Shahana Yasmin

A collection of 688 handwritten reflections by Mahatma Gandhi, written daily for grieving associate Anand T Hingorani between 1944 and 1946, sold through Saffronart in India for Rs 162m (£1.2m). The sale set a record for an Indian historical document at auction. Other Gandhi-related manuscripts, letters, a signed photograph and a portable spinning wheel also sold. The buyer, who is from India, has not been identified. The National Gandhi Museum’s director condemned the auction and urged private holders to donate Gandhi’s original materials for preservation as part of India’s shared heritage.

Hayden Panettiere died in South Carolina while Brian Hickerson, her on-off partner, was present and helped call emergency services. Their relationship began in 2018 and was followed by multiple arrests, domestic-violence allegations and Hickerson’s 2021 no-contest pleas to two felony counts, resulting in jail time, probation and mandated classes. Despite Panettiere publicly describing herself as a victim of abuse, the pair later rekindled their relationship while Hickerson pursued sobriety. Panettiere’s family expressed concern about his involvement, while a police report said he gave investigators a bag of her medication. Her cause of death had not been disclosed, and an autopsy found no trauma.

Hayden Panettiere died at 36 in South Carolina, five days before her 37th birthday. Her cause of death remains unknown: an autopsy found no signs of trauma, while toxicology and the full report may take several weeks. Former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko expressed shock and grief, saying he would ensure their daughter Kaya remembers Panettiere with respect. The report reviews Panettiere’s acting career, her struggles with addiction and postpartum depression, the loss of custody of Kaya, and tributes from colleagues including Jimmy Jean-Louis and Michelle Rodriguez. Neutrogena is also facing renewed criticism over its decision to end Panettiere’s contract after she spoke publicly about her mental-health experiences.

Drea de Matteo says she turned to OnlyFans after losing acting work, facing foreclosure notices and a $75,000 lien following housing and financial problems. A bikini photo and $15 monthly subscriptions reportedly enabled her to clear the lien within 75 minutes. She describes the account as both a financial necessity and a political statement after opposing Covid-19 vaccine mandates and feeling excluded from Hollywood because of her support for Donald Trump. De Matteo also discussed misconceptions about her finances despite her Emmy-winning role on The Sopranos.

Actor Jon Cypher has died aged 94 at his home in Central Point, Oregon, with his wife Carol Rosin by his side. Best known as Chief Fletcher Daniels on Hill Street Blues, he appeared in 71 episodes of the acclaimed NBC drama from 1981 to 1987. His career also included the landmark 1957 television production Cinderella opposite Julie Andrews, Broadway roles, the sitcom Major Dad, and the film Masters of the Universe. Cypher, who also sang opera in four languages, published a book of limericks in 2019 and was remembered by his family for bringing joy through song.

Joan Jett cancelled appearances at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa on 5 September and the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville on 24 September after undergoing orthopaedic surgery for a fractured vertebra. Following medical advice, she will focus on physical therapy and recovery after recently completing a five-date UK headline tour and a support appearance with My Chemical Romance at Wembley Stadium. The article also revisits Jett's decision to continue performing her cover of Gary Glitter's “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah),” despite Glitter's sexual-offense convictions.

Christopher Nolan argues that amateur film critics make a fundamental mistake by assuming that recognizing storytelling mechanisms undermines their effectiveness. He says professional critics generally understand how cinematic devices function and how film language evolves. The comments come amid debate over The Odyssey, his adaptation of Homer’s epic starring Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, after translator Emily Wilson called the screenplay “abysmal” in the London Review of Books. Despite the criticism, the film has reportedly received rave reviews, including praise from The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey.

Christopher Nolan argues that amateur film criticism has a fundamental flaw: recognizing the storytelling mechanisms behind an emotional response does not mean those mechanisms have failed. He distinguishes amateur reactions from professional criticism, which he says better understands cinematic conventions and how filmmakers can adapt or subvert them. Nolan’s comments come amid debate over The Odyssey, including Emily Wilson’s strongly negative assessment of the screenplay and Joyce Carol Oates’s public defense of the director. The film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, has nevertheless received rave reviews, including a five-star assessment from The Independent.

Massive Attack members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall were detained and questioned by Singaporean police after displaying a Palestinian flag and leading “Free Palestine” chants at a 29 July concert. Their passports were temporarily confiscated, and Singapore issued them stern warnings, barred them from re-entering the country, and said future performance applications would be rejected. Authorities cited laws restricting foreign flags and concerns about external conflicts disrupting Singapore’s internal harmony. The band expressed surprise and disappointment but defended the gesture as an impromptu act of solidarity with Palestinians and criticized global inaction on human rights.

