Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
MANISHA TAILOR MBE became the first woman and first person of South Asian heritage to be promoted to assistant head of coaching at Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
In her new role, Tailor will assist Chris Ramsey, who has helped mentor her in recent times. She has been the lead foundation phase coach at the West London club for the last three years.
According to reports, she was motivated by former England star Rachel Yankey to take her coaching badges.
“As a woman – and a South Asian woman in particular – I do think this is extraordinary and it wouldn’t have been possible without the mentoring and guidance I’ve received from Chris,” said Tailor about her new role.
“He gave me the platform to show what I could become. This shows it is possible for people from diverse backgrounds to progress to jobs like these, but you need mentoring, guidance and opportunity.”
She added that her job would be to work with the Under-9s to U16s and help disseminate and enforce the Academy coaching philosophy laid down by Ramsey.
She said: “Chris sets the programmes, oversees the coach education and is responsible for helping to get our very best Academy players into the first team. I’ll be on the grass, with the coaches, reinforcing that.”
Tailor is a qualified head-teacher, primary school trained with a Masters Degree, and more than 15 years of experience working in schools across the UK and Internationally. She also holds the UEFA B Licence in Football Coaching and Advanced Youth Award.
She was awarded an MBE in 2017 for ‘services to football and diversity in sport’.
New Kindle Colorsoft launched with 16GB storage for £192, £23 less than the Signature Edition
Lacks wireless charging and auto-adjusting front light, but core features remain the same
Features 7-inch colour E Ink display and eight-week battery life
Kindle Colorsoft Kids edition priced at £208, includes Kids+ subscription and educational tools
Both models are available now with three months of Kindle Unlimited included
Amazon has introduced a more affordable version of its colour Kindle, the Kindle Colorsoft, now available with 16GB of storage for approximately £192. While still a premium product, the new model is £23 cheaper than the £215 Signature Edition launched last year.
The reduced price comes with a few compromises. This edition removes wireless charging and the auto-adjusting front light, but retains the core features including the 7-inch colour E Ink display, adjustable warm lighting, pinch-to-zoom, and up to eight weeks of battery life.
Storage trade-off likely minor for most readers
The 16GB model has half the storage of the 32GB Signature Edition, but for the majority of users reading standard eBooks — which typically take up around 2MB each — the storage should be more than sufficient.
Graphic novel and comic enthusiasts, who benefit most from the colour display, may find the reduced storage more noticeable. However, a very large digital library would be required to exceed the 16GB limit.
Amazon has also confirmed that the yellow-band issue seen in some early Colorsoft units has been resolved.
A new Kindle for younger readers
Alongside the standard version, Amazon has also launched the Kindle Colorsoft Kids edition, aimed at younger readers. Priced at around £208, it includes a colourful illustrated cover, a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, and a two-year worry-free guarantee.
Child-friendly features include:
Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise tools to support reading
Support for OpenDyslexic font for improved accessibility
Bluetooth compatibility for audiobooks
Access to the Amazon Parent Dashboard for content management
The Kids edition is available in two cover designs: Fantasy River and Starlight Reading.
Available now with Kindle Unlimited
Both the Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) and Kindle Colorsoft Kids are available to purchase now. Each comes with a three-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited included.
The Signature Edition with 32GB storage remains on sale at £215.
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Goyal described the agreement as a personally fulfilling moment and said it was concluded with a good rapport with his UK counterpart.
INDIA's commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be a game changer in the areas of trade, investment and services.
Speaking to PTI after signing the agreement with UK secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds, Goyal said it was “remarkable” that talks which began over 20 years ago have now led to a “fair, equitable and balanced agreement”. The signing was witnessed by prime ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.
“Truly this is going to be a game changer, in trade, in investments, in the services sector and help both India and the UK grow and our people benefit,” Goyal said. He said the agreement has the potential to double India-UK trade to USD 120 billion in the next five years.
He said the FTA will create new opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and various sectors. “Our farmers will get a lot of opportunities, because we can process those farm products and market them in the UK. Our MSME sector will get a plethora of opportunities in aircraft parts and auto components, various engineering products. Our textiles will see a massive spurt in demand, because now on a competitive basis, we will be right on top with zero duties,” he said.
He added that other sectors such as leather, footwear, toys, furniture and pharma products will also benefit. “A very wide range of India's own strengths, which we are currently exporting in big measure across the world, will find markets in the United Kingdom,” Goyal said.
The minister also spoke about the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), which will be enforced along with the FTA.
“Our people who come and serve in UK for short term, two years or three years, who today land up losing almost 25 per cent of their earnings in Social Security, which never gives them any benefit, will now have an opportunity under the DCC to pay this money into their provident fund account in India, and that money will be secure. That money will be giving them an over 8 per cent tax-free return and will become their pension and Social Security in the long run,” he said.
