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Elections 2026Business / easterneye
Highlights The Treasury expects businesses to save around 800 million through cuts to unnecessary paperwork and regulation. Streamlined reporting requirements are expected to save 290 million, while changes affecting asset managers and property transactions could save a further 221 million. Import tariff suspensions covering more than 250 products will be extended for another year, with savings of up to 155 million. UK businesses are set to receive around 800 million in savings from a government
London will host a one-day fusion wedding fair in May 2027, designed for couples planning celebrations that combine Asian and Western wedding traditions. Organised by Silver Lined Wedding Shows , East Meets West will take place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden on Sunday, 9 May 2027, from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be free. The event aims to address a gap in the wedding industry, where mainstream wedding fairs may not cater to the requirements of British Asian couples, while Asi
Highlights Tom Cruise will receive the American Film Institutes 52nd Life Achievement Award on 24 April 2027. The ceremony will take place at Hollywoods Dolby Theatre, celebrating his contributions as an actor and producer. Cruise joins previous recipients including Eddie Murphy, Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington and George Clooney. Tom Cruise is set to join some of Hollywoods most celebrated names after being named the recipient of the American Film Institutes (AFI) 52nd Life Achievement Award.
Highlights Ayushmann Khurrana plays a Pakistani agent who loses his memory and begins to believe he is an Indian patriot. The spy comedy uses India-Pakistan tensions as the backdrop for slapstick humour and political mockery. While the identity confusion generates some effective laughs, the film struggles with crude jokes and stereotypes. Ayushmann Khurranas latest film, Udta Teer , takes a comic approach to espionage, turning the familiar India-Pakistan conflict into a farcical spy story. Direc
Highlights Leeds to York train services will be suspended from tomorrow (24) to Sunday, November 1. Direct rail replacement buses will run between the two cities, alongside local stopping services for intermediate stations. The work will allow the installation of overhead equipment needed to electrify the route. Rail passengers travelling between Leeds and York face nine days of disruption as Network Rail carries out a major bridge replacement in Church Fenton. No trains will run on the main rou
Highlights The H3 Podcast crew says it will not work with Ethan Klein any more, after Hila Klein publicly alleged he had an affair lasting more than six months The crew's statement, posted on Instagram on 23 October, says its members are shocked, angry, and heartbroken and would not continue working with him involved or profiting in any way Ethan announced an indefinite hiatus for the podcast on 22 October, less than 12 hours before Hila's post The crew says it does not yet know what this means
Highlights 418 earns praise for its eerie atmosphere, sound design and climax, but viewers are divided over its screenplay and pacing. Directed by debutant Kirtan Nadagouda, the Telugu horror thriller centres on a mysterious hostel room locked for 15 years. Some viewers find the second half more engaging, while others feel the film falls short of its promise of genuine scares. The Telugu horror thriller 418, presented by KGF and Salaar filmmaker Prashanth Neel, has arrived in cinemas following p
Highlights Around six million households across Britain are expected to receive the 150 Warm Home Discount this winter. Some recipients will get the discount automatically, while others must contact a helpline by February 26, 2027. The government is urging households to use their energy supplier's official contact details and watch out for scams. Millions of households across Britain are being told to check their letterboxes for confirmation of a 150 energy rebate as the Warm Home Discount begin
Highlights Cla Mnier, 17, a back-row for Union du Bassin Marmandais Under-18s, has died after an injury in a match against Agen Agglo Rugby on Saturday 17 October She was treated at the pitch and taken to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where French media report she died on Wednesday 21 October Neither her club nor the French Rugby Federation has disclosed the nature of the injury, though French outlets describe a violent blow to the head The federation has set up psychological support for her t
Highlights Airbnb's new rules take effect on November 20 for reservations covered by its updated policy. Hosts generally will not be able to ask guests to strip beds, take trash offsite or wash and put away dishes. Guests can still be asked to follow reasonable house rules, including putting used dishes in the sink. Airbnb guests who have been asked to strip beds, wash dishes or haul rubbish away before checking out will soon have clearer grounds to push back. The accommodation platform is chang
