INDIA will kickstart their home season with three one-day internationals against Australia in September and host England for five Tests starting in January, according to the fixtures announced on Tuesday (25).
Australia will play their matches on September 22, 24 and 27 before the 50-over showpiece tournament begins in India on October 5.
The Aussies will again clash with the hosts in five T20 matches after the conclusion of the World Cup on November 19.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India will begin the new year by hosting Afghanistan in three T20 internationals on January 11, 14 and 17 before the high-profile England series.
The first Test against England starts January 25 in Hyderabad, followed by matches in Vizag (February 2-6), Rajkot (February 15-19), Ranchi (February 23-27) and Dharamsala (March 7-11).
SS Rajamouli announces Baahubali: The Epic, combining the two original films into one cinematic saga.
The re-edited version will release in theatres globally on 31 October 2025.
The runtime is expected to cross five hours, sparking fan excitement and jokes online.
Reunion photos featuring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli shared on the film’s 10th anniversary.
A decade after Baahubali: The Beginning redefined Indian cinema, director SS Rajamouli has announced a reimagined release of the entire saga. Titled Baahubali: The Epic, this special two-part combined film will hit theatres on 31 October 2025, offering fans a seamless version of the grand story that began in 2015.
Team Baahubali reunites a decade after the first film’s releaseInstagram/baahubalimovie
Rajamouli brings Baahubali back with a new vision
On the 10th anniversary of the original film, Rajamouli shared the news on X, alongside a new poster. He wrote, “Baahubali… The beginning of many journeys. Countless memories. Endless inspiration.” He added that this milestone would be celebrated with Baahubali: The Epic, combining The Beginning and The Conclusion into one cinematic experience.
The re-cut version will feature updated transitions and potential new edits to streamline the narrative, according to early reports. Produced by Arka Media Works, the film will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.
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What to expect from the re-edited Baahubali
While the storyline remains unchanged, the combined runtime sparked curiosity when ticketing platform BookMyShow listed it at 5 hours and 27 minutes. The post was later deleted, but not before fans took screenshots and turned it into a meme fest. One user joked, “Yedhi maranam? 5hrs 27min runtime maranam,” mimicking Prabhas' famous dialogue.
Responding to the buzz, the film’s official X account wrote, “No worries! We won’t take up your whole day. It’ll be around the same time as an exciting IPL match.”
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A franchise that transformed Indian cinema
Baahubali: The Beginning and its 2017 sequel were not just box office hits, they were milestones. The first film earned around £61 million (₹650 crore) globally, while Baahubali 2: The Conclusion grossed £168 million (₹1,788 crore), making it one of India’s highest-grossing films.
The series featured Prabhas as Sivudu and Amarendra Baahubali, alongside Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj and Nassar. The gripping storyline, elaborate sets, and visual effects turned it into a national obsession, most memorably with the cliffhanger, “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?”
To celebrate the ten-year milestone, the cast and crew reunited on 10 July 2025. Photos from the event showed Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli laughing and reminiscing. Ramya Krishnan was also present, while MM Keeravani performed a song from the film, adding to the nostalgia. Notably, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia were missing from the reunion.
The official Instagram handle of the Baahubali franchise shared heartfelt photos and wrote, “A journey that brought us together as one family… And memories we will cherish forever.”
While fans flooded comment sections asking for a third instalment, Rajamouli remains focused on his next big project, SSMB 29, reportedly starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
For now, Baahubali: The Epic promises a cinematic celebration of a story that changed the scale of Indian filmmaking. Whether you’ve watched it once or a dozen times, this new version is set to offer a fresh perspective on a tale that became part of pop culture history.
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AN Indian sprinter who recently broke a national record has said he wants to win an Olympic medal to inspire young athletes to pursue similar dreams.
Animesh Kujur, 22, last Saturday (5) smashed the 100-metre national record with a stunning 10.18 seconds at the Dromia International Sprint and Relays Meeting in Greece.
The Odisha athlete’s record-breaking performance was an improvement on Gurindervir Singh's previous mark of 10.20 seconds, making him the first Indian to hold both the 100m and 200m national records, simultaneously. His 200m record stands at 20.32 seconds, set at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea in May.
In an interview with Eastern Eye, Kujur said, "When I finished the line, I saw the clock and it stopped at 10.20. I was like, 'Oh, I just equalled the national record'. Then I went to my coach and said, 'Coach, if it was 10.19, then I could have done the national record, but I didn't.' Then my coach said, 'No, you did 10.18 - you did break the record.' I was like, 'Oh, wow.' Then my coach and I were shouting."
The achievement comes as Kujur prepares for another historic milestone - becoming the first Indian man to compete in the 200m at a Diamond League event in Monaco on Friday (11). Though competing in an under-23 race rather than the main event, his coach views it as a crucial experience.
