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.
SHANE WARNE was not only one of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game but he can also probably be credited with saving the art of spin bowling in a sport that had become dominated by relentless pace.
His extraordinary figures tell the first half of the story and the proliferation of leg-spin bowlers, at the sharp end of the attack in almost every form of the game now, shows the other.
Warne died at the age of 52 from a suspected heart attack on Friday (4), hours after tweeting his love to the family of another Australian test legend, wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, who died on Thursday (3).
Warne wrote that Marsh was "an inspiration to so many young boys and girls" - an epitaph that the peerless leg spinner deserves 10-times over.
Warne finished his career with 708 wickets in 145 tests, a record that was later broken by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), which included a career-best of 8-71 against England at the Gabba.
He also picked up 293 ODI wickets and won the World Cup with Australia in 1999.
Warne too was a handy late-order batsman. Though his test average was only 17.3, he took the role seriously and holds the record for the most test runs (3,154) without a century - his highest score being 99.
Of those 708 wickets, none would or could have made more impact than his first Ashes wicket, the infamous "ball of the century" that pitched outside leg stump and took off to shatter England batsman Mike Gatting's off peg at Old Trafford in the 1993 series.
Never before had a new talent blasted onto the scene in such devastating style.
FILE PHOTO: Australian cricket player Shane Warne tees off on the 3rd hole during a practice round ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Fairmont St Andrews on September 29, 2014 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Warne went on to become part of an all-conquering Australia side, with the likes of Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie delivering relentlessly accurate pace attack that left Warne to rip into the worn-down batsmen.
When their job was done, the formidable batting lineup, headed by the likes of Mark Taylor, Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting, built totals that were a bowler's dream and opened the door for Warne to clean up and win match after match, series after series.
His endlessly repeatable action meant he could bowl marathon spells and such was his accuracy that, alongside being a demon attacking weapon, he was also parsimonious in terms of leaking runs - another unusual aspect for a spinner that made him effective in one-day games.
It was not all plain sailing, however, as in 2003 he failed a doping test for a diuretic and was banned from all cricket for a year - ruling him out of Australia's defence of the World Cup.
He returned from the layoff refreshed and fit and continued to take big hauls as he became the game's all-time leading wicket-taker in a cat-and-mouse competition with Muralitharan.
His final test was at Sydney in 2007 when he took his 1,000th international wicket in all forms of the game.
His career continued in T20, where he was a hugely popular captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, having also made friends with his oldest enemies in England as captain of County side Hampshire.
Having got a taste for broadcasting during his ban year, Warne became a hugely respected pundit after his retirement, never happier than when analysing the delivery of the latest spinner to follow in his footsteps.
Sony reveals Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 consoles during State of Play.
Two designs announced: Gold (global) and Black (PlayStation Direct exclusive).
Consoles and controllers inspired by Japanese art styles kintsugi and sumi-e.
Both bundles launch on 2 October alongside the game’s release.
Sony unveils striking Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 consoles
PlayStation has officially revealed the Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundles, featuring unique designs that pay tribute to Japanese visual art and the world of Sucker Punch’s upcoming game. The announcement was made during the recent State of Play event, which also showcased an in-depth look at gameplay.
Launching on 2 October 2025, the limited edition bundles will coincide with the release of Ghost of Yōtei, an action-adventure game set in a fictional version of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido). The bundles include either a gold or black PS5 console, each with its own matching DualSense Wireless Controller and digital copy of the game.
Honouring Japanese artistry
The Gold and Black Limited Edition bundles draw inspiration from two iconic Japanese art forms:
Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition
Available globally, the gold edition is inspired by kintsugi, the traditional Japanese method of repairing ceramics with lacquer and gold. This design symbolises beauty in imperfection and reflects the emotional journey of the game’s protagonist, Atsu, as she faces adversity and seeks healing.
Ghost of Yōtei Black Limited Edition
This version will be exclusive to direct.playstation.com and also available at selected retailers in Japan. It draws on the monochromatic art style of sumi-e, using black ink brushstrokes to evoke the mystery and natural beauty of Ezo, while also representing Atsu’s internal struggle and pursuit of redemption.
