Vivek Mishra works as an Assistant Editor with Eastern Eye and has over 13 years of experience in journalism. His areas of interest include politics, international affairs, current events, and sports. With a background in newsroom operations and editorial planning, he has reported and edited stories on major national and global developments.
Former doubles world number one Leander Paes and tennis broadcaster, actor, and player Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
They were joined by British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans in enshrinement ceremonies at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. Paes shared memories of playing football and hockey before turning to tennis and following his hockey-captain father as an Olympic medallist.
"It's my greatest honour to be on this stage with these legends of the game, people who have inspired me every single day of my life," Paes said. "I would like to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope."
Amritraj, 70, played from 1970 until retiring in 1993. He won 15 ATP singles titles and 399 matches and was ranked as high as 18th in the world. He also helped India reach the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.
"I am humbled and honoured to join this incredible and exclusive group that have brought glory to our sport," Amritraj said.
After his playing career, Amritraj supported humanitarian causes, backed ATP and WTA events in India, and acted in the James Bond and Star Trek movie series.
"A feeling came over me that I had never experienced," Amritraj said of learning about his election to the Hall. "This was an honour not just for me, for my family, for my parents, but for all of my fellow Indians and my country who live around the world."
Evans was inducted in the contributor category for his impact on the sport. Paes, 51, an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, was selected in the player category. He honed his skills at an Amritraj youth academy.
Paes and Amritraj made India the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame.
"Playing for 1.4 billion people could either be pressure or it could be wind within your wings," Paes said. "I'd like to thank every single one of my countrymen who supported me, who stood by through all the ups and downs. You all were the inspiration, the support, you were even the strength to guide me through when even I didn't believe."
Paes won career Grand Slams in both men's and mixed doubles, completing one in men's by winning the 2012 Australian Open and another in mixed by capturing the 2016 French Open. He won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medal by defeating Brazil's Fernando Meligeni 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. His only ATP singles title came in 1998 on Newport grass in the same venue where he was inducted.
"As my father always said to me, if you believe in yourself, you work hard, you'll be passionate not only to win prize money and trophies, but you do that to inspire the world," Paes said. "It has been my greatest honour to play for my countrymen in seven Olympics, to stand where the national anthem is playing in all those Davis Cups, and to prove that we Asians can win Grand Slams and also be number one in our field, be it tennis or anything."
Meta launches new AI-enabled smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Devices include the Meta Ray-Ban Display with a full-colour lens and a neural wristband for gesture control.
Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses and updated Ray-Ban Meta glasses also revealed.
Prices range from £280 to £586, with sales starting this month.
Announcement comes amid scrutiny over Meta’s safety practices and its heavy investment in AI infrastructure.
Meta launches latest AI-driven wearables
Meta has unveiled its latest range of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence at its annual Meta Connect conference. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg introduced the devices, developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley, describing the technology as a “huge scientific breakthrough.”
The flagship product, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, features a high-resolution screen in one lens, a 12-megapixel camera, and the ability to make video calls and display messages. A new neural wristband allows users to perform tasks such as sending messages using small hand gestures.
Expanded line-up of smart glasses
Alongside the Display, Meta announced the Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses, targeted at sports enthusiasts and priced at $499 (£366), as well as the second generation of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, costing $379 (£280). The Display will sell for $799 (£586), making it significantly more expensive than Meta’s existing models.
Since entering the market in 2023, Meta is understood to have sold around two million pairs of smart glasses, although the company does not release official sales figures.
Analysts remain cautious
Industry experts suggest the new products may face an uphill challenge compared with previous launches. “Unlike VR headsets, glasses are an everyday, non-cumbersome form factor,” said Forrester research director Mike Proulx. “The onus is on Meta to convince the majority of people who don’t own AI glasses that the benefits outweigh the cost.”
Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight added that the Ray-Ban glasses have been popular due to being “easy to use, inconspicuous and relatively affordable,” but expressed scepticism over whether the more advanced Display model would achieve the same success.
Heavy investment in AI
The launch comes as Meta continues to expand its artificial intelligence operations. In July, Mr Zuckerberg said the company would spend hundreds of billions of dollars on AI infrastructure, including vast data centres in the United States, one of which is expected to span an area almost the size of Manhattan.
The company is also competing to recruit top AI talent as it develops what it calls “superintelligence,” technology designed to out-think humans.
Protests and safety concerns
The announcements coincided with protests outside Meta’s New York headquarters. Parents and activists demanded stronger safeguards for children on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, highlighting concerns over online harms.
Two former Meta safety researchers also testified before the US Senate last week, alleging the company discouraged studies that could show evidence of risks to children from its virtual reality products. Meta rejected the claims, describing them as “nonsense.”
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Blackman in turn praised Modi as a “remarkable leader” who had transformed India’s global position
A special publication marking the 75th birthday of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was launched at the House of Commons on Wednesday (17) in a celebration that brought together political leaders, spiritual figures, and members of the British-Asian community.
