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.
Sara Arjun, once India’s highest-paid child actor, stars opposite Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar.
Started her career at 18 months old and rose to fame with Deiva Thirumagal.
The teaser dropped on 6 July, coinciding with Ranveer’s 40th birthday.
The film has sparked online criticism over the 20-year age gap between the leads.
Once a toddler in detergent ads and later the daughter of Vikram in Deiva Thirumagal, Sara Arjun is now stepping into the spotlight as the female lead in Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s espionage drama starring Ranveer Singh. The teaser, released on Singh’s 40th birthday, has made waves not just for its slick visuals but also for the casting of Sara opposite the veteran star.
Former child star Sara Arjun cast as Ranveer Singh’s romantic lead in 'Dhurandhar' at age 20 Facebook/Sara Arjun
A childhood spent on sets and screens
Sara Arjun’s introduction to the camera came before she could even speak fluently. Born in Mumbai in 2005 to actor Raj Arjun (Thalaivii, Secret Superstar) and dance teacher Sanya Arjun, she was just 18 months old when she appeared in her first television commercial. By the time she turned five, she had starred in over 100 ads, making her a familiar face in Indian households.
Her big break came in 2011 with Deiva Thirumagal, in which she played a six-year-old caught in a custody battle, alongside Tamil star Vikram. The film earned her both critical praise and public adoration. She went on to appear in Ek Thi Daayan, Saivam, and more recently as the younger version of Aishwarya Rai’s character in Ponniyin Selvan.
Sara Arjun began her screen career before she turned twoInstagram/saraarjun.fan.club
India's richest child star now fronting a major Bollywood film
Sara’s filmography spans Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. By 2023, she was estimated to have earned £950,000 (₹10 crore approximately ), making her one of the highest-paid child actors in Indian film history. Despite her young age, Sara has built an impressive résumé, including roles in 404, Jazbaa, Saand Ki Aankh, and Magic.
Now, Dhurandhar marks a turning point, her first major adult role in a mainstream Bollywood production. While her exact role in the story remains under wraps, she appears throughout the teaser in glimpses: dancing at a nightclub, riding pillion with Ranveer’s character, and sharing an intimate moment with him on the dance floor.
Though Sara’s rise to leading-lady status is being celebrated by many, her pairing with Ranveer Singh has drawn criticism for its age gap. Singh, who made his debut in 2010’s Band Baaja Baaraat, was already a Bollywood name while Sara was still a schoolchild. The 20-year difference between the two actors has reignited Bollywood’s long-standing debate around male leads being cast opposite significantly younger women.
Online users have questioned why Bollywood continues to cast barely-adult actresses opposite middle-aged male stars. “This isn’t casting, it’s conditioning,” one post read. Another pointed out that Dhurandhar began filming two years ago, when Sara had just turned 18.
Written and directed by Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike), Dhurandhar is positioned as a gritty espionage thriller based on real-life incidents. Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film also features R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on 5 December 2025.
While the teaser focuses heavily on Singh’s brooding, action-heavy persona, it’s Sara who has become the unexpected centre of attention. Whether the film will address their dynamic meaningfully or skirt the conversation remains to be seen.
For now, Dhurandhar marks a milestone in Sara Arjun’s long, unusual journey, from baby shampoo commercials to a Ranveer Singh-led action saga. Whether this debut will cement her status as Bollywood’s next big star or become a cautionary tale in its age-old casting debate, time and box office numbers will tell.
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The controversy, now widely referred to as The Salt Path scandal
The Salt Path author Raynor Winn calls media claims “highly misleading”
Allegations published in The Observer raise doubts about key memoir details
PSPA charity ends relationship with Winn and her husband Moth
Winn pulls out of Saltlines tour but is still scheduled for literary events
Author rejects claims as legal advice sought
Raynor Winn, the author of the best-selling memoir The Salt Path, has strongly denied accusations that parts of her book are fabricated, describing recent media coverage as “highly misleading” and confirming that she and her husband are taking legal advice.
The controversy, now widely referred to as The Salt Path scandal, follows an Observer report that disputes aspects of the memoir’s central narrative, including the timeline and medical diagnosis that prompted the journey at the heart of the book.
Winn has previously said that the story is based on detailed notes taken during a 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path, undertaken after the couple lost their farm and Moth, her husband, was diagnosed with the neurological condition Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).
Memoir defended as a “true story”
In a statement to Sky News, Winn said: “The Salt Path lays bare the physical and spiritual journey Moth and I shared, an experience that transformed us completely and altered the course of our lives. This is the true story of our journey.”
She added that, due to legal advice, the couple would not be making further public comment at this time.
