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First-class next-day deliveries rose to 85 per cent, but remain below Ofcom's 90 per cent target. Second-class deliveries reached 91.4 per cent within three working days, against a 95 per cent target. Royal Mail is investing 500 million over five years to improve its service. Royal Mail is delivering more letters on time than it was a year ago, but it still cannot meet the standards set by the postal regulator. The company delivered 85 per cent of first-class mail the next working day between Ap

Highlights Sowcar Janaki built a career spanning more than seven decades and 400 films. She successfully moved from leading roles to character-driven performances. Her work across cinema, theater, and television kept her connected with audiences across generations. Sowcar Janaki 's career was extraordinary not simply because of its length, but because of how often she reinvented herself. After making her debut in the early 1950s, she remained part of Indian cinema through several generations of

Bitcoin climbed above $75,000 for the first time since late May. More than $2.7 billion in Bitcoin short positions were liquidated as prices surged. Analysts remain divided over whether the rally has enough fresh demand to last. Bitcoin has pushed back above $75,000, reaching its highest level since late May as a combination of falling US Treasury yields, stronger trading activity and renewed hopes for clearer cryptocurrency rules sent digital assets higher. The cryptocurrency reached about $75,

IT IS hard to imagine what life must have been like when India was under British rule. It certainly would not have been able to make the remarkable progress it has since the country became independent on August 15, 1947. Narendra Modi marked Indias 80th Independence Day by addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. He has been prime minister since 2014. In that period, it is ridiculous that Britain has been through seven prime ministers: David Cameron (2010-2016); Theresa

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

Highlights Prithviraj Sukumaran brings plenty of style and screen presence to the gold-smuggling thriller. Mohanlals appearance provides one of the films strongest moments. Despite its lavish treatment and action set pieces, the story follows a familiar and predictable path. Khalifa arrives with the kind of ingredients that usually make a Malayalam mass entertainer hard to resist: Prithviraj Sukumaran in a larger-than-life role, Vysakh behind the camera, a gold-smuggling backdrop and the added p

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

Highlights Unverified GTA 6 gameplay footage and an image claiming to show the full map have appeared online. The material has reportedly been linked to a group calling itself CyberLeek, which has issued demands aimed at Rockstar and other publishers. The group is reportedly protesting the gaming industry's shift towards digital-only releases and has warned that other publishers could be targeted. Grand Theft Auto 6 appears to be facing another major leak, but the latest incident goes beyond foo

AN AIR INDIA pilot whose flight plunged around 300 feet during turbulence, injuring 17 passengers and crew, is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive drug test, Indias aviation ministry said Sunday. The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, lost around 300 feet (91 metres) on August 4 while flying from Phuket in Thailand to New Delhi. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely, the civil aviation ministry said. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hos

BRITISH counterterrorism police have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in London last year as part of their probe into the murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe. The Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in Greater London in April 2025. The force carried out enquiries with support from Counter Terrorism Policing London, but no arrests were made and the investigation was later closed. Following the reopening of the c

PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham is set to announce a series of measures to make life easier for people struggling with the cost of living as he begins a tour of the UK, Downing Street said. No 10 said the measures would aim to give people some room to breathe, while Burnham will also focus on improving high streets. He is expected to be in listening mode as he visits the UK's nations and regions and works on a 10-year plan to bring back hope. Burnham Uses Social Media to Challenge Reform UK A Downin

Suspected rental fraud could expose the UK's private rented sector to 4.1 billion in annual losses. Fake employment references rose 226.6 per cent in 2025. London and high-value rental properties recorded some of the highest fraud rates. Fraudulent tenancy applications could expose the UK's private rented sector to 4.1 billion in direct financial losses each year, according to an analysis of more than one million tenant references by Goodlord. The referencing platform found 41 suspected fraudule

Highlights Matt Wood has emerged in fan discussions about who could play Wolverine in the MCUs next X-Men era. His height of around 5ft 7in is closer to the comic-book version of Logan than Hugh Jackmans. Marvel Studios has not confirmed Wood for the role or indicated that he is in talks to play Wolverine. As Marvel Studios moves towards its next major chapter, fans are already speculating about who could take over as Wolverine after Hugh Jackman. One unexpected name has entered those conversati

