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Highlights Excel Entertainment will present and distribute Half in Hindi across North India in association with AA Films. The Toronto International Film Festival Midnight Madness selection marks Excel's first Malayalam-language acquisition. The vampire action thriller is planned for a pan-India release in five languages. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment has come on board to present and distribute the Hindi version of Malayalam vampire thriller Half across North India, ahea

Highlights The first trailer for Awarapan 2 sees Emraan Hashmi reprise his role as Shivam nearly two decades after the original film. Shabana Azmi appears to play the film's antagonist, while Disha Patani makes a brief appearance. The sequel is set to release in cinemas on 14 August. Emraan Hashmi has returned as Shivam in the first trailer for Awarapan 2 , with the sequel teasing a darker chapter for the cult-favourite character nearly 20 years after the original film's release. Directed by Nit

Raleigh owner Accell has begun insolvency proceedings after failing to secure a buyer. The Dutch bicycle group said it had exhausted all options to continue operating in its current form. The move leaves the future of the 138-year-old Raleigh brand in the hands of administrators. The company behind Britain's historic Raleigh bicycle brand has entered insolvency proceedings after failing to secure a buyer, casting fresh uncertainty over the future of one of the country's best-known cycling names.

Highlights Ramayana 's English trailer has drawn attention for its AI-powered lip-sync technology, Brahma AI. Fans praised the technology for matching actors' lip movements with English dialogue while retaining their original voices. Some viewers believe the innovation could transform how films are released worldwide. The English trailer for Ramayana has put the spotlight on Brahma AI, the artificial intelligence-powered lip-sync technology behind the film's multilingual release, with fans descr

Dr Yusuf Hamied was in a nostalgic mood at the formal inauguration of two laboratories in the department of chemistry at Cambridge University which have been completely refurbished and modernised with his financial help. Im just happy to be here, said the head of Cipla, the Indian pharma giant, at the function which took place on Friday (31). Hamied, who celebrated his 90th birthday on 25 July, 2026, added: I wish I was a student again. The vice chancellor of Cambridge University, Prof Deborah P

Highlights Reports say Akshay Kumar will make a special appearance in Neeraj Pandey's R.D. Burman biopic. Farhan Akhtar is set to portray the legendary composer and music director. Kumar's role remains under wraps, but it is said to be an important part of the story. Akshay Kumar is reportedly reuniting with filmmaker Neeraj Pandey for a new project, this time making a special appearance in the upcoming biopic on legendary composer R.D. Burman. While Farhan Akhtar leads the film, details of Kuma

Reports suggest the Galaxy S27 Ultra could feature three rear cameras instead of four. The long-running 3x telephoto lens may be dropped after appearing on Ultra models since 2021. Industry sources reportedly cite rising manufacturing costs and limited image-quality gains. Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra could arrive with one fewer rear camera, marking what would be the biggest change to its flagship camera system since the Galaxy S21 Ultra introduced a four-camera setup in 2021. According to multipl

Highlights Jacob Batalon says his chemistry with Tom Holland helped him land the role of Ned Leeds. The actor recalled believing he had failed his Marvel screen test. Batalon shared behind-the-scenes memories from his audition for Spider-Man: Brand New Day . Jacob Batalon has reflected on how he landed one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most recognisable supporting roles, saying he believes the studio cast him largely because of his natural chemistry with Tom Holland rather than his acting e

Highlights Shri Ramlila Mahasangh has sought a private screening of Ramayana before its theatrical release. The group says the demand is driven by lessons from the backlash against Adipurush . It has warned of nationwide protests if the filmmakers do not agree to its request. Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana is facing fresh scrutiny months before its release, with one of India's prominent Ramlila organisations seeking an advance screening of the film. The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh says it wants to ensure t

Highlights Hank Green says he relied too heavily on ChatGPT while researching a recent video. The science educator apologised and announced plans to reduce his content output. The controversy has reignited debate over AI's role in educational content. YouTuber and science communicator Hank Green has announced he will cut back on producing videos after admitting he had developed what he described as a ad habit of relying too heavily on AI during the research process. The admission came after vie