PSPA severs ties over unanswered questions
In response to the media coverage, the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association (PSPA), which supports individuals affected by CBD and similar conditions, confirmed it had “terminated” its relationship with Raynor and Moth.
In a message to its supporters, the charity said: “Many questions currently remain unanswered,” referencing the uncertainty raised by The Salt Path scandal and the need for clarity.
Tour appearances cancelled
Winn had been due to appear throughout the summer as part of Saltlines, a spoken-word and music collaboration with the Gigspanner Big Band. However, the band announced via social media that she would no longer take part in the tour.
Despite this, she remains listed for several upcoming events including literary festivals, creative writing courses, and author Q&As.
A publishing success and a film adaptation
Since its publication in 2018, The Salt Path has sold over a million copies worldwide and spent almost two years on The Sunday Times bestseller list. It is described by publisher Penguin as “an unflinchingly honest, inspiring and life-affirming true story.”
The memoir is the first in a planned series of four books centred on nature, walking, and overcoming adversity. The fourth instalment is due to be released in October 2025.
In 2023, a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs was shot across various UK coastal regions and released earlier this year.
Film companies respond to controversy
The producers of the film, Number 9 Films and Shadowplay Features, issued a statement distancing the production from the allegations. “The allegations made in The Observer relate to the book and are a matter for the author Raynor Winn,” they said. “We have passed any correspondence relating to the article to Raynor and her agent.”
They added that no claims had been raised at the time of optioning or during production and that standard due diligence was undertaken before adapting the memoir.
Actor Jason Isaacs, who plays Moth in the film, previously told Sky News he had spoken with the couple before filming and described them as “humble” and uninterested in seeking the spotlight. He also called the film “a true, beautiful, real-life love story” and hoped it would encourage empathy toward homeless people.
Publisher contacted for comment
Sky News has contacted Penguin, which published The Salt Path as well as two of Winn’s follow-up works, for comment regarding the allegations now being described as part of The Salt Path scandal.
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Red Bull Racing's British team principal and CEO Christian Horner. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
CHRISTIAN HORNER is to leave his role as Red Bull team principal with immediate effect after 20 years, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday (9).
He oversaw a period of dominance by the team with eight world titles won and the drivers' championship claimed eight times, with Max Verstappen winning the past four titles, and six constructors' crowns.
However, Horner's fortunes have dipped in the past 18 months after being accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
Although Horner, whose wife in former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell stood by him during the testing time, was cleared twice, there have been rumblings of discontent within the team, several high-profile departures, and their form has tailed off.
"Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (July 9, 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing," read the statement from Red Bull.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, paid the departing team chief a fulsome tribute.
"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," he said in a statement.
"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Horner's departure comes amid speculation that Verstappen may be tempted to jump ship to Mercedes.
Although the 27-year-old Dutchman won the title last year, he only stood on the top step of the podium twice in the final 14 races.
Other key figures responsible for Red Bull's dominance have left in the past year-and-a-half.
Legendary designer Adrian Newey signed for Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber, who are beginning to show signs of his influence with Nico Hulkenberg claiming his first ever podium finish in last Sunday's British Grand Prix.
Verstappen by contrast finished a disappointing fifth, having started on pole.
He is clearly unhappy with the car, saying during the race "this car is just so difficult to drive", which only further served to ferment the talks of a departure.
Verstappen is languishing 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the halfway point of the campaign.
Red Bull are fourth in the constructors' standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead of them in the standings.
(AFP)
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Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Investigators are focusing on fuel control switches in the Air India crash.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
A preliminary report is expected by Friday, around 30 days after the crash.
A PRELIMINARY report into the Air India crash that killed 241 people in June is expected by Friday, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
One of the sources said investigators have narrowed their focus to the movement of the aircraft’s fuel control switches.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, after it began losing altitude at around 650 feet. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with others on the ground.
Investigators are examining the movement of the engine fuel control switches after analysing data from the plane’s flight and voice recorders, one of the sources said. The probe has also included a Boeing simulation of the aircraft’s final moments.
The same source said the investigation has not raised any immediate concerns about mechanical failure, and no bulletin has been issued to airlines recommending changes to 787 operations.
Boeing declined to comment.
The Air Current aviation publication was the first to report that investigators were focusing on the fuel switches, which are responsible for powering the aircraft’s two engines.
It is not yet clear what specific actions involving the fuel switches are being examined.
According to the Air Current, information from the black boxes does not confirm or rule out whether the actions that led to the loss of thrust were improper, inadvertent or intentional.
