easterneye

GITA GOPINATH, one of the most influential economists in the world, has spoken of the challenges that India faces because of the advent of AI. Gopinath, who held the number two position at the International Monetary Fund, but returned to academia last year, also expressed deep concern about how the trade wars unleashed by US president Donald Trump are damaging the world economy. Gopinath was born in India and now lives in America as a US citizen; she was picked out by the Financial Times in 2021

Highlights: 1,252 people have died 4,216 remain missing Families perform symbolic funeral rites 1,500 Nepalese remain stranded in Tibet Glaciers face growing instability Eight days after devastating flash floods swept through northern and central Nepal, families are beginning to perform symbolic funeral rites for relatives who remain missing, as hopes of finding them alive continue to fade. The death toll from the disaster has risen to 1,252, while 4,216 people remain missing, according to figur

Chris Langham Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer Langham died on 24 June 2026, according to an obituary published in The Times, though the news only became public in early September meaning the actor had already been gone for more than two months before fans and former colleagues learned of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Chrissie, and their two children, Emily and James, as well as three children from his first marriage. The delayed announcement has added an unusual layer to the story,

Highlights: Carla Jeffery, best known for playing Bree in Disney's Zombies franchise, has died at 33. Her management confirmed the news on 2 September, without disclosing a cause of death. Her twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, is also a Disney Channel actor, known for playing Cameron Parks on A.N.T. Farm. Co-stars including Milo Manheim and Chandler Kinney have shared emotional tributes since the news broke. Somewhere in Houston, in 1993, two children were born who'd both end up on Disney Channel .

Smuggling gangs turn to violence, attacking a news crew with stones over crackdown on boats Cameraman struck above the eye by rocks thrown by a smuggler, needed stitches 170 people rescued on 4 August after their Channel boat caught fire Crossing prices rise to 2,000 per person as French police intercept two-thirds of boats MIGRANTS are being crammed onto fewer, larger boats as people smuggling gangs, growing increasingly frustrated by a crackdown on their small boat supply, adopt new and more d

Highlights: Jaggard said Mumbai's Taj Palace delivered a five-star experience comparable with hotels he has experienced in Dubai and the UK. He felt Karachi's Pearl Continental fell considerably short of the Indian hotel standard he had experienced. British restraint, Indian warmth and South Asian hospitality traditions are different expressions of luxury, not necessarily competing versions of the same thing. Architecture, history, food and local traditions can be as important to a luxury stay a

Highlights: Hugh Jackman is drawing some of the strongest individual reviews of his career for The Death of Robin Hood, a dark, revisionist take on the folk legend from director Michael Sarnoski. Critics are far more divided on the film itself, with reviews ranging from full-throated praise to calling it a edious slog. The split is unusually consistent across outlets: almost every review separates Jackman's performance from its verdict on the film around him. Hugh Jackman's Robin Hood isn't the

LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan was convicted and fined over an untaxed Nissan Micra he says never belonged to him, after his name and date of birth appeared against the vehicle in official records and letters about the case were sent to the wrong address. The Labour politician, 55, was found guilty last month of keeping an unlicensed vehicle in a criminal prosecution brought by the DVLA. A magistrate, sitting privately under the Single Justice Procedure in Herefordshire, ordered him to pay a 220 fine,

Highlights The 70th BFI London Film Festival will showcase films from across south Asia and the Middle East and North Africa A new 4K restoration of Kamal Amrohis Pakeezah will screen at BFI IMAX New films explore beauty standards, political resistance, displacement, queer identity, war, censorship and family The 70th BFI London Film Festival is turning the spotlight towards filmmakers from south Asia and the Middle East and North Africa, bringing a striking mix of political cinema, intimate dra

FORMER minister Dame Priti Patel has left the Conservative shadow cabinet as party leader Kemi Badenoch reshuffled her front bench, while Claire Coutinho has moved from shadow energy secretary to shadow business secretary. Dame Priti, who had served as shadow foreign secretary since 2024, will take on an international role for the party. Former security minister Tom Tugendhat will replace her as shadow foreign secretary. Coutinho, meanwhile, was appointed shadow business secretary after Andrew G