Massive Attack said its members were detained, separately questioned, and in some cases had their hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily confiscated after displaying a Palestinian flag and joining “Free Palestine” chants at a 29 July concert in Singapore. Singapore authorities issued stern warnings, barred founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall from re-entering, and said future performance applications would be rejected under rules restricting foreign flags and political expression. The band defended the display as an act of solidarity, criticised both Singapore’s censorship policies and the UK’s treatment of Palestine Action supporters, and called for Singapore to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A high-quality bootleg of Sony and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day was uploaded to X on its theatrical release day, reaching 5.9 million accounts and generating extensive reposting before copyright takedowns removed it. The incident followed the full leak of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey on the platform less than a week earlier. Despite the piracy, Brand New Day earned a record $72 million in previews and a $927 million global opening weekend, while receiving strong reviews, including four stars from The Independent.

Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding won the $1 million top prize on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? for the Eastern Congo Initiative, which Affleck co-founded to support community organizations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. They correctly answered questions about the Wright brothers’ first flight and the name of a turkey never pardoned by a US president, relying on lifelines and Jimmy Kimmel’s reasoning. Ding said Affleck’s decisiveness and Kimmel’s argument helped the pair risk the final question rather than walk away.

Tom Holland says plans for passing the Spider-Man role to a future actor have been under development since Spider-Man: No Way Home, although the details and timing remain unsettled. He is reprising Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and says he wants to continue playing Spider-Man for as long as the studio will have him. Holland also supports multiple live-action and animated versions of the character existing simultaneously and has suggested Adolescence actor Owen Cooper could be an appealing successor.

Netflix is facing a lawsuit seeking at least $105 million from producer Simon Afram and his company Op-Fortitude after an unencrypted hard drive containing the unreleased Nicolas Cage film Fortitude was allegedly stolen from Netflix’s Los Angeles office. The producers claim the theft destroyed the film’s exclusivity, harmed distribution and awards plans, and created a risk of online piracy. Netflix disputes responsibility, arguing that the film was delivered without industry-standard security safeguards, while saying it has taken additional measures to support the filmmakers. The producers have paused sales discussions pending the security and legal dispute.

Thai travel YouTuber Bowornthat Pengsuk, known online as Hlun Solo, was found dead in a hotel room in Tbilisi after his family lost contact with him during a solo trip through Georgia. Georgian authorities have opened an investigation under Article 115 of the criminal code, which is used in unexplained-death cases, but officials have drawn no conclusions about the circumstances. Thailand’s foreign ministry and embassy officials are coordinating with Georgian authorities and his family to investigate the death and arrange the repatriation of his remains. His family has asked the public not to speculate.

Thai travel YouTuber Hlun Solo, whose real name was Bowornthat Pengsuk, was found dead in a hotel room in Tbilisi after losing contact with his family during a solo trip. Georgian authorities opened an investigation under Article 115, while Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Ankara are coordinating with local officials and arranging the repatriation of his body. His family has asked people not to speculate about the circumstances of his death.

Tom Holland says plans for passing the Spider-Man role to a successor have been in development since Spider-Man: No Way Home, though they may change. He is reprising Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and has previously suggested that Owen Cooper could eventually take over the role.

BTS announced that it will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, arguing that music should be judged universally rather than by region or language. Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he respected the decision but defended the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, explaining that it is intended to recognize Asian artists and does not prevent submissions to major General Field categories. BTS has received five Grammy nominations without winning, and its action follows earlier criticism or boycotts by artists including The Weeknd and Drake.

Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation of Homer’s The Odyssey influenced Christopher Nolan, has condemned Nolan’s film as “abysmal,” arguing that it lacks the epic’s psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth. She criticizes the portrayals of Odysseus, Penelope, Calypso and Athena, as well as the film’s race-neutral casting, which she says reinforces Hollywood stereotypes. Wilson also identifies filming near Dakhla in Western Sahara as the production’s most serious ethical problem because it could legitimize Morocco’s control and normalize violence against the Sahrawi people. Despite her objections, she finds the film entertaining and praises Nolan’s use of the poem’s layered narrative structure; the film has otherwise received strong reviews and is expected to contend for Oscars.

Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding won the $1 million prize on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? for the Eastern Congo Initiative, which Affleck co-founded. They correctly answered that the Wright brothers’ first airplane flight occurred shortly after a New York Times prediction that such an achievement was millions of years away, then identified “Spaghetti & Meatball” as the turkey-pardon name that had not been used by a US president. Jimmy Kimmel’s reasoning helped them risk the final question rather than walk away, while Ding credited Affleck with keeping the team decisive under pressure.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr defended the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category after BTS said it would not submit music for the 2027 Grammy process. Mason argued that the category is intended to expand recognition of Asian artists rather than segregate them, and clarified that artists may also compete in the general categories, including Record, Album and Song of the Year. BTS, which has received five Grammy nominations but never won, said it hoped music would be judged without being divided by region or language. The dispute reflects wider artist dissatisfaction with Grammy recognition and transparency.

