Jay Shah's rise from leading the BCCI, the world's richest cricket board, to chairing the ICC reflects India's significant influence in global cricket governance.
Jay Shah was elected unopposed by the ICC in August, succeeding Greg Barclay, who chose not to seek a third term. (Photo: Getty Images)
By EasternEyeDec 02, 2024
JAY SHAH, the Indian cricket administrator, began his term as chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday.
Shah, 36, is the youngest person to hold this position. He was elected unopposed by the ICC in August, succeeding Greg Barclay, who chose not to seek a third term.
"Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights," Shah said in a statement.
Shah also highlighted key priorities for his tenure, including preparations for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics and efforts to make the sport "more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide".
He said this was a pivotal moment for cricket, with "the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women's game".
Shah's rise from leading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the world's richest cricket board, to chairing the ICC reflects India's significant influence in global cricket governance.
In India, where cricket often intersects with politics, Shah is widely recognised as the son of Amit Shah, the country’s home minister and a key figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.
The ICC, which governs cricket globally with over 100 members, is responsible for organising major tournaments such as the World Cup.
Shah's tenure begins at a critical time, with uncertainty surrounding next year’s Champions Trophy. India has refused to travel to host nation Pakistan, and ICC sources recently confirmed that talks to resolve the issue are ongoing.
Judicial well-being has long been a taboo subject, despite the untold toll it has taken on judges who must grapple daily with the problems and traumas of others. Research shows that judicial stress is more pronounced among magistrates and trial judges, who routinely face intense caseloads and are exposed to distressing material. The causes of judicial stress are multifaceted, and their effects go far beyond individual well-being. They ultimately affect the integrity of the institution and the quality of justice delivered. This is why judicial well-being requires serious recognition and priority.
As early as 1981, American clinical psychologist Isaiah M. Zimmerman presented one of the first and most comprehensive analyses of the impact of stress on judges. He identified a collection of stressors, including overwhelming caseloads, isolation, the pressure to maintain a strong public image, and the loneliness of the judicial role. He also highlighted deeply personal challenges such as midlife transitions, marital strain, and diminishing career satisfaction, all of which quietly but persistently erode judicial well-being.
Four decades later, in 2024, judicial officers and experts from across the world came together in an unprecedented initiative to draft the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being. It was followed by a landmark act of global recognition when the United Nations formally proclaimed an International Day for Judicial Well-being.
I would like to share the story behind this journey. Back in 2014, when I was appointed Secretary of the Judicial Service Association (JSA) in Sri Lanka, it was the first time I was able to address judicial stress in a pragmatic way for the benefit of my colleagues. By then, I had already witnessed the stress and emotional struggles my colleagues faced. Magistrates and District Judges were burdened with relentless workloads and institutional demands. I had seen some fall ill, likely due to the pressure they endured. As Secretary, I felt a strong responsibility to act.
I initiated a program for judges to participate in monthly performing arts workshops as a way to relieve stress and promote a balanced mind. At first, many, including my colleagues, were sceptical. After all, it was unusual to imagine judges engaging in performing arts. Judges are traditionally expected to embody authority, composure, and solemnity, and for years, they had only attended formal, work-related judicial workshops. However, when I explained that the purpose of the initiative was to help alleviate stress, the Chief Justice was receptive and offered his support.
We moved forward, and the program eventually became one of the most anticipated activities among judges. Recognising that collegiality is also vital to well-being, I organised an outbound trust-building camp, something judges had never previously imagined doing. Such activities were typically associated with the corporate sector. The judiciary, by contrast, had long upheld a conservative image, where judges were expected to be impervious to stress and always maintain a composed exterior. The camp, however, proved to be a powerful catalyst for strengthening collegial bonds and mutual trust. At that time, I referred to these early initiatives collectively as efforts in promoting a balanced mind.
The following year, I moved to Australia as I started serving in Fiji. In May 2021, I came across an Australian radio interview featuring Dr. Carly Schrever. Hearing her speak about judicial stress was enlightening. I immediately reached out to her on LinkedIn. I wanted to organise Dr Schrever to do a presentation in Fiji on judicial well-being, but it was a long shot as I wasn’t holding a leadership role. So, long story short, I wasn’t able to organise that presentation on judicial well-being due to number of challenges.
Later that year, during the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA) Conference, which was held virtually due to the pandemic, I listened to Judge Kaly Kaul from the UK share her powerful story of the challenges she faced at work. Her story moved me deeply. I was inspired to do something impactful. Later, I met her in Cardiff at a CMJA conference, and I told her that we would do something lasting for the benefit of judges around the world. I was convinced of what I had long suspected. Judicial stress is universal, cutting across jurisdictions, resources, and roles.