Trump says he asked Pichai about renaming the Atlantic Ocean, but Google's CEO was reluctant. The president also joked about calling the Pacific the American Ocean. The exchange follows Trump's earlier push to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. US President Donald Trump says Google CEO Sundar Pichai rejected his idea to rename the Atlantic Ocean, after the company previously adopted his administration's Gulf of America name change for users in the United States. Trump recounted th
Highlights Dame Judi Dench says her deteriorating eyesight has left her unable to perform on stage, make films or read. The 91-year-old actor was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012. She has also spoken about struggling to recognise faces and the awkward encounters caused by her sight loss. Dame Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of her deteriorating eyesight on her acting career, revealing that she can no longer perform on stage, make films or read. The Oscar-winning
Frances Segelman, who is making a 20ft bronze statue of the Indian politician Mulayam Singh Yadav , sculpted a bust of the actor Richard E Grant in front of an audience on Sunday (18). This was done in St Pauls Church Covent Garden, which is popularly known as the Actors Church. Segelman, who is known for her ability to do faces, started with a lump of clay, but within a couple of hours produced a wonderful likeness of the Oscar nominated star of such films as Withnail and I, Saltburn and The Ag
Highlights Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.5 is scheduled to launch on 22 October, bringing new content to the role-playing game. A reported leak points to console mod support, dual-wielding pistols, new quests and a field-of-view slider. CD Projekt RED has confirmed cyberware customisation and a new dual-wielding playstyle, while other leaked features await official confirmation. Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.5 could bring some major additions to Night City, including console mod support, new missions and ga
Miatta Fahnbulleh says longer settlement wait could harm cohesion Mahmood plans to extend the wait from five to 15 years Angela Rayner has also criticised the plans Burnham considering an exemption for care workers ENERGY SECRETARY Miatta Fahnbulleh has criticised home secretary Shabana Mahmoods plans to make migrants wait longer for permanent settlement, deepening a cabinet split over immigration. In a post on her constituency website, Fahnbulleh said extending the wait for indefinite leave to
Highlights: Miley Cyrus hit back at online criticism of her vocals and stage movement during her Hollywood Bowl comeback concerts. The singer said she would not tolerate questions about her commitment to performing, insisting: I am fully present. Cyrus acknowledged that returning to live performance was more difficult than it had been before her extended break. Nearly 1.5 million fans reportedly joined the presale queue for her two Hollywood Bowl shows. The singer said the concerts were a person
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have marked Dussehra with a special family announcement, revealing the name of their second daughter and sharing the first glimpse of their newborn. The Bollywood stars introduced their little girl as Devi Padukone Singh in a family photograph posted by Deepika on Instagram on Tuesday, 20 October. The picture captures a tender moment between the couple and their two daughters, offering fans a rare glimpse into their growing family. Deepika captioned the post, O
Highlights Davina McCall, 59, has revealed on her Begin Again podcast that she has cardiovascular disease, after a benign brain tumour in 2024 and breast cancer in 2025 She said she had been told her cholesterol was high for quite a long time before the diagnosis She received an all-clear from breast cancer in April The British Heart Foundation says coronary heart disease kills twice as many UK women as breast cancer, and that South Asian people are almost twice as likely to develop it as White
Women arrived in Britain hoping to marry and begin a new life. Some were instead subjected to intimate virginity examinations at Heathrow Airport, with their bodies scrutinised by officials seeking to establish whether their stated reasons for entering the country were genuine. Decades later, many people remain unaware that the practice took place. For filmmaker Keshavi Jaharia, that lack of awareness was one of the reasons the story needed to be told. Her short film Simran Kaur 1970 revisits th
Apple says demand for its first foldable iPhone has been nothing short of extraordinary, with delivery dates slipping into January. The Duo starts at $1,999 and can cost up to $3,200 with maximum storage. Strong iPhone 18 Pro sales are giving Apple momentum ahead of the holiday quarter, despite supply pressures. Apple's first foldable iPhone, the Duo, has sold out for delivery until next year after a surge in pre-orders, with the company describing demand for the $1,999 device as nothing short o