He said that although parliamentary ratification in the UK will take time, the agreement already brings clarity to businesses, given the bipartisan support in Britain.
“The UK parliamentary process will take a few months. The good part is that it has always had bipartisan support. It was largely negotiated when the Conservatives were in power, and today, with the Labor government, it has culminated into a robust and very fair and balanced agreement, and therefore, I think this will get cleared pretty quickly,” Goyal said.
“Businesses will be already planning, because there's a stable and predictable environment. The Free Trade Agreement will be known to everybody, and businesses can start integrating their supply chains and can start planning the benefits of this agreement, planning their business growth because of this agreement. So, I think the work will start right away. The benefits will start accruing in a few months,” he added.
Goyal described the agreement as a personally fulfilling moment and said it was concluded with a good rapport with his UK counterpart.
“I feel very humbled that prime minister Modi reposed confidence and faith in me to be able to conclude this agreement, which has been quite complicated,” he said.
“Many, many years have gone by. Talks have been on and off, but I feel very humbled by the experience. I feel very, very satisfied with the outcome, and I'm sure what started as a very difficult negotiation, but has concluded in a very friendly and very amiable relationship, will continue in the years to come to be a torch bearer for the progress and development of both countries,” Goyal said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Samaritans currently has 22,000 listening volunteers
Samaritans plans to close at least half of its 200 branches over the next 7–10 years
Volunteers to be moved into larger regional hubs and remote call handling to be piloted
Charity says model is unsustainable; changes aim to increase volunteer flexibility and service capacity
Some volunteers express concern over the loss of smaller branch camaraderie and safe spaces
Final decision expected in September following consultation
Mental health charity plans shift to larger hubs and remote volunteering
Samaritans has announced plans to close at least 100 of its 201 branches across the UK and Ireland in the next seven to ten years, as part of a major restructuring strategy aimed at improving service delivery and reducing infrastructure costs.
The charity, which operates a 24/7 mental health helpline, says it intends to move volunteers into larger regional centres and trial a remote volunteering model. The shift is intended to provide greater flexibility, increase the number of volunteers on shift at any time, and reduce spending on building maintenance.
Concerns raised over impact on volunteers
Samaritans currently has 22,000 listening volunteers who answer calls and messages from people experiencing mental health crises. The helpline receives a call every 10 seconds, and many branches also offer in-person support.
In a video shared with volunteers, Chief Executive Julie Bentley said the charity’s limited fundraising income was increasingly being used to maintain physical branches, instead of improving services.
“Over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us,” she said. “We are engaging with our volunteers on proposed improvements that will mean we are able to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty, and be there for more people in their darkest moments.”
The charity emphasised that it does not intend to reduce the level of service it offers. Instead, it hopes to expand its reach by making buildings and shifts more accessible and increasing volunteer numbers through flexible models.
Volunteer response: fears of “call centre-style” culture
Despite the stated goals, some long-standing volunteers have raised concerns that the changes could lead to a loss of the close-knit environment offered by smaller branches. There is particular unease about the possible shift to a “call centre-style” approach, which some feel could compromise the sense of community and safety among volunteers.
One volunteer commented:
“The current system has operated very successfully for 70 years. Now they’re thinking of dismantling it. Almost every volunteer I’ve spoken to has said if they introduce call centres, we’re out.”
Others voiced discomfort at the idea of taking sensitive calls from home, even with video support from fellow volunteers, citing the importance of having a safe, supportive physical environment.
Financial pressures and long-term planning
The proposed changes come amid financial challenges for the organisation. In its 2023–24 accounts, Samaritans reported declining income for the third consecutive year and rising operational costs.
The charity’s accounts show:
£7 million allocated to fixed assets, including branches
A property maintenance fund of £28,000
A branch support fund of £287,000
£24.6 million in charitable income
Volunteers have requested more transparency around projected cost savings from branch closures and how these funds will be reinvested.
Consultation ongoing ahead of decision
Samaritans has said that no final decisions will be made until after a consultation period concludes in September. If approved, the changes will be introduced gradually over a number of years.
The charity maintains that modernising the structure is essential for long-term sustainability and to meet the evolving needs of callers and volunteers alike.
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Prithviraj Sukumaran reveals how Rajamouli uses scale as storytelling in SSMB 29
SSMB 29 is an upcoming jungle adventure featuring Mahesh Babu, directed by S.S. Rajamouli
Prithviraj Sukumaran joins the cast alongside Priyanka Chopra
Sukumaran calls Rajamouli a master of “scale as canvas”
The actor also addressed trolling faced by Ibrahim Ali Khan in a separate interview
SSMB 29, the much-anticipated collaboration between Mahesh Babu and visionary director S.S. Rajamouli, continues to generate massive buzz across Indian cinema circles. The jungle-themed action adventure, currently in production, boasts a star-studded cast including Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, making it one of the biggest PAN-India spectacles in the works.
