AN ASIAN food blogger’s call to cancel the word “curry” for its ties to British colonialism has sparked debate about the use of the term.
Several US-based food bloggers have argued the term “curry” should be boycotted due to its connotations with imperialism and racism.
In a viral video earlier this month, Chaheti Bansal shared a recipe but urged people to “cancel the word curry”. “There’s a saying that the food in India changes every 100km and yet we’re still using this umbrella term popularised by white people who
couldn’t be bothered to learn the actual names of our dishes,” said Bansal, who lives in California.
Fellow blogger Nisha Vedi Pawar, who has more than 38,000 followers, echoed Bansal’s sentiment. “It’s just like for American food,” she said. “You wouldn’t want everything dipped in Old Bay (a popular seasoning brand in the US).”
Enam Ali, the founder of the British Curry Awards, told Eastern Eye he was “disappointed” by the call to cancel the word. He noted the origins of the term came from the Tamil language, where it was originally referred to as ‘kari’.
Enam Ali
Its first use reportedly dates to the mid-18th century when members of the British East India Trading Company were trading with Tamil merchants in southeast India.
Ali expressed doubts about how much Bansal knew about the history of curry in the UK. “Food cultures always borrow the cuisine of each other and reinterpret it – the British chicken tikka masala being the most amazing example,” the British-Bangladeshi businessman explained. “The balti dish was invented in Birmingham and there are now restaurants in India and Bangladesh serving Anglicised versions of British curry cuisine.”
He added: “You can ask anyone who is a food lover, (but) I don’t think anyone will agree with (Bansal). This is only a publicity stunt.”
Dr Subir Sinha, a senior lecturer at SOAS University of London, also expressed his disbelief at the call to cancel the word. He argued cultures regularly misuse each other’s words. “That is how languages and cultures develop,” he told Eastern Eye. “In India, you could go to a so-called Western restaurant, and they will use words such as ‘cutlets’ or ‘chops’ and these words are used differently to how we use them
in the UK.”
According to Sinha, British cookbooks from the 13th and 14th century used the
word curry. Instead, the academic described the term as a “useful shorthand”. “I don’t think there is anything in the word, that is either racist or necessarily colonial,” said Sinha, adding that he had not heard of any south Asians taking offence at the word.
The curry industry is said to contribute more than £5bn to the British economy
However, others have shown support for Bansal’s campaign. Restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala said he had been opposed to the word “curry” being used to generalise Indian food since he first arrived in the UK in the early 1990s.
He believes “curry” refers to “cheap and cheerful food laced with lots of chilli powder and oil”, instead of the “deep and meaningful cuisine” of south Asia.
The chef said he takes every opportunity to educate people on the term. “Personally, I would be most happy if the British referred to Indian food as Indian cuisine or food and dropped the use of the word curry unless it is actually a curry or ‘kari’,” he told Eastern Eye.
However, Todiwala does not believe the word has implications of racism. “It has become such a generic term now that people seem not to realise the specifics of using it,” said the owner of Café Spice Namaste. “I am convinced that it is not racial,
but rather, [comes from] a lack of knowledge and understanding.”
UK-based food blogger Chintal Patel (@drchintalskitchen) said she only partly agreed with the argument. “I don’t think we should totally boycott the word, but I think it is lazily used to describe all Indian food,” she told Eastern Eye. “Indian food is so diverse and varies so much across the country.”
Patel, who has more than 40,000 followers on her Instagram page, said bloggers should be mindful of respecting other cultures when cooking their food.
She added: “(We should be) celebrating diversity rather than clumping it [food] under one umbrella term.”
Grand Theft Auto VI listed on Xbox Store with early downloadable files
328.76MB “pre-pre-load” now available, despite full release months away
Download offers no playable content, only displays key art
Fans excited to see the title on their home screens
Anticipation grows as Rockstar prepares for full launch
Fans of Grand Theft Auto VI are celebrating a new milestone as the game appears on the Xbox Store with an early set of downloadable files. While the small 328.76MB download offers no gameplay or functionality, it marks the first time players can have GTA VI visible on their home screens — a moment many never thought would arrive.
Early download sparks excitement
The early listing on the Xbox Store has given fans a symbolic taste of the long-awaited title, even if it’s not a traditional pre-load. This “pre-pre-load”, as some fans are calling it, prepares consoles ahead of time for the eventual pre-load closer to launch.
Although the files themselves don’t do much — displaying only key art when launched — many players are eager to download them simply to see GTA VI as a selectable game on their dashboard.
No playable content yet
Currently, the file functions purely as a placeholder. Selecting it on the console shows the game’s visual branding for a few seconds, with no menus, trailers, or features available. Analysts suggest the actual pre-load with playable data is unlikely to be available before April 2026.