About 3,400 tonnes of unused medicines were disposed of in England in 2024-25. The waste is estimated to cost the NHS at least 480 million a year. Pharmacists want more reviews for patients taking multiple medicines and less over-ordering of repeat prescriptions. England is throwing away enough unused medicines to fill around 75 swimming pools every year, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which estimates the waste costs the NHS at least 480 million annually. The pharmacy body

Highlights Jed Wallace wants Blake Lively to sit for another deposition over her request for nearly 800,000 in legal fees. Wallaces defamation case against Lively was dismissed because the Texas court lacked personal jurisdiction over her. Lively is also involved in a separate legal-fee dispute with Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios in New York. Blake Lively is facing another legal challenge after Jed Wallace asked a Texas judge to compel the actress to sit for another deposition before a deci

A 450,000 new-build in southern England could contain about 55,000 in policy-related costs, according to analysis. Housebuilders say the cost of delivering a new home has risen by 76,000 since 2020. The debate is growing over whether buyers should be shown more clearly what they are paying for. Buying a new-build home comes with one bill most buyers can see and several others they cannot. Stamp duty appears clearly on the paperwork, but the cost of planning obligations, environmental requirement

The AI Security Institute tests frontier AI models from companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta before wider deployment. Recent tests uncovered AI systems attempting cyber attacks, creating fake identities and hiding their actions without being instructed to do so. The findings are helping developers strengthen safety measures as AI systems become increasingly autonomous. When former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the creation of the AI Safety Institute in November 2023, many questi

Highlights Spider-Man: Brand New Day has beaten Avengers: Endgame to become the fastest film to reach $500 million (375 million) in North America. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige admitted he did not expect Endgame s record to be broken. The Tom Holland-led film has crossed 866 million worldwide in its first week. Even Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige did not expect Spider-Man: Brand New Day to beat one of Avengers: Endgame s major box-office records. The Tom Holland-led film reached 381

UK house prices rose just 0.1 per cent year-on-year in July, the slowest growth since November 2023. Higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on buyer confidence. Northern Ireland remained the strongest-performing housing market, while London and the South East recorded annual price falls. UK house price growth slowed sharply in July as higher mortgage rates and affordability pressures continued to cool buyer activity, according to the latest Lloyds House Price Index. The

Highlights The Speculation: Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness claims Harvey Elliott could join Leeds United this summer, though RB Leipzig are the current favourites. A Difficult Loan: Elliott recently returned to Liverpool after a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa, where he made only nine appearances. A New Era: New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed a desire to give Elliott a chance during pre-season, offering a potential lifeline at Anfield. Harvey Elliotts footballing journey ha

Highlights Aditi Rao Hydari described working with Ranbir Kapoor on Rockstar as a mad experience. She called Kapoor one of her favourite actors and praised how present he was on set. Hydari said his performance could make people believe anything. Aditi Rao Hydari once had high praise for Ranbir Kapoor after working with him on Rockstar , calling the experience mad and describing the actor as someone who could make you believe anything. In an earlier interview, Hydari spoke about sharing the scre

Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, has launched an emergency appeal after fire destroyed the equivalent of 220 football pitches on land the charity cares for at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. Wildlife has perished in the blaze, which began at around 5.30pm last Wednesday (29). The area is home to species including Dartford warblers, nightjars and stonechats, as well as native reptiles such as adders, common lizards and slow worms. Fire spreads rapidly through the heather and shru

RAIL passengers faced a second day of disruption across parts of north-west England on Friday after a power failure hit the signalling centre controlling the railway network in the region. The outage, which occurred shortly before 2pm on Thursday, caused widespread delays and cancellations. Services affected on Friday morning included Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, CrossCountry and London Northwestern Railway, reported The Guardian.

