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Highlights Qasim Akhtar has secured substantial libel damages from News Group Newspapers. The case centred on false allegations published by The Sun in November 2025. The publisher admitted the claims were untrue, apologised and agreed never to repeat them. Former Coronation Street actor Qasim Akhtar has been awarded substantial libel damages after settling a High Court claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), publisher of The Sun . The case has attracted widespread attention after the publish

US lawmakers questioned former Barclays chief Jes Staley over his long-standing ties to Jeffrey Epstein. House Oversight Committee chair James Comer said Staley appeared to have defended keeping Epstein as a JPMorgan client. The inquiry follows years of regulatory action, lawsuits and settlements linked to Epstein's banking relationships. Former Barclays chief Jes Staley is facing fresh questions over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after US lawmakers claimed he encouraged JPMorgan Chase t

Highlights Suriya urged fans not to organise birthday celebrations this year. The actor asked supporters to stand with students protesting over NEET. His message came ahead of the release of Viswanathan & Sons . Instead of celebrating his birthday, Suriya has urged fans to turn their attention to students protesting over the NEET examination. In a message shared through his fan club, the actor said this was not the time for festivities and appealed to supporters to stand with those raising conce

BMW, Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Bosch jointly asked ministers to reconsider the 2035 ban. The government insists the 2035 phase-out of new non-zero-emission cars remains unchanged. Carmakers say consumer demand should shape the transition, while critics warn delays could undermine climate goals. Some of the world's biggest carmakers privately urged the UK government to reconsider its 2035 petrol and diesel car ban, according to documents released through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, ope

INDIAS high commissioner to Britain, Periasamy Kumaran, cut a cake at India House last Wednesday (15) to celebrate the India-UK Free Trade Agreement finally coming into force after more than a decade of negotiations. A portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru, independent Indias first prime minister, surveyed an array of Indian goods that can now be exported to the UK either tax free or at greatly reduced rates of taxation. The high commissioner also opened a small box containing jewellery that had arrived

Highlights Amy Winehouse's music continues to shape pop, soul and R&B 15 years after her death. Back to Black remains one of the most influential albums of the 21st century. These 10 songs capture the honesty, wit and vulnerability that made her unforgettable. Fifteen years after Amy Winehouse's death, her music continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Blending jazz, soul and R&B with deeply personal songwriting, she created songs that felt both timeless and intensely intimate. F

INDIAN billionaire Gautam Adani's group is considering launching a new airline, a move that could change competition in a market dominated by IndiGo and Air India, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter. The proposal marks a shift for the ports-to-cement conglomerate, which operates eight airports in India, including two in Mumbai. The group has an $11 billion airport expansion strategy but had earlier said it was not looking to enter the airline business. No final decision

UK-based charity Lepra has recently become a proud partner of the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative Young Scholar Programme , a leadership and development scheme for 18-35-year-olds affected by leprosy. The two-year programme will support participants from Bangladeshs Bogura District, in developing their leadership skills, gaining financial autonomy and becoming pivotal players in shaping solutions within their communities. The programme is expected to play a critical role in nurturing the next genera

Researchers found GLP-1 drugs were associated with up to a 68 per cent higher risk of hair loss than some other diabetes medicines. UK regulators have received more than 1,200 reports of hair loss linked to semaglutide and tirzepatide since last year. Experts say rapid weight loss may be the most likely explanation, but further research is needed. Popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy are under fresh scrutiny after a major study found they may be linked to a higher

Highlights The Japan Patent Office has rejected a Nintendo patent application linked to its lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair. The legal dispute focuses on gameplay mechanics rather than character designs or copyright. The decision could strengthen Pocketpair's efforts to challenge patents already being used in court. Nintendo's legal battle with Palworld developer Pocketpair has become one of the gaming industry's most closely watched disputes. While many expected the case to centre

POLICY experts expect the India-UK partnership to continue under new prime minister Andy Burnham, who won the Labour party leadership in the same week that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the two countries came into force. While the new leader has pledged to do things differently, India is expected to remain a key focus of UK foreign policy, with experts pointing to Burnhams previous engagement with India during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester. Over this pas

Nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will receive a 20 per cent business rates cut from April. The relief follows months of industry frustration over soaring business rates and rising operating costs. Hospitality leaders have welcomed the move but are urging the government to extend support beyond pubs and overhaul the wider business rates system. Business rates have become one of the biggest flashpoints between Britain's pub sector and Labour in recent months. After widesp

Highlights Vijay commands the screen in what is billed as his final film before entering politics. Jana Nayagan blends action, emotion and political messaging with plenty of crowd-pleasing moments. While the story loses focus at times, the star's presence keeps the film firmly on track. Vijay's farewell to cinema is designed as much for his fans as it is for the big screen. Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan places the actor at the centre of a politically charged action drama that celebrates hi

