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'The Final Reckoning' is expected to mark the conclusion of Ethan Hunt’s storyline
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This food fuels Tom Cruise before he performs daring stunts for action films
May 03, 2025
Tom Cruise, 62, has shared details of his high-calorie breakfast routine that fuels his extreme stunt work in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. The actor, known for performing his own action sequences, revealed in an interview with People magazine that he consumes a “massive breakfast” before attempting high-risk feats such as wing-walking, plane jumps, and mountain climbs.
Cruise explained the importance of his morning meal in maintaining energy during physically demanding scenes, particularly those performed at high altitude. “I actually eat a massive breakfast,” he said. “The amount of energy it takes — I train so hard for that wing-walking. I’ll eat, like, sausage and almost a dozen eggs and bacon and toast and coffee and fluids. Oh, I’m eating! Picture: It’s cold up there. We’re at high altitude. My body is burning a lot.”
Director Christopher McQuarrie, who returns to helm the eighth instalment in the franchise, praised Cruise’s dedication, stating: “Anytime you see Tom in the plane, he’s at the controls. He’s basically a one-man film crew: operating the camera, acting and flying.”
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is scheduled for release in Indian cinemas on 17 May 2025, six days earlier than its originally planned global debut on 23 May. The trailer, released earlier this year, features Cruise performing a series of high-octane stunts, including aerial jumps and underwater sequences, which have become synonymous with the franchise.
The film sees Cruise reprise his role as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, a character he first played in 1996. The cast also includes Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, Shea Whigham, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman and Greg Tarzan Davis.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, The Final Reckoning is expected to mark the conclusion of Ethan Hunt’s storyline, though it remains to be seen whether Cruise will retire from the role completely. The film continues the tradition of practical effects and real stunts that have helped define the Mission: Impossible series over the past three decades.
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Traditional antivenoms are made by injecting venom into animals
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Tim Friede survives 200 snakebites to help create universal antivenom
May 03, 2025
Scientists have developed a potentially groundbreaking snake antivenom using the blood of Tim Friede, a US man who has spent nearly two decades injecting himself with venom from some of the world’s deadliest snakes. The research has led to the discovery of antibodies offering unprecedented protection against a broad range of venomous species.
Friede, a former truck mechanic, has been bitten more than 200 times and injected himself with venom over 700 times in an attempt to build immunity. His goal, initially motivated by personal safety while handling snakes, evolved into a mission to aid global snakebite victims. Each year, snakebites kill up to 140,000 people and cause permanent injury or disability in many more, particularly in developing countries.
"I didn’t want to die. I didn’t want to lose a finger. I didn’t want to miss work," Friede told the BBC, recalling an early incident when two cobra bites left him in a coma. Despite the risks, he continued his efforts, saying, "It just became a lifestyle… for the people who are 8,000 miles away from me who die from snakebite."
Traditional antivenoms are made by injecting venom into animals like horses to stimulate an immune response. The resulting antibodies are harvested and used as treatment. However, these antivenoms must match the specific species of snake involved, and even then, variations in venom within the same species can limit effectiveness.
This challenge led researchers to search for broadly neutralising antibodies — immune responses that target components common across toxin types rather than species-specific traits. The work was led by Dr Jacob Glanville, chief executive of biotech firm Centivax, who believed Friede’s immune system could hold the key. After obtaining ethical approval to use Friede’s blood, the research team focused on elapids — a family of venomous snakes that includes cobras, mambas, kraits, taipans and coral snakes.
These snakes primarily use neurotoxins, which can paralyse victims by targeting the nervous system and halting respiration. Scientists analysed blood samples from Tim Friede and identified two antibodies that neutralised broad classes of neurotoxins. A third component, an existing drug was added to the mixture to target a third class of toxin.
Published in the journal Cell, the study reported that this antivenom cocktail protected mice from fatal doses of venom from 13 out of 19 of the world’s deadliest elapids. The remaining six species showed partial protection. Dr Glanville described the findings as “unparalleled” in their breadth of protection, suggesting that the cocktail could cover many elapids currently lacking effective antivenom.
The team is now working to improve the formulation and explore the addition of a fourth antibody to enhance coverage. They also aim to develop similar protection against vipers, another major group of venomous snakes that use haemotoxins to damage blood cells.
“There are around a dozen broad classes of toxins,” said Prof Peter Kwong of Columbia University. “I think in the next 10 or 15 years we’ll have something effective against each one.”
Prof Nick Casewell, head of the Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, called the findings “novel” and a “strong piece of evidence” for a new approach to antivenom development, while stressing the need for further testing before human use.
For Tim Friede, the study is a major milestone. “I’m doing something good for humanity,” he said. “That was very important to me. I’m proud of it. It’s pretty cool.”
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Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans play a shot during the 2025 IPL match between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad.
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Gill, Buttler star as Gujarat beat Hyderabad in IPL
May 03, 2025
SHUBMAN GILL and Jos Buttler scored half-centuries as Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 38 runs in the IPL match on Friday.