George and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, France, as wildfires spread across southern Europe and displaced thousands in France, Spain and Greece. In a letter to the town’s mayor, they expressed concern for residents and pledged to help rebuild the community regardless of what happened to their home.

Early critics have responded enthusiastically to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, singling out Sadie Sink as the film’s major surprise and praising Tom Holland’s performance as Spider-Man. Reviews describe the fourth standalone film as more mature, emotional and grounded than recent Marvel installments, with strong action sequences, meaningful themes of loneliness, community and work-life balance, and a return to the character’s grittier comic-book roots. The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, opens in cinemas on 31 July.

George and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, in France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, as wildfires spread across southern Europe. In a letter to the town’s mayor, they expressed uncertainty about whether the property would survive and reaffirmed their commitment to the local community. France, Spain and Greece faced widespread fires driven by heat, dry vegetation, low humidity and strong winds, with hundreds of thousands evacuated in France, thousands displaced in Spain and three firefighters killed in Greece.

Four women told the BBC they experienced alleged sexual assault, statutory rape, grooming or threats involving Jared Leto between 2002 and 2016, when they were teenagers. Additional women and former Thirty Seconds to Mars crew members described sexually explicit calls or uncomfortable interactions with young women. Leto categorically denied sexually assaulting anyone and previously denied related allegations reported by Air Mail and raised by DJ Allie Teilz.

BTS announced that it will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, saying it wants music judged without division by region or language. The decision follows the Recording Academy’s introduction of a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which excludes songs performed entirely in English and has drawn criticism as potentially tokenistic. BTS’s commercially successful album Arirang had been considered a contender for major Grammy prizes, but the group has now withdrawn despite previously expressing a strong desire to win the award.

BTS will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, following the Recording Academy’s introduction of a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The group said it wants music to be appreciated without being divided by region or language, prompting speculation that the category influenced its decision. The rules require meaningful use of an Asian language, which would exclude the group’s entirely English-language song “Swim.” BTS has received five Grammy nominations but has never won.

Early critics have strongly praised Sadie Sink’s performance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, calling her a surprise standout, while also describing Tom Holland’s portrayal as his best Spider-Man performance so far. The film is seen as a more grounded, thoughtful and emotional instalment that moves away from the multiverse storyline. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, it follows Peter Parker fighting crime alone after Doctor Strange’s memory spell, as his powers evolve and a new villain appears.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is projected to surpass Oppenheimer’s $330 million North American box-office total just 13 days after release. The film earned $123.5 million in its opening weekend domestically and $264 million worldwide, while receiving strong critical reviews, including a 95 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. If the projection holds, it will become Nolan’s third-highest-grossing North American film, behind The Dark Knight.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is projected to surpass Oppenheimer’s North American theatrical total of just over $330 million within 13 days of release. The film earned $14.7 million across the US and Canada on its second Monday and was expected to reach roughly $320.1 million before passing $330 million by Wednesday. It opened to $123.5 million domestically and $264 million worldwide, the biggest opening weekend of Nolan’s career, and has received a 95 per cent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. If its performance continues, The Odyssey will become Nolan’s third-highest-grossing North American film, behind The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, while also becoming Matt Damon’s highest-grossing leading role in the region. Its commercial success has continued despite online criticism of the casting and reports of highly inflated IMAX ticket resale prices.

Japanese mystery novelist Keigo Higashino has died from colorectal cancer at 68, according to his publisher Kodansha. Over a four-decade career, he wrote 106 novels, sold about 109 million copies in Japan, and reached readers in 41 countries and regions. His major works, including The Devotion of Suspect X, the Detective Galileo and Detective Kaga series, and Journey Under the Midnight Sun, generated numerous film and television adaptations across Asia, Europe and North America. Higashino won many of Japan's leading literary and mystery awards, and his final novel, Eien no Kioku, is due to be published posthumously.

Tom Holland says promoting films he was not proud of could be difficult because he sometimes privately thought they were poor. He is currently promoting Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, in which he plays Telemachus, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, in which he reprises Peter Parker. Holland describes the current press tour as a “victory lap” and praises Anne Hathaway, while The Odyssey is reported to have earned strong reviews and $639.6 million worldwide.

Tom Holland said that promoting films he was not proud of could be difficult because he sometimes privately believed they were poor, but described his current press tour for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day as a rewarding “victory lap.” He praised Anne Hathaway, his co-star in The Odyssey, and expressed pride in both projects. The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and Holland as Telemachus, has received strong reviews, and reportedly grossed $639.6 million worldwide, while Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release on 31 July.