The event, hosted by the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK in collaboration with Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye, coincided with the Hindu festival of Navratri.
His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, founder of Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK, led the gathering, which was attended by Padmashree Bob Blackman CBE MP, Lord Rami Ranger, Swami Abhiramacharya Ji Maharaj of Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, and Shree Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj of Ahmedabad.
His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, founder of Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK, led the gathering
Cultural performances by Siddhashram’s troupe added to the festive spirit, while attendees donning Modi masks created what organisers described as a symbolic “Modi on every seat” display inside Parliament.
In his address, Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji described Modi as “a saint in a civil role guiding India and the world,” while commending Blackman for his consistent support of the diaspora. Blackman in turn praised Modi as a “remarkable leader” who had transformed India’s global position through reforms and development initiatives. He also called for renewed progress on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
Lord Rami Ranger highlighted India’s rise on the world stage, saying the country’s economic progress was “a testament to Sanatan Dharma’s resilience and the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.” He also applauded Asian Media Group and the Solanki family for empowering the British-Asian community through Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye.
The occasion also saw the announcement of Siddhashram’s upcoming Navratri Festival in Harrow
The programme featured remarks from Kamal Rao, associate editor of Garavi Gujarat, and finance manager Kamal Desai, who honoured community leaders and youth performers. Recognition was also presented to 12 distinguished contributors, including Swami Abhiramacharya Ji Maharaj, Shree Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, Dr Uday Pratap Singh, and Samjibhai Patel.
Mahesh Liloriya, head of strategic partnerships at Asian Media Group, anchored the evening, which drew diaspora representatives from London, Birmingham, and other UK cities. The occasion also saw the announcement of Siddhashram’s upcoming Navratri Festival in Harrow (22 September–2 October), coinciding with Harrow Council’s 60th anniversary.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. (Photo: BCCI)
INDIAN cricket has signed Apollo Tyres as its new lead sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its contract following a government ban on online gambling.
The men's team travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the ongoing Asia Cup without a sponsor on their shirts after Dream11 exited the deal, which was worth about $44 million and was set to run until 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. While the value was not disclosed, the board said it is higher than the previous deal.
"The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, "We are excited about this being Apollo's first major sponsorship in India cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport's unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions."
Apollo Tyres Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said, "Cricket's unmatched popularity in India and worldwide makes it an honour for us to become the national team lead sponsor of Team India."
The Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the jerseys of the Indian men's and women's teams across all formats.
Last month, the Indian parliament passed a law banning online gambling. The government said gambling platforms had caused financial distress, addiction and even suicide, and were linked to fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing. Fantasy sports apps such as Dream11 continue to operate, though for prizes and not cash.
In the rapidly evolving world of crypto casinos, one platform is standing out for its innovative gameplay, unmatched rewards, and community-driven growth — Toshi.bet. Recognized by CoinMarketCap as a pioneer in crypto gaming, Toshi.bet is transforming how players interact with digital assets while gaming.
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Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports
China’s Cyberspace Administration has reportedly ordered tech firms to stop using Nvidia’s AI chips
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he is “disappointed” but will remain “patient”
Huang is visiting the UK alongside other tech leaders during Donald Trump’s state visit
Nvidia became the world’s first $4tn company earlier in 2025 amid the AI boom
Huang responds to reported China directive
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports that China has told its leading technology firms to halt purchases of the company’s artificial intelligence chips.
Speaking to reporters in the UK, Huang added that he would remain “patient” in light of the reported order from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration. “There are a lot of places we can’t go to, and that’s fine,” he said.
Background to chip restrictions
Nvidia is the world’s leading chipmaker, central to the global AI boom with its processors powering data centres worldwide. China, meanwhile, has been working to develop its own semiconductors as part of a broader AI strategy to reduce reliance on US technology.
The company had already faced restrictions in China. Its most advanced chips were previously banned from sale to the country before US President Donald Trump reversed the decision in July. As part of an unusual arrangement, Nvidia must pay 15% of its Chinese revenues to the US government.
Financial Times report
According to the Financial Times, China’s Cyberspace Administration recently told domestic technology firms — including major players such as DeepSeek, Tencent and Alibaba — to stop buying Nvidia’s specially designed China-market chips.
Shares in Nvidia were down more than 1% in pre-market trading following the news.
Support for US policy
Asked about the geopolitical tensions, Huang said he would support the US as it sought to resolve the issues and would convey the same message directly to President Trump if asked.
Huang is one of several technology leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, attending Trump’s state visit to the UK. They are expected to join a state banquet on Wednesday evening.
UK investment and tech collaboration
Despite the reported setback in China, Nvidia has continued to expand its footprint elsewhere. The company recently announced it would supply chips to the Stargate UK data centre, a major project in north-east England involving OpenAI, Arm and NScale. The commitment forms part of a broader UK-US technology pact.
Valuation milestone
Nvidia became the first company in the world to surpass a $4tn (£2.9tn) market valuation earlier this year, underscoring its dominance in the AI sector even as geopolitical tensions shape its global reach.