Ikea is putting 1.2bn into lowering prices across European markets as shoppers face rising living costs. More than 1,500 products have been reduced in Germany, while popular ranges including Kallax and Billy are cheaper in the UK. The strategy comes after two consecutive years of falling revenue as Ikea tries to bring cost-conscious shoppers back. Ikea is cutting prices across Europe but the move is about much more than giving shoppers a cheaper Billy bookcase or Kallax shelf. The Swedish furni

The 30-year gilt yield reached 5.89 per cent, its highest level since 1998. The 10-year gilt yield climbed to its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Higher debt costs could leave Chancellor John Healey with far less room for new spending. Andy Burnhams first Budget is facing a tougher financial backdrop after the cost of long-term government borrowing climbed to its highest level in 28 years. The yield on 30-year UK government bonds, known as gilts, reached 5.89 per cent on September

FORMER prime minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday that he will quit parliament after 11 years as an MP to focus on international affairs. Starmer said in a statement on social media that it was the ight time to resign as the MP for the Holborn and St Pancras seat in London, triggering a by-election. It is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world, Starmer said in his statement. Keir Starm

Highlights Sunny Deols Hanuman reveal is reportedly being saved for the end of Ramayana Part 1 . A report claims his first appearance could come in the final, mid-credit or post-credit scene. The reported strategy is being compared with Baahubali: The Beginning , which left audiences desperate for answers before its sequel. The buzz comes after 15 minutes of unreleased Ramayana footage reportedly impressed exhibitors in Chennai. With Ranbir Kapoor s Rama, Sai Pallavis Sita and Yashs Ravana alrea

Apple grew from a roughly $350 billion company to around $4.6 trillion under Cook. Ternus inherits an AI strategy that has struggled to keep pace with rivals. China, tariffs and regulatory battles could complicate Apples next phase. John Ternus has taken charge of Apple as chief executive, ending Tim Cook s 15-year tenure at the company. The handover comes with Apple valued at around $4.6 trillion, but also facing some of its biggest strategic questions in years. Cook became CEO in August 2011,

Highlights Meera Syal has spoken publicly for the first time about being sexually assaulted by an actor in the 1980s. She says the experience changed the direction of her career and pushed her towards writing. Syal credits a group of South Asian writers with helping her recover and find her voice. Meera Syal has revealed a deeply painful chapter from the beginning of her acting career, speaking publicly for the first time about being sexually assaulted by an actor she believed was offering to he

Free Soul recorded 42 million in sales in the year to April 2026. The mother-and-son founders struggled to convince investors that womens wellness was a viable market. The business is now targeting 100 million in sales by 2028. When Rohini Sofat went looking for supplements to support her energy and wellbeing, she found plenty of products aimed at men and plenty of women's products focused on weight loss and appearance. What she could not find was something designed around how women actually fel

Highlights: Reports suggest James Gunn 's position at DC Studios could be decided within months, following Supergirl's disappointing 2026 box office performance. It's not the first time his job has been on the line. He was fired outright from Marvel in 2018, then rehired within a year after a fan campaign. Along the way, he's picked fights over Superman's politics, a squirrel, a swear word, and a Deadline casting report, dividing fans on whether he's a bold creative voice or a liability the stud

$14.99: New monthly price of Apple TV in the US $119: New annual subscription price Nearly 3x : How much the monthly price has risen since Apple TV launched in 2019 Apple TV has raised its subscription price for the fourth time in four years, taking the monthly cost in the US to $14.99, up from $12.99. The latest $2 increase took effect on Friday (28) for new subscribers, while existing customers will receive about a month's notice before the higher price applies to their next billing cycle. The