Ryan Reynolds secretly attended San Diego Comic-Con in costume as Jeanpool, interacting with fans and posing for photographs without handlers or security while remaining unrecognised. He later revealed himself during Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday presentation and jokingly pitched Deadpool for a role, amid ongoing rumours about the character’s involvement. Reynolds also confirmed that another Deadpool film is in development, drawing on lesser-known comic storylines, while the article reviews the franchise’s history and commercial success.

Former world No 1 tennis player Andy Roddick makes his feature-film acting debut in Apple TV’s pickleball comedy The Dink, playing a fictionalised version of himself. Jake Johnson, who stars as a washed-up tennis prodigy forced to take up pickleball, said casting Roddick instead of a conventional comedic actor was a gamble that paid off. The film, directed by Josh Greenbaum and produced by Ben Stiller, also features John McEnroe and premiered on Apple TV on 24 July. Johnson described the choreographed pickleball scenes as stressful because Roddick could place the ball precisely, while joking that Roddick’s real-life lack of respect for pickleball resembles his on-screen persona.

Sudarshan Birla created Meowmbai, a crowdsourced map where users pin photographs and locations of Mumbai’s stray or community cats. The project quickly grew beyond a playful catalogue as feeders, rescuers and animal-welfare groups suggested uses including identifying regular cats, reuniting lost animals and connecting injured cats with help. Mumbai has accumulated far more sightings than Bengaluru, reflecting differences in cat populations and urban environments rather than an official census. Birla manually verifies submissions and has rejected cat “hotspots” because they could encourage people to abandon kittens in areas with many animals. He hopes to develop the platform in consultation with rescue organisations while ensuring it creates genuine value for community cats.

The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical online response to Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remarks about unemployed young people and rapidly attracted millions of followers. Founded by former Aam Aadmi Party strategist Abhijeet Dipke, the movement channelled anger over medical entrance and other examination paper-leak scandals into demands for accountability in education, employment and governance. Its indefinite protest in Delhi, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk and several opposition politicians, culminated in clashes with police and the reported resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Supporters view the CJP as a new vehicle for youth political participation, while critics question whether it is genuine organising or merely internet spectacle and allege links to opposition parties.

Vikingaleden, the Swedish nonprofit that owns the replica Viking ship Glad av Gillberga, says Universal Pictures has not reimbursed approximately $6,000 in repair costs following a six-month shoot for The Odyssey. Chair Peter Olausson claims the ship suffered damaged paint, mast fittings, its hull and support frame, delaying its return to service and costing the association booking income. Universal disputes the claim, saying its records show all invoices were paid and that it is contacting the association to resolve a misunderstanding. The ship appeared among Odysseus’s escort vessels in Christopher Nolan’s film, which had a record opening weekend for the director.

Set decorator Mary Kate Golding, 34, was found fatally stabbed in her Astoria, Queens home after police responded to a 911 call. Her husband, Joseph Azzaretto, was later found unconscious near Astoria Park and died; police said there was no sign of criminal involvement in his death. The couple’s 11-month-old son was unharmed. Golding worked on several film and television productions, including The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, and was due to join the crew of Deep Cuts. The Urban Resource Institute used the case to highlight the need for housing, counselling, legal advocacy and community support to prevent domestic violence.

Gen Z-led protests organised by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party have used memes, viral videos, Bollywood songs, K-pop edits, cosplay and Strava screenshots to campaign against examination paper leaks and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters have also documented clashes with Delhi Police, including baton charges and teargas, turning confrontations into humorous social-media content. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for prosecuting those responsible for leaks, but the CJP rejected the measure as insufficient and said its Jantar Mantar sit-in would continue until wider examination reforms and Pradhan’s resignation were secured.

Tom Holland has begun training for a forthcoming Fred Astaire biopic and hopes to perform all of Astaire’s dances himself, filming them in single takes without doubles. He described the rehearsals as both exciting and daunting, given Astaire’s exceptional reputation. Holland traced his own dancing career back to a Janet Jackson song, Saturday classes and his audition for Billy Elliot: The Musical. The film, produced by Amy Pascal, has been in development since Holland’s casting was announced in 2021 and has received mixed reactions, partly because Astaire reportedly did not want a biopic made about his life.

Elon Musk says Grok Imagine will create a feature-length, “historically accurate” AI adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey by the end of the year and has expressed willingness to fund a version directed by Mel Gibson. His proposal follows months of attacks on Christopher Nolan’s theatrical adaptation, particularly over the casting of Lupita Nyong’o and Elliot Page. Nolan’s film has opened to strong reviews and earned $264 million worldwide, while Nyong’o has defended its representative casting. The dispute also features criticism from filmmaker Scott Derrickson and Nolan’s broader warnings about AI’s implications for cinema.