"It's a big step up to eventually race against Noah Lyles (US athlete)," said Englishman Martin Owens, the head coach of Reliance Foundation Youth Sport Odisha High Performance Centre (HPC). "He'll get the atmosphere with 15,000 spectators without the pressure of running against the Olympic champion and world champion."
Kujur's transformation began when he joined the Reliance Foundation programme in December 2022. The change was dramatic and immediate. "Before joining Reliance, I was a normal athlete. I didn't know what professional training or a professional athlete's life looked like," he said. "After joining Reliance, I got everything - physio support, psychology, coach, everything. I came to know what a professional life looks like."
The foundation's investment in Indian athletics reflects the broader ambitions of the Ambani family, who are heavily backing India's Olympic aspirations both to host the Games in 11 years and to produce potential medal winners.
Nita Ambani sits on the International Olympic Committee, while her daughter Isha Ambani has joined the board of volleyball's international governing body, FIVB.
Mukesh Ambani, who heads Reliance Industries, is India’s richest.
For Kujur, the 200m remains his preferred event. "Because 200 is tougher compared to 100 metres. That's why I like to do 200, and from the beginning, my coach has been mainly focusing on 200 metres," he said.
Unlike traditional Indian coaching approaches that focus intensively on single competitions, Kujur's programme involves year-round planning and multiple competitive opportunities.
"My coach prepares my training for the next year - which is the main competition you have to focus on," he added. "Foreign coaches make you compete in so many competitions so that you can get more experience."
Recent training camps in Switzerland and working with movement specialist Chris Woolley have focused particularly on improving Kujur's starts - historically his weakest area. The work has paid dividends, with both athlete and coach noting significant improvements in his acceleration phase.
Owens, who has worked with Kujur for almost three years, credited the athlete's dedication and the systematic approach they've developed together. "When he came to the HPC, he was a 21.1-21.2 runner, and now he's a 20.32 runner," Owens said. "That's a lot of his hard work and dedication. He learns all the time, makes mistakes - like we all do - but he tries not to make the same mistake twice."
His strategy extends beyond individual achievement to building a sustainable sprint programme for India. "The aim is to get as many athletes running and training with each other as possible, supporting each other," he said. "We're driving the relay programme. Very few athletes in India at the moment are going to be competitive on the world stage individually, but the young sprinters we've got could collectively be competitive in relays."
The foundation promotes clean athletics, with the coach proudly noting that Kujur is "the most tested athlete in India" and emphasising "there are no shortcuts - hard work is the best way."
Kujur's transformation began when he joined the Reliance Foundation programme in December 2022
For Kujur, the immediate focus is performing well at the World Championships, where he wants to break the pattern of Indian athletes failing to deliver at major competitions. "Every time Indian athletes go to big competitions, but they don't perform. I want that if I'm competing in World Championship - such a big competition - I want to perform well there."
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Kujur spoke of his ambition. "For longer term, I'm preparing for the Olympics - I want to win a medal for India in Los Angeles," he added.
His coach shares this optimism, believing that international exposure is crucial for development. "You need to get out of your backyard to get a good view of the world," he said. "That exposure trip last year changed Animesh completely. This one will make him better."
Owens added that Kujur holds "10 of the top 10 times run in India this year" in his events, with "the second fastest runner half a second behind him, which is massive in sprinting."
PRIYA NAIR has been appointed as the CEO and managing director of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), effective from August 1. She will be the first woman to lead the company in its history.
The announcement was made by HUL on Thursday (10). Nair, who currently serves as president, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will take over the role from Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31 to pursue other interests.
She has been appointed for a five-year term and will also join the HUL board, subject to necessary approvals. She will continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive.
Nair began her career with HUL in 1995 and has held various roles across sales and marketing in the company’s Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care businesses.
Between 2014 and 2020, she served as executive director, Home Care and later as executive director, Beauty & Personal Care from 2020 to 2022. She then moved to a global role as the chief marketing officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, and in 2023, was named president of the business.
Under her leadership, the Beauty & Wellbeing division has grown into a more than £10 billion global business covering hair care, skin care, prestige beauty, and health and wellbeing, including vitamins, minerals and supplements.
She has overseen brand building, innovation, revenue growth, digital transformation, and profit delivery.
Speaking on her appointment, HUL chairman Nitin Paranjpe said, “Priya has had an outstanding career in HUL and Unilever. I am certain that with her deep understanding of the Indian market and excellent track record, Priya will take HUL to the next level of performance.”
Nair’s appointment comes after Jawa’s two-year term, during which the company focused on volume-led growth. “On behalf of the Board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success,” Paranjpe added.