Despite this, the presence of GTA VI on consoles has sparked widespread fan enthusiasm. On Reddit, one user shared: “Never thought I’d see the day that it was on my home screen.” Another added, “Feels illegal.”
Rockstar gears up for pre-order announcements
The appearance of GTA VI on both the Xbox and PlayStation storefronts signals that Rockstar Games is preparing to open up pre-orders, although no official date has been announced.
As the title inches closer to its full release, the early listing has only intensified fan anticipation for one of gaming’s most awaited sequels.
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Amazon’s Ring team addressed the matter on 18 July in a public statement
Claims went viral alleging all Amazon Ring doorbells were hacked on 28 May
TikTok and Reddit users shared screenshots of multiple unauthorised logins
Cybersecurity expert initially investigated the claims
Amazon has confirmed the issue was a backend update error
No evidence of unauthorised access to customer accounts
Claims that Amazon Ring doorbells were hacked en masse on 28 May 2025 have gone viral across TikTok and Reddit, prompting widespread concern among users. The screenshots circulating online appeared to show suspicious logins on that date. However, Amazon has since confirmed that these login records were the result of a system error and not a breach.
Social media claims spark alarm
The rumours gained traction after users on TikTok and Reddit posted screenshots showing multiple unauthorised device logins on their Ring accounts, all dated 28 May. Given the recent warning sent to 220 million Amazon Prime users about account attacks, fears of a mass hack quickly escalated.
Cybersecurity writer and analyst Davey Winder was initially sceptical of the claims, but decided to investigate after seeing the volume of seemingly credible screenshots being shared.
Expert review reveals system inconsistencies
Upon checking his own Ring account, Winder discovered a similarly long list of logins dated 28 May. However, on closer inspection, he recognised all the devices listed, and noted that some were no longer in his possession at the time. He concluded it was highly unlikely to be a hack and more plausibly a technical glitch.
Amazon confirms backend update error
Amazon’s Ring team addressed the matter on 18 July in a public statement:
“We are aware of an issue where information is displaying inaccurately in Control Center. This is the result of a backend update, and we’re working to resolve this. We have no reason to believe this is the result of unauthorised access to customer accounts.”
The company reassured users that their Ring doorbell accounts remain secure and that the unusual log entries do not indicate a breach.
No cause for panic, say experts
While the false alarm has highlighted the public’s increasing concern over smart home security, experts advise users to remain cautious but not alarmed. Keeping devices updated, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication remain the best defences against actual cyber threats.
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Investigators at the site of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 13
TATA SONS has set up a £43 million charitable trust to help victims and families affected by the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad last month that claimed nearly 300 lives.
The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust was formally registered in Mumbai on Friday (18), with Tata Sons and Tata Trusts each pledging Rs 250m (£21.5m) to the fund.
According to a statement, the trust will provide immediate and ongoing support to families of those who died, the lone survivor, and anyone else directly affected by the disaster. It will also help first responders, medical staff, disaster relief workers, and government officials who dealt with the aftermath of the crash.
Each family that lost a loved one will receive a payment of Rs 10m (£86,000) from the trust. The fund will also cover medical treatment for those seriously injured in the accident and support for the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national who was seen walking away from the crash with bruises on his arms.
The trust plans to help rebuild the B.J. Medical College infrastructure, which was damaged when the Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed into the medical college shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad bound for London on June 12. The 12-year-old aircraft carried 230 passengers and 12 crew.
The crash was one of India's worst aviation disasters. All but one of the 230 passengers and all 12 crew members died. On the ground, an additional 19 people were killed and 67 seriously injured. All flight operations at the airport were suspended before resuming later in the day in a limited capacity.
The trust will be run by a five-member board. The first two trustees appointed are S Padmanabhan, a former Tata executive, and Sidharth Sharma, who serves as general counsel for Tata Sons. Three more trustees will be named soon.
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the crash with help from the US National Transportation Safety Board, and authorities have recovered the black box. The trust is expected to begin its work once it completes registration with tax authorities and other regulatory requirements.
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NHS England says premature babies are three times more likely to be hospitalised due to RSV
NHS to offer nirsevimab injection to 9,000 premature and high-risk babies from late September
Aims to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe illness in infants
Premature babies are 10 times more likely to need intensive care for RSV
Nirsevimab offers immediate protection and lasts for six months
Neo-natal units across the UK will deliver the jab
Thousands of premature and high-risk babies in the UK will soon be offered a new immunisation to protect against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a common winter virus that can cause serious lung infections and hospitalisation. The NHS will begin delivering the nirsevimab injection from late September, aiming to shield vulnerable infants before the colder months set in.
