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.
A TEACHER from High Wycombe has been acquitted of a racially aggravated public order offence after carrying a placard at a pro-Palestinian protest that depicted Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts.
Marieha Hussain, 37, was cleared of the charges by Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday (17), reported the BBC.
The placard, displayed during a rally in November last year, featured the faces of the then prime minister and home secretary superimposed onto coconuts beneath a palm tree.
The prosecution argued that the image employed the term "coconut" as a racial slur, which is often used to imply that someone is brown on the outside but white on the inside, and therefore a "race traitor."
Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said that the term was widely recognised as offensive and accused Hussain of crossing the line from legitimate political commentary into racial abuse. He contended that the placard, by referencing this derogatory term, was intended to insult the two politicians on the basis of race.
In her defence, Hussain rejected the notion that her placard was racist. Her legal team argued that the image was a satirical critique of government policies, not a racial insult. They described the case against her as an alarming attempt to stifle freedom of speech and peaceful protest.
In a statement read out in court, Hussain explained that her placard was a protest against what she saw as harmful policies affecting minority and vulnerable groups, particularly those supported by the home secretary and prime minister at the time.
The defence also pointed to another side of the placard, which portrayed Suella Braverman as "Cruella Braverman," a reference to the fictional character Cruella de Vil. Hussain expressed her disbelief that her placard could be interpreted as hateful, insisting it was a form of political satire rather than a message of racial malice.
Her lawyer, Rajiv Menon KC, strongly criticised the decision to prosecute her, arguing that it was difficult to comprehend why someone like Hussain, a woman with no history of racist behaviour, was being charged for such an offence.
He contrasted her situation with that of public figures such as Braverman, Nigel Farage, and Tommy Robinson, who have made divisive and inflammatory statements without facing similar legal consequences.
Menon praised Hussain’s character, stressing that she had no intention of causing racial harm. He described the placard as a creative expression of political criticism aimed at holding public figures accountable for their actions and policies, not an attempt to perpetuate racial hatred.
The trial, which lasted two days, concluded with District Judge Vanessa Lloyd ruling that the placard was an example of political satire. The judge said that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the placard was intended to be abusive or that Hussain was aware it could be perceived as such.
According to the report, a group of demonstrators staged a rally outside the court to show solidarity with Hussain following the verdict.
EDUCATION SECRETARY Bridget Phillipson has announced her candidacy for Labour’s deputy leader, becoming the most senior figure to enter the contest so far.
Clapham and Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy is the only other declared candidate in the race to replace Angela Rayner.
Lucy Powell, who was removed as leader of the House of Commons last week, is expected to announce her bid.
Foreign affairs committee chair Emily Thornberry has said she is considering running, while former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Tooting MP Rosena Allin-Khan have ruled themselves out.
Candidates must secure nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs by Thursday evening. They also need support from either 5 per cent of local parties or three Labour-affiliated groups, including two unions. Those who qualify will face a ballot of party members, with the winner to be announced on 25 October.
Some Labour members have criticised the short nomination period. Ribeiro-Addy said: "It is absolutely unfair, and I don't think it's what the membership want." She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the party needed to reflect on "what's gone wrong," citing concerns over Gaza, winter fuel allowances and welfare cuts.
Announcing her candidacy, Phillipson said: "Because make no mistake: We are in a fight. We all know the dangers Reform poses our country."
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he had not yet decided whom to support. David Lammy will remain deputy prime minister regardless of the outcome.
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Analysts say Apple continues to trail competitors such as Google in applying AI to consumer devices
Apple to debut its thinnest iPhone yet, with a new “iPhone Air” model
Apple Watch Series 11 and updated AirPods also expected
iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe launch dates likely to be announced
Trade tariffs and AI developments loom over the event
Apple’s big reveal in Cupertino
Apple is set to introduce its latest devices at its annual showcase today, branded the “awe-dropping” event. Taking place at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino at 10am PT, the company is widely expected to debut its slimmest iPhone to date.
The iPhone 17 range will include the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models, alongside a newcomer — the iPhone Air. Analysts suggest the Air will be Apple’s lightest flagship yet, drawing inspiration from its slim MacBook Air design.
Beyond the iPhone
Alongside its new handsets, Apple is expected to launch the Apple Watch Series 11 and an update to AirPods. Reports indicate the earbuds could feature live translation, a function already available on Google’s Pixel Buds.
