 20 minutes with the entry slip road blocked partially. Cars paused at around 3:40 pm moved only after 4 pm.
While the traffic was extremely slow at Junction 13 for the A30, it was worsened by the broken down vehicles on the opposite carriageway from J13 A30 (Staines) to J12 M3 J2. Altogether, the lanes were packed with vehicles. Both traffic cameras and Google maps displayed the slowness of the traffic.
The motorway experienced excessive traffic jam of 90 minutes due to three incidents that happened on the same day. First clockwise delay was caused by the crash near J13 (Staines). Followed by a clockwise entry slip road blockage and then, the anti-clockwise delays from the broken down vehicles.
Inrix, a traffic analyst said that a lorry is involved in the crash, and two out of the four lanes are currently closed. Another crash was reported on further north on M25, which shut other two lanes anti-clockwise before J19 (Watford).
"There is currently approx. 8.5 miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 90 minutes above usual journey times" said a Spokesperson for National Highways.
Currently, the vehicles have begun moving, attempting to resume the normal traffic conditions.
Three out of four lanes are now open on the Clockwise. Three lanes amidst J9 (Leatherhead) and J10 (Wisley) are open to commute, while Lane 1 is still closed for the clearance of animals.
Still, Traffic monitoring site Inrix is expecting severe delays on the M25 anti-clockwise between J10 (Wisley) and J9 (Leatherhead). "Severe delays and two lanes closed due to accident, a lorry involved, fuel spillage and barrier repairs on M25 anticlockwise after Cobham Services. Congestion to J11 Chertsey, and still heavy through Weybridge and Cobham" stated Inrix.