An Australian judge dismissed actor Charlotte MacInnes’s defamation case against Rebel Wilson over Instagram posts concerning an alleged sexual harassment complaint involving The Deb producer Amanda Ghost. Justice Elizabeth Raper found that MacInnes had not established serious harm and ruled that the potentially defamatory allegation was not defamatory, ordering MacInnes to pay Wilson’s legal costs. Wilson described the judgment as a substantial win, while MacInnes had denied making or withdrawing a sexual harassment complaint and accused Wilson of rewriting events.

The first full trailer for Avengers: Doomsday received 503 million views in its first 24 hours, making it the second-biggest movie trailer launch ever and the most-viewed trailer in Marvel Studios history. The film reunites major Marvel Cinematic Universe and X-Men characters, including Chris Evans’s Steve Rogers, with Robert Downey Jr introducing Doctor Doom after his long run as Iron Man. Fans have largely praised the returning legacy characters, the dark tone and Downey Jr’s casting, while critics argue that the trailer relies excessively on nostalgia and fan service. The film is scheduled for a 18 December 2026 cinema release.

Matt Damon said a female stunt performer with exceptionally muscular arms doubled for him during the Laestrygonian battle in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, where forced perspective and performers of different heights created the film’s giant characters. The performer was identified as Canadian Devyn Dalton, who confirmed the story and described the Scottish Highlands shoot as an unforgettable team effort. Damon also discussed losing more than 20 pounds and following an intensive training and diet plan to play Odysseus. The film has reportedly opened to $264.1 million worldwide, including $124.5 million in the United States and Canada.

Christopher Nolan says he expects to wait at least three years before making another film after the physically demanding production of The Odyssey. He described the large-scale adaptation of Homer’s epic as pushing both him and his crew to the limits of their stamina. The film, shot entirely with IMAX cameras, stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland and has earned strong reviews, including a 95 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score, while opening to $264.1 million worldwide—the biggest global debut of Nolan’s career.

Christopher Nolan says he plans to wait at least three years before directing another film after the demanding production of The Odyssey. His adaptation of Homer's epic follows Odysseus's journey home and stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. The film was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras developed in collaboration with IMAX, earned a 95 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and opened globally with $264.1 million.

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party escalated demonstrations after activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from a hunger strike and hospitalised under police supervision. The movement, sparked by alleged exam leaks affecting millions of students, demands Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and examination reforms. Wangchuk’s detention intensified mobilisation ahead of a planned march to parliament, while student activists continued their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Police increased security and indicated no march would be authorised. Opposition figures, including Rahul Gandhi and Yogendra Yadav, criticised the government’s response, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party remained silent on protesters’ demands.

Iran accused two US-backed tankers of causing an accident in the Strait of Hormuz by ignoring warnings and taking an unsafe route. The incident followed US airstrikes against Iran after an Iranian drone and missile attack in Jordan killed two American service members. Iran suspended its commitments under a peace agreement with the US, while its supreme leader called the accord signed by Donald Trump invalid and warned of further consequences if US attacks continue.

Laos says it cannot bring homicide-related charges over the deaths of six foreign tourists who likely consumed methanol-tainted alcohol because no autopsies were conducted and investigators lack definitive forensic evidence. Authorities have instead charged the Tiger Vodka distillery owner with operating an illegal business and producing or selling harmful goods, offenses carrying a maximum one-year sentence. Tests reportedly found excessive methanol in Tiger Vodka, while the Nana Backpacker Hostel remains closed and connected employees face ongoing scrutiny. Australia has condemned the decision, offered toxicology and other evidence, and plans to raise the issue with Laos. The victims’ families have also denounced the investigation and legal response.

Russia launched its largest ballistic missile assault on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion, killing at least one person and injuring 16. The overnight attack involved 41 missiles and 125 drones, igniting fires across five districts and damaging residential, industrial and administrative sites. Ukraine said it intercepted part of the barrage but confirmed that dozens of missiles and drones struck targets. Officials urged stronger international support and increased pressure on Moscow. Ukraine separately struck oil depots and tankers in Russia’s Stavropol region and the Black Sea, while Russian regions reported growing economic strain from wartime disruptions.

Indian police removed hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest stage at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar after his health deteriorated, transferring him to Safdarjung Hospital under Delhi High Court directions and medical advice. The Cockroach Janta Party accused police of kidnapping Wangchuk and said its founder Abhijeet Dipke was beaten and briefly detained. The protests demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over exam paper leaks and reforms to India’s examination system. Security was increased around the protest site, while Wangchuk’s broader conflict with Narendra Modi’s government over Ladakh-related protests remains part of the backdrop.