In 2023, I pitched the idea of convening a conference on judicial well-being and drafting an international declaration to Marie Cauchois, the UNODC’s Anti-Corruption Advisor in the Pacific. She readily supported it. I reached out to Chief Justices, senior judges, and global experts, and soon a drafting committee was formed. I prepared a concept note outlining the roadmap and objectives.
Drafting the Declaration virtually, was not easy. Time zones and geography posed challenges, but the commitment of the committee members was extraordinary. Some even attended meetings at midnight or early in the morning. Everyone felt this was an issue that needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency after all these years. In the end, we finalised seven foundational principles, and the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being was formally adopted on 25 July 2024, at the Judicial Integrity and Well-being Conference in Nauru, with the support of the UNODC.
I knew, however, that a declaration alone would not keep the momentum going. In many parts of the world, judicial well-being is still seen as peripheral or even entirely irrelevant. We needed an annual global observance to remind institutions of their responsibility. I proposed this idea to Hon. Lionel Aingimea MP, Minister for Justice of Nauru. He embraced the proposal wholeheartedly.
I then worked with Nauru’s Permanent Mission in New York to draft the UN resolution. On 4 March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution by a vote of 160 in favour, 1 against, and 3 abstentions. I specifically proposed 25 July—the day the Nauru Declaration was adopted—as the date to be commemorated annually. I was fortunate to witness the culmination of our efforts while sitting in the UN General Assembly Hall, where the United Nations formally acknowledged judicial well-being as a matter of global significance. The resolution was co-sponsored by 70 Member States, including Australia.
I am proud that Australia is among the countries leading the way in promoting judicial well-being. The research and advocacy of Dr. Carly Schrever, along with the efforts of many judicial leaders and the institutional support systems within Australia’s courts, offer valuable examples for the world. However, even in Australia, the journey has not been easy.
It was Justice Michael Kirby who was among the first to speak openly about judicial stress back in 1995, referring to it as "the unmentionable topic." He faced criticism—even from within the judiciary. Justice Kirby later reflected on this resistance, noting that Justice Thomas of the Supreme Court of Queensland “regarded my paper as one that wrongly portrayed judges as ‘victims’ and as ‘looking for sympathy.’ I was accused of jumping on the ‘stress bandwagon’ in a way likely to ‘release howls of derision.’” This reaction highlights how deep the stigma once ran and how it still does in many places.
Fortunately, the tide is turning. The Nauru Declaration, supported by global research such as the UNODC’s “Exploring the Links between Judicial Well-being and Judicial Integrity” to studies from Australia, the UK, the USA, and other countries has helped bring unprecedented legitimacy to this conversation.
We must not forget that discussions about judicial well-being have often surfaced in the aftermath of tragic events, when judicial officers have taken their own lives due to unbearable stress, such as Victorian Magistrate Stephen Myall and Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew, as well as the silent stories of many others. This global movement is also a tribute to them and a call to action to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
With the first observance of the International Day for Judicial Well-being on 25 July, I am hopeful that judicial stress will no longer be a neglected or taboo subject. It is time for judicial well-being to be prioritised in justice systems around the world, not as a private concern for individual judges, but as a core institutional responsibility.
References:
· M Kirby, ‘Judicial stress and judicial bullying ‘ (2014) 14(1) . Queensland University of Technology Law Review (Special Edition: Wellness for Law) 1–14.
· I. M. Zimmerman, ‘Stress: What it does to judges and how it can be lessened’ (1981) 20(4) Judges’ Journal 5–8.
· ‘Coronial findings into suicide of magistrate Stephen Myall found compassionate judge was overworked and stressed’ ABC New (Australian Broadcasting Service, 2020, August 8) <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-08/victorian-m...>.
· ‘Judge Guy Andrew's death a reminder of 'crushing and relentless' workload facing judiciary, Bar Association says’ ABC New (Australian Broadcasting Service, 2020, October 9) <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-09/guy-andrew-...>.
(Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena is the president of Nauru Court of Appeal and adjunct professor at Australian Catholic University)
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Aamir Khan says Gen Z is choosing Saiyaara over stars because they want honesty not hype
• Aamir Khan says Saiyaara resonates with Gen Z due to its emotional themes and youthful energy. • The romantic drama stars debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. • Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF, the film is a box office success. • Aamir’s Sitaare Zameen Par will release globally on YouTube on 1 August 2025.
Aamir Khan believes that the soaring popularity of Saiyaara, the romantic film starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, is due to its emotional core and relatability for younger viewers. While speaking at a press event, Aamir praised the Yash Raj Films-backed project, saying Gen Z connects deeply with content that reflects their emotions and current realities.
“Every generation has its own taste,” Aamir remarked. “Right now, younger audiences are really embracing stories like Saiyaara. It’s not surprising. It has sincerity, emotional depth, and a fresh cast.” He added that as a filmmaker, his goal is to explore themes that resonate across generations.
