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.
BIG FOUR audit firm EY may face more than £1 billion lawsuit from the administrators to former FTSE 100 healthcare group NMC Health over audit work.
Administrator Alvarez & Marsal has said that it had hired law firm Quinn Emanuel to make a claim against EY and issued a preliminary notice to the audit firm.
EY has overseen NMC’s accounts since the healthcare company floated in London in 2012, and earned about £14 million in audit fees over seven years.
“We can confirm that EY has received a preliminary notice to a letter of claim from the administrators to NMC Health. It would be inappropriate to comment further," EY said.
NMC Health collapsed this year after discovering that more than $4bn was apparently hidden from its balance sheet in a large-scale fraud.
Interestingly, NMC’s board included former EY partners.
According to a report in Financial Times, the administrator is investigating the 'size and scale of the fraud' and assess potential claims and recoveries.
The Financial Reporting Council has already opened an investigation into EY’s audit of NMC’s 2018 financial statements.
NMC has been one of the biggest accounting scandals in the City of London in recent years. It was a respected member of the FTSE 100 until the end of last year, when short seller Muddy Waters began questioning its accounts and management.
The hedge fund also raised concerns over the relationship between EY and NMC. It also alleged there was a “lack of rigour” in its audits.
Although NMC initially denied the allegations, the company was quickly forced to conduct its own investigation that found billions in debt that had not been disclosed to the market.
According to the report, Alvarez & Marsal has so far earned more than £10m in fees overseeing the administration.
The lawsuit is the latest blow for EY, which is facing large legal claims and regulatory scrutiny over its audit work in other high-profile scandals, such as Wirecard, the German payments processor that failed this year amid a €1.9bn fraud.
Abhishek Bachchan said he was “petrified” during his first scene with Amitabh Bachchan in Sarkar.
After the shoot, Amitabh scolded him in the car, saying, “Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe.”
The 2005 political thriller marked their first major film together.
Abhishek will next be seen in Kaalidhar Laapata, premiering on 4 July on Zee5.
Abhishek Bachchan has opened up about a nerve-wracking experience from the sets of Sarkar, where his father Amitabh Bachchan gave him a blunt lesson on acting after their very first scene together. Speaking in an interview, Abhishek recalled the tension and pressure he felt on the first day of the shoot back in 2004 and the silence that followed until a sharp comment from his dad shattered it.
Abhishek Bachchan reveals Amitabh crushed him with brutal remark during Sarkar shootGetty Images
Abhishek on filming Sarkar with Amitabh Bachchan
Sharing the memory, Abhishek said, “The first time we shot together was for Sarkar. Ramu [Ram Gopal Varma] said we’d do test shoots and then I could move on to Bunty Aur Babli. I was sweating and panicking. All I had to do was turn around and say ‘Ji?’ but I was shaking.”
That small scene turned into a big moment. After the shoot wrapped, Abhishek waited in his vanity van, hoping to leave after Amitabh. But instead, Amitabh came knocking, suggesting they head home together.
Amitabh Bachchan told me I cannot deliver dialogues Abhishek recalls painful Sarkar momentGetty Images
The silent car ride and a scolding to remember
According to Abhishek, the ride home was filled with complete silence. “He was just staring ahead. When we reached home and the staff got out, he finally turned to me and said, ‘Isiliye maine itne saal mehnat karke tumhe padhaya likhaya? Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe.’ I felt like I had killed someone. He just destroyed me.”
It was a moment that stayed with him, marking one of his earliest lessons in the industry from someone who demands nothing less than perfection, even if that someone is your father.
Abhishek Bachchan opens up about working with Amitabh Bachchan on SarkarGetty Images
A turning point in their on-screen journey
Sarkar, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, was released in 2005 and went on to become a major hit. Loosely inspired by The Godfather, the film featured Amitabh in a role of political power and Abhishek as his loyal son. The success of the film led to two sequels: Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017).
The real-life father-son dynamics added emotional depth to the film, especially considering how different they were from their on-screen relationship. While the characters bonded through unwavering loyalty, the reality behind the scenes was far more intense, at least in the beginning.
Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh humiliated him after one line went wrong on Sarkar setGetty Images
What’s next for Abhishek Bachchan
Now, 25 years into his acting career, Abhishek has carved his own path, gradually earning praise for performances in films like Guru, Manmarziyaan, and Dasvi. His next project, Kaalidhar Laapata, will premiere on Zee5 on 4 July.
Abhishek Bachchan says Amitabh left him shaken after first scene together in Sarkar Getty Images
Though the early days were rocky, especially under the towering shadow of a legend like Amitabh Bachchan, this behind-the-scenes story shows just how seriously the Bachchans take their craft, and how a tough first lesson may have set the tone for Abhishek’s journey in cinema.
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Have you ever noticed dark patches or a musty smell wafting from your bathroom ceiling? You’re not alone. Mold is a silent intruder in many homes, especially in humid areas like bathrooms, where ventilation is poor. It’s not just unsightly—it can also trigger health problems, particularly for young children, elders, and those with asthma or allergies.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to get mold off bathroom ceiling areas effectively and safely. We’ll also explore what causes mold on bathroom ceiling surfaces and how families—especially in multi-generational or apartment-style homes—can prevent it from coming back.
