On Friday (03), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that permitting Russia to continue its actions in Ukraine would send a message to aggressors worldwide.
"If we allow Russia to do what it is doing in Ukraine then that's a message to the aggressors everywhere that they may be able to get away with it too," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers in Delhi.
Blinken made these remarks during the Raisina Dialogue 2023 held in Delhi under the theme "The Quad Squad: Power and Purpose of the Polygon." All Quad foreign ministers were present at the event in person.
"For us the future is so much in Indo-Pacific...Even as we are rightly focussed on what is happening in Ukraine as a result of Russian aggression, not just because it matters to Ukrainians and to Ukraine and Europe, but because it matters to the entire world," Blinken added.
Regarding the Quad alliance, Blinken expressed his belief that it is a force for positive and proactive measures that serve the greater good. On Friday, India played host to the Quad foreign ministers' meeting, led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
This meeting took place a day after the G20 foreign ministers meeting in the national capital.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting provided an opportunity for the ministers to continue the discussions from their last meeting in New York in September 2022.
On Thursday, Blinken and Jaishankar met to discuss measures to alleviate the global impact of Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
During the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meet, Blinken engaged in a conversation with Jaishankar about addressing global and regional challenges. Their discussions covered a range of topics, including mitigating the global impact of Russia's conflict in Ukraine, collaborating between the United States and India in the Indo-Pacific, the successful launch of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), and regional issues.
Blinken urged Sergey Lavrov, his Russian counterpart, earlier today to reverse Moscow's "irreversible decision" and resume implementing the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) nuclear arms reduction treaty.
Siddharth to co-star with Freida Pinto in Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth
Series based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection
John Wells and Madhuri Shekar leading the adaptation with Ritesh Batra directing two episodes
Cast includes Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, Sarayu Blue, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig
Actor Siddharth has joined Freida Pinto in Unaccustomed Earth, Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s celebrated short story collection. The new drama, combining elements of family conflict with romance, marks Siddharth’s latest international outing. With Pinto leading the cast, the series promises to bring Lahiri’s themes of migration, love, and identity to a global audience.
Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories Getty Images
What is Unaccustomed Earth about?
The Netflix series adapts Lahiri’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of stories, weaving them into an eight-part narrative set in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It follows the life of Parul Chaudhury played by Freida Pinto, a devoted wife whose world unravels when a long-lost love resurfaces, sparking a scandalous affair within a close-knit Indian American community.
Described by the streamer as an “epic, soapy drama,” the show explores themes of belonging, generational conflict, and the push and pull between tradition and individual desire.
Siddharth takes on the role of Amit Mukherjee, a Bengali American raised in Cambridge. Known as the dependable friend everyone turns to in moments of crisis, Amit is warm-hearted yet struggles to find stability in both work and relationships.
According to Netflix, Amit’s life begins to spiral just as his relationship starts to look promising, with the unexpected return of his lost love setting off a chain of emotional conflicts. This layered character gives Siddharth the opportunity to bring both depth and vulnerability to the story.
Actor Siddharth's Instagram postInstagram Screengrab/worldofsiddharth
Who is behind Unaccustomed Earth on Netflix?
The series is being spearheaded by Emmy-winning producer John Wells alongside playwright and screenwriter Madhuri Shekar. Wells serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer, while Shekar joins him as co-writer and co-producer.
Indian filmmaker Ritesh Batra will direct the first two episodes, with additional episodes helmed by Nisha Ganatra. The project is produced under John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Lahiri herself is also attached as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation stays faithful to her original text.
Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning Unaccustomed Earth comes to Netflix with a global ensemble castGetty Images
When will Unaccustomed Earth release on Netflix?
Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Unaccustomed Earth. The show is currently in production and will join the streamer’s growing list of South Asian stories with international appeal.Lahiri’s works have been adapted for the screen before, most notably The Namesake directed by Mira Nair and starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn. With an ensemble that also includes Indraneil Sengupta as Jai, Adi Roy as Kaushik, Sarayu Blue as Ruma, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig as Hema, expectations are high for the series to deliver another culturally rich story with global resonance.
