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Employers could be required to pay 25 per cent of training costs for apprentices aged 25 and over. The proposed change is intended to reverse a 40 per cent decline in youth apprenticeship starts over the past decade. Ministers are considering a phased introduction from September 2027, although the plan has not been finalised. Employers in England could face higher training costs for older apprentices under government plans to steer more businesses towards hiring and training young people, as min

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

Highlights Veteran Tamil composer Deva has died in Chennai at the age of 75. Known as Thenisai Thendral, he helped bring Chennais gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema. From Rajinikanths Baashha to Ajith Kumars Aasai , his compositions shaped the sound of Tamil cinema across generations. Veteran Tamil film composer and singer Deva has died at the age of 75, leaving behind a musical legacy spanning nearly four decades and more than 400 films. Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva became one of Tam

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

Highlights The judge told jurors the allegations in the 2023 documentary have never been tested in any court, and that the film will not be shown to them He said the defence may argue the programme caused the women to wist their memories, and described it as one-sided and dramatic in manner Two of the complainants have now been cross-examined: the first on Thursday, another on Friday Reuters says the trial is now expected to last around six weeks The judge's ruling At the start of Thursday's he

Britain plans to launch a spacecraft in 2029 to capture and remove two dead satellites. Space debris travelling at more than 17,000mph can damage satellites supporting GPS, weather forecasts and communications. The 61 million mission could help British companies develop technology for a growing satellite servicing industry. Britain is preparing to tackle the growing problem of space junk with a robotic spacecraft designed to capture and remove two dead satellites, in a mission aimed at protectin

Highlights Chelsea captain Reece James, 26, has undergone successful minor knee surgery, the club confirmed on Friday Chelsea have given no timescale, but Sky Sports and others report he is expected to be out for around three months, until 2027 He had already been sidelined since mid-September with a hamstring problem and has played six games this season James signed a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge in March What Chelsea said Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surg

Highlights Kitao Sakurais Street Fighter reboot combines arcade-game nostalgia, surreal humour and an eclectic cast, but its story often struggles to make sense. Jason Momoa, 50 Cent, WWE stars Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, and Indian actor Vidyut Jammwal feature in the action-packed ensemble. Despite its confusing plot and unusual creative choices, the films bold visuals and commitment to the games distinctive style make it an entertaining watch. Video game adaptations have become increasingly

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

Highlights Rockstar released the 90-second GTA 6 launch trailer on 15 October, five weeks before the game launches on 19 November on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S The trailer was captured entirely in-game on PS5 and debuts Flower in a Hurricane by Justice, featuring Tame Impala, SZA and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Viewers have spotted Lucia's ankle monitor, a road sign that looks like a Top Gun nod and a dog wearing goggles UK pre-orders cost 69.99 for the Standard Edition and 89.99 for the Ultim

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: 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

British Asian groups protest outside Indian High Commission in London Students also rally in Cardiff, Leeds and Edinburgh Protesters back demand for election chief Gyanesh Kumars removal Two CJP leaders sent to Tihar Jail after entering Jantar Mantar BRITISH ASIANS groups have staged an emergency protest outside the High Commission of India in London in solidarity with demonstrations in New Delhi over a controversial revision of Indias voter lists. The protest on Tuesday evening, organised by gr

London-educated entrepreneur Unnati Shukla has entered India's luxury fashion market with the launch of FOSSAE, a contemporary womenswear label combining sophisticated design, precision tailoring and traditional craftsmanship. The brand was unveiled at an exclusive gathering in Mumbai, attended by actress and fashion personality Shibani Dandekar, alongside prominent figures from the fashion and lifestyle industry. Unnati, daughter of prominent business and political personality Rakesh K Shukla,