Aamir Khan reacts to Gen Z love for SaiyaaraGetty Images
What makes Saiyaara appealing to younger audiences?
The film, directed by Mohit Suri, is a romantic drama that combines youthful energy with emotional storytelling. The chemistry between lead actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has received particular praise, and the music has become a hit among streaming listeners. The film’s emotional depth and sincere tone, according to critics, are key reasons why it resonates with Gen Z viewers.
In a public note, Aamir Khan’s production house congratulated the team behind Saiyaara, saying:
“Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have delivered emotionally grounded performances that connect. Mohit Suri’s signature direction and YRF’s support made it possible to bring such a melodic and heartfelt story to screens.”
Industry observers have also noted that the film’s success reflects a shift in content preferences, with younger audiences gravitating towards authentic storytelling and emotionally rich plots.
Saiyaara is now the highest-grossing debut film of the year Instagram/yrf
Who are Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda?
Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, makes his official debut with Saiyaara. His performance has earned comparisons to early-career Ranbir Kapoor for its emotional vulnerability. Aneet Padda, also a newcomer, is being praised for her graceful screen presence and natural acting style.
Both actors have emerged as promising new talents, especially appealing to younger fans looking for fresh faces and relatable narratives. Their chemistry is being cited as one of the film’s biggest strengths, with social media flooded with clips and fan edits of the duo.
Alongside his comments on Saiyaara, Aamir Khan also shared updates about his own film, Sitaare Zameen Par. The film will have a global premiere on YouTube starting 1 August 2025. In India, viewers can stream it for £0.95 (₹100), while audiences in 38 countries will have access at locally adjusted rates.
The film stars Aamir himself, alongside Genelia Deshmukh, and features a cast that includes actors with intellectual disabilities. It aims to promote inclusivity while delivering an uplifting story, and its digital-first release is expected to widen its global reach.
Sitaare Zameen Par will premiere on YouTube starting 1 August 2025Instagram Screengrab/aamirkhanproductions
What Saiyaara’s success says about the future of Bollywood?
With Saiyaara proving to be a surprise hit, particularly among Gen Z audiences, and Sitaare Zameen Par poised for a wide online release, Aamir Khan seems to be at the forefront of a changing Bollywood, one where emotional authenticity, new talent, and accessibility are redefining audience expectations.
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The piece, Vecchio Sultano, is part of a rare series linked to The Arabian Nights
Original Salvador Dali painting found at a house clearance sale in Cambridge.
Bought for £150, now expected to fetch £20,000–£30,000 at auction.
The piece, Vecchio Sultano, is part of a rare series linked to The Arabian Nights.
Confirmed authentic by Dali expert Nicolas Descharnes.
Auction to be held by Cheffins on 23 October.
Dali original rediscovered in Cambridge sale
A painting by Salvador Dali, bought for just £150 at a house clearance sale, has been authenticated as an original work by the surrealist master and is expected to sell for up to £30,000 at auction.
The artwork, titled Vecchio Sultano, is a mixed media piece featuring watercolour and felt-tip pen. It was acquired in 2023 by an art dealer who later discovered it had been fully attributed to Dali when previously offered at Sotheby’s in the 1990s.
Authenticated and set for auction
The painting has now been certified as genuine by leading Dali expert Nicolas Descharnes. It will be offered by Cambridgeshire-based auctioneer Cheffins on 23 October. The seller has chosen to remain anonymous.
Gabrielle Downie, associate at Cheffins, called the find a “significant rediscovery”:
“The loss of an attribution is quite rare in the modern art world. To handle a genuine rediscovery of a work by someone who is easily one of the most famous artists in the world, and the godfather of Surrealism, is a real honour.”
Only 100 pieces were completed before the project was abandonedCheffins Auctioneers
Link to The Arabian Nights project
Vecchio Sultano depicts a scene from The Arabian Nights and was part of a planned series of 500 works Dali had intended to create, inspired by Middle Eastern folk tales. The project was commissioned by Italian collectors Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto, who had originally asked Dali to illustrate a Bible in 1963. Dali instead chose to focus on 1,001 Nights, reflecting his fascination with Moorish culture.
Only 100 pieces were completed before the project was abandoned. Of these, 50 remained with the publishers and were damaged or lost. The remaining 50 were kept by the Albaretto family and later inherited by their daughter Christina, Dali’s goddaughter.
A rare piece of Dali’s legacy
According to Ms Downie, the artwork likely comes from the batch of 50 retained by the family and later lost. The surviving pieces were published in 2016 by the Folio Society.
With its unusual materials and cultural references, the 38cm x 29cm piece shows a lesser-known aspect of Dali’s creative practice. Ms Downie added:
“While Dali’s work is often some of the most recognisable, this is an unusual piece which shows a different side to his practice when working in watercolour.”