Arsenal's Friday night win over newly-promoted Coventry City opened the richest football league on earth for another season. Millions watched. Billions will follow across the campaign. And for the first time in recent memory, not one of them will be watching a British south Asian player turn out in the Premier League itself. It isn't for lack of names. Four years ago, English football had what looked like a genuine breakthrough group: Hamza Choudhury at Leicester, Zidane Iqbal at Manchester Unit

IF 2026 has taught us anything so far, it is that resilience in the third sector is no longer optional. Charities are navigating one of the most demanding landscapes we have seen in years. Global needs are growing and we are feeling increasing pressure on our limited resources. In times like these, hope becomes more than an idea it becomes a driving force. A reason to keep building, supporting and showing up, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL speaks about his chari

Highlights Kangana Ranaut has responded to Sharmila Tagore's comments on Vande Mataram . Tagore said some sections of the song may not align with the beliefs of people who believe in one God. Kangana defended the song's imagery as poetry and urged people to move beyond a Hindu-Muslim mindset. Kangana Ranaut has reacted to Sharmila Tagore' s comments on Vande Mataram , pushing back against the veteran actor's concerns about the religious references in the National Song. Tagore recently spoke abou

The treatment could reduce insulin injections from 365 a year to just 52. NICE has recommended the weekly treatment, but it still needs MHRA approval. People who rely on carers or struggle with daily injections could benefit most. For some people with type 2 diabetes, managing their condition could soon involve one insulin injection a week instead of one every day. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended insulin efsitora alfa, also known as Onswik and made by

Spiritual leader Morari Bapu has begun a nine-day Ram Katha at Harvard University, bringing the teachings of the Ramayan to one of the worlds most renowned academic institutions. Nearly 1,000 people filled the historic Memorial Hall for the opening of the Katha, being held from 15 to 23 August 2026. The gathering marks Morari Bapus 982nd Ram Katha and has attracted devotees, storytellers and scholars from around the world. The setting carries particular symbolism. Harvards motto, Veritas Truth,

HOME SECRETARY Shabana Mahmood has said the government wants to create a fairer spread of asylum accommodation across the UK, with more asylum seekers expected to be housed in wealthier areas. In an interview with The Times , Mahmood said the government was preparing a mixed model of asylum accommodation that would include large military sites, medium-sized buildings such as former student apartments, and dispersal housing such as bedsits and homes of multiple occupancy. She said the change woul

The CMA has cleared Danones 864 million acquisition of Huel. The watchdog had examined whether the deal could weaken competition in the UK. The takeover will give Danone a fast-growing British nutrition brand with an expanding international presence. Danone is now one step closer to taking control of Huel, after Britain's competition watchdog cleared its proposed 864 million acquisition of the British nutrition brand. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched its initial merger inquir

Highlights: Changing interests are not automatically a problem. Stillness can replace the need for constant stimulation. Deeper purpose can make empty noise feel less important. Growth may change how we connect with others. True fulfilment can create space for what really matters. Have you noticed yourself quietly losing interest in things that once lit you up? The conversations, the gossip, the parties, the entertainment that used to feel so important, somehow just dont engage or interest you t

Jo Boydell is stepping down after 13 years with Travelodge. The hotel chain is overhauling room-access procedures following a 2022 sexual assault. More than 600 hotels have introduced new room-access security measures. Travelodges chief executive Jo Boydell is stepping down as the hotel chain continues to face scrutiny over its guest safety procedures following a sexual assault at one of its hotels. Boydell, who joined Travelodge 13 years ago and became chief executive in May 2022, will leave th

Highlights Jason Stathams Mutiny was briefly available to watch in full on Amazon Prime Video in the US. The accidental streaming appearance came two days before its planned theatrical release. The 95-minute Lionsgate action thriller was quickly removed after users discovered the listing. Jason Stathams latest action film was supposed to have its big-screen moment this week. Instead, some Amazon Prime Video users got the chance to watch the entire film before it had even opened in cinemas. Mutin