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Taylor Swift's lawyer denies deposition agreement in Tustin Baldoni- Blake Lively lawsuit
Swift’s legal team denies claims she agreed to a deposition
Justin Baldoni sought to question her over friendship with Blake Lively
Judge ruled Baldoni missed the deadline to schedule her questioning
Swift’s lawyer says she has “no material role” in the case
Taylor Swift’s lawyer has confirmed the singer has not agreed to a deposition in the ongoing It Ends With Us lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, shutting down claims made by Baldoni’s legal team. The pop star was named as a potential witness due to her close friendship with Lively, but her counsel insists she has no connection to the allegations. The high-profile legal battle has drawn global attention as it moves towards trial.
Taylor Swift's lawyer denies deposition agreement in Tustin Baldoni- Blake Lively lawsuit Getty Images
Why did Justin Baldoni want Taylor Swift’s deposition?
Baldoni’s lawyers argued that Swift’s long-standing friendship with Lively made her a “key witness” who could offer insight into private communications between the two actors during the film’s production. They claimed she had agreed to appear for questioning after October due to prior work commitments, referencing the rollout of her forthcoming album.
However, Swift’s attorney Douglas Baldridge refuted this in a court filing, stating that she never agreed to sit for questioning and was only contacted about it three days prior. He stressed that if forced, she could only make time during the week of 20 October, but this would be contingent on the court’s direction, not voluntary consent.
Taylor Swift has "no material role" in legal case, says lawyerGetty Images
What did the judge say about the Taylor Swift deposition bid?
Judge Lewis J. Liman denied Baldoni’s request to extend the discovery deadline to include Swift’s deposition. He ruled that Baldoni’s legal team “failed to demonstrate appropriate diligence” after waiting until this week to approach her representatives, despite having months to do so.
The judge confirmed that the discovery schedule requires all depositions to conclude by the end of September, meaning Baldoni has lost the chance to question Swift as part of the pre-trial evidence process.
Bryan Freedman, speaks to the press at US District Court after a pre-trial hearing in New York on February 3, 2025Getty Images
How has Taylor Swift responded to being named in the lawsuit?
Swift’s team has criticised Baldoni for trying to pull her into what they call a “media spectacle” despite her having no role in the case. Baldridge wrote that “since the inception of this matter, we have consistently maintained that my client has no material role in this action.”
Lively’s lawyers shared this view, accusing Baldoni of attempting to generate tabloid coverage by involving Swift. They also opposed extending the discovery period, saying any scheduling issues were caused by Baldoni’s delay, not Swift’s unavailability.
Taylor Swift and Blake Lively prior to Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City ChiefsGetty Images
What is the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit about?
The legal clash began in December when Lively accused Baldoni, her co-star and director on It Ends With Us, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign after she complained. Baldoni denied the claims and countersued for defamation, but the judge later dismissed his countersuit as legally invalid.
U.S. judge rules Blake Lively\u2019s harassment claims were legally protected speech Getty Images
The case is heading to trial in March 2026 with only Lively’s original allegations remaining. The court previously allowed Baldoni limited access to Lively and Swift’s text messages during the discovery process but has now closed the door on deposing Swift.
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West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. (Representational image: iStock)
A WOMAN in her 20s was raped in Oldbury in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack.
West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. Officers said the men made a racist remark during the incident.
Chief Supt Kim Madill of Sandwell Police said: “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way. We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.”
The first suspect has been described as white, with a shaved head and of heavy build, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves. The second man was also white, wearing a grey top with a silver zip. Police said the incident is being treated as isolated and urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 798 of September 9.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators reportedly told the woman: “You don't belong in this country, get out.” Dabinderjit Singh of the group said the attack happened “in broad daylight on a busy road” and criticised politicians for failing to condemn it.
Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan said on X the case was “a truly horrific attack” and that police were treating it as a hate crime and working “extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace.”
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Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral
Viral clipping claimed Aamir Khan called his cameo in Coolie “a big mistake”
The image showed fabricated quotes criticising the role and script
Fact checks confirm no credible record of Aamir making such remarks
Despite mixed reactions, Coolie has crossed £41.75 million (₹500 crore) globally
Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed stars, has become the subject of a viral claim alleging he regretted his cameo in Coolie. The Rajinikanth starrer, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, featured Aamir in a brief special appearance. Social media posts claimed Aamir called the cameo “a big mistake”, but fact checks have found no evidence he ever said this. The controversy surfaced as the film continues its strong box office run.