US aviation safety expert John Cox said the fuel switches cannot be moved accidentally. “You can’t bump them and they move,” he said. He added that if a switch is shut off, the impact on engine power would be almost immediate.
Most air crashes result from a combination of factors. Reuters had earlier reported that investigators were focusing at least in part on engine thrust.
Although the report by Indian investigators could be released on Friday, the three sources cautioned that the timeline could change. It is also unclear how much detail will be included in the report, which is expected roughly 30 days after the June 12 crash.
The sources requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is leading the investigation under international rules, did not respond to a request for comment outside regular working hours.
Information release
The investigation has faced criticism over limited information being made public. It took nearly two weeks to retrieve and analyse the flight recorder data. The government held only one press conference and did not take questions.
India has now reversed an earlier decision, first reported by Reuters, to block a UN aviation expert from participating in the probe. Two senior sources said a specialist from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been granted observer status, following a request by the agency.
ICAO declined to comment, stating that public discussions about “cooperative arrangements” would require approval from the state involved.
The crash comes as the Tata Group works to rebuild Air India’s reputation and overhaul its fleet after taking over the airline from the government in 2022.
India is pushing to expand its aviation sector, with the government aiming to turn the country into a job-creating global hub like Dubai, which currently handles a large share of India’s international air traffic.
A parliamentary panel is also set to review civil aviation safety and has called several industry and government officials to testify on Wednesday. The agenda will include questions about the recent crash.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Johnny Depp attends the "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness" Screening at the Red Sea International Film Festival
Johnny Depp says Warner Bros. asked him to resign from Fantastic Beasts in 2020, but he felt they wanted him to retire.
The actor had just lost a libel case against The Sun, which referred to him as a “wife-beater.”
Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen in The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).
He has now returned to directing after 20 years with his new film Modì, releasing on 11 July in the UK.
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has opened up about being removed from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, saying he felt the studio’s request for his resignation was effectively a push into retirement. Depp made the comments in a recent interview while promoting his new directorial project Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
In 2020, shortly after losing a high-profile libel case against The Sun over claims of domestic abuse during his marriage to Amber Heard, Depp was asked to step down from the Harry Potter spin-off series. Speaking about the moment, Depp said, “It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said, ‘We’d like you to resign.’ But what was really in my head was, they wanted me to retire.”
Depp returns to directing with Modì after more than two decadesGetty Images
Depp on his forced exit from Fantastic Beasts
Depp had filmed only one scene for the third instalment, The Secrets of Dumbledore, before Warner Bros. asked him to leave. He announced his exit via Instagram, saying he had “respected and agreed” to the request. However, in hindsight, Depp revealed his private reaction was far less diplomatic: “F--- you. There’s far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt, you’re gravely mistaken.”
He went on to describe how the fallout from the court case affected his career, saying he had been “shunned, dumped, booted, deep-sixed, cancelled, however you want to define it.”
Depp says being pushed out felt like “they wanted me to retire”Getty Images
Mads Mikkelsen on stepping into Depp’s role
After Depp’s departure, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was cast as Gellert Grindelwald. Speaking at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2022, Mikkelsen admitted replacing Depp was “intimidating,” calling him “an amazing actor.” He said he made a conscious choice not to imitate Depp’s portrayal, as doing so would have been “creative suicide.”
Mikkelsen added that while Depp’s fans were kind, they were also “stubborn,” and he understood their emotional investment in the original casting.
Depp was originally dropped following the 2020 verdict that The Sun’s “wife-beater” headline was “substantially true.” But in 2022, he won a separate US defamation case against Heard over a Washington Post op-ed, with a jury awarding him over £8 million (₹84 crore) in damages. Heard received £1.6 million (₹16.8 crore) in her countersuit.
Reflecting on the legal process, Depp said he felt compelled to fight back publicly: “If I don’t try to represent the truth, it will be like I’ve actually committed the acts I’m accused of. And my kids will have to live with that.”
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp watch as the jury leaves the courtroomGetty Images
What’s next for Johnny Depp?
While Depp has kept a relatively low profile in Hollywood since 2020, he’s slowly returning to creative work. He made his live-action comeback in the French film Jeanne du Barry (2023), where he played Louis XV. Now, Modì, his first directorial venture in over two decades, is set to hit UK cinemas on 11 July.
The biographical drama follows Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani over a turbulent 48-hour period in World War I-era Paris. It stars Riccardo Scamarcio, Al Pacino, and Antonia Desplat.
Following Modì, Depp is expected to return to acting in Day Drinker, a Lionsgate action-comedy alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. In the film, Depp plays a mysterious yacht guest with ties to a dangerous criminal underworld.