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that fast-track courts would be set up to prosecute those involved in exam paper leaks, his first public response after weeks of protests demanding the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The announcement came hours after protesters clashed with police in New Delhi late on Wednesday. Police used tear gas and canes to push back demonstrators. The protests, led by the self-named Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have become the

Highlights Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens have reportedly ended their six-year relationship. Fans had noticed several changes on social media in the months leading up to the reports. The pair are said to have separated earlier this year but remain on good terms. Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens have reportedly called time on their six-year relationship, but for many fans, the news did not come as a complete surprise. In the months before reports of their split emerged, followers had begun

Lassie has launched its AI-powered pet insurance platform in the UK. The app rewards owners for keeping pets healthy with lower premiums and other benefits. More than 60 per cent of insurance claims are completed in about six minutes, according to the company. Swedish pet insurance company Lassie has entered the UK pet insurance market with a model that aims to prevent illnesses rather than simply cover veterinary bills after they arise. The company, which launched in Sweden in 2020, combines pe

FORMER minister Ann Widdecombe was struck on the head 21 times with a hammer while eating lunch at her home earlier this month, prosecutors told a London court on Tuesday. Widdecombe, 78, died after she was attacked at her home in rural southwest England on July 8. She was found dead the following day. A prominent figure in Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, her killing shocked British politics and renewed concerns about the security of politicians. Two serving British members of parliament have be

Emirates chief says nationalisation cannot be ruled out if the Heathrow dispute continues. Surinder Arora and Heathrow are backing rival plans for a third runway. The standoff is raising concerns over delays to one of the UK's biggest infrastructure projects. The battle over Heathrow's third runway has escalated, with Emirates president Sir Tim Clark warning that the Government may eventually have to consider nationalising Heathrow Airport if a growing dispute between the airport and hotel tycoo

Key Highlights The Incident: A UK resident volunteering in the DRC has been medically evacuated to London following potential exposure to the Ebola virus. The Location: The individual is being closely monitored at a specialist High-Level Isolation Unit, likely at the Royal Free Hospital in London. The Risk Level: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stresses that the risk to the wider UK public remains very low. When infectious disease alerts involve pathogens as severe as Ebola, public anxiety

UK inflation slowed to 2.6 per cent in June, beating market expectations. Falling fuel, food and clothing prices drove the decline. Economists expect inflation to rise again later this year as energy costs increase. UK inflation eased more than expected in June, offering some relief for households and giving the new Government an early boost as it rolls out measures aimed at reducing the cost of living. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose 2.6 per cent in the year to June, down from 2.8 per cent

Highlights Rebel Wilson has prevailed in a defamation lawsuit brought by actress Charlotte MacInnes. The dispute stemmed from Wilson's social media posts alleging inappropriate behaviour by MacInnes. Here's a look at how the legal battle began and what the court's ruling means. Actress Rebel Wilson has successfully defended herself in a defamation lawsuit filed by Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes , bringing an end to a legal dispute that centred on allegations of inappropriate behaviour and

A RUSSIAN warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise about 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth on Monday while being monitored by the Royal Navy. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the Royal Navy observed the exercise and is continuing to rack the vessel's activity closely. The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, was also monitored by a French military aircraft, which made radio contact with the warship to ask it to clarify its intentions, the BBC has been told. Before opening fire, the Russ

Highlights BBC has commissioned a new three-part series exploring the rise of Britain's celebrity chefs. Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal will reunite on screen for the first time in more than 10 years. The programme will revisit their rivalries, ambition and lasting impact on British fine dining. Some of Britain's most influential chefs are set to share the screen once again as Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal reunite for a new BBC documentary serie

Andy Burnham said rent controls are among several cost-of-living measures being considered. Rental supply in London has already fallen as landlords adjust to recent housing reforms. Supporters say rent freezes could protect struggling tenants, while landlords warn they may reduce the number of homes available. Rent controls are back on the political agenda after prime minister Andy Burnham confirmed his Government is considering freezing rents as part of a wider package of measures aimed at easi

Highlights Nagarjuna questioned why Telugu films continue to miss announced release dates. The actor cited Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey , noting its release date was announced a year in advance. He admitted Lenin was also delayed because post-production was not completed on time. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey became an unexpected point of comparison for Nagarjuna as the veteran actor called on the Telugu film industry to rethink its approach to release schedules. Speaking at the success mee

Andy Burnham left Buckingham Palace on Monday (20) acutely aware of the gap between the scale of his ambition - to deliver the biggest changes for forty years - and the Downing Street revolving door that makes him already the sixth new prime minister in a decade. Only two summers before, Sir Keir Starmer, in possession of an election landslide, had spoken of a decade of national renewal. Now he had to declare his work in government done insisting in his pride in the incremental progress made, t