Coolie hits £47m worldwide as fake ‘big mistake’ quote on Aamir Khan cameo goes viral Instagram/sunpictures
Did Aamir Khan really call his Coolie cameo a mistake?
The viral image doing the rounds online showed a newspaper-style clipping with quotes attributed to Aamir Khan, allegedly saying he “can’t figure out what his character was meant to do” and that it was “badly written.”
However, no verified news outlet or interview carries these remarks. The clipping has no byline, date, or publication name. Media watchdogs flagged inconsistencies in formatting and language, suggesting the content was fabricated. Reputed entertainment portals have confirmed that Aamir has not made any public comment criticising his cameo.
— (@)
What has Aamir Khan actually said about his cameo in Coolie ?
During Coolie’s promotional phase, Aamir had spoken positively about appearing alongside Rajinikanth. He described the experience as “loads of fun” and revealed he agreed to do it purely out of admiration for the veteran star.
Known for his perfectionist approach, Aamir also clarified at the time that he had not read the full script before saying yes. He emphasised that the cameo was a gesture of respect, not a creative collaboration, and that he was not involved in shaping the film’s storyline.
Despite the trolling around Aamir Khan’s appearance, Coolie has performed strongly. Industry trackers report that the film has grossed over £41.75 million (₹500 crore) worldwide. In India alone, the action thriller has earned around £28.05 million (₹336 crore), with Tamil Nadu contributing nearly £12.52 million (₹150 crore), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana around £5.84 million (₹70 crore), Karnataka £3.76 million (₹45 crore), and Kerala £2.09 million (₹25 crore).
The film opened to record-breaking figures over the Independence Day weekend before seeing a drop in weekday collections. Its overseas business has remained solid, pushing it into the year’s top-grossing Indian films.
False attributions like this can damage reputations and distort public opinion. In this case, the fake quote risked suggesting friction between Aamir Khan and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, or disappointment with Rajinikanth’s project.
— (@)
Neither Aamir nor his team has issued an official response yet, but sources close to the actor stress that he has no regrets about the cameo. The fabricated claim shows how easily misinformation can spread when presented in seemingly authentic formats.
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India began their campaign with a nine-wicket win against the UAE, bowling them out for 57 in 13.1 overs before chasing the target in just 27 balls on Thursday. (Photo: Getty Images)
AN INDIA-PAKISTAN cricket match always draws attention, and emotions are set to run high when the two teams meet on Sunday in the Asia Cup. The contest comes months after the neighbours engaged in a four-day military conflict in May.
Bilateral cricket ties between the two countries have been suspended for years, and the arch-rivals now face each other only in multi-nation tournaments. The upcoming Group A fixture will be their first meeting since the May clashes, which nearly escalated into a full-scale war.
Political relations have worsened since then, with some former Indian cricketers calling on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the match. The boycott call has been set aside, and both teams have said they will not ease up on aggression when they meet.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan counterpart Salman Agha have made clear they want their teams to play hard. India, the current 20-overs world champions, are also looking to defend their Asia Cup title.
"Once the BCCI said they are aligned with the government, we are here to play," India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Friday. "Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket. I personally don't think they have anything in mind apart from playing cricket and that's what we focus on."
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson also stressed focus, though he acknowledged the intensity of the occasion.
"Being part of a highly-charged event is going to be exciting," Hesson said this week.
"From my perspective ... it is about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That will be no different.
"We know India are obviously hugely confident and rightfully so. But we are very much focused on improving as a team day-by-day and not getting ahead of ourselves."
India look the strongest side in the eight-team event, bolstered by the return of pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Shubman Gill. They began their campaign with a nine-wicket win against the United Arab Emirates, bowling them out for 57 in 13.1 overs before chasing the target in just 27 balls on Thursday.
Pakistan started with a win against Oman but their batting has been inconsistent. They are without former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan but recently won a T20 tri-series in the UAE that also featured Afghanistan.
"We have been playing good cricket in the last two-three months and we just have to play good cricket," Pakistan captain Salman said on Friday. "If we can execute our plans for a long enough period, we are good enough to beat any team."