DONALD TRUMP is said to be writing a new history of the Second World War, speculating on what would have happened had he been US president in 1939. This follows his entirely sensible suggestion that its time for Ukraine to get a new president, following Volodymyr Zelenskys criticism of the US diesel deal with Russia. According to the BBC, the Ukrainian president warned that a new deal to release millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the US would provide Moscow with money to continue its war
Tesla demonstrated its new Roadster driving upside down, flipping in midair and landing using thrusters. The company claims acceleration from 0 to 60mph in under a second and a top speed above 230mph. Production is targeted for 2028, but final prices and the road legality of its flying features remain uncertain. Elon Musk's long-awaited Tesla Roadster has finally taken centre stage, with a demonstration that looked more like a science-fiction stunt than a conventional car launch. The electric sp
Highlights Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have earned praise for their performances and on-screen chemistry in Ranabaali . Viewers have criticised the historical action epic for its slow pacing, excessive violence and disappointing music. While the film has powerful moments, its predictable second half and repetitive sequences have divided audiences. Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have reunited on the big screen in Ranabaali , but their latest collaboration has received mixed r
AI MINISTER Kanishka Narayan on Monday (12) warned of the risks posed by artificial intelligence as the UK government announced measures to strengthen the countrys cyber defences. Speaking at Base One, a science and technology incubator at Imperial College London, Narayan called for a coordinated effort across society to address emerging AI risks. He warned that as advanced AI systems become more powerful and capable of acting autonomously , the consequences of failures or malicious use could be
Highlights The acclaimed Kathak choreographer returns to Sadlers Wells Theatre with WITHIN on 27 and 28 November. Inspired by the 2012 Nirbhaya case, the production explores the duality of humanity and brutality. The two-part work moves from darkness to light through contemporary movement, classical Kathak, music and poetry. Acclaimed Indian dancer and choreographer Aditi Mangaldas will return to Londons Sadlers Wells Theatre in November with WITHIN , a powerful dance production inspired by the
Highlights Rajinikanths Jailer 2 has received enthusiastic early reactions from audiences on X. Hrithik Roshans cameo has emerged as one of the films talking points. While viewers praised the action, humour and fan-favourite moments, some felt the second half became repetitive. Rajinikanth has returned to the big screen with Jailer 2 , and early audience reactions suggest the superstars latest outing has delivered plenty of entertainment for his fans. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel to
As Diwali approaches and our communities are illuminated by the warm glow of countless diyas, families across the world will come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. There will be vibrant colour, glittering fireworks, wonderful food, dedicated prayer and plenty of celebrations. But beneath all of this sits a message that has endured for generations: light has the power to overcome darkness. That message carries a reverence far beyond the festival time. Diwali is a time to celebrate pro
AI services contributed more than 8 per cent of Infosys revenue in the previous quarter. The company could see AI account for 20 to 30 per cent of its work within a few quarters. Infosys plans to recruit another 20,000 graduates this financial year, with training focused on AI. Infosys chief executive and managing director Salil Parekh expects artificial intelligence (AI) services to account for almost half of the Indian IT giants work within two to three years, as demand for AI-led projects acc
Highlights: Britain recorded at least six tiger-related deaths since 1980. India reported 393 deaths between 2021 and 2025. Maharashtra accounted for 231 of Indias fatalities. Many Indian victims were collecting forest produce for their livelihoods. Indias tiger population rose to 3,682 in 2022. The death of William Chapman at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in 2026 has brought Britain's record of fatal tiger encounters under scrutiny. It also provides a striking comparison with India, where hundreds of
Highlights The Trap follows a reclusive bestselling author who believes she has recognised her sisters killer nearly a decade after the murder. Friederike Becht delivers a convincing performance as a woman determined to prove her suspicions. The German thriller builds tension around an intriguing premise, but confusing storytelling weakens its impact. Netflixs German thriller The Trap centres on a woman determined to uncover the truth about her sisters murder. Written and directed by Isabel Klee