Highlights Mahmood and Nandy retain senior cabinet roles. Kanishka Narayan promoted to Cabinet-level position. Healey named chancellor; Miliband takes Foreign Office; Streeting becomes defence secretary. Reeves, Lammy and several senior ministers leave government. PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham has unveiled his first cabinet, retaining Shabana Mahmood as home secretary and Lisa Nandy as secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, while promoting Kanishka Narayan to a Cabinet-level rol

Highlights Olivia Wilde recalled meeting Elon Musk years before his political rise and public controversies. The filmmaker said she never expected him to take the path he has. Wilde also discussed the themes of misogyny in Don't Worry Darling and her latest film, The Invite . Olivia Wilde has reflected on an early meeting with Elon Musk that she says looks very different in hindsight, recalling a time when the billionaire appeared focused on technology and philanthropy rather than the public per

Highlights Romesh Ranganathan fronts a new BBC campaign inspired by John Cleese's famous 1985 licence fee advert. The musical film features around 90 well-known personalities, including Claudia Winkleman, David Jason and Chris Martin. The campaign launches as the BBC seeks to make the case for renewing its royal charter amid falling licence fee payments. More than four decades after John Cleese asked, What has the BBC ever given us?, the broadcaster has revived the idea with a modern twist. This

Highlights Salman Khan appeared to respond to health speculation with a playful Instagram post. Concern grew after videos from his recent Mumbai appearance went viral. The actor is gearing up for the release of Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace . Salman Khan has responded to the wave of concern over his health with a tongue-in-cheek message that appears to put the rumours to rest. Days after his appearance at a public event prompted speculation online, the actor shared a series of Instagram pho

Sales of London homes worth more than 15 million rose 79 per cent in value during the first half of 2026. Buyers from the US and the Gulf accounted for 55 per cent of ultra-prime property purchases. Analysts suggest geopolitical tensions and growing tech wealth are helping drive demand. London's luxury property market is attracting wealthy overseas buyers once again, despite recent tax changes that prompted many high-net-worth individuals to leave the UK. Fresh data suggests buyers from the US a

AN INDIAN captain accused of violating UK sanctions on Russian oil was denied bail by a court in London on Thursday. Ajay Pant, 38, appeared before the court after being charged with directly or indirectly supplying or delivering by ship prohibited oil (or) oil products from Russia to a third country during June 2026. Pant was the captain of the oil tanker Smyrtos, which was intercepted by British armed forces in the English Channel on June 14 in the first UK-led operation of its kind. The tanke

INDIA exported goods worth $140 million to the UK at zero duty on the first day of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into effect on Wednesday, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said. More than 50 export consignments worth over $140 million were shipped from over 20 ports, airports, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and factories across the country under the agreement. The consignments included electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewe

Highlights Amazon MGM Studios has revealed the first footage from I Play Rocky . Anthony Ippolito portrays Sylvester Stallone in the biographical drama. The film chronicles Stallone's fight to play Rocky Balboa in the 1976 classic Rocky . Anthony Ippolito's transformation into Sylvester Stallone has been revealed in the first look at I Play Rocky , a biographical drama that revisits the story behind one of Hollywood's most celebrated underdog films. Released by Amazon MGM Studios, the footage fo

UK GDP grew 0.1 per cent in May after shrinking 0.1 per cent in April. Services kept the economy in positive territory, while manufacturing and construction weakened. Economists say the recovery remains fragile as the Iran conflict continues to push up energy costs. The UK economy returned to growth in May, offering a modest boost after April's contraction. But the latest UK GDP figures also point to an economy still struggling with rising energy costs, weaker industrial activity and growing unc

Highlights Early reviews have praised The Odyssey for its scale, ambition and visual spectacle. Critics have described the film as grand, hrilling and he definition of epic. A small number of reviewers questioned Nolan's interpretation of Homer's classic poem. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is already generating strong awards-season buzz after early reviews hailed the filmmaker's latest epic as a visually spectacular and ambitious adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem. While most critics p

The UK government has formally nationalised British Steel after Parliament passed new legislation. The move is aimed at protecting the Scunthorpe steelworks, the country's last producer of virgin steel. Former owner Jingye is reportedly seeking compensation, while ministers prepare for the cost of running the business. The UK government has formally taken British Steel into public ownership, ending Chinese-owned Jingye Group's control of the company in a move it says is necessary to protect the

Highlights Newly released promotional artwork offers the clearest official look yet at several Avengers: Doomsday characters Former Marvel Studios visual development chief Andy Park says it was the final full film he led at the studio The artwork arrives ahead of Marvel's return to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con this month Marvel Studios has unveiled fresh promotional artwork for Avengers: Doomsday , giving fans their clearest official look yet at several characters set to appear in the blockbust

