RELIANCE Industries has entered into an agreement to acquire Columbus Centre Corporation which is the indirect owner of luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental New York.
The Indian conglomerate said it will acquire the entire stake in Columbus Centre Corporation for an equity value of approximately $98.15 million (£72.42m).
Reliance is making the acquisition through its wholly-owned subsidiary Reliance Industrial Investments and Holdings Limited (RIIHL). The deal is expected to be completed by the end of March this year.
Columbus Centre Corporation holds a 73.37 per cent stake in Mandarin Oriental and Reliance said it is ready to buy the remaining stake in the five-star hotel at the same valuation used for taking over the Cayman Islands-based entity.
“In the event that the other owners of the hotel elect to participate in the sale transaction, RIIHL would acquire the remaining 26.63 per cent, based on the same valuation used for the acquisition of the indirect 73.37 per cent stake,” the Mukesh Ambani-led company said in a statement on Saturday (8).
Reliance already has investments in the hospitality sector including Oberoi Hotels and the UK’s Stoke Park Limited. The company is also developing a convention centre, hotel and managed residences in Mumbai.
“This acquisition will add to the consumer and hospitality footprint of the group,” Reliance said of the Columbus Centre Corporation deal.
Located adjacent to Columbus Circle in New York, Mandarin Oriental generated revenues of $15 million in 2020, down from the pre-Covid $113 million a year earlier.
Reliance, the most valued company of India with a market capitalisation of £160 billion, has been making acquisitions in diverse sectors.
Its renewable energy arm had recently acquired the British battery maker Faradion for £100 million.
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His Highness the Aga Khan IV with the then Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, at the Aga Khan Centre, London, in 2019.
Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘His vision and impact transcended borders, faiths and generations’
Naushad Jivraj
Feb 14, 2025
WITH profound sorrow and deep gratitude, we reflect on the life and legacy of Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, our beloved 49th hereditary Imam.
For nearly seven decades, His Highness Aga Khan IV dedicated his life to the spiritual and material wellbeing of the Ismaili community. He was not only our spiritual leader but also a visionary, whose work improved the lives of millions worldwide, leaving an impact that transcended borders, faiths and generations.
As Imam, his role was both to interpret the faith and to enhance the quality of life for the Jamat and those among whom they live. This commitment was not simply a duty, but a lifelong mission, fulfilled with extraordinary devotion.
He embodied the principle that faith and the world are inextricably linked, guiding our engagement with the world, and shaping societies grounded in service, dignity and the well-being of all. The ethos of service and volunteerism he instilled in us will continue to shape our collective efforts for years to come.
From the moment he ascended to the Imamat, in 1957, at the age of 20, His Highness Aga Khan IV envisioned a world where faith and reason, and tradition and progress worked in harmony to uplift the human spirit.
In every endeavour, he wove together the ethical principles of Islam with the needs of an evolving world, affirming that spirituality is not separate from society, but integral to it.
His Highness Aga Khan IV was a bridge – between past and future, between communities and cultures, between the sacred and the everyday. He reminded us that pluralism is not merely an ideal, but a responsibility and an action. Through his establishment of the Global Centre for Pluralism1 and his countless efforts in diplomacy, he championed a world where diversity is not feared but embraced, where dialogue is not a tactic, but a principle of life.
The Aga Khan meeting students at the University of Central Asia’s Naryn Campus, Kyrgyz Republic, in 2016.
The institutions he built through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) – universities, hospitals, schools, financial institutions and museums – stand as enduring symbols of human dignity and progress.
His vision for the AKDN has transformed the lives of millions, offering education to those seeking knowledge, healthcare to those in need and vital efforts to eliminate poverty, while empowering marginalised communities to build brighter futures.
As a member of the steering committee of the Aga Khan Centre in London, I saw first-hand the blend of tradition and modernity, symbolising his vision of harmonising Islamic heritage with contemporary innovation.
Today, as we reflect and mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life. His legacy is not confined to the past – it is a living inspiration that continues to shape the future through our 50th hereditary Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V.
In honouring his memory, we commit ourselves to carrying forward his vision of a world rooted in hope, compassion and harmony.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayi raji’un (Verily we belong to Allah and verily to Him do we return)
Visit media.ismaili.imamat for more information
(The author is the president of Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom)
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Mariah Carey to headline Brighton Pride 2025: Iconic comeback set to break records
Feb 14, 2025
This summer, music legend Mariah Carey is set to light up the stage at Brighton Pride, marking her first UK performance since her 2019 Royal Albert Hall shows. Scheduled for August 2, 2025, at Preston Park, Carey’s highly anticipated appearance follows the cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID-19. Known for her chart-topping hits like "Fantasy" and "Always Be My Baby," her performance is expected to draw massive crowds. Tickets go on sale February 20, and demand is expected to be high.
Paul Kemp, Brighton Pride’s Managing Director, shared his excitement, recalling the disappointment of 2020. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Mariah this year,” Kemp said. “Pride is a celebration of love, diversity, and unity, and having a global icon like her headline makes this year’s event even more special.”
