Virat Kohli believes a flexible batting order will help keep India's opponents guessing while they are in Ireland and England.
India launched their tour with a 78-run thrashing of Ireland in the first Twenty20 international in Dublin on Wednesday.
Kohli, one of the world's leading batsmen, was involved in two surprises -- he came in at a relatively lowly number six and was promptly out for a second-ball duck.
But by then India were well on the way to going 1-0 up in a two-match series, with Rohit Sharma (97) and Shikhar Dhawan (74) sharing an opening stand of 160 in 16 overs.
Suresh Raina was then sent in when Ireland eventually ended India's second-highest opening T20 stand.
MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya came in at the fall of the next two wickets before Kohli decided to go in with just three balls remaining.
- 'Experiment'
After they leave Ireland, India have three Twenty20 matches against England before they face them in both one-day international and Test series.
"The middle order is something we can experiment with in T20 games," said Kohli.
"I've got a good mindset of who's batting where so in the next few games, not just the Ireland ones but also against England, we will look to be flexible and use them as and when the situation requires them," the skipper added.
"We will look to surprise the opposition and we've asked the batsmen to have that flexibility and they have responded very well."
KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik were the surprise omissions from the India team that played its first match in Ireland for 11 years, but they are set to get a chance when the teams return to Malahide for the second Twenty20 on Friday.
"We are using these two games (in Ireland) to play everyone, and I have already told them that the guys who didn't play will get an opportunity in the next game," said Kohli.
The other squad members in line to play on Friday are Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav and paceman Siddarth Kaul, the new face in the tour party after impressing for Hyderabad in the IPL.
Malahide must have felt like home for India on Wednesday given they were playing in warm temperatures more commonly associated with Delhi rather than Dublin, while over half of the 9,000 crowd were supporting the tourists.
There was a muted reception for Raina when he walked into bat, but uproar when Dhoni was next in.
Kohli too was also cheered to the wicket as he would be back home, although Ireland paceman Peter Chase dismissed both batsmen cheaply on his way to international best figures of four for 35.
- 'Negate the spin' -
James Shannon provided the only Irish resistance with the bat, hitting 60 from 35 balls.
But he was the second of man-of-the-match Kuldeep Yadav's four wickets and, with fellow India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking three, Ireland were held to a total of 132 for nine in 20 overs.
This has already been a landmark year for Irish cricket, with the men's side playing their inaugural Test against Pakistan at Malahide in May -- a match that ended in a creditable defeat on the last day.
Wednesday's reverse was a far more chastening loss but Ireland T20 captan Gary Wilson, while "obviously disappointed", insisted: "We can look forward to Friday because I do think we had enough positives out there to show that we can play against teams like these.
"We've obviously been beaten by 70-odd runs, a big margin in Twenty20 cricket.
"But if we can negate their spin in Kuldeep and Chahal, that would stand us in good stead."
The commemoration event honoured two South Asian WW2 veterans who died this year, Havildar Major Rajindar Singh Dhatt MBE and Sergeant Mohammad Hussain.
TWO South Asian Second World War veterans were honoured at a commemoration event in London on Wednesday, September 10. The ceremony paid tribute to Havildar Major Rajindar Singh Dhatt MBE and Sergeant Mohammad Hussain, who both died this year.
The event, hosted by British Future and Eastern Eye with support from the Royal British Legion, also launched My Family Legacy, a project to raise awareness of South Asian contributions in the world wars and preserve family stories for future generations.
More than 2.5 million people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka served in the Second World War, forming the largest volunteer army in history. New polling by Focaldata, released alongside the launch, found that only half of the UK public – and fewer than six in ten British Asians – know that Indian soldiers served in the war.
Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, said: “We should never forget what we all owe to those who won the second world war against fascism. South Asian soldiers were the largest volunteer army in history. Ensuring that their enormous contribution is fully recognised in our national story remains important work in progress. My Family Legacy aims to help people to find, document and tell these family stories of courage and contribution, service and sacrifice in the world wars.”
Gail Walters, Director of Network Engagement at the Royal British Legion, said: “Honouring the South Asian soldiers who served in Britain’s World Wars is about remembering their bravery and also gives a fuller picture of our shared history. The service and sacrifice of South Asian soldiers are integral to Britain’s national story and helped build the country we are today.”
Amrit Kaur Dhatt, granddaughter of Havildar Major Dhatt, said: “It is so important to capture stories of Commonwealth and ethnic minority soldiers, like my grandfather’s, because they were left out of mainstream history. I find that even the disparity and awareness between VE and VJ Day remains shockingly significant. But remembering isn’t just about the past. It is about shaping the future. And I fear that today’s society clearly hasn’t learnt enough from history. Baba Ji had always hoped that future generations would never have to see the devastation that they [war veterans] had to endure.”