Premature infants at higher risk from RSV
RSV typically causes coughs and colds, but in some children — particularly those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions — it can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and breathing difficulties. NHS England says premature babies are three times more likely to be hospitalised due to RSV and ten times more likely to require intensive care compared to full-term infants.
Each year, around 30,000 children under five are admitted to hospital in the UK with RSV, and approximately 30 of them die from complications related to the virus.
New immunisation to deliver immediate protection
While most full-term babies receive protection through maternal vaccination during late pregnancy, those born before 32 weeks miss the opportunity to build sufficient immunity. These infants will now be offered nirsevimab, a long-acting antibody that provides immediate protection for six months in just one dose.
Unlike traditional vaccines that take time to activate the body’s immune response, nirsevimab delivers ready-made antibodies, offering instant defence against infection.
NHS clinics to deliver jabs across the UK
Neo-natal clinics throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will administer the injection. Families of vulnerable infants — including those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems — will be advised on how to access the immunisation by their healthcare teams.
Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director for NHS England, said the immunisation “will offer a long-lasting defence, helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations and serious illness, giving babies the best possible start in life and shielding them from harm.”
Clinical trial success and personal testimony
Ceri Cox, a 33-year-old paediatric nurse, enrolled her two-year-old son Harry in an international clinical trial for nirsevimab at University Hospital Southampton. Having seen the effects of RSV firsthand, she described the rollout as “amazing” and hopes it will help reduce the number of young patients in hospital this winter.
Background on RSV and current vaccination efforts
In 2023, the UK introduced a maternal vaccination programme offering the RSV jab Abrysvo to pregnant women from 28 weeks and to adults aged 75 to 79. The vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system, passing protection to the baby during the first few weeks of life. However, this method is not viable for premature births, hence the need for nirsevimab.
RSV symptoms to watch for
RSV symptoms typically appear a few days after infection and include:
Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Sneezing
Fever or chills
Tiredness
Infants may also show:
Feeding difficulties
Irritability
Wheezing
Rapid or irregular breathing
Loss of appetite
Severe cases can escalate to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, particularly in high-risk infants.
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The story explores racing, resilience, racism, and redemption
NK 370 to depict the journey of India’s first Formula One driver, Narain Karthikeyan
Directed by Mahesh Narayanan and written by Shalini Usha Devi
Produced by Blue Marble Films with a focus on global appeal
The story explores racing, resilience, racism, and redemption
Cast yet to be announced; film currently in development
A biopic titled NK 370 is in the works, centred around Narain Karthikeyan — India’s first Formula One driver. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan and written by Soorarai Pottru screenwriter Shalini Usha Devi, the Tamil-language film is being produced by Faraz Ahsan, Vivek Rangachari, and Pratik Maitra under Blue Marble Films. The feature will trace Karthikeyan’s personal and professional journey, from a young boy in Coimbatore to his historic debut in Formula One.
Mahesh Narayanan takes the wheel
Director Mahesh Narayanan, known for Take Off, Malik, and Ariyippu, brings his grounded, emotional storytelling to NK 370. “Narain’s journey isn’t just about racing. It’s about belief — in yourself, your country, and a dream no one else can see,” Narayanan said in a statement. The film aims to go beyond motorsport, touching on identity, perseverance, and overcoming systemic barriers.
A tale of grit, speed and struggle
The film charts Karthikeyan’s rise from a curious child fascinated by rally cars to a determined young man navigating the domestic racing circuits of India. From driving a homemade go-kart at age five to entering his first Formula Maruti race at 15, his trajectory is marked by defiance of odds and fierce dedication. A turning point came when he attended the Winfield Racing School in France, where he overcame racial bias to prove his talent on a global stage.
From heartbreak in Macau to redemption
Among the pivotal moments the film captures is Karthikeyan’s devastating crash at the Macau Grand Prix — a loss that cost him sponsorship and strained friendships. This setback led to a temporary return to India and a period of soul-searching. His eventual comeback, which included a symbolic victory at Macau, forms the emotional core of the story.
Personal and professional milestones
The biopic will also delve into Karthikeyan’s personal life, including his meeting with his future wife, a woman unfamiliar with the world of motorsport but deeply supportive. The film culminates in his historic 2005 debut with Jordan F1, where he out-qualified Michael Schumacher in Melbourne and went on to score championship points at the United States Grand Prix.
A global story rooted in Indian soil
Producer Faraz Ahsan described the project as a universal underdog tale: “What fascinated me was how someone like NK went from surviving Indian traffic to racing at speeds faster than a commercial aircraft.” The team spent years securing rights and aligning on creative direction before Karthikeyan agreed.
The production aims to resonate with a global audience, blending high-octane drama with deeply human themes of resilience and ambition.