LABOUR retained the Greater Manchester mayoralty on Friday after Bev Craig was elected to succeed Andy Burnham, whose return to parliament triggered the election. Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, won 47.15 per cent of the first-round vote, falling short of the 50 per cent needed for an outright victory. Reform UK, which has been performing strongly in national polls, finished second with 21 per cent of the vote. As no candidate secured more than 50 per cent in the first round, the c

Highlights Samara Weaving is set to play Emma Frost in Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men film. Marvel reportedly chose the Australian actress after an extensive casting search. The role marks another major project in a standout year for Weaving. Samara Weaving is set to add another high-profile franchise to her growing film career, with reports that she has been cast as Emma Frost in Marvel Studios' highly anticipated X-Men reboot. According to Deadline, the Australian actress has been selected to

The Burnham Government's first Budget will be delivered on October 28. Chancellor John Healey has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare fresh economic forecasts. The Budget is expected to outline plans for regional devolution, defence spending and social care. The Burnham Government will deliver its first Autumn Budget on October 28, with Chancellor John Healey expected to outline the new administration's plans for public spending, regional growth and fiscal policy. In a letter t

Highlights Manushi Chhillar recalled having to restart her NEET preparation after the 2015 paper leak. The former Miss World said she gave up dance and painting to focus entirely on the entrance exam. She also opened up about burnout, student pressure and the importance of protecting mental health. Manushi Chhillar has reflected on the emotional toll of preparing for the medical entrance exam after the 2015 NEET paper leak, saying she had to put aside everything she loved in pursuit of her dream

Highlights Patricia Potter, Jamie Bamber and Marian McLoughlin have joined the cast of EastEnders . The trio will play members of the Hawkins family, who are related to Nicola Mitchell. The new arrivals are expected to bring fresh drama as Nicola's story continues to unfold. EastEnders is expanding Nicola Mitchell's world with the introduction of the Hawkins family, with Patricia Potter among the experienced actors set to join the BBC soap. Potter will appear alongside Jamie Bamber and Marian Mc

Highlights Olivia Colman stars as a lonely fisherwoman who commissions a husband made from wicker in Wicker . Alexander Skarsgrd, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki and Richard E. Grant feature in the ensemble cast. The unconventional comedy arrives in UK cinemas on 30 October. Olivia Colman has taken on one of the most unconventional roles of her career in Wicker , a new comedy that pairs her with Alexander Skarsgrd in a romance unlike anything seen on screen this year. The first trailer introdu

Highlights Aryan Khan was spotted with a woman during a recent outing in London, sparking dating speculation online. Social media users identified her as Danish artist Vinnie Takair after photos and videos went viral. Neither Aryan Khan nor Vinnie Takair has commented on the rumours. Aryan Khan has once again found himself at the centre of dating speculation after photos and videos from a recent outing in London spread across social media. The sighting quickly became a talking point online, with

BP has launched a process to sell its North Sea oil and gas business after more than six decades. The company says it wants to focus investment on its highest-value opportunities. The sale comes as the UK debates the future of North Sea production and energy security. BP is looking to sell its North Sea oil and gas business, marking another major shift for a company that has helped shape the UK's offshore energy industry for more than 60 years. The BP North Sea sale comes as the company reshapes

Sainsbury's has agreed to sell Argos to Swift Partners for 120 million. Customers, staff and suppliers are expected to see no immediate changes after the deal. The move comes nearly a decade after Sainsbury's bought Argos as part of a 1.4 billion acquisition. Sainsbury's is selling Argos for 120 million, nearly a decade after paying 1.4 billion to acquire the retailer as part of its takeover of Home Retail Group. The Argos sale marks a major shift in strategy for the supermarket chain, which say

Highlights Sobhita Dhulipala closed Rahul Mishra's India Couture Week 2026 showcase Models performed a live shringar ceremony as part of the runway presentation The finale transformed the fashion show into a theatrical tribute to Devi: The Eternal Muse Fashion shows often end with a showstopper walk, but Rahul Mishra chose a different finale for India Couture Week 2026. Instead of simply presenting his final couture look, the designer turned the runway into a live performance, with Sobhita Dhuli