Highlights Study estimates more than 2,700 heat-related deaths Around 42 per cent linked to human-induced warming Two heatwaves struck England and Wales in May and June UKHSA official estimate expected in coming weeks MORE than 2,700 people may have died because of the heatwaves that hit England and Wales in May and June, according to a study released on Monday. Researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine analysed weather data,

Highlights Sam Neill has died aged 78 following a career spanning more than five decades The actor became a global icon through Jurassic Park but built a legacy far beyond one franchise From pioneering New Zealand cinema to acclaimed television roles, his career crossed generations The death of Sam Neill at the age of 78 marks the end of one of cinema's most enduring careers. Best known as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park , the New Zealand actor earned admiration across generations through his ver

The UK is preparing plans to block unlicensed gambling companies from sponsoring British sports teams. The move follows concerns that offshore operators have continued signing deals with Premier League clubs. Everton's recent sponsorship agreement with crypto casino Stake.com has intensified calls for reform. The UK government is preparing to tighten rules on gambling sponsorships in sport, with ministers expected to launch a consultation aimed at preventing unlicensed casinos from partnering wi

The makers have confirmed July 24 as the worldwide release date for the Ramayana trailer. The film is also set to be showcased at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Ramayana: Part I is scheduled to hit theatres during Diwali 2026. The makers of Ramayana have confirmed that the film's much-awaited trailer will premiere worldwide on July 24, setting the stage for the global rollout of one of Indian cinema's biggest productions. The Ramayana trailer announcement comes ahead of the film's presentation at San

Meta has withdrawn its new Instagram AI image feature days after launching it. The tool allowed users to generate AI images using content from public Instagram accounts. Privacy concerns and criticism over the default opt-in setting prompted the company to reverse course. Meta has pulled its newly launched Instagram AI image feature just days after its debut, following widespread criticism over privacy and user consent. The Instagram AI feature, known as Muse Image, allowed users of the Meta AI

Xavier Niel has acquired a 16 per cent stake worth 4.4 billion to become Vodafone's biggest shareholder. The stake was bought from Emirati telecoms group e&, which has exited its investment. Investors are watching whether Niel will seek a greater role in shaping Vodafone's future. Vodafone has a new largest shareholder after French telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel bought a 16 per cent stake worth 4.4 billion, a move that could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the telecoms group as it push

Volkswagen plans to cut up to half of its vehicle models to reduce costs and focus on its strongest sellers. The company is battling weaker sales, especially in China, alongside rising tariff and regulatory pressures. The overhaul comes as Volkswagen weighs deeper cost cuts, including potential job reductions and factory closures. Volkswagen is preparing one of the biggest shake-ups in its history, with plans to cut up to half of its vehicle models as the German carmaker looks to reverse slowing

Highlights Silkyara 41 is inspired by the 2023 rescue of 41 workers trapped inside Uttarakhand's Silkyara Tunnel. The operation lasted 17 days and involved multiple Indian agencies alongside international tunnelling experts. Aamir Khan Productions, Kabir Khan Films and Australia's Mind Blowing Films have announced the project. Aamir Khan Productions has announced Silkyara 41 , a film based on one of India's most remarkable rescue missions. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film revisits the 17-day ope

The UK has designated Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Oracle as critical third-party suppliers to the financial sector. The firms will come under direct regulatory oversight from July 13. The move aims to reduce risks from cyber attacks and major technology outages. The UK is tightening its grip on the technology companies that power much of the country's financial system, placing four of the world's biggest cloud providers under direct regulatory oversight. The UK cloud regulation move will see M

Highlights Love Island winner Cach Mercer has joined the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up. The social media star, known for his viral dance videos, is the fifth celebrity confirmed for the new series. Mercer says he is looking forward to learning ballroom dancing and performing the Foxtrot. Cach Mercer won over the public to become the 2025 Love Island champion. Now, the reality TV star is hoping to strike the same chord with viewers as he joins the celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing

Louisa May Alcotts classic Little Women has seen its share of adaptations, but Rachael Fernandess debut novel, The Sharma Sisters, breathes fresh, contemporary life into a familiar framework. Moving the March family dynamics to the vibrant, multi-layered backdrop of London, Fernandes delivers a deeply moving coming-of-age story that centres on a British Indian family as they navigate love, ambition, and profound grief. The narrative introduces us to four distinct sisters, each striving to define

INDIAN sailors who spent months trapped in the Gulf during the Middle East war are wary of returning to the region, even as an interim ceasefire has allowed commercial traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. India sends out hundreds of thousands of seafarers each year and is one of the largest contributors of crew to global merchant shipping. More than 320,000 Indians (nearly 12 per cent of the global workforce) were working in the sector in 2025, according to the shipping ministry. War