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 from Sriharikota, making it the first privately developed Indian orbital rocket to place payloads into orbit. The vehicle deployed six technology-demonstration payloads into a 450-kilometre low Earth orbit, marking India’s entry alongside the US and China among countries with privately developed orbital launch capability. The achievement follows India’s 2020 opening of the space sector to private investment and supports the government’s ambition to expand the national space economy. Skyroot plans dedicated, customer-specific launches for small satellites, with further developmental missions planned before commercial service begins.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Kuwait, temporarily suspending operations at Kuwait International Airport, and reportedly targeted an oil facility and power station. Tehran also claimed attacks on US military assets in Bahrain and operations against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including vessels and oil tankers, though the US military denied the maritime claims. The reports followed a seventh consecutive night of US strikes on Iranian military sites and allegations that US attacks damaged civilian infrastructure, including a desalination plant in Jask county that left around 10,000 people without water. The escalation continued despite United Nations calls for restraint.

Rain-triggered flash flooding in Vietnam and a landslide in southwestern China have killed at least 12 people and left dozens missing. Four people died and four remain missing in Lai Chau province, where heavy rain damaged infrastructure and homes and prompted the deployment of more than 200 police officers. In Chongqing’s Pengshui county, a landslide buried more than 10 residential buildings, killing eight and leaving 34 missing. Ongoing rain and unstable ground are complicating rescue operations in both countries.

Heavy rains in northern Vietnam and southern China triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 12 people and left dozens missing. In Vietnam, flooding damaged infrastructure, destroyed homes and farmland, and prompted large-scale rescue operations as additional rainfall heightened risks of further disasters. In China’s Chongqing municipality, a major landslide buried more than 10 residential buildings, killing eight and leaving many missing, while authorities evacuated over 1,100 residents and deployed specialist teams to assist in rescue efforts.

Sam Neill’s longtime representative, Philip Grenz, said the actor died from pneumonia after previously achieving remission from stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma through CAR-T therapy. Neill’s family is planning a private memorial in New Zealand and has asked supporters to donate to medical and environmental causes instead of sending flowers. The report also recounts Neill’s continuing professional activity, his extensive film and television career, tributes from fellow actors and filmmakers, and his posthumous projects.

Warner Bros. has postponed The Batman Part II for a second time, moving its release to 18 February 2028. Director Matt Reeves has unveiled first-look camera-test footage of Robert Pattinson in an updated Batman suit. Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell are returning, while Marvel stars Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan have joined the cast; Stan reportedly indicated he will play Two-Face, and Johansson’s role remains uncertain.

Warner Bros pushed the release of The Batman II to 18 February 2028 as Matt Reeves unveiled the first camera test showing Robert Pattinson’s return in an updated Batsuit. The sequel has experienced multiple delays following previous scheduling changes related to industry strikes. The cast includes returning actors and new additions such as Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan, who suggested he will portray Two-Face. The shift allows extended post‑production time and positions the film for a Presidents’ Day weekend release in the US.

Actor Sam Neill died in Sydney at age 78 from pneumonia, according to his longtime representative Philip Grenz. Neill had recently been declared cancer-free after treatment for stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, but journalist and former partner Laura Tingle said the intensive treatment had weakened his immune system and left him vulnerable to pneumonia. His family plans a private memorial in New Zealand and has requested donations to blood-cancer research and environmental charities.

India’s Supreme Court fined comedian Samay Raina ₹300,000 (£2,327) for failing to comply with directions issued after his show, India’s Got Latent, was accused of ridiculing people with disabilities and spinal muscular atrophy. The court had ordered Raina and other comedians to apologise, contribute financially and organise disability-focused programmes, but the Cure SMA India Foundation said he had not contacted it or meaningfully involved disabled people. The court warned that the penalty could rise substantially if he does not comply. The case follows broader controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent, including backlash over remarks by guest panellist Ranveer Allahbadia and renewed debate over online content regulation.

George Lucas argues that artificial intelligence represents the future of filmmaking and criticizes Hollywood’s reliance on focus groups, saying creative decisions should not be dictated by audiences. He suggests AI will simplify film production and provide tools for identifying fake content. The article also highlights industry concerns over AI raised during the SAG-AFTRA strikes, backlash surrounding AI-generated performer Tilly Norwood, and Christopher Nolan’s remarks about younger audiences’ skepticism toward AI. Lucas maintains that filmmaking should be driven by passionate storytellers rather than fan influence.