Highlights A UK court found that short Peppa Pig audio clips were repeatedly used in Wolfoo videos The ruling has led to a global takedown order covering all Wolfoo videos The case focused on copied sound rather than similarities in the characters' appearance A few seconds of dialogue, including simple words such as hooray!, proved decisive in one of the biggest copyright disputes involving children's content on YouTube. The High Court in London has ordered all videos featuring the animated char

Highlights Five artists have earned their first-ever Mercury Prize nominations in 2026 Paul McCartney joins Jade, Raye, Dove Ellis and Knats among the debut nominees Previous winners Dave and Suede return to the shortlist alongside Florence And The Machine The 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist has welcomed a wave of first-time nominees, proving that this year's race is about more than Sir Paul McCartney's long-awaited debut. While McCartney's first-ever Mercury Prize nomination has dominated headline

Highlights: Zendaya says sharing the screen with Tom Holland comes naturally The couple reunited for Spider-Man: Brand New Day after recently getting married Holland also reflected on returning to Peter Parker after a decade in the role Zendaya has shared why working alongside Tom Holland continues to feel effortless, as the couple reunited on screen for Spider-Man: Brand New Day . The actors, who recently married, attended the film's London premiere on Wednesday, where they spoke about returnin

Highlights: Fans believe the latest Ramayana trailer reflects changes made after the 'Rama Glimpse' Redesigned rakshas, revised colour grading and refined VFX become major talking points The filmmakers have not confirmed whether any changes were made The release of Ramayana' s full trailer has shifted the conversation from first impressions to fan detective work. Instead of focusing only on the film's scale and star cast, many viewers are examining whether the makers quietly reworked parts of th

Unilever posted its strongest quarterly volume growth in more than 10 years. The consumer goods giant has raised its full-year sales outlook. The performance comes ahead of its planned 33.8 billion food business deal with McCormick. Unilever has delivered its strongest quarterly sales performance in more than a decade, driven by shoppers buying more of its products rather than simply paying higher prices. The consumer goods giant, whose brands include Dove, Marmite and Persil, reported 5.8 per c

Highlights Naga Munchetty will leave BBC Breakfast after 17 years to present 5 Live Breakfast The presenter says the new role was simply too good to pass up Her move is part of wider changes to BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast line-up Naga Munchetty is stepping down from BBC Breakfast after 17 years, saying a new opportunity at BBC Radio 5 Live was one she could not turn down. The presenter, who has been one of the programme's main faces for the past 12 years, will leave the BBC One breakfast show a

SWIGGY said on Tuesday that it has appointed Nandita Sinha as chief executive of its quick commerce business Instamart, effective August 3, following the resignation of Amitesh Kumar Jha. The leadership change comes as competition continues to grow in India's quick commerce sector, with companies expanding dark store networks, improving delivery speeds and competing for a share of the $11.5-billion market. Sinha is the former chief executive of Indian fashion e-commerce company Myntra and has mo

Highlights Niharika NM says she lost a film after opting out of an on-screen intimate scene The actor reveals the role fell through after her co-star refused to work with a body double She also reflects on beauty standards in Bollywood and turning to South Indian cinema Ahead of her Bollywood debut in Bhai Tera Star Hai , actor and content creator Niharika NM has opened up about the challenges she faced breaking into the film industry. In a recent interview, she revealed that she lost a film des

Amazon plans to deploy 5,105 satellites to connect smartphones directly from space. The network is expected to launch from 2028, competing with Elon Musk's Starlink. Starlink has a major head start, with more than 10,000 satellites already in orbit. Amazon is stepping up its challenge to Elon Musk's Starlink with an ambitious plan to connect ordinary smartphones directly to satellites. The company has asked the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to deploy 5,105 low Earth o