The company is also anticipated to confirm rollout dates for its upcoming operating systems: iOS 26 for mobile and macOS Tahoe for desktop.
Tariffs and global supply chain pressures
This year’s launch comes under the shadow of Donald Trump’s tariffs, which could disrupt Apple’s global supply chain. A proposed levy on Chinese imports risks pushing iPhone prices higher. To mitigate the impact, Apple has shifted large portions of production to India and accelerated shipments to the US before the tariffs take effect.
Apple and artificial intelligence
Another area under scrutiny is Apple Intelligence, the generative AI suite announced last year. Its mixed reception and an unfulfilled pledge to revamp Siri have raised questions about Apple’s AI strategy.
During Apple’s July earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said progress was being made on a “more personalised Siri”, with updates due next year. Reports also suggest Apple is in talks with Google to integrate its Gemini AI models into Siri, similar to how Google powers search in Safari.
Industry and investor expectations
Analysts say Apple continues to trail competitors such as Google in applying AI to consumer devices. Google’s Pixel phones already offer AI-driven features, while Apple has been slower to adapt. Today’s announcements will therefore be closely watched by investors and iPhone users alike, as Apple attempts to reassure both markets and consumers of its innovation edge.
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Passengers walk back to the reopened terminal after emergency services responded to what they called a 'possible hazardous materials incident' at Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport.
HEATHROW Airport has reopened Terminal 4 after it was evacuated on Monday evening following what authorities described as a "possible hazardous materials incident."
The airport said the terminal was declared safe and apologised for the disruption. In a post on X, Heathrow said it was "doing everything we can" to make sure flights depart as planned.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed it had stood down its response.
Terminal 4, which handles both European and long-haul flights, was closed temporarily as specialist fire crews carried out an assessment.
The London Ambulance Service said paramedics treated 21 patients and one person was taken to hospital. The nature of the incident has not been disclosed.
The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers were at the scene and conducted a search of the area. The force said no trace of any "adverse substance" was found.
Video clips shared online, which could not be verified, showed passengers waiting outside the terminal. Heathrow’s departures board showed flights continuing to take off.
In March, Heathrow was shut for nearly a day after a fire at a nearby electrical substation cut power, disrupting flights worldwide and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Kajal Aggarwal reassured fans she is safe after a false death rumour spread online
Kajal Aggarwal dismissed false reports claiming she died in a road accident
The actor assured fans she is “perfectly fine, safe and doing very well”
Social media platforms saw rapid spread of the fake death news
Kajal urged people to ignore rumours and focus on “positivity and truth”
Bollywood and South Indian actor Kajal Aggarwal has slammed a fake news wave that falsely claimed her death in a road accident. The baseless rumour, which quickly circulated on social media, left fans worried until the star herself issued a clarification. Speaking directly to her followers, Kajal called the speculation “amusing but absolutely untrue” and stressed that she was healthy and safe.
Kajal Aggarwal reassured fans she is safe after a false death rumour spread online Instagram/kajalaggarwalofficial
Did Kajal Aggarwal really die in a road accident?
The false report suggested that Kajal Aggarwal had been involved in a fatal crash, with some posts claiming she sustained major injuries. Within hours, the news was widely shared across platforms, causing confusion among her fans. The actor responded swiftly on Instagram Stories and X, confirming she had not been in any accident.
She wrote: “I’ve come across some baseless news claiming I was in an accident (and no longer around!) and honestly, it’s quite amusing because it’s absolutely untrue. By the grace of god, I want to assure you all that I am perfectly fine, safe, and doing very well.”
— (@)
How Kajal Aggarwal addressed the death hoax
Rather than ignoring the speculation, Kajal Aggarwal directly addressed the death rumour to put an end to the panic. She also made a point to remind her supporters not to spread falsehoods online. “I kindly request you not to believe or circulate such false news. Let’s focus our energies on positivity and truth instead,” she added.
Her statement was shared widely, with fans expressing relief and anger at the speed of misinformation. Industry colleagues also condemned the fake reports, calling them irresponsible and harmful.
Kajal Aggarwal urged her supporters not to circulate baseless news and hoaxesInstagram Screengrab/kajalaggarwalofficial
Why do celebrity death rumours spread so fast?