Andy Serkis has defended the casting approach for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, saying the film will acknowledge criticism of the franchise’s lack of diversity without pursuing casting solely to satisfy political correctness or representation quotas. The film, directed by Serkis and produced by Peter Jackson, will explore Gollum’s history as Gandalf and Aragorn search for him before Sauron’s forces find him. It will feature returning actors alongside Jamie Dornan, Leo Woodall, Kate Winslet and Anya Taylor-Joy, and is scheduled for release on 17 December 2027. The discussion follows racist abuse directed at diverse cast members of Amazon’s The Rings of Power, whose producers and fellow Lord of the Rings actors defended inclusive casting.

Director Andy Serkis defended the casting of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum against criticism that it lacks diversity, saying casting should be relevant to the story rather than undertaken simply to meet political-correctness expectations. The film is set between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring and is scheduled for release on 17 December 2027, with returning stars Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Lee Pace alongside Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet and Leo Woodall.

Hudson Williams confronted three autograph seekers who followed him to his temporary Paris residence during Haute Couture Fashion Week, calling their behavior inappropriate and demanding they leave. A circulated video showed him reprimanding the men and attempting to destroy their autograph materials. The incident reflects heightened fan attention following the success of Heated Rivalry, which has brought increased scrutiny to Williams and co-star Connor Storrie. Commentary from interviews and previous reporting highlights the pressures of sudden celebrity and the intensity of the show’s fanbase.

Three US songwriters have sued HYBE, Big Hit Music, HYBE America, Artist Publishing Group and several credited writers, alleging that BTS’s song “Swim” copied substantial elements of their unreleased demo of the same name. The plaintiffs claim industry executives accessed and circulated their demo before BTS’s track was written, and cite musicologist Alexander Stewart’s analysis of similarities in the hook, harmonies, textures, rhythm and lyrics. Big Hit Music rejects the allegations, calls “Swim” an independent original work and says it will defend the case in court. The plaintiffs seek damages, profits, restrictions on the song’s use or recognition as co-writers. BTS is not named as a defendant, though RM has a songwriting credit. The dispute comes as the group tours internationally following its return from military service.

Sam Neill died at 78 in Sydney, with his family stating he passed unexpectedly but cancer‑free after previous treatment for angioimmunoblastic T‑cell lymphoma. Tributes highlighted his long film and television career, including his defining role as Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise and numerous other notable performances. Neill had recently discussed successful CAR T‑cell therapy and remained professionally active, with posthumous film releases forthcoming. Knighted in 2022, he also engaged in environmental advocacy. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.

Hong Kong-born actor Wai Ching Ho, best known for playing crime boss Madame Gao in Marvel’s Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders, has died. Her family confirmed the death without giving a cause, while actor Perry Yung said she had died peacefully after a stroke. Ho’s career spanned more than three decades across theatre, film and television, including the stage productions Endlings, Snow in Midsummer and Laowang: A Chinatown King Lear, as well as roles in Turning Red and numerous television series. Co-stars and colleagues praised her warmth, professionalism, mentorship and artistic contribution.

Actor Sam Neill, best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died unexpectedly at age 78 in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by loved ones. His family said he was cancer-free at the time of death. Neill, born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, had a career spanning more than five decades and was previously diagnosed with stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2023.

Punjabi film Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh, was removed from ZEE5 India less than 48 hours after its uncut release following a four-year struggle with Indian censors. The film depicts Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra’s investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations in Punjab. The Central Board of Film Certification reportedly demanded as many as 127 changes, prompting the filmmakers to bypass a theatrical release and use streaming instead. ZEE5 cited “current developments” without elaboration, while reports said authorities feared the film could be misused by anti-India forces. Political parties in Punjab criticised the takedown, and pirated copies quickly circulated online; the film remains available internationally through ZEE5 Global.

Christopher Nolan says Guillermo del Toro influenced his approach to portraying the mythical creatures in The Odyssey, encouraging him to treat monsters as complex characters rather than simple villains. Nolan drew on Francisco Goya’s Saturn Devouring His Son when designing Polyphemus and used puppetry, animatronics, robotics and Bill Irwin’s physical performance to create the Cyclops. Scheduled for release on 17 July 2026, the film is the first feature shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, using equipment developed with IMAX for quieter, lighter dialogue-friendly filming. Early UK screenings have praised the film’s scale and performances, particularly those of Tom Holland and Samantha Morton.

Christopher Nolan credits Guillermo del Toro’s approach to creature design for influencing how mythological beings were portrayed in his new film adaptation of The Odyssey. Nolan applies del Toro’s philosophy of treating monsters as characters, drawing on varied artistic and practical techniques—such as Goya-inspired design and a blend of puppetry and animatronics—to realise figures like Scylla and Polyphemus. The film, shot entirely on newly developed IMAX camera technology, has received early acclaim for its scale, visual innovation and performances, particularly from Tom Holland and Samantha Morton. Scheduled for release on 17 July 2026, the film is being described as Nolan’s most ambitious work to date.