Both designs feature an engraved maker’s seal with the iconic PlayStation shapes, located on the back of the console’s top cover and on the controller. The matching controllers also include a silhouette of Atsu printed on the touchpad.
The controller and cover designs have been developed in close collaboration with the PlayStation design teamPlayStation
Design inspiration from the game
According to Sucker Punch’s Creative Director Jason Connell, the console and controller designs were developed to reflect key themes in Ghost of Yōtei:
“Our inspiration for this design came straight from one of the core aspects within the game: a deep focus on exploration. This includes the hand-drawn icons Atsu marks on her map, a kintsugi-style effect pulled from her Ghost mask, and brushstrokes reminiscent of her Sumi-e paintings,” he said. “The towering Mount Yōtei is included at the centre of the console design to pull it all together.”
What’s included in the bundles?
Each Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundle includes:
A limited edition PlayStation 5 console with disc drive (model group – slim)
A matching DualSense Wireless Controller
A digital copy of Ghost of Yōtei – Standard Edition
Pre-order content: an exclusive in-game mask and a set of seven PSN avatars featuring concept art of Atsu and the Yōtei Six
The controller and cover designs have been developed in close collaboration with the PlayStation design team and are only available in limited quantities.
Console covers and standalone accessories
Sony has also confirmed that for those who already own a PS5 or PS5 Pro, the Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition console covers will be sold separately. These feature the same gold kintsugi design as the bundle version and will be available at:
Participating online retailers in other territories
Both the Gold and Black DualSense Wireless Controllers will also be available as standalone purchases, with the black controller being limited to PlayStation Direct and select retailers in Japan.
Release date and availability
The Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition consoles and accessories will release on 2 October 2025, the same day as the game. Quantities will be limited, and pre-order details will be announced soon.
For more updates, visitdirect.playstation.com or follow PlayStation’s official channels.
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Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance
Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.
Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.
Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/
A Ralph Lauren moment with a Bridgerton nod
Charithra arrived at Wimbledon 2025 in a look that paid homage to her Bridgerton roots while firmly placing her among fashion’s rising stars. Wearing a sleeveless green cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white shirt, she paired the look with tan lambskin shorts and sleek white Nappa pumps, giving preppy summer chic a polished, modern upgrade.
She styled her hair in soft vintage curls, writing on TikTok that her look was “Edwina inspired,” referencing her breakout role in the hit Netflix period drama. She later posted the outfit on Instagram, captioning it, “Repping @wimbledon green with @ralphlauren. Wouldn’t be summer without it.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her effortless charm.
— (@)
Fans say she 'stole the spotlight' from Hollywood A-listers
While Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro were seated directly in front of her, and even made headlines for their courtside chemistry, many online noted that Chandran quietly stole the moment. One user tweeted, “Charithra Chandran is so beautiful, I didn’t even notice Andrew Garfield.” Another added, “Serving face, grace and Wimbledon-worthy class.”
Reddit threads lit up with praise for her presence and look, with several fans highlighting how refreshing it was to see a dark-skinned South Asian woman at the centre of attention at such a high-profile event. The comments ranged from “She should be a Disney princess” to “That’s the definition of quiet luxury.”
Style with substance: why Chandran’s fashion matters
Chandran’s choice to embrace a look so rooted in vintage elegance and British tailoring also mirrors her own journey. She is an Oxford graduate who brings intelligence, poise, and presence both on-screen and off. As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, she has consistently delivered looks that nod to heritage while adding her own contemporary vibe to it.
In a media landscape that still underrepresents South Asian women in luxury fashion spaces, Chandran’s presence at Wimbledon in a leading designer’s box, and in their outfit, felt quietly radical. She wasn’t just there; she belonged there.
Charithra’s look was inspired by her character Edwina Sharma from BridgertonInstagram/charithra17/
From Bridgerton to fashion’s front row
While Charithra Chandran is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, she’s no stranger to reinvention. Recent credits include Dune: Prophecy and the upcoming season of One Piece, where she plays Nefertari Vivi. Off-screen, she’s rapidly becoming a name to watch in the fashion world, with red carpet looks that bring together tradition and trend with striking ease.
