Paris 2024: Olympic torch lit in ancient birthplace of the Games
This ceremony started the torch relay, which will travel through Greece and France, culminating with the lighting of the Olympic flame in Paris during the opening ceremony.
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.
The Olympic torch for the Paris 2024 Games was officially lit in ancient Olympia on Tuesday, initiating the final phase of the seven-year preparations for the Games, set to begin on July 26.
Due to overcast weather, Greek actress Mary Mina, portraying the role of a high priestess, used a backup flame rather than the traditional parabolic mirror to light the torch.
This ceremony started the torch relay, which will travel through Greece and France, culminating with the lighting of the Olympic flame in Paris during the opening ceremony. Paris will be hosting the Summer Olympics for the third time, following its 1900 and 1924 Games.
During the event, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating, "In these difficult times we are living through, with wars and conflicts on the rise, people are fed up with all the hate, the aggression, and negative news they are facing day in and day out. We are longing for something which brings us together, something that is unifying, something that gives us hope. The Olympic flame that we are lighting today is the symbol of this hope."
The IOC has decided that Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete at the Olympics as neutral competitors, without national symbols, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a decision that has provoked criticism from Moscow.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Olympics, a suggestion that has been skeptically received by the Kremlin, suggesting it could allow Ukraine to regroup militarily.
The torch was first passed by the high priestess to Greek Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos, the first runner of the relay. Ntouskos then handed off the flame to Laure Manaudou, a three-time Olympic medalist in swimming and the leader of Paris' Olympic torch relay, representing the host city.
After completing its journey across Greece, the flame will be formally handed over to the Paris Games organizers in Athens's Panathenaic Stadium on April 26. The flame will then travel to France on April 27 aboard the three-masted ship ‘Belem,’ arriving in Marseille on May 8, where a large turnout is expected for the ceremony in the Old Port. The final torchbearer in Marseille will scale the roof of the Velodrome Stadium on May 9, as per the organizers.
Marseille, originally founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC, will host the sailing events. The French segment of the torch relay will last 68 days and conclude in Paris with the lighting of the Olympic flame on July 26.
VISHWASH KUMAR RAMESH, the only survivor of last month’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad, is recovering in Bucharwada village in Diu, Gujarat, after losing his brother and 241 others on flight AI 171.
The plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed into a hostel building shortly after take-off on June 12, killing all but Kumar Ramesh.
His family said he continues to struggle with trauma. “He can’t sleep at night,” Krunal Keshave, a relative from Leicester, told The Times. “When he sleeps, he dreams he is on the flight. He remembers seeing everyone die in front of his eyes.”
Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, escaped with facial cuts and chest injuries. He now stays with his wife and son in Diu, avoiding public outings and living quietly.
“He feels guilty that he is the only one to have lived,” said another relative to The Times.
He and his brother Ajay had been running a fishing business in Diu. They would return to the UK during the off-season.
A preliminary investigation by India’s AAIB revealed cockpit confusion over fuel switches.
The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials believe Captain Sumeet Sabharwal cut fuel supply.
Legal action has been initiated by more than 20 families through Keystone Law, seeking pilot records and throttle switch information.
Air India said it “stands in solidarity with the families and those affected” and is cooperating with the investigation.
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The heaviest rainfall is expected in Northern Ireland, where up to 75mm could fall in just 12 to 18 hours
Met Office issues yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms
Northern Ireland could receive up to 75mm of rainfall in under 18 hours
Flooding, power cuts, and travel disruption likely across affected areas
The alert follows a recent heatwave and hosepipe bans across parts of England
Half a month’s worth of rain could fall over parts of the UK within the next 24 hours, according to the Met Office. Yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms were issued on Sunday across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and regions of England. The heaviest rainfall is expected in Northern Ireland, where up to 75mm could fall in just 12 to 18 hours — nearly the equivalent of half the region’s average monthly rainfall for July. Further warnings are in place for Monday, with potential disruption including flooding, power cuts, and delays to public transport.
Northern Ireland likely to see most impactful rainfall
Simon Partridge of the Met Office said Northern Ireland is forecast to receive the most substantial and impactful rainfall, with some areas expected to record between 50mm and 75mm. As Northern Ireland averages 89mm of rainfall in July, this could amount to over half the typical monthly total in less than a day.
A yellow weather warning was issued for eastern parts of the region from 6pm Sunday to 6pm Monday. Flooding and travel disruption are anticipated, with potential risks to property and infrastructure.
Warnings extended across England and Scotland
The Met Office expanded yellow thunderstorm warnings to additional parts of the UK for Monday. From 3am to 9pm, areas across the south and east of England are under alert, while from 11am, the Midlands, northern England, and Scotland will also be affected.
In parts of England and Scotland, rainfall totals could reach 20-40mm within two hours. Such intense rainfall increases the likelihood of flash flooding, particularly where ground conditions remain dry after recent heatwaves.
Travel and safety disruption expected
More than 10 flood alerts remain active in Scotland, and the Met Office has warned of possible delays or cancellations to train and bus services. There is a small risk of power outages and localised deep or fast-moving floodwater, posing a danger to life in extreme cases.