Chile is reconsidering its decision to deny BTS permission to hold three sold-out concerts at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional in October 2026. Authorities initially cited the risk that a 360-degree stage and roughly nine days of installation and dismantling would damage the hybrid-grass pitch and interfere with scheduled football, civic and sporting events. The decision prompted protests by hundreds of fans, criticism from opposition lawmaker Ignacio Achurra and concern over approximately 200,000 tickets already sold. Promoter DG Medios has submitted a revised plan addressing the stage’s weight, load distribution, grass protection and construction process. The National Sports Institute will reconsider approval if further technical documents and safeguards are provided, while officials are also considering stricter rules and fines for promoters who sell tickets before receiving authorization. HYBE said it was reviewing the situation.

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey has received overwhelmingly positive early reactions, with critics praising its ambitious scale, breathtaking set pieces and visual innovation. The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus and Robert Pattinson as Antinous. It follows Odysseus’s decade-long journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War and is scheduled for theatrical release on 17 July 2026.

Early critics have responded overwhelmingly positively to Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, praising its spectacular set pieces, scale, visual effects, score and performances. Matt Damon leads the cast as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Samantha Morton receiving particular praise. Some critics note that the adaptation makes changes that may trouble purists, while David Ehrlich offers a more mixed assessment, calling it too clunky to rank among Nolan’s best work. The film was shot entirely on IMAX film cameras and is scheduled for theatrical release on 17 July 2026.

Tom Holland said Christopher Nolan asked whether he would be offended by Zendaya being considered for Athena in The Odyssey. Holland enthusiastically supported the casting and encouraged Zendaya to reread the script with Athena in mind, while Zendaya confirmed the story and described their excitement about joining Nolan’s film. The cast includes Holland as Telemachus, Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope; the film is scheduled for theatrical release on 17 July 2026.

A Chinese court ruled that Molly Tea infringed seven Louis Vuitton floral trademarks and ordered the tea chain’s parent company to pay 10 million yuan in damages and additional legal costs. The judgment found Molly Tea’s redesigned four‑petal flower logo highly similar to Louis Vuitton’s long‑established monogram motifs. The court rejected arguments that the symbol was merely decorative or unlikely to confuse consumers due to the companies operating in different industries. Molly Tea plans to appeal, and the ruling has not yet taken effect. The company has begun altering its branding, and it was ordered to cease using the disputed design and issue public statements across its online platforms.

Tom Holland described feeling anxious on his first day filming Christopher Nolan’s IMAX‑shot adaptation of The Odyssey, initially mistaking frequent camera cuts for dissatisfaction with his performance. He later learned the interruptions were due to the three‑minute IMAX film capacity. Holland praised the scale of the production, the cast, and Nolan’s support. The film is Nolan’s first feature shot entirely with IMAX cameras, enabled by newly developed equipment. Holland also noted that delaying Spider-Man 4 allowed him to join the project and ultimately benefited the Marvel film’s development. The Odyssey is scheduled for release in July 2026.

Pierre Coffin clarified that the Minions were not involved in major historical events during World War II, explaining they remained isolated in a cave during that period. He discussed the new film Minions & Monsters, which follows a different group of Minions in 1920s Hollywood, and shared insights into the challenges of directing and voicing the characters. The franchise continues its significant commercial success, with the latest installment now in cinemas.

Google introduced a new AI-powered voice for Maps in New Zealand that accurately pronounces Māori place names, developed with guidance from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and data from the New Zealand Geographic Board. The update aims to address longstanding criticism over mispronunciation and is available globally when devices are set to English (New Zealand). Māori language advocates, including leaders from Te Taura Whiri and Te Hiku Media, highlighted both the cultural importance of correct pronunciation and the continued shortcomings of global AI tools. Census data shows rising use of te reo Māori, reinforcing the significance of accurate representation in digital services.

Kathy Griffin says she has effectively been banned from The Tonight Show under Jimmy Fallon, noting she has not appeared since Jay Leno’s tenure and believes she is considered too controversial. She criticizes Fallon for hosting Conor McGregor despite a civil jury finding he assaulted a woman and recalls backlash over Fallon’s 2016 interview with Donald Trump. Griffin also targets Lorne Michaels for allowing Trump to host Saturday Night Live. The article recounts Griffin’s own history of controversy, including the fallout from her 2017 Trump-themed photoshoot, which she says derailed her career for years.

The film Michael became the highest‑grossing biopic in history, surpassing both Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody with a worldwide total of $977.4 million. The movie follows Michael Jackson’s rise to fame and features Jaafar Jackson in his debut role. Despite its strong box office performance, the film faced criticism for omitting sexual abuse allegations and underwent reshoots funded by the Jackson estate. International box office results were particularly strong, and a sequel is currently in development at Lionsgate.