Whether she’s portraying a royal on screen or sitting in the royal box in real life, Chandran’s presence is part of a larger shift towards a more diverse, intelligent, and graceful representation in both fashion and film.
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Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members
Amazon Prime Day runs until 11 July, with major savings on electronics
Apple AirPods Pro 2, iPad 11th-gen, and MacBook Air M4 hit all-time low prices
Samsung Galaxy phones, Sony headphones and Fire TV devices also see deep cuts
Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, but free trial users can also access deals
Biggest electronics sale of the year
Amazon’s four-day Prime Day 2025 event has delivered a flood of deals on popular electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones and more. Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members, though new users can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access the discounts.
As part of this year’s event, several top-rated products from Apple, Samsung, Sony and Amazon itself have seen some of their lowest-ever prices. According to The Independent’s senior tech critic Alex Lee, “Apple discounts are notoriously rare — but this Prime Day is a clear exception.”
Apple’s best Prime Day deals
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Was £229, now £179 – Amazon.co.uk These premium earbuds feature upgraded audio quality and adaptive noise cancellation. Tech reviewer David Phelan described them as “the best AirPods yet”, noting their impressive environmental awareness features.
Was £329, now £284 – Amazon.co.uk Launched in March 2025, this model comes with an A16 Bionic chip, USB-C charging, and 128GB of storage. It’s considered the best-value iPad currently on the market.
Was £999, now £849 – Amazon.co.uk This slimline laptop is praised for its fast performance, long battery life and sleek design. Phelan called it “Apple’s best MacBook Air yet”.
Ultra 2: Was £799, now £659 Both watches include health tracking features like sleep monitoring, ECG, and fitness metrics. The Ultra 2 also includes a double-tap gesture and two-day battery life.
Was £99, now £55 – Amazon.co.uk Praised by reviewers for sound quality and noise cancellation at a budget price. Which? rated them one of the best mid-range earbuds.
Was £289, now £179 – Amazon.co.uk These over-ear headphones offer top-tier noise cancellation and comfort. Suitable for frequent travellers or remote workers.
Was £79, now £53 – Amazon.co.uk A favourite alternative to AirPods, with long battery life and reliable ANC.
Tips for tech shoppers
Check price history – Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to confirm whether a deal is genuinely at its lowest price.
Compare with high street retailers – Currys, Argos and John Lewis may match or beat Prime Day prices.
Watch out for Lightning Deals – Some electronics deals are time-limited or quantity-restricted.
Sign up for alerts – Use the Amazon app or wishlists to get notified as soon as your favourite products drop in price.
Read expert reviews – Publications like The Independent, TechRadar, and Wired offer trusted opinions.
Prime Day 2025 has proven to be a massive event for electronics, with major savings on Apple, Samsung, Sony and more. From flagship phones and MacBooks to OLED TVs and noise-cancelling earbuds, this year’s sale includes some of the best prices seen in months. With the sale ending at 11:59 pm on 11 July, time is running out to make the most of these deals.
Whether you're after new headphones, a smartwatch, or a tablet for work or leisure, the Prime Day sale offers plenty of compelling options — but only while stocks last.
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UK-based Nanak Hotels acquired the 60-room Kings Court Hotel in Warwickshire for £2.75 million. (Photo: Colliers International UK)
UK-BASED Nanak Hotels recently acquired the 60-room Kings Court Hotel, a 17th-century property in Warwickshire, England, for £2.75 million. This is the first regional acquisition by the privately held firm led by British Indians Harpreet Singh Saluja and Karamvir Singh.
Nanak Hotels, which operates a UK property portfolio, plans to invest in the property's refurbishment and repositioning, according to a statement from Colliers International UK, which brokered the transaction.
“We’re excited to bring Kings Court Hotel into our portfolio as our first Warwickshire acquisition,” said Saluja. “It has a solid foundation and loyal customer base. We see potential to develop the hotel while preserving its heritage.”