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

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

A garden of traditional Ayurvedic herbs has been inaugurated at Phoenix Settlement in Durban, South Africa, a historic site established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904 during his early years as a lawyer in the country. The inauguration took place on Sunday (11) and coincided with the India-South Africa Traditional Medicines Symposium and Exhibition. The event was jointly organised by the Consulate General of India in Durban and the Commission for Religious and Linguistic Rights, with support from Indi

Highlights Steven Gerrard says Manchester City have to be stripped after being found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges, but that players should not give medals back Only three league titles (2012, 2014 and 2018) fall inside the 2009-2018 period the charges cover Jamie Carragher wants City's titles taken off their list, Roy Keane says he would bin his medals, and Vincent Kompany says he is eally proud of his City years A BBC Sport analysis estimates rival clubs may have lost around 800

The BBPA recorded 295 permanent pub closures between January and September. Around 5,000 jobs could be lost by the end of 2026, with more than half held by under-25s. The industry is calling for a permanent business rates settlement, a beer duty freeze and lower employment costs. Britain is on course to lose around 360 pubs in 2026, as the hospitality sector struggles with rising costs and warns that thousands of jobs could disappear before the year ends. Figures from the British Beer and Pub As

Highlights Shagun Uniyal became the first contestant to leave Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 in the episode aired on 11 October. Her elimination during the Navratri special marks the start of the competitions elimination stage. The remaining singers will continue competing as the show moves towards its next episodes on 17 and 18 October. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 has reached a new stage after Shagun Uniyal became the first contestant to be eliminated from the singing reality show. The singer from Garhwal, Uttara

CJP leaders detained after jumping barricades at Jantar Mantar Police stripped the observatory of protest site status on Monday Protesters demand election chief Gyanesh Kumars resignation More than 130 million names removed in voter list revision LEADERS of Indias cockroach youth movement were detained in New Delhi on Tuesday after jumping barricades to enter Jantar Mantar, the historic observatory that police stripped of its status as an official protest site a day earlier. The Cockroach Janta

Highlights: Radhika wears a Kalamkari ensemble by Mayyur Girotra and Swadesh. The skirt features Krishna Leela and Tree of Life motifs. Peacocks, sacred cows and lotus blossoms decorate the textile. Zardozi, pitta, dabka and appliqu add intricate detailing. The look combines traditional Indian craft with contemporary couture. Indian business tycoon family's Radhika Merchant Ambanis latest fashion appearance was about more than an elaborate outfit. At Swadeshs first anniversary celebration in Mum

Carrefour, Intermarch, E. Leclerc and Cooprative U reported disruptions to refrigeration systems. Some refrigerators reportedly reached temperatures of up to 50C, putting fresh and frozen food stocks at risk. Investigators are examining a possible vulnerability in refrigeration control systems supplied by Danish manufacturer Danfoss. French supermarket chains have been hit by a cyberattack that reportedly caused refrigeration systems to overheat, spoiling food and raising concerns about the vuln

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

Highlights Free Diwali parades will take place in Basingstoke on 23 October and Reading on 24 October. The celebrations will feature illuminated puppets reaching up to 19ft, dancers, dhol drummers and lanterns. Organised by Kala the Arts, the events are expected to attract thousands of spectators and participants. The South UKs largest outdoor Diwali celebrations will return to Basingstoke and Reading this October, bringing giant illuminated puppets, colourful parades and live performances to bo

App service fees can increase some parking bills by up to 40 per cent. Charges tested ranged from 10p to 30p, with some fees revealed only at checkout. Councils and app providers differ over who is responsible for making extra costs clear. UK drivers are being urged to check the final price when paying for parking through mobile apps, after tests found that additional service fees can push some bills up by as much as 40 per cent. Councils across England, including several in London, have removed

UK study visa withdrawals rose to 10.5 per cent of applications in the first half of 2026, according to reports. The withdrawal rate for Pakistani applicants reached 40.9 per cent, compared with 3 per cent a year earlier. Universities now face a visa refusal threshold of less than 5 per cent under stricter Home Office compliance rules. International students hoping to study in the UK are facing a growing dilemma as universities withdraw admission offers amid a rise in visa refusals and tougher g