Celebrity death hoaxes are unfortunately common in the digital age. From Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan, several Indian film icons have previously been declared dead in fabricated online stories. Such claims often use doctored screenshots of news outlets or misleading headlines to gain traction, relying on the emotional impact they create among fans.
In Kajal Aggarwal’s case, the road accident hoax highlighted how quickly misinformation can reach millions before being corrected. Experts warn that such incidents bring to light the urgent need for fact-checking and media responsibility.
Kajal Aggarwal’s recent and upcoming films
On the career front, Kajal Aggarwal continues to remain busy with projects across industries. She was recently seen in Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa, playing the role of Goddess Parvathi alongside Akshay Kumar’s Lord Shiva. In Bollywood, she appeared in Sikandar with Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna.
Her upcoming slate includes Indian 3 with Kamal Haasan and, reportedly, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, where she is expected to portray Mandodari, Ravana’s wife, opposite Yash.
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Demonstrators weild stones and sticks as they clash with riot police personnel during a protest outside the parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns amid violent anti-corruption protests
At least 19 killed and more than 100 injured as police clash with demonstrators
Social media ban lifted after protests turned deadly across Nepal
UN and Amnesty call for probe, two cabinet ministers also resign
NEPAL prime minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, his aide said, as anti-corruption demonstrators defied an indefinite curfew and clashed with police, a day after 19 people died in violent protests triggered by a social media ban.
“The PM has quit,” Oli’s aide Prakash Silwal told Reuters, a move that plunges the country into fresh political uncertainty.
Oli’s government lifted the social media ban after protests turned violent, killing 19 and injuring more than 100 after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators trying to storm parliament on Monday.
The unrest is the worst in decades in the Himalayan country that is wedged between India and China and has struggled with political instability and economic uncertainty since protests led to the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
Deadly crackdown
The protests began in Kathmandu, with mostly young people demanding the government lift restrictions and address corruption. Demonstrators clashed with police near parliament on Monday, where officers used tear gas, batons, rubber bullets and water cannons.
Seventeen people were killed in the capital and two more in Sunsari district, according to police and local media. Kathmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including more than 100 officers.
Amnesty International said live ammunition had been used. The United Nations called for a swift and transparent investigation.
One eyewitness described the situation inside a hospital where dozens of the injured were treated. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital.
A 23-year-old student, Yujan Rajbhandari, said: “Nearly 20 people were murdered by the state — that shows the scale of police brutality. The government have to take responsibility for the lives that were lost.”
Curfew and continued unrest
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and other districts on Tuesday. Despite this, groups of protesters defied restrictions, setting fire to tyres, throwing stones at security forces and targeting government buildings and the homes of some politicians. Local media reported that some ministers were evacuated by military helicopters.
The country’s aviation authority said Kathmandu’s international airport was partially closed on Tuesday due to the unrest.
Protesters also held condolence meetings in memory of those killed. “We are still standing here for our future ... We want this country corruption-free so that everyone can easily access education, hospitals, medical facilities ... and for a bright future,” protester Robin Sreshtha told Reuters TV.
Government response
Oli, 73, expressed sorrow over the deaths in a letter following an emergency cabinet meeting. “The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use,” he wrote, while ordering an investigation into the violence before announcing his resignation.
The government announced relief payments for families of those killed, free treatment for the injured, and formed a panel to submit a report within 15 days on the causes of the protests and measures to prevent such incidents.
Two cabinet ministers also resigned on moral grounds.
Anger over corruption
Organisers described the demonstrations as being led by Gen Z, frustrated with corruption and lack of opportunities. Protesters said they were angered by videos on TikTok — which was not blocked — showing the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and foreign vacations while ordinary Nepalis struggle.
“The protest was intended, first and foremost, against the rampant corruption in government,” one demonstrator wrote in an email to Reuters, signing off as “A concerned Nepali citizen.”
Local newspaper Kathmandu Post wrote: “This isn’t just about social media — it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent. For them, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.”
International reactions
India, Nepal’s neighbour, said it was “closely monitoring” developments. “As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” India’s foreign ministry said.
Embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, UK, Norway, Germany and the US in Nepal also issued a joint statement expressing sadness over the deaths and urging restraint, protection of rights and avoidance of further escalation.