What Causes Mold on Bathroom Ceilings?
To understand how to tackle mold, we first need to understand why it appears.
Mold spores are always around us, but they need the right conditions to grow. Bathrooms often check all the boxes:
Excess humidity from hot showers or baths
Poor airflow or no ventilation
Ceiling moisture due to condensation
Infrequent cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach places.
Fact: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to indoor mold can lead to respiratory infections, sinus issues, and worsen asthma symptoms.
How to Get Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling: Step-by-Step
You don’t need harsh chemicals to remove mold effectively. Many families prefer natural, affordable solutions.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda
A spray bottle
Scrub brush or old toothbrush
Protective gear (gloves, goggles, face mask).
Step 2: Apply a Natural Cleaning Solution
Spray white vinegar directly onto the moldy area. Let it sit for 1 hour. For tough patches, sprinkle baking soda on top and scrub gently with a brush.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Wipe the area with warm water and a clean cloth. Make sure it dries fully—use a fan or open windows if possible.
Step 4: Repeat Weekly Until Gone
Even small mold spots can spread. Repeat the process weekly until the area stays clear for good.
Is Mold on the Ceiling Dangerous?
While not all molds are toxic, even common household types can cause:
Allergic reactions (sneezing, skin rashes)
Respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing)
Long-term complications for people with weak immune systems.
South Asian households, where multiple generations often share space, should be particularly mindful—protecting young children and elders is key.
How to Prevent Mold From Coming Back
Knowing how to get mold off bathroom ceiling is just one part of the solution. Prevention is the real game-changer.
Improve Ventilation
The biggest culprit in mold formation is poor ventilation. Install or upgrade your bathroom’s airflow system. Aceiling extactor fan can help remove excess moisture and prevent ceiling condensation from forming.
Keep Humidity Levels Below 60%
Use a hygrometer to measure humidity. If it’s too high:
Open windows after showers
Run a dehumidifier
Leave the door open when not in use.
Wipe Down Surfaces Daily
Ceilings may not be easy to reach, but routine cleaning—even with a mop or long-handled cloth—can make a difference.
Use Mold-Resistant Paint
If you’re renovating or repainting, choose paints with mold-inhibiting properties for extra protection.
Cultural Considerations: Mold in Multi-Generational Homes
Many families in the South Asian community live in homes where bathrooms are shared among multiple people. With daily hot showers, cooking steam from nearby kitchens, and limited airflow, mold can form quickly.
Sharing preventive responsibilities—like switching on fans, wiping surfaces, and airing out the room—can help keep everyone healthy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to get mold off bathroom ceiling areas is a practical life skill, especially for new homeowners or renters in humid environments. By tackling both the symptoms and the root causes—like poor airflow and ceiling moisture—you can create a safer, healthier home.
Prevention is always better than a cure, and with tools like a ceiling extractor fan, natural cleaning agents, and consistent habits, mold doesn’t stand a chance.
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Users were quick to turn to alternative social media platforms to express frustration
Over 200 user reports flag issues with X (formerly Twitter)
“Twitter down” trends as users turn to other platforms to share complaints
DownDetector confirms spike in outage data within 10-minute window
Site monitors disruptions in real-time using user reports and online signals
The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, experienced a wave of user-reported problems on Tuesday, with hundreds posting complaints online under the trending phrase “Twitter down”.
Outage reports spike on DownDetector
According to monitoring website DownDetector, 214 reports were registered within a 10-minute span. The surge in complaints points to a likely service disruption, although no official comment has yet been made by X.
Users were quick to turn to alternative social media platforms to express frustration. One user wrote: “Twitter is down again,” echoing a sentiment shared widely online.
What is DownDetector?
DownDetector is an independent platform that tracks service outages across major digital services, including X, Instagram, Facebook, and Virgin Media. It identifies potential problems when report numbers exceed expected levels for that time of day.
In addition to direct user submissions, the site also gathers data from social media and other sources to confirm issues in real time.
Once an incident is detected, users can view which functions are most affected and whether the issue is isolated to specific regions. A live map highlights potential outage hotspots.
The service describes itself as a tool “for when services don’t work”, encouraging users to contribute their experiences to help track wider disruptions.
As “Twitter down” trends again, affected users are urged to monitor status updates through reliable channels like DownDetector while the platform works to restore normal service.
THE UK has recorded its first increase in births since 2021, with a notable rise in babies born to fathers over 60 helping to lift the numbers, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In 2024, there were 594,677 live births in England and Wales, up 0.6 per cent from the previous year. While this is a modest increase, it marks a change after several years of decline.
The ONS highlighted that the number of births to fathers aged 60 and above jumped by 14.2 per cent compared with 2023, rising from 942 to 1,076.
This group of older fathers has played a key role in pushing up the birthrate, even as the number of younger parents continues to fall, reported the Times.
The data also showed that almost a third of all babies born last year had mothers who were born outside the UK. In 2024, 33.9 per cent of live births were to non-UK-born women, the highest proportion since records began in 2001.