Climate conditions contributing to severe weather
The increased severity of rainfall is linked to human-driven climate change, particularly across Europe. Warmer atmospheric conditions hold more moisture, leading to more intense and frequent extreme weather events.
The heavy rain follows the UK’s third heatwave of the year, which left four regions in England in official drought conditions and prompted multiple hosepipe bans. Parched soil, caused by prolonged dry spells, can increase the risk of surface flooding as it struggles to absorb water efficiently.
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Ellen DeGeneres says she left US for good after Trump win and hints at UK wedding with Portia
Ellen DeGeneres confirms Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election pushed her to settle in the UK.
The former talk show host and Portia de Rossi now live in the Cotswolds.
Ellen hints they may remarry in England amid threats to LGBTQ+ rights in the US.
She also addressed past workplace allegations, saying she’s misunderstood as “mean”.
Ellen DeGeneres has revealed that Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024 was the key reason she left the US and moved to the UK permanently with her wife, Portia de Rossi. In her first public appearance since relocating, the 67-year-old comedian spoke candidly about her decision, her new life in the English countryside, and her ongoing concerns about LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi left US after Trump win and may remarry in UK amid LGBTQ fearsGetty Images
Why did Ellen DeGeneres move to the UK?
Speaking at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, during a live chat with broadcaster Richard Bacon, DeGeneres confirmed speculation that Trump’s return to the White House triggered her exit from America.
“We got here the day before the election and woke up to texts from friends with crying emojis,” she said. “And I was like, ‘He got in.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’”
Originally planning to live part-time in the UK, she and de Rossi made their Cotswolds house a permanent home after the 2024 election results.
Ellen DeGeneres and actress Portia de Rossi attend The 41st Annual People's Choice Awards Getty Images
What does Ellen think about life in the UK?
Describing her new life in the Cotswolds, DeGeneres was full of praise for the quiet charm of the English countryside.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Everything here is just better. The way animals are treated, the politeness, the simplicity. We even saw snow for the first time.”
Ellen has been sharing glimpses of her rural lifestyle on social media, from caring for chickens to briefly owning runaway sheep. “I love it here,” she added.
Are Ellen and Portia planning to remarry in the UK?
In the same conversation, DeGeneres expressed serious concern over rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the US, referencing recent moves by religious groups to overturn same-sex marriage rights.
“The Baptist Church is trying to reverse gay marriage,” she said. “They’re trying to literally stop it from happening and possibly undo existing marriages.”
Since settling in the Cotswolds, De Generes says she and Portia de Rossi are already exploring a second wedding in England should same‑sex marriage rights in the U.S. ever face reversal.
Ellen DeGeneres and actress Portia de Rossi kiss in the audience during the Teen Choice Awards 2015Getty Images
What did Ellen say about the ‘mean’ label and show scandal?
DeGeneres also addressed the fallout from allegations of a toxic workplace on her long-running daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which ended in 2022.
“I was labelled as mean,” she said. “It’s hard to respond to that without sounding like I’m complaining. I’m just a blunt person, does that make me mean?”
While acknowledging the accusations and the show’s turbulent end, she expressed frustration that assertive women are often mischaracterised. “How dare we have a mood or not be sweet all the time?” she added.
Ellen DeGeneres speaks onstage during the Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour Getty Images
What’s next for Ellen DeGeneres?
Though she misses parts of her old show, DeGeneres admitted that TV has changed, and she isn’t sure what her next move will be.
“I’d love to do something again, maybe even here,” she said, hinting at a possible British talk show. “But I want to choose wisely. I do love my chickens, but I’m a little bit bored.”
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Reddy played two matches in the series, scoring 45 runs and taking three wickets. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests against England due to a knee injury.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday that Reddy will return home. “Nitish will fly back home and the team wishes him a speedy recovery,” the BCCI said in a statement.
India currently trail the five-match Test series 2-1 after a 22-run defeat at Lord’s last week.
Reddy played two matches in the series, scoring 45 runs and taking three wickets.
The fourth Test is scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh will miss the fourth Test after injuring his thumb during a net session.
Uncapped all-rounder Anshul Kamboj has been added to India’s squad.
(With inputs from agencies)
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People demonstrate near the Bell Hotel on July 20, 2025 in Epping, England. (Photo: Getty Images)
NEW clashes broke out on Sunday night outside a hotel in north-east London where asylum seekers are being housed. Bottles and smoke bombs were thrown at police during the protest.
The incident took place outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. Police said five people were arrested for "violent disorder".
Chief superintendent Simon Anslow said, "Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which had begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle."
According to the British news agency PA, several hundred people gathered outside the hotel. Police vans were stationed at the entrance.
Protestors shouted slogans including "save our children" and "send them home", while some carried banners demanding the removal of "foreign criminals".
Tensions had been building after a 38-year-old asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault. He was accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared in court on Thursday.
Clashes on Thursday evening left eight police officers injured.
Last summer, anti-immigration riots erupted in the UK after three girls were fatally stabbed in Southport by a teenager. Although the suspect was later found to be British-born, the incident led to attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers in several towns.
One of the incidents included an attempt to set fire to a hotel in Rotherham, north-east England.