Highlights Will Smith is reportedly in talks to make his Indian film debut in Atlees Raaka . The Hollywood star could play the primary antagonist opposite Allu Arjun, according to reports. The reported 65 million sci-fi film also stars Deepika Padukone, but Smiths involvement has not been officially confirmed. Will Smith could be heading into unfamiliar territory. The Hollywood star is reportedly being considered for a major role in Atlees upcoming sci-fi film Raaka , potentially putting him opp

Highlights Leonardo DiCaprio was reportedly approached for the role that became Ed Nortons extraordinary film debut. Norton initially thought Primal Fear was a mess, with the role not yet fully developed. His performance as Aaron Stampler earned him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Before Ed Norton became synonymous with films such as Fight Club and American History X , he walked into Hollywood with a role that could easily have overwhelmed a first-time film actor. Instead, his performanc

PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham has unveiled a plan to help people sleeping rough move off the streets by Christmas, saying his government will put emergency accommodation and long-term housing support in place across England this winter. No one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station. But we've seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it, Burnham said in a statement, referring to the UK parliament. The announcement came a month after Burnham replace

The full new state pension could rise by more than 500 a year. A 4.1 per cent increase would take the annual payment above 13,000. The final rise will depend on wage growth and inflation figures still to come. Could the full state pension cross 13,000 a year next April? The latest wage figures suggest it could. Average total pay rose by 4.1 per cent in the three months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). If the wage figure used for the state pension calculation remain

EY and KPMG could receive up to 456 million for civil service training. KPMG will receive up to 319 million, while EY will get up to 137 million. The contracts come as Labour works to rebuild the National School of Government. Why is the government paying private accountancy firms hundreds of millions of pounds to train its own civil servants? That is the question raised by a new 456 million government contract awarded to EY and KPMG, less than two years after Labour pledged to halve spending on

The Vishv Umiya Foundation (VUF) has strengthened its presence in the United Kingdom with the formation of a new UK Core Committee, alongside the appointment of regional leaders and the expansion of its womens empowerment initiative. The announcements were made during the 2026 UK visit of Shri R.P. Patel, Patron and President of Vishv Umiya Foundation, who met community representatives as part of efforts to broaden the organisations network and activities across Britain. A special VUF UK Core Co

WHAT started as a movement to encourage south Asian women to become more active has grown into a community built around friendship, confidence, wellbeing and belonging. To mark its first anniversary and as part of South Asian Heritage Month, Asian Women Run (AWR) brought its biggest event yet to Osterley Park, opening its doors to the wider community for a family fun day featuring 5K and 10K walk, run and jog routes. Hundreds turned up on Sunday, July 26, with children and families choosing to w

Narpinder Kaur Mann BEM was recognised at a special ceremony at Khalsa Primary School in Slough on August 7, during the schools annual Sikh Camp. Hundreds of children attended alongside representatives of Sloughs Gurdwaras and Gurdwaras Committee, with organisers saying Manns work offered young people a powerful example of seva selfless service in practice. Mann is director of Global UNITED SIKHS and United Humanitarian Sikh Aid, as well as founder and CEO of the Immigration Surgery/Helpdesk.

LONDON witnessed an extraordinary coming together of Dharma Satta and Raj Satta as more than 25 revered saints and spiritual leaders joined parliamentarians, civic representatives and community leaders for a landmark series of events promoting world peace, harmony, Sanatan values and unity in diversity. The historic engagements, held across the UK from 7 to 15 August, culminated in three major London events Santon Ke Sang Sunderkand aboard a special cruise on the River Thames on August 11; the

Highlights Cruz Beckham shared a childhood photo featuring his brothers Brooklyn and Romeo. The 21-year-old captioned the picture Brothers with a blue heart emoji. The post comes amid Brooklyn Beckhams ongoing estrangement from the Beckham family. Cruz Beckham may have offered a quiet sign that he has not given up on his relationship with his older brother Brooklyn Beckham. The musician, 21, included a childhood photo of himself with Brooklyn, 27, and Romeo Beckham in a series of holiday snaps s