Despite this small increase, the overall number of births remains historically low. Last year’s total was the third-lowest since 1977, reflecting a long-term trend of fewer young people having children.
The average age of both mothers and fathers continues to rise. The number of babies born to mothers under 20 fell by 4.6 per cent, and there was also a drop for mothers aged 20 to 24. Births to fathers under 20 also fell slightly, while the biggest increases were seen in parents aged 35 and over
Regional differences were also clear. While England saw a small overall rise in births, some areas, such as the North East, East Midlands, East, South East, and South West, actually experienced a decline. The West Midlands and London saw the biggest increases, with birthrates up 3.4 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively. In contrast, Wales recorded a two per cent fall in live births compared to 2023.
Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education, has urged young Britons to consider starting families sooner, warning about the “worrying repercussions” of a falling birthrate. She pointed to the rising cost of housing and childcare as reasons why many young people are putting off having children, saying, “Young Britons are thinking twice about having a family because of the rising costs of housing and childcare,” The Times reported.
Greg Ceely, head of population monitoring at the ONS, said, “In 2024, the annual number of births in England and Wales reversed the recent trend of declining births, recording the first increase seen since 2021. Despite this overall rise, the number of births to mothers under 30 fell as people continue to put off having children until later in life. The largest decrease is seen amongst those under 20 years old, which fell by almost five per cent, while the number of mothers aged 35 to 39 grew the most.
"A couple of other long-term trends are continuing, such as seeing around half of live births within marriage or civil partnership, and an increase in births to non-UK-born mothers.”
Experts have warned that if the birthrate continues to fall, the UK could face long-term challenges, including a shrinking workforce and rising national debt. The Office for Budget Responsibility has previously said that without a recovery in the birthrate, government debt could soar over the next 50 years.
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The campaign argues that players should retain the right to access games they have purchased
PewDiePie has endorsed the Stop Killing Games movement, urging fans to sign the petition.
The campaign, launched by Ross Scott, aims to protect digital ownership of video games.
Petition calls for legislation in the UK and EU to prevent publishers from disabling purchased games.
The campaign has faced challenges gaining visibility, despite support from other creators.
With the petition closing in July 2025, PewDiePie’s support may provide a vital final push.
Popular YouTuber PewDiePie has voiced his support for the Stop Killing Games campaign, a grassroots movement calling for legislation to protect digital ownership of video games. As the petition reaches its final days, his backing may help the campaign gain the exposure it has long struggled to secure.
Campaign seeks to preserve digital ownership
The Stop Killing Games campaign was launched in 2024 by Ross Scott, the creator of the YouTube channel Accursed Farms. It aims to address the growing concern of publishers disabling access to games that consumers have paid for, even when those games are installed on their devices.
The campaign argues that players should retain the right to access games they have purchased, even after official support ends. It seeks new consumer rights legislation in the UK and European Union to make it illegal for publishers to render purchased games unplayable post-sale.
— (@)
Ross Scott has framed the campaign as a necessary response to increasing cases of digital games being shut down remotely, leaving buyers with nothing to show for their money. He has described the issue as a “consumer protection gap” in the digital age.
Controversy slowed early momentum
The campaign initially struggled to gain widespread attention. In August 2024, Twitch streamer Pirate Software released a video criticising the movement. While the video was not a direct attack on Scott, it cast the campaign in a dismissive light, influencing public perception and creating confusion around its aims.
Scott later responded in a calm, FAQ-style video, clarifying misconceptions and reiterating the campaign’s goals. He stopped short of engaging in personal drama but acknowledged that misinformation had harmed its credibility at a critical stage.
Despite this, the campaign maintained support from a committed base and slowly gained traction online.
PewDiePie offers crucial endorsement
In June 2025, PewDiePie — real name Felix Kjellberg — posted a message in his YouTube Community tab, stating his full support for the campaign. He wrote:
“I 100% support this movement. It ties in perfectly with what I talked about in my video on ownership over software (and the games we buy).”
— (@)
Kjellberg encouraged fans, particularly those in the UK and EU, to sign the petition before it closes in July. He also emphasised that global support through shares and online discussion remains valuable.
The endorsement comes at a critical time for the campaign, which had already received some support from other creators such as MoistCr1TiKaL. However, PewDiePie’s reach, with over 110 million subscribers, could prove decisive in pushing the petition over the line.
Final push as deadline approaches
In a recent video released on 23 June, Ross Scott acknowledged the campaign’s main obstacle had never been a lack of logic, but a lack of visibility. He stated:
“Our biggest obstacle in the campaign has always been getting enough exposure.”
Scott specifically named PewDiePie, Jacksepticeye, and Markiplier as creators who could make a real difference in amplifying the message. With one of them now on board, hopes are rising that the petition may see a significant surge before its deadline.
A broader message about digital rights
The Stop Killing Games campaign highlights a larger issue around digital ownership. In an era where servers can be shut down overnight and access to purchased content can disappear without warning, the campaign argues that consumer protections have not kept pace with technology.
PewDiePie’s backing brings added urgency. His message is simple: if you believe the games you pay for should remain playable, now is the time to act.