Brighton Pride, one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals, attracts around 300,000 attendees annually. The event has a history of star-studded performances, with past headliners including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and the Black Eyed Peas. Carey’s performance will kick off the Pride on the Park event, with more acts set to be announced for the two-day festival.
In a social media announcement, Carey shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces at Pride on the Park 2025. It’s going to be unforgettable.” Her set promises to be a spectacular moment merging her timeless hits with the vibrant energy of Pride.
The pop legend returns to the UK stage, bringing her iconic hits to one of the country’s biggest Pride celebrationsGetty Images
The festival will also feature the annual LGBTQ+ Community Parade, themed "Ravishing Rage," celebrating resilience and unity. Kemp added, “This year’s Pride will be a powerful reminder of our community’s strength and spirit. We’re turning adversity into triumph, and Mariah’s presence will make it truly magical.”
With Carey’s star power and the festival’s message of inclusivity, Brighton Pride 2025 is gearing up to be a landmark event. Fans and festival-goers alike are eagerly counting down to what promises to be a special celebration of music, love, and pride.
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Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?
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Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, and his wife, Bianca Censori, are once again at the centre of divorce rumours, this time following a series of controversies surrounding Ye. Reports suggest that the couple’s relationship has been strained due to Ye’s recent actions, including allegations of antisemitism and the backlash from selling swastika-themed merchandise.
Sources claim that Censori, 30, reached a breaking point, unwilling to be associated with Ye’s controversies any longer. The tension reportedly escalated after Censori’s near-nude appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which drew widespread criticism. While Ye defended her bold outfit, calling her “smart, talented, brave, and hot,” the incident allegedly deepened the rift between them.
Censori has since been staying at their $35 million Beverly Hills home, while Ye’s whereabouts remain unclear. Adding fuel to the speculation, insiders have hinted that Censori is set to receive a $5 million settlement as part of their separation.
However, a representative for the couple has denied these claims. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Milo Yiannopoulos stated, “Ye and Bianca are in Los Angeles, preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day together. Any announcements regarding their private life will come directly from them.” He also criticised the media for repeatedly spreading false reports about their separation, noting that this is not the first time such rumours have surfaced.
The conflicting narratives have left fans questioning the true status of their relationship. While some believe the couple is on the verge of divorce, others argue that the rumours are simply another example of tabloid speculation surrounding Ye’s tumultuous personal life.
Bianca Censori’s bold Grammys outfit sparked controversy and fuelled speculation about her relationship with Kanye WestGetty Images
Ye’s recent controversies have undoubtedly cast a shadow over their marriage. From his inflammatory social media posts to the sale of controversial merchandise, his actions have sparked widespread backlash. Censori, who married Ye in December 2022, has reportedly struggled with the fallout, leading to increased tension between the pair.
As the world watches closely, the future of Ye and Censori’s relationship remains uncertain. Whether they are truly heading for a split or simply navigating another wave of media scrutiny, only time will tell. For now, the couple has not officially addressed the rumours, leaving fans and critics alike to speculate about what lies ahead for one of the most talked-about pairs in the entertainment world.
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Win tickets to Mythili Prakash’s stunning dance show
Eastern Eye
Feb 14, 2025
EASTERN EYE readers have the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch Bharatnatyam dancer Mythili Prakash perform at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, London, later this month.
In the new show titled She’s auspicious, Prakash explores the relationship between femininity and purity, according to the programme website.
Prakash is a regular collaborator of acclaimed dancer Akram Khan.
There are five pairs of tickets up for grabs.
To request a pair, please email Daksha Ganatra on Daksha. ganatra@Amg.biz no later than Tuesday (18), with the subject line – Reader Offer Sadler’s Wells.
Please mention your full name and a daytime contact number. This prize is available only for performances between February 28 and March 2 at Sadler’s Wells East and is not exchangeable for another show.
For more details click here.
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McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017. (Photo credit: Twitter)
Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India
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A COURT in India has found Vikat Bhagat guilty of the rape and murder of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.
McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017.
A post-mortem examination confirmed brain damage and strangulation as the cause of death. The verdict was delivered by the District and Sessions Court in South Goa on Friday, the BBC reported.
Bhagat could face life imprisonment, but prosecutors have requested the death penalty. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
McLaughlin’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, and sister, Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan, said justice "has finally been achieved."
They stated that Bhagat was solely responsible for her death, adding that they had endured an eight-year trial with delays and difficulties.
The family said they remained patient and respectful of the Indian legal system and expressed hope that McLaughlin can now rest in peace. They recently visited the area where she spent her last days, the BBC reported.
McLaughlin, who held dual Irish and British citizenship, travelled to India in February 2017 and had been in the country for two weeks before her death.
She had been staying in a beach hut with an Australian friend and had attended Holi celebrations in a nearby village. Her body was discovered the next day by a local farmer.
Tánaiste Simon Harris praised McLaughlin’s family for their resilience, saying he hoped the verdict would bring them some closure.
Her body was repatriated to Donegal with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. She is buried in Buncrana, her hometown.
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