Ejaz Hussain, granddaughter of Sergeant Hussain, said: “As the last soldiers of the war fade before our eyes, it remains imperative that we capture their stories. We - as a country and a people - are blessed to be here today, enjoying liberty and safety directly because of the sacrifices of those from the greatest generation, of which my grandfather was one.”
Journalist Sangita Myska said: “Honouring the service given by South Asian soldiers is vital to understanding the intertwined and complex relationship forged by our forebears with Britain.”
Actor Adil Ray OBE said: “This is the greatest war story that’s never been told. Millions of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs from India, today’s Pakistan and Bangladesh fought two world wars, fighting for our freedom. We owe everything to Major Dhatt and Sergeant Hussain and their fellow soldiers. Their history is our history.”
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£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit
The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure runs at Hampton Court Palace from 25 July to 7 September 2025
Trail includes interactive games, riddles and character encounters across the gardens
Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit in the Kitchen Garden
Special themed menu items available at the Tiltyard Café
£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit and other benefits
Peter Rabbit comes to life at Hampton Court
This summer, families visiting Hampton Court Palace can step into the world of Beatrix Potter as The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure takes over the palace gardens from 25 July to 7 September 2025.
Explore the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and WildernessHRP
The family trail, officially licensed by Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co., combines the palace’s historic gardens with the much-loved tales of Beatrix Potter. Visitors will encounter interactive activities, puzzles and games while exploring the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and Wilderness.
Interactive activities and wildlife learning
Along the trail, children can try Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s washing equipment to make music, search for Peter Rabbit under wheelbarrows, or test their hopping skills alongside Beatrix Potter’s characters.
The experience also highlights Potter’s role as a committed environmentalist. Young visitors are encouraged to look for real wildlife such as hedgehogs, squirrels and toads while learning about habitats and conservation in the palace grounds.
Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit HRP
Meet Peter Rabbit and enjoy themed treats
Peter Rabbit himself will make appearances in the Kitchen Garden at set times each day, where families can take photos among the seasonal produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the gardens will feature in special Peter Rabbit™ menu items at the Tiltyard Café.
After completing the trail, children can also explore the Magic Garden playground or visit Henry VIII’s Kitchens inside the palace, where live cookery demonstrations take place each weekend.
Tickets and access
The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure is included in general admission:
Off-peak (weekdays and bank holidays): Adults £27.20, Children (5–15) £13.60, Concessions £21.80
Peak (weekends and events): Adults £30.00, Children £15.00, Concessions £24.00
HRP Members go free
Families in receipt of Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits can access £1 tickets throughout the summer (advance booking required).
Membership offers unlimited visits to Hampton Court Palace and other Historic Royal Palaces sites, including seasonal events such as the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival and Henry VIII’s Joust.
For more details and booking, visit
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Modi’s ruling coalition nominated Radhakrishnan, 68, who is the governor of the western state of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the post.
INDIAN lawmakers elected CP Radhakrishnan, a former parliamentarian from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the country’s new vice president on Tuesday. The election comes more than a month after the previous vice president resigned.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, whose term was to end in 2027, stepped down in July, citing health reasons.
Federal lawmakers voted in a secret ballot on Tuesday to elect the vice president, as required by the constitution.
Modi’s ruling coalition nominated Radhakrishnan, 68, who is the governor of the western state of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the post.
Radhakrishnan was widely expected to win because of the support the BJP and its allies have in parliament. He received 452 of the 752 valid preferential votes cast, according to PC Mody, secretary-general of the upper house of parliament.
Opposition parties nominated B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, as their candidate. Reddy received 300 votes.
The vice president holds the second-highest constitutional office in India and serves as the chair of the upper house of parliament. The vice president also acts as president if there is a temporary vacancy.
The president and vice president are largely ceremonial posts, while executive powers remain with the prime minister and cabinet.
(With inputs from agencies)
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JK Rowling sparks outrage with AI-generated video called transphobic by critics
Author slammed for posting anti-trans message with bizarre AI-generated gibberish
Social media users mockingly suggest black mould exposure is behind her behaviour
Rowling continues to face criticism from Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson
Online debate intensifies over her use of AI to push anti-trans views
JK Rowling is facing renewed online heat after sharing a transphobic post filled with Artificial Intelligence-generated gibberish, sparking ridicule across social media. Alongside slamming her views, many netizens bizarrely linked her behaviour to black mould exposure, a theory that resurfaced after earlier online jokes about her home environment. The Harry Potter author’s use of AI in this context has added a new layer to the controversy.