In a recent interview, Prithviraj Sukumaran offered a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on Rajamouli’s directorial style. “Scale can never be the story; it’s just the canvas,” the Malayalam superstar explained. “Rajamouli sir chooses large backdrops because he excels at telling a story through big, visual strokes.”
This subtle but telling remark sheds light on what sets Rajamouli apart, not just his ability to deliver grand visuals, but his commitment to narrative depth.
What is SSMB 29 about, and why is there so much hype?
While official plot details remain tightly under wraps, industry insiders describe SSMB 29 as a high-octane, jungle-based action-adventure rooted in mythology and survival themes. With Mahesh Babu leading the charge, and Prithviraj and Priyanka Chopra playing key roles, the project is shaping up to be a high-concept action drama meant for global appeal.
Given Rajamouli’s track record, Baahubali and RRR being massive box-office and streaming hits, the anticipation is sky-high. The film is expected to push cinematic boundaries much like his previous ventures.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29 Getty Images
Why Prithviraj’s Rajamouli remark matters
Prithviraj’s praise for Rajamouli cuts deeper than surface-level flattery. In calling scale “just a canvas,” he, in fact, points to the director’s rare ability to balance spectacle with substance, something often lost in big-budget filmmaking.
Rajamouli is known for building emotional arcs into massive story worlds. Whether it’s Amarendra Baahubali’s journey or Komaram Bheem’s rebellion in RRR, the characters never get lost in CGI or grandeur. Sukumaran’s comment suggests that SSMB 29 will follow a similar formula: world-building that never loses sight of the story’s heart.
Prithviraj calls Rajamouli a master of visual storytelling in SSMB 29Instagram/therealprithvi
Prithviraj also defends Ibrahim Ali Khan amid criticism
In a separate interview, Prithviraj also weighed in on the backlash faced by his Sarzameen co-star Ibrahim Ali Khan for his Netflix debut Nadaaniyan. Responding to the criticism, he said, “If Shah Rukh Khan sir can still be criticised, why can’t Ibrahim Ali Khan be criticised?”
The actor pointed out that even industry giants like Mohanlal and Mammootty continue to face criticism in Kerala. “There’s nothing bigger than that to understand this never ends. You just keep trying. It never gets easier.”
He added that Ibrahim is “one of the most well-prepared debutants” he has worked with and praised the young actor’s dedication. “The camera really loves him,” he said.
There’s no official release date yet, but production is currently underway. Given the scale and ambition of the project, a late 2025 or early 2026 release seems likely.
SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29 Getty Images
Until then, fans will have to wait for more official updates, but with Rajamouli at the helm and a powerful cast in place, SSMB 29 already promises to be one of Indian cinema’s biggest cinematic events.
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Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (L) with Sir Keir Starmer
PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer has promised to help British Asian businesses get the maximum benefit from the free trade agreement (FTA) he formally agreed with the visiting Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at Chequers on Thursday (24).
He made the pledge in an interview with Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat at the British prime minister’s country residence in Buckinghamshire.
He said: “I think for British Indian businesses, for British Asian businesses, this is the most significant deal since we left the EU. It is the best terms of any deal anyone’s ever had with India. And you heard the ambition from prime minister Modi that this is more than just a piece of paper.
“It’s a way our two countries need to work together. And there are some obviously impacted sectors, or enhanced sectors, whether that’s pharmaceuticals, whether that’s whisky, whether that’s manufacturing, but there are many other and there’ll be a real appetite now for increasing business.
“So it’s huge opportunity for businesses in the UK for dealing with and doing business with India. And I’m very much looking forward to taking this (further).”
“I mean prime minister Modi and I sat down at the G20 last year, and had a discussion about our ambition for our business communities,” he went on, “and we both agreed that we wanted to take it to another level, and that’s what we’ve done today. So it’s a very good day for business. I wanted to make it easier for our businesses to do business, to trade, and that’s what we’ve delivered today. And I would simply say to them, ‘Take full advantage now of this deal, we will work with you. We will back you. We will make it as easy as possible for you to enhance your business opportunities. And there are going to be many coming out of this.’ ”
Starmer was asked about his remark in a speech on immigration that the UK risked becoming an “island of strangers”, for which he has since apologised.
He commented: “I mean, look, the British Asian community have brought huge amounts to this country and are a valuable part of this country. And I don’t just mean on business, I mean in culture, in terms of who we are as a country, and that is why we’ve always welcomed the community, rely on the community, and want to work with the community. In a sense, this deal is about enhancing the opportunities of British Asian businesses as much as anything else. So, we thank them for their incredible contribution to being part of our society. And to be really clear, we are always welcoming of talent, of contribution into our society from around the world. That isn’t inconsistent with also saying we need to have proper control of our immigration framework. I think the two go together, but we’ve always been welcoming of our British Asian community, and quite right, too. And I think today, in a sense, is good evidence of how important that is to us as a country.”