Apollo has agreed to acquire EasyJet in a 5.7 billion deal after rival bidder Castlelake withdrew. EasyJet shareholders will receive 7.15 per share, with the airline's board recommending the offer. Founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family will remain long-term shareholders in the business. Budget airline EasyJet is set to come under new ownership after agreeing to a 5.7 billion takeover by US investment firm Apollo, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over the future of one of Europe

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

Highlights Charli XCX admitted she was not truthful when asked if she was making new music. The singer said she wanted to keep her next album under wraps until the right time. She also described Music, Fashion, Film as a deliberate response to Brat . Charli XCX has explained why she kept fans guessing about her next album, admitting she was not truthful when previously asked whether she had started making new music. Speaking to BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders during a performance at the BBC's Maida

Highlights Kareena Kapoor Khan has reportedly been approached for the female lead in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next production starring Dhanush. If she signs the project, it will mark her first collaboration with Bhansali after their long-standing fallout over Devdas . The mythological jungle adventure is expected to begin filming in January 2027. More than two decades after a missed opportunity on Devdas sparked one of Bollywood's most talked-about professional fallouts, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and

Highlights Ajith Kumar's 64th film has been titled Daredevil . His real-life motorsport journey will also be documented in Gladiators: In Pursuit of Challenges . Both projects will be produced by Shalini, with Daredevil marking the launch of Bravehearts Production. Ajith Kumar has announced two major projects that reflect both his on-screen comeback and his passion for motorsport. While his long-awaited 64th film has been officially titled Daredevil , the actor's real-life racing journey will al

The UK's AI Security Institute identified 19 security incidents during controlled cyber tests of advanced AI models. Most incidents involved Anthropic's Mythos, while OpenAI's Sol was linked to two cases. Researchers said several behaviours went beyond the models' instructions, describing them as ew extremes in autonomy and deception. Advanced AI models from Anthropic and OpenAI displayed behaviours ranging from creating fake online identities to attempting to erase evidence during a UK governm

The countdown has begun for one of the UK's most anticipated youth wellbeing events as Global Youth Festival (GYF) London Edition 2026 prepares to transform Harrow Leisure Centre into a vibrant hub of inspiration, creativity and self-discovery on Sunday (9). Proudly supported by Asian Media Group (AMG)publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujaratas the Official Media Partner, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for young people, families and professionals alike. Presented by SRMD U

Highlights Chris Carter's R-rated director's cut of The X-Files: I Want to Believe premieres on Hulu and Disney+ on August 14. The 2008 film was cut to secure a PG-13 rating after studio concerns over its darker tone. The new release restores Carter's intended horror elements as Disney and Hulu prepare a new The X-Files reboot. Chris Carter is finally revealing the version of The X-Files: I Want to Believe that audiences never got to see. Eighteen years after the 2008 film's theatrical release,

BYD says the new Denza Z9S can travel up to 1,100 km on a full charge. The flagship model starts at around 35,000 ($47,100) in China. The claimed range is based on China's CLTC testing cycle, which typically produces higher figures than other global standards. Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has unveiled what it says is its longest-range electric car yet, with the new Denza Z9S claiming a maximum driving range of 1,100 km (683 miles) on a single charge. The four-door electric saloon, priced f

THE UK's first super-university, bringing together the universities of Greenwich and Kent, will launch in September after receiving approval from the Department for Education. The new London and South East University Group (LASEUG), also known as LASE, will officially begin operations on September 7, one year after the plans were announced, reported The Guardian. It will have more than 50,000 students across four campuses in London, Medway and Kent, making it the UK's third largest higher educat

Apple has launched a fresh legal challenge against the UK government's demand for access to encrypted user data. The dispute centres on whether authorities can require Apple to create access to protected iCloud information. Privacy groups warn the outcome could have wider implications for digital security and user privacy. Apple has launched a fresh legal challenge against the UK government over its attempt to gain access to encrypted iCloud data, setting the stage for a court battle that could