Highlights Emily Wilson argues Christopher Nolan's adaptation misses the qualities that made Homer's epic endure The translator criticises the screenplay, character development and the film's central themes Despite her review, she says the blockbuster has renewed public interest in The Odyssey Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has become one of the biggest films of the year, but one of the scholars whose work influenced the adaptation has delivered a scathing critique. Emily Wilson, whose acclaime

Highlights Yash says emotion is the driving force behind the action in both Toxic and Ramayana The actor describes Toxic as a wild and deeply emotional cinematic experience He also reflects on the challenge of bringing Ravana to life in Ramayana Yash has drawn a connection between his two biggest upcoming films, saying that while Toxic and Ramayana are vastly different in scale and setting, both are driven by emotion rather than spectacle alone. Speaking during San Diego Comic-Con, the actor sai

Highlights Early reviews praise Tom Holland's strongest performance as Peter Parker Critics welcome the film's move away from multiverse-heavy storytelling Action, emotional depth and the Spider-Man-Punisher dynamic earn widespread praise Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day has received an enthusiastic response from critics following its first press screenings, with reviewers praising Tom Holland's performance, Destin Daniel Cretton's direction and the film's return to a more grounded Spider-Man

Highlights An eight-second kissing scene has been removed from the Indian version of Spider-Man: Brand New Day . Three instances of what were classified as obscene words have also been muted. The edits have prompted discussion online days before the film's release. Days before its release in cinemas, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the subject of online discussion in India after reports revealed that a kissing scene had been removed from the film's theatrical version, along with changes to

Temple's valuation has reportedly climbed to $375 million, nearly double its previous $190 million valuation. Around 20 employees will be eligible to sell up to 25 per cent of their vested ESOPs. The startup is preparing for the commercial launch of its health wearable device after raising $54 million in seed funding. Temple, the wearable technology startup founded by Deepinder Goyal, has reportedly nearly doubled its valuation to $375 million while giving some of its earliest employees an oppor

Highlights Yung Filly said he was attracted to the complainant when they met at a Perth nightclub. The rapper denied touching her inappropriately during their first interaction. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Yung Filly told a court he fancied the woman accusing him of rape when they first met at a nightclub in Perth, as the rapper gave evidence in his trial in Western Australia. The 30-year-old, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, took the witness stand at the Distr

When global investors evaluate India, attention has traditionally focused on states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. However, during my recent visit to Bhopal, it became evident that another state is rapidly emerging as one of India's most ambitious growth stories. In an exclusive meeting at his official residence, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav shared an expansive vision for Madhya Pradeshone that combines industrial development, cutting-edge technology, defence manufactur

Highlights Nitesh Tiwari says Ramayana: Part One ends on a cliffhanger designed to build anticipation for the sequel. The director explains why the epic could not be told in a single film. Ramayana: Part One releases this Diwali, with the second instalment arriving in Diwali 2027. Nitesh Tiwari has revealed that audiences will leave Ramayana: Part One Ramayana: Part One eager to watch its sequel, explaining that the film has been crafted to end on a cliffhanger rather than conclude the story. Sp

Major UK pension providers are exploring a 1 billion UK Scale-up Fund for high-growth British companies. The proposed fund aims to back science and technology businesses while delivering long-term returns for pension savers. The Government says the initiative could help create skilled jobs and keep more investment in the UK. Some of the UK's largest pension providers are exploring plans to launch a 1 billion UK Scale-up Fund, a new investment vehicle designed to help Britain's fastest-growing sc

Highlights The National Portrait Gallery has acquired Harley Weir's portrait of Charli xcx from her Brat era. The gallery described the singer as one of the defining cultural figures of her generation. The portrait goes on display as Charli xcx's latest album Music, Fashion, Film tops the UK midweek chart. A photograph that came to define Charli xcx's Brat era has been added to the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection, marking another milestone in the singer's cultural influence. Tak

Shein reported a 74 million ($99 million) quarterly loss after US tariff changes hit sales. The retailer says it may raise prices to offset higher import costs in key markets. Fresh EU import charges could add further pressure to Shein's low-cost business model. Shein's low-cost fashion business is facing one of its biggest tests yet after new trade rules in the US hit sales and raised questions over whether the retailer can continue offering ultra-cheap products in its biggest markets. In a reg