Highlights From a feared gangster to a comic underworld boss, Nana Patekar played characters that were worlds apart His most memorable roles often relied on sharp dialogue, distinctive mannerisms and powerful screen presence Parinda and Krantiveer showcased his intensity, while Welcome revealed his flair for comedy Natsamrat brought out a more vulnerable side of the actor in one of his most emotionally demanding roles These seven performances show why Patekar remained difficult to typecast throu

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

Permanent placements rose to 50.9 in September, the strongest reading in four years. Demand for workers fell at its weakest rate since August 2024. IT, computing and engineering were among the strongest areas for hiring, while retail and hospitality lagged. Britain's jobs market is showing tentative signs of recovery, with permanent staff placements rising at their fastest pace in four years in September, according to the latest KPMG and Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Report on J

Google Maps is displaying petrol and diesel prices at UK forecourts for the first time. Drivers can compare nearby prices using data from the governments Fuel Finder scheme. The government estimates that households with a car could save around 40 a year by shopping around. Google Maps has launched a new UK fuel price feature, allowing drivers to check near real-time petrol and diesel prices at nearby forecourts directly through the navigation app. The feature went live on Thursday, October 8, us

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 Hear'Say and Liberty X will play 13 UK and Ireland arena dates from April 17 to May 9, 2027, on a tour called Popstars: The Originals Four of Hear'Say's five original members return: Danny Foster, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw and Noel Sullivan. Myleene Klass is not taking part Liberty X return with all five members: Michelle Heaton, Jessica Taylor, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm and Kelli Young A pre-sale opens at 9am BST on Wednesday, October 14 for fans who register, with general sale at 9am BS

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

Up to 2,500 head-office and support jobs are expected to go by the end of 2027. Frontline posties and drivers are not included in the proposed cuts. Royal Mail delivered just 75.7 per cent of first-class letters on time in 2025/26. Royal Mail is planning to cut up to 2,500 jobs as the UK postal service battles falling letter demand, tougher competition and persistent delivery problems. The proposed cuts, which represent less than 2 per cent of Royal Mail s more than 131,000-strong workforce, wil

Highlights Warner Bros and Paramount are set to come under the same corporate ownership after Skydances takeover The deal reduces Hollywoods major studio landscape from five companies to four HBO Max and Paramount+ could eventually be combined into a single streaming service The merger could affect film production, theatrical releases, studio jobs and Hollywoods creative direction Skydance has committed to maintaining a significant number of theatrical releases each year Hollywood is entering a

Highlights Spanish journalist Franois Gallardo claims Liverpool have contacted Kylian Mbappe's mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, about a 2027 move He says Mbappe, 27, has decided to leave Real Madrid next summer, with a fee of 200m to 250m The claim rests on one journalist. Real Madrid are reported to have no plans to sell, and one outlet noted that no credible source has backed it up In a September interview, Mbappe said his mother wanted him to join Liverpool in 2017, and that he chose Paris Sai

Common Table Group has agreed to buy 57 former Whitbread restaurant sites and one Premier Inn hotel. The deal is expected to create around 700 jobs, with sites reopening from next month. Former Whitbread managers are supporting the new owner as it plans refurbishments and new menus. Former senior managers at Whitbread are helping bring 57 restaurants back to life after the Premier Inn owner shut its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre businesses as part of a major restructuring. British hospitality comp

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

The Met Office says current forecasts do not support widespread UK snow or a prolonged freeze. El Nio could increase the chances of wetter and stormier weather later in autumn and early winter. The coming days are expected to bring rain, showers, stronger winds and some cooler spells. The UK weather forecast snow claims circulating online have been challenged by the Met Office, which has rejected suggestions that Britain is about to be hit by widespread snow, a major freeze or a polar vortex. Th