The number of ISA millionaires rose from 5,070 in April 2023 to 7,730 a year later. The average ISA millionaire held investments worth 1.348 million, while the top 25 averaged nearly 12 million each. The cash ISA allowance for under-65s is due to fall to 12,000 from April 2027, although the overall annual ISA limit will remain 20,000. The number of ISA millionaires in the UK has jumped by 52 per cent in a year, with 7,730 people holding tax-free investment pots worth at least 1 million, accordin
SIR KEIR STARMER did not want to stick around in the Commons after being removed from Downing Street. It was the shared achievement of his national and local successors that Labour did not slip up in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection to replace him. Andy Burnhams confident start as prime minister put voters in a mood to give his government a chance, not a warning shot. Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali localised the hopeful message , having risen to council leader in three decades, after arri
92 per cent of graduate employers have suspected or encountered misconduct during recruitment Real-time AI assistance during interviews is the most commonly reported form of misconduct. Graduate roles attract an average of 141 applications each, intensifying competition for jobs. Job candidates using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate answers during online interviews are increasingly being caught by recruiters, with some employers ending interviews when they suspect applicants are relying
LONDON: The historic House of Commons witnessed a celebration of Indian culture, spirituality and community service on Monday (12 October), as the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK organised a special Navratri celebration and honour ceremony at the British Parliament. The event was led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, founder of Siddhashram Dham, in the presence of Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP, HM Inspector Paul Smith from the Home Office, the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Yogesh Teli, Shri Advait
The Lamichhane Foundation (TLF), chaired by UK-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Rabindra Jung Lamichhane, has donated NPR 1.07 crore (51,727) to support victims of the recent Bhote Koshi floods in Nepal. The UK Charity Commission-registered foundation transferred the funds directly to the Embassy of Nepal in London, which confirmed that the donation would be forwarded to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. At a special ceremony at the embassy, Lamichhane presented the cheque to Bipin
650 prisoners released early, after 700 freed two weeks ago Prisons in England and Wales still at almost 98 per cent capacity Stalking victim says she feels physically sick after her stalkers release Conservatives demand data on tagging and reoffending SOME 650 prisoners were released early from jails in England and Wales on Tuesday, the second wave this month, as the government struggles to ease overcrowding. The release follows 700 freed two weeks ago Despite the scheme, introduced after Labou
Pension Credit is worth more than 4,500 a year on average. The Department for Work and Pensions will distribute 660,000 leaflets across seven UK areas. Homeowners and pensioners with savings may still qualify, depending on their circumstances. Pensioners across the UK are being urged to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, as the Government steps up efforts to reach older people who may be missing out on thousands of pounds in annual support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Highlights Davina McCall has opened up about severe memory problems following surgery to remove a benign brain tumour in 2025. The presenter said she could not remember visitors, follow films or recall the previous page of a book. She credited music with helping her recovery, describing it as her mind physio. Davina McCall has spoken candidly about the severe memory problems she experienced after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour last year, revealing that she struggled to remember peop
The sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor received the top prize at Eastern Eyes Arts, Culture & Theatre Awards (ACTA) in June this year for his outstanding contribution to the creative industries. His exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in the South Bank explains why. The exhibition, which opened on 16 June , is due to close on Sunday (18). On the evening I went last week, most of the people wandering around the five rooms devoted to his sculptures and paintings were not Indian. Kapoor is now after all a glo
Highlights Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ahead of their upcoming film Ranabaali . Rashmika shared her admiration for Vijay, recalling how she had been a fan of him for years. The meeting comes ahead of Ranabaali , which is scheduled to release in cinemas on 16 October. Rashmika Mandanna has shared a heartfelt message for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay after meeting him with her husband, actor Vijay Deverakonda. The meeting took pla