Highlights Greek mythology explainers are gaining millions of views across social media after The Odyssey . UK searches for learn Greek have risen by 550 per cent in the past month. Sales of Homer's The Odyssey have climbed 70 per cent as audiences revisit the original epic. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has become more than one of the year's biggest films. It has sparked a wave of interest in ancient Greece, with audiences turning to social media, books and language lessons to better understa

Highlights Rebecca Ferguson says Lady Jessica appears in just one scene in Dune Part Three . The character's reduced role closely follows the events of Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah . Denis Villeneuve says the final film shifts its focus to Paul Atreides' rule and its consequences. Rebecca Ferguson has confirmed that fans should not expect to see much of Lady Jessica in Dune Part Three, revealing that her role is limited to a single scene already shown in the film's trailer. While the revelation

Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck his second half-century in four days as India beat Zimbabwe by 35 runs on Sunday to complete a 3-0 Twenty20 international series sweep. After winning the toss, India made 192-5 in their 20 overs at Harare Sports Club, with Sooryavanshi leading the innings with 81 off 49 balls. His knock included eight fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe, who are 10 places below second-placed India in the world T20I rankings, finished on 157-7. Ryan Burl remained u

Nearly 15,200 regional aviation jobs could shift to Heathrow by 2050, according to new analysis. Birmingham Airport alone could lose 7.5 million passengers a year, equivalent to around 9,500 jobs. The Government insists Heathrow expansion will boost growth nationwide, while critics argue the benefits are overstated. Plans to expand Heathrow Airport with a third runway could shift thousands of jobs away from regional airports rather than create new ones, according to fresh analysis based on the G

NATWEST helped fund London-based consumer credit firm Amplifi Capital with up to 250 million before the company entered insolvency last month, according to company filings reviewed by Reuters. The filings show NatWest provided funding to Castor Financing, a business that financed Amplifi, between 2023 and 2025. The links, which have not previously been reported, highlight how banks have provided funding to non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) as regulators continue to examine risks linked to

Family-founded food supplier Scotch Frost collapsed owing almost 10 million. Administrators say unsecured creditors are unlikely to recover any of the money owed. Falling sales, rising costs and intense competition were blamed for the company's failure. A UK food supplier that served restaurants and retailers across the country for nearly six decades collapsed owing almost 10 million, with administrators warning that many creditors are unlikely to recover any of the money they are owed. A newly

Highlights Tanisha Zaman says becoming a Miss Great Britain London finalist has helped heal childhood insecurities. The youth activist entered pageantry to become the role model she never had for British Bangladeshi girls. She believes authenticity, not appearance, should define beauty and warns that social media is fuelling low self-esteem among young people. For Tanisha Zaman, becoming one of the only openly British Bangladeshi and Muslim finalists in Miss Great Britain London is about much mo

London's shortage of new purpose-built taxis is keeping demand for used black cabs high. Drivers are delaying buying decisions as uncertainty grows over the next LEVC taxi. Dealers continue to replenish secondhand stock quickly as demand outpaces supply. London's used black cab market continues to thrive as the shortage of new purpose-built taxis leaves drivers with few alternatives. With no confirmed launch date or details for the next-generation taxi, many cabbies looking to replace their vehi

KIRAN NADAR, who is building one of Asias biggest museums of modern art, has announced her arrival in London with an impressive exhibition at Christies auction house in King Street. Her new museum, described as an architectural marvel, is under construction near Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The exhibition in London, called The Meeting Ground , includes works by MF Husain, Francis Newton Souza, Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde and Jitish Kallat. Also on display are 22 black-and-white p

Highlights Tom Holland says Peter Parker's loneliness mirrors the challenges many young people face. The actor describes Spider-Man: Brand New Day as the most truthful portrayal of Peter Parker yet. The film explores isolation, identity and the importance of community after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home . Peter Parker's next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will focus less on superhero spectacle and more on the emotional struggles facing young people today, according to Tom Holla