He stressed: “Look, we’ve got a multicultural, diverse society, and it’s what makes us a great country. Always have been, always will be, and it is part of the very makeup of who we are, and that is both welcome and cherished by people across the country.”
The prime minister came across as relaxed and confident in his interview.
Starmer (L) and Modi at Chequers
But he was pressed on how he would stem the exodus of wealthy entrepreneurs who had decamped to Dubai and other friendlier tax regimes because of harsh fiscal rules on inheritance and non-dom status imposed by the chancellor Rachel Reeves (she turned up at Chequers, incidentally, on Thursday).
“We want to attract and retain wealthy individuals and businesses in the United Kingdom,” Starmer insisted. “It is important that whatever system we have in place for tax is up to date, modern and fit for purpose now and in the future – and we had an out of date system. But I want to be really clear, we want to attract that talent. We want to retain the talent and the wealth that we have got. And I think the more we can do with our business communities, the more we can do with deals like the deal that we’ve done today, the better the environment we create for people to know that the UK is the place to be.
“And I would also say that we’re living in an unstable world now, whether that’s defence and security and conflict, whether it’s on the trade and economic side, where equally – it’s probably more and a more uncertain world than it's been for many years – the UK is becoming a real beacon of stability, a beacon of focus on growth and pragmatism.
“And, of course, in 12 months, we’ve done three trade deals, which is evidence, I think, of the role the UK now has, and why it’s is a beacon for common sense and pragmatism: the India deal formally signed today; obviously, we’ve got a deal with the US; and a deal with the EU as well, which has got a number of strands sitting underneath it. And I think that is a very good news story for the United Kingdom after one year of this Labour government.”
Asked whether he saw a rising India playing a more prominent role on the world stage, he responded: “Yes, it is undoubtedly an emerging power, both in terms of economic power, but also global influence more generally. And I think there’s real significance in the words that both I and prime minister Modi said today, which was about seeing this as more than simply a trade deal, but it is a good trade deal on its own terms, but more as a statement of intent about how our two countries, fifth and sixth largest economies in the world, can work together.
“And that is about our values of democracy and freedom, deeply embedded values. And so today is very future looking in terms of the role of India. It is an emerging, increasingly powerful and important country in the world. And today is to be seen in that context, in my view. And I think it’s clear from the word used by both of us, that we both see it in that context, that in a more uncertain world, it is really important that key allies with long shared, rich histories, but also a real vision for the future, that ‘Vision 2035’ (which India and the UK have also agreed upon) is really important to both of us. So that’s a long way of saying yes.”
The Modi government felt comfortable dealing with the Tories during their 14 years in power. But the transition under Starmer has been much smoother than many expected, possibly because he has not allowed his Pakistani origin MPs to make Kashmir an issue, for example.
Modi and Starmer during the discussion
Starmer appeared to understand the point because he said: “I think what that shows is that the approach that I’ve taken, which is serious, pragmatic, respectful and focused on our national interest as the United Kingdom, but avoiding performative politics, avoiding rushing to the media every five minutes to complain about our allies, and actually just calmly working with leaders that I respect is a far better way of doing diplomacy than the rather noisy way in which some of my predecessors failed, frankly, in diplomacy, because these are examples.
“The India deal – for many, many years, successive governments, successive prime ministers, have been trying to get an India deal – by approaching it in a calm, serious, respectful way, we’ve managed to get that deal.
“And that’s because we created the conditions in which both countries could see it was to their advantage to have this deal at the moment, and it’s not in isolation. The same with the US. Again, there was an attempt to get a US deal for many years by my predecessors. And, of course, in best part of 10 years, we haven’t got as close in the relationship with the EU as we did in the EU-UK Summit. And I think that reflects a sort of quiet, serious, pragmatic diplomacy foregoing the theatrics, the performance and the constant running to the media of my predecessors.”
He agreed he had established a good personal rapport with Modi, though people are often reminded that Lord Palmerston, statesman and prime minister, told the Commons on 1 march 1948: “We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow.”
Sir Keir Starmer (R) with Shailesh R Solanki, executive editor (C), and Amit Roy, editor-at-large at Eastern Eye, during the interview.
“Yes, very good, we get on very well,” said Starmer about his dealings with the Indian prime minister. “We’ve met each other a number of times. We’ve spoken a number of times, and I think and hope you can see there’s a mutual respect and warmth between us, and if anything, it would be nice to spend more time together. We had our tête-à-tête pencilled in for a period of time. We doubled that sitting in these two chairs, talking privately together. And I think you’ll be seeing more of that.”
At Chequers, Modi renewed his invitation to Starmer to visit India.