The IMF forecasts global economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 2026, up from its previous estimate of 3 per cent. Global inflation is expected to reach 4.7 per cent this year before easing to 4.1 per cent in 2027. The Fund warns that higher energy prices and interest rates could slow UK growth to 1.2 per cent next year. The global economy could soon struggle to withstand another major shock as emergency oil stocks dwindle and governments face mounting financial pressures, the International Monetary
Highlights Keely Hodgkinson has told Sky Sports that comments questioning her work ethic eally irritate her She says she posts on Instagram purely just for fun and that athletes have a lot of time to kill away from the track Her 2026 includes an indoor 800m world record, World Indoor gold, a British outdoor record and an Athlos win Next up are the 2027 World Championships in Beijing What she said Speaking to Sky Sports, Hodgkinson, 24, addressed the online reaction to her holiday and travel pho
For more than three decades, the beat of the dhak has announced Durga Puja in Manchester. This year, it is joined by something new: WhatsApp messages, AI tools and short-form videos, as one of Northern England's longest-established Bengali organisations looks for new ways to keep its community connected. The Greater Manchester Bengali Hindu Cultural Association (GMBHCA) will celebrate Durga Puja from Friday 16 October to Tuesday 20 October 2026 at Gandhi Hall, Withington. Founded in 1993 by a ha
A COURT in London has settled a five-year succession dispute of a Hindu faith organisation which has a strong presence in the UK, US, India, Canada and Australia. The Yogi Divine Society (YDS), which has its UK headquarters in Harrow, north London, was established by His Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji, who died in July 2021, without publicly naming who would succeed him. Two saints sought claim to lead the organisation Pujya Prem Swaroop Swami, 80, (known as Member A in court documents) and Pujya
A 13-VOLUME biography of His Holiness Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, running to 8,848 pages and 2,146,447 words, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest biography by a single author. It was announced in London last Sunday (4) during celebrations marking the 93rd birth anniversary of HH Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The Guinness World Records certificate was presented to HH Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj at OVO Arena Wembley in f
PHARMACYS best were celebrated for their crucial contribution to healthcare at the 26th annual Pharmacy Business Awards in London last Friday (2). More than 680 guests attended the event, which pays tribute to the exceptional dedication of pharmacists who safeguard the health and wellbeing of local communities, as well as the industry that supports them. Pharmacy teams, leading products, wholesalers and manufacturers were recognised on the night. Rajan Shah and Sanjay Patel of West Ealing Pharma
Highlights The FA has sanctioned Tonda Eckert with a six-week ban from all football, suspended until the end of the 2027/28 season, plus a 28,000 fine and a reprimand Eckert admitted three breaches of FA Rule E3.1 for directing or authorising the observation of Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough training sessions He can lead Southampton into Sunday's south coast derby against Portsmouth (12:00 BST, live on ITV and Sky Sports) The club were already expelled from last season's Champions
Highlights The Social Reckoning revisits the world of Facebook 16 years after The Social Network Aaron Sorkin turns his attention to misinformation, extremism and the consequences of Facebooks algorithms Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White lead the film as whistleblower Frances Haugen and journalist Jeff Horwitz Jeremy Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg in a deliberately unusual performance The film makes a strong case against Facebook while sometimes leaning into Sorkins trademark self-righteous dia
Badenoch warns separatist ghettos are eroding integration She says migrants must join the country and respect British norms Tory leader admits past failure on immigration strategy Conservatives third in latest YouGov poll on 19 per cent CONSERVATIVE leader Kemi Badenoch has warned that separatist communities are undermining the integration of migrants, saying people moving to the UK must join the country. Speaking at the start of her party's annual conference on Sunday, she said too many arrival
Highlights Daniel Craig's grey Tom Ford suit from the Skyfall Istanbul chase has a pre-sale estimate of 20,000 to 40,000 in Propstore's online Bond auction The sale has about 400 lots and closes on October 27, with a No Time to Die dress and 14 Ian Fleming first editions among the top items A clapperboard from Octopussy , the first Bond film partly shot in India, is also on offer Amazon MGM has not announced who will play the next 007 The suit Most Bond fans can picture the moment. After riding

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