The West Midlands hotel, on a 4.2-acre site between Alcester and Redditch, began as a 17th-century farmhouse and now operates as a hospitality business with public areas, event and conference facilities and wedding capacity for up to 130 guests.
The hotel’s previous owner said Kings Court had been central to their work for over 30 years.
“It’s been a privilege to grow it into what it is today,” the owner said. “As we retire, we’re pleased to see it pass to a new owner who shares our commitment to hospitality and has a vision for its future.”
“The sale of Kings Court Hotel drew strong interest due to its size, location and trading performance,” said Josh Sullivan and Peter Brunt of Colliers International UK. “We’re pleased to have completed the transaction with Nanak Hotels and look forward to seeing how they develop the asset.”
In February, UK-based Shiva Hotels, led by founder and CEO Rishi Sachdev, secured $372m (£289m) to renovate The BoTree in Marylebone, London. Separately, Indian tech firm Oyo announced a $62m (£48m), three-year plan to expand its UK hotel portfolio by acquiring inventory and securing leasehold and management contracts, supporting 1,000 jobs.
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SS Rajamouli, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati share a moment at the Baahubali reunion event
SS Rajamouli announces Baahubali: The Epic, combining the two original films into one cinematic saga.
The re-edited version will release in theatres globally on 31 October 2025.
The runtime is expected to cross five hours, sparking fan excitement and jokes online.
Reunion photos featuring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli shared on the film’s 10th anniversary.
A decade after Baahubali: The Beginning redefined Indian cinema, director SS Rajamouli has announced a reimagined release of the entire saga. Titled Baahubali: The Epic, this special two-part combined film will hit theatres on 31 October 2025, offering fans a seamless version of the grand story that began in 2015.
Team Baahubali reunites a decade after the first film’s releaseInstagram/baahubalimovie
Rajamouli brings Baahubali back with a new vision
On the 10th anniversary of the original film, Rajamouli shared the news on X, alongside a new poster. He wrote, “Baahubali… The beginning of many journeys. Countless memories. Endless inspiration.” He added that this milestone would be celebrated with Baahubali: The Epic, combining The Beginning and The Conclusion into one cinematic experience.
The re-cut version will feature updated transitions and potential new edits to streamline the narrative, according to early reports. Produced by Arka Media Works, the film will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.
— (@)
What to expect from the re-edited Baahubali
While the storyline remains unchanged, the combined runtime sparked curiosity when ticketing platform BookMyShow listed it at 5 hours and 27 minutes. The post was later deleted, but not before fans took screenshots and turned it into a meme fest. One user joked, “Yedhi maranam? 5hrs 27min runtime maranam,” mimicking Prabhas' famous dialogue.
Responding to the buzz, the film’s official X account wrote, “No worries! We won’t take up your whole day. It’ll be around the same time as an exciting IPL match.”
— (@)
A franchise that transformed Indian cinema
Baahubali: The Beginning and its 2017 sequel were not just box office hits, they were milestones. The first film earned around £61 million (₹650 crore) globally, while Baahubali 2: The Conclusion grossed £168 million (₹1,788 crore), making it one of India’s highest-grossing films.
The series featured Prabhas as Sivudu and Amarendra Baahubali, alongside Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj and Nassar. The gripping storyline, elaborate sets, and visual effects turned it into a national obsession, most memorably with the cliffhanger, “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?”
To celebrate the ten-year milestone, the cast and crew reunited on 10 July 2025. Photos from the event showed Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Rajamouli laughing and reminiscing. Ramya Krishnan was also present, while MM Keeravani performed a song from the film, adding to the nostalgia. Notably, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia were missing from the reunion.
The official Instagram handle of the Baahubali franchise shared heartfelt photos and wrote, “A journey that brought us together as one family… And memories we will cherish forever.”
While fans flooded comment sections asking for a third instalment, Rajamouli remains focused on his next big project, SSMB 29, reportedly starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
For now, Baahubali: The Epic promises a cinematic celebration of a story that changed the scale of Indian filmmaking. Whether you’ve watched it once or a dozen times, this new version is set to offer a fresh perspective on a tale that became part of pop culture history.