Over her 28-year career, Nair has built and managed several leading consumer brands. She is recognised for turning around underperforming businesses and leading cross-functional teams.
The Indian executive has also served as an independent director on the board of a publicly listed Indian company, a board member of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and a member of several government-backed partnerships and industry bodies.
Nair currently lives in London with her husband and daughter.
(with inputs from PTI)
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A aerial drone view of the Liberty Steel site on March 31, 2021 in Rotherham, England. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE UK government is considering a potential rescue plan for Speciality Steel UK (SSUK), part of the Liberty Steel Group, if its parent company collapses after an insolvency hearing next week.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds is reportedly exploring options, including taking full control of the business, which employs 1,450 people at Rotherham and Sheffield, The Guardian reported. This follows the government’s intervention in British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant.
A government spokesperson said: “We continue to closely monitor developments around Liberty Steel, including any public hearings, which are a matter for the company. It is for Liberty to manage commercial decisions on the future of its companies, and we hope it succeeds with its plans to continue on a sustainable basis.”
Liberty Steel, which has not produced steel at Rotherham for a year, has continued paying staff. The company has lost £340m over four years, The Guardian reported.
Sanjeev Gupta, whose GFG Alliance faced financial strain after Greensill Capital’s collapse, is seeking investment in SSUK. Talks with a major investor are ongoing, according to union Community.
The GMB union said it supports government intervention. A Liberty Steel spokesperson said SSUK remains valuable and is aligned with demand in sectors like aerospace and defence.
The group remains under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office since 2021.
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Poster of the upcoming Superman film releasing on July 11
James Gunn’s Superman reimagines the hero as a symbol of the immigrant experience.
Former Superman actor Dean Cain and conservative commentators criticise the film as "too woke."
Cain argues that Hollywood is rewriting classic characters to fit modern political agendas.
Gunn defends his interpretation, saying the story champions kindness and inclusion.
James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman has already been caught in a political storm. The director’s depiction of the Man of Steel as a metaphor for the immigrant experience has drawn criticism from right-wing voices, who accuse Hollywood of turning the iconic superhero into a tool for political messaging.
New ‘Superman’ movie sparks backlash for portraying hero as immigrant symbol Instagram/superman/reald3d
Gunn calls Superman ‘The story of America’
In a recent interview, Gunn described Superman as an immigrant who “came from other places and populated the country,” framing the nearly century-old comic book hero as a symbol of the American melting pot. The new film, he added, is about “basic human kindness”, a value he believes is being lost in today’s culture. For Gunn, this fresh take is less about politics and more about restoring a sense of empathy.
Director James Gunn attends the red carpet for the Superman movie premiereGetty Images
Dean Cain says Superman is becoming too political
Dean Cain, who portrayed Superman in the ’90s TV series Lois & Clark, sees things differently. In a video interview, Cain accused Hollywood of going too far with “woke” reinterpretations of legacy characters. While acknowledging Superman’s extraterrestrial roots, he warned that reshaping classic icons to reflect modern ideologies risks diluting their core values.
“The ‘American way’ is immigrant friendly, tremendously so,” Cain said, “but there are rules.” He cautioned against celebrating immigration without acknowledging its complexities, arguing that unlimited inclusion could lead to societal collapse.
Dean Cain accused Hollywood of going too far with “woke” reinterpretationsGetty Images
Right-wing backlash gains momentum
Cain isn’t alone in his criticism. Fox News host Jesse Watters mockingly suggested that the new Superman now stands for “truth, justice, and your preferred pronouns,” while other conservative voices took issue with the film’s social messaging. Some have gone as far as to claim the hero’s cape should bear gang symbols if he’s being used to push a political narrative.
The reaction highlights how even fictional characters can become lightning rods in America’s ongoing culture wars. Immigration, especially, remains a divisive topic, intensified by recent enforcement policies and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric under Donald Trump’s influence.
While critics decry the film as ideological, those involved in Superman are standing firm. Nathan Fillion, who plays Green Lantern in the movie, downplayed the outrage, saying, “It’s just a movie.”
Sean Gunn, the director’s brother and a cast member in the film, offered a more forceful defence: “Yes, Superman is an immigrant. If you don’t like that, you’re not American.” For the cast and creators, the backlash isn’t a deterrent. In fact, it’s proof that the story still resonates and provokes thought.
Gunn’s Superman releases internationally this week and hits U.S. theatres on Friday, 11 July. Despite the controversy, early reviews are favourable, with many praising its emotional core and even the updated relevance.
But as the debate rages on, one thing is clear: this version of Superman isn’t just about capes and villains, it’s about what it means to belong in a country still struggling with the question of who gets to call it home.