Gujarat posted 224 for 6 after being asked to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gill scored 76 off 38 balls, while Buttler added 64 from 37.
Hyderabad managed 186 for 6 in reply, with Abhishek Sharma top-scoring with 74 off 41 balls.
With the win, Gujarat moved up to second place on the points table. Hyderabad remain in contention for the playoffs, but their chances have reduced.
"The way our top order plays, we know how to keep the scoreboard ticking," Gujarat captain Gill said after the match. "Everyone on the team played a role in the victory."
Gill and Sai Sudharsan gave Gujarat a strong start, putting together an 87-run partnership. Sudharsan scored 48 off 23 balls before getting out in the seventh over.
Gill continued the attack with Buttler before being run out in the 13th over. Gujarat’s scoring slowed after Gill’s dismissal but picked up again with Buttler’s innings. He scored 64 before getting out in the 19th over.
Jaydev Unadkat took three wickets in the final over. Washington Sundar (21), Rahul Tewatia (6), and Shahrukh Khan (6 not out) added quick runs to take the total past 220.
In response, Hyderabad openers Abhishek and Travis Head scored 45 runs in the first five overs. Head was out for 20 in the sixth over after a catch by Rashid Khan.
Hyderabad then lost momentum. Kishan scored 13, and Abhishek kept the innings going until the 15th over.
Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Pat Cummins (19 not out) tried to reduce the gap, but the target proved too high.
"In the end it was a bridge too far... We left a bit too much for the batters. We have to cling onto some hope," Cummins said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Alia Bhatt joins Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Viola Davis as L'Oréal Paris ambassadors at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
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Alia Bhatt to make Cannes debut as L’Oréal Paris ambassador alongside Aishwarya Rai
May 03, 2025
Alia Bhatt is stepping onto one of cinema’s most iconic stages: Cannes. The actor will walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time this May, representing L’Oréal Paris as their global ambassador.
This will in fact be a new chapter in her career, as she joins a line-up of international faces from the beauty brand, including Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda and Elle Fanning. Cannes runs from 13 to 24 May this year, and Alia will also be seen alongside veteran Cannes attendee and fellow L’Oréal ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Alia Bhatt radiates confidence at the Met Gala Getty Images
Speaking about the milestone, Alia said that "firsts" have a special place in her heart. Representing L’Oréal Paris under this year’s theme, Lights, Beauty and Action, she shared that beauty for her goes beyond appearance. “It’s about owning who you are with confidence and self-worth,” she said. She expressed pride in being part of a campaign that encourages women to embrace their individuality.
L’Oréal Paris, marking 28 years at Cannes as the official make-up partner, sees Alia’s inclusion as a reflection of Indian cinema’s growing global presence. Dario Zizzi, L’Oréal Paris India’s General Manager, noted that her participation represents both the rise of Indian storytelling and the brand’s focus on empowering diverse voices.
Alia Bhatt will make her Cannes debut, representing Indian cinema alongside L'Oréal Paris' star-studded line-upGetty Images
Back home, Alia has been active beyond the red carpet. Recently, she attended the WAVES summit in Mumbai, dressed in a traditional Paithani sari to mark Maharashtra Day, bringing together cultural pride with modern presence.
On the film front, Alia is gearing up for Alpha, part of Yash Raj Films’ expanding spy universe, set to release this Christmas. She’s also reuniting with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love and War, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal and is scheduled for a 2026 release.
Alia Bhatt will share the Cannes spotlight with Hollywood icons Eva Longoria and Elle Fanning as L'Oréal Paris ambassadorsGetty Images
With her Cannes debut, Alia joins an elite league of Indian stars making their mark internationally, not just through cinema, but by representing values of diversity and individuality on global platforms.
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A Thousand Splendid Suns: A Gripping Tale of Resilience and Sisterhood at Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Sisterhood & Resilience at Birmingham Rep
May 03, 2025
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre is currently hosting a powerful and emotionally charged stage adaptation of A Thousand Splendid Suns, running until Saturday, 3 May. Based on the bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini, the play vividly brings to life the heart-wrenching story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become inextricably linked against the backdrop of war, oppression, and the rise of the Taliban.
Set in a war-torn Kabul, the production explores the harsh realities of life under a brutal regime, while offering a deeply moving portrayal of human endurance and the strength found in unexpected companionship. As political turmoil intensifies, Mariam and Laila—initially strangers—form a bond that transcends suffering and evolves into an unbreakable sisterhood.
Directed with sensitivity and strength, the stage version captures the emotional depth and rich cultural context of the original novel. The production has been praised for its compelling performances, atmospheric staging, and its ability to translate the novel’s intensity into a powerful live experience.
For those seeking a story that is as thought-provoking as it is inspiring, A Thousand Splendid Suns at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre is not to be missed. Tickets and further information are available at www.birmingham-rep.co.uk.
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