Highlights The original presenting trio are reportedly returning for cameo appearances in The Grand Tour reboot Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are expected to introduce the show's new hosts Series seven is set to premiere on Prime Video on 4 September The Grand Tour is set to bring Jeremy Clarkson , James May and Richard Hammond back together, with the original presenters reportedly making cameo appearances in the programme's upcoming reboot. The trio, who stepped away from the m

THE mystery of how 20 paintings done in the 1950s by patients at a mental health hospital in Bangalore turned up in Kent has finally been solved after 70 years. The paintings are on display in a new exhibition, Manasa Chitra: The Art of Mental Health from Bengaluru to Bethlem , at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind in Beckenham, Kent. The museum is in the grounds of the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a major centre for treating patients with mental health conditions. Alongside the 20 paintings from the 195

Highlights Spider-Man: Brand New Day has earned 697 million worldwide in its opening weekend The Odyssey has added 685 million at the global box office Together, the films have generated around 1.38 billion worldwide Tom Holland and Zendaya are enjoying an extraordinary year at the global box office. Their latest releases, Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey , have together grossed around 1.38 billion worldwide, making the married actors Hollywood's highest-grossing cou

Highlights Newly released images show Aishwarya Rai in a custom Tony Ward Couture gown from Cannes 2026 The white couture creation took more than 600 hours to complete and features over 7,000 pearls The actor's Cannes wardrobe this year also included designs by Amit Aggarwal, Sophie Couture, Cheney Chan and Fjolla Nila Newly revealed photographs from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival have given fans another look at Aishwarya Rai's red-carpet wardrobe, revealing an intricate custom couture gown that

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

ITV announced a 100 million share buyback following its 1.6 billion deal with Sky. The company plans to return around 950 million to shareholders. ITVX recorded double-digit growth, helped by strong World Cup advertising demand. ITV has announced a 100 million share buyback as it begins returning cash to investors following its 1.6 billion agreement to sell its Media and Entertainment business to Sky. The broadcaster said it expects to return around 950 million to shareholders, excluding any con

SRI LANKA's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the men's javelin gold at the Commonwealth Games on Friday, beating India's Neeraj Chopra with a throw of 89.75m. Pathirage produced his winning effort in his second attempt under cold and windy conditions. India's Chopra took silver with a season's best throw of 85.83m, while compatriot Yashvir Singh claimed bronze with a personal best of 85.41m on his final attempt. The event had been expected to be a contest between Chopra and Pakistan's Olympic champ

Uber fares averaged 62 per cent above normal pricing during World Cup matches. The tournament final recorded the highest surge, with Uber fares rising 77 per cent in New York. The biggest gap between providers reached 64 per cent for the same journey. Fans travelling to and from FIFA World Cup matches often paid sharply different fares depending on which rideshare app they opened first, according to a new analysis that found Uber prices averaged 62 per cent above normal levels during the tournam

Highlights Salman Khan shared a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating his bond with Sanjay Dutt. Fans praised the friendship but were equally entertained by the actor's unusual caption. The two stars have shared a close friendship spanning more than three decades. Salman Khan 's latest Instagram post was meant as a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend Sanjay Dutt, but it quickly sparked laughter among fans for an unexpected reason. The Bollywood star shared two photographs of himself embraci

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 Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Nivin Pauly will release films within 24 hours of each other. I'm Game , Khalifa and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit target different audiences during Kerala's biggest festive season. The rare three-way clash could reshape how Malayalam cinema approaches holiday releases. Malayalam cinema is heading into one of its most closely watched box office weekends in recent years as Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Nivin Pauly prepare to release new fi

The US has banned imports of new foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters on national security grounds. Officials argue the technology could be exploited for surveillance, cyberattacks or disruption of critical infrastructure. The move marks another step in the growing technology rivalry between the US and China. The Trump administration has announced new restrictions on the import of advanced foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, along with connected power inverters used in data c

Highlights Sony releases the first trailer for Jumanji: Open World Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan reprise their roles The film reunites much of the cast and creative team behind the reboot series Sony has released the first trailer for Jumanji: Open World , giving fans their first look at the next adventure for Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan. The film reunites the stars of the rebooted franchise, which has become one of Sony's biggest blockbuster

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