Highlights Awarapan 2 has generated around 270,000 in gross advance bookings Batwara 1947 has recorded around 67,500 in day-one pre-sales Emraan Hashmis sequel has sold more than 100,000 tickets ahead of the Independence Day clash Emraan Hashmis Awarapan 2 is pulling away from Sunny Deols Batwara 1947 before the two films face off at the box office, with the sequel currently holding a fourfold lead in advance bookings. The latest figures show Awarapan 2 at around 270,000 in gross pre-sales, comp

Bumble is ending its women-first messaging rule for heterosexual matches The window to start or respond to a conversation is increasing from 24 hours to 72 hours. The change comes after Bumble began easing its original model with Opening Moves in 2024. For more than a decade, Bumble had one rule that made it instantly recognisable: in a heterosexual match, the woman had to send the first message. That changes from August 11, as Bumble removes the women-first rule and allows either person to star

The government estimates the reforms could cost employers between 350m and 2.9bn a year. Officials say the changes could generate up to 10bn in wider economic benefits. The number of people on zero-hours contracts reached 1.23 million last December. Labour's planned zero-hours contract reforms could leave businesses facing as much as 2.9bn in additional costs each year, according to the government's own analysis, but officials also estimate the changes could deliver up to 10bn in wider economic

Highlights Five contestants have exited The Traitors Season 2 across its first three episodes Munawar Faruqui was voted out at the first Circle of Shaq, while Karan Singh Magic and Soundous Moufakir were murdered The Innocents successfully identified Harman Singha as a Traitor, but another secret move has kept the Traitors in a strong position Spoilers ahead The first three episodes of The Traitors Season 2 have wasted little time shaking up the game. Five contestants are already out, including

UK TEMPERATURES could reach 36C (97F) or higher this week as the country faces its fifth heatwave of the summer, with possible disruption to railway lines and power networks. Monday will be slightly cooler before temperatures rise from Tuesday. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said Wednesday and Thursday could see temperatures reach the mid-30s across England and Wales, with Thursday the most likely hottest day, The Guardian reported. But Thursday, at this stage, looks the most likely hottest

Rani Reena Kumar was at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday last week (7) to offer her personal congratulations to a British soldier who had won the annual prize that she has set up in her fathers name. Staff Sergeant G Blackwell, 34, from the Royal Engineers, has won this years Major General Diwan Misri Chand Prize. The programme for the Sovereigns Parade said that the special prize is awarded to the individual, platoon or company that has demonstrated outstanding innovation and purp

Israel has proposed a roughly 700 km pipeline linking Saudi Arabia to Eilat. The route could connect to an existing 254 km pipeline from Eilat to Ashkelon. The idea could reduce reliance on Hormuz, but it is not yet an agreed Saudi-Israel project. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil producers are looking for ways to keep their exports moving when the region's main shipping routes become dangerous. One idea now being pushed by Israel is a new Saudi-to-Israel oil pipeline that could eventually allow G

More than 75 per cent of City firms already use AI, according to a UK Treasury select committee report. Moody's warns that an outage at one major AI provider could potentially affect banks and other sectors at the same time. Banks could also face higher AI costs, data risks and faster movement of customer deposits between accounts. Banks are rushing to bring artificial intelligence into everything from customer service to credit decisions, but Moody's is warning that the technology could create

Google can take you to the world, but Guru can connect you to yourself, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji told a major gathering of saints, devotees and families as revered spiritual leaders came together for a Sant Sansad at Sachkhand Nanak Dham (Darshan Darbar), Iver, on Sunday, 9 August. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, chaired the Sant Sansad, whose central theme was the rejuvenation of Indian culture and the transmission of

INDIA's Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka, with Sarfaraz Khan named as his replacement, the country's cricket board said on Sunday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India said left-handed batter Sudharsan had made significant progress in recovering from a toe problem, but Khan would replace him in the squad. The opening Test will begin on August 15 in Galle, with the second Test scheduled to be played from August 23-27 in Colombo. The series will be