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Highlights Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal at the London Palladium on Monday 26 October He is the first Englishman to win in 25 years, since Michael Owen in 2001, and the fifth in the award's history Kane scored 73 goals in 65 games for Bayern Munich and England, and a year ago he finished 13th in the vote Alexia Putellas won the women's award for a third time, and the Ballon d'Or's own website briefly named three different players as winner hours

Healey to deliver cautious first budget on Wednesday Help expected on energy bills, with a higher bank levy likely Burnhams big spending plans set to be delayed UK borrowing costs remain the highest in the G7 CHANCELLOR John Healey is expected to deliver a cautious first budget on Wednesday, prioritising stability in the bond markets over the big spending plans Andy Burnham promised when he became prime minister. Healey is likely to offer some help to households facing another rise in energy bil

Highlights Filipino actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes left a career in filmmaking and advertising to pursue musical theatre in the UK, following his first love for the stage. Now playing Benny in RENT , he wants audiences to see the character as a complicated human being rather than simply the villain. Valdes believes Asian representation in British theatre has improved, but says producers and creative teams still have a long way to go. Filipino actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes spent nine years working in fi

More than 31,000 homes without power as Storm Austen hits south-west 76mph gust recorded on the Isles of Scilly Part of Brightons West Pier falls into the sea Amber warning for Storm Boelo from 9pm on Saturday TENS of thousands of homes lost power and schools were closed as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, battered south-west England on Friday. A gust of 76mph was recorded at St Marys airport on the Isles of Scilly. By 3pm, more than 31,000 homes in the south-west were without

Highlights Adam Brody and Kristen Bell return as Noah and Joanne, who begin living together in the third season. Their relationship loses some of its early romantic spark as they settle into domestic life. Timothy Simons and Justine Lupe bring fresh energy as Sasha and Morgan, whose growing connection could become the shows next big romance. Netflixs Nobody Wants This returns for a third season, with Adam Brody and Kristen Bells Noah and Joanne taking the next step in their relationship. But as

Highlights Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, 40, was reportedly taken to a Munich hospital with an emergency doctor on Friday, according to Bild and Sky Sky says his condition is stable, but Bayern had not confirmed anything or issued a statement at the time of writing Bild reported that a helicopter landed at the club's Sbener Strae training ground, and the cause of the hospital visit has not been officially confirmed Kompany had been unwell for more than a week, and Bayern executive Ma

Highlights Marvel Studios will unveil a new preview of Avengers: Doomsday during Game 1 of the World Series on October 23. A stormy promotional teaser featuring the Avengers logo has fuelled speculation about what the footage could reveal. Reports suggest another trailer could arrive on the same day, although Marvel has not confirmed this. Marvel Studios is building anticipation for A vengers: Doomsday with another promotional reveal, this time taking the superhero blockbuster to the World Serie

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 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 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

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

Highlights: Padma Bhushan awardee Sudha Ragunathan performed a two-and-a-half-hour Carnatic music concert at The Bhavan on 10 October. The vocalist was accompanied by violinist Balu Raguraman and mridangam artist Somasundaram Desigar. The concert took place in the lead-up to Navratri, bringing devotional music to London audiences. The Bhavan and Dance Umbrella co-hosted a discussion with choreographer Akram Khan MBE on 12 October. Royal Ballet director Kevin OHare CBE led the conversation, which

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

UK unemployment falls unexpectedly to 4.7 per cent Analysts had forecast the rate would stay at 4.9 per cent Around one million young people not in work, education or training Chancellor John Healey to deliver budget on October 28 UK UNEMPLOYMENT fell unexpectedly to 4.7 per cent in the three months to the end of August, official figures showed on Tuesday, a boost for the government ahead of next weeks budget. The rate, down from 4.9 per cent in the three months to July, is the lowest since mid-

Sabir Zazai remembers how he first heard about the refugee convention. He was given an official letter, after arriving in Dover in the back of a lorry during the cold December of 1999. It told him that he was now a person liable to be detained, having arrived without permission, but that he could make his application for asylum under the 1951 refugee convention. Zazai recalls a kind woman giving him some fish and chips and reflected, more recently, that there were no balaclava-clad men roaming

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

Hundreds protest in Parliament Square against Indias election chief YouTuber Dhruv Rathee addresses rally in Hindi Smaller group of Modi supporters stages counter-protest Police keep rival groups apart as chants grow heated HUNDREDS of people gathered at Mahatma Gandhis statue in Parliament Square on Saturday to protest against Indias chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the revision of the countrys voter lists, as a smaller group of Narendra Modi supporters staged a rival rally nearby.

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

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

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

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

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

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