JK Rowling sparks outrage with AI-generated video called transphobic by critics Getty Images
What did JK Rowling post with AI?
On 8 September, Rowling uploaded a six-second clip on X, claiming that “gender identity ideology is homophobic.” The video began with a tweet from Dr Helen Webberley of GenderGP, followed by distorted AI-generated images resembling a comment section but filled with jumbled letters and gibberish. The visuals with a typing sound effect left many confused.
She captioned the post: “Tell me again how gender identity ideology isn’t homophobic. Would you trust this UK doctor… to be sympathetic to a young girl who’s attracted to other girls?”
The video quickly spread online, with users mocking the author for relying on artificial intelligence to back her arguments. One post read: “Kinda pathetic having to use AI to make up reasons to be hateful towards others.”
— (@)
Why are people blaming black mould?
The backlash also revived a long-running social media joke about black mould in Rowling’s house. In 2024, eagle-eyed users noticed what appeared to be mould on her wall in a profile picture, sparking widespread memes linking her anti-trans stance to potential neurological effects of mould exposure.
This theory resurfaced after her AI post, with comments such as: “How much mould do I need to understand this?” and “Did the mould tell you this was real, or do you think AI fakes are real?” While clearly satirical, the “mould theory” has become a shorthand way for critics to ridicule the writer’s increasingly controversial online presence.
— (@)
How have fans and Harry Potter stars responded?
Rowling’s anti-trans views have long divided fans of the Harry Potter franchise. Many of the actors who rose to fame through the films have publicly disagreed with her stance. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all expressed support for the trans community, distancing themselves from Rowling’s repeated comments.
This latest episode only deepened the rift between Rowling and sections of her fanbase, many of whom see her use of AI as an escalation in her campaign against trans rights.
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson distance themselves from Rowling’s commentsGetty Images
Has JK Rowling faced this kind of backlash before?
Yes. Since 2020, Rowling has made multiple posts criticising gender identity, each triggering major backlash. She has defended her stance as protecting women’s rights, but critics say her rhetoric fuels transphobia.
Her frequent use of social media for these debates has meant that Rowling, once best known as a children’s book author, now trends more often for her views on gender than for her literary work. The latest AI clip only adds to this trend, shifting focus from her books to her online persona.
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The former Match of the Day presenter was voted best TV presenter by viewers at the ceremony on Wednesday
Gary Lineker named best TV presenter, breaking Ant and Dec’s 23-year run
Former Match of the Day host left BBC after social media controversies
Netflix drama Adolescence wins two awards, including best drama performance for 15-year-old Owen Cooper
Gavin & Stacey takes home the comedy award
I’m a Celebrity wins in the reality competition category
Lineker takes presenter prize after BBC departure
Gary Lineker has ended Ant and Dec’s record 23-year winning streak at the National Television Awards (NTAs). The former Match of the Day presenter was voted best TV presenter by viewers at the ceremony on Wednesday.
Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day in May after 26 years, following controversy around his social media posts. Accepting the award, he thanked colleagues and said the prize showed “it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.” He added: “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”
Asked if he might work with the BBC again, Lineker said he was uncertain but was “really looking forward to working with ITV.”
The last winner before Ant and Dec’s run was Michael Barrymore in 2000.
Netflix drama Adolescence scores double win
Netflix’s hit drama Adolescence won best new drama and best drama performance for 15-year-old Owen Cooper. The show, which follows the story of a teenage boy accused of murder, became a national talking point earlier this year.
Cooper beat fellow nominee Stephen Graham, who plays his on-screen father, though neither attended the event.
Gavin & Stacey named best comedy
Gavin & Stacey’s Christmas finale, watched by more than 20 million viewers, was named best comedy. Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, accepted the award and joked: “Alright, calm down. I’m going to the bar now for a pint of wine.”
Backstage, Jones paid tribute to co-writer and co-star James Corden, who could not attend, and addressed reports of a new Apple TV+ project, saying nothing had yet been confirmed.
I’m a Celebrity beats The Traitors
In the reality competition category, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! triumphed over The Traitors, Love Island, and Race Across the World. Presenters including Coleen Rooney and Oti Mabuse collected the award.
Other winners of the night
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show won the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
Molly-Mae Hague’s Behind It All won best authored documentary
Wallace & Gromit received a special recognition award
Gogglebox won factual entertainment, while Call the Midwife secured returning drama
The NTAs remain unique in British television for being entirely voted for by the public.