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Stephen Timms MP visited St Paul’s Cathedral to explore the East India Company Trail and meet community contributors highlighting South Asian perspectives on Britain’s imperial history. (Photo: X/@stephenctimms)
Rt. Hon. Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister of state for the department of work and pensions, visited St Paul’s Cathedral on 23 July during South Asian Heritage Month to experience the East India Company Trail and meet community contributors involved in the project.
At the Chapter House, he met Sandra Lynes Timbrell, Director of Visitor Engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral, who presented the collaboration with Stepney Community Trust. The initiative reflects on Britain’s imperial history in South Asia through cathedral monuments linked to the East India Company.
Sir Stephen said, “My constituent Mr Asif Shakoor has kept me informed of his fascinating work on the history of his grandfather from India – whom he never met – who sailed through the Royal Docks in the First World War. I was very pleased he invited me to St Paul’s Cathedral this week. Together with Georgie Wemyss of the University of East London, Stepney Community Trust, and Cathedral staff, Asif has been helping to reinterpret Cathedral monuments to 19th-century military leaders, adding a viewpoint on behalf of those who were conquered. It was a most interesting visit.”
Dr Georgie Wemyss said, “It’s through spaces like this that communities can rethink belonging and imperial legacies. The EIC Trail holds that potential.”
Simon Carter, Head of Collections at St Paul’s Cathedral, who led a guided tour, said, “The EIC Trail reframes how we read these monuments—not as static relics, but as portals into shared histories.”
The tour also featured research presentations by Asif Shakoor, Abdul Sabur Kidwai, and Taryn Khanam BEM on key monuments. The East India Company Trail remains open until November 2026. Details are available at www.stpauls.co.uk/east-india-company-st-pauls.
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Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry fuel dating rumours in Montreal
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau have been spotted together twice in Montreal, sparking romance speculation.
Their first meeting was on 28 July at Le Violon, followed by a second dinner date and a walk in Mount Royal Park.
The pop star recently ended her engagement with Orlando Bloom, while Trudeau separated from his wife in 2023.
Neither party has confirmed a relationship, but eyewitnesses report noticeable chemistry.
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau have been spotted spending time together in Montreal, less than a month after Perry’s breakup with longtime partner Orlando Bloom. The singer and the former Canadian Prime Minister were seen enjoying two separate outings within 24 hours, including dinner at a high-end restaurant and a private walk through Mount Royal Park, setting social media abuzz with dating rumours.
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau dine privately twice in 24 hoursGetty Images
When and where were Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau spotted?
On Monday, 28 July, Perry and Trudeau had dinner at Le Violon, a well-known French bistro in Montreal. TMZ reports they sat in a private corner, enjoying cocktails and a gourmet tasting menu that included lobster and lamb gnocchi. The restaurant’s co-owner, Chef Danny Smiles, told reporters the pair were “polite and low-key,” and visited the kitchen afterward to thank the staff personally.
Later that night, they were also seen at Taverne Atlantic having drinks. While no physical affection was seen, an eyewitness noted Trudeau stood quite close to Perry.
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What happened on their second outing?
The following day, the pair were photographed again, this time on a casual walk through Mount Royal Park. Accompanied only by Perry’s dog, Nugget, the two strolled for nearly an hour, chatting and laughing. Perry wore a white blouse, jeans, and ballet flats, while Trudeau dressed down in a T-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap. They later returned to the Ritz-Carlton to drop off the dog and change outfits before heading out again for a second dinner.
Despite the friendly vibes and growing online speculation, no official statement has been made by either Perry or Trudeau.
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What’s the relationship history of Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau?
Katy Perry confirmed her separation from actor Orlando Bloom earlier in June 2025. The two, who began dating in 2016 and got engaged in 2019, share a four-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove. In a joint statement, the former couple announced they were shifting focus towards co-parenting and remained on good terms. They were even seen holidaying on a yacht in early July, alongside Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.
Justin Trudeau announced his separation from wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in August 2023, ending an 18-year marriage. They share three children: Xavier, 17, Ella-Grace, 16, and Hadrien, 11. His official Instagram statement at the time called it a mutual and respectful decision, asking the public to respect their privacy.
Though photos and eyewitness accounts have added fuel to the rumour mill, there is no official confirmation of a romantic relationship between the pop icon and the former political leader. Restaurant staff who interacted with them described their dynamic as friendly, not flirtatious. However, their back-to-back appearances and visibly comfortable rapport have certainly caught public attention.
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With Perry currently on tour in Canada to promote her new album 143, and Trudeau keeping a low profile after stepping down as Prime Minister in January 2025, fans are now wondering if this unexpected friendship will turn into something more. For now, everyone in Montreal is watching the pair closely to see if their next move will confirm or deny the romance.